Happening Now
 7-year-old boy brings BB gun mistaken for real firearm to Pocalla Springs Elementary
Temps could break records on Memorial Day weekend
2019 Sumter Iris Festival schedule and parade route
PHOTOS BY DANNY KELLY / THE SUMTER ITEMFrom left, Kennedy Dantzler, Rachel Davis and Katelyn Makowske pose with their project titled the "Comfy Teether" at the Alice Drive Elementary School Invention Convention on Monday night.
Alice Drive Elementary School students display STEM inventions
The Return, a Beatles tribute band, also seen at right, will be at the Sumter Opera House on Saturday.
Flower Power comes to Sumter Opera House

‘Gummy expert’ buys Sumter’s Mount Franklin

Production-level workers inspect equipment at Santa Cruz Nutritionals on Wednesday. One of the largest gummy contract manufacturers in the U.S., the company acquired Mount Franklin Nutritionals in Sumter a few months ago and is now looking to expand.
The way a corporate executive described it Wednesday, “there’s a little more science to getting those vitamins in there than meets the eye.” Jill Pergande, chief human resources …
Memorial Day Schedule: Friday, May 24, 2019
Sumter County Veterans Association invites public to 2 events Memorial Day weekend
The 2019 Iris Festival Court is seen after the Iris Festival Pageant on Saturday. Four of the winners are not pictured. The 22nd-annual pageant was held Saturday at Lakewood High School Fine Arts Center. Iris queens, overall and Miss Swan Lake queens will ride on the Iris Festival parade float in the 14th-Annual Shrine Day Parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. and make appearances at the Memorial Day Weekend festival.
These are the winners of Sumter's 22nd Annual Iris Festival Pageant

Friday, May 24, 2019

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: Alice Drive Elementary students hold a STEM Invention Convention

Instead of having a regular science fair, students at Alice Drive Elementary School this year held an Invention Convention, where they created actual inventions that would solve a problem with a STEM …

Lakewood High School's Javontae' Jones, seated in the center, has signed to play college football with Greensboro College. Seated with Jones from left to right are grandfather James Scott, mother Cheryl Jones, father Joseph Jones and grandmother Millie Scott,
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Lakewood's Jones to play at Greensboro College
Atlanta's Austin Riley follows through on an RBI single off San Francisco's Reyes Moronta during the 13th inning inning of their game Thursday in San Francisco.
PRO BASEBALL
Riley homers again, Braves beat Giants 5-4 in 13
LSU's Josh Smith, left, scores as South Carolina pitcher Parker Coyne misses the throw during the Gamecocks' 8-6 loss in the Southeastern Conference tournament on Tuesday. The loss brought an end to a bad season for USC, which was 28-28 on the season and 8-22 in SEC play.
USC baseball must find way to turn things around quickly
Images of Tony Stewart, Joe Gibbs, Waddell Wilson, Buddy Baker and Bobby Labonte, left to right, are shown during the announcement of them being the 2020 NASCAR Hall of Fame class on Wednesday in Charlotte.
AUTO RACING
Stewart, Gibbs, Labonte elected to NASCAR Hall of Fame
LSU's Giovanni DiGiacom (7) slides safely into home to tie the game on a wild pitch as Auburn catcher Matt Scheffler (6) looks for the ball during the ninth inning of the Southeastern Conference tournament NCAA college baseball game, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Hoover, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
COLLEGE BASEBALL ROUNDUP
Clemson throws 1-hitter, beats Louisville 7-1 at ACC tourney
Poll of the Week

Lindsay Holley, the 2018 Iris Festival Queen, takes a big bite out of a funnel cake following the Iris Parade.

What is your favorite part about the Iris Festival?

Vote on our poll, and look for what our readers answered for this and other polls at TheItem.com, our Facebook and Instagram pages and in The Sumter Item. Have a question you want us to ask? Email …

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PHOTO PROVIDED
Don't miss annual Shrine Day Parade on Saturday morning
Fred’s at 209 Broad St., Sumter, will close in June.
Fred's in Sumter will close after all
Irises continue to bloom in time for the 79th Iris Festival at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens, beginning today with Taste at the Gardens. Visitors to the festival can buy a wide variety of plants, possibly including some irises as in previous years’ festivals, from the Sumter Master Gardeners on the Bland side of the gardens, but be sure to get there early for the best selection.
79th Iris Festival Schedule: Event begins Thursday with Taste at the Gardens
City of Sumter budget's 1st reading does not include tax hike
PHOTO PROVIDED Too Much Sylvia will open this summer's Fourth Friday Concert Series from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday on Main Street in Downtown Sumter.
Fourth Friday concert series returns to Downtown Sumter

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More Sports
The Sumter P-15's will be hoping to do some more dog piles like they did after winning a series over Camden that earned them a berth in the American Legion baseball state tournament last year when the 2019 season begins next week. Sumter, Manning-Santee and Dalzell-Shaw will each be playing in a preseason tournament sponsored by Florence Post 1 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Local teams get a preview this weekend
Surrounded by her family, father Detric Porter, cousin Dazjuan Butler, brother Kayleb, mother Keonna and aunt Davatri Butler, Wilson Hall standout sprinter Kayla Porter (seated) signs to run track at the College of Charleston during a May 14 signing ceremony at Wilson Hall's Nash Student Center.
Wilson Hall's Porter to run track at C of C
Thomas Sumter Academy archer Andrew Conyers finished 12th out of 2,200 elementary school competitors in a national competition held recently in Louisville, Kentucky. The fifth-grader will get a chance to compete in the world competition in Nashville, Tennessee.
Thomas Sumter archer Conyers finishes 12th in national competition
SMITH
Smith leaving Scott's Branch to return to C.E. Murray
Gamecocks, Tigers hoping for big things in SEC, ACC tournaments

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Food
Daniel J. van Ackere/America's Test Kitchen via AP

Zucchini or summer squash makes for a colorful pasta dish

Daniel J. van Ackere/America's Test Kitchen via AP
Perfect burgers depend on the right meat
Steve Klise/America's Test Kitchen via AP
Jamaican jerk starts with bold ingredients

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Panorama
PHOTO PROVIDED Author Dorothea Benton Frank will be at the Sumter County Museum on May 28.

Sumter County Museum hosts author Dorothea Benton Frank

New York Times best-selling author Dorothea Benton Frank will appear at the Sumter County Museum at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, for a book signing and reception. Frank's 20th novel, "Queen Bee," will be released May 28, and the museum will have …

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Nation & World
Cadet Hallie H. Pound / U.S. Army via AP Black female cadets with the Class of 2019 pose at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. The 34 women comprise a small slice of the roughly 1,000 cadets in the class.
West Point to graduate record number of black female cadets

WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) - The class of cadets preparing to jubilantly toss their caps in the air at the U.S. Military Academy's graduation ceremony Saturday includes 34 black women, a record number that's a sign of concerted efforts to diversify West …

Alexandria Sheriff's Office via AP This January 2002 photo shows John Walker Lindh, the young Californian who became known as the American Taliban, who was set free Thursday.
American who joined Taliban is released from prison after 17 years John Walker Lindh, the Californian who took up arms for the Taliban and was captured by U.S. forces in Afghanistan in 2001, got out of prison Thursday after more than 17 years, released under tight restrictions that reflected government fears he …
President Donald Trump
Trump pledges $16B to farmers; markets buckle WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump rolled out an additional $16 billion in aid for farmers hurt by his trade policies, and financial markets shook Thursday on the growing realization that the U.S. and China are far from settling a bitter, year-long …
This infrared satellite image made available by NOAA shows Hurricane Michael approaching the Florida panhandle on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018.
U.S. forecasters predict near normal Atlantic hurricane season WASHINGTON - The Atlantic hurricane season is off to yet another early start, but U.S. weather officials say it should be a near normal year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday predicted nine to 15 named storms. It …
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows via AP Snow covers Squaw Valley High Camp on Wednesday in Olympic Valley, California. Memorial Day may be the unofficial start of summer, but California is heading toward the holiday with rainy, windy and snowy weather.
California heads into summer with snow LOS ANGELES (AP) - Thunderstorms embedded with lightning and hail moved across Southern California on Wednesday as winter-like weather persisted through late spring in many parts of the state. The unusual conditions caused by low-pressure systems …

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State News
JONES JR.
Insanity case begins for man accused of killing 5 kids

COLUMBIA (AP) - Lawyers defending a father charged with killing his five children turned Wednesday to brain science and their client's odd statements to try to spare him from a possible death sentence. The insanity defense case for Timothy Jones …

Woman charged in death of a child deleted texts after fatal shootout LEXINGTON (AP) - Arrest warrants say a woman charged in the death of an 8-year-old boy during a home invasion deleted text messages from her phone shortly after the shootout. Authorities said 23-year-old Linda Lyn Monette planned to have someone …
JONES JR.
Mom of 5 slain children sobs on stand at ex-husband's trial COLUMBIA (AP) - The mother of five slain children fell into heaving sobs during the death penalty trial of her ex-husband. Amber Kyzer frequently wiped away tears during her hour of testimony Monday at the Lexington County Courthouse. When a …
Dad who shot daughter through door arrested for drugs GREENVILLE (AP) - Authorities in South Carolina said a Greenville man who mistook his daughter for a potential intruder and killed her has been arrested on drug charges. Greenville County deputies said officers responding to the early Sunday …
Police: Boy killed in drug robbery set up by woman LEXINGTON (AP) - Authorities said a shooting that killed an 8-year-old boy in his South Carolina home was part of a robbery arranged by someone living in the house. Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said 23-year-old Linda Lyn Monette planned to …

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Obituaries
WOODROW JOHNSON

Woodrow Johnson, 86, husband of Hattie Brunson Johnson, departed this life on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at NHC Healthcare. He was born on March 18, 1933, in Clarendon County, a son of the late Purdy …

WILLIE LEE MCCOY

Willie Lee McCoy, 69, departed this life on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital.He was born on Nov. 10, 1949, in Sumter County, a son of the late Jessie Mae McCoy. The family will …

HENRY MACK SINGLETARY

Henry Mack Singletary, 58, departed this earthly life on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at Prisma Health Richland Hospital, Columbia. Born on June 11, 1960, in Lee County, he was a son of Mary Fortune Singletary and the late Henry George Singletary. His …

MARY LEE WATSON MACK

MANNING - On Thursday, May 16, 2019, Mary Lee Watson Mack, wife of James Willie Mack Sr., exchanged time for eternity at McLeod Health Clarendon. Born on Feb. 19, 1957, in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Teddy Greene and Sarah …

CELESTINE W. WALKER

MANNING - Celestine Witherspoon Walker, 85, widow of Gordon Walker, died on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at White Oak Manor, Rock Hill. She was born on May 27, 1931, in Manning, a daughter of the late Weston Witherspoon Sr. and Etta Ragin …

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Celebrations
105 and still serving God BRUCE MILLS / THE SUMTER ITEM Mary Cunningham, left, and Kristi Downer of Trinity United Methodist Church share a laugh Friday, March 8, at Covenant Place at a party celebrating Cunningham's 105th birthday. Cunningham is still a member of Trinity …
Marie Bacote Small
Marie Small celebrates 102 years Marie Bacote Small, affectionately known as "Mack," celebrated her 102nd birthday on Saturday at her home with family and friends. Born on March 10, 1917, in Lee County, she is the daughter of the late Spencer and Florence Bacote. She is the …
MR., MRS. WILLIAM BURGESS
Burgesses celebrate 50 years William and Shirley Burgess, of Sumter, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. A dinner was given in their honor by their six children, Calvin, Patrese, Derek, Michael, Crystal and Kayce.
MR., MRS. WALTER BRUCE JONES
Joneses celebrate 50 years Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bruce Jones, of Sumter, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019. A party was given in their honor by their daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Ken Rosefield. The couple has one grandson, Evans …

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Faith
Southern Baptists see 12th year of declining membership NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The nation's largest Protestant denomination reported its 12th year of declining membership in an annual report released Thursday. The Southern Baptist Convention said it had 14.8 million members in 2018, down about …
SMITH
When I was 17, I knew it all Ol' Blue Eyes sang, "When I was 17, it was a very good year " It really was. When I was 17, I had a steady girlfriend. We never fought. What do 17-year-olds have to fight about? I thought love was simple then. Love at 17 swells your heart. It …
Church News: Friday, May 24, 2019 Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2571 Joseph Lemon-Dingle Road, Jordan community, Manning, announces: * Sunday, June 9 - The 36th Annual Youth Day will be celebrated during the 10 a.m. services. Bakari Sellers, attorney with Strom Law Firm LLC …
The story of Jesus that isn't in the Bible but it's true I want to tell you a story about Jesus you have never heard. It's not in the Bible, but it is true. The Bible is silent about Jesus' life from age 12 until 30. There is the barest of hints in Mark 6:3. When Jesus went back to his hometown, they …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Snowflake is affectionate and gentle

Snowflake is a housebroken and spayed 1-year-old American shorthair. She is great with other cats. Snowflake is extremely affectionate and gentle. She loves to be petted and given lots of love and attention. Snowflake would make an excellent …

Weddings
MRS. THOMAS WALKER
Windham-Walker MANNING - Mary Michael Windham of Manning and Thomas Kirk Walker of Sumter were united in marriage at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Manning United Methodist Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Emory Windham of Manning …
MRS. CORY STUART
Ortmann-Stuart Anna Reid Ortmann of Sumter and Cory Thomas Stuart of Columbia were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2019, at LinRan Farm in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Chandler Ortmann of Sumter and the granddaughter …
MRS. ZACHARY WHITE
Graham-White MANNING - Haley Lynne Graham and Zachary Isaac White, both of Sumter, were united in marriage at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tad C. Graham and the granddaughter …
MR., MRS. FELDER W. POPLIN III
Berry-Poplin SUMMERVILLE - Cathryn Denison Berry of Summerville and Felder Wayne Poplin III of Sumter were united in marriage at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at St. Paul's Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Watkins Berry Jr. of …

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Engagements
MISS BARTON, MR. DAVIS
Barton-Davis Glenn and Stacy Barton of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Jordan Taylor Barton of Sumter, to Michael George Davis of Columbia, son of Hepburn and Mary Ann Davis of Summerton. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Johnny and …
MISS JOYNER, HANSEN
Joyner-Hansen Mr. and Mrs. George Edgar "Eddie" Joyner III of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Erica Katherine Joyner of Tysons Corner, Virginia, to Bradley Austin Hansen of Tysons Corner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Hansen. The bride-elect is …
MISS FLOYD, MR. DOUGLASS
Floyd-Douglass Mr. and Mrs. Rocky Floyd of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Nicole Floyd of Sumter, to Benjamin Jacob Douglass of Sumter, son of Mrs. Linda Douglass of Columbia and Mr. Bradley Douglass of Albany, Missouri. The …
MISS CANNON, HOLLEY
Cannon-Holley Mr. and Mrs. David Hampton Cannon of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Victoria Hampton Cannon of Sumter, to Landon Ryan Holley of Aiken, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Holley Jr. of Warrenville and Mrs. Marcellea Gilreath of …
Reflections
McLellan's 5 cents to $1 store is seen decked out during its grand opening after renovation in 1953. The modern store was completely air conditioned and arranged for customer convenience. Store officials agreed that the opening was one of the best ever in the company's history.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Former site of McLellan's has long history

Reflections presents a brief history of McLellan's 5-10-25 Cents Store, one of Sumter's most remembered department stores. It is torn down at present, and a new building is being erected at the site to house Sumter Original Brewery. The author of …

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Yesteryear
1944 - Lt. Gen. Barton K. Yount, right, commanding general of the AAF Training Command, is greeted by Col. D. W. Titus, Shaw Field's commanding officer, as the general arrived Dec. 15 for a brief, informal visit to the basic flying school and Sumter.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Possum Trot Festival returns; Teseniar chosen for seminar 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 Dec. 9 - Dec. 15 - In order to solve the housing problems of military personnel from Shaw Field who live off the post, it is requested by Col. D. W. Titus, commanding officer, those with homes available list them with the …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO 1994 - Darnel Boone and his father wait patiently at USC Sumter's commencement ceremonies at Patriot Hall for Rosalind Ford Boone to cross the stage and accept her diploma so they can give her roses.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Cadet wives given welcome to Sumter; mental health center's apartments open 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 Dec. 2 - Dec. 8 - It has been announced by the State Forest Service and the Clemson College Extension Service that tree seedlings in the amount of 1,550,000 will be distributed free to farmers in South Carolina. These …
1994 - Marlon Johnson, left, then a 14-year-old sophomore at Furman High School, listens as Randy Reagan, a physical science teacher, explains the anatomy of a frog during a biology class in April.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Bond sales approach goal; ShawFest '94 expects 64K visitors for annual airshow 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 Nov. 25 - Dec. 1 - Charles M. Hurst, the oldest native-born citizen of Sumter, died at Tuomey hospital after a brief illness, following a long period of declining health. Mr. Hurst was born in Sumter on Oct. 12, 1856, the …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
George Will
Opinion: For Dem candidates, winnowing already at work
HAMILTON
Opinion: The key to representative democracy? Persuasion.
MARC THIESSEN
Opinion: Trump's Iran sanctions are working. But it will take more to topple the regime.
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