Carrying the torch: Faith Strong honors late founder Ross’ legacy at 5th Pink in the City
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Local stories through a local lens.
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Chamber of Commerce's Porches of Sumter sees record-breaking number of 700 attendees
One great big pumpkin, several cozy porches and plenty of food and fun for everyone. That was the scene as the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and its Hospitality Hosts welcomed a sold-out crowd to the annual Porches of Sumter, presented by …
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'Other Mommy' tops the box office with $27.5M; 'The Social Reckoning' opens to $5.5M
The Jessica Chastain horror "Other Mommy" topped the North American box office this weekend with a bigger …
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Ben Fuller performs for sold-out crowd
Ben Fuller, a Christian artist, performed a sold-out concert at Alice Drive Baptist Church on Saturday, …
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Sumter Little Theatre brings back 'Wiley and the Hairy Man' on Oct. 16
"There's some mighty scary sounds when the Hairy Man's around," and you can experience it for …
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Lightsaber Darth Vader used in 'I am your father' duel in 'Empire Strikes Back' goes up for auction
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In July, a lightsaber with Luke Skywalker's severed hand from "The Empire Strikes …
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The enduring popularity of Elvis Presley's Graceland is a monument to his legacy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Elvis Presley's Graceland. Paul Simon sang about going there to ease an aching …
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Sumter Community Concert Band annual fall concert celebrates America250 on Oct.4
Sumter Community Concert Band will host its annual fall concert on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. at …
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eSTEAM is this Saturday, and plenty of fall events for all are coming up - Oktoberfest, Porches and more
To make a submission to our events list, email pressrelease@theitem.com with EVENTS in the subject …
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'Avengers: Endgame' retakes box office crown; Robert Pattinson drives sales for 'Primetime'
NEW YORK — Seven years after becoming the second-highest grossing film ever, "Avengers: Endgame" …
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eSTEAM Sumter Festival is Saturday in downtown Sumter
This upcoming weekend will be the first Saturday in October, and locally that means it is the …
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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 …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 15, 2026: Father appalled as daughter leads on classmate
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are the proud parents of a popular, beautiful, charming and usually well-meaning 16-year-old girl. However, some of her …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 14, 2026: Daughter spurns dad after mother's death for upsetting reasons
DEAR ABBY: Last year, a lifelong friend of mine, "Lisa," succumbed to long-term cancer. I'm close to her only child, "Becky." About six months …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 13, 2026: Student eager to move despite mental health struggles
DEAR ABBY: I 'm 34 years old and have been diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar disorder. I have been in treatment for years with a …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter's expansion removed some historic structures
Reflections recalls some historic structures that faced removal and sometimes upgrading due to rapid expansion and growth in the past century. The removal of these artifacts, in some instances, has allowed the community to construct new homes and …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Cantey-Plowden opens cash and carry grocery store in Sumter
Reflections revisits the early development of Cantey-Plowden Grocery in downtown Sumter during the 1920s …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Carnegie Library was founded in 1915
Reflections revisits the efforts of the Sumter County Council, the City Board of Education, the Civic …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bland's Pond on Shot Pouch
Reflections revisits Bland Pond, which became part of the Iris Gardens through the efforts of H. C. …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Manchester's day has ended
Reflections revisits one of Sumter County's mysteries, the vanished community of Manchester! This anomaly …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: The Hub: Sumter's busiest bargain store
Reflections revisits The Hub, later known as Bergers, one of Sumter's favorite shopping …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter courthouse space doubles in 1964
Reflections recalls the expansion of Sumter's courthouse in 1964. Construction of courthouses …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bowling becomes a favorite sports activity
Reflections recalls when bowling became one of Sumter's favorite recreational activities. According …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Kermit Ward becomes manager of Sumter Theater
Reflections revisits Kermit Ward, who was responsible for providing Sumter with quality movie …
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Letter to the editor: Using military rank in campaigning demonstrates poor judgment
Signs have begun appearing around Sumter for a House District 67 candidate that include a military rank. While the UCMJ (Uniform Code of …
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Letter to the editor: Where is truth found, and how do we know it?
Information is critical to the brain. As an unbelievable storage mechanism, the brain is storing data from the time it forms in the womb. As we …
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Letter to the editor: Ministry thanks community for support of event
Love in Action Outreach Ministries extends our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the following local businesses, organizations and …
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Letter to the editor: Being anxious isn't a problem if you have a reservoir of peace
I am anxious about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East with Iran and Hamas. I am anxious about the true nature of our economy with massive …
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Letter to the editor: Sumter City Council members committed to representing people who elected them
I apologize for not writing this letter sooner, but a recent experience reminded me of my intention to speak up. While I still own a business …
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Letter to the editor: Brother saved lives during war, recently celebrated 85th birthday
My big brother, Robert L. Bryant (Bobby), had his 85th birthday on Aug. 8. I thank God for taking care of him. Bobby graduated from Edmunds …
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