Happening Now
MERCHANT
City Councilman David Merchant to run for Sumter mayor
JACKSON
Bond deferred for a Sumter man facing murder charge
CURTIS
Woman killed in domestic violence incident at downtown Sumter motel
BRUCE MILLS / THE SUMTER ITEM Lee and John Capotosti stand outside their construction project at 330 N. Main St. on Tuesday. The new business, The Cleaners of Sumter, will open in March.
The Cleaners of Sumter opening in March in former Salvation Army building on Main
The Sumter Item named finalist for national Mega-Innovation newspaper award

Hamptons' Dall'Erta named Chef Ambassador

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOHamptons' and Rafters' Executive Chef Raffaele Dall'Erta, center, prepares a pizza. Dall’Erta has been named one of four to participate in the 2020 South Carolina Chef Ambassador Program. He has been at Hamptons since 2010, bringing his Italian roots to Sumter.
A man who whips up fine Italian and fresh local produce, seafood and meat by the stomach-full in downtown Sumter was chosen to represent South Carolina in an effort to entice tourism and promote agriculture. Raffaele Dall'Erta, the executive chef …
Chuck Fienning was named Humanitarian of the Year at the Sumter Family YMCA’s annual meeting.
Sumter's Chuck Fienning is Humanitarian of the Year
SHELBIE GOULDING / THE SUMTER ITEMTroy Bervig, head brewer for Sumter Original Brewery, left, and owner / operator Gray Shuler, spoke to the Sumter-Palmetto Rotary Club on Thursday.
Sumter-Palmetto Rotary Club meets brewery's head beer-maker
Change takes effort; increase your chances of success

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: Sumter’s top teachers help give back to their community

The Sumter Teacher Forum is made up of the current and most recent year’s Teachers of the Year, and they get together both for professional development and community improvement. As last …

Sumter defensive end Justus Boone (6) added Georgia to his lengthening list of college offers this week.
Sumter DE Boone adds Georgia to offer list
Switzerland's Roger Federer makes a forehand return to Tennys Sandgren of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020.
Federer saves 7 match points in Australia; Djokovic up next
East Clarendon's Tyjhai Calvin, center, drives to the basket against Mullins on Friday. Calvin is one of four senior starters that has led this EC team to an 8-0 record so far in Region VII-2A.
Out of the shadows: East Clarendon boys grabbing some spotlight from girls with special season
Kansas City wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) and the Chiefs have embraced a laid back locker room culture during their run to the Super Bowl.
Chiefs embracing loose locker room culture on Super Bowl run
Team USA's Sue Bird stands for a 24-second shot clock violation to honor Kobe Bryant during an exhibition basketball game against the University of Connecticut on Monday in Hartford, Connecticut.
Kobe Bryant leaves lasting impact on women's basketball
Poll of the Week

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More local news
Sumter camera club invites public to 3rd exhibit at college
PHOTOS BY BRUCE MILLS / THE SUMTER ITEMSusie's Chicken and Fries Restaurant is at 303 Manning Ave. and less than half a mile from the downtown area.
Susie's Chicken and Fries opens restaurant in Sumter
McELVEEN
Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen will not seek re-election in November
JACKSON
Man faces charges with Sumter’s 1st homicide of 2020
Rachel Griesinger, as Anne Frank, and Wesli Spencer, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., perform Letters from Anne and Martin at Temple Sinai on Thursday night.
Hope through hard times: Sumter County Museum hosts performance orating written letters from Anne Frank, MLK

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More Sports
Clarendon Hall crushes Conway Christian 94-64
Brown's 31 lifts Chestnut Oaks to 50-24 win over AD
Elmore leads Lady Barons to big 52-49 region victory over FCS
Electronic signs honor Kobe Bryant at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, following his death in a helicopter crash in southern California.
Morant, Allen share thoughts on untimely death of Bryant
Lady Knights down O-W to claim top spot in region

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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?

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Panorama
Photo Courtesy Sue Wagener via APIn this November 2019 photo provided by Sue Wagener shows Jack and Harriet Morrison. The couple who had been together for nearly 65 years have died on the same day at a St. Louis area nursing home. The Morrison's beds were placed next to each other in their final hours, allowing them to hold hands, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. 86 year-old Jack died first. Harriett, who was 83, died later on Jan. 11 2020.

Couple together for nearly 65 years die on the same day

ARNOLD, Mo. (AP) - A couple who had been together for nearly 65 years have died on the same day at a St. Louis-area nursing home. Jack and Harriet Morrison's beds were placed next to each other in their final hours, allowing them to hold hands, …

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Nation & World
GOP defends Trump as Bolton book adds pressure for witnesses

WASHINGTON (AP) - Pressure is increasing on senators to call John Bolton to testify at President Donald Trump's impeachment trial after the revelation that a draft of a book by the former national security adviser undercuts a key defense argument - …

Alabama fire chief confirms 8 deaths in boat dock fire
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (AP) - At least eight people were killed early Monday in an explosive fire that consumed at least 35 vessels docked along the Tennessee River. Scottsboro Fire Chief Gene Necklaus said all eight people who were known to be missing …
Senate Television via APIn this image from video, House impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., speaks during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020.
Dems: Oust Trump or he'll do it again WASHINGTON - Democratic House prosecutors launched their final arguments Friday at Donald Trump's impeachment trial arguing the president will persist in abusing the power of his office ahead of the 2020 election unless Congress intervenes to remove …
Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle via AP Maria Giraldo stands in the backyard of her neighbor's home just one street east from where an explosion occurred Friday in Houston. A massive explosion early Friday leveled a warehouse and damaged nearby buildings and homes, rousing frightened people from their sleep miles away.
Police: 2 dead after warehouse explosion shakes Houston HOUSTON - Two people died after a massive explosion Friday leveled a warehouse in Houston, damaging nearby buildings and homes and rousing frightened people from their sleep miles away, authorities said. The explosion happened about 4:30 a.m. …
Research study links impeachment beliefs to regular news diets NEW YORK - For many Americans, how they feel about issues raised during President Donald Trump's impeachment has much to do with where they get their news. A study released Friday by the Pew Research Center illustrated these tendencies, …

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State News
SCDOR: Tax season opens Monday, choose your preparer wisely

With the tax season officially opening Monday, many South Carolina taxpayers will search for help to prepare their tax returns. If you're planning to use a tax preparer for the 2020 tax season, be sure to do your homework before handing over your …

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Supporters of a bill that would ban nearly all abortions in South Carolina fill the Statehouse lobby for a rally Jan. 15 in Columbia. The supporters of the heartbeat bill want Senators to vote on the proposal, while Senate leaders said they don't have the votes and it would bog down other debates.
After setback, state conservatives still push abortion bills COLUMBIA - South Carolina lawmakers don't appear ready to debate a bill that would ban nearly all abortions this session, but abortion opponents are pushing some other related restrictions. On a party-line vote Thursday, a Senate subcommittee …
THE ASSOCIATED PRESSDemocratic presidential hopeful Tom Steyer speaks at a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Columbia.
Steyer aims criminal justice plan at taking on racial bias COLUMBIA (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer is proposing a criminal justice reform plan that would reduce the costs of incarceration by redirecting funds to education, community policing and rehabilitation in an effort to amend a …
STIRLING
South Carolina prison chief asks for $100M COLUMBIA - With a wary eye toward recent violence in Mississippi prisons and acknowledging the problems that have plagued his own prisons, the South Carolina Corrections chief is asking lawmakers to make a more than $100 million investment into his …
S.C. earned income tax credit increases in 2020 South Carolina's Earned Income Tax Credit is going up in 2020, offering more money for low- to moderate-income working individuals or couples, particularly those who have children. The state's version of the federal EITC was …

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Obituaries
AGNES M. BAKER

Agnes M. Baker, 89, widow of Perry D. Baker, died on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia. Services will be announced by Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, (803) 775-9386.

RICHARD PORCHER

Richard Porcher, 60, died on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Born on April 1, 1959, in Sumter County, he was a son of Marion and Martha Abrams Porcher. The family will receive relatives and friends at the home of his …

JAMES H. SMITH

ELGIN - James H. Smith, beloved husband of the late Judith C. Smith, died on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. Arrangements will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home.

LILLIE MAE RAGIN SMYTHE

Lillie Mae Ragin Smythe, 96, died on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at Blue Ridge of Sumter Nursing Facility. Born in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Pinckney A. Sr. and Millie D. McBride Ragin. The family will receive friends at the …

MINNIE I. WHEELER BLACKIE

Minnie I. Wheeler Blackie, 92, widow of Wallace R. Blackie Sr., died on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at Covenant Place of Sumter. Born on April 3, 1927, in Debec, New Brunswick, Canada, she was a daughter of the late William and Claudine Campbell …

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Celebrations
DANIELS
Daniels celebrates 100 years Mose Daniels celebrates his 100th birthday today, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, with his family and friends at Mulberry Baptist Church. He was born on Dec. 14, 1919, in Sumter. Mose retired from Korn Furniture and later worked at the recycling center …
MISS FORT
The Sumter Assembly The Sumter Assembly will present three debutantes on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Sunset Country Club. Chandler Jewel Curtis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Stephen Curtis, will be presented by her father and escorted by Connor McCoy Curtis and Turner …
MISS WILLIAMSON
The Lord Clarendon Cotillion The Lord Clarendon Cotillion will present eight debutantes on Friday, Dec. 20, at The Matrix Center in Manning. Adela Carpenter Coffey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Columbus Coffey III, will be presented by her father and escorted by William …
MRS. FOZER M. ROBINSON NELSON
Fozer M. Robinson Nelson celebrates 100th birthday Fozer M. Robinson Nelson, widow of Franklin Nelson, celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 5, 2019, with family and friends. Born on Oct. 5, 1919, in Clarendon County, she is the daughter of the late Zoya and Vinnie Robinson. Mrs. Nelson was …

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Faith
You'll never know unless you try it She switched to beer from whiskey to dull the pain of being alone in the bar another night. Tom, the bartender, was her friend, as long as she told him to pour another round. She wasn't sure how she had gotten in such a dark place. A cheerleader …
The theologian who helped MLK see the value of nonviolence For blacks who grew up with the legacy of segregation, disfranchisement, lynching, and violence, retreat from social struggle was unthinkable. Martin Luther King Jr., however, learned from some …
Church News: Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 Faith Missionary Baptist Church No. 1, 115 Laurel St., announces: * Sunday - Youth service at 11:30 a.m. High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday, Feb. 2 - Holy communion will be observed …
Old debate regarding religion in school is opening up again By David Mislin Temple University As the 2020 election approaches in the United States, President Donald Trump is adding school prayer to the list of contentious issues up for debate. At a rally in early January, he announced plans to …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Jimbo would love a family who doesn't mind a lap kitty

FAR LEFT: Jimbo is a neutered and housebroken 2-year-old American shorthair. He enjoys exploring, lounging around and sometimes being lazy. Jimbo is wonderful with other cats and children and would love a family who doesn't mind a lap kitty once in …

Weddings
MRS. MATTHEW WALTON
Miller-Walton Kristen Love Miller and Matthew Cole Walton, both of Sumter, were united in marriage at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at Grace Baptist Church in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Neville Hardee and the granddaughter of Mrs. …
MR., MRS. ROBERT KENNEDY
Smith-Kennedy CHARLESTON - Nicole Elizabeth Smith of Sumter and Robert James Kennedy of DeBary, Florida, were united in marriage at 4 p.m. April 12, 2019, at The Island House. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Smith and the granddaughter of the …
MR., MRS. TAYLOR BRUNSON
Coleman-Brunson Alison Paige Coleman and Taylor David Brunson, both of Sumter, were united in marriage at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Bethel Baptist Church in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clayton Coleman Sr. and the …
MRS. JUSTIN GARRISON
Matthews-Garrison COLUMBIA - Elizabeth Annette Matthews of Columbia and Justin Wilson Garrison of Atlanta, Georgia, were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at Washington Street United Methodist Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. …

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Engagements
MR. OUZTS, MISS BURRESS
Burress-Ouzts Ms. Mary Lyons Burress of Sumter announces the engagement of her daughter, Emily Caroline Burress of Sumter, to Robert Thomas Ouzts of Manning, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Anthony Ouzts of Manning. The bride-elect is also the daughter of Derek …
MR. SCOTT, MISS MAYLE
Mayle-Scott Ms. Cheryll Elizabeth Mayle of Lakeland, Florida, and Mr. Dayton Lee Mayle of Weaverville, North Carolina, announce the engagement of their daughter, Stephanie Nicole Mayle of Lakeland, to Anthony Miles Scott of Rembert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony …
MR. CRAVEN, MISS DuRANT
DuRant-Craven Ms. Debbie Bramlett DuRant of Sumter and Dr. Eddie C. DuRant of Wedgefield announce the engagement of their daughter, Dixie Gloria Bell DuRant of Charleston, to Catlin DeWitt Craven of Orangeburg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Craven of …
MISS RICKARD, MR. HOLLADAY
Rickard-Holladay Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rickard announce the engagement of their daughter, Aubrey Elizabeth Rickard, to Jordan Bethea Holladay, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Holladay, all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Rickard and …
Reflections
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company rail office agents are seen in the office in Sumter.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter was once a major railroad center

Reflections remembers when Sumter was considered to be a major railroad center in the South. Trains brought people and commercial trade to this emerging community. In order to house the influx of "drummers" and those arriving seeking economic …

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Yesteryear
1970 - The Colonel came to Sumter in April to celebrate KFC's sixth anniversary.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Mabry will receive Congressional Medal of Honor; P.A.W.S. helps Sumter pets 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Aug. 17 - Aug. 23 - Four members of the American squadron which Lt. Gen. James H. Doolittle led in the first bombing mission over Tokyo have been released from a Japanese prisoner of war camp at Peiping, the Office of …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO The Aug. 15, 1945, edition of The Sumter Daily Item proclaimed peace after Japan's defeat in World War II.
Yesteryear with Sammy Way: Fishing derby begins; Sumterite is missionary in Romania 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Aug. 10 - Aug. 16 - American aircraft carriers, new to war before the attack on Pearl Harbor, emerged as one of the most powerful offensive weapons in the campaign against Japan. As the spearhead of every naval striking …
1970 - Two students attending the Junior Welfare League's Art Workshop Saturday morning sessions, Russell Singleton and Ronnie Card, get painting tips from art instructor Shirley Temples at Sumter School District 17's Green School in April.
Yesteryear with Sammy Way: Boys head to camp thanks to paper drive; Shaw opens gym 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Aug. 3 - Aug. 9 - An atomic bomb, hailed as the most terrible destructive force in history and as the greatest achievement of organized science, has been loosed upon Japan. President Truman disclosed in a White House …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Editorial cartoon: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020
BARONE
Opinion: Historians say New York Times gets history wrong
SAYLORS
Opinion: S.C. voting rights under the axe
Your view
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