Happening Now
PALUMBO
Palumbo prefers smaller millage request from Sumter school board
Robert Johnson was a former contraband captain at the Lee County Correctional Institution in Bishopville. He was shot six times by an ex-inmate in his home in March 2010.
'Not safe anywhere': Former Lee Correctional captain reminds public of shooting survivors’ struggles
Sgt. 1st Class John Kim, a budget manager assigned to U.S. Army Central, was recognized by the assistant secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller) for his cost-savings initiative. Kim received the Cost Savings, Analysis, and Evaluation Initiative Award Level Above Army Command (ACOM) at the American Society of Military Comptroller's Professional Development Institute Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, during Service Day on Wednesday, May
USARCENT soldier recognized for saving millions of dollars
A total of 22 area high school juniors were recognized Wednesday as part of the annual Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders Program, presented by TheLink Economic Development Alliance and University of South Carolina Sumter. The Class of 2023 was the fifth graduating class of the leadership program and included students from Crestwood High School, Lakewood and Sumter in Sumter School District and Lee Central High School in Lee County School District. Juniors were also included from Tho
Learners today, leaders tomorrow: Sumter Emerging Leaders Program 2023 class recognized
Sumter County Library challenges students to read this summer

Three cheers for the Class of 2023: Sumter graduating seniors share their plans and advice for underclassmen

Dr. Jayson Leach hands out Crestwood High School-branded bags to his school's 2023 graduating class at their commencement ceremony rehearsal inside the Sumter County Civic Center.
It feels like only yesterday it was August 2019. Bright-eyed freshmen took their first steps into the unfamiliar high school hallways, their first-day jitters heightened by the excitement of what the next four years would entail. New friends, new …
25-year-old man killed in 2-vehicle wreck on Alderman Camp Road in Manning
Sumter City Council and City of Sumter staff meet for a special budget workshop at the Sumter Fire Department's training grounds facility on Tuesday, May 30.
City of Sumter considers 1st tax increase in 15 years to balance budget
A volunteer firefighter recruit engages in the skills test portion of the state firefighter certification exam.
Into the fire: Local firefighter recruits test skills, bravery in state firefighting certification exam
Participants dance to the soulful sounds of Level 10 Live Band & Show at the Fourth Fridays Concert Series on May 26, 2023.
Music returns to downtown Sumter with 1st of many Fourth Fridays Concert Series

Friday, June 2, 2023

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Studio Sumter

Welcome to Sumter Today!

Local stories through a local lens.  

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Friends to Follow
SPORTS
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer was among the coaches to lose contributors to the transfer portal.
Transfer portal tampering frustrates SEC coaches, but few - if any - ideas on how to stop it
Former Georgia defensive lineman Bear Alexander (99) transferred to Southern California this offseason.
Auburn, Southern Cal, Alabama, Miami among the spring transfer window winners in college football
Olivia Kirkman is one of two seniors on the Sumter P-15's Lady Patriots this summer.
Sumter's newest legion softball team, the Patriots, gears up for first season
Crestwood's Justin Rembert, center, is joined by family and coaches as he signs with Francis Marion on Tuesday.
Crestwood's Rembert signs to play basketball at Francis Marion
Former Lakewood football coach Larry Cornelius will take over the program at East Clarendon this season.
Clarendon County School District hires 3 new athletic directors; new district coaches include Cornelius, Adams-Ludd at East Clarendon and Clark at Manning High
National Data Trends
Drownings reach a 5-year high, and 1 in 5 victims are 19 or younger
This image made from video provided by WCVB-TV, shows Jack Teixeira, in T-shirt and shorts, being taken into custody by armed tactical agents on Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Dighton, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Air National guardsman was arrested and charged in connection with a leak of highly classified military documents.
21 of the most impactful intelligence leaks in U.S. history
States with the most active-duty military members
Former President Donald Trump speaks at the National Rifle Association Convention in Indianapolis, Friday, April 14, 2023.
Zip codes donating the most money to Donald Trump in South Carolina
A brief history of the shoes and moments that defined sneaker culture

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Noah Lavigne, 14, stars as "Milo" in Sumter Little Theatre's production of "The Phantom Tollbooth."
Sumter youth share words of wisdom in theater's 'The Phantom Tollbooth'
To the heart of Te Fiti: Sumter students perform Moana Jr.
Black Cowboy Festival participants prepare to ride amid wet conditions in the Buckin' Broncos and Horse Show on May 27, 2023.
PHOTOS: Cowboys embrace wet conditions at 26th-annual Black Cowboy Festival in Rembert
SCDOT to replace, rehabilitate 3 bridges on I-20 over Wateree River
The Salvation Army in Sumter to give out free doughnuts on National Donut Day, June 2

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More Sports
Manning High's Delaney Frierson placed at the state meet this year despite missing most of the season due to injury after a car accident in March.
The Grind, presented by Bank of Clarendon: Manning High's Frierson overcomes adversity to thrive on and off the track
The Sumter P-15's went 0-2 on Monday against Horry and Florence.
P-15’s struggle in losses to Horry, Florence
PHOTOS: Sumter P-15's host Manning-Santee in preseason tournament
Sumter's Clayton Goff bats against Manning-Santee on Friday.
Sumter P-15’s open preseason tournament with 8-4 win over Manning-Santee, remaining games moved to Monday
Clarendon Hall's Olivia Wilson (12) holds up Calli Yount after winning the SCISA 2A state championship last Wednesday.
Clarendon Hall's Wilson, Yount reflect on 2nd-straight softball state championship

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Arts & Entertainment
Prince performs Feb. 18, 1985, at the Forum in Inglewood, California. In 1984, Prince made his debut in the world of cinema with his film titled "Purple Rain" along with the album of the same name.

Movies with Isaiah: 'Purple Rain' is a cinematic, musical classic

The '80s was an interesting period that ushered in myriad eclectic forms of entertainment related to fashion, product placement, films, TV series and more importantly the artistic medium of music. Our most prominent artists who solidified the …

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Nation & World
Senate passes GOP bill overturning student loan cancellation, teeing it up for Biden veto

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican measure overturning President Joe Biden's student loan cancellation plan passed the Senate on Thursday and now awaits an expected veto. The vote was 52-46, with …

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of R-Calif., speaks as House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R.La., left, and Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., listen at a news conference after the House passed the debt ceiling bill at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. The bill now goes to the Senate.
House OKs debt ceiling bill to avoid default, sends Biden-McCarthy deal to Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — Veering away from a default crisis, the House approved a debt ceiling and budget cuts package late Wednesday, as President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy assembled a …
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster
Gov. McMaster sending troops to U.S. and Mexico border RICHMOND, Va. - The governors of Virginia, West Virginia and South Carolina on Wednesday joined a growing list of Republican leaders sending their state National Guard soldiers or other state law enforcement officers to the U.S. border with …
A woman bathes her daughter in the Yamuna River, covered by a chemical foam caused by industrial and domestic pollution, as the skyline is enveloped in toxic smog in New Delhi, India, on Nov. 17, 2021.
Earth is 'really quite sick now' and in danger zone in nearly all ecological ways, study says Earth has pushed past seven out of eight scientifically established safety limits and into "the danger zone," not just for an overheating planet that's losing its natural areas, but also for the well-being of people living on it, according to a new …
Former Vice President Mike Pence
Former Vice President Mike Pence to launch campaign for president in Iowa June 7 NEW YORK (AP) — Former Vice President Mike Pence will officially launch his widely expected campaign for the Republican nomination for president in Iowa next week, adding another candidate to …

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State News
Debris is spread out in front of a convenience store, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. Richland County deputies said the store owner chased a 14-year-old he thought shoplifted, but didn't steal anything and fatally shot the teen in the back.
Store owner charged with murder in teen's shooting has shot at suspected shoplifters before

COLUMBIA (AP) — A store owner in South Carolina charged with murder this week after shooting a teen he wrongly thought stole water has shot at suspected shoplifters two other times in the past …

Alex Murdaugh listens to a witness during his double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., Monday, Feb. 13, 2023.
Murdaugh pleads not guilty for now to federal wire fraud, money laundering charges CHARLESTON. (AP) - Alex Murdaugh was arraigned Wednesday on federal money laundering and wire fraud charges for indictments saying he stole money from his clients, and although he pleaded not guilty for now, his lawyer said that might change …
Michael Haley talks with supporters during a campaign event for his wife, Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley, in the South Carolina state House district she used to represent April 6 in Gilbert. Haley's husband will soon begin a yearlong deployment with the South Carolina Army National Guard to Africa. The mission will encompass most of the remainder of his wife's campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
Nikki Haley's husband to deploy with National Guard to Africa as she seeks 2024 GOP nomination COLUMBIA (AP) - Nikki Haley's husband will soon begin a yearlong deployment with the South Carolina Army National Guard to Africa, a mission that will encompass most of the remainder of his wife's campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential …
S.C. Department of Health and Human Services warns of potential Medicaid scams COLUMBIA - After nationwide reports of texts and calls seeking money to obtain or keep Medicaid coverage, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is warning about current Medicaid renewal scams that may target …
Columbia gas station owner charged with murder in 14-year-old's shooting death COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina gas station owner was charged Monday with murder in the death of a 14-year-old boy whom he allegedly chased from the store and shot in the back, the …

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Obituaries
CLAREATHA ABRAMS

Clareatha Abrams, 86, died on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at National Healthcare in Sumter. Born in Lynchburg, she was a daughter of the late Arnett Coker Sr. and Hazzel Cousar Coker. Professional services rendered by Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc.

ELLA MARTIN KEELS

Ella Martin Keels, 87, was born on Feb. 22, 1936, in Lynchburg, a daughter of the late Rufus McElveen and Mary Keels. She departed this life on Thursday, May 11, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Friday …

LEO JOSEPH DIAMOND

Leo Joseph Diamond, age 79, beloved husband of Mary L. Diamond, died on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at MUSC Downtown Columbia. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for …

RICHARD MCCLARY JR.

Richard "Bubba" McClary Jr. departed this life on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in Columbia. He was born on Aug. 1, 1956, in Sumter County, to the late Richard Sr. and Mary Jane Epps McClary. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced by …

KOLB

WILLIAM CALVIN KOLB JR.

LAKE WYLIE - William "Billy" Calvin Kolb Jr., 76, husband of Jane Rodgers Kolb, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023, at home in Lake Wylie. Born on July 1, 1946, in Sumter, he was a son of the late William Calvin and Frances Eargle Kolb. He was a …

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Faith
Church News: Friday, May 26, 2023 Allen Chapel AME Church, 471 Lynam Road, announces: * Saturday, June 3 - Fun Day for All will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring fun, food and entertainment. Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 3285 Peach Orchard Road, Dalzell, …
SMITH
Column by Sumter Pastor Clay Smith: Is it luck or God at work? We are told, "Some people have all the luck." The basketball player hits an impossible shot as the buzzer sounds: "What a lucky shot!" Or maybe lots of practice. What about all the times when a player shoots the ball at the buzzer and it bounces off …
A detail of a nearly 150-year-old stained-glass window depicts Christ speaking to a Samaritan woman, in the now-closed St. Mark's Episcopal church on May 1 in Warren, Rhode Island. The nearly 150-year-old stained-glass window from the Rhode Island church that depicts Christ and three New Testament women with dark skin has stirred up questions about race and the place of women in both Biblical and 19th-century society.
Stained glass window shows Jesus Christ with dark skin, stirring questions about race in New England WARREN, R.I. - A nearly 150-year-old stained-glass church window that depicts a dark-skinned Jesus Christ interacting with women in New Testament scenes has stirred up questions about race, Rhode Island's role in the slave trade and the place of …
Church News: Friday, May 19, 2023 Refreshing Springs Kingdom Outreach Ministries, 741 Bultman Drive, Suite 21, announces: * Sunday, May 28 - Pentecost service at 3 p.m. Prophet Eric Olorunsola will speak. * Sunday, June 11 - The 10th church anniversary / 18-year ministerial …
Celebrations
SAPPHIRE MARIE MONTGOMERY
Sapphire Marie Montgomery Nevarone V. Montgomery of Bronx, New York, and Isabell Rodriguez of New York City, New York, announce the birth of a daughter, Sapphire Marie Montgomery, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York. Sapphire weighed …
MR., MRS. CHARLIE LARKIN
Larkins celebrate 60 years Charlie and Ernestine Larkin of Sumter celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, with a small, intimate gathering. Their two children are Renee Larkin (Phillip) Washington and Brenda Larkin (Tracy) Chamblee of …
MISS KILPATRICK
The Sumter Assembly The Sumter Assembly will present three debutantes on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at Quixote Club in Sumter. Margaret Pinckney Kilpatrick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert McCord Kilpatrick, will be presented by her father and escorted by Kyle Brown …
MISS ELLOISE BETHEA
The Lord Clarendon Cotillion MANNING - The Lord Clarendon Cotillion will present three debutantes at its annual ball on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at The Matrix Center in Manning. Elloise Troup Bethea, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Partridge Bethea Jr., will be presented by …

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Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Sumter Animal Control's Ivan is as cute as can be

BELOW: Ivan is a smaller fella. He weighs 25 pounds and is 1-3 years old. He came into the shelter very shut down. It took several weeks for the volunteers to gain his trust. Once he decided that it was safe, Ivan made social improvements every day. …

Weddings
MRS. ETHAN LANE
Hubbard-Lane CHARLESTON - Kristen Ashleigh Hubbard and Ethan Foster Lane, both of Mount Pleasant, were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at St. Luke's Chapel on the campus of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Rev. Joseph …

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Engagements
MR. LINDERMAN, DR. NEWMAN
Newman-Linderman Mr. and Mrs. Francis Leverne Newman Jr. of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Dr. Mary Francis Newman of Charleston, to Mr. Garrett Harrison Linderman of James Island, son of Mr. Louis Russell Linderman and Mrs. Connie Louise Taylor, …
miss COONCE, KOONCE
Coonce, Koonce Mr. and Mrs. Joe Coonce Sr. of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Melissa LuAnne Coonce of Sumter, to David Edward Koonce II of Florence, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Koonce Sr. of Darlington. A summer wedding is planned.
MISS GEDDINGS, MR. TRAGESER
Geddings-Trageser Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas Geddings Jr. of Manning announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Elizabeth Geddings of Charleston, to Nicholas Jay Trageser of Summerville, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Jay Trageser of Summerville. The …
WILDER, MISS GRAHAM
Graham-Wilder Tad and Lyndy Graham announce the engagement of their daughter, Hannah Griffith Graham, to David Morris Wilder, son of Jay and Heather Wilder, all of Manning. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of …
Reflections
After 22 months of meeting in the Sumter Opera House during a church renovation project, the congregation of First Presbyterian marched to the church for the closing of their last service in the opera house in April 1991. The $2.6 million building project included redesigning the sanctuary and adding additional seats, repairing the steeple, constructing a porte cochere, remodeling the basement, purchasing and installing a new organ and repairing the roof.

Reflections by Sammy Way -- First Presbyterian Church: Marking its 2nd century of service to the Sumter community, Part II

This is part two of a two-part Reflections series about the 200th anniversary of Sumter's First Presbyterian Church. Read the first part of this series at www.theitem.com/reflections. In 1957, an article appearing in The Item noted that Dr. …

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Yesteryear
Palmetto trees are planted around the City-County Law Enforcement Building in the Civic Center on June 17, 1973. The trees from Pawley's Island weighed about 700 pounds each.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Junior Optimists meet for 1st time; 'God's Trombones' presented 75 YEARS AGO - 1948 Nov. 2 - Nov. 8 - "High-Ways" 1948, the Sumter High School annual, has been awarded both the Medalist honor rating by Columbia University in New York City and the All-American honor rating by the University of Minnesota in …
The annual sectional conference of the young people of the South Atlantic division, Salvation Army, was held in Sumter in October 1948. The Corps Cadets were present from Sumter, Aiken, Columbia, Charleston, Florence, Orangeburg and Augusta, Georgia. The photo above was taken at the Masonic Hall dining room at a supper given for all attending the conference.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: High Hills church celebrates homecoming; Pilot Club adds names to memorial 75 YEARS AGO - 1948 Oct. 26 - 31 - Although there will be no festive parade to mark the occasion, Navy Day will be fittingly observed. All merchants have been requested to display their flags during store hours. A special 10-minute radio …
Taking a break from a hard day's work, Karleigh Nash, 20 months, enjoys a cookie May 10, 1998, after winning the Tiny Tot title in the Miss Iris Festival Pageant at the University of South Carolina Sumter's Nettles Auditorium.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Students' plaque dedicated to WWII heroes; residents reject plane at gardens 75 YEARS AGO - 1948 Oct. 19 - 25 - Kaiser-Frazer Corp. dealers introduced the Frazer and Frazer Manhattan, new models which complete the company's four-door sedan series for 1949. The Kaiser Special and Deluxe, companion models, were announced …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
WITTNER
Opinion: How strengthened global governance could produce a nuclear-free world
Editorial cartoon: Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Editorial cartoon: Tuesday, May 30, 2023
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