Happening Now
From left, Volunteer Luke Middleton, chef Jean Williams, volunteer Linda Harrell and volunteer Sherri Redmond serve up lunch for those in need at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church's soup kitchen on Nov. 17.
Item editor experiences spirit of giving firsthand with volunteer opportunities in Sumter
Sumter school board to have special-called meeting Monday
People line up to get tested for COVID-19 at OR Tambo's airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday. A slew of nations moved to stop air travel from southern Africa on Friday in reaction to news of a new, potentially more transmissible COVID-19 variant that has been detected in South Africa.
New omicron variant stokes world fears, triggers travel bans
Christmas cards featuring works by local artists are being sold by Sumter Senior Services to raise money. At left is a card with art by the late Sumter artist Ray Davenport. Work by the late Rose Metz is seen on the card above.
Works by local artists help Sumter Senior Services to feed elderly
State officials recognize Santa Cruz Nutritionals for its New Plant/Expansion Award at the recent annual state Manufacturing Conference and Expo in Greenville.
BizTalk: 2 area manufacturers receive excellence awards at state conference

Early birds race in Sumter YMCA's annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Hundreds of Sumterites of all ages and their furry companions raced in the 39th-annual Turkey Trot on Thursday morning. Although trot was in the name, participants also ran and walked their way to the …
MISS GAVIN
Lord Clarendon Cotillion to present 8 debutantes on Dec. 17
IVEY
Best practices, 10-year strategic plan before Sumter Liberty STEAM board
MISS BARWICK
Azalea Ball Cotillion to present 8 debutantes on Dec. 30

Saturday-Monday, Nov. 27-29, 2021

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Studio Sumter

The Grind: Davin Jackson, Sumter High

The Grind is back with a new presenting sponsor, Bank of Clarendon!

 

Sumter High's Davin Jackson has a lot to be thankful for, but he's no stranger to the grind.

 

Through …

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Friends to Follow
SPORTS
Scott's Branch junior Rosandra Bennett will be a key leader for the Lady Eagles' young squad this season.
Young Scott's Branch girls basketball teams seeks new identity without Parker
Sumter's Kiara Croskey and the Gamecocks travel to Lakewood on Tuesday.
5 THINGS TO WATCH
Local basketball matchups across Sumter, Clarendon, Lee counties highlight 5 Things to Watch This Week
Ragin Prep head coach Anthony Jackson breaks down a huddle for the Rams. Ragin Prep opened its inaugural basketball season last week.
In the beginning: Ragin Prep adds athletics with first season of basketball
South Carolina defensive end Kingsley Enagbare (1) and head coach Shane Beamer welcome Clemson to town for the annual Palmetto Bowl on Saturday.
Only 1 thing on mind of South Carolina's Beamer: Beat Clemson
Carolina running back Christian McCaffrey (22) and the Panthers face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Dolphins seek to extend streak, Panthers seek return to .500
Poll of the Week

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2021, file photo, a healthcare worker receives a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. The number of Americans getting COVID-19 vaccines has steadily increased to a three-month high as seniors and people with medical conditions seek boosters, and government and employer mandates push more workers to take their first doses. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Will you or have you already received a COVID-19 booster shot?

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More local news
Shower Shaw with Goodies drop-off Dec. 1
Sumter County might restructure Patriot Hall, reappoint cultural commission board
U.S. Army Central Master Sgt. Carla Clark performs the "Fancy Shawl Dance" at Shaw Air Force Base. U.S. Army Central held its National American Indian Heritage Month ceremony in Patton Hall on Nov. 19.
ARCENT, AFCENT hold joint National Native American Heritage Month ceremony at Shaw Air Force Base
Clarendon briefs for Nov. 26, 2021: Parade of Lights set for Nov. 28, Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit Turbeville and Summerton hosts ' A hometown Christmas Celebration'
PHOTOS PROVIDED Elephant Ear on Bultman Drive offers a wide variety custom made items suitable for holiday gifting, such as these hand-carved miniature birds and birdhouses. Baked goods are also available, many styled for the seasons.
Sumter merchants prepare for holiday shopping; Despite labor shortages and uncertain shipping, local shops have plenty to offer

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More Sports
Sumter High caps off Holiday Hoopfest with a win
Wilson Hall basketball teams open with victories
Lakewood's Stevye Sinkler averaged 20 points across two games in the Zaxby's Classic over the weekend on her way to Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week honors.
Sinkler’s offense carries Lakewood in Zaxby’s Tip-Off Classic
Sumter High defensive lineman Davin Jackson is in the process of rehabilitating his knee after tearing his ACL at a camp at Clemson over the summer.
The Grind, presented by Bank of Clarendon: Sumter's Jackson works through ACL tear to prepare for college football at NC State
East Clarendon's Talaysia Cooper averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Lady Wolverines won the Zaxby's Tip-Off Classic at Scott's Branch over the weekend.
East Clarendon, Scott's Branch win Zaxby's Classic

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Panorama

Ginkgo grew with dinosaurs, and is still worth growing

There are some trees whose showiness does not end once they've lost their leaves in autumn. Some trees have an attractive bony framework that is then revealed. Ginkgo tree, for instance. Leafless, a ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) tree, soft and green in …

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Nation & World
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
Biden sets out oil, gas leasing reform, stops short of ban

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Biden administration on Friday recommended an overhaul of the nation's oil and gas leasing program to focus on areas that are most suitable for energy development and raise costs for energy companies to drill on public lands …

SEN. JOE MANCHIN
Beyond Manchin: Dems' $2T bill faces Senate gauntlet WASHINGTON (AP) - It took half a year, but Democrats have driven President Joe Biden's $2 trillion package of social and climate initiatives through the House. It gets no easier in the Senate, where painful Republican amendments, restrictive rules …
New omicron variant stokes world fears, triggers travel bans BRUSSELS (AP) — The discovery of a new coronavirus variant sent a chill through much of the world Friday as nations raced to halt air travel, markets fell sharply and scientists held emergency …
Finn Washburn, 9, shows his vaccination site as his mother, Kate Elsley, takes a photo shortly after he received a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in San Jose, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021.
EU regulator authorizes Pfizer's COVID vaccine for kids 5-11 THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The European Union's drug regulator on Thursday authorized Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine for use on children from 5 to 11 years old, clearing the way for shots to …
Coal mine fire in Russia's Siberia kills 11, dozens trapped MOSCOW (AP) — A fire at a coal mine in Russia's Siberia killed 11 people and injured more than 40 on Thursday, with dozens of others remaining trapped, authorities said.Efforts to rescue those …

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State News
The Revolutionary War Visitor Center is seen Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, in Camden. The center was opened this year to capitalize on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the war as South Carolina promises to tell the full story of its role from the Founding Fathers to slavery.
South Carolina's 250th tells revolution story, warts and all

CAMDEN (AP) - South Carolina sees the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution as a chance to remind people that the state played a huge part in winning the nation's independence, even if it did try later to tear the United States apart …

Lawsuit accuses doctors of taking data to rival hospital CHARLESTON (AP) — A group of cancer doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina took confidential information to a competitor in an effort to establish a new treatment facility, …
Lanes kept open in work zones; extra troopers on road in S.C. COLUMBIA (AP) — Construction crews have stopped closing lanes and state troopers are stepping up enforcement to help travelers in South Carolina over the long Thanksgiving weekend.Work crews …
Alex Murdaugh sits during his bond hearing Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Varnville, S.C.
Alex Murdaugh's lawyers want suing attorney to stop talking COLUMBIA (AP) — Attorneys for Alex Murdaugh want a judge to stop a lawyer suing him from publicly speaking about the massive legal entanglement Murdaugh finds himself in and recommend a panel …
Alex Murdaugh sits during his bond hearing Sept. 16, 2021, in Varnville,.
New indictments: Alex Murdaugh stole almost $5 million COLUMBIA - South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was indicted Friday on 27 additional charges, with prosecutors saying he stole nearly $5 million in settlement money he had obtained for his dead housekeeper, an injured state trooper and other people …

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Obituaries
MOTTIE JEANETTE TOUCHBERRY BERRY

Mottie Jeanette "Jan" Touchberry Berry, age 79, died on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at her residence. Born in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Mottie Edward Touchberry and Miriam Lowder Touchberry. Jan was a professional bowler and …

RHONDA E. EVANS

Rhonda E. Evans, 64, died on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Born on July 13, 1957, in New York, she was a daughter of Benny R. Faulk and Estelle Gibbs. In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, the family requests that …

WILLIAM MCDUFFIE

William McDuffie, 90, departed this life on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at NHC Healthcare in Sumter. He was born on Sept. 15, 1931, in Sumter, a son of the late James Sr. and Nellie McDuffie. Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in …

CHERRYN ANN HUNTER

Cherryn Ann Hunter, affectionately known as "Shay," was born on March 16, 1970, in Sumter County, to Charlie Hunter Jr. and the late Annie Mae Richardson Hunter. She died on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. She received her education in the public schools …

LEON EDWARD GANDY JR.

Leon Edward Gandy Jr., age 75, beloved husband of 57 years to Brenda Joye Dixon Gandy, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, at his residence. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book. The family has chosen …

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Faith
LIVINGSTON
Column by Manning Pastor Sam Livingston: Food preparation at the holidays It is that time of the year again, Thanksgiving! My favorite feasting time of the year was and still is Thanksgiving. My mother would start gathering her secret ingredients days and weeks before that well-anticipated Thursday. Thinking about it now, …
SMITH
Sumter pastor Clay Smith: Thankful for unlikely things In this season of Thanksgiving, I'm thinking about life and what I am thankful for. I am thankful for medicine that helps me with genetic dispositions and past poor choices; for living in the 21st century where we have CAT scans and MRI machines …
SMITH
Sumter Pastor Clay Smith: Dumb headlines In this season, before holiday madness descends upon us, as the colors of fall fade, we could all use cheering up. I ran across a collection of the dumbest newspaper headlines ever (Note: None of the papers that publish my column would ever do …
Westside Baptist Church in Sumter begins annual shoebox gift drive Westside Baptist Church has again opened its doors as a four-county regional collection center for an annual project to send shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in underserved countries. Churches throughout Sumter participate in Operation …
Celebrations
PHOTO PROVIDEDThe 2019 Lord Clarendon Cotillion presented eight debutantes on Dec. 20 at The Matrix Center in Manning. Debutantes were from left, front row: Adela Carpenter Coffey, Anne Patience Williamson, Macey Gibbons Wilson and Mason Elizabeth Ham. Escorts are from left, back row: Nicholas Vincente Ackard, William Columbus Coffey IV, William Dickey Williamson, Parker Neale Wannamaker, Hanks Howard Avinger, John Joe Wilson III, Joshua Edward Baker and Tyler Watson Baker.
Sumter debutante publication deadline is noon Nov. 15 Individual photos of debutantes along with club information will publish in the Nov. 27-29 Weekend Edition of The Sumter Item. Deadline is noon Nov. 15. Please email information and photos to rhonda@theitem.com. Payment of $50 per individual …
NEAL
Ruth McFadden Neal celebrates 100th birthday Ruth McFadden Neal celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, with a family celebration at her home. She was born on Sept. 2, 1921, in Sardinia, to the late Ulysses and Henryanna Kennedy McFadden. She is the oldest of 12 siblings …

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Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Sumter SPCA's Joe loves to socialize

FAR LEFT: Joe is a 5-month-old German shepherd mix. He is an active, playful and friendly boy who loves hugs and kisses. Joe is super with other dogs and children and is looking for a home where he can be a buddy to the whole family. He loves …

Weddings
MRS. HUNTER CHESTNUT
Wilson-Chestnut ALCOLU - Celia Burgess Wilson of Manning and Hunter Tyson Chestnut of Conway were united in marriage on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at New Harmony Presbyterian Church in Alcolu. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Joe Wilson Jr. and the …
MR. AND MRS. CHAD A. WILSON
Giddings-Wilson DALZELL - Samantha Ann Giddings, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robin Giddings of Bishopville, and Chad Aaron Wilson, son of Mendel Wilson of Sumter and Harriet Seifarth of Lancaster, were married on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. The evening ceremony was …

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Engagements
MR. SMILING, MISS DAVIS
Davis-Smiling Eva M. Smith of Dillon announces the engagement of her daughter, Eva Smith Davis of Dillon, to Lodie C. Smiling Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina, son of Gloria Jean Smiling of Florence and the late Lodie C. Smiling Sr. The bride-elect is also the …
Reflections
The National Bank of South Carolina on Main Street is seen with the clock displayed over its main entrance.

Reflections by Sammy Way: NBSC clock remains part of Sumter's history

Reflections revisits an article written by the late Bubba McElveen concerning a clock once located in front of the Farmers Bank and Trust Co. on Sumter's Main Street. This Robert Mills-designed building was utilized as Sumter's second courthouse. It …

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Yesteryear
Gail Ford and Jane Carter test out a Christmas arrangement in Ford's backyard on Nov. 22, 1996.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: VFW sponsors marble tournament; family to build rest home 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 May 5 - 10 - A house-to-house fire inspection is being made now in Sumter by the fire department. E.M. Harrison, a member of the fire department, is doing the inspecting which is done annually, according to Fire Chief E. H. …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Arbor Day in 1971, postponed from a freezing, icy day earlier in December that year, was observed Dec. 28, 1971, as Bland Garden Club members Mrs. Leland Brown, Mrs. I. D. Elmore Jr. and Mrs. Robert W. Brown with H. G. Martin plant a tree in the mini-park at the corner of Liberty and Sumter streets.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: 4 Sumter men in Navy meet in China; Arbor Day celebrated 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 April 21 - 26 - A change in original plans for the new hotel to be constructed in Sumter was announced by the Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was as follows: "The original plans for the new hotel embraced a total of …
Rebounding calls for close quarter action in the championship game of the Sumter Invitational Basketball Tournament between Hillcrest and Sumter on Dec. 21, 1971. Going up for this missed shot is Gamecock Barry Parker (white shirt) and Wildcats Joe Barker (11) and Henry Marshall (41). Sumter won the game and the title.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Ninth Air Force performs for Azalea Festival; SHS grad gets Gold Award 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 April 13 - 19 - John McMillan, 27-year-old head coach at South Georgia Junior College, has been named head coach of all sports at Erskine College, succeeding Harry Bolick, who resigned. He was head coach at the University …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Editorial cartoon: Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021
GOULDING
Opinion: It's OK to skip the holiday
DURHAM
Column by Sumter Pastor Joey Durham: Declare thanksgiving for the House of God
Your view
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