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Daily editionSaturday, October 17th, 2026

Good morning, Sumter.

The 5AM Sumter Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of October.

Community

  1. Sumter residents enjoy fall as the Friends of the Library Book Sale runs at the library on Oct. 17, Cirque du Luxe performs at Sumter Speedway from Oct. 22 to 25, and an author reception for 'Honeysuckle Swamp' is at Sumter Museum on Nov. 2 — more events follow.

    The ItemRead more

  2. Sumter celebrates Halloween with a full slate of family events this week.

    Highlights include a pumpkin patch at Sumter Methodist Church, a trunk or treat at Poinsett State Park on Saturday, Oct. 17, and a fundraising bike ride at downtown Lollibear on Oct. 31 (other fall festivities follow).

    The ItemRead more

Culture

  1. Terror Trail at Second Mill opened on Friday, Oct. 9 at 1104 Old W. Liberty St. Guests can enjoy the mile-long spooky walk that now features two new attractions and runs every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. until Halloween with tickets at $19 per person.

    The ItemRead more

  2. Local residents can repurpose everyday items to create Halloween decorations and save money this season.

    Sumter County Gallery of Art offers open pottery studio time on Fridays for $8 so crafters can start projects like cookie coasters.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  3. Hometown maestro Sonja Sepulveda was honored on Oct. 9 with the SC Choral Directors Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for her steadfast dedication to music, highlighting her influence on our local culture.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

Education

  1. Sumter school board races have begun with 15 candidates competing for five open seats.

    A local paper published candidate questionnaires on Sept. 26 and will release weekly interviews to help voters learn about the key issues in K-12 education.

    The ItemRead more

  2. Three candidates are contesting Sumter’s Area 8 school board seat following a special election (Feb. 2025) and a 2022 district reorganization.

    Incumbent Phil Leventis and challengers Philip Good and Sherril Ray face voters in the November election to shape local education.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

Sports

  1. Alice Drive volleyball team got their revenge on Furman by winning the district championship today after finishing as regular season runners-up.

    The win marks a dominant postseason turnaround for the team in local volleyball.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  2. Wilson Hall seniors Mary Todd Champion and Natalie Hawkey — best friends turned stepsisters — lead the team on the court with strong teamwork built over years of practice.

    Their chemistry boosts both play and spirit in high school volleyball competition.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  3. Local high school swimmer Jacob Hewett set six school records at the SCISA state meet in North Charleston and earned recognition as Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week.

    The sophomore broke personal and relay records (including a 500 free and 200 free split) as his team placed third.

    The Sumter ItemRead more

  4. The East Clarendon cross country team hosted its first home meet on Oct. 15.

    Local schools including Sumter High, Lakewood and Clarendon Hall competed as the Wolverines won both the boys and girls team events.

    The Sumter ItemRead more