We have facilities available for rent for family reunions, birthdays or business meetings. Covid-19 guidelines are in place and specific to each facility. Please be aware that guidelines are subject to change based on the ongoing pandemic.

See pricing, guidelines and facility options here: https://reconline.sumtercountysc.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/splash.html

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

It’s so much more than the lights and sirens.

That’s how 32-year-old Paramedic Kayla Lynch describes her job with Sumter County Emergency Medical Services.

A lot more goes on than just driving a patient to the hospital.

“It can be a mini-hospital for certain needs,” she said. “We can intervene and if your blood pressure is too low, we can fix that. If you have an irregular heart rate we can fix that.”

When Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians are answering calls for service, they’re doing their ample best to save lives.

“We always try,” she said. “If there’s something we can do, we will try.”

Lynch was born and raised in Sumter and attended Wilson Hall all the way from kindergarten through high school, graduating in 2006. She then started work on a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Management. She had worked at IGA for seven years, starting as cashier and working her way up to head bookkeeper, so she had a good feel for the world of business and retail.

As she neared completion on her degree, she realized retail “wasn’t necessarily my favorite thing anymore,” but she was also already close to earning her degree through USC-Aiken’s satellite program and decided to complete her course load, she said.

Not long after she earned her degree, her husband Jason Lynch enrolled in EMT School at Central Carolina Technical College and she decided to enroll as well.

“So I went to EMT school with him just to go,” she said. “It was at night and I was available, so why not?”

After they both finished, she considered pursuing a nursing degree, “but then I was like – never mind, I’ve had enough school,” she said, laughing. “I’ve had enough papers.”

So she started working for a transportation company and gained a basic understanding of patient care. Her husband decided he wanted to progress his career and advance his education by achieving the next step: becoming a Paramedic.

“And I was like – you know what? I am enjoying myself being an EMT so I’ll go with you,” she said. “So again we went to school together.”

Achieving the next rung on the ladder was not an easy task, she said, and requires many hours of work and study capped by rigorous testing.

Once she and her husband were done, though, she found her calling.

“This job can be very rewarding – you get to help from the basic needs of lifting assistance all the way up to saving somebody’s life,” she said.

Certainly there are difficult times and challenging calls, she acknowledges.

But there’s times that you’re genuinely helping out, she said, and making a difference.

“Grandma fell and just needs lifting assistance and she’s the nicest, sweetest lady you ever meet and you get to help her,” is just one example, she said. “I enjoy any time someone is grateful for us. That’s always rewarding. And even if they’re not, you’ve made a change in their life. It’s a reward in itself.”

Chief Bobby Hingst, Sumter County’s EMS Director, said Kayla Lynch sets a solid example every shift she works.

“She’s always reliable and her work ethic is impressive,” he said. “She goes above and beyond in serving her community and I’m proud to work alongside her.”

Lynch said when she and her husband have down time they enjoy visiting Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

“That is our favorite thing to do,” she said, as they’re annual pass holders. “We go probably every other month.”

One simple pleasure that they’ve found to be an excellent source of rejuvenation are evening walks.

“We do like to take evening walks. It sounds corny,” she said, “but it helps as a de-stressor and to keep motivated.”

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

Santa Cruz Nutritionals, a subsidiary of Santa Cruz Healthcare, has announced plans to expand operations in Sumter County. The $84 million investment will create 164 new jobs.

Established in 1968, SCN is a leading manufacturer of enhanced confectionery delivery systems. The company uses research and science to develop gummy vitamins such as calcium, fiber and other supplements for the functional food and nutraceutical markets. Additionally, the company produces a wide range of products for a number of branded industrial and retail partners.

Located at 2720 Southgate Drive in Sumter, S.C., SCN’s expansion includes a 24,000-square-foot packaging and employee facility as well as a 120,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center.

The expansion is expected to be completed by December 2024. 

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project.

“We are excited to partner with the state of South Carolina, Sumter County and Sumter Economic Development in building and creating the world-class standard for Vitamin, Mineral, Supplement (VMS) gummy manufacturing facilities,” said Santa Cruz Healthcare CEO Carlyn Solomon in a press release. “This investment serves to grow our capacity to deliver enjoyable health and wellness nutritional supplements. More importantly, it serves our broader mission to holistically improve lives through the innovative products we produce and the growth opportunities they present both for our partners and local community.”

Gov. Henry McMaster congratulated SCN for “making the commitment to better serve its customers by expanding its operations in Sumter County and creating 164 new jobs for South Carolinians. I look forward to watching this company continue to flourish for many years to come.”

Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said when a business decides to expand in South Carolina, it speaks volumes not only about our business climate, but also about our workforce.

“SCN’s decision to invest $84 million and create 164 new jobs is a huge win for Sumter County, and I am excited to see what the future has in store for this great company.”

Sumter County Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr. said the announcement is an exciting opportunity for Sumter County and demonstrates our ability to attract and grow national and international business in our area.

“We are committed to the continued support of Santa Cruz as they strengthen our economy and our industrial landscape,” he added.

Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen said it’s a good feeling to see increased manufacturing growth in Sumter.

 “It’s always great when our businesses and our people thrive. Santa Cruz’s expansion will bring new jobs, fortify our job outlook and further solidify Sumter as a great place to do business,” he said.

Sumter Economic Development Chairman Greg A. Thompson said Sumter’s strong industrial sector speaks to the strength of our community and our economy.

“We are overjoyed that Santa Cruz Nutritionals recognizes our capability to provide the workforce and support needed to bolster a company of its magnitude and look forward to their continued growth and community engagement,” he said.

Gordon Eckley, Chairman of TheLINK Economic Development Alliance, said our region continues to develop strong national and international ties by showcasing our ability to host and provide companies with essential ingredients for success.

“That, coupled with a durable workforce and dedicated leadership, catapults TheLINK region as we recruit and expand industries. We are delighted by Santa Cruz Nutritionals’ expansion announcement,” he said.

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

The legacy of some of Sumter’s finest sons lives on thanks to a retired history teacher.

Sammy Way isn’t really retired in the traditional sense, make no mistake about it. His passion for the military and love of history joined forces to create a gift for the public in the form of the Sumter Military Display.

An archivist and columnist for The Sumter Item, Dr. Way also stays plenty busy tending to his military museum, which occupies Suite 2 at the Clyburn Intermodal Transportation Center on South Harvin Street.

What started out as a project with his students while teaching at Sumter High School is now an impressive array of artifacts from World War I all the way through present conflicts in the Middle East.

Way estimates he’s collected about 7,000 photographs of Veterans and close to 8,000 pieces of memorabilia.

“It’s a continual process. As a curator, my responsibility is not to lay claim to it,” he said. “I’m charged with taking care of it, and that’s what I do.”

Visitors can see through the eyes of soldiers what it was like to fight in the trenches in Europe, the jungles of Vietnam, in the desert in Iraq and in the mountains of Afghanistan.

“This is my way of highlighting the sacrifice and time and achievements of these Veterans,” he said. “I’m trying to live the motto ‘Uncommon Patriotism,’ and I want it to be a reality.”

While most exhibits are to be observed and not handled, there are some items with which one can interact in a tactile manner, albeit with an underlying sense of caution and reverence. And there are some artifacts that Way calls “treasure books” that are collected letters from a bygone era.

An extremely rare piece is now encased in glass – a sextant from 1797 that was used aboard the U.S.S. Wasp and was donated by Phil Booth.

“His father’s grandfather actually used it,” Way said. “And it’s still operational.”

Way knows these stories; knows these Veterans and the lives they led.

Other than spending time with his family, this “is the most fun thing I do in my life,” he said.

“It’s a story nobody tells. It’s an aspect of our life that doesn’t need to be brushed away.”

SUMTER MILITARY DISPLAY is located at 129 South Harvin Street, Suite 2

It is normally open on Friday morning to noon but hours have been curtailed due to Covid-19. Dr. Way said it will soon open once again on Fridays.

For now, it is open from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday and admission is free. It will be open on Veterans Day from 1 to 4 p.m.

For questions call Way at 803-884-1294 or 803-983-8946

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

A longtime Sumter County employee just received a statewide award for her work with Veterans.

For the last 16 and a half years, Tia C. Baldwin has worked in the Office of Veterans Affairs as the Benefits Counselor.

She has been recognized as the Member of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Counties Veterans Affairs Officers.

“For the outstanding service she provides for the Veterans of Sumter County,” said Valerie Brunson, the Sumter County Director of Veterans Affairs. “I’m so proud of her.”

Brunson was attending a statewide training session in Columbia on Thursday when she accepted the award on behalf of Baldwin.

“It was a surprise,” Baldwin said. “It was something I wasn’t looking for. I didn’t even know Val nominated me – she kept that a secret.”

Baldwin is a Sumter native and self-described military brat who enjoys helping Veterans and their family members navigate benefits and claims.

“I guess coming from a military background, I’m sympathetic to a lot of their needs and wants,” she said.

She’s also found herself helping Veterans with other aspects of their lives as well.

“I haven’t met a stranger yet to come through my door,” she said.

Last year, Brunson was the recipient of the award that Baldwin received this year.

“We feel good that the state recognizes what we do here,” Brunson said.

And now that the Office of Veterans Affairs has moved from its Law Range location to the Sumter County Courthouse, a little re-decorating is going on.

“That’s the best piece of furniture I’ve got in my office right now,” Baldwin said, laughing.

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

It takes a village to run an election.

Sumter County Director of Voter Registration & Elections Pat Jefferson said on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, she and her staff are very thankful for all the volunteers who pitched in to make Nov. 3, 2020, run as smoothly as possible.

She also wants to thank the Election Commissioners, the Legislative Delegation, poll workers and volunteers from both political parties for all their work.

“They came in on Sunday morning to help us open the absentee (ballot) envelopes and they came back on Tuesday and continued to open the outer envelopes and we can’t thank them enough for the service that was rendered,” she said.

She said election results will be certified at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. The S.C. Election Commission will then begin building the database, she said, once the results are received.

Four satellite locations were used for Sumter County residents to cast in-person absentee ballots, and the use of those places was very successful even as several safety measures were put into place to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Once again, the City of Sumter and Sumter County Government worked seamlessly for the best possible outcome for all the residents of Sumter County, she said.

Jefferson said many people contributed water, soda, coffee and lunch for poll workers and she was very appreciative.

Voter turnout was slightly less than in 2006, she said, with a total of 67.25 percent of registered voters casting ballots yesterday. Out of 73,261 registered voters, there were 49,267 ballots cast.

In the Sumter Mayoral race, David Merchant received 7,034 votes, or 41.66 percent of the vote. Calvin K. Hastie Sr. received 4,750 votes, or 28.13 percent of the vote, according to the S.C. Election Commission’s website. For City Council, District 2, James B. Blassingame received 1,157 votes, or 40.47 percent of the votes, and Talitha R. Harrison received 837 votes, or 29.28 percent.

The runoff election for those two races will be held on Nov. 17, 2020, Jefferson said.

In races in which candidates ran unopposed in the general election, Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis was re-elected, as were Sen. Thomas McElveen, Rep. Will Wheeler, Rep. J. David Weeks, Rep. Murrell Smith, Rep. Wendy Brawley, Clerk of Court Jamie Campbell, Coroner Robbie Baker, Auditor Lauretha McCants, Treasurer Carolina Richardson, County Council District 5 Councilwoman Vivian Fleming-McGhaney, Councilman Eugene Baten, Councilman-Elect Carlton Washington, Sumter School District 5 Board member Daryl McGhaney and Sumter School District 7 Board member Barbara Roman Wilson Jackson.

In the S.C. House District 64 race, Kim Johnson defeated Cindy Risher. For Senate District 36, Kevin Johnson defeated Leon Winn.

In the Sumter County Council District 3 race, Vice Chairman Jimmy Byrd retained his seat by defeating Jason Johnson, 4,319 to 2,845.

City Councilman Steve Corley retained his District 4 seat, defeating Mark Dingle 1,377 to 754. For the District 6 Council seat, Gifford Shaw defeated Eddie Drayton, 1,853 to 846.

For Sumter School District 6, Gloria J. Rose Lee defeated three opponents.

In the Pinewood Town Council race, Mary Meadows and Betty Jones received 132 votes and 149 votes, respectively.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham defeated Jaime Harrison, Rep. Ralph Norman retained his District 5 seat by defeating Moe Brown and Sumter native Rep. Jim Clyburn retained his District 6 seat, besting two opponents.

Voters also approved the sale of alcohol on Sunday in Sumter County.

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

The Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority is offering free rides on its buses and shuttles in Sumter County for the foreseeable future.

“We want to assist our citizens and to build up ridership and to let them know we are doing all we can do for our citizens,” said Lottie Jones, the Executive Director of SWRTA.

As the coronavirus has impacted pretty much every aspect of our lives, public transportation has been hit hard as well.

“We understand the hardship it’s had on folks in our area. And for the unemployed who may need to go places, but may not have funds,” she said.

Right now, SWRTA is operating only in Sumter and Lee counties, but continues to offer service to and from Columbia. The mid-day Express Commuter Route has been especially helpful for veterans who have appointments at the VA Hospital in Columbia, she said.

This service runs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is available not just for veterans, but for anyone who needs to go to Columbia and get back to Sumter.

Riders are required to wear masks, she said, and social distancing measures are in place. The SWRTA is in the process of putting hand-free sanitizer on the buses, she said, while several daily cleanings are now part of the normal protocol.

“We’ve taken many safety precautions,” she said, “and we want folks to feel secure while riding our vehicles.”

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

As of 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 24, 2020, there have been 210,905 cases of Covid-19 in South Carolina, according to the state Department of Environmental Health and Control (DHEC).

There have unfortunately been 4,317 deaths, with 11,737 hospitalizations and a total number of tests reaching 2,599,832.  Our state recovery estimate stands at 90.6 percent.

For Sumter County, we’ve seen 4,122 cases of Covid-19, with 328 hospitalizations and 98 deaths. The total number of tests performed has been 40,136.

State and federal authorities continue to offer simple advice for staying healthy: Wear a mask in public, socially distance from others by staying at least six feet apart, wash your hands often, avoid crowds and crowded places and if you don’t feel well, stay home.

If you don’t feel well you need to get tested.

There will be FREE TESTING at the Sumter County DHEC building, 105 North Magnolia St.., Sumter, S.C. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday, Nov. 23 to Friday, Nov. 27 at the DHEC building.
Please pre-register here: https://covidtest.dhec.sc.gov/en-US/

There will also be FREE TESTING from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 29 at Central Carolina Technical College, 506 North Guignard Drive, courtesy of Tour Health. No referral is needed, but an appointment is needed. You can register here: https://www.tourhealth.com/

Other testing sites that charge a fee include Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, 215 Main St., Colonial Family Practice, 325 Broad St., Sandhills Medical Foundation, 425 North Salem Ave., and CVS Pharmacy, 41 East Calhoun St.

For more information, visit the DHEC website: https://scdhec.gov/

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

Register online: https://reconline.sumtercountysc.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/splash.html?InterfaceParameter=WebTrac_1

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

Sumter County Council Tuesday evening approved one agenda item during its penultimate meeting of 2020.

Sumter City-County Zoning Administrator and Interim Planning Director Helen Roodman spoke about a request to rezone a 4.13 acre parcel at 1810 Pinewood Road from Agricultural Conservation (AC) to Neighborhood Commercial (NC).

Councilman Charles Edens recused himself from the matter.

Future commercial development would include a Dollar General, Roodman said.

No one spoke against the request during a Public Hearing. Developer Greg Googer spoke for it.

Second reading was approved.

Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon updated Council members on Covid-19 numbers for the county, noting there have been 340 new cases since the last Council meeting two weeks ago.

The daily average of cases in Sumter County is 24, he said.

The meeting adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

The Penny for Progress project to improve the intersection of Wilson Hall Road and Carter Road officially got underway today as the Notice to Proceed was given from Sumter County Government.

This project is scheduled to be completed within 365 days and the purpose is to improve traffic flow while making it safer for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Improvements will include new turn lanes, installation of mast arms and signalization, along with drainage improvements and designated crosswalks.

Utilities are currently being relocated and will cause traffic slowdowns, so please be patient as we work to improve this intersection.

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

An online newsletter from Sumter County Government is now available for free.
Each month the Gamecock County Gazette will be delivered via e-mail, and for those who wish to receive a digital copy please send your e-mail address to jperry@sumtercountysc.org and our communications coordinator will add you to the list.

To see the newsletter, click here

*See PDF for information and scheduling.

The 2020 Delinquent Tax Sale slated for Dec. 7, 2020, has been cancelled, as per Sumter County Treasurer and Delinquent Tax Collector Carolina Richardson. #SumterCountySC

*See PDF for information and scheduling.