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CHILDS
Judge nixes witness signature requirement on absentee ballots
Absentee voting open for special Sumter County Council primary
PHOTOS BY KAYLA GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEMThe Sumter County Genealogical Society held an open house recently to highlight what they have to offer.
Sumter's family history on display
If searching for work, transportation industry has 'lifeboats'
Sumter native goes from homeless to hero in Greenville with Sunday Dinners

Sumter grandma duo pitches in with virtual school

PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM Aubrielle Burk, right, a first-grader at Millwood Elementary School, and her sister, Gabby Burk, a seventh-grader at Bates Middle School, get help from their grandmothers, Gwen Burk, left, and Loretta Brown, on their virtual school assignments at Gwen's home on Thursday.
Since mid-March, Gwen Burk has had the routine down. Her daughter-in-law, Laquetta Burk, arrives about 7:15 a.m. at her home in the Twin Lakes subdivision with the two granddaughters in tow for …

Sumter County LWV celebrates National Voter Registration Day
Sumter's Palmetto Tennis Center received a $2 million hidden earmark to help with its renovation efforts to bring a new clubhouse and clay courts to the complex. Lawmakers and city officials hope the expansion will bring in tourists to boost the local economy.
Sumter County benefited most from $44 million in 'hidden' funds in S.C. budget
A car and truck are both submerged in flood waters on South Pike near S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles in Sumter.
Sumter sees record rainfall from Sally

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: USC Sumter showcases its softball program

USC Sumter is proud of its softball program and facilities, and they held a training camp and open house over the weekend to try to entice recruits. After going through the camp, attendees were …

Tickets for Lakewood's opener along with the rest of the home games for Sumter School District football teams, will be sold in advance this season.
Tickets for Sumter School District home football games to be sold in advance
Laurence Manning scored touchdowns in each half and played shutdown defense in a 14-0 win over Ben Lippen on Friday.
Laurence Manning defense shines again in 14-0 win over Ben Lippen
Crestwood defensive lineman Parris Lowery will be the centerpiece of the Knights' defensive front this season.
Quarterbacks still battling it out as season approaches for Crestwood
The Sumter football team will travel to Socastee for its season opener on Friday.
The return of SCHSL football highlights the 5 things to watch this week
East Clarendon running back Marques Webb (26) and the Wolverines have a lot of offensive continuity to help boost their offense after an offseason that was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
East Clarendon bonds over football as season approaches
Poll of the Week

A poster is displayed in the entrance way looking for volunteers as the world's biggest study of a possible COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., gets underway Monday, July 27, 2020, in Binghamton, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)

When will you feel comfortable getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Have a question you'd like us to ask? Email editor@theitem.com.

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More local news
Sumter residents stand in line to vote in February 2019.
What no-excuse absentee voting means for you in November
A student in Meredith Avins' 3rd-grade class at Willow Drive Elementary School participates in LEAP days on Thursday, Aug. 13, with full coronavirus safety protocol.
Pre-K, kindergarten, 1st grade can begin hybrid classes in Sumter School District Oct. 1
Voting is open for Sumter Item's Teacher of the Month
Litter pickup is Saturday in City of Sumter
ULLRICH
Leisure, hospitality jobs in S.C. still hurting the most

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More Sports
PHOTOS: Laurence Manning beats Ben Lippen 14-0
TIM LEIBLE / THE SUMTER ITEM Wilson Hall quarterback Tate Sistare (5) and the Barons struggled to get their offense moving in a 47-7 loss to Hammond on Friday.
Wilson Hall gets behind early in 47-7 loss to Hammond
Lee cashes in on great Price as Cavs beat Florence Christian 35-19
Wilson Hall quarterback Tate Sistare (5) and running back Doc Walker (6) and the rest of the Barons will travel to Columbia to face Hammond on Friday.
Wilson Hall takes on SCISA football behemoth Hammond
The offensive line is a major question mark for Lakewood this year, as the Gators have to replace four of their five starters from last season.
Defense ready to take center stage for Lakewood

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Panorama
PHOTO PROVIDED Sumter's Carolita Cantrell's Lady with a Fur, a cardboard mosaic with pieces painted or left as they were was exhibited in the 2020 Artfields in Lake City.

ArtFields calls for Southern artists Lake City to host 9th annual exhibition

ArtFields invites both emerging and established artists from 12 southeastern states to enter the ninth exhibition and competition that turns Lake City into a town-wide gallery for nine days in the spring. Accepted artists will have their work …

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Nation & World
Joe Mirable surveys the damage to his business after Hurricane Sally moved through the area Thursday in Perdido Key, Florida. Rivers swollen by Hurricane Sally's rains threatened more misery for parts of the Florida Panhandle and south Alabama on Thursday, as the storm's remnants continued to dump heavy rains inland that spread flooding to Georgia and the Carolinas.
Running out of storm names, Atlantic season goes Greek

The Atlantic's record-breaking "crazy" hurricane season got a bizarre European remake Friday as forecasters ran out of traditional names and trotted out the Greek alphabet for subtropical storm Alpha. And it was misplaced geographically, bearing …

U.S. bans WeChat, TikTok from app stores The U.S. Commerce Department said Friday it will ban Chinese-owned TikTok and WeChat from U.S. app stores on Sunday and will saddle the apps with technical restrictions that could seriously limit their functionality in the U.S. The order, which …
REDFIELD
CDC drops controversial testing advice NEW YORK - U.S. health officials on Friday dropped a controversial piece of coronavirus guidance and said anyone who has been in close contact with an infected person should get tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention essentially …
Will Lester / The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP A firefighter puts out a hot spot along Highway 38 northwest of Forrest Falls, California, as the El Dorado Fire continues to burn Thursday afternoon. The fire started by a device at a gender reveal party last Saturday.
Firefighter dies battling wildfire in California sparked by gender reveal SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) - A firefighter died battling a wildfire in California that officials said was sparked by a device used to reveal a baby's gender. The death happened Thursday in the San Bernardino National Forest as crews battled the …
TRUMP
Majority of Trump supporters to cast vote on Election Day DENVER - A majority of President Donald Trump's supporters plan to cast their ballot on Election Day, while about half of Joe Biden's backers plan to vote by mail, a sign of a growing partisan divide over how best to conduct elections in the United …

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State News
S.C. justices reopen courtroom with school funding lawsuit

COLUMBIA (AP) - Meeting in person for oral arguments for the first time since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the South Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments Friday over whether Gov. Henry McMaster has the power to direct $32 million in …

SMITH
Sumter legislator Smith wants raises and bonuses, but not now COLUMBIA - The chairman of the House committee that writes South Carolina's budget said he also wants a small raise for teachers and a $1,000 COVID-19 hazard pay bonus for lower-paid state workers, but now isn't the time to spend that …
McMaster signs into law COVID-19 election rules COLUMBIA (AP) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law Wednesday changes in South Carolina voting rules allowing anyone to cast an absentee ballot without a reason in November's general election to help fight the spread of …
South Carolina Senate OKs teacher raises, hazard pay; Now, on to the House COLUMBIA (AP) — The South Carolina Senate passed changes Tuesday to the state budget that would provide a small raise to most teachers and a hazard pay bonus for some lower-paid state …
A voter walks past the table of "I voted" stickers at the Willow Drive precinct in June 2018.
No-excuse absentee bill is headed to governor's desk COLUMBIA - The first day of the South Carolina Legislature's two-week special session to wrap up ends left loose by the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by two groups advocating for constitutional rights at the capitol building: One urging legislators …

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Obituaries
LUCRETIA SINGLETON

Lucretia Singleton, 85, died on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut. Born  on Sept. 6, 1935, in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Harry and …

ANNIE MAE SIMMONS

Annie Mae Simmons, 87, died on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, at McLeod Health Clarendon, Manning. Born on April 1, 1933, in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late  Cleveland and Mary …

LAVONA RUTH CLARK HYATT

Lavona Ruth Clark Hyatt, age 69, died on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, at her residence. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book. The family has chosen Bullock …

LINDA ANN MYERS

Linda Ann Myers, age 75, died on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, at her residence. Born in Pomaria, she was a daughter of the late Dewey Edwin Free and Jessie Marie Bentley Free. Ms. Myers loved her family, music, church and God. She was a loving mother …

JOSEPH FRANKLIN MCLEOD JR.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, God saw fit in his infinite wisdom to call Joseph Franklin McLeod Jr., 52, home from earthly battles to heavenly rewards. Joseph, known to most as "Speedy," was born on Aug. 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to …

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Celebrations
MR., MRS. CHARLES THOMAS OSBORNE
Osbornes celebrate 50 years Charles Thomas and Alice Garrett Osborne, of Sumter, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020. Their two children are Brandon Osborne and Sara and Franklin Trepoy, all of Sumter. The couple has two …
MR., MRS. BOBBY B. RABON
Rabons celebrate 70 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bobby B. Rabon, of Sumter, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at their home. A celebration with family and friends will be held at a later date. Their two children and their spouses are Teresa …
MR., MRS. GARY CROSKEY
Croskeys celebrate 60 years Gary and Judy Croskey of Sumter celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Friday, June 19, 2020. Their two children are Yvette White and Jacqui Croskey Hawkey. The couple has five grandchildren.

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Faith
Church News: Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Sunday, Sept. 27 - The 127th anniversary of the church and homecoming will be celebrated at 11 a.m. via Facebook and YouTube. The Rev. Dr. Travis S. Holmes, of Ladson, will …
SMITH
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith: The stars are telling you something . . . Days on the ranch started early. First you put on your britches, then you went to the barn to feed up. Then you ate breakfast. Back then, my parents didn't see the need for a security lamp. It didn't matter how dark it was, the barn hadn't moved in …
As Africa's cases rise, faith is put to the test KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) - The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the patience of some religious leaders across Africa who worry they will lose followers, and funding, as restrictions on gatherings continue. Some evangelical Christian leaders in Uganda have …
Church News: Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 Knitting Hearts Ministry, which meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday - Knitting Hearts will meet from 10 a.m. to noon. Atiya Fazal Massey will share an inspirational message of freedom, healing and hope. Find the …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Ramona gets along with other cats and dogs

LEFT: Ramona is a housebroken 7-month-old American short hair. She is great with other cats, children and even dogs. Ramona is friendly, active and affectionate. She adores back scratches and lots of attention. The Sumter SPCA is located at 1140 …

Weddings
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT T. OUZTS
Burress-Ouzts Emily Caroline Burress of Sumter and Robert Thomas Ouzts of Manning were united in marriage on Sunday, May 3, 2020, in a private ceremony. A celebration of marriage was held at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Sumter. The …
MRS. JAMES A. GOODSON IV
Segars-Goodson Jane Elizabeth Segars and James Arthur Goodson IV, both of Sumter, were united in marriage at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020, at LinRan Farm in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Burrell "Billy" Raymie Segars Sr. and Nicolle Segars of …
MR., MRS. TAYLOR MOREHOUSE
Bradford-Morehouse TIMMONSVILLE - Erin Elaine Bradford of Sumter and Taylor Allen Morehouse of Summerton were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2020, at The Cabin at Old Spur. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scott Bradford of Sumter, …
MRS. AUSTIN O'NEIL BOYLE
Weeks-Boyle Erika Meurling Weeks of Greenville and Austin O'Neil Boyle of Augusta, Georgia, were united in marriage at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2020, at the home of the bridegroom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adville Barnes Boyle III of Sumter. The bride is the …

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Engagements
Bultman-Satterfield Ms. Cynthia D. Bultman of Sumter announces the engagement of her daughter, Megan Bultman of Sumter, to William Satterfield of Heard County, Georgia, son of William and Kelly Satterfield of Heard County. The bride-elect is also the daughter of Mr. …
MISS CURTIS, MR. JOHNSON
Curtis-Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Curtis of Lenoir, North Carolina, announce the engagement of their daughter, Sara Suzanne Curtis of Lenoir, to Samuel Lawrence Johnson of Sumter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy P. Johnson of Sumter. The bride-elect is the …
MISS JOHNSON, MR. LEE
Johnson-Lee Ms. Tracie Dana Sykes of Sumter and Mr. and Mrs. William Howard Johnson of Manning announce the engagement of their daughter, Dinah Davis Johnson of Sumter, to Christopher Derek Lee of Sumter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Leroy Lee of …
MR. DEMERY, MISS GAYLE
Gayle-Demery Daniel and Michele Demery of Manning announce the engagement of their son, Treyon Marquise Demery of Smyrna, Georgia, to Melyssa Gayle of Smyrna, daughter of Noel and Althea Gayle of Flowery Branch, Georgia. The bride-elect is the granddaughter …
Reflections
Glider pilots were instrumental in the Normandy Invasion, and many signed up to serve at Shaw Field before being sent to training schools.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Gliders played an important role in Normandy Invasion

Reflections looks back at an important segment of the U.S. military joined by numerous soldiers from the Sumter community. The Glider Infantry program proved an integral part of the armed forces and played an important role in the Normandy Invasion, …

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Yesteryear
Freddie Solomon, the Sumter quarterback who led the South to a 35-23 victory over the North in the Shrine Bowl game in December 1970, talks with assistant coach Buddy Sasser of Conway. Sasser said the South coaches asked Solomon to do more running.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Sumter boxer is Denver star; Boykin's Mill products chosen by QVC 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 April 4 - 8 - Announcement is made today of the retirement of S.B. Green as general manager of the South Carolina Continental Telephone Co. and Sumter Telephone Co. after 18 years' service with these and other independent …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Tech. Sgt. Kelly Ross explains his job as a fireman to Camp Catch-a-Breath campers Sept. 11, 1995.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: SHS adds soccer for students; new equipment at Poinsett range 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 March 31 - April 3 - Here's a sure sign that America is gradually getting back to the pre-war way of life - the circuses of fond memories are on the road and will visit the Monahan Show Grounds in Sumter. Actually the …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Sumter City Fire Department's first female firefighter, Debbie Ivey, dressed in her full firefighting gear, prepares to undergo training exercises in September 1995.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Cotton improvement contest held again; Gamecocks are top dog 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 March 25 - 30 - Dogwood season, now in full swing, is perhaps nature's most appealing effort in loveliness. There is a lovely legend of the dogwood which comes from past centuries. Because of its hardness, it is said that …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Editorial cartoon: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020
Editorial cartoon: Friday, Sept. 18, 2020
WEATHERS
OPINION: Greenhouse campus will be a game changer for farming in S.C.
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