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    eVAC breaks ground in Pocotaligo Industrial Park

    March 7 2024 EVA groundbreaking 1
    German magnetics manufacturer eVAC on March 7, 2024, broke ground in the Pocotaligo Industrial Park on a new facility that will see an investment of $506 million and create 300 jobs.
    Sumter Economic Development Board Chairman Greg Thompson welcomed the crowd and noted that years ago, the board commissioned the area “to be part of our industrial landscape.”
    “Because we were just as confident then as we are now, that Sumter is the ideal location for businesses to grow, thrive, and make a global difference,” he said.
    Sumter Rep. and Speaker of the House Murrell Smith brought greetings on behalf fellow Legislative Delegation members, who are in session at the Statehouse.
    “But this is such a big day and a momentous day for our community, I wanted to make sure I was present, and I’m honored to be here,” he said.
    The groundbreaking is a testament to the state’s economic development efforts, he said, “and the reason is, South Carolina is a great place to do business.”
    S.C. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel said when scouting locations, eVAC “saw tremendous opportunity in Sumter County.”
    “Local, state and federal support, and coupled with a very skilled and available workforce, this made Sumter County stand out,” she said.
    Dr. Erik Eschen, CEO of VAC Group, joked that for a groundbreaking, “the lucky ones do the speeches, the not-so-lucky- ones have to listen to our speeches.”
    Today represents “a very special moment in a long journey … going from paper and planning to realization,” he said.
    Three years ago a small contingent from his company flew to Detroit and met with General Motors.
    “They want to do something big with us,” he was told, and what followed were in-depth negotiations.
    Eschen gave credit to the company’s founders, who started the business over 100 years ago, which led to the innovative technology of permanent magnets today.

     

    Festival On The Avenue is April 11-13, 2024

    If you're interested in participating in the Festival On The Avenue, you will find the parade application, vendor application, sponsor application, display application, performance application or the form for the golf tournament available on http://www.festivalontheave.org/
    Feb 20 2024 FOTA flyer

    Easter Movie Night at Patriot Park on March 28, 2024

    Easter Movie Night Flyer

    Sumter County Council's March 12 , 2024, meeting

    Sumter County Council Tuesday evening dealt with land use matters and more during its regular meeting.
    Sumter City-County Planning Director Helen Roodman spoke first about an ordinance amendment request seeking to correct and update certain North American Industry Classification System (NCAIS) References.
    First reading was approved.
    Roodman then spoke about an ordinance amendment to the County’s Zoning and Development Standards to permit used motor vehicle parts merchants with on-site vehicle dismantling and/or storage in the Light Industrial-Warehouse (LI-W) District as a Special Exception use with specific special design criteria.
    Third reading was approved.
    Sumter County Attorney Johnathan Bryan then spoke about an ordinance to amend the Sumter County Business License Ordinance.
    During the Public Hearing, one resident asked a specific question about business types but was told that was an earlier version and not relevant.
    Second reading was approved.
    Chairman James T. McCain Jr. requested and received approval to proclaim April as Fair Housing Month in Sumter County, South Carolina.
    Councilman Artie Baker reported on an earlier Public Works and Solid Waste Committee meeting during which a discussion was held about Kangaroo Road. Research shows it’s not a county road, he said.
    Councilman Carlton Washington reported on an earlier Public Safety Committee meeting, during which an update was given by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office which showed a decrease in crime across the board. No action was taken, he said.
    Chairman McCain reported on an earlier Special Meeting during which the discussion of potential projects under a proposed One Cent Capital Projects Sales Tax Referendum. A vote was taken on the selection of people to the committee, and it passed unanimously, he said.
    Councilman Washington advocated for a discussion about private dirt roads.
    Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon reminded members of Council that a Stash the Trash event for Quadrant 4 is slated for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 23rd at R.E. Davis College Prep Academy. He also noted budget season is underway. Workshops are likely in the coming weeks, he said.
    During the Public Comments, residents of Shakemia Road advocated for getting it paved.
    Another resident noted the old Community Hospital is getting an historical marker.
    A Sumter resident advocated for having an aggressive dog removed from his South Harvin Street neighborhood.
    The meeting, which began at 6:17 p.m., adjourned at 7 p.m.

    Quadrant 4 Stash the Trash on March 23rd at R.E. Davis

    Feb 20 2024 Stash the Trash Quadrant 4 flyer

    Sumter Veteran Woodard leads Pledge of Allegiance

    Sumter Veteran Deloris Woodard Tuesday evening led the Pledge of Allegiance before Sumter County Council’s regular meeting.
    Woodard served our Nation in the U.S. Air Force from Oct. 1981 to March 2000. She supported Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant.
    Woodard lives in District 5, which is represented by Councilwoman Vivian Fleming-McGhaney.
    Thank you for your service, Mrs. Woodard. 
    March 13 2024 Sumter Veteran Woodard leads Pledge of Allegiance County Council 4

    March 13 2024 Sumter Veteran Woodard leads Pledge of Allegiance County Council 2