Deer season in South Carolina is filled with patience, purpose and preserving the thrill of the hunt.
PLUS: Duckfest returns with new activities and old favorites
Goodbye, Sue
Former park ranger at Swan Lake visited beloved swan a day before she passed
Palmetto Adult Medicine is pleased to welcome Dr. Kristen Herring to our team of trusted providers. With specialized training in lifestyle medicine, Dr. Herring helps patients take control of their health through sustainable lifestyle changes. She
about us from the lake
PUBLISHER
Vince Johnson
EDITOR
Kayla Green
COPY EDITORS
Rhonda Barrick
Melanie Smith
WRITERS
Rhonda Barrick
Alaysha Maple
Bruce Mills
Abigail Pittman
Melanie Smith
PHOTOGRAPHY
Abigail Pittman
PUBLICATION DESIGN
Janel Przybyla
ADVERTISING / GRAPHIC DESIGN
Cary Howard
Janel Przybyla
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
Karen Cave karen@theitem.com
Devin McDonald devin@theitem.com
Mark Pekuri mark@theitem.com
Sumter resident Lucy Mahon waited more than a decade for her moment in the stand. From heartbreak as a young girl to the thrill of harvesting a rare piebald buck, her journey reveals how hunting is as much about resilience and memory as it is about the harvest.
Photo by Abigail Pittman
12 16 20 30
Goodbye, Sue Former Swan Lake park ranger Ronnie Grooms shared a heartfelt farewell with swan Sue just one day before her passing. DuckFest returns The 11th-annual DuckFest returns to Clarendon County to bring family, fun and outdoor activities. Santee National Wildlife Refuge Santee National Wildlife Refuge offers mountain-like trails, water activities and camping within a historically rich, 1,000-acre landscape.
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Hunting tradition meets conservation The power of conservation to maintain the legacy of the hunt. Home & Decor Fall tips and trends to consider for maximum comfort and style.
CLARENDON • KERSHAW
LEE • FLORENCE • RICHLAND ORANGEBURG • SUMTER
& What to do Where to go
SUMTER COUNTY
Old McCaskill’s Fall Farm Day
Need a pumpkin for carving? Meet farm animals galore and pick your pumpkin for the season during Old McCaskill’s Fall Farm Day on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the working farm for its 16th-annual fall celebration and enjoy the pumpkin patch, horseback rides, hay rides, bluegrass music, beer and wine, live farm demos, food and activities for all ages. The farm is at 377 Cantey Lane in Rembert. Buy your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/ywspjwnx.
Greenfield Farms’ Derby Day
Celebrate culture, style and equestrian history during Greenfield Farms’ Derby Day this fall. Wear your derby finest and listen to jazz and Louisiana blues while watching skilled horsemen perform. Fashion, culture and tradition will take the spotlight at this day sponsored by BCE Society. There will be storytelling, live demonstrations and exhibits on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The farm is at 4585 Spencer Road, Rembert. Get your tickets at https://tinyurl. com/yju4kf2j.
Sumter Oktoberfest
Dust off your lederhosen and sample locally brewed beers at the annual Sumter Oktoberfest. This event is billed as “Sumter’s largest street party,” and you’re invited to this fundraising good time. It will be held Oct. 20 on Main Street. Tickets are $10 in advance at https://tinyurl.com/4cypkw9h and $20 at the door (no refunds). Kids 10 and under enter for free. The event starts at 5 p.m. with German music playing on Main Street until 8:30 p.m. DJ Howie D's Entertainment DJs will continue the party in La Piazza. All proceeds will go to Sumter United Ministries.
Fall Feast
Save your appetite on Thursday, Oct. 23, for that evening because the annual Fall Feast is back. Enjoy fabulous food and drinks from more than 30 local businesses with family and friends at this outdoor event that benefits Sumter Green. The band Chief Complaint will provide the jams while you sample chefs’ favorite dishes cooked just for the crowd. Only guests 18 years and up can attend, and you must have ID for adult beverage participation. Ticket donations in advance are $40 each, and tickets are limited. Group presale ticket discount of $35 each begins at the purchase of 20 or more. Ticket donations at the door are $50 if available, but this event is known to sell out. Buy tickets at www.sumteroperahouse. com/fall-feast-2025.
LEE COUNTY
Fall Fest
Fall Fest is coming to Bishopville! Save the date for Oct. 17-18, and get your family to downtown Main Street for this Unity in the Community event. There will be live entertainment, vendors, a parade and food trucks at this community festival. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, with Live After Five, and on Saturday, the festival runs through 6 p.m. and includes the parade and festival.
Scream Acres
Up for a scare? Scream Acres is your kind of place. This haunted destination has been operating since 1989 and includes an original haunted house built in the early 1880s. Do your best to make your way through the first house, then get on a custom-made trailer for a terrifying two-mile hayride through the woods before being abandoned in the swamp. From there, walk your way to the second haunted house. If you make it out alive, you will re-board the trailer and finish your tour of the haunted trail. The site also has a souvenir shop and a food truck provided by Jimco Concessions. It
runs Friday and Saturday nights through Nov. 1 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. A no-scare event will be on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. General admission costs $25, or snag a fastpass for $40. Both can be purchased on site, but you can buy the fastpass online at www.screamacreshauntedhouse.com. This attraction supports charity. The haunting starts at 1137 Old Camden Road, Bishopville.
Kreepy Hollow
Three miles away but also in Bishopville is Kreepy Hollow, if you haven’t gotten your heart rate up enough. This haunted attraction features an expanded two-story haunted house, a two-mile hayride journey through the swamps of Lucknow Bottom to see seven deadly scenes and Zombie Breakout, where you can find out if you have what it takes to survive a zombie attack. This fall, Kreeper's Bus ride is even Kreepier than ever, too. Hours are: Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Thursdays and Sundays: 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
November Friday/Saturday: 7:30 – 11 p.m. Get scared at 1155 Joe Dority Road, Bishopville. Tickets are available online at www. kreepyhollowhauntedattraction.com/ticketing.
CLARENDON COUNTY
Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce’s Soups, Stews and Sweets
Mark your calendar for the annual Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce’s Soups, Stews and Sweets on Thursday, Nov. 4. From 5 to 7 p.m., stroll from vendor to vendor enjoying the warmth of your favorite fall and winter foods starting at Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., Manning. Call (803) 433-7469. More information will be available closer to the event.
"Steppin' into the Holidays" Adult Sneaker Ball
K & H Resource Center is asking everyone to save the date for its Third-Annual Fundraiser "Steppin' into the Holidays" Adult Sneaker Ball on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Clarendon Community Resource Center gymnasium, 1154 Fourth St. Ticket donations are $25 each. For more information, contact Kathleen L. Gibson at (803) 225-0832.
COLUMBIA
Palmetto Peanut Boil
If you love the South, you probably love boiled peanuts. Enjoy these tasty morsels at the 16th year of the Palmetto Peanut Boil from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, on the 2900 block of Devine Street, Columbia. Besides the competition for best boiled peanuts, attendees can enjoy live music, food and entertainment just for the kids. Admission is free; all proceeds from the sale of food and beverages will benefit Animal Mission. Music will include noon-1 p.m., DJ Voodoo Child; 1:30-2:30 p.m., Machine Funk Duo; 3-4 p.m., The Millhands; and 4:30-6 p.m., The Ramblers. For additional information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc3fd4u7.
Irmo Okra Strut Festival
You don’t have to love the slimy vegetable to enjoy the 50th anniversary of the Irmo Okra Strut Festival set for Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 11 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Moore Park, 7473 Church St., Irmo. The festival includes more than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, Okryland’s kids' area, okra-eating and okra-growing contests and a full day of free musical entertainment. The Okra Strut Parade will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at CrossRoads Intermediate and proceed down Saint Andrews Road to Lake Murray Boulevard (ending near Irmo Elementary School). Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as St. Andrews Road will shut down to traffic at 8:45 a.m. For more information, visit https://okrastrut.com.
South Carolina State Fair
October brings the sights, sounds and smells of the South Carolina State Fair. Join the 12-day event for rides, games, exhibits, entertainment and of course fair food from Wednesday, Oct. 8, to Sunday, Oct. 19, at 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia. Visit https://www.scstatefair.org/ for more details.
Oktoberfest Columbia
Want to experience the tastes of Germany? Don’t miss out on authentic German beer, homemade German food, pastries by the ladies of the church and lots of great entertainment by real oompah bands and dancers at Oktoberfest Columbia sponsored by Incar-
nation Lutheran Church from Friday, Oct. 10, to Sunday, Oct. 12, at the church, 3005 Devine St., Columbia. There will also be face painting, a balloon artist and a playground for the children. No pets. Visit https://www.oktoberfestcolumbia.com/.
Boo at the Zoo
Grab your princesses, ghosts and tiny superheroes and head to Boo at the Zoo from 6 to 9 nightly Friday, Oct. 17, to Thursday, Oct. 30, at Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia. The zoo’s website describes the event: “Protect your booty as you meander through Pirate’s Cove; lace up your shoes in case you find Bigfoot in Sasquatch Swamp; don’t get whisked away by a UFO in an invasion; and get the full VIP treatment with the Trick-or-Treat Dinner Party. Enjoy all of your old favorites as well. Trick or treat through the zoo, try your hand at some hocus-pocus at Ray’s Moonlight Magic Show and beware of the lost souls as you traverse the Mummy’s Maze.” For additional information, visit www.riverbanks.org/ events/boo-at-the-zoo.
S.C. Korean Festival
If you are interested in other cultures, the S.C. Korean Festival is the event for you. The event set for Saturday, Nov. 1, at 1412 Richland St., Columbia, will include dance and musical performances from centuries past to modern K-Pop, taekwondo demonstrations and Korean cuisine including favorites like kimchi, kimbap and bulgogi as well as Korean desserts. Visit https://www.facebook.com/SCKoreanFestival.
Blind Boys of Alabama
World-renowned gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama will perform at Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. The concert is sponsored by the University of South Carolina School of Music and the Brookland Foundation. Honored by The National Endowment for the Arts and The Recording Academy/GRAMMYs with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and winners of six GRAMMY Awards, Blind Boys have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans more than 70 years. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kogercenterforthearts.com, in person at the Koger Center Box Office, over the phone by calling (803) 251-2222 or through the Koger Center mobile app.
CAMDEN
Fire Fest
Each year, Camden Fire Department kicks off national Fire Prevention Week with Fire Fest. This year the fire department and other community partners will hold the 29th-annual event on Saturday, Sept. 27. The fest begins with the parade downtown of current and antique fire trucks, leaving Camden City Hall at 9 a.m. and continuing down Rutledge and Broad Streets to end at the main event at Camden City Arena, 420 Broad St. Fire Fest activities will be held at the arena from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-friendly event allows attendees to learn about the importance of fire prevention and fire safety while enjoying live firefighting demonstrations and competitions, as well as a live burn to show the basics of outdoor grill safety, getting up close and personal with antique fire trucks and engaging in other live entertainment and games for all ages. Admission is free for all ages. Visit https://experiencecamdensc.com/event/fire-fest-2025/.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY
Orangeburg County Fair
You know it is fall when the fair comes to town. Bring the family, friends or both and catch the carnival rides, midway, food, crafts, livestock competitions, shows and live music at the Orangeburg County Fair from Tuesday, Sept. 30, to Sunday, Oct. 5, at 350 Magnolia St., Orangeburg. Visit www. orangeburgfair.com/ for more information.
Warm up your fall with easy recipes
By Melanie Smith
Fall is my favorite, and along with the football games, Oktoberfest, cooler days and thoughts of the holidays comes comfort cooking. You know what I mean – the warm soups, the sweet desserts with those fall spices and maybe even a bit of hot cocoa in a thermos at the cross-county rivalry game.
I admit I’m not the pumpkin spice lover that most around here are, but I found a recipe for a cake I keep going back to after I brought it to the office to use my coworkers as taste-test guinea pigs. It was good enough that it even partially converted a known pumpkin spice skeptic (looking at you, Alaysha), and another coworker asked me for the recipe before she knew I’d include it in Lakeside this issue. Karen, here it is! I hope the bakers around here will enjoy it, too. It makes a whole lasagna pan full of cake, so it would be perfect for a fall get-together. I sprinkled pumpkin spice on the
frosting, but I wouldn’t do that again – if you eat it too quickly, the powder will make you cough.
Next up is something my husband and I make for dinner often when the weather is less, well, humid and stifling, and while it’s not something that’s common around here, you can find all the ingredients for it at Walmart and Food Lion. Japanese curry, or stew, feeds a crowd, it’s simple to make, and it keeps well for leftovers. It’s easier even to make than my good old Betty Crocker beef stew recipe. I promise it’s not spicy, even though the box may say “medium hot.” I couldn’t eat it if it were. Give it a try – it’s beloved in Japan for good reason. When my family lived there for my dad’s military service, he tried this stew with a few Japanese coworkers. All you need is a small box of curry roux, which we always pick up at Walmart, and classic stew ingredients. You’ll find it in the Asian foods section. You just
throw it into the pot with your ingredients, and it melts and creates the sauce.
Finally, I’ll share two recipes that are simple, quick and crowd pleasing – seasoned crackers, perfect for bringing to a game or a party or just jazzing up a mug of soup, and ditch the processed hot chocolate packets with mystery ingredients for a homemade mix you can easily make a large batch of for the season. If you know you’ll have a lot of holiday season guests, double the recipe so you won’t run out. (Cocoa note: I like adding this mix to my coffee year ‘round and keep it on the counter just for that purpose.) The crackers were a tad salty for me, so if I made them again, I’d reduce the amount of ranch mix added. I’d also like to try them with a packet of Italian dressing mix for variety. Enjoy the cooler weather and some delicious dishes this season.
Pumpkin Spice Cake
From Betty Crocker
Ingredients
4 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 cup raisins, if desired
Frosting
1 package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup chopped walnuts, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease bottom and sides of 15x10x1inch pan with spray or shortening.
In large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, oil and pumpkin until smooth. Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger and cloves. Stir in raisins. Spread in pan.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack, about 2 hours.
In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until smooth and spreadable. Frost bars. Sprinkle with walnuts. Store covered in refrigerator.
RanchCrackersOyster
From allrecipes.com
Ingredients
¼ vegetable oil
1-ounce package ranch-style dressing mix
½ teaspoon dried dill
¼ teaspoon lemon pepper, optional
¼ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
5 cups oyster crackers
Directions
Gather all ingredients, and preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
Mix oil, dressing mix, dill, lemon pepper and garlic powder in large bowl.
Add oyster crackers and toss to coat. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring gently after 10 minutes of baking.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Japanese Curry and Rice
From Japanesecooking101.com
Ingredients
1/2 pound beef, chicken or port (cut for stew)
2 onions (medium)
2 carrots (small)
3 potatoes (medium)
1 Tbsp oil
3 1/2 cups water (Or see the package for the amount of water)
4 oz Japanese curry mix
steamed rice
Optional seasonings
1 Tbsp ketchup
1 Tbsp apricot jam
1 Tbsp soy sauce
Directions
Cut meat and vegetables into bite size pieces.
Heat oil in a pot, add meat and brown in oil. Take the meat out.
In the same pot, fry onions for 8 minutes. Add carrots and potatoes, then add the cooked meat.
Add water to the pot. After it boils, skim any fat, and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes until the meat becomes tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and add curry sauce mix. Stir well so the pieces of the mix dissolve.
If you'd like to use the optional seasonings above, now add the ketchup, apricot jam and soy sauce. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes (cook longer if you'd like it thicker).
Pour the curry over rice.
Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp fine salt
Pinch ground cayenne pepper, optional, plus more to taste
Hot water, for serving
Directions
Heat oven to 300ºF. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper.
Spread milk powder in a thin, even layer the prepared sheet pan and bake until golden brown and crumbly, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Odds are good the milk powder will be stuck together in lumps, and if that's the case, simply pulse it in a food processor a few times.
Transfer the toasted and cooled milk powder to an airtight plastic container, and add the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, fine salt, and cayenne, if using. Cover and shake to thoroughly combine. Tightly sealed, the powder will keep nearly indefinitely in the pantry.
For one serving, heat 3/4 cup (6 fluid ounces or 175 ml) of water to a boil, then remove from the heat. Spoon 1/4 cup of the cocoa mix into a heavy mug and whisk in 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 60 ml) of the water to create a paste. Slowly whisk in the remaining hot water.
From Alton Brown
Untamed Beauty: Exploring the hidden trails of Santee Wildlife Refuge
By Abigail Pittman
Deep in the woods of Clarendon County lies the Santee Wildlife Refuge. The area is unassuming. The Cuddo Unit, shown here, boasts only an informational shelter and a gravel path for cars before being surrounded by nature. The car path is long and winding, and it’s advisable to grab a map. Be brave enough to venture out, though, and there’s much to be found here.
The refuge has four units — Cuddo, Pine Island, Dingle Pond and Bluff — encompassing more than 15,000 acres of public land, per its website. There are opportunities for hiking, bicycling, fishing and hunting within the refuge. Note that to fish or hunt within the refuge requires a permit, available at the refuge office or online. There are also spaces to canoe or kayak and a water trail available to paddle within the Cuddo
Unit at the Plantation Islands Wilderness Area.
These are no ordinary hiking trails, which is what makes the Santee Refuge special. When this photographer went walking, the hiking trails were loosely maintained but grassy, and spiderwebs arched overhead. The hiking trails are specifically not open to vehicles, which allows nature to claim them. It’s completely quiet save for your footsteps and the occasional stomping of deer hooves. The refuge allows you to walk through a wetland habitat without getting your feet wet.
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts
DUCK FEST
Celebrates 11th anniversary as attendance grows, features expand
By Kayla Green
In the pristine outdoors and calming waters around Summerton and Clarendon County, a sound emanates from just beyond sight.
A duck quacks out. Another offers a greeting. No response. The duck emits a call to come back. Yet another reaches out to a lonesome hen floating off from the rest or pleads to a flock high in flight.
The trick here is that they turn out to not be ducks at all.
Non-hunters may think duck hunting is all about patience, being quiet and finding the right shot. That’s all true, but using a duck call, a type of whistle that imitates the noises ducks make when communicating certain moments and feelings, is an art. It takes the right call, used in the right way, with the right tone, throat enunciations and even words to attract the real ducks to an area. And practice. It takes a lot of practice.
Those who think they’ve mastered the art of the duck call can see how far their practice takes flight at the Swamp Fox Regional Duck Calling Contest. It’s one of the highlights of DuckFest, a community festival that reaches a milestone this year.
Summerton DuckFest brings the family fun back again this fall
Photos courtesy of Duckfest Festival committee
GROWING UP
DuckFest was created with a vision to host a family-friendly annual event that promotes Clarendon County as the “Duck Capital of South Carolina” while highlighting the lakeside county’s “efforts and ability to host all who enjoy the outdoor adventures that we have to offer,” the festival’s website states.
That was 11 years ago. A lot has changed since its inception.
“Each year, Duckfest brings attention to our wonderful Clarendon County, a great place to live and raise a family. Duckfest is an important festival celebrating not only wildlife conservation and the outdoor industry as a whole, but also local businesses, organizations and residents,” said Emily Belser, a land real estate agent and consulting wildlife biologist who joined the festival committee last year after recently moving back to her hometown of Summerton.
OLD MEETS NEW
Returning to the festival are the classics: wildlife and outdoors vendors, duck calls for purchase, a cookoff, food trucks, live music, wildlife demonstrations, kids’ area with bounce houses, games and a petting zoo and face painting.
A range of activities and contests aimed at attracting the spectrum of people’s interests will include for the first time a corn-spitting contest and skeetshoot competition. Laser skeet shoot and the rice-eating contest are returning by popular demand.
If eating isn’t your thing, try your hand – or mouth – at spitting in this year’s new corn-spitting contest.
“The rice-eating contest last year was such a hit, we wanted to add more competitions that would be fun for both the contestants and spectators,” Belser said. “We wanted to focus on themes about ducks, and, well, ducks eat rice and corn! We want our festival to keep growing, and that includes adding more events. We plan to have events or demonstrations beginning every hour throughout the day of Duckfest, so there will be constant entertainment all day long.” Those wanting to test their stomach can sign up that day. The rice will be cooked plain and provided by the festival. One tip: Maybe skip lunch beforehand.
11th-ANNUAL DUCKFEST SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Early Festival Events
FALL OPEN TEAM BASS TOURNAMENT
SATURDAY
Sept. 27
John C. Land Landing, Summerton
For more info, contact Derrick McLeod (803) 491-4256
MISS DUCKFEST PAGEANT
SATURDAY
Sept. 20
Summerton Cultural Arts Center
For more info, contact Audra Gause at missduckfestpageant@yahoo.com
T-shirts
DUCKFEST FESTIVAL DAY OF EVENTS
SATURDAY
Oct. 4
Camp Woodie
8444 Old River Road, Pinewood, SC
Opens at 11 a.m.
NEW - 5K and Fun Run
• 8 a.m
• For more info, email fundraising@scwa.org
Duck-calling Contest
• Directed by Jason Thynes
• (803) 460-2930
• 11 a.m.
• Duckfest will be hosting five duck-calling contests; the winner of each contest will be qualified to compete in the World Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas, on Nov. 28-29
NEW - Sporting Clays Tournament
• 9 a.m.
• SCWA facilities
• For more info contact Michael Earnhart at (803) 968-0490
• People can register as individuals or as a squad of three.
Rice-eating contest
• Begins at 2 p.m.
• Sign up at the Duckfest Info Booth the day of the festival
NEW Corn-spitting contest
• Begins at 3 p.m.
• Sign up at the Duckfest Info Booth the day of the festival
DuckFest Cook-Off
• 4 p.m.
• Contact Nic Daugherty, (843) 617-8179
Kids Corner
• Bounce houses, games, face painting, animal balloons, petting zoo
• All day
SC Trapper's Association
• Demos throughout the day
Ranger Ronnie got to say goodbye to Sue
Former
park ranger at Swan Lake visited beloved swan a day before she passed
By Bruce Mills
"Everybody knows Sue."
That was the response of a little girl a few years ago at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens to Ronnie Grooms that he still remembers to this day.
Grooms, better known as "Ranger Ronnie" to Sumterites, was a friendly park ranger at Swan Lake, and "Sue" was the popular swan who followed Grooms around at the family-friendly park.
He worked a little more than four years at the gardens as a park ranger before stopping in January 2023. Grooms always spoke to her with
Whooper Swans
These swans have a mostly yellow-and-black beak and look similar to the Bewick swans but are larger. Whoopers are also considered noisy. (“Sue” was a whooper.)
Fun Facts
About Whooper Swans
When whooper swans fly, their wings create a musical sound.
The Whooper swan is considered to be among the heaviest flying birds.
Socrates thought that just before they died, swans sang their most beautiful song. This is why "swan song" is the name given to a last performance.
Source: animalia.bio/whooper-swan
just one day before her death.
A current park ranger called Grooms on Thursday, Aug. 7, and informed him that Sue was sick and likely near death, he said. The next day, Friday, Aug. 8, he went out to Swan Lake and visited Sue in an enclosed pen area where staff had placed her.
A park official told Grooms that staff was able to get her off the lake before she died. If she had stayed on the lake and died there, she would have been subject to the turtles or an alligator, the staff member said.
The park official and Grooms went into the secure area where Sue was, and he said she was not responsive.
Then Grooms went around and spoke to her, and Sue again recognized his voice, he said.
"I said, 'Hello, Sue. You're not feeling good, Sue? Are you sick?' Something like that," Grooms said.
"And when I said that, she just came to life the best she could.
"The staff member said, 'She recognized your voice.'
"And that's true because I had done that before when I was not in uniform and called to her out there, and she came flopping up to us and carrying on. So, she knew my voice."
Grooms received a phone call the next day, Saturday, Aug. 9, that Sue had died.
"I am so glad that I got to see her one last time."
He added Sue was more than 20 years old, possibly 21 to 25 years old, and she lived more than half her life at Swan Life, according to records.
"She lived a long life," Grooms said.
Black Australians
These swans adapt well to the local climate because our weather conditions are like their native Australian habitat, and Black Australians are generally the largest swan population at the lake. The Black Australian is also the only swan that is solid black in color. The other seven species are all white.
Royal Mutes
These swans also raise well locally, and they are generally the second-most populous species at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Mutes have orange-and-black beaks and are considered "majestic swans" because since they form picture-perfect hearts with their necks when they swim close to each other during mating season.
Trumpeters
These birds are the biggest and strongest of the breeds with a full height reaching as much as six feet and a wingspan of eight feet or more. They also have long black beaks. They are also one of the loudest, aptly sounding like a trumpet.
Bewick’s
These birds look like the Whooper swans but have yellow on the bridge of their nose. They are also smaller, shorter-necked and have a more rounded head shape than Whoopers.
Coscorobas
They are the smallest species, weighing an average of 8 to 11 pounds. The birds have pink beaks and pink legs and look like the Aflac duck, the official mascot of Aflac Insurance seen in commercials. Coscorobas are generally not aggressive toward other swans. As of late August, there was just one Coscoroba at Swan Lake.
Black necks
These swans have a black neck and head, and a fleshy red lobe on their beaks. The birds are not often seen on land because the position of their legs – near the rear of their body – makes walking difficult. As of late August, there was just one Black neck at Swan Lake.
Whistlers
These birds can be distinguished from Trumpeters by a small yellow marking below the eye. They are also smaller than Trumpeters, averaging about 20 pounds and a height of four feet.
SWAN LAKE IRIS GARDENS BY
THE NUMBERS
MEET THE SWANS …
As most Sumterites know, Swan Lake Iris Gardens is the only public park in the U.S. to have all eight species of swan.
City of Sumter Tourism staff members Carter James and Brooke Crytser recently sat down with Lakeside to discuss interesting facts and figures on Sumter’s iconic waterfowl.
All swans are hatched on the lake by their parents.
Black Australians are the largest swan population at the lake since they adapt well to the local climate, Crytser said.
Since Swan Lake has so many Black Australians, staff generally collect the Australian cygnets (or babies) several days after they hatch, clip their wings and then release them back to their parents on the lake. The Black Australian is also the only swan that is solid black in color.
The other swan species are allowed to hatch on the lake. Then after several days of swimming and going to the feeder areas with their parents, lake staff collect them and take them to the park’s Swan raising area to be monitored.
By now, everyone has heard the expression ‘Don’t feed the swans.' The reason for that, Crytser said, is human food – even bread – can make the swans sick.
Swans are fed a waterfowl food daily each morning.
Other City of Sumter staff members purchase the lake’s swans from breeders in different states, and often via an exchange program to help control the lake’s population and blood lines, according to The Sumter Item’s archives.
Here is a quick summary breakdown on each species, other than Whoopers.
24,000+
Number of feathers on a swan’s body. (That total is at least the most widely quoted figure).
that park opened. (The 100-year anniversary is not far off. It will be in 2027.)
Average depth of water in feet in the center of the lake. Some areas get to 8 to 9 feet deep based on rainfall totals.
Just a single Coscoroba and Black neck swan currently at park.
Source: Swan Lake Iris Gardens
MORE ON RANGER RONNIE AND SUE
The special friendship of the duo became popular after Grooms' niece Laurice Prince wrote and illustrated their true story in a book aptly titled "Ranger Ronnie and Sue" that was published in 2021. As of late August, the book had sold 711 copies, Prince said.
Prince published a second book, more fantasy-based, the following year named "Ranger Ronnie and Sue and the Fantasy of Lights," based around Swan Lake's annual Christmas-themed showcase of lights held each December. That book had sold 126 copies as of late August.
Both are still available on Amazon and at Elephant Ear Gallery, 672 Bultman Drive.
Grooms said he has never benefited financially from the books in any way.
He did add that people still recognize him occasionally out and about in town and call him Ranger Ronnie.
Grooms said he does not consider himself a celebrity in any way from his time as a park ranger with Sue at Sumter's well-known park, and if anyone considered him in that light that "I would probably turn red to start with."
"I would tell people that those were some good years at the lake, and I enjoyed that," he said. "It was some fun times. I loved watching the children and their excitement concerning Sue."
ee
W e l l s W e l l s
E u t a w v i l l e E u t a w v i l l e
S i l v e r S i l v e r
F o u r F o u r H o l e s H o l e s
S a n d r i d g e S a n d r i d g e
l S t P a u l
S a r d i n i a S a r d i n i a
G a b l e G a b l e
Lake Mar ion & Lake Moult rie
H a r v i n H a r v i n
Car olina
W i l s o n W i l s o n
J o r d a n J o r d a n
F o r e s t o n F o r e s t o n
W o r k m a n W o r k m a n
W h i t e s v i l l e W h i t e s v i l l e
G r e e l e y v i l l e G r e e l
H e i n e m a n H e i n e m a n
B o n n e a u B o n n e a u
Off to the dollar store I went, choosing a set of stackable pumpkins, faux fall leaves, a pool noodle, and more.
Stacked Pumpkins Fall Crafts Fall Crafts
Supplies for stacked pumpkins
- Stacked pumpkins
- Faux fall leaves
- Twine
- Glue gun
- Scissors
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Primer spray paint for plastic
- Paintbrushes (foam brushes will do)
- Craft paint or leftover house paint - I used vintage white, naples yellow deep, teal (mixed with vintage white to lighten it) and raw umber (any brown will do)
- Mod Podge
1. Begin by lightly sanding the outside of each pumpkin with sandpaper.
2. Wipe clean and apply a coat of primer spray paint to your pumpkins in an outdoor area. Once dried, bring your pumpkins indoors to complete.
3. Cover the table or counter with newspaper or something you don't mind getting paint on because if you are like me, you will spill paint.
4. Put your paint choices on a paper plate or disposable pie plate, and get to painting. You can use a foam brush or bristle brush; whatever you have on hand will do.
NOTE: Because each pumpkin has a hole on the bottom, you can easily hold your pumpkin by putting your arm in it while you paint. Don't worry about how you will set your pumpkins to dry because each pumpkin has a lip that will allow it to sit without the actual bulk of the pumpkin touching the counter. There is no need to paint the stem of the top pumpkin unless you don't want to cover the stem with twine like I did.
5. Apply a second coat. Because I chose to go from bright orange and yellow pumpkins to much more muted colors, it took two coats of paint to cover, but because acrylic paint dries so quickly, it didn't take long.
6. Add details with additional brush strokes. To give the pumpkins a little more depth, I took a small brush and painted the indentations between each section with raw umber (brown). Don't make a precise line. Let your paint brush skip over the indentation to create a more realistic look. If you put on too much, just take a damp paper towel and wipe off the excess. I also chose some random spots on the pumpkins to swipe a little brown. Once you are sure your pumpkins are dry, it is time to
top coat them with a layer of Mod Podge. Just brush it on and let it dry. This will give your pumpkins a more protective coating if you are placing them outdoors.
7. Now it is time to add the twine to the top pumpkin. Begin by hot gluing the end of the twine to the bottom of the stem and wrap upward, hot gluing as you go. Make sure to glue the top and end the twine in the very center of the stem top.
8. At this point, you can choose to just click your pumpkins together and be done, or you can hot glue faux leaves, bows, etc. to complete your masterpiece. NOTE: Make sure to use a plastic knife to push down on when adhering your twine, leaves, etc. with hot glue or you will lose your fingerprints (those of you that have hot glued before know what I am talking about).
9. Now place your pumpkins indoors or on your porch. If placing on a porch, I would recommend hot gluing them to the top of a plant urn to give them more height and weight. Or, if you are placing yours on an uneven surface like my fireplace, you can add a circle of wood (can be found at craft store) underneath it to stabilize them.
1. Start by cutting your pool noodle in sections to desired height of your pumpkin. Most scissors will cut through the noodle.
2. Use your blade to round off the shoulder of the noodle to give it that pumpkin shape. It is not necessary to do this to the bottom of pumpkin.
3. Cut a piece of yarn - the length won't really matter because you can tie another piece of yarn onto the first piece as you progress wrapping your pool noodle section, tucking the knot under the next row of yarn as you go.
4. Cut a piece of tape and wrap it around the end of your yarn to make a stiff end - kind of like a shoestring would be. This will make it easier to weave the yarn through the center of the pool noodle. If you are using a largeeyed needle you will not need to do this.
5. Weave the first piece of yarn through the center of the noodle piece and tie it to the other side of the yarn length. Move the knot to the center of the noodle. You can hot glue the knot to the inside if you want to be sure it stays put, but I didn't find it necessary if you tie it snugly (not too snugly or you won't be able to move it to the center).
6. Now you will just weave the yarn through the center and around the pumpkin, working your way around and around until you have completely covered your noodle. You will need to adjust your yarn periodically to make sure you are covering the noodle, especially if you have a noodle color that doesn't go with your decor. As the yarn builds up in the center of the noodle, you may need to use the eraser end of a pencil to push the yarn through.
7. When you have completely covered your noodle, remove the tape from the end of your yarn and hot glue the end into place.
8. Next, take your twig or dowel and place it into the center of your pumpkin and hot glue it into place. Now you can add faux leaves, twine, ribbon or any other adornment you would like to the top of the pumpkin.
9. Use your tiny pumpkins in a tablescape, on an entryway table, on top of candlesticks or anywhere you want a touch of fall.
Pool noodle pumpkins
pumpkins
Supplies for pool noodle pumpkins
- Yarn (I used chenille yarn)
-Pool Noodles
- Twigs (or dowels from craft store)
- Scissors
- Razor blade or X-acto type blade (optional)
- Pencil with eraser or large-eyed needle to push yarn through noodle
- Glue gun
- Tape (I used painters tape)
HUNT The of the heritage
By Alaysha Maple
A rare harvest, a return to tradition — how one hunter’s journey reflects South Carolina’s enduring connection to deer, conservation and community
It’s too beautiful to believe. Early morning dew clinging to the foliage along the woodline as the mist rises to meet the towering pines that sway gently, their crowns kissing a Carolina-blue sky. Cicadas drone in harmony with the crickets, a steady rhythm to complement the woodpecker’s sharp staccato and the bright chatter of songbirds. The faint rustle of leaves and pitter-patter of a heart anticipating.
It’s hunting season. And among this symphony in the South Carolina woods, hunters lie in wait. Some chasing a once-in-a-lifetime buck, others carrying forward traditions rooted in centuries of necessity and survival.
For South Carolina, deer hunting is as much about memory and meaning as it is about management and science. For Sumter resident Lucy Mahon, those dawn hours brought the thrill of a rare piebald deer, a moment that solidified that years of patience, heartbreak and renewal were worth it. For Charles Ruth, a wildlife biologist with the Department of Natural Resources, mornings like these are part of a larger picture, one that features thousands of hunters, 241,000 deer tags and an ongoing effort to conserve tradition and its stomping grounds.
Hunting tradition meets conservation
A rare encounter
The morning of Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, for Mahon started the same as the two before it: up before sunrise, layered against the chill and slipping quietly into the stand with more hope than expectation. That autumn morning would be one to define Mahon's deer hunting journey, one that started at the ripe age of 4, she and her sister trailing behind her father to follow a family tradition. By age 12, she had earned her first shot, dropping a 68-pound doe, a female deer, with a Ruger .44 magnum pistol, her rite of passage to prove her steadiness before she was allowed a scope. Her next goal was a male deer, or a buck.
But, every young hunter will experience a pause in their journey, typically due to extracurriculars or college. For Mahon, her break followed a heartbreak at 13.
At a hunting club one night, she shot a buck right around the ear. Despite tracking it well into dense forest, she couldn’t recover it. Aim for the heart–lung area is what Mahon had been taught since she first braved the woods. A gentleman at the hunting club offered another method – a spine kill. In good faith, he thought the advice would help Mahon. It did the opposite. When a decent-sized doe ventured into the hunting
lane a few days later, she took her shot, hitting it in the spine. In tears as she watched the mammal struggle, she ran into her father’s arms, professing she “couldn’t do this anymore.” That would be the last time Mahon took her aim at a deer for nearly 20 years.
In that time, she stuck with feathers and fins, chasing wild turkeys and fishing throughout college and graduate school. A different kind of fur brought her back – hogs. Under the mentorship of the late Alan Wooten, a master hunter from Boykin, her first glimpse at a world described as a cross between “NASCAR and a
barroom brawl fight” ultimately “peel the wound off on that 13-year-old girl’s heart,” she said. Mahon started deer hunting again at age 36. She would be in her 40s on Nov. 22, 2020, when she dropped her first big buck and felt content to chase does thereafter and mentor new hunters to avoid her early mistakes. A year later, Mahon and her young hunters were keen on the three deer who trekked the property ahead of the season. That is, until a 178-pound rare piebald, or spotted, buck appeared on Nov. 9, 2021. Mahon went out that next morning, her boots and butt on the ground to wait for him in the only place he favored: smack dab in the road that funnels all traffic on the property. The alternative was an exposed bow stand, meant for archery, and 30-to 40-yard bow shot. She decided to wait and use the cover of night to her advantage. However, it would be a disadvantage as she slept in. The rare buck came and went across the property that night. Still, she went back every day that week.
That Wednesday morning was “a beautiful morning,” she said, with the sun’s silhouette in the background of the rolling Carolina hills. She didn’t have a good attitude going into the day, but with a morning so picturesque and her work schedule allowing for the time, she figured she’d just be happy to be there. High in the stand, she could hear the turkeys in the distance and the birds munching on the corn thrown across the ground as bait. Then, she heard a rustle – too slow to be a turkey, too loud to be a small bird. Below, all she could see was the darkness brought on by the canopy of trees. Deep down, she knew it was him. She raised her rifle halfway and waited as the light crept across the forest floor into the lane. And there he stood. He stepped toward the corn bait, two careful paces at a time. She planned to take him after he passed behind a tree; meanwhile, she found time to slow her heartbeat.Then, he froze, whipped his head around and was a twitch away from bolting. Worse, his angle offered only a spine shot, a history she would not repeat.
“I was like, ‘No, I’m not going to do it.’ If that’s the only shot I’ve got, I’ll watch him walk away.”
But then he turned, exposing his right side – the shot she was taught to take. She squeezed the trigger. She trailed his fleeting figure into the timber and found him 75 yards in. She made many calls to help her load the buck onto her truck bed, but her first two to mark the moment were to her father, then a taxidermist.
This buck would be Mahon’s last. She reasoned that when an opportunity this rare meets a hunter’s best shot, you honor it once and leave the rest to memory.
Behind the scenes of the season
For Mahon, a piebald buck was proof of patience and a reminder of why she returned to the woods two decades later. Her story may seem singular, but it preludes a broader shift in the sport.
Women make up about 10-15% of hunters nationwide. Though exact figures aren't available for South Carolina, the state’s Department of Natural Resources reported a 13% increase in the number of deer hunters statewide between 2022-23, showcasing a growing interest in the sport.
That rising tide of hunters is exactly what DNR biologists like Charles Ruth keep their eyes on.
For 31 years, the wildlife biologist has helped steer the state's big program, overseeing deer, turkey and even black bear. When he started decades ago, the state was divided into 11 game zones, or clusters of counties. Today, there are four, with Sumter, Lee and Clarendon counties residing in Game Zone 4. Despite the simplification of this grouping, immense oversight is still necessary.
This season alone, his office pushed out 241,000 sets of deer tags.
Each one represents a hunter, a harvest to report and a stake in the state’s longstanding tradition.
“There has to be a lot of pre-planning, a lot of procurement, a lot of dotting of the I’s and crossing of the T’s, because you can’t mess something like that up,” Ruth reasoned. “It’s almost like running a small business.”
Deer season in South Carolina begins Aug. 15-31 for archery only. Regular firearm season begins Sept. 1 and spans until New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2026. Only buck, or antler deer, can be hunted until Sept. 15, then all deer can be hunted – buck or doe. Post-season youth day is Jan. 3, 2026.
In colonial America, deer hunting was essential for early survival with venison for vital nutrients and deerskins for durable clothing and trade materials. As centuries passed, opinions have differed on deer hunting from person to person. However, DNR, hunting experts and enthusiasts alike think that when ethical, hunters contribute to wildlife conservation by participating in state-managed programs that help regulate deer population. Overpopulation can lead to habitat degradation, increased disease and food scarcity. Hunting, field dressing and harvesting deer requires skill, patience and knowledge, all of which are passed down to generations of hunters or learned through careful teaching and mentorship. South Carolina requires hunter education classes for all hunters born after June 30, 1979. Ruth said this ensures anyone going out into the sport understands its purpose and how to ethically participate in it to keep South Carolina and its habitat in good standing for all those who benefit from it.
While Ruth does a lot of administrative work to keep the highly anticipated season up to standard, he assured the work goes far beyond tags and seasons. DNR has partnered with universities like Clemson to
conduct cooperative research, from habitat studies to disease monitoring. When it comes to the sports legislature, Ruth serves as a seasoned voice for lawmakers on weight changes and season frameworks.
Technology, too, has reshaped the process of deer hunting. The GoOutdoorsSC app, now in its second year of operation, allows over 100,000 registered hunters in the state to purchase licenses, access tags and report their harvests. The system is designed to be as simple as possible for hunters while still ensuring accountability.
According to Ruth, 90% of reporting is done on the app.
It's an app Mahon and those within her hunting club found useful for its convenience to stay in compliance. They’ve also taken to using an app to share their hunting locations for safety, an upgrade from the error-prone corkboards once used to inform hunters of who was in the woods and where.
The details matter because every regulation ties back to hunter safety and herd management. The end result, Ruth said, is a streamlined process that supports the thousands of hunters and protects one of the state’s most valuable natural resources.
Disease at the gate
Protecting South Carolina’s deer herd also means guarding against threats that don’t recognize state lines.
Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, is a fatal neurological illness in the cervid, or deer, family. As of April 2025, the disease has been confirmed in 36 states in North America and four Canadian provinces, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
CWD was first identified in captive deer in Colorado in late 1960s and wild deer in 1981. It spread widely in Colorado and southern Wyoming in the 1990s. By 2001, the disease had been detected in wild deer populations in 21 states.
According to Ruth, South Carolina is the only southeastern state without the disease. CWD has been confirmed in nearly every direction around the state.
Since the early 2000s, South Carolina’s DNR has conducted statewide surveillance and enforced strict carcass importation laws to keep the disease from slipping across state lines. It’s transmissible from deer to deer and has a long incubation period, meaning once the deer is exposed to the disease, it may take a year or more for the animal to get sick, Ruth said. In the "closed-door state" of South Carolina, hunters who travel across states are prohibited from bringing back certain high-risk parts of deer, since the prions that cause CWD can survive in soil and water long after the animal is gone.
All states have this carcass importation restriction. South Carolina has had it since 2004, Ruth said.
“In hindsight, there’s somewhat of a link between movements of these commercial animals and the introduction of CWD,” Ruth said. “I mean, you’ve got to get the disease somehow.”
Alongside complying with carcass restrictions, Mahon is conscious of the hunting tricks used and how to best prevent CWD in the state’s cervid population. Old-school tricks to cover human scent when hunting, like leaving capsules of urine from a fox or doe in heat on the ground, evolved into widely available synthetic alternatives. These products keep real cervid fluid that can carry the fatal prions from entering the ecosystem. Mahon explained that once on the ground, prions can persist like parvo in the environment and deer can become exposed to it by licking/feeding where urine was placed.
Weight loss is a hallmark sign of the disease’s progression, along with tremors, lowered head posture, teeth grinding and behavioral changes such as nervous pacing or isolation from the herd. Once infected, deer waste away and suffer greatly as the disease progresses.
Unlike other diseases, there is no vaccine, no cure and no treatment for CWD. The best defense is prevention, which is why South Carolina’s clean slate matters so much. To Ruth and SCDNR, keeping CWD out of the Palmetto State keeps tradition alive.
Tradition on the table
With the work of the state agency, its researchers and its thousands of customers to keep the disease at bay, deer remain one of the most reliable sources of food within the state border — a source that generations of families have relied on, not only as part of a hunting tradition, but also as a staple on the dinner table.
Ruth feeds his family largely on deer meat, be it ground for chili, cubed for steaks or cut into loins that will rival even the most tender of beef tenderloin. That connection between the woods and the kitchen has taken on a new resonance in recent years with the rise of the locavore movement.
First coined on Earth Day in April 2005, locavore refers to someone who eats locally grown and prepared food whenever possible. The exact limitations of this way of eating depend on the parameters established by the individual eater. Many locavores attempt to eat foods grown and prepared within 100 miles of their home while those in more remote locations or in colder climates aim for 150-250 miles or simply within the state border. The movement is said to encourage consumers to buy from farmers markets or even grow their own food, arguing that local products are more nutritious and taste better.
Deer hunting is a significant niche in the locavore movement. Wild venison represents one of the cleanest, most sustainable sources of protein available, as it is free of hormones, antibiotics and the industrial processes associated with commercial meat. When harvested properly, the meat from
Did you know?
Did you know?
Deer belong to the cervid family, which also includes elk, moose, reindeer and caribou.
Did you know?
a single deer can feed a family for months. Professional processors can charge between $120-140 for cuts of venison, Mahon said.
“We’ve got a great resource in our deer population. We’ve got a good habitat, our deer season is very long, it’s very liberal when you compare to other states so there’s a tremendous amount of opportunity out there for folks to deer hunt,” Ruth shared. “You know exactly where it came from because you harvested it, you know it grew naturally.”
In many states where deer hunting is vital to its character, venison is far more than a protein. For Ruth, it’s about the balance between taking and giving back, between the silence of the woods and the science that guards it. For Mahon, it’s about honoring the deer that marked the bookends of her journey and the opportunity to preserve the tradition for the next generation. For the state, hunting is not only about the harvest. It’s a link to heritage and an introduction to responsibility.
As the dawn breaks across the South Carolina pines this deer season, hunters and biologists alike share in the sentiment to protect, provide and preserve what the forest still gives.
Piebaldism is caused by a recessive genetic mutation that results in random patches of white fur. A piebald deer is rare, with some estimates putting the population at less than 1-2% of the total deer population.
Did you know?
The cause of CWD is a prion, a misfolded form of a normal protein commonly found in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The youngest deer to exhibit clinical symptoms was 15 months.
Did you know?
Venison is packed with essential nutrients like iron, B vitamins including B6 and B12, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.
4Budget-friendly ideas to freshen up indoor spaces
(Family Features) Whether you’re fatigued by seeing the same decor every day or simply looking for an opportunity to refresh indoor spaces with an appealing mini makeover, rethinking your favorite room in the house doesn’t need to be an expensive ordeal.
Even if your budget is tight, you can still make small changes to transform a room. Consider these ideas:
• Bring stylish flair to your space with a new color scheme. Rather than replacing all the furniture, which can be costly, focus on smaller accessory pieces such as pillows and decorative items. Create variety by using multiple hues of the same color or mixing two or more complementary colors.
• Introduce new accent furniture. Smaller and less costprohibitive than centerpieces like a couch, for example, accent pieces such as end tables or a coffee table can provide subtle changes to the look of a room. You could also opt to refinish a piece of furniture you have on hand to create a look that’s all your own.
• Morph your room by simply rearranging what you already own. Adjusting the orientation of your furniture and decor can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective.
• Whether it’s a flea market find, such as an old window frame that you paint and add a display shelf to the base, or a series of photos from your favorite vacation destination, adding some DIY art can not only update your room, but make it more personal, too.
A new look for your favorite room can go a long way, so find ways to update your space for a comfy retreat you can enjoy. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.
What to expect of in-law suites
The modern real estate market has led millions of aspiring home buyers to reconsider their approach to buying a home. Low inventory has led to high home prices. When paired with mortgage interest rates that have remained north of 6 percent for years, the high sticker price of homes has made many buyers wonder if homeownership is simply beyond their means.
It’s impossible to know if or when home prices will come down, but some buyers have chosen to seek homes that can accommodate multiple generations. According to the Pew Research Center, the share of multigenerational homes rose from 7 percent in 1971 to 18 percent in 2021. A multitude of factors have contributed to that increase, and housing affordability is one such variable. In 2024, researchers studying multigenerational households at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania noted that housing affordability declined considerably in recent years but also had been on the decline for decades. As homes become less affordable, the number of multigenerational households tends to increase, and that’s something modern buyers can keep in mind as they look for a home.
In-law suites that accommodate
multigenerational households can provide a pathway to homeownership for buyers who otherwise may be priced out of the market. Buyers considering homes with an in-law suite or those who want to add one to their existing homes can familiarize themselves with these convenient and potentially costsaving features.
• Note the significance of a separate entrance. Whether you’re looking for a home with an in-law suite or hoping to add one on to your existing home, a separate entrance for suite residents can allow them to come and go as they please. That sense of independence is significant. In addition, a separate entrance can make a home seem less like a multigenerational residence, which at times can feel crowded, and more like a single-generation home. That can afford all residents a little more peace and quiet in a typical day.
• Expect an increase in taxes if you’re adding on. As with any addition to a home, adding an in-law suite to an existing home is likely to result in an increase in homeowners’ property taxes. The amount of that increase is contingent upon variables unique to each residence, like location and the size of the addition. When shopping for homes with existing in-law suites, buyers can request existing tax information so they
are not surprised by the number like they might be if they add on to an existing home. Despite that, it might still be in prospective buyers’ best interest to add on to an existing property and pay the additional taxes than it would to buy a new home.
• Try to include features residents have come to expect when living independently. An in-law suite should include its own private bathroom, a washroom for a washer and dryer and a kitchen or kitchenette. If everyone in a multigenerational household is forced to use the same bathrooms, washers and dryers, and kitchens, then the home might begin to feel cramped rather quickly.
• Try to secure off-street parking. Though it might not affect the ambiance within the in-law suite itself, an off-street parking spot is a convenience residents will appreciate. Such a space will allow residents to come and go as they please and save them the headache of moving their vehicles for snow plows and street cleaners.
In-law suites could be an in-demand feature as more homeowners and aspiring buyers seek to reduce housing costs by embracing multigenerational living arrangements.
Understanding
Thread Counts
(Family Features) Many companies use thread count to make their sheets more appealing and luxurious, but a bigger number doesn’t always mean a good buy. Before you reach into your wallet, consider these truths about thread counts.
A thread count is a scientific term with strict federal standards on how the threads are counted. Simply put, it measures the number of threads woven together per square inch, counted lengthwise and widthwise. A 400-thread count sheet will have 200 threads lengthwise and 200 widthwise.
When a sheet has a count of 150, it is considered a muslin fabric, which isn’t all that soft to the touch. Any count of 180 or above is considered high quality, but anything beyond 400 is likely to only signify a higher price tag.
However, a sheet with a thread count of 200 can be softer to the touch than one with a 400 thread count. The quality of sheets depends not only on the thread count, but on the quality of fibers within those threads as well. Many stores and manufacturers tout Egyptian cotton as the best because of its long, strong fibers, which are more durable
than most other cottons. Another highquality cotton type is pima, also known for its extra-long fibers.
When shopping for new sheets, make sure you are looking at both the thread count and the quality. Look for a count between 200400 and make sure the fabric quality is high to ensure you get the best bang for your buck, as well as a comfortable night’s sleep. Find more tips for selecting linens and other home goods at eLivingtoday.com.
Big upgrades for
Renovate your bathroom for style and function small spaces
(Family Features) Home renovations happen for a variety of reasons – whether to reflect personal style preferences, replace worn-out materials or adapt to a family’s evolving functional needs. Among the most popular upgrades homeowners tackle, bathroom renovations can be a smart and worthwhile investment.
Updating a bathroom, even a small one, requires careful planning to ensure both aesthetic appeal and long-term functionality. To maximize the value of your investment, focus on a design that is timeless and products that offer a blend of beauty, comfort and performance.
“As a designer and renovator, I know firsthand the impact
fixtures can have on a home,” said Keith Bynum, home renovation expert, designer and HGTV star. “American Standard has been my go-to for renovation projects because their products are built to last, beautiful and timeless. The brand’s approach aligns with my own – creating stylish, convenient spaces with high-quality products that cater to real-life needs and improve the way we live.”
Discover these expert tips for selecting the perfect products for your bathroom upgrade from American Standard, a trusted leader in bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures that is celebrating 150 years of designing innovative products that are truly “built for life.”
Sinks
Your sink should not only enhance the visual appeal of your bathroom, but also meet your practical, everyday needs. Striking the right balance between aesthetics and practicality is essential when choosing the perfect sink for your space. If you’ve never shopped for a sink before, you may not realize how many styles there are to choose from.
An undermount sink sits with its edge below the level of the countertop, creating a seamless surface that makes it easier to clean while hiding from view. A drop-in sink is placed into an opening with the rim creating a lip that forms a barrier between your sink and counter. A vessel sink resembles a standalone basin, often used as a decorative and contemporary alternative to traditional sinks in powder rooms. The sleek and clean design of a pedestal sink makes it a perfect solution for smaller spaces, although additional storage may be needed.
Once you decide on the sink, you’ll also need to determine what furniture to pair with it. Some popular options to complete the look and enhance usability include a console, vanity top, floating vanity or washstand.
Faucets
Bathroom faucets come in a variety of styles and configurations to suit any design preference. Durable finishes resist tarnishing and scratches, keeping your faucet looking new for years to come. Many models also feature ceramic disc valves for silky-smooth handle operation and water-saving technology to help conserve resources and lower water bills.
A variety of bathroom faucet configurations can meet your bathroom design needs. Designed for sinks with a single-hole or four-inch escutcheon, the monoblock faucet provides easy use with a single-handle design for controlling water volume and temperature. Sinks with three faucet holes spaced four inches apart pair well with a centerset design, providing a compact and space-efficient solution ideal for undermount bathroom sink installations.
If your sink holes are spaced 8-16 inches apart, a widespread design will coordinate well with undermount and vessel style sinks that feature a deck, offering both style and practicality. The vessel faucet is designed for above-counter or vessel sinks, delivering a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that enhances modern bathrooms.
Toilets
When considering a toilet, performance is essential. It should meet your everyday needs, operate efficiently and provide additional features that make daily maintenance easier.
You’ll find most toilets on the market fall into one of three categories: one-piece, two-piece or smart. One-piece toilets have a seamless design, with the tank and
bowl fused together for a look that is sleek and easier to clean. Two-piece toilets consist of a separate tank and bowl, making them a popular choice for easy installation and maintenance. Smart toilets offer advanced features like bidet functions, automatic flushing, self-cleaning capabilities and customizable settings designed to enhance user comfort, hygiene and convenience.
Another important consideration is your toilet’s shape and height. Elongated bowls provide added comfort while round bowls are a spacesaving solution for smaller bathrooms. When it comes to height, standard toilets are suitable for most people, but higher toilets allow for easier standing and sitting accessibility.
An option like American Standard’s line of Champion toilets, engineered to never clog and powerful enough to flush a bucket of golf balls in a single flush, provide cleaner, more efficient flushes so nothing disrupts your daily routine. These DIY-friendly, low-flow toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush to conserve water. They also feature PowerWash rim technology, which scrubs the bowl with every flush, and unique EverClean Antimicrobial Surface protection to guard against mold, mildew and odor- and stain-causing bacteria.
Bathtubs
Whether used for daily hygiene or as a relaxing retreat, the bathtub is a focal point of bathroom design. From classic alcove and elegant freestanding tubs to convenient walk-in options, each type caters to different needs and aesthetics. The secret is determining how you’ll use the tub so you can maximize the features and functionality while complementing your overall design.
You can expect to find a range of features, including ADA compliance for enhanced accessibility, deep soak capabilities for a luxurious bathing experience and slip-resistant surfaces for added safety.
The trim and faucets also play a crucial role in your tub’s overall look and performance. For families, one practical choice is the Aspirations Waterfall Tub Spout from American Standard, which is designed with rounded edges for kid-friendly safety while creating a soothing, spa-like cascade. It also conveniently doubles as a storage shelf or leg rest for shaving.
for floorscreaky REMEDIES
Hardwood floors are coveted features in many homes. The National Wood Flooring Association says wood floors are the most environmentally friendly flooring options available. In the United States, the hardwood forests that provide flooring products are growing twice as fast as they are being harvested. Furthermore, wood floors can last for many generations and require fewer raw materials to produce than other flooring options. That means less waste may end up in landfills.
Loose hardware
Hardwood floors can endure for decades in a home, but over time those same floors may need some tender loving care to keep them looking good and working as they should. Squeaky floors are a common nuisance that homeowners may experience. Squeaking is often caused by movement and friction between floorboards. Treating the problem involves identifying the underlying issue.
Squeaky floors may be due to the loosening of the hardware holding the floor in place, says The Home Depot. When nails or screws no longer are secured tightly, the boards can rub together. The noise heard is the sound produced by rubbing. Tightening or replacing the hardware can help reduce the squeaking.
Counter-snap kit method
This Old House says this kit method is a great way to fix squeaks without damaging the floor. Once the source of the squeak is located, drill a 3/32-inch pilot hole through the hardwood flooring. Then insert a screw through the kit’s depthcontrol fixture and into the pilot hole, and drive it until it automatically snaps off below the wood surface. Follow this up by filling the hole with wood putty that matches the floor color. Once the putty is dry, lightly sand the area to blend.
Use a shim or shims
Sometimes the floor may squeak because of a gap between the joists and the subfloor. Filling the gap with a small piece of wood called a shim can help alleviate the gap or gaps.
Drive up screws
If a squeak is just in one spot, The Home Depot says that you may be able to drive short screws from below into the subfloor.
Small gaps
For small gaps between boards, sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite between squeaky boards to reduce friction. Wood filler applied with a putty knife also may work. For larger gaps, use a liquid filler designed for wood floors. Homeowners also can visit their local home improvement center for other hardware solutions designed for underfloor repairs to remedy squeaks. Many work from underneath the floor and involve mounting plates or brackets to shore up the floor.
Squeaky floors can be problematic, but noises can be banished with some repair work.
CALLING ALL DUCKS
Food Trucks, Craft Vendors, Cook-Off, live performances, wildlife demos, art contest, and more!
Oct. 4, 2025
DUCKFEST FALL OPEN TEAM BASS TOURNAMENT
Saturday, September 27th at John C. Land Landing (blast off at first light)
For more info, contact Derrick McLeod (803) 491-4256
MISS DUCKFEST BEAUTY PAGEANT
Saturday, September 20th at Summerton Cultural Arts Center at 3:00 pm
For more info, contact Audra Gause missduckfestpageant@yahoo.com
Wildlife Education Center 8444 Old River Road, Pinewood, SC 29125
NEW - 5K AND FUN RUN - 8:00AM
For more info, email fundraising@scwa.org
KIDS CORNER: ACTIVITIES ALL DAY!
Bounce Houses, games, face painting, animal balloons, and petting zoo
DUCK CALLING CONTEST - 11 A.M.
To Register Contact Jason Thynes: (803) 460-2930
Duckfest will be hosting 5 duck calling contests; the winner of each contest will be qualified to compete in the World Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas on Nov 28-29, 2025
DUCKFEST COOK-OFF - 4 P.M.
Contact Nic Daugherty (843) 617-8179
RICE EATING CONTEST - 2:00 P.M.
NEW - SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT - 9 A.M.
SCWA facilities, for more info contact Michael Earnhart at 803-968-0490. People can register as individuals or as a squad of 3.
