Happening Now
 Lawmakers doubt K-12 mask rule will be repealed by the General Assembly
BAIN
Clarendon 4 School District trustees pass resolution urging S.C. General Assembly to repeal state proviso
An employee of a local funeral home covers the body of a COVID-19 patient who died as he prepares to take it away from a loading dock at the Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Aug. 18. COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have climbed to an average of more than 1,900 a day for the first time since early March.
U.S. COVID-19 deaths topping 1,900 a day
Salsa dancers enjoy the 2019 Fall for the Arts.
Sumter's Fall for the Arts event postponed because of COVID-19 concerns
Where to get a free COVID-19 vaccine, test in Sumter, Lee, Clarendon counties: Sept. 22-26

South Carolina groups say school mask mandate ban is disrupting kids' learning

Students at Rafting Creek Elementary School line up on the first day of class in August. Masks are optional in Sumter School District this year.
COLUMBIA - As the South Carolina Supreme Court considers the legality of a state rule that effectively bans masks in most schools, health care workers and educators are renewing calls for state lawmakers to repeal the provision …
City of Sumter employees enjoy a cup of chili at Sumter's Fall Feast.
Residents enjoy Sumter Green's Fall Feast after 2020 hiatus
Nicole and Milton Gamble are expanding their business services after winning a $30,000 investment award.
Couple to expand immigration services in Sumter with $30K won in statewide contest
A teacher guides students in the hallway on the first day of school at R.E. Davis Preparatory Academy on Aug. 17.
Sumter School District staffing limits uniform COVID-19 mitigation strategies

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021

View this issue

Browse other issues

Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: Ragin Preparatory Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th marked the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration exists to honor the contributions and influence of Hispanic-Americans to the history of our …

More Video from Studio Sumter

Friends to Follow
SPORTS
South Carolina quarterback Luke Doty (4) will get his first start of the season when the Gamecocks host Kentucky on Saturday.
Doty to start at quarterback for Gamecocks against Kentucky
The College Football Playoff management committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the feedback members have received from campuses since a 12-team expansion plan was unveiled in June.
Commissioners to share feedback on CFP expansion
Sumter High baseball star James Farmer, seated second from the right, is surrounded by his Gamecock teammates in 1942. One of those teammates was Sonny Montgomery, seated left of Farmer, the grandfather of former Sumter standout and current New York Yankees pitcher Jordan Montgomery.
Sumter Sports History with Sammy Way: Sumter's two-sport star James Farmer
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston, bottom, is sacked by Carolina defensive end Brian Burns (53) and outside linebacker Haason Reddick during the Panthers' 26-7 win on Sunday in Charlotte.
You bet: New golf cart motivates Carolina's Burns, Reddick
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills will start against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday after the Texans placed Tyrod Taylor on injured reserve on Tuesday.
With Taylor on IR, Mills to start at QB for Texans against Panthers on TNF
Poll of the Week

What kind of cellphone do you have?

Have a question you'd like us to ask? Email editor@theitem.com.

View results

More local news
The Rev. E.W. Frierson gives a speech before the unveiling of Mechanicsville United Methodist Church's historical marker.
150-year-old Mechanicsville United Methodist Church in Bishopville earns historical marker
Applications are open for COVID-19 relief grants among Sumter nonprofits
Fire hydrant flow tests set for Airport Road in Sumter
City of Sumter is hiring for 30 positions; some present employees working double
MARTIN
S.C. adds 'modest' 3,100 jobs in August

More News

More Sports
Crestwood's Quinton Harrison had an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Knights' 44-20 win over Marlboro County on Friday.
Knights defend castle behind Sumter Touchdown Club Player of the Week performances from Scott and Harrison
Lakewood's Zayveon Wells scored the game-winning touchdown and two-point conversion as the Gators beat Lake City 14-13 on Friday.
Lakewood grinds out first win of the season with 14-13 comeback against Lake City
PHOTOS: Crestwood takes down Marlboro County for Homecoming win
Laurence Manning's Ty;er June rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns, while passing for 118 yards and another score as the Swampcats beat Ben Lippen 26-13 on Friday
Laurence Manning returns from quarantine to take down Ben Lippen
Sumter's Marquis Lane-Owens carries the ball during the Gamecocks' 34-7 win over Conway on Friday.
Friday Night Scoreboard: Sumter School District all get wins

More Sports

Panorama
This undated image released by the New York Botanical Garden shows Tyler Campbell using an electric hedgetrimmer to trim hedges at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx borough of New York.

American yards are quietly going electric

For Jared Anderman, of Croton-on-Hudson, New York, switching from gasoline-powered tools to electric ones for lawn care was a no-brainer. "I'm concerned about climate change and wanted tools that are more eco-friendly, and also quieter. I like …

More Panorama

Nation & World
Q&A: America's new COVID-19 rules for international travel

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is rolling out new international travel policies affecting Americans and noncitizens alike who want to fly into the U.S. The goal is to restore more …

A medical tray holds syringes with the vaccine on the first day of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
J&J: Booster dose of its COVID shot prompts strong response LONDON (AP) — Johnson & Johnson said Tuesday that a booster of its one-shot coronavirus vaccine provides a stronger immune response months after people receive a first dose.J&J said in …
Maya Huber takes part in a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine study at Rutgers University on June 14 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Maya didn't know if she received the vaccine or the placebo. Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11. The vaccine maker said Monday it plans to seek authorization for this age group soon in the U.S., Britain and Europe. The vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech already is available for anyone 12 and older.
Pfizer says its vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11 Pfizer said Monday its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11 and that it will seek U.S. authorization for this age group soon - a key step toward beginning vaccinations for youngsters. The vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner …
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Haitian migrants gather on the banks of the Rio Grande after they crossed into the United States from Mexico on Saturday in Del Rio, Texas. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is nearing a final plan to expel many of the thousands of Haitian migrants who have suddenly crossed into the Texas border city from Mexico and to fly them back to their Caribbean homeland.
U.S. launches mass expulsion of Haitian migrants from Texas DEL RIO, Texas - The U.S. is flying Haitians camped in a Texas border town back to their homeland and blocking others from crossing the border from Mexico in a massive show of force that signals the beginning of what could be one of America's …
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres rings the Peace Bell during the U.N. ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the International Day of Peace on Friday at U.N. headquarters.
UN chief warns China, U.S. to avoid Cold War UNITED NATIONS - Warning of a potential new Cold War, the head of the United Nations implored China and the United States to repair their "completely dysfunctional" relationship before problems between the two large and deeply influential countries …

More Nation & World News

State News
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 U.S. 76, during rising floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Marion County.
Consultants sued over 2018 deaths of women in sheriff's van

The estates of two South Carolina women who drowned while locked in the back of a sheriff's department van during Hurricane Florence have filed lawsuits alleging negligence by a company that created …

Shooting in South Carolina town leaves 1 dead, 7 others hurt YEMASSEE (AP) — Police were searching for suspects after a shooting left one person dead and seven others injured — including several children — in the small town of Yemassee.The …
Solicitor: Man shot by trooper used stun gun in fatal fight
COLUMBIA (AP) - The South Carolina man killed by a state trooper last week after running away from a traffic stop took control of the officer's stun gun before the fatal shot, prosecutors said. The trooper shot Tristan Vereen once in the chest …
Alex Murdaugh sits during his bond hearing Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Varnville, S.C. Murdaugh surrendered Thursday to face insurance fraud and other charges after state police said he arranged to have himself shot in the head so that his son would get a $10 million life insurance payout. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
Lawyer Murdaugh exits jail after $10M insurance fraud arrest COLUMBIA — Instead of a suit and tie, lawyer Alex Murdaugh found himself in a jail jumpsuit Thursday in a cramped South Carolina courtroom, struggling to wipe tears from his eyes with …
S.C. reaches 50% vaccination rate as COVID-19 cases dip COLUMBIA - Half of all South Carolinians eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are now fully inoculated, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced Thursday. The benchmark puts the state closer to a 70 to 80% vaccination goal, …

More State News

Obituaries
TAMMY KAY TRUETT COMPTON

Tammy Kay Truett Compton, 59, wife of Charles Richard "Ricky" Compton, died on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at McLeod Health Clarendon in Manning. Born on March 2, 1962, in Hartsville, she was a daughter of the late James W. and Rudine Tanner …

ELIZABETH INGRAM MCCRAY

Elizabeth Ingram McCray, 85, widow of James McCray, departed this life on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. She was born on Dec. 14, 1935, in Sumter County, a daughter of the late George and Lenora Potts Ingram. The …

VIRGINIA FORD BUTLER

Virginia Ford Butler, 87, widow of Ernest Butler, departed this life on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at Henrico Doctors Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. She was born on Jan. 19, 1934, in Sumter, a daughter of the late Woodrow and Geneva Pearson …

LOUISE RAY GAULDING

Louise Ray Gaulding, age 90, beloved wife of the late Andrew Gaulding, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at her residence. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

JAMES PETER MOUZON

ATLANTA - On Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, James Peter "Cookie" Mouzon, husband of Vermell Calhoun Mouzon, exchanged time for eternity at the VA Medical Center of Atlanta. Born on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 1951, in the Foreston community of Manning, he was a …

More Obituaries

Faith
SMITH
Sumter Pastor Clay Smith: Grief from the inside The pain of losing someone you love doesn't stop when you leave the cemetery. In many ways it is just beginning. It has been three weeks since my brother passed, and I am still kicking over rocks, finding feelings I did not know I had. What makes …
Church News: Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 A Cry for Revival - Strike the Ground, meeting at Faith Outreach Assembly, 42 Callen Drive, announces: * Saturday, Sept. 25 - Community-wide conference will meet at 7 p.m. Come gather with us as we reclaim the orphaned wells of past revivals. …
DURHAM
Column from Sumter Pastor Joey Durham: The heart of God is displayed through kindness Today's devotion is "Kindness, a Display of the Heart of God." My text is Ephesians 4:31-32 where we see, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to …
Church News: Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 First Baptist Missionary Church, 219 S. Washington St., announces: * Today - A food pantry giveaway will be held beginning at 1 p.m. while supplies last. Knitting Hearts for Christ Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., …
Celebrations
NEAL
Ruth McFadden Neal celebrates 100th birthday Ruth McFadden Neal celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, with a family celebration at her home. She was born on Sept. 2, 1921, in Sardinia, to the late Ulysses and Henryanna Kennedy McFadden. She is the oldest of 12 siblings …
MR., MRS. KENNETH L. BENJAMIN
Benjamins celebrate 50 years of marriage Kenneth L. and Dianne R. Benjamin of Sumter will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 25, 2021. A family cruise will be taken in the summer of 2022 in their honor.The couple has …

More Celebrations

Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Sumter SPCA's Shelby is a playful, cuddly pup

LEFT: Shelby is a 7-week-old tan-and-white Labrador mix. She is active, friendly and very playful and affectionate. Shelby adores romping around with her pup buddies and being held and cuddled. She is great with children and other dogs and would …

Weddings
CAPT. AND MRS. GRAHAM BROOKER STOLTE
Ricciarelli-Stolte ASHEVILLE, North Carolina - Brianna Marie Ricciarelli of Cary, North Carolina, and Graham Brooker Stolte of Mount Pleasant were united in marriage at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Point Lookout Vineyard. The bride is the daughter of Mr. …
MR., MRS. MATTHEW CONYERS JR.
Goodman-Conyers Nancy Goodman of Dothan, Alabama, and Matthew Conyers Jr. of Sumter and Bronx, New York, were united in marriage on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Eva Rabb and the late Mr. Benjamin Rabb, and the late Mr. …
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS A. SPEIDEL
Beaty-Speidel CHARLESTON - Mary Elizabeth Beaty of Sumter and Thomas Anthony Speidel of Athens, Greece, were united in marriage at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wesley Beaty and …

More Weddings

Engagements
MR. MAYHEW, MISS ALSBROOKS
Alsbrooks-Mayhew Mr. and Mrs. Michael Steve Alsbrooks Sr. of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Hannah Nicole Alsbrooks of Sumter, to Mr. Jeremy Allin Mayhew of Denver, Colorado, son of the late Mr. Edwin Dean Mayhew of Denver and Shelli Mayhew (nee …
MISS WILSON
Wilson-Chestnut Mr. and Mrs. John Joe Wilson Jr. of Manning announce the engagement of their daughter, Celia Burgess Wilson of Manning, to Mr. Hunter Tyson Chestnut of Conway, son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Tyson Chestnut Jr. of Conway. The bride-elect is the …
Unhoch- Maccauley Mark Katz of Sumter and Loretta Burkholder of Wytheville, Virginia, announce the engagement of their daughter, Helena Unhoch, to Stephen Maccauley of Mineral, Virginia, son of Richard Maccauley of Louisa, Virginia, and Alvena Tierney of St. …
Reflections
Part of downtown Sumter is seen after the storm.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Hurricane Hugo: 'South Carolina's Storm of the Century'

Thirty-two years ago, Sumter and South Carolina were confronted with a massive natural disaster. "Hurricane Hugo would make landfall near Charleston harbor just before midnight on Sept. 21, 1989. With winds clocked at 138 mph, this …

More

Yesteryear
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Charles Truluck and his son Bubba survey the damage done by a tornado in September 1996 at the family's farm near Hobbs Crossroads. Seen is the roofless barn Charles' father built more than 100 years before the storm. Behind them and in the tree are pieces of a second shed and the building Charles was in when the storm struck.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: District 17's cheese rolls win S.C. school baking contest; tennis fans meet to discuss getting courts in Sumter 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 Feb. 27 - March 1 - Three men of the Sumter area were among the 174 Furman University men included on the dean's list for the first semester of this school term. Those from the Sumter area who have maintained a scholastic …
Capt. Michael J. Wagner, navigator, 18th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, briefs ROTC cadets from Clemson University on Oct. 27, 1971. The 40 cadets toured Shaw Air Force Base and were briefed on the RF-4C aircraft and its mission in the role of tactical reconnaissance.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Wildcats give coach his 'biggest victory'; new club built on Shaw 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 Feb. 18 - 24 - The chain reaction argument over who wanted the Smyth report published and how much of the atomic bomb's secret it revealed veered today toward the Army. A denial by the atom scientists of Chicago Inc. that …
Chris Breeland, 5, of Mayesville views works by Henry Berry, shown by his wife, at a display of South Carolina arts and crafts at Wesmark Plaza on Oct. 18, 1971.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Western Auto opens in Sumter; educator Dr. Stoddard honored 75 YEARS AGO - 1947 Feb. 11 - 17 - Ten Cub scouts of Den 3, Pack 38, were out Saturday morning enjoying a hike and picnic under the supervision of their den mother, Mrs. Freeman Parker, when a short way off they saw a field of burning broom …

More

From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Editorial cartoon: Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021
PICARIELLO
Opinion: The Constitution is not a suicide pact
LIVINGSTON
Column from Manning Pastor Sam Livingston: Performing under the radar
Your view
© Copyright 2021 The Sumter Item | Terms of Use / Privacy Policy | Cancellation / Refund Policy
Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions