Ben Fuller performs for sold-out crowd
Welcome to Sumter Today!
Local stories through a local lens.
Sumter Today is your ticket to anything and everything going on around us. Ideas for the show? Let us know at studio@theitem.com!
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'Other Mommy' tops the box office with $27.5M; 'The Social Reckoning' opens to $5.5M
The Jessica Chastain horror "Other Mommy" topped the North American box office this weekend with a bigger audience than expected, while "The Social Reckoning" got off to a lackluster start. …
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Lightsaber Darth Vader used in 'I am your father' duel in 'Empire Strikes Back' goes up for auction
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In July, a lightsaber with Luke Skywalker's severed hand from "The Empire Strikes …
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The enduring popularity of Elvis Presley's Graceland is a monument to his legacy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Elvis Presley's Graceland. Paul Simon sang about going there to ease an aching …
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Sumter Community Concert Band annual fall concert celebrates America250 on Oct.4
Sumter Community Concert Band will host its annual fall concert on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. at Patriot …
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eSTEAM is this Saturday, and plenty of fall events for all are coming up - Oktoberfest, Porches and more
To make a submission to our events list, email pressrelease@theitem.com with EVENTS in the subject …
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'Avengers: Endgame' retakes box office crown; Robert Pattinson drives sales for 'Primetime'
NEW YORK — Seven years after becoming the second-highest grossing film ever, "Avengers: Endgame" …
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eSTEAM Sumter Festival is Saturday in downtown Sumter
This upcoming weekend will be the first Saturday in October, and locally that means it is the …
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It's officially Dolly Parton Day, with parades, pink lights and book drives
Pour yourself a cup of ambition. It's Dolly Parton Day. Across the world, communities are …
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What to know about Taylor Swift's new music: Her first since her wedding
NEW YORK— Taylor Swift is back in action. Did you miss her? On Wednesday, less than one day …
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Hayden Panettiere died from accidental overdose involving fentanyl, coroner says
Actor Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl, a …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 12, 2026: Campaign sign leads to marital strife
DEAR ABBY: I went out to run errands, and when I returned home, I found a political sign in our front yard. It seems a candidate asked my …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 10, 2026: Widower considers his chances with kissing cousin
DEAR ABBY: I am a man in his 60s who lost his wife two years ago to a heart attack. I have fallen in love with my cousin, who is also in her …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 7, 2026: Parent's worst fear becomes recurring nightmare
DEAR ABBY: My two youngest children have special needs. Both have the mentality of a 7- or 8-year-old. Today, my daughter (13) told the school …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 4, 2026: Comments about weight put grandma in the doghouse
DEAR ABBY: I moved 2,000 miles to be near my daughter and her family. One of my granddaughters, "Libby," was diagnosed with a medical condition …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Cantey-Plowden opens cash and carry grocery store in Sumter
Reflections revisits the early development of Cantey-Plowden Grocery in downtown Sumter during the 1920s and '40s. The Cantey-Plowden family store met the criteria expected of the typical "mom and pop" store which was expected to offer personal …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Carnegie Library was founded in 1915
Reflections revisits the efforts of the Sumter County Council, the City Board of Education, the Civic …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bland's Pond on Shot Pouch
Reflections revisits Bland Pond, which became part of the Iris Gardens through the efforts of H. C. …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Manchester's day has ended
Reflections revisits one of Sumter County's mysteries, the vanished community of Manchester! This anomaly …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: The Hub: Sumter's busiest bargain store
Reflections revisits The Hub, later known as Bergers, one of Sumter's favorite shopping establishments. …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter courthouse space doubles in 1964
Reflections recalls the expansion of Sumter's courthouse in 1964. Construction of courthouses …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bowling becomes a favorite sports activity
Reflections recalls when bowling became one of Sumter's favorite recreational activities. According …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Kermit Ward becomes manager of Sumter Theater
Reflections revisits Kermit Ward, who was responsible for providing Sumter with quality movie …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Dave (Mac) McInnis: Diving All-American
Reflections revisits Sumter Electric Appliance Company, also known as SEACO. The data and photos …
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Letter to the editor: Where is truth found, and how do we know it?
Information is critical to the brain. As an unbelievable storage mechanism, the brain is storing data from the time it forms in the womb. As we …
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Letter to the editor: Ministry thanks community for support of event
Love in Action Outreach Ministries extends our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the following local businesses, organizations and …
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Letter to the editor: Being anxious isn't a problem if you have a reservoir of peace
I am anxious about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East with Iran and Hamas. I am anxious about the true nature of our economy with massive …
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Letter to the editor: Sumter City Council members committed to representing people who elected them
I apologize for not writing this letter sooner, but a recent experience reminded me of my intention to speak up. While I still own a business …
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Letter to the editor: Brother saved lives during war, recently celebrated 85th birthday
My big brother, Robert L. Bryant (Bobby), had his 85th birthday on Aug. 8. I thank God for taking care of him. Bobby graduated from Edmunds …
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Letter to the editor: Defining contradiction and hypocrisy
Through ingenuity, we have developed systems that offer efficiency and greater ease. Technology has become increasingly sophisticated. Along the …
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