Happening Now
Clockwise from left to right: Le. Dixon, La. Dixon, T. Washington, Stevens, McCabe.
5 arrested in California-to-Sumter marijuana-trafficking ring responsible for 500 pounds shipped through mail
SPEARMAN
S.C. education department is 'very concerned' about Mayewood Middle School reopening
TRUMP
Senate OKs border deal; Trump expected to sign, also declare emergency

Punching up the confidence meter: Sumter mixed martial arts gym owner uses training to boost self-defense, fitness in kids, adults

Jerome Robinson helps a customer of Team Robinson MMA with training on West Liberty Street.
This series is in honor of Black History Month, where each February, as designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, founded by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson, as well as The Library of Congress, an …
Xavier Platt and Summer Settle
The Sumter Item's sales department welcomes 2 new members
The Sumter Item is hosting its 1st-ever Best of Sumter nominee expo
East Clarendon girls run away from North Charleston to 55-41 win

Friday, February 15, 2019

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: The Sumter Police Department spends Valentines Day at elementary schools

For Valentines Day yesterday, officers from the Sumter Police Department visited elementary schools in Sumter School District to hand out cards that included police badges. The department keeps a …

PREP BASKETBALL
Top-seeded Monarchs get past Wade Hampton 74-62
AREA ROUNDUP
East Clarendon girls run away from North Charleston to 55-41 win
Sumter's Layken Cox works toward the basket during the Lady Gamecocks' 55-31 victory over Westside on Friday in the 5A state playoffs at the Sumter High gymnasium.
Sumter girls roll to 55-31 victory over Westside in 5A state playoffs
PREP BASKETBALL
Lady Cavaliers roll, advance in 2A state playoffs with 63-44 win over John Paul II
Poll of the Week

How much are you willing to spend on a Valentine's Day gift, dinner or experience?

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? …

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More local news
Sumter City Council to recognize hometown heroes, receive update from city police chief
Sumter County Council gives first read to budget amendment, recognizes 5 Sumter heroes
WH's Segars honored by WACH, Grow Financial
Congressional internships open in Sen. Scott's office
Presidents Day Schedule: Friday, Feb. 15, 2019
More Sports
Thomas Sumter head varsity girls basketball coach B.J. Reed coaches her team during a timeout in the second half of the Lady Generals' 39-27 victory over Hilton Head Prep in the SCISA 2A state tournament on Friday at the Sumter Civic Center.
Thomas Sumter holds off Hilton Head Prep 39-27 in SCISA 2A girls state tournament
Thomas Sumter varsity girls basketball head coach B.J. Reed addresses a crowd assembled for a retirement ceremony on Monday at TSA’s Edens Gymnasium. Reed is stepping down from her position after 18 years at the helm in two stints.
Thomas Sumter legend B.J. Reed stepping down as girls head coach after playoff run
East Clarendon's Tylashia Cooper (10) and Cambria Parker of Scott's Branch (4) have been selected as the 2A Player of the Year and the 1A Player of the Year, respectively, by the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association.
Cooper, Parker each Player of Year
Stallions advance in 2A playoffs with 84-50 victory over Columbia High
Lakewood’s season ends with 77-56 loss to Westwood
Food
Daniel J. van Ackere/America's Test Kitchen via AP

These peanut blossom cookies have a robust peanut flavor

Joe Keller/America's Test Kitchen via AP
A boozy, coffee-soaked dessert awaits you
Carl Tremblay/America's Test Kitchen via AP
Skip the boxed mac and cheese, make your own at home

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Panorama

Children from SBA churches to collect funds Saturday to help build a tiny house for Sumter United Ministries

Children from seven churches within the Santee Baptist Association will be collecting donations at five different locations in Sumter for Children's Missions Day on Saturday to raise money to build a tiny house for Sumter United Ministries. SUM …

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Nation/world
THE ASSOCIATED PRESSSouthern Marin Fire Department members search a crushed house in the aftermath of a mudslide that destroyed three homes on a hillside in Sausalito, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019. Waves of heavy rain pounded California on Thursday, filling normally dry creeks and rivers with muddy torrents, flooding roadways and forcing residents to flee their homes in communities scorched by wildfires.
Mudslide sweeps house off hill as storm pounds California SAUSALITO, Calif. (AP) — Waves of heavy rain pounded California on Thursday, washing away a mountain highway, triggering a mudslide that destroyed homes, and forcing residents to flee communities …
Jared Kushner
On immigration, Mideast and more, Kushner keeps pushing WASHINGTON (AP) — The ink wasn't dry on a border security compromise before Jared Kushner had moved on to another enormous challenge. As lawmakers fine-tuned a border agreement that the …
AP FILE PHOTO
Humbug holidays: US retail sales drop 1.2 pct in December WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. retail sales fell in December, posting the biggest drop since September 2009 and delivering more evidence that last year's holiday sales fizzled unexpectedly. Even e-commerce …
Amazon dumps NYC headquarters and its promised 25,000 jobs NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon abruptly dropped plans Thursday for a big new headquarters in New York that would have brought 25,000 jobs to the city, reversing course after politicians and activists …
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Leni Steinhardt, 16, reads from a new book called "Parkland Speaks: Survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share Their Stories," during an interview Jan. 16 in Parkland, Florida.
Families will quietly remember victims on Florida school massacre anniversary PARKLAND, Fla. - The communities and families terrorized by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre will spend Thursday's anniversary visiting graves, packing meals for the needy and contributing to other service projects as they quietly …
State news
S.C. editorial roundup: Feb. 15, 2019

Recent editorials from South Carolina newspapers: The Times and Democrat Feb. 13 Many Americans will benefit from focus on heart health knowledge It could be said that a study is getting to the heart of the matter during February's Heart …

South Carolina lawmakers look at consolidation incentives
COLUMBIA (AP) — South Carolina lawmakers and education officials are looking at offering school districts incentives to ease the consolidation process and ensure public support. Members of a …
2nd arrest in death of S.C. pregnant woman SPARTANBURG (AP) - A second person has been arrested in the shooting death of a pregnant woman whose body was found last year near a lake in South Carolina. Spartanburg Police Lt. Doug Harwell said in a news release that 25-year-old Robert Tyrell …
AP FILE PHOTO Responders congregate 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 in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in Marion County. South Carolina senators said a bill that would overhaul how S.C. transports mental health patients needs more work.
South Carolina senators delay mental patient transport bill COLUMBIA - A bill overhauling how South Carolina transports mental health patients filed after two women drowned in the back of a police van needs some more work, a group of senators agreed Wednesday. Sen. Marlon Kimpson is pushing the proposal, …
PHOTOS FROM CAROLINA NEWS AND REPORTER Bobby Donaldson, the director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, holds a token that would have been used to board segregated city buses in 1954.
'Justice for All' provides glimpse of S.C. civil rights By Jenna Schiferl Carolina News and Reporter It's only a small brass-colored token, slightly larger than a nickel, but it has come to symbolize the story of an unsung civil rights hero in South Carolina. On June 22, 1954, Sarah Mae Flemming …
Obituaries
MARGARET ANN L. BLACKWELL Margaret Ann L. Blackwell, age 75, beloved wife of Groover M. Blackwell, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. Arrangements will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home.
ELLA BRACEY Ella Bracey entered eternal rest on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at her residence, 915 Miller Road, Apartment 8-B, Sumter. The family is receiving friends and relatives at the residence and at the home of her daughter, Tasha Burris Reddick, 5 …
JAMES SENTELL PRINCE LYNCHBURG - James Sentell Prince died on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Lee Central Middle School, S.C. 341, Wisacky, and burial at Goodwill Presbyterian Church Cemetery in …
ALONZA WHITE Alonza White, 59, died on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019. Viewing will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and funeral services at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the chapel of Summerton Funeral Home LLC, Summerton. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Summerton …
VIRGINIA BRUNK SHIRLEY Virginia "Gin" Brunk Shirley, 97, widow of George E. Shirley, died on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at her home. Born on Oct. 2, 1921, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Christian DeWitt Brunk and Ida LeGrand Brunk. She was a member of Grace …

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Celebrations
MR., MRS. WOODY MILLS JR.
Millses celebrate 50 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Woody Mills Jr., of Sumter, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019. A family luncheon was given in their honor on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at Olive Garden, Columbia, by their daughters, Sandi Mills Dixon …
SPANN
Willie Spann celebrates 101 years Willie Lee Spann Sr. was given a 101st birthday celebration by his niece, Terry Chatman, and other family members on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at Chapel AME Church, Paxville. Approximately 101 people were in attendance. Willie, affectionately …
MR., MRS. JAMES SCAFFE SR.
Scaffes celebrate 50 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. James Scaffe Sr. of Sumter celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 24, 2018, at Sam Kendall's in Camden. Mrs. Scaffe is the former Lila Berry of Ashwood.
BRENNAN MAX McCONNELL
The McConnells announce birth of a son, Brennan Max Jay and Jennifer McConnell of Waxhaw, North Carolina, announce the birth of a son, Brennan Max McConnell, on Nov. 17, 2018, at Carolinas Medical Alliance, Charlotte, North Carolina. Brennan weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces. He was 21 inches …
RUTH C. FRANKLIN
Ruth C. Franklin celebrates 101st birthday Ruth C. Franklin, widow of John "Mr. Sing" Franklin, celebrated her 101st birthday on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. A pillar in the community of Woodrow for more than 80 years, Mrs. Franklin owned her own beauty shop for more than 40 years, which was …
Faith
SMITH
He died with all a man could achieve, but he was still empty Once upon a time, there was a man who set out to be happy. First, he had to figure out what it meant to be happy. His parents told him the best way to be happy was to get ahead. "Get an education," they said. So, he went to one of the finest …
Church News: Friday, Feb. 15, 2019 Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2571 Joseph Lemon-Dingle Road, Jordan community, Manning, announces: * Sunday, Feb. 24 - Black history celebration at 3 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Frankie D. White, of Biggers AME Church of Manning, will speak. Bethel …
Church News: Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2571 Joseph Lemon-Dingle Road, Jordan community, Manning, announces: * Sunday, Feb. 24 - Black history celebration at 3 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Frankie D. White, of Biggers AME Church of Manning, will speak. Bethel …
North Korean defector Kwak Jeong-ae, 65, speaks Dec. 21 during an interview in Uijeongbu, South Korea. Experts and defectors say most of North Korea's underground Christians do not engage in the extremely dangerous work of proselytizing. Instead, they largely keep their beliefs to themselves or within their immediate families.
North Korean Christians keep faith underground amid more crackdowns SEOUL, South Korea - One North Korean defector in Seoul describes her family back home quietly singing Christian hymns every Sunday while someone stood watch for informers. A second cowered under a blanket or in the toilet when praying in the …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Rudy is an affectionate, friendly boy

Rudy is a housebroken 4-month-old American short hair. He gets along great with other cats and children. Rudy is a playful, affectionate and friendly boy who enjoys cuddling. He would make a super family buddy and lap cat. The Sumter SPCA …

Weddings
MR., MRS. NICHOLAS DOYLE
Rogers-Doyle Elizabeth Anne Rogers of Irmo and Nicholas Tolan Doyle of Sumter were united in marriage at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, at St. Anne and St. Jude Catholic Church in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Daniel Rogers and Mrs. Karen Rogers …
MRS. EDWIN BELSER JR.
McGill-Belser KINGSTREE - Frances Louise McGill of Kingstree and Roy Edwin Belser Jr. of Summerton were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Julius McGill …
MRS. ROLDAO FERNANDES NETO
Rackley-Fernandes MOUNT PLEASANT - Kristen Elizabeth Rackley and Rold o Bueno Fernandes Neto, both of Charleston, were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2018, at Alhambra Hall. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Rackley of Sumter and the …
Engagements
TIMMONS, MISS HYATT
Hyatt- Timmons Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Hyatt and Mr. and Mrs. Isadore Timmons Jr. announce the engagement of their children, respectively, Alicia Gail Hyatt and Steven Eugene Timmons, all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Thomas Mitchum …
MISS SMITH, MR. KENNEDY
Smith-Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Smith of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicole Elizabeth Smith of Sumter, to Robert James Kennedy of DeBary, Florida, son of Mr. Ed Kennedy and the late Mrs. Robin Kennedy of DeBary. The bride-elect is the …
MISS ALLEN, MR. BARNES
Allen-Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Mark Harper Allen of Greenville announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Margaret Allen of Columbia, to Allen Jackson Barnes Jr. of Columbia, son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Jackson Barnes of Sumter. The bride-elect is the …
MISS GENTELE, MR. CRAWFORD
Gentele-Crawford Edward Louie Jr. and Melanie Gentele announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashleigh Lynn Gentele, to Brandon Tyler Crawford, son of Mrs. Flori W. Anderson and the late Bruce Allan Crawford Sr., all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the …
Reflections
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOS Ruby Devaney, Henri Merritt, Ernestine Smith Curtis, Clemmie Evans, Ruth Jennings Sanders and Paul Jennings are seen at RuVelle in 1955.

Reflections by Sammy Way - Remembering RuVelle, Sumter's popular women's clothing store

Reflections looks back at RuVelle, which became a popular women's clothing store in Sumter. This fashionable dress shop was founded in 1936 and rapidly became one of the most exclusive gathering places for Sumter's discerning shoppers. The name of …

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Yesteryear
1969 - Well-known clown Emmett Kelly visited the children's ward at Tuomey Hospital to give out coloring books and entertain the children. Here he talks with Richard Elmore, age 7.
Ship named in honor of Sumter; 'Renaissance' program begins 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 Sept. 2 - Sept. 8 - School children who wish to help with the harvest of the county cotton crop will be released from their duties for that specific purpose, Superintendent William Henry Shaw announced, but they will be …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO 1969 - These teachers at Millwood Elementary School discuss some new ideas in education with two instructors from the Elementary Education Department in the University of South Carolina. Around the table from left are Howard W. Kratz, USC instructor; Doris B. Matthews, USC instructor; and Elaine M. Lareau, Betsy M. Ridgeway, Louise B. Deaton and Pam Cox, all Millwood teachers. This was part of a two-day in-service program conducted by USC.
Scout district sponsors camporee; 'atomic veterans' seek help 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 Aug. 26 - Sept. 1 - Capt. Charles Vincent (Vince) Greffett, who worked for five years at the Palmetto Pigeon Plant before entering the Army Air Corps, was one of the leaders of a bombing flight which dropped ammunition to …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO 1969 - A mass of senior golfers got in their first round in the South Carolina Seniors Golf Tournament at Sunset Country Club. Hitting off the first tee here is Pete McMillian of Latta. At extreme right is Sumter's E. M. Weeks, warming up for his tee shot.
Patton's Third Army battles Nazis; New Zealander visits TSA 75 YEARS AGO - 1944 Aug. 19 - Aug. 25 - A double feature of entertainment is scheduled for the Cadet Club, Mrs. R. C. Williams announced. There will be a buffet supper and dance. Music will be furnished by the Shaw Field orchestra under the …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Editorial cartoon: Feb. 15, 2019
George Will
Politics shows reality keeps leaking from American life
Department warns residents of dangers of carbon monoxide amid recent deaths
Your view
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