Bringing it back to life: South Sumter Art Park opens, brings new hope to community

South Sumter Art Park officially opened on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 645 Manning Ave. It will be a space for youth and community members that fosters connection, creativity and community.
South Sumter Art Park officially opened its gates to the community on the afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 5, marking a transformational moment for the area. The once-barren lot, the former location for Sumter County Sheriff's Office substation at 645 …
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SPORTS
Arts & Entertainment

Lessons of grace shine as 'Best Christmas Pageant Ever!' returns to Sumter Little Theatre

There's something magical about a community theater production, and Sumter Little Theatre's 12th production of "Best Christmas Pageant Ever!" is proof of such magic. Talent and tradition go hand in hand for this production, producing an …

Nation & World
Views on garden insects are changing. Why many former 'pests' are now valued

A neighbor texted me this week asking for advice about controlling carpenter bees. She was hoping for an exterminator recommendation, but I gave her a simple, do-it-yourself solution that is easier on the wallet and environment, and even more …

As data centers proliferate, conflict with local communities follows ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Richard Andre Newman thought he would live the rest of his life in his quiet, leafy neighborhood in suburban Virginia. He was born and raised in Bren Mar Park, where …
Crews recover the body of a woman from a Pennsylvania sinkhole after a 4-day search The remains of a woman who fell into a sinkhole were recovered Friday, four days after she went missing while searching for her cat, a state police spokesperson said. Trooper Steve Limani said the …
Vance tells residents in hurricane-stricken North Carolina that they haven't been forgotten FAIRVIEW, N.C. (AP) — Vice President-elect JD Vance on Friday assured residents of western North Carolina still cleaning up from Hurricane Helene that they haven't been forgotten as he surveyed …
Jurors in NYC subway chokehold case tell judge they can't reach a unanimous verdict NEW YORK (AP) — The jurors in Daniel Penny's fatal subway chokehold trial told the judge Friday morning that they can't reach a unanimous verdict on the top charge of manslaughter. Judge …
State News
South Carolina troopers, officers spread holiday cheer to children affected by highway collisions

BLYTHEWOOD - Troopers and officers from South Carolina Department of Public Safety, with support from the S.C. Troopers Association and Walmart, provided some comfort to children across the state …

Drought declaration removed for 14 S.C. counties, including Sumter and Clarendon The S.C. Drought Response Committee, meeting via conference call Dec. 4, removed the drought designation for 14 counties from the Midlands to the southeastern corner of the state, including Sumter …
DPH encourages residents to get flu shots during National Influenza Vaccination Week COLUMBIA – In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 2-6), the South Carolina Department of Public Health urges residents who have not gotten their annual flu shot to do so as …
Freedom Caucus unsuccessfully challenges Speaker in South Carolina House race COLUMBIA — The South Carolina House opened its newest session Tuesday with an unsuccessful long-shot challenge of the Speaker that could be a preview of fighting among Republicans over which …
Woman driving drunk who killed bride still in her wedding dress sentenced to 25 years in prison A woman who admitted to drinking and who was driving well over twice the speed limit when she smashed into a golf cart, killing a bride who had just got married at a South Carolina beach, was …
Obituaries
REBECCA "LYNN" BRIDGES

Rebecca “Lynn” Bridges, 63, of Sumter, went home to be with Jesus on Dec. 4, 2024. She passed away from natural causes at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. A visitation will be held on …

FRANCES GRIFFIN-BROWN

Frances Griffin-Brown, 81, widow of Herman Brown and daughter of the late George Gentry and Blanche Burnside, was born on June 27, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio. She departed this life on Friday, Dec. 6, …

DR. GEORGE CALHOUN AYCOCK JR.

Dr. George Calhoun “Cal” Aycock Jr., 74, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. He was born May 6, 1950, to the late George Calhoun …

THELMA ATKINSON PACK

Thelma Atkinson Pack, 97, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at a local nursing facility. Ms. Pack was born June 5, 1927, in Elliot. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at …

BRYAN DWAYNE MCGOWAN

Bryan Dwayne McGowan, 61, husband of Carolyn Delores March McGowan and son of Walter Richard McGowan and Doretha Peoples McGowan, was born on Dec. 2, 1963, in Hampton, Virginia.  He departed …

Faith
What 1 bale of hay costs... I was going out of town for a few days. Thanks to a recent frost, all my grass is brown. Brown grass is not very nutritious. It's like cereal: filling but not much energy. I've put out protein tubs, and I feed my cows several times a week, but while …
First Presbyterian Church seeks to uplift spirits at 49th-annual Lessons and Carols service on Dec. 15 First Presbyterian Church looks to ring in the holiday with its cherished Christmas service, and you're all invited. The church's 49th-annual Lessons and Carols service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, the third Sunday of Advent, with …
Salem Black River Presbyterian invites community to enjoy Lessons and Carols on Dec. 8 Another year, another chance to revel in the reason for the season. Salem Black River Presbyterian Church will open the historic doors of its fondly named Brick Church and welcome community members to its Lessons and Carols service on Sunday, …
Making the decision to live God's way Many are convinced that this life has been given to them to do whatever they want, and technically it's true that God has given every human free will to choose. Most will agree this is one of the greatest gifts mankind has been given, but the …
Celebrations
The Trian Ball The Trian Ball of Sumter will present two debutantes on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at The Quixote Club. Camryn MacKenzie Bateman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Wilburn Bateman III, will be presented by her father and escorted by Maxwell Alexander …
Les Trente Ball Les Trente Ball of Sumter will present four debutantes on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at The Quixote Club. Owings Elizabeth Holler, daughter of Mr. David Cornwall Holler and the Rev. Josephine Holler, will be escorted by Greyson Holler and Mason …
The Epicurean Ball The Epicurean Ball of Sumter will present six debutantes on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at The Quixote Club. Camryn MacKenzie Bateman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Wilburn Bateman III, will be presented by her father and escorted by Ashley Hunter …
The Carolinian Camellia Ball The Carolinian Camellia Ball will present six debutantes on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at the Quixote Club. Sarah Emily Durham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Wright Durham, will be presented by her father and escorted by Nolan Christopher Lamb and …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Lolly adores people and playing outside

Lolly is a lovely, 2- to 4-year-old, sweet-natured gal who brings joy to everyone she meets. She adores people, enjoys her walks and loves playing outside. Whether she's socializing with other dogs …

Engagements
Kategela-Heckman Michael Heckman and Esther Kategela are excited to announce their marriage date of Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. Esther works as a chemistry teacher in Sumter School District, and Michael works as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Agape Care …
Reflections

Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter responds to attack upon Pearl Harbor

Reflections remembers Dec. 7, 1941, "The date which will live in infamy." Words spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt recall how this attack changed the nation and profoundly affected every American community regardless of its location or size. …

Yesteryear
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