187 results total, viewing 1 - 20
$13.5 billion
Total expected spending
on Halloween for 2026
$4.4 billion
Costumes
$4.3 billion
Decorations
$4.1 billion
Candy
$0.8 billion
Greeting cards
74%
Percentage of Americans
who plan to …
more
10/16/26 06:00 AM
Reflections recalls some historic structures that faced removal and sometimes upgrading due to rapid expansion and growth in the past century. The removal of these artifacts, in some instances, has allowed the community to construct new homes and …
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BY SAMMY WAY
Sumter archivist and historian |
10/16/26 06:00 AM
These days, it seems less costs more. Whether you're buying groceries or clothes for work, you might have noticed the higher price tag, trying to stretch every dollar a little bit further.
Repurposing things you already have, things you might …
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Dear Rusty: My wife and I file our taxes jointly. In 2024, I took an IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) which was significantly more than I was required to take. My Medicare premiums were not affected in 2025, and our Social Security payments …
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BY RUSSELL GLOOR
AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisor |
10/16/26 06:00 AM
15 CANDIDATES IN 5 BOARD RACES; ITEM HAS DETAILED COVERAGE
Election season has begun, and for the always high-stakes Sumter school board races, there are opportunities to get to know more on the candidates for the open nonpartisan seats on the …
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It has been fascinating to witness the horror genre experience a much-needed resurgence from the formulaic creative approach within the scope of cinema. This year has yielded impressive releases with "Obsession," "Backrooms" and "Evil Dead …
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BY ISAIAH RIDLEY |
10/16/26 06:00 AM
Terror Trail at Second Mill opened on Friday, Oct. 9, for the spooky season.
The mile-long trail, at 1104 Old W. Liberty St., is organized and operated by Sumter Elks Lodge #855.
According to the Terror Trail website, 85% of its proceeds cover …
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Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale began Thursday, Oct. 15, but there's still plenty of time to stock up on new books for the colder months. The annual book sale is hosted by the Friends of the Library to help support programs and services the …
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10/16/26 06:00 AM
Halloween is around the corner, and there are plenty of local events to ensure you have a spooktacular time this Oct. 31.
Sumter Methodist Church's pumpkin patch is now open. Pick the perfect gourd for celebrating fall at the church, 535 Wilson …
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10/16/26 06:00 AM
It's finally a bit cooler, pumpkins are appearing on local porches, and there are more festive events coming up than you can shake your broom at. From fall festivals to Halloween frights, there are plenty of opportunities to get the kids out to …
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BY MELANIE SMITH
melanie@theitem.com |
10/16/26 06:00 AM
https://www.theitem.com/stories/the-sumter-item-impact-october-november-2026,448010
However you celebrate this season, there's something in town for you
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10/15/26 05:40 PM
Mel Blanc's creative and unique genius remains carved within the fabric of our memories for shaping myriad childhoods. The other day I found myself watching an interview as he performed the iconic voices of every Looney Tunes character. Hearing him …
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BY ISAIAH RIDLEY |
9/18/26 06:00 AM
Leaves will be falling soon, morning temperatures are cooling, and the breeze is picking up. Autumn is upon us, and so is one of Sumter's favorite annual events: the Fall Feast.
The annual community event, presented by FTC, is a unique and …
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As I sit to write this column, it is Sept. 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of 9/11/01. Anyone who is over 30 years old can tell you exactly where they were when they heard about a plane crashing into the first World Trade Center tower.
We have a …
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By The Rev. Dr. Stewart Rawson |
9/18/26 06:00 AM
Dear Rusty: I have a simple question: Is the amount we pay for Medicare Part B premium a percent of our Social Security amount we receive? Signed: Curious
Dear Curious: Your Medicare Part B premium is not based on a percentage of your monthly …
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BY RUSSELL GLOOR
Association of Mature American Citizens Foundation Social Security Advisor |
9/18/26 06:00 AM
Fall is finally on the horizon, although the humidity out there is still intense. But fall brings many of our favorite things to look forward to - gatherings with friends and family, local football rivalry games, anticipation of the holidays coming …
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BY MELANIE SMITH
melanie@theitem.com |
9/18/26 06:00 AM
Fourth Fridays Concert Series returns Friday, Sept. 25, with Sole Purpose. Concert attendance is free, and there will be food and drink available for sale. Downtown restaurants will be open for dine-in and take-out. Palmetto Optimist Club will be …
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9/18/26 06:00 AM
A porch can be many things. It can be a quiet place to sit at the end of the day, a shaded spot to catch up with a neighbor or an extension of a home where family and friends can share a laugh over food and conversation.
For Beth Jackson, her …
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One of Sumter's oldest, local independent restaurants that has always had a local nostalgic theme is "back and here to stay," as its new owner has worked to restore it to its glory days.
New Pizza Lane owner Tony Barwick and its original owner …
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Reflections revisits The Hub, later known as Bergers, one of Sumter's favorite shopping establishments. This business would undergo several changes; however, it remained an integral part of Sumter's shopping community. The data and photos used were …
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BY SAMMY WAY
Sumter Item archivist and historian |
9/18/26 06:00 AM