Good morning, Sumter.

Sumter Habitat for Humanity is accepting preapplications for its affordable Homeownership Program from Sept.

2 to Oct. 2 for traditional homes and senior cottages at the administration office on 812 S. Guignard Drive between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. — appointments will be scheduled by phone from Oct. 6 to 30.

On Thursday, Sept. 3, the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce honored emerging leaders at Wagon Trail event venue by recognizing the Top 10 Young Professionals Under 40 and naming the 2026 Young Professional of the Year.

DAR Sumter's Home Chapter Flag Committee presented a flag certificate to Nu-Idea School Supply on Saturday, Sept.

5 for correctly flying its flag (a sign of local patriotism) in front of the business.

Two young contemporary Christian singers will perform concerts this fall at Alice Drive Baptist Church, with Ben Fuller scheduled for Saturday, Oct.

10. Tickets are available for local fans to enjoy No.1 hits + new music.

A quiet 9-acre park in rural Lee County, north of Mayesville, honors Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a trailblazer who opened one of the earliest schools for African-Americans & founded a legacy of education and opportunity.

Hot weather is driving energy use higher today as temperatures reach mid to upper 90s; Duke Energy is offering tools like bill insights + usage alerts to help local customers manage rising energy costs.

The company provides energy saving programs and flexible billing options to ease summer rates.

The Sumter High School Speech and Debate Team partnered with The Blood Connection on Sept.

1 to host a blood drive that collected 69 units, supporting local hospitals and earning a $1,000 grant for tournament travel next school year.

Morris College and Denmark Technical College have entered an academic articulation agreement — creating transfer pathways in higher education.

Under the plan, students meeting admission requirements can transfer credits toward cybersecurity, esports, or criminal justice studies and may join with junior standing while the agreement is reviewed every two years.

Missy Corrigan, CEO of the YMCA of Sumter, says new research from the Framingham Heart Study shows that exercise today matters more than past workouts.

She advises residents to start slowly with short walks to build heart health + overall well-being.

Gardeners are given tips on choosing mums for fall plantings at local garden centers this season, with advice to check plant tags for details on whether the varieties are perennials or one-season decorations.

The guide shows how different types can brighten outdoor spaces for weeks.

Crestwood High School hosted Marlboro County for a football game on Sept.

4 in Sumter (photos capture key moments).

Wilson Hall faced Williamsburg Academy on Friday in a SCISA matchup between two top contenders.

The team pulled off a thriller and has grown its profile by competing for the last three 3A titles (more details about the game are pending).

The Sumter High football team scored a 35 to 0 win over West Florence on Friday — they recorded 278 rushing yards.

Their strong performance boosted the non-region slate ahead of upcoming games.