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Hi Sumter, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Search for Demarcus White, development pause under consideration, tea party with Cinderella, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Public help urgently needed: Sumter County deputies searched for 14-year-old Demarcus White, last seen Saturday at his home. Investigators asked residents to share any tips that could help bring him home — learn how you can help.
City announces traffic impacts: Drivers in Sumter should plan for delays. The Manning Avenue bridge remains closed for SCDOT construction and will stay closed until the project is finished — read the full story.
Aging garages get major fixes: Lady Street parking deck in Columbia closed for structural repairs beginning Jan. 19, with Taylor Street, Arsenal Hill, and Sumter Street decks slated for work, plus lighting and security upgrades — get details on repairs and upgrades.
Strong year and bigger goals: In 2025, Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce added over 110 members, held 28 ribbon cuttings, and hosted over 87 programs. It aims to attract more small businesses in 2026 Read the full story.
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. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and 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
Strong year and bigger goals: In 2025, Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce added over 110 members, held 28 ribbon cuttings, and hosted over 87 programs. It aims to attract more small businesses in 2026 Read the full story.
Policy shift on development: Sumter City Council is considering a six-month pause on approvals for major residential subdivisions, with 1,930 lots already approved as leaders review growth, traffic, and infrastructure impacts Get all the details.
Treasure hunt for DIYers: If your weekend list includes finding a solid door, a quirky lamp, or a coffee table with history, Sumter Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a goldmine of donated finds, priced to move. Expect bargains that fund local builds, and the satisfaction of leaving with a story, not just stuff.
Sushi night, sorted: In Sumter, Ginza Grill Japanese Restaurant covers sushi cravings with classic rolls, plus hibachi, poke, and ramen. Comforting and quick, it suits an easy weeknight or a treat-yourself lunch… ideal when cooking ambition vanishes and your midweek rotation needs a reliable favorite.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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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.
🎉 One Year Anniversary @ Joy Gallery Salon | Friday (2/6) at 5:00 PM – Take a break and toast a hometown first birthday with Carolita Cantrell on hand. Expect art worth lingering over, the artist ready to chat, good wine, real food, and that rare thing around here, a party that actually feels like appreciation, not marketing.
🍞 Knead Culinary Workshop @ Cool Hands | Saturday (2/7) at 9:00 AM – Let mini sous-chefs get messy somewhere else. At Knead Culinary’s hands-on, stove-free workshop, kids 5 to 14 learn to make healthy, sustainable meals, snacks, and drinks safely, and without you refereeing knives. It’s $16.50 with supplies and refreshments, tickets in advance, dress for the mess.
👸 Tea Party with Cinderella @ Giggles on the Go | Saturday (2/7) at 9:30 AM – Let your little royal sip tea with Cinderella from Magnolia Magic Co., decorate a wand, and live their best storybook morning, while you enjoy a civilized hour and no dishes. It’s $25 per child plus one adult, plus tax, sign up at https://forms.gle/mQiBXj1vJJE1cm8J7.
🏈 Super Bowl Saturday @ Simpson Ace Hardware & Sports | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 AM – Whether you’re nursing a wobbly relic grill or eyeing an upgrade, swing by Simpson Ace Hardware & Sports for Super Bowl Saturday. Expect grill deals, free samples with recipes, and a prize pack drawing before the couch claims you, and the wings disappear.
🧶 Crafting Connections @ Cool Hands | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 AM – If your kid’s glue sticks are gathering dust, this class puts them to work making cards, DIY gifts, and garden decor that brighten seniors, shut-ins, and neighbors in need. It’s crafty, community-minded, and quietly good for their confidence. See classes at cool-hands.square.site/events.
🎨 Color Me Mindful Art Class @ Cool Hands | Saturday (2/7) at 1:00 PM – Give the small humans a creativity upgrade at Color Me Mindful, a hands-on art class where kids explore new mediums, build visual and tactile chops, and make washable messes. While they channel Picasso, you savor coffee, peace, and deniability. More COOL HANDS classes at https://cool-hands.square.site/events.
🎉 Celebrations @ Celebrations Of Sumter | Saturday (2/7) at 9:00 PM – Whether you remember their first blowout at Celebrations or just need an excuse to dust off the dancing shoes, the Shugga Daddies are back to rock the room. Expect tight grooves, sing-alongs, and a packed floor. Grab a sitter, wear sensible shoes, thank me later.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Sumter report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 41°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 23%
Patchy fog before 7am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain between 7am and noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. North wind 3 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Northwest wind around 2 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 53°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 3%
Sunny, with a high near 53. Southwest wind 1 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.
This house is wild
On a pond in Beach Forest, this 3-bed, 2-bath one-step entry home features a split plan. The quartz kitchen includes pull-out shelving and a breakfast bar, opening to dining areas. The primary faces the water, with zero-step shower and screened porch access. A finished room over the garage adds flexibility, plus 2025 HVAC with warranty and tankless water heater.
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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