Lakeside June July August 2026

LAKESIDE LAKE SIDE L I F E O U T D O O R S F R O M WAT E R E E T O S A N T E E

June -August 2026

Learn about Manning's Gullah Geechee culture and food at Gullah Gullah Fish

Meet Scott Adams: McLeod Health Clarendon's new CEO

INSIDE: BEST OF CLARENDON CLARENDON • FLORENCE • KERSHAW • LEE • SUMTER

1 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

O U R FA C I L I T I ES • • • •

S a f e a n d S e c u r e P r e mi se s Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n f r o m S c h o o l Ou t d o o r P l a y Ar e a wi t h G a rd e n Ag e - Ap p r o p r i a t e L e a r n i n g Centers

O U R CU R R ICU LUM

Owner/Executive Director

• E me r g e n t C u r r i c u l u m • Language and Literacy De v e l o p me n t • Ar t s , C r a f t s , a n d C r e a t i v i t y • P h y s i c a l Ac t i v i t y a n d M o t o r Skills • S o c i a l a n d E mo t i o n a l

SHERRIE ROSS MAYES

SC DSS LICENSED CHILD CARE 2 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

INFANTS « PRE-TODDLERS « TODDLERS « PRESCHOOL « SCHOOL AGE

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Voted

Best

Care Center ild Ch SHOOT FOR THE MOON ACADEMY

Voted Best Boss BEATRICE SEYMORE

Corporate Director VIVIAN MCGHANEY

526-522 W. Boyce St. Manning, SC 803-481-4709 gulledges09@gmail.com

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 3

On behalf of The Item staff, I’d like to officially welcome you to the Summer Issue of Lakeside Magazine and the grand reveal of the more than 200 Best of Clarendon 2026 winners.

Throughout this magazine, you’ll find many of the things you’ve come to expect from Lakeside - local stories about local people and happenings around Clarendon County and Lake Marion. You’ll also find more than 200 winners across business and industry, public service, education and more. These winners have been chosen by Item readers casting more than 50,000 votes celebrating Clarendon County businesses, people and places. Winners are your neighbors and your friends.

Use this magazine and our winners’ website at theitem.com/bestofclarendon throughout your life. Find an accountant, a hair stylist or place to take the kids. Promote your favorites by using #BestOfClarendon on social media.

Being named Best of Clarendon is a celebration of everything going right in our community and region. At The Item, it’s our honor to promote these valuable local people, businesses and organizations, and it’s been our privilege to serve Clarendon County and the Sumter region for more than 130 years.

Congratulations to all of our winners, and we hope you enjoy the pages to come.

what’s inside FEATURE STORIES

2 - 40

200+ winners revealed inside Find the best places to shop, visit and support local in Clarendon County.

41

Gullah Geechee culture and food The story and family behind Gullah Gullah Fish in Manning.

Best regards,

56

Vince Johnson

McLeod Health Clarendon leader brings passion for rural communities to role Scott Adams named McLeod Health Clarendon’s CEO after a 25-year career with the system provider.

Publisher, The Sumter Item

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at www.TheItem.com/BestOfClarendon.

PUBLISHER Vince Johnson

EDITOR

Kayla Green

WRITERS

Alaysha Maple Bruce Mills

LAYOUT & DESIGN Janel Przybyla

4 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

AD SALES

Karen Cave Devin McDonald Mark Pekuri

COPY EDITING

Rhonda Barrick Melanie Smith

36 W. Liberty St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-1200 www.theitem.com A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Simpson Hardware and Sports – Thankful for over 75 years of support from our loyal customers in Manning, Sumter, and Lake City!

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods is honored to be recognized again in this year’s Best of Clarendon competition. This year, we were voted Best Hardware Store, Best Guns and Firearms Dealer, Best Sporting Goods Store, Best Men’s Clothing Store, Best Fishing Store, Best Paint Store and Best Fitness Store.

As a third-generation, family-owned local business, these awards mean a great deal to us. In the short history of the Best of Clarendon competition, Simpson Hardware has been fortunate to receive recognition in several categories, including Hardware, Paint, Sporting Goods, Guns/Firearms, Fishing, Men’s Clothing and Fitness. We have also been recognized over the years as Best Locally Owned Business, Best Shoes and Best Propane in Sumter.

Any success we have had is because of our loyal customers and the helpful associates who make Simpson what it is. We are especially grateful for the continued support of our communities as we carry forward the values and legacy that have shaped Simpson Hardware for generations.

Simpson Hardware Co. was founded in 1951 by the late Carl Simpson Jr. with the purchase of a store in Camden. Several years later, he moved to Sumter and purchased Boyle Hardware. That store opened under the Simpson Hardware name on Liberty Street in 1961 and became the first ACE Hardware store in

South Carolina. In 1964, a second location opened at Palmetto Plaza on Guignard Drive under the guidance of Carl Simpson III. That store grew quickly and became well-known for sporting goods and lawn and garden.

Today, Simpson has grown to five stores and 180 associates in Sumter, Manning and Lake City. Our locations include Wesmark Boulevard, Pinewood Road and North Guignard Drive in Sumter, North Brooks Street in Manning and North Church Street in Lake City.

Through the years, Simpson has served our communities through hurricanes, floods, ice storms, a pandemic and plenty of changing trends. We continue to focus on legendary customer service, offering something for everyone and staying authentically local.

We are also excited to share plans to expand the selection of clothing and footwear at our Manning location, bringing in more of the top brands you know and love by mid-to late summer 2026. Across our stores, we are proud to offer products for fishing, hunting, sporting goods, grilling, lawn care, clothing, footwear, gifts, sunglasses, hardware, paint and more.

Thank you for supporting Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods. We invite you to visit any of our familyowned local stores.

Shoot for the Moon Academy Childcare Center named Best of the Best in 2026 Clarendon and Sumter contests

We are thrilled that Shoot for the Moon Academy has been voted Best Childcare Center in both Sumter and Clarendon counties’ 2026 Best Of contests.

Sherrie Ross-Mayes, owner and executive director, has been voted Best of Boss in Sumter two years in a row, and Beatrice Seymore won Best Boss in Best of Clarendon this year.

Shoot for the Moon Academy is being recognized for making a huge impact in Sumter and Clarendon counties, with multiple locations to serve both counties' child care and development needs.

Sherrie’s vision has always been to provide the best care facilities for children.

We believe being voted the best reflects our deep commitment to providing exceptional care for the children of our community. We strive to create an environment that fosters growth, learning and fun, ensuring every child who walks through our doors has the best experience possible.

Our educational approach is grounded in South Carolina State Standards, offering a structured curriculum that supports the developmental needs of children of all ages. We understand the importance of a strong educational foundation, which is why we focus on providing engaging learning experiences that stimulate curiosity and creativity. From toddlers to school-age children, we tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of each child.

We are particularly proud of our achievements in the community as we continue to serve Sumter and Clarendon in A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

ways that go beyond just childcare. Shoot for the Moon Academy #9 summer camp was named Best Summer Camp in Sumter!

In addition to being recognized as Best New Business, our sister center, Kids Academy, earned the title of Best Afterschool Care. These awards reflect our dedication to providing top-tier services that benefit children and families year-round.

One of the highlights of our program is our commitment to homework help and field trips. We understand the importance of academic support, so we offer dedicated homework help to ensure each child stays on track. Additionally, our field trips give children the chance to explore the community, learning outside the classroom in real-world environments.

Behind the success of Shoot for the Moon Academy is Sherrie Ross-Mayes, our passionate owner who was honored as Best Boss. With over 150 dedicated employees, Sherrie leads a team that cares for more than 1,000 children across South Carolina. Her leadership, commitment to excellence and vision for providing the best possible care have been key to our success.

At Shoot for the Moon Academy, we are more than a daycare — we are a trusted partner in the Clarendon and Sumter communities. Shoot for the Moon Academy provides financial support to help strengthen local schools, ensuring every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. We look forward to serving families for many years to come. Thank you for your support as we grow, learn and strive for excellence!

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 5

Thank You for 75 Amazing Years

Best Hardware Store Best Fishing Store Best Paint Store Best Fitness Store Best Men’s Clothing Store Best Sporting Goods Store Best Guns & Firearms Dealer

5 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!

40 W. Wesmark Blvd., Sumter

803-773-3397

110 N. Brooks St., Manning

803-435-2651

350 Pinewood Rd., Sumter

803-774-2275

320 W. Liberty St., Sumter

803-773-9381

222 N. Church St., Lake City

843-374-4000

ShopSimpsons.com ShopSimpsons.com 6 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

HuntSimpsons.com A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

If your suits aren’t becoming to you, its a good time to be coming to us!

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! BEST IN 5 CATEGORIES BRUNCH DELI

See us in one of our two locations!

MAYO’S SUIT WORLD

SUIT CITY OF FLORENCE Sumter, SC Florence, SC 1121 Broad St. Wesmark Plaza (803) 773-2262

1719 W. Palmetto St. (803) 679-3800

AMERICAN FOOD SANDWICHES SWEET TEA

Come visit us today!

Coffee Smoothies Boba Tea Breakfast Sandwhiches Salads Soup Desserts

5 S Mill Street, Manning, SC

803-696-4429

Thank you, Sumter, and surrounding areas for voting us Best in 2026 BEST TUXEDO RENTALS

SERVING SUMTER SINCE 1998

MAYO’S SUIT CITY 1121 Broad St. Suite 11 Wesmark Plaza www.mayosuits@gmail.com • 803-773-2262

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 7

For the fourth straight year, voters named FTC the winner in these four categories. Thank you for your support!

Internet Service Provider Cable/Satellite Company Local Cellular Company Best IT Company for FTC IT Solutions For our core products of internet, wireless, phone and security, we are continuously making upgrades to offer the latest in cutting-edge technology. We have continued to invest in fiber, and the plan is to have all cooperative members equipped with it by the end of the year. This will provide the infrastructure to offer every member the fastest plans in the FTC arsenal.

For the wireless network, the upgrade to 5G, and in some of the most heavily trafficked areas 5G+, remains a major focus. These improvements, along with added Spectrum, will make FTC’s coverage even more robust.

For FTC IT Solutions, the experts there are constantly seeking the best ways to serve clients, including the best methods to protect customers from cyberattacks.

If you are a business in need of IT services, please call (888) 218-5050 or visit ftc.net/business/services/itsolutions.

In closing, we want to again express our gratitude for the awards and for allowing us to serve you.

We get you award-winning service

Ellen's Nails is thankful to the community for its continued support Ellen and her mother, of Vietnamese descent, decided to embark on a small nail salon in Manning, established in 1997. For 16 years, the business ran as a walk-in-only salon with the help of multiple nail techs along the way, including her sister Lynda. However, in 2013, with the loss of her mother, Ellen had to create a new way to run her business by taking appointments only.

Eventually, the business grew and continues to be successful. Ellen’s Nails is celebrating its 29th year and offers simple nail services such as full sets, fill-ins, manicures, pedicures and cute nail designs.

You can view its page on Google and book an appointment by simply calling the salon at (803) 435-9001.

Come see the difference at Ellen’s Nails.

We are an appointment-based salon.

Book your appointment today (803) 435-9001 • 8 First Ave., Manning, SC

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 AWARDED CATEGORIES: Internet Service Provider Cable/Satellite Company Local Cellular Company IT Company

ftc.net | 888.218.5050 8 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you

for voting us Best Golf Course

Best Locally Owned Business

Best Golf Course Best Sports Bar Best Place to Work

Learn more at theplayerscourseatwyboo.com or call (803) 478-2500 1560 Players Course Drive, Manning, SC 29102

THANK YOU for voting us Best Pool Company

• Above & In-Ground Pools • Services & Supplies • Spas • Pool Cleaning

• Water Analysis • Outdoor Kitchen

213 E. Boyce St. • Manning, SC 29102

(803) 433-7946 (SWIM) Mark & Amber Prickelmyer

fb.com/theswimminholeinc

Thank You! for voting us BEST NAIL SALON

I would like to thank all of those who took the time to vote every day for my little nail salon.

Without the love, loyalty and support from my clients, family and friends Ellen’s Nails would not be where it is today.

I am celebrating my 29th year in business.

I hope to continue serving you and yours for many years to come.

Come see the difference

Ellen’s Nails 8 First Avenue I 803-435-9001 We are an appointment based salon.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 9

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Auto & Transportation

Aftermarket Auto Repair Walker Tire Auto Body Shop East Clarendon Collision Repair Auto Parts CARQUEST Auto Parts Boat Dealership Meares Marine LLC Boat Landing Randolph's Landing Car & Truck Accessories CARQUEST Auto Parts Car Audio & Electronics AutoZone Car Salesperson Alton “Scooter” Goodwin Santee Automotive

Towing Service Taylor Made Towing

Dance Studio Dance Wells

Used Car Dealership Prothro Chevrolet GMC

Day Spa East Boyce Salon

Window Tinting Eric Oliver Precision Tint and Car Care

Dry Cleaners City Laundry & Cleaners

Business

Fitness Center / Gym Anytime Fitness

Adult Day Center Branco Adult Day Care Center

Floral Company The Flower Shoppe of Manning

Air Purification Company 1st Choice Quality Heating Air Plumbing

Funeral Home Stephens Funeral Home

Auction Company Odom Auction Co.

Golf Course The Players Course at Wyboo

Barber Shop Royalty Cuts Barbershop

Hair Salon The Studio Salon Andrea Killman

Car Wash Dealership Service Dept. Weeks Detail Express Santee Automotive Carpet / Flooring Cleaners Golf Carts C & N Cleaning Services S-N-Tee's Golf Car New Car Dealership Santee Automotive Oil Change Ridgecrest Tires Rims / Wheels Store Ridgecrest Tires

Child Care Center Shoot for the Moon Academy - Manning

Hotel/Lodging Palmetto Shores RV Resort Insurance Company New York Life Internet Service Provider FTC

IT Company Commercial Real Estate FTC IT Solutions Company Lumber Company ResComm Management Lowe’s LLC

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at www.TheItem.com/BestOfClarendon.

10 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

COFFEY AND MCKENZIE, PA. Thank you for voting for us!

Thank you to our clients and community for your trust and support over the years.

AWARD-WINNING REPRESENTATION. RESULTS THAT MATTER.

STEVEN MCKENZIE

Criminal Defense Attorney

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

COFFEY & MCKENZIE

Real Estate Closing Attorney

JOE COFFEY Civil Attorney

STEVEN MCKENZIE Family Law Attorney

COFFEY & MCKENZIE

Personal Injury Attorney

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 11

Coffey & McKenzie, P.A. remains dedicated to serving community

Coffey & McKenzie, P.A. would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the people of Clarendon County for honoring our firm as the Best of Clarendon County in the areas of Personal Injury, Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Family Law and Criminal Defense for 2026. We are truly humbled by your trust, confidence and continued support.

For 58 years, our firm has been committed to providing dedicated, compassionate and effective legal representation to the residents of Clarendon County and the surrounding communities. To be recognized by the very people we are privileged to serve is one of the highest honors we could receive.

This recognition reflects not only the hard work of our attorneys and staff, but also the loyalty and support of our clients and community members who continue to place their faith in our firm.

Attorneys Billy Coffey, Steve McKenzie and Joe Coffey, along with the entire staff of Coffey & McKenzie, P.A., are deeply appreciative of this recognition. Every member of our team works diligently to ensure that each client receives the personal attention, professionalism and quality representation they deserve. Whether assisting families through difficult times, helping individuals recover after injuries, guiding clients through

real estate transactions or defending our clients in litigation, we remain dedicated to serving our community with integrity and commitment.

Clarendon County is more than just the place where we practice law — it is our home. We live here with you and are not only your attorneys, but your neighbors as well. We value the relationships we have built throughout the community and are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving generations of families and businesses across the area. Your support motivates us to continue striving for excellence in all that we do.

We would also like to thank our clients, friends and supporters for recommending our firm and standing beside us throughout these past 58 years. Your confidence in our abilities means more than words can express. We recognize that when you choose an attorney, you are placing great trust in that decision, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.

From all of us at Coffey & McKenzie, P.A., thank you again for your continued support and for voting us the Best of Clarendon County. We sincerely appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Clarendon County and the surrounding communities for many years to come.

Best Bank. Best Mortgage Lender.

Hometown proud.

In an era when banking is increasingly automated, outsourced and impersonal, there is something deeply reassuring about knowing your bank is still rooted right here at home.

For generations, Bank of Clarendon has proudly served the people, families, farmers, businesses and communities of Clarendon County and beyond. As a locally owned community bank, our story is inseparable from the story of this region itself. We have stood alongside our customers through seasons of growth, challenge and change, helping families buy their first homes, small businesses open their doors and local dreams become lasting legacies.

That is why being named Best Bank in Clarendon County is more than an award to us; it is an honor bestowed by the very community we are privileged to serve.

At BOC, banking has never been just about transactions. It is about relationships. It is about knowing our customers by name, understanding their goals and offering personalized financial solutions with a level of care only a true community bank can provide. Decisions are 12 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

made locally by people who understand this market, this community and the values that matter here.

We are equally proud to celebrate Mary Ann Morris, recognized as Best Mortgage Lender and Best Loan Officer. Mary Ann exemplifies everything that makes community banking special. Her expertise, dedication and commitment to helping customers navigate one of life’s biggest milestones, buying a home, have earned the trust of countless families throughout our area.

Whether guiding first-time home buyers, helping families refinance or finding lending solutions tailored to individual needs, Mary Ann brings both professionalism and heart to every customer interaction. Her recognition is a reflection of the exceptional service she delivers every day.

BOC is proud to sponsor local events, support schools and nonprofits, celebrate community milestones and contribute to the continued growth of Clarendon County.

Because when our community thrives, we all thrive.

To everyone who voted for us, banked with us, trusted us and supported us through the years, we thank you.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Serving up the best at Jalisco Mexican Grill The Reyes family would like to thank you for voting Jalisco Mexican Grill the Best Mexican Food in the 2026 Best of Clarendon contest. Our locally owned restaurant is named after Mexico’s Pacific Coast state, Jalisco, where our family originated.

We have been in the restaurant business for more than 25 years, and we always strive to provide the best restaurant experience possible. Our team prides itself on serving great-tasting food in a comfortable family atmosphere. The friendly staff enjoys getting to know our guests and are truly honored to have the opportunity to serve you each day.

Jalisco Mexican Grill is open 7 days a week for dine-in or takeout. We are conveniently located on A M Nash Road in Manning next to I-95 at Exit 119.

Come see us for the best authentic Mexican food, music and happy hour in a friendly atmosphere.

Thank you again to our loyal customers. We enjoy serving you.

Proud Provider of Veterans Administration

At Your Service Home Care

Thank you for voting us Best Senior Care, Customer Service and In-Home Care SPECIAL SERVICES PERSONAL CARE • Bathing & Dressing Support • Dementia Care • Feeding & Dietary Needs • Medicine & Health Monitoring • Mobility Assistance • Toileting & Incontinence Care

• Companionship • Grocery Shopping • Laundry • Light Housekeeping • Errands • Meal Preparation • Private Nurse Duty • Transportation to Doctor Appointments • Home Health/Hospice Support

(803) 305.0404 ays-homecare.com

401 S. Mill St., Manning, SC

Thank you for voting us best Mexican Food Happy Hour Bar Wings COME SAVORS THE BEST FLAVORS IN TOWN!

2167 A M NASH ROAD, MANNING

MONDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-10PM, SUNDAY 11AM-3PM A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

(803) 505-6552 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 13

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Manufacturing Plant Latitude Corp.

Massage / Massage Therapist Courtney Pate Soothing Phalanges Nail Salon Ellen's Nail Salon

Pest Control Clarendon Exterminating Pet Boarding Puppy Parlor Pet Grooming Boop the Snoot Grooming Self Storage Facility Raccoon Storage Septic Tanks Robert James Septic LL Sign Company Mid Eastern Graphics Storage / Utility Buildings OutDoor UpGrades Tanning Salon Southern Hair & Tan Plus Nails Tree Service Ricky's Tree Service

Trucking Company William's Trucking of the Carolinas LLC

Networking Group Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce

Community

Nonprofit Organization Well Watered Ministries

Campground Palmetto Shores RV Resort Place for Kids to Have Fun Charity Event Carolina Dance Academy A Second Chance Animal Place to Volunteer Shelter BBQ Cookoff Well Watered Ministries Church Sports Leagues Manning United Clarendon Elite Youth Methodist Church Sports Civic Club Wedding Venue Manning Lions Club Matrix Center Community Event Striped Bass Festival Eat & Drink Elected Official Rep. Fawn Pedalino

American Food The Orchard Cafe

Event Entertainment Tad Graham Graham Entertainment

Asian Food Yummy Japanese Grill

Event Venue Weldon Auditorium Firefighter / EMT Ed Gamble Clarendon County Fire Rescue

Bar Jalisco Mexican Grill Barbecue D & H Bar-B-Que Breakfast Summerton Diner

Law Enforcement Breakfast Buffet Officer Shoney’s Chief Sean Briley Manning Police Department

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at www.TheItem.com/BestOfClarendon.

14 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Your Trust. Our Our Honor.

Honor.

Your Trust.

Being named

Best Bank

Best Bank

in Clarendon

is more than an award, it’s a Being named inreflection Clarendon

of the relationships we’ve built together.

is more than an award, it’s a reflection

Mary Ann Morris Best oan i er Best Mort a e en erMary Ann Morris

of the relationships we’ve built together.

Congratulations to

,

voted

Congratulations to

and

, for turning

Best oan i er Mort a e en er

Best

,

dreams of home ownership into reality voted and every day.

, for turning

dreams of home ownership into reality

Mary Ann Morris NMLS# 649768

every day.

Thank you for trusting us with what matters most.

Mary Ann Morris NMLS# 649768

My BOC.bank A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 15

BONANZA Flea Market

Thank you for voting us Best Breakfast Buffet

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US Best Flea Market, Best Antique Store, Best Consignment Store 1048 Bonanza Crossing Rd. • Manning, SC Hours: Th-F 10-5 • Sat 8-4 • Sun 12-5 803-460-0014 •

@Bonanza Flea Market

Thank you for voting

Brian Joyner

Best Insurance Agent TWO YEARS IN A ROW!

an event Catering Have or party coming up? us do the cooking!

Available Let Call for details 2742 Paxville Hwy. Manning, SC ● (803) 696-4481 ● manningshoneys@yahoo.com

(803) 433-0060 4 N. Mill St. Manning , SC 29102

VOTED BEST

Real estate company Lake Marion Realty

803.433.7355 6 N. Brooks St., Manning, SC

Wyboo Sales Office

803.478.3337

2538 Players Course Drive, Manning, SC

LitchfieldByTheLake.com 16 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Serving you today and tomorrow at your local Piggly Wiggly

you

Best

We at the Piggly Wiggly would like to thank the residents of Clarendon County for voting us the No. 1 grocery store in the county. It is a true honor to serve and be a part of this great community. We look forward to serving you for many more years to come.

Your Family Owned Hometown Dealer since 1926!

36 Sunset Drive, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-2118

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST Pre-owned Car Dealership 452 N. Brooks Street • Manning, SC www.prothrogmc.com 803-433-2535 1-800-968-9934 www.prothrochevy.com

Thank you for voting Piggly Wiggly

Best Grocery Store! piggly wiggly

Your neighborhood one-stop shopping experience.

36 Sunset Drive Manning, SC 29102

Main: (803) 433-2118 Deli: (803) 433-8544 Pharmacy: (803) 433-2412

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 17

Brunch The Orchard Cafe

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Buffet D & H Bar-B-Que Burger Burger Chick Cake & Desserts Lucy's Traditional Southern Bakehouse Catering Timeless Traditions LLC Coffee Shop Jilly Beans Cafe Deli The Orchard Cafe Family Restaurant Porter Jacks Grill Fast Food Chick-fil-A French Fries Chick-fil-A Fried Chicken D & H Bar-B-Que Grocery Store Piggly Wiggly Happy Hour Jalisco Mexican Grill

Health Food Lucy's Traditional Southern Bakehouse Hot Dog Burger Chick Ice Cream Store Fayz at the Lake

Wings Jalisco Mexican Grill

Education After School Program Laurence Manning Academy

Driving School Italian Hands on Driver Training Georgio's Restaurant & Pizza Preschool Liquor Store Premier Spirits and More Laurence Manning Academy Mexican Private School Jalisco Mexican Grill Laurence Manning Academy Pizza Daniel’s Pizza Public School Romantic Restaurant Manning Junior High School The Lake House School Administrator Salads Dr. Anthony J. Williams Jr. Lucy's Traditional Manning Junior High School Southern Bakehouse School Teacher Sandwiches Rhonda Joyner The Orchard Cafe Manning Early Childhood Center Seafood Gullah Gullah Fish Tutoring Center Clarendon Christian Sports Bar Learning The Players Course at Wyboo Steak Porter Jacks Grill Sweet Tea The Orchard Cafe

Home & Finance

Accounting Gibbons & Company, CPA, PA

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at www.TheItem.com/BestOfClarendon.

18 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you for voting us

BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. CAR SALESPERSON

ALTON “SCOOTER” GOODWIN

Two Locations to serve you

2601 Paxville Hwy, Manning, SC

2585 Paxville Hwy Manning, SC

803-566-0138

803-566-8740

Retail Hours - Mon.- Fri: 9-6 p.m. and Sat. 9-4 p.m.

Service hours - Mon.- Fri: 8-5 p.m.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Local Inventory

Expert Service

Retail Hours - Mon.- Fri: 9-6 p.m. and Sat. 9-4 p.m.

Service hours - Mon.- Fri: 8-5 p.m.

Financing

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 19

Custom Ordering

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Air & Heating Service 1st Choice Quality Heating Air & Plumbing Apartment Complex Mannington Place Apartments Assisted Living Pocotaligo River Health and Rehab

Financial Advisement Real Estate Company Glenn Wells, New York Life The Litchfield Company & Christie's International Interior Decorating Real Estate Company Roofing Company Best Dressed Homes by Kelley Construction Donna Landscaping Brewer's Lawn Care

Bank / Credit Union Bank of Clarendon

Mortgage Lender Mary Ann Morris Bank of Clarendon

Cable / Satellite Company FTC

New Home Construction Builder Aycock Construction LLC

Cleaning Company (Residential) Kim Jones Commercial and Residential Cleaning Service

Nursing Home Pocotaligo River Health and Rehab

Concrete Company Cecil Hodge Contractor / Remodeler Ley Hemingway HH Drywall LLC Decks & Porches OutDoor UpGrades Electric / Gas Providers Santee Electric Cooperative Inc. Fence Company Ridgeway Fence Company

Senior Care At Your Service Home Care Tax Preparation Gibbons & Company, CPA, PA

Medical Cardiologist McLeod Cardiology Associates Clarendon

Painters Lewis Ryles

Children's Dentist Clarendon Smiles Dental Clinic

Pool Company The Swimmin' Hole

Chiropractor Manning Neck & Back

Property Management Company ResCom Management

Dentistry / Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Derek L. Lee, DMD

Real Estate Agent Peggy Haley

Dialysis Company Fresenius Kidney Care Manning

Real Estate Appraisal Mackey Wood Real Estate Closing Attorney Coffey & McKenzie, P.A.

Family Practice Eagerton Family Practice

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at www.TheItem.com/BestOfClarendon.

20 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

A short drive from the big city, Santee Automotive is here to help you find your next vehicle In the heart of Clarendon County lies a beacon of automotive excellence — Santee Automotive. Home to Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles, we take pride in offering a wide range of top-quality cars, trucks and SUVs to cater to every customer's needs. Our commitment to exceptional service and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction has earned us the esteemed title of Best New Car Dealership, Best Dealership Service Department and Best Car Salesperson-Alton ‘Scooter’ Goodwin in the 2026 Best of Clarendon awards. It's an honor to serve the Clarendon County community, and we are grateful for the trust and support we've received.

At Santee Automotive, we strive to redefine the car-buying experience for our customers. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is always ready to assist you in finding the perfect vehicle that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you're in the market for a rugged and reliable Ford truck, a luxurious Chrysler sedan, a high-performance Dodge, a versatile Jeep SUV or a lifted Ram pickup, we have you covered. With a diverse inventory of new

and pre-owned vehicles, you're sure to find the right match at our dealership.

We understand that buying a car is a significant investment, which is why we go above and beyond to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. Our finance department works with a wide network of lenders to help you secure the best financing options tailored to your specific needs. Whether you have good credit, bad credit or no credit, we're here to help you drive home in your dream vehicle.

But our commitment doesn't end when you drive off the lot. Our state-of-the-art service center is staffed with certified technicians who are equipped to handle all your maintenance and repair needs. From routine oil changes to complex engine diagnostics, we're dedicated to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and safely for years to come.

Experience the difference at Santee Automotive, where our passion for excellence and community shines through in everything we do. Visit us today and discover why we are honored to be voted the best in Clarendon County.

Latitude Corp: Award-winning manufacturing and career opportunities in Manning

Latitude Corp is more than a manufacturing company — it is a place where careers grow, skills are developed and employees are valued. With more than 100 associates in Manning and continued growth underway, Latitude is actively hiring both hourly production workers and salaried associates to join its expanding team.

Recently named Best Manufacturing Plant in the Best of Clarendon awards, Latitude continues to earn recognition for its commitment to quality, innovation and workplace culture.

The company operates multiple facilities and shifts in Manning, serving customers through advanced manufacturing and production capabilities.

The facilities on Jo Rogers Jr. Boulevard specialize in precision sheet metal fabrication using state-of-the-art lasers, forming equipment, spot welding and MIG/TIG welding

technology. These locations also house the company’s E-Coat and Powder Coat lines, Batch Powder Booth, Batch Oven and Assembly operations.

One of the things that sets Latitude apart is its Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Employees are more than team members — they are employee-owners who share in the company’s success. This creates a culture built on teamwork, pride and long-term growth.

Latitude Corp continues to seek motivated individuals who want to build rewarding careers in manufacturing and production. Whether starting a new path or bringing years of experience, employees have the opportunity to grow within a supportive and forward-thinking company.

To learn more about employment opportunities, visit latitudecorp.com.

BE A PART OF THE TEAM!

We are hiring hourly production workers and salaried associates.

Learn about the opportunities today!

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 21

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

General Surgeon Vein Specialist Dr. Devonne D. Barrineau Dr. William Jackson McLeod Surgery Clarendon McLeod Health Hospice Care McLeod Clarendon Hospice In-Home Care At Your Service Home Care Medical Center McLeod Health Clarendon Nurse Jessica Weinberg, RN McLeod Health Clarendon

Professionals Civil Attorney Joe Coffey Coffey & McKenzie, P.A. Counselor Elizabeth Briley Criminal Defense Attorney Steven McKenzie Coffey & McKenzie, P.A. Electrician Steven Voshell

Obstetrics & Gynecology Esthetician McLeod Women's Care Nicole Marlow Optometrist MyEyeDr. Orthodontist Coulter Orthodontics Orthopedic Surgeons McLeod Orthopaedics Clarendon Pediatrics HopeHealth Pediatrics Physical Therapist Southern Lakes Therapy Urgent Care Low Country Urgent Care

Family Law Attorney Steven McKenzie Coffey & McKenzie, P.A. Insurance Agent Brian Joyner Jeffords Insurance Agency Loan Officer Mary Ann Morris Bank of Clarendon Personal Injury Attorney Coffey & McKenzie, P.A. Personal Trainer Heatherly Brammer

Photographer Oak+Lens Photography

by Amber Murley

Plumber 1st Choice Quality Heating Air & Plumbing Veterinarian Lake Marion Animal Hospital

Shopping & Commerce Antique Store Bonanza Flea Market Boutique Berkeley Boutique Children's Clothing Store Jack in the Box Children’s Boutique Consignment Store Bonanza Flea Market Cosmetics Store CVS Farm / Lawn Equipment Sparrow & Kennedy Tractor Company Feed Store Frierson Farms Store Fishing Store Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at www.TheItem.com/BestOfClarendon.

22 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Vision Enabling our customer’s vision with excellence in quality and service.

Mission To provide quality, high precision metal solutions to a diverse customer base.

Values Always Safe: Creating a workplace focused on the health, safety and well-being of all Customer Focus: Building positive relationships with our customers Teamwork and Respect: Working together to foster creativity and leveraging individual strengths Personal Accountability: Taking personal ownership and pride in our actions Quality at Every Step: Delivering the highest quality service to our customers Value Creation: consistently creating solutions that customers value

Thank you for voting us

BEST MANUFACTURING PLANT

MANNING FACILITIES The Manning facilities specialize in precision sheet metal fabrication using state-of-the-art lasers, forming equipment, spot welding, and MIG/TIG welding technology. These locations also house the company’s E-Coat and Powder Coat lines, Batch Powder Booth, Batch Oven, and Assembly operations.

Verona, Wisconsin Tucson, Arizona We are hiring hourly production workers and salaried Manning, South Carolina

BE A PART OF THE TEAM!

associates. Learn about the opportunities today!

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 23

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Fitness Store Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods Flea Market Bonanza Flea Market

Furniture Store Farmers Home Furniture Gas Station Tanners Gas Station

Guns & Firearms Dealer Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods

Jewelry Store Big T Jewelers

Pharmacy Brunson's Pharmacy

Mattress Store Freedom Furniture & Mattress

Shoe Store Berkeley Boutique

Men's Clothing Store Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods Nursery Brunson Nursery and Design

Gift Store Brunson’s Pharmacy

Hardware Store Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods

Local Cellular Company FTC

Paint Store Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods Party Rental & Supply Store Muddy Bottom Farm Pawn Shop Reliable Pawn Shop

Sporting Goods Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods Thrift Store A Second Chance Thrift Store Tire Store Walker Tire Company Tobacco Store Stop & Go Vape Store Stop & Go Women's Clothing Berkeley Boutique

Pet Store Manning Feed Mill

Best of the Best Best Boss Beatrice Seymore Shoot for the Moon Academy-Manning Best Customer Service At Your Service Home Care

Best Local Industry Georgia Pacific Clarendon OSB

Best New Business (opened in 2025) Birdie’s Cafe & Creamery

Best Locally Owned Business The Players Course at Wyboo

Best Place to Work The Players Course at Wyboo

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at www.TheItem.com/BestOfClarendon.

24 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

McLeod Health Voted The Best 2026 Best Of Clarendon McLeod Health Clarendon Best Medical Center Best Orthopedic Surgeons Best General Surgeon McLeod Orthopaedics Dr. Devonne D. Barrineau Clarendon Best Cardiologists McLeod Cardiology Associates Clarendon

Best OB/GYN Practice McLeod Women’s Care

Best Vein Specialist Dr. William C. Jackson

Best Family Practice Eagerton Family Practice

Best Hospice Care McLeod Clarendon Hospice Best Esthetician Nicole Marlowe The Spa at McLeod Clarendon

Best Nurse Jessica Weinberg, RN

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

McLeod Health

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 25

A heartfelt thank you after 57 great years For more than five decades, Big T Jewelers has proudly served Manning and the surrounding communities with dedication, appreciation and a personal touch that turned customers into lifelong friends. Since opening in 1969, Kenny, Tammye and their staff have been honored to help generations of families celebrate life’s special moments.

After many rewarding years in business, Kenny and Tammye have decided it is time to retire and enjoy their golden years. While this chapter is coming to a close, they remain deeply grateful for the support, loyalty and friendships the community has shared with them throughout the years.

Being voted Best of Clarendon year after year has been one of the greatest honors for Big T Jewelers.

Those recognitions represent the lasting relationship between the store and the people of Clarendon County.

As Big T Jewelers prepares for retirement, the store will continue its going out of business sale with merchandise reduced throughout the store.

Kenny, Tammye and the entire staff sincerely thank every customer for making more than 57 years in business possible.

Come visit us before we close at: 520 W. Boyce St,. Manning, SC.

Best Auto Body Shop Thank you for voting for us!

Your Vehicle.

Our Priority.

Your Peace of Mind.

All insurance claims welcome!

4768 W. Turbeville Hwy., Turbeville, SC

(843) 659-4470

Thank you for voting us

Best Seafood

23 West Boyce St., Manning, SC 29102

(803) 433.1335

Thank you for voting

Big T Jewelers

Best year after year

This will be our last win as we have decided to retire.

Thank you for your faithful support these many years.

Love, Kenny & Tammye & Staff

Everything storewide is REDUCED

Come by and see us again for another Big T savings!

520 West Boyce Street • Manning, SC 29102

(803) 435-8094

Monday - Friday 9am-6pm 26 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

McLeod Health Clarendon provides comforting and quality care

McLeod Health Clarendon, an 81-bed acute care hospital, is here to provide you and your family the highest-quality health care available. Our highly skilled physicians and medical staff provide a wide range of medical services designed to meet the unique needs of the people living in Clarendon County and surrounding communities that we serve. We have the services you need here and now. McLeod Health Clarendon is committed to transforming Clarendon’s health care. Newer with investments in state-of-the-art equipment, access to new technology and renovations. Better with recruitment of new specialists in cardiology, nephrology and other specialty areas and the expansion of hospice care to Clarendon and Sumter counties. Faster emergency care because of substantial changes to the patient intake and assessment process, resulting in significantly shorter wait times and improved patient flow. McLeod Health Clarendon is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of those who trust us with their care. As part of the McLeod Health System, the region’s destination for medical excellence, patients receive direct access to specialists in heart and vascular care and a full line of cancer diagnostic and treatment options. Our excellence extends from the Midlands to the coast along the border

of North Carolina and South Carolina – serving more than one million people. In addition to Clarendon, McLeod Health currently operates three Health and Fitness Centers, a Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Hospice and Home Health Services. The system currently has 988 licensed beds, including Hospice and Behavioral Health. The hospitals within McLeod Health include: McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Health Dillon, McLeod Health Loris, McLeod Health Seacoast, McLeod Health Cheraw, McLeod Health Clarendon and McLeod Behavioral Health.

Services include:

• Cardiology • Cardiopulmonary Care • Emergency Department • Health & Fitness Center & Spa • Home Health • Hospice • Imaging-Mammography, CT & MRI • Infusion Services • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) • Laboratory • McLeod Safe Kids • Orthopedics • Pediatrics • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery • Podiatry • Rehabilitation: Cardiac, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • Sleep Lab • Surgical Services • Swing Bed Program• Urology • Women’s Services, Maternity Care, Centering, Midwifery & Pelvic Health • Wound Care

ESSENTIALLY LOCAL. AUTHENTICALLY SUMTER. The Sumter Item is the only source of daily local news in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties.

We hold the powerful accountable and help you make informed decisions, celebrate your wins and educate your children, all to live your best life. Without us, your stories would often go untold.

Thank you for voting us

Boat Landing Voted Best of Clarendon 6 years in a row!

Randolph’s Landing

Sign up for The Sumter Item’s free email newsletter. www.theitem.com/newsletter

1022 Randolphs Landing Way, Manning, SC

(803) 478-2152

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 27

Voted Best

New Home Construction Builder

Thank you for voting us Thank you for your vote!

Aycock Construction, LLC

See us for your new home building plan

(803) 309-4574

to our customers for

BEST PEDIATRICS in Clarendon County!

Become a patient today!

(803) 433-4124 | hope-health.org

voting

Meares Marine Best Boat Dealership!

2058 Lakeshore Drive, Manning 803-478-2527 mearesmarine.com 28 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Meares Marine wants to keep you out on the water

Welcome to Meares Marine LLC, your No. 1 stop for all things boating. Located on Lake Marion, Meares Marine was founded in 2014 by owner and operator Patrick Meares. Meares Marine takes pride in being the most dependable service center on Lake Marion.

We strive to keep our customers on the water, and we appreciate their votes of confidence in naming us Best Boat Dealership in The Sumter Item’s 2026 Best of Clarendon contest.

At Meares Marine, we offer everything a lakefront marina should. We are an authorized Crest and Yamaha dealer and a Mercury and Yamaha board dealer serving the Clarendon area. Meares Marine carries new and pre-owned inventory and can provide in-house financing for both. With our dockside store and fuel, we aim to get you back out on the water in no time. Half- and full-day boat rentals are available so everyone can enjoy the adventure Lake Marion has to offer.

Follow us on Facebook. Visit us at 2058 Lake Shore Drive, Manning, give us a call at (803) 478-2527, or email mearesmarine@gmail.com. Visit us at www.

MearesMarine.com.

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BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 29

Reliable Pawn Shop earns reputation for honesty and respect

Reliable Pawn Shop has been locally owned since it was established in 1946. We lead the pawn industry as one of the oldest licensed pawnbrokers in South Carolina.

As active members of the South Carolina and National Pawnbrokers Associations, we hold ourselves to the highest standards. As a result, we have earned the reputation of treating our clients honestly and respectfully.

Our retail inventory includes electronics, power and hand tools, musical instruments, audio/video equipment, DVDs, holsters, ammo, air conditioners, TVs, computers, lawnmowers, microwaves, bicycles, fishing equipment and much more. We specialize in firearms and jewelry, with new and preowned fine jewelry gracing each of our stores in Sumter and Manning and selections that are unrivaled in those areas.

At Reliable Pawn Shop, we are happy to help you overcome any cash flow interruption with a collateral loan. We are staffed with experienced pawnbroking professionals to match our services to your specific situation. Thanks for voting for us!

Thank you for voting THE STUDIO SALON

Best Hair Salon 803-460-5077 327 South Mill St. Manning, SC 29102

Thank you for voting

Soothing Phalanges Best Massage Therapist

326 S. Mill St., Manning, SC 29102

(843) 270-8732

15 years serving Manning & surrounding areas

T hank you for voting us #1!

We strive to provide excellent service to our clients

We invite you to come see us today!

Always Buying Gold! www.reliablepawnshop.com

18 N. Brooks St. Downtown Manning 33 W. Liberty St. Downtown Sumter

30 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Rep. Pedalino grateful to serve Clarendon I am deeply honored to be recognized as Best Elected Official in the 2026 Best of Clarendon awards. This honor means so much because it comes from the people I am privileged to serve, and I sincerely appreciate your trust, encouragement and continued support.

Representing our community in the Statehouse is a responsibility I value every day. I remain committed to being accessible, listening to your concerns and working hard for the issues that matter most to Clarendon County — from strengthening local infrastructure to promoting accountability and ensuring our voices are heard.

It is a privilege to stand beside the people of District 64 as we continue building a stronger future for our community.

Thank you for your confidence and for allowing me the opportunity to serve. I will continue working hard to represent you with integrity and dedication.

D&H BBQ BUFFET - DRIVE THRU - CATERING

Thank you for voting us BEST in 3 Categories.

• Barbecue • Buffet • Fried Chicken

412 S. MILL STREET I MANNING, SC

803-433-2189

HENRY BRAILSFORD

PATRICK BRAILSFORD

Voted Best

Elected Official

Thank you to all my voters for your continued support!

District 64 (803)566-0120 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 31

! w o R A n I s r 8 Yea QUALITY FUEL YOU CAN TRUST

COFFEE & DRINKS COLD AND HOT

Monica Phan

“

OWNER

It has always been my dream to help people in the community. Being here every day at Tanners allows me to send people to work in the morning and home in the evening with a smile on their face.

”

I, Monica Phan, owner, would like to thank all my wonderful customers for voting us

32 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

SNACKS & MORE FOR EVERYONE

PROPANE STATION FILLING STATION

Tanners is your One-Stop Shop 3 locations to serve you!

3088 ALEX HARVIN HWY. (HWY 301 & RACCOON RD.), MANNING, SC • (803) 473-2050 2605 WAREHOUSE BLVD. (HWY 15 SOUTH), SUMTER, SC • (803) 506-2804 2810 US 15 SOUTH SUMTER, SC • (803) 481-5857

WE INVITE YOU TO SEE WHY TANNERS IS VOTED #1 FRIENDLY SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON...

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BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 33

Tanners – more than a gas station, we are the one-stop shop for all your fishing, lake day needs

It has always been my dream, since I came here when I was 13, to help people improve in the community. Being at Tanners in Manning allows me to send people to work in the morning, home in the evening and to the lake on the weekend with smiles on their faces.

I’ve worked so hard to be able to own my own store to serve Manning, Sumter and the surrounding area with all your fuelup, snack and convenience store needs, and I love talking to all of you every day and seeing your faces come back again and again.

Starting out as an accountant, I always knew I wanted to be in retail. My dream came true in 2010 when I opened my first store in Sumter, and I’ve absolutely loved my time in Manning since opening here seven years ago.

Whether you need gas, bait and tackle, breakfast, lunch or a hot dinner, it is my responsibility to send you away satisfied. Tanners offers a variety of fuel, including regular gas, propane, small-engine fuel and race gas. Our store is packed with anything you’d want fast, from candy and chips to cold

beverages. Our pizza and wings are hot and ready to take out or eat here daily.

We have everything you need for your day on the lake.

Come stock up on ice, beer, snacks, fishing supplies and other outdoor gear. The summer holidays are great because I get to meet so many people who I can help stock up for a good time outdoors.

You, the customers, are the most important part of my business. My reliable and caring staff has been here through hurricanes and snow. We have used a generator to provide food and gas knowing others may be out and in need.

With Manning being such a small Southern town, where everyone knows everyone, seeing the same people come back day after day warms my heart.

If you haven't been out to see us at any of our three locations, on U.S. 301 in Manning or two locations on U.S. 15 South in Sumter, please come visit to learn about everything we have to offer. If you’ve been with us for a while now, we can’t wait to see you again.

Best CAKES & DESSERT Best HEALTH FOOD Best SALADS

We are honored to be voted

Best of C larendon

5 W. Boyce St. Manning, SC (803) 433.BAKE (2253)

(803) 410.7512 34 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you for shopping local at Lucy’s

Words cannot fully express how grateful we are for this incredible recognition. This award is not just a celebration of Lucy’s — it is a celebration of our community and the importance of supporting local businesses. Every customer who chooses to shop local plays a part in helping our community grow and thrive, and we are deeply thankful for your continued support.

At Lucy’s, we believe in creating more than just delicious food and desserts — we strive to create a welcoming experience that feels like home the moment you walk through our doors. From homemade sweets to savory meals and everything in between, each item is prepared with care, love and appreciation for the people we serve.

When you take home Lucy’s, you are sharing a piece of our heart with your family and friends. Your support inspires us every day to continue serving this wonderful community and to keep celebrating the spirit of shopping local.

From all of us at Lucy’s, thank you for your trust, encouragement and support. We are truly honored and grateful.

Your vehicle will run great with CARQUEST Auto Parts Thank you to all our loyal and new customers who voted CARQUEST Auto Parts of Manning Best of Clarendon in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and again for 2026. Thank you for voting us Best Auto Parts and Best Car & Truck Accessories. We are a family owned and veteran-run business with 10 locations, and we are always looking for ways to improve and streamline our operations, which are anchored on customer service.

We offer custom-mixed paint, on-site hydro hose, light- and heavy-duty truck parts, small engine parts and a knowledgeable staff that can help you with anything you need or have questions about.

We are here for you and want you to feel comfortable trusting us with the care of your vehicle.

CARQUEST Auto Parts of Manning is looking forward to serving you for many years to come.

Thank you, Clarendon!

Voted best in 2 categories

• AUTO PARTS • CAR & TRUCK ACCESSORIES

YOUR FULL LINE PART STORE WHERE YOU GET IT ALL! PARTS • AUTO PAINT MIXED TO MATCH • HYDRAULIC HOSES MADE HERE

511 S. Mill St. Manning, SC

803.433.4949 Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sat. 7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

YOUR FULL LINE PART STORE WHERE YOU GET IT ALL! PARTS • AUTO PAINT MIXED TO MATCH • HYDRAULIC HOSES MADE HERE BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 35

Best Catering

Michael “Bubba” Brown & Archie Pierson

Thank you for your vote!

803-491-7055 traditionssc@gmail.com Thank you for voting us

Best Interior Decorating Company 5 years in a row!

Women’s Clothing Store Shoe Store Find your perfect look today!

Boutique 316 S. Mill St. Manning, SC | 803-433-9200 | shopberkeleyboutique.com

“Creating Lasting “Creating Lasting Impressions ” Impressions”

StagingDesign • Interior Design & Decorating Home StagingHome • Interior & Decorating Residentiaal l & Commercial Residential & Commerci

803-825-8109 Donna Donna Hodge:Hodge: 803-825-8109

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sat 8 a.m.-noon Closed Sunday Prescriptions

reliable care RX Fast when you need it!

Health & Wellness Vitamins and everyday health essentials

Thank you for voting us

Best Pharmacy & Gift Store in Clarendon County year after year!

12 N. Brooks St., Manning, SC 29102

Your full-service Pharmacy Experts

Here at Brunson’s Pharmacy, your family’s health is our top priority and take the time to answer any questions.

We offer traditional prescription filling, immunizations, medication adherence, and much more.

803-435-2511

Additional parking available behind the pharmacy 36 BEST OF CLARENDON 2026

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

At Graham Entertainment, the party options are endless

Graham Entertainment brings the life to a party!

They have an endless library of music that is fitting for all occasions. Whether you're looking for a family fun night or a party on the dance floor, they have the means to make it happen. Tad and Lyndy Graham, known as Graham Entertainment, have been DJing together for over 27 years. Their experience is exceptional, as is their ability to keep the party going. Tad’s love for music and sound equipment led him to DJing, and his wife, Lyndy,

decided to join the fun. They provide entertainment for all types of occasions, from weddings and receptions to parties, proms, karaoke and trivia. Contact Tad or Lyndy today to learn more about Graham Entertainment and how to book them to DJ your next event. Graham Entertainment also has chairs and tables for rent for any occasion. Delivery is available. Please call for details at (803) 460-8495.

WANT TO IMPROVE SALES? Call an Item sales representative to advertise in our many publications!

KAREN CAVE (803) 774-1242

DEVIN MCDONALD (803) 983-0786

karen@theitem.com

devin@theitem.com

MARK PEKURI (803) 464-8917

markp@theitem.com

THE GRIND: Rogers looks to make run to wrestling state title B1

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, JANUARY 8-10, 2025

$2.50

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

County council members are sworn in

BY DEIRDRE CURRIN deirdre@theitem.com On Nov. 5, Sumter residents made their voices heard at the polls, and as of Thursday, Jan. 2, those elected have been officially sworn into office at Sumter County Courthouse, including the Sumter County

Council newcomer and successor of District 7 Councilman Eugene Baten, Tasha Gardner-Greene.

Alongside Gardner-Greene — the only new face on council — District 3 Councilman Jimmy Byrd and District 5 Councilwoman Vivian Fleming-McGhaney were sworn in

by S.C. Supreme Court Justice George C. “Buck” James Jr. Clerk of Court James C. Campbell and Sumter County Coroner Robbie M. Baker Jr. were also sworn in, and Baker then swore in his Deputy Coroners Donnie Vickers, William McLeod and Dalton Simon. Baker said Deputy

Coroner Earle Robertson was unable to attend.

Current Sumter County Council Chairman James McCain presided over the ceremony, and Morris College Professor Herbert Johnson performed “God Bless the U.S.A.” District 1 Councilman Carl-

ton Washington and Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis were also reelected but were not present, as both held a separate swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at their home church, Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist

SEE COUNCIL, PAGE A6

Tennis center now boasts German red clay courts for ‘world-class’ play

Meteorologist: ‘Lots of uncertainty’ in forecast for Friday night, Saturday Precipitation is likely in some form, but expert says rain is most likely

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Most of us want 2025 to be a

Legal Service Attorney Timothy L. Griffith 803-607-9087, 360 W. Wesmark.

Criminal, Family, Accident, Injury

MERCHANDISE

PHOTOS BY ADAM FLASH / THE SUMTER ITEM

BY DEIRDRE CURRIN deirdre@theitem.com A crowd formed around the newest addition to the Palmetto Tennis Center, the Philip L. Edwards Tennis Complex, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, as excited tennis players waited to play on the center’s brand-new red clay courts after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

A project that has been in the works for years now, the red clay courts offer a different material for Sumter’s tennis players to compete

workout that people need.

Stretch Zone offers “practitioner-assisted stretching” for clients to increase mobility and improve health and overall wellness and is a relatively new concept — but actually really is not new — according to Sumter franchise

BURKETT

Mickey's Home improvements & Repairs. Electrical, wooden fence, decks & handyman work.

803-840-6911 or 803-340-0662

Tree Service

With about 400 locations nationwide and 17 in South Carolina, Stretch Zone is the only certified stretching company in the U.S., Burkett said.

A total of 45 stretches between the lower body (from the back down) and upper body (chest, shoulders, arms and neck) make up the full routine, and typical clients might come in with a lower backache, he added.

EXPERIENCED HVAC INSTALLER/TECHNICIAN WANTED Pay Based on Experience Must have your own reliable transportation Location: Sumter, SC Job Requirements: 2+ years' experience installing new HVAC systems, preventative and general maintenance servicing systems, installing duct work, extensive troubleshooting, and HVAC knowledge. Please call (803)968-4718 if interested.

Help Wanted from Manning, SC. Live in care giver needed for elderly woman. For more info please contact 267-442-8603 or 267-608-7952 Tru by Hilton, Please apply in person at Spring Hill Suites 2645 Broad St. Seeking front desk clerk, house keeping and maintenance engineer. Trusumter@gmail.com

Help Wanted Part-Time Part Time custodian position available. 30 hours per week. .

Send resume to P-480 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments

Wanted laborer with CDL license, welding experience is a plus. Salary negotiable. For more info.

803-494-9590.

Experienced Cashiers, Servers & Grill cook needed. Must be available to work all shifts. Please call Cindy at 803-481-6495 for more info.

Contractors Wanted!

The Sumter Item has a newspaper route for the Bishopville area.

Contractor will service home delivery, newspaper racks & newspaper dealers.

Also need contractor for the Mayesville, Elliott & Lynchburg route.

Must have good dependable transportation & a phone in your home. Come by & apply at 36 W. Liberty St. or call Reda at 803-774-1257

Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette.

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO Huntington Place Apartments Rents from $625 per month 1 Month free* *13 Month lease required Leasing office located at Ashton Mill Apartment Homes 595 Ashton Mill Drive 803-773-3600 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5

Mobile Home Rentals MH For rent on Private lot, 5035 Queen Chapel Rd, Dalzell 803-469-3530 Lv msg.

DIGNITY VILLAGE

APARTMENTS will be taking applications for our waiting list, you must be 62 and older and meet our income eligibility requirements.

Our office is open Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.

11 N. Blanding Street Sumter, SC 29150 BRUCE MILLS / THE SUMTER ITEM

Stretch Zone Assistant Manager Niles Vereen performs a lower-body

Office Rentals 690 Bultman Dr 1612 Sq. Ft. Reception area w/ hdwd floors, 4 Private offices, Conference rm, Secretarial work area, Copier/Equip.

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Autos For Sale Needed: HVAC Technician. Minimum 5 years experience. $15-$20 an hour depending on exp. Must be EPA certified. Call 803-825-9075

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Help Wanted Full-Time

SEE COURTS, PAGE A9

Help Wanted Full-Time

For Sale or Trade

EMPLOYMENT

on, and compete they will. While the courts had been open for less than a few minutes, players gathered with rackets in bags on their backs, ready to experience the new material, which offers the opportunity of slower play and is less

803-774-12

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New & used Heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Need a truckload of firewood? $60 delivered to Sumter or Manning.

Call State Tree Service at 803-773-1320.

Stretch studio in Sumter can improve clients’ mobility and overall wellness Stretch Zone addresses ‘muscle imbalances’ and is only certified stretching company in U.S., owner says

Home Improvements H.L. Boone, Contractor: Remodel paint roofs gutters drywall blown ceilings ect. 773-9904

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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM SEE WEATHER, PAGE A9

BUSINESS SERVICES

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Sumter venue hosts ribbon cutting

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018

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Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com The cold air mass has settled in place here with daily highs only reaching the mid-40s through Saturday, Jan. 11, and everybody is on the lookout for some form of precipitation Friday night and Saturday.

Early this week, Columbia-based National Weather Service meteorologist Pierce Larkin told The Sumter Item DID YOU there is a 60% chance KNOW? of precipitation for Late January, Friday night and into historically, is Saturday but there is typically when “lots of uncertainty” the Midlands currently regarding region has its what form it will best chance for take. wintry weather in According to the the form of snow weather service, in or freezing rain. the first half of JanSource: National uary it is very diffiWeather Service cult to get frozen precipitation — snow, sleet or freezing rain — in the Midlands regardless of the circumstances. Late January, historically, is typically when the region has its best chance for wintry winter in the form of snow or freezing rain, Larkin said.

He forecasts that rain is most likely for the timeframe.

“I think rain is truly the most likely outcome,” Larkin said, “but it is possible that we will have wintry weather on Friday night. As of right now, it is highly uncertain as to what we will actually have on Friday night in the Midlands.”

B6

775-9611

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LEGAL NOTICES Bid Notices FOR: Replacement of outside security lights and fuel pump lights SWRTA 17/18-06 Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA) is soliciting proposals from certified light installers to replace outside lighting at the maintenance facility and fueling station located at 21 Holmes Gardner Road, Sumter, SC 29153 to LED lighting upgrade / retrofits.

More detailed information and specifications are found in the solicitation which can be obtained by contacting, Patricia Drakeford, Compliance officer at 803-934-0396 ext. 103, or via email at pdrakeford@swrta.com or via website at www.swrta.com. All Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals for this procurement.

Questions concerning this Proposal will be accepted in writing via mail or email to the office through January 19, 2018 at 4:00pm. Deadline for proposals is 2/01/2018 at 2:00pm.

Summons & Notice SUMMONS AND NOTICES (Non-Jury) IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO.: 2017-CP-43-01794 FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff, v.

Any heirs-at-law or devisees of Robert A. England a/k/a Robert England, deceased, their heirs, Personal Representatives, Administrators, Successors and Assigns, and all other persons or entities entitled to claim through them; all unknown persons or entities with any right, title, estate, interest in or lien upon the real estate described in the complaint herein; also any persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America, being a class designated as Richard Roe; and any unknown minors, incompetent or imprisoned person, or persons under a disability being a class designated as John Doe; Sonja G. England a/k/a Sonja England; Brittany England, Defendant(s).

TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to appear and defend by answering the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is hereby served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer on the subscribers at their offices at 3800 Fernandina Road, Suite 110, Columbia, SC 29210, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; except that the United States of America, if named, shall have sixty (60) days to answer after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to do so, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the

11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

11:30 a.m. Friday for Sunday’s edition.

Summons & Notice

Summons & Notice

Summons & Notice

relief demanded in the Complaint.

PLAT BOOK 86 AT PAGE 320, AND HAVING SUCH METES AND BOUNDS AS ARE SHOWN ON SAID PLAT, THIS DESCRIPTION BEING IN LIEU OF METES AND BOUNDS AS PERMITTED UNDER SECTION 30-5-250 OF THE 1976 CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

787-9678, be and hereby is appointed Attorney for any unknown Defendants who are, or may be, in the Military Service of the United States of America and as such are entitled to the benefits of the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act aka Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, and any amendments thereto, to represent and protect the interest of said Defendants,

TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND/OR TO MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDES, AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY: YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a guardian ad litem within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by Attorney for Plaintiff.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that Plaintiff will move for an Order of Reference or the Court may issue a general Order of Reference of this action to a Master-in-Equity/Special Referee, pursuant to Rule 53 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that under the provisions of S.C. Code Ann. § 29-3-100, effective June 16, 1993, any collateral assignment of rents contained in the referenced Mortgage is perfected and Attorney for Plaintiff hereby gives notice that all rents shall be payable directly to it by delivery to its undersigned attorneys from the date of default. In the alternative, Plaintiff will move before a judge of this Circuit on the 10th day after service hereof, or as soon thereafter as counsel may be heard, for an Order enforcing the assignment of rents, if any, and compelling payment of all rents covered by such assignment directly to the Plaintiff, which motion is to be based upon the original Note and Mortgage herein and the Complaint attached hereto.

LIS PENDENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT an action has been or will be commenced in this Court upon complaint of the above-named Plaintiff against the above-named Defendant(s) for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage of real estate given

by Robert A. England and Sonja G. England to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Amerigroup Mortgage Corporation dated March 21, 2002 and recorded on April 5, 2002 in Book 837 at Page 1842, in the Sumter County Registry (hereinafter, "Mortgage").

Thereafter, the Mortgage was transferred to the Plaintiff herein by assignment and/or corporate merger.

The premises covered and affected by the said Mortgage and by the foreclosure thereof were, at the time of the making thereof and at the time of the filing of this notice, more particularly described in the said Mortgage and are more commonly described as: THE LAND REFERRED TO IN THIS POLICY IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF SUMTER, AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT CERTAIN PIECE, PARCEL, OR LOT OF LAND, TOGETHER WITH THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, IF ANY, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SUMTER, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, BEING SHOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT # 14, AS SHOWN ON THAT CERTAIN PLAT PREPARED BY JOSEPH R. EDWARDS, RLS, DATED MARCH 14, 1986, AND RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FOR SUMTER COUNTY IN

242,153 VOTES

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We will be happy to change your ad if an error is made; however we are not responsible for errors after the first run day. We shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the printing or omission of an advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, refuse or cancel any ad at any time.

This being the same property conveyed to Robert A. England by deed of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of Washington, D.C. dated November 12, 1984 and reocrded November 12, 1984 in book 385 at page 443 in the records for Sumter County, South Carolina.

Thereafter, Robert A. England conveyed his interest to Robert A. England and Sonja G. England, as joint tenants, with right of survivorship, and not as tenants in common, be deed dated October 27, 1998 and recorded November 2, 1998 in book 722 at page 149 in the records for Sumter County, South Carolina.

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED That a copy of this Order shall be forth with served upon said Defendants by publication in The Item, a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, together with the Summons and Notice of Filing of Complaint in the above entitled action.

Brock & Scott, PLLC 3800 Fernandina Road, Suite 110 Columbia, SC 29210 Phone 844-856-6646 Fax 803-454-3451 Attorneys for Plaintiff

TMS No. 2490102024

Estate Notice Sumter County

Property Address: 609 N Magnolia Street, Sumter, SC 29150

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

NOTICE OF FILING COMPLAINT

Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the original Complaint, Cover Sheet for Civil Actions and Certificate of Exemption from ADR in the above entitled action was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on October 3, 2017. A Notice of Foreclosure Intervention was also filed in the Clerk of Court's Office.

ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court, upon reading the filed Petition for Appointment of Kelley Woody, Esquire as Guardian ad Litem for unknown minors, and persons who may be under a disability, and it appearing that Kelley Woody, Esquire has consented to said appointment.

Estate:/Rollie K. Jackson #2017ES4300722

Personal Representative Ellen B. Jackson 4760 Olivia Lane Pinewood, SC 29125

Estate:/Waddell Williams #2017ES4300725

FURTHER upon reading the filed Petition for Appointment of Kelley Woody, Esquire as Attorney for any unknown Defendants who may be in the Military Service of the United States of America, and may be, as such, entitled to the benefits of the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act, and any amendments thereto, and it appearing that Kelley Woody, Esquire has consented to act for and represent said Defendants, it is

Personal Representative Colette W. Terrell 1057 Crown Landing Pkwy McDonongh, GA 30252

Estate:/David L. Lee, Jr. #2017ES4300720

Personal Representative James T. Lee C/O A. Paul Weissenstein, Jr. Attorney at Law PO Box 2446 Sumter, SC 29151

ORDERED that Kelley Woody, Esquire, P.O. Box 6432, Columbia, SC 29260 phone (803) 787-9678, be and hereby is appointed Guardian ad Litem on behalf of all unknown minors and all unknown persons who may be under a disability, all of whom may have or claim to have some interest or claim to the real property commonly known as 609 N Magnolia Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150; that she is empowered and directed to appear on behalf of and represent said Defendants, unless said Defendants, or someone on their behalf, shall within thirty (30) days after service of a copy hereof as directed, procure the appointment of Guardian or Guardians ad Litem for said Defendants.

Estate:/Vinia Gamble Williams #2017ES4300726

Personal Representative Colette Terrell 1057 Crown Landing Pkwy McDonongh, GA 30252

Estate:/Raymond Eldrid McIntosh #2017ES4300721

Personal Representative Leslie B. McIntosh 1685 Reynolds Road Pinewood, SC 29125

Estate:/Pauline Bays Calhoun #2017ES4300724

Personal Representative David A. Calhoun C/O Kenneth R. Young, Jr. Attorney at Law 23 W. Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Kelley Woody, Esquire, P.O. Box 6432, Columbia, SC 29260 phone (803)

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BUSINESS

PAGES

At Your Service Home Care ...........................

Aycock Construction LLC...............................

Bank of Clarendon .........................................

Berkeley Boutique ..........................................

Best Dressed Homes......................................

Big T Jewelers .................................................

Bonanza Flea Market......................................

Brian Joyner - Jeffords Insurance Agnecy....

Brunson Nursery & Design ...........................

Brunson's Pharmacy ......................................

Carolina Dance Academy...............................

CARQUEST Auto Parts....................................

Coffee and McKenzie, P.A..............................

D & H Bar-B-Que...............................................

East Clarendon Collision Repair...................

Ellen's Nails.......................................................

FTC......................................................................

Graham Entertainment...................................

Gulla Gullah Fish..............................................

Hope Health Pediatrics..................................

Jalisco Mexican Grill........................................

Jilly Beans Coffee............................................

Latitude Corp....................................................

Laurence Manning Academy........................

Lucy's Traditional Southern Bakehouse.....

Mayo's Suit City................................................

13 28 12, 15 36 36 26 16 16 17 36 36 35 11, 12 31 26 8, 9 8 37, 40 26 28 13 27 21, 23 36 34, 35 7

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

McLeod Health Clarendon............................. 25, 27 Meares Marine LLC.......................................... 28, 29 Peggy Haley..................................................... 29 Piggly Wiggly.................................................... 17 Prothro Chevrolet GMC................................... 17 Randolph's Landing......................................... 27 Reliable Pawn Shop......................................... 30 Rep. Fawn Pedalino......................................... 31 Santee Automotive.......................................... 19, 21 Shoneys of Manning....................................... 16 Shoot for the Moon Academy-Manning..... 2, 3, 5 Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods........ 5, 6 Soothing Phalanges........................................ 30 Tanners Gas Station........................................ 32, 33, 34 The Flower Shoppe of Manning................... 9 The Litchfield Company and Christie's International Real Estate ............................... 16 The Orchard Cafe............................................. 7 The Players Course at Wyboo ...................... 9 The Studio Salon.............................................. 30 The Swimmin' Hole.......................................... 9 Timeless Traditions LLC................................. 36

BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 39

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BEST OF CLARENDON 2026 41

Where the coast comes

home How one family turned a small Manning restaurant into a living tribute to Gullah Geechee culture, coastal tradition and the kind of food that keeps people coming back home

BY ALAYSHA MAPLE

From Manning to the coast Before the doors open on Thursday at Gullah Gullah Fish, before the first order ticket prints and before the first fillet of fish is dropped into the rolling grease, Craig Levy is usually on the highway, headed farther south.

From the coastal blue building nestled at 23 W. Boyce St. in Manning, the road ahead points toward the South Carolina coast. Toward Georgetown shrimpers and Charleston suppliers, toward crabbers pulling blue crabs straight from the water and toward coolers packed to the brim before sunrise. Many customers never see this part of the process, but for Craig and his family, this is where the work truly begins.

The seafood is not processed, not rushed or diluted by freezers and heat lamps. It’s fresh, seasoned and cooked to order. And maybe more importantly, the restaurant is family owned in every sense of those words, from its recipes to its tenacity to its staff — all family.

“And it's been that way since day one,” Craig said proudly.

But somewhere between the crabs, 42 JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2026 | LAKESIDE

fried fish baskets and trays of hot honey flounder, there is another story simmering beneath the surface of the restaurant’s decade of success. It’s a story tied to memory, migration and a culture many South Carolinians still know far too little about.

Craig and his brother, Kevin, were raised in bustling New York by parents whose roots stretched deep into the coastal Carolina culture, with ties to the Charleston area. As children, family was at the center of their upbringing, from gatherings filled with laughter to recipes passed around the kitchen table. They didn’t fully understand how much history was wrapped into the food they were eating.

That understanding came later.

As the brothers aged, their travels into the coastal communities throughout South Carolina and Georgia doubled as maintaining family connections and uncovering the culture that shaped their family: Gullah Geechee culture.

For generations, the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 43

and Central Africans, preserved pieces of African language, storytelling, spirituality and cuisines along the coastal regions and sea islands that stretched from North Carolina to Florida. According to Kevin, the difference in Gullah Geechee culture depends on where one lives regionally. In South Carolina, the community spans from Hilton Head to Beaufort, St. Helena Island, Charleston and surrounding areas.

Because many of those communities remained geographically isolated for years, traditions survived in ways rarely seen elsewhere in the country.

And nowhere is that history more alive than at the table.

Uncovering culture through cuisine “There's a difference between Gullah food and soul food. Similar, but there is a difference, and I don’t think it gets enough recognition,” Kevin said.

That difference shows up in the 44 JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2026 | LAKESIDE

spices native to the coast of West Africa, from fresh aromatics like garlic and onion and warm spices of nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger to hot peppers ranging from cayenne to crushed pepper flakes. They can appear in staples of crab rice, okra stew, shrimp and grits and seafood dishes tied directly to the coast and African traditions carried across the Atlantic from generations ago.

The crab rice in particular has become one of the restaurant’s staples, layered with seasoning and, of course, seafood that brings in richness that the culture is known for but also that coastal feel that many inlanders seek on a given weekend. Historians have pointed to the knowledge enslaved West Africans carried with them from rice-growing regions overseas that has heavily shaped the agricultural and culinary identity of the Lowcountry.

Shrimp and grits, okra stew and seafood boils fall on the same culinary platter, as much of Gullah Geechee cooking was built out of

necessity, using local ingredients pulled from the coastal waters, marshes and inland waterways to create meals that have stretched across generations. Over time, those recipes have evolved, adapting to tradition and availability of certain ingredients. But they have survived because generations decided they would – including Kevin and Craig.

Though they would be young adults discovering their roots, it surprised the brothers that there are native South Carolinians who don’t know of the Gullah culture, considering the influence and impact it has had on the state’s uniqueness. From the folklore that heavily influenced American oral history and religious practices and hand-sewn sweetgrass baskets to their language that blends English with various West African linguistic roots spoken nowhere else in the world to their ingenuity in cultivating rice, the region was one of the most prosperous in early America.

Craig and Kevin’s weekends became filled with driving through Charleston and Savannah, Georgia, trying different restaurants, studying menus and learning how Gullah Geechee communities preserved culture through food.

Barbara Levy, their mom, remembered those years as the start of her sons truly understanding where they came from.

The family bought the West Boyce Street building a year before moving back south. After renting it out as an office space for about three years, the tenant eventually left, moving towns. That opened the door for Craig and Kevin to turn the family-owned building into a familyowned business, centered on the very part of their identity they had spent years uncovering.

“When they came up with the idea that they wanted to put a restaurant here, I said OK, that's a lot of work. You have to really plan it all out. So, they did their research,” she boasted about her

sons. “Between my husband and myself, we were backing them because with them being young, we wanted to make sure they succeed in whatever their plans were.”

Together, the family laid the restaurant’s foundation and legacy “brick by brick,” Craig said. With the help of their father, Johnny, everything from the stove hood to the kitchen equipment to the very decor that adorns the walls — including original folk art by Samuel Ravenel Gaillard that displays iconic recipes, from Charleston She-Crab Soup to Charleston Okra Soup in bold typography — is sourced from the hands and hearts of the Levy family. It took nearly seven months to get the place up and running, opening its door in 2016.

Leaning into Craig’s passion for cooking and their coastline exploration of cuisine, he and Kevin were able to curate a menu that was connected to their roots, both familial and geographical. From Aunt Betty’s Sweet Potato Pie and Aunt Jeanie’s Pound Cake to deep-fried blue crabs and crab rice that routinely sells out, the menu became far more than a collection of dishes. In reality, it became a map for newcomers — both native to Manning and those sailing through town by way of Interstate 95 — of the Gullah

culture as lived and loved by the Levy family.

But the preservation of the culture is what Kevin worries about most. As elders pass and younger generations lose sight of their roots, traditions begin “dying out.”

“If they're not teaching it in the schools and the parents are not teaching it, the older people, say in their 70s or 80s — they're not teaching, so the kids are not learning. They don't know why they talk a certain way, or they don't know why they're eating a certain way, and they just go on about their business.”

And maybe that’s why the family approaches the business the way it does.

Cooking items to order, limited days open to optimize travel time for the freshest ingredients and refraining from shortcuts to make operation easier are all tied to a larger responsibility of keeping the culture alive.

Carrying tradition forward This year marks 10 years since the Levys first opened the doors of Gullah Gullah Fish.

A lot has changed since then. The menu has evolved several times, with several dishes disappearing while others became customer favorites. The family survived the COVID-19 pandemic, opening a to-go

“There's a difference between Gullah food and soul food. Similar, but there is a difference, and I don’t think it gets enough recognition,” -Kevin Levy A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 45

window for orders but holding tight to the freshness and culture even after shutting down for more than a year.

Travelers from across the country still stop in to the small restaurant for a bite of the Lowcountry, be it by word of mouth, experiencing the flavor-packed dishes for themselves, reading all the hype on social media or to quell their curiosity of what good lies behind a name like “Gullah Gullah.”

The Levys hope the next chapter of the business pushes that curiosity forward. In addition to the restaurant, Craig is working toward the launch of Gullah Gullah Fish food trucks with plans to eventually franchise them. The idea not only expands the business geographically, but also provides flexibility to introduce more people to the culture and traditions that inspired the restaurant to begin with.

“I think when we get the franchises going, that's when we could really push that,” Craig assured.

Because in their family, in their culture, food has never been just about feeding people.

A bite of any dish on the menu is a means to preserve memory. To make sure younger generations understand why certain dishes matter and where they come from. To make sure a culture rooted in resilience, tradition and family continues to have a place at the table long after the ones who first carried it are gone.

And that’s what makes Gullah Gullah Fish special.

Beyond the fresh food and family atmosphere, the restaurant offers all who enter its door a connection to history, culture and that feeling of home.

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What to do & Where to go

BERKELEY • CLARENDON KERSHAW • FLORENCE • RICHLAND ORANGEBURG • SUMTER

SUMTER COUNTY

Sumter Farmers Market Sumter Farmers Market is now open every Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and the first and third Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 200 Miller Road. Shop fresh and local produce and pasture raised meat, sweet treats, olive oils, sauces, salad dressings, jams and jellies, freeze-dried treats, lemonade, crafters, artisans, soaps, specialty teas and coffees, food trucks and more.

Fourth Fridays Concert Series Fourth Fridays Concert Series returns with country singer Cody Webb at 6:30 pm. Friday, June 26, on the grounds of the Sumter County Courthouse, 141 N. Main St. Later dates include: June 26 – Cody Webb, July 24 – Honey & New Era, Aug. 28 – Level 10 Live Band & Show and Sept. 25 – Sole Purpose. Concert attendance is free, and there will be food and drink available for sale. Downtown restaurants will be open for dine-in and take-out. Palmetto Optimist Club will be back with free books for the kids, as well as popcorn and cotton candy for sale. Bring your chairs (no coolers) and spend an evening in downtown Sumter!

If the Windows Could Talk: Children's Bible Stories Series Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, 11 Church St., welcomes the public to If the Windows Could Talk: Children's Bible Stories Series from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. on the following dates: Aug. 1, The Burning Bush (featuring Moses); and Sept. 5, The 10 Commandments (featuring Moses). The series "is designed to be a fun experience for your children to hear the stories associated with Temple Sinai's beautiful and historic stained glass windows."

Where Creativity Grows: The Topiary Experience with Michael Gibson Where Creativity Grows: The Topiary Experience with Michael Gibson, led by esteemed topiary artist Michael P. Gibson, is a two-hour 48 JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2026 | LAKESIDE

therapeutic workshop for up to 12 participants set for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Sumter County Gallery of Art, 200 Hasel St. "Participants will learn the Gibson Method to Creative Pruning, a five-step approach for developing their creative topiary skills, while receiving personalized support from Gibson.

This workshop blends education, hands-on activities, and group reflections to maximize the therapeutic benefits of topiary art. Gibson is a renowned topiary artist and educator with over 30 years of experience, having created more than 700 living sculptures across the U.S. Featured on HGTV’s Clipped, he served as the first Artist-in-Residence at the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden. Gibson developed the Gibson Method, blending geometry and storytelling to transform plants into art." To purchase your ticket, visit https://tinyurl.com/54kntd2j.

2026 Krawlin' For Christ Jeep Show The 2026 Krawlin' For Christ Jeep Show featuring Jeep vendors, live music, food vendors, RC course and a Jeep Show and Shine Competition will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St. Entry to this indoor and outdoor event is free to the public. All proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital. To find out more, go to https://Krawlinforchrist.wixsite.com/mysite-1. The show and shine registration booth will be open from 8:30 to 11 a.m. the day of the event. Cost to register your Jeep is $20, and all proceeds will go to St. Jude Children's Hospital. There will be raffles. No alcohol allowed.

Alpha Reads Sumter Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity have teamed up with Sumter County Library for a new reading program. Join the group on the first Saturday of every month for Alpha Reads, starting at 11 a.m. Sumter County Library is at 111 N. Harvin St.

LEE COUNTY

Lizard Man Stomp Celebrate South Carolina's own scaly reptile at the 2026 Lizard Man Stomp beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, on Main Street in Bishopville. Enjoy vendors, live music, arts and crafts, kids activities, a car show, parade and more.

Independence Day Festival Head to Bishopville for its Independence Day Festival on Saturday, July 4. There will be fireworks, food and fun activities for everyone.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m., and the festival starts at 4 p.m. with an opening ceremony, presentation of the colors, an opening prayer and an F-16 flyover at Lee County Airport, or “Butters Field,” 145 Airport Road in Bishopville.

Several bands will play at the field’s stage, including Koby Weaver with Southern Soul, Austin and Madi and Chukk Gregory Live. A children’s play area and food vendors will be open until 8:30, and the fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. The nonprofit bishopvillefireworksinc. org says “every kid deserves the chance to sit on a blanket and watch the sky light up over the celebration of our nation's founding with no cost to the family.”

CAMDEN Hero Fest Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will host the Hero Fest motorcycle ride on Saturday, Sept. 26, with all proceeds going to veterans in the Midlands. Participants will make multiple stops along the ride, including in Sumter, starting and stopping at Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge, 1015 Broad St., Camden.

Other stops will include Wild Heart Brewing Co., Southern Hops Brewing Co., Slabs BBQ Restaurant and Willie Sue's. There will also be vendors, food trucks, raffles, silent auction, live music and games. Must be present to win prizes. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Rider signup

costs $20, and passenger signup is $10. First bike leaves at 10:30 a.m., and the last bike returns at 4 p.m. A meet and greet before the event will be held Friday, Sept. 25, at Greener Pastures Brewing Co., 826 Broad St., Camden, at 6 p.m.

CLARENDON COUNTY Sherri Arment Memorial Charity Golf Classic The second-annual Sherri Arment Memorial Charity Golf Classic to benefit pets at Second Chance Animal Shelter will be Saturday, June 27, at Players Course at Wyboo. Cost is: course members, $40, nonmembers, $55. Payment is to accompany entry form. Forms can be picked up at A Second Chance Thrift Store in Manning, Players Course, Chamber of Commerce and A Second Chance Animal Shelter.

Registration is at 8 a.m., and shotgun start is at 9 a.m. Tournament package includes green fee and cart, continental breakfast, lunch and prizes (based on entries). This is a four-man captain’s choice with 10-point handicap system and mulligans available. For more information, see entry forms or call Herb Whetsell at (843) 509-3737 or Mike Stegmoyer at (803) 460-0878.

Show Us Your Wheels Show Head Turnerz will hold the Show Us Your Wheels Show on Saturday, June 27, at JC Britton Park, 3057 Racoon Road. The event will benefit Monarch Strong Scholarships. All vehicles are welcome: cars, trucks, hot rods, motorcycles and golf carts. There will be a 50/50 raffle. Onsite registration will be $20, 9-11 a.m. Awards presentation will be at noon: Best of Show 1986 and newer; Best of Show 1985 and older; Sponsor's Choice; Host Car; MSC Scholars' Choice; Top 15 1986 and newer; and Top 15 1985 and older. There will be Zumba in the Park, barbecue, and ice cream truck and more. The Monarchs Got Talent Show will be held from 1-3 p.m.

S.C. Charity Golf Tournament S.C. Charity Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, at Santee Cooper Country Club, 630 Santee Drive. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with shotgun start at 9 a.m. Cost is $75/player and $300/team. Tournament prizes include Closest to Pin, Longest Drive and raffles/door prizes. For additional information, contact Kenneth Johnson at (803) 410-0976 or email info@jwcmemorial.org.

We Care About You. Mary Reid

Owner/Operator

P.O. Box 285 Manning, SC 29102

Office 803-435-4301 Fax 803-435-4346 Mobile 803-410-2446

mrsprofessionalcare@gmail.com

VOTED BEST SENIOR CARE

COLUMBIA Annual Summer Orchid Auction Join the South Carolina Orchid Society for its Annual Summer Orchid Auction at noon Sunday, June 28, at 1605 Park Circle, Columbia.

There will be 100 items up for live auction including blooming plants, seedlings, pottery, care kits and every thing in between. Bidding starts at 1 p.m . Cash, checks, credit cards, Venmo and Paypal accepted.

50 Years From Home Vince Gill will bring his 50 Years From Home tour to the Township Auditorium, Columbia, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/nhb7pchs Your Favorite Cousin Tour Comedian Desi Banks will bring his all new Your Favorite Cousin Tour to the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Green St., Columbia, on Saturday, Oct. 10. Banks is an actor, stand-up comedian, podcaster and entrepreneur who has a strong social media influence with more than 19 million fans. He is known for his "razor-sharp wit and hilarious comedic timing."

Tickets that were sold for Desi's show, "The Elevation Tour," originally scheduled in 2025 at the Koger Center, are valid for this performance. For more information and tickets, visit KogerCenterForTheArts.com.

Your Pontoon Restoration Specialist Ryan Stewart 366 Neeley St., Sumter, SC 29150

803-720-4105

www.ToonTimeSC.com rstewart@toontimesc.com @ToonTimeSC A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 49

A passion for the field

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894

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Call me today to learn more about these or any other great local properties.

50 JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2026 | LAKESIDE

ELLIOTT’S LANDING & CAMPGROUND 2010 Elliott’s Landing Rd. Pinewood, SC 29125

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FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED & INSURED TREE SERVICE Tree Removal • Trimming • Topping Stump Grinding • Bucket Truck Service • Forestry Mulching LANDSCAPING We install SOD! Irrigation installed or repaired French drains installed We install trees, shrubbery, pinestraw, rock and mulch We repair and install driveways!

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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 51

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Fabric Warehouse

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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 53

Life

&

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Garris Dental Care W. Scott Garris, D.M.D. • Tiffany Deaton, D.M.D. Rory Furrows, D.M.D. • Jessie S. Robinson, D.M.D.

• New Patients Welcome, Children to Adults! Monday - Thursday • All Computerized & Digital Dentistry 8:30 am - 5:00 pm • Digital Crowns made in 1 visit.

garrisdentalcare.com 54 JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2026 | LAKESIDE

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Buck Travis (Owner/ B.I.C.), Eletha Travis (Office Coordinator) A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 55

MEET THE

NEW

CEO McLeod Health Clarendon leader brings passion for rural communities to role

BY BRUCE MILLS On May 4, McLeod Health corporate leaders named Scott Adams as McLeod Health Clarendon’s CEO after a 25-year career with the system provider.

A Marlboro County native, Adams never initially thought a health care career would be his calling. After graduating from Marlboro County High School in 1993, he worked in a factory and never intended on pursuing college, he said.

However, in the late 1990s, his grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Adams and the rest of his family was with her in her cancer journey.

He said he watched the care that the nurses and medical staff provided to his grandmother at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, and “it constantly resonated with me.”

56 JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2026 | LAKESIDE

“McLeod has certainly invested in me, and I think if you were to cut me, I would bleed teal.

But, let’s don’t try it.”

— Scott Adams, McLeod Health Clarendon CEO

H

is grandmother would lose her battle with cancer, but Adams was heavily influenced by the nursing career choice.

“Man, they get to go to work to deliver care to a patient,” he said, “and I was on the receiving end of that as a family member, and they never even interacted with me.

“So, I said, I think I am going to give this nursing thing a try. I enrolled and went to Trident Technical College, got my associate degree. And the rest is history.”

After starting as a registered bedside nurse with heart patients at McLeod, Adams worked in critical care transport, he said. That field involves the specialized movement of critically ill patients between health care facilities.

Then, he made a complete career shift into operations and later more specifically labor and workforce optimization, he said.

Before moving to McLeod Health Clarendon in November of last year, Adams’ role with McLeod Health was as senior manager of labor and workforce optimization.

“McLeod has certainly invested in me,” he said, “and I think if you were to cut me, I would bleed teal. But, let’s don’t try it.”

In November, he was named interim chief nursing officer at the Manning campus, and in early March, he was also named interim CEO, before taking on the permanent position in early May. At the time of the announcement, McLeod Health President and CEO Donna Isgett noted Adams’ broad skill set and leadership capabilities.

“Scott is a proven leader who understands both the clinical and operational sides of health care,” she said. “His deep knowledge of McLeod Health, combined with his passion for serving rural communities, makes him exceptionally well suited to lead McLeod Health Clarendon into the future.”

The CEO position is Adams’ first lead role with a hospital.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 57

QA &

with Scott Adams

BY THE NUMBERS MCLEOD HEALTH CLARENDON 23,000 Emergency department visits per year on average

500 Full-time equivalent staff members

400 Babies delivered a year on average

120 Years that McLeod Health has existed

81 Acute-care beds

75 Years that Clarendon County has had a hospital

10 Years that the hospital has been part of McLeod Health system

7 Hospitals in McLeod Health system in Pee Dee region

Source: McLeod Health Clarendon 58 JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2026 | LAKESIDE

Question from Lakeside Describe your passion for serving rural communities.

Adams said his hometown is Wallace, which is outside of Cheraw in Marlboro County.

“Many people have not heard of Wallace. We celebrated my senior year of high school when we got a stoplight. It is a pass-through town.”

He added he thinks growing up in a small community has allowed him to quickly immerse himself into the Clarendon hospital and the local area.

“I did grow up in a small town. Actually, one of McLeod’s local hospitals – McLeod Cheraw – is in Cheraw, and it literally is the same size campus, same size facility as here.

“Donna Isgett, our president, really likes to focus on ‘local people caring for local people.’ And in our small campus settings that is highlighted. You know your neighbors, you know your friends, and most of the time you know everybody who comes through the emergency department.

“Health care - in itself-is very complex, but the mission behind health care is not. It’s about driving quality care to the people who need it most. And in a small-town community, they become our friends, our neighbors, the people we go to church with, and it just heightens that level of accountability, and I am very passionate about that.

“You provide good service, and you see them at church.”

Lakeside: What is the strategic vision for McLeod Health Clarendon, and how does the hospital fit into the greater McLeod Health system?

“We want to be a rural community hospital that focuses on the mission, vision and values of the greater McLeod Health system.

“As a small community hospital, we get to leverage all the resources that McLeod Health has to offer. That could be through quality initiatives. That could be emerging technologies that our larger campuses are privy to.

“But, we get to be on the receiving end of that. In so many cases, small rural hospitals are struggling, but because we are part of a larger health care system, we get to provide local care in a high-quality fashion. So, the goal and strategic vision would be to continue to lean into that.

“We are going to do some exciting things on this campus in the future, specifically around the way we deliver care to our patients, that will be new and innovative and will actually set us apart from others in the community.”

Adams said the hospital plans to expand on its existing services in a purposeful way.

“We are constantly looking at our patient population and trying to figure out what best fits their needs.

“Now, the blueprint is already here.

We’re providing high-quality inpatient services. We can provide ICU levels of care. We do a great job with women’s services and our emergency department,

THE SCOTT ADAMS FILE

Age: 51 Degrees: Associate of Science in Nursing from Trident Technical College; Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Francis Marion University; Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University Years in health care: 25 Family: Wife: Emily, and two daughters, Cameron and Kendall Hometown: Wallace, South Carolina (Marlboro County)

but we will constantly be seeking out whether there are other service lines that will benefit this community.”

He added that McLeod Health Clarendon is looking to grow its footprint in Clarendon and also in Sumter. McLeod already has a small footprint in the Sumter community.

Since becoming part of McLeod Health a decade ago, the hospital’s orthopedic care program has expanded, and the campus also has a robot now for surgical procedures.

Lakeside: Describe more about the McLeod Health system network.

There are seven hospitals in the McLeod system that cover an 18-county service area and about a two-million-population footprint, Adams said.

Both McLeod Cheraw and McLeod Dillon are very similar in size and scope to McLeod Clarendon, he added.

“In April, the hospital in Clarendon County celebrated its 75th year of existence. Then, we are also celebrating our 10th year as part of the McLeod Health system. And then our health system is celebrating its 120th year.

“McLeod covers the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, and we (McLeod Clarendon) are the most southern point of that region. The system also extends up into eastern North Carolina with physician practices.

“We also have Seacoast, which is near the border of South Carolina and North Carolina and serves some of those eastern North Carolina counties.

And for that matter, McLeod Dillon and McLeod Cheraw also extend some of their services to that North Carolina market.”

He added McLeod is the third-largest health care provider in the state.

a McLeod Merit Award.

“It’s based off the four key tenets of what we look for in our employees – the value of caring, the value of person, the value of quality and the value of integrity.

“I grew up on the McLeod Regional campus in Florence, and that is our Level II Trauma Center. It is the center hub of our health system, and so that was ingrained in me from when I was a baby-boy nurse years ago.

But it is so clear that culture is [pervasive] in all of our McLeod Health hospitals including this one.

“The Merit Award is what we give out when someone displays those characteristics in a great way, and because of Mission, Vision, Values Week, we were able to give out one of those awards recently, and that was so exciting and it just highlights the talent we have here on this staff.”

Lakeside: What more would you like to say on your new role here and McLeod Health Clarendon?

“My family and I look forward to engaging in the community here and being a part of social events.

“These are great people on this campus. On that note, with McLeod, we recently celebrated Mission, Vision, Values Week.

“The mission is to provide excellent health care to those in eastern North Carolina and the Pee Dee. The vision is to provide that care with excellence. But the values are what ring out and what resonate through all of our employees. And we actually got to celebrate that recently. It’s called A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 59

Nursing leadership veteran is new chief nursing officer

BY BRUCE MILLS

Not only does McLeod Health Clarendon have a new CEO, but a new chief nursing officer is also on board after corporate and local hospital leaders named Denise Allison to the post this spring.

Allison brings nearly 20 years of nursing leadership experience to the local hospital, a strong background in clinical quality, care coordination and organizational leadership and like Scott Adams also began her career as a bedside nurse. She assumed the role on May 18.

A native of the Town of Cheraw, Allison has worked 17 years for McLeod Health. After starting as a nurse, she moved into various corporate roles to include nurse educator for organizational learning, care manager for clinical effectiveness and corporate director for integrated care delivery, she said.

In 2016, Allison won one of South Carolina’s most prestigious honors for a nurse with the Palmetto Gold Award. Only 100 nurses across the state are recognized each year.

According to Allison, her career with McLeod has allowed her to cross paths and know Adams well, and she added that she has “the utmost respect for him.”

“I definitely know Scott and his work ethic, and he is a great, great leader and I have nothing but respect for him,” she said. “I know what he can bring to the table, and he is actually one of many reasons that I decided to even apply for the position.”

Similarly, Adams spoke highly of Allison assuming her new role at the hospital.

“Denise is a highly respected leader who brings deep clinical expertise and a passion for patient-centered care,” he said. “Her experience across multiple areas of our health system and her commitment to quality and teamwork make her an outstanding choice to lead nursing at McLeod Health Clarendon. I am super excited she has come on board.”

In her new post, Allison will oversee all nursing

60 JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2026 | LAKESIDE

operations at McLeod Clarendon to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. She will lead nursing strategy, support clinical excellence and foster a culture of collaboration, safety and continuous improvement across the Manning campus, according to a news release.

She added she is “incredibly thankful” for the new opportunity.

“I look forward to serving not only the community itself, but the nurses and the staff at the hospital and also learning the Clarendon way,” Allison said. “I already know the McLeod culture, but I look forward to learning what makes Clarendon tick.”

Allison earned her bachelor’s in nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina and a master’s in nursing education from Francis Marion University.

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