Happening Now
A Lemira Elementary School teacher leads students recently at the school. According to Sumter School District, all schools will dismiss early on Thursday and Friday will be an eLearning day.
Sumter School District schools to dismiss early Thursday ahead of Hurricane Ian; Friday will be eLearning day
Scenes from Old McCaskill’s Fall Family Farm Day on Saturday in Rembert.
Old McCaskill’s Fall Family Farm Day, other events rescheduled ahead of Hurricane Ian
Sumter's eSTEAM Festival, Oktoberfest still on tap for Saturday ahead of Hurricane Ian
Sumter coroner releases name of man shot in deputy-involved shooting Monday; SLED investigating
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Congressman James E. Clyburn embrace during visit to Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park in Summerton on Tuesday.
Haaland, Clyburn visit Summerton to honor Brown v. Board of Education national park sites, conservation efforts for civil rights history

South Carolina, Sumter, prepares for effects from Hurricane Ian

Anthony and Jack Bracey load lumber they bought for additional protection for their horses in preparation for Hurricane Ian at Lowes on Broad Street in Sumter on Tuesday.
Editor's note: This article and all of The Sumter Item's hurricane coverage is free as a public service online at www.theitem.com. We believe having access to reliable, accurate and up-to-date local information before, during and after inclement …
Liberty STEAM Charter School welcomes incoming students with a Back to School Extravaganza on Aug. 4. The 345 students along with their families came to the school to participate in activities, fill out necessary forms and meet their teachers.
Sumter's Liberty STEAM Charter dismissing early, eLearning Friday ahead of Hurricane Ian
Ruby Heider was found on Saturday morning after going missing in Poinsett State Park on Friday evening.
Sumter investigator recounts moment of relief finding 3-year-old in state park
Clarendon residents can donate blood, receive Visa gift card

Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: A Burger Cook-off to Help Battle Cancer

The Palmetto Optimist Club hosted a burger cook-off in downtown Sumter to raise money for Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas. According to executive director Laura Allen, the organization …

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Friends to Follow
SPORTS
Sumter High's Zyeir Gamble and the Gamecocks fell to No. 10 in the latest S.C. Prep Football Media Poll.
Sumter High slips to No. 10 in latest S.C. Prep Football Media Poll
AREA ROUNDUP
Crestwood volleyball sweeps Manning for 2nd time
Laurence Manning's Brandon King had a long road back from an ACL tear as a sophomore. Two years later, he's feeling as confident as ever on his surgically repaired right knee.
THE GRIND
The Grind, Presented by Bank of Clarendon: Laurence Manning's King taking a leap 2 years after ACL tear
Former Crestwood star Ja Morant, left, and the Memphis Grizzlies are ready to take another step after falling to the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals last season.
Young Grizzlies still cocky, hungrier after semifinals loss
Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) looks to pass as Wake Forest defensive lineman Jasheen Davis (30) tries to tackle him during the Tigers' double-overtime win on Saturday.
Uiagalelei, offense boost No. 5 Clemson in key ACC stretch
Fact Checks From The Associated Press

NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week

By The Associated PressSocial media users shared a range of false claims this week. Here are the facts: President Joe Biden did not announce that the U.S. is signing a U.N. "Small Arms Treaty," that …

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More local news
Free COVID-19 vaccine event scheduled for Wednesday in Summerton
Fire hydrant flow tests set for Wednesday, Thursday on Airport Road in Sumter
The Humane Society of the United States assists federal authorities in rescuing dogs from an alleged dogfighting operation throughout multiple properties in South Carolina.
Largest dogfighting ring in S.C. history has ties to Sumter, Clarendon, Lee counties
Katie Collins, Water and Resources Agent with Clemson Extension, shows students at Wilder Elementary a litter lesson kit in August..Clemson Extension brought litter lesson kits to elementary schools in Sumter to teach kids about the environmental impact of littering. Sumter was awarded with a good standing recognition for its litter prevention efforts this year.
Sumter in 'good standing' with Keep S.C. Beautiful litter prevention
Manning woman killed in 2-vehicle wreck on Old Georgetown Road

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More Sports
Manning High's Justin Daniels, center, carries the ball against First Baptist on Friday.
High School Football Week 5: The 5 biggest headlines from Friday night
Lee Academy head coach David Rankin and the Cavs cruises to a win over Cross Schools on Friday.
Lee Academy cruises to another blowout over Cross Schools
Laurence Manning and Wilson Hall shake hands after a Lady Baron victory on Thursday.
Wilson Hall volleyball completes regular season sweep of Laurence Manning
Clarendon Hall fell to Patrick Henry 22-16 on Friday.
Turnovers bookend Clarendon Hall’s 22-16 loss to Patrick Henry
Thomas Sumter's Gatlin Kimbro rushed for two scores and threw for a third in the Generals' win over Greenwood Christian on Friday.
Thomas Sumter uses late score to outlast Greenwood Christian

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Arts & Entertainment
Robert Pattinson at the premiere of "The Batman" held on March 1 at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Movies with Isaiah: ‘The Batman’ is best adaption

Batman has gone through many adaptations throughout the years. There’s no denying the character’s iconic status as one of the most recognized, beloved and interesting superheroes in …

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Nation & World
This GOES-East GeoCcolor satellite image taken at 4:26 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, and provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Hurricane Ian over the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Ian tore into western Cuba as a major hurricane Tuesday and left 1 million people without electricity, then churned on a collision course with Florida over warm Gulf waters amid expectations it would strengthen into a catastrophic Category 4 storm.
Hurricane Ian gets nasty quickly, turbocharged by warm water

Hurricane Ian is quickly gaining monstrous strength as it moves over oceans partly heated up by climate change, just like 30 other Atlantic tropical storms since 2017 that became much more powerful …

FAFSA season starts: What you need to know for financial aid NEW YORK (AP) — The Free Application for Federal Student Aid filing season starts Oct. 1 for the 2023-2024 school year. If you plan to attend college next year, experts say you might want to …
Russians lineup after crossing the border at Verkhny Lars between Georgia and Russia in Georgia, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. Long lines of vehicles have formed at a border crossing between Russia's North Ossetia region and Georgia after Moscow announced a partial military mobilization.
Over 194,000 Russians flee call-up to neighboring countries TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — It took Vsevolod four days to drive from Moscow to Russia's southern border with Georgia. He had to abandon his car at one point and continue on foot.On Tuesday, he …
This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows people and vehicles queuing for crossing the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Russian-Georgia border, on Tuesday Sept. 27, 2022, after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization in Russia.
Kremlin announces vote, paves way to annex part of Ukraine KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Kremlin paved the way Tuesday to annex more of Ukraine and escalate the war by claiming that residents of a large swath overwhelmingly supported joining with Russia in …
A large disturbance in the sea can be observed off the coast of the Danish island of Bornholm Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022 following a series of unusual leaks on two natural gas pipelines running from Russia under the Baltic Sea to Germany have triggered concerns about possible sabotage. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says she “cannot rule out” sabotage after three leaks were detected on Nord Stream 1 and 2.
Leaks on Russian gas pipelines raise concerns about sabotage WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A series of unusual leaks on two natural gas pipelines running from Russia under the Baltic Sea to Germany triggered concerns about sabotage Tuesday, overshadowing the …

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State News
South Carolina suspends some veterinary requirements to facilitate animal evacuations due to Ian

South Carolina officials have issued a temporary waiver of certain requirements for farm and companion animals being evacuated from Florida because of Hurricane Ian.The action was requested by animal …

South Carolina cannabis fight persists in farmer's lawsuit COLUMBIA (AP) - A South Carolina farmer is suing several state agencies in federal court on grounds they conspired to deny him his due process rights after authorities in 2019 destroyed his hemp crop, which was grown in unregistered fields. In a …
Midlands Fall Plant and Flower Festival Oct. 7-9 STAFF REPORT WEST COLUMBIA - Mark your calendars for the 2022 Fall Plant and Flower Festival at the South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, on Oct. 7-9. Shop for fall plants, flowers, pumpkins, gourds and other home, yard …
Child, 3, accidentally shoots and kills mother in Spartanburg home SPARTANBURG (AP) — A mother was shot and killed by her 3-year-old child who found a gun inside their South Carolina home, authorities said.Cora Lyn Bush, 33, died at the hospital a short time …
This hatpin was a gift from Christopher Gadsden to his daughter. It is currently on display in the SCHS Museum in Charleston.
Sept. 13, 1762: Gov. Boone refuses oath of office to Christopher Gadsden When Thomas Boone took over as governor of South Carolina in 1761, the locals hoped he would prove sympathetic to their call for increased legislative power. Boone was related to the Colleton family of Carolina, so the colonists thought he might be …

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Obituaries
MARY ELIZABETH HAM BURGESS

Mary Elizabeth Ham Burgess, 84, widow of Jacob Burgess Sr., departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at her residence. She was born on Oct. 17, 1937, in Clarendon County, a daughter of the late Richard Metz Ham and Katie White Ham. The …

DELORES ANN PERRY

Delores Ann Perry, 74, wife of Nathaniel Perry Jr., departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at the residence in Manning. She was born on Aug. 15, 1948, in Clarendon County, a daughter of the late Rufus Brown Sr. and Lean Holliday …

DERIC LEFELTON FARMER JR.

Deric Lefelton Farmer Jr. departed this life on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, at Lexington Medical Center, Lexington. He was born on Oct. 16, 1982, in Sumter, a son of Deric Lefelton Farmer Sr. and Julese L. Ford Farmer. Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. …

CHARLIE HARRIS JR.

Charlie Harris Jr., 82, husband of Albertha Croom Harris, departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. He was born on Oct. 10, 1939, in Sumter, a son of the late Charlie Harris Sr., and Essie Mae Bowen …

DAVID LEE THURMAN

David Lee Thurman, age 55, beloved husband of Cindy Thurman, died on Monday Sept. 26, 2022, at his residence. Arrangements will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home.

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Faith
Church News: Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 First Baptist Missionary Church, 219 S. Washington St., announces:* Friday, Oct. 14 — Food pantry giveaway beginning at 1 p.m. while supplies last. Knitting Hearts for Christ Ministry, meets …
SMITH
Sumter Pastor Clay Smith: Who Jesus hangs out with… The Gospels are clear about the company Jesus kept. We know he was criticized for hanging out with tax collectors and sinners. Religious people in his day would never spend time with folks like this. …
Bobby Richardson, former New York Yankees second baseman and Sumter native, speaks at the Sumter Crusade event at the Sumter County Civic Center on Sept. 21, 2022.
Local heroes join Evans at crusade: Sumter’s Richardson, Brice, Pleasant all speak Wednesday; about 2,800 in attendance Wednesday night had a distinct local flavor to the Tony Evans Sumter Crusade with many area heroes taking the stage, but all shared a clear message of hope through a relationship with Jesus Christ. …
Alice Drive Baptist's 3rd campus celebrates 1 year in Bishopville Alice Drive Baptist Church on Loring Mill Road became a multi-site church in 2017 after seeing a need in Sumter's southern region and launching an additional campus, Pocalla. That campus at 65 Masters Drive will have a permanent home opening in …
Celebrations
MR., MRS. FRANK W. FICKLING
Ficklings celebrate 75 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Fickling of Sumter celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, at their home. A reception was given in their honor by their three children and their spouses: Debbie and Ronnie Grooms, Gary and …
HENRY BLAKE EVERETT BALLARD
Ballards announce birth of a son Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Ballard, currently stationed with the U.S. Air Force at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, announce the birth of a son, Henry Blake Everett Ballard, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 48th Medical Group, RAF Lakenheath, Brandon, Suffolk, …
ELIZABETH and stewart LANE
Lanes celebrate 70 years Stewart and Elizabeth Lane, of Sumter, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Monday, July 4, 2022.

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Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Playful and quite the entertainer, Sumter SPCA's Yoshi is looking for a family

Yoshi is a housebroken and neutered 5-month-old creme tabby American shorthair. He is quite the playful and affectionate boy. Yoshi seeks out toys and loves to play. He is super with other cats and …

Weddings
MRS. ETHAN LANE
Hubbard-Lane CHARLESTON - Kristen Ashleigh Hubbard and Ethan Foster Lane, both of Mount Pleasant, were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at St. Luke's Chapel on the campus of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Rev. Joseph …
MR. AND MRS. TODD A. MILLS
Brown-Mills BINGHAMTON, New York - Virginia E. Brown and Todd A. Mills, both of Whitney Point, New York, were united in marriage at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022, at PAL Camp. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roy of Sumter and Melvin Brown …

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Engagements
MR. ROBINSON, MISS HURST
Hurst-Robinson Dr. and Mrs. Russell Charles Hurst Jr. of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Lori Lynne Hurst of Moore to Jeffery Neil Robinson of Moore, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Houston Robinson of York. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of …
MR. COX, MISS SATZGER
Satzger-Cox Retired Lt. Col. and Mrs. Mark L. Cox of Sumter announce the engagement of their son, Ian Madison Cox of Greenville, to Sasha Satzger of Greenville, daughter of Mr. Douglas A. Satzger and Deanna Ramey, both of Pendleton. The bride-elect is the …
MR. ALLEN, MISS SMITH
Smith-Allen Mr. and Mrs. Edward Smith of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, McKenzie Rose Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina, to Connor William Allen of Charlotte, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Allen of Charlotte. The bride-elect is the …
Reflections
The Villa Maria was at 330 N. Main St. in Sumter. It was built in 1910-11 by George Epperson.

Reflections by Sammy Way: The Villa Maria, one of Sumter's most beautiful tourist homes

Reflections remembers the Villa Maria as the most sought-after tourist lodge in downtown Sumter. This home was on North Main Street, the most traveled street in Sumter before the opening of the Lafayette bypass. This beautiful edifice, managed by …

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Yesteryear
Coach Larry Weldon gives instructions to Sumter gridsters during spring drills on March 5, 1948.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Theater hosts 'Beauty and the Beast' tryouts; author signs wedding humor book 75 YEARS AGO - 1948 March 2 - 8 - The Green Dragons, led by John Duffie, defeated the Red Raiders in the Y Midget league for the championship. Both teams were tied with one game remaining between the two teams, and in an overtime period, the …
Sumter County Sheriff I. Byrd Parnell revises one of his campaign posters Nov. 8, 1972, to read an overwhelming margin, picking up the most votes ever given to a county candidate: 13,891. His opponent, C.W. McCoy, received 1,594 votes. The Democratic sheriff had served in his position for more than 20 years.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Municipal airport plans aerial spectacular; lightning hits church again 75 YEARS AGO - 1948 Feb. 23 - 28 - Efforts to institute a search for the bodies of three Sumter youths missing in the Wateree River, 20 miles west of here, since Saturday were underway. The county sheriff's office said that it had called on …
New Sumter Chamber of Commerce President E. C. Stroman Jr., left, and guest speaker Congressman Tom S. Gettys study a "Pitch in!" poster, which was among decorations at the 63rd-annual meeting of the chamber on Oct. 30, 1972. Beautification and cleanup were to be the chamber's major civic goals during that year.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Rehearsals begin for Junior Follies musical; Sumter church opens café 75 YEARS AGO - 1948 Feb. 16 - 22 - Edward McDowell of Elliott, Lee County, was recently awarded an engraved gold watch for winning the state meat animal contest. This award was given by the Thomas E. Wilson Packing Co. of Chicago and …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Editorial cartoon: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022
Editorial cartoon: Weekend, Sept. 24-26, 2022
DURHAM
Column by Sumter Pastor Joey Durham: God grants His salvation to anyone who desires it
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