Daily editionThursday, October 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Sumter.
The 5AM Sumter Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of October.
Community
Events include a Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale at 111 N. Harvin St. until Oct. 25, Sumter Little Theatre's production 'Wiley and the Hairy Man' through Oct. 25 at 14 Mood Ave, and Cirque du Luxe at Sumter Speedway from Oct. 22 with shows at 7:30 p.m.
The Sumter ItemRead more
Business
The Jones family is building a new GMC dealership adjacent to Jones Chevrolet in Sumter to form one automotive campus offering more vehicle choices and a combined pre-owned inventory.
The project, reflecting the family's commitment (60 years of service) to the community, will be completed by the end of 2026.
The Sumter ItemRead more
Education
Elementary students visited local firefighters on Wednesday, Oct. 21 during Fire Prevention Week to learn fire safety rules at Sumter schools (they practiced smoke alarm checks and exit plans).
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Finance
Reid Schwartz from Creech Schwartz Wealth Management explains that new IRS rules now require most non-spouse beneficiaries to withdraw inherited IRA funds within 10 years, urging local retirees to adjust their retirement and tax planning.
Families in Sumter should review their options, including timely Roth conversions and charitable distributions.
The Sumter ItemRead more
Government
Sen. Darline Graham visited Hidden Wounds in Sumter on Monday, Oct. 19 to review how the center supports veterans with mental health care, food and peer connections.
The Sumter ItemRead more
Health
During Fire Prevention Week, the American Red Cross of South Carolina offered tips to help households prevent fire hazards by creating escape plans and checking smoke alarms.
Residents were advised to monitor kitchen practices + use heating equipment safely to protect their families.
The Sumter ItemRead more
Lifestyle
71-year-old Charlie Dubose transforms his 10-acre front yard into a holiday light show that runs from Thanksgiving until three days after Christmas.
He sets the lights on daily — switching them on around 6 p.m. and off by 9–10 p.m. — drawing visitors to enjoy his evolving display.
The ItemRead more
Sports
Sumter High senior Jaylen Berry qualified for the SCHSL 5A state championship after tying for 10th at Monday's qualifier at Charleston Municipal Golf Course (her final season offers one last chance to compete).
The Sumter ItemRead more
The Wilson Hall cross country team set a new school record and nearly broke their team record when they finished second at the Starlight Invitational at Riverside High School on Saturday.
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