Wednesday, October 21, 2026

What to do across the Midlands: Stock up for winter at library's annual book sale, get tickets for Sumter Little Theatre's production and Cirque du Luxe

"Wiley and the Hairy Man" will run through Oct. 25 at Sumter Little Theatre, 14 Mood Ave. As a Youth Theatre production, there will be no Thursday shows. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Sundays.

To make a submission to our events list, email pressrelease@theitem.com with EVENTS in the subject line. SUMTER COUNTY Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale began Thursday, Oct. 15, and continues at the following dates and times: - …

A reel scare: 31 days of Halloween movies

As the air gets cooler, slightly, and the leaves start to turn, slightly, the Halloween season returns to frighten and delight both children and adults. Halloween is among my favorite holidays, and one of my favorite things to do is put on a good …

Sepulveda receives award from S.C. Choral Directors Association

From left, Jeremy Mims, director of South Carolina Choral Directors Association, Sonja Sepulveda and Herbert Johnson, who was one of several to nominate Sepulveda to receive the South Carolina Choral Directors Association Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 9.

A hometown leader and internationally known maestro was recently recognized for her dedication to music. Sonja Sepulveda was awarded the South Carolina Choral Directors Association's Lifetime Achievement Award on Friday, Oct. 9. The honor …

Sumter Little Theatre's 'Wiley and the Hairy Man' proves fear is only as big as you let it be

From left, Caitlyn Joi as Mammy, Keighan Norton as Hairy Man and Nate Martin as Wiley are seen in Sumter Little Theatre's "Wiley and the Hairy Man."

Fear is inevitable. Whether it is literal or a figment of our imagination, there is something or someone that makes our heart beat faster, the hairs on the back of our neck stand up or goosebumps on our arms stand out. But to see one face their …

Mayesville Presbyterian Church to welcome Brass Roots Trio for Rejoicings Series on Oct. 25

Mayesville Presbyterian Church will open its fourth season of the Rejoicings Series with the world-class musicians of Brass Roots Trio on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Mayesville Presbyterian Church will open its fourth season of the Rejoicings Series with the world-class musicians of Brass Roots Trio. Described as "one of the most unique ensembles in the country," Brass Roots Trio has been praised for its …

Food

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The scary truth about added sugar: Prisma Health dietitian shares tips for healthier Halloween

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A convenient homecooked solution without the slow cooker

Grilled Chicken Kebabs

Score big on game day with winning tailgate recipes

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Grab-and-go Peanut Butter and Jelly Oat Bars

Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad

Top grilled chicken with a creamy dressing for a light, refreshing meal

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Put those bountiful blueberries to use in Blueberry Lemon Cornmeal Cobbler

Faith

Takeaways from AP's report on the taxpayer-funded growth of classical Christian schools Conservatives are banding together to grow classical Christian schools by leveraging new taxpayer-funded scholarships. These scholarships have rapidly expanded in states around the country. They …

Ministry launches foundation to sustain its mission for generations What someone builds to outlast them says something about where their heart lived while they were still here. For Mark Champagne, his heart lives in Sumter United Ministries. He knows he won't be in the executive director's role forever, and …

Church news: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 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: - Through Wednesday, Oct. 21, we will kick off our Revival …

The narrow path is the way of love and life It seems the two topics that cause the most anger and division are politics and religion. I remember years ago speaking with an elderly man who was fondly known around town as friendly, successful and wise, and he told me these were the two areas …

Change starts with ourselves, and maybe we will see a difference in the world In our worship last Sunday, we read a passage of scripture that focuses on how we should live in community, one with another. The guidance we are given tells us that if we feel that someone has done something to us that we are uncomfortable with, …

Life / Health

U.S. doctors offer updated flu, COVID vaccine recommendations, aiming to ease confusion Leading U.S. medical groups are urging people to get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this fall, banding together Wednesday to issue shot guidelines - and highlight the science behind them - saying they hope to ease confusion caused by the …

A guide to choosing mums for the fall garden - beyond the classic cushion September marks the beginning of the great summer-to-fall garden transition and, although most summer plants still have life left in them, many gardeners are turning their attention to the iconic chrysanthemum. The majority of mums sold in …

Beyond numbers: Looking at the food label, ingredient list Walk through any grocery store, and you will see packages covered with phrases such as "high protein," "low fat," "organic," "multigrain" or "made with real fruit." These claims may be accurate, but they do not necessarily mean the product is the …

FDA approves landmark pancreatic cancer drug that's shown to improve survival WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved a groundbreaking new drug for advanced pancreatic cancer, offering U.S. patients a more effective treatment against one of the deadliest types of cancer. FDA officials gave …

Inflammation: Take steps to help your body heal Inflammation often gets a bad reputation, but it is not always the enemy. In fact, inflammation is one of the ways your body protects and repairs itself. When you get a cut, develop an infection or injure a muscle, your immune system sends cells and …

Pets for Adoption

Dodi has a beautiful coat and friendly personality Just look at this beautiful girl! Dodi is a stunning gal with a gorgeous coat and a friendly personality that will make you fall in love. At 3-5 years old and 39 pounds, Dodi is the perfect bundle of happiness just waiting for someone to …

Lucy the Lab mix has a gentle nature, easygoing personality Lucy is a beautiful possibly red hound/Lab mix, weighing 55 pounds and approximately 2-4 years old. She has a gentle nature and an easygoing personality that makes her such a joy to be around. She loves spending time with our volunteers, …

Bailey has the sweetest face and wants a cozy spot to rest Meet Bailey! Those big brown eyes are pretty hard to say no to! He is a 6-year-old Miniature Pinscher and is neutered. Bailey is a handsome little guy with the sweetest face. At 6 years old, he's ready to find a family to call his own and a …

Percy and Poppy are tiny kittens full of love and waiting for families to find them Meet Poppy and Percy! These two tiny sweethearts are just 2 months old and looking for their forever homes! Poppy is a calico female with the prettiest little face and fluffy fur. Percy is a tabby male with the sweetest little eyes and …

Sarah the Lab mix has the sweetest face, has plenty of love to give Meet Sarah! Sweet Sarah is ready for her turn to find a family! Sarah is a beautiful 4-year-old Lab mix with the sweetest face. She's out of the puppy stage but still has so much love, companionship and adventure to give her future family. …

Dear Abby

- Dear Abby, Oct. 21, 2026: Husband's interest wanes after wife's surgeries
  
  DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for many years. We are both over 60. About eight years ago, I was diagnosed with, had surgery for …
- Dear Abby, Oct. 20, 2026: Grandpa lives closer but still keeps to himself
  
  DEAR ABBY: My parents divorced when I was 5 years old, and my father moved out of state shortly afterward. For many years, I rarely saw him in …
- Dear Abby, Oct. 19, 2026: Family holiday gatherings feel lonely for single guy
  
  DEAR ABBY: I'm a single male who's happy with his life, with plenty of friends and family. My issue is what I endure during the holidays. Every …
- Dear Abby, Oct. 18, 2026: Judgmental sister demands childcare commitment
  
  DEAR ABBY: My twin sister and her husband are expecting their first child. I run a small business with my father. Although I work hard, neither …
- Dear Abby, Oct. 17, 2026: Daughter with grudges makes herself hard to love
  
  DEAR ABBY: I have three grown children and seven grandchildren. I have solid relationships with my oldest and youngest, their spouses and their …
- Dear Abby, Oct. 16, 2026: Couple chooses vacation over repaying generous friend
  
  DEAR ABBY: A year ago, a supposed friend of mine asked to borrow some money. Her husband had left the country so he could renew his visa to come …

Yesteryear

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