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James 'Kin' McKenzie Jr. sworn in as new Murrells Inlet magistrate

May 20, 2019

James Kinley “Kin” McKenzie Jr. was sworn in this morning as Georgetown County’s newest magistrate. Judge McKenzie will serve the Murrells Inlet community, replacing former Judge John Benso, who retired on April 30, after eight years.

McKenzie, an Inlet resident, worked in law enforcement for 34 years, including 27 years with the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED). For the last 14 years with SLED, he was a captain over criminal investigations.

The oath of office was delivered to Judge McKenzie by Judge Tony Love, the associate chief magistrate and magistrate in charge of central traffic court. McKenzie’s wife Vicki stood by his side during the oath. McKenzie was also joined up front by Chief Magistrate Isaac L. Pyatt Sr. and Johnny Abraham, a friend and colleague, who is a current SLED captain for the Pee Dee region. McKenzie was appointed to the position by S.C. Sens. Stephen Goldfinch and Ronnie Sabb.

“I’m looking forward to this job and I can tell from the very beginning that the staff here is excellent,” McKenzie said. We’re going to work together wonderfully and carry out the duties of this office.”

Judge Pyatt encouraged him not to be afraid to lean on his fellow magistrates when necessary.

“I promise you we will be there for you at any time,” he said. “The worst question is the question that has never been asked. We work together as a team here, and we push forward for justice and justice alone. We don’t have any special friends to honor, nor any enemy to punish. We’re here to seek justice, and I know for sure that’s your aim as well, because if it wasn’t you would not be standing here today.”

McKenzie said he was very active in the Boy Scouts, both as a child and an adult. He and his son were Eagle Scouts.

“There is a part of the Scout oath that says ‘on my honor, I will do my best,’ and that is my promise to the citizens of Georgetown County,” McKenzie said.

McKenzie officially began his new job at 1 p.m. today.

Filing is open for District 5 County Council seat
May 16, 2019

A special election to fill a seat in County Council District 5 will take place this summer. Filing for this seat will open at noon May 17 and close at noon May 25. The Georgetown County Office of Elections and Voter Registration will be open on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to noon to help facilitate filing. Filing fee is $202.37.

A primary election is scheduled for July 9. If a runoff election is needed, it will take place July 23. A general election will be Sept. 10.

For more information, call (843) 545-3339. The Office of Elections and Voter Registration is located at 303 N. Hazard St. in Georgetown.

New information regarding child support payments

April 16, 2019

The Georgetown County Clerk of Court has released new guidelines regarding child support payments. View them in full at the link below.

Guidelines regarding child support payments

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