Happening Now
 Democratic voting bill would make biggest changes in decades
Biden to meet with Mexican president amid migration issues
Argument leads to fatal stabbing at downtown Sumter motel
Students in Jayne Evenich's fifth grade class at Willow Drive Elementary participate in LEAP days on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020.
Sumter elementary schools expanding to 4 days of in-person learning
Former President Donald Trump
Trump calls for GOP unity

50 years later: A look back at Sumter’s first year of desegregation with 3 Black students who went on to become community leaders

Larry Blanding and Third Judicial Circuit Solicitor Ernest “Chip” Finney III sit outside the former Edmunds High School in Sumter. After full integration, the school was renamed Sumter High School, Haynsworth Street Campus. Both men graduated from the integrated Sumter High. What is now Patriot Hall served as the school’s auditorium.
The year was 1970, and music records, bell bottoms and platform shoes were big, but also there were big changes taking place in Sumter, South Carolina, with full integration in the city's school district. The landmark Brown v. Board of Education …

SANDERS
Sumter County Council's 1st female chair Naomi Sanders remembered for her courage and kindness
Provided by Sumter SPCA
Thomas Sumter Academy's NJHS exceeds goal, donates 3,300 pounds of food to SPCA
PHOTOS PROVIDEDThe Swamp Log Artisans Gallery features photography, paintings and handmade quality crafts made by different artisans. The store announced it is reopening on March 2 after several weeks of being closed.
Swamp Log Artisans Gallery in Bishopville to reopen Tuesday

Saturday-Monday, Feb. 27-March 1, 2021

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: We get to know a groundbreaking private school in Sumter County

Shawn Ragin’s journey has taken him from two different school districts in the Midlands to his current role as founder and headmaster of Ragin Preparatory Christian Academy.

Now seven years …

Crestwood's Tony Raymond, left, and Desmond McMillan share a smile after they signed to play football with Georgia Knights Prep Academy, a prep school in Snellville, Georgia.
Crestwood's Raymond, McMillan sign with Georgia Knights Prep
Sumter's Kiara Croskey (3) and the Lady Gamecocks will face Wando in the 5A lower state championship on Monday.
5 THINGS TO WATCH
Sumter playoff basketball highlights 5 Things to Watch This Week
Scott's Branch guard Tariq Coard (4) drives to the basket during the Eagles' 67-63 win over Baptist Hill in the lower state championship at Cane Bay High School on Saturday.
Scott’s Branch outlasts Baptist Hill 67-63 to go back to 1A state championship game
Sumter's Kiara Croskey directs traffic during the Lady Gamecocks' 50-32 win over Summerville in the 5A state playoffs on Thursday. Croskey spent most of the first half on the bench in foul trouble, but came back to lead Sumter to a second-half comeback to earn a spot in the lower state championship.
Sumter girls basketball dominates second half, beats Summerville 50-32 to earn spot in 5A lower state championship
Atlanta manager Brian Snitker signed an extension with the Braves through 2023 on Friday.
Braves extend manager Snitker through 2023
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More local news
Lee County Public Library to open community health hub, offer free produce vouchers
ROLLINGS
Carol Rollings named Sumter Christian School Teacher of the Year
Sumter Y's Missy Corrigan: Balance your electrolytes for better health
Lisa Anderson, who teaches kindergarten at Manchester Elementary School, works with students in and out of the classroom on a hybrid day during the fall semester. The Sumter School District Board of Trustees continued its discussion about district employee bonuses during its meeting Monday. The state Department of Education is telling districts not to expect across-the-board cuts this budget year, but the district has been projecting a loss in state revenue as “budget unknowns.”
State doesn't expect revenue cuts in K-12 public education; employee bonuses lead discussion at Sumter board meeting
Corey Terrell McFadden was shot to death on his 27th birthday. His mother is asking for help and providing a reward for information leading to an arrest.
Manning mother asks for help and offers reward for arrest of son Corey Terrell McFadden's killer

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More Sports
PHOTOS: Scott's Branch wins 1A lower state title with 67-63 win over Baptist Hill
Baron baseball opens with 10-5 win over Porter-Gaud
PHOTOS: Sumter beats Summerville for spot in 5A lower state championship game
University of South Carolina - Sumter head coach Tim Medlin
Cancellations plague USC-Sumter baseball early in season
South Carolina's Wes Clarke, right, and the Gamecocks will face Clemson for their annual 3-game series this weekend.
South Carolina, Clemson meet on diamond this weekend

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Panorama

Monarch butterflies down 26% in Mexico

MEXICO CITY (AP) - The number of monarch butterflies that showed up at their winter resting grounds in central Mexico decreased by about 26% this year, and four times as many trees were lost to illegal logging, drought and other causes, making 2020 …

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Nation & World
This Sept. 2020 photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows a clinician preparing to administer the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
J&J's 1-dose shot cleared, giving U.S. 3rd COVID-19 vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is getting a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration on Saturday cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose …

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
House passes $1.9T pandemic bill on near party-line vote, now moves to Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — The House approved a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill in a win for President Joe Biden, even as top Democrats tried assuring agitated progressives that they'd revive their …
Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service via AP In this image taken from a video on Thursday, a group of Russian diplomats are seen using a hand-pushed rail trolley to move their children and suitcases from North Korea.
Russian diplomats hand-push trolley over North Korea border MOSCOW (AP) - A group of Russian diplomats and their family members returned to Russia from North Korea on a hand-pushed rail trolley on Thursday because the coronavirus pandemic has halted all passenger traffic between the countries, Russia's …
U.S. consumers rebound to boost spending 2.4% as income jumps WASHINGTON (AP) - Bouncing back from months of retrenchment, America's consumers stepped up their spending by a solid 2.4% in January, the sharpest increase in seven months and a sign that the economy may be poised to sustain a recovery from the …
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
How U.S. airstrike in Syria sends message to Iran BEIRUT (AP) - A U.S. airstrike targeting facilities used by Iran-backed militias in Syria appears to be a message to Tehran delivered by a new American administration still figuring out its approach to the Middle East. The strike was seemingly a …

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State News
S.C.'s biggest hospice piloting homebound COVID-19 vaccines

COLUMBIA (AP) - As communities across the U.S. work toward finding ways to vaccinate the homebound against COVID-19, South Carolina's largest hospice provider is partnering with state health officials to pilot an effort to vaccinate eligible …

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CLEMSONSachin Rustgi, a molecular biologist at Clemson's Pee Dee Research and Education Center, tests wheat and peanut varieties to find ones that are naturally less allergenic than others.
Clemson researcher seeks to make peanuts, wheat easier to digest FLORENCE- Peanuts and wheat are nutritional powerhouses but contain protein allergens that can be detrimental for some people. However, a Clemson University researcher thinks that if he can target these proteins, he can breed for safer, …
GOV. HENRY MCMASTER
S.C. lifts pandemic limits on alcohol sales, mass gatherings COLUMBIA (AP) — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is lifting state pandemic restrictions on mass gatherings and alcohol sales, his office announced Friday.Starting Monday, restaurants and bars …
Former President Donald Trump
South Carolina lawmaker: Trump can be buried at our Capitol COLUMBIA (AP) — A South Carolina Republican lawmaker said he is filing a bill that would allow former President Donald Trump to buried on the grounds of the state Capitol if Trump is banned …
South Carolina House passes COVID liability protection bill COLUMBIA (AP) — A bill that would prevent lawsuits against businesses and other groups by people who contract COVID-19 as long as federal and state health guidelines were being followed passed …

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Obituaries
JOHNNY LEE KINLAW JR.

Johnny Lee Kinlaw Jr., age 56, departed this life on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Sumter. He was born on July 7, 1964, in Manning, to the late Rosa Lee China and Johnny Lee Kinlaw Sr. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced later by …

MARY T. DOUGLAS

Mary T. Douglas, 77, was born on June 24, 1943, in Bishopville, a daughter of the late Walter Boone Sr. and Essie Louise Dix. She departed this life on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter. She leaves to cherish her …

IDELLA GRAHAM SEABROOK

SUMMERVILLE - Idella Graham Seabrook, 80, widow of Samuel Mark Seabrook, died on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at her residence, 200 White Church Lane, Summerville. She was born on Sept. 17, 1940, in New Zion, a daughter of the late Heyward and Marie …

NORMAN MANNING

Norman Manning, 78, husband of Joann Mack Manning, departed this life on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. He was born on Oct. 15, 1942, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, a son of the late Warren Manning and Bettie …

LARRY LEROY DICKERSON

Larry Leroy Dickerson, 64, husband of Shelia H. Dickerson, died on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at his home. Born on Sept. 13, 1956, in Sumter, he was a son of the late William Leroy Dickerson and Mary Elizabeth Bailey Dickerson. Mr. Dickerson was a …

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Faith
SMITH
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith: Questions from the children They asked me to meet with the kids at church and answer their questions. No problem. I figure with a college degree and two graduate degrees, I can handle what the kids throw at me. Can anyone see the humble train coming down the track for …
Church News: Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 Freedom Worship Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1490 Florence Highway, announces: * Today-Saturday - Gospel singing at 6 p.m. nightly. Epps Family, Second Chance and Next Chapter will be featured Friday, and Combs Family, The Masters and Next …
Church News: Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, 1715 S. Guignard Drive, announces: * Saturday, March 13 - A drive-by celebration for the second anniversary of Pastor Calvin K. Hastie Sr. will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church.
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith: Fighting prejudice ... I pumped gas into my truck, hung up the nozzle and climbed back in. Before I could shut the door, a young African-American male came up and asked me how I was. It was a little strange; people wave and nod at the gas station but do not make …
Celebrations
MR., MRS. GARY HALL
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hall of Sumter celebrate 60 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hall, of Sumter, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. They were married on Feb. 25, 1961. The couple's two children are Randy Hall of McDonough, Georgia, and Michelle Cipov of Sumter. The …
MR., MRS. TOM WINSTEAD SR.
Winsteads of Sumter celebrate 71 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tom Winstead Sr. of Sumter celebrated their 71th wedding anniversary on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. They were married on Feb. 1, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas. The couple's three children are Tom Winstead Jr. of Elkin, North Carolina, Rick …
ELVIE EVANS SCHUMACHER
Schumachers announce birth of a daughter, Elvie Evans Blake Edmund and Sarah Cutler Schumacher of Columbia announce the birth of a daughter, Elvie Evans Schumacher, on Jan. 13, 2021, at Lexington Medical Center, Lexington. Elvie weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces. She was 19 1/2 inches …
5 generations of the Chandler family Five generations of the Chandler family from left, seated on sofa: Tonya Gainey Casselman, grandmother; Louise Chandler, great-great-grandmother, holding Clinton Casselman, child; Debbie Chandler Gainey, great-grandmother; and seated on floor, Haley …

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Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Sumter SPCA's Bailey is a sweet, active girl

LEFT: Bailey is a housebroken and spayed 5-year-old Lab/hound mix. She is sweet, friendly and affectionate. Bailey is an active girl who loves to run and play but needs a home without small, loud children or other dogs. She loves people and any kind …

Weddings
MR., MRS. HERVEY FRIERSON
Hodge-Frierson Faith Hodge and Hervey Richardson Frierson were married on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, at the home of the couple in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of the late Mr. Judge Thomas Hodge and the late Mrs. Noonie Lee Frierson Hodge. The bridegroom is …
MR., MRS. SAMUEL L. JOHNSON
Curtis-Johnson LENOIR, North Carolina - Sara Suzanne Curtis of Lenoir, North Carolina, and Samuel Lawrence Johnson of Sumter were united in marriage at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Yadkin Valley Baptist Church. The bride is the daughter of Jeff and …
MRS. ZACHARY S. COKER
Lynch-Coker Katherine Lorena Lynch of Alcolu and Zachary Scott Coker of Turbeville were united in marriage at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Neal C. Lynch of Alcolu and the …
MR. AND MRS. JOHN A. BURR IV
Glaze-Burr CHARLESTON - Sally Glaze and John Aaron Burr IV, both of Myrtle Beach, were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, at John Wesley United Methodist Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Lee Glaze and Mrs. Frances Glaze of Sumter …

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Engagements
MISS ALLAN
Allan-Miles Mr. and Mrs. Troy William Allan of Summerton announce the engagement of their daughter, Morgan Addison Allan of Summerton, to Mason Hunter Miles of Manning, son of Ms. Stacy Leigh Mosier and Mr. Laurence Wade Andrew McLeod, both of Manning. The …
MR. WINN, MISS MORRIS
Morris-Winn Mike and Tammie Morris announce the engagement of their daughter, Tiffany Alexandria Morris, to Arthur Ryan Winn, son of Arthur and Eileen Winn, all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late James and Edna House and Carol Morris …
MR. SOWARDS, MISS COX
Cox-Sowards Richard and Sherry Cox of Dalzell announce the engagement of their daughter, Allison RayAnn Cox of Dalzell, to Garrett Hunter Sowards of Merritt Island, Florida, son of Bradford and Stephanie Sowards of Melbourne, Florida. The bride-elect is the …
Reflections
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOS James H. Aycock erected the Aycock Store and Wedgefield post office in 1879 as the headquarters for his five cotton plantations. Seven clerks lived in the second story. The one-story addition on the right was the early post office. The building stood at the intersection of S.C. 261 and S.C. 763 and was known as "Aycock's Store" by the locals.

Reflections by Item archivist and historian Sammy Way: James H. Aycock, planter and entrepreneur

Reflections recalls a country store once strategically located in Wedgefield, remembered by many as the center of commercial activity in the area. The building was constructed by an entrepreneur, James H. Aycock from North Carolina, who realized its …

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Yesteryear
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Norman Corbett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Corbett, who live on the highway between Summerton and Rimini, has a real pal in his pet deer, Lulu Belle, in August 1946. Norman fed the young deer from a baby's milk bottle after he rescued her from being chased by dogs. Lulu Belle at a year old can leap high into the air to get a cracker from his hands.
Yesteryear by Item archivist and historian Sammy Way: Young boxer in beach tournament; octogenarian 1st-time author visits Sumterites 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 Aug. 7 - 11 - South Carolinians were at the polls today in their state Democratic primary to nominate a governor, all state constitutional officers, six congressmen, 147 members of the General Assembly and five solicitors. …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO New officers installed in April 1971 for the Bland Garden Club for 1971-1972 were: seated is Mrs. Leland E. Brown, president; back row, from left, Mrs. Curtis H. Caulkins, recording secretary; Mrs. James M. Kirby, corresponding secretary; Mrs. W. S. Gardenhire, vice president; and Mrs. John H. Jackson Jr., treasurer.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Northrop Black Widow on display at Shaw; former SHS athlete will carry torch 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 July 31 - Aug. 6 - Cotton is already beginning to open in various sections of Sumter County, and, if favorable weather prevails during the next week or 10 days, picking will get underway generally before the middle of the …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Sophia Dabbs makes repairs to one of the range houses on her chicken farm at Dabbs Crossroads in July 1946. Rhode Island Reds were grown there under the Record of Production plan. Pullets were taken from the range houses to the laying houses.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Sumter police seek Piper cub thief; Sumter Volunteers offers 'shares' 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 July 24 - 30 - Sumter is a good place to live and a good place to work. Most employers pay good wages either because they are fair minded or because, in a competitive sense, they are obliged to do so in order to maintain …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Editorial cartoon: Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021
Editorial cartoon: Friday, Feb. 26, 2021
CLYBURN
Column by Rep. Jim Clyburn: America needs us to get outside our comfort zone
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