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Sumter Resident Bernard Blanding speaks out against a request for special exception approval for a liquor store to replace the old Family Video store on 7 N. Guignard Drive.
Sumter zoning board votes down liquor store after area residents speak out
VFW Post 3096 Commander Chris McCormick shows a bayonet that was torn by a bullet in the Vietnam War. This and other pieces of history from the Vietnam War will be on display at an event on March 29 at Lee County Veterans Museum that will commemorate local Vietnam veterans.
Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony will provide recognition to veterans 'never really welcomed home'
The annual Farm to Table, hosted by Rotary Club of Sumter - Gamecock City, saw an estimated total of more than 600 people on Thursday night, March 13. The night included dancing, eating, drinking and more eating, all to benefit 4H, CART Fund, scholarships and Sumter United Ministries.
Night filled with dancing, connecting at Sumter's annual Farm to Table
Sumter's Inspire! Festival completes week with homegrown artists, renowned talent
Sumter police charge man with meth trafficking after investigation

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Business
Brubaker's is on Main Street in downtown Sumter, but it will soon be moving to 667 W. Liberty St. across from the old Family Video.
With growth comes move for Brubaker's to West Liberty Street in Sumter

Even though local Sumter coffee shop and bakery Brubaker's is a relatively young business, with its humble beginnings starting in 2020 at the American Legion Farmers Market, it has quickly become a Sumter staple. But, as love for Brubaker's freshly …

Volunteers and employees at Sumter United Ministries' free medical clinic work during the coronavirus pandemic. SUM's new partnership with BD will allow patients to get transportation to appointments for free when they need it.
BD partners with Sumter United Ministries Free Medical Clinic to help patients reach medical care SUMTER - BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company employing nearly 1,000 associates across South Carolina, has partnered with Sumter United Ministries Free Medical Clinic to help eliminate …
Bonds may be sold by Sumter County to start Penny Tax projects early At Sumter County Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, first reading was approved for an ordinance that may allow projects paid for by the 2024 Capital Penny Sales Tax to …
Sumter's newest industrial employer eVAC Magnetics hosted a supplier event on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the City Centre in downtown Sumter. The event was organized by the state Department of Commerce, TheLink Economic Development Alliance and eVAC officials and brought 65 suppliers from across the state to Sumter in a targeted effort to help address current and immediate needs for the new manufacturer. Suppliers in attendance ranged from janitorial, landscaping and engineering companies, according to Tammie Greene with S.C. Department of Commerce. eVac Magnetics plans to be operational by the end of this year, officials aid.
eVAC Magnetics and suppliers meet in Sumter Sumter's newest industrial employer eVAC Magnetics hosted a supplier event on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the City Centre in downtown Sumter. The event was organized by the state Department of Commerce, TheLINK …
Jennifer and Todd Touchberry recently fulfilled a joint dream, opening a restaurant in Sumter serving unique and handmade meals with a car theme. "Tin Lizzies" celebrates the Ford Model T, down to its car-themed menu and decor. The Touchberrys drove their Model T across the country last year to raise awareness and research money for hydrocephalus, a condition their daughter was born with. Read more on A23.
Sumter couple starts new adventure, opening cafe After Todd Touchberry completed his world record-setting, across-country road trip in a 1920 Ford Model T to raise awareness and money for hydrocephalus research, he said, "I like the stories as much …

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Education
Lee County School District designates March 21 as a make-up day

To ensure  students receive the instructional time required, Lee County School District has designated Friday, March 21, 2025, as a make-up day due to the school closure caused by inclement …

About 200 high school students from Sumter and four other surrounding counties attend a Call Me MISTER recruitment showcase at University of South Carolina Sumter on Friday, March 7, in the Dr. C. Leslie Carpenter Auditorium. All students in attendance have an interest in pursuing a career in early childhood or K-12 education, according to a news release. The Call Me MISTER program aims to select and support future teachers from socioeconomically and culturally diverse communit
Casting a vision for tomorrow's leaders in the classroom About 200 high school students from Sumter and four other surrounding counties attend a Call Me MISTER recruitment showcase at University of South Carolina Sumter on Friday, March 7, in the Dr. C. Leslie Carpenter Auditorium. All …
Chairman Shawn Ragin and Superintendent William Wright Jr. listen during the board meeting on Monday night at the District Office.
Sumter school board votes 5-4 to rezone schools’ attendance lines based on 3-year-old plan A little more than two years after the contentious issue of district realignment of school zone lines was postponed indefinitely in Sumter, the school board passed the measure Monday night in a 5-4 vote, and no timeline was provided. The rezoning …
Sumter High brings 'Beetlejuice' to life with hauntingly vibrant performance Sumter High School's drama room stage transformed into an eerie, neon-lit world of "Beetlejuice" as students brought the cult classic to life with bold costumes and striking set design. With dramatic poses, faces painted and …
Sen. Lindsey Graham stands with scholars as he presents them with an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on Monday morning at the primary academy campus of Liberty STEAM Charter School.
Sen. Graham visits Sumter's 1st charter school to give flag to scholars Liberty STEAM Charter School's scholars received a Monday morning visit from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who presented them with a United States flag that had flown over the nation's capitol. Graham …

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Government
From left, Sumter Economic Development Board Chair Greg Thompson, Chair of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce Cheryl Baker, Moderator Public Relations Director of Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Inc., Chip Chase, Sumter County Council Chairman Jim McCain and Sumter Mayor David Merchant speak on a panel at the chamber's annual State of Sumter program.
New hotel and parking garage, new technical high school announced at State of Sumter panel

Sumter residents had the opportunity to hear Sumter updates from and submit questions to those who take part in and facilitate Sumter's growth at Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce's annual State of Sumter breakfast and panel, where a few …

Sumter City Council gets property demolition updates; 15 more in planning stages through Clyburn Grant At its scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 4, Sumter City Council had a relatively short agenda of items to vote on, including the adoption of two pieces of property into city limits and a maintenance guarantee. For nonvoting issues, council heard …
Sumter City-County Planning Commission approved a new affordable apartment complex at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
Sumter planning commission approves affordable apartment complex to be built on site of vacant mental health facility The return of a controversial name change to a rural lane and the approval of an apartment complex on the former site of a mental health facility were both on the agenda at the Sumter City-County Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, Feb. …

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Clarendon News
Campers and volunteers enjoy a day at Camp Bob Cooper during a recent session. The camp is asking for anyone wishing to be a volunteer at this year's camp to submit an application.

Camp Happy Days seeks volunteers for summer camp

Camp Happy Days is calling for volunteers (ages 19+) to help create a life-changing experience for children battling cancer and their siblings. The 2025 week-long overnight camp will take place June 28 to July 5 at Camp Bob Cooper, bringing together …

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Opinion
HAMILTON
Opinion: Let's talk about why Congress comes 1st in the Constitution
Guest column: President can save Medicare money by expanding coverage to include anti-obesity medicines
BARONE
Opinion: A formidable President Trump storms ahead
Editorial cartoon: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
MOLLETTE
Opinion: Does the grocery store scare you? Can Washington care?

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Public Record
Clemson DC Goodwin out after Tigers struggle against run

CLEMSON (AP) - Wes Goodwin has been fired as Clemson's defensive coordinator after three seasons, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney announced Monday. The Tigers, traditionally one of the top run-stopping teams in the country, rank 85th in rushing defense …

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Meetings
Around town: Saturday, March 15, 2025

To correct any information or to make a submission to Around Town, email pressrelease@theitem.com with Around Town in subject line. The City of Sumter is taking applications for its Summer Youth Employment Programs. For ages 14-15, the program …

Public agenda: March 15, 2025
SUMTER CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, March 18, at 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers on the fourth floor of Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. (enter through the back parking lot entrance and take elevator to fourth floor) CLARENDON COUNTY PLANNING & PUBLIC …
Public agenda: March 12, 2025 SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Thursday, March 13, at 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, 141 N. Main St. SUMTER CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, March 18, at 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers on the fourth floor of Sumter …

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Public agenda: Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2025

GREATER SUMTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wednesday, Feb. 12, at noon, chamber office SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Thursday, Feb. 13, at 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, 141 N. Main …

Public Agenda: Feb. 5, 2025

Public Agenda: Jan. 22, 2025

Public Agenda: Jan. 15, 2025

Public agenda: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025

Support Groups
Support Groups: Dec. 21, 2024

To update your listing or add a listing, please email pressrelease@theitem.com and include Support Groups in the subject line. AA, AL-ANON, ALATEEN: AA - Monday-Friday, noon and 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sundays, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., 1 …

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Pets

Roxy has been waiting 3 years for a forever home

My name is Roxy. I was 5 years old when I came to the SPCA, and now I'm 8! I'm still an active girl, but I can't seem to find the right fit for me. Let's face it ... the bottom line is I'm not good with other animals! I'm really not, but so …

Tammy is a love bug

Meet Tammy, the sweetest puppy looking for a home! Tammy is a 23-pound, 6-month-old bundle of joy who still has some puppy energy! She absolutely loves to play, run outside and make new doggy friends. But more than anything, Tammy is a love …

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