Happening Now
Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox is asking parents and guardians to call their child's school and speak with an administrator about complaints of inappropriate student conduct, or even to call the district office. She added for parents to check their children for weapons because of increasing violence at schools nationwide.
Sumter School District superintendent calls on parents, adults to help safeguard against incidents at schools
Liberty STEAM Charter School Executive Director Khalil Graham stands outside the school's administrative offices in downtown Sumter in November of last year.
Sumter Liberty STEAM Charter School leader leaving for another job
A woman hands an American flag to people at a past Memorial Day fish fry drive-through at South Sumter Park.
South Sumter Memorial Day celebration will serve up fried fish, honor local Buffalo Soldiers
Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White will talk about their new novel, "The Lost Summers of Newport," at the Sumter County Museum on Thursday.
Sumter County Museum to host luncheon, book signing for 3 New York Times best-selling authors
Sumter's Torey Shannon wins May High School Teacher of the Month, presented by Morris College

Sumter Iris Festival is again a Memorial Day fixture

The Jamil Shriners Parade makes its way down Alice Drive before the Iris Festival in 2019.
The Sumter Iris Festival kicks off its long-awaited 80th year tomorrow when Swan Lake Iris Gardens will transform into a haven for community and family friendly fun. The fun begins the evening before the festival with the annual crowning of the …
Mayesville Mayor Jereleen Hollimon-Miller hands out treats to children during the Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Festival parade in Mayesville on May 21.
Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Festival sees 'great turnout' in Mayesville despite some rain
Deputy Daniel Puckett with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office pulled over multiple commercial buses at a state-operated vehicle weigh station located at mile marker 35 on Interstate 20.
Uncovered: 'You're in Aiken County now': Pattern of warrantless bus searches on I-20 emerges
Campus corner for May 24, 2022: Students from Sumter, Lee and Clarendon counties

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: The 8th Annual Diamond Stackz Classic Basketball Tournament

The 8th annual Diamond Stackz Classic basketball tournament was held at Sumter High School this weekend. The tournament was started by friends and teammates of Erick R. White, who passed away in …

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Friends to Follow
SPORTS
Scott's Branch forward Zakee Rendell, seated center, is joined by friends, family and coaches as he signs to continue his basketball career at USC Salkehatchie.
Scott's Branch hooper Rendell signs with USC Salkehatchie
Former Crestwood running back Ty'Son Williams (34), right, signed with the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday after spending the last two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
Former Crestwood running back Williams signs with Colts
East Clarendon's Maddie Newsome was named All-State for the second straight season.
East Clarendon seniors Newsome, Brown; Lakewood freshman Fowler named All-State
Gustav Ulrich, left, and Todd White qualified for the U.S. Senior Open at the Quixote Club on Monday. Below is more action from the qualifying round in Sumter.
U.S. Senior Open Qualifier played at Quixote Club
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (1) practices a punt return drill during practice on Monday in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jags' Etienne returns after foot injury derails rookie year
Poll of the Week

American households can now request a set of four free at-home COVID-19 tests to be delivered in the mail. Does your household plan to order a set?

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PHOTO PROVIDED
Sumter nurse practitioner presents local stroke program success at International Stroke Conference
Sumter County Registration / Election Commission announces early voting for May 31-June 10
Sumter School District's Board of Trustees meet in April at Sumter High School.
Sumter School District fees to attorneys total $36K so far in board, Martin-Knox rift, records show
Kenneth Mims, son of the late Kent Mims, and Gifford Shaw embrace at the Quixote Club Member-Member Tournament, while Quixote Club owner Greg Thompson looks on.
Sumter city councilman wins hole-in-one prize at Quixote Club tournament, trades as donation to foundation for tree dedicated to late golfer
The Laurence Manning baseball team lifts their championship trophy after beating Ben Lippen for the SCISA 3A title on Thursday at Riley Park. Photos by Tim Leible / The Sumter Item
A week of celebrations on the diamond: Clarendon Hall, Laurence Manning and Wilson Hall win championships

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Team Hilton celebrates their victory at the Diamond-Stackz Classic on Saturday.
Diamond-Stackz Classic back at Sumter High and better than ever
South Carolina men's soccer coach Tony Annan, right, joined head football coach Shane Beamer making the rounds with the Gamecock Club when they made the trip to Sumter earlier this month.
A conversation with South Carolina soccer coach Annan
Sumter High's Alicia Spann stands on the podium after winning the SCHSL 5A state title in the discus for the second straight year.
Sumter’s Spann, Manning’s Frierson win state titles, local schools all have placers
East Clarendon's Kyler Odom was named All-State after having a dominant season at the plate and on the mound. He hit over .400 and had a 1.44 ERA to lead the Wolverines to the lower state championship.
Going out on top: East Clarendon's Odom, Lakewood's DeLavan earn All-State baseball honors
Scott's Branch boys basketball coach Kevin Miller has been promoted to athletic director.
Scott’s Branch promotes Miller to AD, State hired as football coach

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Arts & Entertainment
The Red Clay Strays will return to the Sumter Opera House to perform their debut album, "Moment of Truth," on May 27.

Red Clay Strays to share 'Moment of Truth' at Sumter Opera House on May 27

The Red Clay Strays return to the Sumter Opera House with a debut album, "Moment of Truth," in tow that is sure to have a song for everyone. Born and raised in "the red dirt clay South" of Mobile, Alabama, The Red Clay Strays described their …

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Nation & World
Top Southern Baptists plan to release secret list of abusers

Top administrative leaders for the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in America, said Tuesday that they will release a secret list of hundreds of pastors and other …

This 1997 image provided by CDC, shows the right arm and torso of a patient, whose skin displayed a number of lesions due to what had been an active case of monkeypox. As more cases of monkeypox are detected in Europe and North America in 2022, some scientists who have monitored numerous outbreaks in Africa say they are baffled by the unusual disease's spread in developed countries.
EXPLAINER: What is monkeypox and where is it spreading? LONDON (AP) — Health authorities in Europe, North America, Israel and Australia have identified more than 100 cases of monkeypox in recent days.Officials around the world are keeping watch for …
Search for Supreme Court leaker falls to former Army colonel WASHINGTON (AP) — When Gail Curley began her job as Marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court less than a year ago, she would have expected to work mostly behind the scenes: overseeing the court's …
Police walk near Robb Elementary School following a shooting, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas.
Texas governor: 15 killed in school shooting; gunman dead UVALDE, Texas (AP) — Fourteen children and one teacher were killed in a shooting at a Texas elementary school Tuesday, and the the 18-year-old gunman was dead, Gov. Greg Abbott said Abbott said …
Russian army Sergeant Vadim Shishimarin, 21, is seen behind a glass during a court hearing in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, May 13, 2022. He was sentenced by a Ukranian court Monday to life in prison.
Russian sentenced to life in Ukraine's 1st war crimes trial KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - A captured Russian soldier who pleaded guilty to killing a civilian was sentenced by a Ukrainian court Monday to life in prison - the maximum - amid signs the Kremlin may, in turn, put on trial some of the fighters who …

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State News
S.C. budget negotiators have almost $1B more to talk about

COLUMBIA (AP) — The South Carolina lawmakers negotiating big gaps between the House and Senate versions of the state budget received a big gift Tuesday as the state's economy continued to do …

4 teens shot dead within hours in Newberry Four teenagers were shot dead within hours of each other in a small South Carolina city over the weekend, prompting the area high school to switch to virtual learning while officers stepped up …
Responders congregate Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, near where two people drowned when they were trapped in a Horry County Sheriff transport van while crossing an overtopped bridge over the Little Pee Dee River on Hwy 76, during rising floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Marion County.
Ex-deputy gets 18 years after detainees drown in locked van COLUMBIA - A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a cage in the back, was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in …
Responders congregate Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, near where two women drowned when they were trapped in a Horry County Sheriff transport van while crossing an overtopped bridge over the Little Pee Dee River on U.S. 76, during rising floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Marion County.
Ex-deputy gets 18 years after detainees drown in locked van COLUMBIA (AP) — A deputy in South Carolina whose police van was swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, drowning two women seeking mental health treatment trapped in a …
S.C. tries early voting as other states restrict COLUMBIA - South Carolina election officials are preparing for early voting for the first time in next month's primaries, expanding the ability to vote in an era when many other states are passing laws to make it harder to cast …

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Obituaries
RUBY JEAN KUCERA

COLUMBIA — Ruby Jean Kucera, 57, departed this life on Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Columbia.She was born on Dec. 21, 1964, in Sumter, to the late John R. and Mary L. Cotton Caughman.Funeral …

ROOSEVELT HARVIN

SHELBY, North Carolina — Roosevelt Harvin, 50, husband of Ruby Fowler Harvin, departed this life on Friday, May 20, 2022, in Shelby.He was born on July 16, 1971, in Sumter, to the late Henry …

KATHLEEN NEWMAN KING

Kathleen Newman King, 63, wife of Charles J. King, departed this life on Friday, May 20, 2022, at MUSC Medical Center, Charleston.She was born on June 14, 1958, in Darlington County, a daughter of …

CASSANDRA E. JACKSON ROCK-SCOTT

Cassandra E. Jackson Rock-Scott, 46, wife of Edward Scott, died on Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Florence.Born in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late John R. Sr. and Margaret D. James …

CAROLA LEWIS JOHNSON

Carola Lewis Johnson was born on July 2, 1928, in Bishopville, a daughter of the late Fate and Bessie Lewis. Carola received her education in the public schools of Lee County. She later married the …

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Faith
SMITH
Sumter Pastor Clay Smith: Head in the sand or prayer list? I heard it again this week: "I don't watch the news. It's too depressing." I admit it can be downright depressing sometimes. In these over-stressed times, the news sometimes brings another story of woe. These stories can be happening on the other …
Growing veggies for seniors at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church youth members plant the church's second-annual vegetable garden on Good Friday. All the vegetables grown in the garden will be given to seniors in the church and community. PHOTOS PROVIDED
Church News: Friday, May 20, 2022 Refreshing Springs Kingdom Outreach Ministries, 741 Bultman Drive, Suite 21, announces: * Sunday, June 5 - Pentecost service. Holy communion will be served at 10:45 a.m. * Sunday, June 12 - Celebration for the ninth church anniversary and …
Grace Church in Greenville, South Carolina, has purchased a dormitory building from Greenville Technical College to convert into affordable housing as part of a special program to address the local housing crisis.
Greenville church to rent out affordable homes to help with housing crisis GREENVILLE - Grace Church has purchased a dormitory building from Greenville Technical College to convert into affordable housing as part of a special program to address the local housing crisis. The church will serve as the landlord for the …
Celebrations
MR., MRS. ANTHRIEST HILL
Hills celebrate 60 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Anthriest Hill celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 3, 2022. A special dinner with family and friends was held in their honor at Travinia Italian Kitchen in Columbia. Their three children are Angela Hill Harmon of …
Ernest J. Porter Sr. celebrates 100th birthday Sgt. Ernest J. Porter Sr. celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday, March 27, 2022. He was born in Sumter and currently resides at Sumter East Health and Rehabilitation Center. He is a U.S. Army veteran, having served in World War II and in …

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Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Sumter SPCA's Sandy has a beautiful coat

FAR LEFT: Sandy is a housebroken 3-month-old orange/gray tabby-and-white American shorthair. She is an active and playful girl. Sandy is great with other cats and children and loves to lounge around, explore her surroundings and play with other …

Weddings
MRS. PAUL J. KROUSE JR.
Munn-Krouse Elizabeth Harris Munn of Sumter and Paul Joseph Krouse Jr. of Columbia were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Rhett Munn Jr. of …
MRS. PATRICK SMITH
Smith-Smith Nancy Cameron Smith and Patrick Kershaw Smith, both of Washington, D.C., were united in marriage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church in Sumter. The Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello and the Rev. Robert Montgomery …
DR. AND MRS. JAMES DECKER
Teseniar-Decker MOUNT PLEASANT - Laila Teseniar and Dr. James Decker, both of Pearl, Mississippi, formerly of Charleston, were united in marriage at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at Creek Club at I'on. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Teseniar …

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Engagements
MR. AMICK, MISS BURNETT
Amick-Burnett Mr. and Mrs. Brian Franklin Amick of Sumter announce the engagement of their son, Brian Franklin Amick Jr. of Aiken, to Grayson Dodd Burnett of Southport, North Carolina, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Luther Burnett III of Southport, North …
MISS BROWN, MR. MILLS
Brown-Mills Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roy of Wedgefield and Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Brown Jr. of Oswego announce the engagement of their daughter, Virginia Brown of Whitney Point, New York, to Todd Mills of Whitney Point, New York, son of the late Edward Mills, Shari …
MISS BROGDON, MR. WATFORD
Brogdon-Watford Mr. and Mrs. William Turner Brogdon III announce the engagement of their daughter, Kendall Morgan Brogdon, to Samuel Larand Watford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Benjamin Watford, all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Lillis …
MR. McDUFFIE, MISS HENNEN
McDuffie-Hennen Dr. and Mrs. Scott Ramsey McDuffie of Sumter announce the engagement of their son, Parker Bradley McDuffie of Charleston, to Abigail Jo Hennen of Charleston, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marc Ernest Hennen of Greensboro, North Carolina. The …
Reflections
The Montgomery Ward Co. that was located at North Main Street later became Julian's Restaurant.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Montgomery Ward establishes department store

Reflections recalls the establishment of a Montgomery Ward Department Store at 106-108 N. Main St. in 1929. Research notes that this enterprise was named for "two U.S. retail corporations. The original Montgomery Ward & Co. was a world-pioneering …

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Yesteryear
Tyler Cappleman connects with an offering from the pitching machine at Bobby Richardson Park on May 14, 1997. He was part of C&C Recycling's entry in the Sumter County Recreation Department's 9-year-old baseball league.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Championship bike races held; Sumter PD has first woman sergeant 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 Oct. 27 - Nov. 1 - A class of approximately 30 candidates will be initiated into the local lodge of Elks in honor of Grand Exalted Ruler Lewis by the Columbia lodge officers. They are the 1947-48 state ritualistic …
This group of men was the first championship bowling team in Sumter for the 1912-13 season. From left are Hal W. Harby, H.L. Birchard, Harry Reid, O.H. Folley, J.A. McKnight, Willie Cuttino and Waverly Levy.
Reflections by Sammy Way: Bowling becomes a favorite sports activity Reflections recalls when bowling became one of Sumter's favorite recreational activities. According to Wikipedia Encyclopedia, "The earliest form of bowling known to exist has been traced back to ancient Egypt around 5,000 B.C. The ancient Egyptians …
Master Fireman Robert M. Baker of the Sumter Fire Department, left, is presented the American Legion Outstanding Fireman of the Year award by the department commander during the Legion's annual convention in Charleston on June 24, 1972.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: School safety patrols treated to film viewing; Trav-L-Park opens in Santee 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 Oct. 21 - 25 - "Driver education courses in many of our high schools is now assured," said chief highway commissioner C.R. McMillan in emphasizing the importance of safety education to achieve a reduction in traffic …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
BARONE
Opinion: It's not exactly Trump's Republican Party
Column: Infrastructure law connects rural S.C. to new opportunities
Editorial cartoon: Saturday, May 21, 2022
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