November 30, 2016

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A Christmas Story Sumter Little Theatre presents quirky classic starting Thursday C1

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Corley takes Ward 4 seat KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Oliveen McFadden, a resident of the Silver community in Clarendon County, signs in at South Carolina Disaster Recovery Office intake center at 725 Broad St. in Sumter on Monday. The center is assisting in the application process for aid for homeowners who lost or sustained damage to their home during the October 2015 flood.

Flood victims encouraged to apply for aid S.C. Disaster Recovery Center hoping to help those still struggling

BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Oliveen McFadden, a resident of the Silver Community in Clarendon County, watched as rainwater steadily crept in through her roof and into her home during the October 2015 flood. Placing buckets underneath the center of the roof, she did what she could to prevent water from damaging the ceiling and flooring of her mobile home.

After the rains had subsided, McFadden said her ceiling was full of brown spots as a result of the water damage. She had also noticed mold that had spread in some parts of her ceiling. Her flooring, which also sustained water damage, had to be replaced, she said.

Clarendon County received more than 21 inches of rain in a 72-hour period during the October 2015 flood, according to the National Weather Service.

SEE FLOOD, PAGE A5

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Newly elected Sumter City Councilman Steven H. Corley takes the oath of office Tuesday night during installation services held at the Sumter Opera House. Corley represents Ward 4 and recently won a runoff election. Corley was the only newly elected member to the council.

Former educator sworn in to replace Yates on City Council

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Sumter City Council said goodbye to one member and welcomed a new one during ceremonies Tuesday night in the Sumter Opera House.

Meeting upstairs in Council Chambers, Council quickly dealt with the only item on the agenda,

approving election results for the runoff election won by incoming Councilor Steve Corley. Corley will fill the Ward 4 seat of Coleen Yates, who did not run for re-election.

“I would like to make some remarks about you,” Mayor Joe McElveen told Yates. “But you said you didn’t want that done.

“But we might not listen to you,” he said.

“That would be nothing new,” she retorted, and promised she was not going away.

“You’ll be hearing from me whether you want to or not,” Yates said.

It was a jovial moment between two of Sumter’s most enduring leaders, and reflected the tone of a

SEE CITY, PAGE A6

FERDINAND BURNS — 1945 - 2016

Sumterite was strong advocate for public education Sumter lost a longtime leader in the black community and a “gentle giant” with the death of Ferdinand Burns on Monday night. A 1970 graduate of Morris College who also held a master’s degree in education from University of South Carolina, Burns served 37 years in public education and continued as an advocate for education in the community after his retirement.

Burns spent most of the early years of his educational career as a classroom teacher before entering administration in 1977 with Sumter School District 2. He held various ad-

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ministrative roles at schools in the district for 30 years until his retirement in 2007.

Burns’ service to the community wasn’t limited to education. He held various leadership roles with different organizations, including serving as former chairman of Sumter Congress BURNS of Racial Equality, former chairman of Sumter County Election Commission, former commander of American Legion Post 202 for 25 years and also

as president of the Sumter Branch of the NAACP for six years from 2009 to 2015, among other roles.

Born and raised in Sumter, Burns graduated from Lincoln High School in 1963.

Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force for four years before entering Morris.

Sumter city councilman and attorney Calvin Hastie grew up with Burns at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and was inspired by him.

“I was very impressed by the fact that he was in the Air Force, and that’s why I went

DEATHS, B5 Pearl S. Dennis Helen Burke Ferdinand Burns Jr. Jeanette Manning-Sigler Sallie W. Abraham

Doshia P. Hammett Gladys C. Clark O’Neal Kenley Elizabeth H. Grubb Peaches B. Robinson

into the military,” said Hastie, who served in the U.S. Army.

“His passion, though, was for youth to get a quality education, and do well in life.”

Burns is survived by his wife, Lula, of 50 years.

Lula Burns described her husband’s love for education and that he founded the education ministry at New Bethel more than 15 years ago. The ministry served the children of the church and area in multiple ways.

“As part of the education ministry, we would collect money so the kids could take tests, such as the SAT,” Lula

Burns said Tuesday. “The kids didn’t have the money to take those tests, and he wanted all the kids from the church to go to college.”

Burns also led a summer program at the church for a couple years for elementary school children to help them develop their reading and math skills. He also held a banquet at the church at the end of the school year to recognize students.

“We made dinner for them and recognized them,” Lula Burns said. “He would actually

SEE BURNS, PAGE A5

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

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Three brothers arrested, marijuana seized Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrested three brothers and seized approximately $10,000 in marijuana while executing a search warrant at a Bunneau Street residence on Tuesday.

Officers arrested Roderick T. Plowden, 27; Leo C. Plowden, 26; and Rico D. Plowden, 24, all of 2830 Bunneau St. and charged all three with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a stolen firearm.

Deputies also seized two pistols, one reportedly stolen from Darlington County, ammunition and $2,794 in cash, according to a news release from the agency.

The three men were transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center where they remained as of Tuesday evening awaiting bond.

Bates Middle School placed on lockdown Bates Middle School was placed on a brief lockdown Tuesday after a student made an allegation that an adult wearing a mask was on campus.

The school was placed on lockdown at about 9 a.m. for nearly 10 minutes as a precautionary measure, according to Shelly Galloway, spokeswoman for Sumter School District.

The school resource officer conducted a sweep of the school’s campus, and the allegation was later found to be false, she said.

Galloway said the safety of the students and staff is the district’s top priority, and all allegations are taken seriously.

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Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen and Sumter Fire Chief Karl Ford present a check for $17,522.55 to South Carolina Firefighters’ Foundation Chairman Jamie Caggiano at Sumter Fire Department on Monday afternoon.

Firefighters raise $17,500 with boot drive

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com In a three-day period, Sumter city and county firefighters raised more than $17,500 during a boot drive for South Carolina Firefighters’ Foundation to assist firefighters in public education, training and recovery from losses.

Sumter Fire Chief Karl Ford said the collection was a joint effort between city and county firefighters in October.

The volunteer firefighters at the county stations took time away from their families for the boot drive, just like they always do when they volunteer, he said.

Ford said this was the first time Sumter’s firefighters held a boot drive for the SCFF. The firefighters’ association was one of the first organizations on scene after the 1,000-year-flood in October 2015 when the area received more than 21 inches of rain in three days. He said

the department wants to replenish the foundation’s funds for other possible events, he said.

Ford said the department usually collects donations once a year for Easter Seals.

“We don’t want to ask too much, but both are very worthy causes,” he said.

The citizens of Sumter threw more than money in the bucket; they threw some love in there, too, Ford said.

Capt. Judson Coker, with Sumter Fire Department, said donating was a way for citizens to let Sumter’s firefighters know that they are appreciated.

In a profession where you don’t always get thanked on a daily basis, the donations were a good demonstration of public support, he said.

“We’re very proud of all Sumter citizens,” said Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen.

The amount of donations shows the public’s support of the local fire department not just for its Class 1 rating, but because Sumter’s firefighters go

above and beyond for citizens, he said.

“We’re very appreciative of the volunteer hours and support of our firefighters,” said Sumter City Manager Deron McCormick.

The firefighters did the work collecting donations, but the people of Sumter County were so generous to give for the firefighters, said Phil Leventis, former South Carolina state senator and director of development for South Carolina Firefighters’ Foundation.

This is really kind of special, he said.

Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano, chairman of the SCFF, said Sumter is the second county to collect donations for the foundation. Greenville County did a boot drive right after the flood.

It’s great that the men and women went out on their own to collect donations, and the citizens of Sumter support the department enough to give generously, he said.

This really helps the foundation, Caggiano added.

SAFE names new Bishopville branch manager FROM STAFF REPORTS

Woman ejected from Monday vehicle mishap The woman injured during a single-vehicle wreck on McCrays Mill Road near Santa Fe Trail about noon on Monday was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland with serious injuries after she was ejected from the vehicle.

According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. David Jones, the driver went off the right side of the road, struck a ditch, overturned multiple times and struck a tree. She was not wearing a seat belt, he said.

An update on the driver’s name and condition were not available as of Tuesday evening.

1 dead, 2 survive by jumping from 2nd story CONWAY — Authorities say one person died and two people had to jump to safety from a second floor window after a fire near Conway.

Horry County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Brian VanAernem told media outlets that firefighters were called to the home around 11:20 p.m. on Monday.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Elizabeth Duquette was named branch manager at Bishopville branch of SAFE Federal Credit Union.

Elizabeth Duquette has been named branch manager at the Bishopville branch of SAFE Federal Credit Union.

She leads the staff of seven at the branch at 596 Sumter Highway.

Duquette has 13 years of financial services experience.

Before moving to South Carolina, she worked at banks in Rhode Island, managing customer support operations.

She came to Bishopville with her husband, Brandon, an airman first class stationed at Shaw Air Force Base.

Although she has been in the branch manager position only a short time, Duquette said she enjoys being part of the community and building relationships.

2 Trump campaign leaders helping McMaster with transition COLUMBIA (AP) — Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster has enlisted help in taking over as governor, if the U.S. Senate confirms Gov. Nikki Haley as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for United Nations ambassador.

McMaster’s office said in a release Tuesday he’s asked longtime GOP adviser Ed McMullen and real estate de-

veloper Bill Stern to help with the transition.

McMullen led Trump’s campaign in South Carolina and is a vice chairman of the committee planning Trump’s inauguration.

MCMASTER Stern, the longtime former chairman of the State Ports Authority,

also was a leader in Trump’s campaign.

McMaster was the nation’s first statewide officeholder to endorse Trump, whose pick for U.N. ambassador gives McMaster a job he’s long wanted. The state’s former GOP chairman and two-term attorney general lost to Haley in the 2010 GOP gubernatorial primary.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ARE YOU GOING ON VACATION? 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 Manager Customer Service Manager gail@theitem-clarendonsun.com jeff@theitem.com (803) 435-4716 (803) 774-1259

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POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES

Hallie E. Harrington, 21, of 105 Hillcrest St., was arrested on Saturday and charged with possession of marijuana; cited for driving under suspension; and issued a warning for driving left of the center line while traveling down Loring Mill Road. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, approximately 32 grams of marijuana was found in Harrington’s vehicle after she was stopped for allegedly crossing the center line twice. Harrington was transported to SumterLee Regional Detention Center.

Marquis Roach, 36, of 14 Monte Carlo Court, was arrested on Thursday and charged with second degree domestic violence for allegedly pushing the victim down, striking her in the back of the head and punching her in the face. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, the victim sustained a “severely” swollen wrist, “bloody mouth area” and pain to the back of the head. Roach was transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.

David W. Cole, 49, of 27 Constantine Drive, was arrested on Friday and charged with simple assault, third degree, for allegedly hitting the victim and throwing a cigarette lighter at him. Cole was transported to SumterLee Regional Detention Center.

STOLEN PROPERTY A black 2013 Honda motorcycle with a chrome exhaust, valued at $10,000, was reportedly stolen while it was parked in the 1000 block of East Brewington Road between about 10:30 a.m. on Friday and 10:45 a.m. on Saturday.

A white 2012 Audi A4 valued at approximately $10,000 was reported stolen after the victim, a

Sumter resident, let the suspect borrow the vehicle to make a trip to a local store.

A television, unknown brand, valued at $200; a Dynex flat-screen TV valued at $250; a DVD player, unknown brand, valued at $100; a Dell desktop, valued at $300; and an undetermined amount of medications were reportedly stolen from a residence in the 200 block of Thomas Drive between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Nov. 23. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, approximately $25 in damage was caused to one of the front window screens of the residence.

A black and silver 9mm Taurus handgun, valued at $250, was reportedly stolen from a residence in the 1900 block of West Oakland Avenue between Nov. 1 and Nov. 25.

A 5-by-10-foot black 2003 Hooper utility trailer with wooden floors, valued at $1,000, was reportedly stolen while it was parked at the side of a residence in the 2900 block of Lower Lake Drive between Nov. 16 and Nov. 26. According to an incident report from Sumter Police Department, approximately $160 in damage was caused to the victim’s mailbox when it was knocked down.

DAMAGED PROPERTY Approximately $1,000 in damage was caused to a blue 1999 Pontiac Grand Am when the vehicle was shot four times about 3:15 p.m. Sunday.

Approximately $1,000 in damage was caused to Calvary Church of the Nazarene at 4265 Nazarene Church Road between midnight and about 9 a.m. Friday.

Approximately $1,000 in damage was caused to Lakewood Baptist Church at 3140 Nazarene Church Road between midnight and about 10:30 a.m. Friday.

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Official says campus attacker was upset over treatment of Muslims COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Somali-born student who carried out a car-and-knife attack at The Ohio State University complained on his Facebook account about U.S. interference in countries with Muslim communities, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

Abdul Razak Ali Artan warned about Muslims he described as belonging to “a sleeper cell, waiting for a signal.”

He said that if the United States wanted “Muslims to stop carrying lone wolf attacks, then make peace with ‘dawla in al sham,’” a term for the Islamic State group, according to the law enforcement official, who was briefed on the investigation but wasn’t authorized to discuss it publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Artan specifically protested the killing of Muslims in Burma, where a U.N. official last week said a Muslim minority group was suffering violence tantamount to ethnic cleansing at the state’s hands.

Investigators are looking into whether the attack that injured 11 people Monday was an act of terror. Dozens of FBI agents began searching Artan’s apartment.

Artan drove a car up onto a sidewalk and plowed his car into a group of pedestrians shortly before 10 a.m. He then got out and began stabbing people with a butcher knife before he was shot to death by a campus police officer.

Most of the victims were hurt by the car, and two had been stabbed, officials said. One had a fractured skull. Four remained hospitalized Tuesday.

Artan was born in Somalia and was a legal permanent U.S. resident, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the case and spoke on condition of anonymity.

A U.S. government official said Artan came to the U.S. in 2014 as the child of a refugee.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Crime scene investigators collect evidence from the pavement as police respond to an attack Monday on campus at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

He had been living in Pakistan from 2007 to 2014. It is not uncommon for refugees to go to a third-party country before being permanently resettled.

Classes at the 60,000-student university were canceled after the attack but resumed Tuesday. The school planned a vigil for Tuesday night.

Students said they were nervous about returning and planned to take precautions, such as not walking alone.

“It’s kind of nerve-wracking going back to class right after it,” said Kaitlin Conner, 18, of Cleveland, who said she had a midterm exam to take.

Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said the act bore the hallmarks of an attack carried out by someone who may have been self-radicalized.

In recent months, federal law enforcement officials have raised concerns about online extremist propaganda that encourages car-and-knife attacks, which are easier to pull off than bombings. The Islamic State group has urged sympathizers online to carry out lone-wolf attacks in their home countries with whatever weapons are available.

Artan was not known to the FBI before Monday’s attack,

according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Neighbors said he was always polite and attended daily prayer services at a west side mosque. Leaders of Muslim organizations and mosques in the Columbus area condemned the attacks while cautioning people against jumping to conclusions or blaming a religion or an ethnic group.

Surveillance photos showed Artan in the car by himself just before the attack, but investigators are looking into whether anyone else was involved, police said.

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Weed experiment could be derailed by Trump DENVER (AP) — Weed is winning in the polls, with a solid majority of Americans saying marijuana should be legal. But does that mean the federal government will let dozens of state pot experiments play out? Not by a long shot.

The government still has many means to slow or stop the marijuana train. And President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions to be the next attorney general has raised fears that the new administration could crack down on weed-tolerant states 20 years after California became the first to legalize medical marijuana.

“We need grown-ups in charge in Washington to say marijuana is not the kind of thing that ought to be legalized. It ought not to be minimized, that it’s in fact a very real danger,” Sessions said during an April Senate hearing.

The Controlled Substances Act bans pot even for medical purposes. A closer look at some of the government’s options for enforcing it:

TAKE ‘EM TO COURT The government rarely invokes its authority to sue states, but it’s the quickest path to compliance. The Justice Department could file lawsuits on the grounds that state laws regulating pot are unconstitutional because they are pre-empted by federal law.

Something similar happened in 2010, when the Justice Department successfully sued Arizona to block an immigration law that conflicted with federal immigration law.

Federal courts can also compel action, not just block it, as in Kentucky last year, when a county clerk was ordered to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples after a landmark Supreme Court ruling.

Twenty-eight states and Washington, D.C., allow marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. The govern-

grow haltingly. Voters may generally support pot legalization, but few have sympathy for a pot entrepreneur unable to become a multimillionaire because of banking obstacles.

STRICTER REGULATIONS

AP FILE PHOTO

Farmworkers remove stems and leaves on Oct. 4 from newly harvested marijuana plants at Los Suenos Farms in Avondale, Colorado. The government still has many means to slow or stop the marijuana train. ment has yet to sue any of them.

RAID POT BUSINESSES The government could avoid court entirely if it doesn’t mind a more expensive option: law-enforcement raids.

The Drug Enforcement Administration retains the legal ability to shut down anyone selling or growing pot, but there has been no coordinated federal attempt to close pot producers in multiple states. The agency has said repeatedly that it does not have the resources to pursue ordinary pot users.

Any change in that approach would likely require more money from Congress, which just saw many of its constituents vote in favor of legalization.

And a federal agency probably will not spend limited resources busting people growing pot for personal use, said John McKay, a former U.S. attorney in Washington state.

“Who is going to stop people from smoking pot in a residence in Denver?

Federal agents?” he said. “They are going to stop doing terrorism investi-

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gations and start arresting people for pot? That, to me, is crazy.”

Still, a series of raids could upend the marijuana landscape and chill investment in the fledgling industry.

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FINANCIAL HURDLES It’s the biggest complaint in the weed business: taxes. Businesses selling marijuana cannot use tax breaks or incentives offered to other small businesses, and some of them say they pay 80 percent or more of every dollar on taxes and fees. They have limited access to banking because many financial institutions are leery of the paperwork they are required to file on clients working with marijuana.

Colorado officials tried last year to ease the banking burden by setting up a special credit union to safely handle pot-shops money, only to see the Federal Reserve Bank and federal courts block the effort.

As long as Congress and the new administration leave those hurdles in place, the marijuana business will

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Government officials who are skeptical of marijuana but also leery of going against public opinion can use regulation and red tape to slow commercial pot.

Legalization opponents frequently decry the strength of today’s marijuana, an argument that provides political cover for pot skeptics who once used the drug themselves and gives legalization opponents a backdoor route to blocking weed.

In Colorado, for example, marijuana skeptics nearly succeeded earlier this year in getting state lawmakers to cap commercial pot potency. The proposal would have banned some 80 percent of the pot products on shelves.

Delays can be just as damaging.

Even in Colorado, the first state out of the gate with recreational stores, businesses complain of long waits to get permits or licenses. A few shops were hobbled in 2015 when Denver health authorities raised alarms about pesticides and banned the sale of thousands of plants. In Alaska, voters legalized pot in 2014, but shops are only just now opening. Washington state spent more than a year mulling rules for the pot business.

••• The marijuana industry has grown under three presidents, each opposed to legalized weed.

Marijuana activists say the pot experiment is too far along for anyone to stop, but the industry is anxious.

When Sessions was announced as the attorney general nominee, the pro-legalization group Drug Policy Alliance didn’t mince words.

“This,” the group announced in an urgent email to supporters, “was our worst nightmare.”

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THE SUMTER ITEM

FLOOD FROM PAGE A1 McFadden was one of dozens of people applying for aid Monday at the South Carolina Disaster Recovery Office intake center in Sumter, 725 Broad St. The center assists residents in applying and processing applications for aid for homeowners who lost or sustained damage to their homes during the flood. The office will also serve residents from Clarendon, Lee and other surrounding counties.

The intake center will help cover costs for qualified homeowners, even if they’ve already received alternative assistance, such as homeowner’s insurance, assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency or local charities, said Beth Parks, spokeswoman for the South Carolina Disaster Recovery Office. Any previous funds for home repair already received will be subtracted from the total, she said.

To be eligible for benefits, a resident must own the home, have occupied the home at the time of the storm and have damage that has not been repaired as a result of the flood, according to a news release from the recovery office.

McFadden said her mobile home had insurance, but the insurance company only covered a portion of her damage.

She also applied for aid through FEMA, but her request was denied twice, she said.

McFadden said the only thing she’s been able to do is to hire someone to apply tar and shingles in parts of the roof. That process, however, has not stopped the water from continuing to creep in.

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“When it rains real hard, the roof continues to leak and sometimes I could see pieces of stucco coming from the ceiling,� she said.

Residents who apply through the disaster recovery office may be eligible for housing repair and reconstruction assistance. The organization provides housing repairs to meet construction standards, but upgrades will not be possible, Parks said. In some cases, the organization will also provide residents with safe, sanitary and secure homes, she said.

Homeowners served by the program are required to accept a three-year forgivable lien. The liens help ensure people stay in their homes for three years, Parks said. Homeowners are not required to pay the organization any money, she said.

South Carolina received funding for the intake centers and housing recovery from a grant administered through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The $96 million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery was directed to 22 of 24 presidential-disaster declared counties as a result of the October 2015 storm.

The organization intends to repair or replace about 1,500 homes in 22 counties affected by the October 2015 flood, Parks said.

Repair or replacement of homes for the most “at risk citizens� who do not have the resources to repair or rebuild their homes will be the priority, she said.

This includes low- to moderate-income homeowners, meaning residents who fall within less than 30 percent of the average median income for those counties, she said.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

Parks said the highest priority will be given to households with documented damage, homeowners who are 65 years old or older, individuals with documented disabilities or households with children 5 years old or younger.

Residents applying for assistance should collect the necessary documents before visiting the intake center.

The documents include a state-issued identification, proof of income, proof of disability and proof of insurance. A list of accepted documents is listed on the organization’s website, www.scstormrecovery.com.

The organization also has $1 million set aside to help rental property landlords repair their properties, according to the organization’s news release. The program is limited to a maximum of two properties per landlord and funds as much as $25,000 per property. After the repairs, the properties will have a five-year lien. The landlord must rent the properties to persons with low to moderate income in a HUD program, the news release states.

Applications for the programs will be accepted from Nov. 1 through April 30 at the intake center in Sumter at 725 Broad St. or in Kingstree at 318 E. Main St. The offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays.

The organization will also run mobile intake centers in counties throughout the region. The mobile offices will change locations each day.

Each mobile office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the full mobile intake center schedule, residents may visit www.scstormrecovery.com or call 1 (844) 330-1199.

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BURNS FROM PAGE A1 read out all their awards that they had received.�

Recently, the computer lab at New Bethel was dedicated in his honor as The Ferdinand Burns Jr. Learning and Enrichment Center.

Lula Burns requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the church’s education ministry. “He was a giant of a man when it came to leading others,� Hastie said. “He was all about using your education, using your knowledge for the betterment of yourself and the community.�

Allen Bailey, chairman of Sumter County Democratic Party, added similar sentiments. Burns served as longtime first vice chairman of the party. “Ferdinand was a dear, dear friend of mine,� Bailey said. “He was a fierce advocate for public education but also a gentle giant in the way he carried and conducted himself.

Sumter has certainly taken a hit with his passing.�

Burns’ funeral will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church on U.S. 15 South. He was 71 years old. — Bruce Mills

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LOCAL

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

CITY FROM PAGE A1 leaders, and reflected the tone of a City Council that rarely sees much disagreement.

Before re-adjourning downstairs for the swearing in ceremonies of two re-elected councilors along with Corley and the mayor, the Council’s thoughts turned more somber as they reflected on the death of former Sumter NAACP President Ferdinand Burns.

Council members recalled Burns’ many years as an “outstanding educator, administrator” and as a father who raised outstanding children.

“He was a great supporter of Sumter City, Sumter County and Sumter period,” McElveen said.

The Council re-adjourned downstairs in the main the-

ater for the swearing in ceremonies, with Circuit Court Judge George James administering the oaths.

Ione Dwyer was first to take the oath of office, followed by Corley, David Merchant and Mayor McElveen.

Afterwards, they each spoke briefly.

“Each moment has been a learning experience,” Dwyer said. “I feel we have accomplished a lot.”

She said she tries to do her best for Sumter.

Corley, in his first speech as an elected official, said he was advised to walk the streets and go door-to-door to represent his ward.

“I was able to meet a rich variety of people,” he said. “I intend to work hard to make Sumter better and improve the quality of life for all its people.”

Merchant said it was an

honor to be entrusted with a second term.

He told Corley it takes a while to learn how the city government works.

“It’s for a bigger purpose,” he said. “For those coming after us.”

He said the City has been growing and has seen a lot of success.

“We must continue the momentum,” he said.

McElveen noted he has been in public office for 32 years.

THE SUMTER ITEM “Being mayor of Sumter is the greatest honor of my life,” he said.

“You cannot do it without family,” he said.

McElveen said he rarely gets upset, but he doesn’t like it when people tell him the City has “done nothing.”

“You can tell me we have much more to do,” he said.

He said Sumter has enjoyed good leadership for many years and credited City employees and City Manager

Deron McCormick for their hard work.

“Many employees have five job titles,” he said. “They aren’t just job titles they are responsibilities. That is how we get so much done.”

McElveen said he wants to see Sumter continue to improve and asked residents to care enough to be involved.

“We have done some good things, but we are never going to sit on our laurels,” he said.

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Olivia Nelson, 8, left, and Kendall Nelson, 5, put their hands on the Bible with grandmother Ione J. Dwyer on Tuesday night as she was sworn in for her third term of office representing Sumter City Council Ward 2. As part of the installation ceremony, council representatives were allowed to have representatives join them in the ceremony.

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Defense rests in ex-officer’s trial CHARLESTON (AP) — Former North Charleston patrolman Michael Slager choked back tears Tuesday, testifying in his own defense that he felt “total fear” when the black motorist he was chasing from a traffic stop got control of his Taser and pointed it at him.

Slager, 35, faces 30 years to life if convicted of murder in the shooting death of 50-year-old Walter Scott, who managed to break away and run dozens of feet from the officer and his stun gun before falling to the ground with five bullets in his back. The defense rested its case late Tuesday, and closing arguments are planned for today.

The April 4, 2015, shooting stunned the nation after a bystander captured the scene on a cellphone video, images that have been played multiple times in the courtroom during Slager’s trial.

“My family has been destroyed by it. The Scott family has been destroyed by it. It’s horrible,” he said.

Slager, who is white, testified in a subdued voice that he had pulled Scott over for a broken taillight and was preparing to write him a warning ticket when Scott bolted from his car, ran down a road and into a vacant lot.

“In my mind at that time was, people don’t run for a broken taillight. There’s always another reason,” he testified. “I don’t know why he ran. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Slager described yelling “stop” and “Taser!

Taser! Taser!” as he caught up to Scott.

He said he shot his Taser three times, firing both sets of electric darts before using the emptied weapon near Scott’s skin in a so-called “dry stun.”

Slager said Scott fell to the ground after he fired the second time, and he tried to subdue him, pushing him down with an elbow while holding the Taser in one hand and reaching for his radio to call for backup with the other. That was when Scott grabbed the stun gun, he said.

“He rips it out of my hand,” Slager said, demonstrating the position he said he was in.

“I knew I was in trouble,” Slager testified, adding that Scott “was extending his right arm, leaning forward and coming at me.”

“I was scared” and in “total fear that Mr. Scott didn’t stop” resisting arrest, Slager said.

The video begins at roughly this point, showing Scott breaking away from what Slager said was their confrontation over the Taser.

“At that point I pulled my firearm and pulled the trigger,” he said. “I fired until the

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

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Church shooting defendant steps up participation in case THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager reacts to a question during his testimony in his murder trial Tuesday in Charleston. threat was stopped, as I was trained to do.”

Once the mortally wounded Scott fell to the ground, Slager walked up and handcuffed his body.

“I didn’t know if I hit him. I didn’t know if he tripped or fell,” Slager said, adding “you always handcuff a suspect — always.”

The bystander continued to record the immediate aftermath. The video shows Slager walking back to the spot where they struggled, picking up the Taser, and then returning to drop the stun gun near Scott’s body. Asked by his defense lawyer to explain that, Slager said officers are trained to account for their weapons.

“I must have dropped it by Mr. Scott’s body. I don’t remember doing that,” he said.

And when asked if he was trying to plant evidence, Slager said no.

“A lot of this is fuzzy in my mind,” Slager testified at one point.

During cross-examination, prosecutor Bruce DuRant again showed the video and asked Slager if the Taser wasn’t on the ground just before the shots were fired.

“At the time on April 4, I would say no.

But after watching the video, I would say yes,” Slager testified. “At the time of the shooting, I didn’t know the Taser was behind me.”

The prosecution has suggested that Scott may have run from the traffic stop because he was afraid of going to jail for being behind on child support.

“Is a warrant a reason to run?” DuRant asked.

“You could say that,” Slager replied.

Asked by defense attorney Andy Savage if he would do again what did in April 2015, Slager replied “that’s a hard question to answer.”

“I had to make a split-second decision” when Scott grabbed the Taser, Slager said.

But knowing what he knows now, he said he would not have chased Scott on foot in the first place: “Absolutely not. I would have called for backup,” he said.

The final witnesses for the defense were four of Slager’s former colleagues at the North Charleston Police Department. They testified that Slager is an honest man and a good officer before he was fired.

CHARLESTON (AP) — The white man prosecutors accuse of gunning down nine black parishioners in a bid to start a race war showed no signs of a racial agenda Tuesday, taking a calm, businesslike approach to selecting a jury that would ultimately decide whether he’s put to death.

A judge ruled this week that Dylann Roof could begin representing himself in his federal trial on dozens of charges — including hate crimes and obstruction of religion — for the June 2015 mass shooting at a South Carolina church.

Against his attorneys’ advice, ROOF Roof sought and won the judge’s approval Monday to act as his own attorney. The defendant gave no reason except the constitutional provision governing defendants’ right to a speedy trial.

With his defense attorneys demoted to advisers, Roof eased into the role Tuesday of making arguments before the judge as jury selection got underway.

Police say Roof sat through nearly an hour of prayer and Bible study at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church before pulling a gun and firing dozens of shots. According to police, he shouted racial insults and left three people unharmed so they could tell the world the shootings were because he hated black people.

None of that demeanor was present in court Tuesday.

Roof sat in the lead chair at the defense table, wearing a striped jail uniform but no handcuffs or shackles. He made no outbursts or personal statements, and stuck to the matter at hand: selecting a fair and impartial jury to con-

sider his trial, expected to get underway later this year.

Much of the time, he traded notes back and forth with David Bruck, a noted capital defender who was his primary attorney until Monday.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch has said the government is seeking death because of “the nature of the alleged crime and the resulting harm.” Government prosecutors allege Roof talked of starting a race war and posed with the Confederate battle flag before the killings.

At Tuesday’s hearing, Roof participated more than the previous day, sometimes conferring with Bruck and other lawyers but also consistently standing to address the judge.

At one point, he suggested the judge explain to prospective jurors that the trial will have two phases, guilt and penalty, an idea with which the judge agreed.

So far, more than two-dozen potential jurors have been qualified. Once that number reaches 70, Roof and prosecutors can begin whittling the pool down to a jury of 12 members, plus six alternates.

The process began three weeks ago but was halted after Roof’s legal team questioned his ability to understand the case against him.

After a two-day hearing, Gergel last week ruled Roof could stand trial.

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U.S. investigating leak related to Petraeus case WASHINGTON (AP) — The Defense Department is conducting a new leaks investigation related to the sex scandal that led to the resignation of former CIA Director David Petraeus, The Associated Press confirmed Monday, the same day Petraeus was meeting with President-elect Donald Trump in New York.

Petraeus, who could be in line for a Cabinet nomination, arrived at Trump Tower in early afternoon and met with Trump for about one hour.

Trump afterward tweeted that he “was very impressed.”

Petraeus said Trump “basically walked us around the world, showed a great grasp of a variety of the challenges that are out there and some of

the opportunities as well.

Very good conversation and we’ll see where it goes from here. We’ll see where it goes from here.”

A U.S. official told the AP that investigators were trying to determine who leaked personal information about Paula Broadwell, the woman whose affair with Petraeus led to criminal charges against him and his resignation.

The information concerned the status of her security clearance, said the official, who was not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.

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violation of federal criminal law.

The latest twist in the case could complicate Petraeus’ prospects of obtaining a Cabinet position in the Trump administration, resurfacing details of the extramarital affair and FBI investigation that ended his PETRAEUS career at the CIA and tarnished the reputation of the retired four-star general.

He pleaded guilty last year to one misdemeanor charge of mishandling classified information relating to documents he had provided to Broadwell, his biographer.

He was spared prison time under a plea agreement with the Justice Department. The Army in late 2012 suspended the security clearance of Broadwell, a former Army intelligence officer.

Such a move is routine when a person is under investigation, particularly in a case of a possible security breach.

The investigation began after a Petraeus friend, Jill Kelley, complained to the FBI in 2012 about harassing emails from an unknown person who turned out to be Broadwell.

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly lambasted Hillary Clinton, who had come under federal investiga-

tion for her use of a private email server as secretary of state. He suggested her actions were worse than those

by Petraeus.

FBI Director James Comey has drawn a distinction between the two cases, saying there was no evidence that Clinton or her aides had intended to break the law through careless handling of sensitive information.

Federal prosecutors said Petraeus knew black binders he shared with Broadwell contained classified information, but he nonetheless provided them.

Broadwell did not immediately return a phone message or email seeking comment Monday.

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, 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

Let’s fight tyranny

F

or more than a halfcentury, it has become abundantly clear that our nation faces increasing irreconcilable differences. At the root is the fact that there is one group of Americans who mostly want to be left alone and live according to the rule of law and the dictates of the U.S. Constitution while another group of Walter Americans Williams wants to control the lives of others and ignore both the rule of law and constitutional restraints on the federal government.

Should those Americans who favor the rule of law and constitutional government fight against or yield to those Americans who have contempt for the rule of law and constitutional government? Let’s look at a few of those irreconcilable differences.

Some Americans prefer to manage their own health care needs. Others wish to have the federal government dictate their health care.

Some Americans want their earnings to be taxed only for the constitutionally mandated functions of the federal government, which are outlined in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. Others think American earnings should be taxed for anything on which Congress can muster a majority vote. Though there is no constitutional authority for federal involvement in public education, some Americans want the federal government involved. The list of irreconcilable differences among the American people is nearly without end. These differences survive because of the timidity of those offended and the brute power of the federal government.

I think reconciliation is impossible; therefore, separation is the only long-term peaceful solution. Separation and independence do not require that liberty-loving Americans overthrow the federal government any more than they required Gen. George Washington to overthrow the British government in order to secede or required his successor secessionist, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, to overthrow the U.S. federal government.

You say, “All those government acts that you say violate the rule of law and the Constitution have been ruled constitutional by the courts!” That’s true. The courts have twisted the Constitution, but Thomas Jeffer-

son warned, “To consider the judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions (is) a very dangerous doctrine indeed and one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy.”

State governors and legislators ought to summon up the courage our Founding Fathers had in their response to the fifth Congress’ Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798. Written by Jefferson and James Madison, the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798 and 1799 stated that those states’ legislatures considered the Alien and Sedition Acts unconstitutional. They said, “Resolved, That the several States composing, the United States of America, are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government … and … whensoever the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void, and of no force.” The 10th Amendment to our Constitution holds, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

The federal government should not be permitted to determine the scope of its own powers. Alexander Hamilton, in Federalist No. 28, said, “The State governments will, in all possible contingencies, afford complete security against invasions of the public liberty by the national authority.” One response to federal encroachment is for state governments to declare federal laws that have no constitutional authority null and void and refuse to obey them. In other words, they should nullify federal laws that violate the Constitution.

In good conscience, liberals could not object to nullification. There are hundreds of so-called sanctuary cities in the U.S. — liberal places that have chosen to nullify federal immigration laws and harbor immigrants who are here illegally.

Former slave Frederick Douglass advised: “Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them. … The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”

We Americans appear to have very limited endurance in the face of tyrannical oppression.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2016 creators.com

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES EDITORIALS represent the views of the owners of this newspaper.

COLUMNS AND COMMENTARY are the personal opinion of the writer whose byline appears. Columns from readers should be typed, double-spaced and no more than 850 words. Send them to The Sumter Item, Opinion Pages, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, or email to hubert@theitem.com or graham@theitem.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are written by readers of the newspaper. They should be no more than 350 words and sent via e-mail to letters@theitem.com, dropped off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St. or mailed to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, along with the full name of the writer, plus an 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.

COMMENTARY

Can Democrats quit identity politics?

Are the Left’s identity politics costing it the electorate?

F

or the Democrats, no activity is immune from reflexive accusations of sexism and racism, not even soul-searching.

The initial postelection debate on the left has brought some tentative breaks with the party’s oppressive and self-limiting identity politics. And they have been met, predictably, with a furious counterattack wielding all of the usual rhetorical weapons of identity politics — lest fresh air penetrate the intellectual and political hothouse where transgender bathroom issues loom incredibly large and it is forbidden to say “all lives matter.”

Rep. Tim Ryan, an Ohio Democrat, is mounting a challenge against House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and argues that Democrats are hurt by a paintby-numbers view of politics. “We try to slice the electorate up,” Ryan said on Meet the Press over the weekend. “And we try to say, ‘You’re black, you’re brown, you’re gay, you’re straight, you’re a woman, you’re a man.’”

Ryan might have pointed to a critique of his own leadership bid by a writer at the website ThinkProgress, who opined that his run against Pelosi “is how sexism works.” How so? Ryan is a male; Pelosi is a woman. Q.E.D. Outside of its political effects, this style of argument is childish and intellectually deadening, yet is too ingrained and widespread on the left to be extricated easily.

A recent essay in the New York Times elegantly diagnosed the problem and inadvertently illus-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR PTSD MAY PLAY ROLE IN SOME POLICE SHOOTINGS Has it ever occurred to anyone that police officers as well as military personnel, firemen, ambulance drivers or anyone that deals with stressful jobs or situations, could be suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? The first responders to a situation are most likely to have to deal firsthand with whatever the case may be. I’m sure it could be very traumatic or dramatizing to get caught up in something that you’re not sure of how to handle.

In some cases, they may not have had the proper training.

I don’t agree at all with the way some police officers handle certain issues. However, they are only human, and like any job applicant, there should be extensive background checks just to see if they’ve had any issues with PTSD in the past.

Perhaps that’s what’s happening to all of these officers shooting people on the spot, black and white young men and women. How are these officers to react when they are face to face with a stranger in an unsuspecting situation if they’re not

trated it.

Mark Lilla, a professor at Columbia and highly respected intellectual historian, Rich wrote that Lowry “American liberalism has slipped into a kind of moral panic about racial, gender, and sexual identity that has distorted liberalism’s message and prevented it from becoming a unifying force capable of governing.”

His piece itself occasioned a moral panic, focused overwhelmingly on how Lilla is, in fact, himself a white male. His op-ed was denounced from the left as “the whitest thing I’ve ever read,” and part of an “unconscionable” assault on “the very people who just put the most energy into defeating Trumpism, coming from those who will be made least vulnerable by Trump’s ascension.”

Most reprehensibly and sophomorically, a Columbia colleague, Katherine Franke, accused Lilla of promoting a “liberalism of white supremacy” (and, for good measure, of “mansplaining”). One wonders if Franke has any conception of words and arguments as a means to persuade rather than to excoriate and shut down debate, or any inkling of her own self-satisfied intolerance.

Bernie Sanders has entered this debate over identity politics, and, incredibly enough, as a voice of reason. He is cautiously on the side of less emphasis on race and gender. “It’s not good enough,” Sanders

said the other day, “for someone to say: ‘I’m a woman! Vote for me!’”

(Whom possibly could he have been thinking of ?)

The Vermont socialist argues, not surprisingly, that his style of populist economics is the real key to appealing to working-class voters.

The Sanders approach will have a lot of allure for Democrats, since it promises renewed political success on the basis of Hillary Clinton’s policy agenda, only more so. There’s nothing more comforting to any political party than the idea that the true religion is also a reliable vote-getter.

What Democrats won’t want to grapple with is that their problem with Middle America goes deeper than an insufficiently socialistic economic agenda, and deeper than their hard-to-control instinct to call people who disagree with them names. To have broader appeal, Democrats will actually have to meet working-class voters partway on a few cultural issues, whether it is abortion or guns or immigration, even if their concessions are symbolical or rhetorical.

This is what Bill Clinton did in the 1990s when he made inroads into what would come to be known as Red America. This will be a truly painful step, and surely anyone advocating it will be accused of every -ism and -phobia in the book.

properly trained for it? If they think their lives are in danger, their only thought is to shoot first and ask questions later.

I don’t know what is going on with the officers, but whatever it is, I hope it will all change in the near future. I only know it’s time to put more time and effort into hiring them. It is time for us to take better care of our police officers. A little psychological examination, as well as counseling, should be put into the interview. It wouldn’t hurt to ask a few detailed questions pertaining to stressful situations such as military background.

Most police officers have

families; there could be something traumatic going on in their families, or too many work hours can also cause stress. It could very well be any number of reasons for such spontaneous gunfire by police officers around the world that is not being seen on the surface. It is time to retrain our police officers to ask questions first and shoot only if it’s absolutely necessary.

Enough is enough. It is time for officers to take another approach to solving dramatic situations. It’s not just black lives that matter. All lives matter, black, white and police officers.

JOAN J. DAVIS Sumter

Rich Lowry is the editor of National Review. He can be reached via e-mail: comments.lowry@nationalreview.com. © 2016 King Features Syndicate

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

AROUND TOWN on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Golden Hospice Care of Tri-County is Corral. collecting gifts for its annual Evergreen and Hillside Luminary Service to Santa Shoppe, which benefits The Evening Optimist Club’s anbe held residents of local nursing fanual Sumter Christmas Parade cilities. The Santa Shoppe is will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunset up in local facilities so day, Dec. 4, on Main Street. residents can shop for gifts The parade will begin at the for family, friends, nursing facorner of North Main and Ducility staff or themselves. bose streets and proceed Drop off gift donations from 9 southward on Main to a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Bartlette. There will be colorthrough Dec. 1 at 2560 Tahoe ful floats, dance teams, Drive. Suggested items inbeauty queens, marching clude: soaps, lotions, socks, bands and more. Spectators hats, gloves, books, toys, should plan to arrive early as vases, blankets, handmade all streets that intersect with crafts, jewelry and more.

Main between Dubose and Monetary donations, gift Bartlette will be closed at wrap, boxes and bows are 1:45 p.m. also appreciated.

The Sumter Branch NAACP will The Evergreen and Hillside Anhold its annual membership nual Luminary Service will be meeting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, at Mulberry Baptist Dec. 1, at the mausoleum Church, 1400 Mulberry chapel.

Church Road. The national board of directors election The 7th Annual Town of Pinewill be conducted. wood Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3. The “Chemo with Style” Support parade will begin at 10 a.m.

Group will hold its first meetat Manchester Elementary ing from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on School and proceed down Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at HosMain Street, Pinewood. Parpice Care of Tri-County, 2560 ticipants and vendors are Tahoe Drive, and will continwelcome. Call (803) 452-5878. ue to meet every other third The Campbell Soup friends lunch Tuesday of every other month thereafter. group will meet at 11:30 a.m.

4663.

Palmetto Health Tuomey Hospice is in need of volunteers. A Sumter County AARP Foundahospice volunteer application Tax-Aide is in need of voluntion can be found online at teers for the upcoming tax seawww.palmettohealth.org/givson. No tax preparation expeing/volunteer-programs/ rience needed. Volunteers homecare-and-hospice volonly need to have minimum unteers . Hospice volunteers computer experience and the are an integral part of the desire to help local taxpayPalmetto Health Tuomey Volunteer opportunitiesers. available Volunteer at www.aarpHospice team. Medicare refoundation.org/taxaide. Call quires 5 percent of the total Ms. King at (803) 316-0772. patient care hours of all paid Make-A-Wish South Carolina is hospice employees be proseeking volunteers to help vided by volunteers. Volunmake wishes come true for teers are needed for both dichildren across the state. Birect patient care and adminlingual volunteers are espeistrative duties. If you can cially needed. Interest webiprovide support, respite, nars are offered at 6:30 p.m. companionship, friendship, on the second Wednesday of acts of kindness, file, answer each month. Preregistration the phone, do data entry, or is required. Contact Brennan mailings to families, please Brown at bbrown@sc.wish. consider caring for a patient org or (864) 250-0702 extenby giving your time, talents, sion 112 to register or begin or gifts of kindness. Call the the application process.

Rev. B.J. Drayton at (803) 773-

PUBLIC AGENDA

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS BOARD MEETING Monday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m., Sumter Sheriff’s Office conference room SUMTER CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m., Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Express your EUGENIA LAST thoughts and put some muscle behind your plans. You can get ahead if you focus on using your skills to your benefit instead of helping someone else advance.

Conversations can reveal valuable information that will encourage a wise choice.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Watch how others react and prepare to counter any situation that shows instability. Don’t give in to anyone who tries to push you into something you cannot afford.

Someone will offer false information about a deal you consider.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): It’s up to you to bring about change if you don’t like the direction things are heading in your life. Don’t wait for someone else to make the first move. Take control and don’t look back. Good fortune and opportunity are within your reach.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep moving forward regardless of what others decide to do. As long as you keep your plans simple and affordable, you will enjoy the outcome. A partnership will undergo difficulties if you cannot agree. Be willing to do the legwork.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Travel to a destination that has something exciting or exotic to offer.

Participate in a seminar or experience that will challenge you to use your talents in new and interesting ways. Important partnerships will develop.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change at home may be useful if it keeps a dispute from developing.

Getting to the bottom of things will take time and must be done properly if you are to come out on top. Offer incentives.

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2016

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Windy, warm

An evening thunderstorm

Mostly sunny and cooler

Mostly sunny

Sunshine and some clouds

Some rain and a thunderstorm

82°

51°

68° / 38°

61° / 34°

59° / 41°

55° / 42°

Chance of rain: 20%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 55%

SSW 12-25 mph

W 7-14 mph

W 7-14 mph

NNW 4-8 mph

NE 4-8 mph

ENE 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 73/43 Spartanburg 72/45

Greenville 72/44

Columbia 81/48

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

Sumter 82/51

IN THE MOUNTAINS Aiken 77/47

ON THE COAST

BISHOPVILLE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m., Colclough Building

LOCAL ALMANAC

Charleston 81/56

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 70/43/t 45/35/pc 62/39/s 56/37/c 70/40/s 69/49/s 68/46/t 60/54/r 86/65/pc 67/53/r 63/40/s 58/47/pc 71/50/r

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

353.90 73.61 73.59 98.20

24-hr chg -0.03 -0.05 -0.08 -0.30

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

trace 0.18" 2.81" 44.73" 57.36" 43.63"

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

78° 62° 62° 37° 82° in 1990 22° in 1950

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest.

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

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 59/38/s 44/31/c 66/46/s 46/35/c 67/46/s 67/48/s 64/47/s 58/41/pc 84/61/c 57/39/pc 63/43/s 59/47/s 60/39/s

Myrtle Beach 76/59

Manning 81/55

Today: Showers and a heavier thunderstorm in the afternoon.

Thursday: Pleasant with plenty of sun.

Winds west-southwest 6-12 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 82/56

Bishopville 80/52

Today: Mainly cloudy; a passing shower in central parts. High 74 to 80.

Thursday: Times of clouds and sun. High 65 to 69.

FYI

SANTEE-LYNCHES REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Monday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m., SanteeLynches Board Room, 36 W. Liberty St.

DAILY PLANNER

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 5.68 -0.08 19 2.61 +0.01 14 3.97 -0.01 14 1.69 -0.02 80 74.39 +0.13 24 4.44 -1.72

Sunrise 7:08 a.m.

Moonrise 7:52 a.m.

Sunset Moonset

5:13 p.m.

6:28 p.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Dec. 7

Dec. 13

Dec. 20

Dec. 29

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Thu.

High 9:26 a.m.

9:30 p.m.

10:01 a.m.

10:05 p.m.

Ht. 3.3 2.8 3.3 2.8

Low 3:36 a.m.

4:19 p.m.

4:11 a.m.

4:57 p.m.

Ht. 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 66/33/r 74/39/t 83/46/t 80/56/pc 72/59/t 81/56/pc 75/43/t 72/46/t 81/48/c 80/53/c 75/57/c 78/57/sh 80/57/c

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 55/29/s 62/34/s 69/32/s 69/41/pc 64/46/pc 70/40/pc 63/33/s 63/37/s 68/35/s 68/36/s 63/36/pc 68/38/pc 67/39/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 82/56/c Gainesville 84/65/c Gastonia 77/47/t Goldsboro 80/59/pc Goose Creek 80/58/c Greensboro 75/45/t Greenville 72/44/t Hickory 70/42/t Hilton Head 76/59/pc Jacksonville, FL 84/61/pc La Grange 72/42/t Macon 78/41/t Marietta 70/38/r

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 68/38/pc 71/46/c 65/34/s 68/39/pc 69/37/pc 62/35/s 62/34/s 60/34/s 69/41/pc 68/43/c 61/35/s 65/33/s 57/34/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 67/39/t Mt. Pleasant 77/58/c Myrtle Beach 76/59/c Orangeburg 80/53/c Port Royal 78/59/pc Raleigh 79/53/t Rock Hill 76/46/t Rockingham 78/51/t Savannah 83/56/pc Spartanburg 72/45/t Summerville 81/57/c Wilmington 76/61/c Winston-Salem 73/45/t

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 58/32/s 69/40/pc 69/44/pc 67/35/s 68/42/pc 65/36/s 64/32/s 66/34/s 68/40/c 62/34/s 69/37/pc 70/41/pc 60/34/s

Weather(W): s–sunny, pc–partly cloudy, c–cloudy, sh–showers, t–thunderstorms, r–rain, sf–snow flurries, sn–snow, i–ice TOWN OF LYNCHBURG PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m., town hall SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Thursday, Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, 141 N. Main St.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Channel your energy into activities and events that will allow you to stand out in the crowd. The response you get from someone who can change your life will give you a reason to expand your interests. Follow your dreams.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A professional change or dealing with institutions that can help you stabilize your financial future will pay off. Use your strengths to help you gain ground and convince others to see the potential in your plans. Romance is featured.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Emotions will swell and excitement will mount. Discipline and control will be required if you want to take advantage of something that appears to be too good to be true.

Step up and take action and you will succeed.

Brown s

“Where Quality Matters”

FURNITURE & BEDDING

STERNS & FOSTER

31 West Wesmark Blvd • Sumter, SC

774-2100

SUMTER ANIMAL CONTROL PET OF THE WEEK Scout, a golden retriever mix, is approximately 2 to 4 years old. He has lots of energy Scout love would love to be your and would a big fenced-in backyard so family henew can run and member play. Scout needs to be neutered and vetted so he can live a happy, healthy life. Won’t you open your heart and home to Scout? He is in kennel 20 at Sumter Animal Control, 1240 Winkles Road, (803) 436-2066. Be sure to always check with Animal Control if you have a lost pet. You can also check out the Sumter Animal Control page on Facebook to view more adoptable pets. Also, if you are more than 21 years old and would be interested in volunteering at Animal Control, call or come by.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Someone with lofty ideas will try to persuade you to be a follower.

Don’t feel intimidated by a pushy individual when you have what it takes to offer something far more substantial. Do your own thing and forge ahead.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take your time and do your best.

Negotiate on your own behalf and turn something you enjoy doing into a fruitful venture. Helping others will bring high rewards.

Someone from your past will make a difference to your future.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll lose out if you let someone take over. Do whatever you do best and get involved in the issues that concern you the most. An honest evaluation of the relationships you have with others will lead to needed changes.

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.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

PREP BASKETBALL

Lady Barons edge Hammond 34-30 Wilson Hall boys suffer 50-37 loss

BY PATRICK ENZOR Special To The Sumter Item The Wilson Hall varsity girls basketball team knew they were up against some dynamic players on the Hammond Lady Skyhawks, so they relied on what they’ve done best for years: play defense.

The Lady Barons leaned and leaned on their defense and in the end, made a daring change in philosophy to confuse the Lady Sky-

hawks to pull out a 34-30 victory at Nash Student Center on Tuesday.

The win moves the Lady Barons to 2-0.

“We started three sophomores and they grew a lot tonight,” said Lady Barons head coach Glen Rector. “We did turn the ball over, but they grew up a lot as the game went on - especially late in the game. We were doing a great job of not turning the ball over when the pressure came and that seemed to settle everything down.”

Wilson Hall’s varsity boys team fell 50-37.

Despite turning the ball

over seven times and not making their first field goal until 76 seconds were left in the first quarter, the Lady Barons trailed just 7-5 at that point.

Hammond took a 10-6 lead into half, but the Lady Barons tied it at 16 with 18 seconds left in the first half on a jumper from Mary Daniel Stokes.

“We were very fortunate at that point in time,” said Rector. “Our defense was keeping us in the game.”

One way that Wilson Hall was able to keep the Hammond duo of Trinity Johnson and Ahlea Myers in check was forcing 13

turnovers of their own.

And foul trouble.

Johnson, who finished with 11 points, picked up her fourth foul late in the third quarter and fouled out just over the midway point in the fourth. That allowed Rector to get creatively aggressive on his full court pressure.

He denied Myers, who had a game-high 14 points, the ball by double-teaming her.

Hammond, in a state of confusion, scored just six points in the final stanza while committing six turnovers.

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Wilson Hall’s Savannah Hutson (20) dribbles to the basket during the Lady Barons’ 34-30 victory on SEE BARONS, PAGE B3 Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Final push to playoffs Tigers ranked third in CFP after Alabama, Ohio State

BY RALPH D. RUSSO The Associated Press

Ohio State held firm at second in the College Football Playoff rankings, putting the Buckeyes in position to become the first team to be selected to the final four without winning its conference.

The second-to-last rankings were released Tuesday and Alabama was No. 1, followed

by Ohio State, Clemson and Washington. The Crimson Tide, Tigers and Huskies all play conference title games this weekend and presumably would be in good shape to make the playoff if they win. The final rankings and playoff pairings will be released Sunday.

Unbeaten Alabama is probably in good shape to make the playoff even if it loses to Florida in the Southeastern Conference title game Saturday Michigan dropped to five after losing to Ohio State. Wisconsin was sixth and Penn State was seventh. The Badgers and Nittany Lions will play for the Big Ten title in Indianapolis on Saturday.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson running back Wayne Gallman (9) and the Tigers are third in the CFP rankings going into Saturday’s ACC title game vs. Virginia Tech.

challenge of preparation.

“There’s not a single goal there that says go to the playoff. There’s not a goal that says win the national championship,” Swinney said. “We don’t control that. We could go undefeated and somebody could say, ‘No, we don’t like you all.’ ”

Assuming the Buckeyes are a lock, and it looks good for them, and Clemson doesn’t get upset by Virginia Tech in the ACC title game, the debate for the committee when it gathers in Texas on Saturday night to watch games and discuss the only rankings that matter will be Pac-12 or Big Ten. Can Michigan, or maybe the Big Ten champion with two losses, edge a Washington team that would finish 12-1 by beating Colorado Friday night

SEE CLEMSON, PAGE B4

SEE CFP, PAGE B4

Clemson eyes Virginia Tech in ACC title matchup

BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press CLEMSON — The way Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney sees it, the pressure is the same as it’s been all season.

No. 3 Clemson plays No. 19 Virginia Tech on Saturday night in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship

game, with the Tigers looking for their second straight league title.

A victory most likely would return the Tigers (11-1) to the playoffs, where they moved up a spot to No. 3 from last week in the latest rankings behind Alabama and Ohio State and just ahead of Washington. But the demands to play like winners, Swinney said, are al-

ways there.

“It was at stake at Auburn, it was at stake versus Troy, it was at stake at Georgia Tech,” he said. Tuesday. “It’s at stake every single week if you’re worried about all this stuff.”

He understands that beating the Hokies (9-3; No. 23 CFP) puts the Tigers in line for the national title. The greater concern is the weekly

HUSKIES VS. WOLVERINES

PREP FOOTBALL

Gamecocks’ Harvin S.C. Football Coaches Association Special Teams Player of Year

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com Sumter High School’s Pressley Harvin is considered by some to the best punter in the country. He is being recognized as the best special teams player in the state of South Carolina.

Harvin has been selected as the Special Teams Player of the Year by the South Caroli-

na Football Coaches Association from among three other players.

“It’s a big accomplishment,” HARVIN said Harvin, a senior who is verbally committed to Georgia Tech. “There are a lot of people who can’t say they’ve been honored like this and there

are so many schools in the state of South Carolina.”

Harvin averaged 42.4 yards a punt on 32 punts for the Gamecocks, who went 9-2 on the season, with a long of 72 yards. Eleven of the punts were fair catches and 14 were downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Only four went for touchbacks.

“It’s great that I was able to have such an affect on the

game,” Harvin said. “To be able to flip the field with my punting helped us to be successful.”

Harvin has been selected as the punter for South Carolina in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas on Dec. 17 at Wofford College’s Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg. Harvin will also participate in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl at EverBank Field in Jacksonville,

Fla., on Jan. 16, 2017.

The others who were up for the award were Brandon Peppers of Daniel, Austin Snow of Powdersville and DeQuan Carr of Carvers Bay. Wando’s Or’Tre Smith is the Back of the Year, Noah Hannon of Greer in the Lineman of the Year and Palmetto’s Doug Shaw is the Coach of the Year.

B2

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SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD

PRO FOOTBALL

TV, RADIO TODAY

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passed for 313 yards and two touchdowns in Monday night’s 27-13 win over the Eagles in Philadelphia to help snap the Packers’ four-game losing skid.

Rodgers shows leadership in Packers’ win over Eagles

BY ROB MAADDI The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA — Aaron Rodgers threw perfect passes, ran for key first downs and did all his talking on the field.

Nobody will question his leadership this week.

Rodgers had 313 yards passing and tossed two touchdown passes to Davante Adams to help the Green Bay Packers snap a four-game losing streak with a 27-13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.

The two-time NFL MVP openly criticized his teammates while the losses piled up, causing people to point the finger back at him for the way he handled it.

But Packers coach Mike McCarthy praised his quarterback’s approach.

“His positive attitude has been consistent through all this time,” McCarthy said.

“He’s grown as a quarterback since the start of 2008, and grown as a person all the way through. He’s an excellent leader, always has been.”

Rodgers hasn’t had a los-

ing record since his first season as the starter replacing Brett Favre. He’s led the Packers to seven straight playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title. But the team’s recent struggles and some of Rodgers’ comments made him a target for criticism.

“It’s been a rough stretch,” Rodgers said.

“We’re human, so you lose a few in a row and doubt starts to creep in whether or not you can actually finish one of those games off.

So for us to finish it off the way we did on offense the last two drives, defensively to come up with a stop, and to finish out the game with a couple of sacks was great for our confidence.”

Green Bay (5-6) wasn’t losing because of Rodgers or the offense. The defense allowed at least 30 points in each of the four previous games and 89 in the past two. Injuries on both sides of the ball didn’t help the situation.

Rodgers made sure the Packers started fast, leading them to touchdown drives on the first two possessions.

They took the crowd out of

the game early and became the first team to win in Philadelphia (5-6) this season.

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers only managed a field goal against the Eagles in Week 3. Matt Ryan and the Falcons had their lowest scoring output (15 points) here on Nov. 13.

The win kept Green Bay’s sinking playoff hopes alive but the Packers are still two games behind the Lions (7-4) in the NFC North.

“There’s a big difference between 4-7 and 5-6 for sure, but I hope there’s not a ton of relief because we still have a lot of things in front of us we’d like to accomplish,” Rodgers said. “This is a step in the right direction, a game we needed to take care of business, but we have a short week with Houston coming in and we have to have a similar performance.”

Rodgers showed off his accuracy under the primetime lights, going 30 for 39.

“When Aaron gets in a rhythm and he starts finding guys ... and making great throws, that’s the offense we’re accustomed to having,” tackle Brian Bulaga said.

GOLF

Woods: Success now is playing golf again

BY DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press NASSAU, Bahamas — This might be one time that Tiger Woods doesn’t measure success on the golf course by the score on his card.

He measured it with three words Tuesday: “I’m playing again.”

There were times during his 15 months away from golf that Woods wasn’t entirely sure that would be the case. He said that when he was at the Hero World Challenge last year, he needed help just to climb out of bed. At an outdoor party at Albany Golf Club, he would mingle for a few minutes and then sit on a stone bench.

He spent more time looking back than looking forward, saying at one point that anything else he achieved in golf would be “gravy.”

And now he can’t wait to get started on Thursday.

The 15-month break to heal following back surgeries is the longest he has been away from golf. Woods was a mixture of optimism and reality about his return. He talked about having all the shots he needs to compete against a field that includes 17 players from the top 40 and Woods, the tournament host who is at a career-low No. 898. He is playing, so he said he wants to win. The outlook is no different.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tiger Woods will make his return to golf after a 15-month absence at the Hero World Challenge in Nassau, Bahamas.

He also noted that Bubba Watson won last year at 25under par, and it probably will take something around that to win.

“I know that’s a tall order since I’ve been away from the game for so long and I’ve made a lot of different changes in my game,” he said. “Physically and also equipment, practice schedules, training, all that has evolved. The mindset of competing hasn’t. That is to go out there and try to beat these guys.”

He still is working with swing coach Chris Como, whom he brought on two years ago. Now that Nike is out of the equipment business, Woods is using a TaylorMade driver and fairway metals, a Bridgestone golf ball and his old Scotty Cameron putter that he used to win all but one of his 14 majors.

But it starts with playing.

“Put it this way: It’s a lot better situation this year than last,” Woods said. “I just couldn’t get out of bed.

I needed help. It was a tough, tough time. You asked me then, ‘Could I play?’ No. I can’t even get out of bed. How am I supposed to swing a club at 120 miles an hour? That’s just two different worlds.”

The Hero World Challenge, which he started in 1999 to benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation, is effectively a holiday tournament for golf’s elite that has no cut and pays $1 million to the winner. It feels so much bigger this year because of Woods.

Everyone is curious to see how he plays. That includes Woods.

His previous long break from golf was eight months when he had reconstructive surgery on his left knee after winning the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, the last of his 14 major titles. He won his opening match in the Match Play Championship and won two tournaments later at Bay Hill.

That was a knee. This is a back. He was 33, not a month away from turning 41. And that was long before any chaos in his personal life.

Asked what he would expect to feel Thursday at Albany Golf Club, Woods said, “I’ll let you know then, because I don’t know right now.”

1 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Butler at Texas Christian (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST).

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

6:30 p.m. – College Basketball: New Hampshire at Providence (FOX SPORTS 2).

6:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Coppin State at Georgetown (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: Temple at St. Joseph’s (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: Rutgers at Miami (ESPNU).

7 p.m. – Major League Soccer: Eastern Conference Playoffs Championship Leg 2 – Montreal at Toronto (FOX SPORTS 1).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: Washington at Texas Christian (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST).

7:15 p.m. – College Basketball: ACC/ Big Ten Challenge – Purdue at Louisville (ESPN).

7:15 p.m. – College Basketball: ACC/ Big Ten Challenge – Virginia Tech at Michigan (ESPN2).

7:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Detroit at Boston (NBA TV).

8 p.m. – Professional Golf: Australian PGA Championship First Round from Queensland, Australia (GOLF).

8 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Pittsburgh at New York Islanders (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Western Carolina at Marquette (FOX SPORTS 2).

8:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Drake at DePaul (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

9:15 p.m. – College Basketball: ACC/ Big Ten Challenge – North Carolina at Indiana (ESPN).

9:15 p.m. – College Basketball: ACC/ Big Ten Challenge – Ohio State at Virginia (ESPN2).

9:15 p.m. – College Basketball: ACC/ Big Ten Challenge – Nebraska at Clemson (ESPNU, WWBD-FM 94.7).

10 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Indiana at Portland (NBA TV).

10:30 p.m. – NHL Hockey: San Jose at Los Angeles (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

3:30 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour/Sunshine Tour Alfred Dunhill Championship First Round from Mpumalanga, South Africa (GOLF).

NFL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

AMERICAN CONFERENCE EAST

New England Miami Buffalo N.Y. Jets SOUTH

Houston Tennessee Indianapolis Jacksonville NORTH

Baltimore Pittsburgh Cincinnati Cleveland WEST

Oakland Kansas City Denver San Diego

W 9 7 6 3

L T Pct PF PA 2 0 .818 293 197 4 0 .636 249 240 5 0 .545 281 236 8 0 .273 196 266

W 6 6 5 2

L T Pct PF PA 5 0 .545 194 236 6 0 .500 308 296 6 0 .455 270 301 9 0 .182 214 293

W L T Pct PF PA 6 5 0 .545 218 201 6 5 0 .545 266 222 3 7 1 .318 213 245 0 12 0 .000 197 352 W 9 8 7 5

L T Pct PF PA 2 0 .818 307 275 3 0 .727 252 214 4 0 .636 266 219 6 0 .455 313 291

NATIONAL CONFERENCE EAST

W L T Pct PF PA Dallas 10 1 0 .909 316 213 N.Y. Giants 8 3 0 .727 231 213 Washington 6 4 1 .591 280 264 Philadelphia 5 6 0 .455 254 213 SOUTH

W L T Pct PF PA Atlanta 7 4 0 .636 358 302 Tampa Bay 6 5 0 .545 249 264 New Orleans 5 6 0 .455 334 307 Carolina 4 7 0 .364 276 281 NORTH

W L T Pct PF PA Detroit 7 4 0 .636 247 238 Minnesota 6 5 0 .545 218 192 Green Bay 5 6 0 .455 274 289 Chicago 2 9 0 .182 178 264 WEST

W L T Pct PF PA Seattle 7 3 1 .682 224 187 Arizona 4 6 1 .409 245 228 Los Angeles 4 7 0 .364 170 236 San Francisco 1 10 0 .091 228 344

THURSDAY, NOV. 24

Detroit 16, Minnesota 13 Dallas 31, Washington 26 Pittsburgh 28, Indianapolis 7

SUNDAY, NOV. 27

Atlanta 38, Arizona 19 San Diego 21, Houston 13 Baltimore 19, Cincinnati 14 Buffalo 28, Jacksonville 21 Tennessee 27, Chicago 21 New Orleans 49, Los Angeles 21 N.Y. Giants 27, Cleveland 13 Miami 31, San Francisco 24 Tampa Bay 14, Seattle 5 New England 22, N.Y. Jets 17 Oakland 35, Carolina 32 Kansas City 30, Denver 27, OT

MONDAY’S GAME

Green Bay 27, Philadelphia 13

Houston Memphis New Orleans Dallas NORTHWEST DIVISION

Oklahoma City Utah Portland Denver Minnesota PACIFIC DIVISION

Golden State L.A. Clippers L.A. Lakers Sacramento Phoenix

11 6 .647 3 11 7 .611 3½ 6 12 .333 8½ 3 13 .188 10½ W L Pct GB 11 8 .579 — 10 8 .556 ½ 9 10 .474 2 7 10 .412 3 5 12 .294 5 W L Pct GB 16 2 .889 — 14 4 .778 2 9 9 .500 7 7 11 .389 9 5 13 .278 11

MONDAY’S GAMES

Washington 101, Sacramento 95, OT Boston 112, Miami 104 Oklahoma City 112, New York 103 Toronto 122, Philadelphia 95 Charlotte 104, Memphis 85 Utah 112, Minnesota 103 Golden State 105, Atlanta 100

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Detroit at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Orlando at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Houston at Utah, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Sacramento at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Memphis at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

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

New York at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Washington at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

San Antonio at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Atlanta at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Miami at Denver, 9 p.m.

Indiana at Portland, 10 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Montreal 22 16 4 2 34 67 48 Ottawa 22 14 7 1 29 51 51 Tampa Bay 23 13 9 1 27 70 60 Boston 22 12 10 0 24 53 50 Florida 22 11 10 1 23 57 58 Toronto 21 9 8 4 22 66 69 Detroit 22 10 10 2 22 54 58 Buffalo 21 7 9 5 19 39 53 METROPOLITAN DIVISION

GP W L OT Pts GF GA N.Y. Rangers 23 15 7 1 31 85 57 Pittsburgh 22 13 6 3 29 66 65 Washington 21 13 6 2 28 57 48 Columbus 20 11 5 4 26 62 47 New Jersey 21 10 6 5 25 53 55 Philadelphia 23 10 10 3 23 74 78 Carolina 21 9 8 4 22 52 56 N.Y. Islanders 21 7 10 4 18 51 64

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 23 14 6 3 31 66 59 St. Louis 23 13 7 3 29 62 63 Minnesota 21 11 7 3 25 58 42 Dallas 23 9 8 6 24 60 76 Nashville 21 10 8 3 23 60 54 Winnipeg 24 10 12 2 22 63 70 Colorado 20 9 10 1 19 44 58 PACIFIC DIVISION

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Edmonton 23 12 9 2 26 68 59 San Jose 22 12 9 1 25 52 48 Los Angeles 22 12 9 1 25 57 54 Anaheim 22 10 8 4 24 57 54 Calgary 25 10 13 2 22 57 77 Vancouver 22 9 11 2 20 49 66 Arizona 20 8 10 2 18 50 63 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

MONDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Islanders 2, Calgary 1, OT St. Louis 4, Dallas 3, OT

TUESDAY’S GAMES

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

Tampa Bay at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Boston at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Buffalo at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Dallas at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

New Jersey at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.

Florida at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Nashville at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Toronto at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

Arizona at San Jose, 10 p.m.

Montreal at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Minnesota at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Pittsburgh at N.Y. Islanders, 8 p.m.

Toronto at Calgary, 8:30 p.m.

San Jose at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

NCAA FCS PLAYOFFS

By The Associated Press

SECOND ROUND

Saturday’s Games New Hampshire (8-4) at James Madison (10-1), 2 p.m.

Youngstown State (9-3) at Jacksonville State (10-1), 2 p.m.

Villanova (9-3) at South Dakota State (8-3), 3 p.m.

Chattanooga (9-3) at Sam Houston State (11-0), 3 p.m.

San Diego (10-1) at North Dakota State (10-1), 3:30 p.m.

Central Arkansas (10-2) at Eastern Washington (10-1), 4 p.m.

Wofford (9-3) at The Citadel (10-1), 6 p.m.

Richmond (9-3) at North Dakota (9-2), 6 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAME

NCAA DII PLAYOFFS

SUNDAY’S GAMES

By The Associated Press

Dallas at Minnesota, 8:25 p.m.

Kansas City at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Los Angeles at New England, 1 p.m.

Philadelphia at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Miami at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Denver at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Detroit at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

San Francisco at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Houston at Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Washington at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.

Tampa Bay at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m.

Carolina at Seattle, 8:30 p.m.

Open: Tennessee, Cleveland

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

By The Associated Press

MONDAY, DEC. 5

Indianapolis at N.Y. Jets, 8:30 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION

Toronto Boston New York Brooklyn Philadelphia SOUTHEAST DIVISION

Charlotte Atlanta Washington Orlando Miami CENTRAL DIVISION

Cleveland Chicago Indiana Milwaukee Detroit

QUARTERFINALS

Saturday’s Games Shepherd (12-0) at California (Pa.) (11-0), 1 p.m.

Ferris State (11-2) at Grand Valley State (12-0), 1 p.m.

Harding (13-0) at Northwest Missouri State (12-0), 2 p.m.

North Greenville (9-4) at North Alabama (9-1), 2 p.m.

W L Pct GB 11 6 .647 — 10 7 .588 1 8 9 .471 3 4 12 .250 6½ 4 14 .222 7½ W L Pct GB 10 7 .588 — 10 8 .556 ½ 6 10 .375 3½ 6 11 .353 4 5 12 .294 5 W L Pct GB 13 2 .867 — 10 6 .625 3½ 9 9 .500 5½ 7 8 .467 6 8 10 .444 6½

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION

W L Pct GB San Antonio 14 3 .824 —

MONDAY’S SCORES EAST Brown 91, Bryant 90 St. Peter’s 80, Boston U. 67 West Virginia 108, Manhattan 61 SOUTH Campbell 92, Allen 60 Charlotte 80, Appalachian St. 72 Chestnut Hill 76, Coppin St. 73 Florida St. 75, Minnesota 67 Grambling St. 102, Jarvis Christian 56 High Point 62, Morgan St. 61 Longwood 86, Dartmouth 80 La.-Monroe 77, Stephen F. Austin 72 Mississippi St. 65, Northwestern St. 59 South Florida 71, Kennesaw St. 69 Tennessee Tech 80, Hiwassee 47 The Citadel 97, Presbyterian 83 MIDWEST NC Central 62, Missouri 52 Northwestern 65, Wake Forest 58 UMKC 86, SE Missouri 75 SOUTHWEST Arkansas 89, Mount St. Mary’s 76 Tulsa 79, Oral Roberts 65 FAR WEST Butler 68, Utah 59 Hawaii 64, Ark.-Pine Bluff 44 Kentucky 115, Arizona St. 69 Montana St. 93, Arizona Christian 73 Oregon 68, Boise St. 63 Oregon St. 84, Southern Oregon 59 San Diego St. 100, Savannah St. 67

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

BARONS

FROM PAGE B1

“When Johnson fouled out, we felt like they were going to go to Myers,” said Rector. “We were going to try and create as much turmoil for her that we possibly could.

We forced them to rely on the other girls and we seemed to frustrate them as a team a little bit.”

Hammond still led 30-29 with just over a minute left, but a jumper from Courtney Clark put the Barons on top 31-30 with 1:10 left. Then Liza Segars stole the ensuing inbounds pass and was fouled - making two free throws to push the lead to 33-30.

Making the second one was crucial because it allowed the Lady Barons to setup the double-team Myers press again. And, again, Segars stole the inbounds at midcourt and sealed the game making one of two free throws.

“Johnson and Myers are such explosive players that when Johnson fouled out, we felt that double-teaming Myers and potentially leaving one girl open was our best chance at that point,” said Rector.

On the boys side, Wilson Hall battled back from a 10-point halftime deficit to cut it to 40-35 after three

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Wilson Hall’s Mary Daniel Stokes (21) looks to get a shot off while being defending by Hammond’s Micayla Turner during the Lady Barons’ 34-30 victory on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

quarters, but managed just two fourth-quarter points as head coach Eddie Talley’s team is throwing new faces on the court from past seasons. It was a baptism by fire, if

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

|

B3

you will, and Talley wasn’t bemoaning the fact that his young Barons had to play a team of Hammond’s aggressive style.

“We got a lot of new faces out there and this was the first game we’ve really played with someone really in our face and pressuring us,” said Talley. “We didn’t handle as well as I would have liked, but I’m hoping this will be a learning experience for us and we’re going to get better. We’re going to get better.

“We’ve got pretty much four new faces no matter who we put in,” he added. “Some times it’s five.”

The Barons hit seven three-pointers in the game to keep the Skyhawks from pulling away, but Talley said there was plenty to learn from on Tuesday.

“I think in the fourth quarter we tried to get the lead back... everybody tried to get the lead back themselves, but I’d rather have that than nobody wanting to take the shot,” said Talley. “There’s some positives we can take away. It’s still November. With the team we have, I’m hoping we’ll be better in February and I think we will be.”

Greyson Sonntag led the Barons with 10 points followed by Drew KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM Talley with nine.

Wilson Hall’s Andrew McCaffrey, left, looks to get Both squads will be in action around Hammond’s Trent Green during the Barons’ again today when they host Calhoun Academy.

50-37 loss on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

AREA ROUNDUP

Morant scores 30 to help lead Knights to 74-72 win over Stallions BISHOPVILLE — Ja Morant scored 30 points, Trevion Webber added 21 and Dakota Jennings finished with a double-double as the Crestwood boys basketball team kept its perfect record intact by edging Lee Central 74-72 on Tuesday at the LCHS gymnasium.

Morant also had six rebounds and three blocked shots for the Knights, who improved to 4-0 and will host C.E. Murray today.

Jennings finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots while Webber had four steals.

JV BASKETBALL

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL BATES 45 FURMAN 31 Bates defeated Furman 45-31 in the season opener for both teams on Monday at the Furman gymnasium.

Umar Lawson had 13 points to lead the Bantams followed

by Justice Singletary and Jaymar Ludd with eight each.

Justus Coone added seven points and six rebounds.

James Wright led Furman with 11 points. Keonte Lovely added seven.

BMS will host Hillcrest on Thursday.

LCHS gymnasium in Bishopville.

Tyana Saunders scored 15 points to lead the team followed by Destinee Jamison with 14 and Keonna McElveen with 10. Brittany Epps also added nine points.

Lee Central will travel to Lamar on Thursday in a game moved up a day to accommodate Lamar’s home football game on Friday. The two teams will play again on Saturday at The Castle.

THOMAS SUMTER 40 PEE DEE 22

GIRLS

MULLINS — Bree Stoddard had 20 points and 14 rebounds as Thomas Sumter Academy opened its season with a 40-22 victory over Pee Dee Academy on Tuesday at the PDA gymnasium.

Taja Hunley added eight points and eight rebounds for the Lady Generals while Logan Morris added five points and five steals.

TSA will host Hammond today at 6 p.m.

VARSITY BASKETBALL

JV BASKETBALL

HAMMOND 24

MANNING 50

WILSON HALL 12 Evan Hoffman scored five points as Wilson Hall lost for the first time this season, 24-12 to Hammond on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

The Barons, now 2-1, will host Calhoun Academy today.

Lee Central 41 Crestwood 34 BISHOPVILLE — Travis Hickson had a double-double to lead Lee Central to a 41-34 victory over Crestwood on Monday at the LCHS gymnasium.

Hickson had 11 points and 11 rebounds. De’Ablo Halley had eight points, 10 rebounds and six steals and Kentavious Reed had eight points.

EBENEZER 21

Manning Junior High School defeated Ebenezer 50-21 on Monday at the Ebenezer gymnasium.

The Monarchs are 1-0 on the season, while the Tigers fell to 0-1.

CRESTWOOD 66

WILSON HALL 30

LEE CENTRAL 27

HAMMOND 18 Wilson Hall held Hammond to four points in the first half as the JV Lady Barons improved to 3-0 with a 30-18 victory over the Lady Skyhawks on Tuesday at Nash Student

BISHOPVILLE — Crestwood had three players score in double figures as the Lady Knights rolled past Lee Central 66-27 on Tuesday at the

LOCAL PREP SCHEDULE TODAY VARSITY BASKETBALL C.E. Murray at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Scott’s Branch at East Clarendon, 6 p.m.

Varsity and JV Basketball Calhoun Academy at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

Hammond at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL Lakewood at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Middle School Basketball East Clarendon at Lee Central, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY VARSITY BASKETBALL Laurence Manning in Trinity-Byrnes Tournament, 4 p.m.

Lee Central at Lamar, 6 p.m.

VARSITY AND JV BASKETBALL Lakewood at Manning, 4 p.m.

B TEAM BOYS BASKETBALL Sumter at A.C. Flora, 6 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL Alice Drive at Manning, 5 p.m.

Hillcrest at Bates, 5 p.m.

Chestnut Oaks at Ebenezer, 5 p.m.

Mayewood at Furman, 5 p.m.

VARSITY BOWLING Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning at Cardinal Newman (at Royal Z Lanes in Columbia), 4 p.m.

FRIDAY VARSITY BASKETBALL Sumter at A.C. Flora, 6 p.m.

Lake City at East Clarendon, 6 p.m.

Scott’s Branch at Governor’s Science & Math, 6 p.m.

Laurence Manning in Trinity-Byrnes Tournament, 4 p.m.

Pee Dee at Robert E. Lee, 4 p.m.

VARSITY AND JV BASKETBALL C.E. Murray at Manning, 4 p.m.

Sumter Christian at Grace Christian (No JV Girls), 4 p.m.

B TEAM AND VARSITY BASKETBALL Northside Christian at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY VARSITY BASKETBALL Laurence Manning in Trinity-Byrnes Tournament, 4 p.m.

VARSITY AND JV BASKETBALL Sumter at Lakewood, 3 p.m.

Lee Central at Crestwood, 3 p.m.

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Emily Reynolds had seven points to lead WH followed by DuBose Alderman, Andi Grae Wingate and Waverly McIver with six each.

The Lady Barons will host Calhoun Academy today.

THOMAS SUMTER 20 PEE DEE 15

MULLINS — Sydney Daniel had six points, five steals, four rebounds and four assists to help lead TSA’s JV squad to a season-opening 20-15 victory over Pee Dee Academy on Tuesday at the PDA gymnasium.

Lindsay Daniel and Clara Burnett each added five points for the Lady Generals while Ellie Hunter pulled down five rebounds. Cassidy Brunson finished with four points.

LEE CENTRAL 30

while Nicah Johnson had five points and 10 rebounds.

Destiny Dyer had six points to lead CHS, who fell to 0-1, followed by Jayden Stokes with four.

The two teams will play again on Saturday at The Castle.

B TEAM BASKETBALL WILSON HALL 26 HAMMOND 21 Lucy Matthews scored 17 points to help Wilson Hall earn a 26-21 victory over Hammond on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

Cameron Bateman added six points for the Lady Barons, who improved to 1-0.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL FURMAN 15

CRESTWOOD 13

BATES 7

BISHOPVILLE — Robionne Myers scored 11 points to lead Lee Central to a 30-13 victory over Crestwood on Monday at the LCHS gymnasium.

Jada Rogers added eight points for the Lady Stallions

Furman defeated Bates 15-7 in the season opener for both teams on Monday at the Furman gymnasium.

Tia Follin led the Lady Indians with six points. Malaysia Rose had five for Bates.

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SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

THE SUMTER ITEM

PLAYOFF

SUGAR BOWL

FROM PAGE B1

in the Pac-12 title game?

“There is a small separation between these two teams,” selection committee chairman Kirby Hocutt said of Michigan and Washington. At one point Hocutt added that the difference between the Wolverines and Huskies was “razor thin.”

It looks like not only does the committee not mind putting one Big Ten team without a conference championship in the playoff, but it is also comfortable with two. Michigan at 10-2 has victories against both Penn State and Wisconsin.

PENN STATE’S PLIGHT

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, center, will be all smiles if the Tigers can beat Virginia Tech in Saturday’s ACC Championship and secure another College Football Playoff berth.

CLEMSON

FROM PAGE B1

That shouldn’t happen this time. The one-loss Tigers have been solidly in the top four of the playoff rankings.

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson says the team learned from last year’s run to the national championship game, a 45-40 loss to Alabama. Now there is a focused mindset, with distractions kept to a minimum.

“Everyone is just out there competing and trying to get better,” Watson said.

“This is the perfect time for us to start peaking at our best and being our best.”

Clemson has dealt with meeting expectations all year long. Tagged as a super team coming into the season and led by Watson — third in last year’s Heisman Trophy voting — the Tigers rarely hit all the benchmarks analysts and fans wanted to see.

MARK TAYLOR Branch Manager

There were six-point wins to start the season over Auburn and Troy, games many thought the Tigers would win easily.

There was the North Carolina State escape in which a missed Wolfpack field goal at the end of regulation gave Clemson the chance for a 24-17 overtime win.

And, of course, there’s Clemson’s lone regular-season loss of the past two seasons when Pitt kicker Chris Blewitt hit a 48-yard field goal in the final seconds for the Panthers’ 43-42 victory.

Clemson defensive end Christian Wilkins called the loss a wake-up call, one his team answered with strong wins over Wake Forest (35-13) and South Carolina (56-7) to enter into the championship game on a roll.

“We know what it’s going to take,” he said. “We know what we can do.”

So do the Hokies, whose season has already shown they picked the right time

and right man in Justin Fuente to succeed Frank Beamer. Fuente made several moves to keep Beamer’s presence in the program, perhaps none bigger than retaining longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster.

Fuente had Beamer speak to the team before the Virginia game last weekend, a 52-10 rout by the Hokies.

Fuente said the players have responded well.

“You always worry about the most about the older guys because change is always harder on people that are more set in their ways, and to our kids’ credit, they never looked back,” Fuente said.

Neither have the Tigers, pushing aside any regrets over last year’s playoff run to get back to the doorstep of another.

“We’re riding the momentum in our last games,” center Jay Guillermo said.

“Hopefully, we have three games.”

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A Wisconsin victory in the Big Ten title game would eliminate the controversy. The Badgers lost to Ohio State during the regular season Penn State fans, however, are already cranking up the complaints. The Nittany Lions beat Ohio State in October.

Add a Big Ten title and Penn State is bound to feel slighted.

Conference titles and headto-head results are essentially used by the committee like tiebreakers when teams are very close. The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions are not in the committee’s eyes. At least not yet.

“The selection committee recognizes the head-to-head win, but in this particular case, it hasn’t been the distinguishing point in our evaluation of those two teams,” he said.

Assuming Alabama is in the playoff, the Southeastern Conference sends its next highest ranked team to the Sugar Bowl to face the Big 12 champion, which will be decided when No. 9 Oklahoma and No. 10 Oklahoma State play in Norman on Saturday.

No. 14 Auburn is that SEC team right now. Florida is 15th, so a good performance — even in a loss — against the Crimson Tide might get the Gators to New Orleans on a two-game losing streak. A Florida loss would leave every SEC team other than Alabama with at least four losses.

But the contract with the Sugar says the SEC gets the spot, mediocre or not.

ORANGE BOWL Louisville beat Florida State by 43 points in September, but the Cardinals have stumbled down the stretch and now the Seminoles are 12th and the Cardinal are 13th.

If that order holds — and there is no reason to think it won’t because neither is playing — and Clemson goes to the playoff as the ACC champion, then Florida State will represent the conference in the Orange Bowl.

Hocutt said Florida State has played one of the toughest schedules in the country while Louisville has beaten only one team with a winning record (Florida State). He said the Seminoles are playing better lately.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF RANKINGS Team Record 1. Alabama 12-0 2. Ohio State 11-1 3. Clemson 11-1 4. Washington 11-1 5. Michigan 10-2 6. Wisconsin 10-2 7. Penn State 10-2 8. Colorado 10-2

9. Oklahoma 10. Oklahoma St. 11. Southern Cal 12. Florida State 13. Louisville 14. Auburn 15. Florida 16. West Virginia 17. W. Michigan

9-2 9-2 9-3 9-3 9-3 8-4 8-3 9-2 12-0

18. Stanford

9-3

19. Navy

9-2

20. Utah

8-4

21. LSU

7-4

22. Tennessee

8-4

23. Virginia Tech

9-3

24. Houston

9-3

25. Pittsburgh

8-4

The College Football Playoff Selection Committee will issue weekly rankings each Tuesday, with the final rankings being announced Sunday (Noon). The playoff semifinals will match the No. 1 seed vs. the No. 4 seed, and No. 2 will face No. 3. The semifinals will be hosted at the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on Dec. 31. The championship game will be played Jan. 9, 2017 at Tampa, Fla.

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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, December 15, 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 Friday, December 23, 2016. Each winner will receive a prize. No Photocopies Accepted Please.

THE SUMTER ITEM

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM SPORTS ITEMS

SPORTS

Pistons throttle Hornets 112-89 points to lead No. 2 UConn to its 80th consecutive win, an 80-43 rout of Chattanooga (3-6).

Katie Lou Samuelson added 19 points for the Huskies (5-0), who have won 127 of their last 128 games.

CHARLOTTE — Tobias Harris scored 24 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marcus Morris each had 18 points and the Detroit Pistons beat the Charlotte Hornets 112-89 on Tuesday night for their third straight win.

Ish Smith added 13 points while Detroit shot 49 percent from the field.

Kemba Walker had 23 points for the Hornets, who were playing their fourth game in five nights.

CESPEDES AGREES TO DEAL WITH METS

(2) VILLANOVA 82 PENN 57

PHILADELPHIA — Kris Jenkins hit six 3s and scored 22 points and Josh Hart had 12 points and nine rebounds to lead No. 2 Villanova past Penn 82-57 on Tuesday night.

The defending national champion Wildcats (7-0) beat the Quakers for the 14th straight time.

Jackson Donahue led Penn (2-3) with 12 points.

(7) XAVIER 85 NORTH DAKOTA STATE 55

CINCINNATI — Trevon Bluiett scored 15 of his 23 points during Xavier’s dominant first half, and the seventh-ranked Musketeers (7-0) remained unbeaten with an 85-55 victory over North Dakota State on Tuesday night.

Deng Geu scored a careerhigh 18 for the Bison (5-3).

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Charlotte’s Kemba Walker (15) tries to shoot over Detroit’s Marcus Morris in the Hornets’ 112-89 loss on Tuesday in Charlotte.

(17) WISCONSIN 77 (22) SYRACUSE 60 MADISON, Wis. — Ethan Happ had 24 points and 13 rebounds, zone-busting guard Bronson Koenig scored 20 points and No. 17 Wisconsin beat No. 22 Syracuse 77-60.

The Badgers (6-2) shot 48 percent overall (11 of 23) from behind the arc against the Orange’s 2-3 zone.

Andrew White III led Syracuse (4-2) with 14 points.

(2) CONNECTICUT 80 CHATTANOOGA 43

HARTFORD, Conn. — Napheesa Collier scored 23

NEW YORK — Yoenis Cespedes is staying with the New York Mets — again.

After testing free agency for the second straight offseason, the slugging outfielder agreed to a $110 million, four-year contract with New York, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

HOKIES’ FUENTE, FSU’S FRANCOIS GET ACC AWARDS GREENSBORO, N.C. — Virginia Tech’s Justin Fuente is the Atlantic Coast Conference’s coach of the year and Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois was selected as its top rookie both on offense and overall.

The ACC announced its individual awards for coaches and rookies Tuesday following a vote of 48 members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association.

Clemson tackle Dexter Lawrence was picked as the defensive rookie of the year.

From wire reports

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016 AREA SCOREBOARD

BASEBALL P-15’S BRICKS The Sumter P-15’s American Legion baseball program will be placing bricks for former players at the front of Riley Park in January.

The cost is $50 per brick.

For more information, contact Post 15 athletic director Billy Lyons at (803) 968-5115.

USCS LEGENDS DINNER & SILENT AUCTION Tickets available for USC Sumter ‘Legends Dinner & Silent Auction’ Tickets for the second annual University of South Carolina Sumter “Legends Dinner & Silent Auction” baseball fundraiser are available now.

The cost is $100 per person and no charge for children 12 & under. The dinner will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. at the Nettles Auditorium. Interested parties should contact USCS head coach Tim Medlin at (803) 938-3904 or (803) 944-0612.

There will be five big cash door prizes — one for $1,000 and four for $500 each. There will also be a meal provided by the BarB-Que Hut, a cornhole tournament and a silent auction featuring local items as well as other sports-related memorabilia.

OBITUARIES

The family will receive friends at the home.

Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

PEARL S. DENNIS

JEANETTE MANNING-SIGLER

SALLIE W. ABRAHAM

Jeanette Loree Manning-Sigler was born on Dec. 1, 1966, in Sumter, to the late Loren Lee Manning and Evelyn Jeanette Dwyer Manning. She departed this life on Nov. 25, 2016, at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia.

She was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. She was a 1985 graduate of Sumter High School.

She was employed with Sumter School District 17 for more than 20 years. She was raised in Salem Baptist Church and later moved her membership to Clinton Chapel AME Church. She loved her church and loved working in her church. Jeanette, better known as “Pinky,” was a loving person.

Jeanette leaves to cherish her memories: sisters, Loretta Manning White, Theresa Norfleet, Barbara Williams and Delorse Manning; one brother, Matthew Robinson; nieces and nephews she reared as her own, Jessica Robinson, Jermaine Manning, Johnny Robinson, Tiliscia K. White, McKenzie White, Matthew White and Shanita Brown; two uncles, Albert Miller and Robert Dwyer; three aunts, Vivian Wilkes, Virginia Robinson and Victoria Gibson; her special friend, Christopher Fulmore; a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her two infant children; grandparents, Joe and Queen Ester Dwyer, Martha Harvin and Dock Manning; three aunts, Mary Brunson, Rosa Lee Dwyer and Inez Hasting; four uncles, Jimmy Dwyer, Robert Dwyer, Willie Manning and Dock Manning; her brother, Loren Manning Jr.; and cousin, Carolyn Manning Robinson.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary.

Ms. Sigler will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at Clinton AME Zion Church, 475 Cook St., Sumter. Interment will follow in Walker Cemetery.

Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S.

Sallie Williams “NENE” Abraham was born on Jan. 22, 1960, in Sumter. She departed this life on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey.

She was a daughter of the late Ishmell and Evelyn Williams. She attended the South Carolina School of the Deaf and Blind in Spartanburg.

Sallie was married to the late Jimmie Lee Abraham.

She leaves to cherish her memories: three daughters, Evelyn Abraham, Lashanda Abraham and Denitra Abraham; one son, Jimmie Lee Abraham; eight grandchildren; one sister, Evelyn Pugh; two brothers, Isome (Butch) Bracey and Ishmell Anthony; two aunts, Deloris Black and Darlene Hagans; two uncles, Randy and Tyrone Brunson; and a host of relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with the Rev. Kenneth Choice officiating.

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

REMBERT — Pearl Sumter Dennis, age 65, beloved wife of the late Frank Dennis Sr., died on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, at her residence.

Born in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Johnnie Sumter Sr. and Maszrine Alston Sumter. She was educated in the Sumter County public schools and graduated from Hillcrest High School with the Class of 1969.

DENNIS She went on to attend and graduate from the Sumter School of Practical Nursing. She worked as a nurse for 35 years at Mariner Health Care of Sumter. From June 1996 to June 2010 she was a practicing Jehovah’s Witness, and she attended the North Sumter Congregation. She was a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, William Sumter and his wife, Sonya, of Columbia and Andrew Dennis of Rembert; two grandchildren, William Christopher Sumter and Sonya LeAnn Sumter, both of Columbia; three brothers, Johnnie Sumpter Jr. and his wife, Doreatha, of Camden, Arthur Sumter and his wife, Faye, of Camden and Leroy Sumter of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; one sister, Hattie Mae Mickens of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Rosa Sumpter and Elease Sumpter, both of Rembert; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Willie Sumpter and Joseph Sumpter; and one sister, Mary Lee Sumpter.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, one hour prior to the service, at Bullock Funeral Home.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bull-

ock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

HELEN BURKE Helen Sophia Mura Reese Burke, age 80, died on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at Palmetto Health Richland hospital.

She was born in Augusta, Georgia, a daughter of the late Henry Sylvester Mura and Anna Chesser Mura. She graduated high school at Mt. St. Joseph High School in Augusta and later received an education degree and master’s degree BURKE at the University of Florida. She was a former longtime educator with the Sumter School District.

Surviving is a son, Glenn Reese of Sumter.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry S. Mura Jr. and William L. Mura; and her first husband, Frank “Pee Wee” Reese.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2711 Middleburg Drive, Columbia, SC 29204.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com to sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

FERDINAND BURNS JR. Ferdinand Burns Jr., husband of Lula Hastie Burns, died on Monday night, Nov. 28, 2016, at his residence, 20 Neal St. He was a son of the late Ferdinand Burns Sr. and Earlene Dupree Burns.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Sumter Funeral Service Inc.

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DOSHIA P. HAMMETT Doshia Peterson Hammett, widow of Albert Hammett Sr., died on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey.

Born in Lee County, she was a daughter of the late Finkler and Rena Hannable Peterson.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home of her son, Leroy Hammett, 2312 Orvis St. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc.

GLADYS C. CLARK Gladys Carter Clark, 80, widow of James Clark, departed this life on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at her residence.

She was born on March 25, 1936, in St. Charles, a daughter of the late Rubin and Maggie Kelly Carter.

The family will receive friends at the home, 207 Adams Ave., Sumter, SC 29150.

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

Manly man food and samples from

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Sumter native, former University of South Carolina head coach and New York Yankee great Bobby Richardson will be the keynote speaker. Other guests include Chicago Cubs pitcher and World Series champion Carl Edwards Jr. as well as Clemson AllAmericans Billy O’Dell and Billy McMillon.

U.S BASEBALL ACADEMY SPRING TRAINING U.S. Baseball Academy’s Spring Training 2017 will be held at the University of South Carolina Sumter’s Nettles Gymnasium beginning in January.

The camps, which are open to children in grades 1-12, will be held on Jan. 7, Jan. 14, Jan. 21 and Jan. 28.

USC Sumter head coach Tim Medlin will be the program director.

With the player-to-coach ratio at 7 to 1, space is limited. Students can register at www.USBaseballAcademy.com or by calling (866) 622-4487.

For more information, contact Medlin at (803) 9383904 or (803) 944-0612.

UMPIRES NEEDED The Sumter County Recreation Department is in search of umpires for its spring youth league baseball season. For more information, contact Glenn Button at (803) 983-9934.

of arrangements.

O’NEAL KENLEY O’Neal Kenley, 60, husband of Erika William Kenley, departed this life on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at Select Specialty Hospital, Miami.

He was born on July 2, 1956, in Sumter, a son of the late Willie Sr. and Susie Reed Kenley.

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

ELIZABETH H. GRUBB Elizabeth Mary Holleran Grubb, age 79, beloved wife of Grady C. Grubb, died on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at her residence.

Plans will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter.

PEACHES B. ROBINSON Peaches Elizabeth Bragg Robinson, 40, died on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey.

Born in Chelyan, West Virginia, she was a daughter of Freddie Lee Bragg and the late Brenda Starr Bragg. Ms. Robinson was a participant in the Sumter County Disabilities and Special Needs Board services and a resident of one of the assisted living homes they provide.

Survivors include her father, Freddie Lee Bragg of West Virginia; one sister, Marie Heaton (Ted) of Sumter; one niece and nephew, Brittany Marie Heaton and Brandon Heaton, both of Sumter; and two aunts, Kathy Bragg of Cabin Creek, West Virginia, and Judy Grounds of Canawah City, West Virginia.

Funeral services will be private.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Sumter County Disabilities and Special Needs Board and the ICU Department staff of Palmetto Health Tuomey for the special care they provided.

Memorials may be made to the Sumter County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, P.O. Box 2847, Sumter, SC 29151.

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

14th Annual

Men’s Night OUt Thursday, Dec. 1st

6-9:30pm

40 W Wesmark Blvd location only

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

It’s Mayo’s “More for your money Christmas Sale”!

Buy 1 Regular Priced Suit, Receive 2nd Suit of Equal Value FREE! Great Selection & Savings!

SHIRTS, TIES, PANTS & SHOES Buy 1, Get a 2nd HALF PRICE! IN-STORE ALTERATIONS, FOR THOSE LAST MINUTE OCCASIONS

ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements

SBC Construction of Sumter Plan now for your 2017 Property Enhancement Porches •Windows • Concrete• Doors•Water Problems Call BURCH 803-720-4129

Lot 9 B Spaces 3-4 Near Fountain 3. 44x14 Marker 48x18 Granite w/vase In Evergreen Cemetery Park. $2200 803-494-8847

Legal Service Attorney Timothy L. Griffith 803-607-9087, 360 W. Wesmark.

Criminal, Family, Accident, Injury

Seeking Christian woman to move in & care for an elderly woman. Must have references. Serious inquires only.

MOVE IN ONLY.Call 803-983-9875.

Wesmark Plaza • 773-2262 • Mon-Sat 10-7 For Sale or Trade

J.W. Lawn Service Leaf removal, hedges, pine straw, mulch, pressure wash, & much more! Call 803-406-1818

Special Notices

If your suits aren’t becoming to you, It’s a good time to be coming to Mayo’s!

Home Improvements

Lawn Service

Concealed Weapons Permit Class Sat. Dec 10th $50 Call 803-840-4523.

MAYO’S SUIT CITY

Roofing

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales Sumter County Civic Center Indoor Garage Sale Saturday, December 3, 2016 700 W. Liberty St. Call in to reserve your booth starting on Nov. 7, 2016 after 9:00 803-436-2271 FREE TO THE PUBLIC

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

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

Open every weekend. Call 803-494-5500

Septic Tank Cleaning

EMPLOYMENT

Lost & Found Found Yellow Lab Burnsdown Area 843-371-0668

/Guignard

BUSINESS SERVICES Business Services Burch's Landscaping Call now for a one on one meet and greet, and plan your outside property enhancement projects for 2017.

Gutters•Drains•Topsoil• Grading•Rocks•Sod•Concrete• Call Burch 803-720-4129

Child Care Open your heart and home.

Become a foster parent. Foster parents have the opportunity to enhance skills and access to resources 24/7. To learn more contact Lakeisha at 803-237-8153

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

Septic Tank Cleaning Call the pros for all of your septic pumping needs. 803-316-0429 Proline Utilities, LLC

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

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net

MERCHANDISE Firewood For Sale Tons of fire wood premium seasoned oak. u haul $50 per pick up load, delivered 1 cord $130. Call Collins Tree Service 803-499-2136

Maintenance Worker/ Meter Reader Local company seeks full time individual to perform outside maintenance duties to include meter reading. Company will provide training to qualified individuals. Company provides paid employee benefits, holidays. All applicants considered but must have valid driver's license and be able to pass background check. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume and past salary history to Box 456 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

SEEKING A HIGHLY MOTIVATED RESIDENTIAL PLUMBER WITH A STRONG PROFESSIONAL WORK HABIT. Must have at least 5 years of experience and a valid driver's license. HILL PLUMBING offers competitive pay, incentives and health insurance. Come join Sumter's leading plumbing contractor by filling out an application at: 438 N. Main St., Sumter SC EOE Seeking an Exp HVAC installer.

Needs to be experienced with duct fabrication and installation of duct work with residential and some light commercial equipment.

Salary based upon experience, up to $20/hour. Paid vacation and benefits. Call Lowery Heating and Air 803-778-2942 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

LPN/RN Partime 7a-7p. Please apply in person at: NHC HealthCare Sumter, 1018 North Guignard Dr., Sumter, SC. EOE Immediate Opening THE ITEM is in need of a part time truck driver / dock worker. Exp. preferred. Must have clean driving record & dependable. Apply in person to: The Item 20 N Magnolia St Sumter SC

Mobile Home Rentals

Manufactured Housing

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

RV parking avail. Call 803-494-8350

M & M Mobile Homes, Inc. Now selling New Wind Zone II Champion and Clayton Homes. Lots of floor plans available to custom design your home. Nice used refurbished homes still available also. Bank and Owner financing with ALL CREDIT SCORES accepted.

Call 1-843-389-4215 Like us on Facebook M & M Mobile Homes.

Scenic Lake MHP 2 Bedroom 2 bath , No pets.

Call between 9am - 5 pm 803-499-1500 Near Shaw-Small MH 2BR 1BA unfurnished w/lrg porch $325mo 840-3371 or 494-3573

Mobile Home with Lots

STATEBURG COURTYARD

RENTALS

2 & 3 Br, Sec. 8 803-494-4015

Unfurnished Apartments Huntington Place Apartments Rents from $625 per month 1/2 Month free* *13 Month lease required Powers Properties 595 Ashton Mill Drive 803-773-3600 Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5

Nice 3BR 2BA SW on 1 acre. 5 min. to Shaw. Priv lot. $650mo. + dep.

803-983-0371 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom for rent, Cherryvale & Dogwood Area $250 & up. (803) 651-9926

MUST SELL! 5 Coulter Dr. Wedgefield, Fleetwood 3br 2ba, den w/ fireplace, completely remodeled. like new, on 0.45 ac lot in cozy neighborhood. Only $47,500.

Please call (803) 468-6029.

REAL ESTATE

2BR/1.5BA townhouse, water & basic cable included. $625 Call 803-481-2787

Homes for Sale

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Land & Lots for Sale 6 ac. MH site, $23,500 or 11 ac, or 22 ac. on Shilo Raccoon Rd. Owner fin. Call 843-231-1111

TRANSPORTATION

Miscellaneous

Unfurnished Homes 1919 W. Oakland Ave. 3BR/1.5BA for rent Appl's included, $800/mo + $800/dep. 803-651-8198.

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

Financing avail. Call 464-5960

2BR 2BA in Tudor Place. Nice screened in porch & garage. $800 /mo + dep. Call 775-1580

420 Boots Branch Rd, Sumter 3BR 2BA Brick House located on a large lot. C/H/A $65,000 Call 803 481-7903

3BR 2BA Rent to Own, Dwn pymt required, Avail. Immediately. Call 803-229-2814 or 803-507-9414

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

Beautiful 3BR 2BA Home, Large lot with fenced yards, Carport attached, 4246 Whitney St. $600 + Dep. Call 843-645-9400 3BR 2BA Lrg Sunroom, 30ft Garage with elec., boathouse, Nice fnced yard, Very close to Oakland school & Shaw AFB. $850 Mo. + $850 Dep Call 803-494-5009 or 803-236-2094

Sell More 401 Albert Dr., near Morris College, 3 Br. Financing available. Call 803-775-4391 or 464-5960

PLACE AN AD

are searching for Customers usinesses just like yours.

For Sale or Trade Golden Kernel Pecan Co. 1200 C Pocalla Rd 968-9432 We buy pecans, sell Pecan halves, Chocolate & all flavors. Gift Pkgs avail. M-F 9-5 Sat 9-1

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

‘A Christmas Story’ will open Thursday SLT presents holiday classic

BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

That’s the reason everyone — including Santa Claus — seems to give Ralphie Parker when he asks for his much-desired “official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle” for Christmas.

In Philip Grecian’s play, “A Christmas Story” — an adaptation of humorist Jean Shepherd’s story and based on the film of the same name — it’s the 1940s, a simpler time, perhaps, but with many themes common to today.

Braden Bunch as the adult Ralph narrates the story, and Adam Reisenauer is Ralphie at 9. Little brother Randy, played by Nathan Martin, and school bully Scut Farkas (Nikolas Smith) further complicate Ralphie’s pursuit of the air rifle. Meanwhile, Ralphie’s father, “The Old Man,” played by Luke Hall, has won a most unusual lamp, which he displays in the living room window, much to the embarrassment of his wife, Charlotte Gallagher.

Ralphie has a rich imagination, and he’s afraid of Scut Farkus, as are most of the schoolchildren. These and other situations provide many laughs and also commiseration, and there’s a great deal of nostalgia, but every event adds to the charm of “A Christmas Story.”

Cast members include Shannon Mewborn as the schoolteacher Miss Shields, Jacob Haynes as Flick, Julian

Wright as Schwartz, Ann Weathers Blankenship as Esther Jane Alberry, Onisty Thomas as Helen Weathers, and Mollie Endicott, Madelyn Endicott and Shelby Greco as schoolchildren.

Eric Bultman directs the play based on a memoir by the late Jean Shepherd, whose humor is often compared to that of James Thurber. It evokes not only fond memories for many audience members, but also laughs, often long and hearty, with its universal themes.

The play hasn’t been produced at SLT since 2008, when it was a hit with local audiences. If you missed it then, or even if you saw it, “A Christmas Story” with its themes, humor and talented cast is well worth your time and the price of a ticket.

Sumter Little Theatre, 14 Mood Ave., presents “A Christmas Story” Thursday through Sunday and Dec. 8 through 11. Thursday through Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., with matinees at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and military.

For reservations or more information, call (803) 775-2150.

Still to come in Sumter Little Theatre’s 2016-17 season are the comedy, “Leading Ladies,” directed by Traci Quinn, in February; “Cyrano,” directed by Eric Bultman in March and April; and the Mel Brooks musical comedy, “The Producers,” directed by Carmela Bryan to close the season in May and June. Watch The Sumter Item for audition opportunities, or call the theater at (803) 775-2150.

Find unique gifts at 8th holiday mart

BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com If you’re tired of getting the same old gifts for your friends and family each year, or if you find a gift card just too impersonal, the Sumter Artists Guild will have scores of one-of-a-kind items on sale at its Holiday Mart on Saturday. For the eighth year, local artists will set up their wares at the Sumter County Gallery of Art, 200 Hasell St. in the Sumter County Cultural Center.

Organizer Laura Cardello, who will have numerous pieces of her hand thrown pottery for sale, said the guild holds the market each year as a fundraiser to support the gallery. She said the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. holiday mart will also have jewelry, paintings, stained glass, blacksmith pieces, ornaments and other holiday-related items, and prints by the late Ray Davenport. And more.

New to the mart are Terry S. Newman, a painter; Dot Goodwin, who works in several mediums; Krista Elliott, jewelry maker; and Kim Cunningham with wood ornaments. Returning artists include Mike Tucker, Amanda Lynn Cox, Don Carberry, Carole Carberry, Myra Barton, Connie Brennan, Jim Wade, Denise L. Greer and Truman Duggin.

In addition to the art work, Cardello said the gallery will again be selling its Calhoun (Young’s) gourmet pecans to raise funds for operations, including the summer art camp, classes for adults and youth, monthly art instructions and supplies at four community

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOS

Blacksmith Mike Tucker will have many of his works on sale Saturday at the Sumter Artists Guild Holiday Mart. They range in size and from the practical to the purely artistic. centers and more. Funds raised also mean that admission to the gallery remains free.

Admission to the Sumter Artists Guild Holiday Mart is free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. A portion of each purchase will benefit the Sumter County Gallery of Art. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; it is closed on major holidays. For more information call (803) 775-0543.

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Connie Brennan will have a variety of her work on sale Saturday, from paintings and small assemblages to larger work. She is a recent winner of the Sumter Artists Guild Show.

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COMICS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

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BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Huge promotion leaves reader feeling unsure DEAR ABBY — I was just offered a HUGE promotion at my company. It will mean more than a 40 percent Dear Abby increase in ABIGAIL pay, which is unheard of VAN BUREN in my company, which has more than 10,000 employees. People in my department are not taking it well. Even my director did not congratulate me.

Taking on this new endeavor kind of scares me. I have had a tough year in my current position, and this new job is seriously tailored to me. My current manager — who is

JUMBLE THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

new to the department — feels this job was meant for me. She says I need a fresh start, and she has faith in me.

What's awkward is, the position involves working with some of the same people I worked with previously, although in a different capacity.

Am I taking on too much? I know the team I will be working with, and I have a feeling I will love it. I'm just scared of setting myself up for failure.

My boss and new manager are giving me a great opportunity, and I don't want to let anyone down.

Unsure in the Midwest DEAR UNSURE — If your boss and new manager didn't feel you were capable of taking on the new assignment, they could have offered the job to

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

the numerous other people at the company. Your former director may not have congratulated you because he/she was jealous, so do not take the silence to heart.

As to your fear that you won't succeed, all you can do is give it your best and keep moving forward. If you do that, you won't let anybody down -- including yourself.

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 Gail Grabowski and Bruce Venzke

ACROSS 1 Rough guess 5 Company that developed the first aluminum teakettle 10 Pre-coll. catchall 14 Words of lament 15 Inventive types?

16 Wild way to run 17 Stock in company producing solar panels, e.g.

20 California rolls and such 21 Bud holder?

22 Touch-and-go 23 Swell treatment 25 Cato, for one 27 Exonerated by the evidence 33 Single 34 Suggested actions 35 Wish for 37 In-flight fig.

38 Jack’s value, sometimes 39 Spearheaded 40 Fixture that may have claw feet 41 Closed in on 43 Fish that can swim backwards 44 A.L. West pro, informally

45 Standing hospitable offer 48 Five-time Olympic swimming gold medalist Ledecky 49 Church-owned Dallas sch.

50 Moth-__ 53 “Inside Politics” airer 55 Initial stage 59 Take on holes 10 through 18 ... and a hint to a letter sequence hidden in 17-, 27- and 45-Across 62 Vacation spot 63 Nemesis 64 Canal past Rochester 65 Far from friendly 66 Parceled (out) 67 Frees (of) DOWN 1 Loses firmness 2 No __ traffic 3 Former Iowa Straw Poll city 4 Dwelling fit for a queen 5 Boxer Laila 6 Website offering

11/30/16

7 Stalactite sites 8 Home of college football’s Ducks 9 Mule’s father 10 White-coated weasels 11 Golf ball positions 12 Sound of frustration, often 13 __-bitty 18 Good-natured 19 Copied, in a way 24 Called the whole thing off 26 Early assemblyline autos 27 Arrange 28 Logger’s contest 29 Ready to draw, as beer 30 Physics particle

31 Capone cohort 32 Cape Cod community 36 Black, in verse 38 Studio renter 39 Sweet-smelling garland 42 Typed in again 43 50-50 wager 44 Knockout 46 __ Creed 47 Wild way to run 50 Large-scale 51 “One more thing ... “ 52 Towering 54 Put a handle on 56 Apple Watch assistant 57 Oklahoma city 58 Driving needs?

60 Clothes line 61 Dancer Charisse

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

11/30/16

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Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (‘16, Holiday) WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show Starring Jennifer Nettles. The Parton family is caught in an unexpected winter storm 11:00pm News Jimmy Fallon Comedic skits and ceduring Christmas. (HD) and weather. lebrity interviews. (HD) Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X (N) Criminal Minds: Mirror Image A man Code Black: Sleight of Hand An offi- News 19 @ 11pm (:35) The Late Show with Stephen (HD) who claims to be Dr. Tara Lewis’s cer with an explosive bullet. (N) (HD) The news of the Colbert Stephen Colbert interviews brother turns up. (N) (HD) day. celebrities. (HD) The Goldbergs Speechless: Modern Family: (:31) black-ish: Designated Survivor: The Results ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Celebrities Theater jealousy. R-A-Y— RAYThe Alliance (N) Being Bow-racial President Kirkman deals with issues. News at 11 (HD) and human-interest subjects. (HD) (N) (HD) CATION (N) (HD) (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise: Out of the Shadows; Move on Up Henry Louis (:45) Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise: Keep Your Head Up; Touch the Sky Through conversations with WRJA E27 11 14 Gates Jr. interviews Jesse Jackson, Nas and Donna Brazile to discover how much progress Eric Holder, Shonda Rhimes and DeRay Mckesson, Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores how race relations have changed black America has made in the last 50 years. (HD) over time. (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang Lethal Weapon: Can I Get a WitEmpire: What We May Be Cookie WACH FOX News at 10 Local news Solid Orange 2 Broke Girls For- Mike & Molly: Theory (HD) ness? Riggs befriends a witness. (N) asks for Candice’s help. (N) (HD) report and weather forecast. tune teller. (HD) First Kiss Mike’s WACH E57 6 6 Theory (HD) (HD) hurt ego. (HD) Last Man Stand- Last Man Stand- Arrow: Invasion! Oliver wakes up to a Frequency: Interference Connection Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Hot in Cleveland WKTC E63 4 22 ing Mike the bad ing: Home Secu- seemingly perfect life; the recruits to Nightingale’s first kill. (N) (HD) Only Light in the Darkness Coulson’s Nothing Personal Agent Maria Hill Oscar nominacop. (HD) rity (HD) face a new threat. (N) (HD) true love. (HD) shows up for Coulson. (HD) tions. (HD) WIS News 10 at Entertainment Tonight (N) (HD) news update.

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Syfy’s ‘Incorporated’ is just bad enough to be fun

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Set some 50 years in the future, “Incorporated” (10 p.m., Syfy, TV-14) presents a dark vision of a doomed world not that different from our own.

Global warming has ruined the planet, and corporations wield near total power. Lucky lackeys for big businesses live in the idyllic Green Zone. The rest of humanity struggles for survival in the slums of the Red Zone.

Our hero, Ben Larson (Sean Teale, “Reign”), appears to be a man on the rise. He married well, to a fetching plastic surgeon who is the estranged daughter of Elizabeth (Julia Ormond), the cruel boss of a monstrous corporation, a woman who consigns her enemies to the company torturer (Dennis Haysbert).

We quickly learn that Ben is playing a long game of infiltration to help his family in the Red Zone and perhaps commit more extensive subversion.

Not unlike filmed versions of “Minority Report,” this effort is filled with shiny technology like floating screens and transparent communicators only slightly less impressive than contemporary smartphones.

Self-driving cars take the sting out of drinking and driving, a benefit for Ben’s corporate colleagues, who all appear to have been lifted from the pages of “American Psycho.”

Their arrogant antics take them to a Tijuana-like sin city just south of the border of a Green Zone, where drinking and debauchery accompany cage fights not unlike the wrestling and ultimate fighting in heavy rotation on today’s cable stations — like Syfy!

Produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, “Incorporated” seems confident enough of its pedigree to engage in some cheesy soap operatics. The dialogue never quite rises above the stiff and predictable, and the acting would not be out of place on “Pretty Little Liars.”

And that appears intentional.

A grim, cautionary tale about unchecked greed, cruelty and power, “Incorporated” is just bad enough to be fun.

• “Vikings” (9 p.m., History, TV-14) returns for the second half of its fourth season. After the Paris disaster and an un-

explained hiatus, Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) is very much old and in the way. His sons have agendas of their own, and even Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) appears to have found her own shieldmaiden. Can our hero get his groove back?

Or have we embarked on “Vikings: The Next Generation, the Sons of Ragnar Lothbrok”?

• The 2016 holiday movie “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-G) offers a continued autobiographical glance at the singer’s humble origins and burgeoning musical talents.

Alyvia Alyn Lind stars as a young Parton, as she did in last year’s “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors.” Jennifer Nettles and Ricky Schroder also return, and Parton cameos as “The Painted Lady.”

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • “Today” talent hosts “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” (8 p.m., NBC).

• A child emerges as the only witness to a casino heist on “Lethal Weapon” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

rical success on “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Not such a wonderful life on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, TV-PG) * Maya meddles in J.J.’s love life on “Speechless” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * A stranger claims he’s close to Lewis on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A shocking coincidence emerges on “Frequency” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Ebony and ivory on “black-ish” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT

GAVIN BOND / SYFY

Sean Teale stars as Ben Larson in the new series “Incorporated,” premiering at 10 p.m. today on Syfy.

• Cookie entertains with an agenda on “Empire” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

• A secret confab on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

• Alan Thicke hosts “Entertainment Weekly Presents: “’80s Stars: Where Are They Now?” (9 p.m., Reelz).

• Removing an explosive bullet results in a nail-biting experience on “Code Black” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• An unexpected turn puts

the House elections in jeopardy on “Designated Survivor” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

SERIES NOTES Barry resents Adam’s theat-

Nick Offerman, Johnny Pemberton and Dorothy appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Matthew Broderick, Tip and Butch Walker appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Jessica Alba, Kate Mara and Ken Jeong appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Copyright 2016 United Feature Syndicate

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Chewy Molasses Cookies aren’t flashy, but are perfect

Strawberry Cheesecake Crescent Ring

Celebrate family, friends with these sweet treats

BY FAMILY FEATURES Creating baked goods to show your love for family and friends is one of the most thoughtful ways to display care and friendship any time of year, but especially during the holidays when they are typically shared and enjoyed the most.

For a special brunch with loved ones this holiday season, consider serving a light,

flaky option, such as this Strawberry Cheesecake Crescent Ring, or finish off a gathering with this Sugar-Dusted Apple Bundt Cake for dessert.

These recipes are perfect for holiday entertaining, but easy enough to add a special touch to any meal throughout the year.

With Lucky Leaf Fruit Fillings as the key ingredient to these fabulous treats, you can

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE CRESCENT RING Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 8 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 tubes crescent rolls 1 can (21 ounces) Lucky Leaf Premium Strawberry Fruit Filling & Topping Icing: 1/2 cup powdered sugar 3 teaspoons milk Heat oven to 375 F. In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and almond extract. Beat mixture until smooth.

Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. On 14-inch ungreased pizza pan, arrange triangles with points toward outside of pan and wide ends overlapping at center, leaving 4-inch opening in center. Press overlapping dough to seal.

Spoon cream cheese mixture over wide ends of crescent rolls. Top with fruit filling. Fold pointed ends of triangles over filling, tucking points under to form ring.

Bake 12-15 minutes, or until crescents are golden brown. Cool 5 minutes.

To make icing: In small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and milk; whisk until smooth. Drizzle over crescent ring and serve.

make delicious sweets with ease. The exceptional tastes of the fillings - which come in popular flavors like apple, blueberry, cherry and strawberry - give you multiple options with their convenience and versatility to serve up sensational holiday treats.

Find more recipes featuring mouthwatering treats for all your holiday celebrating at luckyleaf.com.

SUGAR-DUSTED APPLE BUNDT CAKE Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Servings: 12 2 cups sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs, beaten 1/3 cup orange juice 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 can (21 ounces) Lucky Leaf Premium Apple Fruit Filling & Topping Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan or Bundt cake pan.

In small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle bottom and sides of pan.

In large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder and remaining sugar. Stir in oil, eggs, orange juice and vanilla; mix well. Add fruit filling and stir. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan.

Bake uncovered 1 hour. Let cool 15 minutes.

Invert onto serving plate and cool. Drizzle with citrus glaze (recipe below), if desired.

For glaze: In medium bowl, beat 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 minute, or until smooth. Add additional orange juice by the teaspoon, if needed, for desired consistency.

Source: Lucky Leaf

BY KATIE WORKMAN The Associated Press Holidays equal platters and tins of festive-looking cookies.

Cookies with colored icing, cookies with sprinkles, cookies with fillings, cookies with layers.

An artistic cookie display is a thing of beauty, that I'll not argue, but I'll reach past the whole lot if I see a flat, modest, quiet molasses cookie. This is my cookie, not much to look at compared to its flashy holiday brethren, but pliant and spice-scented and, to my mind, kind of perfect.

Because the butter is melted in this recipe, you can just as easily mix them up with a spoon or a rubber spatula as an electric mixer. And also go for dark brown sugar, which contains more molasses!

Don't overbake these cookies (unless you want crispy molasses cookies — then go right ahead and add another couple of minutes).

They will keep for three or four days in an airtight container. And they are good contenders for shipping; separate layers with wax or parchment paper, place additional crumbled paper in the bottom and top of the container to fill it, and make sure the container is well-padded before putting it in a box and sending it off to a lucky recipient.

CHEWY MOLASSES COOKIES Makes 24 cookies Start to finish: 2 ½ hours, including 2 hours refrigeration time 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus another 1/2 cup for rolling 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup molasses 1 large egg In a medium-size bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves and salt.

In another large bowl, combine the butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar and molasses. Beat in the egg. Beat in the dry ingredients; the dough should be fairly stiff. Refrigerate the dough for about 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Scoop the dough up by heaping tablespoons and roll them into balls. Roll the balls in the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and place them 2 inches apart on a baking sheet (about 12 cookies per baking sheet). Using the bottom of a glass, flatten the cookies to about 1/4-inch thick, 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

Bake for 7 or 8 minutes just until set. Remove the cookies from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack. Repeat with the rest of the dough.

Nutrition information per serving: 133 calories; 59 calories from fat; 7 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 35 mg cholesterol; 41 mg sodium; 18 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 9 g sugar; 3 g protein.

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