Happening Now
A Prisma Health employee administers a COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Weber Elementary School in Eastover as part of a pilot run of a new mobile vaccine clinic the system will be rolling out to up to seven locations in its service area.
Prisma Health launches mobile COVID-19 vaccination effort
MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines were administered to more than 500 first responders and people 65 and older by nurses with McLeod Health Clarendon at the hospital in Manning on Wednesday, with some of the patients receiving their first dose while others received their second, final dose.
COVID-19 testing, vaccine events in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties
Cathy Kersten, a first grade teacher at Manchester Elementary School, works with students in the classroom on a hybrid day in October 2020.
S.C. teachers, essential workers could get vaccine next month
Shirley Williams
Family, friends remember 'community mom,' Sumter restaurant owner Shirley Williams
2 injured in equipment fire at TK Tank Service near downtown Sumter

History made again: Jackie Blackwell’s unexpected journey to the Clarendon coroner’s office and barriers she broke along the way

Jackie Blackwell, coroner of Clarendon County, was sworn in Jan. 4, becoming the first African-American woman elected as coroner in the county.
On the morning of Jan. 4, Jackie Blackwell stood in unison with five other elected officials as they were sworn into office by Clarendon County officials. Blackwell, 66, wore a smile under her jet-black mask as she raised her right hand to take …

W.R. "Billy" Simpson Sr. is seen on his family farm in Clarendon County. He is the sixth generation to run WR Simpson Farms LLC in Manning, and the farm was recently recognized as a Century Farm because it has remained under the same family's ownership for 100 years.
A century in full circle: WR Simpson Farms LLC becomes only Clarendon County farm recognized by state for 100 years in business
Sumter Fireside Fund supports those with jobs still affected by COVID-19
City of Sumter discusses water, sewer bill increase in 2022

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: A Sumter police officer helps older residents stay connected during the pandemic

Senior Corporal Warren Davis, more affectionally known as Papa G, runs a program at the Sumter Police Department called Project Checkmate.

He checks on about 40 participants via phone calls and …

Lakewood's Jaqcorey Melton led the Gators with nine points in their 44-31 loss to Orangeburg-Wilkinson in the SCHSL 3A state playoffs on Monday.
Lakewood boys fall to Orangeburg-Wilkinson 44-31 in 3A state playoffs
Sumter's Kiara Croskey (3) handles the ball during Sumter's 48-27 win over Berkeley in the SCHSL 5A state playoffs on Monday.
Sumter routs Berkeley 48-27 in 5A playoffs behind Croskey, stout defense
East Clarendon's Talaysia Cooper (10) dribbles around pressure during the Lady Wolverines' 67-58 loss to Military Academy on Tuesday. Cooper fouled out after being called for multiple offensive fouls while trying to dribble around heavy pressure from the Lady Eagles.
Cooper fouls out as East Clarendon’s season ends with loss to Military Magnet
Manning's La'Tavius Wilson led the Lady Monarchs with 13 points in their 45-32 loss to Orangeburg-Wilkinson in the SCHSL 3A state playoffs on Monday.
Manning girls basketball falls to Orangeburg-Wilkinson in 3A playoffs
Scott's Branch guard Randy Gibson drives to the basket during the Eagles' 56-45 win over Military Magnet in the first round of the SCHSL 1A playoffs on Saturday. Gibson scored 12 points in the second half to help the Eagles rally from an 19-point deficit.
Huge fourth quarter lifts Scott’s Branch past Military Magnet in 1A playoffs
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Furman Middle School's Ashley Cappelmann named Carolina Grove Teacher of the Month for February
Classical Keys Studio Inc. owner Terrin Levier composes music on his piano keyboard inside his studio. When he lived in Columbia writing songs for musicians, he said he also was "living a wild life," was arrested and homeless at one time. Now he works in his studio developing music and making videos. He said he wants his story to inspire others to make a change to a better life.
From behind bars to behind the scenes: Sumter filmmaker speaks about his transformation from ‘living that street life’
Sumter Police Department's Sr. Cpl. Warren Davis checks on Mildred Byrden at her home in May 2019. She is part of the award-winning Project CheckMate program, which checks in with older adults living alone to provide extra security for them. Davis was recognized by state Rep. Murrell Smith's resolution for going above and beyond to help those enrolled in the program.
Project CheckMate's Sr. Cpl. Warren Davis in Sumter recognized by state House resolution
Blood drives in areas unaffected by winter weather are critical for supply, 3 planned in Sumter in upcoming weeks
Pedestrian, 57, killed after being struck by vehicle in Sumter

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More Sports
East Clarendon's Talaysia Cooper was named the 1A Girls Player of the Year by the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association on Tuesday.
Cooper 1A Player of the Year; five others named All-State
PHOTOS: East Clarendon falls to Military Magnet in 1A playoffs
Lee's Caleigh Barrett (15) drives to the basket during the Lady Cavalier's 75-25 loss to Palmetto Christian in the second round of the SCISA 2A playoffs on Monday.
Lee Academy can't beat the press, falls to Palmetto Christian 75-25 in 2A playoffs
South Carolina's Wes Clarke was named the national player of the week by Collegiate Baseball after hitting .700 with three home runs and nine RBI over the weekend.
USC, Clemson sweep opening series before facing each other this weekend
PHOTOS: Scott's Branch takes down Military Magnet in SCHSL 1A playoffs

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Panorama

If a stranger offers you student loan forgiveness, hang up

Student loan scammers have a brand-new hook: "Biden student loan forgiveness" or "stimulus forgiveness." Behind the pitch is the same old fraudster playbook, one that persuades federal student loan …

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Nation & World
This Sept. 2020 photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows a clinician preparing to administer investigational Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
FDA says single-dose shot from J&J prevents severe COVID

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine offers strong protection against severe COVID-19, according to an analysis released Wednesday by U.S. regulators that sets the …

Judge bans enforcement of Biden's 100-day deportation pause HOUSTON (AP) — A federal judge late Tuesday indefinitely banned President Joe Biden's administration from enforcing a 100-day moratorium on most deportations. U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton …
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund testifies before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs & Senate Rules and Administration joint hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday to examine the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Capitol defenders blame bad intelligence for deadly breach WASHINGTON - Faulty intelligence was to blame for the outmanned Capitol defenders' failure to anticipate the violent mob that invaded the iconic building and halted certification of the presidential election on Jan. 6, the officials who were in …
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif
Iran officially imposes curbs on international nuclear inspections TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran officially started restricting international inspections of its nuclear facilities Tuesday, a bid to pressure European countries and President Joe Biden's administration to lift crippling economic sanctions and restore the …
AP FILE PHOTO City of Tupelo Community Outreach Coordinator Marcus Gary takes down the state flag of Mississippi that flew over the City Hall of Tupelo one last time June 29, 2020. Mississippi retired the last state flag in the U.S. that included the Confederate battle emblem.
SPLC: At least 160 Confederate symbols taken down in 2020 NEW YORK - When rioters tore through the U.S. Capitol last month, some of them gripping Confederate battle flags, they didn't encounter a statue of the most famous rebel general, Robert E. Lee. The Lee statue, which represented the state of …

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State News
Former S.C. utility CEO pleads guilty to nuclear plant fraud

COLUMBIA (AP) — The utility executive who spent billions of dollars on two South Carolina nuclear plants that never generated a single watt of power pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges …

South Carolina delays 5-year minimum for stealing packages COLUMBIA (AP) — A small group of South Carolina lawmakers decided Wednesday to postpone voting on a proposal to create a new law specifically to handle people stealing packages from porches, …
ROBERT WOODS IV
Woods gets initial OK to be S.C.'s Public Safety director COLUMBIA (AP) — A small group of South Carolina senators Wednesday approved the governor's nomination of a nearly lifelong member of the Highway Patrol to lead the state Department of Public …
Former S.C. utility executive to plead guilty in two courts COLUMBIA (AP) — The utility executive who spent billions of dollars on two South Carolina nuclear plants that never generated a single watt of power is expected to plead guilty to federal and …
Georgetown city ordinance encourages home solar installs GEORGETOWN (AP) — A South Carolina city has approved a zoning change to make it easier for residents to install solar panels, and get credit for any power they contribute to the grid.The …

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Obituaries
EARLINE WALKER KELLY

Earline Walker Kelly, 61, wife of James Kelly, died on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2021, in Atlanta. Born on May 14, 1959, in Sumter, she was a daughter of Robert Brown and Hattie Addison. In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, the family requests …

DONALD LAW

BISHOPVILLE - Donald Law entered eternal rest on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at his residence, 67 Wilson Park Lane, Lynchburg. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville.

MACKEY DESCHAMPS

Mackey Deschamps, 82, husband of Adrianne M. Deschamps, died on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, at McLeod Health Clarendon in Manning. Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Leon Deschamps and Henrietta Rhames Deschamps White and stepson of …

CINDY MARIE KEMP

Cindy Marie Kemp, 48, of 5240 Thomas Sumter Highway, passed away on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at her home. Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

CHARLOTTE JOHNSON

Charlotte Johnson, 80, died on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Brooklyn, New York. She was born on Aug. 8, 1940, in Pinewood, to the late Sylvester and Ethel Johnson. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced at a later date. Services …

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Faith
Church News: Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, 1715 S. Guignard Drive, announces: * Saturday, March 13 - A drive-by celebration for the second anniversary of Pastor Calvin K. Hastie Sr. will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church.
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith: Fighting prejudice ... I pumped gas into my truck, hung up the nozzle and climbed back in. Before I could shut the door, a young African-American male came up and asked me how I was. It was a little strange; people wave and nod at the gas station but do not make …
Survey: Black Americans attend church and pray more often NEW YORK (AP) - Black Americans attend church more regularly than Americans overall and pray more often. Most attend churches that are predominantly Black, yet many would like those congregations to become racially diverse. There is broad respect …
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87), left, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate together after the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9.
The Rev. Dr. Clay Smith: Score one for the old guys... I am old enough to remember when the only big-league team in Florida was the Miami Dolphins - and they only arrived in 1966. Tampa, the city nearest us, built a new stadium in hopes of luring an NFL team to town. The sports editor for The Tampa …
Celebrations
MR., MRS. TOM WINSTEAD SR.
Winsteads of Sumter celebrate 71 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tom Winstead Sr. of Sumter celebrated their 71th wedding anniversary on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. They were married on Feb. 1, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas. The couple's three children are Tom Winstead Jr. of Elkin, North Carolina, Rick …
ELVIE EVANS SCHUMACHER
Schumachers announce birth of a daughter, Elvie Evans Blake Edmund and Sarah Cutler Schumacher of Columbia announce the birth of a daughter, Elvie Evans Schumacher, on Jan. 13, 2021, at Lexington Medical Center, Lexington. Elvie weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces. She was 19 1/2 inches …
5 generations of the Chandler family Five generations of the Chandler family from left, seated on sofa: Tonya Gainey Casselman, grandmother; Louise Chandler, great-great-grandmother, holding Clinton Casselman, child; Debbie Chandler Gainey, great-grandmother; and seated on floor, Haley …
MR. and MRS. JAMES McLEOD
McLeods of Sumter celebrate 65 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. James McLeod of Sumter celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary today, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. They were married on Feb. 6, 1956. The couple's three sons are Leroy McLeod, Douglas McLeod and the late James McLeod. The couple has …

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Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Handsome Higgins is waiting to meet his new family at Sumter Animal Control

BELOW: This handsome fella is Higgins. He weighs 43 pounds and is approximately 2-3 years old. He is sweet and gentle and enjoys going on long walks with the volunteers. Higgins is heartworm positive and will be starting his treatments soon. This …

Weddings
MRS. ZACHARY S. COKER
Lynch-Coker Katherine Lorena Lynch of Alcolu and Zachary Scott Coker of Turbeville were united in marriage at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Neal C. Lynch of Alcolu and the …
MR. AND MRS. JOHN A. BURR IV
Glaze-Burr CHARLESTON - Sally Glaze and John Aaron Burr IV, both of Myrtle Beach, were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, at John Wesley United Methodist Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Lee Glaze and Mrs. Frances Glaze of Sumter …
Underwood-Coleman Ellen Andrea Underwood of Charleston and Charles Clayton Coleman Jr. of Sumter were united in marriage at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, at Coleman Family Farms in Sumter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Andrew Underwood of San Diego, …
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS E. HART
Hage-Hart FOLLY BEACH - Kayla Diane Hage of Lexington and Thomas Edwin Hart of North Charleston were united in marriage at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at The Pelican Watch Pavilion. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kris Eugene Hage of …

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Engagements
MR. WINN, MISS MORRIS
Morris-Winn Mike and Tammie Morris announce the engagement of their daughter, Tiffany Alexandria Morris, to Arthur Ryan Winn, son of Arthur and Eileen Winn, all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late James and Edna House and Carol Morris …
MR. SOWARDS, MISS COX
Cox-Sowards Richard and Sherry Cox of Dalzell announce the engagement of their daughter, Allison RayAnn Cox of Dalzell, to Garrett Hunter Sowards of Merritt Island, Florida, son of Bradford and Stephanie Sowards of Melbourne, Florida. The bride-elect is the …
Reflections
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOPresident George H. W. Bush greets Shaw personnel returning from Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Sumter has been visited by several presidents

Wikipedia Encyclopedia defines Presidents Day as "Washington's birthday, being a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first president of the United States, who was born on Feb. 22, 1732. The …

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Yesteryear
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO New officers installed in April 1971 for the Bland Garden Club for 1971-1972 were: seated is Mrs. Leland E. Brown, president; back row, from left, Mrs. Curtis H. Caulkins, recording secretary; Mrs. James M. Kirby, corresponding secretary; Mrs. W. S. Gardenhire, vice president; and Mrs. John H. Jackson Jr., treasurer.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Northrop Black Widow on display at Shaw; former SHS athlete will carry torch 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 July 31 - Aug. 6 - Cotton is already beginning to open in various sections of Sumter County, and, if favorable weather prevails during the next week or 10 days, picking will get underway generally before the middle of the …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Sophia Dabbs makes repairs to one of the range houses on her chicken farm at Dabbs Crossroads in July 1946. Rhode Island Reds were grown there under the Record of Production plan. Pullets were taken from the range houses to the laying houses.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Sumter police seek Piper cub thief; Sumter Volunteers offers 'shares' 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 July 24 - 30 - Sumter is a good place to live and a good place to work. Most employers pay good wages either because they are fair minded or because, in a competitive sense, they are obliged to do so in order to maintain …
SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Autograph seekers swarm Coach Joe Williams, guest speaker at a YMCA Church League banquet, on March 23, 1971.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Pinewood Chamber in the works; conference brings innkeepers to Sumter 75 YEARS AGO - 1946 July 17 - 23 - The daily Vacation Bible School of the Fraser Memorial Presbyterian Chapel began Monday at the Wilder school with an enrollment of 71, with 10 teachers and helpers in charge. Since that time, the attendance …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
DURHAM
Column by Sumter Pastor Joey Durham: God proves Himself to us by saving us
PATRICK BUCHANAN
Opinion: Is Biden prepared to lose Afghanistan this year?
Editorial cartoon: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021
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