Happening Now
 South Carolina candidates file as virus throws election calendar into question; all but 1 Sumter incumbent seeking re-election
WILSON
COVID-19's impact on domestic violence: What happens during quarantine when home isn't safe?
Sumter School District trustees will hold public hearing, vote on charter school in virtual meeting
PHOTOS BY JANEL STRIETER / THE SUMTER ITEMPalmetto Oyster House, 415 W. Wesmark Blvd., has created a to-go facility in front of the restaurant, which is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Sumter restaurants going with the flow to stay open
Ruby Tuesday, 1135 Broad St., has closed.
Sumter's Ruby Tuesday closes permanently amid coronavirus struggles

McMaster quiet as others debate stay-at-home orders for South Carolina

Colonial Healthcare on Broad Street is continuing drive-through testing for COVID-19 and the flu.
COLUMBIA - Whether all of South Carolina should go under a stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus continued to be debated by cities and towns and by lawmakers at both the state and …

S.C. license, tag, ID expiration dates extended through July
Active duty airman at Shaw Air Force Base tests positive for COVID-19
Chloe Peters, an RN at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, and Kyle Sanders, a BLS specialist with Prisma, wait for their patient to arrive before going out to conduct a drive-through COVID-19 test in Sumter on Thursday, March 19.
Donate masks, gowns, gloves, medical supplies to Prisma Health for health care workers fighting COVID-19

Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29, 2020

View this issue

Browse other issues

Studio Sumter

Sumter's COVID-19 Response - Featured Guest: Mayor Joe McElveen, City of Sumter

We talked to the mayor live on Zoom earlier today, with the public also viewing and submitting questions, about the city’s response to this pandemic. He gave some insightful and honest thoughts …

Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee President Yoshiro Mori delivers a speech during the Tokyo 2020 Executive Board Meeting in Tokyo, Japan Monday, March 30, 2020. Mori said Monday he expects to talk with IOC President Thomas Bach this week about rescheduling the games for next year.
Tokyo Olympics rescheduled for July 23-Aug. 8 in 2021
North Carolina's James Worthy wears the net after it was cut down following North Carolina defeating Georgetown 63-62 in the 1982 NCAA championship in New Orleans.
AP Was There: Worthy, Jordan lead UNC to '82 title vs. Hoyas
Clemson's Kier Meredith and the rest of the school's spring sports student-athletes will now officially get a year of eligibility back after the spring sports season was cancelled due to the coronavirus.
NCAA to give athletes in spring sports extra year of eligibility
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his girlfriend, Marissa Mowry, resumed their fundraising efforts over the weekend to support people affected by the coronavirus after the NCAA said it was OK to do so.
Clemson QB Lawrence resumes virus fundraiser
The Wilson Hall girls shooting team of, left to right, Samantha Richards, Madisen Galiano and Ann Weathers Blankenship pose with their SCISA scholastic shooting state championship trophies after the trio swept all three shooting championships.
Young Wilson Hall girls shooting team sweeps SCISA championships
Poll of the Week

What are you most looking forward to post-COVID-19?

Have a question you want us to ask? Email editor@theitem.com.

View results

More local news
As we are spending more and more time at home, make sure to exercise, keep a routine and set boundaries: a place to read, a place to work, a place to eat, etc.
Staying productive at home: Tips for coping with COVID-19 from a Sumter community health guru
SMITH
4 more die in S.C. from COVID-19; Sumter lawmakers Smith, McElveen share thoughts on governor's actions
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith, lead pastor of Alice Drive Baptist Church, preaches to an empty sanctuary last Sunday as the church's technical crew films the church's online service. With churches unable to meet because of the coronavirus, many people are turning to online services and online giving.
Despite virtual services, Sumter members still backing churches financially
Sumter funeral homes show compassion, innovation amid outbreak
Public is urged to report suspected fraud related to virus

More News

More Sports
PHIL KORNBLUT
Georgia Military College CB Dial commits to USC
Members of the Sumter P-15's congratulate each other during a game last season. The American Legion baseball season is still planning to start on its regular schedule despite the threat posed by the coronavirus.
American Legion baseball season still on
Joshua Long
Sumter High's Long to coach USC Sumter women's soccer program
SCHSL, SCISA yet to call spring sports seasons
New York Yankee pitcher Jordan Montgomery smiles during a spring training workout. Montgomery, the former Sumter High, Sumter P-15's and University of South Carolina standout, had plenty to smile about this spring as he earned a spot in the rotation after recovering from Tommy John surgery. The start of the Major League Baseball season has been delayed because of the coronavirus.
Yankees' Montgomery feeling good while waiting for season to start

More Sports

Food
Lightlife Smart Sausages are displayed at a store in Jersey City, New Jersey, in September 2018.

Should you avoid meat for good health?
Hangovers happen as your body tries to protect itself from alcohol's toxic effects
This combination of images provided by Amanda Daley shows mockups of a soft drink can and a chocolate candy bar with labels for "exercise calories," or the amount of physical activity needed to burn them off. Daley, a professor of behavioral medicine at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, says, "They may still ignore it, but let's give it a go. Let's at least give them a chance to be able to easily understand."
What if you knew a cookie would take 20 minutes to run off?

More Food

Panorama
Photos by Sharon L. McCreary via APFrom left, A Little Something participants Khei Hung from Burma, Sabah Almobarak from Syria, Eh Gay Ju from Burma and Mounira Kuru from Syria work through frustration and creative challenges in their first lesson making wire-wrapped necklace pendants. A Little Something not only helps refugees find community, but it also sells the crafts and gives artisans 75% of the earnings.

Crafts can help refugees find community, maybe a living

By MOLLY SPRAYREGEN Associated Press When Bahija Karim arrived in Idaho as an Afghan refugee in 2005, she knew little about American culture. She didn't speak English. A volunteer directed her to Artisans for Hope, a local crafts initiative …

More Panorama

Nation & World
President Donald Trump signs the COVID-19 stimulus relief package in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday in Washington.
Trump signs $2.2T stimulus after swift congressional votes

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump signed an unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package into law Friday, after swift and near-unanimous action by Congress this week to support businesses, rush resources to overburdened health care …

THE ASSOCIATED PRESSKamini Doobay, an Emergency Medicine Resident physician at NYU Langone Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital, talks during an interview about her experiences treating COVID-19 patients, Thursday, March 26, 2020, in New York.
A New York doctor's story: 'Too many people are dying alone' NEW YORK (AP) - As an emergency medicine physician in New York City, Dr. Kamini Doobay has always known that death is part of the territory when trying to care for the city's sickest. But it hasn't always been like this - patients hit the hardest …
Virus test results in minutes? Scientists question accuracy MADRID (AP) - Some political leaders are hailing a potential breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19: simple pin-prick blood tests or nasal swabs that can determine within minutes if someone has, or previously had, the virus. The tests could …
A new beat for police across U.S.: Enforcing social distance NEW YORK (AP) — In New York City, they've started dismantling basketball hoops to prevent people from gathering in parks and playing. In Lakewood, New Jersey, police broke up a wedding being …
Are gun shops 'essential' businesses during a pandemic? In some parts of the U.S., authorities say gun shops aren't essential businesses and should close during stay-at-home orders meant to slow the coronavirus. In other places, officials are stopping …

More Nation & World News

State News
Colonial Healthcare on Broad Street conducts drive through testing for COVID-19 and the flu on Monday, March 23.
S.C. cities defy state on restrictions as virus cases rise

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina's governor is aiming to protect first responders during the new coronavirus outbreak, ordering that anyone calling 911 be asked if anyone near them has …

Despite rainy coniditions, Colonial Healthcare on Broad Street continued drive through testing for COVID-19 and the flu on Monday, March 23.
S.C. health chief takes medical leave amid virus outbreak; Rep. Cunningham has virus COLUMBIA (AP) — The chief of South Carolina's public health agency is taking temporary medical leave to combat high blood pressure, an absence officials said would not affect response to the …
Matthew Christian / The Morning News via AP The city of Florence unveils a statue of artist William H. Johnson in the West Evans Street Breezeway on March 18.
New statue brings a legacy to Florence By MATTHEW CHRISTIAN The Morning News FLORENCE - It took a trip to New York City for Florence City Councilman George D. Jebaily to learn about William H. Johnson. Jebaily spoke about a 1995 trip to the Big Apple as the city unveiled a …
Despite warnings from government officials to take caution and self distance because of coronavirus, beachgoers enjoy the Isle of Palms beach Friday in Isle of Palms. City authorities are restricting access to the popular beach from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
State parks close for 2 days to retool to fight virus COLUMBIA - All state parks in South Carolina are closing Wednesday and Thursday as officials figure out and implement new policies to help control the spread of the coronavirus. Most of the 47 state parks across South Carolina were busier than …
South Carolina Boeing worker tests positive for virus COLUMBIA (AP) — An employee at Boeing's South Carolina production facility has tested positive for COVID-19, the company said Monday.Boeing spokeswoman Libba Holland said that the employee was …

More State News

Obituaries
REGINALD LEE BRADFORD

Reginald Lee Bradford, 73, departed this life on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. He was born on May 17, 1946, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a son of the late Henry …

JOHN LEWIS BURKE

WEDGEFIELD — John Lewis Burke, age 74, beloved husband of 47 years to the late Darlene Alice Rowe Burke, died on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Arrangements will …

DAVIDSON

MATHEW VAN DAVIDSON

DALZELL — Mathew Van Davidson, age 40, beloved husband of Tara Nicole Cousar Davidson, died on Friday, March 27, 2020, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Born on Fort Huachuca, Arizona, he …

LEROY R. NUHN

Leroy R. Nuhn, age 83, died on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital, Columbia. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book …

EDITH S. WIGGINS

Edith S. Wiggins, 92, was born on Sept. 14, 1927, in Sumter County, the oldest child of 10 born to the late Rev. Dr. L.W. and Ella Mae Davis Williams.  She departed this life on Thursday, March …

More Obituaries

Celebrations
MR., MRS. CHARLES VERBURG
Verburgs celebrate 50 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Charles Verburg of Sumter celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. They were married on Feb. 6, 1970. Their four children are Susan Verburg of Ann Arbor, Michigan, June and Steve Williamson of Mapleton, …
MR., MRS. JAMES MCLEOD
McLeods celebrate 64 years James and Rosemarie McLeod of Sumter celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on Feb. 6, 2020. The couple's three sons are Leroy McLeod, Douglas McLeod and the late James W. McLeod. The couple has eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren …

More Celebrations

Faith
SMITH
The last time this happened Despite what my children think, I am too young to remember World War II. My parents, however, lived through that time. It was the last time in American history when everyone's lives changed. We forget there was rationing. People were allotted …
Catholic Diocese of Charleston livestreaming Mass and other devotions CHARLESTON -- In an effort to bring liturgies to the faithful across the state, the CatholicDiocese of Charleston is now livestreaming from the Chapel of the Holy Family, which is located …
Church News: Friday, March 13, 2020 Allen Chapel AME Church, 471 Lynam Road, announces: * Sunday, March 29 - Women's Missionary Society worship beginning at 10 a.m. Kiara Nicole Lint, young adult missionary, will speak. Beulah Union Methodist Episcopal Church, 2380 S. St. Paul …
The spiritual realm ... Dr. S.W. Mitchell was a well-known neurologist in Philadelphia. One evening, a little girl, poorly dressed and deeply troubled, knocked on his door. She told Dr. Mitchell her mother was very sick. Could he please come with her? It was cold and …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Nadia, a pug/beagle mix, is extremely sweet

LEFT: Nadia is a 1-year-old pug / beagle mix. She is an extremely sweet girl who is active and playful. Nadia loves to play with other dogs and would be wonderful for a family with children. She lives for any kind of love and attention, but needs a …

Weddings
MRS. McSWAIN ARMFIELD II
Wright-Armfield COLUMBIA - Lauren Ashley Wright of Summerville and Roger McSwain Armfield II of Sumter were united in marriage at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Shandon United Methodist Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Brian …
MRS. CHRISTIAN WARD
Jekel-Ward STATEBURG - Rachel Nicole Jekel and Christian Blake Ward were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at Church of the Holy Cross. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Stephen Jekel and the granddaughter of Mrs. Alton …
MR., MRS. MICHAEL DAVIS
Barton-Davis Jordan Taylor Barton and Michael George Davis, both of Sumter, were united in marriage at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at The O'Donnell House in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Glenn and Stacy Barton of Sumter and the granddaughter of …
MRS. ZACHARY BYRD
Brunson-Byrd Emily Brunson and Zachary Daniel Byrd were united in marriage at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at Graham Baptist Church in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Wentworth Brunson III of Alcolu and the granddaughter of Ms. …

More Weddings

Engagements
MISS TOLBERT, MR. RAMIREZ-GARCIA
Tolbert, Ramirez-Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Will Tolbert announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Marie Tolbert, to Adrian Ramirez-Garcia, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Ramirez-Rivera, all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William R. …
McMeekin-Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. John Stephen McMeekin of Winnsboro announce the engagement of their daughter, Caroline Mayes McMeekin of Seattle, Washington, to Mr. John Watson Montgomery of Seattle, son of Dr. and Mrs. Alan Bruce Montgomery of Medina, …
MR. SMITH, MISS PASTORE
Pastore-Smith Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. Pastore of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Chelsea Marie Pastore of Sumter, to Brandon S. Smith of Chesterfield, son of Mr. Scott Smith and Mrs. Lisa G. Hardwick of Chesterfield. The bride-elect graduated …
MR. STEPHENS, MISS SPROTT
Sprott- Stephens Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Burgess Sprott III of Manning announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah DuBose Sprott of Conway, to Mr. Daniel Carlton Stephens of Lake View, son of Mr. David Norman …
Reflections
Combat photographer Heyward Crowson stands on the steps of a Chinese temple in Tientsin, China.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Item photographer featured in Chinese paper

Reflections remembers the accomplishments of Heyward Crowson in China during World War II. In October of 1945, Mrs. Ruth Crowson received from her husband, who was serving in the Marine Corps, a copy of the Chinese-English Intelligence paper from …

More

Yesteryear
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO On March 25, 1995, Gregg Herlong, right, owner of Manning Tractor, shows Clarendon farmer Scott Jackson a new planter recently released by the John Deere Company. The planter operates on the principles of vacuum rather than the traditional principles of gravity.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Swan Lake bridge construction underway; Bradford competes at Classic 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Oct. 19 - Oct. 25 - Decay-producing organisms remain alive for many months in sweet potato storage houses, say Clemson plant disease specialists, who advise that these organisms be eliminated before the new crop of sweet …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO J. Harold Wilson, president of the Sumter County Farm Bureau, presents Denise Ann Compton, 10, with a check June 16, 1970, that will enable her to compete in the National Majorette Association finals. The event was to be held the week of June 22 in Portsmouth, Virginia. Denise is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Compton.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Red Cross Canteen members greet every troop train; 'puff mud' found 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Oct. 12 - Oct. 18 - Four air bases in the two Carolinas, including Shaw Field at Sumter, are included in the list of 85 flying fields, depots, hospitals and other establishments the Army Air Forces has recommended for …
The 1970 American Legion P-15's team was, front row from left: Allen Johnson, Pat Mills, Tommy Jackson, Bill Brown, Donnie Branham and Monty Oxendine; second row: Ricky Barkley, Oakie Lowder, Dickie Jones, Ronnie Scarborough, Brantley Carter and Bo Boyle; back row: Coach Bernard Jones, Coach Wallie Jones, Larry Reynolds, Fletcher Smith, Mike Steen and Coach Tommy Jones.
Yesteryear with Sammy Way: St. Anne's donates clothes to children; Farmers' Field Day hosted 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Oct. 5 - Oct. 11 - The local committee for Fire Prevention Week, to be held Oct. 7-13, was announced by Mayor Edwin Boyle. The committee includes E. H. Lynam, chairman; C. V. Wilder, vice chairman; and D. W. Cuttino Jr. …

More

From the opinion pages
Columnists
 OPINION: Collective national effort can conquer this virus
WHEELER
OPINION: Coal plants, coal ash aren't part of energy future I envision for S.C.
Editorial cartoon: Friday, March 26, 2020
Your view
© Copyright 2020 The Sumter Item | Terms of Use / Privacy Policy | Cancellation / Refund Policy
Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions