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Hi Sumter, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Superintendent finalists, a mobile health unit debut, adopt senior dogs for $50, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Final steps toward new leader: Sumter County School District has narrowed its superintendent search to three finalists. Next phase includes Day in the District interviews and community input, including Lexington-Richland Five COO Dr. Gary Prince — get details on next steps.
Reusable packaging maker expands: Georg Utz will invest $40 million in a 90,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Race Track Road and US 521 in Sumter County, creating 50 jobs, with operations planned for 2028 — get all the details.
Measles trends remain uncertain: State epidemiologist Linda Bell said the measles outbreak is not normal as vaccinations surged in January. As of Tuesday, 933 cases were reported, mostly unvaccinated, with Sumter’s case source unknown — get all the details.
Companies expand Palmetto State footprint: The S.C. Commerce Department announced four projects worth $153 million to create 158 jobs in the Upstate and east of the Midlands, including Coastal Precast Systems’ first South Carolina operation — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*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
Neighborhood concerns shape outcome: After weeks of debate, the Sumter City-County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a new automotive salvage yard on South Lafayette Drive. Conditions include major site plan approval, fencing, keeping wooded buffers for screening, and limiting crushing and shredding to weekdays. The vote followed resident protests. See the approval conditions.
A legacy finds new purpose: Jordan Elementary near Manning, once a segregated school for Black students, is getting a second life as a community center. Former student Coretta Dingle bought the 1950 building and plans to start renovations this year, creating a gathering space for rural Clarendon County neighbors. Read the full story.
Fresh, seasonal night out: When your week needs a lift, Hamptons serves chef-driven plates with an Italian accent and a seasonal bent in historic downtown Sumter. It’s the kind of place that can make Tuesday feel celebratory. Stay a little longer to savor dessert.
Upgrade your kitchen stash: From party and restaurant supplies to everyday essentials, Sumter Cash & Carry has fueled church suppers, team banquets, and home kitchens since 1985. Stocking up once means fewer midweek ‘uh, we’re out’ moments… and cabinets that stay ready for anything.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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.
✂ Ribbon Cutting: Tandem Health Mobile Health Unit @ Tandem Health OBGYN & Pediatrics | Friday (2/27) at 12:00 PM – Whether you love a ribbon cutting or just want to snoop inside a clinic on wheels, Tandem Health’s new Mobile Health Unit is rolling out for a community debut. Meet the team, tour the rig, and toast to care that comes to you, Sumter.
🦌 Scoring Night @ Simpson Hardware & Sports | Friday (2/27) at 2:00 PM – Simpson is hosting Scoring Night, bring your best rack, get it measured, and trade hunting stories, no ego required. Top score takes home a new suppressor, plus bragging rights. Part of Sportsmen’s Week, just register when you roll in.
🔬 Experiment 626 @ Sip & Gogh | Friday (2/27) at 6:30 PM – Grab a canvas and your best island shirt, and paint the galaxy’s cutest troublemaker at Sip & Gogh, solo 626 or with 624. Costumes encouraged, trivia and music included, and yes, you can bring a teen sidekick, because chaos is more fun supervised.
🦢 Swan Lake Iris Gardens @ Swan Lake Iris Gardens | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 AM – Think your camera’s been gathering dust? Bring it to Swan Lake Iris Gardens for a hands-on shootout, with wood ducks in full tuxedo, swans cruising, and quietly competitive shutter-clicks. Register at ppofsc.com, free for members, $48 for non-members and guests.
🌊 Tranquil Falls @ Sip&Gogh | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – If your idea of serenity is water you don’t have to skim, come paint a tranquil waterfall at Sip & Gogh. Bring the teen, the grandkid, or just your inner Bob Ross, and reserve an easel early, because calm, coffee, and canvases go quick.
🐾 Final Paw-bruary Adoption Event @ Simpson Outfitters | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Think your couch could use a calm, grateful roommate? Lucky Paws is at Simpson’s on West Wesmark in Sumter with older pups, vetted and ready, and it’s the final day for the $50 adoption fee. Low drama, high cuddles, and they get the bedtime memo.
🎨 Whispers of Spring — Sip & Gogh @ Sip&Gogh | Saturday (2/28) at 3:00 PM – This sip and paint leans into spring fever with a Japanese magnolia on canvas, a glass in hand, and zero pressure to color inside the lines. Think quality hangout time, pretty petals, and the smug joy of seasonal decor you made yourself. Beats dusting.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Sumter report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 66°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 65%
A chance of rain between 8am and 2pm, then rain likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 66. Southwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 54. Southwest wind 1 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 62°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 79%
Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 62. East wind 1 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
This house is wild
This four-sided brick Emerson by Stanley Martin in Timberline Meadows delivers 5 beds, 4.5 baths, and an expanded plan built for style. Engineered hardwoods ground airy living spaces, while a gourmet kitchen with gas cooktop fuels entertaining. Highlights include a fireplace-warmed family room, pocket office, oak stairs, a spa bath primary suite, mudroom, and screened-in patio.
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 think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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