Happening Now
Emergency responders on scene on March 23 for a vehicle found burning with two bodies inside.
2 homicide victims identified whose bodies were found in a burning vehicle in Sumter
WELLS
Sumter man suspected of robbing woman at gunpoint in custody
Wedgefield man killed by unknown suspect in Sumter
Gov. Henry McMaster speaks to the press in 2018.
S.C. governor directs officials to release virus cases by ZIP code
A sign on the door of Sumter's Ruby Tuesday on Broad Street shows the restaurant has closed. While officials with the chain said it was not doing great before, COVID-19's impact made it too financially unsustainable. About 25 employees were affected by the closure.
Sumter, S.C. jobless claims more than double in a week

'I've seen people meet the need': While closed from COVID-19, Shoney’s gives back to workers, Sumter community

Shoney's General Manager Gene Lady gives lunch to a customer on Thursday. Shoney's is selling $5 lunch plates and giving those same plates to employees for free. All the proceeds from the sold boxes go to Backpack Blessings of Sumter, a program started through First Presbyterian Church which provides food for children during weekends when they're not in school.
The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for people across the world. One of the trades to take the biggest hit was the restaurant industry, as businesses suddenly can't have people gathering in their dining rooms for service. While …

Clarendon Master Gardeners' Plant Sale on April 10 to follow social distancing rules
A COVID-19 birthday parade in Sumter
The Sumter Item hires new sales representative

Friday, April 3, 2020

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Studio Sumter

Sumter's COVID-19 Response - Featured Guest: Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital CEO Michelle Logan-Owens

We talked to Michelle live on Zoom earlier today, with the public also viewing and submitting questions about the hosptial and health care system's response to this pandemic.

During the interview, …

Sumter resident Stephen Kelly is no stranger to endurance running, but he will face his most difficult and different experience on Saturday when he runs a virtual last man standing race in his neighborhood.
Sumter runner to take part in virtual last man standing race
Athletic directors at major colleges across the country like Clemson and LSU are preparing for the worst financially as the coronavirus has put athletics on an indefinite hiatus.
NCAA Athletic directors bracing for financial crisis
There is still a chance scenes like this may be seen again this spring as the South Carolina High School League announced on Thursday it is waiting to see what happens with the coronavirus in the state before making a decision on the spring sports season.
SCHSL not ready to cancel spring season yet
Kansas' Mario Chalmers shoots a three pointer to take the game in to overtime against Memphis during the 2008 NCAA championship game in San Antonio. Kansas defeated Memphis 75-68 in overtime.
AP Was There: Jayhawks beats Memphis for '08 title
The New England Patriots private team plane was used to transport more than one million masks from China to help control the spread of the coronavirus in Massachusetts.
Patriots use team plane to fly N95 masks in from China
Poll of the Week

What are you most looking forward to post-COVID-19?

Have a question you want us to ask? Email editor@theitem.com.

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More local news
President Donald Trump gives updates on the coronavirus on Wednesday afternoon as Lee Burgess, owner of Undisputed Barbershop on Broad Street, finishes one of his last haircuts of the day before Gov. Henry McMaster’s close-contact service provider shut-down went into effect at 5 p.m.
S.C. LLR extends license, permit renewal deadlines to ease coronavirus burden
SMITH
State and Sumter officials waiting on guidance on coronavirus stimulus money
Keon Stuckey watches coronavirus updates roll in on the TV at Undisputed Barbershop on Wednesday afternoon, just an hour before all close-contact service providers, including barberhops and salons, were to close at 5 p.m. by executive order from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.
Nonessential businesses in Sumter spend last day open before shutdown
Jane Hray has been teaching her children, Evelyn and Grady, while schools have been closed across Sumter because of COVID-19. All K-12 students’ grades will be adjusted this semester.
South Carolina K-12 students will get adjusted semester grade
PHOTO PROVIDED
Need some new sounds during quarantine? Sumter musicians celebrate John Denver with CD featuring hits, 'obscure' songs

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More Sports
Sumter High School outside linebacker Miles Capers has started to gain the attention of Power 5 Conference football programs after switching to the defensive side of the ball last season.
Sumter High OLB Capers grows into Power 5 Conference prospect
Mary Madlyn Stanfield talks with her Bomb Squad teammates after they practiced via Zoom Video Conferencing on Monday.
Local athletes try to stay fit while staying at home from virus
PHIL KORNBLUT
Georgia Military College CB Dial commits to USC
The Wilson Hall girls shooting team of, left to right, Samantha Richards, Madisen Galiano and Ann Weathers Blankenship pose with their SCISA scholastic shooting state championship trophies after the trio swept all three shooting championships.
Young Wilson Hall girls shooting team sweeps SCISA championships
Members of the Sumter P-15's congratulate each other during a game last season. The American Legion baseball season is still planning to start on its regular schedule despite the threat posed by the coronavirus.
American Legion baseball season still on

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Panorama
Photos by Sharon L. McCreary via APFrom left, A Little Something participants Khei Hung from Burma, Sabah Almobarak from Syria, Eh Gay Ju from Burma and Mounira Kuru from Syria work through frustration and creative challenges in their first lesson making wire-wrapped necklace pendants. A Little Something not only helps refugees find community, but it also sells the crafts and gives artisans 75% of the earnings.

Crafts can help refugees find community, maybe a living

By MOLLY SPRAYREGEN Associated Press When Bahija Karim arrived in Idaho as an Afghan refugee in 2005, she knew little about American culture. She didn't speak English. A volunteer directed her to Artisans for Hope, a local crafts initiative …

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Nation & World
Why health experts aren't warning about virus in food

NEW YORK (AP) - Chicken with salmonella can make you sick. So can romaine lettuce with E. coli and buffets with lurking norovirus. So why aren't health officials warning people about eating food contaminated with the new coronavirus? The answer …

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is seen at Mt. Zion on Feb. 28, the day before the democratic primary in S.C.
Democrats delay nominating convention amid virus concerns Democrats announced Thursday that they were postponing their presidential nominating convention until August, an unprecedented move that shows how the coronavirus is reshaping the battle for the White House. The party had hoped that a mid-July …
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Burkina Faso commando paratroopers exercise Feb. 18 under the supervision of Dutch special forces during a U.S. military-led annual counterterrorism exercise in Thies, Senegal.
Extremists see global chaos from virus as opportunity JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Both the Islamic State group and al-Qaida see the coronavirus as a threat, but some of their fighters also see the upheaval from the pandemic as an opportunity to win over more supporters and strike harder than …
Q&A: How to get aid for a small business hit by COVID-19 crisis NEW YORK (AP) - Millions of small business owners will be turning to the government, seeking help for an individual and nationwide cataclysm, the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The government says it will begin …
Beth LaBerge / KQED via APStaff work in a ventilator refurbishing assembly line at Bloom Energy in Sunnyvale, California. The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted companies large and small to rethink how they do business. Bloom Energy makes hydrogen fuel cells but recently has been refurbishing old ventilators.
Can you fix ventilators? A fuel cell engineer figures it out SACRAMENTO, California - It was late when engineer Joe Tavi's boss called with an odd question: Could their company, which makes fuel cells, learn how to fix a ventilator? California had a bunch of broken ones, and the governor had asked if San …

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State News
S.C. will give 1st responders virus data to keep them safe

COLUMBIA - South Carolina public health officials are creating a statewide database of addresses of known positive COVID-19 cases, a secure tool only made available to first responders who have argued the information could help protect …

Chloe Peters, a RN at Prsima Health Toumey Hospital, and Kyle Sanders, a BLS specialist with Prisma, wash up after conducting and collecting a drive through COVID-19 test in Sumter on Thursday, March 19.
Sumter may see almost 600 cases of virus by May Michelle Logan-Owens has seen a lot in her medical career in Sumter. This coronavirus is different. Joining Tuomey Hospital 27 years ago and becoming CEO in 2015, since she took the helm the hospital has been through the 1,000-year flood that …
Myrtle Beach Public Works crews close down public beach access points on Tuesday morning after S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster's order to close access to beaches and public waterways amid the coronavirus threat. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
S.C. officials defend limited data release as COVID-19 spreads COLUMBIA - As businesses considered nonessential close across South Carolina to fight the coronavirus, state health officials are coming under increased scrutiny about information it isn't gathering or releasing about the spread of the virus. For …
S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs warns of coronavirus scams SUBMITTED BY S.C. DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRSCOLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is warning consumers and businesses to be on the lookout for coronavirus scams. No …
A Q&A about filing for unemployment in South Carolina during COVID-19 With the number of people applying for unemployment rising daily, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce offers the following questions and answers:   Q. If someone can’t …

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Obituaries
MICHAEL CHARLES VEDAS

Michael "Motorcycle Mike" Charles Vedas, retired senior master sergeant, age 80, beloved husband of 39 years to Edna Earle Vedas, died on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at his residence. Arrangements will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home.

ROSCOE BILLY PENDRY JR.

Roscoe Billy "Skip" Pendry Jr., age 76, beloved husband of Nancy Chung Pendry, died on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at his residence. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book online. The family has chosen Bullock …

SHELIA DENISE MCFADDEN

TURBEVILLE - Shelia Denise McFadden, 46, died on Monday, March 30, 2020, at MUSC Health, Florence. She was born on March 22, 1974, in Lake City, a daughter of the late Willard D. McFadden and Barbara Ann McFadden. The family is receiving …

BARBARA ANN S. BLACKSHEAR

Barbara Ann Scott Blackshear was born on Nov. 21,1944, in Sumter County, the oldest child of Sam Claud and Clarence Edith McFadden Scott. Barbara departed this life on Friday, March 27, 2020, at MUSC Health in Florence. A product of the Lee …

JENNIE R. HOOVER

Jennie R. Hoover, 78, widow of Patrick Daniel Hoover Sr., died on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Born on Sept. 11, 1941, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Ruth Ray Lowery. She retired from the Army and …

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Celebrations
MR., MRS. CHARLES VERBURG
Verburgs celebrate 50 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Charles Verburg of Sumter celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. They were married on Feb. 6, 1970. Their four children are Susan Verburg of Ann Arbor, Michigan, June and Steve Williamson of Mapleton, …
MR., MRS. JAMES MCLEOD
McLeods celebrate 64 years James and Rosemarie McLeod of Sumter celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on Feb. 6, 2020. The couple's three sons are Leroy McLeod, Douglas McLeod and the late James W. McLeod. The couple has eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren …

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Faith
SMITH
From Sumter Pastor Clay Smith: We are the world I read in the news today that the streets of Beirut are empty. Ditto the streets of Baghdad, Beijing, London and New York. ISIS, of all people, is telling its followers not to travel because of the virus. When you look at the Centers for Disease …
SMITH
The last time this happened Despite what my children think, I am too young to remember World War II. My parents, however, lived through that time. It was the last time in American history when everyone's lives changed. We forget there was rationing. People were allotted …
Catholic Diocese of Charleston livestreaming Mass and other devotions CHARLESTON -- In an effort to bring liturgies to the faithful across the state, the CatholicDiocese of Charleston is now livestreaming from the Chapel of the Holy Family, which is located …
Church News: Friday, March 13, 2020 Allen Chapel AME Church, 471 Lynam Road, announces: * Sunday, March 29 - Women's Missionary Society worship beginning at 10 a.m. Kiara Nicole Lint, young adult missionary, will speak. Beulah Union Methodist Episcopal Church, 2380 S. St. Paul …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Briggs is a sweet, happy and lovable boy

LEFT: Briggs is a 6-year-old boxer mix. He is a super sweet and friendly guy who adores love and attention. He is active, but also has his lazy side. Briggs is a big, happy boy who would be a lovable buddy. The Sumter SPCA is located at 1140 S. …

Weddings
MRS. McSWAIN ARMFIELD II
Wright-Armfield COLUMBIA - Lauren Ashley Wright of Summerville and Roger McSwain Armfield II of Sumter were united in marriage at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Shandon United Methodist Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Brian …
MRS. CHRISTIAN WARD
Jekel-Ward STATEBURG - Rachel Nicole Jekel and Christian Blake Ward were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at Church of the Holy Cross. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Stephen Jekel and the granddaughter of Mrs. Alton …
MR., MRS. MICHAEL DAVIS
Barton-Davis Jordan Taylor Barton and Michael George Davis, both of Sumter, were united in marriage at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at The O'Donnell House in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Glenn and Stacy Barton of Sumter and the granddaughter of …
MRS. ZACHARY BYRD
Brunson-Byrd Emily Brunson and Zachary Daniel Byrd were united in marriage at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at Graham Baptist Church in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Wentworth Brunson III of Alcolu and the granddaughter of Ms. …

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Engagements
MISS TOLBERT, MR. RAMIREZ-GARCIA
Tolbert, Ramirez-Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Will Tolbert announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Marie Tolbert, to Adrian Ramirez-Garcia, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Ramirez-Rivera, all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William R. …
McMeekin-Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. John Stephen McMeekin of Winnsboro announce the engagement of their daughter, Caroline Mayes McMeekin of Seattle, Washington, to Mr. John Watson Montgomery of Seattle, son of Dr. and Mrs. Alan Bruce Montgomery of Medina, …
MR. SMITH, MISS PASTORE
Pastore-Smith Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. Pastore of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Chelsea Marie Pastore of Sumter, to Brandon S. Smith of Chesterfield, son of Mr. Scott Smith and Mrs. Lisa G. Hardwick of Chesterfield. The bride-elect graduated …
MR. STEPHENS, MISS SPROTT
Sprott- Stephens Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Burgess Sprott III of Manning announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah DuBose Sprott of Conway, to Mr. Daniel Carlton Stephens of Lake View, son of Mr. David Norman …
Reflections
Combat photographer Heyward Crowson stands on the steps of a Chinese temple in Tientsin, China.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Item photographer featured in Chinese paper

Reflections remembers the accomplishments of Heyward Crowson in China during World War II. In October of 1945, Mrs. Ruth Crowson received from her husband, who was serving in the Marine Corps, a copy of the Chinese-English Intelligence paper from …

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Yesteryear
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO On March 25, 1995, Gregg Herlong, right, owner of Manning Tractor, shows Clarendon farmer Scott Jackson a new planter recently released by the John Deere Company. The planter operates on the principles of vacuum rather than the traditional principles of gravity.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Swan Lake bridge construction underway; Bradford competes at Classic 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Oct. 19 - Oct. 25 - Decay-producing organisms remain alive for many months in sweet potato storage houses, say Clemson plant disease specialists, who advise that these organisms be eliminated before the new crop of sweet …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO J. Harold Wilson, president of the Sumter County Farm Bureau, presents Denise Ann Compton, 10, with a check June 16, 1970, that will enable her to compete in the National Majorette Association finals. The event was to be held the week of June 22 in Portsmouth, Virginia. Denise is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Compton.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Red Cross Canteen members greet every troop train; 'puff mud' found 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Oct. 12 - Oct. 18 - Four air bases in the two Carolinas, including Shaw Field at Sumter, are included in the list of 85 flying fields, depots, hospitals and other establishments the Army Air Forces has recommended for …
The 1970 American Legion P-15's team was, front row from left: Allen Johnson, Pat Mills, Tommy Jackson, Bill Brown, Donnie Branham and Monty Oxendine; second row: Ricky Barkley, Oakie Lowder, Dickie Jones, Ronnie Scarborough, Brantley Carter and Bo Boyle; back row: Coach Bernard Jones, Coach Wallie Jones, Larry Reynolds, Fletcher Smith, Mike Steen and Coach Tommy Jones.
Yesteryear with Sammy Way: St. Anne's donates clothes to children; Farmers' Field Day hosted 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Oct. 5 - Oct. 11 - The local committee for Fire Prevention Week, to be held Oct. 7-13, was announced by Mayor Edwin Boyle. The committee includes E. H. Lynam, chairman; C. V. Wilder, vice chairman; and D. W. Cuttino Jr. …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Rediscovering America: A quiz on the 1918 flu pandemic
Editorial cartoon: Friday, April 3, 2020
Editorial cartoon: Thursday, April 2, 2020
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