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Sumter ranked as the No. 5 Best Place to Live in South Carolina for 2026-27 due to its low cost of living and quality-of-life measures.

The ranking, published by U.S. News and World Report today, reflects the city’s focus on community and economic opportunity.

Sumter Museum will host the fall version of Backcountry Brews in October at its Carolina Backcountry Homestead (historic venue with a rich past).

The event will offer craft beer, barbecue and live music.

The Last Fourth Fridays concert takes place in Sumter this week while downtown Sumter will host the annual eSTEAM Festival next weekend; additionally, the Sumter American Legion Fair (Back Where We Belong: Stars, Stripes and Harvest) runs through Sunday, Sept.

27.

Dr. Tracy R. Powell was named to the Central Carolina Technical College Area Commission for Lee County in July in Bishopville.

The native with nearly 20 years in public service— including leadership roles in health care and nonprofit sectors— will guide policies across Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties.

Wilson Hall’s boys swim team finished second at the Pinewood Invitational Saturday; the overall team placed third (marking their first time falling short of first) during a strong fall meet in Sumter.

Wilson Hall cross country competed at Lake Murray Invitational on Saturday & the boys team finished second among 27 teams in state competition.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety hosts free car seat checks during Child Passenger Safety Week to keep young passengers safe.

Parents can attend Tuesday at Safe Kids Aiken County from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Thursday at Safe Kids Sumter County from 3 to 5 p.m.

Scott’s Branch football team defeated Baptist Hill 55-24 on Sunday, Sept.

20 and now enters a bye week as they continue competition in SCHSL 2A. The win marked a strong start for the team moving through the season in the local league.