Good morning, Sumter.

Sumter’s Clemson Extension is offering outdoor events by hosting a Lunch & Learn at YMCA Trailhead on Sept.

5 from noon to 1 p.m. and a Turkey Creek cleanup at Costas Farms on Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, showcasing its Water Goat project.

For 30 years, Sumter Green has brightened our community with trees and flowers along roads and parks (including Prisma Health Shot Pouch Greenway) while Susan Wild marked this legacy by launching a 30 for 30 campaign to raise $30,000 for new projects.

Sumter is buzzing this fall with local events including farmers markets at 200 Miller Road + art classes and exhibits at the County Gallery and Museum, a Labor Day gospel concert at Bishop W.

T. English Memorial Park on Sept. 7 + a film festival later this month.

Sumter YMCA plans to expand Camp Mac Boykin in the Pinewood area near Manchester State Forest into a year-round retreat for local families and corporate + church partners, with renovations such as new cabins and improved facilities underway in preparation for the camp's 75th anniversary next year.

SAFE announces Barbara Star, CPA, as its new vice president controller today.

She brings 30 years of financial experience (licensed CPA in SC and GA) and will manage internal controls, financial and regulatory reporting.

Sumter Little Theatre announced its 2026-27 season opener will be Neil Simon's 'The Odd Couple: The Female Version.' The play will show that being different brings us together + ticket sales will start soon.

Sumter County Gallery of Art opens this week, while later in August local organizers host a comic and toy show, a mahjong fundraiser + annual coin and gun shows that add a lively arts schedule for residents.

In March 1980, Sumter artist Blue Sky (Warren Edward Johnson) painted the mural 'Winter Beach' on the wall of the Gilbert Ross package store after a snowstorm left him stranded; local groups supported the project and it was unveiled at sunset with fireworks and dancing.

Three valedictorians from Wilson Hall and TSA earned Palmetto Fellows Scholarships and started college, while Sumter School District kicked off school on Aug.

4 with a rally at the County Civic Center where new Superintendent Gerald Gary introduced a 'One standard, Excellence' theme to promote daily excellence.

The Sumter school board race now has 15 candidates (including four incumbents) after six filed earlier this month and nine more submitted their names in the final week ending Monday, Aug.

17.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health urges residents in Sumter to protect themselves from extreme heat by drinking water, wearing loose clothing, and seeking cool indoor spaces—reminding families to never leave children or pets in parked cars.

Football teams across Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties began their seasons on Aug.

21. Local programs showcased key updates such as Sumter High’s strong backfield and Lakewood’s rising QB Justin Wilder as fans look forward to an exciting season.

The Sumter High volleyball team kicked off its season on Tuesday with a pair of tri-matches at home; the Lady Gamecocks swept Westwood and Crestwood and will next face West Florence and Lexington in upcoming contests.