New 20th Fighter Wing commander wants airmen to feel welcomed in Sumter as part of community

Col. Kevin D. Hicok is the new 20th Fighter Wing commander at Shaw Air Force Base. He and his wife, Bridie, along with their three children, have been stationed at Shaw since July 2021 when Hicok was deputy commander.
Col. Kevin D. Hicok, the new 20th Fighter Wing commander as of June, said his oldest son is a stoic guy. This stoic guy, at 12 years old, has moved around a lot in his life, but when his parents asked him how he would feel about sticking around …
Studio Sumter

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Friends to Follow
SPORTS
Arts & Entertainment

Movie Review: In 'The Bikeriders,' the birth of a subculture on two wheels

Still images have been a source of wonder and mythology in the films of Jeff Nichols. "Mud," Nichols' Twain-soaked Mississippi fable, seemed derived from the magical sight of a boat held aloft by a …

Nation & World
What's left for the Supreme Court to decide? Here's the list.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has more than a dozen cases still undecided, including ones that could reshape the law on everything from abortion to social media. The justices are also still …

Easy lunch ideas for people who don't enjoy cooking The idea is tantalizing: Save money, eat healthier and make the most of your break by digging into a delicious pre-packed lunch. The catch? You'd rather do anything but cook. Help! Don't doom yourself to a lifetime of wilted salads and expensive …
More rain possible in deluged Midwest as flooding breaches levees in Iowa DES MOINES, Iowa — Floodwaters breached levees in Iowa on Tuesday, creating dangerous conditions that prompted evacuations as the deluged Midwest faced another round of severe storms forecast …
Ford recalls over 550,000 pickup trucks because transmissions can suddenly downshift to 1st gear DETROIT — Ford is recalling more than 550,000 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the transmissions can unexpectedly downshift to first gear no matter how fast the trucks are going. The …
What is Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group that could go to all-out war against Israel? BEIRUT — After more than eight months of low-scale conflict, Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah are threatening all-out war. The United States and the international community …
State News
Sheri Biggs wins Republican nod for US House in South Carolina over Trump-backed candidate

COLUMBIA — Sheri Biggs, a nurse practitioner and Air National Guard officer, won the Republican nomination for the U.S. House in South Carolina's 3rd District on Tuesday, defeating a challenger …

South Carolina runoff pits Trump candidate against GOP governor's endorsement COLUMBIA — Longtime friends former President Donald Trump and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster are on opposite sides as voters on Tuesday in the state's 3rd Congressional District choose …
Husband of bride killed in alleged DUI crash on wedding night to receive nearly $1M in settlement FOLLY BEACH (AP) — The husband of a bride who was killed in a South Carolina beach road collision on her wedding night last year will receive nearly a million dollars in settlement connected to …
Tax cuts, teacher raises and a few social issues in South Carolina budget compromise COLUMBIA — A budget compromise reached by a small group of lawmakers Friday means South Carolina will accelerate a planned income tax cut, raise the salaries of all teachers and state employees …
Gov. McMaster to visit Germany, a major driver of the state's economy COLUMBIA - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is off to Germany next week to strengthen business ties that have fueled this century's economic boom in the formerly struggling Southern state. The governor is an invited guest at the TDI conference, …
Obituaries

MULLIS

GLORIA ANN KENNEDY MULLIS

Gloria Ann Kennedy Mullis, 83, wife of Thomas Warren Mullis Sr., died Monday, June 24, 2024, at her home. Born Nov. 21, 1940, in Sumter, she was the daughter of the late Wade McSwain Kennedy and …

JOE NATHAN BENNETT JR.

Joe Nathan Bennett Jr., 57, husband of Delores Edmonds Bennett and son of the late Joe Nathan Bennett Sr. and Lena Riley Ragin, was born on Oct. 30, 1966, in Clarendon County. He departed this life …

GODFREY

JAY BEECY GODFREY

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jay Beecy Godfrey on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Jay's spirited life touched many, leaving behind a legacy of friendship, adventure and an …

LEILA JEAN BROWN MAYRANT

Leila Jean Brown Mayrant, the beloved daughter of the late Roscoe C. Brown Sr. and Henrietta Brown, was born on Dec. 4, 1939, in Baxley, Georgia. At an early age, Jean joined Saint James AME Church …

EARLINE LANE HARRELSON

Earline Lane Harrelson, 89, widow of Robert James Harrelson, died Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Born in Dillon, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Roy P. Lane and Cora Cain Lane. Mrs. Harrelson …

Faith
Church news: June 19, 2024 To update your listing or add a listing, please email pressrelease@theitem.com and include Church News in the subject line. Providence Baptist Church, 2445 Old Manning Road, announces: - Wednesday-Friday, June 26-28 - Vacation Bible School, …
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith: Losing it It happens more often now than it used to. My wife and I will be talking about someone, and I can't remember his or her name. Usually, it is some person I have known for a long time but I don't see regularly. After a few minutes, their name pops up …
Column by Pastor Billy Holland: Thoughts on abundant living One of the more popular verses about blessings in the New Testament is John 10:10. We notice Christ is speaking, "The thief does not come except to steal, to kill, and to destroy. But, I have come that they may have life and have it more …
Gospel USA Magazine features Sumterite Shonda English A local face is featured on the cover of a national magazine, and Sumterites have a chance to purchase a copy for themselves. Shonda English is featured on the April-June issue of Gospel USA Magazine. The nationally distributed gospel music …
Celebrations
Shumperts celebrate 50 years PHOTO PROVIDED Donnie Shumpert and Barbara Smith Shumpert celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 16, 2024. Donnie Shumpert from Sumter and Barbara Smith Shumpert from Smoaks met in Sumter while Barbara was living with her sister and her …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Tommy Boy loves life and is smart and good with kids

Tommy Boy is a Lab mix somewhere between 1 and 2 years old and is an amazing dog. Tommy is neutered and is extremely friendly. He has been with the SPCA waiting for a forever home since March. He adores playing with toys and other dogs and …

Weddings
Walton-Newman EASTOVER - Corie Lorraine Walton and James Tyler Newman Jr., both of Sumter, were united in marriage at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Magnolia Way Venue. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wade Walton Jr., and the …
Engagements
Welch-Barwick Allison Lynn Welch of Sumter and Stephen Daniel Barwick of Dalzell announce their engagement. The bride-elect is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Welch and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William R. Tschorn Sr. and the late Mr. and Mrs. …
Reflections

Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter becomes home to luxurious movie theater in 1967

Reflections revisits the arrival of Wesmark Cinema in Sumter. The beautiful structure, owned by Carmike Theaters, was in the Wesmark Shopping Center; Sumter's second such facility opened shortly after a cinema began operation in Palmetto Plaza. The …

Yesteryear
From the opinion pages
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