Sumter dad returning from cross-country trip in Model T to raise awareness, money for condition

Todd Touchberry and his wife, Jennifer, are traveling across the country in their 1920 Ford Model T to raise awareness and research money for the condition their daughter Elizabeth was born with, hydrocephalus.
It's almost been two full weeks since Todd and Jennifer Touchberry of Sumter set off to traverse America in a 1920 Ford Model T to support hydrocephalus awareness and research. Todd's 22-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, was diagnosed with …
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Arts & Entertainment

Movies with Isaiah: 'Thanksgiving' gets a gruesome, bloody 10/10

Allow me to preface this review by stating that the genre of horror has different layers of feature presentations. It is not a specific form of entertainment that everyone will find significant enjoyment from. The film "Thanksgiving" is a piece of …

Nation & World
Israeli military say 10 more Israelis, 4 Thai nationals released by Hamas in latest truce

JERUSALEM - Hamas released 16 hostages late Wednesday in the last swap for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel under the current Gaza truce, as international mediators raced to seal another extension to allow further exchanges and prolong the halt …

U.S. life expectancy rose last year, but it remains below its pre-pandemic level NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. life expectancy rose last year — by more than a year — but still isn't close to what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 rise was mainly due to the …
U.S. Air Force Osprey crashes off Japan during training, killing at least one of the eight on board TOKYO (AP) — A U.S. Air Force Osprey based in Japan crashed during a training mission Wednesday off of the country's southern coast, killing at least one of the eight crew members, the Japanese …
Five journalists were shot in one day in Mexico, officials confirm MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico's president said Wednesday that two of four news photographers who were shot Tuesday are in serious condition, as prosecutors confirmed that a fifth journalist was …
Hamas and Israel exchange more hostages for prisoners on 5th day of truce DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip - Hamas released 12 hostages and Israel released 30 Palestinian prisoners on Tuesday, the fifth day of a fragile cease-fire that has enabled humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and that mediators hope to extend even as …
State News
Victims of Murdaugh's financial fraud angrily confront him in court

For years, South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh looked his anguished clients in the eyes and promised to help them with their medical bills, their suffering or simply to survive. Then he stole some, if not all, of what he won for many of …

Charleston, South Carolina, elects its first Republican mayor since Reconstruction Era COLUMBIA (AP) — The historic South Carolina city of Charleston has elected its first Republican mayor since the Reconstruction Era. William Cogswell, formerly a Republican state lawmaker, …
Trump will be in S.C. for Palmetto Bowl football matchup on Saturday COLUMBIA - Former President Donald Trump is headed back to South Carolina this weekend, attending the biggest athletic event of the year in a state where he boasts strong support heading into next year's Republican presidential nomination …
Alex Murdaugh pleads guilty to financial crimes in state court, adding to prison time BEAUFORT - Alex Murdaugh pleaded guilty Friday to stealing millions of dollars from vulnerable legal clients in schemes lasting over a decade under an agreement that all but ensures more prison time for the longtime lawyer who was convicted of …
Alex Murdaugh murder trial judge steps aside after Murdaugh asks for new trial COLUMBIA (AP) — The judge that presided over Alex Murdaugh's murder trial has agreed to step aside as the former lawyer convicted of killing his wife and younger son requests a new trial, …
Obituaries
VIRGINIA WRIGHT

BISHOPVILLE - Virginia Wright entered eternal rest on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at McCoy Memorial Nursing Center, Bishopville. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Wilson Funeral Home, 403 and 407 S. Main St., Bishopville.

PERRY LEE STRASLEY BROWN

Perry Lee Strasley Brown, 71, widow of Sammie Lee Brown, departed this life on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at her residence. She was born on Oct. 12, 1952, in Sumter, a daughter of the late Lessie Mae Brunson. The family will receive friends at …

SUE ELLEN SHULTZ

Sue Ellen Shultz, age 81, beloved wife of 59 years to Edward L. Shultz, died on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Born in Salem, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Raymond Hunter Ernst and Lucille Stoffer Ernst. Mrs. …

GATHERS

EMMA LUCILE MOORE GATHERS

Funeral services for Emma Lucile Moore Gathers will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Wayman Chapel AME Church, 160 Kings Highway, Sumter, with the Rev. Robert L. China officiating. The public may view from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Palmer Memorial …

TENTION

BOBBY R. TENTION

Bobby R. Tention, also known as "Boss," was born on Aug. 19, 1943, in Lee County, a son of the late Paul Tention and Elouise Jennings Tention. He departed this earthly life on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in the comfort of his home. Bobby attended the …

Faith
Project coordinators say 9,548 shoeboxes collected through Operation Christmas Child The greater Sumter region for Operation Christmas Child saw another successful year with 9,548 gift shoeboxes collected for children around the world, but project coordinators say blessings are also seen closer to home. Husband-and-wife team …
Church News: Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 Church of Christ, 313 Mooneyham Road, announces: - Saturday, Dec. 9 - Family and friends night, hosted by the China and Harvin families, will be held at 5 p.m. A tribute to Brother Pressly Harvin Sr. The Rev. Patrick Harvin, pastor of Jerusalem …
Church News: Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 Church of Christ, 313 Mooneyham Road, announces: - Saturday, Dec. 9 - Family and friends night, hosted by the China and Harvin families, will be held at 5 p.m. A tribute to Brother Pressly Harvin Sr. The Rev. Patrick Harvin, pastor of Jerusalem …
Sumter Triumph Ministries' annual Men's Conference was a 'phenomenal' experience For the fourth installment of its annual Men's Conference, Triumph Ministries assured those who attended this year's conference left better than how they came. On Friday, Nov. 10, and Sunday, Nov. 12, Triumph Ministries, at 99 Oswego Highway, …
Celebrations
5 living generations on each side of child's family Returning to South Carolina in early November for the winter months in 2013, I had planned to go on a day bus trip with the Senior Group from Bethesda Church of God where I am a member. Our plans were to drive to Charleston to attend the Christmas …
What you need to know to publish a 2023 debutante photo Individual photos of debutantes along with club information will publish in the Nov. 25-27 Weekend Edition of The Sumter Item. The deadline is noon Nov. 8. Please email information and photos to …
Centenarian: Sumterite Rita Seth celebrates her 100th birthday on Sept. 26 Sumter resident Rita Seth celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, Sept. 23, with six of her seven children. Seth was born Sept. 26, 1923, in Erie, Pennsylvania. After marrying Richard Seth in 1945, she traveled the world as an …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Sumter Animal Control's Puddy is a handsome and smart boy

BELOW: Puddy is a handsome fella who weighs 56 pounds and is 4 years old. Sadly, his owner can no longer take care of him. He does very well around humans but needs to be the only dog in the family. He does not always get along with other dogs. He …

Weddings
McClam-Will MAYESVILLE - Mariah Elizabeth McClam and James Michael Will, both of Sumter, were united in marriage at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Sublette's Pond House. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Derrick McClam, the granddaughter of Mrs. …
Mann-Young CASHIERS, North Carolina - Baylin Elise Mann of Pensacola, Florida, and Greyson Steele Young of Sumter were united in marriage on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Tyler Waite Mann …
Engagements
Reflections

Reflections by Sammy Way: Thanksgiving celebrates friends, food and blessings

Reflections remembers one of Sumter's noted historians and selected an inspiring column she published on Thanksgiving Day. Portia Cuttino Myers was born Aug. 22, 1917, in a large, wood-framed house on Sumter's Church Street. Mrs. Myers wrote a …

Yesteryear
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: 'Better Breathing Club' starts in Sumter; airport gets improvement grants 75 YEARS AGO - 1949 May 4-10 - S. Guerry Stukes, superintendent of the Ashwood schools in Lee County, delivered an interesting talk on the work being done at these schools at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club in the Coca Cola Community …
Yesteryear: Post sponsors marbles tournament; Gamecocks beat Camden's winning streak 75 YEARS AGO - 1949 April 27 - May 3 - Poinsett State Park will play host to club women and nature lovers from all over South Carolina when the third annual Spring Laurel and Nature Festival is held. An interesting program has been arranged by …
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: City gives away seedlings; law mandates students observe Veterans Day 75 YEARS AGO - 1949 April 19 - 26 - Sumter's Chicks and Knoxville's Smokies battled right down to the wire last night before the hometown club scored a run in the last of the eighth to break a 3-3 tie and win the ball game, 4 to 3. Raymond …
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