Happening Now
NEWSPAPERS LOST IN 2020: Ten newspapers in South Carolina folded their print editions in 2020. Allendale County (in yellow) is South Carolina’s one news desert.
Uncovered: When newspapers close, bonds among locals weaken, and misdeeds can thrive.
DiPaolo
Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital Sumter CEO is named
Sumter Little Theatre opens "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" on Thursday. Shown in a recent rehearsal are, from left, cast members Cierra Stewart, Adrian Rios, Todd Warrick and Lexi Melton.
Vagaries of love, relationships explored in SLT's musical comedy: 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change' opens Thursday
Sumter County Department of Education
Pfizer vaccine available at Sumter County Fair
Off to the polls: 3 candidates race for Town of Mayesville council

Oktoberfest returns to Main Street in Sumter

Bonnie and Thomn Black enjoy Oktoberfest in Sumter. See more photos from the event on A6.
Sumter held its 12th Oktoberfest on Saturday on Main Street. The annual event brings in people from across South Carolina to eat traditional German food and drink beer. During the course of the event's history, $400,000 has been raised and donated …
Langley man, 31, shot to death near Sumter apartment complex
Sumter County Fair returns on Tuesday
Lee County COVID-19 Response Team brings COVID-19 vaccines to Lee County

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: Elementary students weigh in on masks

Parents, school leaders, legislators and even people who have no connection to schools have been weighing in on the debate of masks in schools.

We decided to ask the students what they …

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Friends to Follow
SPORTS
South Carolina quarterback Zeb Noland (8) and head coach Shane Beamer celebrate after beating Vanderbilt 21-20 on Saturday in Columbia.
Noland rallies South Carolina to 21-20 win over Vandy; to start against A&M
Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford (24) and the Bearcats moved up to No. 2 in the most recent Associated Press Top 25 Poll.
Cincinnati up to No. 2; Purdue snaps poll drought
Manning's Dajuan Butler (60) opened the door for the Monarchs to run for 310 yards in a 44-22 win over Marlboro County on Friday.
Sumter Touchdown Club Players of the Week
Sumter Touchdown Club Players of the Week: Manning gets first win of the season behind big performances from McFadden, Butler
Carolina running back Chuba Hubbard (30) will likely see more hand-offs from Sam Darnold (14) going forward as the Panthers make changes after losing three straight games.
Ready to run: Panthers' offense will look 'vastly different'
Kyle Larson (5) celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas.
Larson 1st into NASCAR's championship 4 in a comeback season
Poll of the Week

Do you support redrawing school zone lines?

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

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The downtown area is shown for current zones for Sumter's three high schools in the current realignment study. Detailed maps are available at sumterrealignment.com.
Detailed maps of Sumter School District school draft zoning options online
ALSTON
Educational equity, resource officers before Sumter school board's Policy Committee
From left are winners Antiqunette Dow, Jason Montgomery, Kyndra Johnson, Mary Copeland Heath, Alonzo McDonald, Ashley Reddick, C. Scott Horton, Shretta Godbolt, Mironda Scott, Jacob Mullikin, Brooke Braswell, Breanna Hughes, Taylor Daylami, Katie Leblanc, David Ferrell, Torey Shannon, Roderick McGee, Aaron Green, Krissy Milan and Lewis Warr.
Sumter Top 20 Young Professionals Under 40 winners announced
Seen is Lee County Fire Department headquarters in Bishopville. Lee County Council introduced a mutual aid agreement between Lee and Kershaw county fire departments that provides fire and other emergency services in unincorporated areas of both counties.
Lee, Kershaw county fire departments announce automatic aid agreement; new rural fire station near completion
Red Fire Truck isolated on White
Sumter firefighters blend tradition with new technology for Fire Prevention Week

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More Sports
Sumter's Chris Ramirez and the Gamecocks travel to St. James on Friday.
Volleyball playoffs and local football highlights 5 Things to Watch This Week
Laurence Manning's Nolan Osteen (5) rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns in the Swampcats' 35-21 win over Pinewood Prep.
Stout defense and rushing attack lifts Laurence Manning over Pinewood Prep
PHOTOS: Wilson Hall outlasts Thomas Sumter football in overtime
Ernie Calloway of Scott's Branch running the football. East Clarendon beats Scott Branch in a thrilling last minute possession homecoming game on Friday night, Oct. 15, 2021.
PHOTOS: East Clarendon outlasts Scott's Branch for Homecoming win
East Clarendon's Tymere Cooper (18) rushes during the Wolverines' 14-8 win over Scott's Branch on Friday. Cooper scored both EC touchdowns in the victory.
East Clarendon outlasts Scott's Branch in Homecoming slug-fest 14-8

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Panorama
LANE

Renowned horticulturist visits Manning

MANNING - "Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?" The beloved Mother Goose rhyme comes to life on Oct. 20 when renowned horticulturist Bryce Lane takes the stage at Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., for a program titled "Color …

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Nation & World
U.S.: States can order COVID-19 shots for younger kids next week

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. health officials are setting the stage for a national COVID-19 vaccination campaign for younger children, inviting state officials to order doses before the shots are authorized. Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine is currently …

Ancient groundwater: Why the water you drink could be thousands of years old Communities that rely on the Colorado River are facing a water crisis. Lake Mead, the river's largest reservoir, has fallen to levels not seen since it was created by the construction of the Hoover …
AP Photo / Haven Daily Ted Bowman, design engineer with Tsunami Products, installs a unit in homeowner Don Johnson's backyard in Benicia, California. The recent invention can make water out of the air, and in parched California, some homeowners are already buying the pricey devices. The air-to-water systems work like air conditioners by using coils to chill air, then collect water drops in a basin.
In dry Calif., some buy units that make water from air BENICIA, Calif. - The machine Ted Bowman helped design can make water out of the air, and in parched California, some homeowners are already buying the pricey devices. The air-to-water systems work like air conditioners by using coils to chill …
Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russia says it pushed U.S. destroyer from area near its waters MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's Defense Ministry said a Russian warship on Friday prevented a U.S. Navy destroyer from what it described as an attempt to intrude into Russia's territorial waters in the Sea of Japan. The incident came as Russia and China …
FDA panel endorses booster shot for J&J COVID-19 vaccine WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health advisers endorsed a booster of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine Friday, citing growing worry that Americans who got the single-dose shot aren't as …

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State News
Savannah River Site contractor sued over vaccine mandate

COLUMBIA - The operator of a sprawling federal nuclear reservation in South Carolina says the vast majority of its 5,500 workers are now vaccinated against COVID-19 after the company mandated the shots. But nearly 80 Savannah River Site employees …

ROOF
Dylann Roof's request to reconsider recusal is denied Dylann Roof's chances for a new appellate hearing continue to dwindle, with a court refusing to reconsider recusing itself from his appeal over his death sentence and conviction in the 2015 racist slayings of nine members of a Black South Carolina …
Alex Murdaugh walks into his bond hearing Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Varnville. Murdaugh surrendered Thursday to face insurance fraud and other charges after state police said he arranged to have himself shot in the head so that his son would get a $10 million life insurance payout.
Murdaugh charged with taking insurance money in maid's death COLUMBIA — A prominent South Carolina lawyer has been charged with stealing insurance settlements meant for the sons of his late housekeeper, state police said Thursday.Alex Murdaugh was …
SCOTT
S.C.'s Tim Scott gives early nod to McMaster in governor race U.S. Sen. Tim Scott didn't endorse a primary candidate in South Carolina's 2018 gubernatorial race, but for 2022, he's offering an early nod to incumbent Republican Gov. Henry McMaster. Next month, …
MCMASTER
Dismissal upheld in S.C. lawsuit over unemployment benefits COLUMBIA (AP) — The South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a lawsuit against Gov. Henry McMaster over his early exit from federal unemployment programs providing extra money to …

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Obituaries
IRENE PEARSON

Mother Irene Pearson, wife of Aaron Pearson, was born on Nov. 22, 1938, in Sumter, to Ben and Martha Mallette Dargan. She departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at Springdale Healthcare Center in …

MARY LOUISE WALTERS

Mary Louise Walters, 53, was born on May 16, 1968, in Sumter, a daughter of Mary E. Prince Walters and the late Joe Louis Walters. She departed this life on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, at her residence. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. …

CLEOPHUS OLIVER

Cleophus "Mr. Harmon" Oliver, 88, died on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at his place of residence in Summerton. Born on March 20, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was a son of late Aaron and Beatrice Burch Oliver. The family will receive …

CORA LEE HOOD

Cora Lee Hood, 73, died on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, at MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center in Camden. Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Adam and Corinne Hood. Miss Hood was a member of Long Branch Baptist Church and was a retired …

JAMES EDWARD BRUNSON

James Edward Brunson, 71, died on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia. Born on Feb. 24, 1950, in Sumter, he was a son of the late Edward McCoy Brunson and Louise Scurry Brunson. He was a member of Graham …

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Faith
Church News: Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, announces: * Friday, Oct. 29 - Trunk-or-treat event from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Following the trunk-or-treat, enjoy the showing of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Dalzell United Methodist …
Sumter Pastor Clay Smith: To boldly go Growing up in Florida in the 1960s, you could not escape the space race. We could see rockets launched from a hundred miles away, flames ascending into the sky. I remember touring the Kennedy Space Center right after Apollo 11 first landed on the …
DURHAM
Column by Sumter pastor Joey Durham: Our prayer: 'Even so, come, Lord Jesus' I want to bring a devotion to your heart today on this thought, "The Last Prayer in the Bible." I want to take my text from Revelation 22:20, where we read, "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord …
Church News: Friday, Oct. 8, 2021 Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, announces: * Saturday - The great pumpkin day will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include a bounce house, live music and free hot dogs and chips. * Friday, Oct. 29 - …
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 …
MR., MRS. KENNETH L. BENJAMIN
Benjamins celebrate 50 years of marriage Kenneth L. and Dianne R. Benjamin of Sumter will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 25, 2021. A family cruise will be taken in the summer of 2022 in their honor.The couple has …

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Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Sumter SPCA's Willy is very playful, would be perfect as an only pet

FAR LEFT: Willy is a neutered, housebroken 4-year-old Jack Russell terrier. He is active, friendly and very playful. Willy absolutely adores toys of all kinds and lives for hugs and cuddles. He's a super sweet boy but is not good with other dogs, …

Weddings
CAPT. AND MRS. GRAHAM BROOKER STOLTE
Ricciarelli-Stolte ASHEVILLE, North Carolina - Brianna Marie Ricciarelli of Cary, North Carolina, and Graham Brooker Stolte of Mount Pleasant were united in marriage at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Point Lookout Vineyard. The bride is the daughter of Mr. …
MR., MRS. MATTHEW CONYERS JR.
Goodman-Conyers Nancy Goodman of Dothan, Alabama, and Matthew Conyers Jr. of Sumter and Bronx, New York, were united in marriage on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Eva Rabb and the late Mr. Benjamin Rabb, and the late Mr. …

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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 …
MR. MAYHEW, MISS ALSBROOKS
Alsbrooks-Mayhew Mr. and Mrs. Michael Steve Alsbrooks Sr. of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Hannah Nicole Alsbrooks of Sumter, to Mr. Jeremy Allin Mayhew of Denver, Colorado, son of the late Mr. Edwin Dean Mayhew of Denver and Shelli Mayhew (nee …
MISS WILSON
Wilson-Chestnut Mr. and Mrs. John Joe Wilson Jr. of Manning announce the engagement of their daughter, Celia Burgess Wilson of Manning, to Mr. Hunter Tyson Chestnut of Conway, son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Tyson Chestnut Jr. of Conway. The bride-elect is the …
Reflections
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOS This ad for Jenkins Auto was published Nov. 8, 1910.

Reflections by Sammy Way: 1909, A year of prosperity and change in Sumter

Reflections remembers the Sumter community and the numerous structural changes and societal advancements made by its citizenry during this era. This two-part issue discusses the arrival of the 20th century and how it ushered in momentous …

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Yesteryear
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Wendell M. Levi, Sumter attorney, looks over a plaque of appreciation he received from the Los Angeles Pigeon Club for his lifetime work and contributions to the study of pigeons. The author of three books about pigeons, Levi was considered by many to be one of the world's leading authorities on pigeons.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Pinewood farmer wins Ford award; 'motor voter' law in effect 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 March 24 - 29 - Mrs. Charles Sanders and Miss Lucile Brown took the Hillcrest High School senior class and the ninth-grade civil government class on an educational tour of Columbia on Wednesday. They visited the Senate, and …
Sumter Elks Lodge No. 855 officially opened Nov. 23, 1971, in its new building overlooking Second Mill. Past Grand Exalted Ruler Robert G. Pruitt addressed the crowd.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: New Sumter Elks lodge opens; Octoberfest benefits local charities 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 March 17 - 22 - Sherwood Price, lower state president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, will speak at the Jaycee meeting here at the Coca-Cola Community Center. Detailed plans for the minstrel to be held in April will be …
From left, Lehman and Michael Stiles, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Stiles, presented a puppet show during Central School's bazaar in November 1971. Among their repertoire were Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Lone Ranger program comes to Sumter; crews help after hurricane 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 March 10 - 16 - A group of interested Sumter residents met at the Carnegie library to discuss plans for the organization of a "Friends of the Library" group in Sumter. George D. Levy, presiding at the meeting, commented on …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Editorial cartoon: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021
LIVINGSTON
Column by Manning Pastor Sam Livingston: Carving out your niche with the talents and gifts God gave you
Editorial cartoon: Friday, Oct. 15, 2021
Your view
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