Engaging 'young minds' for workforce pipeline at eSTEAM Sumter Festival
Welcome to Sumter Today!
Local stories through a local lens.
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The enduring popularity of Elvis Presley's Graceland is a monument to his legacy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Elvis Presley's Graceland. Paul Simon sang about going there to ease an aching heart in 1986 on a Grammy-winning album titled, well, "Graceland." A year later, Philadelphia …
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Sumter Community Concert Band annual fall concert celebrates America250 on Oct.4
Sumter Community Concert Band will host its annual fall concert on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. at Patriot …
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eSTEAM is this Saturday, and plenty of fall events for all are coming up - Oktoberfest, Porches and more
To make a submission to our events list, email pressrelease@theitem.com with EVENTS in the subject …
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'Avengers: Endgame' retakes box office crown; Robert Pattinson drives sales for 'Primetime'
NEW YORK — Seven years after becoming the second-highest grossing film ever, "Avengers: Endgame" …
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eSTEAM Sumter Festival is Saturday in downtown Sumter
This upcoming weekend will be the first Saturday in October, and locally that means it is the eSTEAM …
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It's officially Dolly Parton Day, with parades, pink lights and book drives
Pour yourself a cup of ambition. It's Dolly Parton Day. Across the world, communities are dedicating …
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What to know about Taylor Swift's new music: Her first since her wedding
NEW YORK— Taylor Swift is back in action. Did you miss her? On Wednesday, less than one day …
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Hayden Panettiere died from accidental overdose involving fentanyl, coroner says
Actor Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl, a …
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Box Office: 'Resident Evil' tops box office with franchise best debut of $60 million
Zach Cregger's "Resident Evil" gave the North American box office a shot in the arm in its first …
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Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford, dies at 27, family representative says
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 7, 2026: Parent's worst fear becomes recurring nightmare
DEAR ABBY: My two youngest children have special needs. Both have the mentality of a 7- or 8-year-old. Today, my daughter (13) told the school …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 4, 2026: Comments about weight put grandma in the doghouse
DEAR ABBY: I moved 2,000 miles to be near my daughter and her family. One of my granddaughters, "Libby," was diagnosed with a medical condition …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 3, 2026: Family gatherings are marred by hate speech
DEAR ABBY: All members of my family are white. When my children were smaller, an incident occurred at a family holiday. One relative has a …
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Dear Abby, Oct. 2, 2026: Son remains hostile even after dad's cancer diagnosis
DEAR ABBY: I am a 79-year-old woman who, over time, has suffered the loss of several family members. Now I'm facing the worst loss imaginable. A …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Carnegie Library was founded in 1915
Reflections revisits the efforts of the Sumter County Council, the City Board of Education, the Civic League and the Chamber of Commerce as they worked to secure a public library for Sumter. The Civic League generated interest within the community, …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bland's Pond on Shot Pouch
Reflections revisits Bland Pond, which became part of the Iris Gardens through the efforts of H. C. …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Manchester's day has ended
Reflections revisits one of Sumter County's mysteries, the vanished community of Manchester! This anomaly …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: The Hub: Sumter's busiest bargain store
Reflections revisits The Hub, later known as Bergers, one of Sumter's favorite shopping establishments. …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter courthouse space doubles in 1964
Reflections recalls the expansion of Sumter's courthouse in 1964. Construction of courthouses appears to …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Bowling becomes a favorite sports activity
Reflections recalls when bowling became one of Sumter's favorite recreational activities. According …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Kermit Ward becomes manager of Sumter Theater
Reflections revisits Kermit Ward, who was responsible for providing Sumter with quality movie …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Dave (Mac) McInnis: Diving All-American
Reflections revisits Sumter Electric Appliance Company, also known as SEACO. The data and photos …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Blue Sky used talent to help beautify our community
Reflections revisits Warren Edward Johnson, known today as Blue Sky, born Sept. 18, 1938, in …
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Letter to the editor: Where is truth found, and how do we know it?
Information is critical to the brain. As an unbelievable storage mechanism, the brain is storing data from the time it forms in the womb. As we …
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Letter to the editor: Ministry thanks community for support of event
Love in Action Outreach Ministries extends our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the following local businesses, organizations and …
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Letter to the editor: Being anxious isn't a problem if you have a reservoir of peace
I am anxious about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East with Iran and Hamas. I am anxious about the true nature of our economy with massive …
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Letter to the editor: Sumter City Council members committed to representing people who elected them
I apologize for not writing this letter sooner, but a recent experience reminded me of my intention to speak up. While I still own a business …
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Letter to the editor: Brother saved lives during war, recently celebrated 85th birthday
My big brother, Robert L. Bryant (Bobby), had his 85th birthday on Aug. 8. I thank God for taking care of him. Bobby graduated from Edmunds …
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Letter to the editor: Defining contradiction and hypocrisy
Through ingenuity, we have developed systems that offer efficiency and greater ease. Technology has become increasingly sophisticated. Along the …
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