March 9, 2017 by The Sumter Item

IN SPORTS: Clemson falls short against Duke in ACC Men’s Tournament B1 THE CLARENDON SUN

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Governor addresses Chamber Henry McMaster keynotes annual Legislative Day BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com COLUMBIA — Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Day in Columbia on Wednesday was very different from previous years. Instead of the luncheon format of past years, the event included a tour of the General Assembly Building; an afternoon session with speakers, including South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster; and an evening reception. Gov. McMaster used his appearance to laud the state of South Carolina. “South Carolina is the friendliest state with the most assets,” he said, listing such things as the Port of Charleston and two multi-modal inland ports as being major economic engines. He also praised the state’s research universities, particularly for their ability to cooperate with each other and the private sector. “Collaboration is where things really happen,” he said. “Public-private partnerships will take us to that knowledge economy and beyond.” He said the Palmetto State is blessed with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. “The main thing we have is our people,” McMaster said, and he talked about the potential the state has shown since the very first European settlers arrived.

PHOTOS BY RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster tells the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce Legislative Day crowd that the Boeing plant’s workers who rejected a union vote recently continues to make the state an attractive place to do business.

SEE CHAMBER, PAGE A9

Summerton plant sees more activity

DNA links man convicted in 4 Sumter murders to 1987 Richland killing

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

BY TEDDY KULMALA AND JANE MOON DAIL The State

A company that announced it was locating a plant near Summerton has purchased and is renovating the former Federal Mogul Building at 9104 Alex Harvin Highway, near Summerton. Clarendon Economic Development Director George Kosinski said ProBrass Inc., a company which manufactures brass rifle cartridges, has been renovating and making roof repairs to the building and is awaiting the arrival of production equipment from Illinois. Kosinski said the company has already hired six people at the facility and is advertising 10 production positions through SCWorks. A listing at www.scworks.org matching Kosinski’s description listed production jobs at $16 an hour. “There are a lot of moving pieces going on,” Kosinski said. The company is being started up by two military veterans from Rhode Island and Illinois: CEO Christopher Moe and Chief Operating Officer Tim Baxter, according to a December 2016 report. Kosinski said the company intends to employ as many as

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RICHLAND COUNTY — Thirty years after Patricia Ann Green’s lifeless body was found in a roadside ditch, technology caught up and helped identify her killer, who is serving life sentences for the murders of four other women in Sumter County. Green’s body was found off the Sumter Highway in Hopkins the morning of May 10, 1987, in what Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott called a

“very gruesome scene.” The 34-year-old mother of three had been shot in the face with a shotgun at close range, according to The State newspaper archives. Two truckers leaving Columbia spotted her body in the ditch about a quarter-mile JOHNSON from the entrance of McEntire Joint National Guard Base near Eastover. Lott said there were no

leads on the case and it ran cold. Within the past month, though, he said, investigators with the department’s cold case unit reviewed the case and submitted DNA evidence from the crime scene for analysis. “Our DNA people matched up the DNA found at the crime scene that day to Phillip Johnson, of Sumter,” Lott said. Johnson’s DNA was found on Green’s clothing, he said.

‘JUST A COLD-BLOODED KILLER’ Johnson, 53, was arrest-

ed in 1988 and later convicted in the murders of four women in Sumter County, the sheriff said. Detectives learned Johnson killed two women in Sumter County before Green’s shooting, and another two after. The four Sumter County murders happened in close proximity to each other. Johnson is serving four life sentences in the state prison system and is currently housed at Kirkland

SEE COLD, PAGE A9

Staggers named Morris College interim president FROM STAFF REPORTS Morris College Board of Trustees has named Leroy Staggers, academic dean at the college, as interim president, effective July 1, as president Luns C. Richardson intends to retire on June 30. Richardson, South Carolina’s longest sitting college president and United Negro College Fund’s longest member president, informed the board of trustees of his decision to retire as the president during a regular meeting on Oct. 29, 2016. He will conclude his 43-year career

with Morris College at 5 p.m. on June 30 according to a news release from the college. Staggers, a Salters native and a graduate of C.E. Murray High School in Greelyville, earned an undergraduate degree from Voorhees College and earned both a master’s and a doctorate degree from Clark Atlanta UniSTAGGERS versity in Atlanta, Georgia. According to a news release from the college, Staggers, who began

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working at Morris College in 1993, has dedicated nearly 24 years to the institution and has served 16 years as the academic dean. Through his current position, Staggers is a prominent member of Richardson’s cabinet and is responsible for the supervision of all academic programs, full-time and part-time faculty members as well as all academic support instructional programs. Staggers also works closely with Richardson on all aspects of Morris College’s reaffirmation of accreditation efforts,

SEE MORRIS, PAGE A9

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THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

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Airman killed in I-20 wreck identified Staff Sgt. Alexander Earles, a Fort Gordon Airman assigned to the 3rd Intelligence Squadron, was killed in a wreck Monday at approximately 11 a.m. while traveling west bound on Interstate 20 near Augusta, Georgia. The 23-year-old airman was an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Operations Training Manager. He served in the Air Force since Aug. 9, 2011. “We are sad to announce the loss of a great American Airman, Staff Sgt. Alexander Earles,” said Lt. Col. Jeremiah Burgess, 3rd IS commander. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends and to his Air Force family. He was a selfless leader who was always ready to solve the toughest problems and was willing to work odd shifts in order to best train his Airmen. His positive attitude and constant smile will be greatly missed. Alex served with honor in our military for five and a half years, and we mourn the loss of such an outstanding young Airman.” The 3rd IS is subordinate to the 480th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Wing headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.

Bill seeks safeguards for gun sales COLUMBIA (AP) — South Carolina needs better safeguards to prevent people who shouldn’t have a gun from buying one, as white supremacist Dylann Roof did before massacring congregants in a black Charleston church, Democratic and Republican state senators said Wednesday. The two hope their bipartisan approach can crack South Carolina’s conservative opposition to laws that make it it harder for anyone to get a gun. They point out it would only stop people who shouldn’t have a gun to begin with. “The more mass shootings we have in this country, the harder it is going to be to defend the Second Amendment,” said Sen. Greg Gregory, a Lancaster Republican. Their bill would give authorities more time to do a background check and add other reporting requirements. The bill introduced Wednesday might not have stopped Roof. A clerk entered the wrong police agency for a pending drug charge when Roof went to buy the gun he went on to use in the racist June 2015 massacre at Emanuel AME church in Charleston. The FBI background check flagged the arrest because federal law prohibits

gun sales to people addicted to drugs. But the statute is vague, so the agent needed more information about Roof’s charge. Because of the clerical error, the agent couldn’t get it within the threeday window for the background check. The South Carolina bill requires courts to report guilty verdicts to a state database within 10 days instead of the current 30 days. Any restraining orders, bonds or other items that might prevent someone from buying a gun would have to be reported within two days. Currently there is a patchwork of requirements, said Democratic state Sen. Marlon Kimpson. “It’s going a long way to solving the Dylann Roof issue,” said Kimpson, whose district includes Emanuel AME church. The bill also expands from three days to five days the length of time officials can take to finish a background check. Kimpson would rather require any background check problems be resolved before selling a gun no matter how long it takes, but acknowledged he would get little Republican support for that. A second bill from Republican Sen. Greg Hembree of Little River would ban any felon from owning a weapon.

Currently in South Carolina only people convicted of violent felonies can’t have guns — exempting drug dealers and other dangerous criminals, Hembree said. Gregory said he thinks the bill can pass the state Senate in part because it has bipartisan support and in part because the slain pastor at Emanuel AME was state Sen. Clementa Pinckney. The bill would face a tougher challenge in the state House, which tends to be more conservative on gun rights. Most of the gun bills sponsored in that chamber this year expand who can carry guns in South Carolina and where guns can be brought. But the senators point out South Carolina has passed gun restrictions before. In 2013, lawmakers approved a bill requiring the state to provide the federal background check database with information about people ruled in court to have mental problems. Relatives of the Emanuel AME shooting victims and survivors have sued the FBI for its failed background check on Roof. But the federal agency said its agents couldn’t do their job properly because of problems with the information from South Carolina.

Nothing like dirt road living Coleman Manus, 3, sits in the cockpit of the jet his grandparents, Robbie and Debbie Grooms, drew on their dirt road.

Woman died of thermal burns, smoke inhalation Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker said the official cause of death for 67-year-old Ethel Hall, who died while burning rubbish on Tuesday afternoon, is thermal burns and smoke inhalation. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Public Investigation Officer Ken Bell said investigators think Hall’s clothes caught fire while she was burning trash behind her daughter’s house in the 4600 block of Wrangler Trail, and she ran through the wooded area, causing a brush fire. Sumter Fire Department, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Forestry Commission are investigating the fire.

Looking to donate a chest of drawers Are you looking for a home for that old chest of drawers? Sumter United Ministries wants to provide residents of Albany, Georgia, displaced by tornadoes, with at least 10 chest of drawers along with other items that have already been collected. SUM will be heading out on Monday with a box truck provided by Jones Chevrolet. For more details or to make a donation, call the ministry at (803) 775-0757.

CORRECTION An article in Sunday’s edition on retire-rehires for Sumter School District who were terminated Jan. 31 should have said the workers were already receiving retirement checks from the state, not the district.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Banquet to raise money for youth conferences FROM STAFF REPORTS Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Boys and Girls Youth Inc. will hold a fundraising banquet at 7 p.m. Friday, March 31, at The Imperial Restaurant, 451 Broad St. Rep. J. David Weeks, DSumter, will be the keynote

speaker for the evening. All proceeds will go toward the Sheriff’s Office Boys to Men and Girls to Women Youth Conferences slated for June 16-17. The two-day conferences will cover topics ranging from bullying to how to avoid becoming a victim of sex trafficking.

Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the sheriff’s office, 1281 N. Main St. VIP tables of eight are available for a $250 donation. These donors will have

their tables reserved and will be recognized on the banquet’s program and at the youth conferences. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact Lt. Petrina L. Wiley at (803) 436-2026 or Senior Cpl. Albert Harvin at (803) 436-2364.

No Sumter County candidates file for District 70 primary BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com No candidates from Sumter County have filed for the special election June 20 to elect a state representative from District 70. The seat is open because of the death of Rep. Joe Neal, D-Hopkins. Neal, a Hopkins minister who represented the district since 1993, died un-

expectedly Jan. 14. The district includes the southern portion of Richland County and roughly the eastern one-third of Sumter County, including Wedgefield and Pinewood. Filing for the election ends Monday. As of March 7, five Democrats have filed to run in the May 2 primary election, while no Republicans have officially entered the race.

The Democratic candidates who have filed for the primary election are: Wendy Brawley, Hopkins; H. Heath Hill, Eastover; Reuben Martin, Hopkins; Harry Reese Sr., Columbia; and Levola Taylor, Gadsden. A runoff, which would be required if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary election, would be held May 16.

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THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Studying the fruit fly

USC Sumter professor Dan Kiernan teaches Alice Drive Middle School students about the life cycle of the fruit fly at the university. At left, Lesley Salinas helps Alice Drive Middle School students on March 9 with their work.

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES Chandler L. Coulter III, 17, of 147 Garrett St., was arrested on Sunday and charged with possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful carry of a firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, a black .380-caliber Ruger pistol, reportedly stolen, and a bag containing approximately 38 grams of marijuana; an orange medicine bottle containing seven Xanax pills; two small bottles of perfume; and one small black digital scale were found inside Coulter’s vehicle while it was parked in the 1200

block of Louise Kellogg Drive between midnight and 3 a.m. Sunday. Lindsay Pollard, 25, of 4965 Wedgelake Drive, Wedgefield, was arrested on Friday and charged with unlawful neglect to a child after she and her newborn tested positive for opiates at the time of his birth on Jan. 26. STOLEN PROPERTY Approximately $4,000 in military-issued equipment — two tactical vests valued at $1,000, two front armor plates valued at $600, two rear armor plates valued at $600, four side-armor plates valued at $800, four combat tops valued at $400, four pairs of combat pants val-

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Trajan Janer helps students from Alice Drive Middle School on March 2 with a project about fruit flies at USC Sumter. Students walked over with Trevor Ivey and ADMS staff members to USC Sumter and joined Dan Kiernan’s Biology 101 college lab class to learn about fruit fly biology. The USC Sumter college students helped the middle-school students build their own culture vessel with live fruit flies. The middleschool students will take the culture vessels back to their own classroom to conduct their own inquirybased activities. One question that they will follow up on is: How long is the fruit fly life cycle?

ued at $400, an e-tool valued at $50, a pair of wetweather pants valued at $100, a pair of cold-weather pants valued at $100, a sleeping bag valued at $50 and a pair of size 13 Nike shoes valued at $250 — were reportedly stolen from an apartment unit in the 600 block of Birkdale Circle between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28. DAMAGED PROPERTY Approximately $1,500 in damage was caused to a white 2010 Hyundai Sonata, about $1,500 in damage was caused to a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis and about $1,000 in damage was caused to a black 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, when the vehicles were struck multiple times by bullets while parked at a barber shop in

the 400 block of South Lafayette Drive shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, surveillance footage from a nearby business recorded four suspects discharging firearms across Penn Street at one another, striking the vehicles, before

fleeing the area. A 2013 Dodge Journey sustained approximately $1,000 in damage when a concrete brick was thrown into the windshield while the vehicle was parked in the 300 block of Harmony Court between 10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday.

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New Selections for Spring

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Love is not rude

ne singer years ago proclaimed “Love Stinks.” The song talked about the difficulties of having feelings for someone who may have feelings for another. When we think about it that way, love could stink. Another time love stinks is when people who proclaim to love each other act unbecomingly or rude to one another. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, stated, “Love does not act unbecomingly” (NASB). In the Living Bible speaking of love it is translated, “it is never haughty or selfish or rude” (1 Corinthians 13:5). Dictionary.com defines rude as discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way. Does rudeness live in the homes of Christians? Does rudeness exist in work settings? Does rudeness occur in sports? The answer to all of those questions is an overwhelming yes. In families we should make the commitment to no longer be rude or act unbecomingly to each other anymore. When we make that commitment, we commit to never embarrassing our loved ones in front of others. We commit to never calling family members hurtful names or performing hurtful acts toward our loved ones. In our work settings, neighborhoods and on the athletic fields, we should look at our behaviors and ask ourselves, “Are we coming across rude in our words or actions?” If our answer is yes, it is time to make a change. It is time to honor all people we work with

not just the ones we agree with, realizing God loves all of us. We don’t need to call the referee or Family Encouragement opposing coaches RICHARD names. That HOLMES is not true to our team. In fact, it is a disgrace. Think about this quote by Mandy Hale, “the less you respond to rude, critical, argumentative people, the more peaceful your life will become.” We do not always have to win the argument or be right, but we should always be polite, encouraging and loving. Today, make a fervent commitment not to be rude or act unbecomingly to others. When we do, we will find that love has a sweet aroma instead of a spiteful stink. Next week we will review how love is not selfish or provoked. Family Encouragement Corner is a weekly inspirational thought from Richard Holmes. Holmes serves as a chaplain at Shaw Air Force Base. The opinions expressed in this article do not express the views of Shaw Air Force Base or the United States Air Force. For more information regarding Family Encouragement Corner or to offer your suggestions or comments please feel free to email familyencouragement2016@gmail.com.

RELIGION

THE SUMTER ITEM

Pray and be a help when ministers depart

hen a minister resigns before the church, it’s usually at the end of a weekly service. They pause before they begin with a platitude of some sort. Sometimes they shuffle in place, sometimes they grip the pulpit for support. Then comes the bombshell. I’ve been a part of a few of these services and been a direct participant in the bewilderment and the shock afterward. Even in the best of circumstances, there always seems to be an unpleasantness in the air afterward. There are many reasons why pastors resign, but ideally, it’s because they feel God leading them toward another group of people, another church or another ministry. Of course, there are those instances when a minister resigns because of a sin that undermines his ability to lead God’s people. For today’s column’s purposes, I won’t focus on ministers who resign because of indiscretions, but rather those who simply move on to another ministry. One might think that under these circumstances, the body of believers might rejoice with the minister’s intent on following God’s will for their lives; but I know from personal as well as observational experience, this isn’t the case in most situations. The emotional impulse is to be angry or disappointed. Some even feel betrayed or

‘Even in the worst scenario, there is a chance for God to bless your congregation in a mighty way.’ abandoned. When a JAMIE H. minister reWILSON signs, those in the congregation are more inclined to consider how it will affect them rather than the needs of the impending transition. It’s not a surprise that a season of division can spring from the time following a minister’s resignation. So rather than offer reasons behind a minister’s departure, I’d like to offer a bit of encouragement to those of you who have recently lost a minister. • Don’t vilify that minister, and take into consideration that the decision was likely a difficult one. They might have to uproot their families and leave friends of which they formed very close relationships. There might even be an element of grief. In these cases, the church still has a responsibility to that minister to pray and uplift them, regardless of their own emotional impulses (Eph. 4:20). • Step up to the plate. Some churches employ pastor search committees while others are appointed ministers by a denominational governing body. It is often difficult for those laypeople tasked with the transition. Beyond this is the fact that

Faith Matters

there will be ministry holes — hospital visits, administrative duties and the like. Your church will need you, so be prepared to answer the call. • Look for God in the season that follows. Keep your eyes fixed on Him. Resist the urge to blame or wallow in frustration. These can blind us from what God may be doing in the midst of our struggle. No matter the situation, God’s hand is there. He does not abandon his people even when they experience the consequences of their sin. Even in the worst scenario, there is a chance for God to bless your congregation in a mighty way. Maybe I should’ve included this in the list above, but the undercurrent of any pastoral transition — or any situation — should be prayer. According to Scripture, it is the key to God’s future blessings. “[I]f my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chron. 7:14, NIV) Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail. com.

Asylum seekers’ children celebrate Purim in Israel Asylum seekers’ children, mostly from Eritrea, wear costumes as they watch an acrobat perform during the Purim festival in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Wednesday. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews’ salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther, which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes; eating a festive meal; and public celebrations. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHURCH NEWS Allen Chapel AME Church, 471 Lynam Road, announces: * Sunday — Women’s day program at 3 p.m. Councilwoman Vivian Fleming-McGhaney will speak. Bethel AME Church, 219 E. Calhoun St., announces: * Sunday — Dress down day / fire safety day at 10:30 a.m. Johnnie L. Rose, division chief with the Sumter Fire Department, will speak. Bethel AME Church, 1605 S.C. 261, Wedgefield, announces: * Beginning Sunday, Lenten studies for youth age 5 through 17 will be held at 9 a.m. each Sunday thereafter through Easter, April 16. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 4319 Rowe Drive, Summerton, announces: * Sunday — Trustee’s 20th anniversary program at 3 p.m. The Rev. Edward L. Sanders will speak. Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1275 Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday, March 19 — Missionary ministry’s annual red and white service at 4 p.m. Tammy Finney and Charlene Moody will speak. Concord Baptist Church, 1885 Myrtle Beach Highway, announces: * Saturday — Gospel concert at 6 p.m. featuring Dennis Benton. A love offering will be received.

Fellowship Outreach Ministries, 1891 Florence Highway, announces: * Thursday-Friday, March 30-31 — A 44-year appreciation service for Pastor and Apostle Virnetta Evans at 7:30 nightly. First Baptist Missionary Church, 219 S. Washington St., announces: * Sunday — Miss South Carolina 2017 Megan Gordon will speak at 11 a.m. * Wednesday-Friday, March 22-24 — “Spring Training” classes as follows: Wednesday, “Tithes and Offerings,” the Rev. Sammie Simmons will speak; Thursday, “Effective Bible Reading,” the Rev. James Jamison will speak; and Friday, “The Power of Prayer,” the Rev. Marion Newton will speak. A fellowship meal will be served at 6 nightly and classes will begin at 7 nightly. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 182 S. Pike East, announces: * Sunday, March 19 — Gospel extravaganza at 4 p.m. Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 2938 Raccoon Road, Manning, announces: * Saturday, March 18 — Bake sale fundraiser sponsored by Hands of Grace ladies ministry from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the vacant lot (Tanner’s convenience store / gas station). High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House

Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday, April 16 — Joint sunrise service at High Hills AME Church, 6780 Meeting House Road, Dalzell. Pastor Donald Amis will speak. Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday — Knitting Hearts will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for two sessions and a luncheon. Trisha Frost, of Shiloh Place Ministries in Myrtle Beach, will speak. All ladies are invited. A love offering will be received. Visit knittingheartsministry.wordpress. com. Mount Carmel Freewill Baptist Church, 207 Reardon St., Manning, announces: * Sunday — Musical extravaganza at 3 p.m. featuring area groups and choirs. * Sunday, March 26 — 100 Women in White and Pearls program at 3:30 p.m. Evangelist Deborah Trevol, of Goodwill Freewill Baptist Church in Manning, will speak. Mount Pisgah AME Church, 217 W. Bartlette St., announces: * Sunday, March 19 — Gospel singing at 5:30 p.m. featuring Voice of Deliverance of Charleston. Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Saturday — State YWA Convention “Covered by the Blood” at 1 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Monica Redmond of Charlotte will speak. * Sunday — Benedict College day at 10:45 a.m. Dr. David H.

Swinton, president / CEO of Benedict College, will speak. The Benedict Choir will provide music. One Sumter community meeting will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. * Sunday, March 19 — Pulpit Aid / pastor’s support ministry anniversary program at 10:45 a.m. Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church, 1400 Mulberry Church Road, announces: * Sunday — Trustees and trustee wives anniversary program at 10:45 a.m. Minister Gerald Richardson will speak. The Contemporary Mass Choir’s annual concert at 4 p.m. featuring the Britton United Mass Choir. New Fellowship Covenant Ministries, 316 W. Liberty St., announces: * Saturday — Clothes giveaway from 9 a.m. until noon. Free snacks will also be given. New Testament Lighthouse Church, 1114 Boulevard Road, announces: * Sunday — Gospel singing at 5 p.m. featuring Next Chapter. Pine Grove AME Church, 41 Pine Grove Road, Rembert, announces: * Friday — One night revival service at 7:30 p.m. sponsored by class seven. Brother Justin Rufus will speak. Red Hill Baptist Church, 4695 Red Hill Road, Lee County, announces: * Saturday, March 18 — Gospel singing benefit for Frank Mitchell at 6 p.m. featuring

Praisemen Quartet. St. James United Methodist Church, 720 Broad St., announces: * Sunday, March 19 — Women in the pulpit at 11 a.m. Dr. Tonya Mack will speak. At 4 p.m., family and friends celebration will be held. There will be a fashion and talent extravaganza. The Rev. Colen Giles Jr. will speak. St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 7650 Summerton Highway, Silver community, Pinewood, announces: * Wednesday-Friday, March 15-17 — Youth Revival at 7 nightly. Speakers as follows: Wednesday, Antonio Green of Laurel Hill AME; Thursday, Joshua Brand of Deliverance Temple Church of Manning; and Friday, Cedric Anderson of Fellowship Baptist Church. Tiverton Missionary Baptist Church, Old Highway 261, Wedgefield, announces: * Sunday — The 173rd anniversary of the church will be celebrated at 3 p.m. The Rev. Eric Dent will speak. Truly Committed Missionary Baptist Church, 705 Oswego Road, announces: * Sunday, March 19 — Family and friends day at 3 p.m. The Rev. Maggie Williams will speak. Walker Avenue Church of God, 100 Walker Ave., announces: * Sunday — The 59th usher’s anniversary program will be held at 4 p.m. The Rev. David Quick, of Line Street Church of God of Charleston, will speak.

NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Passenger says ‘train just kept coming’ toward bus train track, which is on an embankment, poses safety issues. “It’s too steep there,” he said. There have been 16 accidents at the crossing during the past four decades, federal records showed. The crossing has a sign warning drivers that it has a low-ground clearance as well as a bell, lights and crossing arms. Jim DeLaCruz, a passenger who was in the back of the bus with his wife, told The Sun Herald that they were trying to get off the bus when it was hit. “The bus tried to clear the tracks and got stuck right in the middle and it couldn’t budge, and the train just kept coming and kept coming,” he said. Police Chief John Miller said he wasn’t sure why the bus couldn’t move. Miller said the Echo Transportation bus had come from Austin, Texas, carrying passengers to one of Biloxi’s eight casinos. The weeklong trip started Sunday and was organized by a senior citizens’ center in Bastrop, Texas, about 30 miles east of Austin. They were also supposed to visit New Orleans

BILOXI, Miss. (AP) — A charter bus carrying dozens of tourists to Mississippi casinos was stuck on railroad tracks for about five minutes before a freight train barreled into it, sending frantic passengers in all directions, witnesses and authorities said. Four people were killed Tuesday and 40 were hurt, including seven critically. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Witnesses said some of the tourists from Texas were getting off the bus as the driver tried to move it, and at least one person was shoved under the bus when the train hit, said Mark Robinson, a Biloxi native, who witnessed the crash. Body parts were “thrown everywhere,” Robinson told WLOX-TV. The CSX Transportation locomotive pushed the bus about 300 feet before coming to a stop with the mangled bus still straddling the tracks. Authorities said it took more than an hour to get everyone aboard the bus out of the wreckage. Two people had to be removed with metal-cutting equipment. Robinson said he thinks the

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A freight train smashed into a charter bus in Biloxi, Mississippi, on Tuesday, pushing the bus 300 feet down the tracks authorities said. Authorities worked for more than an hour to remove passengers, Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney said. and then return home Saturday, according to a flier about the tour posted by Texas media. The names of the dead were not immediately released but a Texas school district confirmed that two former administrators with the district were killed. Ken and Peggy Hoffman were retired from the Lockhart school district south of Austin, according to

Christina Courson, a district spokeswoman. Ken Hoffman worked for the district for decades and had served as an assistant superintendent. His wife was an elementary school principal, the spokeswoman said. The couple has a daughter and three grandchildren who now teach in the district. Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney said rescuers needed about an

Church Directory Adventist

Assembly of God

Sumter Seventh-Day Adventist 103 N Pike West 775-4455 Pastor Harry Robinson Sat. Sch: 9:15 am, Worship: 11:00 am Tues Bible Study 7 pm www.sumter22.adventistchurchconnect.org

First Assembly of God 1151 Alice Drive * 773-3817 www.sumterﬁrstag.org Jason Banar, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship: 10:30 am

African Methodist - Missionary Episcopal Baptist Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church Wayman Chapel AME Church 160 N Kings Hwy • 803-494-3686 www.waymanchapelame.com Reverend Dr. Dennis W. Broughton, Jr. Church School 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am Wed. Bible Study 12:00 pm & 6:30 pm

Salem Missionary Baptist Church The Catholic Community of 320 West Fulton Street Sumter, St. Jude Site 611 W. Oakland Ave • 773-9244 803-775-8054 www.stjudesumtersc.org Reverend Dr. Cartrell Woods, Jr. Pastor Pastor Rev. Frank Palmieri, CRM Sun. School 9:00 am Parochial Vicar Rev. Noly Berjuega, CRM Praise Worship 9:55 am Saturday: 6:00 pm Worship 10:00 am Sun. 9:15 - 12:00 Noon, 5:00 pm (in Spanish) Confession: Sat. 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Baptist - Southern Grace Baptist Church 219 W Calhoun St * 778-6417 Dr. Stephen Williams drsteve@ftc-i.net S.S. 9:45 am; Worship 11:00 am Evening Worship/Bible Study 6:30 pm Wed. Prayer Meeting 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 pm

803 S Harvin St. * 775-4032 Marion H Newton, Pastor Sunday Worship: 7:45 & 10:45 am Sunday Youth Service: 10:45 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm

Hickory Road Baptist Church 1245 Cherryvale Dr 803-494-8281 Dr. Ron Taylor Pastor Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Evening Worship 6:00 pm

SIGNS THAT GUIDE R

esidents of a given locality are so familiar with all the routes around town that they pay no attention to the signs posted along the way. For the traveler searching for guidance, however, the signs are very important. Directions are everywhere for us to follow, we only have to look and ask. We can also receive spiritual direction in our lives, all we have to do is look and ask. Your local house of worship is a place to ask for guidance and instruction. It is also a place to praise the One who guides us!

1 Samuel 1:1-28

1 Samuel 2:1-11

Daily Devotional Reading 2 Samuel 2 Samuel 2 Samuel 7:1-29 22:1-28 22:29-51

Psalm 89:1-18

Psalm 89:19-37

Shaw Heights Baptist Church 2030 Peach Orchard Rd. • 499-4997 Rev. Robert White, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 am Sunday Worship:11 am & 6 pm Bible School June 20th - 25th 6:00 - 8:30 PM 4 year old & up

Catholic - Roman The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Anne Site 216 E Liberty St • 803-773-3524 Parochial Pastor Rev. Frank Palmieri, CRM Vicar Rev. Noly Berjuega, CRM Weekend Masses: Sat. 4:30 pm Sun. 8:00 and 12:00 Noon Confession: Sat. 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Church of Christ Plaza Church of Christ 1402 Camden Hwy. • 905-3163 Stewart Schnur cell 361-8449 Sunday School: 10 am Sunday Worship: 11 am & 6 pm Wed. Bible Class: 7 pm

Interdenominational Spiritual Life Christian Center 4672 Broad St. Ext • 968-5771 Pastors Randolph & Minerva Paige Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm Victory Full Gospel Interdenominational Church 601 Pitts Rd • 481-7003 Joann P. Murrill, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm

Lutheran - ELCA St James Lutheran Church 1137 Alice Dr, Sumter 773-2260 / www.stjamessumter.org Pastor Keith Getz Sunday School: 9:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am Wed. Bible Study 10:30 am Holy Communion: 12:00 pm

Methodist - United Aldersgate United Methodist 211 Alice Dr • 775-1602 David W. Day, Pastor Sunday School 9:15 am Worship Service 10:30 am www.aldersgatesumter.org Bethel United Methodist Church 5575 Lodebar Rd • 469-2452 Rev. Jeremy Howell Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 am Sunday School: 10 am www.yourbethel.org BMethodist@ftc-i.net Trinity United Methodist Church 226 W Liberty St • 773-9393 Rev. Steve Holler Sunday School 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am trinityumcsumter.org

Non-Denominational The Rock Church of Sumter 365 N. Saint Paul Church Rd., Sumter 803-494-7625 (ROCK) Pastor Gwendolyn Credle Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 11:00 am Wed. Bible Study 7:00 pm Calvary Bible Church 770 N. Wise Dr., Sumter 803-774-2341 Pastor Richard Harris Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:00 PM Christ Community Church(CCC) 320 Loring Mill Rd., Sumter www.cccsumter.com 803-905-7850 Sunday Worship 10:00 am

hour to clear everyone from the wreckage. A nearby car was used as a stepladder after the crash to get people off the bus, and emergency workers pulled passengers through windows. Vincent Creel, the city spokesman, said 48 passengers and the driver were on the bus. The train was headed from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, at the time of the crash, said CSX spokesman Gary Sease. He said the train crew was not injured. The single track is the CSX mainline along the Gulf Coast, passing through densely populated areas of southern Mississippi. Federal Railroad Agency records show 10 trains a day typically use the track, with a maximum speed of 45 mph. Accidents in 1983 and 2003 each involved a fatality. The bus was marked as belonging to Echo Transportation, which Texas corporate records show is a unit of a company called TBL Group, based in Grand Prairie, near Dallas. The Federal Railroad Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

Presbyterian PCA

First Church of God 1835 Camden Rd • 905-5234 www.sumterfcg.org Ron Bower, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 am Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Greater St. Paul Church 200 Watkins Street • 803-778-1355 Founder Bishop W.T. English Sunday School - 10:30 am Sunday Morning Worship - 11:30 am Wed. Mid Week Service - 7:30 pm Sumter Bible Church 420 South Pike West, Sumter 803-773-8339 • Pastor Ron Davis Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study & Prayer 7:00 pm

Westminster Presbyterian Church 230 Alice Dr., Sumter • 803-773-7235 Pastor Stuart Mizelle Sunday School 9:15 am Worship Service 10:30 am

Presbyterian USA First Presbyterian Church of Sumter 9 W Calhoun St (at Main St.) (803) 773-3814 • info@fpcsumter.org Rev. Nick Cheek Sunday School (classes for all ages) 9:30 a.m. Hospitality & Fellowship (Fellowship Hall) 10:10 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary) 10:30 a.m.

Pentecostal First United Penecostal Church 14 Plowden Mill Rd • 775-9493 Pastor Theron Smith Sunday Service: 10:00 am & 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30 pm Sumter First Pentecostal Holiness Church 2609 McCrays Mill Rd • 481-8887 S. Paul Howell, Pastor Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:45 am & 6:00 pm Wed. Bible Study/Youth Group: 7:00 pm

Presbyterian - ARP Lemira Presbyterian Church 514 Boulevard Rd • 473-5024 Pastor Dan Rowton Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am

Scriptures Selected by the American Bible Society

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THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE CLARENDON SUN Call: (803) 774-1211 | E-mail: jim@theitem.com

Slot limit considered for striped bass BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com A bill passed by the South Carolina House of Representatives would make changes to striped bass fishing in the Santee Cooper system, including lakes Marion and Moultrie. Currently, anglers may keep as many as three striped bass more than 26 inches in length during the season, which is from Oct. 1 through May 31. The bill would change that to allow anglers to keep as many as three striped bass from 23 to 25 inches, including one longer than 36 inches. It would also extend the striped bass season to June 15. Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Scott Lamprecht said there are as many big fish in the lake as he has ever seen. “It is just not enough to keep folks happy,” he said. Lamprecht said the bill would be “neutral” as far as its effect on the fish population. “We have modeled all the scenarios with the current mortality rate, and we will have about the same number of fish reaching sexual maturity that we did with the 26-inch limit, but more

harvest will be taken,” he said. There are not as many young fish coming into the system this year, Lamprecht said. “We had a really good year in 2014, but 2015 and 2016 weren’t nearly as good,” he said. The lower survival rate could be because of flooding events the past two years, he added. “Overall the striped bass population is in pretty darn good health,” he said. Lamprecht said he could “embrace” the bill in its current form. Zeke Lynam, a member of the Santee Cooper Striped Bass Stakeholders Committee, which advises DNR on striped bass management, said he supports the slot limit but has reservations. “What we have been doing for eight years is working,” he said. Lynam said he was told by DNR a slot limit would be in the best interests of the fish. The slot limit would allow anglers to keep more fish and take some of the pressure off the spawning population, he said, because stripers don’t become sexually mature until they reach 26 inches.

POLICE BLOTTER A four-wheel all-terrain vehicle and a trailer were reported stolen March 1 from the 1000 block of Newman Circle, Summerton. The green 2004 Honda Foreman 500 is valued at $5,000, and the 4-by-8 trailer is valued at $500. At the same residence, a 2010 Golf Club golf cart was reported missing Feb. 24. The golf cart is valued at $5,000. A four-wheel all-terrain vehicle was reported stolen Feb. 27, in the 1300 block of Lakewood Drive, Manning. The ATV was described as a blue-and-black 2008 Yamaha Raptor. The vehicle is valued at $3,900. On Feb. 26, a deputy responded to a report of a missing golf cart in the 1000 block of Fawn Drive, Summerton. The complainant said he was gone from the residence for three days and discovered it missing when he and his wife went to ride it that morning. The burgundy golf cart is valued at $3,000. An officer spoke with a complainant on March 2 who said someone took his wallet from his bedroom in the 1200 block of Meadowbrook Drive, Manning, on the night of March 1. Complainant said he had $480 in cash in the wallet and his driver’s license.

BREACH OF TRUST

BURGLARY / BREAKING AND ENTERING On Feb. 27, an officer responded to a report of a break-in in the 1100 block of Chase Circle, Alcolu. The victim said she had secured all of her possessions in a PODS unit outside the residence. When she returned home, she found her residence ransacked with all the paneling and insulation torn off the walls. All the copper wiring was missing. Also missing was a window air-conditioning unit. The woman said she had moved her belongings because she is anticipating a new home from a disaster relief agency.

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ed to a report of an attempted break-in at the 5500 block of Brogdon Road, Manning. Complainant said his dogs started barking, and he saw someone standing at his shed trying to gain entry. When complainant yelled at the suspect, he fled into the woods. Complainant said nothing appeared to be missing. On March 3, an officer responded to a complaint of breaking-and-entering at the What Not Club House in Alcolu. The complainant said someone entered by breaking a window and opening a roll-back door. Missing items include a tan sectional couch, two equalizers, four speakers, a 17-inch Dell laptop computer, a Casio keyboard with stand and a projector. Missing items were val-

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An officer responded to a complaint of a stolen vehicle on Panola Road, Pinewood, on March 4. Complainant said a 2003 Chevrolet Impala LTZ was taken after it broke down the night before. The vehicle is valued at $4,000.

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The missing items were valued at $200. A deputy responded to Lenora’s Santee Resort, 5275 Dingle Pond Road, Summerton, in reference to a report of a stolen air compressor. The complainant said suspects pried open a door, damaging the door and frame and took a compressor valued at $169. An officer responded to the 2200 block of S.C. 260, Manning, in reference to a report of a burglary on Feb. 26. Complainant said someone removed a window pane from his back door and entered his home, taking credit cards and $2,000. On Feb. 24, an officer respond-

LARCENY

“It will definitely be good for the anglers,” he said. As for extending the season for two more weeks, Lynam said it would not matter much. “The best thing we did for striped bass was closing the season during the summer months,” he said. Legendary Santee-Cooper guide Inky Davis said he attended a meeting of fishing guides and most of them were in favor of the slot limit. “The people they take out really want to be able to take home a couple of fish,” he said. State Sen. Thomas McElveen, DSumter, who fishes for striped bass,

said he hasn’t seen the bill the House passed, but he expects the Senate to make some changes. He indicated he would like to see a bill that would boost striped bass populations. “If it is going to bring the striped bass back and it will be like the ‘good old days,’ I can support that,” he said. “(The supporters’) narrative has been that the anglers want this (bill) to happen, and I am not sure that is true,” McElveen said. He said most folks he talked to are of the mindset that you can only keep big fish, and this bill kind of goes back to keeping the small ones. While the bill would probably be good for professional guides, McElveen said he is not sure it would be good for sport fishermen. “That’s kind of what you have to balance,” he said. “But I have a lot of sportsmen in my district, and there are a lot more sportsmen than guides.” McElveen said he has not decided whether to support the bill.

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CLARENDON SUN

THE SUMTER ITEM

Pets of the week

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Bass fishing tournament set for March 18

Hooch is a 9-month-old male, brown with white, boxer/ hound mix. He weighs about 60 pounds and is a very sweet boy. He knows some basic commands and doesn’t mind getting a bath. He is current on his shots, has been neutered and tested negative for heartworm. If you are interested stop by the shelter and meet this sweet boy. Stop by to see Hooch and Alexis and their friends on Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at A Second Chance Animal Shelter, 5079 Alex Harvin Highway (U.S. 301), which has numerous pets available for adoption. To drop off an animal, call (803) 473-7075 for an appointment. If you've lost a pet, check www.ccanimalcontrol.webs. com and www.ASecondChanceAnimalShelter.com.

Alexis is a 7-month-old female brown tabby domestic shorthair kitten. She is sweet and a little scared at first but comes around quickly. She is current on her shots, has been spayed and tested negative for feline leukemia. The adoption fee is only $50 at this time. Come by to see Alexis and all the kittens at A Second Chance Animal Shelter.

FROM STAFF REPORTS The T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League tournament season will continue Saturday, March 18, for South Carolina Division anglers with a tournament on Santee Cooper. Up to 400 boaters and co-anglers will compete. The tournament, hosted by Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, will begin at John C. Land III Landing, Summerton. For updates, photos and tournament news, visit Facebook. com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.

THE

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DEADLINE 56&4DAY 11AM

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Part-Time Camp Bob Cooper (Clemson University Youth Learning Institute), Summerton, SC is now hiring for Part-Time Food Service Workers, no more than 28 hours per week, $7.25/hr. Shifts vary; some weekends. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass a background check. Please Call: 803-478-2105 Clemson University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Lisa Bair

Clarendon News • Features • Obits • Church Listings & more.

Estate Notice Clarendon County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on FORM #371ES with the Probate Court of Clarendon County, the address of which is 411 Sunset Dr. Manning, SC 29102, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and 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 claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.

RENTALS

321 S. Mill Street - COMMERCIAL OFFICE...................$385/mos Includes Water 316 S. Church St. - 3 bed, 1 bath in town..........................................................................$450/mos 417 W. Boyce St. - 2-3 bed, 1 bath brick home within walking distance of Walmart..$525/mos 1268 Dollard Dr. - 2nd row at lake - 3 bed, 2 bath DWMH, fenced yard...$650/mos Wyboo Villas - 2-4 bed, 2-4 bath villas. Furnished or unfurnished. Private pool .........................................................................................$660-860/mos - Includes Water 1201 Cypress Point Condo - 1 bed, 1 bath Second Floor Unit. Waterfront with Pool and Tennis Courts. Includes Basic Cable & Water...............................$725/mos *CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR ANY NEW LISTINGS THAT MAY NOT APPEAR HERE! All homes are plus utilities and require application approval and security deposit in addition to first month’s rent to move in!

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Clarendon School District Two Vacancy Announcement

City of Manning

Estate:

READ LOCAL.

Bill Welch #2017ES1400036 Personal Representative: Alta Faye Welch 1069 Shively Road Turbeville, SC 29162 03/02/17 - 03/16/17

SHOP LOCAL.

Business License Renewals for the 2017 calendar year were due and payable beginning January 2, 2017 and are delinquent if not paid in full before April 15, 2017. From April 15, 2017 to May 15, 2017 the penalty is 5% of the unpaid fee for each month or portion thereof after the due date until such time the license fee is paid in full.

Position

Secretary (225 Days) Manning Junior High School

Qualiﬁcations

High School Diploma Secretarial Experience Preferred Clear Criminal Background Check

Pay

District Salary Scale

Information given will be veriﬁed for accuracy, so please make sure the gross income and the license fee, including penalties have been properly reported and calculated.

Deadline

March 20, 2017 or Until Position Filled

If you have any questions or need to obtain a business license application, please stop by our ofﬁce at 29 W. Boyce Street or call the Business License Department at 803-435-8477 x 5118.

LIVE LOCAL.

Send Application Clarendon School District Two Daniel McCathern P.O. Box 1252 Manning, SC 29102 803-435-4435 Clarendon School District Two is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are available online at www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us or in the District Ofﬁce.

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CLARENDON SUN

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

Laurence Manning Academy takes senior trip The senior class of Laurence Manning Academy recently returned from its senior class trip to Washington, D.C., and New York City, from Feb. 26 through March 2. While in New York, the students attended a variety of events including the Broadway play "Aladdin," a New York Knicks basketball game and a visit to "The Today Show." Students also toured the Wall Street financial district, the nation’s first capitol, Times Square, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity Church. They received lectures on the geology and history of Manhattan, walked through Central Park, shopped along Fifth Avenue and visited the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. PHOTO PROVIDED

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FROM STAFF REPORTS The Harvin Clarendon County Library will present the program “How Does Your Summer Garden Grow?” with Anthony Melton, Clemson Extension Services Agent, at 6 p.m. Monday, March 20. The program will focus on summer gardening with vegetables, fruits and landscaping. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the library at (803) 435-8633.

Clarendon County Board of Education Post Office Box 476 Manning, South Carolina 29102 (803)-435-8583 Clarendon County Board of Education

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THE CLARENDON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ADVISES THE CITIZENS OF SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 THAT TWO (2) SEAT IN DISTRICT #1 WILL BE APPOINTED. THIS TERM WILL RUN FOR TWO (2) YEARS BEGINNING APRIL 2017. ANY PERSON (S) INTERESTED IN BEING CONSIDERED BY THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION SHOULD PICK UP AN APPLICATION AT THE CLARENDON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICE AT 21 WEST RIGBY STREET MANNING, SC 29102. BEGINNING MARCH 10, 2017. AND RETURN IT TO THE CLARENDON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICE NO LATER THAN 12:00 NOON ON MARCH 20, 2017.

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THANK YOU, CLARENDON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION GEORGE A. WILSON 803-435-8583 OFFICE

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THE SUMTER ITEM

CHAMBER FROM PAGE A1 “We are on a great arc going up,” he said. “Our job is not to mess it up.” The governor also had praise for the state technical college system, which he called “the best in the world.” Following the governor’s speech, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Maj. Frank O’Neal made a case against two bills in the General Assembly that would legalize medical marijuana. O’Neal called efforts to legalize medical marijuana “the biggest scam going on in the state” and said the effort was all about “money and greed.” He cited marijuana’s detrimental effects on brain development and IQ, as well as its negative effects of safety in the workplace. Darrell Scott, a lobbyist for the Midlands Coalition of chambers of commerce, filled attendees in on some of the things going on in the S.C. House and Senate during this session. He said the biggest issues are roads and the state’s pension system. “Everybody knows infrastructure has been an issue for decades,” he said.

The House has passed a bill containing a 10-cent increase in the gasoline tax, he said, while a similar bill is making its way through the Senate. The bill also includes increases in a variety of fees reSCOTT lated to automobiles. Scott said the governor has said he is opposed to any tax increase, so the bills will probably need to be passed with veto-proof majorities. “I think this is the year they finally invest in a permanent funding system,” he said. Efforts to fix the state’s inadequately funded pension system are also under consideration in the General Assembly, and he said that it is likely employees’ contributions would increase to 9 percent while the employing agencies’ contributions would be from 11 to 13 percent and possibly as high as 18.5 percent. Scott also touched on efforts to standardize business licensing in municipalities and county government, something that is being pushed by the S.C. Chamber of Commerce but opposed by the state’s Municipal Association and other local government groups.

COLD FROM PAGE A1 Correctional Institution in Columbia, according to the S.C. Department of Corrections. He also has convictions for rape, kidnapping, burglary, armed robbery and assaulting a corrections employee. Richland sheriff’s investigators went to the prison to interview Johnson, who confessed to the killing before they even brought up the DNA evidence. “He gave information in his confession that only that killer would have known,” Lott said. “His motive was that he was just a cold-blood killer. ... There was no motive except that he was on a killing spree, and (Green) was somebody that he

including working hand in hand with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, states the release. Prior to joining the Morris College family, Staggers served as vice president of

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70 people, but it will take a “ramp-up period” before that number is reached. “It could be two years or it could be sooner,” he said. He said in December 2016 the company is investing $40 million in the plant. He also said the company had received the “standard” business incentives offered by the state but did not disclose the exact figures. The company intends to have an emphasis on hiring veterans, including disabled veterans, Moe said in December. Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart said the building has been empty since Federal Mogul closed in 2008 after operating at the location since 1974. At one point, a pharmaceutical company was interested in the building, but that deal did not materialize. Stewart, who lives in Summerton, said it is good to drive by and see some activity at the site. “I guarantee it is going to be a big psychological boost to Summerton just to see cars in the parking lot, not to mention the jobs,” he said.

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Maj. Frank O’Neal, who works on the narcotics unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, gave a presentation outlining the challenges of legalizing medical marijuana in the state. Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce President Chris Hardy said the Chamber has not taken a position on the issue but was making information available so that members can make informed decisions. “I don’t have a lot of hope we will have any kind of reform on business licensing,” he said. Originally, local legislators were expected to address the gathering, but with debate

No identification was found near Green’s body, but her untied shoes were found nearby, on the bank of the

JUST IN TIME FOR PROM

going on in the General Assembly two blocks away, none of the legislators were able to attend the organized event although some may have attended a reception later in the evening.

ditch, according to archives. Investigators said at the time it appeared Green was killed at that location. “At that time, we didn’t know what DNA was,” Lott said. “Forensics back then was fingerprints, and that was about it.” The sheriff’s department in 1997 launched what Lott called the “cold case squad” to review cases in which leads had dried up. Jeff Fuller worked violent crimes for the department before going to the State Law Enforcement Division in 1988. Since retiring, he has joined the cold case unit and regularly reviews cases for new leads. “It’s just another set of eyes,” he said. “It’s like witnesses at a crime scene. They might see the same

State University in Montgomery, Alabama, and chairman of the division of humanities and assistant professor of English at Voorhees College in Denmark. Also, Staggers completed the Harvard University Institute for Education Management program, which addresses the stewardship role

thing, but it’s two different perspectives.” Bill Simpson said he had just submitted his resignation to leave the sheriff’s department for another job in 1987 when Green was killed and he was assigned to investigate. He contacted Fuller several weeks ago about looking into her case. “He called me because this case had bothered him for years,” Fuller said. “He still remembers the crime scene — he still remembers details. I hate to say trauma, but I guess it traumatizes you when you see such heinous crimes.” Green’s case is the 11th unsolved murder that the cold case squad has closed since 1997, according to Lott. The oldest murder they wrapped up happened in 1961.

played by senior-level leaders at their respective institutions. Staggers is a member of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter where he has served five years as chairman of the board of trustees of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church Christian and Academic School.

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FROM PAGE A1

COLD CASE SQUAD

academic affairs, associate professor of English and director of faculty development at Barber-Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina. Additionally, he has served as instructor of English and reading at Alabama

PLANT

shot and killed.” Green lived with her three children and sister at an apartment on Rice Street, which is just off Pickens Street in downtown Columbia, the newspaper reported in 1987. Lott said he spoke Monday with her family members, who have declined to speak publicly. “I don’t know that there’s words to describe how a family feels after such a long time,” Lott said. “They lived with it every single day, but they didn’t have any closure. ... If there’s any type of closure you can give, we gave it to them Monday.”

MORRIS FROM PAGE A1

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

FOR MEN & LADIES

A10

TELEVISION

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

TW FT

7 PM

7:30

8 PM

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

WIS News 10 at Entertainment Superstore Powerless: Cold Chicago Med: Prisoner’s Dilemma Tonight (N) (HD) Antics at a big-box Season (N) (HD) Comatose pregnant woman is news update. store. (HD) treated. (N) (HD) News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) The Big Bang The Great Indoors Mom: Martinis Life in Pieces (HD) Theory (N) (HD) Obsessive focus. and a Sponge Reignited feud. WLTX E19 9 9 Evening news update. (N) (HD) Bath (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Wheel of Jeopardy! (N) Grey’s Anatomy: Civil War The Scandal: They All Bow Down The WOLO E25 5 12 Fortune: Bella (HD) group faces an intense trauma case. campaign’s wellbeing is threatened. Italia (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Ken Burns: America’s Storyteller (N) (HD) Tom Jones: A Soundstage Special Event (N) (HD) WRJA E27 11 14 E10

WIS

3 10 7:00pm Local

The Big Bang MasterChef Junior: Kitchen Theory Penny’s Emergency The Top 16 cooks face next level. (HD) package. (HD) a team challenge. (N) (HD) College Basketball: ACC Tournament: Quarterfinal #3: from Barclays WKTC E63 4 22 Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. z{|

WACH E57 6

The Big Bang

6 Theory To the

THE SUMTER ITEM 10 PM

10:30

11 PM

The Blacklist: Redemption: WIS News 10 at Independence, U.S.A. Infiltrating 11:00pm News Russian military facility. (N) (HD) and weather. Training Day: Faultlines Tommy’s old News 19 @ 11pm friend traffics weapons. (N) (HD) The news of the day. The Catch: The New Deal Ben faces ABC Columbia his criminal past. (N) (HD) News at 11 (HD)

11:30

12 AM

(:35) The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Jessica Biel; Ricky Martin. (HD) (:35) The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Kristen Stewart from “Lizzie” (N) (HD) (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Actor Tom Hiddleston visits the hosts. (N) (HD)

America’s Home Cooking: B is for Charlie Rose (N) Bacon (N) (HD) (HD)

(:01) Kicking & Screaming: WACH FOX News at 10 Local news Sports Zone Welcome to the Jungle A competition report and weather forecast. of jungle survival. (N) (HD) College Basketball: ACC Tournament: Quarterfinal #4: from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. z{|

2 Broke Girls: Mike & Molly: And the Pity Party Rich Man, Poor Bus (HD) Girl (HD) Supernatural: Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell Invisible hellhound attacks. (N) (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS (:01) Nightwatch: Animal Instinct (:04) Cold Case Files: Killings on (:03) The First 48 Life Woman on the run. (HD) (N) (HD) Christmas Eve (HD) (HD) For rest Gump (‘94, Drama) aaaa Tom Hanks. A slow-witted man with char ac ter and dig nity who trans forms For rest Gump (‘94, Drama) aaaa Tom Hanks. A slow-witted man grows to adulthood 180 the lives of those around him grows to adulthood amid the historic events of four decades. (HD) amid the historic events of four decades. (HD) 100 Lone Star Law: Busted (HD) Lone Star Law (HD) Lone Star Law: Bigger (N) (HD) Lone Star Law: Bigger (N) (HD) Lone Star Law: Busted (HD) Lone Star (6:30) ATL (‘06, Drama) aa T.I. Four friends en coun ter dif fi cult choices as they leave high school and pre pare for The Quad: Mulebone Fletcher and (:14) Mar tin: Blow, Baby, Blow Mar tin Daily Show with 162 the rest of their lives, each one trying to make a name for themselves. Hardwick search for truth. (HD) helps the Notorious B.I.G. Trevor (HD) What Happens The Real Housewives of Beverly 181 The Real Housewives of Atlanta: The Real Housewives of Atlanta: If The Real Housewives of Atlanta: Atlanta Social (N) (HD) Into the Woods These Woods Could Talk Loose Lips Sink Ships (N) (HD) Hills: Sweet Georgia Jayne 84 Shark Tank (HD) Shark Tank (HD) Shark Tank Lucrative offer. (HD) Super Rich (N) Super Rich (N) Super Rich Super Rich Super Rich 80 Erin Burnett OutFront (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) The History of Comedy (N) (HD) CNN Tonight with Don Lemon CNN Tonight (6:48) Futurama (:21) Futurama (:54) Tosh.0: Nerf Tosh.0 Sa do mas Tosh.0 Cit rus in Tosh.0: Girl South Park (HD) South Park (HD) Daily Show with (:31) @mid night (:16) The High 136 (HD) (HD) Hoops (HD) ochism. (HD) eye. (HD) Dunks (HD) Trevor (N) (N) (HD) Court (N) K.C. Undercover Good Luck Stuck in the Good Luck Liv and Maddie Liv and Maddie BUNK’D: No BUNK’D Treasure Jessie: Where’s Jessie: Spaced Girl Meets World 200 (HD) Charlie (HD) Middle (HD) Charlie (HD) (HD) (HD) Escape (HD) hunt. (HD) Zuri? (HD) Out (HD) (HD) 103 Gold Rush: Oregon Gold (HD) Gold Rush: Countdown to Payday: Frozen Over (N) Gold Rush: Pay Dirt (N) (HD) Gold Rush: Miracle on the Mountain (HD) 35 College Basketball: ACC Tournament: Quaterfinal #3 (HD) College Basketball: ACC Tournament: Quaterfinal #4 z{| (HD) College Basketball (HD) 39 (6:30) College Basketball z{| (HD) College Basketball: Team TBD vs Michigan State Spartans z{| (HD) SportsCenter (HD) Sports (HD) 109 Chopped Kefir ingredient. (HD) Chopped Farm staples. 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(HD) (‘09) (HD) 92 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) Lawrence O’Donnell (HD) 11th Hour (HD) Hardball (HD) Maddow (HD) 210 Nicky, Ricky Free vacation. (HD) The Parent Trap (‘98, Comedy) aac Lindsay Lohan. Twins conspire to reunite their parents. Nashville: Fire and Rain (HD) Friends (HD) 153 Lip Sync (HD) Caraoke (N) The Dark Knight Rises (‘12, Action) aaaa Christian Bale. The Dark Knight resurfaces to protect Gotham from a brutal, new enemy. (HD) RoboCop (HD) (6:00) Vol cano (‘97, Drama) aa Tommy Lee Jones. Ghost Rider (‘07, Ac tion) aa Nicolas Cage. A stunt cy clist gains fi ery pow ers of ret ri bu tion, The Fac ulty (‘98, Hor ror) aac Salma Hayek. Students 152 Volcano erupts under Los Angeles. becoming the Ghost Rider. uncover a school’s secret. (HD) Seinfeld Keith 2 Broke Girls 2 Broke Girls The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Conan John Lydon, Milky Chance. (N) 2 Broke Girls 156 Seinfeld (HD) strikes out. (HD) (HD) (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) (HD) (6:15) Lust for Gold (‘49, West ern) Who’s Afraid of Vir ginia Woolf? (‘66, Drama) aaac Eliz a beth Tay lor. An al co holic The V.I.P.s (‘63, Drama) aa Eliz a beth Tay lor. Fog-bound passengers get 186 Ida Lupino. Greed and murder. professor and his bitter wife play mind games with another couple. acquainted in the V.I.P. lounge of the airport. 157 My 600-lb Life (HD) My 600-lb Life: Supersized: Tanisha’s Story (N) (HD) Skin Tight (N) (HD) My 600-lb Life: Supersized: Tanisha’s Story (HD) Bones: The Twisted Bones in the NBA Bas ket ball: San An to nio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thun der from Ches a peake En ergy Arena NBA Bas ket ball: Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns from Talking Stick 158 Melted Truck (HD) z{| (HD) Resort Arena z{| (HD) 129 Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Impractical (N) Jokers (N) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) 161 A Griffith (HD) A Griffith (HD) A Griffith (HD) (:48) Loves Raymond (HD) Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Colony: Tamam Shud Contact new Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: (:01) Law & Order: 132 (5:30) John Wick Captain America: The First Avenger (‘11, Action) aaa Chris Evans. A regular guy is (‘14) aaac transformed into a super soldier and battles evil villains. arrival. (N) (HD) Selfish Young mother. (HD) SVU (HD) 166 Law & Order: Criminal (HD) L.A. Hair: Hair We Go! (:08) L.A. Hair (N) L.A. Hair: L.A. Hair Confidential Braxton Family Values: Trick Thy Sister (HD) 172 Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Outsiders (HD) Cops (HD)

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36 16 64

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WE WGN

68 8

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Fox offers reality survivalist series with comic twist BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH One night after “Survivor” entered its 34th season, Fox asks viewers to sit still for “Kicking and Screaming” (9 p.m., TV-14), a comedy variation on the castaway competition theme. Hannah Simone (“New Girl”) hosts this adventure that features 10 hardened survivalists, including adventure tour guides, a Boy Scout leader, a few military veterans and a self-described “mercenary.” It would be one thing to see this gung-ho gang compete, but it wouldn’t necessarily be funny. They are paired off with contestants from a gaggle of pampered stereotypes, each one more cliched than the last. There are models, former beauty queens, a few spoiled housewives and a flamboyant gay man more than willing to discuss his distaste for physical exertion. There’s also a delivery man who appears to be afraid of everything and hasn’t done any exercise since playing high school football. The casting of reality show types for comic effect dates back at least to 2003, when the spoof series “The Joe Schmo Show” debuted on the fledg-

ling Spike network. Here, the members of the B-team seem so eager to discuss and, in fact, define themselves by their helplessness that their grizzled mentors take on the roles of therapists and counselors. In some ways, this show hearkens back to old documentary films about Outward Bound and similar organizations that use mountain climbing and other adventures to redeem troubled teens and teach responsibility and self-reliance to at-risk youth. • “The Catch” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14) returns for a second season. For those with too many series to follow, “The Catch” stars Mireille Enos (“The Killing”) as a stylish private investigator whose reputation and emotional stability take a beating when she discovers that her fiance (Peter Krause, “Six Feet Under”) is a con man linked to a globe-spanning syndicate.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Juliette mentors Maddie on “Nashville” (9 p.m., CMT, TV-PG). • A plane crash exposes a secret facility on “The Blacklist: Redemption” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• A race to contact a new arrival on “Colony” (10 p.m., USA, TV-14). • Trash talk on the season finale of “Portlandia” (10 p.m., IFC, TV-PG). • An errant punch on “Baskets” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA). • Cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart pursue the same girl on “Sun Records” (10 p.m., CMT, TV14).

SERIES NOTES Raj moves out on “The Big Bang Theory” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-PG) * Amelia and Owen’s battle boils over on “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14) * Heck’s-a-poppin’ on “Supernatural” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * New security measures on “Superstore” (8 p.m., NBC, r, TV-PG) * Jack’s obsessiveness affects the office on “The Great Indoors” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Emily pushes innovation on “Powerless” (8:30 p.m., NBC, TV-PG) * Bonnie feels ignored on “Mom” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A troubled teen needs help on “Chicago Med” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Jake and Vanessa breed chaos on “Scandal” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14) * Red flags galore on “Riverdale” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) *

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LATE NIGHT Alynda Segarra is booked on “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Kunal Nayyar, John Lydon and Milky Chance appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Kristen Stewart, Maz Jobrani and Dawes are booked on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Jessica Biel, Ricky Martin, Robert Irwin, Rag’n’Bone Man and Chad Smith on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC, r) * Tom Hiddleston, Gillian Jacobs and Future appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Allison Williams, Paul Scheer, Rob Huebel and Paul Beatty visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC, r) * John Goodman, Adam Pally and Jack Hannah appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS). Copyright 2017 United Feature Syndicate

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Love and theft on “Life in Pieces” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A face from Tommy’s past complicates matters on “Training Day” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

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THE SUMTER ITEM N.G. Osteen 1843-1936 The Watchman and Southron

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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Margaret W. Osteen 1908-1996 The Item Hubert D. Osteen Jr. Chairman & Editor-in-Chief Graham Osteen Co-President Kyle Osteen Co-President Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher Larry Miller CEO Rick Carpenter Managing Editor

36 W. Liberty St., Sumter, South Carolina 29150 • Founded October 15, 1894

GUEST COMMENTARY

Repairing healthcare safer route than repealing BY WILLIAM D. REMMES Special to The Sumter Item

ongress is taking on the big task of remaking the health care payment system again. This is a complicated and dangerous endeavor that has the potential to interrupt or deny life-sustaining treatment plans for countless individuals. It is a task to be handled by intelligent and informed adults because it is, indeed, a very complicated system. I know. I was a medical administrator for over 30 years in both non-profit and for profit practices. I was responsible for making sure each person’s salary and all the bills got paid for an office with 21 physicians and over 100 staff. I had an excellent staff and every staff member was required to consider how a patient’s bill would be paid. Up to 30 percent of our time and resources went to making sure we got enough money to continue to provide services. Please pay attention to that figure. Thirty percent of the cost of a medical office involves payment collection. Paying the doctors is secondary to keeping the machine going. Doctors are not the problem. With Medicare, the rules are defined and when followed correctly, payment was received in a predictable and time effective manner. Medicare, in fact was our most dependable income. With the multiple insurance plans, individual negotiations are required with each company to ensure that you get fair payment. Some will pay as promised and others take hours of follow-up to collect for a clearly reasonable charge. It is not uncommon to have charges refused, refiled and then months later finally paid. This uncertainty in receivables can create major problems in cash flow. Just because an employee has coverage from their employer does not guarantee them coverage. Access to healthcare and treatment options vary widely. Many companies have self-funded plans. When the company hits economic hard times, they drop coverage. People lose coverage when they lose their jobs. For example, we might find ourselves beginning an expensive chemotherapy plan with a patient only to find midway through that they’d been dropped from coverage by their employer’s insurer. We

would then be caught in the ethical dilemma of having to continue with treatment and absorb the cost of their medications on our books. It wasn’t simply a matter of the doctors providing free care. They were willing to do that. But the added cost of patients with uninsured medications would require us to adjust thousands of additional dollars in drug cost to our practice. Insurance, by its very nature, uses money collected from those who do not need the coverage to cover those who need it desperately. When you buy insurance, you hope you never have to use it, but if your home is destroyed in a hurricane, the insurance company can cover your loss because others were paying into the system who didn’t have the same loss. A policy that covers little is false protection. The Affordable Care Act addresses this by requiring that insurance companies provide adequate coverage. Some claim that we should not depend on our government to provide health care. Before the Affordable Care Act was enacted, over 60 percent of the dollars collected by many physicians’ offices and other health facilities were from government related health coverage. This included: Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, TriCare, federal government employees (including congress), state employees, county employees, city employees, government retirees, prisoners, etc. The spouses and children of the various government employees and retirees are frequently covered as well. It is often the most reasonable and stable coverage available. Medicare is our most dependable payer. Their timelines and requirements for reimbursement are clear and consistent. Is there any one person receiving these government benefits who wishes to discard them? Some claim government would ration treatment options. Before the Affordable Care Act was passed both government and private insurance companies limited which procedures they would pay for and how much they would pay. That’s nothing new. Approximately 80 percent of the people with commercial insurance in South Carolina had Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Their executives made coverage decisions on a regular basis. Traditional Medicare (Part B) is a national system with ac-

cess to more physicians than most, if not all health plans, including private insurers. You can access care throughout the country so that if you move to another state you still have coverage. It is a good example of the public option proposed. It does not restrict a choice in providers any more than they are already restricted in today’s world. Medicare has the lowest administrative cost; an estimated 4 percent compared to as high as 17 percent for private health plans. We would be fortunate to have this as one public option. Because Medicare doesn’t pay as well as most health care plans and physicians are hesitant to have their entire practice based on a Medicare population, one of the proposals suggested a slight increase in what doctors would receive in compensation to even out the playing field. Keep in mind that the Medicare dollar that goes to doctors is only 17 percent of the entire Medicare budget. The remainder of the budget goes to hospitals, nursing homes, pharmaceutical companies, and durable medical equipment companies. Again, doctors are not the problem. Affordable Care Act opponents say the Obama Administration moved too fast. For over 60 years the U.S. debated reform to the Health Payment System. Medicare was a major milestone in that effort. Everyone over 65 understands the importance of Medicare. Congress is now proposing to remake the system with far less forethought and time. Consider what could be the

outcome. Even a short-term interruption in payments could bankrupt many health care organizations. The delay would lead to devastating interruptions in such things as chemotherapy treatments and other therapies. Of course, there were problems with the Affordable Care Act, but once the plan was in place there were opportunities for government and private insurers to make changes just as they always have done with other legislation. We made adjustments in our billing on a monthly basis as new rules and regulations came in from both the government and private insurers. I wouldn’t expect that to change. I hope that what will change, however, is that everyone will have coverage for and not just “access to” health care without being threatened with personal bankruptcy. Recommendations of $2,000 to $5,000 subsidies per year per family fall far below the cost. As an employer, we were charged over $450 per month for an individual on our plan and over $1000 per month for a family, and that was 7 years ago. We insulated our employees from the true cost of health insurance, they paid only 25 percent of the cost. Many people who are not covered by an employer plan have been stunned by the cost of insurance. In the current economy, many are not covered because of changing employee benefit and employment structures. We also need a structure to assist those who are the entrepreneurs, self-em-

ployed and hard-working individuals and families that make up an important core of our society. At some point in each person’s life, health care treatment is not an option. Civilized societies require compassionate care. It is little wonder that small businesses and many families simply can’t afford it. As it stands now there are government funded programs in place for seniors, children, veterans, federal and state employees and their families and the very poor. The Affordable Care Act provides for those unemployed, those working Americans whose employer doesn’t offer healthcare or has stopped funding the company plan, and those who have pre-existing conditions. Through the Act, young Americans up to age 26 can stay on their parents plan while they navigate the crooked road to their own careers and income. It also provides for coverage that is not capped for those who face catastrophic health care needs. To achieve this there are mandates for coverage with adequate penalties to assure participation. There may be flaws, but those flaws can be repaired with a thoughtful Congress utilizing the best and the brightest minds. Repairing is a safer and better route than repealing. Editor’s note: William D. Remmes is a retired medical administrator with more than 30 years experience in both non-profit and for-profit practices He lives in Mayesville, S.C. He can be reached at William.remmes@gmail.com.

Military veterans need to send Tom Mullikin to Congress Editor’s note: Tom Mulliken, a Camden attorney, is one of seven declared Republicans running for the vacated 5th Congressional District seat formerly held by Mick Mulvaney, who accepted a position as White House Budget Director in the Trump administration.

ashington is in a dismal state of disrepair, and this disrepair is now bleeding over into our military’s ability to defend this nation. No longer can we afford to ignore this reality. America needs strong “solutions people” who can and will return this nation to its former greatness and battlefield supremacy on every existing and future front. That’s why I support the candidacy of Tom Mullikin for U.S. Congress. 18th century economist and philosopher Adam Smith said that the first duty of government was (and is) defense, specifically, “protecting the society from the violence and invasion of other independent societies.” Yet over the previous eight-plus years of the 21st century, this “first duty” has been relegated to a secondary or tertiary responsibility. And vital combat training hours are increasingly being replaced with time spent on social en-

GUEST COMMENTARY gineering within the military services. We are losing our warfighting culture. Meanwhile, our greatest strategic-defense challenges — the increasingly dangerous military expanMaj. Gen. James sions of Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Livingston the ever-increasing threat of global terrorism – continue unabated. For this reason alone, we need to replace career politicians with new-blood lawmakers — like Mullikin — eager to bolster our military’s technological superiority; our strategic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities; our surface and undersea warfare platforms; land systems; and new advanced aircraft; as well as enhancing cyber, electronic, and space warfare capabilities. For these reasons, we need candidates like Mullikin who have both managed and led businesses and served in uniform at various levels. We need strong candidates who understand and appreciate the nuances and

necessities of budgetary issues and the need to provide our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen with the best training in the world to meet all current and future threats on more than one front. We need congressional leaders who will support our men and women in uniform (and their families) while they are serving, especially when they’re deployed, and when they leave service. We need to change the culture in Washington. There must be a renewal of national will when it comes to the military; and a sustainable, ongoing level of support going forward. In South Carolina alone, we have a population of some 4.6 million people including one-million-plus children below the required age for military service. Yet, approximately 379,000 of that overall number are military veterans. That’s a huge percentage, and they deserve every benefit that we can afford them. South Carolina’s military veterans don’t need to be an afterthought. Mullikin is the right man at the right time to change this backseat attitude toward strengthening and sustaining our national defense capabilities. He is the best candidate in terms of helping and supporting the Palmetto State’s

379,000 military veterans. He will put teeth into the Veterans Administration and our struggling VA hospitals. And he will reach out to — and lift up — those veterans whose lives have devolved to the point that they are living out their aimless lives in the streets. Mullikin is the candidate with the greatest military experience both inand-out of uniform. He’s a former United States Army officer. He also served as special assistant to the Chief Prosecutor for Military Commissions in GTMO, who is responsible for the trial of Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four codefendants. And the near-1,000 member historic S.C. State Guard — which he today commands — is largely composed of men and women with distinguished federal military service under their belts, combat veterans from every war, conflict, and military excursion from Vietnam to the Global War on Terror. Simply put, South Carolina needs Tom Mullikin working for us in Washington. Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, USMC (Ret.), is a recipient of the MEDAL OF HONOR, the nation’s highest award for combat valor.

A12

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

AROUND TOWN on site to assist with elecDid you know that March is tronically filing your fedrecognized as Red Cross St. Patrick’s walk / hike to be held Saturday eral and state income Month in celebration of taxes. Spaces are limited. the volunteers who help Contact RACC administrathose in need by giving tive office at (803) 432their time, money or 2001 to reserve your spot. blood? Blood donation is now easier than ever with The League of Women Votthe Blood Donor App and ers Sumter Chapter will RapidPass. With this free meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, app, donors can schedule March 13, at the Central and manage donation apCarolina Technical College pointments, access their Health Sciences Building, donor card, earn rewards 133 N. Main St. The League and more. You can help will be observing Womsave a life by becoming a en’s History Month and blood donor during one of the theme is “Then and the following blood donaNow.” The panel will intion opportunities: Tuesclude Carrie Sinkler-Parkday, March 28, 11 a.m.-4 er, retired educator and p.m., Central Carolina first associate director of Technical College, 506 N. AARP of South Carolina; Guignard Drive; WednesMichelle Logan-Owens, day, March 29, 10 a.m.-3 chief operating officer of p.m., USC Sumter, 200 Palmetto Health Tuomey; Miller Road; and Thursand Norma Holland, reday, March 30, 2-7 p.m., tired Air Force lieutenant Grace Baptist Church, 219 colonel. Call Barbara Jean W. Calhoun St. Wiley at (803) 491-5361. Volunteers from AARP will The Sumter Mall will hold a offer free tax preparation Color for a Cause event from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on from 5 to 7 p.m. on TuesMondays and Wednesdays day, March 14. This is a through April 12 at the live coloring competition Shepherd’s Center, 24 and shopping event to Council St. Applicants are raise funds and awareadvised to bring the folness for local organizalowing with them: photo tions. Representatives ID; Social Security cards from the following organifor all household memzations will be in attenbers being claimed; tax dance: United Way; Clardocuments — W-2 forms, endon County; Lee Coun1099R, 1099SSA, interest ty; Sumter County Disabilincome and all other inities and Special Needs; come statements; 2015 Sumter County Library; tax returns and power of American Red Cross; attorney forms if filing for Pawsitive Direction Ressomeone other than yourcue; and KAT’s Special self. For more information, Kneads. call Henry Dinkins at (803) The Sumter Chapter of the 499-4990 or Lula King at National Federation of the (803) 316-0772. Blind of South Carolina Sumter County Active Lifewill meet at 7 p.m. on styles (SCAL) will sponsor a Tuesday, March 14, at ShiSt. Patrick’s Day Walk / Hike loh-Randolph Manor, 125 on Saturday, March 11, at W. Bartlette St. Mary JuDillon Park, 1305 Clara nous will speak. The spotLouise Kellogg Drive. Parlight is shining on “King of ticipants will have two the Year” R.L. Fullard and walk options: walk the the first runner-up is aspaved one-mile exercise sociate member Kerry track or plan to hike “Butch” Thompson. Transabout one to two hours portation provided within along the Cypress Trail. their coverage area. ConMeet at the large pavilion tact Debra Canty, chapter next to the baseball fields, president, at (803) 775playground and flag pole. 5792 or debra.canty@fronNo cost to participate. tier.com . Registration will be from 9 The 17th Annual Cavalier to 10 a.m. with the walk / Pride Auction will be held hike beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, at Call (803) 469-6509. Robert E. Lee Academy in The Rembert Area CommuniBishopville. Food will be ty Coalition (RACC) and S.C. served from 5 to 7 p.m. Thrive will host a tax fair Bidding will begin at 5:30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on p.m. with the first table Saturday, March 11, and closing at 7 p.m. Tickets Saturday, March 18. This are $15 in advance or $20 event is free and open to at the door. Call the the public. There will be school office at (803) 484S.C. Thrive representative 5532 for more information.

PUBLIC AGENDA SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Today, 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, courthouse, room 114

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Sunny and pleasant

A moonlit sky

An a.m. shower; clouds and sun

Turning out cloudy and cooler

A shower and t-storm around

Warmer with some sun

78°

51°

79° / 39°

61° / 35°

48° / 30°

53° / 36°

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 40%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 10%

S 4-8 mph

SSW 4-8 mph

WNW 10-20 mph

ENE 6-12 mph

NNE 8-16 mph

ESE 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 74/49 Spartanburg 74/51

Greenville 75/51

Columbia 78/50

Temperatures shown on map are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 78/51

Aiken 76/49

ON THE COAST

Charleston 76/55

Today: Plenty of sunshine; pleasant in central parts. High 69 to 75. Friday: A morning shower in spots. High 74 to 81.

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

75° 59° 64° 39° 88° in 1974 17° in 1960

LAKE LEVELS Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 356.83 74.74 74.68 97.78

24-hr chg none -0.04 -0.03 -0.04

RIVER STAGES

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. Month to date Normal month to date Year to date Last year to date Normal year to date

0.02" 0.21" 1.05" 5.79" 10.21" 8.47"

River Black River Congaree River Lynches River Saluda River Up. Santee River Wateree River

NATIONAL CITIES

REGIONAL CITIES

Today City Hi/Lo/W Atlanta 74/57/s Chicago 43/21/pc Dallas 79/63/pc Detroit 43/21/pc Houston 80/64/c Los Angeles 87/59/s New Orleans 77/62/pc New York 56/36/s Orlando 85/60/pc Philadelphia 62/41/s Phoenix 86/59/s San Francisco 65/51/pc Wash., DC 68/46/s

City Asheville Athens Augusta Beaufort Cape Hatteras Charleston Charlotte Clemson Columbia Darlington Elizabeth City Elizabethtown Fayetteville

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 71/41/pc 31/16/pc 77/61/pc 32/13/pc 78/62/t 82/58/s 77/62/t 41/20/sn 86/61/pc 45/21/sn 88/59/s 66/51/pc 51/24/r

Myrtle Beach 69/56

Manning 78/52

Today: Sunny and pleasant. Winds southwest 4-8 mph. Friday: Warm with clouds breaking. Winds west-northwest 7-14 mph.

LOCAL ALMANAC

Florence 76/51

Bishopville 76/50

Today Hi/Lo/W 71/43/s 76/50/s 80/49/s 75/55/s 69/59/s 76/55/s 75/50/s 75/53/s 78/50/s 76/51/s 73/51/s 76/52/s 78/51/s

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 6.96 -0.12 19 2.98 -0.02 14 5.27 +0.23 14 1.98 -0.65 80 76.14 -0.21 24 5.66 +0.19

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 60/28/pc 75/37/pc 81/41/pc 81/47/pc 68/39/pc 79/44/pc 74/33/pc 76/38/pc 79/40/pc 77/38/pc 65/29/pc 77/38/pc 77/36/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 76/51/s Gainesville 83/52/pc Gastonia 75/51/s Goldsboro 76/51/s Goose Creek 76/55/s Greensboro 74/47/s Greenville 75/51/s Hickory 73/47/s Hilton Head 72/57/s Jacksonville, FL 81/53/s La Grange 76/56/s Macon 77/51/s Marietta 74/55/s

Sunrise 6:40 a.m. Moonrise 3:43 p.m.

Sunset Moonset

6:25 p.m. 4:42 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Mar. 12

Mar. 20

Mar. 27

Apr. 3

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Fri.

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 78/39/pc 83/52/pc 73/34/c 74/35/pc 80/45/pc 67/30/pc 74/36/c 66/32/c 77/48/pc 84/52/sh 73/40/pc 76/41/pc 71/38/pc

High 6:27 a.m. 6:55 p.m. 7:20 a.m. 7:46 p.m.

Ht. 3.2 3.0 3.3 3.1

City Marion Mt. Pleasant Myrtle Beach Orangeburg Port Royal Raleigh Rock Hill Rockingham Savannah Spartanburg Summerville Wilmington Winston-Salem

Low 12:41 a.m. 1:24 p.m. 1:38 a.m. 2:15 p.m.

Today Hi/Lo/W 72/45/s 73/56/s 69/56/s 77/51/s 74/57/s 75/50/s 75/50/s 75/50/s 78/55/s 74/51/s 77/54/s 72/51/s 73/48/s

Ht. -0.4 -0.2 -0.5 -0.3

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 65/30/pc 78/46/pc 76/44/pc 79/42/pc 79/48/pc 72/32/pc 75/35/pc 75/35/pc 81/47/pc 71/35/c 79/44/pc 77/39/pc 66/30/pc

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): A physical EUGENIA LAST challenge will get you up and running. Take a high-energy approach to life and you will enjoy the results you get physically and emotionally. Aim to make personal improvements. Romance will enhance your life.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Work quietly on your own and you will get things done. Personal improvement projects will bring about positive changes that will help you feel less insecure about who you are and what you do. Choose peace over discord. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Make personal alterations that will make you feel good about the way you look and how you live. Trust your emotions in circumstances that involve your health or your love life. Romance is highlighted. CANCER (June 21-July 22): The past will come back to haunt you if you aren’t careful. Remember what happened the last time you trusted someone to come through for you. Look for alternative ways to get what you want. Fulfill your obligations on your own.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Working in conjunction with someone you like will bring stellar results. Go out on a limb if it will draw others to follow suit. Making physical changes will lead to compliments and an unexpected romantic offer. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Get along with your peers and take care of your responsibilities. Leave nothing unfinished and it will be difficult for anyone to complain or cause you grief. Attend an event that includes people who have similar talents.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Pam Cody shares a photo she took of a beautiful frost-covered rose.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Financial gains look promising. Investing in something that will improve your lifestyle should be considered. Let go of the past and start anew with clear goals and carefully considered budgets. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Compliments will get you much further than complaints or criticism. Offering comfort to others will give you an inside look at a tenuous situation. Don’t feel obligated to pay for others’ mistakes or to take on responsibilities that don’t belong to you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Express how you feel and bring about the changes you want to make. Don’t wait to see if someone else will go first. You are a leader, not a follower, so make your way to the finish line.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Share your feelings and see if anyone is of the same mindset as you. Rally the people who are willing to help you present your ideas. Together, you will be able to bring about changes and receive a positive reception from others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Check personal papers and deal with health issues swiftly. Don’t rely on others to take care of your responsibilities for you. You can make positive changes at home if you stick to your budget.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll be faced with competition and opposition, and may need to meet someone’s intellectual challenge. Your knowledge and insight will help you shine without needing to resort to questionable tactics.

HAVE YOU TAKEN PICTURES OF INTERESTING, EXCITING, BEAUTIFUL OR HISTORICAL PLACES? Would you like to share those images with your fellow Sumter Item readers? E-mail your hi-resolution jpegs to sandra@theitem.com, or mail to Sandra Holbert c/o The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29150. Include clearly printed or typed name of photographer and photo details. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your photo. Amateur photographers only please. Photos of poor reproduction quality may not publish. With the exception of pictures that are of a timely nature, submitted photos will publish in the order in which they are received.

SECTION

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

CAROLINA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

USC’s Wilson repeats as AP SEC women’s player of year BY PAUL NEWBERRY The Associated Press ATLANTA — A’ja Wilson of South Carolina repeated as player of the year, Alabama freshman Jordan Lewis took the newcomer award and Missouri’s Robin Pingeton claimed the coaching honor on The Associated Press All-Southeastern women’s basketball team announced Wednesday. Wilson was a unanimous choice as the league’s top player for the second year in a row

after leading the No. 4 Gamecocks (27-4) to their third straight SEC championship . The junior forward ranks third in scoring (17.6 points per game), fourth in field-goal percentage (58.7), ninth in rebounding (7.6) and first in blocks (2.6). Despite missing two games with a sprained ankle, Wilson also claimed a spot on the first team for the third consecutive season, joined by another unanimous selection, Kentucky’s Makayla Epps,

along with Missouri’s Sophie Cunningham, Mississippi State’s Victoria Vivians and Florida’s Ronni Williams Pingeton was named on every ballot for coach of the year, her reward for guiding the Tigers to a 21-10 mark that included an 11-5 finish in the SEC — the school’s first winning mark against conference foes since joining in 2012. Lewis, a 5-foot-7 point guard, stood out on one of the SEC’s weaker

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina forward A’ja Wilson (22) repeated as player of the year on The Associated SEE WILSON, PAGE B3 Press All-Southeastern Conference women’s basketball team announced on Wednesday.

CLEMSON BASKETBALL

PREP SOFTBALL

Missed opportunity

LMA’s Elms signs with Flo-Dar Tech BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com MANNING — Baylee Elms has been playing competitive softball since she was 9 years old. And since she started playing, she’s always had a desire to play the game for as long as she possibly can. She continued that dream on Monday as the Laurence Manning Academy standout signed to play at the collegiate level with Florence-Darlington ELMS Technical College. “I’m very excited to be getting this opportunity,” said Elms, the catcher on the Lady Swampcats’ 2016 SCISA 3A state championship team. “This is something that I’ve always wanted to do. I just know how much I love it.” Elms has been playing on the LMA varsity since she was in the eighth grade. Laurence Manning head coach Maria Rowland said Elms is a team leader in a couple of different fashions. “First, she’s got such a positive attitude,” Rowland said. “Then she’s a great leader from behind the

SEE ELMS, PAGE B4

PRO BASKETBALL

Nowitzki tops 30,000 points in Mavs’ win BY SCHUYLER DIXON The Associated Press

gers fans in Barclays, plus any Duke haters in the crowd, pumped up. Kennard answered with a jumper to push the lead back to three. He dropped in a fallaway from the baseline with 1:14 left to up the lead to 75-70. “The biggest thing I can take away from this is how much confidence my coaches, my teammates, they have in me,” Kennard said. “They continue to tell me to be aggressive.”

DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki ducked his head into a mob of teammates, with Dallas owner Mark Cuban clutching the side of his jersey before the Mavericks superstar found coach Rick Carlisle for a hug. The celebration of 30,000 points came a lot faster than most would have imagined — except maybe the man who has watched from the bench for nine of NOWITZKI Nowitzki’s 19 seasons. “Watching Dirk the last couple of days, there was no doubt this was going to happen tonight,” Carlisle said. Nowitzki scored the 20 points he needed for 30,000 in barely more than a quarter despite coming in with just five 20-point games this season, and the Mavericks celebrated with their second straight easy home win over the Los Angeles Lakers, a 122-111 victory Tuesday night.

SEE TIGERS, PAGE B3

SEE NOWITZKI, PAGE B4

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson guard Gabe DeVoe (10) dunks in front of Duke center Marques Bolden (20) during the Tigers’ 79-72 loss on Wednesday in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in New York.

Tigers rally from double-digit deficit, but Kennard comes through with pair of big shots late as Duke holds on 79-72 BY RALPH D. RUSSO The Associated Press NEW YORK — Luke Kennard had an ugly first half, and Duke leaned on freshmen Jayson Tatum and Frank Jackson to build a double-digit lead against Clemson. Then the Tigers rallied, and Kennard put down the uprising. Kennard made two clutch jumpers in the final 2:04 and No. 14 Duke beat Clemson 79-72 on Wednesday to advance to the At-

lantic Coast Conference quarterfinals. The fifth-seeded Blue Devils (24-8) will play fourth-seeded and No. 8 Louisville on Thursday at Barclays Center. Kennard, the ACC’s leading scorer, went 1 for 9 from the field in the first half and 8 for 11 in the second to finish with 20 points. “I think that’s a heck of a performance when a player it isn’t going and then it goes that shows you’re a different player. You’re a special player when you’re

able to do that,” Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. Tatum and Jackson each scored 20 and picked up the slack while Kennard was cold. Jaron Blossomgame led Clemson (17-15) with 19 points and eight rebounds. Duke built a 13-point lead midway through the second half but could not put away Clemson. Marcquise Reed converted a 3-point play with 2:51 left to cut Duke’s lead to 69-68 and get the small contingent of Ti-

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

SCOREBOARD

Orlando CENTRAL DIVISION

TV, RADIO TODAY

8 a.m. – International Baseball: World Baseball Classic First-Round Game from Seoul, South Korea – Chinese Taipei vs. South Korea (MLB NETWORK). 1 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Match – Manchester United vs. FC Rostov (FOX SPORTS 2). 1 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Detroit vs. New York Mets from Port St. Lucie, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 2 p.m. – PGA Golf: Valspar Championship First Round from Palm Harbor, Fla. (GOLF). 2 p.m. – Professional Tennis: BNP Paribas Open Men’s and Women’s First-Round Matches from Indian Wells, Calif. (TENNIS). 3 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Round-of-16 First Leg Match – Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Schalke 04 (FOX SPORTS 2). 6 p.m. – International Baseball: World Baseball Classic First-Round Game from Miami – Canada vs. Dominican Republic (MLB NETWORK). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXYFM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – NHL Hockey: New York Rangers at Carolina (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. – High School Softball: Fort Mill at Lugoff-Elgin (WPUB-FM 102.7). 8 p.m. – Professional Tennis: BNP Paribas Open Men’s and Women’s First-Round Matches from Indian Wells, Calif. (TENNIS). 8 p.m. – NBA Basketball: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (TNT). 9 p.m. – International Baseball: World Baseball Classic First-Round Game from Jalisco, Mexico – Italy vs. Mexico (MLB NETWORK). 10:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix (TNT). Midnight – International Baseball: World Baseball Classic First-Round Game from Tokyo – Cuba vs. Australia (MLB NETWORK). 12:30 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Indian Open Second Round from New Dehli, India (GOLF). 4 a.m. – International Baseball: World Baseball Classic First-Round Tiebreaker Game from Seoul, South Korea (If Necessary) (MLB NETWORK).

MLB SPRING TRAINING By The Associated Press AMERICAN LEAGUE New York Los Angeles Seattle Tampa Bay Minnesota Chicago Oakland Baltimore Kansas City Boston Cleveland Houston Toronto Detroit Texas

W 10 7 7 6 6 6 6 7 7 5 4 3 2 3 2

NATIONAL LEAGUE St. Louis Pittsburgh New York Colorado Philadelphia Los Angeles Arizona Milwaukee San Diego Cincinnati Washington Chicago San Francisco Miami Atlanta

W 9 9 8 7 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 5 3 3

L 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 7 6 6 8 10 9

Pct. 0.769 0.700 0.636 0.600 0.600 0.600 0.600 0.583 0.583 0.417 0.400 0.333 0.200 0.231 0.182

L 3 3 5 5 5 6 6 5 6 6 6 5 8 7 9

Pct. 0.750 0.750 0.615 0.583 0.545 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.455 0.455 0.455 0.444 0.385 0.300 0.250

.359

W 42 32 31 31 29

L 20 31 32 32 33

Pct .677 .508 .492 .492 .468

GB — 10½ 11½ 11½ 13

Pct .790 .688 .563 .429 .391

GB — 6 14 22½ 25

Pct .625 .547 .460 .435 .403

GB — 5 10½ 12 14

Pct .825 .603 .397 .328 .297

GB — 14 27 31½ 33½

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W L x-San Antonio 49 13 Houston 44 20 Memphis 36 28 Dallas 27 36 New Orleans 25 39 NORTHWEST DIVISION W L Utah 40 24 Oklahoma City 35 29 Denver 29 34 Portland 27 35 Minnesota 25 37 PACIFIC DIVISION W L x-Golden State 52 11 L.A. Clippers 38 25 Sacramento 25 38 Phoenix 21 43 L.A. Lakers 19 45 x-clinched playoff spot

Portland 126, Oklahoma City 121 Dallas 122, L.A. Lakers 111 Washington 131, Phoenix 127

THOMAS SUMTER 6

VARSITY SOCCER

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

DALZELL – Thomas Sumter Academy improved to 4-1 with a 6-3 victory over Crestwood on Tuesday at General Field. Eric Lisenby led the TSA offense with a double and three runs batted in. Josh Galloway was 2-for-3 and Garrett Hassler had a triple. Dayton Ingram was the winning pitcher and Galloway had the save.

TUESDAY’S GAMES

CRESTWOOD 3

Chicago at Orlando, 7 p.m. Brooklyn at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Charlotte at Miami, 7:30 p.m. Detroit at Indiana, 8 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Minnesota, 8 p.m. New York at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Toronto at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Utah at Houston, 8 p.m. Sacramento at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Washington at Denver, 9 p.m. Boston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Cleveland at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 8 p.m. San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Philadelphia at Portland, 10 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Montreal 67 38 Ottawa 64 36 Boston 66 34 Toronto 65 29 Tampa Bay 65 30 Florida 65 29 Buffalo 67 27 Detroit 64 25 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W Washington 65 44 Columbus 65 42 Pittsburgh 64 40 N.Y. Rangers 67 43 N.Y. Islanders65 31 Philadelphia 65 31 Carolina 63 26 New Jersey 66 25

L 21 22 26 22 26 25 28 28

OT 8 6 6 14 9 11 12 11

Pts 84 78 74 72 69 69 66 61

GF 185 170 182 197 179 162 169 160

GA 166 167 174 195 181 183 196 190

L 14 17 16 22 23 26 27 29

OT 7 6 8 2 11 8 10 12

Pts 95 90 88 88 73 70 62 62

GF 212 207 223 216 192 170 156 147

GA 139 149 180 175 194 193 183 189

WESTERN CONFERENCE

TODAY’S GAMES

Columbia vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Houston vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Miami vs. Washington at West Palm Beach, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Toronto vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. United States vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Detroit vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m. Arizona vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Cincinnati vs. Oakland at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. L.A. Angels vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Seattle vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Venezuela vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Milwaukee vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 3:10 p.m. Puerto Rico vs. Colorado at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

St. Louis vs. Washington at West Palm Beach, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Tampa Bay vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Toronto vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Minnesota vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets (ss) vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Houston vs. N.Y. Mets (ss) at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m. Chicago White Sox vs. Milwaukee (ss) at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m. Cleveland vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 3:10 p.m. Milwaukee (ss) vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m. San Diego vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 3:10 p.m. Baltimore vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., 6:05 p.m. Colorado vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 8:05 p.m. Oakland vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 8:05 p.m. Texas vs. L.A. Dodgers at Glendale, Ariz., 9:05 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press

CENTRAL DIVISION GP W L OT Pts GF GA Minnesota 64 42 16 6 90 213 151 Chicago 65 42 18 5 89 198 164 Nashville 66 32 24 10 74 195 188 St. Louis 65 33 27 5 71 178 183 Winnipeg 67 30 31 6 66 200 209 Dallas 66 27 29 10 64 186 211 Colorado 65 18 44 3 39 126 215 PACIFIC DIVISION GP W L OT Pts GF GA San Jose 65 39 19 7 85 180 152 Edmonton 66 35 23 8 78 188 174 Anaheim 66 34 22 10 78 172 168 Calgary 66 36 26 4 76 179 182 Los Angeles 65 31 28 6 68 161 164 Vancouver 66 28 30 8 64 153 188 Arizona 65 23 35 7 53 157 210 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

EASTERN CONFERENCE L 24 26 38 40 51

Pct .625 .587 .406 .365 .177

GB — 2½ 14 16½ 28

L 24 29 34 35

Pct .613 .540 .469 .444

GB — 4½ 9 10½

WILSON HALL 17 BEN LIPPEN 7

COLUMBIA – Wilson Hall improved to 3-0 with a 17-7 win over Ben Lippen on Tuesday at the BL field. Charlton Commander led the offense, going 3-for4 with a home run. Daniel Reynolds also had three hits and Corbin Bruce was 2-for-2 with a double. LAKE CITY 2 LAKEWOOD 1

Lakewood High School lost to Lake City 2-1 on Monday at the LHS field. Dalton Browder had a strong outing on the mound for the 1-3 Gators. He allowed just two hits and one earned run in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out seven. Browder, Wyatt Thompson, Zach Coulson and Zach Tidwell had hits for Lakewood and Josh Whitley had an RBI.

B TEAM BASEBALL WILSON HALL 8 THOMAS SUMTER 7 Wilson Hall scored two

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Detroit at Boston, 8 p.m. Pittsburgh at Winnipeg, 8 p.m. Ottawa at Dallas, 8 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Rangers at Carolina, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Minnesota at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Anaheim at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. New Jersey at Colorado, 9 p.m. Montreal at Calgary, 9 p.m. Ottawa at Arizona, 9 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Vancouver, 10 p.m. Nashville at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. Washington at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Buffalo at Columbus, 7 p.m. Minnesota at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Anaheim at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Pittsburgh at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

TRANSACTIONS By The Associated Press

BASEBALL

American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Agreed to terms with RHPs Parker Bridwell, Dylan Bundy, Oliver Drake, Jason García, Mychal Givens, Joe Gunkel, Jesus Liranzo, Logan Verrett, Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright and Gabriel Ynoa; LHPs Jayson Aquino, Richard Bleier, Donnie Hart and Chris Lee; INF Trey Mancini; and OFs Dariel Alvarez, Joey Rickard, Anthony Santander and Aneury Tavarez on one-year contracts. Optioned Alvarez to Norfolk (IL). National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Optioned LHP Jesse Biddle to Mississippi (SL) and RHP Jason Hursh to Gwinnett (IL). Reassigned Cs Joe Odom and Kade Scivicque, OF Dustin Peterson, LHPs Sam Freeman and Adam Kolarek and RHP Rhiner Cruz to minor league camp.

FOOTBALL

National Football League BUFFALO BILLS — Agreed to terms with QB Tyrod Taylor and P Colton Schmidt. Released WR Marcus Easley. CAROLINA PANTHERS — Re-signed RB Fozzy Whittaker to a two-year contract. NEW YORK GIANTS — Signed WR Brandon Marshall to a two-year contract. NASCAR — Docked Monster Energy driver AJ Allmendinger 35 points, fined his crew chief Randall Burnett $65,000 and suspended Burnett three races after finding three loose lug nuts on Allmendinger’s car after Sunday’s race. Docked Joe Gibbs Racing 10 Xfinity owners points, fined Kyle Busch’s crew chief Scott Graves $10,000 and suspended Graves one race because Busch’s car was too low Fined Chase Elliott’s Camping World Truck crew chief Jeff Stankiewicz $5,000 and suspended him one race for failing inspection after Saturday’s race.

COLLEGE

KANSAS — Suspended G Josh Jackson from Thursday’s Big 12 Tournament game.

GIRLS SUMTER 2 LANCASTER 0

Sumter improved to 3-1 with a 2-0 victory over Lancaster on Wednesday at the SHS field. Mary Kate Shaffer scored a goal on a free kick and Taylor Gradwell scored on an assist from Abby Hoshour. Morgan Pringle had the shutout in goal. Sumter opens its Region VI-5A schedule on Friday at Socastee.

VARSITY SOFTBALL LAURENCE MANNING 15 FIRST BAPTIST 0 MANNING – Laurence Manning scored 14 runs in the second inning of a 15-0, 3-inning win over First Baptist on Tuesday at Julie Skoler Field. Lundee Olsen tossed a no-hitter, striking out five and walking none. Brooke Ward led the LMA offense, going 2-for-2 with two runs and two RBI. Trinity Harrington had a double and three RBI. Olsen had a triple and two RBI, while Olivia Coker, Cora Downer, and Hannah Truett all scored two runs. Downer had three stolen bases, while Taylor Lea and Truett each had two. PEE DEE 7 WILSON HALL 3

Wilson Hall dropped to 2-5 with a 7-3 loss to Pee Dee Academy on Wednesday at Patriot Park Sport-

Plex. Danielle de Holl led the WH offense with two hits. Caroline Campbell, Madison Reaves and Drake Ives each had an RBI.

JV SOFTBALL WILSON HALL 17 HAMMOND 2 Wilson Hall defeated Hammond 17-2 in three innings on Wednesday at Patriot Park SportsPlex. Danielle Handley was 3-for-3 to lead the Lady Barons. Sophia Green and Mary Ellis Waynick both had two hits. Camryn Bateman had a triple. LAURENCE MANNING 19 COLLETON PREP 8

WALTERBORO – Laurence Manning picked up its first win of the season, scoring 12 runs in the third inning, in a 19-8 victory over Colleton Prep on Tuesday at the CP field. Callie Thompson had two hits and two RBI to lead the 1-2 Lady Swampcats. Laura Betts Brogdon and Gracen Nalley both had two hits and an RBI, while Bailey Moore and Mary Claire Lee each had a hit and two RBI. Malorie Spiegel was the winning pitcher, striking out seven. CLARENDON HALL 16 ORANGEBURG PREP 1

SUMMERTON – Clarendon Hall improved to 3-0 with a 16-1, 4-inning win over Orangeburg Prep on Tuesday at the CH field. Amberly Way led the Lady Saints at the plate and in the circle. She was 3-for-3 with two doubles and three RBI, and she tossed a 1-hitter with eight strikeouts. Hadleigh McIntosh was also 3-for-3 with three RBI, while Bailey Corbett and Olivia Wilson both had two hits.

PREP SCHEDULE

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Columbus 2, New Jersey 0 N.Y. Rangers 5, Florida 2 Toronto 3, Detroit 2 Philadelphia 6, Buffalo 3 St. Louis 2, Minnesota 1 Colorado 3, Carolina 1 N.Y. Islanders 4, Edmonton 1 Anaheim 4, Nashville 3, SO Montreal 2, Vancouver 1, OT

MOTORSPORTS

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Gamecocks’ Price tosses no-hitter against Cane Bay runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat TSA 8-7 on Wednesday at Patriot Park SportsPlex. Landon Miller had the walk-off game-winning hit to finish with two hits. He also scored a run. William Reese had two hits and scored three runs.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

AREA ROUNDUP

Dawson Price tossed a no-hitter to lead Sumter High School to a 2-0 varsity baseball victory over Cane Bay on Wednesday at Gamecock Field. Price struck out 11 batters for SHS, which improved to 5-0 on the season. Sumter opens its Region VI-5A schedule on Friday at Socastee.

Orlando at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Golden State at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Houston at Chicago, 8 p.m. Indiana at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Toronto at Atlanta, 8 p.m. Boston at Denver, 9 p.m. Brooklyn at Dallas, 9 p.m. Washington at Sacramento, 10:30 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees 10, Canada 4 Dominican Republic 10, Pittsburgh 6 Houston 12, N.Y. Mets (ss) 2 Atlanta 3, Philadelphia 2 Baltimore 6, Toronto 4 St. Louis 9, Washington 3 N.Y. Mets (ss) 8, Boston 7 Italy vs. Oakland at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. L.A. Angels vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. L.A. Dodgers vs. Milwaukee (ss) at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m. Milwaukee (ss) vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Puerto Rico vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Venezuela vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Mexico vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m. Columbia vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 6:35 p.m. United States vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 7:05 p.m. Cleveland vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 9:10 p.m.

W Boston 40 Toronto 37 New York 26 Philadelphia 23 Brooklyn 11 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W Washington 38 Atlanta 34 Miami 30 Charlotte 28

Cleveland Indiana Chicago Detroit Milwaukee

THE SUMTER ITEM

TODAY

Varsity Baseball Lakewood at Manning, 6 p.m. Johnsonville at East Clarendon, 6:30 p.m. Thomas Sumter at Orangeburg Prep, 6 p.m. Junior Varsity Baseball South Florence at Sumter, 6 p.m. Crestwood at Timberland, 6:30 p.m. McBee at Lakewood, 5:30 p.m. B Team Baseball Sumter at Dreher, 6 p.m. Varsity Boys Golf East Clarendon at Sumter JV, 4:30 p.m.

Varsity and Junior Varsity Soccer Crestwood at Lakewood (No JV Girls), 5 p.m. Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer Lower Richland at Lakewood, 6 p.m. Varsity and JV Boys Soccer Lancaster at Sumter, 5:30 p.m. Varsity Softball Johnsonville at East Clarendon, 6 p.m. First Baptist at Clarendon Hall, 5 p.m. Varsity and JV Softball Lake City at Lakewood, 5:30 p.m. Laurence Manning at Williamsburg, 4 p.m.

B Team Softball Carolina Academy at Laurence Manning, 4:30 p.m. Varsity Boys Tennis Sumter at Socastee, 5 p.m. Manning at Berkeley, 4:30 p.m. Varsity Track and Field Scott’s Branch at Manning, 5 p.m. Region IV-2A Meet at Lee Central, 5 p.m. East Clarendon at Johnsonville, 5 p.m. Middle School Track and Field Alice Drive, Mayewood at Chestnut Oaks, 4:30 p.m. Bates, Ebenezer, Furman at Hillcrest, 4:30 p.m.

COLLEGE BASEBALL ROUNDUP

Beer helps Clemson top Michigan State 9-2 GREENVILLE — Ninthranked Clemson scored three runs in the second inning and broke the game open with five runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by Seth Beer’s grand slam, to defeat Michigan State 9-2 at Fluor Field on Wednesday night. The Tigers improved to 9-3 while the Spartans dropped to 9-2. It marked Clemson’s 11th win in a row away from home, it’s longest such streak since 1995, when the Tigers also won 11 games in a row away from home. The Tigers scored three runs in the second inning, keyed by Chris Williams’ 2-run double. After Michigan State scored a run in the third inning, three straight one-out walks and a hit-by-pitch by Reed Rohlman scored a run in fifth inning, followed by Beer’s long grand slam, his fifth long ball of the year, on a 3-2 pitch. Tyler Jackson (2-1) earned the win in an effective start. In 6 1/3 innings pitched, he gave up seven hits, two runs (one earned) and no walks

with nine strikeouts. Four Tiger pitchers combined to limit Michigan State, who entered the game hitting .340 with 9.8 runs per game (seventh in the nation), to only two runs on eight hits. Spartan starter Joe Mockbee (3-1) suffered the loss, as he yielded three runs on three hits in three innings. Clemson begins ACC play this weekend when it hosts Notre Dame in a 3-game series starting Friday at 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY SOUTH CAROLINA 12 CITADEL 5 COLUMBIA — Sophomore outfielder TJ Hopkins homered twice and sophomore catcher Chris Cullen added a homer and a career-high five RBI as well as seventh-ranked South Carolina belted out a season-high 15 hits on the way to a 12-5 win over The Citadel on Tuesday night at Founders Park. The Gamecocks improved to 8-5 with the loss dropping The Citadel to 3-8 for the season. Sophomore right-hander

Graham Lawson earned his first victory of the season. He allowed four runs on four hits with three strikeouts and one walk in three innings of relief work. Junior left-hander John Parke picked up his first save of the year after allowing just one run on three hits with two walks and five strikeouts in three innings of relief. The Gamecocks added six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. With Matt Williams on second, Destino delivered a 1-run single up the middle to bring Williams home. Cullen added two more runs with a 2-run single up the middle. Hopkins launched another homer to left field, this time driving in three runs as the Gamecocks extended the lead to 11-1. Cullen tallied his fifth RBI of the game in the bottom of the sixth as he drove in Bride with a single to left-center for South Carolina’s 12th run of the game. The Citadel scored four runs in the top of the seventh. From local reports

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

COLLEGE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

LeDay scores 31 to lead Hokies past Wake 99-90 NEW YORK — Zach LeDay had a career-high 31 points to go with 15 rebounds as Virginia Tech stopped Wake Forest’s late-season charge with a 99-90 victory Wednesday night. Seth Allen scored 18 points and Justin Bibbs had 15 for the seventh-seeded LEDAY Hokies (22-9), who took over in the second half after a slow start. They will play secondseeded and 16th-ranked Florida State in the quarterfinals Thursday night. Bryant Crawford had 21 points for No. 10 seed Wake Forest (19-13), which had won four straight in a desperate drive for its first NCAA Tournament trip since 2010. John Collins, runner-up for ACC player of the year, added 15 points and 10 rebounds for Wake Forest before fouling out with 1:06 to play. Wake Forest won 89-84 at Virginia Tech in the regular-season finale for both teams last Saturday, a huge victory for the Demon Deacons in their postseason push. MIAMI 62 SYRACUSE 57

NEW YORK — Kamari Murphy had 16 points and 10 rebounds in his return home to Brooklyn, and Miami held off Syracuse 62-57 on Wednesday in the second round of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. The ninth-seeded Hurricanes (21-10) advanced to play top-seeded and sixth-ranked North Carolina in the first quarterfinal Thursday afternoon, seemingly solidifying their spot in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the Orange took an untimely loss that could leave them sweating out Selection Sunday. No. 8 seed Syracuse (18-14) fell to 0-3 in the ACC Tournament and 2-11 this season away from home, a mark that might not go over very well with the committee that sets the 68-team field for the NCAAs.

SEC MISSISSIPPI STATE 79 LSU 52 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Quinndary Weatherspoon scored 19 points, and 12th-

seeded Mississippi State routed LSU 79-52 Wednesday night in the opening game of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. The Bulldogs (16-15) will play fifth-seeded Alabama today. Mississippi State now has won two straight for the first time since winning at Arkansas on Jan. 10, then beating Texas A&M on Jan. 14. The Bulldogs took advantage of playing LSU for the second time in five days, and they also snapped a three-game skid in the league tournament with their first win since their opening game in 2014 over Vanderbilt. Reserve Tyson Carter added 18 points for the Bulldogs. Xavian Stapleton had 13, and Lamar Peters 10. No. 13 seed LSU (10-21) wraps up the season losing 17 of its final 18 with this possibly coach Johnny Jones’ final game at his alma mater. Skylar Mays led LSU with 13 points, and Antonio Blakeney had 11.

SUN BELT COASTAL CAROLINA 80 SOUTH ALABAMA 67 NEW ORLEANS — Elijah Wilson made four 3-pointers and scored 16 points to lead Coastal Carolina to an 80-67 victory over South Alabama on Wednesday in the Chanticleers’ first appearance in the Sun Belt Tournament. The eighth-seeded Chanticleers (16-16), newcomers to the conference, play top-seeded UT Arlington in Friday’s quarterfinals. It was CCU’s second victory over the ninthseeded Jaguars (14-18) in 12 days with the Chanticleers taking an 81-77 overtime victory in their only regular-season meeting. A 5-0 spurt early in the second half gave CCU a doubledigit lead that held up with Wilson’s 3-pointer with 7:44 left giving the Chanticleers their largest lead at 71-51 and also sending Wilson over 1,800 career points. Jaylen Shaw added 14 points and Amidou Bamba and Josh Coleman 10 each. CCU was 11 of 16 from 3-point range. Ken Williams led South Alabama with 18 points. Nick Stover added 11 and Shaq Calhoun 10.

MEN

SEC Second Round SEC NETWORK 1 p.m. – Tennessee vs. Georgia 3 p.m. – Alabama vs. Louisiana State or Mississippi State 7 p.m. – Texas A&M vs. Vanderbilt 9 p.m. – Mississippi vs. Auburn or Missouri ACC Quarterfinals WKTC 63, ESPN Noon – North Carolina vs. Miami 2 p.m. – Louisville vs. Duke 7 p.m. – Florida State vs. Virginia Tech or Wake Forest 9 p.m. – Notre Dame vs. Virginia or Pittsburgh BIG 12 Quarterfinals ESPN2 12:30 p.m. – Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State 2:30 p.m. – Kansas vs. Oklahoma or Texas Christian ESPNU 7 p.m. – West Virginia vs. Texas or Texas Tech 9 p.m. – Kansas State vs. Baylor BIG EAST Quarterfinals FOX SPORTS 1 Noon – Villanova vs. Georgetown or St. John’s 2:30 p.m. – Seton Hall vs. Marquette 7 p.m. – Butler vs. DePaul or Xavier 9:30 p.m. – Providence vs. Creighton BIG 10 Second Round ESPN2 6:30 p.m. – Iowa vs. Indiana 8:30 p.m. – Northwestern vs. Rutgers

Allen was called for a technical foul for a second straight game when he slammed the ball on the floor after getting called for a loose ball foul. He was whistled for running into Blossomgame. Allen grabbed the bouncing ball as he moved toward the corner of the court on the opposite side of the benches. He then slammed the ball down in obvious anger and was hit with a technical, giving him three personal fouls. His next stop was the bench. Allen, who was suspended for a game earlier this season for tripping an opponent for the third time in his career, said he probably deserved the technical and that he didn’t think he was being targeted by officials.

FROM PAGE B1 BIG PICTURE

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ALLEN T’D UP

TIGERS Clemson: The Tigers came into the game having lost 10 games by six points or fewer, including a two-point loss to Duke during the regular season. File another one under missed opportunities for Clemson. The Tigers were 24 for 26 from the foul line, but didn’t make enough shots to answer Duke’s proficient offense. Duke: With Grayson Allen nursing a sore ankle and coming off the bench at the end of the season, Jackson has played his best ball since the nonconference schedule. He had averaged 17.6 points per game in the last three regular-season games. Jackson gives Duke a true point guard instead of Krzyzewski having to force Allen in at the point. The Blue Devils also got some sharp low-post passing from Tatum, who had four assists against Clemson. Coach K said his team is still searching for an identity. “Crazy as it may sound, I think we’re still evolving because of all the injuries and interruptions that we’ve

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Duke forward Jayson Tatum, right, goes to the basket against Clemson forward Elijah Thomas (14) and guard Shelton Mitchell (4) during the Blue Devils’ 79-72 victory on Wednesday in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in New York.

UP NEXT Clemson: The Tigers hope to get an NIT bid. “We won six (ACC) games. We probably needed to win eight or 10,” Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said about getting into the NCAAs. “That’s obviously why today’s game was so important for our team. If we could have got today’s game, then I think we have a better chance, and then maybe one more.”

had. But we’re getting better,” Krzyzewski said. “I don’t know who we are completely, but I have good kids. I have really good kids, and they play hard, and they share the ball. Maybe we’ll develop a little bit more of an identity here. We’ve got another chance, let’s put it that way.”

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WILSON FROM PAGE B1 teams. She averaged 9.7 points per game and ranked fifth in the league in assists (4.0). FIRST TEAM

u-Makayla Epps, Kentucky, G, 5-10, Sr. , Lebanon, Kentucky u-A’ja Wilson, South Carolina, F, 6-5, Jr., Hopkins, South Carolina Sophie Cunningham, Missouri, G, 6-1, So., Columbia, Missouri Victoria Vivians, Mississippi State, F, 6-1, Jr., Carthage, Mississippi Ronni Williams, Florida, F, 6-0, Sr.,

Daytona Beach, Florida

SECOND TEAM

Alaina Coates, South Carolina, C, 6-4, Sr., Irmo, South Carolina Diamond DeShields, Tennessee, G, 6-1, Jr., Norcross, Georgia Curtyce Knox, Texas A&M, G, 5-7, Sr., Humble, Texas Evelyn Akhator, Kentucky, F, 6-3, Sr., Lagos, Nigeria Mercedes Russell, Tennessee, C, 6-6, Jr., Springfield, Oregon Morgan William, Mississippi State, G, 5-5, Jr., Birmingham, Alabama Player of the Year — u-A’ja Wilson, South Carolina Coach of the Year — u-Robin Pingeton, Missouri Newcomer of the Year — Jordan Lewis, Alabama

representative today for more details!

36 W. Liberty St. • 803.774.1200 Contest rules: Deadline for entries is April 7, 2017 (closing time for each business) Winners will be drawn Wednesday, April 12, 2017 and notiﬁed by phone. Winners listed by participating businesses will be published in the Sunday, April 23rd edition of The Sumter Item. All winners photos will be published in The Sumter Item.

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

NOWITZKI

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

FROM PAGE B1 The 7-foot German became the sixth NBA player and the first international one to reach the milestone, joining four Hall of Famers and a future one in Kobe Bryant. Nowitzki is one of three to score all 30,000-plus with one team. The others are Karl Malone (Utah) and Bryant (Lakers). Nowitzki scored Dallas’ first eight points in slightly more than two minutes, matched the best first quarter of his career with 18 points and reached the hallowed mark on a 15-foot fadeaway jumper from the baseline over Larry Nance Jr. with 10:58 remaining in the second quarter. The 38-year-old scored all of his 25 points — one shy of his season high — in the first half to send the Mavericks on their way to a 31-point lead in the third quarter. “I made the first one and it was a 2, and then I made the first 3 and thought, ‘Why not?’” said Nowitzki, who made his first six shots and had 11 rebounds in 24 minutes. “I threw another one up and it went in, and then the

Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots over Los Angeles Laker Jordan Clarkson (6) and Corey Brewer (3) for a 3-pointer on Tuesday in Dallas. The basket gave Nowitzki 30,003 career points.

next three came right after that and I was just trying to ride it from there.” Dallas extended a franchise record with its 14th straight win over the Lakers, who got 13 points, 18 rebounds and 10

OBITUARIES REV. DAVID P. KEISTER SR. TOCCOA, Ga. — The Rev. David Paul Keister Sr., age 64, of Toccoa, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017, at Hospice Atlanta / Emory University Medical Center in Atlanta. He was born on March 16, 1952, in Tampa, Florida, a son of the late Robert E. and Margaret KEISTER Shugart Keister. He lived most of his life in Florida and the last 10 years in Toccoa. He was a graduate of the University of Tampa and received his Master of Divinity at Columbia Theological Seminary. He pastored the following churches: Metter Presbyterian Church, Metter, Georgia; Concord Presbyterian Church, Sumter; Westminister Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg, Florida; and presently was serving Toccoa Presbyterian Church. He was active in “Leap for Literacy” in Toccoa; a board member for “Kick-in-It” Breast Cancer; choir member of Toccoa Falls Community Choir; and choir member and quartet member of the Toccoa Presbyterian Church. He was a humble, caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and pastor. He not only gave his life to the ones around him but to anyone who reached out to him and to all that crossed his path. He loved helping people and made everyone who talked to him feel special. Serving the Lord was his calling and he devoted his life to it. He also enjoyed God’s creation in his free time: driving in the mountains, going to springs and beaches and enjoying his grandkids. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Mona Canada Keister of the home; three sons and daughter-in-law, David and Ashleigh Keister of St. Petersburg, Florida, Kevin Keister of Brandon, Florida, and Kenneth Keister of Toccoa; five grandchildren, Trey, Bryan, Audri, Kaleb and K.J.; two brothers, Robert E. Keister II and George Roland Watts III, both of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and survived by thousands of brothers and sisters in Christ. A memorial service is to be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at Toccoa Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jim Lugo, Dr. Joe White and the Rev. Gary Pierstorff officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 25, from noon until the time of service at Toccoa Presbyterian Church fellowship hall. Online condolences can be made at www.acree-davisfh. com. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that flowers be omitted and that memorials be made to Toccoa Presbyterian Church of Toc-

assists from Julius Randle in their eighth straight loss. “I was a Kobe fan,” said Randle, who grew up in the Dallas area. “I hated Dirk growing up. As I got older and wiser, obviously, I was

FRANK E. BYRD JR. coa, P.O. Box 367, Toccoa, GA 30577, in memory of the Rev. David Paul Keister Sr. The Acree-Davis Funeral Home of Toccoa is in charge of the arrangements for the Rev. David Paul Keister Sr.

JUDY D. WADFORD Judy Disher Wadford, 68, wife of Wayne Wadford, died on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at her home. Born on Jan. 30, 1949, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Gus and Elizabeth Harrington Windham. She was a member of Green Acres Assembly of God and the Green Acres Seniors. She retired from the bakery and deli at BI-LO. Survivors include her husband of 34 years; four children, Jerry Disher (Gayle) of Sumter, Tammy McCutcheon (Lonnie) of Olanta, Beth Disher Mathis (Dell) of Sumter and Lynn Disher DuBose of Sumter; five grandchildren, Brian Disher, Tiffaney Capell (Jason), D.J. Mathis (Kelly), Makaylin Mathis (Sean Davis) and David “Peanut” DuBose; four great-grandchildren; and a special brother-in-law, Gene Disher (Jennifer) of Sumter. She was preceded in death by two brothers, T.W. Windham and Randy Windham. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Green Acres Assembly of God with the Rev. Michael Bowman and the Rev. Ronnie Morris officiating. Burial will be in Green Acres Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Green Acres Assembly of God and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Green Acres Assembly of God, 537 Lewis Road, Sumter, SC 29154. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

MELBOURNE, Fla. — Frank Elbert Byrd Jr. died on Jan. 28, 2017, at his home in Melbourne. A former resident of Sumter, he was a son of Lucy B. Byrd and the late Elbert Byrd of Sumter. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Sumter Cemetery. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

SYLVIA P. RILEY MANNING — Sylvia Pendergrass Riley, 68, wife of Louis B. Riley, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at McLeod Health Clarendon, Manning. She was born on Jan. 9, 1949, in Manning, a daughter of the late Willie and Azalee White Pendergrass. The family is receiving friends at her residence, 111 Robert St., Manning. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC, Manning.

ARTHUR LEE Arthur Lee, 63, widower of Azalee Montgomery Lee, departed this life on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. He was born on Sept. 5, 1953, in Sumter County, a son of Geneva Julius Lee and the late Luther Lee Sr. The family will receive friends from noon to 7 p.m. daily at the home of his daughter, 3755 Delaware Drive, Dalzell, SC 29040. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

WILLIE WALKER

ANNE G. CAMPBELL

Willie Walker, 73, husband of Fannie Gathers Walker, departed this life on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. He was born on May 25, 1943, in Sumter County, a son of the late Jerry and Mary Chadd Walker. The family will receive friends at the home, 685 W. Emerald Lake Drive, Sumter, SC 29153. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

HOLDEN BEACH, N.C. — Anne Greene Campbell, of Holden Beach, went to be with Jesus on Monday, March 6, 2017, as a result of complications from a stroke. She was born on April 12, 1947, in Charleston, to George Nash Greene and Louise Thompson Greene. She was preceded in death by her father, George Nash Greene Sr.; and her brother, George Nash Greene Jr. Surviving are her dear husband of 49 years, Donald McQueen Campbell; a son, Don-

THE SUMTER ITEM really able to appreciate his greatness.” After the signature shot for 30,000, Nowitzki added a 3-pointer for 23 points in the first 14 minutes before the game was stopped as teammates mobbed the wide-smiling star near midcourt. Nowitzki waded through the huddle to get to the bench for more hugs and hand slaps, then returned to the court to acknowledge the standing ovation. The 2007 MVP was 9 of 12 from the field, 3 of 3 from beyond the arc and 4 of 4 on free throws before halftime. He missed his only shot of the second half. “For me, this was a 13:02 microcosm of one of the greatest careers in the history of this game,” Carlisle said. “Meticulous preparation, total commitment, unbelievable competitive spirit and a real flair for the moment.” Nowitzki finished the night at 30,005 points and has said he plans to play a 20th season. If so, he could have a shot at fifth-place Wilt Chamberlain, who has 31,419. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the career leader at 38,387.

ald McQueen “Rusty” Campbell III and wife, Erika Hickman Campbell; her mother, Louise T. Greene; grandson, Parker McQueen Campbell; granddaughter, Mallory Anne Campbell; and her sister, Lise` Greene Rogers. She spent her life devoted to helping others. She worked as a patient representative at Novant Health Brunswick Hospital for 20 years. Before retirement, she was appointed by the North Carolina Commissioners of Insurance to serve as the commissioners’ appointee to the Tri-Beach Fire Department Fireman’s Relief Fund board of trustees. This was a position that she cherished. It was another opportunity to help others. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday at White Funeral Service Bolivia / Supply Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Sharon United Methodist Church in Supply, North Carolina. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in Anne’s name to the TriBeach Fire Department Fireman’s Relief Fund, 854 Sabbath Home Road, Supply, NC 28462. Online condolences are encouraged and may be offered at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com. White Funeral & Cremation Service, Bolivia / Supply Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

VICKIE T. HORNE Vickie Tucker Horne, beloved wife of the late Roger L. Horne, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at her residence. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home.

ELMS FROM PAGE B1 plate. She knows what’s going on as she has a view of the entire field. She calls out the defenses for us and her voice gives her a command on the field.” Her bat gives Elms some command in the batter’s box as well. She batted .411 last season with an on-base percentage of .480. She had 36 hits, including seven doubles, 2 home runs and one triple. She drove in 18 runs and stole three bases. Elms’ batting average isn’t as high in the early going of this season, at .278 prior to Tuesday’s game. However, she had an onbase percentage of .381 to go with two homers, a double and eight runs batted in. Elms said she never really considered another school. FDTC was just a good fit for her. “I went over to the school and worked out and practiced with them,” Elms said. “It was really a lot of fun. It just felt right to me, and it wasn’t too far from home.”

207 Pear St. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc.

JAMES B. HARPER James B. “J.B.” Harper, 91, husband of 70 years to Louise Leitner Harper, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at his home. Services will be announced by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

NATHANIEL MCELVEEN Nathaniel McElveen, 75, died on Friday, March 3, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Born on Nov. 27, 1941, in Florence County, he was a son of William J. and Lessie Ree McElveen. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc.

ROSHEED JAE-VON GOODWIN Funeral service for Master Rosheed Jae-Von Goodwin, 12, of 4395 Frisco Branch Road in Sumter, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Greater Faith & Joy Tabernacle, 1474 U.S. 601 South in Lugoff. Burial will be in St. Peter United Methodist Church cemetery, Flint Hill Road, Camden. He died on March 5, 2017. Collins Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. http://georgeecollinsfh.com

COLIN MCCUTCHEN Colin A. “Al” McCutchen, 68, died on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Services will be announced by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

WILLIAM M. COCKERILL SR. William Marion Cockerill Sr., husband of Betty Jean McElveen Cockerill, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at his home. Services will be announced by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

EVELYN S. BOONE Evelyn Sadie Boone, 88, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at Sumter Health and Rehab Center. Born on Oct. 12, 1928, in Lee County, she was a daughter of Hillard and Annie Bell Herriot Williams. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home,

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COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Jilted husband also feels abandoned by daughters DEAR ABBY — I am a father of two girls. Both of them no longer see, talk to or contact me. I’m divorced from Dear Abby their mother. She cheated ABIGAIL on me after VAN BUREN she went back to work and met a man she decided was her soul mate. That was 17 years ago. I haven’t talked to or seen my ex in all those years, and slowly both daughters distanced themselves from me until there was no relationship at all. On Father’s Day, my birthday or Christmas I never hear a word from either one. I tried numerous times to be a father

JUMBLE THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME By David L Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

to them. My youngest was recently married and didn’t invite me to her big wedding. I had been saving money over the years in case one of them needed help with a home or wedding. I have to say I am hurt. What could I have done to be a father when they didn’t want me in their lives? I talk to people and they keep telling me stories similar to mine. Is this common? Rejected dad out West DEAR DAD — Let me put it this way: It’s not unheard of. Something called “parental alienation” sometimes happens in bitter divorces, when one parent poisons the children’s minds against the other. If I had to guess the reason for it in your case, it would be that your ex didn’t

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

want the girls to know the reason for the divorce was her infidelity. There is nothing you can do about it now, because a mindset and a pattern have been set. Had you insisted on counseling for you and the girls when you realized the distancing was happening, you might have kept the lines of communication open. Things may improve one day when your daughters have children who are curious about meeting you, but in the meantime, for your own sake, please go on with your life and don’t dwell on your disappointment. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY: Each row, column and set of 3-by-3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.

By Roland Huget

ACROSS 1 Fish feature 5 Sporty sunroof 9 Impressionist’s métier 14 Mount between Pelion and Olympus 15 Bat mitzvah dance 16 “__ Theme”: “Doctor Zhivago” song 17 Done in a comprehensive plan? 20 Primed 21 Duffers’ dreams 22 Gamer’s game face 23 Criticize harshly 24 Emailed a dupe to 25 Darth, before he turned to the Dark Side 28 Postgrad challenge 32 Quarrel 33 Pit-__: heart sound 34 Target of annual shots 35 Tied up in a government program? 39 Useful Scrabble tile

3/9/17 40 Fairy tale heavy 41 Suez Canal ship 42 IBM’s chess-playing computer 45 To a greater degree 46 Singer India.__ 47 Word with candy or sugar 48 Book with tablets 51 Candle holder 52 The White Stripes, e.g. 55 Out in a classic sports car? 58 Veil material 59 Bolivia neighbor 60 “It follows that ... “ 61 Lid woes 62 Intervene, with “in” 63 Some game

10 Annual Macy’s tradition 11 Q.E.D. word 12 Indian music style 13 North Sea feeder 18 Tigers Hall of Famer Al 19 Move out 23 1% alternative 24 Have a jones for 25 Like football passes 26 “Scrubs” extra 27 Herbal flavor similar to licorice 28 __ citato: in the work cited 29 Case for Scully 30 Leafy healers 31 Canadian Alice with a Nobel Prize

33 Tell it to the judge 36 Refinement 37 Lunchtime tryst 38 Run out of gas 43 Get the canoe going 44 Savages 45 Bury the hatchet 47 Tight-knit group 48 Young newts 49 Cross off 50 Alternative to de Gaulle 51 Tech news site 52 Desperate 53 Sugar craving, say 54 Wrinkled-nose cause 56 Co. with brown trucks 57 Place to plant

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

DOWN 1 Scads 2 Part of a chain 3 Atty.-to-be’s hurdle 4 System of connected PCs 5 Lockup, in slang 6 Carved symbol 7 “Warcraft” killers 8 Kung __ chicken 9 British school test

3/9/17

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MERCHANDISE Garage, Yard & Estate Sales Yardsale 21 S Washington St March 11 9am-? gas stove, qn mattress, household & misc items Will buy furniture by piece or bulk, tools, trailers, lawn mowers, 4 wheelers, or almost anything of value. Call 803-983-5364

In loving Memory of Carolyn Jones Butler on her birthday 03/09/49-06/27/15 We cannot send a birthday card, your hand we cannot touch, But God will take our greetings to the one we love so much. Love Your Husband, Children & Grandchildren

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

Estate Sale 3104 Mayflower Ln. Sat 7-11 Furniture, hshld, pictures. ladies clothing, shoes, patio furn. & lots more! Large! 3175 Richland Dr Sat 7-3 Everything must Go! Estate/Vintage 3290 Ashlynn Way. furn, hshld items, etc. Sat 11th 9am-2pm Please No early birds

For Sale or Trade Lg coffee table, plus matching tables, solid, good condition. $125 Call 803-469-2958 Lg rocker recliner, cloth, good condition. $100 Call 803-469-2958 New & used Heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

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Help Wanted Full-Time

Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves. Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311. Open 7 Days a week 9am-8pm Bar stools solid wood swivel w/high back leather deats. $95each Call 803-469-2958 Funk & Wagnalls standard reference encyclopedias, new. $125 Call 803-469-2958

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Front Office / Clerical & CMA needed for busy internal medical practice. Competitive salary and benefits. Fax resume to office manager @ 803-905-6810 Cashier needed full time. Must have some computer knowledge, be self-motivated, dependable & energetic. Apply at Wally's Hardware from 1pm-3pm, 1291 Broad St. F/T HVAC Service Tech position available. Gene's Heating & Air, LLC, Requirements: • Valid SCDL with clean record • Reliable attendance & punctuality • Excellent customer service skills • Prefer 5 yr. with NATE certified Applications available Email resume to: geneshvacap @ftc-i.net Chef/CDM/Kitchen Manager Please apply in person at NHC HealthCare Sumter 1018 N. Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC (EOE) Nesbitt Transportation is now hiring Class A CDL Drivers. Must be 23 yrs old and have 2 yrs experience. Home nights and weekends. Also hiring experience diesel mechanic. Call 843-621-0943 or 843-659-8254

Lawn Service

Truck Shop Diesel mechanic needed. Local shop looking to grow. General knowledge of trucks/trailers a must. Welding skills desired. CDL pref. but not mandatory. Typical work wk is Tues.-Sat. Competitive hrly salary based on exp/knowledge. Call Pete Baker 803-316-2113

Help Wanted Part-Time Camp Bob Cooper (Clemson University Youth Learning Institute), Summerton, SC is now hiring for Part-Time Food Service Workers, no more than 28 hours per week, $7.25/hr. Shifts vary; some weekends. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass a background check. Please Call: 803-478-2105 Clemson University is an Equal Opportunity Employer P/T cleaner needed immediately in Wedgefield. Daytime position, cleaning a small office, Monday - Friday. Must pass background & drug screen. $13 hour. Contact Bob at rnlundygvpm@gmail.com Sumter Habitat ReStore Part-time donation collection team member wanted for local pick-ups, deliveries and warehouse duties. Some heavy lifting required. Must have a valid SC drivers license with clear record and pass background check. Apply in person at: Sumter Habitat ReStore, 30 Bridge Court, Sumter. No telephone inquires.

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS

Homes for Sale

Unfurnished Apartments

Eastover - 15.6 acres w/ 1900 sq ft country style 3 + 2.5 ba, all brick home. Secluded location w/ fenced pasture & barn. $229,000. Earth Properties, Inc. 803-794-8000 x 23.

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

TRANSPORTATION

Miscellaneous

Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette. 775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Mobile Home Rentals Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water//sewer//garbage pk-up incl'd. RV parking avail. Call 803-494-8350

Refurbished batteries as low as $45. New batteries as low as $59.95. Auto Electric Co., 102 Blvd Rd. 803-773-4381

3BR/2BA DW, needs TLC, $485+dep, 2655 Thomas Sumter Hwy across from the Free Weight Gym. No Sec. 8. Kim w/ref 803-565-1987

Prime Downtown COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

30 W. Liberty St.

• Newly renovated • 800 Square feet • Electric included • New HVAC • Internet ready • Possible buildout to suit.

$950.00 a month

Clary Lawn Service Bushhog & Landscaping Free Estimates Call 803-406-3514

Call for more information

803-774-1290

Legal Service

Email: michael@theitem.com

Attorney Timothy L. Griffith 803-607-9087, 360 W. Wesmark. Criminal, Family, Accident, Injury

Roofing Robert's Metal Roofing 35 Yrs exp. 45 yr warranty. Financing avail. Expert installation. Long list of satisfied customers. 803-837-1549.

WANT TO SELL A HOUSEHOLD ITEM? Run up to 4 lines for 1 week FREE! More than 1 item, no problem. Each item must be listed on a sepBrate form.

LIST ANY OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS IN OUR CLASSIFIED SECTION CL

PRIVATE PARTY AD FOR ONE WEEK! NO PRICE RESTRICTION OF THE ITEM FOR SALE, MUST BE A HOUSEHOLD ITEM. Simply, stop into our office at 36 W. Liberty Street in Sumter and complete the FREE Classified form. Restricted to: private party ad listing HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ONLY, no automobiles, boats, guns, houses, or land may be listed. Name and phone number required on all ads. Limited time offer, offer may end without notice. Must meet manager approval.

NOW THROUGH MARCH 13TH

20%

BELOW MSRP3

ON ALL 2017 SPARK, IMPALA AND SONIC MODELS ALL WAC - GM FINANCIAL + TAX AND TAG FEE

Prothro Chevrolet www.prothrochevy.com

452 N. BROOKS STREET | MANNING | 803-433-2535 | 1-800-968-9934

MAYO’S IS CELEBRATING ITS 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Choose ONE suit at our REGULAR PRICE Get SECOND suit of equal or less value for ONLY $1.00!!

IT’S PROM TIME If your suits aren’t becoming to you, It’s a good time to be coming to Mayo’s!! Wesmark Plaza • 773-2262 • Mon-Sat 10-7 • www.MayosDiscountSuits.com