April 5, 2017 by The Sumter Item

IN SPORTS: Two Lady Gamecocks entering WNBA draft

PANORAMA

Balsam Range Modern masters of Bluegrass coming to Opera House on Friday — don’t miss it! C1

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894

$1.00

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

Consultant previews potential cuts Besides classroom positions, Allan will propose school consolidation, district staff eliminations BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Potential school closings, cutting district office positions and freezing all non-teaching staff salaries and stipend increases are key areas to consider for cutting additional expenditures from next year’s budget, said the financial consultant working with Sumter School District. Scott Allan made his comments Monday night to the district board of trustees after detailing to the board

his analysis and the district’s plan to cut 86 classroom teachers and related instructional staff, to include para professionals and behavior and academic interventionists, as part of his 2017-18 budget update presentation. The classroom position cuts were announced Monday ALLAN because Allan and district leadership had recently completed staffing meetings with the principal at each school.

Allan advised the board Monday that a plan to cut administrative staff at the district office is forthcoming. “There’s definitely a recommendation out there by the superintendent as to some staffing changes at the district level,” Allan said. “So don’t think for a minute it’s just out at the schools.” At least 12 positions have already been eliminated from the district office as part of an emergency financial plan by Superintendent Frank Baker that was approved by the board. That

plan went into effect Jan. 31 and also trimmed six teaching positions, but five of those were vacant at the time. With Monday’s announcement of the 86 classroom position cuts for next fiscal year, the district has now eliminated 133 positions since January. Allan will reveal his analysis and the district’s plan to eliminate further district office positions to the school board’s finance committee at its next meeting, tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 21.

Oats are good for goats, too

SEE CUTS, PAGE A9

Two rounds of severe weather possible today

Casey Belinski feeds Donkey the Nubian goat Strawberry Cheerios at his family’s farm in Sumter recently. MELANIE SMITH / THE SUMTER ITEM

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

City, police served with wrongful death lawsuit BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com On Friday, city of Sumter and Sumter Police Department were served with a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the sister of Waltki Cermoun Williams, the 35-year-old man who was killed during a shooting incident with Sumter police officers on Dec. 10. The lawsuit is an attempt to get more information about the incident, according to one attorney. The lawsuit was filed

VISIT US ONLINE AT

the

.com

with Sumter County Court of Common Pleas on March 24 and alleges that at least three city police officers unjustly used deadly force when they fired at least 24 rounds at Williams while he was on the ground unarmed. The lawsuit states Williams was shot at least 19 times and struck at least 17 times in the back. Attorney C. Carter Elliott with Elliott Phelan LLC in Georgetown, one of the lawyers representing the Estate of Waltki Williams, said he and his legal team

have already spoken to witnesses who were at the scene on Dec. 10 to get a better understanding of the incident. He said part of the reason the lawsuit was filed was to receive about 20 video recordings from officers’ body and dashboard cameras that will show multiple angles of the incident in order to compare with allegations. Williams’ death was the result of police misconduct, Elliott said. Williams was not a danger in any way

DEATHS, B6

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

Stephen W. Brown Joe Lewis Price Titus Rogers Maliaka Truesdale Willie Bracey

after he was on the ground and did not deserve to have been shot once, let alone 19 times, he said. There is no way those officers are justified, he said. Elliott said he has seen a copy of Williams’ autopsy report and that photos taken of the body before it was cremated match with the autopsy information. He said many of the bullet wounds he saw coincide with fatal wounds described in the report.

SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE A9

Area residents will have not one, but two storm systems with the potential for severe weather today, according to Tenia Morrison, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Columbia. “We’ve got a warm front lifting northward in the early afternoon, and that will probably bring one round of showers and thunderstorms from 11 a.m. to 3 Jim p.m.,” she Hilley said. That will be quickly followed by an approaching cold front later in the afternoon, she said. “We’re looking at a second round late in the afternoon and into the night; that’s from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.,” she said. Both rounds will include potentially severe weather, including wind gusts to 70 mph, large hail and some flooding, she said. “The severe weather today will possibly be worse than Monday,” she said. She said the second round of storms is the most likely to produce severe weather. “But we can’t rule out the one earlier,” Morrison said. Monday’s round of thunderstorms included an EF1 tornado near Monetta, which snapped numerous pine trees, she said. In addition, Aiken reported many downed trees and quarter-sized hail. Shaw Air Force Base reported 1.06 inches of rain as a line of storms passed through the Midlands on Monday. According to the NWS web page, showers are predicted to taper off by 10 a.m. Thursday, with cooler temperatures and mostly sunny skies expected through Saturday, with highs expected to be in the middle to upper 70s and lows in the lower 40s. Sunday is predicted to have a high of 75 and a low of 47, with Monday and Tuesday highs reaching into the 80s.

WEATHER, A10

INSIDE

STORMS LIKELY

3 SECTIONS, 22 PAGES VOL. 122, NO. 123

Warm today with good chance of strong afternoon storms; tonight, severe storms. HIGH 78, LOW 59

Classifieds B7 Comics C2 Food C4

Opinion A7 Television C3

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Black River Electric Co-op checks marked ‘VOID’ are valid If you are a Black River Electric Co-op member who received a Capital Credit Retirement Fund check that is marked VOID, do not destroy your check. The check is valid and can be cashed. An error was made by an outside vendor. If you have difficulty cashing or depositing this check at your bank, use one of these options: • Present the check for cashing at any First Citizens Bank in Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw or Lee counties; • Return the check to BREC with your next payment, and it will be credited to your account; or • Return the check to BREC and request a replacement check. For additional information, call (803) 469-8060.

Man charged with trying to redeem stolen lottery ticket South Carolina Law Enforcement Division agents arrested a Sumter man on Friday after he allegedly attempted to claim winnings from a stolen South Carolina Education Lottery ticket. A news release from SLED states that Terrell D. Carter, 19, is charged with influencing the winning of a lottery prize through coercion, fraud, deception or tampering. The felony charge carries a penalty of a fine of no more than $50,000 or no more than five years in prison, or both, if convicted. Carter was booked at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County. SLED investigated the case at the request of the S.C. Education Lottery Commission.

City faces lean budget in 2018 BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Sumter City Council received a draft of the proposed Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget at its regular meeting Tuesday in City Council Chambers. City Manager Deron McCormick reminded council the budget was preliminary. “There are a lot of challenges this year,” he said. Finance Director Mary Beth Reames told council the budget shows a deficit of $2 million; however, McCormick pointed out the six of the seven city funds are in balance, with only the General Fund showing a significant projected shortfall. The budget projected

revenues of $62.9 million during fiscal year 2018 and expenditures of $65.6 million. During the meeting, council considered the final reading of two ordinances, one dealing with the sale of .158 acres of property at 2493 Broad St. and the other lengthening the time property owners have to register vacant property from 60 days to one year. Both were passed unanimously. Council also approved a resolution declaring April as Fair Housing Month and a resolution approving a mutual aid agreement between Sumter Police Department and Florence Police Department. Police Chief Russell

JIM HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM

City Councilor Calvin Hastie praised the groups who helped pick up litter in South Sumter in anticipation of the Festival on the Avenue that begins Thursday. Roark III said the aid agreement was similar to many already in place. “It allows us to use

their resources and for them to use ours in case of a need, such as a natural disaster,” he said. Such agreements are required by state law to be approved by the governing body of the participating law enforcement agency. During council members’ comments, councilman Calvin Hastie said he was grateful to the approximately 40 people who helped clean up South Sumter in anticipation of Festival on the Avenue that begins Thursday and continues through Saturday. He said the cleanup was aided by several Boy Scout groups as well as airmen from Shaw Air Force Base.

Workers renovating Alice Drive fire station

SAFE wins Diamond Award for brand awareness marketing SAFE Federal Credit Union was recently presented a top marketing award from the Credit Union National Association Marketing and Business Development Council. The Diamond Award for brand awareness, given out at the CUNA annual conference in San Antonio, recognized the success of a 2016 mortgage loan promotional campaign that SAFE ran online, via emails to members, and through local advertising on TV, radio, newspapers and billboards. The twomonth campaign emphasized the benefits of getting a SAFE mortgage from the perspective of a dog looking for a home that fits his needs. “Our campaign did a great job of capturing people’s attention, but most importantly, it greatly exceeded out expectations for the numbers of loans that it generated,” said Toby Hayes, vice president of marketing for SAFE. Hayes said the campaign generated almost 20 percent more loan business than anticipated, bringing millions in additional lending results.

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Alice Drive Fire Station, one of Sumter’s busiest fire stations, undergoes renovations to bring the building up to current needs. The station was built in the early 1970s for two crews of four firefighters and one truck, said Sumter Fire Chief Karl Ford. Now, the station is used by three crews of six and three trucks, he said. Ford said approximately 2,500 square-feet will be added to the building. He said the renovations are to add more male and female dorm and bathroom facilities as well as bring the building into compliance with contemporary standards, such as those associated with Americans with Disabilities Act. He anticipates that the renovations will be completed by August. Ford said the approximate cost for the project is $700,000 and will be funded by the City of Sumter through bonds. Hunter Builders is the contractor for the project, he said. Ford said the firefighters and vehicles have been sent to either the headquarters building downtown or the Thomas Sumter station while the station is being renovated.

Woman strikes teen with vehicle, attempts to hit others FROM STAFF REPORTS

Clarendon 2 trustees meeting today at 5:30 The Clarendon School District Two Board of Trustees will have a board work session at 5:30 p.m. this evening, at the District Office, 15 Major Drive, Manning. The board will consider a field trip request and go into executive session for a student hearing and to receive reports on employee matters. The board will also have a budget work session. For more information, call (803) 4354435.

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman Monday after she allegedly hit one teen and attempted to strike other teens with her vehicle on Saturday and Sunday. According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, 49-year-old Nancy C. Meiler, of 4627 Blanche Road, Lot 71, attempted to run over a 14-year-old male and others with a 2004 Toyota Camry at Cherryvale Drive and Confederate Road on Saturday. Meiler reportedly crossed over the roadway onto the sidewalk in an attempt to strike the group,

causing a 15-year-old boy to fall from his bicycle and break his wrist. She allegedly struck another 15-year-old boy with her vehicle as he attempted to get out of the way. He was not seriously injured, according to the release. Warrants issued by the sheriff’s office state MEILER Meiler attempted to hit the victims more than once and followed some of the teens into a parking lot of a gas station as they tried to flee. The warrants also state Meiler attempted to strike another group of

teens multiple times while in the 1200 block of Cherryvale Road on Sunday. Witnesses gave statements to law enforcement implicating Meiler, according to the release. Ken Bell, public information officer at the sheriff’s office, said Meiler told investigators she thought some of the teens had previously broken into her house, although the sheriff’s office does not have a report of the alleged break-in. Meiler was transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center and is charged with four counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. A magistrate judge denied her bond.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ARE YOU GOING ON VACATION? 36 W. Liberty St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher / Advertising jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Michele Barr Rick Carpenter Managing Editor Business Manager rick@theitem.com michele@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 (803) 774-1249 Kathy Stafford Customer Service Manager Classifieds, Subscriptions and Delivery kathy@theitem.com (803) 774-1212

Gail Mathis Clarendon Bureau Manager gail@theitem-clarendonsun.com (803) 435-4716

Call (803) 774-1258 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

TO PLACE A NEWSPAPER AD:

TO BUY A SUBSCRIPTION Call (803) 774-1200 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

TO PLACE A PAID ANNOUNCEMENT

Standard Home Delivery TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY PLUS SUNDAY One year - $189; six months - $94.50; three months - $47.50; one month - $15.75. EZPay, $14.50/month

Birth, Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary, Obituary Call (803) 774-1226 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mail Delivery One year - $276; six months - $138; three months - $69; one month - $23

Call (803) 774-1200 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Sumter Item is published five days a week except for July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day (unless those fall on a Sunday) by Osteen Publishing Co., 36 W. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150. Periodical postage paid at Sumter, SC 29150. Postmaster: Send address changes to Osteen Publishing Co., 36 W. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150 Publication No. USPS 525900

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

LET'S GET outside!

SALE E WE W WEDNESDAY, ED DN N ESDAY E S DAY Y,, A APRIL 5 - SATURDAY, APRIL 8 Choose from Tyme, Lemon, Basil, Parsley, Mint and more

ASST.

1 GALLON

HANGING BASKETS

BLUEBERRIES Early, middle and late varieties

HERB POTS

EASTER LILIES

G eat

P ice

$ 99

REG. $3.99

Million Belles, Impatiens, Begonia, Dalia and more

$ 99

Arriving

$ 29

Thursday!

1 GALLON

CALADIUMS

TOMATOES

HAS PARTNERED PARTNE WITH

Great for shade and sun

TO BRING YOU SPECIAL PRICES ON 6 PACK

$ 69

$ 97

$ 99 $ 99

REG. $11.99

$ 78

Battery powered

Destroys the mound Kills the Queen

$ 99

compare at

LAWN INSECT KILLER

FIREANT KILLER

CYPRESS MULCH BLEND

Arrived!

WIZZ 2 # HANDHELD PLANT SPREADER FOOD Flower & Vegetable

10# BAG

12 OZ. ORTHENE

ALL COLORS

Just

VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS

$ 47

Choose from all your favorites

• Smart release for up to 4 months

17 7

REG. G G. $8.999

REG. $10.99

CERTIFIED SC PRODUCTS ORGANIC COMPOST

POTTING MIX

STOUT OLLIE

BLOOMIN EZ

LITTLE LUCY'S

MATER MAKER

$ 99

5 10 $

for

REG. $5.99

REG. $6.99

40#

TOP SOIL

$ 19

REG. $9.99

• 2 cu. ft. bag • Brown, Black, Red and Natural

WEED & GRASS KILLER WITH COMFORT WAND SALE $18.999

HOME DEFENSE

POCKET HOSE

Indoor & Outdoor Perimeter

$ 99

-$4 WITH CARD

$ 99

50 FOOT TOP BRASS

RTU 1.1 GALLON

REG. $15.99

WITH MOLDED GRIP

$ 99 $ 99 Available in Banana, Red, Green and Merlot

$ 99

REG. $19.99

ALSO IN 2 GAL. $12.99

WHISKEY BARREL PLANTER OR BUSHNEL PLANTER

$ 99

REG. $8.99

Arriving this week!

21"

CHICKS

PUSH MOWER With rear bag, side discharge and mulch

REG $209.99 SALE $199.99

-$20

WITH CARD

BLOWER OR TRIMMER

99 $

99 REG. $99.99

New

Shipmemt!

Americana Barred Rock Dixie Rainbow Silver Lace Wyandotte

CORDLESS

179 79

REG. $11.99

Great for Lawn and Garden

$ 99

REG. $9.99

PLASTIC

ADIRONDACKS

$ 99

WILDBIRD SEED

CHOP SAW

14 6

20#

18" DOUBLE SIDED

LOPPER

SPRAYER

75 FT. $39.99 100 FT. $49.99

Limit 2 at this price

3 PIECE

1 GALLON

starting at

20V Lithium Ion Battery

$ 99

NOT ALL ITEMS MS S AVAILABLE AVAILABLE A AT ALL LOCATIONS OC O S 40 W Wesmark Blvd. • Sumter 803-773-3397 350 Pinewood Rd • Sumter 803-774-2275

110 N. Brooks St. • Manning 803-435-2651 320 W. Liberty St. • Sumter 803-773-9381

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

LOCAL | NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES Yvonne N. Black, 33, of 3945 Peach Orchard Road, Lot 7A, Dalzell, was arrested March 22 and charged with shoplifting for allegedly taking two enema packages valued at $4.50 each from a business in the 1200 block of Peach Orchard Road without paying for them March 13. Alonza Gibson, 65, of 1648 Arlen Road, Manning, was arrested March 6 and charged with stalking for allegedly making unwanted contact with the victim who previously had a courtesy summons for harassment issued against him. According to a news release from Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the victim told law enforcement that she has seen Gibson sitting outside of her residence on at least four occasions. Johnny L. Huggins, 37, of 4115 Zachary Road, was arrested March 22 and charged with second-degree domestic violence after he allegedly choked a victim and grabbed her arms before she was able to break free. According to a news release from Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was pregnant at the time of the alleged incident. Gilbert Shaw Jr., 29, of 2125 Bethel Church Road, Lot 21A, was arrested Sunday and charged with domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature after he allegedly assaulted a woman who is eight months pregnant while at a residence in the 2100 block of Bethel Church Road that day. A news release from the sheriff’s office indicated Shaw threatened to kill the victim as she attempted to flee and

later assaulted the victim a second time and refused to let her leave the residence. STOLEN PROPERTY Five laptops valued at $2,000; a 12-gauge shotgun valued at $150; a Wii mini console valued at $125; a PlayStation 2 valued at $125; a Garmin GPS device valued at $60; a TomTom GPS device valued at $60; a Tomahawk hatchet valued at $40; a cellphone cord valued at $5; two packs of cigarettes valued at $10; a video baby monitor, unknown make, valued at $30; and a Hitachi hard drive valued at $60 were reportedly stolen from a residence in the 4600 block of Huckabee Road between 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and 5 a.m. on Sunday. A white 1997 Chevrolet Silverado valued at $3,000 was reportedly stolen while it was parked at a residence in the 500 block of Country Springs Drive between 10 and 11 a.m. on Saturday. A silver .38-caliber Taurus handgun with a pearl handle valued at $300 was reportedly stolen from a residence in the 4500 block of Pond Loop between 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. A Craftsman lawn mower valued at $350; a Craftsman leaf blower valued at $300; and an unspecified Worx yard tool valued at $300 were reportedly stolen from a residence in the 2500 block of Naimah Lane between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday. DAMAGED PROPERTY A metal gate and gate code box valued at $4,500 was reportedly damaged about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday.

AP FILE PHOTO

Supporters of a bill to extend in-state tuition to students whose parents brought them into the country illegally signal their position on a motion from the House chamber in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2015. From right are Reps. Mark White, R-Memphis; Joe Towns, D-Memphis, and Harry Brooks, R-Knoxville.

Immigrant tuition break gains support NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A push to offer in-state college tuition rates to students whose parents brought them into the country illegally is picking up unlikely momentum from some Republicans in Tennessee, a deeply conservative state that voted overwhelmingly for President Trump and his tough stance on immigration. If they succeed, Tennessee lawmakers would join the overwhelmingly left-leaning Washington, D.C., as the only other government to pass such an ordinance since Trump took office in January. Twenty other states already allow the in-state tuition. To sell the idea, the bill’s supporters have had to maneuver carefully, steering the debate away from illegal immigration policy whenever possible. Instead, they are promoting the measure as an economic driver and an educational opportunity for students who didn’t have a choice about crossing into the United States at a young age. They say the students are innocent victims of decades of political deadlock on immigration at the national level. “I’m all for building the wall and U.S. sovereignty, closing our borders,” said Rep. Mark White, a Memphis Republican and a bill sponsor. “But we didn’t, and now we’re damaging

innocent people.” At the state Capitol, dozens of students whose parents crossed into the U.S. illegally and brought them along have gone lawmaker to lawmaker to share their stories. Republican Gov. Bill Haslam took time to meet and snap photos with them last month, and he has thrown his support behind the bill. A House and Senate panel each have passed the proposal, and another House committee was scheduled to vote on it Tuesday. Two years ago, when President Obama was still in office, the proposal passed in the Senate and came one vote shy of passing in the House. The Senate may wait for the House to act first this year, Republican Speaker Randy McNally said. Trump has spoken of mass deportations and building a U.S.-Mexico border wall. Nonetheless, White is optimistic the Tennessee bill has a chance. “I’m just trying to protect Tennessee in the long run, because they’re here,” White said. “And if anybody thinks that we’re going to send children who grew up here back out of this country, they’re not living in the real world. We need to do what’s the next best thing, and that’s help them assimilate into our society.”

Designed to make your life easier! White - Top Load Washer • 4.3 Cu. ft. High-Efficiency • 12 Seperate Wash Actions • Pre-Soak Option • Deep Water Wash Cycle

Brand Name Eyewear* Spring Clearance Sale! Visit our location to see our selection of BRAND NAME eyewear frames and sunglasses on SALE just in time for Spring!

Hurry... Up to 50% Off!*

NEW CONSTRUCTION PACKAGES AVAILABLE 1152 Pocalla Rd, Sumter

(803) 773-8016

#WTW5000DW

Open Mon.-Fri. • 9am-5pm

*We Service What We Sell* Financing Available www.bobsappliancessc.com

White - Electric Dryer • 7.0 Cu. ft. High-Efficiency • Accudry Sensor Drying System • Wrinkle Shield Option • Hamper Style Door #MER8650FZ

#WED5000DW

GET TWO A Tradition in Sumter since 1977

EYE EXAMINATIONS By Doctor Lloyd Nethercutt. Call Today For Appointments

701 Bultman Drive ❖ 773-4723 www.corleyvision.com

MONTHS

FREE

*Some 3rd party insurance and other discounts may not apply. See optician for details. Expires 3/31/17

Save 20% 1 Day Only!

Naomipresents and Warner The Silver Restoration Event Bring in your silver & meet Joni McMahan, the Silver Restoration Expert, who will tell you whether your pieces can be (or should be) restored.

Turn Old & Broken into Beautiful & Renewed

x FREE Restoration Estimates x FREE Straightening & Dent Removal with any Replating x Sterling Silver Polished x Broken Pieces Repaired x Missing Parts Replaced x 25-Year Warranty on Replating

Thursday, April 6th 9:00am - 4:00pm

Sign up for FTC Digital TV and get any of these services FREE for the ﬁrst two months! PICK YOUR FAVORITES OR GET ALL SIX

• Cinemax • HD Programming • Showtime • Whole-Home DVR • Vision Xtra • Starz 57 ADDITIONAL CHANNELS

Plus, your FTC Digital TV subscription includes access to the latest Video-On-Demand movies, Pay-Per-View events and WatchTVEverywhere, which allows you to watch live TV programming on your mobile devices.

CONTACT FTC TODAY!

ftcdigitaltv.com | 888-218-5050 Whole-Home DVR not available in all areas. Certain restrictions may apply. WatchTVEverywhere requires an Internet connection. Current rates apply after promotional period.

13 N. Main St. Sumter 803.773.4388 No appointment necessary

The Area’s Best and Only Full-Service Provider

WORLD

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

Attack in Syria draws world condemnation BY SARAH EL DEEB AND ZEINA KARAM The Associated Press BEIRUT — A suspected government chemical attack in an opposition-held town in northern Syria killed dozens of people on Tuesday, leaving residents gasping for breath and convulsing in the streets and overcrowded hospitals. If confirmed, it would be the deadliest chemical attack in four years. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which operates through a network of activists on the ground, said at least 58 people died, including 11 children, in the early morning attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, which witnesses said was carried out by Sukhoi jets operated by the Russian and Syrian governments. Doctors struggled to cope and videos from the scene showed volunteer medics using fire hoses to wash the chemicals from victims’ bodies. Haunting images of lifeless children piled in heaps reflected the magnitude of the attack, which was reminiscent of a 2013 chemical assault that left hundreds dead and was the worst in the country’s ruinous six-year civil war. After the 2013 attack, President Bashar Assad’s government agreed to destroy its chemical arsenal and join the Chemical Weapons convention. Tuesday’s incident drew swift condemnation from world leaders, including the White House, which called it a “heinous” act that “cannot be ignored by the civilized world.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

This photo provided Tuesday by the Syrian anti-government activist group Edlib Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows victims of a suspected chemical attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun, northern Idlib province, Syria. The suspected chemical attack killed dozens of people on Tuesday, Syrian opposition activists said, describing the attack as among the worst in the country’s six-year civil war. The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday in response to the strike, which came on the eve of a major international donors’ conference in Brussels on the future of Syria and the region, to be hosted by the EU’s high representative, Federica Mogherini. The Syrian government “categorically rejected” claims that it was responsible, saying it does not possess chemical weapons, has not used them in the past and will not use them in the future. It laid the blame squarely on the rebels, accusing them of fabricating the attack and trying to

frame the Syrian government. The Russian Defense Ministry also denied any involvement Photos and video emerging from Khan Sheikhoun, which lies south of the provincial capital of Idlib, showed the limp bodies of children and adults. Some were struggling to breathe; others appeared to be foaming at the mouth. The activist-run Assi Press published video of paramedics carrying victims, stripped down to their underwear and many appearing unresponsive, from the scene in pickup trucks. It was not immediately clear if all those killed died

from suffocation or were struck by other airstrikes that occurred in the area around the same time. It was the third claim of a chemical attack in just over a week in Syria. The previous two were reported in Hama province, in an area not far from Khan Sheikhoun. White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters that President Donald Trump was “extremely alarmed” by reports of the attack, which he called “reprehensible.” Spicer also laid blame on the “weakness and irresolution” of former President Barack Obama’s administra-

tion, saying that Obama “did nothing” in the wake of previous chemical attacks in Syria. Opposition activists and a doctor in Idlib said it was the worst incident since the 2013 gas attack on the Damascus suburb of Ghouta that killed hundreds of civilians and which a U.N. investigation said used sarin gas. Faced with international outrage over that attack, Assad agreed to a Russia-sponsored deal to destroy his chemical arsenal. His government declared a 1,300-ton stockpile of chemical weapons and so-called precursor chemicals that can be used to make weapons, all of which were destroyed. But member states of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have repeatedly questioned whether Assad declared everything. The widely available chemical chlorine was not covered in the 2013 declaration and activists say they have documented dozens of cases of chlorine gas attacks since then.

MORE TO THE STORY Read on at www.theitem.com.

Are you looking for work? We ﬁll Permanent and Temporary jobs in the greater Sumter area. Current Openings: Accounting Specialist Receptionist / Clerical Field Technician P/T Church Custodian Grill Cook CDL-A / Ind. Worker S/R Dock Worker Material Handler Maintenance Technician For details about these and other positions, go to williamstemporary.com

EVERY DAY

STEAKS, BURGERS, SEAFOOD & MORE....

Join Us After 5pm

100% Certified Angus Beef

Apply in person at:

Norman Williams & Associates, Inc.

Thursday - Saturday Night for our delicious Prime Rib

3355 Patriot Parkway | Sumter, SC 29150 | (803) 469-2500 | Sunday - Thursday 11-10PM : Friday - Saturday 11-11PM

344 W. Liberty St. 803-775-5308

WIN A FAMILY VACATION at DISCOUNT FURNITURE OUTLET

In Stock Name Brand Mattress Companies

Take a look today at Sumter’s largest selection of home furnishings and bedding. Drive a Little and Save a Lot! 5 YEAR’S IN A ROW

#1 Place to Buy Furniture & Mattresses BRAD

CATHY

WAYNE

MATT

BRIAN

2891 Broad Street | Sumter, SC 29150

803-469-8733 Open: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-7pm | Sat: 9:30am-5pm | Closed Sunday

Live Better For Less

Like Us On Facebook!

CASH, CHECK, CREDIT CARDS & FINANCING ARE AVAILABLE. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. -LAYAWAY AVAILABLECA

NATION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

Border wall contractors brace for hostile environment BY ELLIOT SPAGAT The Associated Press SAN DIEGO — One potential bidder on President Donald Trump’s border wall with Mexico wanted to know if authorities would rush to help if workers came under “hostile attack.” Another asked if employees can carry firearms in states with strict gun control laws and if the government would indemnify them for using deadly force. With bids due Tuesday on the first design contracts, interested companies are preparing for the worst if they get the potentially lucrative job. A U.S. official with knowledge of the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity because the details haven’t been made public said four to 10 bidders are expected to be chosen to build prototypes. They will be constructed on a roughly quarter-mile (400meter) strip of federally owned land in San Diego within 120 feet (37 meters) of the border, though a final decision has not been made on the precise spot, the official said. The government anticipates spending $200,000 to $500,000 on each prototype. The process for bids and prototypes are preliminary steps for a project that will face deep resistance in Congress and beyond. Trump repeatedly said during the campaign that Mexico would pay for the wall, but he has since requested that Congress approve billions of dollars in U.S. taxpayer funds. Democrats vow to oppose any

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Reverend Guy A. Leemhuis, center, of the Holy Faith Episcopal Church of Los Angeles, leads a song on the U.S. side of the border fence separating Tijuana, Mexico, from San Diego on Monday. With bids due Tuesday on the first design contracts, companies are preparing for the worst if they get the potentially lucrative but controversial job. Groups are already planning protests and prayer vigils for both sides of the border. wall funding, and many Republicans are also wary of his plans for a massive brick-andmortar barrier. The Border Patrol and local police would establish a buffer zone around the construction site if necessary, the U.S. official said. The San Diego police and sheriff’s departments said Monday they will respect constitutional rights to free speech and assembly for any peaceful, law-abiding protesters. Enrique Morones, executive director of Border Angels, said his group plans to protest.

Texas, said he has received about a dozen death threats since publicly expressing interest in bidding, including one from a woman who told him she hired a private investigator to trail him. Evangelista-Ysasaga said he bid in part because he wants broad immigration reform. Securing the border, he said, is a prerequisite for granting

• • • • •

Professional design Repair Installation Maintenance Service repair work on most all makes and models

2645 Warehouse Blvd. • P.O. Box 1285 • Sumter, SC

50% OFF

Phone: (803) 481-8200 • Fax: (803) 481-8256

Easter Supplies *excludes Balloons & other discounts

like us on

“There will be a lot of different activity — protests, prayer vigils — on both sides of the wall,” said Morones, whose immigrant advocacy group is based in San Diego. “We pray and hope that they’re peaceful.” Michael Evangelista-Ysasaga, chief executive of The Penna Group LLC, a general contractor in Fort Worth,

a path to citizenship to millions in the U.S. illegally. “We didn’t enter this lightly,” he said. “We looked at it and said we have to be a productive part of the solution.” Building a wall on the Mexican border was a cornerstone of Trump’s presidential campaign and a flashpoint for his detractors. The multibilliondollar project along the 2,000mile border has many outspoken critics, including the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico, which said last week that Mexican companies expressing interest were betraying their country. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that it would pick multiple contractors to build prototypes by around June 1 and will name only the winning bidders. The agency said last month that the prototypes should be about 30 feet (9 meters) long and 18 to 30 feet (5.5 to 9 meters) high. The winning bidders must submit a security plan with details including “’fall back positions, evacuation routines and methods, muster area, medical staff members/availability, number of security personnel, qualifications, years of experience, etc. in the event of a hostile attack,” according to the solicitation. A chain-link fence with barbed wire around the construction site is required. The agency said it won’t provide security.

www.LetsPartySC.com

584 Bultman Drive - Unit #1 • 803-774-7444 Monday - Friday 10am-6pm • Saturday 10am-4pm

Check us out on the web at www.advanceheating.air.com Licensed & Insured

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

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

COMMENTARY

Is profiling OK?

rofiling is needlessly a misunderstood concept. What’s called profiling is part of the optimal stock of human behavior and something we all do. Let’s begin by describing behavior that might come under the heading of profiling. Prior to making decisions, people seek to gain information. To obtain information is costly, requiring the expenditure of time and/or money. Therefore, people seek to find ways to economize on information costs. Let’s try simple examples. You are a manager of a furniture moving company and seek to hire 10 people to load and unload furniture onto and off trucks. Twenty people show up for the job, and they all appear to be equal except by sex. Ten are men, and 10 are women. Whom would you hire? You might give them all tests to determine how much weight they could carry under various conditions, such as inclines and declines, and the speed at which they could carry. To conduct such tests might be costly. Such costs could be avoided through profiling -- that is, using an easily observable physical attribute, such as a person’s sex, as a proxy for unobserved attributes, such as endurance and strength. Though sex is not a perfect predictor of strength and endurance, it’s pretty reliable. Imagine that you’re a chief of police. There has been a rash of auto break-ins by which electronic equipment has been stolen. You’re trying to capture the culprits. Would you have your officers stake out and investigate residents of senior citizen homes? What about spending resources investigating men and women 50 years of age or older? I’m guessing there would be greater success capturing the culprits by focusing police resources on younger people -and particularly young men. The reason is that breaking in to autos is mostly a young man’s game. Should charges be brought against you because, as police chief, you used the physical attributes of age and sex as a crime tool? Would it be fair for people to accuse you of playing favorites by not using investigative resources on seniors and middle-aged adults of either sex even though there is a non-zero chance that they are among the culprits? Physicians routinely screen women for breast cancer and

do not routinely screen men. The American Cancer Society says that the lifetime risk of men getting breast Walter cancer is Williams about 0.1 percent. Should doctors and medical insurance companies be prosecuted for the discriminatory practice of prescribing routine breast cancer screening for women but not for men? Some racial and ethnic groups have higher incidence and mortality from various diseases than the national average. The rates of death from cardiovascular diseases are about 30 percent higher among black adults than among white adults. Cervical cancer rates are five times greater among Vietnamese women in the U.S. than among white women. Pima Indians of Arizona have the world’s highest known diabetes rates. Prostate cancer is nearly twice as common among black men as it is among white men. Using a cheap-to-observe attribute, such as race, as a proxy for a costly-to-observe attribute, such as the probability of some disease, can assist medical providers in the delivery of more effective medical services. For example, just knowing that a patient is a black man causes a physician to be alert to the prospect of prostate cancer. The unintelligent might call this racial profiling, but it’s really prostate cancer profiling. In the real world, there are many attributes correlated with race and sex. Jews are 3 percent of the U.S. population but 35 percent of our Nobel Prize winners. Blacks are 13 percent of our population but about 74 percent of professional basketball players and about 69 percent of professional football players. Male geniuses outnumber female geniuses 7-to-1. Women have wider peripheral vision than men. Men have better distance vision than women. The bottom line is that people differ significantly by race and sex. Just knowing the race or sex of an individual may on occasion allow us to guess about something not readily observed. Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2017 creators.com

FROM OUR TIMELINE @THEITEM

The Sumter Item is on Twitter @theitem. Follow us and keep your eye on what’s going on in the world! We will occasionally share a few noteworthy tweets with you here.

GUEST COMMENTARY

A bipartisan cure will end the Roads Curse T here are no Republican or Democrat roads, just the citizens’. Ours have been under a 30-year political curse, with the ill effects inflicting pain, regardless of ideology. A bipartisan, longterm legislative solution one that the governor can live with — would promote healing. The spell began shortly after iconic Governor Carroll Campbell’s first-term approval of the last (1987) “gas tax” adjustment. He sanctioned it with his signature on the heels of his predecessor’s successful statewide one percent sales tax increase campaign - “The Education Penny.” (Ah, back when big things got done...) Campbell knew that education wasn’t the only responsibility of the state. His support was predicated on it being the ultimate user-fee for directly financing road improvements, adding enthusiastically “you can’t build an economy without building roads.” Every successor has faced their own set of political challenges, some self-inflicted, some beyond their control. In retrospect, they were likely more afraid of the bludgeoning come time for re-election, than they were of a deteriorating road system legacy. So each whispered “wait ‘til after I get reelected.” Two were not. Then came Mark Sanford and Nikki Haley who begrudgingly accepted the legislature’s insistence on incremental fixes, while fixated on maintaining their own ideological purity. It worked — for them. We find ourselves three decades later with a system that has been managed with patches and paste, by and large neglected. For the most part, despite this state’s remarkable growth, and a corresponding amount of teahadist nuttiness, no true “new” roads have been created, only critically-important new lanes and replacement bridges. Except for targeted expenditures supplemented with federal funds to relieve congestion, or state-provided supplemental financing to incentivize local infrastructure sales tax matches, the

state’s road program has been stretched and starved, losing buying power to inflation Rick and flat Todd fees. Responsible folks realize that capital projects are what good, conservative government is charged to do: look longterm, and facilitate, not stifle, economic growth. Prudent bonding requires a bank; we’ve used our own State Infrastructure Bank. The much-maligned SIB has been satisfactorily “reformed” by bringing it under the DOT Commission’s purview. Its past is its past. So, that red herring is lame. So is the call for “reform” of DOT. Further tweaks won’t substantially improve the statutes that drive the agency’s prioritization, nor would any magically generate hundreds of millions of recurring dollars to promptly and methodically fill potholes. “Cabenitizing” an agency like DOT would strip it of the public policy benefits a seasoned, experienced, publicly-viewable “board of directors” provides. Reforms have been cumulative, and the governor now appoints the commission. There’s nothing of any substance left in this rhetoric either. It is disingenuous to suggest that DOT’s revenue the gas tax - doesn’t “go to roads.” Every “take-away” from DOT’s user-fee income is related to running the road program, whether it’s to pay for specifically-designated statewide significant projects for economic development, the counties for local road uses, the miniscule amount to DNR for boat ramps (paid by boaters’ gasoline taxes). Every expenditure of user-fee revenue can be justified, just as an argument could be made to devolve the vast system to the locals. But that would necessitate an opening of a Pandora’s box of local taxing powers that are not currently allowed — nor likely acceptable.

Consensus in a freespeech democracy does not require unanimity. Nevertheless, South Carolinians are united in our demand for government-facilitated safe and efficient roads, as we are that reasonably-adjusted user-fees are preferable to increasing general taxes for road improvements. Our legislative process is designed so that controversial law is made only after thorough vetting and compromise. It should not be easy to raise taxes. And certainly citizens, when asked polling questions designed to be answered in the negative, will say they oppose tax increases. But for those who’ve studied South Carolina’s highway situation - both in terms of its condition and its finances - there is a strong consensus that the state’s growth-related and maintenance needs exceed its current resources. On a critical matter like the safety and efficiency of our road system, that should be enough to compel action. This process — and the public’s confidence in it — has been held hostage for too long by a distinct minority roused, mislead, and financed by sophisticated activists with minimal connection to South Carolina. Their shrill cry against “the largest tax increase in history” is relative. That “tax” has been frozen in place for 30 years, and after the pending Alaskan increase, will be the lowest levied on the continent of North America. What was once to some a source of pride, is now a public policy embarrassment. We’ve been living on borrowed time. The cure requires that our elected officials take bitter medicine in terms of votes — and on our part by accepting a longoverdue adjustment in our road-use fees. Refusing extends and worsens the selfinflicted suffering. It’s time to end the curse. J. Richards Todd is president and CEO of the South Carolina Trucking Association, an 83- year old, statewide alliance of businesses that use or depend on trucks.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your letter to letters@theitem.com, drop it off at The Sumter Item office, 36 W. Liberty St., or mail it to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151, along with the writer’s full name, address and telephone number (for verification purposes only). Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety at www.theitem.com/opinion/letters_to_editor.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

Vacation GIVEAWAY ENTER TO WIN! Did you HEAR? We are giving away a family vacation!

2 nights & 3 days

The Vacations:

Come by and Register to

3 Days/2 Nights accomodations

WIN A FAMILY VACATION!

for 2 adults and up to 3 children at choice hotels Breakfast and golf package included. $800 value. No restrictions, in hundreds of prime locations.

BRAD

CATHY

WAYNE

MATT

BRIAN

Hee’s how to ente:

Take a look today at Sumter’s largest selection of home furnishings and bedding.

Step 1: Fill out the oﬃcial Vacation Giveaway form at the bottom of this ad. Step 2: Take it to one or all of the participating businesses and drop it in the ballot box. Contest rules: Deadline for entries is April 7, 2017 (closing time for each business) Winners will be drawn Wednesday, April 12, 2017 and notiﬁed by phone. Winners listed by participating businesses will be published in the Sunday, April 23rd edition of The Sumter Item. All winners photos will be published in The Sumter Item. 2891 Broad Street | Sumter, SC 29150

Call today to schedule your FREE hearing test & check out our newest technology.

803-469-8733 Open: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-7pm Sat: 9:30am-5pm | Closed Sunday

Live Better For Less

5 YEAR’S IN A ROW

#1 Place to Buy Furniture & Mattresses

Sumter Auto Mall

36 W. Liberty Street • Sumter, SC

Family Vacation Giveaway

ake a test drive Stop in to Register at Dixie Carpet. *1 entry per completed hearing test

& register to win a vacation 3625 BROAD STREET, SUMTER, SC

803•494•5900

WWW.SUMTERAUTOMALLSC.COM | SPANISH SPEAKING SALES STAFF

Brown’s

“Where Quality Matters”

FURNITURE & BEDDING

Shop with your profe local professionals, Stan and Jas J Stan Jason...over 70 years experience exp

No purchase necessary.

Blondes have more fun! Let The Dixie Blondes help you! 1255 N. LAFAYETTE • SUMTER 803-775-4391 8:30AM - 5:30PM MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:30AM - 12:30PM SATURDAY

WIN A FREE VACATION

Name Brands You Can Trust 31 W. Wesmark Blvd. Sumter, SC

• The Premier Early Childhood Program • Infant Stimulation Programs • Toddlers and Two’s • Three Year Olds • Four Year Old Kindergarten • The Zone - After School Program • Camp BBC, a unique summer camp experience

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9am - 4pm

www.brownsofsumter.com

Sumter • 773-6480 2049 McCrays Mill Rd. Summerville • 843-873-2693 • 201 Miles Rd. Open 6:30am - 6:30pm • www.archway.academy

ENTRY FORM

Please ﬁll out the infomation requested below and deposit in entry box

Name __________________________________

Address ________________________________

City_______________State______ Zip _______

Phone __________________________________

Email ___________________________________

LOCAL | NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

Obama aide denies using intel to spy on Trump advisers BY JULIE PACE AP White House Correspondent WASHINGTON — Susan Rice, Barack Obama’s national security adviser and the latest target for Donald Trump’s embattled defenders, firmly denied on Tuesday that she or other Obama officials used secret intelligence reports to spy on Trump associates for political purposes. “Absolutely false,” Rice declared. The White House has seized on the idea that the Obama administration improperly surveilled the Republican during and after the November election — an accusation Democrats say is just another red herring thrown out to distract attention from investigations of Russian interference in the campaign on behalf of Trump. Presidential spokesman Sean Spicer cast Rice’s handling of intelligence in the waning days of Obama’s term as suspicious, although he did not detail what he found to be inappropriate. “The more we find out about this, the more we learn there was something there,” Spicer said. According to a U.S. official, Rice asked spy agencies to give her the

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Then-National Security Adviser Susan Rice is seen on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington in July. names of Trump associates who surfaced in intelligence reports she was regularly briefed on. Rice’s official role would have given her the ability to make those requests for national security purposes. Rice, in an interview with MSNBC, acknowledged that she sometimes asked for the names of Americans referenced in reports. She would not say whether she saw intelligence related to Trump associates or whether she asked for their identities, though she did say that reports related to Russia

CUTS FROM PAGE A1 After receiving the committee’s thoughts and concerns, Allan will also present those cuts to the board at its next meeting, Monday, April 24. Another expenditure reduction that Allan said he plans to present at that time to the finance committee and the board is the effects of school closings. In his role with the district since January as an outside consultant, Allan has said on at least two occasions that the board needs to be open to the po-

tentially hot-button issue. “This is obviously one of the big ones as far as expenditure reductions,” Allan said. “That’s one that will take and require some discussion and what I hope is a positive way to move forward, especially for the district. And that’s some significant funds if we can do that.” Back in early January, shortly after the release of the 2015-16 audit report showed the district had over-

LAWSUIT FROM PAGE B1 A representative for the city of Sumter and police department could not be reached for comment about the lawsuit. Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the police department, said the law enforcement agency disputes the allegations of the lawsuit. She said it would be inappropriate to

comment further at this time and asks the public to keep an open mind during this process. Williams’ death is under

increased in the final months of the presidential election. The Trump White House has been particularly incensed that intercepted conversations between national security adviser Michael Flynn and Russia’s ambassador to the U.S. surfaced in news reports before the inauguration. Flynn was fired after it became clear that he misled Vice President Mike Pence and others about the content of those discussions. Rice denied that she had leaked details about Flynn’s call, saying, “I leaked nothing to nobody.” The U.S. official said Rice’s Trumprelated requests were discovered as part of a National Security Council review of the government’s policy on “unmasking” — the intelligence community’s term for revealing Americans’ identities that would otherwise be hidden in classified reports. The review was prompted by a belief that there were inefficiencies in the current procedures and concerns over a policy change made in the closing days of the Obama administration, according to the official, who insisted on anonymity in order to disclose the sensitive information.

spent by $6.2 million in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, Baker identified at a board finance committee meeting three schools in the district with less than 200 students each. Those include Mayewood Middle School (155 students), Rafting Creek Elementary School (163 students) and F.J. DeLaine Elementary School (169 students). On Monday night, Allan referenced significant utility cost savings that could be achieved with potential school closings. Previously, he has mentioned to the

investigation by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. SLED communication agent Thom Berry said no information about the investigation could be released because it is ongoing.

MORNINGSIDE

ary schedule, and I think what you have is something that is almost a hidden cost that keeps getting added. So I think that is one of the things I am going to recommend is freezing those stipends where they are and then start to do an analysis of where are we compared to other districts.” Another expense reduction Allan said he’s likely to support for next fiscal year is keeping the reduction on all non-required travel, which was originally implemented with January’s emergency financial plan.

We Buy: Gold & Silver Jewelry, Silver Coins & Collections, Sterling/.925, Diamonds, Pocket Watches, Antiques & Estates

Lafayette Gold and Silver Exchange Inside Insi nside V Vestco estc es tco Properties Prop op perrti ties es

480 E. Liberty St. Sumter, SC 29150 (inside Coca-Cola Building))

Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 5:30 PM • Sat: 8 - 2 PM

803-773-8022

Retro Rabies

FIVE STAR

At Morningside Assisted Living, we invite residents into our senior living community not just to live with us, but to thrive with us.

Read on at www.theitem.com.

Cash in a FLASH!

OF SUMTER

Live Well!

MORE TO THE STORY

board cafeteria cost savings with feeding a larger pool of students in a school as opposed to 200 or less students. Other forthcoming expenditure reductions to be proposed by Allan later this month for at least next fiscal year include freezing all non-teaching, non-certified staff salaries — unless otherwise mandated by the state, such as yearly step increases for teachers — and all stipend increases. “One of the things I didn’t realize is that your stipends increase every year,” Allan said Monday. “It’s like a sal-

SENIOR LIVING

Homeowners nters and Renters Insurance, too too.

In January, the Justice Department and intelligence officials agreed on new rules giving more U.S. agencies access to raw information picked up abroad by the National Security Agency. Privacy advocates have raised concerns that the new rules — which are yet to be fully implemented — would lead to the information being shared too broadly. The unmasking review was led by Ezra Cohen-Watnick, the NSC’s senior director of intelligence. Cohen-Watnick has clashed with the CIA and was on the verge of being moved out of his job until Trump political advisers Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner stepped in to keep him in the role. Cohen-Watnick raised his findings about Rice with the White House counsel’s office, according to the official. The counsel’s office ordered him to stand down because the lawyers did not want the White House to be running an independent investigation into the prior administration.

Vaccinate your pets for the retro price of just $5.00 each! Two Fridays in April we will offer rabies vaccinations.

April 7, & April 21, 2017 • 9AM - 5PM (Other vaccinations will be available at this time as well) Rabies vaccinations are required by South Carolina law.

Guignard Animal Clinic

Get a quote today.

Local Office

803-938-8200 803-938-8200 geico.com/sumter ggeico.com/sumter 657Bultman Bultman Dr Dr. 639 Sumter Sumter Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Homeowners, renters, and condo coverages are written through non-afﬁliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2015. © 2015 GEICO.

• Cozy & Comfortable, Warm & Welcoming Community • Spacious & Elegant Private Apartments • Lifestyle360 Program - A Unique Resident Focused Approach to Activities • Dining Experience that Rivals Your Favorite Restaurant • Personalized Service and Support • Friendly, Compassionate & Tenured Team of Care Professionals

2500 Lin-Do Court Sumter, South Carolina 803-469-4490 www.MorningsideofSumter.com

1216 S. Guignard Dr. • Sumter, SC 29150 803.775.9152 • www.guignardanimalclinic.com

FARM PET GARDEN

Call today to learn more about Living Morningside of Sumter!

Well at

Palmetto Farm Supply

Full Service Pet Grooming On Site!

WET & FORGET OUTDOOR STAIN REMOVER AVAILABLE AT WALLY’S! Lawn & Garden Sprayer 1G/4L

Also available in Gallon

Exterior Home Surfaces: Brick, Covered Porches, Decks (All types including wood), Driveways, Gutters, Patios, Roofs, Screens, Shingles, Sidewalks, Siding, & Composite Decking.

Lawn & Garden: Awnings, Diving Boards, Fences (All types), Fountains, Gazebos, Greenhouses, Hammocks, Lawn & Patio Furniture (All types), Outdoor Mats/Rugs, Patio Umbrellas, Plastic Playhouses, Pool Liners, & Storage Units.

9.95

• Sure Spray Anti-Clog Filter • Clean & Easy Design • Ergo Pump Handle

Marina: Aluminum, Boats, Fiberglass & more. Camping: Campers, RVs, Cabins and lots more.

25.99

Half Gallon Concentrate makes 3 Gallons!

1291 Broad St. Ext. • Sumter, SC Open: Mon-Fri. 8am - 5:30pm • Sat. 8am - 2pm

Wally’s Hardware 469-8531

SOUTHERN STATES Black Oil Sunflower Seed

$17.99 40 Lb. Bag WE CARRY A FULL LINE OF PET FOODS.

335 Broad Street • Sumter, SC

803-775-1204

A10

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

AROUND TOWN Volunteers from AARP will The Sumter Chapter of the offer free tax preparation National Federation of the Festival on the Avenue begins Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Blind of South Carolina will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Mondays and Wednesdays April 11, at Shiloh-Ranthrough April 12 at the dolph Manor, 125 W. Shepherd’s Center, 24 Bartlette St. Transportation Council St. Applicants are provided with the coveradvised to bring the folage area. Contact Debra lowing with them: photo Canty, chapter president, ID; Social Security cards at (803) 775-5792 or debra. for all household members canty@frontier.com. being claimed; tax documents — W-2 forms, 1099R, Donate blood and help save 1099SSA, interest income lives this spring. Blood doand all other income state- nation is now easier than ments; 2015 tax returns ever with the Blood Donor and power of attorney App and RapidPass. With forms if filing for someone this free app, donors can other than yourself. Call schedule and manage doHenry Dinkins at (803) 499nation appointments, ac4990 or Lula King at (803) cess their donor card, earn 316-0772. rewards and more. You can help save a life by becomThe Annual Festival on the ing a blood donor during Avenue will be held Thursone of the following Ameriday-Saturday, April 6-8, as can Red Cross blood donafollows: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, tion opportunities: Tuesthe Living Museum, Mt. day, April 25, 8:45 a.m.-2:30 Zion Enrichment Center, p.m., Lakewood High Fulton Street; Friday, the School, 350 Old Manning sixth annual golf tournaRoad; Thursday, April 27, 9 ment, 8 a.m. shotgun start a.m.-2 p.m., Shaw Army for Captain’s Choice fourCentral, 1947 Gabreski person team; 6-9 p.m. FriDrive, Shaw Air Force Base, day, A Taste of Soul on the and 2-7 p.m., Grace Baptist Avenue live music, farmChurch, 219 W. Calhoun St.; er’s market next to South and Saturday, April 29, 10 Sumter Resource Center; a.m.-3 p.m., First Church of 10 a.m. Saturday, parade God, 1835 Camden Highbegins at the corner of way. South Main and Bartlette streets with fun, food and The Sumter Combat Veterans music for the whole family Group will hold their annual until 4 p.m. on Manning Av- black tie gala at 7 p.m. on enue. Call (803) 262-6595 or Saturday, April 29, at the visit www.FestivalOnSumter County Civic CenTheAvenue.com ter, 700 W. Liberty St. Meet and greet from 6 to 7 p.m. The Rembert Area CommuniCall (803) 236-0488 or (803) ty Coalition’s 5th Annual 509-2868 for tickets or deSpring Parade will be held tails. from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 8. The paLee County Adult Education rade will begin at the Remwill offer free computer bert Community Car Wash classes 5-8:30 p.m. Monday and continue onto Lee through Thursday, May Street, along Young Street, 1-11, at 123 E. College St., down McLeod Chapel Bishopville. Students will Road, down Pisgah Road, learn computer skills, keyonto U.S. 521 and end at boarding skills, Internet 8420 Camden Highway. The searching skills and emailparade will be followed by ing skills. Registration is rea family and friends event quired as space is limited. until 3 p.m. There will be Call (803) 484-4040. food, beverages, live music An Evening of Pure Elegance and entertainment and with Carole Glover will be more. Participation, sponheld at 5 p.m. on Saturday, sorship and vendor forms May 20, at the North HOPE are available on the RACC Center, 904 N. Main St. website under “News & Enjoy an evening of food, Events.” fun, fashion and entertainLincoln High School Preservament. Tickets for this St. tion Alumni Association will Jude Children’s Research sponsor a wine and cheese Hospital fundraising event sip from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunare $25 each. R&B singer, day, April 9, at the Lincoln actress and “American High School cafeteria, Idol” Season 12 winner Council Street. Food and Candice Glover will provide entertainment will be proentertainment. Contact vided. Cost is $7 per perCarolet Thomas at (803) son. Call James L. Green at 410-1371 for advance tick(803) 968-4173. ets.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

A strong afternoon t-storm

A severe t-storm; cloudy

Clouds and sun; windy, cooler

Partly sunny and breezy

Abundant sunshine

Sunshine and nice

78°

59°

64° / 44°

64° / 39°

67° / 41°

75° / 47°

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 0%

S 4-8 mph

SSW 8-16 mph

WSW 15-25 mph

WNW 12-25 mph

NW 6-12 mph

SSW 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 72/52 Spartanburg 71/51

Greenville 70/50

Columbia 78/57

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 78/59

Aiken 75/53

ON THE COAST

Charleston 81/62

Today: A storm; however, a strong thunderstorm in the north. High 74 to 81. Thursday: Not as warm; a thunderstorm in spots in the morning. High 67 to 71.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 73/49/t 43/37/r 72/47/s 53/42/r 76/51/s 82/56/pc 81/55/t 65/45/s 94/70/pc 69/49/s 85/60/s 67/54/pc 70/56/s

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 357.12 74.86 74.65 97.52

24-hr chg +0.14 +0.22 +0.02 -0.11

Sunrise 7:04 a.m. Moonrise 2:36 p.m.

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

1.00" 1.03" 0.44" 8.31" 13.10" 11.73"

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

86° 61° 72° 46° 90° in 1967 27° in 1992

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 59/44/c 46/33/sn 76/50/s 46/34/sn 79/50/s 75/53/c 72/54/s 57/44/r 80/52/c 61/44/r 91/63/s 68/55/pc 65/44/r

Myrtle Beach 76/62

Manning 78/59

Today: A few thunderstorms, some severe. Winds south 4-8 mph. Thursday: Windy and cooler with periods of sun. Winds west 15-25 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 79/60

Bishopville 77/57

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest. 12 6.33 19 5.10 14 4.77 14 3.46 80 77.54 24 13.57

Sunset Moonset

7:46 p.m. 3:41 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Apr. 11

Apr. 19

Apr. 26

May 2

TIDES

24-hr chg +0.04 +0.16 +0.25 +1.42 +0.47 +0.10

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Thu.

High 5:05 a.m. 5:43 p.m. 6:08 a.m. 6:43 p.m.

Ht. 3.1 2.8 3.1 2.9

Low 12:09 p.m. --12:25 a.m. 1:08 p.m.

Ht. 0.2 --0.1 0.1

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 66/44/t 74/51/t 81/55/t 83/58/pc 76/67/s 81/62/t 74/54/t 72/52/t 78/57/t 78/59/t 75/61/s 81/62/t 82/64/t

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 50/35/c 57/42/c 65/43/pc 70/48/pc 71/51/t 67/46/pc 60/41/pc 59/43/c 64/45/pc 63/44/pc 70/46/t 68/46/t 65/45/t

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 79/60/t Gainesville 88/62/pc Gastonia 74/55/t Goldsboro 82/66/pc Goose Creek 79/62/t Greensboro 77/58/pc Greenville 70/50/t Hickory 70/53/t Hilton Head 78/61/pc Jacksonville, FL 88/60/c La Grange 77/48/t Macon 77/51/t Marietta 75/48/t

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 63/44/t 73/45/c 60/42/pc 68/46/t 67/48/pc 62/42/t 57/41/pc 57/39/c 68/50/pc 74/46/c 63/45/pc 62/44/pc 57/43/c

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 69/50/t Mt. Pleasant 78/60/pc Myrtle Beach 76/62/t Orangeburg 77/57/t Port Royal 80/59/pc Raleigh 80/62/pc Rock Hill 75/53/t Rockingham 80/59/t Savannah 82/56/t Spartanburg 71/51/t Summerville 79/61/t Wilmington 80/63/t Winston-Salem 75/57/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 55/36/c 68/49/pc 67/47/pc 62/46/c 69/50/pc 65/43/t 60/42/pc 63/44/pc 70/48/pc 58/40/pc 66/47/pc 69/44/t 61/43/t

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

Brown

“Where Quality Matters”

PUBLIC AGENDA

FURNITURE & BEDDING

TOWN OF LYNCHBURG PLANNING COMMISSION Today, 4 p.m., town hall

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take the EUGENIA LAST plunge and get going. What you do will far exceed talking about what you plan to do. Look at your objectives and simplify your plans. Staying focused and concentrating on your goal will bring good results.

The last word in astrology

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Partnerships look promising if you are willing to compromise and support one another. A practical approach to financial spending will spare you the stress of unnecessary debt. Listen to good advice and practice moderation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Put your emotions on the backburner before they get you into trouble. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Anxiety Speaking up about how you feel or will set in if you let the little things what your plans are will not end get to you. Give others the freedom well. Taking the time to prepare and plan your next move will be you expect to be given in return. Balance, integrity and sticking to a crucial to your success. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): plan will benefit you the most. Stay focused on what’s important Avoid emotional debates. to your advancement. Don’t let GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Bring personal matters or an unstable about positive changes. Get relationship with someone cloud involved with a partner or join a your vision or cause you to take a group that shares your values and pass on something you really goals, and you will avoid pressure should pursue. Financial gains are from large organizations or within reach. authority figures. Going through CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Be the proper channels will lead to careful when dealing with partners greater opportunities. or while traveling with people who CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t have a different perspective than feel the need to donate to a cause you. It’s important to be respectful just because someone else does. of others’ beliefs, but that doesn’t Pick and choose where your money mean you should become a goes. Joint ventures will result in follower. Do your own thing. disagreements. Put more time and AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): effort into self-improvements and Emotions will surface if you don’t professional gains. agree with the protocol being LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your enforced at work or within your emotions will get the better of you peer group. Don’t feel pressured to if you let someone’s rhetoric coax take part in something you don’t you into a debate. Your best agree with. Formulate a new plan defense is to take action, not face that is beneficial to everyone off in a verbal war that will only involved. make matters worse. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Not might want to reconsider your everyone will be open and vocational goals. Don’t let an forthright with you. Don’t let uncomfortable situation lead to someone’s big dreams persuade making an untimely professional you to take part in a risky venture. move. Look for opportunities and Hard work, dedication and playing develop a strategy that favors by the rules will get you much advancement. Avoid emotional setbacks. further ahead.

31 West Wesmark Blvd Sumter, SC

774-2100

wwwBrownsofSumter.com

Dine in Style

SUMTER ANIMAL CONTROL PET OF THE WEEK Ollie is an adult dog who is content to sit nextOllie to youisand a is happy to be in your big fluffy presence. hunk ofHe is well behaved love on a leash and looks up frequently for verbal coaching. Ollie is a big fluffy hunk of love, who is looking for his forever home. We think that Ollie is just about the perfect example of a strong, loyal and loving companion. Ollie is in kennel 20 at Sumter Animal Control, 1240 Winkles Road, (803) 4362066. Thank you for considering a homeless animal. You can view more lost / found / adoptable pets at Sumter Animal Control on Facebook.

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, APRIL 5, 2017 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

2 decide to go pro

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

North Carolina’s Kennedy Meeks, center, holds the championship trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after the Tar Heels’ 71-65 victory over Gonzaga in the men’s NCAA tournament championship game on Monday in Glendale, Arizona.

Victorious

Tar Heels defeat Zags for title

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina’s Kaela Davis, left, and Allisha Gray, center, celebrate with A’ja Wilson after winning the NCAA women’s national championship. Head coach Dawn Staley announced on Tuesday that Davis and Gray are turning pro.

Each started 36 of 37 games with Gray averaging 13.2 points and Davis 12.7 points. Davis was also the team leader with 59 3-pointers. The two were essential to South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament run. Davis scored 23 points in a 71-64 win over Florida State to lift the Gamecocks to the Final Four. Gray had 18 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots in her team’s title win over Mississippi State. “Allisha and Kaela both brought great minutes for us, great buckets for us,” said A’ja Wilson, named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. “They

GLENDALE, Ariz. — For a whole year, the North Carolina Tar Heels wondered if they’d get another chance. For a whole year, the Tar Heels thought about what might have been. When Monday night’s slugfest with Gonzaga came to a merciful end, the Heels had all their answers: The national title was theirs, the nets were hanging around their necks, the redemption tour was a success. Their 71-65 win will not be mistaken for a work of art. But for anyone who bleeds Carolina Blue, it sure was a thing of beauty. “This is what we worked for,” junior guard Joel Berry II said. “And the ups and downs we’ve had? It’s all worth it.” The story starts with the downs. When Villanova’s Kris Jenkins hit his 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat Carolina in the 2016 final, coach Roy Williams buckled over like a man who’d just been punched in the gut, put both hands on his knees and tried to figure out to explain it. “The feeling of inadequacy in the locker room

SEE DRAFT, PAGE B3

SEE VICTORIOUS, PAGE B3

Staley: Davis, Gray leaving USC to enter WNBA draft BY DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK — South Carolina coach Dawn Staley says Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray are leaving the NCAA champion Gamecocks to enter the WNBA draft. Gray posted on Twitter that she was giving up a fifth year of college to go pro. Staley says as of last night, neither player had hired an agent. “They both have aspirations to play pro and we’re happy that we gave them a platform to raise their stock in the draft,” Staley said at a press conference Tuesday on campus. “They both felt this was the best time for them to go.” The league allows players up to

five days before the April 13 draft to rescind their decision if they haven’t signed with an agent. Davis and Gray STALEY helped the Gamecocks to the national championship with a 67-55 victory over Mississippi State on Sunday. Davis, the daughter of ex-NBA player Antonio Davis, was a high scoring guard from Georgia Tech who transferred after her sophomore season. Gray came from North Carolina, also as a sophomore. The two sat out the 2015-16 season due to NCAA transfer rules before making a major impact this season.

BY EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

MASTERS

Johnson, No. 1 and headed in the right direction BY DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer AUGUSTA, Ga. — The knock on Dustin Johnson was that he didn’t have what it takes between the ears to close out a major. He looked as though he didn’t care, perhaps because a crushing loss didn’t appear to bother him as much as it should have. And in some corners, there was chatter that he needed to get someone other than his brother to be his caddie. Now those are some of the reasons why Johnson is No. 1 in the THE ASSOCIATED PRESS world, and why he is such a strong Dustin Johnson hits from a bunker to the second favorite to win the Masters. green during a practice round for the Masters on “He knows he can handle whatevTuesday in Augusta, Georgia. er gets in his way,” said Claude

Harmon III, the swing coach who spends the most time at work with Johnson. “Now players feel like if he’s on the leaderboard, they can’t afford to make a mistake.” Conversations paused under the oak tree next to Augusta National’s clubhouse Tuesday morning when Johnson sauntered toward the tee for another practice round. The way he has played the last two months — going back to his U.S. Open title last June, really — he has everyone’s attention. Johnson is not one for conversation. Mention that he is the first player in more than 40 years to arrive at the Masters having won his last three tournaments, and Johnson

will shrug and say that his game is solid, he’s working hard and that he’s playing pretty well. As for the additional pressure he faces being such a favorite? “I don’t know,” Johnson said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever been the favorite.” For all his power and athleticism, Johnson had never been in contention at Augusta National until last year. He was two shots out of the lead until a double bogey from the bunker on the 17th hole ended his hopes. He still tied for fourth, his best finish ever, and it was enough for

SEE JOHNSON, PAGE B3

LOCAL RACING

Harden earns victory on opening night at Sumter Speedway BY CODY TRUETT Special to The Sumter Item The SHARP Mini Late Model division had a thrilling feature race that saw multiple lead changes, side-by- side racing and an exciting finish to highlight the season-opening night of racing at Sumter Speedway on Saturday. Brad Amerson stared the Mini Late Model feature from the front row and quickly shot into the lead as the green flag flew with Jody Sparks and Matt Lawson on his heels. Lawson challenged Sparks for second place through turns 3 and 4. The two made contact,

resulting in Sparks spinning around. Lawson was sent to the rear as track officials deemed the contact intentional. When racing resumed, Amerson continued to show the way with Matt Harden now his closest challenger. As the race stayed green, Harden reeled Amerson in and challenged him for the top spot. As the leaders worked their way through lap traffic, the top four cars bottled up on the front straightaway, making a 4-car battle for the lead.

Harden dove to the inside of Amerson in turns 1 and 2 and shot into the lead. However, a caution flag was displayed for a spin before Harden could complete a lap as the leader, meaning the top spot was turned back over to Amerson for the restart. As the green flag waved for the restart, Amerson and Harden battled again for the lead. Harden once again dove to the inside and took over the lead, but yet another caution would give the lead back to Amerson. With just four laps to go, the field restarted with Amerson still showing the way. Harden again made a big

dive to the inside of Amerson in turns 1 and 2, taking over the lead and holding on to it. Harden led the final three laps of the feature to take home a hard-fought win. Sparks fought his way from the rear for a second-place finish with Chris Gerdmann third, Gavin Cowan fourth and Michael Chance fifth. Amerson, after leading 16 laps, fell back to sixth with Michael Wolf Sr. seventh, Jayson DiDonna eighth, Lawson ninth and Haiden Cowan 10th. Richard Johnson was 11th with Rene Chamser 12th and Mike Wolfe Jr. 13th. Michael Crouch picked up

the win in the Extreme-4 division, leading flag to flag. Defending points champion Chelsea L’Huillier came home second with Rusty Harrelson third and John Ledwell fourth. Shannon Munn held off Adam Hill to pick up the win in the Super Street division. Hill settled for second with Drew Shealy third, Bryan Stephens fourth and Ryan Winn fifth. Clay Sims was the victor of the Stock V8 division after holding off challenges from

SEE SPEEDWAY, PAGE B3

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

SCOREBOARD

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Colorado at Milwaukee, 7:40 p.m. Chicago Cubs at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m. San Francisco at Arizona, 9:40 p.m. San Diego at L.A. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m.

TV, RADIO

TODAY’S GAMES

TODAY

10 a.m. — Women’s Professional Tennis: Volvo Car Open from Charleston (TENNIS) 1:30 p.m. — Major League Baseball: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (MLB NETWORK) 2 p.m. — International Soccer: Bundesliga, Darmstadt vs. Bayer Leverkusen (FOX SPORTS 1) 2 p.m. — International Soccer: Bundesliga, Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Hertha BSC (FOX SPORTS 2) 3 p.m. — Premier League Soccer: Manchester City at Chelsea (NBC SPORTS NETWORK) 3 p.m. — Pro Golf: The Masters Par 3 Contest at Augusta, Ga. (ESPN) 3 p.m. — College Softball: Illinois at Northwestern (BIG TEN NETWORK) 5:30 p.m. — College Softball: Illinois at Northwestern (BIG TEN NETWORK) 6:05 p.m. — Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXY-FM 105.9) 7 p.m. — Major League Baseball: Atlanta at N.Y. Mets (FOX SPORTS CAROLINAS) 7 p.m. — Major League Baseball: N.Y. Yankees at Tampa Bay (FOX SPORTS 1) 7 p.m. — NBA Basketball: Miami at Charlotte (FOX SPORTS SOUTH) 7 p.m. — NBA D-League Basketball: Playoffs, Teams TBA (ESPNU) 7 p.m. — College Softball: Western Kentucky at Kentucky (SEC NETWORK) 8 p.m. — NBA Basketball: Cleveland at Boston (ESPN) 8 p.m. — NHL Hockey: N.Y. Rangers at Washington (NBC SPORTS NETWORK) 9:30 p.m. — NBA D-League Basketball: Playoffs, Teams TBA (ESPNU) 10:30 p.m. — NBA Basketball: Dallas at L.A. Clippers (ESPN)

TRANSACTIONS The Associated Press BASEBALL

COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE — Suspended L.A. Dodgers RHP Edward Perez (Dodgers-DSL) 72 games and Houston SS Jonathan Arauz (Quad Cities-MWL), Boston SS Jeremy Rivera (Salem-Carolina), San Francisco Cs Cody Brickhouse (Giants-AZL) and Ty Ross (San Jose-Cal), Washington 2B Emmanuel Burriss (Syracuse-IL), L.A. Angels SS Keith Grieshaber (Orem-Pioneer) and Cincinnati RHP Ian Kahaloa (Billings-Pioneer) 50 games for violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. American League HOUSTON ASTROS — Traded C Tyler Heineman to Milwaukee for a player to be named. Sent RHP Collin McHugh to Fresno (PCL) for a rehab assignment. LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Signed a two-year player development contract extension with Salt Lake (PCL). SEATTLE MARINERS — Transferred LHP Drew Smyly to the 60-day DL. Claimed RHP Evan Marshall off waivers from Arizona. National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Agreed to terms with LHP Rex Brothers on a minor league contract. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — Agreed to terms with RHP Mark Montgomery on a minor league contract. WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Agreed to terms with RHP Aaron Barrett on a minor league contract.

FOOTBALL

National Football League BALTIMORE RAVENS — Traded DT Timmy Jernigan and the 99th pick in the 2017 draft to Philadelphia for the 77th pick in the 2017 draft. DALLAS COWBOYS — Released QB Tony Romo, who announced his retirement.

MLB STANDINGS The Associated Press AMERICAN LEAGUE East Division Tampa Bay Baltimore Boston Toronto New York Central Division Cleveland Detroit Minnesota Kansas City Chicago West Division Oakland Houston Seattle Los Angeles Texas

W 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 0 1 1

Pct 1.000 1.000 1.000 .000 .000

GB — — — 1 1

W 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 0 1 1

Pct 1.000 1.000 1.000 .000 .000

GB — — — 1 1

W 1 1 0 0 0

L 0 0 1 1 1

Pct 1.000 1.000 .000 .000 .000

GB — — 1 1 1

MONDAY’S GAMES

Boston 5, Pittsburgh 3 Baltimore 3, Toronto 2, 11 innings Detroit at Chicago White Sox, ppd. Minnesota 7, Kansas City 1 Cleveland 8, Texas 5 Houston 3, Seattle 0 Oakland 4, L.A. Angels 2

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Detroit 6, Chicago White Sox 3 N.Y. Yankees (Sabathia 0-0) at Tampa Bay (Odorizzi 0-0), 7:10 p.m. Cleveland (Carrasco 0-0) at Texas (Perez 0-0), 8:05 p.m. Seattle (Iwakuma 0-0) at Houston (McCullers 0-0), 8:10 p.m. L.A. Angels (Shoemaker 0-0) at Oakland (Manaea 0-0), 10:05 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Kansas City (Kennedy 0-0) at Minnesota (Santiago 0-0), 1:10 p.m. Detroit (Zimmermann 0-0) at Chicago White Sox (Shields 0-0), 2:10 p.m. Toronto (Happ 0-0) at Baltimore (Bundy 0-0), 7:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees (Pineda 0-0) at Tampa Bay (Cobb 0-0), 7:10 p.m. Pittsburgh (Taillon 0-0) at Boston (Sale 0-0), 7:10 p.m. Cleveland (Salazar 0-0) at Texas (Hamels 0-0), 8:05 p.m. Seattle (Paxton 0-0) at Houston (Morton 0-0), 8:10 p.m. L.A. Angels (Richards 0-0) at Oakland (Cotton 0-0), 10:05 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Kansas City at Minnesota, 1:10 p.m. Pittsburgh at Boston, 1:35 p.m. Detroit at Chicago White Sox, 2:10 p.m. L.A. Angels at Oakland, 3:35 p.m. Toronto at Tampa Bay, 7:10 p.m. Seattle at Houston, 8:10 p.m.

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

MONDAY’S GAMES

W 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 0 1 1

Pct 1.000 1.000 1.000 .000 .000

GB — — — 1 1

W 1 0 0 0 0

L 0 1 1 1 1

Pct 1.000 .000 .000 .000 .000

GB — 1 1 1 1

W 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 0 1 1

Pct 1.000 1.000 1.000 .000 .000

GB — — — 1 1

Washington 4, Miami 2 N.Y. Mets 6, Atlanta 0 Boston 5, Pittsburgh 3 Colorado 7, Milwaukee 5 Philadelphia 4, Cincinnati 3 L.A. Dodgers 14, San Diego 3

Chicago Cubs (Lackey 0-0) at St. Louis (Lynn 0-0), 1:45 p.m. Miami (Straily 0-0) at Washington (Roark 0-0), 7:05 p.m. Atlanta (Colon 0-0) at N.Y. Mets (deGrom 0-0), 7:10 p.m. Philadelphia (Eickhoff 0-0) at Cincinnati (Finnegan 0-0), 7:10 p.m. Pittsburgh (Taillon 0-0) at Boston (Sale 0-0), 7:10 p.m. Colorado (Chatwood 0-0) at Milwaukee (Peralta 0-0), 8:10 p.m. San Francisco (Moore 0-0) at Arizona (Walker 0-0), 9:40 p.m. San Diego (Cahill 0-0) at L.A. Dodgers (Hill 0-0), 10:10 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Philadelphia at Cincinnati, 12:35 p.m. Pittsburgh at Boston, 1:35 p.m. Colorado at Milwaukee, 1:40 p.m. San Diego at L.A. Dodgers, 3:10 p.m. Miami at Washington, 4:05 p.m. Atlanta at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m. San Francisco at Arizona, 9:40 p.m.

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

W 50 47 29 28 18

L 27 30 48 49 59

Pct .649 .610 .377 .364 .234

GB — 3 21 22 32

W 46 39 37 36 27

L 31 38 40 41 50

Pct .597 .506 .481 .468 .351

GB — 7 9 10 19

W 49 40 38 37 35

L 27 37 39 40 42

Pct .645 .519 .494 .481 .455

GB — 9½ 11½ 12½ 14½

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W 59 52 42 33 32

L 17 25 35 44 44

Pct .776 .675 .545 .429 .421

GB — 7½ 17½ 26½ 27

W 47 43 38 36 31

L 30 33 39 40 45

Pct .610 .566 .494 .474 .408

GB — 3½ 9 10½ 15½

W L z-Golden State 63 14 x-L.A. Clippers 47 31 Sacramento 30 47 L.A. Lakers 22 55 Phoenix 22 56 x-clinched playoff spot z-clinched division

Pct .818 .603 .390 .286 .282

GB — 16½ 33 41 41½

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

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Brooklyn at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Charlotte at Washington, 7 p.m. Orlando at Cleveland, 7 p.m. Toronto at Indiana, 7 p.m. Chicago at New York, 8 p.m. Denver at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Milwaukee at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Memphis at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Portland at Utah, 9 p.m. Dallas at Sacramento, 10:30 p.m. Minnesota at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Miami at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Toronto at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Cleveland at Boston, 8 p.m. Denver at Houston, 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Memphis, 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Golden State at Phoenix, 10 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Brooklyn at Orlando, 7 p.m. Chicago at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Milwaukee at Indiana, 7 p.m. Washington at New York, 7:30 p.m. Boston at Atlanta, 8 p.m. Minnesota at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W L

OT Pts GF

y-Montreal Toronto Ottawa Boston Tampa Bay Florida Buffalo Detroit

9 15 10 6 10 11 12 12

220 242 203 228 222 202 197 201

192 228 208 207 218 231 229 238

METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W L

OT Pts GF

x-Washington 78 x-Pittsburgh 78 x-Columbus 78 x-N.Y. Rangers 79 N.Y. Islanders 78 Carolina 78 Philadelphia 79 New Jersey 78

8 11 8 6 12 14 8 14

254 266 239 252 228 204 212 175

178 221 180 213 237 220 229 229

CENTRAL DIVISION GP W L

OT Pts GF

z-Chicago x-Minnesota x-St. Louis x-Nashville Winnipeg Dallas Colorado

7 8 7 11 7 11 3

239 254 219 231 237 213 154

202 201 204 217 249 250 264

PACIFIC DIVISION GP W L

OT Pts GF

x-Anaheim x-Edmonton x-San Jose x-Calgary Los Angeles Vancouver Arizona

13 9 7 4 7 9 9

196 200 195 214 191 228 251

79 78 78 79 78 79 79 79

46 39 41 43 39 33 32 32

52 48 49 47 37 35 38 27

24 24 27 30 29 35 35 35

18 19 21 26 29 29 33 37

101 93 92 92 88 77 76 76

112 107 106 100 86 84 84 68

WESTERN CONFERENCE 79 79 78 79 79 79 78

79 78 79 79 78 78 79

50 46 43 40 37 32 21

43 44 44 44 37 30 29

22 25 28 28 35 36 54

23 25 28 31 34 39 41

107 100 93 91 81 75 45

99 97 95 92 81 69 67

212 231 213 220 188 174 190

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division z-clinched conference

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Philadelphia at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at Boston, 7 p.m. Columbus at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Washington at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Detroit at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Nashville, 8 p.m. Winnipeg at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Carolina at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Arizona at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Chicago at Colorado, 9 p.m. Calgary at Anaheim, 10 p.m. Vancouver at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. Edmonton at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Montreal at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Washington, 8 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Islanders at Carolina, 7 p.m. Winnipeg at Columbus, 7 p.m. Pittsburgh at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Ottawa at Boston, 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. St. Louis at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Nashville at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Minnesota at Colorado, 9 p.m. Chicago at Anaheim, 10 p.m. Vancouver at Arizona, 10 p.m. Edmonton at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. Calgary at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

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

THE SUMTER ITEM

AREA ROUNDUP

Ives tosses 3-inning no-hitter in WH softball’s rout of OP ORANGEBURG – Drake Ives tossed a 3-inning no-hitter as the Wilson Hall varsity softball team opened up SCISA Region II-3A play with a 15-0 victory over Orangeburg Prep on Tuesday at the OP field. Madison Sliwonik had two doubles and three RBI for the Lady Barons. Sydney Jarecki had two hits and four runs batted in while Liza Lowder had two hits including a double and two RBI. Kathryn Sistare had two hits and an RBI; Madison Elmore had two hits and scored three runs; Danielle deHoll had a double and Ives collected two RBI. Carly Allred, Amelia Weston and Madison Reaves also each had a hit for WH.

VARSITY EQUESTRIAN WILSON HALL 2ND, 3RD AT WEEKEND SHOWS The Wilson Hall equestrian team finished second at a SCISA regular season show on Saturday held at Wilson Hall, then finished third in the SCISA Hunt Seat Equestrian State Championship held in Timmonsville on Sunday. Hammond took both events with Ashley Hall finishing second in the state show.

BOYS VARSITY BASEBALL SUMTER 3 WEST FLORENCE 1 FLORENCE — Sumter clinched at least a share of the Region VI-5A title on Tuesday with a 3-1 victory over West Florence at the Knights field. Jordan Holladay picked up the win on the mound. He went 6 2/3 innings and allowed just one run on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts. Rylan Williamson picked up the save.

Daniel Twitty had a double and drove in two runs while Williamson collected two hits including a double and drove in one run. The Gamecocks improved to 14-1 overall and 8-0 in the region. They will travel to Conway on Thursday.

VARSITY TENNIS WEST FLORENCE 6 SUMTER 0 West Florence earned a 6-0 sweep of Sumter on Tuesday at the SHS courts. The Gamecocks fell to 4-9 overall and 4-5 in Region VI5A. They will return to action on April 18 at South Florence. SINGLES 1 - Emerson (WF) defeated Witt 6-0, 6-1. 2 - Tyler (WF) defeated Berry 6-0, 6-3. 3 - Player (WF) defeated Smithhart 6-0, 6-0. 4 - DuBose (WF) defeated Gould 6-0, 6-0. 5 - Cannon (WF) defeated McDuffie 6-0, 6-0.

DOUBLES 1 - Did not play. 2 - leschner/ Asper (WF) defeated Kelly/ Black 6-0, 6-2.

JV BASEBALL LUGOFF-ELGIN 4 SUMTER 3 Kieran Hagerty had two hits and drove in a run, but Sumter’s JV squad fell to Lugoff-Elgin 4-3 on Tuesday at Gamecock Field. Wylie Coker had a hit and drove in a run for the Gamecocks and Victor Brown had three hits. CAMDEN MILITARY 8 WILSON HALL 4

CAMDEN — Wilson Hall suffered an 8-4 loss to Camden Military Academy on Tuesday at the CMA field. Tanner Epps tossed 4 1/3 innings for the Barons and allowed three runs while striking out seven. Keaton Price, Tate Sistare and Wise Segars all had two hits for WH, with one of Segars’ being a double.

The Barons fall to 2-6-1 overall and will travel to Cardinal Newman today, weather permitting.

JV SOCCER WEST FLORENCE 4 SUMTER 1 Noah Chase scored the lone goal for the JV Gamecocks as they fell 4-1 to West Florence on Tuesday at the SHS field. Justin Rabon saved a penalty kick for Sumter in goal.

B TEAM BASEBALL WILSON HALL 9 THOMAS SUMTER 6 DALZELL – Seven different players scored runs for Wilson Hall as they earned a 9-6 victory over Thomas Sumter Academy on Tuesday at General Field to finish the season at 5-5. Three Wilson Hall pitchers combined to give up four hits and five strikeouts.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTING CLAYS BARONS TAKE 1ST AT SCYSF TOURNAMENT CLINTON – The Wilson Hall middle school squad took first place on Saturday at the Sporting Clays SCYSF Tournament at the Clinton House. Will McLeod, Alex McLeod and Sam Louis Tisdale took first place in the Intermediate Advanced division for the Barons. Sam Louis shot in the top five in his class and Alex McLeod shot in the top 10 in his class. Bryce Lyles shot in the top 15 in his class while Matthew Blankenship and Jay Welch each shot in the top 15 in the JV 1 division. Jackson Lemay and James Hiatt also shot personal bests. Wilson Hall will next compete in the SCYSF State Championship at Backwoods Quail Club in Georgetown on April 22.

SPORTS ITEMS

Cowboys QB Romo retiring, joining CBS DALLAS — Tony Romo couldn’t bring himself to use the word “retired” and didn’t have an answer for whether he would have decided to replace another former quarterback in Phil Simms as lead analyst for CBS if he hadn’t lost his starting job in Dallas. This much Romo did know: Teams were interested in him continuing his chase for an elusive Super Bowl, and he couldn’t pass up a chance to go straight from the field to a No. 1 booth with Emmy Award-winning play-by-play man Jim Nantz. “It reminds me of my rookie year where you really don’t know anything,” Romo said. “You’re walking into a brand new situation and you can kinda play the game. I can kinda talk. But this is a completely different world. I like that challenge.” Romo’s release by the Cowboys and his deal with CBS were announced simultaneously Tuesday — roughly four weeks later than Dallas owner Jerry Jones told the franchise passing leader he would turn him loose to pursue other teams. The delay gave Romo time to consider his future after two injury-filled seasons, which cost him the job he had for 10 years when rookie Dak Prescott directed a club-record 11-game winning streak after Romo’s preseason back injury. It was his fourth back injury since 2013.

BASEBALL CLEMSON 4 GEORGIA 0 ATHENS, Ga. — Tyler Jackson pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings and Chris Williams hit a 2-run homer in the first inning to lead No. 4 Clemson to a 4-0 victory over Georgia at Foley Field on Tuesday night. Jackson (5-1) earned the win by allowing just four hits, no runs and no walks with five strikeouts as he threw only 77 pitches for Clemson (25-5), who registered its seventh shutout victory of the season. Logan Davidson led off the game with a single. Three batters later with two outs in the first inning, Williams laced a 2-run homer to left-center, his eighth long ball of the season. The Tigers added two runs in the ninth inning, including one run on Grayson Byrd’s sacrifice fly. TIGERS 6 WHITE SOX 3

CHICAGO — Justin Verlander struck out 10 to match the most by a Detroit pitcher on opening day since Mickey Lolich in 1970,

AP FILE PHOTO

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo smiles on the bench during a Jan. 1 game against the Eagles in Philadelphia. Romo is retiring rather than trying to chase a Super Bowl ring with another team after losing his starting job with the Cowboys last season. and the Tigers backed him with three home runs in a victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. JaCoby Jones hit his first career homer , Nick Castellanos and Ian Kinsler also went deep against Jose Quintana (0-1), and the Tigers sent Rick Renteria to a loss in his debut as White Sox manager. A day after the teams were rained out and with a sparse crowd looking on, Jones’ threerun homer and Castellanos’ two-run drive in a five-run second lifted Detroit into a 5-1 lead. Kinsler added a solo shot in the fourth. Verlander (1-0), the AL Cy Young Award runner-up last season, gave up two runs and six hits while walking two in 6 1/3 innings.

BASKETBALL PACERS 108 RAPTORS 90 INDIANAPOLIS — Paul George scored 18 of his 35 points in the third quarter Tuesday night and desperate Indiana rallied from a 19-point first-half deficit and blew out Toronto. The Pacers ended a four-game losing streak that saw them slide from a tie for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference to the very real possibility of missing the playoffs. DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 10 points and 10 rebounds for Toronto, which had won its previous two.

From local and wire reports

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

VICTORIOUS FROM PAGE B1

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina guard Kaela Davis (3) celebrates a play during the Lady Gamecocks’ 67-55 win on Sunday in the championship game of the women’s NCAA tournament.

DRAFT FROM PAGE B1 are my sisters. They’re living out their dream and that’s what I wanted for them.” Should both remain in the draft, South Carolina would lose three starters. Senior Alaina Coates, injured before the NCAA Tournament, is considered a likely top WNBA pick. Staley said the 6-foot-4 Coates, who averaged 12.9 points and 10.7 rebounds this season, was called by the WNBA to attend the draft in New York next week — a strong indicator Coates will be among the first players selected. The Gamecocks have a

transfer from Kentucky in Alexis Jennings, a 6-3 forward who sat out this season, poised to fill in some gaps underneath. Jennings averaged 8.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in two seasons with the Wildcats. While the two Gamecocks players decided to potentially leave early, about a half dozen other top college players opted to stay in school. Ohio State’s Kelsey Mitchell, Tennessee’s Diamond DeShields and Mercedes Russell, Duke’s Lexie Brown and Rebecca Greenwell all chose to return for their final seasons. The WNBA has strict crite-

SPEEDWAY FROM PAGE B1 both Dalton Coursey and Shae Stafford. Stafford battled side by side with Sims for the lead in the closing laps of the feature, but settled for second. Coursey came home third with Marty Horne fourth, Randy Creech Jr. fifth and Will Hutson sixth. Kale Green started the Crate Late Model feature from the pole position, but Matt Lawson shot out in front from the outside and never looked back. Lawson picked up the win with Green second and Elliott Sanders third. Justin Mintz led flag to flag in the Stock-94 feature. Travis Sharpe challenged Mintz throughout the feature, but wasn’t able to get around him and came home second. Pete Brew was third with Aaron Weed fourth and Greg Brew fifth. Jason Hodge came home

sixth with Austin Leither seventh, James Murphy eighth and Clint Coker ninth. Taylor Geddings was 10th with Casey Bryan 11th, Kyle Lynch 12th and Michael Coker 13th. Preston Padgett made the most of his Street Stock debut at Sumter Speedway, picking up a dominant win in the feature. Tony Terry battled his way to a strong second-place finish with Brian Welch third and Britt Williams fourth. Clay Sims was fifth with Michael Staurt sixth, Timmy Kimsey seventh and Adam Hill eighth. Racing will resume on Saturday with action in all divisions. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing starting at 7. Pit passes is $20 for adults and grandstand admission is $10 for adults. Active duty military will be admitted to the grandstands free of charge with military identification.

JOHNSON FROM PAGE B1 him to at least see that a green jacket was within reach. More in his favor, however, is that Johnson can hit shots no one else does. Typical of his career, the rise began with a fall. Johnson recalls having a chance to win the Cadillac Championship at Doral in March 2016 until hooking a tee shot in the water on No. 10 and making double bogey, and hitting a few more errant tee shots along the back nine. That’s when he finally bought into what the Harmons — Butch Harmon and his son, Claude — had been suggesting. It was time to learn to hit a fade instead of a draw. It didn’t take long for him to figure that out. And it didn’t take long for players to notice. “I heard he had switched to a fade, and then I saw it,” Zach Johnson said. “I said, ‘He’s going to win a lot of golf tournaments.’ There was control. There was spin. There was trajectory control. And then he won the U.S. Open.” And he really hasn’t slowed since. By the time the year was over, Johnson had swept all the PGA Tour awards, includ-

ria on when players can declare for the draft. Players must turn 22 the year of the draft and have their incoming class graduating. More players were eligible this year because they had transferred schools. Unlike the NBA, where players can make millions of dollars by leaving school early, the WNBA salary for a rookie is about $50,000 during the summer season. American players can make substantially more playing overseas in the winter. A few college players have decided to leave early in recent years. Notre Dame’s Jewell Loyd and Minnesota’s Amanda Zahui B. left college to turn pro in 2015.

ing player of the year. And he really hasn’t stopped, especially the last two months with victories at Riviera, Mexico Championship and the Dell Technologies Match Play. Perhaps most frightening is that the better Johnson gets, the harder he works. The more he wins, the less anyone talks about the 82 he shot in the final round of the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, the two-shot penalty he received at Whistling Straits in the 2010 PGA Championship for grounding his club in sand without realizing it was a bunker or the 12-foot eagle putt that turned into a three-putt par on the final hole of the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. “I know everybody makes mistakes,” Johnson said. “But for me, I just felt like I’ve always learned from them and tried not to do them again. Even some of my losses in the majors, I try to take the positive out of it and learn from it and do better the next time.” Butch Harmon laughs at the notion that Johnson lacks the right intelligence to be a major force. Keeping his mind clear might be his greatest asset.

“He’s like the cornerback who gets beat and acts like it never happened,” Harmon said. “Like three-putting from 12 feet. He told me once: ‘I never think about it. I can’t do anything about it, so why would I think about it?’ That mentality that the bad shot never happened is what Tiger had, is what Phil (Mickelson) has to have.” Being the best in the world, however, has never guaranteed anyone a green jacket. Woods in 2002 was the last player at No. 1 to win the Masters (Woods was at No. 2 when he won in 2005). Even when Woods was at his absolute best, it took only two bad holes in the opening round of the 2000 Masters to cost him five shots that he never made up. “It’s a funny game,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t matter how good you’re playing, you can still not win. Same goes for this week. If I want to win here, everything is going to have to go well for me. I’m going to have to drive it well, hit my irons well, putt it well. I’ve got a lot of confidence in my game right now, especially with the way I’ve been playing the last few tournaments. But, you know, anything can happen.”

Sumter Auto Mall 3625 BROAD STREET • SUMTER, SC

803•494•5900

WWW.SUMTERAUTOMALLSC.COM

TAXTIME SPECIALS! GOING ON NOW!

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE • BILINGUAL SALES STAFF

FINANCING FOR EVERYONE!

last year is the worst feeling I’ve ever had,” Williams said. What ensued was a year of working harder, doing more, making sure That didn’t happen again. With 1:40 left in the final, Justin Jackson took a laser of a pass from Theo Pinson and laid it in while being fouled. He made the free throw, and that 3-point play gave the Tar Heels a 66-65 lead. Gonzaga didn’t score again, though in a game that left fans from both sides booing a spate of over-officious officiating, the game couldn’t be settled without a controversial (non)call in the last minute. Leading by 1, and in a scrum under the Carolina basket, Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks went to the floor to try to wrestle the ball away from Silas Melson. Refs called a jump ball, and with the possession arrow favoring North Carolina, the Tar Heels converted on an Isaiah Hicks runner to push the lead to 3. Replays and pictures, retweeted and reposted thousands of times on social media, showed Meeks’ right hand touching out of bounds. But there was no protest, no review. “Probably on me,” said Gonzaga coach Mark Few, whose first knowledge of the call came in the postgame press conference. “From my angle, it didn’t look like an out of bounds situation or I would have called a review. That’s tough to hear.” Through NCAA spokesman David Worlock, national coordinator of basketball officials JD Collins said the play was not reviewable. Neither Few nor Williams threw much blame toward the officials, but the refs made this game virtually unwatchable. They called 27 fouls in the second half and put both teams in the bonus with 13-plus minutes left. They left the big men — Meeks and Gonzaga’s 7-footers Przemek Karnowski and Zach Collins — among those languishing on the bench in foul trou-

ble. They stifled any bit of flow that existed in the game and turned it into a review-driven free-throw contest. They brought steady cascades of boos from the crowd of 76,168, as fans from each side took turns protesting the whistles. “It’s a very difficult game to call,” said Williams, who has now led the Tar Heels to three of the program’s six titles. “I’m sitting over there, I’m not thinking the officials are doing a terrible job. ... I’m thinking our offense stinks.” He had a point. Carolina shot 35 percent from the field, a percentage point worse than it did in Saturday’s semifinal win over Oregon, which stood, for two days, as their worst shooting night in a tournament win since 1967. Some of the culprits: Berry led the Tar Heels with 22 points but needed 19 shots to get there. Jackson had 16 points but went 0 for 9 from 3-point range. Pinson went 2 for 9. Gonzaga’s numbers were even worse — 20 for 59 for 33.9 percent. Nigel Williams-Goss scored 8 straight points for the Bulldogs to give them their last lead — 65-63 with 1:52 left. Moments later, WilliamsGoss twisted his ankle and neither he nor anyone on his team would score again. “To be so close for us is a temporarily crushing blow right now,” Few said. “But I’m hoping and knowing that perspective will come with time.” At Gonzaga — a program on fantastic footing thanks to two decades’ worth of building led by Few — they’ll regroup and reload and try to finish the deal next year. Few, both a coaching and card-playing buddy of Williams, might be tempted to give Ol’ Roy a call and ask him how he did it. “They wanted redemption,” Williams explained. “I put it on the locker room up on the board — one of the things we had to be tonight was tough enough. I think this group was tough enough tonight.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gonzaga’s Killian Tillie, right, battles for a loose ball against North Carolina’s Joel Berry II and Tony Bradley, left, during the Tar Heels’ 71-65 victory on Monday in the men’s NCAA tournament championship game in Glendale, Arizona.

World Veterinary Day On this special day raise a paw, hoof or claw to say thank you to our veterarians. Honor you veterarian by showing your pet’s appreciation with a thank you ad for

Thank you Dr. Jones for taking care of my Rufus.

DEADLINE: APRIL 24, 2017 • PUBLISH: APRIL 28, 2017 Name ______________________________________ Phone ________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City ____________________________ State ____________ Zip _____________ Pet’s name _________________________________________________________ Owner’s Name _____________________________________________________ Message (limit 12 words) __________________________________________________ Payment must accompany order: Total $ ______________ ❐ Check ❐ Visa ❐ Mastercard If paying with credit card: Card No.______________________ Exp. date_________________ Signature _______________________________________________________________________

36 W. Liberty Street • Sumter, SC

803-774-1263 mary@theitem.com

Please send a self addressed stamped envelope with picture so it can be mailed back.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

MASTERS

Spieth looks to make better Masters memories BY PAUL NEWBERRY AP National Writer AUGUSTA, Ga. — On a warm, sunny afternoon in Amen Corner, Jordan Spieth stepped up to No. 12 and stuck it right next to the flag. A year too late. “I really could’ve used that one 12 months ago,” Spieth quipped Tuesday, mustering a smile before heading over the Hogan Bridge to take care of a tapin delivered with an Arnold Palmerlike flourish. The Augusta National patrons roared with laughter. But for anyone who takes a bit of self-deprecation during a practice round as a sign that Spieth has gotten over the green jacket that got away, think again. The sting is still there. You can hear it in his voice. “Certainly you don’t want to hold stuff in,” Spieth said. “That would be crazy.” If not for a meltdown at the shortest hole on the course, a mere 155 yards, the 23-year-old would’ve been talking Tuesday about his quest to become the first player to win the Masters three years in a row. Instead, he was reminiscing again about the biggest disappointment of his young, flourishing career. In 2016, Spieth made the turn on the final day with a commanding five-shot lead. He gave away some of that cushion with back-to-back bogeys at the 10th and 11th, but it was at the par-3 12th, the devilish little hole known as Golden Bell, that he lost the tournament . First, he splashed his tee shot into Rae’s Creek. Then, from the drop zone, he chunked another one into the water. Just like that, he was on the way to a quadruple-bogey 7 that ensured it would always be one of those Masters

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jordan Spieth walks to the 15th green with his caddie during a practice round for the Masters on Tuesday in Augusta, Georgia. remembered more for how it was lost than how it was won. (In case you’ve forgotten, the beneficiary of Spieth’s collapse was England’s Danny Willett , who is the first to acknowledge “it was a strange one last year.”) Back in December, when Spieth returned to Augusta National for the first time since that fateful day to play a round with friends, he was thinking about what happened on the last day of the Masters. When he played the 12th on Tuesday, in front of a large gallery but merely for practice, it was on his mind again. When the tournament begins, he expects more of the same. “It will surely be there and it has

been there,” said Spieth, wearing a green shirt that would be a perfect match for the jacket he hopes to don again on Sunday. “It is one of the many tournaments I’ve lost given a certain performance on a hole or a stretch of holes. It happens in this game. I stepped up today, first day back with the crowds, and hit it to about (a foot away), which is nice. Obviously, it’s not the tournament.” While the 12th will always be a part of Spieth’s story at the Masters, his feel for this place is far more positive than negative. He’s played this tournament three times and never finished lower than second. This is where he captured his first major with a dominating 18-

under score in 2015, sparking a run at the Grand Slam and one of the greatest years in golf history. Even the hole where it all fell apart has provided plenty of good vibes. Before the finale a year ago, Spieth had played Golden Bell at 1-under through his first 11 rounds at the Masters, including three birdies. “I really thoroughly enjoy this place and this week,” he insisted. “I seem to have more fun each year when I play this golf course.” Spieth’s enthusiasm got more pronounced when asked specifically what makes this course so appealing to him. “I like the elevation changes, the sidehill lies, the pull to Rae’s Creek,” he said, not even pausing for humorous effect. “It’s imaginative golf. It’s feel golf. I really enjoy that. When I go away from technical and toward feel, it’s an advantage for me.” He certainly looks like one of the players to beat this week, even though he ceded the No. 1 spot in the world rankings to Dustin Johnson . No one doubts that Spieth will get another shot at the green jacket. Probably a lot more. “I’m excited about the opportunity ahead, which is now I can go back and really tear this golf course up ... really create more great memories on the back nine of Augusta,” he said. “If it happens this year, fantastic. I will do all I can to see all the positives and grind it out like we did in 2015. And if it doesn’t happen this year, then I’ll be ready the next year to do it.” When Spieth made that little joke Tuesday at the 12th, it felt like a cathartic moment. Yeah, it still hurts. But he’s not afraid of Amen Corner. “Looking forward to getting out there,” he said, sounding a bit defiant, “and taking it right over the bunker just like my strategy for any other hole.”

COMMENTARY

Jason Day bares his emotions, ‘I feel a lot lighter’ AUGUSTA, Ga.

ason Day spoke candidly and emotionally for 40 minutes. Very little of it was about golf — yet one more reminder that when it comes to athletes’ personal lives, we’re not in Kansas anymore. The No. 3 player in the world arrived at the Masters this week with the health of his mother, Dening, weighing heavily on his mind. Her battle with lung cancer became pubJim lic nearly two Litke weeks ago when Day walked off the course just six holes into his opening match at the World Golf Championship. He explained afterward that doctors in his native Australia, where Dening still resides, told her she might have less than a year to live. But as Day settled in behind a microphone Tuesday at Augusta National, he had nothing but good news to report. He didn’t even wait for the question-andanswer session to begin. “My mom, she went through a successful surgery on her left lung and she was told by the doctor, don’t have to do chemo, which is really, really exciting stuff,” he began. “Obviously we have to be cautious because the first two to three years are very, very important. ... “I’m very, very pleased and very, very happy with how things have progressed from the start of the year to now,” he added a moment later. “And I feel kind of a lot lighter in a sense, in that my mind is not weighing very much heavily on the situation that

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jason Day hits from the fairway on the seventh hole during a Tuesday practice round for the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. my mom was going through. So to be able to have that happen and then be able to come here and get my mind off things is quite nice.” Day smiled throughout his opening statement. He thanked everyone he could think of for all the well wishes that rolled in the past two weeks: family, friends, peers, fans, sponsors — even the reporters gathered in the interview room. He knows how fortunate he is and said so more than a half-dozen times, not only because Dening’s prognosis has turned 180 degrees, but also because he has the resources to fly her to the U.S. and arrange for the best medical care available. “I know that we take it for granted,” he said about his profession. “We’re very, very selfish and we need to be selfish with our time to try and get better at our craft. But sometimes when it comes to family, family has to overcome anything else, obviously golf and other things that you’re worried about.” Think back 20 years. Athletes speaking frankly about family matters was rare. We made a fuss over Phil Mickelson carrying around a beeper in case he

had to bolt the 1999 U.S. Open and fly cross-country if wife Amy went into labor. “I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Mickelson said then. “The U.S. Open is played every year. If that beeper goes off, I’m out of here.” Not only does the technology of that time seem quaint, but now, because they’re connected to fans via social media and marketing campaigns a thousand times more sophisticated, athletes can choose how and when and even what to share in the public space. A week after the WGC event where Day withdrew, Gary Woodland explained his own absence on Twitter , revealing he and pregnant wife Gabby “had to cope with the heartbreaking loss” of one of the twins she was carrying. “We appreciate all of the love and support at this difficult time as we regroup as a family,” he wrote March 29. Only a month earlier, Woodland had announced his wife’s pregnancy and shared a photo of the ultrasound. The announcement that followed the WGC gave him a chance to reveal some tough news on his own terms. Two decades ago, most fans trying to find out

about his absence at the WGC — Woodland, No. 36 in the rankings, is hardly a star on the order of Day — would have searched a website or the agate column in the newspaper and seen nothing more explanatory than “DNP” (did not play) alongside his name. Instead, like Day, Woodland’s very personal family story unfolded in a context he was comfortable discussing. In Day’s case, the prospect of a happy ending seemed to generate momentum of its own. The more frankly he spoke about preparing for and playing one of the most important events of his professional life in the wake of the news about his mother, the more reporters drew him out. “One more question about your mom,” a reporter asked. “A lot of people during Masters week are casual fans who don’t know your whole backstory. Can you describe a little bit about ... your mom’s role is in making you a pro golfer?” “Yeah, this could be a long one,” Day began. He talked about his father dying from cancer when Day was just 12, how his mother took out a mortgage on their home and borrowed enough money to send him to a golf academy seven hours away, and how a coach he met there named Col Swatton — who remains his caddie to this day — turned him around and taught him to play golf. The story couldn’t have been much sweeter. “With that said,” Day concluded, “I owe her everything.” Thanks for sharing.

MASTERS TEE TIMES At Augusta National Golf Club Augusta, Ga. All Times EDT a-amateur Thursday-Friday 8 a.m.-11:07 a.m. — Daniel Summerhays, Russell Henley 8:11 a.m.-11:18 a.m. — Trevor Immelman, Brendan Steele, Jhonattan Vegas 8:22 a.m.-11:29 a.m. — Mike Weir, Billy Hurley III, Scott Piercy 8:33 a.m.-11:40 a.m. — Larry Mize, Brian Stuard, a-Stewart Hagestad 8:44 a.m.-11:51 a.m. — Soren Kjeldsen, Kevin Chappell, Jim Furyk 8:55 a.m.-12:13 p.m. — Sandy Lyle, Sean O’Hair, a-Scott Gregory 9:06 a.m.-12:24 p.m. — Zach Johnson, Louis Oosthuizen, Adam Hadwin 9:17 a.m.-12:35 p.m. — Tommy Fleetwood, Gary Woodland, J.B. Holmes 9:28 a.m.-12:46 p.m. — Adam Scott, Kevin Kisner, Andy Sullivan 9:39 a.m.-12:57 p.m. — Francesco Molinari, Daniel Berger, Thomas Pieters 10:01 a.m.-1:08 p.m. — Fred Couples, Paul Casey, Kevin Na 10:12 a.m.-1:19 p.m. — Russell Knox, Rickie Fowler, Hideki Matsuyama 10:23 a.m.-1:30 p.m. — Branden Grace, Brooks Koepka, Jeunghun Wang 10:34 a.m.-1:41 p.m. — Jordan Spieth, Martin Kaymer, Matt Fitzpatrick 10:45 a.m.-1:52 p.m. — Phil Mickelson, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Si Woo Kim 10:56 a.m.-2:03 p.m. — Brandt Snedeker, Justin Rose, Jason Day 11:07 a.m.-8 a.m. — Rod Pampling, William McGirt 11:18 a.m.-8:11 a.m. — Mark O’Meara, Hudson Swafford, Roberto Castro 11:29 a.m.-8:22 a.m. — Ian Woosnam, James Hahn, a-Brad Dalke 11:40 a.m.-8:33 a.m. — Ross Fisher, Pat Perez, Byeong Hun An 11:51 a.m.-8:44 a.m. — Jose Maria Olazabal, Ryan Moore, Webb Simpson 12:13 p.m.-8:55 a.m. — Ernie Els, Jason Dufner, Bernd Wiesberger 12:24 p.m.-9:06 a.m. — Danny Willett, Matt Kuchar, a-Curtis Luck 12:35 p.m.-9:17 a.m. — Vijay Singh, Emiliano Grillo, a-Toto Gana 12:46 p.m.-9:28 a.m. — Angel Cabrera, Henrik Stenson, Tyrrell Hatton 12:57 p.m.-9:39 a.m. — Charl Schwartzel, Steve Stricker, Mackenzie Hughes 1:08 p.m.-10:01 a.m. — Charley Hoffman, Chris Wood, Yuta Ikeda 1:19 p.m.-10:12 a.m. — Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Shane Lowry 1:30 p.m.-10:23 a.m. — Bernhard Langer, Alex Noren, Patrick Reed 1:41 p.m.-10:34 a.m. — Rory McIlroy, Hideto Tanihara, Jon Rahm 1:52 p.m.-10:45 a.m. — Marc Leishman, Bill Haas, Justin Thomas 2:03 p.m.-10:56 a.m. — Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Jimmy Walker

phone: ne 803-236-0803 2 262 south pike west sumter, sc info@iamteamr.com www.iamteamr.com

Reliable Medical Equipment of SC For all your medical equipment needs Respiratory – Orthotics – Prosthetics Ambulatory – Wheelchairs

(803) 934-9212 246 Broad St Sumter, SC 29150

(803) 435-9927 37 W. Rigby St Manning, SC 29102

this young lady trains every friday!

faith, joy, & toughness

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

PLAYERS TO WATCH

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

2 0 1 7 M A S T E R S • A U G U S TA Jason Day

Jordan Spieth

FACTS & FIGURES The 81st Masters April 6-9 Augusta National Golf Club Length: 7,435 yards DUSTIN JOHNSON Age: 32 Country: United States World ranking: 1 Masters appearances: 7 Best finish: Tie for 4th in 2016. Masters memory: Making two double bogeys in the final round of 2016 for a 71. He finished four shots behind.

Par: 36-36_72 Field: 94 (89 professionals, five amateurs) Prize money: To be determined ($10 million in 2016) Winner’s share: $1.89 million Defending champion: Danny Willett

JUSTIN ROSE Age: 36 Country: England World ranking: 13 Masters appearances: 11 Best finish: Runner-up in 2015. Masters memory: A two-shot lead going into the weekend in 2004 and shooting 81 in the third round.

Rory McIlroy

Dustin Johnson

Major Force

Hideki Matsuyama

Te Television (all times EDT): Th Thursday and Friday, 33-7:30 p.m., ESPN; Sa Saturday, 3-7 p.m. and Su Sunday, 2-7 p.m., CBS

Top ranked Dustin Johnson leads a strong field into Top-ranked the Masters hoping to continue his recent tour dominace

T HIDEKI MATSUYAMA Age: 24 Country: Japan World ranking: 4 Masters Appearances: 5 Best finish: 5th in 2015. Masters memory: Making the cut twice as an amateur.

JASON DAY Age: 29 Country: Australia World ranking: 3 Masters appearances: 6 Best finish: tied for 2nd in 2011. Masters memory: losing a two-shot lead with three holes to play in 2013.

JORDAN SPIETH Age: 23 Country: United States World ranking: 6 Masters appearances: 3 Best finish: won. Masters memory: His wire-to-wire victory and tying the 72-hole scoring record at 270 in 2015.

he Masters, Masters golf’s greatest theater, awaits its biggest star. Anticipation is higher than usual to see whether the dominant force in the game, the player now expected to win whenever and wherever he plays, can handle Augusta National. Tiger Woods? He might not even show up except for dinner Tuesday night for past Masters champions. The new force _ the latest, anyway _ is Dustin Johnson. For years known as golf's most athletic figure, Johnson in recent months has been referred to as something just short of a machine. Whether he has a pulse is up for debate. "He's just a perfect, complete player," Spanish rookie Jon Rahm said. Johnson finally got that major burden off his back when he won the U.S. Open last summer at Oakmont. While he did not feature in the next two majors, he now looms as the prohibitive favorite when the Masters begins on April 6. These days, that's saying something. Jack Nicklaus says he has never seen so much depth at the top of golf in all his years. A year ago at the Masters, the talk was about a modern version of the "Big Three" with Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth. Johnson wasn't even part of that conversation. Now, the 32-year-old American not only heads to the Masters at No. 1 in the world, it will have been nearly two months since someone beat him. Johnson rose to the top of the world ranking with a five-shot victory at Riviera, where he would have shattered the oldest 72-hole scoring record on the PGA Tour if he had known what it or even cared, instead of just coasting home. He won in the high altitude of Mexico City. And then he became the first players to capture all four of the World Golf Championships by winning the Match Play. In the 112 holes he played over seven matches, Johnson never trailed once. "It's as good as anybody has ever played in the last month," Zach Johnson said. "There's just not a flaw. And his confidence adds to that." Scripts are not always predictable at Augusta National, however. Think back to 2000, when Tiger Woods was at his

SLAM TAKE THREE BID FOR A SLAM, McIlroy had a four-shot lead going into the final round in 2011 and shot 80, his best chance at a green jacket. He might come to rue that day. The Masters now is the only major keeping him from becoming the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam. This will be his third shot at the fourth and final piece of the slam. He tied for fourth (six shots behind Spieth) in 2015. A year ago, he was one shot out of the lead and paired with Spieth in the third round when McIlroy shot 77.

peak Leading into that Masters, Masters Woods peak. either had won or finished second in 10 out of 11 tournaments. And then he made a double bogey and triple bogey in a span of three holes in the opening round at Augusta and wound up in a tie for fifth. Look no further than last year. Spieth, coming off a wire-to-wire victory in which he tied the scoring record set by Woods in 1997, took a five-shot lead to the back nine on Sunday. Three holes later, he was three shots behind and never caught back up. The moment that stands out was his tee shot and a wedge into the water on No. 12 for a quadruple bogey. Day last year had won two straight tournaments when he got to the Masters and he was on the verge of leading the opening round until he dropped five shots over the last four holes, including a triple bogey on No. 16. He never caught up from the opening round. So that modern "Big Three" is closer to a "Big Six" by adding Johnson, Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama and British Open champion Henrik Stenson. It has been 10 years since so many top players were winning the first few months of the year going into the Masters. The winner that year? Zach Johnson, who described himself as a normal guy from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

THE ROOKIE The last player to win the Masters in his debut was Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. Jon Rahm of Spain has done enough in nine months to at least raise the possibility. In his first tournament as a pro, he had the 36-hole lead. He earned a PGA Tour in four starts. He won at Torrey Pines by shooting 65 on the last day. And in two World Golf Championships over the next month, he was a fraction away from beating Dustin Johnson. Tiger Woods at the Masters in 1997

Last year: Danny Willett won the Masters with a 67 in the final round. Jordan Spieth had a five-shot lead until starting the back nine Sunday with two bogeys and making 7 on the par-3 12th. He never caught up. W Willett became the first pl player from England to w win the green jacket si since 1996.

M MASTERS A ANNIVERSARIES 75 YEARS AGO 1942 Ben Hogan made up an eight-shot deficit against Byron Nelson over the final two rounds with scores of 67-70 to force an 18-hole playoff. Nelson shot 69 to beat Hogan by one and win his second Masters. 50 YEARS AGO 1967 Gay Brewer wins his only major at Augusta, he remains the only player to follow a playoff loss at the Masters with a victory the following year. 25 YEARS AGO 1992 During the final round, a blade of grass holds a chip by Fred Couples out of the water on the 12th hole and he saves par. Couples wins the tournament by 2 shots. 20 YEARS AGO 1997 Tiger Woods closed with a 69 to set the 72-hole scoring record (270) with a 12-shot victory. Adding to this historic occasion was Woods becoming the first player of black heritage to win a green jacket.

TIGER AT 20 Woods figures to get plenty of attention, at least for what he did. It was 20 years ago this week that Woods annihilated a shorter Augusta National and became the youngest Masters champion at age 21. He won by 12 shots, one of 20 records he set or tied that year, and one that remains. He was the first player of black heritage in a green jacket. And his victory gave the sport its biggest injection of enthusiasm since Arnold Palmer.

10 YEARS AGO 2007 Zach Johnson closed with a 69 for a two-shot victory. He finished at 289, matching the Masters record last set in 1956 for the highest winning score.

Content by The Associated Press; page designed by GateHouse Media’s Center for News & Design. COMPILED BY DOUG FERGUSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

THE WORKS Oil & Filter Change (includes 5 quarts oil and ﬁlter)

TIRE ROTATION PLUS: FREE MULTIPOINT INSPECTION

$39.

Extended Hours Tuesday & Thursday 7:30 AM to 7 PM

YOUR PATH TO A CAREER OR UNIVERSITY TRANSFER BEGINS

HERE

cctech.edu or 803.778.1961

Central Carolina Technical College does not discriminate in employment or admissions on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, religion, disability, or any other protected class.

MARK TAYLOR Branch Manager

NMLS #79695 PHONE: (803) 468-0021 OFFICE: (803) 905-3205 MTaylor@MiMutual.com www.MiMutual.info/MTaylor

GOOD CREDIT, NO CREDIT, BAD CREDIT–NO PROBLEM!

773-1481 950 N. Main Street • Sumter, SC • 1-800-948-7764

www.mclaughlinford.com

2640A Hardee Cove Sumter, SC 29150

Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #12901 Branch NMLS#: 1483165

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

RECRUITING

Gamecocks pick up commitment from OL Iyama

n Sunday Maxwell Iyama (6foot-6, 290 pounds) became the third offensive lineman to commit to South Carolina for the 2018 class. Iyama said he called offensive line coach Eric Wolford on Sunday afternoon and gave him the news. Iyama picked the Gamecocks over Georgia, Tennessee and Memphis. “I feel they are going to give me the best opportunity on and off the field to be the best I can be,” said Iyama, who visited USC late last month to watch a spring practice. “I like Coach Wolford, I can trust him. The atmosphere was great and I feel like it’s where I belong. I feel like he can use my length and speed on the edge. I feel like if I work hard enough I can get in there pretty early.” Iyama is an offensive tackle and plays the left side for his school. He also had offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Louisville. At this point he’s not sure if he’ll graduate early, but he said he is sure he is finished with his recruiting. The Gamecocks now have five commitments for their 2018 class and that includes 2017 target DE and former Lakewood High School standout Tyreek Johnson who plans to enroll in January. QB Dakereon Joyner of Fort Dorchester on Saturday made what he calls his final visit to USC prior to his June decision. Joyner has the Gamecocks in his final five with Alabama, N.C. State, Oregon and Georgia. Joyner said he thought the Gamecocks played well on both sides of the ball in their spring game, and of course his focus was on the offense. Joyner said all five of his schools are on the same level with no leader. He will take his final visits to Oregon and Alabama. He will narrow his list to three prior to his June 17 announcement. DE Brenton Cox of Stockbridge, Georgia, was in attendance for USC’s spring game and the Gamecocks are one of his favorites at this point. Cox also has been to Auburn and he will visit Ohio State for the spring game. He’s also looking to get to Georgia and Alabama when he can. DE Jabari Ellis of Georgia Military JC took in USC’s spring game and the Gamecocks remain No. 1 on his list. Ellis also has an offer from East Carolina and is now hearing from Florida and Arkansas. QB Tyler Shough of Chandler, Arizona, has a USC offer and made his first visit to check out the Gamecocks on Saturday. USC is his lone Power Five offer at this point. Shough will visit Western Kentucky on April 22. He also has offers from Harvard, Cornell, San Jose State, Hawaii, Indiana, Yale and Columbia. Blythewood native DB Khris Pam, who attends Georgia Military JC, has drawn the interest of the Gamecocks for a potential offer and he was in for the spring game. Pam said he thinks the Gamecocks will offer as a corner. He’s also hearing from Georgia Tech, Colorado, Georgia State and Michigan State, and he’s looking forward to Florida and Georgia coming to the school. Pam signed with Presbyterian out of high school and played one sea-

Phil Kornblut RECRUITING CORNER

son for the Blue Hose. Speedy RB Lavonte Valentine of Melbourne, Florida, made the trip up to USC last Saturday for his first up close look at the program and the university. Valentine also holds offers from Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Iowa State, Kentucky, Oregon, UCLA and

Southern Cal. WR Demarcus Gregory of Byrnes also was back at USC on Saturday. He also has offers from Florida, Wisconsin, Auburn, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas and Minnesota. The Gamecocks continue to work him hard. Gregory said he’s also connecting with Gamecock quarterback Jake Bentley who is a former Byrnes player as well. Gregory is on spring break this week and he plans to see Oklahoma and Virginia Tech during his time off. He said he doesn’t have a favorite at this point and no short list of favorites. He’d like to make his decision before the season. Some others at USC on Saturday for the spring game were Rock Hill WR/ FS Eric Stroud; QB Jalil-El Amin of Duluth, Georgia; Ridge View DL Damion Daley; Branchville DL Torrion Stevenson; Rock Hill OL Devin Cannon and 2019 DB Akele Pauling. USC offered QB Chase Wolf (6-2 195) of Cincinnati who visited Thursday. He also has offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Maryland, Pitt, Temple, Akron, Central Michigan and Rutgers. He also has visited Boston College, Duke and N.C. State. LB Channing Tindall of Spring Valley picked up another big commitment from Virginia Tech. He did get to USC for a practice recently. He wants to see several schools this summer like Notre Dame, Penn State, Florida, Georgia and N.C. State. Tindall said he hears from USC every day with contact from Will Muschamp and Coleman Hutzler. He’s been favoring USC and he said that has not changed. LB Quin Williams (6-2 205) of Madison, Georgia, visited USC late last month to take a closer look at the school and watch practice. He liked things so much he’s declared the Gamecocks his current favorite. Williams said he was impressed by the new buildings at USC for the football program and the university and the plans for the new ops building. He also likes the building project Muschamp has underway for the team. One of USC’s top cornerback targets is Jaycee Horn of Alpharetta, Georgia. He had the Gamecocks in his top 15 when he dropped that list a few weeks back. But according to Horn, the Gamecocks are more than just one of his 15; they have a much stronger place in his mind. The others in Horn’s top 15 are Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Florida, Ole Miss, Louisville, Ohio State, Missouri and LSU. He has been to USC, Wake Forest, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Geor-

OBITUARIES STEPHEN W. BROWN Stephen Woodrow Brown, age 60, died on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

held at 4 p.m. today at the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m. today, one hour prior to the service, at Bullock Funeral Home. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com to view the full obituary and sign the family’s guest book. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

gia Tech. Horn is considering making his decision this summer before his season but that is not a definite. TE Gavin Schoenwald of Brentwood, Tennessee, has been a two-time visitor to USC -- for the Missouri game last season and for a junior day in January. The Gamecocks were one of his first major offers and he has reciprocated with continuing strong interest back at them. He’s been in touch with recruiter Bobby Bentley and plans another visit to Columbia. Schoenwald also has offers from Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Auburn, Georgia, Iowa, Duke and Mississippi State. At this stage he has the Gamecocks at or very near the top of his list. Schoenwald said others under strong consideration include Duke, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Auburn. USC was one of the early offers for DL Rick Sandidge of Concord, N.C., and he visited for a game last season. Sandidge has had the Gamecocks high up on his list and the two continue to communicate regularly. He’s not been to USC this spring and doesn’t plan to because he wants to see schools he hasn’t seen like the Florida schools, LSU and Georgia. He does not have a favorites list yet but he plans to put one together in the spring. USC will be in that group as he continues to hear positive things from recruiter Bobby Bentley. Muschamp continues to scour the graduate transfer market for players who might help his USC program in 2017. Former Duke starting quarterback Thomas Sirk reportedly visited during the weekend. And the middle of April former Minnesota DE Gaelin Elmore (6-6, 275) will pay USC a visit. Elmore was offered by Muschamp on Friday and he has set an official visit with the Gamecocks for April 14. Elmore will visit either Oklahoma or Arizona this weekend and East Carolina the weekend after his USC visit. As a junior last season, Elmore played in all 13 games starting six. He registered 16 tackles with four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. OL Dalton Widner of Corryton, Tennessee, visited USC last week along with WR Caleb Martin of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and QB Parker McKinney of Coalfield, Tennessee. All are in the 2018 class. USC has not offered any of the three at this point. USC offered OL Rasheed Walker (6-5, 290) of Waldorf, Maryland; 2019 WR Arjei Henderson (6-1, 179) of Richmond, Texas (an Oklahoma commitment); 2019 DL Lloyd Murray Jr. (6-1, 310) of Wichita Falls, Texas (a Florida State commitment); 2020 ATH Cartavious Bigsby (5-11, 185) of Hoganville, Georgia, and 2020 DE Jacolbe Cowan of Charlotte.

According to Paul Strelow of TigerIllustrated, OL Jackson Carman of Fairfield, Ohio, one of the nation’s top offensive tackle prospects, is now favoring Clemson after visiting with his coach last Monday. Carman has offers from nearly all Power Five conference schools. He has also had LSU, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Southern Cal, Florida, Alabama and Michigan State on his favorites list. PK Camden Wise of Blacksburg, Virginia, recently visited Clemson. As is the case with most kickers, Wise is in a wait-and-see situation with schools regarding offers but Clemson let him know there is serious interest there. And he has strong interest in return. He also kicked at Clemson’s camp last summer. Clemson offered WR Justyn Ross (6-4, 195) of Phenix City, Alabama. Some of his other offers include Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Duke, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan, Penn State and Southern Cal. LB Teradja Mitchell of Virginia Beach plans to visit Clemson soon. Clemson offered 2019 QB Bo Nix (6-1, 180) of Pinson, Alabama, the son of former Auburn QB Patrick Nix. Nix also has offers from Auburn, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. He visited Clemson last Monday. He’s the first quarterback Clemson has offered for the 2019 class.

USC AND CLEMSON

BASKETBALL

DE Xavier Thomas of Florence and IMG Academy in Florida has made several visits to USC this spring, the most recent coming Saturday for the spring game. Thomas has stated he will choose either the Gamecocks or Clemson on Dec. 20 — though he continues to be recruiting by some of the other big names in the country. Thomas will make another visit to Clemson this coming weekend for the Tigers’ spring game.

Clemson target 6-3 Lavar Batts of Concord, N.C., committed to N.C. State. He was originally committed to VCU. Kentucky head coach John Calipari was in Spartanburg last Tuesday night to meet with 6-6 Zion Williamson. Up to that point Kentucky had been one of the blue bloods yet to offer Williamson, and Calipari did offer on the visit, according to a post by Williamson on his Instagram page.

Center, Columbia. He was born on April 4, 2017, in Foreston, a son of the late Deacon Eunis Rogers and Evangelist Susie Bennett Rogers. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. beginning today at the fellowship hall of Light Hill Baptist Church, 4304 S. Brewington Road, Foreston. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

Another highly recruited defensive end to visit USC on Saturday was KJ Henry of Clemmons, N.C. He plans to release his top 10 on Wednesday and the Gamecocks and Clemson figure to be on the list. OL Jovaughn Gwyn of Charlotte returned for another visit to USC on Saturday for the spring game. He has a Gamecock offer, but also visited Clemson last week and said he’s expecting the Tigers to offer this summer. He’s going to Wake Forest and Duke this week and either West Virginia or Georgia the following week. Highly recruited RB Lyn-J Dixon of Butler, Georgia, made an unofficial visit to Clemson on Friday afternoon. He got a look at the new facilities and checked out some of the academic opportunities. Dixon has an offer list that includes USC, Tennessee, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma, Missouri, Florida, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Louisville, Minnesota, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Texas and Indiana. Clemson is showing interest but is not ready to step up with an offer. Last season Dixon rushed for 1,985 yards and 35 touchdowns.

CLEMSON

MALIAKA TRUESDALE Maliaka Truesdale, 35, died on Thursday, March 30, 2017, in Lugoff. Born on May 18, 1981, in Staten Island, New York, she was a daughter of Denise McGee. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc.

WILLIE BRACEY SUMMERTON — Willie

“Moe” Bracey, 55, died on Saturday, April 1, 2017, after an automobile accident. He was born on Nov. 29, 1962, in Summerton, a son of Mary Green Bracey and the late John Bracey Sr. The family is receiving friends at the home of his mother, 908 Berry St., Manning. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

A CMS Five-Star Rated Facility

JOE LEWIS PRICE Joe Lewis Price, age 81, beloved husband of Annette Powers Price, died on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at Palmetto Health Richland. A memorial service will be

HealthCare TITUS ROGERS MANNING — Titus Rogers, 66, died on Monday, April 3, 2017, at the Dorn VA Medical

Your Garage Door Specialist

1018 N. Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC • 803-773-5567 MAKE YOUR SPRING MORE COLORFUL... ... Get ready for Easter NOW! Saturday appointments available. Book yours today!

Owner/Operator

The Hair Colorist

803.934.1484 470 S. Guignard Dr. Unit 4

803.778.5012

Robbie Mooneyham GarageDoorsSumterSC.com

SUMTER

830 S. Pike West • Sumter, SC 29150

CLASSIFIEDS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 05, 2017

THE ITEM

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES

CLASSIFIEDS

803-774-12

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Announcements

Roofing

BARBARA NAVE

All Types of Roofing & Repairs All work guaranteed. 30 yrs exp. SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734. 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

Tree Service 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.

BUSINESS SERVICES Home Improvements Mickey's Home improvements & Repairs. Electrical, 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

Lawn Service Clary Lawn Service Free Estimates Call 803-406-3514

A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721

For Sale or Trade 4 grave plots side by side for sale at Evergreen Memorial Park. Cost per plot $2200. Call 803-614-7596

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time

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

Submit letter of application and personal resume to: Director of Personnel, Morris College, 100 W. College St., Sumter, SC 29150-3599. Morris College is an Equal Opport unity/Affirmative Action employer.

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales EJ'S Variety 741 Bultman Dr unit 16. New Clothes, shoes, & misc. at thrift store prices. Open Wed.-Sat. 9-5. Yard Sale, Sat. 6-11 at 3491 Widman Dr. Twin bed suite, furniture, clothes, ect..

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

Open every weekend. Call 803-494-5500

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

call us Sell More TODAY PLACE AN AD

Public Hearing Notice

Morris College a private four year Liberal Arts College in Sumter, South Carolina, is seeking to fill the following position(s): Maintenance Employee: To render custodial services in an assigned area of the campus. Effective Immediately.

MERCHANDISE

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.

Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA) (SFY) 2017/2018

Summerton Police Dept. is now accepting applications for a Certified Police Officer/Sgt. position. Excellent salary + benefits. Applications available at 2 S. Cantey St., Summerton, SC.

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

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

YOUR AD HERE

11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition. 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition.

Morris College a private four year Liberal Arts College in Sumter, South Carolina, is seeking to fill the following position(s): Maintenance Assistant: To work under direst supervision rendering custodial and grounds keeping services. Applicants must possess a valid South Carolina drivers license. Some weekend work required. Effective Immediately. Submit letter of application and personal resume to: Director of Personnel, Morris College, 100 W. College St., Sumter, SC 29150-3599. Morris College is an Equal Opport unity/Affirmative Action employer. Bucket operator/groundsman needed for local tree service. Must have Valid Drivers License. Call 803-983-9721 between 5 pm - 7 pm. General Maintenance for Apt. Complex. Will train qualified applicant. Email resume to: nbonnoitt@ powersproperties.com or fax 843-667-6937 or apply in person at 595 Ashton Mill Dr

This is to inform the public of the opportunity to attend a public hearing on the proposed SFY 2017 - 2018 Section (5311 & SMT Funds). Program Application to be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Transportation no later than April 28, 2017. Those interested in attending a public hearing on this application should contact Lottie Jones, Executive Director in writing on or before April 06, 2017. The public hearing will be held on April 12, 2017 at 6pm at the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority located at 129 South Harvin Street, Sumter, SC 29150, James T. McCain Board Room, 1st Floor. The Section 5311 & SMTF Rural Program provides assistance for transportation options and services for the communities operating in the Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter. These services are currently provided using 5 - passenger Vans, 14-20 passenger cutaways and 28 & 32 passenger buses. Services are rendered by Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority. This application may be inspected at Santee Wateree RTA from April 04, 2017 - April 05, 2017 (9:00am - 3:00pm). Written comments should be directed to Lottie Jones, Executive Director on or before April 06, 2017.

The Perfect Housewarming Gift The Sumter Item is locally owned and run. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re part of this community and we believe in Sumter.

8 -JCFSUZ St. | Sumter, SC 803.774.1200 www.theitem.com

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 05, 2017

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PROM TIME AT MAYOS Choose ONE suit at our REGULAR PRICE - Get SECOND suit of equal or less value FREE!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dress Like No Otherâ&#x20AC;?

If your suits arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t becoming to you, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good time to be coming to Mayoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s! Wesmark Plaza â&#x20AC;˘ 773-2262 â&#x20AC;˘ Mon-Sat 10-7 â&#x20AC;˘ www.MayosDiscountSuits.com Help Wanted Full-Time

Help Wanted Part-Time

Unfurnished Apartments

Trades Specialist IV (Maintenance and Facilities Director of Camp Burnt Gin) Job Responsibilities Under limited supervision responsible for security, safety, maintenance, repair and renovations of all buildings operated by Camp Burnt Gin a residential summer camp in Wedgefield SC for children with disabilities. Responsible for grounds and facility maintenance to include HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, and general carpentry. Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and trade experience that is directly related to the area of employment. Preferred Qualifications: Minimum four years of experience in a certified maintenance skill (i.e. HVAC, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, carpentry). Thorough knowledge of tools and equipment used in maintenance and construction related fields. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Must pass criminal background check. For More Information: Marie Aimone, Camp Director 803-898-0784 To Apply: https://agency.governme ntjobs.com/sc/

P/T Office Assistant: Proficient in Computer technology, multitasking and great people skills. The hours are 10 to 30 per week. Office hours are from 10AM til 4PM. Salary is negotiable. Send resume to jbritton@raccinc.org Please contact Dr. Juanita Britton of the Rembert Area Community Coalition at 803-432-2001 or 803-420-1255.

Lantana Apartments 861 Carolina Ave. #40 Sumter, SC 29150 803-773-2518 We are now taking applications for our 1,2,3, and 4 bedroom apartments. Security deposits are $200.00 for all units, we also accept housing vouches. Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30am-5:30pm

Equal Opportunity Employer

Trucking Opportunities

Unfurnished Homes

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 36 W. Liberty St. Sumter SC

Large 3BR/2BA, C/H/A, carport, completely renovated, very big yard, in Sumter. $750 Call 803-607-6319 or 803-757-0083 3BR/2BA, double car garage, 5 minutes from Shaw and Sumter. $1000 a month. Call 803-499-4207 or 803-840-7633

Autos For Sale

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments

Business Rentals Restaurant space available in downtown Mayesville. $400 monthly. Contact 803 463 3647 Deloris.

REAL ESTATE Land & Lots for Sale 1 acre Mobile Home Lot 5235 E Scenic Lake Lot # 8 $5200 Water & Sewer Avail. Call Burch 803-720-4129 8 acres with pond, near Elliott. Owner financing. Call 803-427-3888

FIND OUT ABOUT THE

POWER OF ADVERTISING!

&ODVVLĂ&#x20AC;HGV

1 0DJQROLD 6W Â&#x2021; 6XPWHU 6& Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette. 775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

1 Bedroom Apartments for 62 YEARS AND OLDER â&#x20AC;˘Refrigerator â&#x20AC;˘Central Heat & Air â&#x20AC;˘Community Room â&#x20AC;˘Range â&#x20AC;˘Handicap â&#x20AC;˘Coin Operated â&#x20AC;˘Blinds Accessible Laundry Room â&#x20AC;˘Carpet â&#x20AC;˘Emergency Call â&#x20AC;˘Ceiling Fans System **Rent Based On 30% of Adjusted Income** **Utility Allowance Given**

Southview 60 Hilliard Drive â&#x20AC;˘ Sumter, S.C. 29150 For application or information, please call

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

ALL VEHICLES UNDER 10K This Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cash Special

803-774-1234

LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notice

Dillon Park Walking Track to close for rebuild as part of an overall $2.75 million investment to renovate Dillon Park under the Penny for Progress, the Dillon Park Walking Track will be closed from April 2-23 for a total rebuild. It is slated to re-open on April 24. Members of the public can enjoy walking tracks at Patriot Park (380 General Drive) or Palmetto Park (400 Theatre Drive) during this time as we work to improve Dillon Park to make it a better and more comprehensive recreational experience.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: The following self-storage Cube contents containing household and other goods will be sold for cash by CubeSmart 4194 Broad Street Sumter, SC 29154 to satisfy a lien on April 13, 2017 at approximately 11:00 am at www.storagetreasures.com Lee Wilson - Cube 45

Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA) (SFY) 2017/2018

Public Hearing Notice

2011 Nissan Sentra 95K Miles

$4725.00 NADA $6,325

+ Tax, Tag & Doc Fee Extra

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

803-934-1449 TTY 800-735-8583

Going on

vacation? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Miss A Thing!

Let your carrier save your paper for you while you are on vacation!

Call 803-774-1258 Customer Service Dept. Hours Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm

This is to inform the public of the opportunity to attend a public hearing on the proposed SFY 2017 - 2018 Section (SMT Funds & Section 5307). Program Application to be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Transportation no later than April 28, 2017. Those interested in attending a public hearing on this application should contact Lottie Jones, Executive Director in writing on or before April 06, 2017. The public hearing will be held on April 11, 2017 at 6pm at the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority located at 129 South Harvin Street, Sumter, SC 29150, James T. McCain Board Room, 1st Floor. The SMT Funding & Section 5307 Program provides assistance for transportation options and services for the communities operating in the City of Sumter. These services are currently provided using 5 - passenger Vans, 14 passenger cutaways, 28 & 32 passenger buses. Services are rendered by Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority. This application may be inspected at Santee Wateree RTA from April 04, 2017 - April 05, 2017 (9:00am - 3:00pm). Written comments should be directed to Lottie Jones, Executive Director on or before April 06, 2017.

Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA) (SFY) 2017/2018

Public Hearing Notice

This is to inform the public of the opportunity to attend a public hearing on the proposed SFY 2017 - 2018 Section (Vanpool SMT Funds & Section 5307). Program Application to be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Transportation no later than April 28, 2017. Those interested in attending a public hearing on this application should contact Lottie Jones, Executive Director in writing on or before April 06, 2017. The public hearing will be held on April 11, 2017 at 6pm at the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority located at 129 South Harvin Street, Sumter, SC 29150, James T. McCain Board Room, 1st Floor. The Vanpool SMT Funding & Section 5307 Program provides assistance for transportation options and services for the communities operating in the City of Sumter, Sumter County, and Columbia. These services are currently provided using 5 - passenger Vans, 14 passenger cutaways, 28 & 32 passenger buses. Services are rendered by Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority.

20 N. Magnolia Street

803-774-1258

This application may be inspected at Santee Wateree RTA from April 04, 2017 - April 05, 2017 (9:00am - 3:00pm). Written comments should be directed to Lottie Jones, Executive Director on or before April 06, 2017.

SECTION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

PHOTO PROVIDED

Balsam Range, a North Carolina bluegrass band that has won 10 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, will be in concert at the Sumter Opera House at 7:30 Friday night. One of the best known bluegrass bands, Balsam Range received critical and popular acclaim for its first six albums. The band blends the traditional with the contemporary on its latest album, Mountain Voodoo.

Bluegrass is back at Opera House Acclaimed band Balsam Range takes stage Friday evening BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

he acclaimed and prolific bluegrass band Balsam Range brings its tour to the Sumter Opera House at 7:30 p.m. Friday for a lively concert of contemporary and traditional bluegrass music. The band comprises five musicians from western North Carolina who play allacoustic music, blending close vocal harmonies. Balsam Range comprises Buddy Melton on fiddle, lead and tenor vocals; Darren Nicholson on mandolin, octave mandolin, lead vocals, baritone and low tenor vocals; Dr. Marc Pruett on banjo; Tim Surrett on bass, dobro, bari-

tone and lead vocals; and Caleb Smith on guitar, lead and baritone vocals. Balsam Range takes its name from the mountain range that partially surrounds its home county of Haywood in western North Carolina, where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Blue Ridge. Sumter’s cultural director, Seth Reimer, said the audience will hear “elements of jazz, country, gospel, swing and old-time music” in Balsam Range’s “fiery instrumentals ... that earned nearly a dozen international awards.” Their newest album released in 2016, already seems headed toward award status, as its traditionalcontemporary sound and lyrics had it debuting at No. 4, with the

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID SIMCHOOK

Buddy Melton is the lead singer and fiddle player for the North Carolinabased bluegrass band Balsam Range. They’ll be in concert at the Sumter Opera House on Friday night.

single “Blue Collar Dreams” spending three months at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today charts. Mountain Voodoo also remained on the Billboard chart for 19 weeks. The group remains one of the best known bands of Bluegrass. Just last month, their hit “Trains I Missed” was the featured song in Bluegrass Today magazine. Written by Walt Wilkins, Giles Godard and Nicole Witt, the song won 2011 International Bluegrass Music Association Song of the Year for Balsam Range. Melton said the group still gets many requests for the song and that a woman at a recent concert had “Here’s to the Trains I Missed” tattooed on her arm. He commented in the article that, “Sometimes songs like that can be as impacting as a really great Gospel song for people in that it helps them through tough times.” The lyrics include the verse: Here’s to the place I found, the love I know The earth and the sky that I call home And here’s to the things I believe, bigger than me And the moment I find myself right where I’m supposed to be. While their albums have won numerous awards, Balsam Range continues to tour widely, often as the featured headliner in major festivals across the country and performing to packed venues. The band plays often at the Grand Ole Opry, as well. “From its earliest days to today, Bluegrass has been recorded and performed by amateur and professional musicians,” Reimer said. “But these professional musicians

have set the direction of the genre, and Balsam Range leads the way. “If you only hear one Bluegrass group in your life, this is the one. And, it doesn’t get more intimate than the Sumter Opera House to hear it.” Sumter Opera House presents Balsam Range in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $30, $28 and $25. Get more information and purchase tickets at the Opera House box office, 21 N. Main St., visit www.SumterOperaHouse. com or call (803) 436-2616.

At Your Service Home Care Your Concierge

With a locally practicing physician and local medical equipment specialist at the helm, AYSHC has combined expertise in health care and see the growth of the aging population within their own community.

1250 Wilson Hall Rd | Sumter, SC 29150

Personal Assistance for safe daily living VA, Medicaid, Long Term Insurance Provider www.ays-homecare.com 37 W. Rigby St | Manning, SC 29102

803-607-9677

COMICS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 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

Wife in sexless marriage is looking for a way out DEAR ABBY — I’ve been married for three years. We are both retired. Five months after the wedding, my husband let me know Dear Abby that he wasn’t ABIGAIL interested in VAN BUREN sex anymore. We no longer share a bedroom. He’s overweight, not in the best of health, and refuses to change his diet or exercise. I feel like I’m living with a very nice male friend. Other than the lack of affection, he isn’t a bad person and he pays all the bills. I did state clearly to him before we were married what I was looking for in a husband, and he agreed to everything I said. Although I’m lone-

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

ly, I would never cheat on him. I’ve been thinking about an exit plan. We pray every night and attend church together. He refuses to consider any type of marriage counseling. I’m not stressed, but I know I must get out of here. Any suggestions on how to save this marriage? The exit plan DEAR EXIT — The answer to your question is no. You made clear to your husband that sex in a marriage was important to you. You say he “agreed to everything.” Because that wasn’t the truth and you were misled, consult an attorney to find out if the marriage can be annulled. DEAR ABBY — My husband and I have been married for 10 years. We’re both in our 50s. Six months ago, I found him with nail polish on his toes. When I

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

asked him about it, he explained that it started in his 20s when a girlfriend painted his toes, and he liked it. He’s been painting his toes ever since. He said he doesn’t wear polish all the time, but he does it for himself and he likes how it looks. I asked if he was a cross-dresser, and he assured me he isn’t. I’m not sure how I should feel about this. I’m writing for opinions from you and others. I can’t turn to my friends because I don’t want this to become small-town gossip. Painted in New Jersey DEAR PAINTED — You asked for an opinion, so here’s mine. I’m surprised it’s taken you 10 years to notice this. Because your husband enjoys painting his toenails, look the other way and don’t obsess about it. We all have quirks, and what he’s doing is harmless.

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

By Mark MacLachlan

ACROSS 1 Chickens (out) 6 Lay eyes on 10 Judge’s setting 14 Like kindling when lit 15 Advil target 16 Insulate, as a jacket 17 *Process of electron gain or loss 19 Killer whale 20 Cereal with lemony lemon and orangey orange flavors 21 Falling-out 22 Bryn Mawr undergrads 23 Have a bawl 24 *Beneficial substance in berries 26 Lacking the skill 28 Not as much 29 Katy who voiced Smurfette in “The Smurfs” 30 “Jeopardy!” creator Griffin 33 Takes off the shelf 34 *Eating 37 At the center of 40 Compete in a sack 41 Lets up 45 Asian rice porridge 47 Show up

48 *London subway system, with “the” 52 Bus. card info 53 Highly recommends 54 “Monday Night Countdown” airer 55 Cruciverbalist Reagle of “Wordplay” 56 Danish shoe company 57 Each answer to a starred clue begins and ends with identical ones 59 Big bunch 60 Golf game spoiler 61 Sailor’s “Halt!” 62 Gull relative 63 Start of a preschool song 64 __-Bismol DOWN 1 Watches late TV until a teen comes home, say 2 “From my perspective ...” 3 Hotel room amenity 4 Amount to pay in Calais 5 “__ who?” 6 Absorb the loss

4/5/17 7 “The Martian” genre 8 Snapchat upload 9 Nikkei index currency 10 Diabetic’s concern 11 High behind a front, e.g. 12 Holy smoke 13 Campsite shelters 18 Former Education secretary Duncan 22 Golfer Michelle 24 Kirk __, first movie Superman 25 Last Super Bowl won by the Giants 27 Capital of Barbados 30 “Tell __ story” 31 PC key

32 MapQuest output: Abbr. 35 Oldest Brady boy 36 Geeky sort 37 Most severe 38 Accessory for Mr. Peanut 39 Ambien, vis-à-vis sleep 42 Webpage index 43 “Into Thin Air” peak 44 Does business with 46 Workplaces for LPNs 47 Green Gables girl 49 Post-op therapy 50 “Hamlet” courtier 51 Flip over 55 Bit of chess action 57 __-la-la 58 Con man’s target

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

4/5/17

TELEVISION

THE SUMTER ITEM TW FT

7 PM

7:30

8 PM

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017 10 PM

10:30

11 PM

11:30

12 AM

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Chicago P.D.: Last Minute WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show Starring Know It All Accused rapist threatens Resistance Nicole fails to return 11:00pm News Jimmy Fallon Comedic skits and people. (N) (HD) home. (N) (HD) and weather. celebrity interviews. (HD) Survivor: Game Changers: Vote Criminal Minds: True North Three Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders: News 19 @ 11pm (:35) The Late Show with Stephen Early, Vote Often (N) (HD) bodies found in Arizona desert. (N) Made In... Entrepreneurs go missing The news of the Colbert Stephen Colbert interviews (HD) in Bangladesh. (N) (HD) day. celebrities. (HD) The Goldbergs: Speechless: Modern Family: (:31) black-ish: Designated Survivor: One Hundred ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Celebrities The Dynamic Duo C-H— CHEATER! Frank’s Wedding What Lies Days President Kirkman issues an News at 11 (HD) and human-interest subjects. (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Beneath (N) (HD) agenda. (N) (HD) ACC InVenture Prize 2017 (HD) Nature: Owl Power Owls’ influence NOVA: Himalayan Megaquake Deadly Secrets of the Dead: Leonardo, The Tavis Smiley BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) WRJA E27 11 14 on technology. (HD) 2015 earthquake is examined. (N) Man Who Saved Science Leonardo da (HD) International (HD) (HD) Vinci. (N) (HD) news. The Big Bang The Big Bang Shots Fired: Hour Three: Empire: Strange Bedfellows Cookie’s WACH FOX News at 10 Local news Sports Zone 2 Broke Girls Mike & Molly: report and weather forecast. New neighbor. Immaculate WACH E57 6 6 Theory Boyfriend Theory Sheldon Somebody’s Son Go on manhunt; aid past; life-altering choice. (N) (HD) advice. (HD) drives. (HD) to the poor. (N) (HD) (HD) Deception (HD) Last Man Standing: Last Man Standing Arrow: The Sin-Eater China White, Whose Line Is It Whose Line Is It Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Hot in Cleveland: WKTC E63 4 22 Summer Eve’s admirer. Cupid and Liza escape. (HD) Anyway? Joey Anyway? (HD) 4,722 Hours Simmons talks about her Among Us Hide... The risks grow for Where’s Elka? Internship (HD) (HD) Fatone. (HD) adventures. (HD) Hunter and May. (HD) (HD)

WIS News 10 at Entertainment Tonight (HD) news update. News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) (HD) WLTX E19 9 9 Evening news update. Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (N) WOLO E25 5 12 (N) (HD) (HD)

WIS

E10

3 10 7:00pm Local

Blindspot: Senile Lines The team is investigated by a rival. (N) (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS Duck Dynasty (N) Jep & Jessica: Duck Dynasty: Looking Back and Talking Quack (N) Billy the (:03) Duck (:33) Duck (:03) Duck retirement. (HD) (HD) Growing (N) (HD) Exterminator (N) Dynasty (HD) Dynasty (HD) Dynasty (HD) The Rock (‘96, Ac tion) aaa Sean Connery. A bio chem ist and a for mer in mate at Alcatraz prison have to res cue Speed (‘94, Ac tion) aaa Keanu Reeves. A bomber lures a SWAT cop onto a city bus he has 180 a group of people who were taken hostage by a madman as they toured the old facility. (HD) rigged to explode. (HD) 100 The Zoo: Higher Purpose (HD) The Zoo: Handle with Care (HD) The Zoo American bison. (HD) The Zoo: Moving Day (HD) The Zoo: A Star is Born (HD) Animal (N) (5:00) Brown Sugar (‘02, Ro mance) Coach Carter (‘05, Drama) aaa Sam uel L. Jack son. Jeop ar diz ing a win ning sea son, a high school bas ket ball TIME: The Kalief Browder Story No Daily Show with 162 Taye Diggs. Woman in love. coach benches his entire team after the players fail to perform their academic duties. trial for years. (HD) Trevor (HD) 181 The Real Housewives of New York The Real Housewives of New York The Real Housewives of New York The Real Housewives of New York What Happens The Real Housewives of New York City: Reunion, Part 2 City: Reunion, Part 3 City (N) City (N) (HD) City 84 Deed: Fires on Every Floor Shark Tank Grass for pets. (HD) Shark Tank (HD) The Deed: Chicago (N) Shark Tank Pitches. (HD) Shark Tank 80 Erin Burnett OutFront (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) The Messy Truth (N) (HD) CNN Tonight with Don Lemon CNN Tonight with Don Lemon Messy (HD) South Park (HD) The Comedy Jam South Park (HD) Daily Show with (:31) @midnight (:01) South Park 136 (:55) South Park South Park (HD) South Park Mr. South Park (HD) South Park: (HD) Slave. (HD) Manbearpig (HD) (N) (HD) Trevor (N) (N) (HD) (HD) K.C. Undercover Good Luck Stuck in the Good Luck Liv and Maddie Liv and Maddie BUNK’D (HD) BUNK’D (HD) Jessie Tony’s Jessie Lucky Girl Meets World 200 (HD) Charlie (HD) Middle (HD) Charlie (HD) (HD) (HD) parents. (HD) socks. (HD) (HD) 103 Alaskan Bush People (HD) Alaskan Bush People (HD) The Last Alaskans (N) (HD) Bering Sea Gold (N) (HD) The Last Alaskans (HD) Bering Sea 35 NBA Countdown z{| (HD) NBA Basketball: Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics from TD Garden (HD) NBA Basketball: Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Clippers (HD) 39 SportsCenter (HD) 2017 Masters Golf Tournament: Par 3 Contest no~ (HD) Baseball Tonight (HD) SportsCenter (HD) Sports (HD) 109 Cooks vs. Cons (HD) Cooks vs. Cons (HD) Cooks vs. Cons (N) (HD) Cooks vs. Cons (HD) Cooks vs. Cons (HD) Cooks/Cons 90 The First 100 Days (N) (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) Tucker Carlson Tonight (N) Hannity (N) (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) Tucker (HD) (6:30) The Prince & Me (‘04, Com edy) Julia Stiles. A pre-med stu dent from 10 Things I Hate About You (‘99, Com edy) aaa Julia Stiles. Girl seeks The 700 Club (HD) A Cinderella 131 Wisconsin discovers that her new boyfriend is a prince. (HD) date for older sister. (HD) Story (‘04) (HD) 42 MLB Baseball: Atlanta Braves at New York Mets from Citi Field z{| (HD) Post Game Post Game World Poker Tour no} (HD) MLB Game Last Man Last Man Last Man Last Man The Mid dle: The The Mid dle (HD) The Mid dle: The The Mid dle (HD) Gold. Girl: Gold. Girl: The Gold. Girl 183 Standing (HD) Standing (HD) Standing (HD) Standing (HD) Carpool (HD) Award (HD) Bringing Up Baby Housekeeper Overcoming fears. 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: Kingmaker Undercover Law & Order: Hindsight Falco’s Law & Order: Invaders Man who Law & Order: 160 Law & Order: Thinking Makes It So Law & Order: Positive Shooter’s Rob & kidnap. (HD) revenge for death of sister. (HD) officer murdered. (HD) bathroom. (HD) sold fake DEA badges. (HD) Fame (HD) Lit tle Women: At lanta: Spill the Tea Lit tle Women: At lanta: A Lit tle Lit tle Women: At lanta: Not So Lit tle (:02) Bring ing Up Ballers: Bring ing (:02) Lit tle Women: At lanta: Not So Lit tle Women: 145 Juicy’s party. (HD) Extra: In It to Twin It (N) (HD) Surprises (N) (HD) Down the House (N) (HD) Little Surprises (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 Book Eli (HD) Four Brothers (‘05, Action) aaa Mark Wahlberg. Mother murdered. (HD) TIME: Kalief Browder (N) (HD) Four Brothers (‘05, Action) Mark Wahlberg. (HD) The Expanse: Here There Be The Legend of Hercules (‘14, Action) ac Kellan Lutz. 152 (6:30) G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (‘09, Action) Channing Tatum. An elite, The Magicians: The Rattening A clandestine military unit battles a supervillain’s forces. (HD) hard journey. (N) (HD) Dragons Bobbie’s decision. (N) (HD) Son of Zeus fights for rightful kingdom. Seinfeld: The Fire The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Full Frontal (N) Conan Keegan-Michael Key; “People Seinfeld: The 156 Seinfeld (HD) (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) of Earth.” (HD) Hamptons (HD) (6:00) One Is a Lonely Num ber (‘72, Death of a Scoun drel (‘56, Drama) aac George Sanders. A Czech (:15) Three Ring Cir cus (‘54, Com edy) aa Dean Mar tin. Two dis charged Queen of Outer 186 Drama) Trish Van Devere. refugee rises to great wealth through fraud, betrayal and seduction. servicemen join a circus and cause lots of trouble. Space (‘58) 157 My 600-lb Life (N) (HD) My 600-lb Life: Steven and Justin’s Story Part 2 Brothers in a weight loss program. (N) (HD) My 600-lb Life Weight loss program. (HD) Major Crimes: Intersection Major Crimes: Shockwave Part 1 Major Crimes: Shockwave Part 1 Hawaii Five-0: Pono Kaulike Past Hawaii Five-0: 158 Bones: The Heiress in the Hill Kidnapped stepchild. (HD) Hit-and-run. (HD) Fight for control. (N) (HD) Fight for control. (HD) crimes. (HD) Kahania (HD) 129 Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Talk Show (N) Upscale (HD) Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro 161 A Griffith (HD) A Griffith (HD) A Griffith (HD) Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Nobodies (N) Lopez (N) (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) NCIS: Los Angeles: Citadel A DEA NCIS: Los 132 NCIS: Lockdown Abby enters into a Armageddon (‘98, Science Fiction) aaa Bruce Willis. When NASA spots a killer asteroid heading toward the hostage situation. (HD) Earth, they train an unruly crew of oil drillers to go into space and blow it away. (HD) agent’s partner is killed. (HD) Angeles (HD) 166 The Wedding Planner (‘01) aa The Wedding Planner (‘01, Romance) Jennifer Lopez. Wedding planner falls in love. The Wedding Planner (‘01, Romance) aa Jennifer Lopez. 172 Troy (‘04, Action) Brad Pitt. When a prince steals a man’s wife, a war of epic proportions begins. (HD) Underground (N) (HD) Underground: Whiteface (HD) Undergr. (HD)

A&E

46 130 Duck Dynasty: End of an Era Si’s

AMC

ANPL

BET

BRAVO

CNBC CNN

35 33

COM

DISN

DSC ESPN ESPN2 FOOD FOXN

42 26 27 40 37

FREE

FSS

HALL

HGTV HIST

39 45

ION

LIFE

MSNBC NICK SPIKE

36 16 64

SYFY

TBS

TCM

TLC

TNT

TRUTV TVLAND

38 55

USA

WE WGN

68 8

Azaria delivers amazing performance in ‘Brockmire’ BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Hank Azaria stars in the over-the-top character study “Brockmire” (10 p.m., IFC, TVMA). He’s Jim Brockmire, an old-school Major League Baseball announcer who trades in folksy anecdotes and wears a signature plaid jacket. His career fizzles in 2007, after he finds his wife cheating on him and shares his rage during a drunken on-air meltdown. Ten years later, Brockmire has become a viral video legend. He knows nothing of it as he has fled the country and avoids the internet. Based pretty much only on Jim’s viral infamy, Jules (Amanda Peet) hires him to announce games for her down-market minor league baseball team located in a bleak Pennsylvania town. There, Jim must submit to the indignities of a no-budget booth run by Charles (Tyrel Jackson Williams), a web-savvy intern. Azaria’s amazing performance remains the show’s strength and possible limitation. Brockmire sounds very much like a take on Vince Scully that Azaria might do on “The Simpsons.” He never leaves his voice and “performance” behind. Jules seems entirely too young, beautiful and charming for the crusty relic Brockmire. But in the logic of a sitcom, they bond and then some. Arriving at the beginning of a new baseball season, “Brockmire” offers a caustic, obscene bookend to “Pitch,” Fox’s reverent take on America’s pastime. The truth about baseball probably lies somewhere between these two extremes. Both shows are enjoyable in their own special way. • “Talk Show the Game Show” (10 p.m., truTV, TV-14) offers an amusing media hybrid. Three celebrity guests sit down with host Guy Branum (“The Mindy Project”) and chat about their lives and latest projects. But they must do so in three-minute dollops, with their stories judged by studio panelists Karen Kilgariff and Casey Schreiner. Guests also receive points for things like names dropped and charities plugged. The scoring and judging are ridiculously arbitrary and purposefully so. As silly as it

sounds, “Talk Show the Game Show” makes an important, even witty, point about the canned and predictable nature of talk show “conversation.”

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • A search for reliable witnesses on “Shots Fired” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14). • Angelo worries that Cookie’s past may scuttle his campaign’s chances on “Empire” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14). • A costume-themed wedding on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG). • Staff rivals bicker on “Major Crimes” (9 p.m., TNT, TV-14). • Grace faces Mac’s new lover on “Greenleaf” (10 p.m., OWN, TV-14). • Kirkman hopes to reset his agenda on “Designated Survivor” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG). • Cato takes a chance on “Underground” (10 p.m., WGN,

TV-MA). • Divide and conquer on “Hap and Leonard: Mucho Mojo” (10 p.m., Sundance, TV-MA).

CULT CHOICE A swindler’s (George Sanders) secretary (Yvonne De Carlo) recalls his life and death in the 1956 drama “Death of a Scoundrel” (8 p.m., TCM), co-starring Sanders’ ex-wife, Zsa Zsa Gabor.

SERIES NOTES Under scrutiny on “Blindspot” (8 p.m., NBC, TV14) * Comic book conversations on “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Villains escape incarceration on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * JJ is tested on “Speechless” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Lost in the desert on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A suspect turns to blackmail on “Law and Order: SVU” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * On two

episodes of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” (CW, r, TV-14), Joey Fatone (9 p.m.), Tamera Mowry-Housley (9:30 p.m.) * Jealousy on “black-ish” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Missing in Bangladesh on “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Burgess’ sister vanishes on “Chicago P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT Michelle Rodriguez is booked on “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * KeeganMichael Key, Ana Gasteyer, Ken Hall, Alice Wetterlund, Luka Jones, Bjorn Gustafsson, Michael Cassidy, Oscar Nunez, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Huskey and

Nancy Lenehan appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Sigourney Weaver, Zosia Mamet, Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Tommy Vietor and Steve Martin are booked on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Richie and Flo Rida on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Rashida Jones, Andrew Rannells, Alan Dershowitz and Jonathan Mover visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Demi Lovato, Charlie Hunnam and Rupert Friend appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS). Copyright 2017 United Feature Syndicate

ACE PARKER TIRES Visit aceparkertires.com to receive 10% OFF on Tires and Parts for your next visit.

Building Wealth for Over a Century

L. Travis McIntosh, AAMS Senior Vice President

Charles V. Noyes, II Vice President

R. Kirk McLeod, III Financial Advisor

690 Bultman Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-2700 BBTScottStringfellow.com BB&T Scott & Stringfellow is a division of BB&T Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. BB&T Securities, LLC, is a wholly owned nonbank subsidiary of BB&T Corporation. Securities and insurance products or annuities sold, offered or recommended are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by a bank, not insured by any federal government agency and may lose value.

COME SEE THE HOMETOWN BOYS 930 N. LAFAYETTE DR., SUMTER

803-775-1277

ACEPARKER@FTC-I.NET SERVING SUMTER & THE SURROUNDING AREAS FOR OVER 34 YEARS!

AGES ANTIQUES

Stop in to see our variety of old and new

Furniture, Accessories and Gifts Tuesday-Thursday 11-5 Fri 11-3 COME BY ANYTIME THE ANTIQUES FLAG IS OUT

462B GUIGNARD DRIVE CORNER OF GUIGNARD & ADAMS

803.968.3308

Our children’s success starts with our teachers; which is why we’re the only plumbing contractor to offer teacher discounts all year.

Just another reason why Hill Plumbing is...

#1 in the #2 BUSINESS!

Hill Plumbing & electric company, inc. Residential and Commercial

Family Owned & Operated Since 1925

438 North Main Street • Sumter, South Carolina • 803-773-6689

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

THE SUMTER ITEM

Call Rhonda Barrick at: (803) 774-1264 | E-mail: rhonda@theitem.com

Chicken dish is easily made for a large group BY KATIE WORKMAN The Associated Press Passover comes in the spring, but there is often still a chill in the evening air as families and friends gather in their homes for Seder dinners. A richly flavored and warming meal is still welcome at this time of year. Tender chicken thighs can sit for an extra bit of time in the oven without drying out, which is handy for a meal that often can't be timed precisely. A sauce dense with onions, lemon and olives also keeps the meat moist and hits nice notes of savory, sweet, tart and salty. A bit of hot sauce keeps it lively. If you have a huge pan you can double the recipe, or just make two pans' worth for a bigger group. You could serve this right from the pan, or move the cooked chicken to a plate for a moment, transfer the onions and olives and all of the wonderful sauce to a shallow serving platter, and then place the chicken back on top. Serve with a big bowl of mashed potatoes, or maybe even polenta, depending on your tradition.

CHICKEN THIGHS WITH ONIONS AND GREEN OLIVES Serves 4 to 6 Start to finish: 1 hour 40 minutes 3 pounds chicken thighs (about 6 to 8) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 large yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup pitted green olives, halved 1 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Sriracha 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley Preheat the oven to 400 F. Pat the chicken dry. Combine the salt, cumin, paprika, pepper and allspice. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto the thighs, on both sides. Heat the oil in a very large, deep, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown on both sides,

about 5 minutes per side, and then transfer them to a papertowel-lined surface. Do this in batches if necessary. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat left in the pan, reduce the heat to medium low, and add the onions. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until they are very soft and browned, but do not allow them to get too dark; adjust the heat as necessary. You can add a tablespoon of water from time to time if they appear to be getting too brown. Stir in the broth, olives, hot sauce and lemon wedges. Return all of the chicken to the pan, skin side up, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Cover the pan, place in the oven, and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and tender and the skin is crisped. Sprinkle with the parsley before serving. Nutrition information per serving: 439 calories; 242 calories from fat; 27 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 114 mg cholesterol; 1577 mg sodium; 22 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 7 g sugar; 27 g protein.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chicken Thighs with Onions and Green Olives

In the Mood for Mustard, dry sherry inspire adult-friendly chicken tenders

Great Food !

BY MELISSA D’ARABIAN The Associated Press The secret to this adultfriendly chicken tender recipe is a few hours in a simple lowcal marinade made of sherry and Dijon mustard, which tenderizes the chicken and then serves as the glue for panko bread crumbs. Using panko

DIJON AND SHERRY OVEN CHICKEN TENDERS Start to finish: 35 minutes, plus marinating time Servings: 4 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup dry sherry (or other fortified wine, such as Marsala or Madeira or Port) 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, or dried herbes de provence, or dried tarragon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast tenders, or boneless skinless chicken breast cut into strips about one inch wide and three inches long 1 cup panko bread crumbs olive oil in a spray mister (or nonstick spray) Place the mustard, sherry, herbs, salt and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag, and mix the contents by squishing the bag a little. Add the chicken to

means lots of texture and crunch without an overly heavy coating. Spraying the tenders with an oil mister combined with high oven heat work together to create a crispy crust — not quite fried, but pretty darned close. Both the adults and the kiddos will be thrilled.

the bag, coating well with the mustard mixture. Let marinate in the refrigerator for 1-8 hours. Once ready to bake, heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Fit a baking rack on a large baking sheet. (Cover the baking sheet with foil to catch drips and make cleanup easier.) Lightly spray the baking rack with olive oil to keep chicken from sticking. Place the bread crumbs on a plate, and use a fork to remove chicken tenders from the marinade and toss in crumbs to coat on all sides. Place the breaded chicken tenders on the baking rack on the baking sheet, and spray the top of the chicken lightly with the olive oil mister. Bake the chicken until cooked through to 160 degrees, about 20-25 minutes. Serve. Cooks note: Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the marinade for honey-mustard tenders. Nutrition information per serving: 289 calories; 20 calories from fat; 2 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 97 mg cholesterol; 840 mg sodium; 19 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 41 g protein.

f the Chicken Wing! me o o H Eat In or Take Out TUESDAY NIGHT WING SPECIAL

Dine-In Only • 6:30-9:00 pm

775-6538

1961-B McCrays Mill Rd. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am-10pm

Sumter’s Oldest FULL SERVICE

Soda Fountain! EST. 1935 | 81 YEARS STRONG

Sumter Cut Rate Soda Fountain 32 S. Main St. Sumter 7 773-8432 73 843 3ex2. 3 t

Advertise Your Restaurant Here

Wednesday 55¢ Buffalo Wings 807 Broad St., Sumter • (803) 774-7780 482 W. Boyce St., Manning • (803) 825-0010

10% OFF

Dinner with this coupon Expires 4.30.17

Monday M d - Saturday S t d 10:30 10 30 AM - 9:00 9 00 PM • Sunday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Like us on Facebook! 803-773-5456 438 Broad Street • Sumter, SC

For information about advertising, contact Mary at (803) 774-1263 or mary@theitem.com