Sumter County government headlines from the past month

American Revolution exhibit coming to Sumter

Sumter will host The American Revolution Experience later this summer after the city secured a last-minute opportunity to bring the traveling exhibit to the community, city officials announced during the Tuesday, July 21, Sumter City Council meeting.

Presented by American Battlefield Trust, the organization behind Liberty Trail, the exhibit will travel to libraries, historical societies and museums across the country through 2027, highlighting the stories of people who experienced the Revolutionary War from different perspectives and the places they visited throughout the conflict. The pop-up exhibit features display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustrations, technology, artifacts and primary source accounts to connect visitors with the people and places that shaped the nation's founding.

The exhibit will be open Aug. 24 through Sept. 8 at the Swan Lake Visitors Center with extended weekday and weekend hours.

It will also include lesson plans and educational activities to support public education and tourism. The city is partnering with American Battlefield Trust, with additional sponsorship provided by local Sons of the American Revolution chapters. Staff said more details about programming and exhibit logistics will be announced as plans are finalized.

Gamble announces campaign for Sumter City Council Ward 1 seat

The field is set for Sumter's upcoming municipal election after the filing period for candidates officially closed. Candidate information was released by Sumter County Voter Registration Office on July 31.

Ward 1 Councilman Anthony Gibson will seek reelection and will face challenger Derek Gamble. Incumbent Ward 3 Councilman Calvin Hastie and Ward 5 Councilman Colin Davis also filed to seek another term.

The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. Sumter City Council members serve four-year terms, with elections staggered so that three seats appear on the ballot every four years. A runoff election will be held if necessary.

First-time candidate Gamble said his decision to run stems from years of community service and a desire to create change through action.

"I've always believed in people over politics," Gamble said, describing his campaign as one centered on serving residents rather than partisan interests. He said his goal is to help Sumter become a cleaner, safer and more prosperous community.

Palmetto Tennis Center, City of Sumter recognized for economic impact of venue

A Sumter facility and the city were given an award recognizing the city's strategy of using tennis as an economic driver by creating a distinctive sports destination that attracts visitors, tournaments and spending in the local economy.

The 2026 South Carolina Municipal Achievement Award in Economic Development was presented by Charlie Barrineau to Mayor David Merchant and Sumter City Council during council's regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Palmetto Tennis Center and City of Sumter won the Municipal Achievement Award and the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Award for Economic Development from the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

Staff and city leaders credited the tennis center team for consistently executing tournaments well and helping establish Sumter as a reliable destination. A video presentation highlighted the development of the Philip L. Edwards Tennis Complex, which added eight authentic German clay courts built to international standards usually found only at elite private clubs or professional venues.

The clay courts were described as rare in the United States and especially unusual for a city of Sumter's size, making them a major competitive advantage.

The project was a $4 million public-private partnership, supported by the Williams Brice Edwards Trust and state infrastructure grants.

City to purchase new garbage trucks

During the Aug. 4 meeting, the city also requested approval to purchase three new sanitation vehicles using money from this year's budget cycle.

The purchases include one automated garbage truck from Amick Equipment for $370,824.62, one grapple loader truck from Amick Equipment for $276,345.40 and one front-loader truck from Atlantic Heavy Duty of Warrington, Pennsylvania, for $396,137.54. The automated garbage truck and grapple loader prices reflect North Carolina Sheriffs Association contract pricing, while the front-loader price reflects Sourcewell contract pricing. Each purchase falls within its respective budgeted amount.

The new automated garbage truck will increase the city's fleet from five to six trucks, moving closer to the long-term goal of maintaining seven automated units. The grapple loader truck, which is used to collect yard debris and is equipped with a large claw attachment, will replace an older vehicle in the city's fleet of eight. The front-loader truck will restore the fleet from six to its normal size of seven by replacing a truck that was lost last year because of engine failure.