March 16, 2017

IN SPORTS: Lakewood baseball looks to get healthy, compete for region title B1 THE CLARENDON SUN

County to borrow more money for human services building A6 THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

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Guilty plea for having child porn Court-martial for Jones set to continue today

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com Col. William R. Jones, former vice commander of the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, pleaded guilty to wrongfully possessing images and videos of child pornography during the first day of his court-martial at the base on Wednesday morning.

He pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing pornographic images of minors between July 2015 and February 2016 after requesting a trial by military judge, meaning no jury will be present.

During the court-martial, Jones, who has served 24 active-duty years with the U.S. Air Force, told Military Judge J. Wesley Moore that he came across the illegal images while he was looking for adult pornography.

Jones said when he downloaded files onto his computer, some data came individually and other data came in a series in folders, some con-

taining illegal images. He said he would delete folders when it became apparent that the images were not what he JONES wanted. He also admitted that he did not delete the entire series of photos in most cases and said a small percentage of the pornography that he possessed contained minors.

Jones said he used search phrases such as “hot women, young girls and teen.” He said he also used a few search terms that could be associated with child pornography but

not exclusively.

Jones said he knew there would be a high potential for illegal content to be included in the downloaded series but there was no way to separate the illegal and legal contents.

He told the military judge that he was intoxicated on most of the occasions when he was searching for pornography but that did not affect his judgment overall.

He said the illegal images he saw depicted females who appeared to be between 10 years old and their early 20s clothed and nude acting coyly.

He said he did not see any images of the females con-

ducting sexual acts but said he could tell the images were of a sexual nature because of the poses and where the cameras were focused.

Jones said he could not recall the details of the videos he saw but said the females may have done suggestive gestures and poses. He said he also could not recall how long he kept some of the images and videos before he deleted them.

Kevin Atkins, a special investigator with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office

SEE GUILTY, PAGE A9

The next Garry Kasparov?

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Financial consultant Scott Allan makes a point during the Sumter School District Board of Trustees’ meeting on Monday at Mayewood Middle School.

Moody’s lowers credit rating of school district RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Carter Gulootti, 9, right, illustrates a move by Murray Taylor, 11, left, during a South Carolina Independent School Association Chess Tournament on Tuesday at the Sumter County Civic Center. Gulootti, of Pinewood Prep School, and Taylor, of Dorchester Academy, were two of more than 100 participants in the elementary and middle school tournament.

Community Funeral Home auctioned off Former owner given 6 months to buy it back

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com David Tompkins says expansion is a great thing.

On Wednesday, his Columbia-based funeral home business purchased the former Community Funeral Home, at 353 Manning Ave. The sale was part TOMPKINS of a public auction conducted by the Internal Revenue Service after the

SEE AUCTIONED, PAGE A9

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BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com A leading international credit rating agency has downgraded Sumter School District’s bond credit rating by one tier, or level, as a result of the district’s current weakened financial position, according to the financial consultant working with the district.

School finance consultant Scott Allan made the remarks Monday night in his update to the Sumter School District Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled meeting at Mayewood Middle School.

Moody’s, a credit rating service, downgraded the district’s bond credit rating from A3 to Baa1. According to Moody’s, an A3 investment grade is the lowest rating in the upper-medium grade category and the debtor is subject to low credit risk; Baa1 is the highest rating in the medium grade category and the debtor is subject to moderate risk.

According to Allan, Moody’s rating opinion was based on its evaluation of the district’s fund balance and fiscal year 2016 financial audit, among other items.

“The downgrade means our interest rates are going to be higher,” Allan said.

“We don’t have the creditworthiness that

BRUCE MILLS / THE SUMTER ITEM

IRS liquidation specialist Richard Andrews auctions off personal property to bidders Wednesday at the former Community Funeral Home.

CONTACT US Information: 774-1200 Advertising: 774-1246 Classifieds: 774-1234 Delivery: 774-1258 News and Sports: 774-1226

DEATHS, B3, B4 John H. McJunkin Jessie L. Jenkins Daniel McFadden Samuel D. Baker Caleen S. Watts Jay Fortune DesJuan M. Lemon Gloria J. Rouse Annie B. Singleton Alfred Singleton Larry R. Carroll James B. Harper Willie L. Hardy Sr. Connelly O. Baker Patrick J. Brady Beatrix Bagnal

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Call: (803) 774-1226 | E-mail: pressrelease@theitem.com

Library features author of ‘Prison Grits’

BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

prison ... as an employee. Through prison riots, contraband deliveries and assaults, three women learn about the politics of prison and how it mirrors their own small-town lives.”

Except for the tracking of “gang activities, escape prevention and apprehension” and such things. Bell’s characters, Mrs. Kelly, Wilma and BELL Faith, respond to employment in the prison in their own ways. While the stories can be enjoyed individually, they also read like a novel.

“Prison Grits” is also suspenseful, and its characters in prison uniforms represent the dangers inherent in undertaking jobs among that population.

Following Bell’s presentation,

Tales of life in prison will be the topic at the 2017 Friends of the Sumter County Library Author Event on Sunday, March 26. The presentation will not be made by former inmates, but will feature Sumter writer Jean Bell, known to her hometown friends as “Peg.” Bell retired after more than 20 years as head of security in South Carolina’s largest maximum security prison, so her fictional short stories are based in real life experience. Although she’s won awards for her essays and short fiction, “Prison Grits” is her first collection in book form.

Reviewer Susan Doherty Osteen described Bell’s story as being “ ... about the grit it takes to survive

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there will be a reception and book signing, and her audience will have the opportunity to talk with Bell about her 20 years of experience at the prison, including her relationships with prisoners and guards. She may also talk about her current work in progress, also dealing with tales of life working in a maximum security prison.

Books will be available for purchase, and refreshments will be served. “Prison Grits” is in paperback format and sells for $15. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend the author event with Jean Bell at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at the main Sumter County Library, 111 N. Harvin St. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Sumter County Library. For more information, call the library at (803) 773-7273.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Author Jean Bell will be the featured writer at the Friends of the Sumter County Library 2017 Author Event.

Bates Spanish Club gets lesson from Venezuela Spanish Club members at Bates Middle School were treated to traditional music and food from Venezuela during their meeting on Friday. Emilio Reyes, father of Bates Middle School student Mariana Reyes-Parra, played various traditional joropo music from their native country Venezuela. Joropo is defined as musical style resembling the fandango. It has African, Native South American, and European influences and originated in the plains called “Los Llanos” of what is now Venezuela and Colombia. It is a fundamental genre of música criolla (creole music). Students also had an opportunity to taste arepas, a type of food that resemble tortillas. These are made out of maize and can be filled with cheese, avocados, or beans.

Police seeking man after armed robbery Sumter Police Department detectives are working to identify a man wanted in connection to the armed robbery of an individual Monday.

The incident happened after 3 p.m. in the 1000 block of Broad Street, according to information released from the department.

The robber was described as in his 50s, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and about 175 pounds. He has scruffy gray hair on his face and the sides of his SUSPECT head, and he is bald on the top.

The department released a composite drawing of the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call the department at (803) 436-2700. Information can also be given anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers at (803) 436-2718 or 1-888-CRIME-SC.

Essays on supreme court judge sought The Charleston School of Black Law Students Association is asking for local writers to submit 500- to 750-word essays about former South Carolina Chief Supreme Court Justice Ernest Finney Jr. The essays must be sent in a word document. Send the essays to jordan.cooper@lmunet.edu.

This is not a competitive nor award-driven contest but an effort to collect information about the first African-American Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, says Jordan Cooper who is collecting the essays. Deadline for submissions is June 30.

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New information comes to light about Dylann Roof

BY JOHN MONK The State Newly released court documents show white supremacist and convicted Charleston church killer Dylann Roof was attracted to Mexican and black women, smoked pot, though it made him “paranoid,” and wanted a dagger tattoo on his face.

The revelations come from two up-tonow confidential interviews — one with the FBI and one with a mental health expert — that Roof friend Joey Meek of Red Bank gave before Roof’s recent death penalty trial. Such interviews are rarely made public.

Meek, 22, knew Roof from about sixth through ninth grades and then met up with him again in the weeks before Roof’s June 2015 massacre. Meek, hoping to avoid a stiff prison sentence, agreed to talk frankly about his relationship with Roof.

Last April, Meek pleaded guilty to withholding information about Roof’s crime from the FBI after the killings, as well as lying to an FBI agent, also after the killings. Specifically, after the killings, Meek told friends who might have known something about Roof not to talk to police.

Meek is not charged with any actions that led to Roof’s killing nine African-

Americans who were attending a Wednesday night Bible study at Charleston’s Mother Emanuel AME church.

Meek’s lawyer, Debbie Barbier of Columbia, had wanted Meek to testify at Roof’s trial so Meek could show he cooperated with law enforcement. But federal prosecutors didn’t need Meek as a witness. In January, a federal jury sentenced Roof to death for the killings.

Meek, now free on bond and living in the Columbia area, will be sentenced March 21 in Charleston by U.S. Judge Richard Gergel. He could receive up to eight years in prison.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ARE YOU GOING ON VACATION? 36 W. Liberty St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher / Advertising jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Michele Barr Rick Carpenter Business Manager Managing Editor michele@theitem.com rick@theitem.com (803) 774-1249 (803) 774-1201 Gail Mathis Jeff West Clarendon Bureau Manager Customer Service Manager gail@theitem-clarendonsun.com jeff@theitem.com (803) 435-4716 (803) 774-1259

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U.S. charges 2 Russian agents and

2 hackers in mass Yahoo breach WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Russian intelligence agents and two hackers have been charged in a devastating breach at Yahoo that affected at least a half billion user accounts, the Justice Department said Wednesday in bringing the first case of its kind against Russian government officials.

The hack targeted the email accounts of Russian and U.S. officials, Russian journalists, and employees of financial services and other businesses, officials said.

“We will not allow individuals, groups, nation states or a combination of them to compromise the privacy of our citizens, the economic interests of our companies, or the security of our country,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord.

One of the defendants, Karim Baratov, has been taken into custody in Canada.

Another, Alexey Belan, is on the list of the FBI’s most wanted cyber criminals and has been indicted multiple times in the U.S. It’s not clear whether he or the other two defendants who remain at large, Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, will ever step foot in an American courtroom since there’s no extradition treaty with Russia. The indictment identifies Dokuchaev and Sushchin as officers of the Russian Federal Security Service, or FSB. But, McCord said, “I hope they will respect our criminal justice system.”

The charges arise from a compromise of Yahoo user accounts that began at least as early as 2014. Though the Jus-

AP FILE PHOTO

McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook demonstrates an order kiosk, with cashier Esmirna DeLeon, during a presentation of mobile order-and-pay in november 2016 at a McDonald’s restaurant in New York City.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord, center, accompanied

by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District Brian Stretch, left, and FBI Executive Director Paul Abbate, speaks during a Wednesday news conference at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. tice Department has previously charged Russian hackers with cybercrime — as well as hackers sponsored by the Chinese and Iranian governments — this is the first criminal case to so directly implicate the Russian government in cybercrime.

The announcement comes as federal authorities investigate Russian interference through hacking in the 2016 presidential election. One of the defendants, Belan, was among the Russians sanctioned last year following those hacking efforts, though U.S. officials said the investigations were separate, Yahoo didn’t disclose the 2014 breach until last September when it began notifying at least 500 million users that their email addresses, birth dates, answers to security questions and other personal information may have been stolen. Three months later, Yahoo revealed it had uncovered a separate hack in 2013 affecting about 1 billion accounts, including some that

were also hit in 2014.

In a statement, Chris Madsen, Yahoo’s assistant general counsel and head of global security, thanked law enforcement agencies for their work.

“We’re committed to keeping our users and our platforms secure and will continue to engage with law enforcement to combat cybercrime,” he said.

Rich Mogull, CEO of security firm Securosis, said the indictment “shows the ties between the Russian security service and basically the criminal underground,” something that had been “discussed in security circles for years.”

Cyber criminals gave Russian officials access to specific accounts they were targeting; and in return, Russian officials helped the criminals evade authorities and let them keep the type of information that hackers tend to exploit, such as email addresses and logins and credit card information.

Judge nixes another part of nuclear fuel lawsuit

McDonald’s tests mobile

ordering before rollout NEW YORK (AP) — McDonald’s has started testing mobile order-and-pay after acknowledging the ordering process in its restaurants can be “stressful.”

The company says it will gather feedback from the test before launching the option nationally toward the end of the year. It says mobile order-and-pay is now available at 29 stores in Monterey and Salinas, California, and will expand to 51 more locations in Spokane, Washington, next week.

The rollout comes as customers increasingly seek out convenience through options like online ordering or delivery. McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook has noted the initial stages of visiting can be “stressful,” and the chain is making changes to

improve the overall customer experience. That includes introducing ordering kiosks, which McDonald’s says can help ease lines at the counter and improve the accuracy of orders — another frustration for customers. Easterbrook has also talked about the potential of delivery.

With its mobile orderand-pay option, McDonald’s says customers place an order on its app then go to a restaurant and “check in” to select how they want to get their food. That could be at the counter, in the drive-thru, or with curbside delivery, where an employee brings out orders to a designated space. Orders are prepared once customers check in at the restaurant.

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COLUMBIA (AP) — South Carolina can keep pressuring the U.S. government to remove weapons-grade plutonium from the state, but its lawsuit lacks teeth after a second adverse ruling by a federal judge.

U.S. District Judge Michelle Childs ruled Tuesday that the state can’t claim the feds are violating the constitution by failing to complete a project to process weapons-grade plutonium into nuclear reactor fuel.

CHILDS Childs ruled last month that she can’t force the federal government to pay $100 million in fines for its failure, either. The U.S. Court of Federal Claims is the proper forum for that dispute, the judge said.

Both sides are preparing to mediate the remaining aspects of the lawsuit, which challenges the U.S. Department of Energy’s failure to keep its promise to dispose of 1 metric ton of plutonium each year.

The unfinished mixed-oxide fuel facility at the Savannah River Site, a sprawling former nuclear weapons plant along the South Carolina-Georgia border, is billions over budget, a situation Energy Department officials blame on design and construction mistakes and escalating supply costs.

The would-be plant is key to a nonproliferation agreement with Russia in which both countries committed to turning 34 metric tons of plutonium, enough to arm 17,000 warheads, into fuel.

South Carolina, frustrated by delays and previous attempts under the Obama administration to shutter it completely, says the government owes it to the state to keep its word.

Since the United States lacks a designated long-term storage site for high-level radioactive waste, tons of unwanted plutonium have accumulated at the former nuclear weapons complex, including at least 7 tons of plutonium intended for the mixed-oxide fuel facility. The site also processes other nuclear waste into glass canisters, which have remained at Savannah River.

President Obama’s final executive budget allocated money to begin shutting the project down. The Trump administration and his Energy Secretary Rick Perry have yet to voice its opinion on its future.

Russia’s position is also uncertain. Citing the “emerging threat to strategic stability as a result of U.S. unfriendly actions,” President Vladimir Putin suspended Russia’s end of the nonproliferation agreement, saying it could be restored if the U.S. pulls back forces deployed near Russia’s borders and revokes sanctions.

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RELIGION

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

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Creating a thirst to know God Pope did not revise

I

It is more difficult to gauge our effectiveness of the seemingly insignificant contributions of faith we make in the lives of people we see on a regular Faith Matters basis.

JAMIE H. It’s hard to imagine that your WILSON routine and sometimes inconvenient obligation to teach that weekly small group Bible study will have an impact or that by keeping the nursery that you can make an impact. The scale of your ministry isn’t important, as we all have the same goal: to point others to God. It may be surprising to you that your job as a believer isn’t to save souls, as the popular phrase goes.

You simply don’t have the ability to do that (John 14:6). Your job, dear believer, is to create a thirst for God. Everyone is naturally thirsty; call it a God-shaped hole. Life becomes problematic when we decide to quench that thirst with

t was a very proud father who led his daughter into the baptismal pool at our church recently. Before he gently laid her under the water — the symbolic washing away of the old sinful nature — he passionately thanked the church for its unwavering dedication in teaching his young child about God’s love.

“Because of you,” he said, addressing those in attendance, “she has had a thirst to know God from an early age.”

After he brought her out of the water, the congregation erupted in applause and several “amens.” He wrapped his daughter in a big hug and helped her out of the water. I couldn’t help but feel proud, honored and humbled, being counted among a village of people intent on not only pointing others to the loving arms of God, but also giving them a thirst to do so.

There is a temptation among entrenched church attendees to weigh our value based on measurable statistics, i.e. how many we have on the membership roll, how many attend our weekly services or the social caliber of people we bring through our church doors.

things that ultimately won’t sate our thirst. Jesus explained this concept with a woman drawing water from a well outside a village.

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” (John 4:13-14, NIV) Do you have a friend trying to quench his or her thirst with money? Do you know someone trying to damper the need for God using alcohol or food? Is there someone whose thirst for significance is so apparent that he or she has bounced from relationship to relationship? Do you love someone whose emotional scars bear testimony to years of trying to fill that void?

You won’t be able to save them, but you can point them to the one who can. You can show them the life-saving power of God’s grace.

You can help them thirst for God. Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail.com.

10 Commandments VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis didn’t say that God had told him to revise the Ten Commandments as claimed in a widely shared story. Francis never made the purported comments and has not changed or added to the Ten Commandments.

He has no authority to do that, given that the core moral teachings of Christianity and Judaism were said to have been revealed to Moses by God and are written in the Bible.

The story said Francis made the announcement July 6, 2015, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, during his first Mass at the start of a threenation South American tour.

It said Francis had revised the biblical teaching to cover children raised by same-sex parents and removed prohibitions on adultery.

The pope did indeed celebrate his first Mass in Ecuador on July 6, 2015, but his homily focused on the Virgin Mary and the joy of families.

At no time during the trip, or at any other point in his four-year pontificate, has Francis changed the Ten Commandments.

The story appeared on a site called Real News Right Now, which is listed on media watch lists as a hoax site.

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said such stories are “absurd” and that most people recognize them as such.

Our world would change dramatically if we all had unselfish love

P

ope John Paul II once said, “The great danger of family life, in the midst of any

society whose idols are pleasure comfort and independence, lies in the fact that people close their hearts and become selfish.” The Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians stated, “Love it is not self-seeking,”(NASB).

Have you ever watched children playing together in a playroom? Inevitably one of more of the children will say in a loud voice, “MINE!” The children are laying claim on a toy they

CHURCH NEWS Antioch United Methodist Church, 4040 Dubose Siding Road, announces: • Saturday — Youth Extravagaza will be held at 5 p.m.

Various youth choirs will be worshiping in songs and praise.

• Sunday — Women's Day will be held at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Debbie Bowen-Davis, pastor of Agape Fellowship AME Church, McBee, speaking. The theme is "Women of God Coming Together as One." Bethel AME Church, 1605 S.C. 261, Wedgefield, announces: * Each Sunday through April 16 — Lenten studies for youth age 5 through 17 will be held at 9 a.m.

Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1275 Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday — Missionary ministry's annual Red and White Service at 4 p.m. Tammy Finney and Charlene Moody will speak.

Congruity Presbyterian Church (USA), 3750 Congruity Church Road, Gable, announces: • Sunday, March 26 — The 39th Annual Gospel Choir will be held at 4 p.m.

Cross Road Christian Fellowship, 845 Webb St., announces: • Friday-Saturday, March 24-25 — The Prophetic Invasion and Prophetic Workshop will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Friday and 10 a.m.-noon and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Apostle Simeon Frazier Sr. from Apostolic and Prophetic Training Institute Inc. in Charlotte will be guest speaker. Prophetess Simona Major will be host, and Bishop Sylvester Francis III will be overseer.

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: * Wednesday-Friday — "Spring Training" classes as follows: Wednesday, "Tithes and Offerings," the Rev.

feel is theirs. If we are watching this situation, we would probably say that child is being selfish or self-seeking.

It is the hope that as we grow older we Family tend to be less terriEncouragement torial; we no longer act with a selfish attiRICHARD tude, but we learn the HOLMES value of sharing. It is the hope that as adults we don’t feel like we have to have it MY way! It is the hope that as adults in a family, we know the value of sharing our time, our money, our belongings and our heart.

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 — Gospel extravaganza at 4 p.m.

Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 2938 Raccoon Road, Manning, announces: * Saturday — 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.

Historical Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church, 1130 Granby Lane, Summerton: • Sunday, March 26 — One service celebrating the church's 132nd anniversary will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday School will be held at 9 a.m.

Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., announces: • Sunday — Blueprint Youth Church A New Generation Fellowship will hold Blueprint Celebration at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m.

Mount Carmel Freewill Baptist Church, 207 Reardon St., Manning, announces: * Sunday, March 26 — 100 Women in White and Pearls program at 3:30 p.m. Evangelist Deborah Trevol, of

A person who is self-seeking is only concerned about themselves and getting what they feel they deserve. Selfseeking people often cut in front of us on the road, they are concerned about being first. A selfish, self-seeking person does not listen to others because they believe their point of view is all that really matters. The motto of a selfish self-seeking person is like an old fast food commercial, they want to “have it my way.”

Christians have a great role model of true love in Jesus Christ. In John 15:13 we can read these words, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Christ considers us friends. He laid down his life for us.

Real unselfish love, focuses on others before self.

Goodwill Freewill Baptist Church in Manning, will speak.

Mount Pisgah AME Church, 217 W. Bartlette St., announces: * Sunday — Gospel singing at 5:30 p.m. featuring Voice of Deliverance of Charleston.

Mount Sinai AME Church, 5895 Mt. Sinai Church Road, Lynchburg, announces: • Sunday, March 26 — Gospel Choir Anniversary featuring Mount Sinai Gospel Choir and Mount Sinai Male Choir at 10 a.m. worship.

• Sunday, April 2 — Stewardess / Pulpit Aide Ministry will meet at 10 a.m.

• Sunday, April 9 — The 124th church anniversary will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Sunday — Pulpit Aid / pastor's support ministry anniversary program at 10:45 a.m.

Nehemiah Kingdom Builder's Assembly along with Anchored Hope, 1012 Pocalla Road, announces: • Sunday, March 26 — Church dedication will be held at 4 p.m. Bishop Sylvester Francis III will be overseer.

New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 3249 U.S. 15 S., announces: • Sunday — Morris College

It is my belief, if all people would daily give of themselves in serving others, our world would change dramatically. People would be expressing caring and sharing. May we all commit today to an unselfish attitude? Next week we will review how love is not 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.

Day annual program will be held at 10 a.m.

New Salem Baptist Church, 2500 W. Oakland Ave., announces: One Step Christian Ministries, 125 S. Nettles St., Bishopville, announces: • Sunday, March 26 — Deacons and Trustees Leadership Appreciation Worship Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Bishop Leroy T. James, pastor of Kingdom Builders Deliverance Ministries, Pinewood, will speak.

Pinewood Baptist Church, 10 E. Fulton St., Pinewood, announces: • Sunday-Wednesday, April 2-5 — Spring Bible Conference will be held at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday and 7 nightly Monday-Wednesday. Dr. Albert Allen of First Baptist Church of Newberry will speak. Music will be provided

by Julie Daniel, Sherri Hendricks, Sonny Jones, Amanda Jenkinson and Martha Jenkinson. Dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m. in the church fellowship hall Monday-Wednesday.

Special musical guests will perform nightly, and a nursery will be provided for all services. For information or to make reservations for dinner, contact the church office at (803) 452-5373 or visit the website at www.pinewoodbaptist.org.

Quinn Chapel AME Church, 2400 Queen Chapel Road,

announces: • Tuesday, March 28 — Healthier 17 Acute Rehab Palmetto Tuomey will be held at 11 a.m. and noon.

Nancy Barrette and Kim Osborne will speak.

Red Hill Baptist Church, 4695 Red Hill Road, Lee County, announces: • Saturday — Gospel singing benefit for Frank Mitchell at 6 p.m. featuring Praisemen Quartet.

St. James United Methodist Church, 720 Broad St., announces: • Sunday — 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: • today-Friday — Youth Revival at 7 nightly. Speakers as follows: today, Joshua Brand of Deliverance Temple Church of Manning; and Friday, Cedric Anderson of Fellowship Baptist Church.

Truly Committed Missionary Baptist Church, 705 Oswego Road, announces: • Sunday — Family and Friends Day at 3 p.m. The Rev. Maggie Williams will speak.

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NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

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A5

Scientists race to prevent wipeout of world’s coral reefs SOUTH ARI ATOLL, Maldives (AP) — There were startling colors here just a year ago, a dazzling array of life beneath the waves. Now this Maldivian reef is dead, killed by the stress of rising ocean temperatures. What’s left is a haunting expanse of gray, a scene repeated in reefs across the globe in what has fast become a full-blown ecological catastrophe.

The world has lost roughly half its coral reefs in the last 30 years. Scientists are now scrambling to ensure that at least a fraction of these unique ecosystems survives beyond the next three decades. The health of the planet depends on it: Coral reefs support a quarter of all marine species, as well as half a billion people around the world.

“This isn’t something that’s going to happen 100 years from now. We’re losing them right now,” said marine biologist Julia Baum of Canada’s University of Victoria.

Even if the world could halt global warming now, scientists still expect that more than 90 percent of corals will die by 2050. Without drastic intervention, we risk losing them all.

“To lose coral reefs is to fundamentally undermine the health of a very large proportion of the human race,” said Ruth Gates, director of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

Coral reefs produce some of the oxygen we breathe. Often described as underwater rainforests, they populate a tiny fraction of the ocean but provide habitats for one in four marine spe-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Coral bleaching in the Maldives is seen in May 2016. Coral reefs, unique underwater ecosystems that sustain a quarter of the world’s marine species and half a billion people, are dying on an unprecedented scale. cies. Reefs also form crucial barriers that protect coastlines from the full force of storms.

They provide billions of dollars in revenue from tourism, fishing and other commerce and are used in medical research for cures to diseases including cancer, arthritis and bacterial or viral infections.

“Whether you’re living in North America or Europe or Australia, you should be concerned,” said biologist Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, director of the Global Change Institute at Australia’s University of Queensland. “This is not just some distant dive destination, a holiday destination. This is the fabric of the ecosystem that supports us.”

Corals are invertebrates, living most-

ly in tropical waters. They secrete calcium carbonate to build protective skeletons that grow and take on impressive colors, thanks to a symbiotic relationship with algae that live in their tissues and provide them with energy.

A temperature change of just 1.8 to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit can force coral to expel the algae, leaving their white skeletons visible in a process known as “bleaching.”

Bleached coral can recover if the water cools, but if high temperatures persist for months, the coral will die.

Eventually the reef will degrade, leaving fish without habitats and coastlines less protected from storm surges.

The first global bleaching event occurred in 1998, when 16 percent of corals died. The problem spiraled dramatically in 2015-16 amid an extended El Nino natural weather phenomenon that warmed Pacific waters near the equator and triggered the most widespread bleaching ever documented.

This third global bleaching event continues today even after El Nino ended.

Around the islands of the Maldives, an idyllic Indian Ocean tourism destination, some 73 percent of surveyed reefs suffered bleaching between March and May 2016, according to the country’s Marine Research Center.

“This bleaching episode seems to have impacted the entire Maldives, but the severity of bleaching varies” between reefs, according to local conditions, said Nizam Ibrahim, the center’s senior research officer.

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

NEXT ON DECK

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

Photo Credit: Nosnibor137/bigstock.com

A

baseball game takes a long time and involves a lot of sitting around. While one player is busy swinging, another waits for his turn to hit. For all those innings the whole team is performing, not just the active players, but also those who are “next on deck”. Without them there would be no one in the dugout. The scenario of life is similar. God is our manager; our “playbook” is the Bible. Practice is each week at your chosen house of worship. We are part of a team that performs with confidence, for we know God has us “next on deck”.

Psalm 89:38-52

2 Chron.

1:1-17

Daily Devotional Reading 2 Chron.

2 Chron.

2 Chron.

5:2-14 6:1-11 6:12-31

2 Chron.

6:32-42

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

2 Chron.

7:1-22

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

Worst hit have been areas in the central Pacific, where the University of Victoria’s Baum has been conducting research on Kiritimati, or Christmas Island, in the Republic of Kiribati.

Warmer water temperatures lasted there for 10 months in 2015-16, killing a staggering 90 percent of the reef.

Baum had never seen anything like it.

“As scientists, we were all on brandnew territory,” Baum said, “as were the corals in terms of the thermal stress they were subjected to.”

To make matters worse, scientists are predicting another wave of elevated ocean temperatures starting next month.

But some corals may have a chance.

Last month, Hoegh-Guldberg helped launch an initiative called 50 Reefs, aiming to identify those reefs with the best chance of survival in warming oceans and raise public awareness.

His project partner is Richard Vevers, who heads the XL Catlin Seaview Survey, which has been documenting coral reefs worldwide.

“For the reefs that are least vulnerable to climate change, the key will be to protect them from all the other issues they are facing — pollution, overfishing, coastal development,” said Vevers, who founded The Ocean Agency, an Australian organization seeking new technologies to help mitigate some of the ocean’s greatest challenges. If the reefs remain healthy and resilient, “they can hopefully become the vital seed-centers that can repopulate surrounding reefs.”

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

©2017, Keister-Williams Newspaper Services, P.O. Box 8187, Charlottesville, VA 22906, www.kwnews.com

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A6

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THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

County seeks more money for social services building

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com The Clarendon County Council voted at a meeting in Turbeville on Tuesday to borrow more money to complete a new human services building in Manning.

The county coroner’s office, the South Carolina Department of Social Services and the Department of Probation and Parole and Pardon Services will be housed in the Ithea Gibson Center on Commerce Street. “Unanticipated costs� have required an additional $650,000 for the project, according to County Administrator David Epperson. “It is a much-needed project,� Epperson said. “The current DSS building is very old, and we never had a coroner’s office.�

He said the new coroner’s office would include a morgue. “Right now, we are using the Claren-

don Health morgue,� he said.

In response to a question from Councilor Billy Richardson, Epperson said the morgue would hold as many as six bodies. “It’s basically like a walk-in cooler,� he said.

Epperson said a pre-fabricated building has been ordered as part of the renovations to the building.

Council voted to approve the first reading of the ordinance to issue a general obligation bond not to exceed $650,000 for the project.

Council also approved a proclamation making March 15 “Peace Officer’s Memorial Day� and requesting flags to be flown at half-staff that day.

After an executive session, the Council voted to authorize Epperson to negotiate with Assistant County Assessor Gail McCormack to take the job of county assessor.

Chief Financial Office Lynden Antho-

CLARENDON BLOTTER

BURGLARY

A deputy responded to a report of a burglary in the 2200 Block of Lake Marion Shores Road in Summerton March 7. A woman was checking her mother’s residence while her mother was in the hospital and called 9-1-1 after noticing an open door. A deputy cleared the house. The complainant said she didn’t see anything missing but it looked like someone had been laying in the bed. An investigator who arrived at the scene noticed dog hair on the bed though the complainant said they did not have a dog. Complainant said she had found the door open three or four weeks earlier but waited to report it because nothing was missing.

VEHICLE THEFT An officer met with a complainant March 7, in the

ny told council receipts of ad valorem taxes were still below a year ago. “We have been cutting back expenditures,� he said Anthony said revenue for water and sewer services were slightly up despite purchasing water from the City of Manning.

During a discussion period, councilman Benton Blakely pointed out that several roads in the Turbeville area had been recently paved by the county, including Pope Road in front of East Clarendon High School. “I don’t know if the school people know we paved the roads,� he said.

Epperson explained the county has been able to pave numerous roads, including Pope Road, using funding from the state.

He said the county and municipalities met to decide which state-owned roads could be paved, but with so many projects going on sometimes the county is

1600 block of Fairfield Drive who reported his vehicle was stolen while she was at the Paxville Superette. She told the officer she went inside the store and when she came outside the 2000 Chevrolet pickup she was driving was gone. She told the officer she did not have a tag because she bought the vehicle three days earlier and her insurance information was in the truck. The truck was valued at $5,000.

LARCENY A pallet of roofing shingles was reported missing at a construction site in the 9900 Block of Lewis Road in Paxville on March 7. Complainant said the shingles were on a flatbed truck overnight and were missing at 5:30 a.m. A neighbor reported seeing a small red pickup back up to the site the night before. The responding deputy reported finding tire tracks from a vehicle such as a small truck at the scene.

Clarendon vaccination clinics available in April FROM STAFF REPORTS Clarendon County veterinarians and Department of Health and Environmental Control will hold five Rabies Vaccination Clinics in April at various locations across the county. Vaccinations for cats and dogs will be administered by Morris Animal Clinic on several Saturday mornings in the month, beginning April 8.

South Carolina requires that all dogs and cats have a current rabies vaccination, which is generally administered annually. Minimum age for an animal to receive the vaccine is 12 weeks. Upon vaccination, the licensed veterinarian will provide a certificate of vaccination and a numbered rabies

VACCINATION CLINICS APRIL 8

• 8:30 to 10 a.m. — The Davis Building, Main Street, Summerton, and • 10:30 a.m. to noon — Morris Animal Clinic, 2390 Alex Harvin Highway, Manning

APRIL 15 tag, which the pet should wear around its neck.

The fee for the vaccinations will be no higher than $10 per pet. Dogs must be leashed, and

• 8:30 to 10 a.m. — Clarendon County Fire Department, 1292 Green St., Turbeville, and • 10:30 a.m. to noon — Morris Animal Clinic, 2390 Alex Harvin Highway, Manning

JIM HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Angie Thames sorts through items she purchased for her thrift store on S.C. 261 near Jordan. Thames said she buys most of her merchandise at storage auctions. She said her most surprising “auction find� was a gun manufactured in 1908.

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CLARENDON HALL

not aware what projects the state has authorized as a S.C. Department of Transportation project. “The challenge is not to authorize a road they have already authorized,� Epperson said. “They take longer than we do and a lot of times we pick a road and they have already sent in to Columbia for authorization.�

As an example, he said the county paved Player’s Course Drive not knowing the state had approved the DOT to pave it. “We lost out on a little bit of money that way that could have been used somewhere else,� he said. “We have changed our approach to make sure we don’t have that problem moving forward.�

Epperson said the General Assembly is working on a bill to reimburse counties related to expenses from the 2015 flood and 2014 ice storm. “Hopefully we can get some reimbursement from that,� Epperson said.

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CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

A7

THE CLARENDON SUN

THE

Clarendon Sun CLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE 56&4DAY 11AM

LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Sale NOTICE OF SALE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CASE NO. 2016-CP-14-00009 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLARENDON Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. Plaintiff, -vsAzalee W. Kinard aka Azalee Williams Ridgeway nka Azalee Williams-Kinard; Essie Oliver aka Essie M. Coard (deceased); Anita Fielder, Michael Fielder, and Greshawn O., a minor, Heirs-at-Law or Devisees of Essie Oliver aka Essie M. Coard (deceased), their Heirs, Personal Representatives, Administrators, Successors, and Assigns, and all Unknown persons with any right, title or interest in the real estate described herein; also any Unknown persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America, being a class designated as John Doe; and any Unknown minors, persons under a Disability or persons incarcerated, being a class designated as Richard Roe, Defendant(s) BY VIRTUE of a judgment heretofore granted in the case of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. vs. Azalee W. Kinard aka Azalee Williams Ridgeway nka Azalee Williams-Kinard; Essie Oliver aka Essie M. Coard (deceased); Anita Fielder, Michael Fielder, and Greshawn O., a minor, Heirs-at-Law or Devisees of Essie Oliver aka Essie M. Coard (deceased), their Heirs, Personal Representatives, Administrators, Successors, and Assigns, I, Frances Ricci Land Welch, as Special Referee for Clarendon County, will sell on April 3, 2017, at 11:00 am, at the Clarendon County Courthouse, 3 West Keitt St, Manning, SC 29102, to the highest bidder: All that certain piece, parcel or lot of land lying, being and situate in the County of Clarendon, State of South Carolina, said property being designated as Lot No. 22 on that plat of St. Marks Road subdivision, Section 1, by R.G. Mathis Land Surveying, dated June 12, 1992 and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Clarendon County in Plat Book 44 at Page 193. Said lot being bounded, now or formerly, as follows: On the North by lands of Francis M. Rhame; on the South by lands of Jake B. Logan; on the East

by Lot No. 21; and on the West by lands of Jake B. Logan.

This being the identical property conveyed to Essie Oliver by deed of Azalee Williams Ridgeway n/k/a Azalee Williams-Kinard, dated April 1, 2005 and recorded April 20, 2005 in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Clarendon County in Deed Book A569 at Page 93.

TMS #: 053-00-01-089-00 Mobile Home: CWP009895TN

2001

SUBJECT TO COUNTY TAXES

CLAY

VID

CLARENDON

TERMS OF SALE: The successful bidder, other than the Plaintiff, will deposit with the Special Referee at conclusion of the bidding, five (5%) of his bid, in cash or equivalent, as evidence of good faith, the same to be applied to purchase price in case of compliance, but to be forfeited and applied first to costs and then to Plaintiff's debt in the case of noncompliance. Should the last and highest bidder fail or refuse to make the required deposit at the time of the bid or comply with the other terms or the bid within twenty (20) days, then the Special Referee may resell the property on the same terms and conditions on some subsequent Sales Day (at the risk of the former highest bidder). No personal or deficiency judgment being demanded, the bidding will not remain open after the date of sale, but compliance with the bid may be made immediately.

Notice of Sale

Notice of Sale

Fargo Bank, NA; and GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc.and all Unknown persons with any right, title or interest in the real estate described herein; also any Unknown persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America, being a class designated as John Doe; and any Unknown minors, persons under a Disability or persons incarcerated, being a class designated as Richard Roe, I, Frances Ricci Land Welch, as Special Referee for Clarendon County, will sell on April 3, 2017, at 11:00 am, at the Clarendon County Courthouse, 3 West Keitt St, Manning, SC 29102, to the highest bidder: All that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, lying, being and situate in the County of Clarendon, State of South Carolina, containing 1.00 acre, more or less, and being designated as Tract "B", on that plat by H.F. Oliver, dated September 27, 1977, and recorded in plat book 546 at Page 274; said tract being bounded now or formerly as follows: on the north by lands of Ruth Mooring; on the east and south by other lands of Joseph Blanding and Dave Williams; and on the West by South Highway S-14-290.

This being the identical property conveyed to Sidney Miles and Ethel Mae Miles by Deed from Joseph Blanding and David Williams recorded on November 4, 1977, in Book A-82 at Page 50.

Frances Ricci Land Welch Special Referee for Clarendon County Theodore von Keller, Esquire B. Lindsay Crawford, III, Esquire Sara Hutchins Columbia, South Carolina Attorney for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE

BY VIRTUE of a decree heretofore granted in the case of: PennyMac Loan Services, LLC vs. Tonya S. Revill; , C/A No. 2016CP1400309, The following property will be sold on April 3, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the Clarendon County Courthouse to the highest bidder All that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, together with any improvements thereon, lying, being and situate in the County of Clarendon, State of South Carolina, being more particularly shown and delineated on that certain plat prepared by J. B. Floyd, Surveyor, dated February 10, 1939, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Clarendon County in Plat Book 10, Page 11.

Aforesaid plat is incorporated herein by reference pursuant to §30-5-250 of The Code of Laws of South Carolina (1976), as amended.

Derivation: Deed Book 875 at Page 45

233 N Church St, Manning, SC 29102 187-01-01-014

TMS #: 219-00-02-007-00 SUBJECT TO COUNTY TAXES

CLARENDON

TERMS OF SALE: The successful bidder, other than the Plaintiff, will deposit with the Special Referee at conclusion of the bidding, five (5%) of his bid, in cash or equivalent, as evidence of good faith, the same to be applied to purchase price in case of compliance, but to be forfeited and applied first to costs and then to Plaintiff's debt in the case of noncompliance. Should the last and highest bidder fail or refuse to make the required deposit at the time of the bid or comply with the other terms or the bid within twenty (20) days, then the Special Referee may resell the property on the same terms and conditions on some subsequent Sales Day (at the risk of the former highest bidder). No personal or deficiency judgment being demanded, the bidding will not remain open after the date of sale, but compliance with the bid may be made immediately.

The successful bidder will be required to pay interest on the amount of the bid from the date of sale to date of compliance with the bid at the rate of 0.25% per annum.

Notice of Sale

SUBJECT TO ASSESSMENTS, CLARENDON COUNTY AD VALOREM TAXES, EASEMENTS AND/OR, RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD, AND OTHER SENIOR ENCUMBRANCES. TERMS OF SALE: A 5% deposit in certified funds is required. The deposit will be applied towards the purchase price unless the bidder defaults, in which case the deposit will be forfeited. If the successful bidder fails, or refuses, to make the required deposit, or comply with his bid within 20 days, then the property will be resold at his risk. No personal or deficiency judgment being demanded, the bidding will not remain open after the date of sale, but compliance with the bid may be made immediately. The successful bidder will be required to pay interest on the amount of the bid from date of sale to date of compliance with the bid at the rate of 4.25% per annum. For complete terms of sale, see Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale filed with the Clarendon County Clerk of Court at C/A #2016CP1400309.

NOTICE: The foreclosure deed is not a warranty deed. Interested bidders should satisfy themselves as to the quality of title to be conveyed by obtaining an independent title search prior to the foreclosure sale

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

Notice of Sale

date. under the laws of the State of South Carolina, the same being more particularly described as follows:

William Geddings, Jr. Special Referee for Clarendon County John J. Hearn Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 100200 Columbia, SC 29202-3200 (803) 744-4444 016487-00285 Website: www.rtt-law.com (see link to Resources/Foreclosure Sales)

SPECIAL REFEREE NOTICE OF SALE 2014-CP-14-00322

BY VIRTUE of a decree heretofore granted in the case of: Branch Banking and Trust Company vs.

Renardo Richardson; et al., I, the undersigned William T. Geddings, Special Referee for Clarendon County, will sell on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 11:00 AM, at the County Courthouse, 3 West Kiett Street, Manning, SC 29102, to the highest bidder: All that piece, parcel or lot of land, being and situated in School District No. 2 of Clarendon County, South Carolina, containing 1.00 acre on a Plat prepared by Robert G. Mathis Land Surveying for Willie and Hester Richardson dated February 13, 2004 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Clarendon County on April 16, 2004 In Book S51, at page 477. This said lot has such metes, boundaries, courses and distances as are shown on said plat as Follows: On the North by lands of Willie and Hester Richardson and measuring thereon 308.91 feet; on the East by Sullivan Drive and measuring thereon 198.91 feet; on the South by lands of Johnny Lee Hilton and Mary L. Robinson and measuring 235.03 feet; and on the West by lands of Genevine C. Palmer et. al. and measuring 166.38 feet. All said measurements a little more or less and all as will more fully appear by reference to the above mentioned revised plat.

This is the same property conveyed to Renardo Richardson by Deed of Willie Richardson and Hester Richardson dated April16, 2004 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Clarendon County on April 16, 2004 in Book A530, at page 281.

TMS No. 195-00-00-066.00 Property address: 1078 Sullivan Drive, Manning, SC 29102 The Court in its Decree has further made its finding that this mortgage was intended to and specifically secures and collateralizes that certain Mobile Home permanently affixed to the above described real estate in the mortgage being foreclosed and is further provided

1997 HORTON SUMMIT Manufactured Home, Serial No. H138217GL&R, with any fixtures.

TERMS OF SALE: The successful bidder, other than the Plaintiff, will deposit with the Special Referee, at conclusion of the bidding, five percent (5%) of said bid is due and payable immediately upon closing of the bidding, in cash or equivalent, as evidence of good faith, same to be applied to purchase price in case of compliance, but to be forfeited and applied first to costs and then to Plaintiff's debt in the case of non-compliance. In the event of a third party bidder and that any third party bidder fails to deliver the required deposit in certified (immediately collectible) funds with the Office of the Special Referee, said deposit being due and payable immediately upon closing of the bidding on the day of sale, the Special Referee will re-sell the subject property at the most convenient time thereafter (including the day of sale) upon notification to counsel for Plaintiff.

Should the last and highest bidder fail or refuse to comply with the balance due of the bid within 20 days, then the Special Referee may re-sell the property on the same terms and conditions on some subsequent Sales Day (at the risk of the said highest bidder).

Personal or deficiency judgment being demanded, the bidding will remain open for a period of thirty (30) days after the sale date. The Plaintiff may waive its right to a deficiency judgment prior to sale, in which case the bidding will not remain open after the date of sale, but compliance with the bid may be made immediately.

Purchaser to pay for documentary stamps on Special Referee's Deed.

The successful bidder will be required to pay interest on the balance of the bid from the date of sale to date of compliance with the bid at the rate of 5.000% per annum.

William T. Geddings Special Referee for Clarendon County Scott and Corley, P.A. Attorney for Plaintiff

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.

Estate: Howard Carroll Coffey #2017ES1400046 Personal Representative: Thomas P. Stoney, II 516 Central Avenue Summerville, SC 29483 03/16/17 - 03/30/17 Estate: Bill Welch #2017ES1400036 Personal Representative: Alta Faye Welch 1069 Shively Road Turbeville, SC 29162 03/02/17 - 03/16/17

The sale shall be subject to taxes and assessments, existing easements and restrictions of record.

This sale is subject to all title matters of record and any interested party should consider performing an independent title examination of the subject property as no warranty is given.

Neither the Plaintiff nor its counsel make representations as to the integrity of the title or the fair market value of the property offered for sale. Prior to bidding you may

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The Plaintiff may waive any of its rights, including its right to a deficiency judgment, prior to sale.

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Notice of Sale

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The successful bidder will be required to pay interest on the amount of the bid from the date of sale to date of compliance with the bid at the rate of 9.75% per annum.

Frances Ricci Land Welch Special Referee for Clarendon County Theodore von Keller, Esquire B. Lindsay Crawford, III, Esquire Sara Hutchins, Esquire B. Lindsay Crawford, IV, Esquire Columbia, South Carolina Attorney for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF SALE

On Clarendon County Businesses

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CASE NO. 2015-CP-14-00596

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CALL 803.464.1157

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLARENDON U.S. Bank, N.A. as trustee for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1998-B Plaintiff, -vsEstate of Sidney Miles, by and through its Personal Representative, if any, whose name is unknown; Ethel Mae Miles, Individually and as Heir-at-Law of Sidney Miles; Wachovia Bank of South Carolina, N.A. n/k/a Wells Fargo Bank, NA; and GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc. and all Unknown persons with any right, title or interest in the real estate described herein; also any Unknown persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America, being a class designated as John Doe; and any Unknown minors, persons under a Disability or persons incarcerated, being a class designated as Richard Roe, Defendant(s) BY VIRTUE of a judgment heretofore granted in the case of U.S. Bank, N.A. as trustee for Home Improvement and Home Equity Loan Trust 1998-B vs. Estate of Sidney Miles, by and through its Personal Representative, if any, whose name is unknown; Ethel Mae Miles, Individually and as Heir-at-Law of Sidney Miles; Wachovia Bank of South Carolina, N.A. n/k/a Wells

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THE CLARENDON SUN

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

CLARENDON PETS OF THE WEEK

Abby is a 1-year-10-monthold female, black with white on chest Lab/Jindo Mix. She is a very sweet girl that has lots of energy and loves her squeaky toys. She doesn’t like all dogs and we aren’t sure about cats. She is current on her shots, has been spayed and tested negative for heartworms.

Her adoption fee is $125 with an approved adoption application.

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Every Auto-owners policy comes with a local agent!

We’re more than a one insurance store.

Ryder Ryder is a 4-year-old male, blonde Lab mix who weighs around 75 pounds. He is a very sweet boy who loves attention but is a little shy when you approach him. He seems to be more scared of men than women. He is current on his shots, has been neutered and tested negative for heartworms.

We have multiple companies to help get the best insurance for your needs.

Some include:

Stop by to see Abby and Ryder and their friends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday 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.

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CREDIT FROM PAGE A1 we had before.”

Allan said Moody’s downgrade was the result of various factors, including the district’s tax base and revenues, but the district’s audit did make a big difference in lowering the rating. The fiscal year 2016 audit report, released in December, revealed the district overspent its budget by $6.2 million last fiscal year and had an ending fund balance on June 30, 2016, of $106,449 — a critically low level, according to auditor Robin Poston.

Allan emphasized to the board that the downgrade is something the district can get past by implementing appropriate financial practices and steps. Factors that could lead

to an eventual upgrade over time include increased reserves, liquidity and cash flow.

“That’s one of the things — whether it’s right or wrong, fair or not fair — that Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s will look at, regardless,” Allan said.

According to Allan, another step that could help the rating in the future is a demonstrated trend of prudent budgetary controls, which the district’s board has already implemented by approving Superintendent Frank Baker’s emergency financial plan in mid-January. That plan eliminated 47 positions from the district’s budget, reduced stipends and cut various budget line items

GUILTY FROM PAGE A1

average knowledge of the technology.

He said more than 300 torrent files, used to connect users to multiple remote servers to locate desired content, were downloaded onto the laptop. He clarified that images and videos are not downloaded when a torrent file is downloaded.

However, Uder did say that many of the torrent files had names commonly associated with child pornography and that the names of the files would most likely be visible when a user decides to download the torrent file.

He said thousands of child pornography images were found on the laptop depicting minors engaged in overtly physical sexual acts and sexually suggestive poses. He said images and information indicating that child pornography may have been downloaded, searched or viewed were found on the other seized devices as well.

Uder also said that he does not know how much or what Jones actually viewed or opened.

If convicted, Jones could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison; have to forfeit all payment and allowances provided by the U.S. Air Force; and be dismissed from the service.

The trial will continue at 8:30 a.m. today at Shaw Air Force Base.

focusing on internet crimes against children, said he traced sexually explicit images of underage males to an IP address connected to a device at Jones’ address at Shaw in January of 2016.

During a search at Jones’ residence on Feb. 11, 2016, a laptop, desktop computer, USB thumb drive, a portable external hard drive and an iPhone 4 — Jones’ personal cellphone — were seized and sent to Department of Defense’s Defense Computer Forensics Laboratory.

Steve Uder, a computer forensic analyst with the Department of Defense’s Defense Computer Forensics Laboratory, said thousands of images of child pornography were found in locations on his laptop, the device with the most illegal activity, where the average computer user would not think to store files.

Jones said the laptop was sometimes used by his family members so he put the downloaded content in locations that would be difficult to find.

Uder said programs and commands used to remove traceable history as well as hide and rename files were also found on the laptop indicating that someone who used it has above

AUCTIONED FROM PAGE A1 — had signed up for the public auction. The former owner was Leroy James of Pinewood.

A First Call vehicle, a 2006 Chevrolet Uplander, was also up for sale, but a minimum established bid of $3,600 was not made. Wilkinson said the IRS plans to release the van back to Jones after discussing it

with his attorney.

The proceeds from Wednesday’s sales — which total at least $330,000 — will be applied to the James’ bill and liability owed to the IRS. Under U.S. law, James has a redemption right for the real estate property that allows him to purchase back the funeral home from BostickTompkins within six months, with an addition 10 percent interest applied to the total.

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property and items were seized by the agency for nonpayment of taxes.

Tompkins is the general manager of Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home in Columbia.

Founded in 1988, BostickTompkins operates a 10,000-square-foot facility at 2930 Colonial Drive in Columbia.

Tompkins’ winning bid for the former Community Funeral Home facility was $305,000. The funeral home is 3,541 square feet with three garages, according to IRS documentation.

“This is a second venture for the Bostick-Tompkins’ business,” Tompkins said.

“We’re very excited to have this growth.”

Tompkins said he plans to replace all the funeral home’s furnishings and contents, which were also auctioned off lot-by-lot to other bidders in attendance Wednesday.

“The facility needs a totally new look,” Tompkins said.

He said it will be six months to a year before the funeral home is back open for business, given renovations to the building and putting the proper personnel in place.

According to Sloane Wilkinson, an IRS property appraiser and liquidation specialist, the contents of the former Community Funeral Home sold Wednesday for at least an estimated $25,000. Those contents included caskets, furniture, embalming machines, embalming tables and supplies, funeral supplies and equipment and other operational items. A total of 41 bidders — many of them from funeral-home related businesses

by 50 percent in this year’s budget.

Tax base growth to help boost property tax collections is another factor that could lead to a rating upgrade, according to Allan. He said he does see the potential for growth in the local tax base, given various positive things occurring in Sumter County.

Allan’s presentation Monday also included a review of activities he has been conducting with district staff to fix this year’s budget and implement safeguards and steps to take to help draft the budget for next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Allan’s update to the board, which included questions and remarks from the trustees, lasted close to an hour.

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A9

House’s $8B plan includes money for Matthew cleanup COLUMBIA (AP) — The House’s roughly $8 billion plan for state taxes spends $100 million on upgrading K-12 schools, puts an additional $38 million into a perstudent payment and buys $10 million worth of school buses.

The House voted 115-3 early Wednesday to send its budget proposal for the fiscal year, beginning July 1, to the Senate. A 115-0 vote sent over the accompanying “capital reserve” bill, which spends $139 million from this year’s rainy-day fund.

Most of that goes toward Hurricane Matthew cleanup costs, for state and local governments’ match for federal aid. Legislators voted late Tuesday to set aside $700,000 of the $82 million specifically for the Marion County hamlet of Nichols. Five months after floodwaters consumed the community, most homes remain vacant and businesses closed.

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee approved giving Nichols the same amount to repair public buildings and replace flooded equipment, but the bill that advanced to the Senate floor requires the money to be paid back if federal aid arrives.

Nichols Mayor Lawson Battle said the town’s down to one police car and a do-

nated fire truck, operating out of a temporary fire station.

“We’re making slow progress,” he said. “All of it’s a help. Without it, we couldn’t do anything because we couldn’t put our police or fire department back together.”

The spending package includes $25 million toward completing a federally required computer system for tracking deadbeat dads, already 20 years overdue. Department of Social Services officials promise lawmakers it will be operational by fall 2019.

It increases the so-called “base student cost” for K-12 schools by $50, to $2,400 per student. That money, one of several funding sources for public schools, is distributed to districts based on a 1977 formula adjusted annually for inflation. The state hasn’t fully funded it since the Great Recession.

The $100 million will help refurbish dilapidated schools in high-poverty districts. The plan comes three years after the state Supreme Court ordered legislators to improve opportunities for students in poor rural districts.

Issues cited in the 2014 ruling included decrepit buildings. It’s unclear how much of the needed $100 million would cover.

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47

CNBC CNN

35 33

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57

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18

DSC ESPN ESPN2 FOOD FOXN

42 26 27 40 37

FREE

20

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31

HALL

52

HGTV HIST

39 45

ION

13

LIFE

50

MSNBC NICK SPIKE

36 16 64

SYFY

58

TBS

24

TCM

49

TLC

43

TNT

23

TRUTV TVLAND

38 55

USA

25

WE WGN

68 8

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March Madness, soul food and Crackle’s ‘Snatch’

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH CBS continues a tradition more than 35 years old. It will pre-empt its prime time to broadcast games from the 2017 NCAA Basketball Tournament (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.). To put that in some perspective, CBS was probably interrupting the viewing habits of "Magnum, P.I." and "Knots Landing" fans when it first started airing college basketball in prime time back in the spring of 1982. Starting last year, CBS has been sharing the NCAA Finals with TBS and its affiliate stations.

Along the way, the prime-time exposure has gone a long way toward branding the "March Madness" and bracket-betting phenomenon.

CBS has some long-running series. "Survivor" has been on since 2000 and aired 34 seasons. "NCIS" is now in its 14th season, having aired since 2003, when it was spun off from "JAG," then in its eighth season. But of its current prime-time series, only "60 Minutes," which debuted in 1968, has a longer history on CBS than NCAA basketball.

• The latest documentary series to take place in a restaurant, "Hustle & Soul" (10 p.m., WE, TV-14) stars Lawrence Page, head chef and owner of Brooklyn-based soul food restaurant The Pink Tea Cup, as he strives to obtain a coveted Michelin Star status.

The Pink Tea Cup had been an institution in New York's West Village for decades before closing in 2009. Page's decision to buy it, move it to Brooklyn and seek celebrity chef status reflects the city's changing restaurant scene and shifting centers of cultural gravity.

Like most series of this nature, "Soul" is concerned with much more than food and fol-

Family Owned & Operated Since 1976

the 1966 family film "Follow Me, Boys!" (8:15 p.m., TCM), costarring Vera Miles and Lillian Gish. The film is remarkable for being the studio's last live-action film released before Walt Disney's death on Dec. 15, 1966. It was also the first of 10 Disney films to star Kurt Russell.

SERIES NOTES Jonah helps Amy with her parents’ emotional move on "Superstore" (8 p.m., NBC, TVPG) ... A New York lawyer defends a murder suspect in South Carolina on "Trial & Error" (8:30 p.m., NBC, r, TV14).

LATE NIGHT

CULT CHOICE

Donna Brazile is booked on "The Daily Show With Trevor Noah" (11 p.m., Comedy Central) ... Bill Burr, Ben Zobrist and Fidlar appear on "Conan" (11 p.m., TBS, r) ... Joe Scarborough, Kate Upton and Yvette Nicole Brown are booked on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" (11:35 p.m., CBS, r) ... Jimmy Fallon welcomes Elizabeth Banks, J.J. Abrams and Kate Tempest on "The Tonight Show" (11:35 p.m., NBC) ... Tim Allen and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones appear on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (11:35 p.m., ABC).

Mike Myers, Erin Gibson, Bryan Safi and Nicko McBrain visit "Late Night With Seth Meyers" (12:35 a.m., NBC) ... Vanessa Hudgens and Thomas Sadoski appear on "The Late Late Show With James Corden" (12:35 a.m., CBS).

• Fred MacMurray ("My Three Sons") was a natural to star as a 1930s Scout leader in

Copyright 2017 United Feature Syndicate

VIRGINIA SHERWOOD / NBC

Ryan Eggold as Tom Keen, back, and Edi Gathegi as Matias Solomon star in the “Operation Davenport” episode of “The Blacklist: Redemption” airing at 10 p.m. Thursday on NBC. lows rivalries of Page's employees, including one who hopes to become his romantic interest.

• Crackle, the free ad-supported streaming service from Sony, best known for Jerry Seinfeld's "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," branches into new territory with "Snatch."

Based on the 2000 movie directed by Guy Ritchie, this stylish 10-episode British import follows young Londonbased petty criminals as they awkwardly move into areas with higher stakes and greater danger. "Snatch" leans more on art direction and cinematography than character development. Like many imports, it reinforces the notion that America and Britain are united by a common language but divided by accents and incomprehensible slang. A game cast includes Rupert Grint ("Harry Potter"), Ed Westwick ("Gossip Girl"),

Luke Pasqualino ("The Borgias") and Dougray Scott ("Fear the Walking Dead").

TONIGHT'S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Contestants prepare a menu inspired by a former first lady on "MasterChef" (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG).

• A young patient in Montana needs special surgery on "Grey's Anatomy" (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

• One last battle on the series finale of "Vampire Diaries" (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-14). A series retrospective (9 p.m.) follows.

• The staff copes with a suicide in its ranks on "Chicago Med" (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• An allergy attack changes the dynamic on "Kicking and Screaming" (9 p.m., Fox, TV14).

• Rowan's past resurfaces on "Scandal" (9 p.m., ABC, TV14).

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• Terrorists escape a top-secret prison on "The Blacklist: Redemption" (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• The team entertains an assassin on "The Catch" (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

• The search for a new exit on "Colony" (10 p.m., USA, TV14).

• "The History of Comedy" (10 p.m., CNN, TV-14) explores the tradition of topicality.

• Sam's anxiety attacks worsen on "Sun Records" (10 p.m., CMT, TV-14).

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 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

COMMENTARY

Yelling racist in a crowded nation

W

ASHINGTON — “Culture and demographics are our destiny.” Stop.

But Iowa Rep. Steve King didn’t stop there. He continued to feed his foot deep into his gullet: “We can’t restore our civilization with somebody else’s babies.”

Well, now. Let’s pause to parse.

First, one never speaks of “somebody else’s babies” except to exclaim how precious they are — each and every one. For a politician to say this, the exclamation is best accompanied by a warm smile and an unmistakable tone of admiration for the infant’s heroic mother. (Note: All mothers are heroic.)

Second, what’s all this about restoring civilization? Did we lose it? Is civilization crumbling beneath our noses?

Admittedly, I’ve mentioned more than once that civilization hangs by a thread, which for me means Americans must promptly learn the difference between “your” and “you’re.” You’re proud of your baby, though heaven knows why (I’m not a politician).

Of equal urgency, it’s “fewer than,” not “less than,” when speaking of things that can be counted. As in, fewer than one in a million Americans know who Steve King is.

King’s comment came in the form of a tweet, apparently in support of Geert Wilders, the Dutch nationalist politician hoping to become prime minister of the Netherlands following Wednesday’s election.

Both Wilders — who once called Moroccans “scum” — and King do seem cut from the same cloth. Both men are apparently concerned that immigrant encroachment is posing a danger to civilization-as-we-know-it, especially among certain recurring arrivals, including: (1) Muslims, whose faith is sometimes used by certain fanatics to justify murdering the rest of us; (2) people from a variety of nations who, importantly, do not have white skin, or, inferentially, Western values coursing through their veins.

To the Kings and Wilders (and Trumps?), the problems are obvious and undeniable.

Even to the less knee-jerk, the fast-changing demographic landscape has created at least some level of discomfort and uncertainty. Suddenly, the majority has to ponder the imponderable: Who, me, a minority?

I’m as happy as anyone to dismiss extremists of any sort as this -ist or that -phobe. But such labeling seems both facile and unproductive. Swaddling ourselves in righteous indignation, we settle by the fire, cooing to our superior intellects, and noticing too late the hungry mob building a pyre beyond the window.

King speaks stupidly and carelessly, to be sure. His ineloquent tongue could reduce

the Gettysburg Address to a cartoon caption. But he’s addressing an idea that is far from alien to a large perKathleen centage of Parker Western civilization’s acolytes and beneficiaries.

Wilders, too, is a symptom of something real and profound. He didn’t invent himself out of nothing. His “scum” comment followed the shocking 2004 murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh by a Dutch-Moroccan Muslim claiming to defend the name of Allah.

Just as 9/11 caused the U.S. to lose its rose-hued glasses, van Gogh’s fatal shooting and throat slashing ruptured the Netherlands’ long-standing and proud tradition of tolerance. Loss of innocence becomes its own empty vessel that is quickly filled with lust for revenge born of ultimate betrayal. As in: We welcomed you to our home and you turned our goodwill against us. Or killed our artists. Or blew up our buildings — and destroyed our hearts.

The forces that escort people such as King, Wilders and Donald Trump to the dais are not, in other words, primarily hateful, though they easily can so evolve. At their root, they’re Something Else. It is this something else that slips into the gulf of deferred aspirations when labels are substituted for the hard work of thinking.

Undergirding King’s remarks, of course, is the false notion that “those people” come to the U.S. only to propagate and take advantage of our generosity without contributing in return. In addition to being ignorant, King’s words are mean — and possibly speak more to his sense of women as “breeders” than to Latinos, Hispanics and others as freeloaders. Too much time on those Iowa sow farms, perhaps?

What is needed are new voices to articulate these fundamental concerns, recognize them with respect and work toward solutions that don’t require that our neighbors be marginalized. This would seem especially compelling to those now considering what it might be like to become a minority “in their own country.”

In the new age upon us, our best hope is that our nation’s values linger on through coming generations of all varieties of Americans. Who knows?

Maybe a more enlightened future actually is in gestation, eventually to be fashioned by somebody else’s baby.

Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@ washpost.com. (c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group

FROM OUR TIMELINE @THEITEM

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COMMENTARY

Liberty is not for wimps

M

ost Americans, whether liberal or conservative, Democratic or Republican, do not show much understanding or respect for the principles of personal liberty. We criticize our political leaders, but we must recognize that their behavior simply reflects the values of people who elected them to office.

That means we are all to blame for greater governmental control over our lives and a decline in personal liberty. Let me outline some fundamental principles of liberty.

My initial premise is that each of us owns himself. I am my private property, and you are yours. If we accept the notion of self-ownership, then certain acts can be deemed moral or immoral. Murder, rape and theft are immoral because those acts violate private property. Most Americans accept that murder and rape are immoral, but we are ambivalent about theft. Theft can be defined as taking the rightful property of one American and giving it to another, to whom it does not belong. It is also theft to forcibly use one person to serve the purposes of another.

At least two-thirds of federal spending can be described as Congress’ taking the rightful property of one American and giving it to another American, to whom it does not belong. So-called mandatory spending totaled $2.45 trillion in 2015. Thus, two-thirds of the federal budget goes toward Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, food assistance, unemployment and other programs and benefits that fall

into the category of taking from some and giving to others. To condemn legalized theft is not Walter an arguWilliams ment against taxes to finance the constitutionally mandated functions of the federal government; we are all obligated to pay our share of those.

Many say that government spending guarantees one right or another. That’s nonsense. True rights exist simultaneously among people. That means the exercise of a right by one person does not impose an obligation on another. In other words, my rights to speech and travel impose no obligations on another except those of noninterference.

For Congress to guarantee a right to health care, food assistance or any other good or service whether a person can afford it or not does diminish someone else’s rights — namely, their right to their earnings. Congress has no resources of its very own. If Congress gives one person something that he did not earn, it necessarily requires that Congress deprive somebody else of something that he did earn.

Another area in which there is contempt for liberty, most notably on many college campuses, is free speech. The true test of one’s commitment to free speech does not come when he permits others to say things with which he agrees. Instead, the true test comes when one permits others to say things with

LETTER TO THE EDITOR A WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH TRIBUTE TO DR. AGNES BURGESS Before the ending of Women’s History Month, let us pay tribute to the founder and leader of Church Women United for the Sumter Area, Dr. Agnes Burgess, who in 1972 decided that an organization of this magnitude needed to exist in our community.

Dr. Burgess was the first African American to be named teacher of the year in South Carolina and the first person of color to be elected president of the S.C. Education Association. As a student at Temple University she was selected as a Fulbright scholar to study in France and earned a diploma in French language and civilization from the The Sorbonne. In 1973 she was a delegate to the World Confederation of Organizations of the Teaching Profession in Nairobi, Kenya. In 1975 she accepted an invitation to teach at USC’s College of Education and served as director of the Center for Communiity Education, until her retirement in 1979.

Among numerous other affiliations, Dr.

which he disagrees. Colleges lead the nation in attacks on free speech. Some surveys report that over 50 percent of college students want restrictions on speech they find offensive. Many colleges have complied with their wishes through campus speech codes.

A very difficult liberty pill for many Americans to swallow is freedom of association. As with free speech, the true test for one’s commitment to freedom of association does not come when one permits people to voluntarily associate in ways that he deems acceptable. The true test is when he permits people to associate in ways he deems offensive. If a golf club, fraternity or restaurant were not to admit me because I’m a black person, I would find it offensive, but it’s every organization’s right to associate freely. On the other hand, a public library, public utility or public university does not have a right to refuse me service because I am a taxpayer.

The bottom line is that it takes a bold person to be for personal liberty because you have to be able to cope with people saying things and engaging in voluntary acts that you deem offensive. Liberty is not for wimps.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. To find out more about Walter E. Williams and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com. © 2017 creators.com

Burgess served as state president of Church Women United.

She was married at an early age to Rev. Thomas English (T. E.) Wilson who passed away only after spending 22 years of marital bliss together; she married Rev. C.C. Burgess when she was 75 years old and he was 78 — that union lasted 10 years, until his death.

Dr. Burgess was born in Chapin, S.C. to Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin Franklin Hildebrand Sr. She passed away on October 6, 2012. Services were held at Mt. Pisgah African American Church in Sumter, and at Williams Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Orangeburg.

We are grateful for the contributions Dr. Burgess made toward strengthening the visibility of our ecumenical community. We must continue the focus by growing in our faith and extending our vision of what it means to be a Christian in society today … a tribute to Dr. Agnes Burgess! Love, Hope, and Peace, LOIS PARSONS President Church Women United of the Greater Sumter Area

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THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

AROUND TOWN Did you know that March is recognized as Red Cross Month in celebration of the volunteers who help those in need by giving their time, money or blood? Blood donation is now easier than ever with the Blood Donor App and RapidPass. With this free app, donors can schedule and manage donation appointments, access their donor card, earn rewards and more. You can help save a life by becoming a blood donor during one of the following blood donation opportunities: Tuesday, March 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Central Carolina Technical College, 506 N. Guignard Drive; Wednesday, March 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., USC Sumter, 200 Miller Road; and Thursday, March 30, 2-7 p.m., Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun St. Volunteers from AARP will offer free tax preparation from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through April 12 at the Shepherd's Center, 24 Council St. Applicants are advised to bring the following with them: photo ID; Social Security cards for all household members being claimed; tax documents — W-2 forms, 1099R, 1099SSA, interest income and all other income statements; 2015 tax returns and power of attorney forms if filing for someone other than yourself. For more information, call Henry Dinkins at (803) 499-4990 or Lula King at (803) 316-0772.

The Sumter County Chapter of AARP will meet at 2:30 p.m. today at Sumter Senior Services Center, 119 S. Sumter St. All persons age 55 years old or older are invited to attend. For further information, call Johnny Jones at (803) 7739681.

Clarendon School District 2's annual fine arts extravaganza will be held at 6 p.m. today at Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., Manning.

This program will feature a display of artwork and performances by students in grades K-12. Billie Jean Shaw, WIS-TV reporter and a 2009 graduate of Manning High School, will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

The General George L. Mabry Jr. Chapter 817, Military Order of the Purple Heart will meet at 6 p.m. today at the Sumter Combat Veterans Group building, 529 N. Wise Drive. All Pur-

ple Heart recipients and those interested in association membership are invited. For more information, call (803) 773-0658.

The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association will sponsor a dinner fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 17, at the Lincoln High School cafeteria, Council Street.

Cost is $9 per person and the menu will consist of turkey wing, seasoned rice, string beans, dessert, roll and a drink. Dine in or take out. Call James L. Green at (803) 968-4173.

The 17th Annual Cavalier Pride Auction will be held on Saturday, March 18, at Robert E. Lee Academy in Bishopville. Food will be served from 5 to 7 p.m.

Bidding will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the first table closing at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Call the school office at (803) 4845532 for more information.

The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association will meet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, at the Lincoln High School cafeteria, Council Street.

All Lincolnites, friends and community members are invited. Call James L. Green at (803) 968-4173.

The Westside Neighborhood Associaton will resume monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month starting on March 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Birnie Hope Center, 210 S. Purdy St. Contact Jim McCain at (678) 429-8150 or jtmccain@bellsouth.net.

The Sumter County Education Association — Retired will meet at noon on Wednesday, March 22, at the North HOPE Center.

Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Pursue Excellence) will hold a mentoring and tutoring seminar on Saturday, March 25, at Manning High School, 2155 Paxville Highway, Manning. Registration will be held at 8:30 a.m. Opening session will be held at 9 a.m. and mentoring / tutoring will be held 9:30-11:45 a.m.

Students in seventh through 12th grade are invited to attend. Parents should complete registration forms upon arrival or register online at https:// goo.gl/forms/geT61YsJuYDbgIpc2 . For more information, contact Mr. Cooper at (803) 435-4417 or ecooper@csd2.org

PUBLIC AGENDA CENTRAL CAROLINA TECHNICAL COLLEGE AREA COMMISSION Today, 5:30 p.m., 506 N. Guignard Drive, building M500, second floor, President's Conference Room CLARENDON SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 Today, 7:30 p.m., district office, Turbeville

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Look carefully EUGENIA LAST at your relationships with others and you will recognize that you have to treat each person in your life differently. A partnership with someone you feel passionately about can be taken to the next level. Plan for the future.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Show passion and share your thoughts, but allow others the right to an opinion as well. There will be no room for acrimony if you want to resolve pending problems.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): An innovative approach to what you want to see transpire will help you bypass more traditional methods.

Participate in order to observe, not to air your personal thoughts.

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2017

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Cool with plenty of sunshine

Clear

Sunny and warmer

A few showers in the morning

Sunny

Abundant sunshine

54°

29°

66° / 46°

72° / 39°

64° / 35°

66° / 45°

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 65%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 0%

WNW 6-12 mph

SW 2-4 mph

SW 4-8 mph

SW 10-20 mph

NNW 8-16 mph

NNW 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 51/24 Spartanburg 53/26

Greenville 52/27

Columbia 55/29

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

Sumter 54/29

IN THE MOUNTAINS Aiken 54/26

ON THE COAST

Charleston 54/32

Today: Plenty of sunshine, but cold. High 50 to 56.

Friday: Plenty of sunshine; warmer. High 59 to 65.

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

46° 27° 66° 41° 88° in 2012 18° in 1993

LAKE LEVELS Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

356.93 74.80 74.92 98.36

24-hr chg +0.09 +0.05 +0.16 +0.27

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

trace 0.87" 1.96" 6.45" 10.22" 9.38"

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

NATIONAL CITIES

REGIONAL CITIES

Today City Hi/Lo/W Atlanta 53/36/s Chicago 39/32/s Dallas 74/63/c Detroit 39/22/pc Houston 72/63/c Los Angeles 79/57/pc New Orleans 65/53/s New York 34/25/pc Orlando 65/42/s Philadelphia 37/22/pc Phoenix 92/63/s San Francisco 66/49/c Wash., DC 40/27/pc

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

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 66/53/pc 49/32/sh 81/64/c 43/35/sn 80/64/pc 80/57/pc 74/56/pc 41/33/s 73/49/s 42/34/s 92/64/s 68/52/c 50/39/s

Myrtle Beach 50/33

Manning 55/27

Today: Mostly sunny and cool. Winds southwest 4-8 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny and warmer. Winds southwest 4-8 mph.

LOCAL ALMANAC

Florence 52/27

Bishopville 54/26

Today Hi/Lo/W 46/24/s 55/30/s 58/28/s 55/34/s 48/39/s 54/32/s 51/26/s 56/33/s 55/29/s 52/26/s 46/26/s 51/26/s 50/27/s

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest.

12 6.54 19 3.72 14 4.97 14 2.22 80 76.15 24 5.95

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 58/44/pc 67/50/pc 69/47/s 65/48/s 53/47/s 64/47/s 61/49/s 65/53/pc 67/49/s 63/47/s 54/44/s 61/47/s 61/46/s

24-hr chg +0.13 -0.21 +0.41 -0.35 +0.19 +0.34

City Florence Gainesville Gastonia Goldsboro Goose Creek Greensboro Greenville Hickory Hilton Head Jacksonville, FL La Grange Macon Marietta

Today Hi/Lo/W 52/27/s 61/32/s 52/24/s 48/26/s 55/29/s 47/25/s 52/27/s 49/26/s 54/36/s 58/31/s 56/33/s 56/30/s 52/32/s

Sunrise 7:31 a.m.

Moonrise 11:26 p.m.

Sunset Moonset

7:30 p.m.

9:58 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Mar. 20

Mar. 27

Apr. 3

Apr. 11

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Fri.

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 63/46/s 71/41/s 62/50/s 59/46/s 65/47/s 56/47/pc 62/50/s 57/46/pc 62/52/s 67/42/s 68/50/s 68/46/pc 65/52/pc

High 12:14 a.m.

12:24 p.m.

12:53 a.m.

1:03 p.m.

Ht. 3.1 2.8 3.0 2.7

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

Low 7:07 a.m.

7:11 p.m.

7:48 a.m.

7:47 p.m.

Today Hi/Lo/W 49/24/s 55/33/s 50/33/s 54/28/s 55/34/s 48/24/s 52/24/s 52/23/s 56/32/s 53/26/s 55/28/s 49/26/s 47/25/s

Ht. 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.4

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 57/45/pc 63/51/s 59/49/s 66/47/s 64/50/s 58/47/s 62/49/s 62/47/s 66/45/s 62/51/s 66/46/s 58/44/s 56/47/pc

Look no further than your local newspaper for

The right advertising opportunity!

Call (803) 774-1200 and get started today.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The best way to deal with domestic and personal situations is to listen, assess and offer suggestions that give everyone a fair chance to take part in the outcome.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Observe what others are doing but don't follow. Stay focused on what you like to do and feel will bring the greatest impact to whatever situation you face.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Live and learn. Don't take anything or anyone for granted. Know what and who you are dealing with and implement the changes that will help you get past any negativity you face. Trust in yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stay focused on what needs to be done. Look over your expenditures and consider what you need to do to better promote your talents, goals and popularity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Bring about changes that are not only in your best interest, but will serve those you work with as well.

Physical action will result in improved mood and health.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Emotional tension will mount if you don't keep busy. Look inward and make personal alterations that improve the way you look and how you do things.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Partnerships are favored. Network, listen and challenge what others have to contribute. The outcome will be good if you are willing to accept a little criticism along the way to achieving your goals.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): No matter who stands in your way or tries to deny you the right to follow your heart, show strength and refuse to let insecurity set in. Step forward and do your own thing.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don't feel the need to follow protocol if you have something that you feel will work better, but be willing to let others have a say in how you tweak your plans.

DAILY PLANNER

Brooke Whiteley was visiting family in Connecticut when Winter Storm Niko hit the Northeast. Whiteley shares a photo she took of her dog, Koral, a golden retriever and cocker spaniel mix, running in the snow.

Whiteley comments, “The amount of snowfall was incredible. We ended up with over 12 inches of snow, and our dog was having a blast.”

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

B

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

USC FOOTBALL

South Carolina’s pro day includes trio of players not yet turning pro

BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press COLUMBIA — The NFL got a look at South Carolina’s departing players, while a handful of young, rising Gamecocks got a chance to taste what they’ll face preparing for the pros.

A new NCAA guideline permitted schools to let a handful of returning underclassmen meet and take part in drills without tainting their eligibility. So tight end Hayden Hurst, receiver Deebo Samuel and offensive lineman Zack Bailey all talked to NFL evaluators and got themselves mea-

sured alongside their older former teammates.

“It’s something that’s good that the NCAA and the MUSCHAMP NFL came together to get more information on draft-eligible guys so they came make bet-

ter decisions in December” about their college futures, Gamecocks head coach Will Muschamp said.

Hurst, who walked on after playing baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, was a 23-year-old junior last season and had 48 catches at tight end. Samuel, a redshirt

sophomore, led the Gamecocks with 59 receptions for 783 yards. Bailey is a 6-foot-6, 311-pound junior who started all 13 games last season at left guard.

None of them took part in drills, Muschamp said, but the

SEE PRO DAY, PAGE B3

PREP BASEBALL

Better health, more success Lakewood baseball looks to get over injury bug, contend in Region VI-4A

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com Bill DeLavan was hoping he’d seen the last of the injury bug that plagued his Lakewood High School baseball team last season.

Unfortunately, the Gators have been bitten once again in the early going of the 2017 season as well.

“It’s the one thing we have no control over,” DeLavan said. “And it’s the one thing that really hurts us with our depth. We lost our best pitcher with an elbow injury in the second week of last season and he’s also gonna be out half of this season with a broken collarbone.

“We’ve also lost our starting second baseman for at least another 10 days or so, and we’ve had the flu bug going around. So it’s been an interesting first month of the season.”

The one silver lining has been the addition of some younger players stepping into the lineup and getting in real-game experience -- something DeLavan hopes will be an advantage later in the year.

LHS is coming off a 10-14 season that saw it earn a No. 4 seed for the 3A playoffs and a berth in the District VII tournament.

The Gators are aiming for more than just the playoffs this year and are 2-4 on the young season and 0-1 in Region VI-4A after Tuesday’s 8-1 loss to Hartsville. The Gators trailed 2-1 in the sixth inning before the game slipped away.

“We’ve been very competitive in every game,” DeLavan said. “I think our largest margin of defeat (before Hartsville) was 8-4 to Hannah-Pamplico, so we’ve been in every ball game.

We’ve got some young guys who have stepped in and taken over some key spots until our older guys get healthy, but we’ve played well regardless.”

The biggest name DeLavan is hoping to get back soon is sophomore left-hander and staff ace David Frey.

Frey’s injury cost him most of last season, but he returned for the District VII opener and tossed a 2-hitter against eventual state runner-up St. James as Lakewood lost a 2-1 heartbreaker.

“He does a great job of commanding the strike zone and mixing his

SEE GATORS, PAGE B3

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Lakewood High School starting pitcher Charles McFarland is one of a number of returning veterans on a Gators roster that looks to get healthy and make waves come playoff time.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

USC WOMEN COMMENTARY

Winthrop’s Johnson eager for big shot in NCAA tournament

Pressure’s off, but Carolina still has Final Four in mind

BY GENARO C. ARMAS The Associated Press MILWAUKEE — Guard Keon Johnson is kind of a big deal at Winthrop.

The 5-foot-7 senior has never let his diminutive stature stop him from making fearless drives into the lane.

Now it’s up to Butler to try to do what most teams have had trouble accomplishing this season: Contain Johnson, a 22.5 point-per-game scorer who can shoot the 3 and get to the foul line.

The dynamic Johnson and the 13th-seeded Eagles (26-6) will try to pull off the upset when they face the fourth-seed-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

After leading Winthrop to the Big South Conference Tournament title, Keon Johnson (5) is ready for his big moment in the NCAA spotlight against Butler.

The 5-foot-7-inch Johnson is Winthrop’s dynamic point guard. ed Bulldogs (23-9) in an NCAA Tournament first-round game on Thursday in Milwaukee.

“He’s a really, really unique

player ... He’s got a really big game and whatever 5-7, 5-8

SEE JOHNSON, PAGE B2

T

he pressure is off of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team.

With the announcement that Alaina Coates will not be able to play in the NCAA tournament, the mindset surrounding the Gamecocks has changed in a big way.

With Coates back on the floor, there was only one thing that would be accepted by USC fans — winning the Stockton Regional and returning to the Final Four. Since she won’t be available, it changes the dynamic.

The hope now is that

Carolina will find a way to make it to Dallas.

Now don’t Dennis get me Brunson wrong.

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley and her team haven’t changed their thinking. Not only is their intention still to make the Final Four, it is to win the thing. However, they’re not carrying that burden around

SEE BRUNSON, PAGE B3

B2

|

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

SCOREBOARD

NBA STANDINGS EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION

TODAY

6 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: St. Louis vs. Minnesota from Fort Myers, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

Noon – College Wrestling: NCAA Tournament Individual Championships First-Round Matches from St. Louis (ESPNU).

1 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Minnesota vs. St. Louis from Jupiter, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

1 p.m. – College Basketball: NCAA Tournament First-Round Game from Milwaukee – Winthrop vs. Butler (TNT).

2 p.m. – Professional Tennis: BNP Paribas Open Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinal Matches from Indian Wells, Calif. (ESPN2).

2 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Round-of-16 Second Leg Match – Olympiacos vs. Besiktas (FOX SPORTS 1).

2 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Round-of-16 Second Leg Match – Celta Vigo vs. Krasnodar (FOX SPORTS 2).

2 p.m. – PGA Golf: Arnold Palmer Invitational First Round from Orlando, Fla. (GOLF).

4 p.m. – UEFA Europa League Round-of-16 Second Leg Match – FC Rostov vs. Manchester United (FOX SPORTS 1).

4 p.m. – UEFA Europa League Round-of-16 Second Leg Match – Schalke 04 vs. Borussia Monchenglabach(FOX SPORTS 2).

4 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers from Glendale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

6 p.m. – LPGA Golf: Bank of Hope Founders Cup First Round from Phoenix (GOLF).

6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240).

7 p.m. – College Wrestling: NCAA Tournament Individual Championships Second-Round Matches from St. Louis (ESPN).

7 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Minnesota at Carolina (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Utah at Cleveland (NBA TV).

8 p.m. – College Baseball: Connecticut at Brigham Young (BYUTV).

8 p.m. – Professional Tennis: BNP Paribas Open Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinal Matches from Indian Wells, Calif. (ESPN2).

10 p.m. – International Baseball: Venezuela vs.

Dominican Republic from San Diego (MLB NETWORK).

10:30 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament Second-Round Game (ESPNU).

Midnight – Professional Tennis: BNP Paribas Open Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinal Matches from Indian Wells, Calif. (TENNIS).

2 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Pittsburgh vs. Boston from Fort Myers, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

Varsity Baseball River Bluff at Sumter, 6:30 p.m.

Thomas Sumter at Crestwood, 6:30 p.m.

Lee Central at Columbia, 5:30 p.m.

Varsity and JV Baseball Dorchester at Clarendon Hall, 4 p.m.

Junior Varsity Baseball Sumter at South Florence, 6 p.m.

Crestwood at Manning, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Hartsville, 6 p.m.

Green Sea-Floyds at East Clarendon (DH), 5:30 p.m.

B Team Baseball Colleton Prep at Robert E. Lee, 5 p.m.

Varsity Boys Golf East Clarendon at Manning, 4:30 p.m.

Heathwood Hall at Wilson Hall (at Sunset Country Club), 4 p.m.

Varsity Boys Soccer Porter-Gaud at Laurence Manning, 5 p.m.

Northwood at Thomas Sumter, 6 p.m.

Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Crestwood at Hartsville, 6 p.m.

Varsity Softball Lee Central at Columbia, 5:30 p.m.

Varsity and JV Softball Manning at Crestwood, 5 p.m.

Lakewood at Orangeburg-Wilkinson, 5:30 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Pee Dee, 5 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Robert E. Lee, 4 p.m.

Dorchester at Clarendon Hall, 5 p.m.

Junior Varsity Softball South Florence at Sumter (DH), 5:30 p.m.

B Team Softball Wilson Hall at First Baptist, 5 p.m.

Varsity Boys Tennis Sumter at West Florence, 5 p.m.

Manning at Hanahan, 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Track and Field Hartsville, Lakewood at Crestwood, 5:30 p.m.

East Clarendon at Lee Central, 5 p.m.

Middle School Track and Field Bates, Ebenezer at Chestnut Oaks, 4:30 p.m.

Alice Drive, Hillcrest, Mayewood at Furman (at Lakewood High School), 4:30 p.m.

MLB SPRING TRAINING

By The Associated Press WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Detroit 8, Atlanta 6 Pittsburgh 6, Baltimore 5 Boston 3, Tampa Bay 3 Miami 6, N.Y. Mets 2 Minnesota 8, St. Louis 0 Houston 8, Washington 2 Texas 12, Cleveland 11 Chicago White Sox 7, Kansas City 3 San Francisco 7, L.A. Angels 4 Cincinnati 8, San Diego 7 L.A. Dodgers 12, Seattle 7 Colorado 5, Milwaukee 4 N.Y. Yankees 3, Philadelphia 1 Arizona vs. Chicago Cubs (late)

body,” Butler coach Chris Holtmann said. “There (are) not many guys really like him in college basketball that have his type of size and speed and shooting ability.”

Maybe not in the college game, but Johnson has an ideal role model in the NBA in Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas. The 5-foot-9 Thomas averages 29.2 points, second in the league by Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook.

Cleveland Indiana Detroit Milwaukee Chicago

L 25 28 41 43 54

Pct .627 .582 .397 .358 .182

GB — 3 15½ 18 29½

W 41 37 32 29 24

L 25 30 35 38 44

Pct .621 .552 .478 .433 .353

GB — 4½ 9½ 12½ 18

W 44 34 33 32 32

L 22 33 34 34 35

Pct .667 .507 .493 .485 .478

GB — 10½ 11½ 12 12½

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION x-San Antonio x-Houston Memphis Dallas New Orleans NORTHWEST DIVISION Utah Oklahoma City Denver Portland Minnesota PACIFIC DIVISION

W 52 46 37 28 27

L 14 21 30 38 40

Pct .788 .687 .552 .424 .403

GB — 6½ 15½ 24 25½

W 42 38 32 29 28

L 25 29 35 37 38

Pct .627 .567 .478 .439 .424

GB — 4 10 12½ 13½

L 14 27 41 45 47

Pct .791 .597 .388 .328 .299

GB — 13 27 31 33

W x-Golden State 53 L.A. Clippers 40 Sacramento 26 Phoenix 22 L.A. Lakers 20 x-clinched playoff spot

SUMMERTON – Clarendon Hall remained undefeated with a 19-4, 4-inning victory over Holly Hill on Tuesday at the CH field.

Bailey Corbett was 3-for-3 with three runs batted in for the 5-0 Lady Saints.

Sarah Henning was 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI, Hannah Jordan was 2-for-4 with two RBI and Amberly Way was 2-for-3 with two RBI. Way picked up the win and had nine strikeouts.

CAROLINA FOREST 7

LAURENCE MANNING 8

SUMTER 0

CAROLINA 2

MYRTLE BEACH – Sumter High School fell to 0-2 in Region VI-5A with a 7-0 loss to Carolina Forest on Tuesday at the CF field.

The 3-3 Lady Gamecocks play host to West Florence on Friday.

MANNING – Laurence Manning Academy defeated Carolina Academy 8-2 on Tuesday at the LMA field.

McKenzie Truett had a hit, scored two runs and drove in two runs for the Lady Swampcats. Madison Truett had a triple, a run and an RBI. Carrie Rickenbacker and Cakhi Fowler both had a hit, scored a run and drove in a run.

Fowler pitched three innings of 1-hit ball to get the victory.

CALHOUN 4 MANNING – Laurence Manning Academy scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat Calhoun Academy 5-4 on Tuesday at Julie Skolar Field.

Abbie Beard was 3-for-3 with four runs batted in and two runs scored.

Trinity Harrington had three hits, including a double, and two stolen bases. Brooke Ward had two hits and two runs.

Lundee Olsen got the win in the circle, striking out 11 and walking one while allowing five hits.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

TODAY’S GAMES

Oklahoma City at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Utah at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Brooklyn at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Memphis at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Denver, 9 p.m.

Orlando at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Chicago at Washington, 7 p.m.

Dallas at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Boston at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Toronto at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Minnesota at Miami, 8 p.m.

Orlando at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

Milwaukee at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

CLARENDON HALL 19

Jazmyn Taylor scored three goals and had one assist to lead Crestwood High School’s varsity girls soccer team to an 8-2 victory over Lower Richland on Wednesday at the CHS field.

Caylie Kovalcik added two goals and two assists for the Lady Knights, who improved to 5-3 on the season. Gloria Reyas added one goal and three assists and Breana Nassef and Starasia Booker both had a goal.

Shannon Marie had six saves in goal.

LAURENCE MANNING 5

Charlotte at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Dallas at Washington, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

New Orleans at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Utah at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Houston, 8 p.m.

Memphis at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Portland at San Antonio, 8 p.m.

Sacramento at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

Milwaukee at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

JV SOFTBALL

HOLLY HILL 4

BOYS B TEAM BASEBALL LAURENCE MANNING 19 WILSON HALL 2

MANNING -- Laurence Manning Academy defeated Wilson Hall 19-2 on Wednesday at J.C. Britton Park.

Buddy Gales pitched four innings for the win and a 3-run home run for the 5-0 Swampcats. AJ Nelson had an inside-the-park home run.

Henry Black had a hit and two RBI. Hunter Vohs, Mark Lupori and Hunter Hoff each had a triple.

SPORTS ITEMS

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Montreal 70 39 Ottawa 68 39 Boston 69 37 Tampa Bay 69 34 Toronto 68 31 Florida 68 30 Buffalo 70 28 Detroit 67 26 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W Washington 69 45 Pittsburgh 68 43 Columbus 68 44 N.Y. Rangers 70 44 N.Y. Islanders 69 33 Philadelphia 68 31 Carolina 67 28 New Jersey 68 25

Taylor’s three goals power Lady Knights past LR 8-2

VARSITY SOFTBALL

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Cleveland 128, Detroit 96 New York 87, Indiana 81 Oklahoma City 122, Brooklyn 104 New Orleans 100, Portland 77 Golden State 106, Philadelphia 104

L OT 23 8 22 7 26 6 26 9 23 14 27 11 30 12 30 11

Pts 86 85 80 77 76 71 68 63

GF 191 183 196 191 206 175 178 166

GA 176 175 179 187 206 195 207 202

L OT 17 7 16 9 18 6 24 2 25 11 29 8 27 12 31 12

Pts 97 95 94 90 77 70 68 62

GF 222 239 219 225 206 176 172 153

GA 154 190 160 183 211 204 196 197

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 69 44 20 5 93 208 173 Minnesota 68 43 19 6 92 225 167 Nashville 69 34 24 11 79 205 196 St. Louis 68 36 27 5 77 189 190 Winnipeg 70 30 33 7 67 208 224 Dallas 69 27 32 10 64 190 228 Colorado 68 19 46 3 41 131 222 PACIFIC DIVISION GP W L OT Pts GF GA San Jose 69 42 20 7 91 194 159 Calgary 69 39 26 4 82 191 185 Anaheim 69 36 23 10 82 181 174 Edmonton 69 36 24 9 81 198 182 Los Angeles 69 33 29 7 73 171 174 Vancouver 69 28 32 9 65 159 201 Arizona 69 26 35 8 60 168 219 NOTE: 2 points for win, 1 point for overtime loss.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

TODAY’S GAMES

Nashville at Washington, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Florida at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Winnipeg at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

Detroit at Arizona, 10 p.m.

Dallas at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Buffalo at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

St. Louis at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

New Jersey at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Florida at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Dallas at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Buffalo at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

“He gets to the rim a lot, gets to the basket against taller defenders,” Johnson said on Wednesday before practice at the Bradley Center. “And I think that’s the thing that I model, getting to the free throw line, getting easy buckets.”

Coach Pat Kelsey has watched Johnson blow past defenders for four seasons.

But this year, Johnson is finally getting noticed on the national stage. He calls Johnson the “heart and soul” of the squad.

Coach and player share an added bond as two Ohio na-

UC Davis tops N.C. Central 67-63 DAYTON, Ohio — Chima Moneke had 18 points and 12 rebounds as UC Davis won in its first NCAA Tournament appearance, beating North Carolina Central 67-63 in a First Four game on Wednesday night.

The 16th-seeded Aggies rallied in the second half and held off North Carolina Central down the stretch to earn a trip to Tulsa to play No. 1 seed Kansas on Friday.

Brynton Lemar scored 15 points and Lawrence White added 14 for UC Davis, which had earned a trip to the tournament by winning the Big West Conference Tournament.

CLEMSON — Chris Williams’ 2-out, 2-run double in the eighth inning broke an 8-8 tie in No. 9 Clemson’s 10-8 win over Yale on Wednesday at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

The Tigers recorded their eighth victory in a row and improved to 14-3 on the season. The Bulldogs dropped to 3-7 in 2017.

P-15’S SEASON TICKETS ON SALE

CLEMSON 10

Season tickets for the upcoming Sumter Post 15 American Legion baseball season are now on sale.

Tickets are $30 apiece. They can be purchased at Danny’s Trophy Shop at 713 Bultman Drive.

YALE 8

From staff, local, wire reports

MEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT

By The Associated Press

FIRST FOUR

Tuesday Mount St. Mary’s 67, New Orleans 66 Kansas State 95, Wake Forest 88 Wednesday UC Davis 67, N.C. Central 63 Providence vs. Southern Cal (late)

EAST REGIONAL

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Detroit at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.

St. Louis at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Cleveland (ss) vs. Texas, TBD Atlanta vs. Houston (ss) , 1:05 p.m.

Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh, 1:05 p.m.

Houston (ss) vs. Boston, 1:05 p.m.

Minnesota vs. Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees vs. Detroit, 1:05 p.m.

Toronto vs. Philadelphia, 1:05 p.m.

Washington vs. Miami, 1:05 p.m.

St. Louis vs. N.Y. Mets, 1:10 p.m.

Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox, 3:05 p.m.

Arizona (ss) vs. Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Kansas City vs. Milwaukee, 4:05 p.m.

L.A. Angels vs. Texas (ss), 4:05 p.m.

Seattle (ss) vs. Arizona, 4:10 p.m.

Cincinnati vs. Cleveland (ss), 9:05 p.m.

Colorado vs. San Francisco, 9:05 p.m.

Seattle (ss) vs. L.A. Dodgers, 10:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (ss) vs. San Diego, 10:10 p.m.

FROM PAGE B1

Washington Atlanta Miami Charlotte Orlando CENTRAL DIVISION

W 42 39 27 24 12

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Detroit vs. Atlanta, 1:05 p.m.

Minnesota vs. St. Louis, 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets vs. Washington, 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees vs. Toronto, 1:07 p.m.

Arizona vs. Milwaukee, 4:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs vs. L.A. Dodgers, 4:05 p.m.

Oakland vs. Cleveland, 4:05 p.m.

Seattle vs. Kansas City (ss), 4:05 p.m.

Kansas City (ss) vs. San Diego, 4:10 p.m.

L.A. Angels vs. Colorado, 4:10 p.m.

Philadelphia vs. Baltimore, 6:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh vs. Boston, 6:05 p.m.

JOHNSON

Boston Toronto New York Philadelphia Brooklyn SOUTHEAST DIVISION

N.Y. Islanders 3, Carolina 2, OT Washington 4, Minnesota 2 Tampa Bay 2, Ottawa 1, OT Florida 7, Toronto 2 Chicago 4, Montreal 2 Edmonton 7, Dallas 1 Arizona 3, Los Angeles 2, SO San Jose 4, Buffalo 1 Winnipeg at New Jersey, ppd.

TODAY’S GAMES

FRIDAY’S GAMES

AREA ROUNDUP

By The Associated Press

TV, RADIO

THE SUMTER ITEM

First Round Today Villanova (31-3) vs. Mount St. Mary’s (2015), 7:10 p.m.

Wisconsin (25-9) vs. Virginia Tech (22-10), 9:40 p.m.

Virginia (22-10) vs. UNC Wilmington (29-5), 12:40 p.m.

Florida (24-8) vs. ETSU (27-7), 3:10 p.m.

Friday Duke (27-8) vs. Troy (22-14), 7:20 p.m.

South Carolina (22-10) vs. Marquette (1912), 9:50 p.m.

Baylor (25-7) vs. New Mexico State (28-5), 12:40 p.m.

SMU (29-4) vs. Providence-Southern Cal winner, 3:10 p.m.

SOUTH REGIONAL

First Round Today Butler (23-8) vs. Winthrop (26-6), 1:30 p.m.

Minnesota (24-9) vs. Middle Tennessee (304), 4 p.m.

Friday Arkansas (25-9) vs. Seton Hall (21-11), 1:30 p.m.

North Carolina (27-7) vs. Texas Southern (23-11), 4 p.m.

Dayton (24-7) vs. Wichita State (30-4), 7:10 p.m.

tives living in the Deep South.

It has been quite the journey for Johnson to stardom on the Winthrop campus in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Kelsey first spotted Johnson at an AAU tournament in Myrtle Beach.

“A buddy of mine is next to me. ‘What do you think? He’s little,’ I know, but this kid can go, you know,” Kelsey said in recounting the conversation.

“I’m not any smarter than anybody else. I had probably the same reservations and the same concerns just because he was so diminutive in his size.”

Kentucky (29-5) vs. Northern Kentucky (2410), 9:40 p.m.

Cincinnati (29-5) vs. Kansas State (21-13), 7:27 p.m.

UCLA (29-4) vs. Kent State (22-13), 9:57 p.m.

MIDWEST REGIONAL

First Round Today Purdue (25-7) vs. Vermont (29-5), 7:27 p.m.

Iowa State (23-10) vs. Nevada (28-6), 9:57 p.m.

Friday Michigan (24-11) vs. Oklahoma State (2012), 12:15 p.m.

Louisville (24-8) vs. Jacksonville State (2014), 2:45 p.m.

Kansas (28-4) vs. UC Davis, 6:50 p.m.

Miami (21-11) vs. Michigan State (19-14), 9:20 p.m.

Oregon (29-5) vs. Iona (22-12), 2 p.m.

Creighton (25-9) vs. Rhode Island (24-9), 4:30 p.m.

WEST REGIONAL

First Round Today Notre Dame (25-9) vs. Princeton (23-6), 12:15 p.m.

West Virginia (26-8) vs. Bucknell (26-8), 2:45 p.m.

Maryland (24-8) vs. Xavier (21-13), 6:50 p.m.

Florida State (25-8) vs. Florida Gulf Coast (26-7), 9:20 p.m.

Gonzaga (32-1) vs. South Dakota State (1816), 2 p.m.

Northwestern (23-11) vs. Vanderbilt (1915), 4:30 p.m.

Saint Mary’s (28-4) vs. VCU (26-8), 7:20 p.m.

Arizona (30-4) vs. North Dakota (22-9), 9:50 p.m.

In the end, Kelsey relied on his gut instincts.

“And I just fell in love with him that day. I just loved his courage, loved his attacking mentality, the way he plays with a chip on his shoulder,” Kelsey said.

The attitude carries over to the rest of the team. Guard Roderick Perkins said teammates are also trying to take advantage of more open looks since defenses have been paying more attention to Johnson during the course of the season.

Winthrop has had tastes of

NCAA tourney-caliber competition after losing to Florida State in the Preseason NIT and falling to Dayton later in nonconference play. The Eagles also defeated Illinois in the Preseason NIT. But the NCAA Tournament is the biggest stage in college basketball, another chance for Johnson to prove himself against top competition.

“Most definitely. Each game you’re going to improve yourself every time you go out on the floor,” Johnson said. “I’m just cherishing every moment each day.”

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

Sumter Family YMCA All-Stars

GATORS FROM PAGE B1 pitches,” the LHS coach said. “He’s got a great changeup and when he’s been on the mound, he’s been fantastic.”

The Gators are also dealing with injuries to second baseman and pitcher Zach Tidwell as well as outfielder Andrew Rouse as they dressed out just 11 players against the Red Foxes on Tuesday.

However, Lakewood has a good mix of veteran and younger players, DeLavan said, starting with an experienced pitching staff.

Junior Dalton Browder has stepped into the No. 1 role and also plays shortstop. He’s followed by two seniors in Charles McFarland and DaQuan Ingram, who also play in the outfield and third base, respectively.

The lineup also has a lot of experience. Josh Whitley returns at catcher and as the cleanup hitter with Hunter Day manning first base or third base depending on who’s pitching. Wyatt Thompson is in center

PRO DAY FROM PAGE B1 PHOTO PROVIDED

session gave them an opportunity to hear from various teams and get a handle on what’s to come down the road.

“It’s a good experience for them,” Muschamp said.

It was also a good experience for South Carolina’s seniors, few of whom are projected to get drafted.

Things were far more low key than just three years ago when AllAmerican Jadeveon Clowney was South Carolina’s top prospect and drew several NFL general managers and coaches. That included GM Rick Smith and coach Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans, who took Clowney No. 1 overall.

Two South Carolina draftees from a year ago, Los Angeles Rams receiver Pharoh Cooper and New York Jets offensive tackle Brandon Shell, were at the workouts to cheer on their exteammates. Cooper was a fourth-round pick in 2016, Shell went one round later.

Gamecocks defensive end Darius English, who

The YMCA All-Star Girls 10 and up team won the 3rd Annual Jerry Coffey Invitational Tournament in Newberry on Saturday. Members of the team pictured are Talan Griffin, Sullivan Jarecki, Mary Beth VanPatten, Olivia Beasley, Jane McAdams, Kharya Reed, London Vaughn, Madisen Galiano, Grace Beasley and Kiara Croskey. The team was coached

by Christie Dennis-Croskey and Kiara Croskey was named most valuable player of the tournament.

BRUNSON

TOURNAMENT TV SCHEDULE

FROM PAGE B1 with them like they did last year without Coates.

The Gamecocks are actually something of an underdog now, even though they are a No. 1 seed. They haven’t really been an underdog in the NCAA tournament since they earned that first of now four straight No. 1 seeds. The only time there hasn’t been major disappointment came two years ago when they did make it to the Final Four only to lose to Notre Dame in the semifinals.

Last year was a particularly gut-wrenching departure from the tournament. Winning the regional was a foregone conclusion; playing Connecticut in the national championship game was expected. Falling to Syracuse in the Sweet 16 was a complete stunner.

Does USC still have what it takes to get to the Final Four? It certainly does. If Carolina was having to play without Coates

TODAY NCAA Men First Round TNT 1 p.m. – Butler vs. Winthrop 3:50 p.m. – Minnesota vs. Middle Tennessee State 6:45 p.m. – Maryland vs. Xavier 9:15 p.m. – Florida State vs. Florida Gulf Coast WLTX 19 Noon – Notre Dame vs. Princeton 2:30 p.m. – West Virginia vs. Bucknell 7 p.m. – Villanova vs. Mount St. Mary’s 9:30 p.m. – Wisconsin vs. Virginia Tech TRUTV 12:30 p.m. – Virginia vs. North Carolina-Wilmington 3 p.m. – Florida vs. East Tennessee State 7:15 p.m. – Purdue vs. Vermont 9:55 p.m. – Iowa State vs. Nevada TBS 1:30 p.m. – Gonzaga vs. South Dakota State 4:20 p.m. – Northwestern vs. Vanderbilt 7:15 p.m. – St. Mary’s (Calif.) vs. Virginia Commonwealth 9:45 p.m. – Arizona vs. North Dakota

for the first time in the NCAAs, it would have to be adjusting on the fly. It had the Southeastern Conference tournament to get some games under its belt without the double-double machine and the result was another tournament championship.

Without Coates on the floor, it makes South Carolina a different

OBITUARIES JAY FORTUNE Jay Fortune entered eternal rest on Monday, March 13, 2017, at his residence, 56 Childrens Lane, Bishopville. The family is receiving friends at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Lucious Fortune at 402 Wisacky Highway, Bishopville, SC. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville.

ANNIE B. SINGLETON Annie B. Singleton, 65, widow of Benjamin Singleton Sr. and daughter of the late John and Bessie Logan Baxter, was born on July 6, 1951, in Clarendon County. She departed this life on Tuesday,

March 14, 2017, at Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia.

Family will receive friends at the home, 30 Athena Court, Sumter, SC 29150.

Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter is in charge of arrangements.

JAMES B. HARPER James B. “J.B.” Harper, 91, husband of 70 years to Louise Leitner Harper, died Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at his home.

Born Aug. 14, 1925, in Great Falls, he was a son of the late W.J. Harper and the late Eura Manus Harper. Mr. Harper was a member and elder of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses West Sumter Congregation. He was a re-

team. It has opened the low post up more for SEC player of the year A’Ja Wilson and the Gamecocks aren’t nearly as much of an outside-inside offense.

Don’t misunderstand. When you’ve got two players like Wilson and Coates, you play them together. That being said, it’s no secret how Carolina’s offense is going to run.

And it’s not going to change a great deal now; you still try your best to get it in Wilson’s hands as much as possible.

There is going to be subtle differences to what they do offensively though.

Also, not only does Staley have a team full of underdogs now, she has players with big chips on their shoulders. While she has a right to complain about the cross-country trip to have to win a regional, that was done as much to get her players to think they’ve been disrespected.

So will South Carolina get to return just two-thirds of the way across the country after having to go to Cali in order to win a regional? Yes.

tired insurance agent having last worked for American General Life Insurance Co. Survivors include his wife; a brother, L.C. Harper; a sister, Margaret Wilson; two daughters-in-law, Cynthia Harper and Linda Harper; three grandsons, Brian, Donovan and Erick; a great-granddaughter; three great-grandsons; and four generations of nieces and nephews. Additionally, adopted family: Billy and Janice Hutcheson, Ron and Gail Ashcraft, Ryan (Sunny) Ashcraft and Stacy (Billy) Mueller.

He was preceded in death by five siblings and two sons, Alfred J. Harper and Victor L. Harper.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 100 Lynam Road, Sumter, SC 29154.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

PATRICK J. BRADY Patrick Brady, 56, of Seneca, formerly of Sumter, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017, after an extended illness.

Pat was born May 1, 1960, in El Campo, Texas, a son of William R. and Ute Brady of Seneca. He graduated from Sumter High School in 1978, and worked at Martin Color-Fi and Systems Plus. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by three children, Zachary James Brady, Caleb Patrick Brady and Kelly Hope Brady, all of Sumter; two brothers, Michael (San-

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field and leads Lakewood in stolen bases again this year as the team’s leadoff hitter.

Brandon Chandler is in left while newcomer and Sumter High transfer Zach Coulson has assumed a super-substitute role – playing nearly every position except catcher or pitcher. Junior varsity call-up Cody Windham has also filled in at second base for Tidwell.

“It’s a good mix of seniors, juniors and sophomores – we have a really good sophomore class,” DeLavan said. “The seniors have done a good job of leading this team from the fall. I feel like we’re going to compete a little bit better in our region – even though we added Lugoff-Elgin, who is the consensus overall No. 1 team in our classification. But I feel like we’re going to be very competitive and be in a lot of games.

“Our margin of error is not very big, and we know that, so if we’re able to minimize our mistakes, I think we can compete with anybody.”

led the team with nine sacks last season, headed the current group of hopefuls that went through a crisp session at South Carolina’s indoor practice facility.

English, at 6-6 and 238 pounds, is projected as a late-round selection.

Kicker Elliott Fry ended the workouts by booting several field goals and displaying his strong leg on kickoffs.

Fry, who became the school’s all-time career scoring leader last season, knows it’s a long shot getting drafted as a kicker. “It’s something I hope for, but I’m not necessarily going to get too upset if I don’t because I can go somewhere in free agency,” he said.

Fry made 13 of 17 field goals last season, including a career long 55-yarder at Vanderbilt with 35 seconds left in a 13-10 South Carolina win.

The workouts were planned for WilliamsBrice Stadium but moved inside because of steady rain the previous two days.

Hurst was happy for the chance.

“I just want to get my name out there,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for us to get looks.”

dra) Brady of Sumter and Kevin (Theresa) Brady of Asheville, North Carolina; one sister, Ute F. Brady of Chico, California; and a beloved niece and nephews.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 100, Dept.

142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

The Cremation Society of S.C./Westville Funerals in Greenville is in charge of the arrangements.

SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE B4

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OBITUARIES

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

JOHN H. MCJUNKIN John Henry “Mac” McJunkin, 82, beloved husband of Ann McJunkin, died on Monday, March 13, 2017, at his home.

Born on Feb. 18, 1935, in Rosman, North Carolina, he was a son of the late William Andrew MCJUNKIN McJunkin and Ilenia M. Galloway McJunkin. John married his childhood sweetheart, Annie Hollifield, on Nov. 9, 1956, at Grace Baptist Church in Brevard, North Carolina.

Shortly after he and Ann married, John joined the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served his country for 21 years prior to retiring in 1978.

During his years in the Air Force, he served both stateside and overseas assignments to include Korea, Johnston Island, Japan and West Berlin, Germany.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, John was employed by Williams Furniture for several years before going to work for Union Camp / International Paper in Eastover. He retired from International Paper in 1998. John, never one to be idle, returned to work for International Paper on an as needed basis until Dec. 31, 2014, just before his 80th birthday.

John was a true servant of the Lord. Wherever the Air Force sent him, he would find a church home and serve in any way that he was needed.

For the past 35 years, he was a member of Hickory Road Baptist Church, where he served faithfully in numerous capacities. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather.

Survivors in addition to his wife include one son, John Michael McJunkin and his wife, Laurie, of Sumter; three daughters, Faris A. Dale and her husband, Richard B. Dale Jr., of Odin, Illinois, Jennifer McJunkin Marchman of Sumter and Sandra L. Holbert and her husband, Richard H. Holbert Jr., of Sumter; 10 grandchildren, Shannon and Bryan Blochberger of Jacksonville, Florida, Christopher and Kelli Dale of Florence, Ryan and Michelle Bagnal of Nokomis, Florida, Maria and Jason Chandler of Sumter, Rebecca McJunkin and Adam Zeigler of Elgin, Patricia and Chris Lynch of McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Cheyenne McDaniel and her fiancé, Bobby Harper, of Sumter, Sean Marchman and Ruth Sieger of Sumter, Virginia and Josh Bryant of Centralia, Illinois, and Shayne McJunkin of Sumter; seven great-grandchildren, Lauren Dale, Madison Blochberger, Kristin Blochberger, Davis Dale, Lachlan McJunkin, Gabriel Chandler and Atticus Bryant; one brother, Charles McJunkin of Lincolnton, North Carolina; two sisters, Medora Knight of Lincolnton and Bernice Nix of Charlotte, North Carolina; a brother-in-law, John Hollifield of Cumming, Georgia; close family friends, Linda Taylor of Augusta, Georgia, Ruth Reed of Sumter and Lori Ash of Sumter; his International Paper family; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Walter McJunkin.

The family wishes to thank Agape Hospice of Sumter, especially Dr. John Fleming, Amber Sapp, Gallman Wicker and Chaplain Ed Cheek, for the loving care they provided to John.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday at the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Ron Taylor and the Rev. Ladell Humphries officiating.

Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

Anyone who knew John knows that he was rarely seen without a baseball cap. It was John’s wish that everyone who attends his funeral wear their favorite ball cap.

Pallbearers will be Sean Marchman, Christopher Dale, Shayne McJunkin, Chris Lynch, Bobby Harper and Jason Chandler.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Bagnal, Richie Holbert, Rick Dale, Jim McDaniel and Bryan Blochberger.

The family will receive

friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Elmore-CannonStephens Funeral Home and other times at the home, 1725 Marden Road.

Memorials may be made to Agape Hospice of Sumter, 434 N. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 or Hickory Road Baptist Church, Sumter.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of arrangements.

SAMUEL D. BAKER Samuel Dwight Baker, 89, widower of Catherine Olivia Shaw Baker, passed away Friday, March 10, 2017, at his residence.

Born in Lynchburg, to the late Joseph and Vista Wilson Baker, Dwight retired BAKER from Campbell Soup after 30 years of service. He later worked with Murrays Auto Parts and Piggly Wiggly. He was a member of Westside Baptist Church.

He is survived by four daughters, Cathy B. Weathers (John) of Sumter, Debbie Bass of Georgia, Tammey B. Cundiff of Georgia, and Sandy B. Mauricio of Sumter; nine grandchildren, Amanda Conover, Wes Weathers, Kimberly Thames, Danielle Wright, Nikki Pritchard, Ashley Kummer, Jeffrey Mauricio, Jeremey Mauricio and Jessika Mauricio; and 17 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the home, 2028 Greenville Circle, Sumter.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today in the chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with the Rev. Harley Case and Allen Jones officiating.

Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John United Methodist Church Missions, 136 Poinsett Drive, Sumter, SC 29150, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements (803) 775-9386.

Sumter; three special cousins, Keyshia Williams. Ty’Niya Queen and Travis Miller Jr.; four grandaunts; one granduncle; and a host of relatives and friends and extended family.

The funeral service will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Sumter Funeral Service Inc. with the Rev. Terry Johnson Sr. officiating, assisted by Dr. Lewis Walker Jr. Interment will follow in Bradford Cemetery.

Sumter Funeral Service Inc. is in charge of arrangements. The funeral cortege will leave the home, 4635 Wrangler Trail, Sumter, at 1:20 p.m.

ALFRED SINGLETON Alfred Singleton, son of the of the late Mr. Paul Singleton and Mrs. Ethel Lee Singleton, died on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at his residence. He was born on Feb. 6, 1945, in Sumter.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his loving memories, his wife Mrs. Betty Johnson Singleton of Philadelphia; three daughters, Mrs. Catherine Ebron, Angelia Singleton and Carrie Singleton, all of Philadelphia; two sons, Mr. Albert Singleton of Philadelphia and Mr. Myron (Crystal) Singleton of Effingham; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four sisters, Virginia Tarry and Carolyn Lee, both of Wilmington, North Carolina, Barbara (George) Smith of Sumter and Shirley (Reese) Bowen of Asheville, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Singleton Jr. and Otis Singleton, and his grandparents.

Special thanks to his caregivers, son and daughter-inlaw, Myron and Crystal Singleton.

He had a special niece, Jacqueline Hampton, of Fort Lee, Virginia; and a special thanks to hospice.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Greater Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Marvin Hodge, pastor, Dr. Lewis Walker Jr., eulogist, assisted by Minister Rossi Ramsey and Minister Georgia Walker. Interment will follow in the Smith Cemetery. The body will lie in repose from 10 a.m. until the hour of service. The funeral cortege will leave the home, 4635 Bum Hill Lane, Sumter, at 10:15 a.m.

Sumter Funeral Service Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

DESJUAN M. LEMON

WILLIE L. HARDY SR.

DesJuan Martise Lemon, son of Cynthia Lemon and the late Chris Nelson, died on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey in Sumter. He was born Jan. 24, 1997, in Manning.

He received his formal education in the public schools of Clarendon County.

DesJuan was a lovable, kind-hearted person who always kept a smile on his face.

He would do any and everything he could do to help anyone. He had a memorable laugh. Anytime we heard it, we automatically knew it was him.

To cherish his memories he leaves his mother; Cynthia Lemon of Tallahassee, Florida; his children’s mother, Breanna Wells; two daughters, DesJuanna S. Lemon and JaNiyah T. Lemon, all of Sumter; three sisters, Ty’AseJah Lemon, Unique McCray and Nevaeh McFadden, all of Manning; two maternal grandmothers, Constance Brooks and Patricia Miller, both of Manning; four aunts, Tiara Queen of Sumter, Jaquita Ragin of Portchester, New York, Tamekica Miller of Manning, and Sandra Lemon of Sumter; two uncles which he loved dearly, Travis Miller and Dwight Mille, both of

Willie Lee Hardy Sr., 65, husband of Christine Miller Hardy, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Mamie Pinkney Hardy and Nathaniel Hardy.

The family will receive friends at 44 James Haskell Road, Wedgefield, SC, 29168.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc.

JESSIE L. JENKINS BISHOPVILLE — Mr. Jessie Lee Jenkins, 59, passed at his residence in Bishopville on Saturday, March 11, 2017.

Born in Lee County, he was a son of Veleree Jenkins.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Mount Hermon Baptist Church, 302 Woodward St., Bishopville, with the Rev. Adeira Black, pastor/eulogist.

Interment will follow in the Boone Memorial Garden, Bishopville.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at Square Deal Funeral Home Chapel.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at esquaredealfun@sc.rr.com.

These services have been

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CALEEN S. WATTS Caleen Skipper Watts, 86, widow of Stone Warren Watts, died peacefully at her home in Murrells Inlet on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

Born Nov. 5, 1930, in Empire, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late James Otis and Nora Pearl Lee Skipper.

Mrs. Watts moved to Sumter at an early age and attended Sumter schools. She was a longtime employee at Tuomey Hospital. She was very active in the Sumter County Historical Society and Sumter County Genealogical Society. She was a past board member of the Sumter Little Theater and the Sumter County Museum.

Survivors include her son, Thomas W. “Tommie” Watts (Cindy) of Murrells Inlet; two grandchildren, Joshua T. Watts (Amy) of Mount Pleasant and Jennifer W. Jones (Todd) of Sumter; four greatgrandchildren, Lydia and Vivian Watts and Rhett and Gracyn Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews including Linda Stuckey, Kirk Atkinson and Brenda Atkinson.

She was preceded in death by a son, James Benson “Bennie” Watts; one grandson, Matthew Benson Watts; and a sister, Carolyn S. Atkinson.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Sumter Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. William Rusty Wilson officiating.

The family will receive friends following the graveside service.

Memorials may be made to the Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 7759386.

LARRY R. CARROLL Larry Ray Carroll, 77, husband of JoAnn Browder Carroll, died Monday, March 13, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey.

Services will be announced by the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, (803) 775-9386.

CONNELLY O. BAKER Connelly O’Neal Baker, 80, husband of the late Viola Baker, died Monday, March 13, 2017, at McElveen Manor.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Mack Newell Baker and the late Emma Rinthy Baker. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Pitts Sunday School Class. He was formerly employed at Fort Roofing and Sheet Metal Works and later retired from Sumter School District 17. He was a member and Past Worshipful Master of the Claremont Masonic Lodge and Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Easter Star. He was an avid fisherman.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dan Barber and the Rev. Charles Clanton officiating.

Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

A time of visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 107 E. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

BEATRIX BAGNAL Beatrix G. Bailey Bagnal, age 52, beloved wife of the late Frank Belton Bagnal, died on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at Palmetto Health Richland.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home.

GLORIA J. ROUSE Gloria Jean Rouse, wife of Larry Rouse Sr., entered eternal rest on March 10, 2017, at her residence, 77 Cowboy Lane, Lynchburg. The family is receiving friends at the residence. Visitation will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the New Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, 78 Elliott Highway, Bishopville, with the pastor, the Rev. Archie S. Temoney Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery, Florence.

Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville, is in charge of arrangements.

DANIEL MCFADDEN SUMMERTON — Daniel McFadden, 87, widower of Dorothy Smith McFadden, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at his residence, 1053 Rolling Hill Drive, Summerton. He was born Dec. 7, 1929, in the Hallie Town section of Manning, a son of the late Fleming McFadden and Hattie Thompson McFadden.

The family is receiving friends at the residence.

These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC, Manning.

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The youyou protect, theprotection more you save.

Let’smore sithelp Let us get the you Ineed. can do a I’m here tolot more than just protect your car.

And bundle coverage for your auto And when it’stwice neyouwith Save Home & Auto Discounts. and you home, how l I can help you save big.

Call us to see how much you could save workthe hard Get savings you deserve. Call me or stop by when you insure your my office for a free quote. home and car with A good Allstate. someone

JAMES E THORNE JAMES THORNE 803-905-1911

803-905-1911 315 W WESMARK BLVD jamesthorne@allstate.com 315 W WESMARK BLVD SUMTER jamesthorne@allstate.com

Subject to terms, conditions, qualifications and availability. Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. Northbrook, IL. © 2012 Allstate Insurance Co. Subject to terms, conditions and availabiliy. Savings vary by state and product line. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co. © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.

204998 208031

B4

COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Dad’s dumpster-diving causes his family concern DEAR ABBY — I have an issue with my father and don’t know where to turn. Dad is in his early 80s and Dear Abby — aside from poor eyeABIGAIL sight — he’s VAN BUREN in good health. I’m concerned because he has developed an unusual habit. He likes to look through the dumpsters behind the grocery store.

Initially he told me it was to get old produce for compost in his garden. But I have learned that he eats some of the things he finds. I have tried telling him this is dan-

JUMBLE THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

gerous. He could cut himself digging through the trash or get food poisoning. He refuses to listen and insists that what he is doing is safe. (He is NOT forced to do this out of economic necessity. He has enough money to buy groceries.)

The situation has become critical because he is now planning to cook something he found in the dumpster for a family gathering. I told him not to do it. If he does prepare food from the trash, I told him he must let people know where it came from, so they can make an informed decision about whether to eat it. Abby, please help.

Grossed out DEAR GROSSED OUT — If you can’t convince your father to

disclose to relatives that the food he’s serving may have come from a dumpster, YOU should alert them to that possibility.

P.S. A worldwide trend I heard about recently is something called “freeganism.”

(The term is derived from a cross between “free” and “vegan.”) Freegans “rescue” food from behind markets to share among themselves to combat food waste, and in Paris, France, there’s even a restaurant that serves food procured this way for a reduced fee.

Caveat emptor: People who consume this food should be aware that the food may be past its nutritional peak, and they may risk a food-borne illness if it wasn’t stored properly.

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

|

B5

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

By Bruce Haight

ACROSS 1 The Miners of the Lone Star St. 5 Eurasia’s __ Mountains 9 Fundraising gps.

13 Caesar’s France 14 Marner of fiction 16 Hindustani language 17 What Dobermans do for dinner?

19 Innocent 20 Retro wall unit 21 Titanic undoing 23 Not very bright 24 Super-cold concoction at Baskin-Robbins?

28 Yale alum 31 Longtime Yankees announcer __ Allen 32 First to play James 33 Tall and lean 35 “Sadly ...”

38 Box 41 World’s stealthiest detective?

44 Got out of bed 45 “So __ say” 46 Crowd-sourced review site 47 Asian takeout option

3/16/17 49 Little trickster 51 See 56-Down 52 Cutest Baby contest champion?

57 Security briefing org.

58 Clothing part that might split 59 Epic tales 63 Singer James 65 Massage epiphany?

68 Agenda detail 69 Gets mud on 70 Phi __ Kappa 71 Banks of 2000s TV talk 72 Doing business 73 “The Osbournes” patriarch DOWN 1 Brand of sheepskin boots 2 Biting 3 Italian capital 4 Fallback option 5 __ Today 6 Tease 7 “I was out of town,” e.g.

8 Approach midnight 9 Place to hoist a pint 10 DBA followers

11 Madison Ave. field 12 In-your-face challenge 15 Feudal laborers 18 Protective barrier 22 El __ 25 Authentic 26 Dole out 27 Like birds with worms, so it’s said 28 Designer Schiaparelli 29 Cowardly Lion portrayer 30 Facing serious trouble 34 Singer who formerly stylized her name with a dollar sign 36 “__ du lieber!”

37 Yarn purchase 39 Squeal 40 Catch sight of 42 Raises 43 Many a gospel song 48 Brainstorms 50 Uruguayan money 52 Nail a test 53 Like Oscar Wilde 54 Mackerel relative 55 Beatnik’s “With ya” 56 Repeating movie role for 51-Across 60 “Sheesh!”

61 Animated bug film 62 Time at a hotel 64 Org. for docs 66 Pint to drink 67 AOL alternative

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

3/16/17

B6

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES

CLASSIFIEDS

803-774-12

OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD

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

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

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

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 Help Wanted Full-Time

ANNOUNCEMENTS Lost & Found

MERCHANDISE Auctions PUBLIC AUCTION SUMTER EAST SELF STORAGE 800 MYRTLE BEACH HWY. AUCTION March 25, 2017 10:00 A.M.

$100 REWARD for a lost male brown dachshund @ 635 W. Liberty St. on March 9th. Answers to Louie & wearing a purple collar with red rabies tag.

If found, call 803-236-3242.

UNITS FOR AUCTION A-10 Lateka L. Starnes A-49 Carrie L. Rubin A-58 Tonya D. Davis B-38 Rachelle McCain G-8 Willie Lawson G-13 Robert W. Morris G-21 James Williams

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales Garage Sale! Fri. & Sat. 7-? at 3210 Highway 521 South.

BUSINESS SERVICES Home Improvements All out Home Improvements We beat everybody's price Licensed & Bonded 803-316-8969 H.L. Boone, Contractor: Remodel paint roofs gutters drywall blown ceilings ect. 773-9904 Mickey's Home improvements & Repairs.

Roofs, Whole house inside & out.

Call 803-840-6911 or 494-5418

LARGE GARAGE SALE Every Weekend Tables $2 & $3 FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. Call 803-494-5500 Sellers Needed American Legion Flea Market "Antiques & old stuff."

May 5th & 6th 8am-2:30pm Call Ed 803-464-7643 No clothing, new items or food

For Sale or Trade

Roofing

Split Oak Firewood $50 for truck load, 2 truck loads for $80. Delivered stacked. 843-536-6050

All Types of Roofing & Repairs All work guaranteed. 30 yrs exp. SC lic.

Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves.

Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311.

Open 7 Days a week 9am-8pm

Tree Service

New & used Heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal, trimming & stump grinding. Lic/Ins 803-316-0128 A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721 Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

PETS & ANIMALS Pets

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

For more info.

803-494-9590.

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 RN / LPN Night Shift Supervisor Full Time Monday through Friday, with rotating call and occasional weekends required. Long Term Care and Medicare experience necessary.

This position is responsible for the daily operations in a 44 bed skilled care unit.

CNA's Needed We are currently accepting applications for Full Time, Part Time and PRN CNA positions.

Apply in person to: Covenant Place 2825 Carter Road Sumter, SC 29150 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 FT maintenance person for Apartment Communities located in Bishopville, SC and surrounding areas.

Successful candidate will perform various maintenance duties necessary to maintain and enhance the value of the communities. Duties include plumbing, light electrical, painting, cleaning, etc. Applicant must have own tools and reliable transportation. Box 469 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 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.

Mobile Home with Lots

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments 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

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Chef/CDM/Kitchen Manager Please apply in person at NHC HealthCare Sumter 1018 N. Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC (EOE) Newman's Tree Service CDL Driver/Laborer needed. Background check Call 843-441-5549

Boston terrier all shots, heartworm preventative, very sweet female needs a good home. $150 803-840-9135

AUTO SERVICE/LUBE TECHS

For Sale: 384 Mooneyhan Rd. 16x80, Nice 3 br, 2 ba. Financing available. Call 803-464-5960 or 803-775-4391

TRANSPORTATION

Moore's Mini Storage Auction 1 pm Thursday, March 30, 2017 1117 N. Main St. Sumter 24 Mary Conyers 42 Dora Dicks 50 Don Buford 51 Shirly Phillips 64 Don Lowery 84 Paul Wheeler 92 Ernest Shannon

Bid Notices INVITATION TO BID The County of Sumter is soliciting separate sealed bids from qualified vendors for the following project:

1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, 163k, 4 door, white sedan, $1800. Call 803-840-8190

US 378/76 INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT

Good condition Apts. 2BR 1BA All new appliances C/H/A, $600 7A Wright St Call 803-773-5186 or 631-626-3460

2004 Chev. 1500 Silverado Crew Cab, silver w/gray leather int., 5.3 engine, garage kept. 140k miles. $9,500. Call L.Mcleod 803-481-9093

Bids will be received until 3:00 PM, Thursday, April 6, 2017 in the Sumter County Council Chambers on the 3rd Floor, Sumter County Administration Building, 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150.

Mobile Home Rentals

Miscellaneous

Bid documents and project manuals may be obtained from: The County of Sumter Purchasing Department 13 East Canal Street Sumter, South Carolina 29150

Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water//sewer//garbage pk-up incl'd.

RV parking avail. Call 803-494-8350

E m a i l : P u r c h a s i n g @sumtercountysc.org or website:ww w.sumtercountysc.org

REAL ESTATE

Plans and Specifications may be obtained from: http://www.kimley-horn.com/Project s/SumterUS378-76Interchange/ Telephone inquiries should be made to (803) 436-2329.

Homes for Sale Refurbished batteries as low as $45. New batteries as low as $59.95. 6v golf cart battery as low as $59.95. Auto Electric Co., 102 Blvd Rd. 803-773-4381

6 Middle St. Price reduced. 3 or 4 Br. 2 Ba. C/H/A. New construction.

Financing available.

Call 803-464-5960 or 803-775-4391

Not sure why

BUSINESS IS SLOW?

is not just a saying in business.

2700 Broad Street, Sumter, SC

Legal Notice

Autos For Sale

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time

LEGAL NOTICES

Advertise today and let your business be in sight and in the minds of your customers.

Prime Downtown COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

The County of Sumter reserves the right to reject any or all bids. The County of Sumter reserves the right to waive any or all technicalities

30 W. Liberty St.

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

$950.00 a month Call for more information

803-774-1290

Email: michael@theitem.com

2 HUGE ABSOLUTE AUCTIONS Sale 1: JAZAC FARMS - FAIRMONT, NC Friday, March 31, 2017 • 9AM Sale includes Late Model Case Farm Tractors and Farm Implements.

Sale 2: COOKE FARMS - LAKEVIEW, SC Saturday, April 1, 2017 • 9AM Sale includes Approx. 15 Tractors, Late Model Hay Equip and 100’s More Farm Implements.

Dealership Experience Preferred Compe ve Pay Plan

For more info call Aaron Easters at 843-858-0677 or visit

Walk-in applicants are welcome!

CONSIGNMENTS WELCOME

Come in and ask for Chris Weber or call (803) 469-2595

www.rebelauction.net

7 ,IBERTY Street • Sumter, SC 803.774.1200 www.theitem.com

P.O. Box 549 • Hazlehurst, GA 31539 912-375-3491 • 1-800-533-0673 Fax 912-375-7384 SCAL 4062 Email: auction@rebelauction.net NCAL 9922

The Freedom Auto Group Adds Mike Boan as Used Car Manager We’re excited to have Mike join us here at Freedom. Mike brings over 3 decades of automotive experience right here in the Sumter community. Mike has a reputation for finding the right car for the right person.

It’s great to join Tim and Beauford here at Freedom. Stop by and see just how easy it is to do business at Freedom. See you soon, Mike Mike Boan

2700 BROAD ST., SUMTER, SC | 803-469-2595 FREEDOMHONDASUMTER.COM