Happening Now
John Jenkins, head custodian at Willow Drive Elementary School, cleans a classroom with an electrostatic sprayer in July.
Sumter School District administration proposes air quality control device in classes
Sumter Cares Masks Fund kicks off to help local public school students and teachers
SHAFFER
Former Manning police chief Shaffer's sentencing postponed for 4th time
BROWN
Lakewood High School employee arrested for sexual battery of 17-year-old student
Free COVID-19 testing will be offered to the public at two mobile sites in Clarendon County and one in Sumter County in the next week.
Free COVID-19 testing coming to Manning, Rembert, Summerton

Masks are working to help slow virus, officials say

A sign about a mask requirement is seen in the window of a store on College Avenue in Clemson on Saturday during Clemson's first home football game with COVID-19 restrictions.
As the nation passed another milestone this week when the death toll from COVID-19 surpassed 200,000, data from South Carolina continue to show masks seem to be slowing the spread. A third update from the state's public health agency indicates …

If searching for work, transportation industry has 'lifeboats'
PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM Aubrielle Burk, right, a first-grader at Millwood Elementary School, and her sister, Gabby Burk, a seventh-grader at Bates Middle School, get help from their grandmothers, Gwen Burk, left, and Loretta Brown, on their virtual school assignments at Gwen's home on Thursday.
Sumter grandma duo pitches in with virtual school
PHOTOS BY KAYLA GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEMThe Sumter County Genealogical Society held an open house recently to highlight what they have to offer.
Sumter's family history on display at Genealogical Society

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: Sumter’s art gallery brings art to students

The Sumter County Gallery of Art does more than host art exhibitions. They usually offer camps and classes, especially over the summer, for amateur and experienced artists of all ages, but COVID-19 …

Manning quarterback Justin Daniel returns as the starter after taking over late in the season last year.
Manning has holes to fill in Kennedy's second year
Running back Isiah Washington (3) will be one of eight returning starters on offense for Scott's Branch.
Scott's Branch playing for fourth head coach in four years in Barr
Sumter defensive end Justus Boone (6) will lead a stout Gamecock defense that has a lot of returning talent.
Sumter High returns defense loaded with talent
The Laurence Manning defense held Ben Lippen to 105 total yards on Friday in the Swampcats' 14-0 win.
FRIDAY NIGHT TAKEAWAYS
Stellar LMA defense highlights this week's Friday Night Takeaways
AREA ROUNDUP
Wilson Hall boys swim team finishes second
Poll of the Week

A poster is displayed in the entrance way looking for volunteers as the world's biggest study of a possible COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., gets underway Monday, July 27, 2020, in Binghamton, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)

When will you feel comfortable getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

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

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More local news
Sumter County LWV celebrates National Voter Registration Day
Absentee voting open for special Sumter County Council primary
Sumter's Palmetto Tennis Center received a $2 million hidden earmark to help with its renovation efforts to bring a new clubhouse and clay courts to the complex. Lawmakers and city officials hope the expansion will bring in tourists to boost the local economy.
Sumter County benefited most from $44 million in 'hidden' funds in S.C. budget
A car and truck are both submerged in flood waters on South Pike near S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles in Sumter.
Sumter sees record rainfall from Sally
Sumter residents stand in line to vote in February 2019.
What no-excuse absentee voting means for you in November

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More Sports
Crestwood defensive lineman Parris Lowery will be the centerpiece of the Knights' defensive front this season.
Quarterbacks still battling it out as season approaches for Crestwood
Tickets for Lakewood's opener along with the rest of the home games for Sumter School District football teams, will be sold in advance this season.
Tickets for Sumter School District home football games to be sold in advance
PHOTOS: Laurence Manning beats Ben Lippen 14-0
East Clarendon running back Marques Webb (26) and the Wolverines have a lot of offensive continuity to help boost their offense after an offseason that was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
East Clarendon bonds over football as season approaches
Laurence Manning scored touchdowns in each half and played shutdown defense in a 14-0 win over Ben Lippen on Friday.
Laurence Manning defense shines again in 14-0 win over Ben Lippen

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Panorama
PHOTO PROVIDED Sumter's Carolita Cantrell's Lady with a Fur, a cardboard mosaic with pieces painted or left as they were was exhibited in the 2020 Artfields in Lake City.

ArtFields calls for Southern artists Lake City to host 9th annual exhibition

ArtFields invites both emerging and established artists from 12 southeastern states to enter the ninth exhibition and competition that turns Lake City into a town-wide gallery for nine days in the spring. Accepted artists will have their work …

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Nation & World
U.S. household wealth hits record as economy struggles

WASHINGTON (AP) - Americans' household wealth rebounded last quarter to a record high as the stock market quickly recovered from a pandemic-induced plunge in March. Yet the gains flowed mainly to the most affluent households even as tens of millions …

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
AP Explains: What's next with the Supreme Court vacancy? WASHINGTON - Republican efforts to fill Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat after her death are likely to move swiftly this week, with President Donald Trump possibly nominating a replacement within days and GOP senators hoping to …
UK experts issue warning on exponential virus cases LONDON (AP) - Britain's top medical advisers warned the public Monday they must make further sacrifices to control the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying new coronavirus infections could increase tenfold to almost 50,000 a day next month …
After a night of facing off against protesters, a deputy U.S. marshal takes a break July 26, 2020, on a rooftop terrace at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in Portland, Ore.
Feds threaten funds to NYC, Seattle and Portland over unrest WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department identified New York City, Portland, Oregon and Seattle as three cities that could have federal funding slashed under a memorandum by President Donald Trump that sought to identify localities that permit …
Joe Mirable surveys the damage to his business after Hurricane Sally moved through the area Thursday in Perdido Key, Florida. Rivers swollen by Hurricane Sally's rains threatened more misery for parts of the Florida Panhandle and south Alabama on Thursday, as the storm's remnants continued to dump heavy rains inland that spread flooding to Georgia and the Carolinas.
Running out of storm names, Atlantic season goes Greek The Atlantic's record-breaking "crazy" hurricane season got a bizarre European remake Friday as forecasters ran out of traditional names and trotted out the Greek alphabet for subtropical storm Alpha. And it was misplaced geographically, bearing …

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State News
CHILDS
Judge nixes witness signature requirement on absentee ballots

COLUMBIA - A federal judge in South Carolina has struck down a rule requiring mail-in absentee ballots to be signed by witnesses for the upcoming November election, citing the severity of the coronavirus pandemic. In a ruling Friday, U.S. District …

Sumter native goes from homeless to hero in Greenville with Sunday Dinners GREENVILLE - Redd Martin spent years living on the streets, eating from trash cans and doing what he could to survive. His life began to change after he met a woman who introduced him to God. Today, he and that woman, now his wife, Cassandra …
S.C. justices reopen courtroom with school funding lawsuit
COLUMBIA (AP) - Meeting in person for oral arguments for the first time since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the South Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments Friday over whether Gov. Henry McMaster has the power to direct $32 million in …
SMITH
Sumter legislator Smith wants raises and bonuses, but not now COLUMBIA - The chairman of the House committee that writes South Carolina's budget said he also wants a small raise for teachers and a $1,000 COVID-19 hazard pay bonus for lower-paid state workers, but now isn't the time to spend that …
McMaster signs into law COVID-19 election rules COLUMBIA (AP) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law Wednesday changes in South Carolina voting rules allowing anyone to cast an absentee ballot without a reason in November's general election to help fight the spread of …

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Obituaries
DELILAH MCGILL

Delilah McGill, 66, transitioned on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Snellville, Georgia. She was born on March 5, 1954, in Sumter County, to Leroy and Lottie Mae Moses McGill. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, at …

CHARLIE BRYE WILSON

Charlie Brye Wilson, 76, widow of Sandy Wilson, died on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, at her home in Sumter. Born on Nov. 10, 1943, in Evergreen, Alabama, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Charlotte Pleasant Brye. In accordance with …

SAMMIE LEE HOLLOMAN

Sammie Lee Holloman departed this earthly life on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. Born on Oct. 30, 1965, in Mayesville, he was the second oldest child born to Sarah and the late Sammie Lee Holloman Sr. He …

CHARLES V. KAMMERMANN

Retired Lt. Col. Charles V. Kammermann, 83, husband of the Rev. Cheryl Janes Kammermann, died on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, at NHC Healthcare in Sumter. Born on Jan. 14, 1937, in Pontiac, Illinois, he was a son of the late Charles E. Kammermann. He …

CATHERINE TINDAL GOODMAN

MANNING - Catherine Tindal Goodman, 64, wife of Calvin Goodman, died on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, at McLeod Health Clarendon, Manning. She was born on Sept. 3, 1956, in Summerton, a daughter of the late Johnnie and Thelma Georgie Tindal. The …

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Celebrations
MR., MRS. CHARLES THOMAS OSBORNE
Osbornes celebrate 50 years Charles Thomas and Alice Garrett Osborne, of Sumter, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020. Their two children are Brandon Osborne and Sara and Franklin Trepoy, all of Sumter. The couple has two …
MR., MRS. BOBBY B. RABON
Rabons celebrate 70 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bobby B. Rabon, of Sumter, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at their home. A celebration with family and friends will be held at a later date. Their two children and their spouses are Teresa …
MR., MRS. GARY CROSKEY
Croskeys celebrate 60 years Gary and Judy Croskey of Sumter celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Friday, June 19, 2020. Their two children are Yvette White and Jacqui Croskey Hawkey. The couple has five grandchildren.

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Faith
Church News: Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Sunday, Sept. 27 - The 127th anniversary of the church and homecoming will be celebrated at 11 a.m. via Facebook and YouTube. The Rev. Dr. Travis S. Holmes, of Ladson, will …
SMITH
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith: The stars are telling you something . . . Days on the ranch started early. First you put on your britches, then you went to the barn to feed up. Then you ate breakfast. Back then, my parents didn't see the need for a security lamp. It didn't matter how dark it was, the barn hadn't moved in …
As Africa's cases rise, faith is put to the test KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) - The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the patience of some religious leaders across Africa who worry they will lose followers, and funding, as restrictions on gatherings continue. Some evangelical Christian leaders in Uganda have …
Church News: Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 Knitting Hearts Ministry, which meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday - Knitting Hearts will meet from 10 a.m. to noon. Atiya Fazal Massey will share an inspirational message of freedom, healing and hope. Find the …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Ramona gets along with other cats and dogs

LEFT: Ramona is a housebroken 7-month-old American short hair. She is great with other cats, children and even dogs. Ramona is friendly, active and affectionate. She adores back scratches and lots of attention. The Sumter SPCA is located at 1140 …

Weddings
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT T. OUZTS
Burress-Ouzts Emily Caroline Burress of Sumter and Robert Thomas Ouzts of Manning were united in marriage on Sunday, May 3, 2020, in a private ceremony. A celebration of marriage was held at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Sumter. The …
MRS. JAMES A. GOODSON IV
Segars-Goodson Jane Elizabeth Segars and James Arthur Goodson IV, both of Sumter, were united in marriage at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020, at LinRan Farm in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Burrell "Billy" Raymie Segars Sr. and Nicolle Segars of …
MR., MRS. TAYLOR MOREHOUSE
Bradford-Morehouse TIMMONSVILLE - Erin Elaine Bradford of Sumter and Taylor Allen Morehouse of Summerton were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2020, at The Cabin at Old Spur. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scott Bradford of Sumter, …
MRS. AUSTIN O'NEIL BOYLE
Weeks-Boyle Erika Meurling Weeks of Greenville and Austin O'Neil Boyle of Augusta, Georgia, were united in marriage at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2020, at the home of the bridegroom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adville Barnes Boyle III of Sumter. The bride is the …

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Engagements
Bultman-Satterfield Ms. Cynthia D. Bultman of Sumter announces the engagement of her daughter, Megan Bultman of Sumter, to William Satterfield of Heard County, Georgia, son of William and Kelly Satterfield of Heard County. The bride-elect is also the daughter of Mr. …
MISS CURTIS, MR. JOHNSON
Curtis-Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Curtis of Lenoir, North Carolina, announce the engagement of their daughter, Sara Suzanne Curtis of Lenoir, to Samuel Lawrence Johnson of Sumter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy P. Johnson of Sumter. The bride-elect is the …
MISS JOHNSON, MR. LEE
Johnson-Lee Ms. Tracie Dana Sykes of Sumter and Mr. and Mrs. William Howard Johnson of Manning announce the engagement of their daughter, Dinah Davis Johnson of Sumter, to Christopher Derek Lee of Sumter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Leroy Lee of …
MR. DEMERY, MISS GAYLE
Gayle-Demery Daniel and Michele Demery of Manning announce the engagement of their son, Treyon Marquise Demery of Smyrna, Georgia, to Melyssa Gayle of Smyrna, daughter of Noel and Althea Gayle of Flowery Branch, Georgia. The bride-elect is the granddaughter …
Reflections
Glider pilots were instrumental in the Normandy Invasion, and many signed up to serve at Shaw Field before being sent to training schools.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Gliders played an important role in Normandy Invasion

Reflections looks back at an important segment of the U.S. military joined by numerous soldiers from the Sumter community. The Glider Infantry program proved an integral part of the armed forces and played an important role in the Normandy Invasion, …

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Yesteryear
Freddie Solomon, the Sumter quarterback who led the South to a 35-23 victory over the North in the Shrine Bowl game in December 1970, talks with assistant coach Buddy Sasser of Conway. Sasser said the South coaches asked Solomon to do more running.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Sumter boxer is Denver star; Boykin's Mill products chosen by QVC 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 April 4 - 8 - Announcement is made today of the retirement of S.B. Green as general manager of the South Carolina Continental Telephone Co. and Sumter Telephone Co. after 18 years' service with these and other independent …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Tech. Sgt. Kelly Ross explains his job as a fireman to Camp Catch-a-Breath campers Sept. 11, 1995.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: SHS adds soccer for students; new equipment at Poinsett range 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 March 31 - April 3 - Here's a sure sign that America is gradually getting back to the pre-war way of life - the circuses of fond memories are on the road and will visit the Monahan Show Grounds in Sumter. Actually the …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Sumter City Fire Department's first female firefighter, Debbie Ivey, dressed in her full firefighting gear, prepares to undergo training exercises in September 1995.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Cotton improvement contest held again; Gamecocks are top dog 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 March 25 - 30 - Dogwood season, now in full swing, is perhaps nature's most appealing effort in loveliness. There is a lovely legend of the dogwood which comes from past centuries. Because of its hardness, it is said that …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Opinion: Deer hunters, volunteers working to help hungry South Carolinians
PATRICK BUCHANAN
Opinion: Is peace finally at hand in the Middle East?
Editorial cartoon: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020
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