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Daily editionThursday, August 20th, 2026

Good morning, Sumter.

The 5AM Sumter Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of August.

Community

  1. Jason, a 1-year-old Lab pit mix, is still waiting for his forever home at the Sumter SPCA at 1140 S. Guignard Drive; visit between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to adopt him.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  2. Helen, a 1 to 3 year old chocolate brown dog weighing 52 pounds, is ready for adoption at Sumter Animal Control on Winkles Road (803 774 3232 for inquiries).

    A spay or neuter agreement is required.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  3. Oreo, a 1-year-old Chihuahua mix weighing 16 pounds, is ready for adoption at Sumter Animal Control at 1240 Winkles Road + potential adopters must sign a spay/neuter agreement and provide proof after adoption.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

Education

  1. Central Carolina Technical College welcomed students on Monday, Aug. 17 while its fall minimester session will begin Oct. 12 for eight-week courses — prospective students should contact the admissions office for details.

    The ItemRead more

  2. Quindon Dais, a former Lakewood High class president, is a junior at Clark Atlanta University earning leadership roles and a $10,000 scholarship while planning to pursue an MBA & start a nonprofit to support low-income communities.

    The ItemRead more

Government

  1. The South Carolina Department of Social Services is launching the Healthy Food SC Pilot program to promote healthier choices for SNAP households; beginning Aug. 31, vendors statewide will ban candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages.

    The two-year initiative follows a waiver request by Gov. Henry McMaster.

    WACHRead more

Sports

  1. The experienced Manning Monarchs are aiming for the SCHSL 2A title by building on two years of strong play that took them to a lower state championship game.

    The team will push forward this season to secure the title.

    The ItemRead more

  2. The Scott’s Branch Eagles have turned a winless 2023 season into four wins this year under coach Pat Fleming — they now aim to be SCHSL 1A title contenders in upcoming matchups.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  3. East Clarendon football coach Larry Cornelius begins his fourth season leading the Wolverines + serving as interim athletic director as the team prepares for a challenging SCHSL 2A season.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  4. Clarendon Hall football team is determined to win its first game this fall.

    The Saints, who did not win in the past two seasons, are training hard for an upcoming match.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  5. Thomas Sumter football is building momentum under coach Stacy Bell as it enters his third season, having improved from one win in 2024 to four victories last season (a sign of promising progress).

    The ItemRead more

  6. Drew Marlowe boosts the Gamecocks football program as he returns to his alma mater at Sumter High, where his leadership is expected to raise the bar.

    His appointment in February brings renewed energy to the local team + excitement for the upcoming season.

    The ItemRead more

  7. Local Lakewood Gators begin a fresh season under head coach Jerran Devlin — they aim to bounce back after a winless season last year.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  8. Laurence Manning football team will begin the fall season with its fourth head coach, Rankin, a SCISA veteran who will lead the team in upcoming games.

    The Sumter ItemRead more