LOCAL
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2010
BUSINESSES from Page A1 lighting had been upgraded at the respective exits in recent years. “I think part of it is that we are sandwiched between Santee and 119,� Bruner said. “But it’s still a viable exit.� But, Houser said he wasn’t sure why business at exit 119 has thrived and not at 115. Houser said both exits’ have access to gas and lodging and both lead to Manning on fourlane highways. Perhaps most importantly, as far as business development is concerned, he said the roads crossing I-95 at both exits have sewer and water lines running beneath them. But even with infrastructure, U.S. 301 off exit 115 only saw about 4,500 drivers each way in annual average daily traffic in 2009, according to the state Department of Transportation, which measures road activity. By comparison, S.C. 261 saw a about 14,100 drivers in annual average daily traffic that year. “Why that area hasn’t thrived, I couldn’t give you a reason,� Houser said. “With water and sewer, it should have.� Neither the county, state transportation department nor the Federal Highway commission keeps data on how landscaping and exit beautification such as that at exit 119 affects business, but Houser said the fountains and landscaping probably have played a part in increased business. “It’s just subjective,� he said. “But the beautification probably has brought in business.� Businesses off the exit agree. They said the fountains serve as an attractive landmark to drivers passing through the area. Outof-state drivers, particularly, said Cathy Ridgeway, manager of a Hampton Inn off the exit, would be more attracted to the well-lit and busy exit over a quieter, dimmer exit like 115 or 108. She said since the
hotel opened in 2006, they have had steady business, in part because of the look of exit 119. “It’s kind of a landmark so drivers know where to turn,� she said. “It’s so well lit, and people feel more comfortable.� In 2003, the state cleared dense tree coverage from the area, planted trees and built the fountains as part of a $280,000 project, provided the county maintained the exit. From 2002 to 2003, annual average daily traffic jumped on the road from 11,600 to 12,500. By comparison, traffic at U.S. 301’s annual average daily traffic dropped 100 drivers in that span, from 4,700 to 4,600. Marie Land, who sat on a state highway beautification committee that helped plan the project, said the exit was chosen by the state as one with potential and that a possible project for exits 115 or 108 wasn’t on the table. “They had certain ones flagged, and 119 was one,�
she said. “We were lucky to get it.� Joey Moore, who also served in the beautification committee, said the project has definitely played a part in making exit 119 a more popular destination for travelers, and that a similar project might prove fruitful for exit 115. He pointed out, at one time, the area near exit 115 was lively with travelers heading to Charleston and the Grand Strand. By comparison, he said 119 had little business when his family opened a truck stop off the exit in 1971. But for some reason, he said, the business moved four miles down the road. “115 fizzled and 119 grew,� he said. “I think there were a lot of things that went into it.� Sam Patel said until the exit gets a better look, he worries about his business. After all, he’s seen how beneficial some fountains and a light can fill a hotel parking lot. “We’ve seen a good exit with landscaping is much better,� he said. “It’s a little frustrating.� Reach R. Darren Price at (803) 435-8511.
New Year’s Eve Party Show and Dance
At The Imperial
451 Broad Street ~ Sumter, SC 29151 Friday, December 31st, 2010 • 8:00PM - 1:00AM ~Featuring~ Internationally Known
Captain Fly
One FREE Drink Cash Bar Food to Purchase Door Prizes
Tickets $25.00
Ticket Locations: The Imperial 803-774-6327 Imports, LTD Shivern’s Fashions 9 N. Main St., Sumter 803-775-4658 803-773-1908 9 S.Main St., Sumter
$99. %' (( (
THE SALE! SALE MONDAY DEC., 27TH - FRIDAY DEC., 30TH GUN AND END OF 2010 SEASON ARCHERY ALL PSE AND BOW SAFES TECH BOWS $ 99 $ 99
999 - 2099
DEALER COST!
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CLOTHING FROM
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40%OFF
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20%OFF
49 - 69 REG. $79 - $104 99
99
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LARGE ASSORTMENT
30
ATHLETIC SHOES & CLEATS
%
OFF
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CLOSEOUT/FINAL CLEARANCE SHOES
$
MENS LYNX CAMO HUNTING BOOTS
99
99
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ALL CHRISTMAS TREES
BIG SELECTION!
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CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
60 OFF 60% OFF 40% OFF %
UP TO
%
SOME ITEMS RESTRICTED
40
OFF
RED TAG & CLOSEOUT GIFTWARE
DUCK DECOYS
NO RETURNS, NO EXCHANGES, ALL SALES FINAL
$
CAMOUFLAGE HUNTING CLOTHING
20
0 2 ! 6 ; 2 Dr. Steven K. Dean, Optometrist
%
OFF
CHOOSE FROM BROWNING, DRAKE, GAMEHYDE, UNDERARMOUR, WALLS & MORE
Sumter Mall 775.7877 Manning 435.9191
1999
BOX OF 6
~ Board Certified in Family Medicine ~ Fellowship trained in Sports Medicine ~ Accepting patients of all ages o Pediatrics-newborn to adolescent o Elderly o Everyone in between ~ Comprehensive care of the whole family ~ Hospital privileges to take care of you not only in the clinic, but also in the hospital ~ Professionally associated with many local Specialists to ensure you see the right doctor for the testing and treatment you need ~ Well woman exams, including breast exams and pap smears ~ School and sports physicals Jodi L. Belinski, M.D. ~ Friendly, caring staff
CUSTOM OUTDOORS TOWER STANDS 15 FOOT DEALER ONLY 2 TO SELL!
COST!
John R. Fleming, Jr., M.D. Cindy S. Reese, M.D. Richard A. Wall, M.D. 115 North Sumter Street Suite 315 803-934-0810 In the Medical Office Building Next in Tuomey Medical Center
SMITH & WESSON, TAURUS, REMINGTON, SAVAGE, MOSSBERG AND OTHERS BIG ASSORTMENT
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20
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%
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DEER HUNTERS!
HANDGUNS AND LONG GUNS
JONATHAN ASHLEY, MD
OFF
% OFF 10 GREENHEAD & MOJO
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*Offer expires 1/31/11 and not good with any other offer, discount, insurance or third party plan. Lens treatments available at regular cost.
%
LARGE ASSORTMENT
LARGE ASSORTMENT
Farm Bureau Carolina Care Medicare Superior & More
Specializing in Care for the Entire Family
40
OFF RED TAG
H. Rubin Honors Most Insurance Plans:
ENTIRE GIFT DEPARTMENT
USC AND CLEMSON MERCHANDISE & CLOTHING
50%
Choose your new frames from the latest styles, frames valued to $99. ! "# Standard Bifocals: $139.99
ON SALE FOR YOU!
LARGE ASSORTMENT
TAKE AN ADDITIONAL
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A5
NO RETURNS, NO EXCHANGES, ALL SALES FINAL
99
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THE ITEM
10
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LARGE GROUP OF
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10
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All merchandise subject to prior sale. Not all merchandise available at all stores - shop each location for specials. Four convenient locations to serve you Follow us • 40 W. Wesmark Blvd. on Facebook! • 320 W. Liberty • 350 Pinewood Road • 3 W. Rigby, Manning