Sumter district students, families celebrate diversity and literacy
Welcome to Sumter Today!
Local stories through a local lens.
Sumter Today is your ticket to anything and everything going on around us. Ideas for the show? Let us know at studio@theitem.com!
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Sumter Community Concert Band annual fall concert celebrates America250 on Oct.4
Sumter Community Concert Band will host its annual fall concert on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. at Patriot Hall. This year's concert will feature a selection of powerful patriotic music to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. A highlight of the …
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'Avengers: Endgame' retakes box office crown; Robert Pattinson drives sales for 'Primetime'
NEW YORK — Seven years after becoming the second-highest grossing film ever, "Avengers: Endgame" …
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eSTEAM Sumter Festival is Saturday in downtown Sumter
This upcoming weekend will be the first Saturday in October, and locally that means it is the eSTEAM …
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It's officially Dolly Parton Day, with parades, pink lights and book drives
Pour yourself a cup of ambition. It's Dolly Parton Day. Across the world, communities are dedicating …
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What to know about Taylor Swift's new music: Her first since her wedding
NEW YORK— Taylor Swift is back in action. Did you miss her? On Wednesday, less than one day after …
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Hayden Panettiere died from accidental overdose involving fentanyl, coroner says
Actor Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl, a coroner …
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Box Office: 'Resident Evil' tops box office with franchise best debut of $60 million
Zach Cregger's "Resident Evil" gave the North American box office a shot in the arm in its first …
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Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford, dies at 27, family representative says
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande …
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Sumter Museum invites families to a free Pirate Day with Backcountry Privateers
Families are invited to sail the high seas with the Backcountry Privateers for a fun-filled …
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Advance ticket sales now open for South Carolina State Fair
Discount admission and ride tickets are officially on sale for the 2026 South Carolina State Fair, …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 3, 2026: Family gatherings are marred by hate speech
DEAR ABBY: All members of my family are white. When my children were smaller, an incident occurred at a family holiday. One relative has a …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 2, 2026: Son remains hostile even after dad's cancer diagnosis
DEAR ABBY: I am a 79-year-old woman who, over time, has suffered the loss of several family members. Now I'm facing the worst loss imaginable. A …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 1, 2026: Disappearing meds lead to massive family rift
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for 16 years, married for 14. I was injured in a bad car wreck 12 years ago, and I stockpiled the …
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Dear Abby, Sept. 30, 2026: Senior discovers beau's younger paramour
DEAR ABBY: I'm a senior woman who has been dating someone for three years. He is my age. I recently learned he has been cheating on me with a …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Carnegie Library was founded in 1915
Reflections revisits the efforts of the Sumter County Council, the City Board of Education, the Civic League and the Chamber of Commerce as they worked to secure a public library for Sumter. The Civic League generated interest within the community, …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bland's Pond on Shot Pouch
Reflections revisits Bland Pond, which became part of the Iris Gardens through the efforts of H. C. …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Manchester's day has ended
Reflections revisits one of Sumter County's mysteries, the vanished community of Manchester! This anomaly …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: The Hub: Sumter's busiest bargain store
Reflections revisits The Hub, later known as Bergers, one of Sumter's favorite shopping establishments. …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter courthouse space doubles in 1964
Reflections recalls the expansion of Sumter's courthouse in 1964. Construction of courthouses appears to …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bowling becomes a favorite sports activity
Reflections recalls when bowling became one of Sumter's favorite recreational activities. According …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Kermit Ward becomes manager of Sumter Theater
Reflections revisits Kermit Ward, who was responsible for providing Sumter with quality movie …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Dave (Mac) McInnis: Diving All-American
Reflections revisits Sumter Electric Appliance Company, also known as SEACO. The data and photos …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Blue Sky used talent to help beautify our community
Reflections revisits Warren Edward Johnson, known today as Blue Sky, born Sept. 18, 1938, in …
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Letter to the editor: Ministry thanks community for support of event
Love in Action Outreach Ministries extends our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the following local businesses, organizations and …
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Letter to the editor: Being anxious isn't a problem if you have a reservoir of peace
I am anxious about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East with Iran and Hamas. I am anxious about the true nature of our economy with massive …
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Letter to the editor: Sumter City Council members committed to representing people who elected them
I apologize for not writing this letter sooner, but a recent experience reminded me of my intention to speak up. While I still own a business …
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Letter to the editor: Brother saved lives during war, recently celebrated 85th birthday
My big brother, Robert L. Bryant (Bobby), had his 85th birthday on Aug. 8. I thank God for taking care of him. Bobby graduated from Edmunds …
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Letter to the editor: Defining contradiction and hypocrisy
Through ingenuity, we have developed systems that offer efficiency and greater ease. Technology has become increasingly sophisticated. Along the …
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Letter to the editor: We need an awakening to return to basic truths
Some say the market is volatile, and it is. So is life. Perhaps we would wish it not so. But we still live and move and have our being. As a …
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