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Column: Echoes of 1776 in today's divisive politics
It's easy to forget that Americans are voting in a year that marks the 250th anniversary of the nation's Declaration of Independence. You don't hear much about the declaration in the campaign rhetoric, and most people would bristle at the notion … more
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Column: Finding perspective and gratitude in life's challenges shouldn't happen 1 day a year
My youngest daughter had a soccer tournament this past weekend that took us through North Carolina and into the mountains of Tennessee. Although we figured it would take awhile to get there, we weren't prepared for the amount of traffic we'd run … more
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Column: The autumn leaves of youth
When it's spring and the rocky shoals spider lilies bloom, spring's my favorite season. When mornings of chilled air and radiant leaves arrive, fall's my favorite season. When I think of autumn memories, first on my list are my days standing by the … more
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Letter to the editor: A physician's view: Murrell Smith delivers for Sumter's health
As a physician who has practiced in Sumter for over 20 years, I see every day what good health policy does for real patients. Speaker Murrell Smith's work has changed what we can offer this community. I serve as medical director of Patriot … more
Letter to the editor: Speaker Smith will do anything he can to make Sumter better
I am writing with the hope that voters of House District 67 will understand how important it is that we send Murrell Smith back to Columbia as our state representative. I served in the House for 10 years. At the orientation for new House members, … more
Letter to the editor: Rep. Smith's work has reduced numbers of criminal cases over 3 years old, improved our state
During and after the COVID lockdowns, the South Carolina criminal justice system was in crisis. With courts shut down, cases could not move, jails became overcrowded, and victims of crime were denied closure they so desperately sought. Many of us … more
Letter to the editor: Rep. Smith works with all legislators to address needs
As a former member of the South Carolina Senate, I served with Murrell Smith on the Sumter Legislative Delegation for a dozen years. When I arrived at the Statehouse in 2012, Murrell was already chairing one of the subcommittees of the … more
Letter to the editor: Understand where your party stands and vote
Why vote? Any way we choose to measure it, the number of people who have been allowed by their government to vote in any meaningful way is extremely small. America has generally been an exception, and today voting is so easy that it is easily … more
Letter to the editor: Murrell Smith is proven leader for Sumter
I have known Murrell Smith as a lifelong friend, and I can personally attest to his character, integrity and commitment to our community. Born and raised in Sumter, Murrell has remained deeply connected to the people and the place he has always … more
Letter to the editor: Murrell Smith makes our community, our state stronger
I have known Murrell Smith to be a man of integrity who truly cares about his community and the state of South Carolina. Murrell has been an advocate for Sumter and our state throughout his career, and he brings a broad vision to the way he leads - … more
Letter to the editor: Murrell Smith delivers results for Sumter, state on education
Sumter County owes Murrell Smith its gratitude for his tireless efforts to create a better place for its residents to work, live and raise its families. My husband and I are lifelong residents of South Carolina who moved to Sumter after our … more
Guest column: Accountability, fairness and a better future for Sumter schools
As the Nov. 3 election approaches, I want to reflect on my candidacy for the Sumter School District Board of Trustees, Area 5, and the important conversations that have taken place throughout this … more
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15 years later, rural students still waiting for equal opportunity
Editor's note: This piece was not fact-checked. After district consolidation in Sumter County in 2011, the Rev. Daryl McGhaney was the Sumter school board area representative for the eastern portion of the county for 11 years until 2022. Current … more
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Opinion: What's ahead if the polls are right - or wrong
With less than a week until the midterm elections, things look bad for President Donald Trump's Republican Party. Generic polls show significant movement away from Republicans and toward Democrats since Trump defeated former Vice President Kamala … more
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Guest column: Leventis using realignment as political maneuver to divert attention from board failing to make decisions
Editor's note: This piece was not fact-checked, but a majority of the Sumter County Legislative Delegation approved district consolidation to be implemented in 2011. As a candidate for the school board Area 8 seat, I would like to respond to Mr. … more
Opinion: Congress should keep its promise to combat-injured veterans
When Americans are injured in combat, we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice. For tens of thousands of veterans, we are falling short of that promise. Under current law, … more
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Life in the Palmetto State: October surprise on the roads
Gotcha, and I bet you thought this was going to be an article about politics, one that dug deep into the inner workings of this thing we call democracy. I have never been so sickened as I am with the hit jobs on the candidates during voting … more
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Letter to the editor: We can't afford not to have Murrell Smith at Statehouse
Murrell Smith is a man of his word — somewhat of a rarity in today’s world. He is a life-long resident of South Carolina and has a vested interest in its people and valuable resources. … more
Letter to the editor: Rep. Smith hears concerns of constituents, helps when he can
I recently read the claim that Speaker Murrell Smith does not do anything for his constituents. People are certainly entitled to their political opinions and to support the candidate of their … more
Letter to the editor: Continuing to serve the public is what Leventis wants to do
I heartily endorse my long-term friend, Phil Leventis's, re-election campaign for the District 8 seat on the Sumter school board. Phil enjoys campaigning and serving the public well. In particular: 1. Phil's extensive business career has enabled … more
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