Mobile Home Sales in Paxville, SC

You may have noticed columns and cartoons running this week on The Sumter Item's opinion page have something in common.

It's Sunshine Week.

This annual celebration of access to public information was launched in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors - now News Leaders Association - and has grown into an enduring initiative to promote open government.

The basic function of FOIA, both a federal and state law, is to ensure citizens are informed and that public officials don't operate in secrecy.

South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act allows you - yes, you! - to access public documents and attend government meetings. It lets you follow how public officials make decisions on matters and policy that impact you and your community. It lets you see how the people you elect spend your tax dollars.

We need this law. If there was no need, then documents furnished in response to requests would reveal nothing unknown. Nothing hidden. Nothing government officials would prefer their constituents not know.

We know that's utopian.

Reporters are the strong arm representing the public, using FOIA to get information everyone is entitled to, knowing doing so takes time, effort and often money not everyone can expend.

Recently, FOIA has been used by Item reporters to investigate the rift between Sumter's school board and its now former superintendent; to bring to light discrepancies in the cost of an election in Paxville compared to other municipalities in Clarendon County; and to reveal potential conflicts of interest among family members employed by the county.

A partnership between The Sumter Item and Post and Courier (and 17 other newspapers) as part of the Charleston newspaper's Uncovered project has used FOIA to shine light on a former Lee County School District superintendent's actions that warranted her removal from the job, according to the state Department of Education and an independent reviewer, and the subsequent lack of consequence to that review; to reveal the Clarendon County School District 2 superintendent lived rent-free in a townhome intended for teacher recruitment; to detail how a water tank in Summerton went unchecked and uncleaned for years; and to examine how a rape claim against Sumter County's sheriff went uninvestigated by SLED.

FOIA also ensures elected officials do not discuss, make or carry out policy in private. The South Carolina General Assembly said it is "vital in a democratic society" when it passed the state version of the law in 1978.

Item reporters have ensured city council meeting policies are applied evenly, resulting in a redrafting of the rules when it comes to who can speak during meetings; highlighted votes made illegally at Sumter school board meetings; and prevented meetings and discussions from happening without proper notice to the media and public.

We're not in this business for the notoriety, for the thanks, for the image or the pay or the easy hours. We're in it on the grandest scale to carry out the First Amendment, on the smallest but no less important scale to tell stories of the local communities we call home. (Small scale, big, both the same.) To shine a light.

It's a profession that doesn't have daily glamour or often instant gratification. Everyone thinks they can do our job better than us. It can be grueling, and reporters often must fight to get ahold of documents they and the public are entitled to legally. To shine a light.

Another Sunshine Week is ending, but in newsrooms at The Sumter Item and across South Carolina, the mission never ends. While there is need for the powerful to be held accountable, with the tools of the law and the Constitution, we will shine a light.

Kayla Green is executive editor of The Sumter Item.

Superintendent: Dr. Shawn Johnson

15 Major Drive, Manning, SC 29102

(803) 435-4435

www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/Domain/4

www.facebook.com/ClarendonDistrictTwo

Our district is comprised of six schools:

- One early childhood center (grades K4-first and Montessori)

- One primary school (grades 2-3)

- One elementary school (grades 4-6)

- One junior high school (grades 7-8)

- One high school (grades 9-12)

- One optional educational center (grades 7- 12)

Manning Early Childhood Center

Principal: Rosa Stokes; Assistant principal: Deanna Disher

2759 Raccoon Drive

Manning, SC 29102

(803) 473-4744

www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/Domain/8

www.facebook.com/ManningEarlyChildhoodCenter

Manning Primary School

Principal: Tiffani Burgess; Assistant principal: Freddie Teal

125 Boundary Drive

Manning, SC 29102

(803) 435-2268

www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/Domain/9

www.facebook.com/ManningPrimarySchool

Manning Elementary School

Principal: Alyson Goff; Assistant principals: Kelli Bellant, Rochelle Bennett

311 W. Boyce St.

Manning, SC 29102

(803) 435-5066

www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/Domain/10

www.facebook.com/ManningElementary29102

Manning Junior High School

1101 W.L. Hamilton Road

Manning, SC 29102

(803) 435-8195

www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/Domain/11

www.facebook.com/MJHSMonarchs

Manning High School

2155 Paxville Highway

Manning, SC 29102

(803) 435-4417

www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/Domain/12

www.facebook.com/ManningHighSchool/

Manning Optional Educational Center

1423 Hotel St.

Alcolu, SC 29001

(803) 619-1450

www.facebook.com/ManningOEC

It’s probably never been more important for the Midlands to come together as a community to lift up our neighbors.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Stuff-a-Bus is back this year as we once again try to help families at Christmas, although this year's edition will be a slightly different than in year's past.

It’s been a year unlike any other. And it’s probably never been more important for the Midlands to come together as a community to lift up our neighbors. Many families are struggling, people have lost their jobs, their businesses, and their means to provide for their families. This Christmas season, giving just means more. Let’s take back 2020 with love!

And for those of you who open your hearts to take part in Stuff-A-Bus this year, please know that your safety is our number one priority. The 2020 Christmas Drive-Thru Edition is ready for you! Our staff and volunteers will practice all CDC recommended safety procedures. We’ll also make sure you never have to leave the safety of your vehicles. Simply pull up and one of our volunteers will transfer your donations directly from your car to the bus. Thank you for giving…thank you for making a difference!

For families who need to sign up for this Christmas assistance, the process will be different than in years' past. In some areas, the signup period has already begun.

Below we have details both on how to sign up and to donate to the effort.

REGISTRATION

COLUMBIA:

Christmas Registration: October 19 through October 30

Walk-Ins accepted at Salvation Army Center for Worship & Service, 3024 Farrow Rd | Monday – Friday from 9:00AM – 3:30PM

Angels ready for pick up November 9

Documents/Information Required:

1. Picture ID for the head of household.

2. Identification cards for everyone residing in the household. The following ID’s can be used: US Driver’s License -- Social Security Card -- State-issued non-driver ID card -- US Passport -- Employee ID Card -- School ID Card -- Health Insurance Card – Medicare -- Matricula Consular ID Card -- US Miltary ID card -- Birth Certificate

3. Proof of age for every child 12 years old or under. Only children 12 years and younger can receive Christmas gifts. Birth certificates or other official documents may be used for proof of age.

4. If your household currently qualifies for Food Stamps (SNAP), bring your EBT card AND a recent food purchase receipt using your card. With proof of Food Stamps (SNAP) benefits, numbers 5, 6 and 7 (below) are not necessary.

5. Proof of all income in the home for the past 30 days (pay stubs, unemployment statement, SSI Disability, Social Security statement, VA or other pensions).

6. Anyone 18 years or older and receiving no income must show proof of zero wage (Zero wage statement from the unemployment office).

7. Proof of all household expenses paid in the past 30 days (not bills that you owe, but bills that were paid).

ORANGEBURG:

Christmas Registration: October 1 through October 12

SUMTER & MANNING:

Christmas Registration: o October 1 through October 16th (Will accept appts after the 16th, but that info is not for publication)

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – To schedule, please call (803) 775-9336

Documents/Information Required: Valid picture ID for person applying

Proof of identity for each person in household, examples include:

1. Birth Certificate

2. Social Security card

5. Proof of ALL household income, or DSS Printout, or Approved SNAP Benefit letter

6. Proof of ALL household expenses (previous or current month bills) § Must show residency in Sumter, Clarendon, or Lee counties

7. Clothing and Shoe sizes and Wish list for each child 10 and under

STUFF-A-BUS DATES

DECEMBER 4th

From 6:00am – 7:30pm @ the following Walmart locations:

Forest Drive – 5420 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206

Orangeburg – 2795 North Rd., Orangeburg, SC 29118

Lexington – 5556 Sunset Blvd., Lexington, SC 29072

Manning – 2010 Paxville Hwy., Manning, SC 29102

Dutch Fork – 1180 Dutch Fork Rd., Irmo, SC 29063

DECEMBER 11th

From 6:00am – 7:30pm @ the following Walmart locations:

Two Notch – 10060 Two Notch Rd., Columbia, SC 29223

Harbison – 360 Harbison Blvd., Columbia, SC 29212

Sumter – 1283 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150

Columbia – 7520 Garners Ferry Rd., Columbia, SC 29209

** Buses Arrive at 5:00/5:30A **

SAFETY PROTOCOL & INFORMATION

Social Distancing and Safety for all Participants, Volunteers, and People Donating is a critical priority. To that end, we will institute the following requirements:

• Masks On.

• Please practice social distancing.

• People donating MUST stay inside vehicles. This is the 2020 Christmas Drive-Thru Edition of SAB & volunteers will transfer items directly from the cars of those donating to the bus.

• No open food items can be provided for volunteers. Packaged items welcome.

Paxville Community Cleanup on March 5

PAXVILLE - The Clarendon County Junior Ambassadors and the Town of Paxville invite you to help clean up the community beginning at 10 a.m. March 5. The cleanup will start at Town Hall.

Gloves and bags will be provided.

Bassmaster Elite returns to Santee

CLARENDON COUNTY - The third stop on the Bassmaster Elite Series will be held on the Santee Cooper Lakes March 17-20 at John C. Land III Sport Fishing Facility, 4404 Greenall Road, Summerton.

The anglers will compete for the biggest five bass with a 14-inch minimum.

Take off at 7:30 a.m. in flights. Weigh-in will be held at 3:30 p.m.

For more information, log onto bassmaster.com.

Applications accepted for $500 scholarship

CLARENDON COUNTY - The Clarendon County Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting applications for a $500 scholarship. The deadline for entry is March 21.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be a graduating high school senior residing in Clarendon County who will be attending a college, university or technical college. The recipient must be majoring in an agricultural or environmental related field such as: vocational agriculture education, agriculture economics or engineering, agronomy, biology, forestry, horticulture or soils. The applicant must have met admission requirements and have been accepted to the institution of his or her choice.

Part 1 of the two-part application must be completed by your school's guidance counselor. Part 2 is to be completed by the applicant.

For more information or to receive an application, contact the Clarendon Soil and Water Conservation District at PO Box 687, Manning SC or call (803) 435-2612, extension 3.

Puddin' Swamp Festival April 7-9 in Turbeville

TURBEVILLE - The Puddin' Swamp Festival will take centerstage in Turbeville the weekend of April 7-9 with events every day.

The festival will actually kick off a few days earlier in the month with the Miss Puddin' Swamp Festival Beauty Pageant held April 2. Application requests can be sent to 6mclendons@gmail.com.

The popular Miss Swamp Bottom Pageant, notice the word beauty was omitted, will be held at 5:30 p.m. April 9. Each vote for your favorite participant is just $1, and all proceeds will benefit The Shriners.

The 1st Puddin' Swamp Festival Parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. April 8 on Main Street.

Event dates are featured on the festival's Facebook page.

Striped Bass Festival returns on April 29

CLARENDON COUNTY - The Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce is asking for folks to "save the date" for the 2022 Striped Bass Festival scheduled to be held April 19-30.

More information on events will be available from the chamber; call (803) 435-4405 for additional information.

Alumni Game and Field Dedication March 12

MANNING - Get ready to play some baseball and remember one of Manning High School's most beloved teachers and baseball coach the late Rick Coker at 1 p.m. March 12 at the MHS baseball field on Pine Street.The gates will open at 11 a.m. Adult tickets are $5, and children 12 years old and younger get in free.

Organizers of the event are encouraging Coker's former players to play in the annual alumni game as a way to honor Coker's memory. Players are asked to make a $40 donation to participate in the game. The donation includes a meal the day of the game and a T-shirt. In order to guarantee your T-shirt, please send information and your donation before March 4. Players can register by filling out a participation form and making their donation addressed to Coach Justin Gandy at MHS' front office, or it can be mailed to the school. Make checks payable to Manning High Baseball. All additional donations are also appreciated.

Players need to provide their name, daytime and evening telephone numbers, email address, graduation year, position played and T-shirt size.

CLARENDON COUNTY — The Town of Summerton will hold a Special Municipal Election on Nov. 29 while the Town of Paxville will hold a Special Municipal Election, one week later, on Dec. 6. Summerton’s election will be for one seat on Summerton Town Council. Qualified individuals wanting to run for the council seat can file to run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through noon Sept. 29. The filing fee is $50. Individuals who are not currently registered to vote in the Summerton election need to register to vote no later than Oct. 30. Voter registration by mail application will be accepted if postmarked by Oct. 31. The early voting period for this election will begin on Nov. 14 and end on Nov. 23. Individuals wanting to vote early can do so during normal business hours at the Clarendon County Voter Registration and Elections Office, 411 Sunset Drive, Manning.

Summerton’s three precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 29 for this special election: Summerton No. 1 at the Summerton Fire Station, 6 N. Cantey St., and Summerton Nos. 2 and 3 at the Clarendon 1 Resource Center Gymnasium, 1154 4th St. Voters in Paxville will be able to go to the polls on Dec. 6 to choose a mayor, and two council members on Dec. 6. Qualified individuals wanting to run for the mayor’s spot, or a seat on council, can do so from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through noon Sept. 30. The filing fee for the mayor’s seat is $5. The filing fee for a seat on council is $2.50. Individuals, who are not currently registered to vote in the Paxville special election, need to register to vote no later than Nov. 6. Voter registration by mail application will be accepted if postmarked by Nov. 7. The early voting period for this election will begin on Nov. 21 and end on Dec. 2. Individuals wanting to vote early can do so during normal business hours at the Clarendon County Voter Registration and Elections Office, 411 Sunset Drive, Manning. Paxville will have one precinct open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 for this special election. The Paxville precinct is located at Paxville Town Hall, 10279 Lewis Road, Manning. For more information on the upcoming elections including filing for candidacy and voting, contact the Clarendon County Voter Registration and Elections office, 411 Sunset Drive, or call (803) 435-8215.