Groundsman extraordinaire: R.E. Davis staff member Fulton McFadden is district’s longest-serving employee
Welcome to Sumter Today!
Local stories through a local lens.
Sumter Today is your ticket to anything and everything going on around us. Ideas for the show? Let us know at studio@theitem.com!
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What to stream this week: A Bon Jovi documentary, Idris Elba in 'Knuckles' and 'Anyone But You'
The Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell romantic comedy "Anyone But You" hitting Netflix and an album by Brazil superstar Anitta are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device …
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Pack your weekend with a nature walk, Art in the Park, Dorr Farms' Earth Day, a free jazz concert, band battle and more
To make a submission to our events list, email pressrelease@theitem.com with EVENTS in the subject …
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Fifth 'God's Not Dead' goes lights, camera, action at Sumter Opera House; film expected to release this fall
Whether it's in the cinema seats or from the comfort of your home, prepare to see your fellow Sumterites …
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Long-lost first model of USS Enterprise from 'Star Trek' goes home after twisting voyage
DALLAS (AP) - The first model of the USS Enterprise - used in the opening credits of the original "Star …
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Children of reality TV's Chrisleys hope court hearing is step toward bringing convicted parents home
ATLANTA (AP) — Lawyers for reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who are in prison after being …
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Inaugural Sumter Springfest deemed a success
Good times are hard to come by for some cities but not for Sumter. You can almost imagine it: The …
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Trio of Sumter artists makes a splash at ArtFields in Lake City
It's as if you nestled your way into Crayola's 64-box of crayons. Everywhere you look, vibrant hues …
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We've got it: A spring festival, shrimp feast, jukebox music and kite flying
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the fun has just begun. If you're in need of a good …
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Kate Hudson had a lifetime to make a record. The result is 'Glorious,' out in May
NEW YORK (AP) — More than two decades ago, Kate Hudson took on the role of one of the most …
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Optimist International president to volunteer at Reading in the Park
Tracy Huxley, the 2023-24 president of Optimist International, will visit Sumter and the Palmetto …
WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. will provide Ukraine additional Patriot missiles for its air defense systems as part of a massive $6 billion additional aid package, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin …
COLUMBIA (AP) — The South Carolina Senate approved its budget Wednesday after debating items like requiring school children use the bathrooms of their sex assigned at birth and whether …
Robert Lee Simon, 83, husband of Elizabeth Jefferson Simon and son of the late Allison Williams and Mary Simon Cooper, was born on July 23, 1940, in Sumter County. He departed this life on Friday, …
Brandon Rinaad Cruse, 40, son of the late John Leroy Cruse and Rosalind Veonia Kelley Cruse, was born on Dec. 27, 1983, in Guam, USA. He departed this life on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Prisma …
Durell Antonie Moore, 54, son of Carolyn Sallie and the late Robert Anthony Moore, was born on March 18, 1970, in Mount Vernon, New York. He departed this life Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Prisma …
Josephine T. Sanders, affectionately known as “Joe or Queen Josephine”, was born June 20, 1941, in Hagood to the late Leroy Hickman Sr. and Sinna Thomas Gilliard. She departed this …
Lesley “Shunny” Haynesworth Jr., affectionately known as “Jumping John”, was born on April 23, 1934, to the late Lesley Haynesworth Sr. and Wilhelmenia Jackson Haynesworth in …
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Dear Abby, April 26, 2024: Three's more than a crowd for this tiny apartment
DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend is 18 years younger than I am. Our relationship hasn't been perfect, but I love him to death. Unfortunately, …
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Dear Abby, April 25, 2024: Two daughters make clear whose side they've taken
DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced for nine years. Before that I was a stay-at-home mom raising four children. I had an in-home business, and most …
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Dear Abby, April 24, 2024: Flurry of new sounds drifts through quiet neighborhood
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I live in a lovely older neighborhood and have enjoyed wonderful neighbors over many years. The homes are close …
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Dear Abby, April 23, 2024: The truth comes out via conveniently timed text
DEAR ABBY: A few years ago, my sister and I took our kids on vacation together. She and I get along but have never been close. Sometimes I walk …
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Cai is a 4-year-old, tan-and-black male golden retriever/German shepherd mix. He is neutered and is the sweetest boy you'll ever meet. Cai has a loving and fun personality and enjoys everyone he …
Reflections by Sammy Way: Neiman's Jewelers opened modern store on South Main Street in 1945
Reflections remembers one of Sumter's most beautiful and upscale jewelry stores to open in the downtown area. This new post-World War II business was part of the numerous stores that helped increase Sumter's downtown growth. This new enterprise, …
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Reflections: Have you seen these photos from Sumter's past?
This issue of Reflections takes a look at photos taken across the Sumter area through the decades.
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Movie 'A Guy Named Joe' had scenes shot in Sumter in 1943
Reflections recalls the movie "A Guy Named Joe" filmed in 1943 with various scenes being shot in Sumter, …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Women pilots were important asset during World War II
Reflections celebrates Women's History Month by remembering the women who flew airplanes during World War …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Former landfill becomes beautiful garden
Today's Reflections addresses the development of Sumter's most significant floral garden. H. C. Bland, …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: John Julius Dargan, a man of many talents, accomplishments
This issue of Reflections recalls the life and work of John Julius Dargan. According to an article …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter's bells have a history of interest
This issue of Reflections focuses on the history of the bell, which was at one time found in every …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter past: A sketch of the city, its industries and its prosperity
This issue of Reflections revisits the city of Sumter circa 1889 when it was experiencing steady …
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Reflections by Sammy Way: Local dirt track racer was a hero to many fans
Reflections looks back on the career of a dirt track racer and his love for the sport and his being …
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Letter to the editor: Sumter City residents deserve paved roads in 2024
Low- to moderate-income communities in downtown Sumter are faced with some of the same issues that plague our rural neighbors in Sumter County, …
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Letter to the editor: We should all know costs of our medical treatment
On a recent visit to one of my providers, I noticed that it is not routine to provide a statement of charges for the examination and the …
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Letter to the editor: Paving equipment should be placed on penny sales tax list
It was heartbreaking to watch the Sumter County Council meeting on April 9, 2024. The big topic of the meeting was paving roads in the county. I …
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Letter to the editor: Are Biden's actions saving the democracy of the United States?
Just so I am clear on this, my president, Joe Biden, is attempting to save the democracy by defeating a man he tried to keep off the ballot …
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Letter to the editor: Possible penny tax projects should benefit everyone
I hope the new list for the Penny for Progress are items that will be of value to all and not just a benefit for some. I voted against the last …
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Letter to the editor: Education is key to having a great quality of life
The United States of America was built on the commonwealth and common defense for this country. The purpose written by Thomas Jefferson was "We …
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