Horry County and Sun News Continue to Mislead Citizens

Who says that lightning doesn't strike twice...I worked in a building that was hit 3 times, and it's about to strike again, this time at the Myrtle Beach International Airport with more money wasted. It's nice to report the news, but when it comes to the airport, Mike Cherney of the Sun News just reports what happens, never delving into the "dark side" of the Horry County Council. Yes, there is a "dark side" with the Horry County Council and another "black hole" getting set to open up and suck in some more or our dollars. What I am referring to in the "expansion and renovation" of MBI on the East side and the "lack of funds" to move forward. If Mr. Cherney wasn't so busy taking notes, maybe he could ask some of the "hard" questions that Liz and Company do not like to hear.

If you don't know, there are specific funds that must be in place in order to move forward with the FAA and the deadline of March 2009 to procure funding from them (the FAA) for the upcoming year. Procurement of those funds are supposed to come from various sources, and just like Horry County is trying to balance their budget and find money to fund to hire guards at the expanded J. Rueben Long Detention Center, they are also behind the scenes trying to acquire funds to move forward with the airport terminal project. I heard Liz Gilland on WRNN talking the day after the 3rd reading for the project passed, and when congratulated by one of their biggest supporters, Steve Porter, Liz stated "well Steve, you know what happened last time, and so at times like this you have to step back and take a deep breath". That's right, step back, take a deep breath and watch the "smokescreen" blown out!

FICTION - Horry County is expecting 15 million dollars to come from the State of South Carolina to support the funding the terminal project.
FACT- The Governor's Office has told me specifically that there is "NO 15 Million Dollars" earmarked for this project. The Governor's Office went further saying that "in the past there has been support from the Governor, even though he questioned the project". I was told by Rep. Alan Clemmons there was no money in Columbia for the airport project, but I wanted to hear if from the Governor's Office.

FICTION - Horry County is "allegedly" to receive 25 million dollars from "land sales" to help support the project.
FICTION - I asked Liz Gilland and the Council Members more that 2 weeks ago to provide information on this transaction. I only asked for basic information, such as:

**Are we currently under contract for the land and what is the anticipated settlement date???

**If we are not under contract, is that the current "appraised" value of the land and when do you anticipate a contract being signed???

THE COUNTY HAS PROVIDED NO ANSWERS YET!! THAT'S 40 MILLION SHORT!

FICTION - Of the additional funds needed, the Horry County Council was to ask for funding help from the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopement Authority. I can't remember the exact amount they were going to ask for, this was additional funds for the extension of Harrelson Blvd.
FACT - Although I have not spoken with him personally, my sources tell me that Buddy Stires stated that the "Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority has no excess funds that they can contribute like they did last time".

I'm not an investigative reporter, but you ask the questions and you either get answers or you don't. If you NEVER ask the IMPORTANT QUESTIONS you never get the REAL answers. In this current economic recession, would it not be better to remodel what we have, get all the equipment at the terminal working properly and take the necessary steps to hire more personnel and install any extra equipment to alleviate our weekend crowds???? Nah! that would be too easy!

FACT - Build a CASINO for "gaming" and they will come!

Childs Christmas Gifts Destroyed By Fire

On November 18th, 2008, a fire at 454 St. Charles Circle destroyed the Christmas gifts for little Madison Pegram along with her home near Palmetto Point. The name "Pegram" my not ring a bell, but Madison's father's radio name will...Rick Roberts. I had the pleasure of working with Rick when he was on K-Country 103.1, watching daily as he gave "unselfishly" of himself to the community he loves so much. During my years at Sunny 106.5, I observed Rick raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the St. Jude Children's Hospital and many other charities along the Grand Strand. If you needed help in the community, all you needed do was call Rick, and if he was available, he would be there.

It is at a time like this, that the people who reached out for Rick's help over all those years, return that favor, if possible, with a donation to help re-purchase Madison's Christmas gifts. It doesn't matter how much you can send, just show Rick and his daughter the love he showed to the community and our residents. Rick is not aware of this post, it is something that was put together with Horry County Sheriff Jeff Benton (currently at Gator 107.9)and myself, in lieu of having some sort of fundraiser. I would hope that every member of the broadcast community along the Grand Strand take up a collection at your respective station to help a fellow broadcaster out!

Rick's address is:

Miss Madison Pegram
c/o Rick Pegram
415 Garden Dr.
Surfside Beach SC., 29575

May all of you that read this have a "blessed" Thanksgiving and a "Merry Christmas" and please don't forget to keep our troops in your thoughts and your prayers, serving us proudly in those far away places.

God Bless the United States Of America!
Lou

Bike Week Solution, Radio, Gaming and More

While the municipalities try to iron out what needs to be done during the bike weeks and our local economy and businesses continue to crumble, it is time to speak out on what I perceive needs to be done in a realistic way. Since I spent many summers working as a teen in Ocean City, Maryland and visited there quite frequently, the roads there were, and continue to be "gridlocked" just about every weekend during the season. That is the price you pay for living in a resort area with a mix of retirees and vacationers. I have NEVER been to, or have seen any motorcycle rallies until I came to Myrtle Beach. Until this year, the lawmakers in our community seemed afraid to make any "drastic decisions" to alter these two events. But following a senseless shooting and our elected officials and ministers personally observing this "lewd" behavior, the City Of Myrtle Beach stepped up to the plate to "regain control".

I am in agreement with our constitution and laws stating that all people should be "treated equally", but this is not the case when it comes to both of these rallies. It is more a case of "Noise" from the Harley's and the "Lewd and Lawlessness" during the Black Bike Weekend. For 13 years now, I have been out in the streets and on the back of a motorcycle for both. Just like I don't like any loud exhaust systems on trucks and cars, I don't like them on any motorcycles either. We have laws on the books to cover all of these vehicles and they should be enforced on a year round basis, plain and simple. Make it known that all the motorcycles driven on our roads be street legal, and the problem would just be the traffic. The Harley's are an organized group with events all over the beach, they spend lots of money and are a "revenue generator" for the Grand Strand. So if the main problem is "noise" then address the issue County wide on a year round basis, but for cars and trucks as well.


Next comes the Atlantic Beach Bike Festival or the Black Bike Week or Weekend, however you wish to call it. Here are some of the big problems that distinguishes the two events observed during my 13 years of living here. First, the rally is sanctioned by a town that cannot even run itself, much less a rally of this size. Also, the rally is noted for it's public sex, nudity, urination and mischievous behavior and disregard for our traffic laws. The ABBF is also a slap in the face for one of our most "solemn" holidays to reflect and respect those who served and gave their lives for our country. Most of the Harley Davidson people come here for the week, the Atlantic Beach Bike Festival attendees come, for the most part, a long weekend, usually accompanied by as many or more cars than motorcycles. They trash the area wherever they go, walk out on meals and continuously show nudity and sex on TV screens in those vehicles, as well as what is observed in the street. That in itself, differentiates the two rallies as far as the income spent and the behaviour by both groups.

A solution that would be fair and equitable to all parties would be to allow both events to continue, but to warn all who come, that all the laws on the books, in our cities and our counties will be STRICTLY ENFORCED! Work with both groups and DO NOT allow these festivals to be held on back to back weeks and major holiday weekends. Also, move the Atlantic Beach Bike Festival to another weekend/week, and give Memorial Day Weekend back to all tourists and properly honor the Veterans.

Until our elected officials can join together on a plan such as this, you can also GET AWAY on a trip with LOU KRIEGER'S CRUISER'S from May 10th - 17th 2009 (Bike Week) from Port Canaveral, Florida on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines "Freedom of the Seas" one of the largest ships afloat. This is our 7th year in a row of cruising with our group, this time heading to the Western Caribbean with stops at Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman Islands, Labadee and Cozumel, Mexico. Our "all inclusive" price starts at $1019 per person (with fuel surcharge) and we also have a block of rooms at the Raisin Resort At The Port to arrive a day early, park and leave your car for "FREE" and be shuttled for "FREE" to and from the port. The rooms are $110 per night plus tax....the parking fee at Port Canaveral is almost $90, so it's a good deal to arrive early.
Reservations can be made at the Cruise Corner with Sam Stamps at 1-888-742-7245. In addition to the cruise we have a "pre-cruise meet and greet" "on board cocktail party" "disco dance party with Lou" "cash and trophy miniature golf tournament" and more. Entertainment also include an on board "ice rink" with shows from world class skaters, casino gambling, Vegas Shows and great food and service.





CALL AND BOOK TODAY WITH SAM AT

1-888-742-7245

One of the things we really enjoy on the cruises is a chance to sit down in a Casino and play the slots (as cheap as 5 cents) play some poker, spin the roulette wheel or throw some dice. This is one of the forms of entertainment missing here on the Grand Strand. We have literally hundred of Bingo Parlors and Ships that will take you offshore, but nothing on land except the State run lottery if you want to gamble. States across the nation and all around us continue to open up gaming parlors or casino's on a regular basis. My one friend in Pittsburgh said they voted to open a casino and set up a temporary gambling tent until the casino could be built. He further stated there and people standing outside in lines to get in and place their bets. My original home state of Maryland put it on the ballot to place 15,000 slots at 5 designated locations and it passed overwhelmingly. I don't see the problem of having gambling here in Myrtle Beach, as long as it is strictly regulated, unlike when the video poker machines where here in just about every closet space. I'm talking about one or two casinos, where the proceeds would go to benefit the citizens like in road and infrastructure maintenance and improvements and/or reduce the property tax. Too many residents are leaving our area for these "gaming" locations, and others not coming because they can vacation at places where they can. We need a vehicle to bring people to Myrtle Beach and a "casino" is that vehicle. Is a Casino here any worse than all the "gentleman's clubs" scattered all over the community? Put it on the ballot, the citizens will pass it! The tourists will come!

Looks like a return to radio is not in my future here on the Grand Strand, due to the decline of "live people" in radio all across the United States. I will more than likely be spending my last few years until retirement doing something else. I thank each and every one of you that took the time to call Will Isaacs at Movin 94.5. They will not be adding any additional staffing, if any, until the 1st of the year. I don't know right now what that something else will be, I have been looking since the day they blew our station up on April 2, 2008. As my former company's stock continues to drop to new lows (Cumulus Broadcasting CMLS) at .58 cents a share this morning 11-18-08, they continue to cut their bottom line with releasing more "live" air talent.

FINALLY, more than 7 months after being terminated, I was REIMBURSED with a check from Cumulus Broadcasting for the JUDGEMENT I won against former Market Manager Layne Ryan and Human Resources Head in Myrtle Beach, Nancy Zito. This JUDGEMENT was for personal property of mine that was not returned, along with some items paid for by contributions to the "Adopt A Tree Highway". I didn't really care about the couple of personal items of mine, but it ticked me off big time that they would not return the items that the people in the community paid for that we used in the by-pass beautification project.

Speaking of the by-pass project, I received a check from the Sons Of Italy on Monday 11/17 for $2,450 from the golf tournament held for the Adopt A Tree Program and the Sons Of Italy Lodge 2662. We also received a $1,000 donation from the Lakes POA and another $1,000 donation from a anonymous donor and another $250 donated by mail. That gives us $4,700 to work with for the upcoming year, money that was really needed for the project since we were in the "red" prior to the golf tournament. Many thanks to those who played and the people who donated golf and other prizes to help make the tournament a success. If I can ever find out how Pawleys Island/Litchfield gets $100,000 a year for their median project, we can work on improving our also. However, like we have been in the past, we must remain "fiscally responsible" and stretch the dollars as far as possible. Also, thanks to all the members of the Sons Of Italy Lodge 2662 and my other friends who donated their time as volunteers prior to and during the golf tournament.

Have a "happy" and "blessed" Thanksgiving...Keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers, defending our "freedom"....

Lou Is Trying To Return To Airwaves Of The Grand Strand

I have asked for the help of the Grand Strand Community for many charitable causes over the years, and even help in the passage of Jessica's Law, the child sexual predators bill that the Grand Strand was instrumental in passing, with the residents signing over 17,000 petitions. I am now going to do something I have never done, that is to ask my former listeners and residents of the Grand Strand to "HELP ME GET A JOB BACK IN RADIO". I applied in the early part of September to work at the "New Movin 94.5" that is really a "jammin" station. I was told to call back in mid October, since no firm date had been set for "live" announcers to be placed on the station. About 2 weeks ago I produced and dropped off a public service announcement for the 'Adopt A Tree Highway" golf tournament on November 1st. Because I started off the announcement identifying myself, I have received over a dozen calls asking if I was working at Movin 94.5. In fact, I was stopped twice yesterday at COSTCO by their employees asking the same question.

I love the Grand Strand and want to continue to be a part of the Community and to help in any way I can. Some folks have asked me to run for "political office" but I am not, and have no desire to enter politics. What I am asking my former friends and listeners to do, is to just make a call to "Movin 94.5" at 9 0 3 - 9 9 6 2 and leave a message for Will Isaacs that you would like them to include Lou Krieger as a member of their "live" staffing. I made a promise to myself and to our Almighty Father when I took over the morning show at Sunny 7 years ago, it was to do good things and make a difference in the Community. I want to continue to carry that torch and need your help to do so.

Your calls, I believe can make a difference.
Thanks
God Bless
Lou

If I don't get this job at "Movin 94.5" I may never be heard on a Grand Strand station again, so I really need your help!

Reading Between The Lines On the Airport Study Committee Meeting

After attending the first two hours of the State sponsored committee meeting, examining whether or not to overhaul the current management at Myrtle Beach International Airport, I quickly got bad vibes from the Horry County Council’s delegation over the first motion. A simple motion that the committee “would not present any sort of impediment to the current estimated 135 million dollar plan to expand and renovate the current facility”, brought forth at least and hour of back and forth conversation and amendments, then retraction of some of those proposed amendments before passage of the first motion. It was the words and phrases coming out of the Horry County Council members that had me concerned, because it was not what I expected to hear. The Horry County Council delegation to the committee consisted of Harold Worley, Carl Swartzakopf, Howard Barnard, Marion Foxworth, with Liz Gilland ready to lend a hand. To be fair to all because of my vantage point in the room, I’m not sure of who was making what comment, but that each County Council member expressed same concern. I will convey those comments and you can decide for yourself.

When we go behind the curtain in that ballot booth to vote, we go there with the intention of voting for the best available “leader” in the election. After Horry County Council voted to construct a new terminal costing hundreds of millions of dollars more on the West Side of the runway, those same Horry County Council Members now express concern over following through with the current proposal. That’s right, amid concerns over “one million a month in inflation cost” the “coming deadline in March for FAA funding for the upcoming year” the “loss of 17 million on the last project” (plus I think 9 million back to the FAA). Also mentioned was the “threat of an Airport Authority hanging over their heads” and (this is a good one) “because it’s an election year” they did not feel comfortable voting to spend 135 million dollars, with a chance of the project being “yanked out from under them”. Let’s see, so when it’s not an election year, you can vote to spend 350 million dollars plus. Now with an election coming up, they really are afraid of which way to go, even though according to Rick Ott, from MB Kahn calling Myrtle Beach International the fastest growing airport in our state. Of course, I have never heard back on information where Mr. Ott obtained those statistics. So I must ask what kind of leadership is that to you? Or could it be the realization with the historic rise in the price of oil, not only being detrimental to the airline industry, but also the everyday consumer and their increased cost across the board. The consumer will thereby decrease the amount of time and money they can spend for vacations or getaways, just like realignment and tightening up on flights that continues almost every day by the airline industry. With the loss of 2 carriers this year, that will be detrimental, in my and many others opinion, to incoming flights at Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Should we remodel and should we expand? By the airport management’s own admission, with the exception of the weekends when people are coming in and out for their stay, the airport is underutilized.
With this in mind, and considering the profit margin of business by MBI shown by the millions of dollars currently held in what is called their “Enterprise Fund”, the management of the airport should implement a plan that is maybe more “feasible” with the current economy and direction of the airport industry. I always hear that the current building does not meet with the current building codes and the seismic criteria and has to be brought up to code. I all my years in real estate and appraising, many commercial businesses and buildings that were sold or transferred were exempt from changes and “grand fathered” in because of their construction date. Could this also be the case with the current terminal building?? If the Horry County Council is so afraid now of moving on with this project, maybe we should do this expansion in stages, instead of all at once. First and foremost would be the renovation of the current terminal that has been allowed to “decay” by the current management team. The terminal has a leaking roof; a bad heating and A/C system and more, existing money in the “Enterprise Fund” could be utilized for that. The current building was allowed to fall into disrepair by the current management, so sure the new West Side terminal was going to be built. Hire the extra people and scanning equipment needed to keep people moving in and out during these busy weekend periods to speed up arrivals and departures and the handling of baggage. Keeping in mind the plans that are presently on the table, get a road into the airport from Business 17 as well as the current access off the Highway 17 By-Pass. Start work on a two or three tiered parking garage to accommodate the current and future traffic at the terminal. After these more “fiscally responsible” changes are implemented, we can then concentrate on adding more gates if the need exists.

County Administrator Danny Knight and his crew mentioned that 400 acres have been set aside to try and attract some “air freight” business and although there appears to be some interest, no contracts or proposals have been signed. Mr. Knight also talked about having some news from some airlines concerning Myrtle Beach coming in the next 2-3 weeks but did not expand on that either. Mr. Knight also talked about a 2006 Louis Berger Group study on the airports management and 16 items that were listed that could improve the operation of MBI. At the time of the meeting, Mr. Knight said that 14 of the 16 items presented by the study were addressed and they were working or the last two items. One of those items was to hire a “Marketing Director” for the airport, a position critical to attracting “new business” for the airport. That position has just recently been advertised, and would “beef up” the current marketing done by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. It was the Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday that paid for the Boyd Group study concerning what needs to be done to attract and keep business here in Myrtle Beach. If you recently read in the news about the “FAILURE” of the Hard Rock Park, the lack of funds for marketing was also listed as a reason for their failure along with the sagging economy. Since Horry County knew 2 years ago that a Marketing Director was needed, and did not act until just recently, it makes me wonder if the State sponsored Airport Study Group was the reason this item, one of the 16 listed was finally acted upon. Since the media present were not provided with a copy of this Louis Berger Group Study, I don’t know what all of the 16 items were or I would have listed them.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 16, the public is welcome and should attend…


Anybody Want To Invest In The Hard Rock Park???
Horry County Should Not, But Liz Say They Will Listen
Build A Casino And They Will Come….In Droves!

Isaac Bailey Steps Up To Help Veterans Trip to D.C.

Thanks to Isaac Bailey from the Sun News for giving us some much needed ink to help fill up our 2nd bus for the Veterans Trip to Washington, D.C. on November 8th and 9th on Coast To Coast Transportation.

Because of the addition of members from the VFW and American Legion in Florence, we have extended the cut-off date until SEPTEMBER 29TH....

Since Isaac Baileys column, we have generated 12 more passengers and received over $800 in donations for the trip.

We have veterans and their spouses from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm going, wives of deceased veterans and supportive "non-military" citizens going along also.

This will be the FINAL CALL!

$200 person double occupancy $250 Single

Includes:
Round Trip Transportation from Coast to Coast
Donuts in the morning upon departure
Room accomodations at the Comfort Inn and Suites at the Pentagon
Dinner Saturday Evening
All American breakfast Sunday Morning
Ticket to Tram Tour at Arlington National Cemetery (3 hours)
Lunch following Tour
Service Caps for Everyone
Services at WWII Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial Saturday evening with candlelight procession from one to another. We will also have a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington

CALL PATRICK T O D A Y TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE 2 9 3 - 8 4 3 1

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 925
C/O PATRICK BURKE
100 FREEDOM CIRCLE
MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29588

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE SAME ADDRESS, WE ARE A TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATION......THIS TRIP IS "NOT FOR PROFIT" ANY LEFTOVER FUNDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE "PERPETUAL CARE FUND" FOR THE WASHINGTON, D.C. MEMORIALS AND MAYBE SOME FREE TRIPS RAFFLED OFF!


PLEASE READ ISAACS ARTICLE!


ISSAC J. BAILEY A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Vets offered 2nd chance at closure!

L ou Krieger, formerly of WSYN-FM, 106.5, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 925, Myrtle Beach, want to do it again.
Last year they spearheaded a fundraising effort that allowed 120 World War II veterans to fly to Washington, D.C., to visit the WWII war memorial.
This year, they want to take two bus loads of veterans, the spouses who didn't get to go last year and others interested on a similar trip.
The first bus is full. Krieger wants to fill up the second, too.
"I was just inspired by that trip last year," he said. "The memorials bring a lot of closure, and it brings a lot of camaraderie."
This time, Frank Dunlap, a Bataan Death March survivor, will lay a wreath at the WWII memorial.
Paul Thompkins, a prisoner of war during the Korean War - he lost fingers from frostbite while surviving that hell - is going to honor vets from that war. Jennifer Debock, who helped lead St. James High School students in raising thousands of dollars to pay for the first trip, will be going with her husband, a Vietnam vet.
A member of the underappreciated Merchant Marines, who were invaluable to the WWII effort, will also be there.
They will place a wreath at the "Tomb of the Unknowns" and visit the Iwo Jima memorial to celebrate the birth of the U.S. Marine Corps. They will run their fingers across the names emblazoned on the Vietnam Wall and pay homage to those resting in Arlington Cemetery.
They might cry, might reminiscence, might take heart that they survived even while vowing never to forget those who didn't.
"We are going to have some pretty solemn ceremonies. I'm going to try to give them something to remember for the rest of their lives," Krieger said. "Until you've been in combat ... when people are shooting at you and your life is on the line, everybody's your buddy. There's nothing like sharing a hole with each other."
Now he wants those veterans - and others who love or appreciate them - to share a bus, to never forget their sacrifice.
The trip is scheduled for Nov. 8 and 9 and costs $200 per double occupancy and $250 for a single room.
Reservations must be made by Sept. 29TH.
For more information on how to attend, call Patrick Burke at 293-8431. Or you can send donations to:
Care of Patrick Burke/100 Freedom Circle/Myrtle Beach, SC 29588. Make checks payable to The Myrtle Beach Vietnam Veterans Chapter 925.


ONLINE For past columns and to read Bailey's blog, go to MyrtleBeachOnline.com.
Contact ISSAC J. BAILEY at ibailey@thesunnews.com or 626-0357

Many thanks again Isaac!

Lou

Horry County States Airport Facts Distorted

Many of you received an e-mail from me with the graphs attached to it.

These graphs, according to Horry County, are "alleged" to "distort" the the "actual" current state of affairs at Myrtle Beach International Aiport. We report, you decide...a more complete and detailed set of numbers will be forthcoming!

Read the response at the end by Mr. Donald Wizeman, the true Watchman!

This e-mail is very interesting and thank you Mr. Krieger for including the links at the bottom of your email. We agree that the information attached to this e-mail should be “looked at very closely”. There is a minor difference between our in–house numbers and some of the numbers shown in the USDOT-stats, but not a major difference so I would assume the USDOT-data for CHS and ILM would be about the same. When comparing the PowerPoint slides to the USDOT “RITA” data shown in the web site links provided by Mr. Krieger, we believe the distortion / misrepresentation of information in the PowerPoint slides becomes very evident.
A few examples:

- Information in the PowerPoint slide titled “Scheduled Airline Carriers 2007” indicates that Myrtle Beach was “Down 2” scheduled air carriers from 2007 and that Charleston was “Add 4”. The “Summary Data” chart on the RITA pages clearly shows that MYR had the same number of Scheduled Carriers- 18 - in both 2007 and 2008. Based on the RITA data, the information for Charleston on that same slide is also incorrect.

- By showing only the percentage change, the PowerPoint slides distort the actual level of activity at MYR and the various comparison airports. The RITA charts show that while Charleston is still the busiest airport in South Carolina, MYR had almost five times as many scheduled departures as Florence and over 37% more departures than Wilmington. The RITA statistics also show that in the twelve months ending May 2008, Myrtle Beach had almost double the number of passengers at Wilmington, and more than 17 times the number of passengers at Florence.

- Another twisting of the PowerPoint slides is a misrepresentation of the FAA passenger forecasts. The “FAA FORECAST” shown on the PowerPoint slide titled “MYR PASSENGER ENPLANEMENTS” is NOT the current FAA forecast. MYR’s actual passenger activity in 2007 was greater than the current FAA forecast. It is not accurate to use old FAA numbers that were generated before 9/11/01.

Frankly, the RITA statistics could be easily interpreted to indicate the current management of the County’s airports has been very successful. MYR’s passenger traffic grew to over 1.4 million during the RITA reporting period; 3 mainline air carriers are listed in the top five carriers by passenger share at MYR compared to 1 in Wilmington, 2 in Charleston and 0 in Florence; RITA lists more than 10,000 annual passengers to 10 different destinations for Myrtle Beach and Charleston but only 4 for Wilmington and 2 for Florence. These type performance achievements certainly don’t indicate a “need” for a new management structure. The opponents of airport progress are continually trying to portray the current short term slowdown in Myrtle Beach’s economy as a “distortion” of future growth forecasts.



Lisa Bourcier
Public Information Director
Horry County

Lisa:

Appreciate your comments concerning Mr. Krieger's e-mail. I find them interesting!

BUT it brings to mind the question if as your figures say the "airport" is doing so well, why did they just lower the fees so much within the last several weeks?

I would think it was done to generate more business since it is not doing as well as stated by you, otherwise why lower them!

Richard Deitz

Help Keep the "Adopt A Tree Highway" Alive and Beautiful

In December 2002, I signed a proclamation with the Department of Transportation to beautify a large portion of the Highway 17 By-Pass from Glenns Bay Road south to the Garden City Connector. Since my termination from Sunny 106.5, my crew of Buddy Sessions, Patrick Burke and Gary Frank have signed on as the "Lou Krieger and Company Adopt A Tree Highway" crew. The fund for the project is "BROKE" since I was not able to do our annual fundraiser golf tournament. In fact, had it not been for the generosity of Linda and Larry Grosss at L & L Pools and Landscaping, we would have been "BROKE" a long time ago. Last year, Larry and Linda told me that "as long as I was affiliated with the highway, L & L would supply me with "free mulch".



And believe me folks, for those of you that don't see us, we use a lot of mulch. In the years that Billy Gardner helped us out with his dump truck, we used to do 2-3 tons of mulch at a time. I would estimate in that 2 mile beautified stretch we have laid over 500 tons of mulch in the last 6 years.

Here's the "GOOD NEWS" ....Up steps the Sons Of Italy Lodge 2662 and tells me they want to host a tournament for the "Adopt A Tree Highway" on November 1st at the International Club in Murrell's Inlet. With that "GOOD NEWS" in hand, I call my good friend Chris Beattie, General Manager at Legends in Concert to see if they could help with some prizes. Not only did Chris step up to the plate with lots of ticket for prizes, Legends In Concert will co-host and help advertise the tournament. Next, I remember Billy Huggins, General Manager from WPDE, Newschannel 15 telling me at the telethon for the WWII Veterans, if I ever needed any help with fundraising for the "Adopt A Tree Highway" to please let him know. Thanks to Billy Huggins and the crew at WPDE we will have a commercial with Ed Piatrowski for the tournament, and WPDE-TV will co-host and place a team in the tournament.

The Tournament is on Saturday November 1st at the International Club In Murrells Inlet. Breakfast and Registration start at 7:30am with a 9:30am Shotgun Start, Captains Choice.


Lunch and awards lots of contests and great food for just $75.00 per person. Entry DEADLINE is October 15th...space is limited, please reserve ASAP...Call Don Pagani at 843-232-0265 or 843-655-7307...

Or for and entry blank and infomation, go to http://www.wpde.com/

Click on the Entertainment Bar near the top of the page....

Then click on the Contest Corner Square....the add will tell you to "click here" for a contest form.

Thanks to Linda Revel at WPDE-TV, she worked real hard putting everything together for us!

PLEASE JOIN US ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1st... KEEP THE "ADOPT A TREE PROGRAM"

ALIVE!!!

THIS PROJECT IS "SOLELY" COMMUNITY FUNDED

THE LABOR IS ALL "VOLUNTEER"

COME AND PLAY SOME GOLF AND HELP KEEP A GREAT PROJECT GOING!

2nd Bus Added for Veterans Trip To D.C. Nov. 8th & 9th

Because of the overwhelming response, we are now booking a 2nd bus for the trip to the Washington, D.C. Memorials on Veterans Day Weekend, November 8th and 9th. The cost for the trip is $200 per person, double occupancy and $250 per person single. Your cost will include:

Round trip transportation from Coast to Coast Of Conway
Motel Room
Saturday Dinner, Sunday Breakfast and Lunch
Service Campaign Hat
Ticket to Arlington National Cemetery

Services will be held on Saturday evening at:

WWII Memorial
Korean War Memorial
Vietnam War Memorial
Iwo Jima Memorial

Sunday

Tour Of Arlington National Cemetery
(application filed for wreath laying at Tomb Of the Unknowns)

Make Check Payable to:

Vietnam Veterans Of America Chapter 925

Mail to:

c/o Patrick Burke
Trip Coordinator
463 Freedom Circle
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

Need More Information???
Call Patrick 843-293-8431 or Lou 843-215-3753

This trip is "open" to all Veterans or any Citizens who wish to join us, mail in your check today so you are not left out.

Please forward this to any Veterans you know that may be interested in seeing these magnificent Memorials to the men and women who served our country!

M.B. Kahn Executive Calls Airport Detractors "Chicken Littles"

For a company that has made "hundreds of thousands of dollars" so far from Horry County on the airport debacles, M.B. Kahn has now taken to "name calling" of the citizens of Horry County who did not fall in line with the defunct "West Side Taj Mahal" as "chicken littles". Senior Executive Mr. Rick Ott chose the wrong example stating that our fathers had the insight to build all those interstates years ago, since most of those interstates missed South Carolina.

His comments show that he is $$$ driven stating that Myrtle Beach always loses some flights in the Fall and Winter and seems positive the Airline Industry will turn itself around. The projections of future passengers originally used in the push for the West Side Terminal by the FAA have been totally revised, the figures were based on crude oil at $35-$40 per barrel, not $130-$140 per barrel, and the "then" current state of the airline industry. Mr. Ott fails to mention the Billions of dollars in debt these airlines have returned to; the loss of the Spirit Hub at LaGuardia and the continued cancellation of flights at the smaller destinations like Myrtle Beach on a daily basis, adjusting to these fuel costs.

It seems like the "chicken littles" he speaks of is just more sour grapes because the original "Grand Strand Plan" was shut down by the Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board, and justifiably so. The first project was "ramrodded" down the residents throats with no public input meetings as required by the FAA, and County Officials like Attorney John Weaver stating on my radio show that it would cost just as much to renovate the current terminal as it would to build a new one. Then, just before the last CAB Meeting, 4 comparison engineering plans surfaced showing expansions at the current site for 1/3 of the cost. If it were not for the "chicken littles" involved, the County would be "wasting" hundreds of millions of dollars.

Horry County and Airport Officials continue to say that the prices to fly from Myrtle Beach are in line with the rest of the similar terminals on the east coast which is also not true! These costs, coupled with fuel prices and planes not filled to capacity will result in further cancellations for the Grand Strand. Sure, there are deals from our airport, but if you are a family planning 6 months to a year ahead, those deals are almost non existent.

Our current airport is in a state of "disrepair" only because of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality of the leaders in control or the terminal. Their thought, that has been conveyed to me many times by airport employees was "we are building a new terminal on the West Side, so we are told to just fix what we have to". So much for "preventative maintenance".

These are just a few of the reasons that these "chicken littles" have gained the attention and support of Senator Luke Rankin and Representative Alan Clemmons to create an Airport Authority. It is time that the Politicians and the Puppet Airport Director Bob Kemp and this 20+ person chain of command in the current management structure be eliminated and an Airport Authority be created to eliminate the "riff" between the City and the County! An Airport Authority doesn't seem like a great solution to some, but it will sure be better than the current structure the County is operating under.

Elvis (15 of them) Is In The Building At Legend's In Concert

It's going to be a "really big show" at Legends in Concert Saturday July 19th for the "Ultimate Elvis Tribute" sponsored by Legends in Concert in conjunction with Elvis Presley Enterprises. The competition begins at 8pm when yours truly, along with 2 other judges will pick the winner of the Myrtle Beach Competition to continue on and hopefully win a contract to perform at the fantastic "Legends In Concert". If you are an Elvis fan, call 238-STAR and get your tickets for this special contest with 15 Elvis impersonators looking to move forward. A very special "thank you" to Chris Beatty, the manager at Legends in Surfside for asking me to be a part of this very special show and contest. Chris Beatty and Legends was always a big supporter of the "Krieger and Company" morning show on Sunny 106.5 (now Sunny 103.1)not only with just free tickets to the show. When we started the "Jessie's Law" campaign for signatures on the petitions, Chris and Legends was there! When we did the homecoming for the Myrtle Beach National Guard, Chris and Legends was there. When I hooked up with Jack Platt to take the WWII Veterans to Washington, DC, Chris and Legends was there with a free show for them. Thanks to Elvis, Ryan Pelton for coming out to perform in something I have never seen at the show in Surfside, an Elvis in khaki's. I'm looking forward to seeing all of the Grand Strands Elvis fans and some of the old Krieger and Company listeners this Saturday night...Call 238-STAR today!

Speaking of today.....today, July 14, 2008 marks the day I head to the Magistrates Office to try and bring closure to my release, firing, separation or whatever you call it from Cumulus Broadcasting Of Myrtle Beach. Since April 4, 2008, I have been trying to get the remainder of my personal items and some items from the "Adopt A Tree Highway" paid for by the listeners and the community. After being marched out of the building like a "criminal" on April 2, 2008, I have been "stonewalled and blocked" from coming back to re-claim these items that include:

**Personal Computer and Printer
**Set Of Keys to By-Pass equipment and trailer locks
**Tarp, straps and bungee cords for trailer
**2 Almost new 6 foot pitchforks
**Personal calendar appointments were kept on


After being told several times these items were being collected for me to pick up, Cumulus then started a "trading" dialogue after I wore an "X'ed" out Sunny t-shirt to work in the bypass. The prerequisite to getting these items was for me to bring back all of my shirts with the Sunny 106.5 logo's on them along with the signs from the trailer. After asking for these items on more than 5 different occasions, in writing, I have just been informed by Human Resources Head Nancy Zito that none of these articles could be found! This was long after Cumulus Corporate Attorney Richard Denning wrote to my attorney telling him to arrange a time to pick these items up. The items in question were (computer and printer) hooked up in the Sunny studio with my name written on them with a magic marker. The remainder of the items were stored in the Sunny 106.5 PT Cruiser.

It seems that Ms. Zito has trouble keeping track of things. On February 24, 2008, I submitted bills totalling $997.00 for "Adopt A Tree" expenses. After repeatedly asking for payment for those bills, I find out from Mr. David Love from the South Carolina Department of Labor (who I had to work with for compensation owed) that Ms. Zito had also "lost" them. However, after signing with the SCDOT to take over the "Adopt A Tree" highway for the next two years, and refusing to bring any equipment related to that project back to the station, Cumulus finally backed off that demand and sent me the balance of the fund, $1697.00. So, I can now reimburse myself for the bills from February and the expenses incurred since that time, which will leave about $300 left in the fund.

Hats off to Sons Of Italy President Joe Crisalli and Sons Member Don Pagani who have set up a charity golf tournament to benefit the "Adopt A Tree" highway. I will be meeting with Joe and Don today, the tournament will be on Saturday, November 1st at the International Club in Murrells Inlet. Please mark that date on your calendar, I will have more information after our meeting today, July 14th.

Speaking of November, we still have the Veterans Bus Trip over the weekend of November 8th and 9th to Washington, D.C. to the Veterans Memorials and to Arlington National Cemetery. Your transportation, Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch and room are all included in the price of $200.00 per person. Need some more info or to sign up, just e-mail me louk1065@aol.com and I will send you a flyer or call you back. Our bus is filling up fast for the trip, deadline to sign up is August 31st.

Lou Krieger and Company Adopt A Tree Highway

In December of 2002, I signed with the Department of Transportation of South Carolina for the creation, expansion and maintenance of the 2 mile long 'Adopt A Tree" highway that runs from Glenns Bay Road south to the Garden City Connector. Since my termination from Sunny 106.5 and Cumulus Broadcasting of Myrtle Beach, I have been fighting for "reciprocation" of more than $1200 in expenses and the remainder of the equipment purchased to maintain the highway. At one point, Cumulus and their attorney Richard Denning were insistant that I return the equipment I have here at home since it is the "property" of Cumulus Broadcasting. In a return letter to Cumulus Attorney Richard Denning, I advised him that all funds were from donations from our listeners, the community and what was raised with charitable golf tournaments and not a penny came from Cumulus Broadcasting. After following order from the State Department of Labor and sending a certified "letter of demand" giving Cumulus 15 days to pay me or go before the "Master of the Court", I not only received my payment, but the balance of the "Adopt A Tree" fund. Since I did not have a chance to have a benefit golf tournament this year, after reimbursing of the current expenses, we have a little over $300 left and that will no last long. Mysteriously disappearing from the Sunny PT Cruiser were two pitchforks, a tarp, bungee cords, and ratchet tie downs that are nowhere to be found according to HR Manager Nancy Zito. I have sent Cumulus of Myrtle Beach a bill for not only that equipment, but my personal backup computer and printer that were in the Sunny studios that they also could not find. I have given Layne Ryan the Market Manager and HR Manager Nancy Zito to either replace these items or come up with the cash value by Friday July 11th or I will take them before the Magistrate to attempt to have them pay the replacement cost. The "Adopt A Tree" highway is now my personal highway for the next two years to maintain. I could not have signed an agreement to do that without the help of my volunteers, Buddy Sessions, Patrick Burke and Gary Frank who have been working and volunteering their time for the past 5 years. Additionally, a huge thank you goes out to Larry Gross from L & L Landscaping and Pools. Larry has been donating the mulch we use on the beds for the past two years and will continue to donate the mulch as long as I am involved with the project. The contribution of Larry and L & L to the by-pass is almost $3,000 retail cost this year alone. A huge thanks goes to Larry and Linda Gross, Buddy, Patrick and Gary, and to those of you who have contributed to the "Adopt A Tree" project

I believe the "Sons Of Italy" at the request of President Joe Crisali and member Don Pagani are trying to put together a Fall Golf Tournament to raise funds for their club and for the beautification project. This is a "very special" place we have in our community that we continuously try to trim and maintain and always add more color as money permits. This "adopt a tree" highway has been a labor of love and a beautiful portion of the Hwy 17 By-pass to drive by. It will only get prettier as things mature each year. God bless all of you who have donated to make this vision a reality and something people will admire for years to come.

Krieger and Company In The Morning

Since I have been "discharged" from service at Sunny 106.5, I have kinda kept it quiet about my dealings with the company, (Cumulus) after I was walked out the door by HR Person Nancy Zito like a criminal. By now you have heard the stations transition for 106.5 to 103.1 with John Boy and Billy in the Morning and Album Rock....Don't you fans of Oldies just love the music? And how about all that information we used to give you in the morning? Or how about the opportunity for you to be a part of the show, on hear information on what events were happening around the area.

I'm sitting here 90 days since my release and I still cannot believe Market Manager Layne Ryan talked the Corporate Boys into such a "screw up". Hey how about that research on name the new Country station "The Wolf" with another "Wolf" coming into Georgetown and Southern Horry County from Charleston. So now Hooooooowwwwwwlllllll! they are the Coyote.

In a letter I have from Cumulus Corporate Attorney Richard Denning, Mr. Denning claims I was also cut to lower the overhead on talent and save money. So what do they do, run the John Boy and Billy Show costing twice as much as I was making "live" with ratings.


More to come: