60°CloudyHigh 83° · Low 65°
- 6 a.m.Cloudy.60°
- NoonCloudy.79°
- 6 p.m.Cloudy.75°
- MidnightCloudy.67°
↑ Sunrise 6:44 a.m.↓ Sunset 5:25 p.m.
See this week
- 6 a.m.Cloudy.60°
- NoonCloudy.79°
- 6 p.m.Cloudy.75°
- MidnightCloudy.67°
- TodayCloudy. High 83° Low 65°
- ThuPartly cloudy. High 82° Low 66°
- FriThunderstorms. High 79° Low 55°
- SatPartly cloudy. High 73° Low 43°
- SunPartly cloudy. High 70° Low 42°
↑ Sunrise 6:44 a.m.↓ Sunset 5:25 p.m.
See full forecastWednesday, November 4, 2026
Liberty STEAM plans a second K-8 school near Shaw
Plus, a data center ordinance and where Sumter-area teams stand in the football playoffs.
The 5AM Sumter team7 sources3 min read
News Notes · More
Charter school
After its state authorizer conditionally approved the application, Sumter's first tuition-free public charter school is officially expanding. Officials say the second Liberty STEAM K-8 campus, in western Sumter County near Shaw Air Force Base, is set to open in 3.5 years, and both schools will feed into one high school. The Sumter Item
Data centers
At its Tuesday, Oct. 27 meeting, Sumter County Council passed the third reading of a data center ordinance. The ordinance requests that standards be placed around the development of data centers in Sumter County. The Sumter Item
Crestwood
Crestwood rolled past Lakewood on Friday to close the regular season. The Knights now prepare to host Aynor in the playoffs. The Sumter Item
Three Sumter-area teams head into the playoffs
| Team | Friday | Next |
|---|---|---|
| Crestwood | Rolled past Lakewood | Will host Aynor |
| Manning | Lost 21-14 to Marlboro County | At Battery Creek |
| Lee Academy | Won 29-0 over Carolina Academy | SCISA 1A playoffs |
Source: The Sumter Item
Manning
Manning fell 21-14 to Marlboro County on Friday. The Monarchs now hit the road to Battery Creek for their playoff opener. The Sumter Item
Lee Academy
Lee Academy shut out Carolina Academy 29-0 on Friday to finish the regular season. The team is heading into the SCISA 1A playoffs. The Sumter Item
Home
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- Open front cardigan coat | $32.99 | Go for a pop of yellow or classic navy, grey, or black in this warm winter knit that turns jeans and a tee into an instant outfit.
- Pleated cardigan | $28.99 | This open-front knit made from 100% soft viscose has extra flair with a pleated bottom hem.
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Which playoff game are you most likely to follow this week?
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Quoted
You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
Things to Do
Things to Do
Sumter, SC
Wednesday, Nov. 4
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What's on your list for Saturday, Nov. 7?
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Today’s puzzles
A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.
All 13 gamesJobs
Jobs
- Chemist Intern — Industrial Services, Summer 2027at Thompson Industrial Services LLC$20 an hour
- Industrial Maintenance Technician, Night Shiftat Cruitin$25-$40 an hour
- Part-Time Accounting Administratorat Jim Hudson Automotive Group$18 an hour
- Campus Director II, Pocalla Spring Elementaryat Boys & Girls Club Crescent Region$16 an hour
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Around the Block
Around the Block
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Lost and foundThis girl I picked up on the side of the road she’s 7 maybe 8 years old she’s blind in one eye going blind in the second.
“She’s so sweet. She’s at my house right now but need to find the owner or find a loving home she’s doing good with my Cavapoo, and she did good on the car ride home. She’s so sweet. She definitely doesn’t like to be left alone.”

14 likes · 28 comments
The Wrap
Two middle schools settle it tonight: Alice Drive and Ebenezer meet in the Sumter Middle Schools Football Championship at Sumter Memorial Stadium. Alice Drive fans sit on the home side and Ebenezer fans on the visitor side. Fans can't cross the field. Bring your loudest voice.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Sumter votes today, and council eyes a Patriot Park amphitheater
The 5AM Sumter teamSumter’s daily newsletter
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Every source in this edition7 links · 3 outlets
- The Weather Channelweather.com
- The Sumter Itemtheitem.com
- The Sumter Itemtheitem.com
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- The Sumter Itemtheitem.com
- The Sumter Itemtheitem.com
- Sumter events calendar5amsumtersc.com
Past issues
- Sat., Nov. 7Sumter turnout hit 60%, and a veterans job fair is Tuesday
- Fri., Nov. 6Sumter hosts Ashley Ridge in the playoffs tonight
- Thurs., Nov. 5Sumter's Veterans Day Parade is Wed., Nov. 11, plus council dates
- Tues., Nov. 3Sumter votes today, and council eyes a Patriot Park amphitheater
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Liberty STEAM plans a second K-8 school near Shaw
Plus, a data center ordinance and where Sumter-area teams stand in the football playoffs.
The TLDR
- Liberty STEAM will add a second K-8 school near Shaw
- County Council passes third reading of data center ordinance
- Crestwood hosts Aynor; Manning visits Battery Creek
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Around Sumter
From The Sumter Item, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.
The Sumter Item11 hours ago
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The Sumter Item16 hours ago
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The Sumter Item22 hours ago
Demery defeats Pedalino, flips S.C. House District 64 seat, on The Sumter ItemMichele Demery defeated incumbent Fawn Pedalino in the S.C. House of Representative District 64 race. According to official results, in Sumter, Demery received 2,003 votes (64.5%), winning over Pedalino's 1,096 votes (35.3%). Pedalino led in …