Happening Now
Sumter County Council is proposing a tax increase to fund salary raises for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.
Sumter County Council might raise taxes for deputy pay
Cameron Bracey, a student at Millwood Elementary School, is given his breakfast and lunch in March by a member of the food services team for the Sumter School District at Windsor City.
S.C. school details discussed as virus cases climb in state
The new Spectrum store in Sumter is at 1326 Broad St. in Gateway Plaza across from Walmart.
New Spectrum store opens in Gateway Plaza in Sumter
The steel framework of the new Animal Control facility on Winkles Road is being put in place even as the project has faced some delays due to rainy weather. The facility is slated to open in October.
Animal shelter, Haynsworth gymnasium projects underway in Sumter
McLeod Health Clarendon and DHEC partnered for a drive through testing facility recently in Summerton.
COVID-19 precautions for stroke, heart patients

A return to the pew in Sumter

Christ Community Church, at 320 Loring Mill Road, had its first in-person services Sunday, May 24, since the coronavirus shutdown.
All our coronavirus coverage is free to the public. It’s the right thing to do as a public service to our community. If you find this article helpful or informative and want to support our …

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis makes a statement in response to the death of George Floyd
SKF Sumter Director of Operations Marcus Jakob participated in Thursday's ground-breaking ceremony in Live Oak Industrial Park for a $24 million investment project that is beginning now.
Sumter's SKF adding fully digital, automated process
24,950 individuals, who both live and work in South Carolina, filed an initial unemployment insurance claim May 17-23, 2020.
South Carolina, tri-county unemployment claims totals still above pre-coronavirus numbers

Saturday-Sunday, May 30-31, 2020

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Studio Sumter

Sumter Today: Students graduate in a unique way

Area high school graduates didn't let a pandemic or a surprise tropical storm stop them from walking across the stage to gather their high school diploma on Wednesday. Sumter School District has …

Clemson's Trevor Lawrence and the Tigers will be able to return to campus on June 8.
NCAA offers plan to bring athletes back to campus
Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule may be able to go to the team's facility as soon as next week.
NFL coaches could return to team facilities next week
East Clarendon's Alicia Wilson, left, and Chris Barringer receive their plaques from the school's sports banquet, which coaches took on the road to each of the students' houses on Thursday night and throughout the day on Friday.
East Clarendon takes athletic banquet on the road
Chase Elliott gets out of his car after winning a NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday in Concord, North Carolina.
Elliott ends week of misery with overdue Cup victory
Former Southern California quarterback JT Daniels will transfer to Georgia, but it is unknown if he will be eligible to play this fall.
QB Daniels heading to Georgia after leaving Southern Cal
Poll of the Week

Beach goers enjoy the Isle of Palms beach, Friday, March 20, 2020. City authorities are restricting access to the popular beach from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

How has COVID-19 impacted your summer plans?

Have a question you'd like us to ask? Email editor@theitem.com.

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More local news
Nukeem McConico finishes his walk across the stage on Wednesday in the Sumter High School auditorium as the district films his graduation.
Sumter High School Gamecocks graduate from a distance
Ricky Vogel, left, Piper Vogel, 3, and Willow Strickland, 2, play during a past year's "Splash Day" at the Aquatics Center.
Public pools look to reopen with limitations; Sumter Aquatics Center now open
Seen is Civil War artillery removed from the backyard of a Sumter home.
Man discovers Civil War artillery in Sumter backyard
Sumter High School graduation attendees protect themselves with umbrellas during Tropical Storm Bertha on Wednesday.
Surprise Tropical Storm Bertha unloads rain on Midlands, coast
Keiyon Ny'Quan Spann gets ready to walk across the stage at Lakewood High's graduation filming on Wednesday.
Lakewood High School seniors celebrate achievement

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More Sports
PHIL KORNBLUT
Clemson beats USC for 4-star DE Patterson
Former Laurence Manning Academy basketball standout Jerrel Kelly, left, has signed to play with Queens University in Charlotte after having played at the junior college level the past two seasons.
Former LMA standout Kelly signs with Queens University
Former Wilson Hall golfer Christian Salzer will return for a fifth year at N.C. State after the coronavirus pandemic ended his senior spring season after just three events.
Former Wilson Hall golfer Salzer to return to N.C. State after virus shortens senior season
The Sumter P-15s returned to practice for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday. The P-15's will not play for the American Legion this summer, after the national organization canceled its seasondue to the pandemic. Instead they will play independently in the South Carolina American League.
P-15's open up practice amid restrictions preparing for independent league season
Scott's Branch guard Randy Gibson (2) and the Eagles will move into Region IV-1A for the 2020-21 season along with fellow Clarendon County school East Clarendon.
New Scott's Branch AD Barr excited about new region

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Panorama
Amelie and her sister, Camille, watch from their front window as the lockdown enters its third week along with their parents, Victoria and Damian Kerr, in Berkhamsted on April 4. Victoria and Damian are both working full time from home but are enjoying the chance the lockdown has given them to spend more time together as a family despite its challenges.

How the virus changed my street - for the better

BERKHAMSTED, England - I've been living on my street for about 10 years, in a little market town outside London called Berkhamsted. In a very English way, I knew almost nothing about my neighbors. Everyone kept to their own business. My street is …

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Nation & World
Twitter and Trump: a feud years in the making finally erupts

On one side of this fraught moment: the president of the United States, facing multiple crises less than six months before the election. On the other: Twitter, the social media giant, which has …

President Donald Trump
Trump strikes China over virus, Hong Kong and student visas WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Friday he would withdraw funding from the World Health Organization, end Hong Kong's special trade status and suspend visas of Chinese …
People stand near the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct and throw their hands in the air as they chant for George Floyd on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Minneapolis. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. A video taken by a bystander shows a Minneapolis police officer with his knee on Floyd's neck.
Minneapolis cop who knelt on handcuffed black man arrested MINNEAPOLIS — The white Minneapolis police officer seen on video kneeling on George Floyd’s neck was arrested on murder charges Friday and accused in court papers of ignoring another …
THE ASSOCIATED PRESSA voter drops off a mail-in ballot prior to the primary election in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday.
Mail-in voting could turn Election Day into Election Week A shift to mail voting is increasing the chances that Americans will not know the winner of November's presidential race on election night, a scenario that is fueling worries about whether President Donald Trump will use the delay to sow doubts …
Protesters damage property at the Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The mayor of Minneapolis called Wednesday for criminal charges against the white police officer seen on video kneeling against the neck of a handcuffed black man who complained that he could not breathe and died in police custody.
Protests rock Minneapolis for 2nd night MINNEAPOLIS - Violent protests over the death of a black man in police custody rocked a Minneapolis neighborhood for a second straight night as angry crowds looted stores, set fires and left a path of damage that stretched for miles. The mayor asked …

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State News
Gov. Henry McMaster
S.C. reopening group finishes work, submits report to McMaster

COLUMBIA - The committee assigned by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to plan to reopen the state after the initial spread of the coronavirus and figure out how to spend $1.9 billion in federal money finished its work on Thursday. Accelerate SC …

New program will feed South Carolinians, help farmers South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture has announced a new program to help ease the strain on the food system caused by COVID-19.According to a news release from the nonprofit, it has partnered with Certified South Carolina to form Farmers to Food …
S.C. police say mother, boyfriend charged in disabled child's death ROCK HILL (AP) - A South Carolina woman and her boyfriend were arrested and accused of killing the woman's disabled daughter and hiding her body inside a dresser drawer, authorities said. Jackleen Elizabeth Mullen, 23, and Audrevious Jarrell …
S.C. farmers, ranchers can apply for financial assistance through USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Agricultural producers can now apply for USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. The application and a payment calculator are now available online, and …
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster
Reopening leader says liability protection key in S.C. COLUMBIA - The leader of the governor's committee studying how to best reopen South Carolina after the coronavirus said one of the most critical pieces of unfinished business is protecting businesses from lawsuits if they follow safety …

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Obituaries
LORETTA MICKENS SMITH

Loretta Mickens Smith, wife of Jerry Smith, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. The family is receiving friends at the residence, 105 Broad Acres, Bishopville. Visitation …

THOMASINA COOPER

Thomasina Cooper, 83, widow of Lee Artis Cooper, died on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at her home. She was born on Aug. 9, 1936, in Sumter County. The family is requesting no visitors. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by …

JOYCE ANN OSBORNE

Joyce Ann Osborne, 62, widow of Charlie B. Osborne Jr., died on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Born on June 2, 1957, in Sumter, she was a daughter of James Henry Goins and the late Annie Ruth Brown Goins. Survivors …

FANNIE D. MCLEOD SINGLETARY

Fannie D. McLeod Singletary, 92, died on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at her home. Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Varnie Kay McLeod and Fannie Marie Hodge McLeod. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Mrs. Singletary was twice …

MICHAEL LEON BURRIS

Michael Leon Burris entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 24, 2020, at Prisma Health Tuomey, Sumter. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Boone Memorial Garden, Bishopville. Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville, …

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Celebrations
MR., MRS. CHARLES VERBURG
Verburgs celebrate 50 years of marriage Mr. and Mrs. Charles Verburg of Sumter celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. They were married on Feb. 6, 1970. Their four children are Susan Verburg of Ann Arbor, Michigan, June and Steve Williamson of Mapleton, …

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Faith
SMITH
What's the answer to having church again? In the past month, I received several emails asking, "When are we going to have church again?" Some of these inquiries come from folks eager to get back to normal. They long for the rhythm of Sunday: getting up, getting dressed, singing the songs of …
SMITH
Slowed down but still not patient I am not a patient person; few people are. On a scale of one to 10, my urgency is in the high 90s. Being a Southerner, I know not to be rude, but I do not understand why people at the drive-thru window take 10 minutes to give their money and get …
SMITH
Fox in the neighborhood is trying to survive Gina and I were coming home from a visit with family after dark. It had been a long trip, and we were both tired. It wasn't yet my bedtime, but it was getting close. The night was clear, crisp and cool. We rounded the corner onto our street, our …
SMITH
Small signs of hope This week I drove past a mom and her three small children riding bikes on the sidewalk. The mom was bringing up the rear, like a mother goose herding her goslings. The oldest child rode confidently at the head of the line, showing the way. The two …
Dear Abby
Pets for adoption
Flame is a pretty girl with an extremely sweet personality

LEFT: Flame is a housebroken 1-year-old dilute calico American shorthair. She has an extremely sweet personality. Flame is a friendly girl who is also active and playful. She loves to play with cat toys and be an occasional couch potato. The …

Weddings
MR., MRS. GRIFFIN NOLAN MCCABE
Affronti-McCabe Miss Elizabeth Anne Affronti of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Mr. Griffin Nolan McCabe of Manning were united in marriage at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020, in a front yard ceremony at 2185 Bethel Church Road. The Rev. Neil DuBose …
MRS. ANTHONY MILES SCOTT
Mayle-Scott Miss Stephanie Nicole Mayle of Sumter and Mr. Anthony Miles Scott of Rembert were united in marriage at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2020, at Mileston at the Pond. The bride is the daughter of Cheryll Elizabeth Mayle of Lakeland, Florida, and Mr. …
MRS. LOUIS GOODSON
Atkinson-Goodson KINGSTREE - Bailey Keels Atkinson of Kingstree and Louis Hayes Goodson of Sumter were united in marriage at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the home of the bride. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Chance Atkinson of …
MRS. ROB ROBINSON
Hendrix-Robinson COLUMBIA - Emily Francis Hendrix of Sumter and Rob Mackenzie Robinson of Winnsboro were united in marriage at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020, at Millstone at Adam's Pond. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Ivan Hendrix of Sumter …

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Engagements
MR. VON MINDEN, MISS JACKSON
Jackson-Von Minden Mr. and Mrs. Brian Paul Jackson of Sumter announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Sara Ashlee Jackson of Sumter, to Mr. Garrett Richard Von Minden of Hilton Head Island, son of Ms. Laura Von Minden of Hilton Head Island and Mr. Richard Von …
MISS NOONAN, MR. ROBINSON
Noonan- Robinson Dr. and Mrs. William Thomas Noonan Jr. announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Riley Elizabeth Noonan, to Mr. James Matthew Robinson, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Ronald Robinson, all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. …
MR. PARSHLEY, MISS HORTON
Horton-Parshley Rusty and Vermell Green of Turbeville announce the engagement of their granddaughter, Sierra Horton of Turbeville, to Dustin Parshley of New Zion, son of Jennifer Parshley of New Zion and the late Jeremiah "Jay" Parshley.The bride-elect is the …
MISS TOLBERT, MR. RAMIREZ-GARCIA
Tolbert, Ramirez-Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Will Tolbert announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Marie Tolbert, to Adrian Ramirez-Garcia, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Ramirez-Rivera, all of Sumter. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William R. …
Reflections
Mabry Memorial, named for Gen. George Mabry, in Sumter honors military members who have given their lives in service.

Reflections by Sammy Way: Fallen heroes have provided freedoms we now enjoy

Reflections honors those who gave the full measure of sacrifice to ensure our access to the many freedoms accorded to all American citizens on Memorial Day. The author has selected an editorial written by Hubert D. Osteen Jr., chairman and …

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Yesteryear
Passing before their home away from home, the class of the NCO Leadership School performs precision drills under the guidance of Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Kervin on Aug. 18, 1970.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Flag pole dedicated on Tricentennial Week; Pinewood hosts Possum Trot Fest for 2nd year 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Dec. 14 - Dec. 20 - December checks for distribution in Sumter County to needy persons receiving public assistance are being mailed from the state public welfare office in time to be received early this week, it is …
Children from The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Sumter toured Dr. Robert R. Hirschberg's 76 Animal Hospital on Broad Street Extension in May 1995. Dr. Hirschberg told the group of 14 children about his career and the services he provides to animals. Seen in the photo is his assistant, Mona Weerts, and some of the children.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Morris seeks books to help with accreditation; Tuomey is smoke free 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Dec. 7 - 15 - Fourteen officers and men aboard five Navy torpedo bombers missing over the Atlantic since Wednesday night and 13 crew members of a plane lost while searching for the bombers today were identified by seventh …
A giraffe sculpture captures the attention of Lisa Webb during the opening of the Tricentennial Art Exhibit at the Sumter County Gallery of Art in August 1970.
Yesteryear by Sammy Way: Car captured in Germany displayed; Red Baron pizza planes visit Sumter 75 YEARS AGO - 1945 Nov. 30 - Dec. 6 - A 1937 Ford belonging to a Shaw Field soldier caught fire on Main Street in front of DeLorme's pharmacy, and within three minutes, the blaze had severely damaged the car, burning and melting the ignition, …

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From the opinion pages
Columnists
 Editorial cartoon: Friday, May 29, 2020
MOLLETTE
Opinion: Hate never solves anything or brings positive change
RIDINGS
Opinion: Make Facebook and Google pay for local news, just like you do
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