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Hey Sumter, hope your week’s off to a good start! An Army veteran’s one-year film, a Black History Month program, a Valentine’s party with Elmo, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Zoning changes move forward: Sumter businesses may soon store RVs and trailers closer to their shops after an ordinance passed second reading at County Council on Jan. 13, and could expand storage locations if approved — read the full story.
Small-town cinema success: An Army veteran found a stage at Sumter Little Theatre, where Mark Williams made “Mary’s Lake” in a year on a budget, earning festival recognition and spotlighting Sumter’s creative heart — read the full story.
Revamp targets aging garages: Columbia began structural repairs at the Lady Street parking deck on January 19, closing the garage, with additional upgrades planned for the Taylor Street, Arsenal Hill, and Sumter Street decks — learn about repairs and upgrades.
New leadership in infrastructure: House Speaker G. Murrell Smith Jr. appointed Rep. Fawn Pedalino, representing Clarendon and parts of Sumter, to the Transportation Infrastructure Bank Board, which funds transportation projects affecting safety and growth — learn what the board does.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Scam tactics grow more brazen: Sumter County deputies are warning about phone scams after reports of callers posing as officers demanding immediate fines or jail. Some scams add a second fake official to verify the threat. Issued February 3, 2026, the alert urges residents not to give personal information over the phone. Get tips to avoid scams.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Measles cases surge in SC: State health officials confirmed a measles case in a Sumter resident on Feb. 3 and identified Mariachis Mexican Restaurant, Food Lion, and Walmart Neighborhood Market as exposure sites. If you were there, watch for symptoms through Feb. 13, Feb. 14, or Feb. 15. See monitoring dates and sites.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Make something this week: Got a song idea simmering? Silversoundstudios has instruments and accessories with fast delivery or in-store pickup, plus production and studio time when inspiration hits. Consider this your local nudge to turn that riff, beat, or hook into something real.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Cozy noodle night: When the week needs something soothing, Yummy Thai food Pho & Boba tea delivers fragrant pho, hearty Thai plates, and a boba treat for later. It’s easy, comforting, and just the kind of low-effort win that turns a Tuesday into progress.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
✊ Black History Month Program | Tuesday (2/10) at 5:30 PM – Kingsbury Elementary is hosting a Black History Month program that’s equal parts celebration, learning, and community pride. Expect stories, student performances, and real history told with heart. Park once, reconnect with neighbors, and leave a little more hopeful, and a lot more grounded.
🎨 Crafting Keepsakes Night 2: Sip & Gogh @ Sip&Gogh | Tuesday (2/10) at 6:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for two evenings with Ms Kelly, shaping polymer clay into jewelry and learning miniature painting tricks, sip in hand. It is part art class, part therapy, all keepsakes. Finally, earrings you can brag about, not just lose in the car.
💅 Be Mines Kids Spa Day @ Spa de la Journi Kids Spa | Friday (2/13) at 11:00 AM – Treat your mini to a legit spa moment, because apparently self-care starts in kindergarten. Polished fingers and toes, a mini hand and foot massage, and an Audri J’s Valentine bag full of goodies. Book ahead, call 803-464-2360 before the glitter dries.
This weekend
🎈 Valentine’s Party with Elmo | Saturday (2/14) at 9:30 AM – If your kid still thinks Elmo is a celebrity sighting, this Valentine’s party delivers crafts, snacks, and the big red guy himself. Fifteen bucks covers a child and one adult, reservations recommended, so call 803-774-PLAY before the glue sticks and seats disappear.
🎨 Sip & Paint – Cocktails and Confections @ Sweet Success Bakery | Saturday (2/14) at 10:00 AM – Trade your weekend errands for a sip-and-paint afternoon with cocktails, confections, and zero pressure to color inside the lines. Tickets cover your canvas, two drinks, and a sweet tray, so bring a friend or your sweetheart, laugh, and pretend we’re all Monet.
✂ Book Nook Craft Night @ Under the Cover LLC | Sunday (2/15) at 1:00 PM – If your idea of a wild night involves glue sticks and good conversation, this is your jam. Settle in to make bookish crafts, swap reading recs, and actually meet people, all in a cozy nook with zero networking speeches, just paper, pens, and personality.
🎶 Afternoon of Special Music @ Church of the Holy Comforter | Sunday (2/15) at 3:00 PM – Swing by the Church of the Holy Comforter for an afternoon concert that proves our kids have serious chops. Sumter High’s chamber choir, string musicians, and Wilson Hall’s Cinderella cast, plus standout locals, bring the goosebumps. Free to attend, and donations keep music scholarships humming.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Sumter report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 72°F – Low: 55°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 2 to 13 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 48%
A chance of rain after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. West wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
This house is wild
In Stillwater minutes from Shaw AFB, this 4-bed, 2.5-bath split plan showcases engineered hardwoods and 10-foot ceilings. The chef’s kitchen offers quartz counters, stainless appliances, a large pantry, and an oversized island. A flex room suits office, gym, or studio. Resort-style backyard features a Gunite pool with waterfall and sun shelf, covered patio, built-in electric grill, plus a three-car garage.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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