March 22, 2017 by The Sumter Item

IN SPORTS: Rivals Crestwood, Lakewood meet on diamond

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Zumbathon 5th annual benefit for sickle cell research to be held on Saturday at M.H. Newton C1

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Johnson to testify before Congress Former guard, shot six times, urges blocking cellphone signals in prison BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com Robert Johnson said he’s not optimistic that Congress will pass a law allowing the blocking of cellphone signals in prisons, but he’s hopeful the Federal Communications Commission will make some changes that could have close to the same effect. At 10:30 a.m. Thursday, however, he’ll testify for the FCC before Congress in favor of blocking cellphone signals.

Johnson has a compelling case. In 2010, the former prison guard was shot six times in his Sumter home and left for dead. He had to be resuscitated several times and has serious lingering effects from his injuries. Johnson’s primary job at Lee Correctional Institution, where he’d worked for 15 years, was to prevent contraband from entering the prison. He was so successful at

SEE PRISON, PAGE A7

BY JEFFREY COLLINS The Associated Press

for Water Missions. According to the website, www.watermissions.org, he raised more than $70,000, enough to provide drinking water for two communities in Honduras.

CHARLESTON — During a night of vodka, cocaine, marijuana and video games, Joey Meek listened as a childhood buddy confided that he hated blacks so much he was going to kill them at a Charleston church. Meek said he thought his friend was all talk until a week later, when news broke of a deadly shooting rampage at Emanuel AME church. But instead of calling authorities, Meek talked another friend out of going to police and giving them Dylann Roof’s MEEK name. And then he lied to the FBI about his conversation with Roof. For those crimes, Meek, 22, was sentenced Tuesday to more than two years in prison. The punishment was handed down by the federal judge who presided at Roof’s trial, which ended in January with the avowed white supremacist sentenced to death for massacring nine black people as they bowed their heads in prayer during a Wednesday night Bible study session on June 17, 2015. Unlike Roof, Meek showed remorse for his crimes. “I’m really, really sorry. A lot of beautiful lives were taken,” he said, reading from a statement. He cried as he told the judge he fears retribution behind bars: “I don’t know if I’ll make it out of prison alive. I’m scared.” U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel’s 27-month prison term was the minimum punishment under federal sentencing guidelines. The government wanted a stiffer sentence to make an example out of Meek and because he could have stopped the massacre. None of the victims’ family members spoke in court, and they had no comment for reporters. In a deal with prosecutors, Meek pleaded guilty to concealment of a crime and lying to the FBI. Meek was not charged for failing to tell police about the impending attack, since that is not a crime under federal law.

SEE QUEST, PAGE A7

SEE MEEK, PAGE A7

AP FILE PHOTO

Capt. Robert Johnson, right, talks in 2014 with Lloyd Greer, who investigated a plot to kill Johnson at the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, where Johnson was in charge of preventing contraband from entering the prison.

Teen brings clean water quest to Wilson Hall BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Middle school students at Wilson Hall are learning about people in other countries who don’t have many of the things we take for granted. Take clean water, for example. In many developing countries, people must walk for miles every day just to get water, and even then it is not safe to drink without being boiled. To help the lesson soak in, the students got a splash course Monday, carrying various water containers for 17 trips up and down the football practice field at the school, or the equivalent of about 1 mile. It’s all part of the school’s “Compassion Project,” said Wilson Hall Middle School Principal Stacey Reaves. During this week, the students will also read “A Long Walk to Water,” a semi-fictional account of a South Sudanese girl’s daily trips to provide water for her family. “We take that for granted,” Reaves told the students during an assembly. “This is about stepping out of our comfortable lives and learning about how people live in other parts of the world.” The students also were able to hear from a young man of about their age who has translated his compassion into action.

BY JIM HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Scotty Parker and his mother, Pam, greet Wilson Hall Middle School students as they leave an assembly about compassion at the school gym. Parker, 12, is planning to ride from Santa Monica, California, to Charleston this summer to raise money for water systems in poor, undeveloped countries. Scott Parker, 12, from Hanahan, South Carolina, learned about the plight of children who have no access to clean drinking water when Water Missions, a group helping get water to undeserved communities, made a presentation at his

Roof ’s friend gets 27 months for hindering FBI

church, he said. “I saw kids my age,” he said. “It could have been me.” He first took up a collection instead of receiving birthday gifts, and two years ago, completed a five-day trip across South Carolina on a bicycle to raise money

City Council votes to amend vacant property ordinance BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Sumter City Council recognized retiring Magistrate Court Judge Lee Tindal at its Tuesday night meeting. The judge is retiring after 15 years on the bench. Mayor Joe McElveen congratulated her on her service to the community. “She has shown compassion when needed and straightness when needed,” he said.

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He said that the magistrate court is the court most people come into contact with and her sense of justice has helped the community maintain law and order. Council also passed two procurement resolutions. A custom fire pumper truck that was bought for the Sumter Fire Department was authorized at a cost of $420,191. A local company, Toyne of Sumter was the low bidder.

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Chief Karl Ford noted that the City is purchasing the truck from a different supplier than it has in the past. “Sometimes once a company has your contract the price keeps going up and up and sometimes you have to let them know you will take your business somewhere else,” he said. He said that by purchasing the truck in a joint bid with Sumter County the City was able to save 2 percent on the purchase price. McElveen asked the fire chief to

DEATHS, B4 M. Piercy Parker Christine McClam Grant J. Conyers Janice A. Phelps

Tim W. Truett Willie Martin Karl Lyn Rogers Gwendolyn M. Nixon

keep reminding people that the fire department will donate and install smoke detectors for any resident who needs one. “All you have to do is ask,” Ford said. Council also authorized the purchase of a new diesel powered electric generator for Water Plant No. 3 at a cost of $121,000. Assistant City Manager Al Harris

SEE CITY, PAGE A7

WEATHER, A10

INSIDE

ANOTHER NICE DAY

3 SECTIONS, 20 PAGES VOL. 122, NO. 113

Clearing today and cooler, mostly sunny with slight chance of rain; tonight, chilly and mainly clear. HIGH 69, LOW 38

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

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LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Sumter native honored The Minority Business Development Agency recently honored Sumter native Sophia Davis Vickers at its Advocacy Awards Luncheon for her dedication of more than 20 years of service to minorityVICKERS owned businesses. The MBDA is a public/private partnership between the U.S. Department of Commerce and DESA Inc. The center’s goal is to create and sustain U.S. jobs by promoting the growth and global competitiveness of businesses owned and operated by minority entrepreneurs.

Thomas Sumter names future head of school Thomas Sumter Academy recently announced that Frank L. Martin III will assume the position as head of school beginning July 1. Martin is a Citadel graduate who served 20 years in the U.S. Navy aboard numerous ships: destroyMARTIN ers, frigates and, most notably, the battleship New Jersey. In addition to obtaining a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, Martin completed master’s degrees at Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Martin holds his educational specialist and doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. During the 20 years, Martin has served in education as a teacher, adviser, coach and administrator. Martin has been married to Jenna Kae for 33 years. The Martins have three adult children and five grandchildren. The Martins said they are happy to be back in the Lowcountry and to call Sumter their home.

That high lonesome sound The King James 1611 Boys, a bluegrass gospel group from Cowpens, will perform April 1 at the Sumter Bluegrass & Gospel Festival to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At least seven bands will perform during the daylong event at Midway Baptist Church on Plowden Mill Road. PHOTO PROVIDED

Bluegrass festival to benefit St. Jude hospital BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

FESTIVAL LINEUP

When Roy Reaves asks bluegrass and gospel bands to participate in his spring charitable music festival and explains its purpose, he said, “They just say, ‘Oh, yeah.’” In fact, he said, April 1 will mark the fifth annual Sumter Bluegrass & Gospel Festival to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and he’s found the generosity of participants reaffirms his faith in people. From 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at least seven groups will alternate playing at Midway Baptist Church, 1210 Plowden Mill Road. Neither the bands nor their set-up crews will receive compensation for their time, Reaves said. Almost all of the food and beverages are donated, as well. “It’s all going to St. Jude,” he said. Brenda and Roy Reaves have long had a soft spot for children who are facing serious illness — and they comprise St. Jude’s patient population. Before they started the festival, the couple would often host barbecue cook-offs or sell plates to raise money for adults and

In addition to Reaves’ band, High Ridge Bluegrass, several other bands are scheduled to perform at the April 1 festival; they include • Subject to Change; • Rabon Creek; • King James 1611 Boys; • Southern Bluegrass Express; • Second Chance Ministries; and • Palmetto Blue.

children with serious health problems. Then one Sunday afternoon a few years ago, Roy heard a DJ talking about Bishopville resident Bayler Teal. Bayler was 7 and had been diagnosed at age 5 with a particularly severe form of neuroblastoma, a nerve tissue tumor that primarily affects children. “It touched my heart,” Reaves said. “I called the DJ and offered to help raise money, then I got in touch with St. Jude, and they accepted my offer.” St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded by the late actor Danny Thomas to provide care for children with catastrophic illnesses, all at no cost to their families beyond what their insurance pays. Bayler received treatment there and at other hospitals over the

two years he lived following diagnosis. St. Jude has had numerous successes and continues its research to find cures and to improve quality and length of life for those with pediatric cancers. About 77 percent of its funding comes from public donations. Reaves had found years ago that he had the perfect way to raise funds. He grew up playing guitar with his father, who also loved bluegrass, and he said he knew his faith in people as “kindhearted and willing to help” was strong. Music, particularly bluegrass gospel, was the center of his plan, along with the barbecue dinners he and Brenda prepared. “Bluegrass is good, honest music,” Reaves said. “It’s straightforward and tells a story about good things. It’s hard to play if you’re just starting out, but the more you play, the more natural it gets.” His first bluegrass and gospel event for Bayler raised about $10,000. Reaves knows the Teal family, so the fundraiser is even more special for him. The Sumter Bluegrass & Gospel Festival now honors Bayler Teal as it supports St. Jude. Reaves said he’s expecting an attendance of as many as

400 people, and he’s hoping to raise even more funds this year for St. Jude. “It’s getting bigger and bigger each year,” he said. “All the money raised is going straight to St. Jude. “If we raise enough money to pay for an X-ray, or if we save one life, it’s all worth it.” Sponsors for the fundraiser are Dixie Carpets, Sugarplums Clock Repairs and Antiques, The UPS Store and FTC. The 5th Annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1, on the grounds of Midway Baptist Church, 1210 Plowden Mill Road. Admission is $10, with children 12 and under admitted free with a paying adult. Chicken and barbecue plates will be available for an additional $5 donation. RV and bus parking are available. Bring your lawn chairs. To get to Midway Baptist Church, take U.S. Highway 378 East to Plowden Mill Road, turn right. Drive about 2 miles, and Midway will be on your right. For more information, contact Reaves at (803) 4644492 or (803) 968-2097.

Sub Station II names Lattimore spokesperson FROM STAFF REPORTS COLUMBIA — Sub Station II, which was founded in Sumter, announced Monday a new partnership with Marcus Lattimore as company corporate spokesperson. Lattimore will help represent the company through social media, marketing materials and during new location openings and special events. Sub Station II will also be partnering with the Marcus Lattimore Foundation by donating box meals for his summer youth camps. “I’m excited to be a part of the Sub Station II family,” Lattimore said. “I’ve been a customer for over

15 years, and now to represent this high-quality brand is a great honor. This company is first class, and it starts with the people.” Lattimore said he first discovered Sub Station II during high school in the Upstate. He was delighted to find a convenient location close to University of South Carolina, where he spent three years playing football as one of the Gamecocks’ most productive and loved running backs. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft but because of injury was forced to retire from football at the age of 23. Lattimore lives in Columbia,

where he is the head football coach for Heathwood Hall Episcopal School and is heavily involved with the Marcus Lattimore Foundation. He said he eats at the Sub Station II in Cayce a couple times a week. He also eats at the Sub Station II locations in Spartanburg when he visits his hometown. To learn more about Marcus and his foundation, visit https://marcuslattimorefoundation.com/. Sub Station II was founded in 1975 by Dominic Ruffalo in Sumter. Sub Station II has more than 40 locations throughout five states in the Southeast. For more information on Sub Station II, please visit https://www.substationii.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sandi Corbett, left, president and CEO of Sub Station II, and Alison Corbett, right, director of development for Sub Station II, stand with newly appointed Sub Station II spokesperson Marcus Lattimore.

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LOCAL | STATE

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES Jamaal K. Colclough, 33, of 4525 Patriot Parkway, was arrested on Thursday and charged with second-degree domestic violence and unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person. According to warrants issued by Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Colclough bit the victim and pulled out several strands of her hair while in the 5300 block of Tillman Nursery Road and placed a 3-monthold child into his vehicle without proper restraint following an altercation with the child’s mother on Thursday. Qua’mel J. Baxter, 18, of 23 Mood Ave., was arrested on Sunday and charged with being a minor unlawfully carrying a pistol and violation of South Carolina’s gun law after two firearms were seen inside the vehicle he was driving at a checkpoint at Crescent and Main streets at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, a black Mossberg 12-gauage shotgun and a black .22-caliber Ruger pistol were seized. Rodney Adger, 40, of 45 W. Patricia Drive, was arrested on Sunday and charged with driving under suspension and being a habitual traffic offender after he was stopped at a checkpoint at Crescent and Main streets about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. Andrew T. Vermeland, 27, of 15 Parker Ave., was arrested on Saturday and charged with possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine after 1 gram of marijuana and a plastic bag containing an unspecified amount of

cocaine base were found inside his vehicle. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, Vermeland was stopped after he turned onto a side street without using a turn signal within 100 feet of the turn while approaching a checkpoint at Alice Drive and Adams Avenue about 1:50 a.m. on Saturday. Terrance J. McClain, 41, of 6620 Spring Hill Drive, was arrested on Saturday and charged with unlawfully carrying a handgun and possession of a handgun with a defiled serial number after a black handgun with scratch marks across the serial number was found inside his vehicle while at a checkpoint at Alice Drive and Adams Avenue about 1:10 a.m. on Saturday.

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COLUMBIA (AP) — A federal judge has handed a partial victory to South Carolina in its lawsuit over an unfinished nuclear fuel project, ruling that federal authorities must find somewhere else to store 1 metric ton of plutonium. In an opinion issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Michelle Childs ruled that she can’t make the government immediately remove the materials from South Carolina, as the state had asked. Instead, the judge ordered both sides to agree on a court-enforceable removal schedule. Last week, Childs ruled the state can’t challenge the constitutionality of the federal government’s failure to keep its promises regarding the partially built facility, which was intended to turn weapons-grade plutonium into nuclear-reactor fuel. She’s also previously ruled that the state can’t force the feds to pay $100 million they promised if deadlines aren’t met, saying instead the U.S.

Court of Federal Claims is the proper forum for that dispute. 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 site.

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DAMAGED PROPERTY Approximately $1,000 in damage was caused to a white 2013 Nissan Altima; $500 in damage caused to a gold 2012 Chevrolet Equinox; $500 in damage caused to a silver 2012 Honda Accord; and $100 caused to a blue 2012 Nissan Altima when the vehicles were struck by bullets while parked at an apartment building in the 1000 block of Cashew Lane about 6 a.m. Saturday. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, one victim told officers she observed a white 2000 Kia Optima driving thorough the parking lot after hearing the gunshots.

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STATE | WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

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Wi-Fi on wheels: Google helps students get online, on the go ST. STEPHEN (AP) — Eighth-grader Lakaysha Governor spends two hours on the bus getting back and forth to school each day. Thanks to a grant from Google, she can now use that time more productively and get her homework done. The aspiring forensic anthropologist is one of nearly 2,000 students in South Carolina’s rural Berkeley County who will ride to school on one of 28, Google-funded, Wi-Fi-equipped school buses unveiled Monday. The tech giant also has given the school district 1,700 Chromebooks, the stripped-down laptops on which many schoolchildren now do their class and homework. As more class assignments and homework migrate online, such long bus rides have generally counted as lost time in preparing for the next school day. But Google said it hopes to help expand the use of Wi-Fi on school buses in other rural areas elsewhere around the country. Google has at least a decade-long relationship with Berkeley County, where it’s invested more than $1 billion in data center complexes since 2007, bringing more than 100 jobs. Google says it also has awarded nearly

$2 billion in grants to local schools and nonprofits. Google hopes to see the Wi-Fi program extended into other rural areas of the U.S., including locations where it already has data centers that process search queries and other information, according to Lilyn Hester, a Google spokeswoman based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The first such effort was launched last year in Caldwell County, North Carolina, where a data center already exists. The expansions are also needs-based, Hester said, and Google is focusing on rural places where broadband internet access has been slow to spread. “Why don’t we make that instructional time?” Hester said of officials who have mused about the time many students spend on school buses. Google is also looking for ways to make the high-tech buses useful outside of school hours, working with the school district and community on places the buses can go once the school day is done to bring connectivity elsewhere, such as a community center or fellowship hall. Lakaysha, the eight-grader who has her eye on Harvard, has internet ac-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

St. Stephen Middle School student Lakaysha Governor works on her Chromebook on Monday on a school bus recently outfitted with Wi-Fi by tech giant Google, as College of Charleston professor RoxAnn Stalvey looks on in St. Stephen. Lakysha is one of nearly 2,000 students in South Carolina’s rural Berkeley County benefiting from a grant from Google, which on Monday unveiled one of its Wi-Fi-equipped school buses in the area. cess at home like most of her friends. But thanks to the Wi-Fi buses, she can get ahead on her work. Teachers are happy, she said, because “more students are doing their homework.” And she said even rambunctious

preschoolers aboard the bus are quieter in the mornings while older students are doing homework. “Now that we have the Chromebooks and the Wi-Fi, they’re kind of quiet; so it’s good for everybody.”

EU to hold Brexit summit for 27 members on April 29 BY RAF CASERT The Associated Press BRUSSELS — Once Britain decides to trigger divorce proceedings next week, the 27 other European Union nations will be taking a month to decide on the negotiating framework to achieve the best-possible split-up for the bloc. They will hold a special Brexit summit on April 29 to draw up guidelines for the negotiations to follow. EU Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday that the aim will be to “do everything we can to make the process of divorce the least painful for the EU,” Tusk said. Once the summit is over, it might take another few weeks for legal and institutional processes before the negotiations can start in earnest, perhaps in the middle of May. The talks themselves should be

over by March 2019. Beyond Tusk, other EU nations are also increasingly starting to think about how to protect EU interests in the face of the British rupture. “It cannot be like it was before, otherwise it would be a waste of time to have a Brexit. There will be consequences,” said French finance minister Michel Sapin. It promises to be a legal and political battle royal between Britain, the world’s No. 5 economy, and the EU, a vast single market of 500 million people. If both sides agree, the negotiating deadline can be extended. Tusk said Tuesday that “Brexit guidelines” will aim to give citizens, companies and all member states “certainty and clarity” on how the talks will go. Britain — which is excluded from the summit — announced Monday it will formally trigger

negotiations to exit the EU on March 29. That is expected to create two years’ uncertainty for all sides because no member state has ever walked away from the bloc. The EU insists Britain needs to fully disentangle itself from the bloc before negotiating new relations, while London hopes the two can go hand in hand to speed up proceedings. Sapin doesn’t hold out many chances for Britain’s view to prevail. “First will be the divorce report, and as in every divorce there could be questions of money. Indeed, it will mainly be about questions of money,” he said at an EU meeting of finance ministers. “Then, secondly, once we’ve got an idea of the burden of separating, it will be a question of examining the conditions for maintaining relations between Britain and the

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European Union.” Britons voted in a June referendum to leave the EU after more than 40 years of membership. Tusk stressed again how unfortunate he thought it was for Britain to leave, but said that the first task now was “to create as much certainty and clarity as possible for all citizens, companies and member states that will be negatively affected by Brexit, as well as our important partners and

friends around the world.” The summit will give EU negotiator Michel Barnier a framework to deal with the British side. Tusk is expected to make his proposals for the guidelines before the end of the month.

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NATION | WORLD

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

Minimum-wage hikes could deepen aide shortage WEST CHAZY, N.Y. — Only 17 snowy miles from the Canadian border, Katie Bushey’s most basic needs are met by traveling health aides who come into her home to change her diapers, track her seizures, spoon-feed her fettuccine Alfredo and load her wheelchair into the shower. But that’s only if someone shows up. Bushey, 32, who lost her vocal and motor skills shortly after birth, is one of more than 180,000 Medicaid patients in New York who are authorized to receive long-term, in-home care, the most in the state’s history. But there are increasingly too few aides to go around,

especially in remote, rural areas. When there aren’t enough aides for Bushey — over a recent two-day stretch there were workers for only four of the 26 hours of care for which she is authorized — her mother must stay home from her job at an elementary school, forgoing a day’s wages and scraping her savings to pay the bills. It’s a national problem advocates say could get worse in New York because of a phased-in, $15-an-hour minimum wage that will be statewide by 2021, pushing notoriously poorly paid health aides into other jobs, in retail or fast

food, that don’t involve hours of training and the pressure of keeping someone else alive. “These should not be low-wage jobs,” said Bruce Darling, executive director at the Center for Disability Rights. “We’re paying someone who gives you a burger the same as the person who operates your relative’s ventilator or feeding tubes.” There are 2.2 million home health aides and personal care aides in the U.S., with another 630,000 needed by 2024 as the Baby Boomer generation ages, according to the nonprofit research and consulting group PHI. New

York state employs about 326,000 home health workers but is predicted to need another 125,000 by 2024. For now, home health aides in New York state earn an average of about $11 an hour, though wages are lower in upstate regions. Advocates say the system needs an overhaul that focuses on higher pay, worker retention and finding methods of compensation beyond what is provided through Medicaid. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo has committed nearly $6 billion in funding for home health care reimbursements in coming years as the agencies transition to the $15 minimum wage.

Chicago-based group’s mission brings smiles to deaf Syrian children BAR ELIAS, Lebanon — Sixyear-old Aya al-Souqi, a Syrian refugee, held the camera phone up to her gaze and listened to hear her mother. “I hear you!” she exclaimed. It was only the second time she’d spoken to her mother in Beeskow, Germany, since getting fitted with a hearing aid by a Chicago-based charity to treat an invisible wound of the Syrian war. Aya, timid and diminutive, was a little more than a year old in 2012 when a rocket struck her family’s house in the Eastern Ghouta countryside, outside the Syrian capital, Damascus. The strike killed Aya’s father and, the family thinks, damaged her right ear. Shortly afterward, the family moved to the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, where hundreds of thousands of other Syrians now live as refugees, to wait out a war whose conclusion is still a speck on the horizon. “She used to respond to her name and play with other children,” said her grandmother, Hayan Hashmeh. “When we came to Lebanon, we noticed that her hearing

was very limited.” The proudly named “Deaf Planet Soul” charity is bringing smiles to hard-of-hearing Syrian children and their parents in Lebanon on a two-weeklong mission to treat hearing loss. Most, though not all, have been affected by the Syrian war. But for many of the young patients, it’s the first time they have sat down with therapists and audiologists for treatment. “When people think of refugees, they think of cut-off limbs and brain injuries and all these visible things,” said Zaineb Abdulla, a therapist and the vice president of Deaf Planet Soul. “They don’t think about the invisible results of war. They don’t think that this kid who can’t hear really needs help.” The team of five audiologists, therapists and a student met with children in clinics across Lebanon in the charity’s first humanitarian relief mission. In a makeshift clinic above a gas station in al-Marj, Gregory Perez, a mental health professional and the president of the group, used sign language to communicate with deaf, seven-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Syrian refugee Aya al-Souqi, left, smiles as she receives her first hearing test March 12 by Zaineb Abdulla, right, the cice president of “Deaf Planet Soul” Chicago hearing charity at Joub Jannine village in the Bekaa Valley, east Lebanon. year-old Jana Faour, a SyrianPalestinian girl raised in Lebanon. Her parents don’t have the money to enroll her in a school for deaf children, so her mother is teaching her Arabic Sign Language from what lessons she can find online through Google. Jana, who usually depends on her doting younger sister to be her voice, was thrilled to be able to sign with someone new. Though Perez signs in American Sign Language, the two found they knew many words in common, and they began to communicate silently and excitedly. Jana looked up at her parents and beamed.

“It’s the first time someone sees to what I want, which was to have Jana meet with a therapist, to work with her personality instead of just her hearing,” said her mother, Samar. Perez said he founded the charity last year to “empower the deaf and help the deaf community be more independent.” He was working “16 hours a day” in two mental health jobs in Chicago when one closed down. “It was a group home for emotionally disturbed deaf kids, and when the company shut down, the kids were dispersed across the state,” said Abdulla on Perez’s behalf. Perez and Abdulla are both deaf. Perez can speak only halt-

ingly, but Abdulla, who lost her hearing in adolescence, speaks fluently. They are role models for their young patients, many of whom have never met a deaf professional before. Aya’s mother, Kinaz Khatib, set off for Germany in 2015, crossing the Mediterranean to southern Europe by boat, hoping to secure the right to bring her children over. Aya, sitting in a pumpkin-colored sweater with her siblings and cousins in an unfurnished apartment, said the family was waiting for the “papers” to be allowed to reunite. Her hearing loss has made the separation especially difficult. She had been having a hard time hearing her mother on the phone, her grandmother Hayan said. She was also doing poorly in school. But with her hearing aid, and her hair tied back in purple band, Aya cracked a smile. “How are you?” Aya asked her mom. “I miss you.” Her mother told her the hearing aid looked very nice on her. They talked a little longer, then Kinaz said goodbye. It was time for Aya to pack her bag and go to school. The Deaf Planet Soul team held workshops for children over 10 days in different locations in Lebanon. They returned to Chicago on March 16 and say they want to raise money for another mission. “This is a forever project,” Perez said.

NATION | WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

Sharers more important than authors on social media NEW YORK (AP) — The person who shares a news story on social media is more important than the story’s actual source in determining whether readers believe it, a study by the Media Insight Project has found. In a previous study, consumers said they paid greater heed to where the story originated. But the Media Insight Project, a collaboration between The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the American Press Institute, set up an experiment that found something different. News organizations are keenly interested in research that tracks consumer habits in a rapidly changing media world. Facebook was the top non-television source for election news cited by both supporters of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in last fall’s presidential campaign, according to the Pew Research Center. Businesses grew to churn out false stories that people would share online.

The Media Insight Project survey showed a post on a Facebook-like social network with a health story about diabetes. The Associated Press was labeled as the story’s author in the post shown to half of the participants while for the other half, the story was said to be from a fictional source, DailyNewsReview.com. Half of the participants saw the story was shared by a public figure they had previously said they trusted, such as Oprah Winfrey or Dr. Oz. For the other half, the story was shared by a famous person they said they didn’t trust. Fifty percent of participants said the health story got the facts right when it was shared by the person they trusted, while only 35 percent said the same thing when they didn’t trust the sharer, the study found. The pattern was nearly identical when people were asked if they thought the story was well-reported. Participants also said they were more likely to pass the

article along to their own friends when it had been shared by a trusted source. By contrast, the original source — AP or the fictional site — made little difference to readers’ perceptions about the article. For example, 52 percent of people said they believed that the article attributed to the AP had the facts right if it had been passed on by a trusted figure. But only 32 percent of people said the same thing when the AP piece was shared by someone less trustworthy. “If there’s somebody I like and agree with, they can have a big influence not only in what I look at but in whether I believe it or not: ‘I trust them and I convey that trust to the news that they share,’” said Tom Rosenstiel, executive director of the American Press Institute. While about half the people who participated in the project’s experiment could remember later who shared the diabetes article, about two in 10 were

able to identify the AP or DailyNewsReview.com as the author. The study didn’t measure non-famous Facebook friends, like your uncle or college buddy, but the implications are clear. People are increasingly getting news from their social media feeds, and the beliefs of their “friends” determine what they see regularly just like an editor who makes decisions about what goes into a newspaper. Michael Virga, an electrical technician from Colorado Springs, Colorado, participated in the AP survey and said he was more likely to trust articles posted on social media by people he knows. But he’s also learned to be careful after investigating some material on his feed that turned out not to be true, and it upsets him to see friends share fake news. “I just don’t look at something and take it at face value,” Virga said. “Especially now, because you’ve got too many people getting their news from the web. It’s frustrating some-

MORE INFORMATION ONLINE Media Insight Project: http://mediainsight.org/.

times when you want accurate information.” Following postelection concerns about the extent of fake news, Facebook announced measures to make it easier for users to call attention to false news stories they see on their service, and is working with news organizations and fact checkers to examine suspicious stories.

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mals is our first concern,” he said. “A dehorned rhino is definitely a better option than a dead rhino.” The zoo said the procedure is painless for the animals and has been used before for safety reasons, especially when the rhinos are moved to other places. “There is no live tissue (in the horn),” said Jan Stejskal, director of communications and international projects at Dvur Kralove. “It’s just compact matter, similar to nails or to hair. If you cut it, it’s like cutting your hair or your nails.”

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LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

CITY FROM PAGE A1

QUEST FROM PAGE A1 Parker and his family were able to travel to Honduras to meet the people who benefited from his fundraising. “It was life changing,” he said. “To see the way they lived, and to see how happy they were even though they didn’t have that much.” Parker said he also was able to visit some people’s houses, and saw dirt floors and rooms only separated by cloth curtains. He decided to do even more to help the Water Missions project — beginning on June 4, he will ride from Santa Monica, California, to Charleston with hopes of raising $500,000. He already has a pledge to double any donations he receives up to $100,000 from an anonymous donor. Parker said he has been training strenuously for the cross-country ride, including riding for more than 110 miles every weekend. The ride is planned to begin June 4, in Santa Monica and end Aug. 1 in Charleston. Parker said he will be accompanied by his parents and sisters, Lily, 9, and Emmylou, 5. He said his parents will take turns driving a van or riding with him. “It’s not going to be easy,” he said.

said the plant supplies water to the 15 South Industrial Park and the old one is 25 years old. “Most of these were bought in the Hugo days,” he said. Council also passed the first reading of an ordinance that would amend the City’s vacant property registry code to give property owners one year before having to register the vacancy with the city. City Manager Deron McCormick said discussions with real estate professionals and city staff led to

JIM HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Wilson Hall Middle School Principal Stacey Reaves talks to students about the importance of compassion at an assembly in the school gym Monday. His mother, Pam, said she does worry about her son making the trip across the country.

PRISON FROM PAGE A1 his job, costing the Crips gang around $300,000 — more than $50,000 in just one contraband interception — inmates in the Crips gang paid a member on the outside to kill him. The arrangements were made from the prison via cellphone. The shooter, Sean Echols, was convicted and is now in prison; however, Johnson’s injuries forced him to retire and changed his lifestyle almost completely. He said even his surgeon thought he wouldn’t make it, but after 22 surgeries and many prayers, Johnson recovered. That doesn’t mean he’s back to his previous good health, however. He said one of his lungs functions at only 51 percent, he has atrial fibrillation, a “dead spot” in his heart, and fluid leaks from his “destroyed stomach muscles,” as well as other problems. Johnson said he thinks Congress’ reluctance

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to pass a law blocking cellphone signals in prisons is in response to lobbying by the cellphone industry. He’s hoping his testimony and that of others in similar situations might counteract the lobbying, “but it’s all about the money.” “Congress is using a 1934 law to avoid blocking the signals,” he explained, pointing out that cellphones didn’t exist in 1934 and that the law actually referred to radio frequencies. He said he thinks “the cellphone industry has twisted it to apply to cellphones.” The South Carolina Department of Corrections has also asked the FCC for permission to jam prison cellphone signals. The FCC cites the 1934 law and said it can only grant the permission to federal agencies. Johnson said the FCC can make “changes to the rules, but not to the law,” so there is a chance other methods can be approved to help solve the problem of inmates using cellphones for illegal purposes.

MEEK FROM PAGE A1 Instead, he was prosecuted for stopping a friend immediately after the slaughter from calling the police to report Roof as a suspect. The judge said Meek’s actions delayed Roof’s capture for hours, during which Roof easily could have massacred more people somewhere else. If Meek “had just gone in his bedroom and cried and regretted not reporting, he would have committed no federal crime,” Gergel said. Meek and Roof, also 22, met in middle school, drifted apart during their high school years and then reconnected months before the

the conclusion that one year would be more appropriate than the current 60 days allowed in the current code. In Council reports, Councilman Calvin Hastie said the Festival on the Avenue is coming up April 6 to 8, with a cleanup scheduled for Saturday, April 1. He said that in the past Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and airmen from Shaw Air Force Base have helped with the cleanup, and he encouraged anyone interested to help with the effort.

shooting. Meek is the only person with whom Roof is known to have shared his murderous plans. Meek told the FBI that he didn’t report the conversation

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JIM HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM

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he needed to get a gun to protect himself from Roof. “Joey sincerely hopes that anyone who has a friend who is talking about hurting someone will take it seriously, learn from his mistake and notify the proper authorities immediately,” his attorney Deborah

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COMMENTARY

Transgender challenges

etermining one’s own sex or that of another used to be a simple matter. First, there was the matter of appearance, whether a person looked like a male or looked like a female. If appearance produced some uncertainties, one could determine sex by examining a person’s birth certificate. If appearance and a birth certificate produced uncertainties, the ultimate, absolute proof of sex was a person’s chromosomes; XX marked a female, and XY marked a male. Case closed. But those old-fashioned simple methods of identifying sex have changed. In fact, relying on those old tried-and-true methods of sex identification qualifies one for opprobrium, with the charge of being homophobic. Today — independent of appearance, genitalia, birth certificate and chromosomes — one is a male or female based on how one labels oneself. This new liberty applies to not only sex but also race. Rachel Dolezal, born Caucasian, chose to be a black person. By becoming a black person, she became the president of the Spokane, Washington, office of the NAACP and an instructor of Africana studies at Eastern Washington University. As far as she is concerned, she’s still a black person now, and she has a new legal name, Nkechi Amare Diallo, which means ‘’gift of God’’ in Ibo. A notable beneficiary of racial fakery is Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who claimed that she was of Cherokee Indian ancestry. That helped her land a $430,000 job for a year at diversity-hungry Harvard University as a professor of law. If Diallo and Warren were not leftist, learned college professors and students would condemn their behavior as racial appropriation. But let’s explore further the idea of freeing oneself from the oppression of biological determinism. There is no better testing ground than America’s colleges, which are at the forefront of transgenderism, for seeing how this might work. How tolerant would college administrators be of conservative male students, if they said that they feel womanish, going into the ladies’ bathroom and showering facilities? Would these men, claiming to be women, be eligible for tryouts for the women’s basketball or field hockey team? Suppose a college honored the right of its students to free themselves from biological determinism and allowed those with XY chromosomes to play

on teams formerly designated as XX teams. I would anticipate a problem competing with other collegWalter es. An unenWilliams lightened women’s basketball team might refuse to play against a mixed-chromosome team whose starting five consists of 6-foot-6-inch, 200pound XYers. The NCAA should have a rule stating that refusal to play a mixed-chromosome team leads to forfeiture of the game. It’s no different from a team of white players refusing to play another because it has black players. It’s not just college sports that would yield benefits for those escaping biological determinism. What about allowing XYers who claim they are women to compete in the Women’s International Boxing Association? Then there are the Olympics. The men’s fastest 100-meter speed is 9.58 seconds. The women’s record is 10.49 seconds. What about giving XY people a greater chance at winning the gold by permitting them to compete in the women’s event? They could qualify by just swearing that they feel womanish or suffer from gender dysphoria. You say, ‘’There you go, Williams, picking on colleges again!’’ I applaud the fact that some colleges are taking a leadership role in fighting biological determinism. Barnard College President Debora Spar wrote: ‘’There was no question that Barnard must reaffirm its mission as a college for women. And there was little debate that trans women should be eligible for admission to Barnard.’’ With that announcement, Barnard College joined a growing list of women’s colleges — along with Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Mills College and Simmons College — that have updated their admissions policies to take transgender women’s applications into consideration. The question that remains is just how much equality these enlightened colleges will permit between XXers and XYers. Will they sexually integrate all of their facilities? Or will they endeavor to develop the morally repugnant policy of ‘’separate but equal’’? Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2017 creators.com

FROM OUR TIMELINE @THEITEM

COMMENTARY

Will Russiagate backfire on the Left?

he big losers of the Russian hacking scandal may yet be those who invested all their capital in a script that turned out to based on a fairy tale. In Monday’s Intelligence Committee hearings, James Comey did confirm that his FBI has found nothing to support President Trump’s tweet that President Obama ordered him wiretapped. Not unexpected, but undeniably an embarrassment for the tweeter-in-chief. Yet longer-term damage may have been done to the left. For Monday’s hearing showed that its rendering of the campaign of 2016 may be a product of fiction and a fevered imagination. After eight months investigating the hacking and leaking of the emails of Clinton campaign chief John Podesta and the DNC, there is apparently no evidence yet of Trump collusion with Russia. Former Director of National Intelligence Gen. James Clapper has said that, as of his departure day, Jan. 20, he had seen no evidence of a RussiaTrump collusion. Former acting CIA Director Michael Morell also made that clear this month: ‘’On the question of the Trump campaign conspiring with the Russians here, there is smoke, but there is no fire, at all. ... There’s no little campfire, there’s no little candle, there’s no spark. And there’s a lot of people looking for it.’’ Morell was a surrogate for the Hillary Clinton campaign. But while the FBI is still searching for a Trump connection, real crimes have been unearthed — committed by anti-Trump bureaucrats colluding with mainstream media — to damage Trump’s presidency. There is hard evidence of collusion between the intel community and The New York Times and The Washington Post, both beneficiaries of illegal leaks — felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison. While the howls have been endless that Trump accused Obama of a ‘’felony,’’ the one provable felony here

was the leak of a transcript of an intercepted conversation between Gen. Michael Flynn Pat and the Buchanan Russian ambassador. That leak ended Flynn’s career as national security adviser. And Director Comey would neither confirm nor deny that President Obama was aware of the existence of the Flynn transcript. So where do we stand after yesterday’s hearing and eight-month FBI investigation? The Russians did hack Podesta’s email account and the DNC, and while the FBI has found no evidence of Trump campaign collusion with the Russians, it is still looking. However, the known unknowns seem more significant. How could DNI Director Clapper and CIA Director Morell say that no connection had been established between Trump’s campaign and the Russians, without there having been an investigation? And how could such an investigation be conclusive in exonerating Trump’s associates — without some use of electronic surveillance? Did the FBI fly to Moscow and question Putin’s cyberwarfare team? More questions arise. If, in its investigation of the Russian hacking and a Trump connection, the FBI did receive the fruits of some electronic surveillance of the Trump campaign, were Attorney General Loretta Lynch, White House aides or President Obama made aware of any such surveillance? Did any give a go-ahead to surveil the Trump associates? Comey would neither confirm nor deny that they did. So, if Obama were aware of an investigation into the Trump campaign, using intel sources and methods, Trump would not be entirely wrong in his claims, and Obama would have some ‘splainin’ to do. Is the FBI investigating

the intelligence sources who committed felonies by illegally disclosing information about the Trump campaign? Comey would not commit to investigate these leaks, though this could involve criminal misconduct within his own FBI. Again, the only known crimes committed by Americans during and after the campaign are the leaks of security secrets by agents of the intel community, colluding with the Fourth Estate, which uses the First Amendment to provide cover for criminal sources, whom they hail as ‘’whistleblowers.’’ Indeed, if there was no surveillance of Trump of any kind, where did all these stories come from, which their reporters attributed to ‘’intelligence sources’’? Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recused himself from any role in the Russian hacking scandal. But the Justice Department should demand that the FBI put the highest priority on investigating the deep state and its journalistic collaborators in the sabotage of the Trump presidency. If Comey refuses to do it, appoint a special counsel. In the last analysis, as Glenn Greenwald, no Trumpite, writes for The Intercept, the real loser may well be the Democratic Party. If the investigation of Russiagate turns up no link between Trump and the pilfered emails, Democrats will have egg all over their faces. And the Democratic base will have to face a painful truth. Vladimir Putin did not steal this election. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama lost it. Donald Trump won it fair and square. He is not an ‘’illegitimate’’ president. There will be no impeachment. They were deceived and misled by their own leaders and media. They bought into a Big Lie. Patrick J. Buchanan is the author of the new book ‘’The Greatest Comeback: How Richard Nixon Rose From Defeat to Create the New Majority.’’

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A10

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

SUPPORT GROUPS dered Children (POMC) — AA, AL-ANON, ALATEEN: Third Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m., AA — Monday-Friday, noon March 22, 2017 Support Groups: Birnie HOPE Center, 210 S. and 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 Purdy St. Open to anyone p.m.; Sundays, 10:30 a.m. and who has lost a loved one to 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775murder in a violent way. 1852. Multiple Sclerosis Support AA Women’s Meeting — Group — Third Tuesday, 5:30 Wednesdays, 7 p.m., 1 Warp.m., Carolinas Rehabilitaren St. (803) 775-1852. tion Hospital, 121 E. Cedar AA Spanish Speaking — SunSt., Florence. Call (843) 661days, 4:30 p.m., 1 Warren St. 3746. (803) 775-1852. EFMP Parent Exchange Group AA “How it Works” Group — — Last Tuesday, 11 a.m.Mondays and Fridays, 8 p.m., noon, Airman and Family 1154 Ronda St. Call (803) 494Readiness Center. Support to 5180. service members who have a dependent with a disability 441 AA Support Group — Monor illness. Call (803) 895days, Tuesdays and Fridays, 1252/1253 or (803) 847-2377. 8:30 p.m., Hair Force, 2090-D S.C. 441. WEDNESDAY MEETINGS: AA Summerton Group — Sickle Cell Support Group — Wednesday, 8 p.m., town Last Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 hall. p.m., South Sumter Resource Manning Al-Anon Family Group Center, 337 Manning Ave. — Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., BeCall (803) 774-6181. havioral Health Building, 14 Divorce Care — Wednesdays, Church St., Manning. Call 6:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist (803) 435-8085. Church, 2401 Bethel Church C/A “Drop the Rock” Group — Road. Call (803) 481-2160. Thursdays, 9:30 p.m., 1154 Grief Share — Wednesdays, Ronda St. Call (803) 607-4543. 6:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 2401 Bethel Church MONDAY MEETINGS: Road. Call (803) 481-2160. Sumter Vitiligo Support Group — Second Monday, 5:45-6:45 THURSDAY MEETINGS: p.m., North HOPE Center, 904 TOPS S.C. No. 236 (Take Off N. Main St. Call (803) 316Pounds Sensibly) — Thurs6763. The group is also on days, 9 a.m., Spectrum SeFacebook. nior Center,1989 Durant Lane. Call (803) 775-3926 or TUESDAY MEETINGS: (803) 469-4789. Heroin Anonymous — TuesAlzheimer’s Support Group days, 9:30-10:30 p.m., 4742 through S.C. Alzheimer’s AssoBroad St. Call (803) 494-5180. ciation — First Thursday, 6-8 Sumter Connective Tissue Supp.m., National Health Care, port Group — First Tuesday of 1018 N. Guignard Drive. Call January, March, May, July, (803) 905-7720 or (800) 636September and November, 7 3346. p.m., 180 Tiller Circle. Call Journey of Hope (for family (803) 773-0869. members of the mentally ill), Mothers of Angels (for mothers Journey to Recovery (for the who have lost a child) — First mentally ill) and Survivors of Tuesday at noon and third Suicide Support Group — Each Tuesday at 6 p.m., Wise Drive group meets every first Baptist Church. Call (803) Thursday, 7 p.m., St. John 469-6059, (803) 979-4498, United Methodist Church, (803) 469-4506 or (803) 938136 Poinsett Drive. Call (803) 8544. 905-5620. Sumter Combat Veterans Group Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Peer to Peer — Tuesdays, 11 Group — Fourth Thursday a.m., South HOPE Center, each month, 10-11:30 a.m., 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. VetPalmetto Health Tuomey erans helping veterans with Hospice, 500 Pinewood Road, PTSD, coping skills, claims Suite 2. Call (803) 773-4663. and benefits. “The Gathering” — Second FRIDAY MEETINGS: Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Celebrate Recovery — Fridays, North HOPE Center, 904 N. 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. proMain St. For teens and adults gram, Salt & Light Church, with special needs. Call (803) Miller Road (across from 972-0051 or (803) 468-5745 or Food Lion). For help with email thegathering23@aol. struggles of alcohol, drugs, com. family problems, etc. Parkinson’s Support Group — Wateree AIDS Task Force SupSecond Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., port Group — Third Friday, Carolinas Rehabilitation Hos11:30 a.m., 508 W. Liberty St. pital, 121 E. Cedar St., FlorCall (803) 778-0303. ence. Call (843) 661-3746. SATURDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Amputee Support Group — Second Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/ Sumter Prosthetics & OrthotComplex Regional Pain Synics, 259 Broad St. Call (803) drome Support Group — Third 883-4356. Saturday, 1:30 p.m., 3785 Blackberry Lane, Lot 7. Call Sumter Chapter Parents of Mur(803) 481-7521.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Clearing and cooler

Mainly clear and chilly

Partly sunny and cooler

Partly sunny and warmer

Partly sunny

A shower or t-storm in spots

69°

38°

58° / 40°

72° / 50°

76° / 56°

80° / 55°

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 20%

Chance of rain: 40%

NNE 8-16 mph

ENE 7-14 mph

ENE 8-16 mph

SSE 6-12 mph

S 7-14 mph

SW 8-16 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 65/37 Spartanburg 66/39

Greenville 68/39

Columbia 72/43

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 69/38

Aiken 69/42

ON THE COAST

Charleston 71/45

Today: Clouds and sunshine; cooler. High 65 to 74. Thursday: Partly sunny and cooler. High 53 to 59.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 73/49/pc 38/29/pc 84/64/pc 37/20/s 84/63/pc 64/51/t 81/61/pc 36/22/s 88/64/s 39/22/s 84/60/pc 61/50/t 48/26/s

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 356.84 74.67 74.65 98.01

24-hr chg none -0.01 -0.05 +0.11

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

0.00" 0.87" 2.69" 6.45" 10.47" 10.11"

NATIONAL CITIES City Atlanta Chicago Dallas Detroit Houston Los Angeles New Orleans New York Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix San Francisco Wash., DC

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

88° 51° 68° 42° 90° in 1982 26° in 1960

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

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 56/46/pc 50/42/c 84/65/pc 42/35/s 84/67/pc 69/52/pc 81/67/pc 43/32/s 78/60/pc 46/30/s 70/52/pc 63/51/s 47/34/s

Myrtle Beach 66/41

Manning 70/40

Today: Cooler with clearing. Winds northeast 6-12 mph. Thursday: Cooler with some sun. Winds east 6-12 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 68/37

Bishopville 68/38

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest. 12 6.84 19 3.11 14 6.45 14 2.42 80 75.94 24 5.69

24-hr chg -0.01 -0.45 +0.11 +0.37 +0.02 +0.15

Sunrise 7:23 a.m. Moonrise 3:40 a.m.

Sunset Moonset

7:35 p.m. 2:19 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Mar. 27

Apr. 3

Apr. 11

Apr. 19

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Thu.

High 5:08 a.m. 5:21 p.m. 6:06 a.m. 6:19 p.m.

Ht. 2.7 2.5 2.8 2.6

Low 12:06 p.m. --12:10 a.m. 1:01 p.m.

Ht. 0.7 --0.6 0.5

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 60/35/pc 74/44/c 75/49/pc 74/48/pc 54/36/sh 71/45/pc 65/36/pc 70/45/pc 72/43/pc 67/36/pc 52/28/pc 64/33/pc 67/34/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 52/38/pc 58/45/pc 60/44/pc 59/49/pc 48/39/s 57/46/pc 55/39/pc 53/44/pc 58/44/pc 55/37/pc 47/31/s 56/35/s 56/36/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 68/37/pc Gainesville 88/58/pc Gastonia 66/38/pc Goldsboro 62/32/pc Goose Creek 70/44/pc Greensboro 61/31/pc Greenville 68/39/pc Hickory 64/35/pc Hilton Head 68/48/pc Jacksonville, FL 82/57/pc La Grange 77/54/pc Macon 77/52/pc Marietta 71/46/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 57/38/pc 72/53/pc 54/38/pc 53/31/s 54/44/pc 51/32/s 54/43/pc 53/39/s 55/49/pc 67/55/pc 58/46/pc 62/48/pc 55/47/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 64/35/pc Mt. Pleasant 68/46/pc Myrtle Beach 66/41/c Orangeburg 70/42/pc Port Royal 71/49/pc Raleigh 61/31/pc Rock Hill 65/36/pc Rockingham 65/33/pc Savannah 76/51/pc Spartanburg 66/39/pc Summerville 69/44/pc Wilmington 63/34/pc Winston-Salem 60/32/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 49/36/pc 55/48/pc 54/46/pc 54/40/pc 55/49/pc 53/32/s 53/37/pc 54/35/pc 61/51/pc 51/39/pc 54/43/pc 54/37/pc 51/33/s

Weather(W): s–sunny, pc–partly cloudy, c–cloudy, sh–showers, t–thunderstorms, r–rain, sf–snow ﬂurries, sn–snow, i–ice

Brown’s

“Where Quality Matters”

FURNITURE & BEDDING

PUBLIC AGENDA SUMTER CITY-COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Today, 3 p.m., fourth floor, Sumter Opera House, Council Chambers

Generous Comfort. Smooth Operation. Unmatched Quality. 31 West Wesmark Blvd • Sumter, SC

774-2100

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take the high EUGENIA LAST road when dealing with adversity. What you accomplish will count far more than getting involved in a stubborn stalemate. Focus on yourself and the ones you love. Romance is highlighted.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Emotional uncertainty and confusion will set in when dealing with peers, superiors and relatives. Concise communication will help, but questioning any responses that leave you feeling doubtful should be a priority. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t stop learning. Gather facts and be open to suggestions. High returns will come from being prepared and offering sound solutions. Don’t put up with anyone using emotional manipulation to take advantage of you.

Relationships will pose a problem. Absorb what others are telling you and don’t react until you’ve found a way to deal with the situation reasonably. Enforce discipline and offer love and peace rather than cacophony and confusion.

SUMTER ANIMAL CONTROL PET OF THE WEEK

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Share your thoughts at networking events or when dealing with friends, family or children. Your input may not always be taken favorably, but it will have an impact on those you care about. Be true to yourself and offer truth and love. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t mix business with pleasure or you will lose the upper hand. Put your efforts into getting ahead and improving your life. A commitment to someone you love will improve your relationship.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Mounting opposition will leave you in a quandary. Back up and consider your options. Don’t CANCER (June 21-July 22): Channel engage in a confrontation with someone who is unpredictable or your energy into something you impulsive. Protect what you have, enjoy doing. Take part in a rally and dismiss pressure tactics and take you’ll feel good about supporting a back control. cause you believe in. Nurture AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): important partnerships instead of Secrets are best kept that way. If taking extreme actions. you divulge information in a LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Travel and moment of emotional turmoil, it education are highlighted. A will lead to an argument that you professional challenge will require will regret. Stay calm, listen your undivided attention. Use your carefully and use whatever intelligence to find solutions and information you can gather to be willing to work with others in bring about positive changes. order to get things done. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Turn VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A something you enjoy doing into a business trip or partnership looks way to boost your income. Start by promising. If you put in the time, volunteering your services and see you’ll get what you want. Negotiate where it leads. Change can be on your own behalf and you will good if you go about it the right avoid being taken advantage of. way. Make sure your motives are honorable. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Layla has the most awesome velvet-like fur. She walks on a leash well and is interested in you, other dogs and everything around her, without ever being aggressive or bossy. A small girl, she is probably just a year Layla fur — please let it be you. Layla is in kenold with a whole life ahead of her to give love tohas thatvelvet-like special person nel 22 at Sumter Animal Control, 1240 Winkles Road, (803) 436-2066. Thank you for looking at Sumter Animal Control on Facebook for lost / found / adoptable pets.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

PREP BASEBALL

Larrimore gives SHS walk-off victory

Early and often returns

BY EDDIE LITAKER Special to The Sumter Item For five innings, Sumter High School’s varsity baseball team experienced an exercise in futility against Conway High School starting pitcher Jeremy Jones. Jones was not blowing the Gamecocks away but did manage to strike out three and induce nine flyball outs among the first 15 SHS putouts. Sumter had baserunners in the second, third and fourth innings but nothing to show for its efforts on the scoreboard as Jones made a leadoff home run by Brett Young stand up for a 1-0 Tigers lead heading to the sixth. Things looked bleak for the Gamecocks as Conway put up two runs in the top of the sixth to stretch its lead to 3-0, but Sumter rallied for two in the sixth and Caleb Larrimore delivered a walk-off single to bring pinch-runner Luke Stokes home in the seventh for a 4-3 victory. “I just talked to my team and they said they felt like they were swinging at too many balls right above the waist and we were popping too many balls up,” said SHS head coach Brooks Shumake of his team’s struggles at the plate against Jones. “We flew out way too much tonight. We didn’t put the ball on the ground a lot. He had a little bit of a funky move in his windup where he threw his elbow at you a little bit and I think the ball comes

SEE VICTORY, PAGE B3

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Lakewood’s Charles McFarland makes contact early in the Gators’ 11-1, five-inning region victory against rival Crestwood on Tuesday night. The two teams will play again on Friday at Crestwood.

Gators score 8 runs in 1st 3 innings en route to 11-1 region win over Crestwood BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com Two-out hitting can usually turn the tide in one team’s favor and that was certainly the case on Tuesday at the Lakewood High School baseball field. The Gators notched five hits with two down against crosstown and region rival Crestwood – three of which produced four runs over the first three innings. That, combined with starting pitcher Daquan Ingram allowing just three

hits in a solid outing, helped propel LHS to its first Region VI-4A victory of the year with an 11-1 win in five innings. The Gators improved to 3-5 overall and 1-2 in region play while the Knights fell to 1-7 and 0-1. The two teams will play again on Friday at Crestwood. “Two-out hits were big tonight, especially early on,” Lakewood head coach Bill DeLavan said. “It was a big part of the win and it’s something we needed to improve on and we did today. We ex-

ecuted well in those spots. “I think part of that was we didn’t try to do too much. The guys did a good job tonight of going the other way and just taking what they were giving us.” The Gators jumped to an early lead in the first inning. Ingram’s sacrifice fly brought home the first run, but Knights starter Jesse Lucas got the next batter out as well and looked as if

SEE RETURNS, PAGE B3

PREP SOFTBALL

Missed chances doom Lady Gamecocks in 4-0 loss BY PATRICK ENZOR Special to The Sumter Item Facing Conway pitcher Neci Hemingway, the Sumter High School varsity softball team loaded the bases in the bottom of the first inning, but couldn’t push a run across. That would come back to haunt the Lady Gamecocks as Conway plated four unearned runs in the top of the fourth to hand SHS a 4-0 loss on Tuesday at the SHS softball field. Sumter falls to 6-5 overall and 2-2 in Region VI-5A. Conway is 5-3, 3-1. “We need to score when we have runners in scoring position,” said SHS head coach Donald Flippin, whose team left seven runners on base for the game. “We need to dig deep and get those runners home.” Sumter committed four errors in the fourth inning, allowing the Lady Tigers to create some cushion. Conway had four unearned runs on six hits in the first four innings, but managed just two more hits on SHS pitcher Hannah Bettencourt over the last three innings. “Hannah is extremely mentally tough,” said Flippin. PHOTOS BY RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM Sumter pitcher Hannah BettenSumter’s Tara Rhodes (2) gets a solid hit against Conway on Tuesday night. The court (3) winds up for a pitch against Conway on Tuesday night. SEE DOOM, PAGE B3 Lady Gamecocks fell 4-0 to Conway.

USC MEN’S BASKETBALL

Feeling the love: Men’s hoops squad toast of Palmetto State BY PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer COLUMBIA — Sindarius Thornwell knew South Carolina fans would be excited about the team’s Sweet 16 appearance. The response since he has been on campus, though, surprised even him. As Thornwell walked to the student union after class, he couldn’t take more than a couple of steps without students swarming him for selfies or asking for some tidbit about the win against Duke on Sunday. “We’re trying to embrace the moTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS ment,” Thornwell said Tuesday. “But South Carolina’s Sindarius Thornwell (0) that was wild.” celebrates in the finals seconds during Everyone on campus, around Columthe Gamecocks’ 88-81 second-round bia and even the state seem to be savorwin over Duke on Sunday in the NCAA ing every minute. It’s understandable, the Gamecocks haven’t been in the men’s tournament in Greenville.

Sweet 16 since 1973. It’s been a wild ride for the Gamecocks (24-10), who some wondered if they’d even get invited to the NCAA Tournament let alone produce one of the signature moments so far with their 88-81 win over the second-seeded Blue Devi ls in the East Region. Next up is third seeded Baylor (27-7) on Friday night at Madison Square Garden for the chance to advance. Coach Frank Martin said he’s gotten more than 1,100 text messages about Sunday night’s win and two or three from people wondering, “So I guess you’re not going to respond?” he joked. “That’s a good problem to have,” he said. South Carolina is gaining the attention Gamecock fans have recently showered on the football, baseball or women’s basketball programs.

Steve Spurrier, featuring NFL standouts like defensive end Jadeveon Clowney , receiver Alshon Jeffrey and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, won the Southeastern Conference East Division in 2010 and had three straight 11-2 seasons from 2011-13. Baseball won back-to-back College World Series under now athletic director Ray Tanner in 2010 and 2011. Thousands turned out for victory parades to the Statehouse when the team returned home. Most recently, South Carolina’s women’s basketball team, led by new U.S. women’s national team coach Dawn Staley, has gained much of the attention with four straight SEC regular season titles.

SEE PALMETTO, PAGE B4

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

6 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Boston vs. New York Yankees from Tampa, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 11 a.m. – Professional Tennis: Miami Open Men’s and Women’s FirstRound Matches from Key Biscayne, Fla. (TENNIS). 1 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia from Clearwater, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 2 p.m. – PGA Golf: World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play Round-Robin Matches from Austin, Texas (GOLF). 4 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Minnesota vs. Houston (MLB NETWORK). 5 p.m. – Professional Tennis: Miami Open Men’s and Women’s FirstRound Matches from Key Biscayne, Fla. (TENNIS). 6 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: NCAA Division II Tournament Semifinal Game from Columbus, Ohio -California Baptist or West Florida vs. Columbus State or Virginia Union (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – College Softball: Utah at Brigham Young (BYUTV). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament Quarterfinal Game – Illinois at Central Florida (ESPN2). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Charlotte at Orlando (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST). 7 p.m. – College Baseball: Charleston Southern at South Carolina (WNKTFM 107.5). 7:30 p.m. – College Softball: North Carolina at Tennessee (SEC NETWORK). 8 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Atlanta at Washington (ESPN). 8 p.m. – NHL Hockey: New York Islanders at New York Rangers (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 8:30 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: NCAA Division II Tournament Semifinal Game from Columbus, Ohio – Ashland or West Texas A&M vs. Harding or Queens, N.Y. (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 9 p.m. – International Baseball: World Baseball Classic Championship Game from Los Angeles – Puerto Rico vs. Japan or United States (ESPN2, MLB NETWORK). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament Quarterfinal Game – Cal State Bakersfield at Texas-Arlington (ESPNU). 10:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: New York at Utah (ESPN). 1 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati from Goodyear, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

COLLEGE BASKETBALL MEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT

EAST REGIONAL At Madison Square Garden New York Regional Semifinals Friday, March 24 South Carolina (24-10) vs. Baylor (277), 7:29 p.m. Wisconsin (27-9) vs. Florida (26-8), 10 p.m. Regional Championship Sunday, March 26 Semifinal winners SOUTH REGIONAL At FedEx Forum Memphis, Tenn. Regional Semifinals Friday, March 24 Butler (25-8) vs. North Carolina (297), 7:09 p.m. Kentucky (31-5) vs. UCLA (31-4), 9:40 p.m. Regional Championship Sunday, March 26 Semifinal winners MIDWEST REGIONAL At The Sprint Center Kansas City, Mo. Regional Semifinals Thursday, March 23 Michigan (26-11) vs. Oregon (31-5), 7:09 p.m. Purdue (27-7) vs. Kansas (30-4), 9:40 p.m. Regional Championship Saturday, March 25 Semifinal winners WEST REGIONAL At SAP Center San Jose, Calif. Regional Semifinals Thursday, March 23 Gonzaga (34-1) vs. West Virginia (288), 7:39 p.m. Xavier (23-13) vs. Arizona (32-4), 10:10 p.m. Regional Championship Saturday, March 25 Semifinal winners

WOMEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT

STOCKTON REGIONAL Regional Semifinals Saturday, March 25 At Stockton, Calif. South Carolina (29-4) vs. Quinnipiac (29-6), 4 p.m. Florida State (27-6) vs. Oregon State (31-4), 6:30 p.m. Regional Championship Monday, March 27 Semifinal winners BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL Regional Semifinals Saturday, March 25 At Bridgeport, Conn. Maryland (32-2) vs. Oregon (22-13), 11:30 a.m. UConn (34-0) vs. UCLA (25-8), 2 p.m. Regional Championship Monday, March 27 Semifinal winners OKLAHOMA CITY REGIONAL Regional Semifinals Friday, March 24 At Oklahoma City Mississippi State (31-4) vs. Washington (29-5), 7 p.m. Baylor (32-3) vs. Louisville (29-7), 9:30 p.m. Regional Championship Sunday, March 26 Semifinal winners LEXINGTON REGIONAL Regional Semifinals Friday, March 24 At Lexington, Ky. Notre Dame (32-3) vs. Ohio State (286), 7 p.m. Texas (25-8) vs. Stanford (30-5), 9:30 p.m. Regional Championship Sunday, March 26 Semifinal winners

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY’S GAMES

Varsity Baseball Sumter at Cane Bay, 7 p.m. Manning at Cross, 6 p.m. Junior Varsity Baseball Sumter at Hartsville, 6 p.m. Timberland at Crestwood, 6 p.m. Lakewood at McBee, 5:30 p.m. B Team Baseball Orangeburg Prep at Wilson Hall, 5 p.m. Cardinal Newman at Laurence Manning, 4:30 p.m. Varsity Boys Soccer Thomas Sumter at Orangeburg Prep, 6 p.m. Varsity and JV Boys Soccer Manning at Crestwood, 5:30 p.m. Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Lakewood at Brookland-Cayce, 5:30 p.m. Varsity Softball Wilson Hall at Williamsburg, 6 p.m. Varsity and JV Softball East Clarendon at Sumter, 5:30 p.m. Lakewood at Lake City, 5:30 p.m. Junior Varsity Softball Williamsburg at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m. B Team Softball Laurence Manning at Orangeburg Prep, 4 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Colleton Prep, 5 p.m. Varsity Track and Field Scott’s Branch at Cross, 5 p.m. Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning at Heathwood Hall, 4 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION Boston Toronto New York Philadelphia Brooklyn SOUTHEAST DIVISION Washington Atlanta Miami Charlotte Orlando CENTRAL DIVISION x-Cleveland Indiana Milwaukee Detroit Chicago

W 45 41 27 26 13

L 26 29 43 44 56

Pct .634 .586 .386 .371 .188

GB — 3½ 17½ 18½ 31

W 42 37 34 31 26

L 28 33 36 39 45

Pct .600 .529 .486 .443 .366

GB — 5 8 11 16½

W 46 36 34 34 33

L 23 34 35 36 37

Pct .667 .514 .493 .486 .471

GB — 10½ 12 12½ 13½

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W 53 49 40 30 29

L 16 22 30 39 41

Pct .768 .690 .571 .435 .414

GB — 5 13½ 23 24½

W 43 40 33 32 28

L 28 30 37 37 41

Pct .606 .571 .471 .464 .406

GB — 2½ 9½ 10 14

W L z-Golden State 56 14 L.A. Clippers 42 29 Sacramento 27 43 Phoenix 22 48 L.A. Lakers 20 50 x-clinched playoff spot z-clinched division

Pct .800 .592 .386 .314 .286

GB — 14½ 29 34 36

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

MONDAY’S GAMES

Charlotte 105, Atlanta 90 Indiana 107, Utah 100 Orlando 112, Philadelphia 109, OT Boston 110, Washington 102 Golden State 111, Oklahoma City 95 Houston 125, Denver 124 L.A. Clippers 114, New York 105

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Chicago at Toronto, 7 p.m. Detroit at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m. Phoenix at Miami, 7:30 p.m. Memphis at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Golden State at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. San Antonio at Minnesota, 9:30 p.m. Milwaukee at Portland, 10 p.m. L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Charlotte at Orlando, 7 p.m. Indiana at Boston, 7:30 p.m. Atlanta at Washington, 8 p.m. Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m. Philadelphia at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Cleveland at Denver, 9 p.m. Milwaukee at Sacramento, 10:30 p.m. New York at Utah, 10:30 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Phoenix at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m. Toronto at Miami, 7:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Memphis at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. New York at Portland, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Brooklyn at Washington, 7 p.m. Cleveland at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Denver at Indiana, 7 p.m. Detroit at Orlando, 7 p.m. Phoenix at Boston, 7:30 p.m. Atlanta at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. New Orleans at Houston, 8 p.m. Philadelphia at Chicago, 8 p.m. Minnesota at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m. Sacramento at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

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

W 18 15 13 13 11 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 10 9 7

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

W 16 14 14 13 12 13 10 12 12 10 9 11 7 8 6

L 6 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 11 12 12 13 12 14 14

Pct. 0.750 0.625 0.591 0.565 0.524 0.522 0.522 0.500 0.500 0.478 0.478 0.458 0.455 0.391 0.333

L 7 7 10 10 11 13 10 13 13 12 11 14 13 15 18

Pct. 0.696 0.667 0.583 0.565 0.522 0.500 0.500 0.480 0.480 0.455 0.450 0.440 0.350 0.348 0.250

MONDAY’S GAMES

Boston 7, Baltimore 4 Miami 9, Atlanta 3 Detroit 5, N.Y. Mets 1 N.Y. Yankees 9, Washington 3 Pittsburgh 5, Tampa Bay 4 Minnesota 8, Toronto 2 Cincinnati 10, Kansas City 6 Cleveland 14, L.A. Dodgers 5 San Francisco 3, Chicago White Sox 2 Chicago Cubs 9, Colorado 6 St. Louis 12, Houston 6 Arizona 10, Oakland 6 San Diego 3, Texas 2

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Washington 3, Atlanta 1 Houston 2, Miami 1 Philadelphia 9, Minnesota 5 Pittsburgh 5, Tampa Bay 4 Toronto 5, Baltimore 2 L.A. Angels 9, Cincinnati 1 Milwaukee 5, L.A. Dodgers 4 San Francisco 5, San Diego 3 Arizona 4, Kansas City 2 Boston vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 6:35 p.m. Chicago White Sox vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 9:05 p.m. Oakland vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 10:10 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Minnesota vs. Houston at West Palm Beach, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Washington vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Detroit vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 1:07 p.m. Miami vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m. Oakland vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. San Diego vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. San Francisco vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m. Cleveland vs. Colorado at Scottsdale, Ariz., 4:10 p.m. L.A. Angels (ss) vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 4:10 p.m. Texas vs. L.A. Angels (ss) at Tempe, Ariz., 4:10 p.m. Tampa Bay vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 6:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 9:05 p.m.

THE SUMTER ITEM

AREA ROUNDUP

Reed helps Lady Generals get past Robert E. Lee 16-5 DALZELL – Josie Reed went 4-for-4 with five runs batted in to lead Thomas Sumter Academy to a 16-5 varsity softball win over Robert E. Lee Academy on Tuesday at the TSA field. Logan Morris had a triple with three runs scored for the Lady Generals. Carmen Silvester was 3-for-4 with a 2-run home run and four RBI, Ellie Hunter was 2-for-3 with a 2-run homer, Diamond Gibson was 2-for-4 with two RBI, Sydney Daniel was 2-for-3 with a double, Catleigh Bryant had a double and two RBI and Riley DeLavan was 3-for-3 with a double. Rebecca Dinkins and Bailey Nix were both 2-for-3 with Nix picking up a triple. Clara Kelly hit a homer and Carson Shannon and Meg Watson both had a hit and an RBI. EAST CLARENDON 11 LAKE VIEW 1

TURBEVILLE — East Clarendon remained undefeated in Region VI-1A with an 11-1, 5-inning victory over Lake View on Tuesday at the EC field. Marleigh Floyd pitched a 3-hitter for the Lady Wolverines, who improved to 8-5 overall and 4-0 in region play. She struck out four and walked one. Gracen Watts was 2-for-r with a grand slam home run. Abby Reardon was 2-for-2 with four RBI, while Olivia Singletary and Elly Floyd were both 3-for-3. Singletary had an RBI, Kinsley Driggers was 2-for-3 with an RBI and Bailey Evans was 2-for-3. WILSON HALL 4 ROBERT E. LEE 2

BISHOPVILLE — Drake Ives struck out eight batters and Liza Lowder had two hits and drove in two runs to help lead Wilson Hall past Robert E. Lee Academy 4-2 on Monday at the REL field. Carly Allred and Madison

Sliwonik each had two hits for the Lady Barons, who improved to 7-8 overall. Danielle deHoll had two hits and scored two runs while Sydney Jarecki and Ives each had an RBI. LAKEWOOD 17 LOWER RICHLAND 2

HOPKINS – Halie Griffin threw a 1-hitter and struck out eight batters to lead Lakewood to a 17-2 victory over Lower Richland on Monday at the LR field. Griffin, Emily McDonald, Avriel Clark and Taylor McPhail each had a double and scored two runs. On Thursday in Orangeburg, Griffin tossed a no-hitter and struck out five as LHS defeated OrangeburgWilkinson 16-0. Griffin also scored two runs as did Madison Harris, McDonald, Clark, Morgan Christmas, Baylee Strickland, Lauren Beam and Kaleigh Geddings.

VARSITY SOCCER LUGOFF-ELGIN 6 CRESTWOOD 0 Crestwood lost to LugoffElgin 6-0 on Tuesday at the CHS field. Shannon Marie had 18 saves in goal for the Lady Knights, who fell to 5-4 overall and 1-2 in Region VI-4A.

JV SOFTBALL SUMTER 13-14 LAKE CITY 8-1 LAKE CITY — Sumter swept a doubleheader from Lake City on Monday at the LC field, taking the opening game 13-8 before winning the second 14-1. Morgan Berry was 3-for-4 with an RBI in the first game and picked up the win on the mound with four strikeouts. She had two hits and drove in another run in the second contest. Josie Self and Kaydee Moore each had two hits in the opener with Self collecting two RBI as well.

In the second game, Kadyn Dickerson, Anna Lowder, Anna Parker Hatfield and Braelynn Durham all had two hits apiece. Dickerson and Lower also drove in two runs. Self also had a hit in the nightcap with an RBI and Reagan Troublefield picked up the win on the mound with four strikeouts.

JV SOCCER SUMTER 1 CONWAY 0 Sumter improved to 3-2 with a 1-0 win over Conway on Tuesday at the SHS field. Natalie Bartlette scored the goal on an assist from Ella Alan.

BOYS JV BASEBALL LAKEWOOD 10 CRESTWOOD 0 Lakewood evened its record at 3-3 with a 10-0 victory over Crestwood on Monday at the CHS field. Cody Windham was the winning pitcher for the Gators and also had two hits and two RBI. Javonte Jones had two hits and scored two runs. On Saturday in Sumter, Lakewood defeated Lake City 4-1. Travis Pillsbury was the winning pitch with a hit and an RBI.

B TEAM BASEBALL CLARENDON HALL 8 THOMAS SUMTER 5 DALZELL — Cortland McIntosh and Bryce Powell had two hits each to help lead Clarendon Hall to an 8-5 victory over Thomas Sumter Academy on Monday at General Field. Josh Black, Jonathan McIntosh, TJ Curley and Bryce Parler all had a hit for the Saints. Curley gave up three runs in three innings as the starting pitcher and Jonathan McIntosh pitched the next 3.2 innings, giving up two runs. Nathan Carlisle closed out the game.

SPORTS ITEMS

LMA 1-day baseball camp set for Saturday Laurence Manning Academy’s baseball program will hold a 1-day camp on Saturday. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school. It is open to boys in grades 1-6 at a cost of $10 per camper. The LMA coaching staff and varsity players will conduct the camp. All proceeds will go to the LMA baseball program. For more information, call head coach Barry Hatfield at (803) 236-4768.

Alex Robinson had 12. The Horned Frogs, under first-year coach Jamie Dixon, will play the winner of UCF-Illinois in Madison Square Garden next Tuesday. T.J. Cline had 33 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the sixth-seeded Spiders (22-13), De’Monte Buckingham had 11 points and Khwan Fore 10.

CLEMSON 6 COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON 4

NEW YORK — Brook Lopez made a jumper as time expired to give Brooklyn a victory over Detroit on Tuesday night. The Pistons, fighting for a playoff spot, wiped out a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to tie it at 96 on Tobias Harris' follow shot with 2.4 seconds left. Lopez then took the inbounds pass moving left, dribbled toward the baseline and shot the jumper as it appeared he might lose control of the ball, making the shot to cap a 29-point night. Harris had 24 points for the Pistons, who dropped a game back of Miami for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished with 19. Andre Drummond had 13 points and 17 rebounds.

MOUNT PLEASANT — Behind a seasonhigh four home runs, two by Chris Williams and one each by Logan Davidson and Seth Beer, No. 6 Clemson defeated College of Charleston at Patriots Point on Tuesday night. The Tigers improved to 17-4 on the season while the Cougars fell to 8-13. Williams belted a towering home run to lead off the top of the second inning, then Logan McRae responded with a solo home run in the bottom of the second. Chase Pinder scored on a wild pitch in the third inning, then the Tigers scored three runs in the fourth inning on home runs by Williams and Davidson. It was Williams’ fifth homer of the season, all in the last six games, and Davidson’s third long ball of 2017. The Cougars scored two runs in the fifth inning before Weston Jackson hit a 2-out, pinch-hit, run-scoring single in the sixth inning. College of Charleston scored a run in the seventh inning, but Clemson responded again in the eight inning when Robert Jolly scored on a wild pitch with two outs. Beer then blasted a long solo homer, his sixth long ball of the year, in the ninth inning.

TCU 86 RICHMOND 68 FORT WORTH, Texas — Vlad Brodziansky scored 20 points, Kenrich Williams had the first triple-double in TCU history and the Horned Frogs rolled over Richmond on Tuesday night to win their bracket of the NIT and advance to the Final Four for the first time. Williams had 11 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists for TCU (22-15), which was seeded fourth. Desmond Bane added 13 points and

NETS 98 PISTONS 96

PANTHERS QB NEWTON TO HAVE SHOULDER SURGERY, WILL MISS OTAS CHARLOTTE — Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s offseason “sabbatical” is going to be a little longer than expected. Newton will undergo surgery on March 30 to repair a partially torn rotator cuff in his right throwing shoulder, according to team spokesman Steve Drummond. Drummond said Tuesday that Newton will miss minicamp and OTAs, but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. The 27-year-old Newton injured his shoulder in Week 14 of last season against the San Diego Chargers. He finished the game — and the season— for Carolina without missing a snap. The Panthers hoped rest and rehabilitation would solve the problem, but ultimately it was determined the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player needed surgery. Newton was unavailable for comment. From wire and staff reports

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

RETURNS FROM PAGE B1 he was going to wiggle out of an early jam with no further damage done. But Hunter Day and Charles McFarland connected on back-to-back RBI singles and LHS plated another run on an outfield miscue to go up 4-0 after one frame. Lakewood appeared to score another run in the second on Ingram’s 2-out basehit, but Andrew Rouse was ruled to have missed third base on his way home. Rouse made up it next inning, however. McFarland’s RBI single put the Gators up 5-0, and with two outs and facing a 0-2 count, Rouse fought off a pitch to the opposite field to plate two more and increase the advantage to 7-0. He scored on an error, one of four on the night for CHS, to make it 8-0. “We came out flat,” Crestwood head coach Mike Kremer said. “You saw it in that first inning. We were never able to rebound from that. Popped too many balls up and didn’t put the ball in play and made too many mental mistakes.” Crestwood also didn’t have too many answers against Ingram. He wound up throwing just 47 pitches and had both a four-pitch and a seven-pitch inning. He retired the Knights on 10 different occasions on the first pitch. Ingram’s only blemish came in the fourth inning when

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Crestwood pitcher Jesse Lucas (4) throws over to first baseman Kevin Sharper (25) to try to keep Lakewood’s Andrew Rouse (7) from getting too much of a lead off of first base during the Knights’ 11-1 loss in five innings on Tuesday. D’Andre Jones tripled to the 320 marker in left field and Shane Gaymon followed with a 2-out RBI single. Lucas had the other hit for Crestwood. “That’s kind of where we have to walk a fine line because we like our guys to be aggressive at the plate, but we were a little over-aggressive tonight,” Kremer said. “We

DOOM FROM PAGE B1 “She was mixing them up, keeping them off-balance for the most part. Conway had some good hits, but our defense was behind her for the most part. Hannah pitched a good game tonight.” Chelsie Logan led SHS with a 2-for-2

effort at the plate. Bettencourt had the only other hit for SHS as Hemingway induced soft contact for most of the night as Sumter only struck out four times. The Conway defense also made three terrific plays in the field on hard-hit balls. “Neci had a good changeup -- she kept

VICTORY FROM PAGE B1 out of his elbow when he turns to pitch. I kind of thought that might have been having our guys a little bit late on him, which sometimes induces a lot of popups.” With one out in the second, Dawson Price was the first Gamecock to reach base against Jones with a single up the middle. Price, however, would be wiped out at second on a Joshua Sykes fielder’s choice grounder before Hampton Rowe doubled to right. With two runners in scoring position, Jones would induce a fly ball to right in foul territory from Andrew Twitty to end the threat. Larrimore drew a 2-out walk in the third but be left stranded as Jordan Holladay flew out to center. In the fourth, Price would once again single, this time to leftcenter, but be wiped out attempting to steal second.

didn’t help ourselves any there.” It was just what the doctor ordered for the Gators as they added another run in the fourth and walked off in the fifth thanks to an RBI single by Dalton Browder and a wild pitch that scored the decisive 11th run. Wyatt Thompson, Browder,

After Conway’s 2-run rally in the top of the sixth, it was Jones’ third run through the SHS lineup that saw the Gamecocks finally have some sustained success. Leadoff hitter Ryan Moore doubled to right, took third on a Larrimore fly ball to center and scored on Rylan Williamson single up the middle. Holladay, who had drawn a base on balls, came home on a balk that advanced Williamson and Price, who had reached on a third single, to second and third. The inning would end with Price getting doubled up on a Sykes liner to second. It took a little Twitty magic to pull Sumter even and set up Larrimore’s walk-off heroics. Andrew Twitty drew a 1-out, 6-pitch walk ahead of a double to right by his twin brother Daniel, scoring pinch runner Trey Yates from first to tie the game, 3-3.

Ingram, McFarland and Rouse all had two hits for LHS, with McFarland and Rouse collecting a pair of RBI each. Lakewood was also aggressive on the bases – swiping nine bags and continually moving runners into scoring position all night. “Coming in we knew their

us guessing and off-balance,” said Flippin. “But when she needed to speed it up she could. She’s a great pitcher and a dominating presence on the mound. “We hit the ball, but it was always to someone on defense,” he added. Sumter is looking to get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Flippin believes his team is in

“Daniel has been struggling this year, but he’s a big kid and, to be honest with you, at first he wasn’t looking at me a lot for any signs,” said Shumake, whose team stands at 8-1 and 3-0 in Region VI-5A. “I just felt like I needed to make him swing the bat because it was going to give him no decision to make. So I called him down, we put the hit-and-run on there and that play just happened to work out for us where he stroked it down the line and Yates is running and it gets away from the guy’s glove and we’re able to tie the game there. That was a huge play and they executed that play really well. “My whole thing (on Larrimore’s hit) was with one out I was going to send the guy. I was ready to get the game won, so I thought if this guy gets any kind of hit at all, we’re sending this guy home. If they throw us out, we’ve got two outs and we’ve still got Holladay up. We had Moore on (after a walk) and we felt

catcher has a pretty good arm and that we had to pick our spots,” DeLavan said. “We did a good job tonight of getting good reads and good jumps and putting a little pressure on them. That was a big part of it and our bunt game was pretty good, so we were able to use the short game tonight.”

good position to make that happen. “I feel like we let one get away from us against Socastee,” he said. “I like where we are at, but I’m not satisfied. I think we’re in a good position to make the top four and make the playoffs this year.” Sumter hosts 1A power East Clarendon today.

like Holladay would have an opportunity to drive the run in, even if they threw us out, so we felt we had two opportunities if it came to that.” Price’s bid for a second consecutive no-hitter came to a quick halt after Young lifted Price’s fourth pitch of the game over the left field fence. Will Smith would single to right with one out and take second on a wild pitch before Price rallied to retire Blake Jordan on a fly ball to right and strike out Hanes. Those two putouts would start a string of 15 straight for Price, with Todd McLellan recording the next Conway hit, a single to left, with one out in the sixth. Price would throw 98 pitches in six innings, striking out six while walking none and surrendering just four hits. Williamson came on to pitch the seventh and pick up the win, striking out one and issuing an intentional walk before getting McLellan on a 5-3 grounder to close

the frame. Sumter travels to Goose Creek tonight to take on Cane Bay in non-region play.

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SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

No. 12 Quinnipiac tops Miami; gets USC in Stockton semis BY TIM REYNOLDS The Associated Press CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The long shots kept making long shots. And the Sweet 16 is Quinnipiac’s reward. Morgan Manz scored 22 points and made six 3-pointers, Aryn McClure added 15 and 12th-seeded Quinnipiac stunned fourth-seeded Miami 85-78 in a second-round NCAA Tournament game Monday night. Quinnipiac (29-6) next heads to Stockton, California, and plays topseeded South Carolina on Saturday, now just two games from the Final Four. “Just a great game,” Quinnipiac coach Tricia Fabbri said. “Great game, I’m sure, to watch.” Sarah Shewan and Paula Strautmane each scored 11 for the Bobcats, who made a season-best 15 3-pointers and led for the final 31 minutes — holding on for their 12th straight win even after Miami got within a point on three separate occasions in the final 3:22. “That was just a great performance by Quinnipiac,” Miami coach Katie Meier said. “I mean, just phenomenal. ... I don’t think we did a whole heck of a lot horribly. They just were really special tonight.” Jessica Thomas scored 25 points and Keyona Hayes added 21 for Miami (24-9),

MEN’S TOURNAMENT TV SCHEDULE THURSDAY

Semifinals Midwest Regional WLTX 19 Michigan vs. Oregon, 7 p.m. Purdue vs. Kansas, 9:30 p.m. West Regional TBS Gonzaga vs. West Virginia, 7:30 p.m. Xavier vs. Arizona, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY

Semifinals East Regional TBS South Carolina vs. Baylor, 7:25 p.m. Wisconsin vs. Florida, 10 p.m. South Regional WLTX 19 Butler vs. North Carolina, 7 p.m. Kentucky vs. UCLA, 9:30 p.m.

which was looking for its first trip to the round of 16 since 1992. The Hurricanes were outscored 45-15 from 3-point range, and the end was particularly emotional — and painful — for Meier and her seniors. “When that buzzer went off, I really didn’t see this conversation I’m having with you all right now happening,” said Thomas, who played her final game in a Miami uniform. Quinnipiac is one of two double-digit seeds in the Sweet 16. Oregon, the No. 10 seed in the Bridgeport Region, is the other. But a Pac-12 team defying odds to get there is one thing. A team from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doing it, that’s quite different. “Grit,” McClure said. “That’s pretty much it.” Adily Martucci’s 3-pointer with 57.5 seconds left put Quinnipiac up 78-74, silencing a raucous home Miami crowd. Manz knocked the ball away from Thomas on a drive on the ensuing Hurricanes’ possession, and the Bobcats — probably best known in Division I as a hockey school — would soon be celebrating the biggest win in the history of their program. “I just did what my coaches have been asking me to do for the last four years,” Manz said. “That was to let it fly, because we had nothing to lose.”

OBITUARIES M. PIERCY PARKER Mary Pierce “Piercy” Parker, 95, widow of Thomas M. Parker, died on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at Covenant Place. Services will be announced by Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, (803) 7759386.

TIM W. TRUETT CHRISTINE MCCLAM Christine McClam, 59, died on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at the Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia. Born on Jan. 5, 1958, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of Mitchell and Icyell Bell Brayboy McClam. The family will receive family and friends at the home, 1045 Toby Court. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc.

GRANT J. CONYERS PINEWOOD — Grant Jimmy Conyers, 70, died on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at his residence, 4577 Corbett Road, Pinewood. He was born on May 4, 1947, a son of the late Abraham and Mary Lee Moore Conyers. The family is receiving friends at the home of the Rev. Burdy and Bessie Pringle, 1139 CE Road, Manning. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC, Manning.

JANICE A. PHELPS DALZELL — Janice Elizabeth Amerson Phelps, age 59, beloved wife of 36 years to Kenneth Calton Phelps, died on Monday, March 20, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive

Tim Willie Truett, 62, husband of Sharon Geddings Truett, died on Monday, March 20, 2017, at his home. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Willie Paul Truett and Letha Hudson Truett. Mr. Truett was a member of the Salvation Army and the Men’s Club. He retired from Sumter County and was currently the park ranger at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. Surviving are his wife of Sumter; three daughters, Jennifer Lowery (John) of Manning, Stacy Truett and Christy Lamb, both of Sumter; a sister, Linda Paranto of Sumter; and five grandchildren, Sarah Lowery, Jacob Lowery, McKenzie Lamb, Abbigail Lamb and Lillianna Lamb. He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul “Geno” Truett. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday in the chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with Maj. Robbie Robbins and Maj. Thomas McWilliams officiating. Burial will be in Wells Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and other times at the home, 186 Nandina Drive. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge

UNUSUAL START In the first 18 minutes, the teams combined to shoot 70 percent (14 for 20) from 3-point range, and just 23 percent (8 for 35) from 2-point range.

UP NEXT Quinnipiac meets top-seeded South Carolina in the Sweet 16 on Saturday in Stockton, California.

WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT TV SCHEDULE

Quinnipiac: Manz hadn’t made more than three 3-pointers in a game this season, and had six in the biggest game in school history. ... The Bobcats are the fourth No. 12 seed to make the Sweet 16 in the women’s tourney. Those who did: San Francisco (1996), Kansas (2013) and BYU (2014). Fellow MAAC member Marist (2007) is one of three schools to get there as a No. 13 seed. Miami: The Hurricanes were ousted by a No. 12 seed for the second consecutive season. South Dakota State beat Miami in a 5-12 game in last year’s first round. ... Miami’s bench was outscored 41-8 by Quinnipiac’s reserves.

ters and Mike Dunleavy Sr. McGuire led the Gamecocks to the NCAA round of 16 three straight seasons from 1971-73 — there were just 25 schools involved — and his team was considered the cream of the crop in South Carolina athletic circles. But McGuire’s touch ran out in the mid-1970s and the Gamecocks have struggled for an identity for more than 40 years. South Carolina won its only Southeastern Conference crown in 1997, but lost in the NCAAs as a No. 2 seed. The

of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386. friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Bullock Funeral Home. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com to read the full obituary and sign the family’s guest book. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

While building its 13-point first-half lead, Quinnipiac had a possession that included five rebounds, four field-goal attempts, two foul shots, three points and one assist — all that coming in 47 seconds.

BIG PICTURE

PALMETTO FROM PAGE B1 The Gamecocks have led the women’s game in attendance the past three seasons. Now, men’s basketball is getting some love. “We’re happy to be part of that,” sophomore point guard P.J. Dozier said. There was a time when men’s basketball led the way at South Carolina when New York City native Frank McGuire turned a sleepy program into a national power with a pipeline of NYC kids like John Roche, Tom Owens, Bobby Cremins, Brian Win-

HECTIC POSSESSION

That’s how the Bobcats played all night, making six 3-pointers in the first quarter to set the tone. And every time Miami would make a run — like a 6-0 spurt to end the half and cut what was a 13-point Quinnipiac lead to seven, or chipping away in the fourth got an eight-point deficit down to one — the Bobcats had an answer. “Every game we win, we build more confidence,” Martucci said. “It’s kind of hard not to.” Fabbri and Meier got to know each other last summer in Europe, and when it was over Meier told her in the handshake line to go celebrate. “What a moment for them,” Meier said.

FRIDAY

Semifinals Lexington Regional ESPN2 Notre Dame vs. Ohio State, 7 p.m. Texas vs. Stanford, 9:30 p.m. Oklahoma City Regional ESPN Mississippi State vs. Washington, 7 p.m. Baylor vs. Louisville, 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

Semifinals ESPN Stockton Regional South Carolina vs. Quinnipiac, 4 p.m. Florida State vs. Oregon State, 6:30 p.m. Bridgeport Regional Maryland vs. Oregon, 11:30 a.m. Connecticut vs. UCLA, 2 p.m.

Gamecocks returned to the tournament the next season, that time falling as a No. 3 seed. The Gamecocks high-water mark until now may be the consecutive NIT crowns won by coach Dave Odom in 2005 and 2006. Martin and these Gamecocks are out to add another level of success to the program. The fifth-year coach said that being around Spurrier — “Steve calls me every day,” Martin said — Tanner and Staley make him a better leader and give him examples of building winning cultures. “I’m a big believer in win-

ning leads to winning,” he said. An emotional Martin, overcome by his team’s Duke win, told the players in the locker room, “Let’s go win this thing.” He said Tuesday he wanted his players to know that by beating Duke, they proved they’re good enough to play with anyone left in the field. Thornwell heard that over and over from friends, family and hundreds of new acquaintances he’s made the past 48 hours. “We’re just having fun,” he said, “enjoying the game, enjoying every moment.”

grandmother, Frances Altman. Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday at 1260 Kings Pointe Drive.

other relatives and friends. Homegoing services will be held at noon on Thursday at the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel, Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with the Rev. Charlie Howard officiating, eulogist. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 3260 Merlene Nixon Road, Rembert. The procession will leave at 11:20 a.m. from the home. Burial will be in Willow Grove AME Church cemetery, 8105 Sumter Landing Road, Rembert. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com. Services directed by the staff and management of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

GWENDOLYN M. NIXON

WILLIE MARTIN Willie Martin, 84, died on Monday, March 20, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Born on June 11, 1932, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Aline Martin. The family will receive family and friends at the home, 15 Malibu St. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc.

KARL LYNN ROGERS Karl Lynn Rogers, 52, of Sumter, died on Friday, March 17, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Born on Aug. 30, 1964, in Sumter, he was a son of James Rogers, Clifton Ardis and the late Nancy Ardis. He is survived by a daughter, Leah Rogers; two sons, Karl Jr. and Troy Rogers of San Antonio, Texas; three brothers, Robert (Kim) Rogers, Chris Rogers and Brandon Ardis; four sisters, Angela (Michael) Galloway, Michelle Carraway, Faith Ardis and Misty (Eddie) Kazmierski; and two grandchildren. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his

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Gwendolyn Marie Nixon, 57, departed this life on Friday, March 17, 2017, at KershawHealth Medical Center, Camden. Born on Oct. 1, 1959, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of Philip and Para Lee Weathers Nixon. She received her education in the public schools of Sumter County. She leaves to cherish her memories: two children, Quentin and Kasandra Merlene Nixon of the home; two sisters, Cynthia Butler of Rembert and Brenda (William) Smith of Sumter; four nephews; three nieces; and a host of aunts, uncles, greatgrandnieces and nephews,

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CLASSIFIEDS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

THE ITEM

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS SERVICES Home Improvements Mickey's Home improvements & Repairs. Roofs, Whole house inside & out. Call 803-840-6911 or 494-5418 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

Roofing Robert's Metal Roofing 35 Yrs exp. 45 yr warranty. Financing avail. Expert installation. Long list of satisfied customers. 803-837-1549. Robert W. Nunnery Roofing Co. the original Nunnery Roofing. Serving Sumter and surrounding areas since 1971. Call for a free estimate 803-478-2950 or 803-460-0927

803-774-12

OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD Help Wanted Full-Time

Unfurnished Apartments

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

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

McDonald's is looking for an exp. Food Equipment Service Technician. To be considered you must have: • Excellent mechanics, electrical and electronic aptitude • Commercial Refrigeration Experience EPA Universal • Accredited High School Diploma/GED • 3-6+ years of Food Equipment Service experience or • Valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record • Able to travel and attend training schools Physical Requirements

Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

• Lifting 50-75 pounds with or without assistance • Extensive walking 3-5 miles per day • Kneeling squatting, bending, pushing and pulling • Exposure to noise, heat, cold and slippery wet conditions • Overtime and On-Call Duty as required

Tree take down, pruning, stump grinding, lot clearing and free estimates! Fully insured. Call 803-720-7147

Fax resume to: 1-866-385-3188 Pre-employment screening preformed which includes background checks and drug screening.

NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal, trimming & stump grinding. Lic/Ins 803-316-0128

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

Tree Service

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MERCHANDISE Garage, Yard & Estate Sales Super Yard Sale Sumter United Ministries Liberty & Artillery @ Fairgrounds

March 23rd, 24th, 25th 7am-3 "Fill a bag" $7 or $10 LARGE GARAGE SALE Every Weekend Tables $2 & $3

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

Swan Lake Apts. Accepting applications. 2BR 1BA apts. in quiet scenic neighborhood. No Section 8. No Smoking, No Pets 803-775-4641.

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

Office Rentals Office Space for Lease 50 Wesmark Ct Reception area & 3 Offices 1177 Sq Ft $1100 per mo. Call Midland Mgmt. 803-773-1477

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale House for Sale, close to Shaw AFB, 3BR/2BA. 803-499-9275 OR 803-316-3802

subscribe today Autos For Sale

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For Sale or Trade Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves. Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311. Open 7 Days a week 9am-8pm New & used Heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 4 grave plots side by side for sale at Evergreen Memorial Park. Cost per plot $2200. Call 803-614-7596

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Registered Nurse open position for in - center chemo dialysis. FKC Dialysis Unit. Call 803-774-2205

30 plus years experience Hours: Monday - Friday 10AM - 6PM

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2010 Hyundai Sonata GLS

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time 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. Experienced Electricians & helpers needed immediately. . Call: 803-968-2304 Chef/CDM/Kitchen Manager Please apply in person at NHC HealthCare Sumter 1018 N. Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC (EOE)

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

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herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer to this complaint upon the subscriber, at the address shown below, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of day of such service, and if you fail to answer the complaint, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint in the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

2004 Chev. 1500 Silverado Crew Cab, silver w/gray leather int., 5.3, garage kept. 140k miles. $8,975 L.Mcleod 803-481-9093 or 225-3137

Miscellaneous

3735 Broad Street Sumter, SC 29154 803-494-4247 Julia Hair, President

LIS PENDENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action has been commenced by the Plaintiff against the Defendants, to quiet title in the name of Louise Holman and/or partition property described as follows: All that lot of land together with any improvements thereon being in Sumter County, South Carolina, shown as Lot 14 on plat of Palmer & Malone dated October 28, 1946 and recorded in the ROD Office for Sumter County in plat book ZZ-5 at Page 200 and containing about 12.5 acres.

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

LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notice Certificate of Need In accordance with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Regulation 61-15 (Certificate of Need for Health Facilities and Services), BAYADA Home Health Care Inc., doing business as BAYADA Home Health Care - Sumter, hereby notifies the public of the planned submission of a Certificate of Need application (CON) to develop a Medicare-certified home health agency to serve the residents of Sumter County. The project has an estimated total cost for CON purposes of approximately $50,000. The CON application will be submitted within 20 days of this notice.

Summons & Notice SUMMONS IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CIVIL ACTION NO: 2017-CP-43-00326 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER

Plaintiff, vs. Daniel Bryant, Clauzell Cheniere, Joe Louise Champion, David Champion, Jonathan Champion, Sonya Champion, Tonya Louise Champion, Coshnia Hargrove, Urania Danielle Chambers, Louise Champion Sidney Champion, II, Irvignia Champion, and Sherrell Barnes, as heirs at law of Henry Champion, Geneva Champion and/or Sidney Champion, and any other children and heirs at law, distributes and devisees, and if any be deceased, then any persons entitled to claim under or through them; also all other Persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest in or lien upon the real estate described in the complaint herein, designated as John Doe, and any minors or incompetent persons or persons in the military designated as Richard Roe, Defendants. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the complaint herein, a copy of which is

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments

Summons & Notice

Louise Holman,

Immediate Opening THE ITEM is in need of a part time truck driver / dock worker. Exp. preferred. Must have clean driving record & dependable. Apply in person to: The Item 20 N Magnolia St Sumter SC

Medical Help Wanted

Summons & Notice

Old Manning Rd.: 3 Br, 2 Ba. on 1 acre private lot in country. All hardwood floors, frig & stove, W/D hookup. Carport & fenced yard. Outside pet only. No Section 8. $1000 mo. with 1 year lease. 803-491-5375

Mobile Home Rentals

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.

TRANSPORTATION

Unfurnished Homes

Tudor Place 2231 Preot St 3BR 3BA $925 Mo + Dep Call 803 518-3316 Avail. 3/1

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

This lot is TMS#1570003040 and is known as 4995 Cane Savannah Rd., Wedgefield, SC. This is the property conveyed to Henry Manning Champion and Geneva Champion by deed of J. Carlyle Stuckey dated November 1, 1946 and recorded November 9, 1946 in Deed Book M-6 at Page 332 in the ROD Office for Sumter County. ALSO: a 1980 Titan singlewide mobile home located at 6160 JCC Road, Wedgefield, SC with TMS# 4000005463. NOTICE OF GUARDIAN ad LITEM Attorney James A. Stoddard has been appointed Guardian ad Litem Nisi for unknown heirs.

NOTICE OF FILING Please take notice that the Plaintiff will move to refer the case to the Master in Equity with any appeal to the South Carolina Supreme Court. The pleadings in this case are on file in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County. A. Paul Weissenstein, Jr. SC Bar #: 6013 Attorney for Plaintiffs P.O. Box 2446 Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 418-5700

SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT (Non-Jury) Foreclosure IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT C/A #: 2017-CP-43-00160 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER TRUSTMARK NATIONAL BANK, Plaintiff, vs. WADDELL MACK III, FLOSSIE A. MACK, NORTH STAR CAPITAL ACQUISITION LLC A/K/A NORTH STAR CAPITAL ACQUISITION LLC; SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; AND SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, Defendants. TO THE DEFENDANT FLOSSIE A. MACK ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer to the said Complaint upon the subscribers, at their office, 1703 Laurel Street (29201), Post Office Box 11682, Columbia, South Carolina 29211, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in the above entitled action was filed in the office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on January 30, 2017. GRIMSLEY LAW FIRM, LLC Benjamin E. Grimsley Attorney for the Plaintiff P. O. Box 11682 Columbia, South Carolina 29211 (803) 233-1177

SUMMONS AND NOTICES IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CASE NO. 2016-CP-43-02242 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER U.S. Bank National Trust Association as Indenture Trustee for CIM Trust 2015-4AG Mortgage-Backed Notes, Series 2015-4AG, PLAINTIFF, VS. Shirley A. Sainz; Any Heirs-at-Law or Devisees of the Estate of Evelyn Hill Bailey, Deceased, their heirs or devisees, successors and assigns, and all other persons entitled to claim through them; all unknown persons with any right, title or interest in the real estate described herein; also any 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 or persons under a disability being a class designated as Richard Roe; Any Heirs-at-Law or Devisees of the Estate of Otis Leroy Bailey, Deceased, their heirs or devisees, successors and assigns, and all other persons entitled to claim through them; all unknown persons with any right, title or interest in the real estate described herein; also any persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America, being a class designated as Jane Doe; and any unknown minors or persons under a disability being a class designated as Rachel Roe; and The United States of America, acting by and through its agency, The Internal Revenue Service, DEFENDANT(S). TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE-NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to appear and defend by answering the Complaint in this action, of which a copy is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer on the subscribers at their offices, 2712 Middleburg Drive, Suite 200, Columbia, Post Office Box 2065, Columbia, South Carolina, 29202-2065, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; except that the United States of America, if named, shall have sixty (60) days to answer after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to do so, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that should you fail to Answer the foregoing Summons, the Plaintiff will move for a general Order of Reference of this cause to the Master-In-Equity or Special Referee for Sumter County, which Order shall, pursuant to Rule 53 (e) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedures, specifically provide that the said Master-In-Equity or Special Master is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this cause. TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND/OR MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDES AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY:

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Simply, stop into our office at 36 W. Liberty Street in Sumter and complete the FREE Classified form. Restricted to: private party ad listing HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ONLY, no automobiles, boats, guns, houses, or land may be listed. Name and phone number required on all ads. Limited time offer, offer may end without notice. Must meet manager approval.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

IT’S PROM TIME AT MAYOS “CELEBRATING 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN SUMTER” Choose ONE suit at our REGULAR PRICE Get SECOND suit of equal or less value for ONLY $1.00! 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 Summons & Notice

Summons & Notice

YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, Plaintiff will apply to have the appointment of the Guardian ad Litem Nisi, Anne Bell Fant, made absolute.

NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANTS: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Summons and Complaint, of which the foregoing is a copy of the Summons, were filed with the Clerk of Court for Sumter County, South Carolina on December 9, 2016. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the order appointing Anne Bell Fant, whose address is PO Box 796, Simpsonville, SC 29681, as Guardian Ad Litem Nisi for all persons whomsoever herein collectively designated as Richard Roe, defendants herein whose names and addresses are unknown, including any thereof who may be minors, incapacitated, or under other legal disability, whether residents or non-residents of South Carolina; for all named Defendants, addresses unknown, who may be infants, incapacitated, or under a legal disability; for any unknown heirs-at-law of Evelyn Hill Bailey and Otis Leroy Bailey, including their heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, and all other persons entitled to claim through them; and for all other unknown persons with any right, title, or interest in and to the real estate that is the subject of this foreclosure action, was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on the 24th day of February, 2017. YOU WILL FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that unless the said Defendants, or someone in their behalf or in behalf of any of them, shall within thirty (30) days after service of notice of this order upon them by publication, exclusive of the day of such service, procure to be appointed for them, or any of them, a Guardian Ad Litem to represent them or any of them for the purposes of this action, the Plaintiff will apply for an order making the appointment of said Guardian Ad Litem Nisi absolute.

AMENDED LIS PENDENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action has been commenced by the Plaintiff above named against the Defendants above named for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage given by Shirley A. Sainz and Jesse M. Sainz to Equity One, Inc., dated July 25, 2007, recorded July 25, 2007, in the office of the Clerk of Court/Register of Deeds for Sumter County, in Book 1087, at Page 1883; thereafter, said Mortgage was assigned to American General Financial Services, Inc. by assignment instrument dated February 29, 2008 and recorded March 11, 2008 in Book 1102 at Page 241; thereafter, assigned to U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee for Springleaf Mortgage Loan Trust 2012-3 by assignment instrument dated August 13, 2015 and recorded August 25, 2015 in Book 1214 at Page 2362; thereafter, assigned to U.S. Bank National Trust Association as Indenture Trustee for CIM Trust 2015-4AG Mortgage-Backed Notes, Series 2015-4AG by assignment instrument dated January 6, 2016

and recorded January 6, 2016 in Book 1217 at Page 5651. The description of the premises is as follows: All that certain piece, parcel, or lot of land, together with the improvements thereon, if any, situate, lying, and being in the Township and County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, being shown and designated as Lot #25, containing 0.82 acres, more or less, of Quail Lawn Subdivision, as shown on that certain plat prepared by Arthur E. White, Jr., RLS, dated September 6, 1994, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Sumter County in Plat Book 94 at Page 1278, and having such metes and bounds as are shown on said plat, this description being in lieu of metes and bounds, as permitted under Section 30-5-250 of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended. The Plaintiff is informed and believes that the Mortgage identified herein and given to the Plaintiff, which is the subject of this foreclosure action, contains a provision wherein it created and granted a security interest in favor of the Plaintiff in the following collateral: One 1985 CRAF CH183 mobile/manufactured home, Serial No. CH183257, including any fixtures. The Plaintiff is also informed and believes that the Defendant is presently in possession of the mobile/manufactured home and the Plaintiff is informed and believes it is entitled to possession and o w n e r s h i p o f t h e mobile/manufactured home as a permanent fixture and/or improvement under the real estate mortgage of the Plaintiff as herein identified and the applicable common and statutory laws of South Carolina. This being the same property conveyed to Jesse M. Sainz and Shirley A. Sainz, as joint tenants with the right of survivorship, by deed of Otis L. Bailey and Evelyn M. Bailey, dated July 25, 2007 and recorded July 25, 2007 in Book 1087 at Page 1879 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Sumter County.

Summons & Notice

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SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT (Non-Jury) Foreclosure

In Memory

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT C/A #: 2017-CP-43-00112 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER TRUSTMARK NATIONAL BANK, Plaintiff, vs. BRADEN BUNCH A/K/A BRADEN A. BUNCH; A. WREN BUNCH A/K/A ANNA WREN BUNCH and SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, Defendants. TO THE DEFENDANTS BRADEN BUNCH A/K/A BRADEN A. BUNCH AND A. WREN BUNCH A/K/A ANNA WREN BUNCH ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer to the said Complaint upon the subscribers, at their office, 1703 Laurel Street (29201), Post Office Box 11682, Columbia, South Carolina 29211, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint in the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Grandma's boy Ethan Emanual Blanding celebrates his third birthday today! March 22, 2017 Happy Birthday Ethan! We Love you. From your Nonny, Tonya Mack-Canty, Mom, Dad, Grandma's & Pa-Pa's Aunts & Uncles.

Nicole "Buffie" Ray 07/12/1970 - 03/22/2013 I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new! I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart. Your Daughter, Niya, Sisters, Brothers, Nieces & Nephews

Announcements BARBARA NAVE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in the above entitled action was filed in the office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on January 20, 2017. GRIMSLEY LAW FIRM, LLC P. O. Box 11682 Columbia, South Carolina 29211 (803) 233-1177 Benjamin E. Grimsley Attorney for the Plaintiff

Upon information and belief, Jesse M. Sainz died January 6, 2016, thus vesting his interest in the subject property in the surviving joint tenant, namely, Shirley A. Sainz.

In Loving Memory of Spc. Emanual L. Blanding 02/27/1986 - 03/22/09 Its been 8 years today and we thought of you , but thats nothing new. We thought about you yesterday and days before that too. We think of you in silence, We often speak your name. All we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake from which we 'll never part. God has you in his arms, we have you in our hearts. Love, Ebony, Tonya, Matthew, Matthew Jr., Carla, Grandma, Granddad, Aunts, Uncles & Cousins

Prime Downtown COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

HAVE YOU SEEN ME? If you have any information on Barbara's whereabouts, contact Sumter County Sheriff's dept 803-436-2000 or Crime Stoppers 803-436-2718.

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SCOTT AND CORLEY, P.A. Ronald C. Scott, SC Bar #4996 Reginald P. Corley, SC Bar #69453 Angelia J. Grant, SC Bar #78334 Jessica S. Corley, SC Bar #80470 Allison E. Heffernan, SC Bar #68530 Matthew E. Rupert, SC Bar #100740 William P. Stork, SC Bar #100242 Louise M. Johnson, SC Bar #16586 Tasha B. Thompson, SC Bar #76415 Jane S. Ruschky, SC Bar #70472 ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF 2712 Middleburg Drive, Suite 200 Columbia, SC 29204 803-252-3340

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SECTION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOS

Participants in a past Zumbathon to raise funds for the James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation work out at the M.H. Newton Family Life Center. The fifth annual Zumbathon will be held there Saturday. The fee to take the 2½-hour class is $10, all of which will be donated to the foundation.

Zumbathon will benefit sickle cell research BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com Angela Burkett is hosting her fifth annual Zumbathon® to raise funds for the James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation. From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the M.H. Newton Family Life Center, she and several other Zumba instructors and enthusiasts will perform the dance fitness moves and lead audience members in learning Zumba. “We have a lot of fun, and the cause is important,” Burkett said. For her, it’s personal. Her two granddaughters have sickle cell, and she’s seen close up the effects the disease has on them. Even though it’s the most common inherited disease in the U.S., many people don’t know how painful and debilitating it is, Burkett said. The name refers to the fact that blood cells in sickle cell patients become hard and take on the shape of a sickle; when

they clog small blood vessels and cut off blood flow to organs, the pain is severe. This causes damage to the organs and often shortens the lifespan of those with the disease, who are mainly of African, Aisan, Middle Eastern, Central and South American ancestry. Burkett said sickle cell can affect people in “different degrees.” Her 13-year-old granddaughter, for example, has the form of sickle cell called betathalessemia and suffers pain crises frequently. “It’s so painful sometimes, she can hardly walk,” Burkett said. “Usually she has to get a morphine injection to get any relief.” Todd Owens, 50, has been living with sickle cell disease his entire life. He said his father had the disease, so he had Owens and his sister tested when they were very young. “Growing up with sickle cell was very hard,” Owens said. “I couldn’t do a lot of physical things, because it affects adrenaline, and if I get an

adrenaline dump, it can make me go into crisis. I have to try to stay on sort of an even keel. Of course, I wanted to play sports, and I tried to understand as much as I could, but it was tough.” Owens also avoids caffeine and watches his diet closely, he said. Despite taking all precautions, he still has pain crises: “It feels like broken glass going through my body,” he said. Just last week, he said, his doctor told him he would have to have hip replacement surgery because of avascular necrosis — bone death, his caused by sickle cell. There is no easy cure for sickle cell disease, Burkett said. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which has been doing research on the disease since 1962, in 1983 cured one patient — the first in the world — through a bone marrow transplant. There have been a few other patients cured; however, the transplant has many complications and is

symptoms are ongoing at many medical facilities, but the main focus is on prevention through genetic counseling. The mission of the South Carolina-based James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation is stated as “To optimize the social, psychological and physiological well-being of individuals with sickle cell disease and to decrease the incidence of sickle cell disease through genetic screening, counseling and eduZumba instructor Angela Burkett cation.” speaks to the crowd gathered for While the main office of the a previous Zumbathon fundraiser foundation is in Columbia, for the James R. Clark Sickle Cell there is a Sumter satellite office at 337 Manning Ave. Call Foundation. She will lead her fifth annual Zumbathon on Satur- (803) 774-6181. Zumbathon® to benefit the day. Anyone who’d like to join in or learn Zumba is welcome. A do- James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation will be held from nation of $10 is suggested. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the M.H. Newton Family very difficult. The transplant may not work, and the donated Life Center, 415 Manning Ave. The fee to participate is $10 marrow can be rejected. Usuper person, adults only, and no ally, the bone marrow transplant is attempted only in sick- child care will be provided. For more information, call le cell patients younger than (803) 934-9527. 16. Research and treatment of

Mystery Plant found at Poinsett State Park BY JOHN NELSON Curator, USC Herbarium This past Tuesday was perfect for a botany field trip, bright and sunny. A good many flowers coming into bloom, the air warming up a bit, and I guess spring is arriving. I took my class to a marvelous place here in central South Carolina, Poinsett State Park, in western Sumter County just on the east side of the Wateree River. The site has had a long history, featuring a spring-fed pond, which for a considerable amount of time powered a mill. The State Park was put together in the 1930’s, largely by the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and much of their impressive architecture remains in place. If you ever find yourself in the middle of the state, I hope you can come by here. Now, this part of South Carolina is slam in the middle of what are called the “High Hills of the Santee,” locally wellknown for its anomalous landscape, PHOTO PROVIDED which features hilly terrain in some placThis week’s Mystery Plant was es with a relief of nearly 200 feet. Unusufound growing in Poinsett State al geologic systems are present, including Park. It’s related to both edeldeposits of Fuller’s earth, a fine-grained weiss and rabbit tobacco. clay-like material, as well as coquina, a

limestone-based sedimentary rock containing fossilized shells. Coquina was also used as a durable construction material — like an early form of cinder block. These High Hills, which saw plenty of action during the American Revolution, represent the highest ground of the inner coastal plain between Columbia and Charleston, and not so far from Sumter, another town worth a visit. Use your imagination, and you could think of these hills as the Alps. And what’s the most famous wildflower of the Alps? What else, other than edelweiss? Our Mystery Plant is not edelweiss, but it is a relative. It’s also related to common rabbit tobacco. It’s a member of the sunflower family and is fairly frequent on high ground throughout much of eastern North America. Most of its leaves are near the ground, often spoonshaped. The plants occur in patches, producing slender stolons, and the upright flowering branches get to a foot or so tall. Nearly all of the plant’s parts feature silvery-white, silky hairs, especially on the lower leaf surfaces and stems. The tiny tubular flowers are congested into heads, a universal feature of the sunflower family. The heads are

surrounded by a series of tiny, pointed bracts. Male plants, producing pollen, are separate from the female plants, and of course it is the female plants that ultimately produce the cottony-wisped seeds. The plants are early bloomers, bringing quiet cheer to the still leafless woods. The soft woolly heads, crowded together at the top of the stems, have reminded some people of kittens’ paws. You’ve probably started humming the edelweiss song to yourself by now, and that’s OK. Our little Mystery Plant probably won’t ever be starring with Julie Andrews, but it surely is a nice addition to our flora, “small and white, clean and bright.” Answer: Pussytoes,” Antennaria plantaginifolia John Nelson is the curator of the A. C. Moore Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, S.C. 29208. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit www.herbarium.org, call (803) 777-8196, or email nelson@sc.edu.

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COMICS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Mom must bear son-in-law for sake of daughter DEAR ABBY — I'm not proud to write this, but I don't like my sonin-law. I think the feeling is Dear Abby mutual. He's ABIGAIL arrogant and thinks he VAN BUREN knows everything. My daughter and I had a close bond before she married him. That quickly changed. She barely comes to my house anymore, and I don't see my grandkids as often as I'd like. I don't have a car (I'm working on that), and I rely on them for transportation. I don't like going to their house because I don't feel wanted. I tolerate my son-in-law be-

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

cause I know my daughter loves him and I try hard to stay out of their business. What advice can you offer me? Wishing things were better DEAR WISHING — Has it occurred to you that your daughter may be hurt or uncomfortable because she knows you dislike her husband? If he makes your daughter happy and is a good father to your grandchildren, give him points for that, and be glad you aren't the one who has to live with him. You don't have to love him, but you must maintain a cordial relationship if only for your daughter's sake. Keep working on getting that car so you'll have your own transportation when you need it, and your visit won't be perceived as an imposition.

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

DEAR ABBY — While dining in a fancy restaurant recently, I noticed a woman sitting a few tables away who had a number of tattoos on her arms and elsewhere. When she came by, I politely asked her what one of them meant. My wife was furious! Did I do something wrong? Inquiring question DEAR INQUIRING — Tattoos often have deeply personal meanings to the wearer. Although some individuals might welcome the opportunity to explain them to a stranger, others would not because the tat may commemorate a very personal — or sad — milestone. Your wife may have become upset because she felt the question was presumptuous.

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

By Don Gagliardo and C.C. Burnikel

ACROSS 1 “That’s enough out of you” 6 Addams family nickname 10 Festoons with Charmin, for short 13 Chicago airport 14 Barak of Israel 15 __ butter 16 Monkey cage discard 18 Phone using a tower 19 Govt. agency that supports startups 20 Kettle output 21 Ride in the desert 22 Reason for totaling, as an insured car 24 Social ranking 27 Many mobile downloads 28 Coral component 29 Cause of some tan lines 34 “All Things Considered” co-host Shapiro 35 Day of song 36 Fleece source 37 Ornate 18th-century genre 40 Thyme piece 42 Pre-hurricane emergency op

43 Runs after 44 Fluffy sun blocker 49 “No one can beat me” 50 Poker game concern 51 Unit of resistance 54 Poker at the table? 55 Baseball rarity, and a hint to the vowels in the first words of 16-, 22-, 29-, 37- and 44-Across 57 Where buds may go 58 Right hand 59 Meditation teachers 60 “The Affair” network, briefly 61 Flow with force 62 Place on a pedestal DOWN 1 Corny leftovers 2 Starbuck’s boss 3 Child tender 4 Tax-deferred plan, briefly 5 Stiffen in fear 6 Prairie home 7 The Supremes’ “__ a Symphony” 8 “See if I care!”

3/22/17

9 Cholesterol letters 10 Annual Augusta National event 11 “Pequod” co-owner 12 Room in a maison 15 Shrimp dish 17 Off-roaders, for short 21 2-Down’s title, informally 22 Dirty digs 23 Place of honor 24 Prep for a bout 25 Big name in riding mowers 26 Canadian short story writer awarded a Nobel Prize in 2013 29 Lavish wrap 30 Discount rack abbr. 31 First-aid gear

32 Boo-boo 33 Cribbage markers 35 Prefix with drama 38 Small eggs 39 NASCAR’s Yarborough 40 Z’s 41 Elbow protector 43 Mine extraction 44 Names as a reference 45 Hater of David, in Dickens 46 Rx 47 Reprimand 48 Aggressive cat lover of cartoons 51 Gymnast Korbut 52 Flag down 53 Classic PC adventure game 55 Some univ. proctors 56 Curse

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

3/22/17

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WIS News 10 at Entertainment Blindspot: Evil Did I Dwell, Lewd Did I Tonight (HD) Live Weller and Jane meet the inside news update. source. (N) (HD) News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition Survivor: Game Changers: The Evening news Alternative news. Tables Have Turned (N) (HD) update. (HD) Wheel of Fortune: Jeopardy! (N) The Goldbergs: Speechless: Southern Charm (HD) O Captain! My R-O—ROAD (N) (HD) Captain! (HD) T-R—TRIP (HD) Naturescene SC: Expeditions with Nature: Great Zebra Exodus Zebras’ Billy Dreher Island Patrick McMillan Kalahari migration examined. (HD) (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang Shots Fired: Hour One: Pilot Two Theory Penny Theory Young deaths escalate racial tensions. (N) worried. (HD) genius. (HD) (HD) Last Man Standing Last Man Standing: Arrow: Kapiushon Prometheus does Vanessa’s sister. Mutton Busting everything within his power to break (HD) (HD) Oliver’s spirit. (N) (HD)

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Chicago P.D.: Remember the Devil WIS News 10 at Genes Suspect blames genetics for Intelligence finds a kidnapped person. 11:00pm News rapes. (N) (HD) (N) (HD) and weather. Criminal Minds: In The Dark Two Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders: News 19 @ 11pm unsubs may be working at same The Devil’s Breath Empty bank The news of the time. (N) (HD) account before suicide. (N) (HD) day. Modern Family: (:31) black-ish: 40 Designated Survivor: Backfire (N) ABC Columbia Ringmaster Keifth Acres and a Vote (HD) News at 11 (HD) (HD) (HD) NOVA: Escape from Nazi Alcatraz Spillover - Zika, Ebola & Beyond Tavis Smiley Unused escape plan examined & Spillover viruses are on the rise. (N) (HD) tested. (N) (HD) (HD) (:01) Empire: Sound & Fury Lucious WACH FOX News at 10 Local news Sports Zone launches his new project. (N) (HD) report and weather forecast.

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BBC World News International news. 2 Broke Girls: And Strokes of Goodwill (HD) The 100: Gimme Shelter Upon Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: arriving at the island, Clarke’s Laws of Nature Another organization Purpose in the Machine Asgardian situation begins to look grim. (N) (HD) searching. (HD) helps. (HD)

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CABLE CHANNELS Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty (N) Duck Dynasty (N) Jep & Jessica: Jep & Jessica: (:32) Duck (:03) Duck (:33) Duck (:03) Duck (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Growing (N) Growing (N) Dynasty (HD) Dynasty (HD) Dynasty (HD) Dynasty (HD) Sav ing Pri vate Ryan (‘98, Drama) aaaa Tom Hanks. A squad of sol diers risk their lives to lo cate a pri vate whose broth ers were killed in com bat so Glad i a tor (‘00, Drama) aaaa Rus sell Crowe. 180 that he can return home as the last surviving son. (HD) Rome’s greatest general turns gladiator. (HD) 100 Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters: Branched Out (N) (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Animal (N) Bag gage Claim (‘13, Com edy) aa Paula Patton. A young flight at ten dant who’s racked up thou sands of air miles The Quad (N) (HD) The Quad (HD) Daily Show with 162 embarks on an expedition to find herself a fiancé before her younger sister weds. (HD) Trevor (HD) 181 The Real Housewives of Atlanta: The Real Housewives of Atlanta: The Real Housewives of Atlanta: The Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Happens The Real Housewives of Beverly Loose Lips Sink Ships Lei It All on the Table Maui Mayhem Aloha & Goodbye (HD) Hills: Big Buddha Brawl 84 Shark Tank Feline fever. (HD) Shark Tank (HD) Shark Tank (HD) The Deed (N) (HD) Shark Tank Kingonomics. (HD) Shark Tank 80 Erin Burnett OutFront (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) CNN Tonight with Don Lemon CNN Tonight with Don Lemon 360° (HD) Tosh.0: Tay The Comedy Jam Tosh.0 (HD) Daily Show with (:31) @midnight (:16) South Park 136 South Park Guitar South Park (HD) South Park New South Park (HD) Tosh.0 The “I Hero. (HD) fad. (HD) Like” girl. 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(HD) Beezus (HD) 42 NHRA Drag Racing: Phoenix: from Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Arizona no} (HD) UFC Main: Lawler vs Condit World Poker Tour no} (HD) Snowboard Last Man Last Man Last Man The Middle: The The Middle: The The Middle (HD) The Middle (HD) Gold. Girl: That Gold. Girl: In a Gold. Girl: The 183 Last Man Standing (HD) Standing (HD) Standing (HD) Standing (HD) Clover (HD) Telling (HD) Was No Lady Bed of Rose’s Truth Will Out 112 Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Prop Bro (HD) 110 American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (N) (HD) (:03) American Pickers (HD) (:03) American Pickers (HD) Am. Picker Law & Order: Coming Down Hard Law & Order: Gunplay Green poses Law & Order: Cut A pulp fiction Law & Order: Gov 160 Law & Order: The Dead Wives Club Law & Order: The Brotherhood Ferry accident. (HD) Correction officer. (HD) Suicide drugs. (HD) as an arms dealer. (HD) author is found dead. (HD) Love (HD) Lit tle Women: At lanta: Bad Lit tle Women: At lanta: Bobbleheads Lit tle Women: At lanta: Spill the Tea (:02) Bring ing Up Ballers: Party Foul (:02) Lit tle Women: At lanta: Spill the Lit tle Women: 145 Romance Housewarming party. (HD) Will Roll True feelings. (HD) Juicy’s party. (N) (HD) Graduation party. (N) (HD) Tea Juicy’s party. (HD) Atlanta (HD) 92 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) Lawrence O’Donnell (HD) 11th Hour (HD) Hardball (HD) Maddow (HD) 210 Hunter (N) Thunderman Thunderman Shakers (HD) Full House Full House Full House Full House Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Friends (HD) 153 Shooter (‘07, Thriller) aaa Mark Wahlberg. Sniper framed for dignitary’s death. (HD) TIME: Kalief Browder (N) (HD) The Book of Eli (‘10) aaa Denzel Washington. 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(N) (HD) My 600-lb Life: Tracey’s Story Lymphedema. (HD) Major Crimes: Bad Blood Familiar Major Crimes: Bad Blood Team Hawaii Five-0: O ka Pili ‘Ohana ka ‘Oi Hawaii Five-0 158 Bones: The Method in the Madness Major Crimes: Dead Drop Dr. Garbage can body. (HD) Morales’ father. (HD) murder. (N) (HD) investigates familiar murder. (HD) Kidnapped daughter. (HD) (HD) 129 Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro (N) Carbonaro (N) Upscale (HD) Carbonaro Carbonaro 161 A Griffith (HD) A Griffith (HD) A Griffith (HD) (:48) Loves Raymond (HD) Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) NCIS: React NCIS and FBI look for NCIS: Scope A wounded sniper was NCIS: Reasonable Doubts Wife and Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family 132 NCIS: Kill Chain Unmanned drone stolen by terrorist. (HD) missing daughter. (HD) ambushed. (HD) mistress. 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‘Shots Fired’ does not shy away from controversy BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH “Shots Fired” (8 p.m., Fox, TV14) marks the second “ripped from the headlines” drama to arrive over the last 10 days. Like the themes in the third season of “American Crime,” it does not shy away from controversy. But it inverts the themes of current news stories and leans a little more heavily on steamy melodrama than its rather solemn ABC counterpart. “Shots” concerns the shooting of a white North Carolina college student by an AfricanAmerican police officer in a largely black neighborhood. The assumption, bluntly stated, is that any white kid in that part of town is up to no good. The state’s governor (Helen Hunt) enlists a black federal prosecutor, Preston Terry (Stephan James, “Selma”), to investigate the case and to provide a certain cover in the media. While Preston is Ivy League-educated, smooth and seemingly politically savvy (if not ambitious), his lead investigator, Ashe Akino (Sanaa Lathan, “The Perfect Guy”), carries baggage both professional and personal. She knows what it is like to be charged and cleared of shooting an unarmed suspect. And the emotional toll of that ordeal has cost her a marriage and possibly the custody of her own child. The upside-down racial optics of “Shots Fired” are bal-

anced by the emergence of another case of a police officer shooting a black teen, a case that did not bring in a federal investigation or generate many headlines. That imbalance does not go unnoticed by the community, or leaders like Pastor Janae (Aisha Hinds). “Shots” keeps the focus on the personal. Preston’s older brother, Maceo (Shamier Anderson), is an NFL star, a fact that gives him some credibility and respect on the street. Buffeted by the windfall of his NFL contract, Maceo sees his brother as a sellout, a servant to “the man.” Maceo is also catnip to the ladies. The fact that he and Ashe hook up in the first episode, accompanied by a musical montage, is a reminder that “Shots” is a television

show and not a civics lesson. • “Empire” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14) returns to resume its third season. It has been announced that Demi Moore will join the series in a story arc as a nononsense nurse who has quite an impact on the family.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Confronting Nas’ inside source on “Blindspot” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • “NOVA: Escape from Nazi Alcatraz” (9 p.m., PBS, r, TV-PG, check local listings) recalls British officers’ escape from Colditz Castle, a German POW camp. • A very old grudge on “Major Crimes” (9 p.m., TNT, TV-14). • Second chances on “Are You

the One: All Star Challenge” (9 p.m., MTV, TV-14). • Jacob joins a rival church on “Greenleaf” (10 p.m., OWN, TV-14). • “Cooks vs. Cons” (9 p.m., Food, TV-G) enters its fourth season. • Press leaks plague the White House on “Designated Survivor” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • David seeks an out on “Legion” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA). • Ernestine and Rosalee are put to the test on “Underground” (10 p.m., WGN, TVMA). • Leonard needs help on “Hap and Leonard: Mucho Mojo” (10 p.m., Sundance, TV-MA).

“The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Erin Andrews appears on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Glenn Close, Michael McKean and H. Jon Benjamin are booked on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Woody Harrelson, John Cena, Martin Garrix and Dua Lipa on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Kristen Bell, Bill Nighy, Aquilo and Charlie Benante visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Josh Gad, Judy Greer and Maggie Rogers appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

LATE NIGHT

Michael Pena is booked on

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THE SUMTER ITEM

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Get the most flavor, juice out of lemons BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press resh lemon — in-

cluding the juice and the peel — is

one of my all-time favorite ingredients, in part because it's just so versatile. It can be the star of the show (as in this recipe) or a brilliant supporting actor (as in so many of my everyday dishes). It's indispensable in fish dishes and pairs beautifully with all sorts of vegetables, raw and cooked. I also reach for it regularly to brighten up soups, stews and sautes. The great thing about lemon peel, also known as the zest, is that it adds intense lemon flavor to a recipe without all the acid that is found in the juice. I use grated lemon zest in scrambled eggs and creamy pasta dishes and combine it with chopped herbs as a finishing touch for braised meats. Whichever parts you use, it's important to start with the best possible lemons. The winning candidates will boast a bright yellow color and a thin skin. A thin skin signals more juice and less pith (the bitter-tasting white layer between the peel and the fruit itself). When grating the peel, you want to stop short of the pith. How do you know a given specimen has a thin skin? It will give a little when you squeeze it. Once home with your lemons, scrub each one lightly under water to remove the edible wax with which it was covered to protect the fruit on its journey to the market. If your recipe calls for zest and juice, grate the zest before you juice the lemon. But don't grate the zest until just

before you're ready to add it to the recipe. Zest quickly dries out and loses its oomph if it sits around for very long. My favorite tool for grating zest is a wand-style grater. Once upon a time, the tool of choice was the fine side of a four-sided grater. Unfortunately, this gadget often grabbed too much of the pith — not to mention the tips of your fingers — in the process. I do my grating over a piece of kitchen parchment, which allows me to pick up and measure the zest easily. The yield is roughly 1 tablespoon of zest per large lemon. If your recipe calls for zest but not juice, wrap the unused lemon in plastic wrap when you're done and do your best to use it up within a few days. A lemon stripped of its protective layer of zest dries out pretty quickly. There are several ways to make sure you squeeze the maximum amount of juice from your lemon. First, soften up the fruit by rolling it on the counter and pressing down as you do. Second, heat it, either by microwaving it for 20 seconds or so or by stashing it in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Finally, cut the lemon in half crosswise and juice it. I like to juice using an oldfashioned and brightly colored Mexican hand press. But there's also a more unorthodox, if equally effective, way to do it. Place the cut lemon half in between the two arms of a set of tongs, right at the top where the arms are joined. Then squeeze the bottom ends together. I learned this little trick from Ming Tsai, who picked it up from Jasper White, two of my favorite chefs. One large lemon will give up about 1/4 cup of juice. These muffins are quite rich, better suited to dessert than breakfast (though they would indeed be a delightful morning splurge on a special occasion). Made with juice and zest, their deep lemon flavor is complemented by the raspberries.

LEMON RASPBERRY POUND CAKE MUFFINS Start to finish: 45 minutes (15 minutes active) Servings: 8 1 cup (4 1/2 ounces) cake flour (not self-rising) 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon table salt 1/4 cup grated lemon zest 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice, divided 1 pint raspberries 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons powdered sugar Heat the oven to 325 F. Line a cupcake tin with 8 paper cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and lemon zest. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the butter and

granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in the vanilla. Add half the flour mixture, and mix just until combined. Beat in the cream and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice. Add the remaining flour mixture, beating just until combined. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them halfway. Press 4 raspberries gently into the center of the batter in each cup, then top with more batter, filling the cups just up to the tops of the liners. Bake the cupcakes on the oven's center shelf until golden on top and a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Transfer the cakes to a wire rack, and let cool completely. While the cupcakes are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl whisk together the powdered sugar and remaining lemon juice until smooth. When the cupcakes are cooled, drizzle the glaze over each cake. Nutrition information per serving: 300 calories; 150 calories from fat (50 percent of total calories); 16 g fat (10 g saturated; 0.5 g trans fats); 120 mg cholesterol; 120 mg sodium; 36 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 20 g sugar; 4 g protein.

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