Things to do across the Midlands: SC7 invites public to hike or paddle during visits to Poinsett, Swan Lake and Sparkleberry Swamp next week; library hosts summer family events

Tom Mullikin of South Carolina Seven (SC7) walks along Shot Pouch Greenway in 2024. Join the group for a hike at Poinsett State Park on Wednesday, July 16, or at Swan Lake Iris Gardens later that day.
To make a submission to our events list, email pressrelease@theitem.com with EVENTS in the subject line. SUMTER COUNTY Join Temple Sinai and Sumter Museum for their Curious George book readings this summer. The final reading will be on …
Studio Sumter

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Friends to Follow
SPORTS
Arts & Entertainment

Movie Review: A weird 'Superman' is better than a boring one

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a … a purple and orange shape-shifting chemical compound? Writer-director James Gunn's "Superman" was always going to be a strange chemistry of filmmaker and …

Nation & World
North Carolina's first standalone children's hospital set to bring 8,000 jobs to a Raleigh suburb

APEX, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's first standalone children's hospital will be built in a bedroom community near the state capital, the project's health systems announced Thursday, creating a …

Rubio says U.S. and Russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that the U.S. and Russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks after he met with his Russian …
Russia blasts Kyiv with another missile and drone barrage, killing at least 2 KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia pounded Ukraine's capital with another major missile and drone attack overnight into Thursday, killing at least two people and causing fires across Kyiv a day after …
31 construction workers reach safety after partial collapse of Los Angeles industrial tunnel LOS ANGELES (AP) — Thirty-one construction workers inside a huge industrial tunnel in Los Angeles made it to safety after a portion of it collapsed Wednesday evening, an outcome officials …
What to know as Yemen's Houthi rebels launch new, more violent attacks on ships in the Red Sea DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In just days, Yemen's Houthi rebels have begun a new, more violent campaign of attacks targeting ships in the Red Sea, sinking two of them and killing some of …
State News
Secretary of State Hammond encourages wise giving following Texas flooding disaster

COLUMBIA – Today, South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond urged donors to give wisely to charitable causes following last weekend’s flooding disaster in Kerr County, Texas.  …

Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom is launching a two-day tour of South Carolina on Tuesday, meeting voters across rural areas — and some GOP strongholds — in the …
Double boating fatality on Lake Greenwood LAURENS COUNTY, South Carolina – On July 6, 2025, at 1:42 a.m. on Lake Greenwood near Harris Landing, SCDNR officers and investigators responded to a tragic boating collision involving two …
Once known as 'Dirty Myrtle,' Myrtle Beach is now the fastest-growing U.S. metro for seniors A South Carolina beach town once nicknamed "Dirty Myrtle" because of its rowdy nightclubs and strip joints has become a magnet for retirees in a nation that continues to age. The number of residents age 65 years and older in the Myrtle Beach …
Tropical Storm Chantal forecast to bring heavy rain to the Carolinas MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the southeast U.S. coast and was forecast to bring heavy rains to parts of the Carolinas on Saturday. Tropical storm warnings were issued for …
Obituaries
HAROLD GREGG

Harold Gregg, 86, son of the late Willie Gregg and Pearline McCoy Gregg, was born on June 11, 1939, in Sumter. He departed this life on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at his residence. Job’s …

GAMBLE

ESSIE MAE BROCK GAMBLE

MANNING — Essie Mae Brock Gamble, 94, widow of Vicknel Gamble, died Monday July 7, 2025, at her residence. She was born Oct. 12, 1930, in Manning, a daughter of the late Henry and Laura Lemon …

GRINNELL

GRANT GRINNELL JR.

Grant Grinnell Jr., husband of Mary Mathis Grinnell and son of the late Grant Grinnell Sr. and Carrie Singleton Grinnell, was born on June 4, 1946, in Sumter County. He departed this life on Sunday, …

HARVIN

EDDIE LEE HARVIN

Eddie Lee Harvin, 96, widower of Jessie Mae Washington Harvin and son of the late Jethro Harvin and Elsie Benjamin Harvin, was born on Jan. 22, 1929, in Sumter County. He departed this life on …

FRANK WILLIAM WRIGHT

Mr. Frank William Wright, born on June 19, 1954, in Sumter, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 3, 2025, at his home in Sumter. Mr. Wright was the son of the late Mr. Frankie Wright and Mrs. …

Faith
Church news, July 7, 2025 To update your listing or add a listing, please email pressrelease@theitem.com and include Church News in the subject line. First Baptist Missionary Church, 219 S. Washington St., announces: - A Food Giveaway will be held on Friday, July 11, …
The Rev. Dr. Billy Holland: Living on Purpose: Compromise is the enemy of our faith The Christian faith believes that God draws people to Himself when they hear the gospel "good news" message about how much He loves the world when He sent His Son to shed His blood on the cross as the only sacrifice that could redeem those who …
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith: Why is God picking on me? Last week, a young mom unburdened herself to me. Her baby was cutting new teeth and was not sleeping or eating. Her house needed unexpected repairs, requiring her and her baby to temporarily move out. Her husband was called in to see his boss. The …
The Rev. Dr. William Holland: Thinking about why we are free Celebrating Independence Day is always a highlight of the summer season. It is truly a time of celebration, as we are thankful for the decisions that were made by Congress and the courage and faith these men presented as they declared to the world …
Celebrations
Richardson family's matriarchs, patriarch meet for annual reunion The Richardson family comes together in Sumter, annually in the fall, to celebrate the Richardson reunion. Last fall, in 2024, the family celebrated the 52nd-annual reunion, having missed only two past get-togethers because of COVID-19 …
Sumterite celebrates 100 years of life, love A local woman celebrated her 100th birthday in April as well as the legacy of love her life has been filled with. Elizabeth Burns, of Sumter, celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday, April 23, surrounded by family and friends. The wife of …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Dopey is housebroken and good with other cats, children

My name is Dopey, and I am a 9-week-old, male, gray tabby American longhair. I am housebroken and good with kids and other cats. My siblings and I are so thrilled to go to our forever homes. I am a …

Engagements
Reflections

Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumterville was slow to grow at first

Reflections recalls a time when Sumterville was often thought of as a neatly organized plantation. Many historians assumed perhaps this perception emerged from the fact it was a small crossroads in 1812 located in the middle of a swampy forest, …

Yesteryear
From the opinion pages
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