September 28, 2016

INSIDE: Fact checking the first presidential debate

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PANORAMA

Make a joyful noise Mayesville Presbyterian Sundays at 4 concert series opens this weekend C1

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Cox to pay $1M in settlement with Feds Former Tuomey CEO also barred from some healthcare administration roles

volvement in the hospital’s Medicare and Medicaid billings, which were found to be illegal in U.S. Fourth Circuit District Court, leading to a $237.4 million judgement against the hospital system, according to a Department of Justice statement released Tuesday.

COX Cox, who was terminated as Tuomey’s CEO in the fall of 2013, will be excluded from participating in federal health

ITEM STAFF REPORT The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday it reached a $1 million settlement with former Tuomey Healthcare System CEO Ralph J. “Jay” Cox III for his involvement in a legal case against the former healthcare system.

The judgment stems from Cox’s in-

care programs, including providing management or administrative services paid for by federal health care programs, for four years, according to the DOJ. The judgment against Tuomey Healthcare System was later resolved for payments totaling $72.4 million, and the hospital was sold to Palmetto Health, a multi-hospital healthcare system based in Columbia.

“Sweetheart deals between hospitals and referring physicians distort medical decision making and drive up the

cost of healthcare for patients and insurers alike,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

“Patients have a right to be confident that a physician who orders a procedure or test does so because that service is in the patient’s best interest, and not because the physician stands to gain financially from the referral.”

Local charity kitchens a bargain at fair

SEE COX, PAGE A3

School board bond workshop gets heated Chairman called a ‘dictator’ after refusing finance committee query

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

only funding the project for Caution Road because all seven residents on the road were in favor of the expansion but not all committee members were in favor because they wanted to make sure other residents also received clean water.

Councilman James Byrd said funding only the Caution Road project would leave

A routine workshop on an already-approved bond resolution turned into a heated discussion among Sumter School District Board members on Monday night, with one board member calling the board chairman a “dictator” at the district’s regularly scheduled board meeting.

Board member the Rev. Ralph Canty used that epithet to describe Board Chairman the Rev. Daryl McGhaney on Monday night for not allowing the board’s finance committee, CANTY chaired by fellow member Johnny Hilton, to research how other school boards go about the process of defining and approving capital projects with bond resolutions.

The bond workshop began with attorney Frannie Heizer, of McNair Law Firm in Columbia, informing the school board that it has the legal authority to issue as much as an 8 percent general obligation debt limit, and to define the capital projects and purchases for which the debt will be issued. Then the county has the legal responsibility to ensure that money is collected through taxes. A millage increase is not expected.

A question and answer period followed in which Hilton expressed his concern that the Sumter board only approves the resolution to borrow the money, not the individual projects.

“We have not been voting on the specific projects,” Hilton said. “My research as finance committee chairman has revealed just what Ms. Heizer said: That other districts actually have a budget and a detailed, five-year capital improvements plan. And they vote on every project with a first and second reading. This year we have voted on a resolution to approve borrowing $19 million, but we

SEE COUNTY, PAGE A4

SEE BOARD, PAGE A4

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Jude Morris, 8, and Kayden Painter, 7, are all smiles as they ride the Snowball Express on Tuesday evening at the Sumter County Fair.

Good eats, rides and exhibitions abound as 100th Sumter County Fair opens

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Make your way around all of the bright flashing lights and outrageously colored carnival rides full of screaming passengers.

Pass by all the game booths, sausage vendors, cotton candy sellers and semi truck trailers converted into vampire houses, mazes and terrifying creatures from the lagoon scary houses.

Tucked away near Liberty Street, you will find three local charities, which use the annual Sumter County

Fair to raise funds by selling good fast food, much cheaper than many of the traveling food stands.

The Jamil Streakers of Sumter Shrine Club has owned a booth at the stand at the fair for three years, which they took over from the local Lions Club.

Arthur Bradley and Ervin Boykin will direct the volunteers as they prepare hamburgers, hot dogs and pizzas, as well as ice cold drinks during the fair.

Volunteer Susie McLeod said their

TODAY AT SUMTER COUNTY FAIR Item Day – Hand stamp to ride all day $20 with coupon from The Sumter Item 4 p.m. – GATES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 4 to10 p.m. – All exhibits on display All day – Petting Zoo & Racing Pigs 5 p.m. – Judging Mule & Donkey Show 5:30 & 8 p.m. – Magic of Lance Gifford 6 & 8:45 p.m. – High Flying Pages (trapeze, equestrian) 6:45 & 9:30 p.m. – On the Edge Midnight – Midway closes

SEE FAIR, PAGE A4

County Council approves water line expansion

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com During its meeting on Tuesday, Sumter County Council voted to approve the expansion of the Shiloh Water System to Caution and Rush roads.

Sumter County Public Utilities Committee passed the motion to approve the expansion projects after a passionate discussion during its

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meeting prior to county council’s regular meeting.

Sumter County Water Utility Engineer Mike Weatherly estimates that it will cost approximately $47,000 to expand water lines to Caution Road and about $206,000 to expand water lines to Rush Road.

The main topic of the meeting centered around the decision to spend a large portion of public utilities money

to pay for both projects or just fund one project and save the remaining money for possible emergencies that could arise with the water system or to provide a match for a possible grant.

County Finance Director Jamie Michaelson said the only local money that could be used to fund the projects can come from the public utilities account.

The committee discussed

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THE SUMTER ITEM

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

March for Babies selects 2016 ambassadors Rogers family to help raise money for foundation ITEM STAFF REPORTS

Today, she is a healthy, happy girl. Her parents said Brandon and Jamie Rogers they understand the signifiand their daughter, Mollie cant role that March of Dimes research played in helping Gray, are serving as Sumter’s 2016 March for Babies Ambas- save Mollie Gray’s life.

“No parent should have to sador Family to help raise awareness about the lifesaving experience the heart-wrenching journey that happens work of the March of Dimes.

In Sumter, March for Babies when a baby is born too soon,” will take place at 8:30 a.m. Oct. Jamie Rogers said. “That’s 15 at University of South Caro- why we’re honored to have this opportunity to help the lina Sumter, according to a March of Dimes continue news release from the March working for stronger, healthier of Dimes.

Mollie Gray was born seven- babies.”

Premature birth touches and-a half weeks early, weighing just 5 pounds, 8 ounces and half a million babies and their families every year, including measuring only 9 and threemore than 6,000 babies in quarter inches long, the reSouth Carolina, according to lease said.

She survived her premature the release.

Babies born prematurely birth but needed to spend can struggle to survive and more than two weeks in the may have lifelong health conNICU at Palmetto Health Tusequences. The March of omey and Richland.

Dimes is committed to funding research to find the answers to premature birth and funding local programs to educate health care providers and moms-to-be, the release said.

Sumter residents can register for March for Babies at marchforbabies.org. Money raised helps support lifesaving research and community programs to help give every baby a fighting chance by helping moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies.

Local sponsors for this year’s walk are SAFE Federal Credit Union and Carolina Children’s Dentistry.

For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.

Find out how you can help

PHOTO PROVIDED

Mollie Gray Rogers, an ambassador for the March for Babies, holds a photo of herself after she was born nearly two months premature. raise money to prevent premature birth and birth defects by walking in March for Babies.

For more information, please visit marchofdimes.org/ southcarolina.

Health center to take part in heart disease program ITEM STAFF REPORTS Sumter Family Health Center has been selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as one of 516 awardees in 47 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia to participate in an initiative to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes among millions of Medicare fee-forservice beneficiaries, the center announced in a recent news release.

Participants will work to decrease cardiovascular disease risk by assessing an individual patient’s risk for heart attack or stroke and applying appropriate interventions, the release said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability in the U.S. “Sumter Family Health Center is ex-

cited to have this opportunity to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes for our patients and in our community,” said Holly Chase, the center’s director of community development.

One in three deaths is caused by heart attacks and strokes, according to the CDC, resulting in more than $300 billion of health care costs each year.

Currently, health care practitioners are paid to screen for blood pressure, cholesterol or other risk factors individually, the release said. In testing a new approach, participants in the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model’s intervention group will use a data-driven predictive modeling approach to generate personalized risk scores and develop specific plans in partnership with patients to reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, according to

the release. Accepted participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group in accordance with the model’s randomized control design, the release said.

According to the release, nearly 20,000 health care practitioners and more than 3.3 million Medicare feefor-service beneficiaries will participate in the five-year model.

Sumter Family Health Center is participating in the intervention group and will work with Medicare fee-forservice beneficiaries to determine their 10-year individual risk for a heart attack or stroke, the release said. The center will then work with beneficiaries individually to identify the best approach or approaches to reducing their risk of having a heart attack or stroke — for example, smoking cessation interventions, blood pressure management or cholesterol-lowering drugs or aspirin — and will ex-

plain the benefits of each approach.

The release said each beneficiary will receive a personalized risk-modification plan that will target their specific risk factors, and Sumter Family Health Center will be paid for reducing the absolute risk for heart disease or stroke among its high-risk beneficiaries.

“Our health care system, historically, often emphasized acute care over preventive care,” said Dr. Patrick Conway, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acting principal deputy administrator and chief medical officer. “This initiative will enhance patient-centered care and give practitioners the resources to invest the time and staff to address and manage patients who are at high risk for heart attacks and strokes.”

For more information on the Million Hearts initiative, visit https://millionhearts.hhs.gov.

LOCAL BRIEFS

Lakewood brings home cheer title

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Prison disturbance investigation ongoing Dexter Lee, South Carolina Department of Corrections interim deputy director for communications, said officials are still investigating a disturbance that led to a four-hour lockdown at Turbeville Correctional Institute on Monday afternoon.

One correctional officer was assaulted during the incident, which took place between 2 and 6 p.m., and was treated at an area hospital before being released on Monday, Lee said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, he said it is unknown how many individuals were involved in the incident and that possible charges will be determined once the investigation is complete.

Story Walk set for today in Bishopville PHOTO PROVIDED

Lakewood cheerleaders traveled to Cane Bay High School in Summerville for a cheer competition. The Lakewood cheerleaders took first place honors in 4A. From left: front row, Morgan Griffith, Faith Garland, Linsey Hardee, Myann Brunson, Alyssa Robinson, Fredreana Wilder, Samantha Merck and Ali Shirah (student coach); and second row, Treasure Smalls, Baylee Johnson, Hailey Keyes, Tia Follin, Brittany Griswold, Sierra Follin, Janiece Matthews, T’Nea McClary, Sierra Westberry and Adrianna Budden. Not pictured is Devine Waterman.

A Story Walk and Ribbon Cutting will be held at 4:30 p.m. today at Chappell Park, 397 Chappel Drive in Bishopville, sponsored by Lee County Chamber of Commerce, Lee County Parks and Recreation, Save the Children and Reach Out & Read.

Attendees can walk together and enjoy a children’s book and physical activity. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (803) 483-2800.

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20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher / Advertising jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Michele Barr Rick Carpenter Business Manager Managing Editor michele@theitem.com rick@theitem.com (803) 774-1249 (803) 774-1201 Gail Mathis Jeff West Clarendon Bureau Customer Service Manager Manager jeff@theitem.com gail@theitem-clarendonsun.com (803) 774-1259 (803) 435-4716 Member, Verified Audit Circulation

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Memorial to confront South’s troubled history of lynchings MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Southern states have long welcomed tourists retracing the footsteps of the late Martin Luther King Jr. and others who opposed segregation. Now the Alabama city that was the first capital of the Confederacy is set to become home to a privately funded museum and monument that could make some visitors wince: a memorial to black lynching victims.

The nonprofit Equal Justice Initiative has announced it is building a memorial in the state capital of Montgomery devoted to 4,075 blacks its research shows were killed by lynching in the U.S. from 1877 to 1950.

The nonprofit’s director, Bryan Stevenson, said the aim is to help “change the landscape” of American racial discourse by openly acknowledging a painful past.

He said that while hundreds of whites were lynched in roughly the same period of U.S. history, the memorial’s focus will be on “terror lynchings” against blacks in a dozen Southern states — whether by hanging, gunshots, beatings, burnings or other forms of killing used in the past to terrorize black communities.

“I don’t think we can afford to continue pretending that there aren’t these really troubling chapters in our history,” Stevenson said. “I think we’ve got to deal with it.”

Set to open next year on the site of a former low-cost housing project, the monument is to be accompanied by a museum a few blocks away exploring the history of blacks in America from slavery to the present.

Pausing at a historical plaque while visiting Montgomery’s civil rights sites, North Carolina tourist Nancy Lange hesitated at the thought of a lynching memorial. “That is tough. I can’t even think beyond that word,” said Lange, 58, who’s white.

But daughter Teresa Lange, 27, said a memorial could be valuable in teaching about America’s racial past and fostering conversation about today’s climate of Black Lives Matter, police violence against minorities and racial strife.

“How many people talk about lynching? How many people talk about the hate crimes that still go on today?” she said. “As a tourist I think it would be a good thing. ... I’d go see it.”

Equal Justice Initiative said the monument and museum also would help counter glorification, in some quarters, of the Confederacy across the South while

EVERY DAY

CHARGES Tashad L. White, 27, of 2907 Forest Drive, Columbia, was arrested on Monday and charged with shoplifting and given a warning for trespassing after he allegedly stole multiple items from a store in the 200 block of North Lafayette Drive. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, White said he carried a four-pack of Red Bull valued at $8, a container of Muscle Milk powder valued at $26 and a 30-pack of Libido Max for Men valued at $11 from the store because he did not have to pay for the items. He was transported to Sumter Lee-Regional Detention Center.

STOLEN PROPERTY A toolbox containing an estimated $800 of various tools, a cordless drive valued at $50, and a Schumaker battery charger valued at $60 were reportedly stolen from the garage of a residence in the 300 block of Stewart Street between 6 p.m. on Friday and about 6:10 on Saturday. Approximately $100 in damage was caused to the garage when a window was broken.

A black Glock 23 40-caliber handgun with a green handle, night sights and magazine valued at $700; a Blackhawk paddle holster valued at $45; a black Stinger flashlight valued at $115; and two JL Audio 5-by-7 speakers valued at $150 were allegedly stolen from the center console of a truck while it was parked in the parking lot of a business in the 900 block of North Main St. between 7:45 a.m. and noon on Friday.

According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, the victim said the vehicle may have been unlocked.

A Springfield XDM 40-caliber handgun valued at $500; a Glock .380 handgun valued at $500; a 20-caliber firearm valued at $300; an Xbox valued at $200; a Samsung TV valued at $1,500; and various pieces of jewelry valued at about $1,700 were reportedly stolen from a residence in the 1000 block of East Brewington Road between 9:15 a.m. and about 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

telling the painful story of race in America. The law firm and its founder, Stevenson, represent death row inmates and advocate for racial justice.

The group already has erected bronze plaques around Montgomery to denote bygone slave markets.

The monument set for a hill in view of Alabama’s Capitol — where the Confederacy was formed — is to include thousands of names of lynching victims etched on hundreds of concrete columns. Each column represents a U.S. county where a lynching occurred. The names were gathered both in past research and new work by Equal Justice Initiative.

The nearby museum is to house what organizers describe as the nation’s largest collection of information on lynching. Located in the nonprofit’s headquarters, it also will include presentations about the domestic slave trade, racial segregation and the incarceration of large numbers of blacks today.

Stevenson said the final design of both the memorial and museum will depend on fundraising, though the Ford Foundation already has given $2 million.

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POLICE BLOTTER

Tourists Nancy Lange, left, and her daughter, Teresa Lange, read a memorial marker on Aug. 25 about old slave markets in Montgomery, Alabama. The nonprofit group Equal Justice Initiative says it plans to build a monument and museum devoted to black lynching victims in Montgomery.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM Riders on the Full Tilt scream with delight at the Sumter County Fair on Tuesday night.

BOARD FROM PAGE A1 didn’t approve any of the projects.”

Chairman McGhaney then allowed district Superintendent Frank Baker to explain a point.

“The project list information is included when you get the information on the resolution and this information is at each board member’s station,” Baker said.

Hilton said his research showed that other districts do it differently. He referenced that at a previous board meeting when he informed the board his committee was researching other districts’ policies that he believed showed more oversight and were more transparent for the public with the 8 percent money. Hilton then told the board his committee was told it couldn’t conduct its research.

“We were told in our last finance committee meeting in August that it was not appropriate for us to discuss the 8 percent capital plan and the formats that other districts used for their capital improvement plan, the process how other districts approve this plan,” he said.

McGhaney then tried to explain why he stopped the finance committee’s work.

“I told Dr. Hilton that I was going to run it by our board first for conversation, before the finance committee,” McGhaney said, “to see if it’s appropriate for the finance committee to discuss.”

“How could you do that, Mr. Chairman?” Canty said.

“I did that as chairman,” McGhaney responded.

“By what authority as chairman?” Canty asked.

“The committee chairman came to this board and reported what they were going to do. We did not dissent as a board. Which gave them the authority to discuss it.”

McGhaney defended his decision.

“The chairman of the finance committee had 8 percent bond money on his agenda,” McGhaney said. “We have already had conversations as a board on 8 percent bond money. For the finance committee, I told the chairman to let me run it by the board for my clarification. I have the authority to do that, sir.”

“Where is that authority?”

Canty questioned.

“For my clarification, be-

fore we violate any policy, I wanted to run it by the board,” McGhaney said.

“Any action that we took on 8-percent money would be post-facto, as it relates to any research by a standing committee,” Canty said.

McGhaney agreed. “Yes sir.

Are you condemning me for erring on the side of caution?”

Canty replied: “No. I am condemning you for being a dictator. You didn’t have the right. Show me where in our policies you have the right to exempt an agenda of a standing committee.”

McGhaney wanted to move on, but Canty disagreed.

“I’m calling for a question on the item, Mr. Chairman,” Canty said. “Give me the policy that gives you this authority.”

McGhaney again said as board chairman he was not clarified and wasn’t sure if the finance committee was in line with policy.

Canty explained: “If you had a problem with this committee that should have been decided by this board and not by you.”

Hilton then interjected that he was sorry of the misunderstanding between him and the chairman.

“What the committee was trying to do was to see how other districts conduct their 8 percent money,” Hilton said. “So, in the future, we might do it in a different way. I understand we have already approved the borrowing of the 8 percent money, and we already have a list of things of what the 8 percent will be used on. My argument is we didn’t vote on any items on the list.”

Hilton said he knew his committee is only advisory in nature.

“We wanted to see how other districts do it,” Hilton said. “That was our goal.

And, hopefully, we can get back to that. Then, being more like other districts and more transparent. We want this for the future.”

Canty asked Heizer of McNair Law Firm about typical board control on similar matters.

“The ultimate responsibility is with the board,” Heizer said. “There is no one way that project lists are done around the state. But the majority of the board needs to be invested and buy into the list.”

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KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

FAIR FROM PAGE A1 specialty is French fries.

“They are fresh cooked,” she said. “We wash and slice them right here.”

Bradley said money raised during the fair goes to help support more than 20 high schools.

“We’ll have a good time,” Boykin said.

“We have a loudspeaker and we’ll promote the people around us as well.”

At the Sumter United Ministries Booth next door, SUM Director Mark Champagne said he does not have a loudspeaker.

“Our food speaks for itself,” he said.

Champagne said the booth is the only inhouse fundraiser the ministry does and it typically raises as much as $3,000.

“It’s really fun but it does get hot back in

COUNTY FROM PAGE A1 the county with more money in the utility fund that could be used as a match for a grant that could expand water lines to more than just two roads in the county.

The utility committee’s original motion to fund both expansion projects using utility funds was sub-

stituted during county council’s meeting with a motion to fund the expansion projects with local money unless grant money became available.

Also, county council approved first reading of an ordinance amending the county’s 2016-17 budget to alter the amount of allo-

cated money in preparation for an upcoming project discussed by Sumter County Fiscal, Tax and Property Committee during an executive session on Tuesday.

Sumter County Attorney Johnathan Bryan said he will provide council with more details about the project during second reading of the ordinance at council’s next meeting.

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the kitchen,” he said.

Last year’s flood not only put a dent in the booth’s sales, it changed SUM’s mission, he said, as it launched a year-long effort to help people whose homes were damaged by the flood.

“We had to learn a whole new ministry,” he said. “We weren’t really trying to expand, it’s just that things happen.”

Nearby, Helping Hands was preparing their Potato House.

Caper Hiott said the charity, which helps people out when they are in need, has had the booth at the fair for a long time.

“I’ve been coming about 30 years,” he said.

Besides French fries, they also sell corn dogs, he said.

Hiott said their kitchen can get uncomfortable as well.

“When you get nine of those fryers filled with hot oil, it gets hot,” he said.

Deacon Hallie G. Wilson Congress President

Theme: “The Association Letting It’s Light Shine Through Worship” Matthew 5:16; John 4: 21-24

Deacon Rodney Nathaniel Brotherhood Ministry

Brother Lyndon Johnson Usher Ministry

Sister Paula Walker Music Director

Pastor Eugene G. Dennis Welcome Night Preacher

Sister Lillie D. Caldwell Woman’s Ministry

Minister Julie A. Hayes Minister’s Spouse Ministry

Pastor Delbert Singleton Pastor George K. Carter Woman’s Ministry Preacher Usher Ministry Preacher

Pastor Ashley B. Vaughn, Vice-Moderator

Sister Anita McBride Youth Ministry

Pastor William T Johnson YWA Ministry Preacher

Thursday, September 29 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Event will be held at the Cypress Center located on Hospital St., Manning

Title Sponsored by

Dr. Lun C. Richardson Pastor Sam Livingston Minister Darryl Cunningham Brotherhood Ministry Preacher Youth Ministry Preacher Morris College President

Schedule of the Week MONDAY, OCTOBER 3 6:00pm • Welcome Worship Service Pastor Stanley E. Hayes, Sr., Vice-Moderator Pastor Eugene G. Dennis, Preacher Joshua Missionary Baptist Church

Come sample some great food.

Tickets $30 ea. or $50 for couple Tickets can be purchased at The Clarendon County Chamber, Brunson’s Pharmacy, Summerton Drugs and Prothro Chevrolet.

Enjoy samples from some of our area’s cooks & restaurants.

For more information, please call the Chamber at (803) 435-4405

The Junior Chamber of Commerce

Rev. Dr. Derrie L. Grant, Sr. Rev. Donnie Chambers Director of Church Relations - Pastor, Red Hill Baptist Church Benedict College Banquet Preacher

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 6:00pm • YWA Ministry Sister Kanika Pendegast, President Pastor William T. Johnson, Preacher Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church

7:30pm • Brotherhood Ministry Deacon Rodney Nathaniel, President Pastor Sam Livingston, Preacher Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5 6:00pm • Junior & Senior Usher’s Ministry Brother Lyndon Johnson, Senior President Pastor Delbert Singleton, Preacher Greenhill Missionary Baptist Church

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 4:00pm • Woman’s Ministry Sister Lillie Caldwell, President Pastor George K. Carter, Preacher Fourth Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church #1

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 1:00 - 2:00pm • Pastoral Luncheon 2:00 - 3:30pm • Pastor’s Ministry Meeting Pastor Sam Livingston, Pastor’s Ministry Chairman 3:30 - 4:30pm • Educational Hour Pastor Stanley E. Hayes, Sr., Moderator 4:00 - 4:15pm • Benedict College Reverend Dr. Derrie L. Grant, Sr. Director of Church Relations 4:15 - 5:00pm • Morris College Hour Dr. Lun C. Richardson, President 5:00pm • Ministers Spouses Ministry Minister Julie A. Hayes, President 6:30pm • Moderator’s Hour Moderator Stanley E. Hayes, Sr. SATURDAY, OCT. 8 10:00am • Youth Ministry Sister Anita Blassingame, President Minister Darryl Cunningham, Preacher Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

6:00pm • Annual Banquet Taw Caw Community Outreach Center Summerton, SC

Please be in Prayer Pastor Stanley E. Hayes, Sr., Moderator Pastor Ashley B. Vaughn, Vice-Moderator • Reverend Priscilla Loney, Clerk Call 803-491-5130 for information on events • The public is invited!

NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

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Trump, Clinton deny their own words in debate WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s habit of peddling hype and fabrication emerged unabated in the first presidential debate while Hillary Clinton played it cautiously in her statements, though not without error. They both denied making statements that they are on the record as saying.

A look at some of the claims in the debate and how they compare with the facts: TRUMP, denying Clinton’s accusation that he supported the Iraq war: “Wrong. Wrong.”

Later: “That is a mainstream media nonsense put out by her. I was against the war in Iraq.”

THE FACTS: There is no evidence Trump expressed public opposition to the war before the U.S. invaded, despite his repeated insistence that he did.

Rather, he offered lukewarm support. He only began to voice doubts about the conflict well after it began in March 2003.

His first known public comment on the topic came on Sept. 11, 2002, when he was asked whether he supported a potential Iraq invasion in an interview with radio host Howard Stern. “Yeah, I guess so,” Trump responded.

On March 21, 2003, just days after the invasion began, Trump said it “looks like a tremendous success from a military standpoint.”

Later that year he began voicing doubts.

CLINTON, denying Trump’s accusation that she called the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal the “gold standard” of trade agreements: “I did say I hoped it would be a good deal.”

THE FACTS: Trump is correct.

On a 2012 trip to Australia as secretary of state, Clinton called the deal that was taking shape the “gold standard” of trade agreements. She championed it in other venues around the world. She did not merely express the hope it would turn out well.

Clinton flip-flopped into opposing the trade deal in the Democratic primary when facing Bernie Sanders, who was strongly opposed to it.

TRUMP, when Clinton accused him of calling climate change a hoax invented by the Chinese: “I did not say that.”

THE FACTS: Yes he did, in the form of a 2012 tweet: “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.” He later claimed he was kidding, but he’s also repeated the claim that climate change is a hoax and one that benefits China.

He tweeted in January 2014: “Snowing in Texas and Louisiana, record setting freezing temperatures throughout the country and beyond. Global warming is an expensive hoax!”

TRUMP: “I’ve been under audit for almost 15 years.”

THE FACTS: Trump has never

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton shakes hands with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump after the presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, on Monday.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

provided evidence to the public that he is actually under audit. A letter released by his tax attorneys never used the word, merely describing his tax returns under continuous examination. That is not a formal term for any kind of action by the Internal Revenue Service.

Trump has declined to provide the IRS’ formal notice of audit to The Associated Press and other news outlets. And former IRS officials have expressed skepticism that anyone would be audited so frequently. Trump cites an audit as the reason he won’t release his tax returns.

CLINTON, as part of a list of economy-building moves, called for “making college debt free so more young people can get their education.”

THE FACTS: Clinton has proposed making college tuition free for in-state students who go to a public college or university. But tuition free doesn’t equate to debt free.

Under her plan, the government would pay for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities for students from families earning less than $125,000 a year. That would leave students still bearing the cost of room and board, which makes up more than half of the average $18,943 sticker price at a four-year public university, according to the College Board.

Experts worry about other effects: Will colleges raise tuition once the government starts paying, increasing the cost to taxpayers? Will more students flock to public colleges because of the subsidy, also raising costs?

TRUMP to Clinton: “You’ve

been fighting ISIS your entire adult life.”

THE FACTS: Hillary Clinton was born in 1947 and is 68 years old. She reached adulthood in 1965. The Islamic State group grew out of an al-Qaida spinoff, al-Qaida in Iraq in 2013, the year Clinton left the State Department.

TRUMP: “My father gave me a small loan in 1975.”

THE FACTS: Trump got a whole lot more than a small loan. Aside from $1 million in financing from his father, Trump received loan guarantees, bailouts and a drawdown from his future inheritance.

Tim O’Brien noted in a 2005 book that Trump not only drew an additional $10 million from his future inheritance

during hard times, but also inherited a share of his father’s real estate holdings, which were worth hundreds of millions when they were eventually sold off.

TRUMP: “You don’t learn a lot from tax returns.”

THE FACTS: Americans stand to learn plenty if he releases his tax returns like other presidential candidates have done.

They would provide vital information about his wealth, taxes paid, tax avoidance efforts, exact amounts of real estate holdings and charitable donations that can’t be gleaned from any other source. For these reasons, every major party candidate for the last 40 years has released at least a few years of recent tax returns.

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NATION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

THE SUMTER ITEM

As Clinton cheers, Trump digs in after debate RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A defensive Donald Trump gave Hillary Clinton plenty of fresh material for the next phase of her presidential campaign on Tuesday, choosing to publicly reopen and relitigate some of her most damaging attacks.

The day after his first general election debate, Trump blamed the moderator, a bad microphone and anyone but himself for his performance.

Next time, he threatened, he might get more personal and make a bigger political issue of former President Bill Clinton’s marital infidelities.

Things are already getting plenty personal. On Monday night, Trump brushed off Clinton’s debate claim that he’d once shamed a former Miss Universe winner for her weight. But then he dug deeper the next day — extending the controversy over what was one of his most negative debate night moments.

“She gained a massive amount of weight. It was a real problem. We had a real problem,” Trump told “Fox and Friends” about Alicia Machado, the 1996 winner of the pageant he once owned.

The comments were reminiscent of previous times when Trump has attacked private citizens in deeply personal terms. Earlier this month, he was interrupted by the pastor of a traditionally AfricanAmerican church in Flint, Michigan, after breaking his agreement not to be political in his remarks. Though Trump abided by her wishes, he went after her the next morning on TV saying she was “a nervous mess” and that he

thought “something was up.”

In July, Trump assailed the parents of Humayun Khan, a Muslim U.S. solider who was killed in Iraq in 2004, after the young man’s father spoke out against the Republican at the Democratic National Convention.

Trump’s latest comments about Machado were striking in that they came just as he was working to broaden his appeal among minority voters and women — key demographic groups he’s struggling to win.

Clinton aides said Tuesday they’d laid a trap for Trump.

“He seemed unable to handle that big stage,” said Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. “By the end ... he just seemed really out of gas.”

Clinton interrupted a discussion of foreign policy in the final moments of the debate to remind viewers that Trump had called Machado “Miss Piggy” and “Miss Housekeeping.” A video featuring Machado, a Clinton supporter, was released less than two hours after the debate finished.

Aiming to capitalize on Trump’s renewed focus on a woman’s weight, Clinton’s campaign also dispatched Machado to tell reporters how she spent years struggling with eating disorders after being humiliated publicly by Trump.

“I never imagined, 20 years later I would be in this position,” Machado said. “It’s really a bad dream for me.

Both campaigns knew the first debate, watched by some 80 million people, could mark a turning point six weeks be-

Trump accused moderator Lester Holt of going harder on him than Clinton. He insisted he had “no sniffles” and no allergies despite the #snifflegate speculation that had exploded on social media. He suggested he’d been given a microphone with lower volume than Clinton’s.

Her cheerful reaction: “Anybody who complained about the microphone is not having a good night.”

The Trump campaign plans to spend $100 million on television advertising before Election Day, spokesman Jason THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Miller told The Associated Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic pres- Press. Of the $20 million in TV idential nominee Hillary Clinton shake hands Monday after the presi- airtime his campaign had already scheduled, a whopping dential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. $13 million is aimed at Florida voters, according to Kantar fore Election Day with Trump place, with the president Media’s political ad tracker. scheduled to make a Wednesand Clinton locked in an exTrump did not address his day appearance on Steve Harceedingly close race. criticism of Machado as he vey’s TV show.

Clinton moved quickly to faced Hispanic voters in a Trump’s campaign aides capitalize on her performance, small theater blocks from Mihad worked hard in recent launching new attacks on weeks to keep him on message ami’s Little Havana neighborTrump’s failure to release his tax returns and profiting from — and away from personal at- hood. In rather subdued tones, the subprime mortgage crisis. tacks — persuading him to use he only briefly addressed his As Trump courted Hispanic teleprompters and reach out to debate performance the night before. voters in Miami, Clinton ham- minority audiences.

“It was an interesting eveTheir moderate success in mered on an allegation she’d ning certainly. Big league. Defscripting Trump came to a leveled the night before: that initely big league,” Trump he is refusing to release his re- halt on Tuesday. Though he insisted he’d done “very well,” said. “I really enjoyed it.” turns because he goes years without paying federal taxes.

“That makes me smart,” was Trump’s coy response in We Buy: Gold & Silver Jewelry, Silver Coins the debate, but on Tuesday, & Collections, Sterling/.925, Diamonds, Clinton insisted it was nothing Pocket Poc ock ocket oc k Wa ket W Watches, atch tches c es, ch ess,, An A Antiq Antiques t ques tiq ues & Est E Estates state tate attes to brag about.

“If not paying taxes makes him smart, what does that make all the rest of us?”

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, South Carolina 29150 • Founded October 15, 1894

COMMENTARY

It depends on debate scorecard

BY JONAH GOLDBERG The National Review

S

o I can score this a bunch of different ways. If the metric was the first 30 minutes — a standard that kind of sprung out of nowhere in the last 24 hours — then I think Trump won. He was relatively coherent, got his big issues and themes across and managed to be very aggressive without seeming too much of a cad (I am grading on the very generous Trump curve).

On the substance, I think most of his answers were wrong on the facts or the principle, but I’m used to that not mattering anymore. He was good at getting the message(s) that got him this far across. He also won the body language debate in the beginning. Put the TV on mute, and he clearly dominated.

But by around halftime he started to come apart. I don’t think he had any disastrous gaffes, no truly painful soundbites that will haunt him in the days to come, which in itself is a kind of victory for Trump. He also scored some good points on Hillary’s “30 years” of getting little accomplished and the growth of ISIS. But it was clear that once Trump took the bait about his “small loan” from his father, that Hillary would be able to lead Trump in almost whatever direction she wanted.

That was probably the most impressive thing about her performance. Other than that, she was uninspiring, un-amusing, un-entertaining, but…fine. She controlled much of the tempo. She said some ridiculous things too — on Iran, the need to become a “clean energy superpower,” her email etc — but I don’t think she scared away any swing voters, in part because when Hillary is wrong she doesn’t sound unhinged.

And that raises the best way to score this debate. What did swing or persuadable voters think? If you’re truly pro-Hillary or proTrump it doesn’t matter what you thought tonight. Your vote is baked in. But if you’re on the fence or thinking about not voting at all, your impression matters — a lot.

And in this regard, I think Clinton was the winner. Unpersuaded college educated white women didn’t come away from this debate — at least not in large numbers — feeling reassured by Trump. Clinton was narrowcasting at the voters she needs. Trump was broadcasting to the voters he already has.

Neither put anything away tonight.

John Fund is NRO’s national-affairs correspondent.

COMMENTARY

Trump should do well in next two debates if he realizes he ‘choked’ in the first one

BY JOHN FUND The National Review

A

t the end of President Obama’s final State of the Union address, Donald Trump took to Twitter to offer what he viewed as a devastating insult: “Really boring, slow, lethargic — very hard to watch!”

The problem for Trump is that those words could be used to describe his debate performance last night.

Yes, there were Trumpian moments where he effectively channeled voter frustration about trade and the loss of manufacturing jobs. But in general it was a low-energy performance, with the Donald at times sniffling so much that it seemed he was coming down with a cold.

I watched the debate with a group of people largely indifferent to who should win in November. Most of them hadn’t watched a single one of the eleven GOP debates or, for that matter, any of Hillary’s debates with Bernie Sanders. All felt that Hillary performed well, especially given that moderator Lester Holt never brought up pesky issues such as Benghazi and the Clinton Foundation. But when it came to Trump, their interest in him lagged in the second half at about the same time his energy level dimmed.

By the end of the debate, most people thought Trump had become boring and repetitive. “When he told us exactly how much he made last year, it sounded like the salesman from Keokuk who can’t stop talking about many pairs of shoes he sold,” one de-

bate watcher told me.

Because Trump left his standard insult routine at home, he was actually less interesting than usual to casual viewers. The drunk in a bar is often amusing when he offers insulting nicknames or brags about his prowess.

But Trump without insults and new material quickly becomes a showman without, well, much of a show.

There is also the insecurity, which was on full display last night. After being criticized for stiffing vendors, he plaintively noted: What she doesn’t say is that there are tens of thousands of people that are unbelievably happy and that love me.

I’ll give you an example. We’re just opening up on Pennsylvania Avenue right next to the White House, so if I don’t get there one way, I’m going to get to Pennsylvania Avenue another.

It almost sounded as if Trump would be satisfied with almost making it to the White House so long as he has a perch in the nation’s capital from which he can pontificate about what might have been had he been elected. This is not the attitude that inspires more people to vote him into our nation’s highest office.

Even financial writer Liz Peek, a strong Trump supporter, was less than enthusiastic at FoxNews.com, writing: Maybe Donald Trump should have done more prep. On so many fronts he should have been able to wipe that smug grin off Hillary’s face; he did not rise to the challenge. . . . [Hillary] did manage to cast her adversary as unprepared and unfocused.

By failing to engage in the traditional mock debates that can hone a candidate’s skills, Trump allowed Hillary Clinton to dominate the debate. All she had to do was unspool her canned answers and watch Trump flounder in self-referential asides and defensive riffs on his handling of the gender and the “birther” issues.

The good news for Donald Trump is that there are two more debates, and these will almost certainly involve more discussion of Hillary’s scandals and fitness for office than the first one did.

Past presidential campaigns have often seen candidates recover from poor performances in the first debate. Ronald Reagan’s halting performance in the first debate in 1984 led to him delivering a devastating line in the second debate about taking advantage of Walter Mondale’s “youth and inexperience.” George W. Bush blew his first debate with John Kerry in 2004, only to recover and win reelection. Barack Obama was rated the loser by two out of three CNN viewers in his first debate with Mitt Romney in 2012 and then staged a famous comeback.

But Donald Trump should realize the common denominator in all those success stories: Reagan, Bush, and Obama realized they had all “choked” (to use a favorite phrase of Trump’s) and prepared like hell for the next round.

John Fund is NRO’s national-affairs correspondent.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WRITER’S SENTIMENTS ABOUT BYRD OFF THE MARK

which was not revealed in this post. While I may not always agree with our County Council I read a letter to the editor in actions, case in point the The Sumter Item on Wednes“Penny for Progress” sales tax day about Councilman Jimmy part 2, I believe their actions to Byrd. The letter was submitbe within the law and that they ted by Robert Bilheimer, and I are doing what they believe is am responding to it because I best for Sumter County. feel it is both unfair and misThat said, I do not advocate leading. blind trust at any level of govThe letter states Jimmy Byrd ernment and I attend County is corrupt and not worthy of Council meeting from time to your vote; in fact, Mr. Bilheimer time and recommend all citizens be involved in their local calls out the entire County Council as being corrupt. There government. In fact, that is where I first met Jimmy Byrd were no specifics in Mr. Bilabout four years ago at a heimer’s editorial rant; it was County Council meeting to adjust vague accusations and indress some of Wedgefield’s nuendo, and I feel the need to water issues. Even though he speak up for our County Counwas not in my District, he liscil and Mr Jimmy Byrd.

It is apparent Mr. Bilheimer’s tened and offered to help; and over the years I have adhas some personal grudge dressed several other issues against the Sumter County Council and Councilman Byrd ranging from zoning to county

road conditions and he was always there to listen and help.

Jimmy is just a regular person, and like most of us living in Sumter, he works hard, trusts in God, and tries to do what we believe to be right.

When you get the opportunity to meet Councilman Byrd you will find he is easy to talk with, he listens, and he is straightforward and truthful.

It will not take you long to start addressing him as “Jimmy.”

BILL STRICKLAND Sumter Editor’s note: Because this letter exceeded the 350-word length as stated in our Editorial Page Policies which appears regularly on this page, it can be read in its entirety under Opinion on The Sumter Item’s website, www.theitem.com.

DVD should be on the life and claims of the only person who can give real peace and hope to troubled persons — the The Democrats show a deLord Jesus Christ. This inspisire to allow entrance to as rational DVD could be adminmany as possible Syrian and istered by “Christ for All PeoMuslim refugees into our naples” in 24 different languages. tion without much regard for Any Muslim finding joy in probable terrorists among Christ will no longer be a canthem. The Republicans rightdidate for Jihad. The Churches fully fear there are terrorists of America can do a better job among these refugees and want extreme limits and heavy showing Christian compassion than any government agency vetting. May I suggest how to show compassion for these un- controlled by PC. And churchfortunate people and also safe- es, whether evangelical or Catholic, will be blessed with guard against evil people meaningful ministries to these among them? unfortunate persons. No one In order to even cross borwill be allowed into this nation ders into the USA, everyone must be educated and inspired without first passing a simple questionnaire based on these by two DVD’s. One on the histwo DVD’s they had watched tory and culture of the USA, including its Constitution and in their own language.

KENNETH A. FORD importance of assimilation Sumter into her culture. The second

REFUGEES SHOULD LEARN ABOUT AMERICA, JESUS

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your letter to letters@theitem.com, drop it off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia 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.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

SUPPORT GROUPS Amputee Support Group — AA, AL-ANON, ALATEEN: Fourth Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., AA — Monday-Friday, noon Support Groups: Sept. 28, 2016 Rehabilitation Carolinas and 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 Hospital, 121 E. Cedar St., p.m.; Sundays, 10:30 a.m.

Florence. Call (843) 661-3746. and 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) EFMP Parent Exchange Group 775-1852.

— Last Tuesday, 11 a.m.AA Women’s Meeting — noon, Airman and Family Wednesdays, 7 p.m., 1 WarReadiness Center. Support ren St. (803) 775-1852. to service members who AA Spanish Speaking — Sunhave a dependent with a days, 4:30 p.m., 1 Warren St. disability or illness. Call Dor(803) 775-1852. cus at (803) 895-1252/1253 or Sue at (803) 847-2377.

AA “How it Works” Group — Mondays and Fridays, 8 p.m., WEDNESDAY MEETINGS: 1154 Ronda St. Call (803) 4945180.

Sickle Cell Support Group — Last Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 441 AA Support Group — Monp.m., South Sumter Resource days, Tuesdays and Fridays, Center, 337 Manning Ave. 8:30 p.m., Hair Force, 2090-D Call Bertha at (803) 774-6181.

S.C. 441.

Divorce Care — Wednesdays, AA Summerton Group — 6:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist Wednesday, 8 p.m., town Church, 2401 Bethel Church hall.

Road. Call (803) 481-2160.

Manning Al-Anon Family Group Grief Share — Wednesdays, — Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Be6:30 p.m., Bethel Baptist havioral Health Building, 14 Church, 2401 Bethel Church Church St., Manning. Call Road. Call (803) 481-2160.

Angie at (803) 435-8085.

C/A “Drop the Rock” Group — Thursdays, 9:30 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call Elizabeth at (803) 607-4543.

MONDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Vitiligo Support Group — Second Monday, 5:45-6:45 p.m., North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. Call Tiffany at (803) 316-6763. Find the group on Facebook.

TUESDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Connective Tissue Support Group — First Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September and November, 7 p.m., 180 Tiller Circle. Call (803) 773-0869.

Mothers of Angels (for mothers who have lost a child) — First Tuesday at noon and third Tuesday at 6 p.m., Wise Drive Baptist Church. Call (803) 469-6059, (803) 9794498, (803) 469-4506 or (803) 938-8544.

Sumter Combat Veterans Group Peer to Peer — Tuesdays, 11 a.m., South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. Veterans helping veterans with PTSD, coping skills, claims and benefits.

Parkinson’s Support Group — Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Carolinas Rehabilitation Hospital, 121 E. Cedar St., Florence. Call (843) 661-3746.

Sumter Amputee Support Group — Second Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Sumter Prosthetics & Orthotics, 259 Broad St. Call (803) 883-4356.

Sumter Chapter Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) — Third Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m., Birnie HOPE Center, 210 S. Purdy St. Open to anyone who has lost a loved one to murder in a violent way.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group — Third Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Carolinas Rehabilitation Hospital, 121 E. Cedar St., Florence. Call (843) 6613746.

THURSDAY MEETINGS: TOPS S.C. No. 236 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) — Thursdays, 9 a.m., Spectrum Senior Center,1989 Durant Lane. Call Diane at (803) 7753926 or Nancy at (803) 4694789.

Alzheimer’s Support Group through S.C. Alzheimer’s Association — First Thursday, 6-8 p.m., National Health Care, 1018 N. Guignard Drive. Call Cheryl Fluharty at (803) 9057720 or the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 636-3346.

Journey of Hope (for family members of the mentally ill), Journey to Recovery (for the mentally ill) and Survivors of Suicide Support Group — Each group meets every first Thursday, 7 p.m., St. John United Methodist Church, 136 Poinsett Drive. Call Fred Harmon at (803) 905-5620.

Alzheimer’s Support Group, sponsored by Palmetto Health Tuomey Hospice — Last Thursday each month, 1011:30 a.m., Home Health Services, 500 Pinewood Road, Suite 2. Call BJ Drayton at (803) 773-4663.

FRIDAY MEETINGS: Celebrate Recovery — Fridays, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. program, Salt & Light Church, Miller Road (across from Food Lion). For help with struggles of alcohol, drugs, family problems, smoking, etc.

Wateree AIDS Task Force Support Group — Third Friday, 11:30 a.m., 508 W. Liberty St. Call Kevin Johnson at (803) 778-0303.

SATURDAY MEETINGS: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/ Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Support Group — Third Saturday, 1:30 p.m., 3785 Blackberry Lane, Lot 7. Call Donna Parker at (803) 4817521.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2016

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Couple of thunderstorms

Thundershower

Partly sunny and beautiful

Sunny, pleasant and less humid

Mostly sunny and nice

Partly sunny and pleasant

88°

68°

86° / 58°

78° / 57°

82° / 61°

83° / 65°

Chance of rain: 65%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 10%

SSW 6-12 mph

S 4-8 mph

SW 4-8 mph

WSW 4-8 mph

SE 4-8 mph

SE 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 83/56 Spartanburg 84/54

Greenville 86/59

Columbia 89/67

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 88/68

Aiken 85/61

ON THE COAST

Charleston 88/72

Today: A storm; however, a shower and storm in the north. High 84 to 88.

Thursday: A shower or thunderstorm. High 84 to 89.

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

88° 70° 80° 58° 95° in 1961 46° in 1981 trace 7.00" 3.46" 39.12" 30.18" 36.98"

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 86/61/s 62/56/r 88/60/s 63/57/sh 88/65/s 89/66/pc 90/73/pc 73/60/r 88/73/t 77/64/r 95/75/pc 73/56/pc 77/68/r

LAKE LEVELS

SUN AND MOON

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

7 a.m. yest.

355.29 74.94 74.88 98.13

24-hr chg -0.03 -0.03 -0.01 +0.09

RIVER STAGES

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest.

Month to date Normal month to date Year to date Last year to date Normal year to date

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 76/54/s 69/60/sh 78/56/s 66/60/sh 86/60/s 86/64/s 88/69/s 67/60/r 87/72/t 69/63/r 92/73/pc 69/55/pc 75/68/t

Myrtle Beach 85/73

Manning 87/67

Today: Partly sunny. Winds west-southwest 6-12 mph. Partly cloudy.

Thursday: Partly sunny. Winds west 4-8 mph.

LOCAL ALMANAC

Florence 87/70

Bishopville 85/66

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

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 8.31 -0.11 19 2.56 +0.23 14 5.68 -0.09 14 1.68 -0.01 80 75.67 -0.03 24 5.15 -0.75

Sunrise 7:14 a.m.

Moonrise 4:57 a.m.

Sunset Moonset

7:10 p.m.

6:03 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Sep. 30

Oct. 9

Oct. 16

Oct. 22

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Thu.

High 7:55 a.m.

8:13 p.m.

8:40 a.m.

8:54 p.m.

Ht. 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.4

Low 2:24 a.m.

2:38 p.m.

3:09 a.m.

3:25 p.m.

Ht. 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.2

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 79/51/pc 87/58/pc 88/62/pc 88/72/t 83/73/t 88/72/t 84/63/t 87/57/pc 89/67/t 85/68/t 82/69/t 84/70/t 84/70/t

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 72/47/sh 81/51/s 87/52/s 89/63/t 84/73/t 87/63/t 84/56/pc 81/52/pc 88/58/pc 85/58/pc 83/70/t 84/66/sh 85/65/c

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 87/70/t Gainesville 88/71/t Gastonia 83/58/t Goldsboro 84/69/t Goose Creek 88/71/t Greensboro 79/65/t Greenville 86/59/pc Hickory 83/58/pc Hilton Head 87/73/t Jacksonville, FL 89/70/t La Grange 88/57/s Macon 89/60/t Marietta 84/59/s

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 86/60/pc 88/63/pc 81/51/pc 84/66/sh 86/62/t 79/59/sh 82/51/pc 79/52/sh 85/64/t 89/60/pc 79/51/s 87/51/s 74/52/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 80/52/pc Mt. Pleasant 88/73/c Myrtle Beach 85/73/t Orangeburg 87/68/t Port Royal 88/71/t Raleigh 81/67/t Rock Hill 83/63/t Rockingham 84/66/t Savannah 90/70/t Spartanburg 84/54/pc Summerville 87/70/t Wilmington 84/71/t Winston-Salem 79/64/t

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 76/48/sh 86/65/t 85/66/t 85/57/s 87/63/t 83/63/sh 82/52/pc 83/58/pc 90/61/t 80/49/pc 86/61/t 83/69/t 79/57/sh

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

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

SUMTER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 32 E. Calhoun St.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t feel EUGENIA LAST pressured to take on the impossible. Gauge the possibilities and only offer what’s realistic. It’s better to offer less and do more than to offer more and fall short. Try to live up to your expectations.

things differently.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Plan an outing or trip that will broaden your outlook and give you an advantage over any competition you face. An open mind and curious attitude will help you gather important details.

Romance is highlighted.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Children, relatives and friends will challenge your boundaries. Stand your ground and use ingenuity to get others to see things your way. An incentive coupled with a compliment will help you get your way. Don’t overspend.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep your life simple and affordable. If you take on too much or make promises that aren’t financially sound, you’ll face opposition at home. Work on personal improvements and getting along with people you care about most.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Rediscover, update and follow trends that will help you stay on top of changes going on around you. Professional advancement will depend on continuous education and mastering new skills. Learn as you go and you won’t fall behind.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Share your feelings and you will be able to put an end to a situation that has been bothering you. Your practical outlook will spark interest in someone you least expect. Don’t be afraid to do

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Someone will come to your aid. Listen to the voice of experience and make the changes suggested. Don’t overspend or overindulge to fill an emotional void. Fix whatever is wrong instead of masking the problem with unnecessary items.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Use your insight, vision and sense of practicality to get things done on time and according to your strategy.

Refuse to let anyone lure you off course. Someone may be threatened by your precision and skills.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t let emotions interfere with what you have to achieve today.

Preparation will give you confidence to dismiss anyone who is trying to lead you astray. Initiate change instead of having it forced on you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Stick to what you know. Negotiate contracts and legal matters on your own behalf. Set high standards and don’t let anyone deter you from reaching goals. Do things differently if it will lead to greater success.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Deal with money, legal and health matters calmly. If you let your anger mount, you will end up looking bad and not gaining any ground. Look at the big picture and consider what you can give up to get what you want.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Form a partnership with someone you enjoy doing things with. Whether it’s a business or personal partnership, the joint effort will bring about positive results. Money matters will improve if you can find a way to cut your overhead.

“Where Quality Matters”

803-774-2100

FURNITURE & BEDDING

SUMTER ANIMAL CONTROL PET OF THE WEEK We have named this big lump of sugar Rex. A gentle giant, he is learning not to pull on hisisleash Rex a and he loves go on gentletogiant walks.

Rex has not with a sweet shown aggression todisposition wards other dogs, and he has a sweet disposition. An owner who is used to large dogs and has the time to continue training him would be the perfect fit for this loving and intelligent young boy. Rex weighs 65 pounds.

He is currently housed in kennel 32 at Sumter Animal Control, 1240 Winkles Road, (803) 4362066. Thank you for looking at Sumter Animal Control on Facebook for found and adoptable pets.

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

SECTION

b

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

prep football

Ragin, Moses, Matthews, Pearson TD Club Players of Week

By DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com Coming off a 53-0 loss to South Florence High School, the Manning Monarchs football team felt like it had a little something to prove against May River last Friday in Bluffton.

“We felt like we really embarrassed ourselves at home,” said Manning offensive left guard Darrel Ragin. “We were

ready to come out and get back on track and show what kind of team we are.”

The Monarchs rolled to a 49-17 victory over May River, a first-year program, but a 3A school like the Monarchs.

Ragin helped lead the Manning offensive line, grading out to 85 percent. Because of his efforts, Ragin was selected as The Sumter Item Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Joining Ragin as players of

the week are Lee Central running back Deondraye Moses for offense, Wilson Hall linebacker Mitchell Matthews for defense and Crestwood’s Julius Pearson for special teams.

The quartet will be honored on Friday at the Sumter Touchdown Club’s weekly breakfast meeting at Swan Lake Visitors Center, located inside the gates of Swan

See PLAYERS, Page B2

PLAyers of the week

Deondraye

Moses

OFFENSIVE PLAYER

Mitchell

Matthews DEFENSIVE PLAYER

clemson football

Primetime showdown

No. 5 Clemson vs. No. 3 Louisville packed with star power

By PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press

DARREL RAGIN

JULIUS PEARSON

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

SPECIAL TEAMS

prep baseball

SCHSL sets pitch count guidelines for 2017

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com

CLEMSON — Receiver RayRay McCloud can’t wait to see how teammate Deshaun Watson responds when No. 3 Louisville plays at Clemson on Saturday.

McCloud knows the maddeningly calm and careful Watson will be primed to show the Cardinals and Heisman Trophy front-runner Lamar Jackson who is truly on top of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“I know he’s the best player in the country,” McCloud said of the fifth-ranked Tigers quarterback. “For him to go out there against someone who supposedly is the best player in the country as well is just going to get him to a whole other level.”

Watson and Tigers (4-0, 1-0 ACC) will certainly need it.

Louisville (4-0, 2-0), behind Jackson’s dynamic play, has been the surprise of college football. The Cardinals made believers of many two weeks ago with a 63-20 demolition of highly ranked Florida State, a game in which Jackson accounted for five touchdowns.

Last week, Jackson had 479 yards of offense and seven touchdowns in a 59-28 victory over Marshall last Saturday to set up the ACC Atlantic’s undefeated showcase .

Those are similar to the eyepopping numbers Watson amassed much of last season in leading Clemson to the ACC championship and a spot in the national title game.

Watson hasn’t put up big numbers so far but in a 26-7 win at Georgia Tech last week he threw for 304 yards — his first time this season surpassing 300 yards — with two touchdowns as the Tigers built a 23-0 halftime lead in their league opener.

Bill DeLavan has seen the trend rising, especially in recent years.

The Lakewood High School baseball head coach has been involved with the sport from the youth level up for a number of years, and he’s witnessed firsthand the growing number of arm injuries.

“You see more and more kids having issues at a young age,” DeLavan said.

“Do I think it’s all related to pitch count? No, I think it’s a combination of different things that are going on, but I do think that’s part of it.

“You see kids that are getting abused (by throwing too much) and it’s just unfortunate that it’s gotten to this level.”

However, all that will change starting with the 2017 baseball season at the high school level.

In connection with a mandate passed down from the National Federation of State High School Associations, the South Carolina High School League Executive Committee announced on Thursday that a pitch count has been established for the upcoming season.

“Required pitch count restrictions by rule is a positive step towards maintaining the health of developing arms,” SCHSL Assistant Commissioner Charlie Wentzky said in a statement released by the SCHSL. “Developing this policy was made easy by the The Associated Press

See CLEMSON, Page B4 Clemson running back Wayne Gallman (9) and the No. 5 Tigers host No. 3 Louisville on Saturday.

See SCHSL, Page B5

carolina football

USC still struggling to find offense

By PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press

searching for on offensive right now,” the coach said Tuesday.

Will Muschamp’s early ofThe Aggies could make that fensive struggles at South Car- difficult, especially after a olina might look familiar to 45-24 victory over then No. 17 SEC fans.

Arkansas. Texas A&M has Two years after Muschamp’s given up just 16 points a game tenure as Florida coach ended this year, trailing only Florida due to poor offensive perforand Alabama among SEC mance, his South Carolina atteams. tack sits last in the SoutheastIt has been a mix of inexpeern Conference and 124th out rience, mistakes and injuries of 128 Football Bowl Subdivithat have waylaid South Carosion teams. lina’s offense. The Gamecocks Muschamp said no one (2-2, 1-2) played without two of played well offensively in a their better receivers in Deebo 17-10 loss at Kentucky last Samuel and Randrecous Davis week and are working to imin a 17-10 loss at Kentucky last prove things this Saturday for week. It was also the first true No. 9 Texas A&M (4-0, 2-0 road start for freshman quarSEC). terback Brandon McIlwain, “It goes back to what you do who enrolled in January. well. And that’s what we’re McIlwain, who has not

thrown an interception in 91 pass attempts this season, passed for 177 yards while completing 15 of 30 passes.

The Gamecocks were tied at 10-all entering the fourth quarter, but managed only 36 yards on 15 plays in the final period.

South Carolina’s chances ended when McIlwain was sacked for a 19-yard loss on fourth-and-17 at the Kentucky 35.

“We went back and looked at it and it was all mental mistakes,” receiver Terry Googer said. “We know we can fix it.”

There’s little to fix right now for Texas A&M, which started 4-0 for the third straight season. Both those years, though,

The Associated Press

South Carolina running back A.J. Turner, left, gets past Kentucky’s See USC, Page B4 Chris Westry for a score during last weekend’s game in Lexington, Ky.

B2

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sports

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD

mlb roundup

TV, Radio

TODAY

The Associated Press

Boston pitcher David Price, right, reacts after allowing a solo home run to New York Yankees’ Didi Gregorius, left, during the sixth inning Tuesday night in New York.

Yankees snap Boston’s win streak at 11 games NEW YORK — Gary Sanchez, Didi Gregorius and Tyler Austin homered off David Price, and the New York Yankees beat the Red Sox 6-4 Tuesday night to end Boston’s 11-game winning streak and delay its AL East title celebration.

David Ortiz, starting his final series in the Bronx, went 0 for 5 with two strikeouts and stranded seven runners. He ended the game by fanning with two on against Tyler Clippard.

Having clinched at least a wild-card berth last weekend, Boston is five games ahead of second-place Toronto with five games left, needing just one victory or a Blue Jays loss to ensure the division championship.

Toronto also prevented the Red Sox from wrapping it up Tuesday night by beating Baltimore 5-1.

Blue Jays 5 Orioles 1

TORONTO — Josh Donaldson hit a two-run homer, Aaron Sanchez struck out 10 and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Baltimore Orioles

5-1 on Tuesday night in the opener of their AL wild-card showdown.

Ezequiel Carrera also homered as the Blue Jays won for the sixth time in eight games. They lead the wild-card standings by two games over the Orioles with five to play.

Baltimore began the day two games ahead of Detroit and Seattle for the league’s final playoff spot.

Sanchez (14-2) struck out the first four hitters he faced and five of the first six. He gave up one run and five hits over six innings.

Tigers 12 Indians 0

DETROIT — Miguel Cabrera homered and drove in five runs in the first two innings, and Justin Verlander struck out 12 to lift the Detroit Tigers to a 12-0 victory Tuesday night against a Cleveland lineup full of backups.

The Indians clinched the AL Central title on Monday night in Detroit, and their starting lineup Tuesday was without Jason Kipnis, Fran-

cisco Lindor, Mike Napoli and Jose Ramirez. Detroit took full advantage, beating Cleveland for only the third time all year and pulling within a game of Baltimore for the American League’s second wild card.

Verlander (16-8) went 72/3 innings, allowing four hits and a walk.

Nationals 4 Diamondbacks 2

WASHINGTON — Max Scherzer struck out 10 and allowed two runs in six innings and Anthony Rendon hit a go-ahead three-run homer as the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-2 on Tuesday night to inch closer to home-field advantage in the NL Division Series.

Scherzer (19-7) was not at his Cy Young Award candidate best, allowing six hits, including a leadoff home run by Jean Segura. But Washington dropped its magic number for homefield advantage against the Dodgers in the NLDS to five.

From wire reports

Area roundup

WH tennis sweeps Lady Indians, stays unbeaten Wilson Hall’s varsity girls tennis team improved to 9-0 with a 9-0 sweep of Orangeburg Prep on Tuesday at Palmetto Tennis Center.

The Lady Barons will next travel to Florence Christian School for a match on Friday.

SINGLES

1 ­— Z. Beasley (WH) defeated Walter 6-0, 6-1.

2 — Spencer (WH) defeated Bozardt 6-2, 6-0.

3 — E. Beasley (WH) defeated Riser 6-0, 6-1.

4 — Davis (WH) defeated Gupta 6-0, 6-0.

5 — Guldan (WH) defeated Robinson 6-1, 6-0.

6 — Land (WH) defeated Hids 6-0, 6-1.

DOUBLES

1 — Z. Beasley/E. Beasley (WH) defeated Walter/Bozardt 8-5.

2 — Davis/Land (WH) defeated Riser/Gupta 8-1.

3 — Guldan/Dowling (WH) defeated Robinson/Summers 8-4.

PLAYERS

From Page B1

Lake-Iris Gardens on Liberty Street beginning at 7:15 a.m.

Players are selected by The Sumter Item sports department based on nominations from the local high school coaches.

South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough will be the guest speaker at Friday’s meeting.

Ragin said he and his teammates got back to what

Socastee 6 Sumter 0 SOCASTEE — Sumter High fell 6-0 to Region VI-5A foe Socastee on Tuesday at the Braves courts.

SINGLES

1 — Cox (SOC) defeated Crawford 6-1, 6-1.

2 — Renfrow (SOC) defeated E. Alan 6-4, 6-2.

3 — Benedetti (SOC) defeated Smutz 6-0, 6-2.

4 — Mortel (SOC) defeated R. Alan 6-0, 6-1.

5 — Cuse (SOC) defeated Shuping 6-2, 6-1.

DOUBLES

2 — Beam/Hodge (SOC) defeated Pittman/Dubose 6-0, 6-1.

MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL Mayewood 3 Hillcrest 1

DALZELL — Mayewood

works for them against May River.

“It was just us doing our physical running game and throwing it over the top when we had the opportunity,” Ragin said.

Matthews, a sophomore, had 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks in Wilson Hall’s 42-7 victory over Thomas Sumter Academy.

“He’s going 100 percent on every play,” Barons head coach Adam Jarecki said of Matthews. “He gives as much effort as anybody we

earned a 3-1 victory over Hillcrest on Monday at the HMS gymnasium.

Game scores were 25-17, 25-22, 22-25 and 25-11 in the Lady Vikings’ favor.

Trelaija Dennis lead Mayewood with seven aces and seven points. April Goodman and Kenisha Major each had 11 aces while Karema Scarborough finished with six aces and seven points.

Kiyla Seymore added eight aces and five points for the Lady Vikings, who improved to 6-1 overall.

Bates 3 Furman 0

Bates Middle School earned a 3-0 sweep of Furman on Monday at the Bantams gymnasium.

have out there. He’s a big part of what we’re doing defensively.”

Moses rushed for 225 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in 6-0 Lee Central’s 28-21 victory over Chesterfield.

Pearson returned the opening kickoff against Lamar 94 yards for a score in the Knights’ 35-21 loss. He was responsible for Crestwood’s other two touchdowns, catching a pair of scoring passes from quarterback Tylas Green. He had five catches for 150 yards.

5 a.m. – Women’s Professional Tennis: Wuhan Open Early-Round Matches from Wuhan, China (TENNIS).

2 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Seattle at Houston (MLB NETWORK).

2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match – Bayern Munich vs. Atletico Madrid (ESPN2).

2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match – Barcelona vs. Borussia Monchengladbach (FOX SPORTS 1).

2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match – Manchester City vs. Celtic (FOX SPORTS 2).

2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match – Basel vs.

Arsenal (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

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

7 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Cleveland at Detroit (ESPN).

7 p.m. – Women’s College Volleyball: Texas at Oklahoma (ESPNU).

7 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Philadelphia at Atlanta (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST, WPUB-FM 102.7).

7:30 p.m. – Major League Soccer: Orlando at Toronto (FOX SPORTS 1).

7:55 p.m. – International Soccer: Futsal World Cup Semifinal Match from Cali, Colombia – Argentina vs. Portugal (FOX SPORTS 2).

7:55 p.m. – International Soccer: Mexican League Match – Leon vs. Toluca (UNIVISION).

8 p.m. – WNBA Basketball: Playoffs Semifinal Series Game One – Phoenix at Minnesota (ESPN2).

8 p.m. – Women’s College Volleyball: Kentucky at Florida (SEC NETWORK).

9 p.m. – Women’s College Volleyball: Tennessee at South Carolina (ESPNU).

9:55 p.m. – International Soccer: Mexican League Match – Veracruz vs.

America (UNIVISION).

10 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Colorado at San Francisco (ESPN).

10 p.m. – WNBA Basketball: Playoffs Semifinal Series Game One – Chicago at Los Angeles (ESPN2).

1 a.m. – LPGA Golf: Reignwood LPGA Classic First Round from Beijing (GOLF).

2 a.m. – Professional Tennis: Wuhan Open Matches or Shenzhen Open Matches (TENNIS).

MLB standings

By The Associated Press

AMERICAN League East Division

W L Pct GB z-Boston 92 64 .590 — Toronto 86 70 .551 6 Baltimore 85 71 .545 7 New York 80 76 .513 12 Tampa Bay 65 91 .417 27 Central Division

W L Pct GB x-Cleveland 91 65 .583 — Detroit 83 73 .532 8 Kansas City 79 77 .506 12 Chicago 75 81 .481 16 Minnesota 56 100 .359 35 West Division

W L Pct GB x-Texas 92 65 .586 — Seattle 83 73 .532 8½ Houston 82 75 .522 10 Los Angeles 70 87 .446 22 Oakland 67 89 .429 24½ z-clinched playoff berth x-clinched division

Monday’s Games

N.Y. Yankees 7, Toronto 5 Cleveland 7, Detroit 4 Milwaukee 8, Texas 3 Chicago White Sox 7, Tampa Bay 1 Seattle 4, Houston 3, 11 innings L.A. Angels 2, Oakland 1

Tuesday’s Games

Boston at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.

Cleveland at Detroit, 7:10 p.m.

Minnesota at Kansas City, 7:15 p.m.

Milwaukee at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Seattle at Houston, 8:10 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 p.m.

Oakland at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games

Seattle (Paxton 5-7) at Houston (Fister 12-12), 2:10 p.m.

Boston (Buchholz 8-10) at N.Y. Yankees (Mitchell 1-2), 7:05 p.m.

Baltimore (Tillman 16-6) at Toronto (Liriano 8-13), 7:07 p.m.

Cleveland (Bauer 12-8) at Detroit (Fulmer 11-7), 7:10 p.m.

Minnesota (Santana 7-11) at Kansas City (Vargas 0-0), 7:15 p.m.

Milwaukee (Anderson 9-11) at Texas (Hamels 15-5), 8:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay (Snell 6-8) at Chicago White Sox (Gonzalez 4-8), 8:10 p.m.

Oakland (Gray 5-11) at L.A. Angels (Meyer 1-3), 10:05 p.m.

Thursday’s Games

Cleveland at Detroit, 1:10 p.m.

Boston at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.

Minnesota at Kansas City, 7:15 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 p.m.

Oakland at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

National League East Division

W L Pct GB x-Washington 91 65 .583 — New York 83 74 .529 8½ Miami 78 78 .500 13 Philadelphia 70 86 .449 21 Atlanta 63 92 .406 27½ Central Division

W L Pct GB x-Chicago 100 56 .641 — St. Louis 81 75 .519 19 Pittsburgh 77 79 .494 23 Milwaukee 71 86 .452 29½ Cincinnati 66 90 .423 34 West Division

W L Pct GB x-Los Angeles 90 66 .577 — San Francisco 82 74 .526 8 Colorado 73 83 .468 17 San Diego 66 90 .423 24 Arizona 65 91 .417 25 z-clinched playoff berth x-clinched division

Monday’s Games

Chicago Cubs 12, Pittsburgh 2 Arizona 14, Washington 4 Miami 7, N.Y. Mets 3 Milwaukee 8, Texas 3 Cincinnati 15, St. Louis 2

Tuesday’s Games

Arizona at Washington, 7:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Miami, 7:10 p.m.

Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7:10 p.m.

Milwaukee at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Cincinnati at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at San Diego, 10:10 p.m.

Colorado at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games

Arizona (Miller 2-12) at Washington (Gonzalez 11-10), 7:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Arrieta 18-7) at Pittsburgh (Taillon 4-4), 7:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets (Lugo 4-2) at Miami (Cashner 5-11), 7:10 p.m.

Philadelphia (Morgan 2-10) at Atlanta (Foltynewicz 8-5), 7:10 p.m.

Milwaukee (Anderson 9-11) at Texas (Hamels 15-5), 8:05 p.m.

Cincinnati (DeSclafani 8-5) at St. Louis (Leake 9-11), 8:15 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Maeda 16-9) at San Diego (Perdomo 8-10), 10:10 p.m.

Colorado (Chatwood 11-9) at San Francisco (Samardzija 12-10), 10:15 p.m.

Thursday’s Games

Arizona at Washington, 1:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.

Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at St. Louis, 7:15 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at San Diego, 9:10 p.m.

Colorado at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

Wild Card Standings

By The Associated Press

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Toronto Baltimore Detroit Seattle Houston New York

W L Pct WCGB 86 70 .551 — 85 71 .545 — 83 73 .532 2 83 73 .532 2 82 75 .522 3½ 80 76 .513 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE

New York San Francisco St. Louis Miami Pittsburgh

W L Pct WCGB 83 74 .529 — 82 74 .526 — 81 75 .519 1 78 78 .500 4 77 79 .494 5

NFL Standings

By The Associated Press

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

New England N.Y. Jets Miami Buffalo South

Houston Indianapolis Tennessee Jacksonville North

Baltimore Pittsburgh Cincinnati Cleveland West

Denver Kansas City Oakland San Diego

W L T Pct PF PA 3 0 0 1.000 81 45 1 2 0 .333 62 78 1 2 0 .333 64 67 1 2 0 .333 71 68 W L T Pct PF PA 2 1 0 .667 42 53 1 2 0 .333 81 95 1 2 0 .333 42 57 0 3 0 .000 54 84 W L T Pct PF PA 3 0 0 1.000 57 44 2 1 0 .667 65 66 1 2 0 .333 56 75 0 3 0 .000 54 84 W L T Pct PF PA 3 0 0 1.000 84 57 2 1 0 .667 69 49 2 1 0 .667 80 79 1 2 0 .333 87 73

NATIONAL CONFERENCE East

Philadelphia Dallas N.Y. Giants Washington South

Atlanta Tampa Bay Carolina New Orleans North

Minnesota Green Bay Detroit Chicago West

Los Angeles Seattle San Francisco Arizona

W 3 2 2 1

L T Pct PF PA 0 0 1.000 92 27 1 0 .667 77 60 1 0 .667 63 61 2 0 .333 68 92

W 1 1 1 0

L T 1 0 2 0 2 0 2 0

W 3 2 1 0

L T Pct PF PA 0 0 1.000 64 40 1 0 .667 75 67 2 0 .333 81 85 3 0 .000 45 83

W 2 2 1 1

L T 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 0

Pct PF PA .500 59 59 .333 70 101 .333 76 70 .000 47 51

Pct PF PA .667 46 63 .667 52 37 .333 73 83 .333 79 63

Thursday’s Games

New England 27, Houston 0

Sunday’s Games

Green Bay 34, Detroit 27 Oakland 17, Tennessee 10 Denver 29, Cincinnati 17 Minnesota 22, Carolina 10 Baltimore 19, Jacksonville 17 Buffalo 33, Arizona 18 Washington 29, N.Y. Giants 27 Miami 30, Cleveland 24, OT Seattle 37, San Francisco 18 Kansas City 24, N.Y. Jets 3 Philadelphia 34, Pittsburgh 3 Indianapolis 26, San Diego 22 Los Angeles 37, Tampa Bay 32 Dallas 31, Chicago 17

Monday’s Games

Atlanta at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sep. 29

Miami at Cincinnati, 8:25 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 2

Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 9:30 a.m.

Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at Houston, 1 p.m.

Seattle at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Detroit at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at New England, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at Washington, 1 p.m.

Oakland at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Denver at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m.

Los Angeles at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.

New Orleans at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Dallas at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

Kansas City at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 3

N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.

WNBA Playoffs

By The Associated Press Third Round (Best-of-5) (x-if necessary) Phoenix vs. Minnesota Wednesday: Phoenix at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Friday: Phoenix at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Sunday: Minnesota at Phoenix, 5 p.m. x-Tuesday, Oct. 4: Minnesota at Phoenix, TBA x-Thursday, Oct. 6: Phoenix at Minnesota, TBA Chicago vs. Los Angeles Wednesday: Chicago at Los Angeles, 10 p.m.

Friday: Chicago at Los Angeles, 10 p.m.

Sunday: Los Angeles at Chicago, 3 p.m. x-Tuesday, Oct. 4: Los Angeles at Chicago, TBA x-Thursday, Oct. 6: Chicago at Los Angeles, TBA Finals (Best-of-5) TBD

Transactions

By The Associated Press

BASEBALL National League WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Selected the contract of C Spencer Kieboom from Harrisburg (EL).

FOOTBALL National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS — Placed TE Troy Niklas on injured reserve. Signed TE Ifeanyi Momah from the practice squad.

Released LS Kameron Canaday and S Marqui Christian. Signed LB Cam Johnson to the practice squad. Released LB Shaq Riddick from the practice squad.

BUFFALO BILLS — Released K Jordan Gay. Signed WR Ed Eagan and C Terran Vaughn to the practice squad. Released LB Carlos Fields and S Damian Parms from the practice squad.

DETROIT LIONS — Re-signed WR Aaron Dobson. Re-signed LB Zaviar Gooden to the practice squad.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Signed G Willie Beavers. Signed WR Isaac Fruechte and OT Sean Hickey to the practice squad.

Released CB Julian Wilson from the practice squad.

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

|

B3

pro football

Quinn sees Falcons closer to playing at full capacity

By GEORGE HENRY The Associated Press

pleting passes to eight different receivers, throwing no interceptions and using a silent FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — snap count to overcome the Falcons coach Dan Quinn noise in the Superdome. loved watching his offense, deRunning backs Tevin Colefense and special teams make man and Devonta Freeman enough plays to win at New combined for 194 yards rushOrleans. ing — 296 yards overall — and That might sound obvious, four touchdowns. but Quinn tries to keep his Their superlatives overshadgoals simple. owed the lack of production of After losing the opener to All-Pro receiver Julio Jones, Tampa Bay and scratching out who was targeted seven times a victory at Oakland, the Falbut caught just one pass for 16 cons are coming off their most yards. Limited by a sore ankle complete game since handing and calf through the first Carolina its only regular-seathree games, Jones leads the son loss last December.

Falcons with 188 yards receivMonday’s 45-32 victory had a ing, but is just third on the little bit of everything. team with 10 catches.

“Honestly that’s what we’ve “Make no mistake — he is been trying to build where all our feature guy,” Quinn said. three units have a hand in “There are certain coverages winning,” Quinn said Tuesday. that go his way and opportuni“That was special teams on ties come for some other playthe punt return, defensively ers. He knows that.” getting the turnovers and scorAs the Falcons (2-1) prepare ing with it, then offensively to host Carolina (1-2) on Sungetting so many guys in on the day, Jones is expected to be attack to contribute.” healthy enough to fully particQuarterback Matt Ryan ipate in practice. It’s just the played one of his best games fourth week of the season, so since the Falcons previously Quinn isn’t concerned about made the playoffs in 2012, com- Jones’ numbers.

“I wouldn’t sleep on him not having many games on him having (low) numbers,” Quinn said. “There are things he did that definitely didn’t show up in the stat sheet, but I promise you he was a factor.”

Defensively, Atlanta had seven pass breakups and sacked Drew Brees twice.

Deion Jones returned an interception 90 yards to put the Falcons up 20 points early in the fourth quarter.

But the Saints picked up at least 13 yards on seven plays in the second half. Brees too often had enough time to set his feet and make accurate throws. Running back Mark Ingram picked up too many yards after initial contact.

Quinn is most concerned about the high number of bigyardage plays the Falcons are giving up.

“I do believe in what we’re doing,” he said. “I do believe in the players we have. I just know we’ll play like we’re capable of. We’ve got a lot of The Associated Press work to do, but I do remember Atlanta running back Tevin Coleman (26) crosses the goal line for one it’s a process we’re building of his three touchdowns in Monday night’s 45-32 win over the Saints and we have some new parts in New Orleans. in here.”

CORDLESS COMBO KIT & FREE BLOWER

sports items

Friend texted worries about boating with Marlins pitcher MIAMI — Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was a patron at a Miami River bar and restaurant the same night he and two friends were killed in a boat crash, a spokeswoman for the establishment confirmed Tuesday.

A friend of one of the victims said he warned him against the post-midnight trip, and Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna said he and at least two other teammates turned down invitations to go and tried to discourage Fernandez from going out.

American Social Bar & Kitchen spokeswoman Dana Rhoden said in an email that Fernandez was there before the accident. The statement did not say whether Fernandez had been drinking or what time he left.

The bar is along the Miami River.

Fernandez, 24, died when the boat he owned slammed at high speed into a rock jetty early Sunday just off South Beach, investigators say.

Emilio Jesus Macias, 27, and 25-year-old Eduardo Rivero also died.

The Marlins announced a public viewing will be held Wednesday at a Miami church, preceded by a funeral procession scheduled to start at 2:16 p.m. outside the team’s downtown ballpark. Fernandez wore No. 16 on his jersey.

A private funeral will be

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The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback had two hits, scored a run and ended a three-inning game with a sliding grab Tuesday in his final tuneup before his instructional league debut.

He is to play Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals’ instructional club.

“I feel like every day I’m getting a little more comfortable,” said Tebow, who singled in his last two at-bats of the simulated game. “It’s great just to see live pitching and get live atbats. I’m just getting a little bit better every day. That’s the goal.”

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Accused North Carolina player denies charges DURHAM, N.C. — A North Carolina football player facing charges of sexual battery and assault on a female student said the two had consensual sex and that he did not rape or drug her. Allen Artis said Tuesday he isn’t a rapist. One of his attorneys, Kerry Sutton, also said Artis has passed a polygraph test about the February incident.

From wire reports

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To enter, just color the picture and submit it, along with the entry form, to the newspaper no later than 12:00 Noon, Thursday, October 21, 2016. A panel of judges will choose one winner from each age group. Ages 5-7, 8-10 and 11-12. Winners will be contacted by phone and announced in the newspaper on Sunday, October 30, 2016. Each winner will receive a prize. No Photocopies Accepted Please.

B4

|

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

CLEMSON

college football

From Page B1

The Associated Press

Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson and the third-ranked Cardinals travel to No. 5 Clemson on Saturday.

Louisville star QB Jackson adjusts to spotlight off field

By GARY B. GRAVES The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lamar Jackson doesn’t mind being the center of attention on the football field. In fact, he seems to thrive when the spotlight is brightest.

Off the field is a different story for the Louisville quarterback.

He doesn’t like talking about himself but as his impressive play continues to draw rave reviews he understands that’s the price of fame.

“You just have to stay humble,” Jackson said Monday on a conference call with local and national media. “I just keep myself focused and try to prepare each week for our games.”

Jackson’s early play and video-game like statistics have catapulted him into the Heisman Trophy conversation and the Cardinals to No. 3 in the Top 25. The stage gets even bigger this week with Saturday’s Atlantic Coast Conference showdown between Louisville (4-0, 2-0 ACC) and fifthranked Clemson (4-0, 1-0).

“He’s done a nice job with it,” coach Bobby Petrino said Monday of Jackson’s handling of the spotlight. “We’ve tried to help him with that and get it to a place where he can handle more often what we ask him to do. ... He’s very mature with it. I think he’s more comfortable talking and speaking, and we’ll keep working with him on it.”

He’s already very comfortable on the field.

Jackson has passed for 1,330 yards and 13 touchdowns — including five against Mar-

shall last Saturday — and rushed for 526 yards and 12 TDs. Louisville is averaging nearly 64 points per contest thanks to these gaudy numbers that don’t surprise those who know him best.

“He’s a freak athlete and he can fly,” said Clemson starting linebacker Ben Boulware.

“They do a bunch of funky formations to mess with your eyes. They like to incorporate him in the run game a lot, so you have to have an extra hat at the ball now to defend him.

I feel like the defenses have had a hard time adapting to that.”

He piled up statistics and TDs while leading Boynton Beach Community High School to the Florida state playoffs. Jackson even leapt over defenders in practice and a game until being penalized for it, to his and his coach’s surprise.

“Heck, we didn’t know about that rule,” Boynton Beach coach Rick Swain quipped in a phone interview. The coach pointed out several changes in the 6-foot-3, 204-pound QB’s game since he’s been in college.

“He’s really improved as a passer, though he had a good, accurate arm in high school,” Swain said. Recruiters “saw the qualities he had at quarterback and interest really stepped up his senior year. I don’t think anybody recruited with the idea that he’d be anything but a quarterback.”

A major question was what type of quarterback Jackson would be under Petrino, whose preference has been pockettype passers to execute his pro-style scheme. As he

grooms Jackson to have more of a pocket presence, the quarterback has forced his coach expand the playbook to include more read-option and spread formations.

Jackson’s five-TD effort that dismantled FSU 63-20 drew praise from Michael Vick, who tweeted that Louisville’s signal caller is better than he was back at Virginia Tech. He lights up with every mention of the high compliment from his idol.

“Michael Vick is my favorite player,” Jackson said of a group that includes Cam Newton and former Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, another south Florida standout.

Jackson’s idolization of those players might explain why he has set a high bar for himself this season.

He acknowledged relying on his athleticism and instincts during a freshman season in which Petrino played Jackson, Kyle Bolin and Reggie Bonnafon behind center. Jackson ended up setting school records for rushing yards by a QB for a season and career with 960, just over half of what he achieved throwing the ball (1,840).

Jackson’s focus on passing better has resulted in TD throws such as the 71-yarder to James Quick in stride for Louisville’s first score in Saturday’s 59-28 rout of Marshall . He passed for five TDs and ran for two scores but finished with a completion rate just over 50 percent, which to him is unacceptable.

“I want 80 percent, 95 percent,” Jackson joked. “That’s just me.”

LSU needs home run coaching hire

By RALPH D. RUSSO The Associated Press

ence decisions, but generally, they are all looking for a chance to win championships.

After firing the most suc“There’s a few jobs in this cessful football coach in the country that regardless of history of the program, LSU what your competition does, needs a home run hire. you can win a championship,” There should be no shortage DiNardo said, citing Alabama, of interest for what has beOhio State, USC and Texas come one of the best gigs in among those that qualify. big-time college football, but “Someone has to slot LSU in upgrading from Les Miles is there,” said DiNardo, who far from a sure thing. LSU went 32-24-1 for the Tigers could be forced to wait on the from 1995-99. “Some coach has coaches at the top of its wish to say, ‘Regardless of what list if schools such as Texas anyone else does, I can win a and Southern California enter championship at LSU. It the market. doesn’t matter if Alabama is “Let’s say there’s a coach at rocking and rolling, LSU is the Houston who may have a best job.”’ choice at Texas, Southern Cal Or at least a better job than or LSU,” former LSU coach what the coach already has. It and Big Ten Network analysis was a relatively easy choice for Gerry DiNardo said, making a- DiNardo to go from Vanderbilt not-so subtle reference to Tom to Baton Rouge back in the Herman. “What does he do?” mid-1990s, even though the TiEvery job has pros and cons, gers had just gone through six and coaches will have preferstraight losing seasons. ences and family ties to influLSU and its fans are not

likely to be satisfied with a similar hire this time around.

Since 2000, LSU has been one of the elite programs in college football.

Nick Saban followed DiNardo and LSU blossomed along with the SEC. Since 2000, Oklahoma and Ohio State are the only Power Five conference programs that have more victories than LSU. The Tigers’ four SEC titles since 2000 match Alabama for the most.

Miles took over for Saban and won 114 games in 12-plus seasons, including the 2007 national championship. Only Charlie McClendon (137) won more games than Miles at LSU, but it took him seven more full seasons to do it.

“I felt, however, that this program needed a change, and the change was necessary to give the players the best opportunity to succeed,” LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said Monday.

It was a positive step, Watson felt, although still not where he and Clemson’s offense hopes to be by season’s end.

“We’re going to focus on what we’ve got to do at Clemson,” Watson said Monday. “We can’t focus on Louisville or Lamar Jackson. We’ve got to do what we do.”

In a head-to-head matchup, though, give Watson the check mark for big-game experience.

Watson excelled in several of them last year in showdown wins over No. 6 Notre Dame (24-22), No. 17 Florida State (23-13), No. 8 North Carolina (45-37) and No. 2 Oklahoma (37-17).

Watson nearly stole the show in a 45-40 loss to national champion Alabama last January with 478 yards of offense and four TD passes.

“If you play this game, all the great ones love the great competition of going against the best,” Watson said.

Still, Watson said he won’t let himself get caught up in a Lamar-vs.-Deshaun mentality. The Heisman Trophy belonged to LSU runner Leonard Fournette this time a year ago before eventually going to Alabama’s Derrick Henry, Watson recalled.

“I just do what I do to win,” he said. “I can’t control what people thing about the Heisman (race).

That’s out of my league.”

Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said his team showed good focus last week and expected a similar attention to detail in prepping for Clemson.

“I think we’re excited for it,” he said. “We feel like it’s a great opportunity for us. Our guys have worked extremely hard for it, put a lot of effort and dedication into getting here. Let’s go play it.”

Watson’s had his issues

Top 25 Schedule

By The Associated Press

Thursday

No. 6 Houston vs. UConn, 8 p.m.

Friday

No. 7 Stanford at No. 10 Washington, 9 p.m.

Saturday

No. 1 Alabama vs. Kentucky, 7 p.m.

No. 2 Ohio State vs. Rutgers, Noon No. 3 Louisville at No. 5 Clemson, 8 p.m.

No. 4 Michigan vs. No. 8 Wisconsin, 3:30 p.m.

No. 9 Texas A&M at South Carolina, 4 p.m.

No. 11 Tennessee at No. 25 Georgia, 3:30 p.m.

No. 12 Florida State vs. North Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

No. 13 Baylor at Iowa State, Noon No. 14 Miami at Georgia Tech, Noon No. 15 Nebraska vs. Illinois, 3:30 p.m.

No. 16 Mississippi vs. Memphis, 7 p.m.

No. 17 Michigan State at Indiana, 8 p.m.

No. 18 Utah at California, 6 p.m.

No. 19 San Diego State at South Alabama, 8 p.m.

No. 20 Arkansas vs. Alcorn State, Noon No. 21 TCU vs. Oklahoma, 5 p.m.

No. 22 Texas at Oklahoma State, Noon No. 23 Florida at Vanderbilt, Noon No. 24 Boise State vs. Utah State, 10:15 p.m.

with Louisville’s defense in his two previous meetings.

In 2014, Watson cracked a finger on a helmet in the first quarter and missed the rest of Clemson’s 23-17 win. Watson was healthy, but off target at Louisville last season as Clemson held on for a 20-17 victory. He finished with 199 yards passing and two touchdowns, but threw two interceptions and struggled to consistently move the offense.

Watson said that game was a building block toward bigger things later on — something he believes is also happening this season as Clemson’s attack continues its slow burn to success.

“We’re still having the same energy that we had before, preparing at the same high level,” Watson said. “We just want to be 1-0 this week and move on from there.”

The Associated Press

South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp, right, and the Gamecocks host No. 9 Texas A&M on Saturday.

usc

From Page B1 the Aggies finished 4-5 after their hot starts.

“We have a little bit of a different feel this year than last year and two years ago,” Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said.

Two years ago, Muschamp was searching for offensive answers in his fourth season as Florida’s coach. Instead, the Gators floundered at 113th nationally in total offense and Florida let Muschamp go.

Muschamp got a second SEC chance at South Carolina last December and hired Kurt Roper, his offensive leader the final Florida season.

Muschamp said in the spring the Gamecocks had enough good players to compete for an SEC Eastern Division title. But there’s been little evidence of that early on.

“We can beat a lot of teams. We have the talent to play at a very high level,” tailback A.J. Turner said. “We just have to do the right things and cut down on the mistakes.”

Those include errors by McIlwain. Turner detailed one play in the fourth quarter where McIlwain kept the ball on a zone read in-

stead of handing off to a running back on what Turner thought would’ve gone for a touchdown. Instead McIlwain managed just a short gain.

“We got to come together.

We’ve got to shake it off,” Turner said. “We can’t be worried about being frustrated, being upset about what’s happening.

We’ve just got to work through it.”

Receiver Davis remains out along with offensive line starters Donnell Stanley and Blake Muschamp said McIlwain has played well overall and will start against Texas A&M. McIlwain, who Muschamp has prevented from speaking with media, has held up well, according to his teammates. Googer said the freshman remains positive and upbeat and “keeps leading us.”

Linebacker Bryson AllenWilliams said McIlwain’s baseball background — he was considered a highround Major League Baseball draft pick before choosing college football — means he knows how to put the past in the past. “If you strikeout, you can’t go up next at bat thinking about the strikeout,” Allen-Williams said. “You’ve got to look forward. That’s what he does.”

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

|

B5

recruiting

USC in good with ex-Alabama DE commitment Sterling Defensive end Aaron Sterling (6-feet-2-inches, 260 pounds) of Tucker, Ga., decommitted from Alabama last week.

The University of South Carolina has been one of the schools to continue to recruit him despite his previous commitment, and that diligence is working in USC’s favor as it stands to get an official visit from him later in the year.

“I know that he does have some interest,” said Tucker High School head coach Bryan Lamar. “He’s definitely not telling me he’s ready to commit or anything like that, but they definitely are one of the teams he’s looking at.

“He hasn’t scheduled any officials yet. I do believe South Carolina will be one of them.

We really haven’t narrowed it down. He just kind of opened it back up.”

Along with USC, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama remain in the mix. He visited NCSU earlier this month. USC recruiter Mike Peterson was by the school recently to check on Sterling, and Lamar said USC sees him as a DE, outside linebacker prospect or a hybrid.

Lamar also is close friends with USC defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson.

Defensive lineman Romello Martin of Brooklyn, N.Y., has his five official visits in mind with USC, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Miami. He has visited USC and UF unofficially already. He said he might get one official in during the season and the rest after the season. Martin said he hears regularly from all five and he has USC, UF and Ole Miss as the top three.

USC defensive back commitment Jamyest Williams of Loganville, Ga., has not set any official visits, but he plans to be at UGA on Saturday for an unofficial visit for the Tennessee game.

DB Johnathan Abram of Jones County Junior College in Mississippi has set his official visit to USC for Oct. 8, according to TheBigSpur.com.

He was at Ole Miss this past Saturday unofficially.

USC DE commitment Javon Kinlaw of Jones JC picked up an offer from Alabama, but remains firm with his commitment.

Wide receiver Austin Connor of Dutch Fork High in Irmo said he no longer has any favorites and has opened things back up. He did have USC, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt and UGA as favorites. He said he’s not hearing anything from USC at this point.

Athlete Tancey Richardson of South Aiken High was offered by Maryland. He will

visit UGA on Oct. 15 for the Vandy game. He also plans to visit USC for a game.

Rick Sandidge (6-5, 273), a 2018 Phil DE from ConKornblut cord, N.C., visitrecruiting ed USC for the East Carolina game. He’s a teammate of ’17 USC DB commitment Hamsah Nasirildeen and he’s thinking strongly about joining him in Columbia one day. He also likes North Carolina a great deal at the moment.

USC assistant coach Bobby Bentley is recruiting Sandidge, and he’s gotten a good vibe from him and the rest of the staff for his interactions.

“They treat me and my family like family,” he said. “It’s an amazing atmosphere.”

Sandidge said no one else stands out to him besides USC and UNC, but he expects to add to that list as he takes more visits. Among his other offers are Ohio State, ViT, Alabama, Michigan, ECU, Duke, Penn State, Florida State, NCSU, Louisville, UF and West Virginia.

He plans to take visits to VT, FSU, UNC and Ohio State in future weeks. He’d like to make his decision next spring around the end of his junior year in high school.

RaShawn Allen, an ’18 running back from Orchard Lake, Mich., has had contact from USC. He’s also hearing from Notre Dame, Northwestern, Michigan, Michigan State, Toledo, Western Michigan, Miami (Ohio), Vandy, Syracuse and Virginia.

Steven Gilmore Jr., an ’18 DB from South Pointe High in Rock Hill, is the brother of former USC star and current Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore. He has an offer from USC. He said he’s also hearing from VT, UVa, NCSU and UNC. Mateo Durant (6-0, 183), an ’18 RB from McCormick High, said he’s having contact from USC, FSU, UNC, Wake Forest, Duke, Navy, Purdue, UVa, Oregon and Appalachian State.

Shelton Applewhite, an ’18 quarterback from Wayne, N.J., has drawn interest from USC, Pittsburgh, Indiana and PSU. USC offered ‘19 WR Jamario Holley of Northwestern High in Rock Hill as well as ‘20 RB Blake Corum of Laurel, Md.

CLEMSON DB CJ Avery of Grenada, Miss., has taken official visits to California and Auburn. For his third visit Avery is looking at going to Clemson this weekend. He has not decided on his final two visits.

SCHSL

From Page B1 understanding of all parties to do what is in the best interest of our student athletes. “...Hopefully with this first step, our coaches, parents, and players will see other opportunities to maintain the health of the developing arms off the mound as well.”

The pitch limits will be enforced at the varsity and sub varsity levels.

The maximum number of pitches for someone at the varsity level is 110 per day -- not per game. The maximum for someone at the sub varsity level is 75. A pitcher will be allowed to finish throwing to a batter even if he reaches the pitch limit during the at-bat.

Seventh- and eighth-graders cannot exceed the sub varsity limits regardless of whether they are on the varsity team or not.

The guidelines also go on to outline the required rest period following the number of pitches thrown -with a rest period consisting of at least 24 hours. For a pitcher throwing on consecutive days, the cumulative number of pitchers thrown will determine the amount of rest needed.

Also, a player who has pitched cannot move to catcher in the same game/day.

Any one player in violation of the rule will be considered ineligible and the game will be forfeited.

Also, the school will be fined in accordance with the SCHSL handbook.

Avery heard from Clemson recruiter Mike Reed and said he’s still expressing solid interest in him. However, he feels Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Auburn are recruiting him the hardest of all the schools right now. He does not have a favorite.

Linebacker Justin Foster of Shelby, N.C., made an unofficial visit to Clemson for the South Carolina State game.

Derrik Allen, an ’18 DB from Marietta, Ga., lists a current top five of Clemson, UGA, Ohio State, ND and NCSU. Tyleek Collins (5-10, 167), an ’18 WR from Savannah, Ga., has had some early contact from Clemson. He said he’s also hearing from ND, Vandy, Kentucky, Tulane, Duke, Cincinnati, Mercer, Georgia Southern, Purdue and Central Florida.

Seth Agwunobi (6-2, 190), an ’18 QB from Alexandria, Va., has drawn some contact from Clemson. He said he’s also hearing from UNC, VT, Boston College, Michigan State, Rutgers and Coastal Carolina.

Willie Brantley, an ’18 WR from Conway High, was at Clemson for the S.C. State game and said the Tigers are “very interested.” Clemson was the first school to invite him for a visit. He also plays CB.

CLEMSON AND USC DE Xavier Thomas of Wilson High in Florence will wear the crown of the nation’s top prospect for ‘18 in the opinion of a majority of national recruiting analysts. Right now Thomas lists USC, Clemson and UGA as his top three.

Ohio State and FSU also are high up on his list.

He visited USC for the ECU game. “He enjoyed the visit and enjoyed the atmosphere,” Wilson head coach Thomas Balkcom said. “He likes what’s going on there and he enjoyed the visit.”

Thomas was at UGA earlier this month and he plans to visit Clemson for the Louisville game on Saturday. USC and Clemson, of course, have made Thomas a priority and this promises to be a good, oldfashioned instate recruiting battle.

“If you’re an instate school and you have a talent like Xavier Thomas, you’re going to have to do and should be trying to do everything you can to make sure he lands on your campus,” Balkcom said.

“I’m certain that those guys will recruit him as hard as they can. I’m certain he’s listening. His ears are open.

Those guys are going to do whatever they have to do as far as being around, being visible and making sure he feels

ethic academically and athletically, the players have really had me in shock and I wanted to be a part of that. I see myself fitting in just fine and I know I fit their style of play.”

Simms also is excited for the chance to play his college basketball in the nation’s top league, the Atlantic Coast Conference. “It’s been a dream of mine since the seventh grade,” he said. “I know I have the skill set to compete and I know Clemson will develop my game even more.”

Last season, Simms averaged 14 points and nine rebounds per game. Devontae Shuler, a 6-3 player from Oak Hill Prep, Va., made an unofficial visit to Oklahoma State over the weekend. He’s also been to USC and is scheduled to visit Ole Miss this weekend.

Louisville was in to see him last week.

Nick Claxton, a 6-10 player from Greenville, has taken official visits to USC and FSU.He will continue with his officials with UGA this weekend, Baylor on Oct. 14 and NCSU on Oct. 21. Claxton is not ready to OTHERS name a favorite at this point in OL Tanner Lawson and LB the process as he aims towards D’Ondre Bryson-Ashford, both a November decision, but USC ’18 recruits from T.L. Hanna is planted firmly in his mind High in Anderson, were ofand head coach Frank Martin fered by Limestone. gave him plenty to think Raiqwon O’Neal (6-4, 248) an about. ’18 DL from Conway High vis“They were really the first ited UNC recently. He’s also high major school to recruit hearing from WF, Duke, Princ- me and they’ve consistently eton and Pennsylvania. He been there for two years,” plays defensive tackle and DE Claxton said. “They really and can also play tight end. want me. He (Martin) says I’m Reid Bolen, an ’18 LB from real versatile and they need a South Aiken High, visited GT player like me that can affect earlier this month. He plans to the games in a lot of different visit The Citadel, Duke and ways. And he wants to help me Navy in coming weeks. maximize my potential. I like Isaiah Bolden, an ’18 DB it a lot and it’s going to make from Zephyr Hills, Fla., commy decision even harder.” mitted to FSU in June. ClemClaxton said he’s expecting son and USC were among his USC to come in for a visit, but offers then. He said he’s hearhe’s not sure when. ing the most now from FSU, Martin was in to see 6-8 IbraLouisiana State, UF, UGA, VT him Doumbia of Miami last and South Florida. week. Doumbia took an official visit to USC earlier in the BASKETBALL month. He was scheduled to Aamir Simms, a 6-7 player visit UF earlier in the month, from Dyke, Va., made public but didn’t make the trip. At his intention to sign with Clem- this point he hasn’t scheduled son in November on Thursday. any other official visits.

Simms became the third new Ejike Obinna, a 6-9 player player to commit to head coach from Ashburn, Va., committed Brad Brownell’s program this to Vandy over the weekend recruiting cycle, though techni- while there on an official visit. cally AJ Oliver will be part of He also has been to Clemson the ‘16 class since he’s enrolland UF. ing in January.

Clemson and USC were in to Simms made an official visit visit with 6-10 Brandon Huffto Clemson earlier this month. man of Alaska. He attends That was his first official visit school in Raleigh, N.C. He has and he loved it; so much so, he not decided if he will visit eidecided not to take the others ther place at this point, but he he had scheduled with Virgin- has visited USC unofficially. ia Commonwealth, Miami, Pitt He took an official visit to and ND. Southern California over the “It feels amazing to be a part weekend, and he also plans to of the Tigers,” Simms said. visit LSU, according to his “The academics and the work head coach.

welcome when he’s on the campus.

“He loves the state of South Carolina, he loves his family, and he wants to represent them well wherever he goes.”

Coby Germany, an ’18 LB from Evans, Ga., said he’s being recruited “very, very hard” by Clemson and will visit there on Nov. 5 for the Syracuse game. He said USC also is recruiting him hard at this point. He’s also hearing from UGA, Georgia Tech, Purdue, Louisville, UCLA, UCF, Mercer, UF and Auburn. Germany tore his meniscus last season so scouts are just now getting a good look at him this season.

Gunner Britton (6-6, 275), an ’18 offensive lineman from Conway High attended the USC-ECU game. He’s also hearing from Clemson, Duke, WF, Purdue, Coastal, Charlotte and App State. He is going to Coastal this weekend and he also wants to get to a game at Clemson. He plays left tackle, but can play all positions on the line.

PITCH COUNT REST CHART Level SUB VARSITY VARSITY

MAX/DAY O DAYS 1 DAY 2 DAYS 3 DAYS 4 DAYS 5 DAYS 75 0-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 N/A N/A 110 0-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 76-90 91-110

“I think it’s pretty fair,” Crestwood head coach Mike Kremer said of the pitch limits. “To me the numbers are pretty good. It’s important that we take care of these kids’ arms. Hopefully this will help keep them healthier.”

The new rules won’t affect the Knights much at all, Kremer said, as he’s already used a pitch count for years.

“We’ve always watched the pitch counts — I’ve never liked to go over 100 with a kid in a day,” he said.

“Once it starting getting in the high 80s or the 90s, we were looking ahead to see who we could go to next.

“So it’s not a big deal because we were already along those lines. But with certain rules about the number of pitches thrown and the number of days of rest, it’s a little bit more involved.”

DeLavan has always had a similar policy as well for his pitchers.

“My rule of thumb has always been that for every pitch my kid throws, he needs an hour’s worth of rest,” he said. “So if he throws 24 pitches, he needs to take a day off.

That’s always worked well for me. I got that from a college coach years ago.

“But I understand that it’s hard to fight that urge sometimes. You’re in a tight game and you want to keep

running that same guy out there.

But at the end of the day, I have a son and I think in terms of would I want a coach to put him back out there after he’s thrown so many pitches?”

Both Kremer and DeLavan have a designated coach or coaches who monitor pitch counts for both their team and the opposing teams. That likely puts them ahead of the game since coaches will be counted on to provide much of the compliance data, Wentzky said.

“We’re still working through to get (a monitoring system) finalized and we’re going to release that probably later in the semester,” he added. “Right now, we’ve got a couple different things we’re looking at — a paper system, a computer system, a combination of both, (phone) apps. There’s all kind of things we’re looking into.

“We just want to get everything marked off and confirmed before we release (the information).”

The SCHSL also approved two other proposals. The playoffs for the upcoming season will begin two days earlier and finish a day later that previous years.

There was also an addition to the run-rule. Games in which a team is trailing by 15 runs or more will now end after the trailing team has completed its at-bat.

Prep Schedule toDAY Varsity Cross Country Manning, Scott’s Branch, Laurence Manning, Thomas Sumter at Wilson Hall, 5 p.m.

Middle School Football Alice Drive at Furman, 5 p.m.

Chestnut Oaks at Bates, 5 p.m.

Manning at Ebenezer, 5 p.m.

Mayewood at Hillcrest, 5 p.m.

East Clarendon at Timmonsville, 5:30 p.m.

Scott’s Branch at Spaulding, 6 p.m.

Varsity and JV Volleyball Robert E. Lee at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

THURSDAY Varsity Cross Country East Clarendon at Green Sea-Floyds, 5:30 p.m.

Junior Varsity Football Sumter at South Florence, 7:30 p.m.

Crestwood at Darlington, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Lugoff-Elgin, 6:30 p.m.

North Central at Lee Central, 6 p.m.

East Clarendon at Hemingway, 6 p.m.

Orangeburg Prep at Wilson Hall, 7 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Porter-Gaud, 7 p.m.

B Team Football Orangeburg Prep at Wilson Hall, 5 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Porter-Gaud, 5 p.m.

Middle School Football Florence Christian at Thomas Sumter, 6 p.m.

Calhoun Academy at Robert E. Lee, 6 p.m.

Andrew Jackson Academy at Clarendon Hall, 6:30 p.m.

Varsity Girls Golf Wilson Hall at Hilton Head Christian, 4 p.m.

VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS Carolina Forest at Sumter, 5 p.m.

Manning at Berkeley, 4:30 p.m.

Marion at East Clarendon, 5 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Florence Christian, 4 p.m.

Orangeburg Prep at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

Varsity Volleyball Crestwood at Hartsville, 6 p.m.

Lee Central at Central, 6 p.m.

Varsity and JV Volleyball Carolina Forest at Sumter, 5:30 p.m.

Lugoff-Elgin at Lakewood, 5:30 p.m.

Hannah-Pamplico at East Clarendon, 4:30 p.m.

Florence Christian at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

Orangeburg Prep at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

Andrew Jackson Academy at Clarendon Hall, 4 p.m.

Middle School Volleyball Bates at Hillcrest, 5 p.m.

Ebenezer at Chestnut Oaks, 5 p.m.

Furman at Mayewood, 5 p.m.

B6

|

sports

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The SUMTER ITEM

pro basketball

James has ‘a personal goal’ to match Jordan

By TOM WITHERS The Associated Press INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Now that LeBron James has won a championship for the ages, he’s set a loftier goal: Catching Michael Jordan.

Long flattered to be mentioned in the same company with Jordan and other NBA legends, James has been hesitant to publicly acknowledge that he wants to be remembered as the greatest in league history.

It’s time now.

“It’s a personal goal,” James told The Associated Press on Monday. “I just never brought it up. It’s my own personal goal to be able to be greater than great. I think that should be everybody’s personal goal.”

James became a three-time champion when he helped end Cleveland’s 52-year title drought with a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit to Golden State in last season’s finals.

On Monday, James discussed a variety of topics during a 10-minute interview with the AP after he spoke at the Cavs’ media day. James touched upon the fear he feels as a parent in light of recent police shootings and violence, his longevity and relentless drive to win and what impact All-Star Kevin Durant’s signing with the Warriors will have on him.

James has revered Jordan since he was a kid. Like every other young basketball player in America, he wanted to be like Mike.

He modeled himself after No. 23 on the court and followed some of Air Jordan’s moves off it as a businessman and sneaker-wearing, multimillion dollar corporation.

James has often rejected the

obvious comparisons between him and Jordan, but shortly after winning it all this summer with the Cavs, he told Sports Illustrated that “my motivation is this ghost I’m chasing. The ghost played in Chicago.”

Jordan’s spirit has consumed James and continually fueled him. His desire to match the Bulls legend, who won six championships, shouldn’t be viewed as anything unusual. He feels everyone should yearn to reach their potential — and beyond.

We should all aim higher.

“If you work for any company or you work for any designer or anywhere, you’re like, ‘Oh, I aspire to be that guy because he’s done it right.’ He’s the greatest and that’s who you look at,” he said. “So that’s always been my personal goal, to use the motivation he gave me as a kid and I’ll use it as motivation now as well that I want to get to where he is. That’s never changed. People kind of wanted to turn it into a conversation, but that’s my personal goal and that’s where I land at.”

James joked that he needs “two more months” to recover before starting the new season. But it’s here as the Cavaliers, for the first time as defending champions, opened training camp Tuesday.

James didn’t spend much time reflecting this summer because he had other commitments. However, he said the retirements of Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett — a trio of the hoops icons — has made him consider his legacy and basketball mortality.

At 31, he sees the end of his career for the first time.

“Yeah,” he said. “My class is next.”

James entered the league along with Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, close friends he has hinted at playing with before hanging it up. For now, they are becoming some of the game’s elder statesmen, a fact accented by a larger patch of gray in James’ beard.

“We’re next up in line,” he said. “We’ve given the game all

we can give. We’re the next crew, so it definitely makes you reflect on everything and you don’t take anything for granted.”

James’s next challenge is one he’s faced before — to repeat. It’s all new to the Cavaliers, who have never been on top and could suffer from a post-championship hangover.

James has seen it happen, and

he’ll do all he can so it won’t happen this season.

He’s going to make the Cavs keep their edge.

“I’m just as hungry as I was before,” he said. “It’s like I haven’t won. The natural, human nature would be to relax. But you work so hard and then you see what the result is. Why not have that feeling again?”

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, Li l Ghouls & Goblins Does your pet have a spooky or silly pet costume for Halloween?

The Associated Press

Cleveland’s LeBron James, who led the Cavaliers to their first-ever title, prepares for a photoshoot during the team’s media day on Monday in Independence, Ohio.

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SPORTS sports

The THESUMTER SUMTERITEM ITEM

Wednesday, 28,2016 2016 WEDNESDAY,September SEPTEMBER 28,

||

B7

pro golf

Death of golf legend Palmer felt by everyone The Associated Press

growth. He has served as a role model for generations of Reaction to the death of golf PGA Tour members in ways great Arnold Palmer on Sunlarge and small. The game, day at age 87 in Pittsburgh: and all of us involved with it, ——— are so much richer for having “Arnold transcended the had the fortune to have Arnold game of golf. He was more willingly serve as its global than a golfer or even great champion and ambassador.” golfer. He was an icon. He was — PGA Tour Commissioner a legend. Arnold was someone Tim Finchem who was a pioneer in his sport.

——— He took the game from one “Arnold’s bold and daring level to a higher level, virtually approach to the game, comby himself. Along the way, he bined with his citizenship, had millions of adoring fans — warmth, humor, humility and Barbara and I among them. grace, were truly the signature We were great competitors, of the man that we came to who loved competing against know, and will fondly rememeach other, but we were always ber, as The King. His presence great friends along the way. at Augusta National will be Arnold always had my back, sorely missed, but his impact and I had his. We were always on the Masters remains imthere for each other. That measurable — and it will never changed. He was the never wane.” king of our sport and always — Billy Payne, chairman of will be.”

Augusta National Golf Club — Jack Nicklaus and the Masters Tournament ——— ——— “He meant so much to the “Arnold was the folk hero of game and to me personally. I golf. Not only was he the knew that I could always call greatest personality the game The Associated Press has produced, he was King of him for advice, and I looked LEFT: Arnold Palmer walks across the Hogan Bridge on the 12th fairway for the final time in Masters com- the fairways every time he forward to seeing him at Bay petition during the 2004 Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. TOP RIGHT: Palmer sits played. We were only two Hill and the Masters. ... It was an honor and privilege to have on a railing at the Augusta National Golf Club clubhouse. BOTTOM RIGHT: Palmer celebrates his win in the weeks apart in age and great 1961 British Open in Birkdale, Lancashire, England. Palmer died Sunday in Pittsburgh at 87. known Arnold, and I’m forevrivals. We certainly had some er grateful for his friendship.” wonderful times together.”

— Tiger Woods raise my glass and toast your better person thanks to his ex- by it. It has been said many — Peter Thomson ——— life tonight my friend, and ample.” times over in so many ways, ——— “Here’s to The King who hope to be reunited for anoth— Phil Mickelson but beyond his immense tal“Barbara and I mourn The was as extraordinary on the er round together in time.”

——— ent, Arnold transcended our King, Arnie, the people’s links as he was generous to — Gary Player “You changed the game with sport with an extraordinarily champion. He brought golf to others. Thanks for the memo——— your charisma and personaliappealing personality and gen- millions by his daring and carries, Arnold.”

“I’ve respected a number of ty. Every player, me included, uineness that connected with ing. We miss him already.”

— President Barack Obama players who came before me, should thank you for what you millions, truly making him a — former President George ——— but Arnold Palmer was my brought to our great game. champion of the people. The H.W. Bush “Arnold was many things to model on and off the course.

You had this incredible ability fact that his popularity never ——— many people and undoubtedly As an amateur I played my to open the eyes of the world waned more than a quarter “The world has lost an origimade golf more popular, but to very first practice round at the to the beauty of golf. You century after his last competi- nal, a sports legend, a true me he was simply a dear Masters with him at his invita- played with presidents, celebtive victory speaks volumes to gentleman, and a generous friend for over 60 years. Of tion. I saw how much time and rities and CEOs. In doing so the man, the icon and the legand compassionate human course, like anybody we had attention he gave to fans, the you opened the game to comendary figure he was. being. I have lost a friend. ... I our differences but these media and worthy charitable mercialization. For that I More than his words, Arfirst learned of Arnold Palmer never stood in the way of our causes. I’m like every other thank you.” nold’s actions spoke to his un- from my father. He was a relationship and I will miss fan of his enormous influence — Greg Norman equivocal love of golf and bemember of ‘Arnie’s Army.’ He him terribly. He could be diffi- on the game and his great gen——— lief that no individual can be didn’t even play golf — and he cult and demanding but also erosity off the course. I’m sad“No one has had a greater or should be bigger than the loved ‘The King.”’ blessed with charisma, charm dened by his death but I’m a impact on those who play our game. Arnold totally gave of — former Secretary of State and patience. ... Muff, I will better player and perhaps a great sport or who are touched himself to support golf and its Condoleezza Rice

OBITUARIES

HENRY PORCHER JR. Henry Porcher Jr., husband of Annie “Ann” Skipwith Porcher, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday morning, Sept. 18, 2016, at Forestville Rehabilitation Center in Forestville, Maryland.

He was born on Oct. 10, 1945, in Sumter County, to the late Deacon Henry Sr. and Estelle Gallashaw Porcher.

Henry accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age and was baptized at Barnettsville Baptist Church in Bishopville. He was very active in church activities during his younger years.

During his past time, he learned to play the accordion and harmonica. His interest was to learn how to play the guitar but, sadly, lost interest because technology had not advanced for guitars for lefthanded players.

Shortly after his graduation from Ebenezer High School in Dalzell, he relocated to Washington, D.C., where he immediately started working for the Army and Navy Club. He attended a technical school and was certified as an engineer (HVAC). He worked at other facilities and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 in support of the Vietnam era.

He earned a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Marksman (Rifle) and Sharpshooter (M-60 MG). He received an honorable discharge in 1970 after serving on active duty for two years at the rank of E-5. He held a variety of positions both in the private and public sectors. He later retired from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in 2001.

Henry is survived by his loving wife, Ann; daughter, Gloria Fulwood of Landover, Maryland; son, Terence Porcher of Upper Marlboro,

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SHANNA RENEE PITTS Maryland; stepson, C. Anthony (Tanya) Wharton of Upper Marlboro; two sisters, Addie Dyson of Washington, D.C., and Gloria Boyd of Fort Washington, Maryland; one foster sister, Everlina Porcher of Sumter; two brothers, Evans (Willie Mae) Porcher of Sumter and Matthew (Jeanette) Porcher of Washington, D.C.; four sisters-in-law, Vernice Porcher of Sumter, Betty Porcher of Dalzell, Sallye (Willie) Goode of Clarksville, Virginia, and Clara (Charles) Yancey of Fort Washington; two brothers-in-law, William Skipwith of Clarksville and Cornell (Sandra) Skipwith of Fort Washington; and two aunts, Victoria Gallashaw of Dalzell and Ruth Hayes of South Boston, Virginia. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Andre Brooks Jr. of the U.S. Army, Clarence and Tanaya Wharton of Bowie, Maryland, Terence Porcher Jr. of Landover, Stephon, Juwan, Jordan, Noah (Chase) and Collins Porcher of Accokeek, Maryland; a greatgrandson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held on Thursday. Interment will be at Maryland Military Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland.

Courtesy announcement of Job’s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.

Shanna Renee Pitts was born on July 15, 1970, in Wedgefield, to her parents, Annie Mae Brown and Jimmy Williams. She departed this earthly life on Sunday, Sept.

25, 2016, at her home in Sumter County. She was surrounded by her loving family.

She won her fight against cancer and has earned her “Angel Wings.”

Shanna accepted our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as her personal savior at a very early age. She was a member of St. Paul AME Church (Shaw) and, most recently, she attended New Covenant Fellowship Ministries located in Sumter, under the leadership of the late Pastor Michael Neely and current pastor, the Rev. Lenora Bonaparte. She received her formal and secondary education from the public schools of Sumter County — Delaine, Cherryvale Elementary, High Hills Middle, Ebenezer Jr. High, and earned her high school diploma in 1988 from Hillcrest High School, located in Dalzell. She established relationships with numerous close friends that lasted throughout

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REBECCA L. BRADLEY BISHOPVILLE — Rebecca LeGrant Bradley died on Sept.

26, 2016.

Plans will be announced by JP Holley Funeral Home, Columbia

and Derrick Mack of Sumter; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, special classmates and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal parents, Grandason and Rosa Wright; paternal grandparents, Martin and Mary Williams; one brother, Carlous Carnell (Hitto) Williams; and a number of beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Public viewing will he held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary.

Ms. Pitts will be placed in the church at noon on Thursday for viewing until the hour service.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., Sumter, with the Rev. Jeanette Collins officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park.

The family will be receiving friends at the home, 355 N. St. Paul Church Road, Sumter.

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

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary. net.

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DAVID JEFFERSON SR. David Jefferson Sr., husband of Agnes Jefferson, entered eternal rest on Sept. 26, 2016, at KershawHealth Medical Center, Camden.

The family is receiving friends at the residence, 3206 Stephens Road, Bethune.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville.

her adult years. Shanna graduated from Chris Logan Beauty College in 1991. She was self-employed as a licensed cosmetologist. After 25 years of loyal service, she retired due to health-related issues.

Shanna was united in holy matrimony to Marion Pitts Jr. on May 24, 2001. On Oct. 23, 1996, God blessed Shanna with a beautiful daughter, Shayla Rosann Williams, whom she adored and cherished. Shanna was a devoted mother and her legacy will live on forever within her daughter, Shayla.

Shanna leaves to cherish her memory: loving and devoted parents, Ralph (Annie Mae) Brown of Sumter and Jimmy Williams of Wedgefield; beautiful daughter, Shayla R. Williams of Sumter; four sisters, Tracey (William) Vaughn, Brenda Temple, Veronica McClintock and Selena (Pherneco) Myers, all of Sumter; one brother, Jammie (Jamica) Williams of Sumter; five aunts, Mary Lou (Richard) Hill, Louise (Alex) Jacob, Catherine (Freeman) Garrick, Evelyn (Jimmy) Dow and Diane Wright, all of Sumter; three special friends, Letha Anderson of Cotton Acres, Jennifer Conyers of Columbia

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Mayesville Presbyterian opens

CONCERT SERIES

4 area musicians slated to perform organ repertoire

BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

M

ayesville Presbyterian Church will open the second season of its Sundays at 4:00 Concert Series this Sunday with four accomplished organists from around the area. Last year’s se-

ries of concerts featured musicians playing a variety of instruments and was designed as a gift to the community.

Four well known area musicians will perform at the church Sunday with a program of organ repertoire.

The highly regarded organists will play music by Franck, Bach, Vierne, Benoit and Sandresky. They are Linda Coyne, John “Bo” Dickinson, William Douglas and Hamilton Stoddard.

In addition to the organists, Coyne has invited her husband, Anthony Coyne, to accompany her on recorder on some settings of the four-setting Bach chorale she will perform.

From the first concert to the last in the 2015-16 season of Sundays at 4:00, attendance at the concerts increased by 60 percent, from an audience of around 50 to 80, said Mayesville Presbyterian Choir Director and Organist Tammy Williams.

“That is an excellent record for the first season of a church concert series,” she said. “It is even more impressive given our location.”

THE ORGANISTS: Linda Pound Coyne has been performing for more than 50 years. She holds degrees in organ from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and the University of MichiCOYNE gan. She has served Protestant, Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Jewish congregations throughout the East and Midwest. In recent years, she has taught students from pre-kindergarten through middle school and has placed many students in the South Carolina Elementary Honors Choir; her children’s choir sings often at the Festival of Choirs sponsored by the Sumter Woman’s Afternoon Music Club.

Recently retired, Coyne has continued her professional development in various venues, including an international early music festival where she studied Baroque keyboard fingerings on reproductions of original instruments and a trip to Bach’s

Germany where she heard and played some of the surviving instruments of his era.

John (Bo) Dickinson grew up and resides in Bishopville, where he studied piano and organ with Elizabeth C. Tindal. He graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor of science degree in accounting, and from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey, with a degree in church music. He and his wife Ariadne, also a Westminster Choir College graduate, are music directors at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Camden. He directs adult choirs and plays the organ; she directs the children’s music ministry.

Dickinson is also organist and choir director at Bishopville Presbyterian Church, and he teaches piano lessons in Bishopville and Camden.

He has one daughter, Katherine, who graduated from the University of Virginia in May 2016.

William Douglas is currently in his studies for a master’s degree in organ performance from the University of South Carolina, where he studies with Dr. DOUGLAS Jared Johnson, canon organist and choirmaster of Trinity Cathedral in Columbia. Douglas also serves as the music associate and organist at Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia and is the accompanist for the Dutch Fork Choral Society in Chapin.

A recent graduate from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor of music degree in organ performance, Douglas’ teachers also include his undergraduate organ instructors Ken Miller, instructor of church music and chapel organist/ choirmaster for the School of Theology at Sewanee, Tennessee. He also studied harpsichord with Dr. Jerry Curry, professor emeritus of music

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Mayesville Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Oct. 2, will open its second season of the concert series Sundays at 4:00 with a program of the organ repertoire performed by four accomplished regional musicians. Admission is free, and the public is invited. theory and harpsichord at the USC School of Music.

Hamilton Dabbs Stoddard first served as organist for Mayesville Presbyterian Church at the age of 12. She earned a bachelor of music degree in piano perforSTODDARD mance from Salem College, where she studied piano, organ and harpsichord. Stoddard earned a master of music degree in organ performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. While living in Greensboro, she gave a lecture recital on works by Bach, Buxtehude, and Alain, which was recorded by Wake Forest University’s radio station.

Throughout her career, she has served as organist and choir director

for churches in Missouri, North Carolina and South Carolina, and she taught elementary music at Millwood Elementary School for more than 20 years. Since 2002, she has served as organist for First Presbyterian Church in Sumter.

Admission to Sunday’s 4 p.m. concert is free, and the public is invited to attend. Future programs in the Sundays at 4:00 Concert Series will be announced at a later date.

Mayesville Presbyterian Church is located at 109 W. Sumter St. in Mayesville. Regular Sunday services are held at 11 a.m. To get to the church, take U.S. 76 (Florence Highway) about 11 miles to Mayesville, turn left onto Lafayette Street, go about three blocks, look for the sign and turn left, drive two blocks. The church will be on the right.

At 70, theater legend Sandy Duncan still radiates enthusiasm

BY NICK THOMAS Tinseltown Talks A legend of the theater described actress Sandy Duncan as “That darling, warm, contagious spirit,” a sentiment that would probably go unchallenged by most of Sandy’s fans.

Armed with a broad smile and energetic screen personality, Duncan is known for playing perky comic characters that radiate enthusiasm whether on TV, in film or theater.

“That bubbly behavior is just a quality I brought to many characters, and I got kind of stuck with it,” said Duncan from her home in Connecticut.

“I’m friendly but rather shy and quiet away from the cameras.”

Born and raised in Texas, Duncan nevertheless credits her upbringing for imparting some professional traits.

“Texans are notoriously funny,” she noted. “They will also tell you what’s on their mind, even if it’s not politically correct. They are direct and honest, and I think I’ve brought those

“After my first recital when I was all of 5 years old, I knew I wanted to perform,” she said. “We moved to Tyler when I was 9, and I began working professionally at 12.

I did musical theater in Dallas in the summers where the ensemble cast was drawn from local actors, but big stars like Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor were also brought in. So I got to learn from these hugely talented performers.”

Leaving Texas in 1965 when she was 19, Duncan continued to work in New York theater.

“I was doing a show called PHOTO PROVIDED Sandy Duncan refers to her 1979- ‘The Boyfriend,’ a light musical 81 stage performance in the mu- comedy for which I got a Tony nomination,” she recalled. sical “Peter Pan” as “the most gratifying experience of (her) ca- “Fred Silverman, the head of CBS, came to see it, and that led reer.” to a TV series and two movies.”

“The Million Dollar Duck” and qualities to my work.”

“Star Spangled Girl” were reBorn in a Henderson (Texas) leased in 1971, while “Funny hospital, Sandy’s family lived Face” premiered on CBS in the in nearby New London, where fall of the same year. It was reyoung Sandy later took dance booted as the short-lived “The lessons.

Sandy Duncan Show” in 1972.

In addition to her TV and film work, which included a starring role in Disney’s 1978 “The Cat from Outer Space,” Duncan has been a prolific stage performer adept at singing, dancing — and flying.

“The most gratifying experience of my career was playing Peter Pan on stage,” Duncan said of her Broadway role in the 1979-81 production in which she performed aerial acrobatics suspended perilously 20 feet above the stage by piano wire.

“Although it was extremely difficult physically, and probably responsible for later back trouble I had, I never missed a performance.” During one show, a special guest attended – Mary Martin, who had received both a Tony and Emmy award for playing Peter Pan in the 1950s.

“We met after the show, hugged, and I said ‘You’re my Peter Pan,’” recalled Duncan. “And she said ‘Well, you’re my Peter Pan!’ About a month later, she introduced me on a TV special

honoring Broadway.”

It was during that broadcast that Martin affectionately referred to Duncan as a “darling, warm, contagious spirit.” “She was lovely, as she was known to be,” said Duncan, who turned 70 earlier this year.

In addition to her home in Connecticut, Duncan maintains an apartment in New York City where her husband works. She often takes the train to New York theaters, but you’ll likely find her in the audience rather than on stage these days.

“I’m still offered a lot of projects and did a couple this year,” she said. “So I don’t want to say I’ve retired. But unless something comes along that really excites me, I usually pass. I love the peaceful home life now.”

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for more than 600 magazines and newspapers. See www.tinseltowntalks.com.

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COMICS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

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 tempted by outside offer DEAR ABBY — I've been in a committed relationship for 19 years, and have been married for three years.

Dear Abby My husband is wonderful, ABIGAIL except he VAN BUREN has absolutely no sex drive. And of course, in the true nature of opposition, mine is off the charts.

I have met another man who is in a loveless marriage.

He says they don't have intimate relations, and she knows he has had "flings" over the years. He has asked me to be his newest "friend

JUMBLE THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

with benefits." He's attractive, employed, and wants only a physical relationship. (I suspect their marriage is tied to his business, but I'm not sure.)

I'm honestly tempted, because I'm lonely in that regard. No marriage is perfect, by any means, but am I biting off more than I can chew even if I get my husband's permission (which he would likely give), and assuming this man is telling the truth about his wife? What to do?

Desperate in the North DEAR DESPERATE — While some open marriages have been known to work if the husband and wife are willing, I hesitate to recommend it. You describe yourself as desper-

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ate. You MUST be desperate to consider becoming someone's latest "fling."

Did your husband's low sex drive exist before your marriage, or is it something new?

If it is recent, there may be medical help for his problem -- if he is willing to talk to his doctor about it. Please suggest it before you do anything else.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in "The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It." To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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

By Timothy L. Meaker

ACROSS 1 Gain experience (from) 6 Leg muscle 10 World Golf Hall of Famer Karrie 14 First host of “The Tonight Show” 15 Like some history 16 Original thought 17 Old-time bandits 20 “The Time Machine” race 21 Goes out 22 First extra inning 23 Dallas Mavericks org.

25 Old Mideast alliance: Abbr.

26 Narc’s quarry 32 Nova Scotia hrs.

35 City SW of St. Augustine 36 Young boys 37 Place for a pedicure 38 Special forces mission 42 Bi- halved 43 Cambodian cash 44 Polar explorer 45 Butter-on-hotgriddle sound 46 Anonymous holiday gift giver 48 Bowl-shaped cookware 49 __ in: surround

9/28/16

41 One who 50 Delta rival, as it 18 Leader with was once known a .edu address might go to 53 Tosca’s “Vissi 19 Beehive State bat for you? d’arte,” e.g.

24 Animal 46 Achy 56 Magic charm symbolizing the 47 January warm 60 Air marshal’s spell 25-Down possession 48 Modern witch’s 25 World power 63 “The Mod inits. until ‘91 religion Squad” role 50 Home of the 26 Magical start 64 Automation prefix 27 Tappable NCAA’s Bruins 65 Superman’s cellphone images 51 Evening in makeup?

28 “Miles Smiles” Quebec 66 __ code trumpeter 52 Klein of fashion 67 Mess offering 29 Poker-faced 53 Lotion additive 68 Brits’ boob tube 30 Come to a point 54 Singer 31 Fred’s dancing McEntire DOWN sister 55 Star adored by 1 Pathetic, 32 Chinese or many as an excuse Japanese 57 Autobahn auto 2 Airline to 33 Hurling or curling 58 “Piano Man” Jerusalem 34 Tucker of man 3 In addition country 59 __ child 4 Put the spark 39 Taxing trip 61 Branch back into, 40 Semicircular 62 Approx. repair as a relationship church section cost 5 Salem-toTuesday’s Puzzle Solved Portland dir.

6 It may help with a mop 7 Many a Syrian 8 Metallica drummer Ulrich 9 St. with a panhandle 10 Three-lane, vis-à-vis two-lane 11 “I Dream of Jeannie” star 12 Buddy of Kermit ©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC 9/28/16 13 Big party

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WIS

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

3 10 7:00pm Local

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(N) (HD) Code Black: Second Year Shark bite victims in Malibu. (N) (HD)

WIS News 10 at 11:00pm News and weather.

News 19 @ 11pm The news of the day.

Designated Survivor: The First Day ABC Columbia Tom Kirkman takes the presidency. News at 11 (HD) (N) (HD) India: Nature’s Wonderland The trio Tavis Smiley finds more wonders in India. (N) (HD) (HD)

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CABLE CHANNELS Storage Wars Storage Wars (:28) Storage (:01) Storage (:34) Storage (:07) Storage (:36) Storage (:06) Storage (:35) Storage (:03) Storage (HD) (HD) (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) (5:30) True Grit (‘10, West ern) Jeff Mad Max (‘79, Sci ence Fic tion) aaa Mel Gib son.

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The Real Housewives of Orange Don’t Be: Eggs On Don’t Be Tardy...: Don’t Be Tardy ... Don’t Be: Animal What Happens The Real Housewives of New Jer181 Housewives of Orange: Stage Moms and Dropped Bombs County: Bye, Bye, Beadors Ice Free Ballin’ (N) House (N) (HD) sey: Rage On My Ass 84 Hustles Choosing sites.

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Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) CNN Tonight with Don Lemon Town Hall South Park (N) Chamberlain Daily Show with (:31) @midnight (:01) South Park 136 (:56) South Park (:28) South Park South Park (HD) South Park (HD) South Park (HD) South Park: (HD) (HD) Skank Hunt (HD) (HD) Heights (N) Trevor (N) (N) (HD) (HD) Girl Meets World Liv and Maddie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (‘09, Comedy) Bill (:35) Avalor: Find- Polly and Zhu Stuck in the Mid- Backstage (HD) Best Friends Girl Meets World 200 (HD) (HD) Hader. Food falls from sky and stirs trouble. ers Leapers Zhu Pets (HD) dle (HD) Whenever (HD) (HD) 103 Dual Survival (HD) Dual Survival: Untamed (N) Dual Survival (N) (HD) (:01) Still Alive (N) (HD) (:02) Dual Survival (HD) Still Alive (HD) 35 MLB Baseball: Teams TBA z{| (HD) MLB Baseball: Teams TBA z{| (HD) 39 To Be Announced 2016 WNBA Playoffs: Team TBA vs Minnesota z{| 2016 WNBA Playoffs: Team TBA vs Los Angeles z{| Sports (HD) 109 Halloween Wars (HD) Worst Cooks in America (HD) Worst Cooks in America (N) Cutthroat Kitchen (N) (HD) Cooks vs. Cons (HD) Worst Cook 90 On the Record with Brit (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates.

Hannity (N) (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File 10 Things I Hate About You (‘99, Com edy) aaa Julia Stiles.

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A mother and The 700 Club (HD) Stevens: A Weak 131 date for older sister. (HD) daughter wake up and find out that they have switched bodies. (HD) First Week 42 College Football: Central Michigan Chippewas at Virginia Cavaliers from Scott Stadium no} (HD) Championship Bull Riding College Football: Boise State vs Oregon State Last Man Stand Last Man Stand Last Man Stand Last Man Stand The Mid dle (HD) The Mid dle (HD) The Mid dle (HD) The Mid dle Tech Gold. Girl Trainer Golden Girls: Gold. Girl Ex is 183 ing (HD) ing (HD) ing: Pilot (HD) ing (HD) school. (HD) lover.

Heart Attack dumped.

112 Buying and Selling (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Buying and Selling (N) (HD) Hunters (N) Hunters (N) Property Brothers (HD) Buying (HD) 110 American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Am. Picker Law & Order: Ain’t No Love Rapper Law & Order: Flu160 Law & Order: All in the Family Jew- Law & Order: Enemy Squad investi- Law & Order: Fixed Detectives inves- Law & Order: Mammon Wealthy eler is murdered. (HD) gates an Afghan warlord. (HD) tigate a hit-and-run. (HD) man is found slain. (HD) murdered. (HD) ency (HD) Lit tle Women: LA: Plas tic Prob lems Lit tle Women: LA: A Lit tle Ex tra: Lit tle Women: LA: Belly Dance Bat tle (:02) Lit tle Women: At lanta: Three’s (:02) Lit tle Women: At lanta: Three’s (:02) Little 145 Terra’s secret. (HD) Birthday Blowout (N) (HD) (N) (HD) a Crowd (N) (HD) a Crowd (HD) Women: LA (HD) 92 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) Lawrence O’Donnell (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) Maddow (HD) 210 Thunderman Thunderman Nicky Shakers Full House Full House Full House Impastor (HD) Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Friends (HD) 153 The Longest Yard (‘05) aac (HD) The Longest Yard (‘05, Comedy) aac Adam Sandler. Convicts play guards in football game. (HD) Big Daddy (‘99, Comedy) aac Adam Sandler. (HD) 152 (6:30) Push (‘09, Thriller) aac Chris Evans. People with special powers Ghost Hunters: Overdue for Death Paranormal Witness: The Ranch (N) Ghost Hunters: Overdue for Death Paranormal Witteam up to defeat a secret government organization. (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) (HD) ness (HD) Seinfeld (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Full Frontal (N) Conan (N) (HD) 2 Broke Girls 156 Seinfeld (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) (HD) (6:30) Slan der (‘56, Drama) aac The Na ked Gun: From the Files of Po lice Squad! (‘88, (:45) Top Se cret! (‘84, Com edy) aaa Val Kilmer.

A rock ‘n’ roller is en An chor man: The Leg end of Ron 186 Van Johnson. Star’s life ruined.

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157 Toddlers and Tiaras (HD) Toddlers and Tiaras (N) (HD) Toddlers and Tiaras (N) (HD) (:01) Dance Kids ATL (HD) (:03) Toddlers and Tiaras (HD) Dance Kids Cas tle: Mon treal Cas tle ques tions his Cas tle: What Lies Be neath In spi ra Cas tle: The Nose A mur derer stole Cas tle: The Last Se duc tion In ves ti ga Cas tle: Clear & Pres ent Dan ger Su Cas tle: Child’s 158 disappearance. (HD) tional author is murdered. (HD) priceless work of art. (HD) tion in the upper class. (HD) pernatural killer. (HD) Play (HD) 129 Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro 161 A Griffith (HD) A Griffith (HD) A Griffith (HD) Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Loves Ray. Younger (N) Impastor (N) Younger (HD) Impastor (HD) Queens (HD) NCIS: Status Update A murder links NCIS: Patience A new lead in a NCIS: No Good Deed DiNozzo and his NCIS: Los Angeles: Missing Agent in NCIS: Los An132 NCIS: The Artful Dodger Switched painting. (HD) to a terror group. (HD) 40-year-old cold case. (HD) girlfriend partner up. (HD) danger. (HD) geles (HD) 166 CSI: Miami: Driven (HD) CSI: Miami: Free Fall (HD) CSI: Miami: Dead Air (HD) CSI: Miami: Shock (HD) CSI: Miami: Deviant (HD) CSI Miami 172 Person of Interest (HD) Person of Interest: Risk (HD) Person of Interest (HD) Catch Me If You Can (‘02, Drama) aaac Leonardo DiCaprio. A master con-man. (HD)

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TV Land’s genial ‘Impastor’ begins new season

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Too many network sitcoms hardly go through the motions of creating new “situations” to go with their “comedy.” Have you seen CBS’ “Kevin Can Wait”?

The makers of TV Land’s “Impastor” (10:30 p.m., TV-14), now entering its second season, can’t be accused of sleeping on the job. The genial comedy packs as much backstory and dark subplots as a complicated (multiple) murder mystery and plays them all for laughs.

The notion of a gambling addict (Michael Rosenbaum) named Buddy assuming the identity of a dead gay Lutheran minister and taking over his starchy parish is deliciously preposterous. Once there, he is surrounded by suspicious church elders and would-be paramours of both genders when not pursued by figures from his sketchy past.

A genial riff on themes of secret identities and playing the very long con, “Impastor” manages to keep a light touch.

The tone is reminiscent of bygone USA comedies including “Monk” and “Psych,” the whimsical series the network loved before turning to darker skies with shows like “Mr. Robot.”

The “Impastor” cast includes Sara Rue as Dora, Buddy’s delightfully naive assistant. Mircea Monroe plays the attractive church treasurer with secrets of her own. Viewers may know Monroe from her role on the wonderful and much-missed “Episodes.” That Showtime series is slated for a short fifth and final season, due to arrive sometime in 2017.

• Prior to its debut, “American Horror Story: Roanoke” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA) was shrouded in more secrecy and clever misdirection than a KGB operation. Even its subtitle was withheld until the last minute.

I’ve come to think of it as “American Horror Story: They Cut the Budget.” Its story and setting, a haunted house in the backwoods, is chillingly austere. Particularly when compared to the rococo excess of last season’s “Hotel.”

Not to reveal too much, but we critics have nothing to reveal. FX has taken the unusual step of never sending out review screeners for this series and never even providing de-

Bond adventure “Thunderball” (6:45 p.m., Starz Encore).

SERIES NOTES Generations clash on “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS) * Barry teaches gym on “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * The hosts perform their own best trick on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-PG) * J.J.’s new aide disappoints on “Speechless” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * A freed suspect fits the profile of a new perpetrator on “Law & Order: SVU” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * On two helpings of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” (CW, TV-14), Cheryl Hines (9 p.m.), Chris Jericho (9:30 p.m., r) * Zoey’s crisis of faith on “black-ish” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT VIRGINIA SHERWOOD / NBC

Agent Kurt Weller (Sullivan Stapleton) and the team race against the clock to stop a series of New York City bombings on tonight’s episode of “Blindspot,” airing at 8 p.m. on NBC. scriptive listings for forthcoming episodes. It’s all part of the velvet rope of secrecy that made the season premiere of “Roanoke” so successful.

Fresh from “The People v.

O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” Cuba Gooding Jr. and Sarah Paulson portray a couple who have sunk their savings into a rustic fixer-upper only to be surrounded by hostile, ritualistic backwoods cretins who may or may not be among the living.

You don’t need a great deal of expensive special effects to create the series’ “Blair Witch Project” meets “The Shining” atmosphere. Sometimes a scene of a child pleading with her invisible friend to spare her family from slaughter is quite chilling enough. Evoking a storytelling tradition that goes back at least as far as Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown,” “Roanoke” reminds us that the most demonic forces dwelling in the untamed woods are the ones that you never see.

TONIGHT’S SEASON PREMIERES • Alvez joins the team on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Shark bite victims need help on “Code Black” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Bombs rock New York on “Blindspot” (8 p.m., NBC, TV14).

• A celebrity mansion erupts in gunfire on “Lethal Weapon” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

• Jamal recuperates on “Empire” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

• Jay strives to make a strong first impression on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

• A beating victim’s fiancee vanishes on “Chicago P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• Foes emerge, foreign and domestic, on “Designated Survivor” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

• Edgar copes with his PTSD on “You’re the Worst” (10 p.m., FXX, TV-MA).

CULT CHOICE Scuba diving and bikinis loom large in the 1965 James

Lupita Nyong’o and John Prine are booked on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Sting and Kate McKinnon on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * January Jones, Mike Colter and Chris Lane visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Anjelica Huston, Wilmer Valderrama and Shawn Mendes appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Copyright 2016 United Feature Syndicate

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For information about advertising, contact Mary (803) 774-1279 or mary@theitem.com FAMILY FEATURES

Festive Papas Tapas

Friends, farm-fresh ingredients can’t be beat

BY FAMILY FEATURES Nothing beats a meal filled with flavorful ingredients fresh off the farm — unless you add a table filled with your closest friends to enjoy the bounty. From sides to main dishes to desserts, these recipes show you how to transform wholesome farm-raised foods into a crowd-pleasing menu you can enjoy from start to finish.

MAKE CHICKEN THE CENTERPIECE Center your homecooked meal around a hearty dish such as Pan Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts to ensure that none of your guests leave the table hungry. To find more main dish ideas for entertaining, visit eatchicken.com.

PAN ROASTED MAPLE DIJON CHICKEN WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS Servings: 4 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 chicken thighs 4 chicken drumsticks 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 16 Brussels sprouts (about 8 ounces), bottom trimmed, outer leaves removed and halved 2 cups diced (1/2 inch) butternut squash 1 1/2 cups chicken stock 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard In saute pan large enough to hold chicken in single layer, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan, skin side down, and saute about 4-5 minutes per side, or until chicken is browned.

Remove chicken from pan and reserve. In same pan, add butter. Allow butter to melt over medium heat. Add sprouts and squash to pan and saute, tossing occasionally, until outsides are golden brown, about 3-4 min-

utes. Remove from pan and hold separately from chicken.

Turn heat to high and add stock, syrup and mustard. Stir and bring to boil, stirring to scrape up brown bits on bottom of pan.

Add chicken back to pan, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook over mediumlow heat 20-25 minutes, or until chicken registers 170 degrees with instant read thermometer.

Add vegetables back to pan, cover again and cook another 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Move chicken and vegetables to serving platter, placing vegetables around chicken. Turn heat to high and boil sauce until it is reduced and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

POTATOES PERFECT FOR A PARTY Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish at any festive party, simply grill or bake Wisconsin potatoes and top them with your favorite flavors, like bruschetta or a combination of ingredients such as Greek yogurt, cheese, herbs, olives and tomatoes. Find more potato recipes at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

FESTIVE PAPAS TAPAS Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 6 2-4 medium Wisconsin russet or gold potatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Heat grill or oven to 400 F. Thinly slice potatoes lengthwise to 1/4-inch thick, discarding ends.

Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Place on grill or prepared baking sheet in single layer. Cook 10 minutes on each side.

Add toppings.

basil leaves, 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil and spoon on top of potatoes.

Baked Potato: In bowl, mix together 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, and spoon on top of potatoes. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chives.

Mediterranean: In bowl, mix together 1 container (6 ounces) feta cheese; 1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced olives, drained; 1 medium tomato diced; salt and pepper, to taste; and spoon on top of potatoes.

Creamy Greek Yogurt with Lemon and Herbs: In bowl, mix together 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; juice from 1/2 lemon; salt and pepper, to taste; and spoon on top of potatoes.

Garnish with dill sprigs.

BETTER WITH BERRIES When dinner settles, end your gathering on a high note with Mixed Berry Shortcakes. These palate-pleasing pastries combine sweet strawberries and blueberries, fluffy biscuits and a dollop of ice cream. For more delicious dessert ideas, visit nestleusa.com/nestle-kitchens.

MIXED BERRY SHORTCAKES Recipe courtesy of Nestlé 2 pounds fresh strawberries, sliced (about 6 cups total) 2 containers (6 ounces each) fresh blueberries (about 2 1/2 cups total)

7 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided nonstick cooking spray 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces 2/3 cup lowfat milk 1/4 cup lowfat Greek yogurt or sour cream sparkling sugar (optional) 3 cups light Vanilla Dreyer's or Edy's Slow Churned Light Ice Cream In large bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; stir gently. Let stand, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 425 F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, whisk flour, remaining granulated sugar, baking powder and salt; cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and yogurt; stir just until moist dough forms.

Turn dough onto floured work surface. With floured hands, knead 6-8 times until dough is smooth. With rolling pin, roll dough into 9-by-6-inch rectangle, or about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into six 2 1/2-inch circles. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar.

Bake 10-12 minutes, or just until golden. Transfer biscuits to individual plates; split open. Top each with about 1 cup berry mixture and 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream.

Source: Family Features

Topping Ideas Bruschetta: In bowl, mix together 2 medium tomatoes diced, 1/4 cup chopped fresh

GETTY IMAGES

Pan Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts

FAMILY FEATURES

Mixed Berry Shortcakes