April 02, 2015 by The Sumter Item

City receives $3.4 M to remove blight BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

75 CENTS

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894 2 SECTIONS, 22 PAGES | VOL. 120, NO. 142

The City of Sumter and SanteeLynches Regional Development Corporation have been awarded $3.4 million by the South Carolina State Housing Authority for the purchase and demolition of approximately 100 blighted single and

multi-family residential properties across the city. Mayor Joe McElveen announced the grant during Sumter City Council’s workshop to review proposed amendments to the city property maintenance code on Tuesday. The grant comes from the state Housing Authority’s Neighborhood Initiative Program which

aims to stabilize property values and prevent foreclosures by removing dilapidated housing structures from neighborhoods. McElveen said the initiative will give owners of substandard housing a chance to gain something when their property is demolished.

SEE GRANT, PAGE A12

THE AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL CLUB’S SOUTHEASTERN REGION HUNT TEST

4 Sumterites receive special gift Local shop owner said veterans deserve ‘that personal touch’ A3

Reflecting on Sumter High’s 4A boys basketball championship season B1 DEATHS, B6 Roderick T. Pringle Paul E. Beaufort Judy Plum Samantha Anderson Moses Ford Coper Green

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Louise Scott John Woods Lillian H. McCray David Scott Sr. Shirley Jean Fortune Francis O. Troy

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An American Water Spaniel jumps into the water during the American Water Spaniel Club’s Southeastern Regional Hunt test on Saturday in Clarendon County. This was the second year the event was held in the Wilson Community.

Skills assessment draws dogs, handlers from across the U.S. BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com

only one dog being declared the winner. The event featured land, water and upland flushing tests for the 14 The American Water Spaniel canines. Club held its Southeastern RegionThere are four certification leval Hunt test Saturday in the Wilson els that these hunt tests are Community of Clarendon conducted for under the County. American Water Spaniel This was the second year See more Club. These include: starter that the event was held at Clarendon dog, working dog, working the location, attracting 14 stories A7 dog excellent and working dogs and their owners from dog superior. With each across the nation. level, there is an increasingA hunt test is an event at which the natural ability and train- ly difficult required level of skill and training. ing of dogs are evaluated against a The event on Saturday was written standard. Each dog that breed-specific to test the versatile meets this standard earns a pass. dogs’ hunting abilities. Hunts are not the same as field “This is one of the few breeds trials in which dog-handler teams that does all three tests, including compete against one another with

land, water and upland flushing,” said Sue Liemohn, president of the club. “Passing one of these tests is no small task. It allows the dog to be have more opportunities for developing its ability to handle complex hunting scenarios. “Once they do pass a test, which for the American Water Spaniel breed is held only twice a year, the dogs earn a title which increases their level of prestige for both the dog and its offspring.” The American Water Spaniel is a rare breed of spaniel which originated in Wisconsin during the 19th century. Its ancestors trace to a number of other breeds, including

SEE SPANIELS, PAGE A12

Don’t let your spring cleaning spark brush fires BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com With spring cleaning underway, fire officials say the season is ripe for an increase of wildfires. This is the time of year where homeowners traditionally begin tending to their yards, and many will resort to burning leaves and weeds as a measure to beautify the yard. And as home gardeners begin to sprout up for the traditional months of lawn maintenance, fire authorities urge residents to use precautions to prevent their controlled burns from growing unmanageable. S.C. Forestry Commission Sumter County Supervisor Donna Green said this season has been relatively cool compared to past years about this time because of rains that have doused the region during the past several weeks. That trend, however, is subject to change if temperatures rise and the humidity drops. Green said she’s seen controlled fires spread out of control quickly burning up homes and trailers and leaving residents hospitalized from smoke inhalation sustained when they tried to chase the escaped blazes. “A lot of our fires now are escaped debris fires,” Green said. “People go

PROVIDED PHOTO

Sumter Fire Department firefighters Byron James, Harold Nash, Selena Smith and Wayne Holmes train on the process of extinguishing a liquid propane gas fire during a March 26 training exercise at its training facility on Green Swamp Road. outside to burn, and for whatever reason, they may leave it to go back inside for a minute or just not pay enough attention to it, and it gets

away. “I guess with it just warming up right now, people think the leaves are starting to turn green and they’re

safe. But it really depends on the humidity. When that humidity drops and you’ve got the temperature, that green stuff can really burn quickly, too.” State law requires individuals who plan on doing outdoor burns to notify the Forestry Commission beforehand by dialing its toll-free number. The commission updates its estimations every day and gives each caller guidelines based on weather projections. Callers, for instance, are cautioned not to burn on days when humidity levels are low and winds are high, as it poses a high risk of spreading the flames. Residents who fail to notify the commission or who disobey the agency’s guidelines can be ticketed and fined as much as $425 if their burns grow out of hand. Burners are also liable for any damage caused to neighbors’ property in those cases. State statistics indicate that more than 40 percent of South Carolina’s wildfires are caused by careless debris burns. Fire officials encourage people to surround their burns with a fire break to keep them from spreading if it grows volatile. Burners should also keep a water source readily available

SEE FIRES, PAGE A12

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Folk artist documentary at Sumter Gallery of Art Sumter County Gallery of Art invites the public to a screening of the documentary “Uncommon Folk” at 5:30 p.m. today in the Booth Room of Patriot Hall. The film was made for the acclaimed SCETV “Carolina Stories” series and is being shown in conjunction with the gallery’s current exhibition, “Uncommon Folk: Traditional Folk Art from the S.C. State Museum.” The exhibition focuses on six self-taught South Carolina artists. From the “Concrete City” architect, L.C. Carson, to the Midlands’ “Chicken Man,” Ernest Lee, to the Catawba Indian potter Margaret Robbins, the program takes a colorful look at the art and artistic minds behind their masterpieces. Admission is free. Call (803) 775-0543 for more information.

Drug rehab facility robbed of van, money Sumter County deputies are investigating a break-in at an area drug rehabilitation center, during which robbers reportedly made off with a van and an undisclosed amount of money. According to a report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, a burglar alarm sounded at Any Length Recovery, 4742 Broad St., just after 3 a.m. Tuesday. Deputies responded and found a window at the longterm drug and alcohol rehab busted out. Officers found several sets of vehicle keys on the ground inside the reception area of the office, and a number of envelopes on the ground in the hallway. Authorities said many of the envelopes were ripped open and money was removed from them. A manager of the facility responded to the scene and told officers a 2012 Chevrolet Express 15-passenger van was also missing. Representatives at the facility were not able to account for how much money was missing at the time of the report.

2012 Shaw scandal linked to suit BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com USA Today and Military Times are reporting that a lawsuit filed in federal court by four current and former service women has revived a controversy about a “song book” and other sexually explicit materials found at Shaw Air Force Base in 2012. The lawsuit reportedly seeks an injunction in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to prevent commanders from being put in charge of sexual assault complaints within their units. Critics say commanders are often too closely involved with per-

sonnel to handle the cases fairly. Parties to the case have made a connection with a 2012 case at Shaw, when then U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Jennifer Smith complained to her superiors about sexual harassment and a sexually hostile workplace, a case that eventually led to eight high-ranking officers being reprimanded. At the time, the Air Force ordered a “Health and Welfare Inspection” at bases worldwide. Declassified reports cited in The Sumter Item indicate officials removed 631 pieces of pornography, 3,987 pieces of “unprofessional material,” and 27,598 pieces of “inappropriate or offensive items,” at more

than 100 Air Force bases. Among the allegations Smith made against the reprimanded officers were allowing offensive sexual material to be displayed in the workplace, failing to take measures to prevent sexual harassment and allowing offensive files to be stored on government computers. Smith said her original complaints were not followed up by local commanders forcing her to make formal complaints at a higher level. Smith was quoted by USA Today as recently saying the officers received nothing more than a “slap on the wrist.” According to the newspaper account, Smith was appearing at a press conference announcing the current lawsuit.

Bates boosts girls’ empowerment BY HAMLET FORT hamlet@theitem.com Bates Middle School held its first Girls’ Empowerment Conference on Wednesday, where girls in the sixth through the eighth grades learned positive lessons from teachers, role models and visitors. The event’s theme was “Roses in Bloom,” and organizers used the rose theme to describe the girls’ learning about empowerment strategies. Beverly Sowell, a guidance counselor at Bates Middle School and one of the organizers of the summit, compared the young girls to “buds” that need the right conditions and encouragement to blossom into positive women role models. “We’re trying to help the women bloom into the women we want them to be — into a beautiful rose,” said Sowell. The girls planted seeds and soil in pots as a ceremonial part of the program. They broke into smaller groups and built hand mirrors, “to see their true selves,” and heard from teachers and volunteers about positive body image

HAMLET FORT / THE SUMTER ITEM

Iesha Farmer speaks with Bates Middle School students about positive body image on Wednesday. and self-esteem. The event was capped off with a lunch and a keynote speaker, Briana G. Whitaker, a former teacher at Bates Middle School and current author who’s newly published book is called “Wait on God.” Sowell said they brought in Whitaker as the keynote speaker in part because they want the girls to see what they could ultimately aspire to — such as an author. Whitaker’s speech encouraged the girls to see their own value and worth. “Loving the

skin that you’re in, and appreciating yourself despite what other people think about you,” said Whitaker of her speech’s theme. She also touched on the importance of choosing friends wisely and understanding authority figures who are trying to help the girls through their young lives. “Your friends can make or break you,” said Whitaker. “I want to stress the point that if you want to build a positive reputation, you have to consider the people that you’re around.”

Bates Middle School Principal Ayesha Hunter came to the school’s guidance counselors to see about holding a summit to help middle school girls with developing social skills and higher self-esteem. “This all initiated from her vision to try and work with the young ladies to help them become better young women,” said Sowell. Sowell blames some of the challenges facing girls today on the media landscape. “They’re trying to obtain what’s in the media, and oftentimes that is unrealistic,” Sowell said. She said at the middle school age, girls often will look at the media for projections of themselves instead of looking inward. “That’s where this generation of young women needs that extra boost.” Sowell hopes it can be a “shot in the arm” and help the girls be more motivated. “(Hunter’s) vision was to bring in positive women from the community to speak with them,” she said. Bates Middle School officials selected 30 girls to take part, 10 from each grade, and plan to expand the summit next year with more participants.

Wet fields, low commodity prices dampen farm outlook BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com A cold, wet spring has kept many area farmers out of their fields and delayed plantings, Clemson Extension Agronomist David DeWitt said Tuesday. “It’s been a real wet winter, most everybody’s behind,” he said. “People have trouble getting nitrogen on their winter wheat and that kind of thing.” DeWitt said some farmers usually have nutrients and weed killers applied in late February or early March, but muddy fields slowed them down. “A lot of it didn’t get on until the end of March,” he said. “Some people had to use airplanes and leave out bottoms here and there and that kind of thing. It is going to be kind of hit or miss on the wheat crop.” He said that with good weather it could still be a good crop. “We are not off to an ideal start,”

he said. Farmers planning to plant summer crops have also been delayed by wet fields, DeWitt said. “All the land prep has been running behind, spreading fertilizers, burning down weeds, all that sort of thing,” He said that in a normal year people would have been planting corn a week and a half ago, if not sooner. “Fields are starting to dry out,” he said. “It has changed a lot in a week’s time.” Last Sunday morning’s brief freeze should not have too much of an effect, he said. There was some damage to the peach crops, but he called it minor. “We didn’t get as cold as they did up toward Rock Hill and up that way,” he said. Most strawberry farmers were able to avoid damage by getting their crops covered, he said. As far as row crops are concerned, the delays in planting may have

helped farmers avoid any frost damage as many corn growers are only beginning to sow their crops, he said. “Down in Clarendon County a little corn was planted in the high spots,” he said. “There ought to be a lot of planting in the next few weeks,” DeWitt said. “Easter is a good time to get started.” He said there may be less corn planted this year due to commodity prices. “The report came out today on supplies on hand of commodities and the corn supply was higher than what they estimated,” he said.”The corn board took a 15-cent hit today and it was already low.” Many farmers are still pondering what to plant for the summer, he said. “That’s been the conversation all winter at all of our production meetings,” he said. “We didn’t see anybody get excited about anything because all of the markets are pretty well depressed.” He said a lot of people are looking at

soybeans because you can grow them with a little less investment per acre. “Some people are leaning towards beans,” he said. “But beans on dryland are a little bit of a hit and miss as far as yield.” Dryland farms are farms which do not have an irrigation source. “People, for the most part, are going to stay with their regular rotation,” DeWitt said. “They may back off on corn a little bit on dryland.” Peanut contracts are down about $75 a ton from last year, he said. “That won’t entice people a whole lot,” he said. He said cotton is about at break even for an average crop. “It’s not a real exciting time right now,” he said. Are there any crops that benefit from the cooler, wetter weather? “Maybe there is a fungus or a mushroom or something,” he said.

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THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Foundation gives quilts to local vets

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES Samantha Caughman, 18, of 4125 Livingwood Drive, was arrested Monday after she reportedly followed two underage victims around, video recording them and encouraging others to fight them on camera. Authorities charged the Sumter woman with second-degree harassment, public disorderly conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor in connection with the March 24 incident in the 1700 block of U.S. 15 South. Oji-Shkri Gibbs, 21, of Kingstree, was arrested during a traffic stop for speeding Tuesday night in the 6000 block of Myrtle Beach Highway. Authorities charged the suspect with possession with intent to distribute marijuana after reportedly finding a large glass jar filled with more than 28 grams of suspected pot inside the vehicle he was driving.

BY HAMLET FORT hamlet@theitem.com The Quilts of Valor Foundation of South Carolina presented four quilts to retired veterans Tuesday at Treadle Pushers Quilting in Sumter. The quilts were made free of charge for the veterans and featured all kinds of styles of red, white and blue fabric. Receiving quilts Tuesday were Sumter residents John Shreve, James Prosser, John DiLella and Bryan Anthony. Shreve, who served 21 years in the U.S. Army and was active during the Vietnam War, said he values the gestures highly. During an era when support of America’s involvement in Vietnam was sparse or misguided, he said, troops didn’t receive the thanks they deserved. All these years later, he said, it’s special to be appreciated. “Unbelievable,” said Shreve of the gesture. “It was all about Vietnam back then. The whole country’s attitude about having to do this sort of work overseas in defense of what we had here was not appreciated back then at all. Times have changed, and the outlook is different. It’s a long time coming in that sense.” Shrouded in his new quilt and standing with his wife, Ann, and two grandsons, Shreve spoke proudly about his service and what the foundation’s donation means to him. He said when he retired there was no ceremony, which he regretted in large part because of the sacrifices his wife made during his service. Ann Shreve nominated her husband to receive a quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation. She said she’s very happy for him. “I wanted to surprise him,” she said. “I think it’s a great thing to do.”

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Egidia Bell wraps John Shreve in his Quilt of Valor at Treadle Pushers Quilting on Tuesday afternoon. Quilters made the quilt to honor Shreve’s military service from September 1964 until January 1986. The owner of Treadle Pushers Quilting, Sharon Sisson, has operated the shop for six years. Her son recently joined the Marines and is stationed in California, soon to be deployed. His entry into the military gave Sisson even more purpose to support the Quilts of Valor Foundation. “We started getting involved in the past two years,” she said of her shop’s relationship with the foundation. “I think it’s a really good cause.” Sisson said quilts are a great gesture because of their longevity and what they represent. “It’s something that will last, whenever it’s handmade like

that,” she said. “It’s personal — any time somebody gives you a quilt, it’s from your heart.” The veterans deserve that personal touch, Sisson said. “I think they should be thanked, and they should be thanked with our best.” Egidia Bell represents the Quilts of Valor Foundation for South Carolina. She said the foundation has made more than 15,000 quilts for veterans across the country. “We give out quilts to veterans because they served our country,” Bell said. “And we’re grateful. It’s a hug, from the American people, just to say thank you.”

STOLEN PROPERTY A .38-caliber Taurus revolver valued at $200 was reportedly stolen from a home in the 200 block of Wilson Street between Aug. 1 and 9 p.m. Sunday. A 55-inch flat-screen TV valued at $2,000 was reported stolen from a Wedgefield home in the 2700 block of Burnt Gin Road after 7 p.m. Monday. A Samsung S5 Active cellphone valued at $600 was reported stolen from a classroom at South Sumter Resource Center, 337 Manning Ave., about noon Monday. A Phil & Ted’s double child stroller valued at $645 was reportedly stolen from a Shaw Air Force Base residence in the 7600 block of Frierson Road between March 25 and 3:30 p.m. Monday. About 500 square feet of assorted tiles valued at $2,000 and a bucket filled with quarter-inch tile spacers valued at $100 were reportedly stolen from a residence under construction in the 1400 block of Broadwater Drive between noon Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Monday. A 5-by-8 trailer valued at $500 and 6-by-8 trailer valued at $1,100 were reportedly stolen from the 10 block of Commercial Street between 5 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Monday. DAMAGED PROPERTY A 1999 Buick Regal parked in the 800 block of Manchester Road sustained $1,200 in estimated damage when its front, back and two rear passenger windows were reported busted out about 5 a.m. March 21. A mobile home sustained $3,500 in estimated damage during reported vandalism at 3:20 p.m. Thursday in the 300 block of Picardy Drive.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Easter is the Christian’s victory celebration

elievers can get weird when it comes to celebration. When it comes to celebrating some aspect of the faith or something spiritually powerful, we don’t really know exactly how to act. Do we clap? Do we close our eyes in a moment of reverence? Do we lift our hands and smile? When the spirit within us stirs, and we are moved or touched by something in our spiritual walk, we often try to suppress it so as not to make a scene. It is somewhat cliché to contrast the roar of the athletic stadium with the hushed tones of a church service. I’ve heard this metaphor hundreds of times from church leaders who bemoan the fact that some believers will proudly showcase their excitement at the game on Saturday but then nod off the next Sunday during the sermon. It’s backward, they say, that we won’t

display the same enthusiasm about our faith, which has significantly more value. I’m not so sure we want an arena-like atmosphere in our churches. The truth is the two are different, although Faith Matters very bobble-head Moses day JAMIE H. at church might be an WILSON interesting way to draw a crowd. Perhaps it’s because the cues are easier at a game, the physicality easier to mimic. Maybe it would behoove us to have an usher spike the offering plate at the front altar or have the preacher do a triple salchow off the pulpit after a particularly poignant statement. That would get ‘em to their feet. If ever there was an event we should

CHURCH NEWS Agape Outreach Ministries, 328 W. Liberty St., announces: * Friday — “The Seven Last Sayings of Christ” at 7:30 p.m. Speakers: Minister Kimberly Britt, Evangelist Tanjo Lonon, Evangelist Chris Ann Washington, Gwen China, Minister Jake Sanders, Elder Theodore Benjamin and Minister Pherneco Myers. * Sunday, April 12 — Men and women in black and white at 4 p.m. Gwen China will speak. Bethel AME Church, 219 E. Calhoun St., announces: * Sunday, April 12 — Blanch Burgess Women’s Missionary Society and YWI annual day celebration at 10:30 a.m. Minister Juanita Brown will speak. Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Friday and Sunday — Dramatic Easter program “Holding On To Me” at 7 p.m. on Friday and 10:45 a.m. on Sunday. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 4319 Rowe Drive, Summerton, announces: * Sunday — Sunrise services: 6 a.m. Sunday school and 7 a.m. worship. Holy communion will be served following service. Breakfast will follow. This is the only service of the day. Bible Fellowship Church, 227 Broad St., announces: * Friday, April 10 — Five Wishes program at 10 a.m. to discuss care decisions and end-of-life issues. Nursery provided. Briggs Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 7135 Wash Davis Road, Summerton, announces: * Sunday, April 12 — Gospel Explosion at 3 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church, 495 Calvary Church Road, Bishopville, announces: * Saturday —Mid-Carolina Singing at 6 p.m. featuring the Stokes Family and Cedar Creek Quartet. Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1275 Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday — Sunrise service at 6 a.m. The youth Easter recital will be held at 4 p.m. * Sunday, April 19 — The 96th anniversary of the church will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Church of Christ, 313 Mooneyham Road, announces: * Sunday, April 19 — Pastoral anniversary celebration of the Rev. James L. and Ann Clark at 4 p.m. The Rev. Frank Williams Jr. will speak. Clark United Methodist Church, 2980 U.S. 401 N., Oswego Highway, announces: * Today-Friday — Holy Week services at 7 nightly as follows: Thursday, prayer and anointing; and Friday, foot washing. * Saturday — Community Easter egg hunt 2-5 p.m. * Sunday — Easter sunrise service at 6 a.m. and Easter worship at 11 a.m. Community Church of Praise, 562 S. Pike Road, announces: * Sunday — Sunrise service at 6 a.m. * Tuesday-Wednesday, April 7-8 — Revival at 7 nightly. Concord Baptist Church, 1885 Myrtle Beach Highway, announces: * Sunday — Easter services as follows: sunrise service at 7 a.m., Sunday school at 8:45 a.m. and morning worship at 10 a.m. Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, 25 Community St., announces:

* Sunday — Easter service and fellowship at 11 a.m. Everyone is asked to wear spring fashion attire. * Sunday, April 26 — Pre-revival worship at 10:30 a.m. * Wednesday-Friday, April 29May 1 — Revival at 7 nightly. Moderator Sammie D. Simmons will speak. Dalzell United Methodist Church, 3330 Black River Road, Dalzell, announces: * Donations of non-clothing items are being accepted until Wednesday, April 8, for the Relay for Life yard sale. Items can be dropped off on the porch of the Dorcas Closet building (white house) on church property or call Barbara at (803) 5651602 and leave message to arrange pickup. * Saturday, April 11 — Relay for Life yard sale from 7 a.m. until everything is gone. Barbecue fundraiser 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $7 per plate and includes barbecue pork, hash, rice, slaw, green beans, bread and pound cake. * Sunday-Friday, June 21-26 — Vacation Bible School will be held from 6 to 8 nightly. Free dinner will be served each evening at 5:30. For 4K through 6th grade. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 105 Dinkins St., Manning, announces: * Monday-Friday, April 6-10 — Revival at 7 nightly. The Rev. George P. Windley Jr. will speak. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 182 S. Pike East, announces: * Sunday — Resurrection worship service at 11:15 a.m. Gospel singing 20th anniversary of Cynthia Boykin will be held at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. On the program: Man of God of Georgetown; Sumter Violinare; The Anointed Voices of Bamburg; and many others. * Sunday, April 12 — Pastoral anniversary program of Aurelia G. Hill at 3:30 p.m.

get “shout-out-loud” excited for, it is Easter. It’s our World Series, our Superbowl, our championship game. While that original match was won 2,000 years ago, we rejoice in the fact that our victory is repeated every time a new person comes to know the awesome love of God. The spiritual impact of it resonates today in those who understand the depth of the sacrifice given that day. Easter is the day God won. The celebration warrants so much more effort than what it takes to pick out the customary new dress or tie. It’s more than the preparations for the elaborate lunch plans after church. Those should be at most secondary concerns as we ready ourselves for this, our most victorious holiday. I’m not asking you to start a pre-service wave in the congregation or paint your chest in your church colors. As

“The Last Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross” at noon. Speakers: Pastor Marion H. Newton, Pastor Nate Brock, Pastor Linda Speed, Minister Randolph Green, Pastor Ricky Simmons, Pastor Napoleon Bradford and Minister Estell Brunson. * Sunday — Easter sunrise service at 6 a.m. * Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11 — Festival on the Avenue events as follows: 7 p.m. Thursday, the living museum at Mt. Zion; 8 a.m. Friday, golf tournament at Crystal Lakes Golf Course; 6 p.m. Friday, live music at the South Sumter Farmer’s Market; and 10 a.m. Saturday, parade at the corner of South Main and Bartlette streets, followed by food and music at 11 a.m. * Sunday, April 12 — Gospel singing during 7:45 a.m. worship featuring the Singing Sensations Youth Choir of Baltimore, Maryland. Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Easter services as follows: sunrise service at 6:30 a.m., church school at 9 a.m. and Easter program and worship at 10 a.m. Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday, April 11 — Knitting Hearts Café 10 a.m.-noon. Sheila Solomon, Golda Gordon and B. Patel will share their testimonies. www.knittingheartsministry.org Lake Marion Christian Church, 1326 Morello Road, Manning, announces: * Saturday — Community Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Age groups: 2-4; 5-7; and 8-10. Snacks, crafts, stories for the whole family. Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Sunday, April 19 — Woman’s Day / women’s ministry anniversary worship celebration at 10:45 a.m. Audrey P. Neal will speak.

Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 1260 Green Hill Church Road, Alcolu, announces: * Sunday — Easter services at 6 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship. Minister Cedric Anderson will speak during the 6 a.m. service. * Monday-Wednesday, April 6-8 — Revival at 7 nightly. The Rev. David Lawson will speak.

Mount Zion United Methodist Church, 130 Loring Mill Road, announces: * Saturday — United Methodist Men prayer breakfast at 8 a.m. Minister Jake Sanders will speak. * Sunday, April 12 — United Methodist Women, family and friends day at 4 p.m. Dr. Arlecia Simmons will speak.

High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Joint Easter sunrise service at High Hills AME Church, Dalzell, at 6 a.m. Pastor Donald Amis will speak. Holy communion will be held at 10:15 a.m. at the church.

Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church, 1400 Mulberry Church Road, announces: * Sunday — The Rev. M.G. Walters will speak during the 6 a.m. sunrise service. Easter recitations: “Jesus, his life, suffering, death and resurrection!” at 10:30 a.m. * Monday-Wednesday, April 6-8 — Youth revival at 7 nightly. Speakers: the Rev. Travis Laws; the Rev. Wilbert White; and the Rev. Linda Speed. * Sunday, April 26 — Women’s day service at 10:45 a.m. Audrey Potts Neal will speak.

House of Judah Worship Center, 3890 White Oak Drive, Davis Station, announces: * Sunday — Gospel singing and candlelight memorial for the late Dorothy M. Hilton at 4 p.m. featuring One Accord of Manning. Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., announces: * Friday — Good Friday worship

New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 3249 U.S. 15 S., announces: * Today-Friday — Holy Week services at 7 nightly.

with all spiritual matters, a change in our demeanor this Easter season begins by changing our hearts, not just our actions. I’ve sat beside what I thought to be a mild-mannered church member when the Clemson Tigers clinched the ACC championship several years ago. After the last second ticked from the clock, he erupted in thunderous celebration. It was his main topic of conversation and the subject of many social media posts days afterward. He proudly wore his team’s colors to church the next day. His pride, his joy sprung forth from him without provocation. By association, he was victorious. So are we, those of us who profess Christ as the risen Lord. Let this Easter be your victory lap. Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail.com

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Parish announces: * Today-Sunday — Holy Week and Easter Tridium Schedule for Catholic churches in Manning, Summerton and Santee as follows: 7 p.m. today, mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Ann, 2205 State Park Road, Santee; 3 p.m. Friday, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at Our Lady of Hope, 2529 Raccoon Road, Manning; 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Easter Vigil Celebration at St. Ann; and Sunday, Easter service at 7 a.m. at St. Mary, 12 N. Canty St.; 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope; and 11 a.m. at St. Ann. Visit www.myoloh.org.

program at 4 p.m. * Sunday, April 19 — St. Mark window rally during 10 a.m. service. * Sunday, April 26 — April birthday month program at 3 p.m. Wear your colors. St. Paul AME Church, 835 Plowden Mill Road, announces: * Sunday, April 26 — Women’s Day celebration at 10 a.m. The Rev. Betty Jeffcoat Wannamaker will speak. Gail Glover Faust, ministry of dance, will be featured. Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church, 1130 Granby Lane, Summerton, announces: * Friday — Good Friday service at 7 p.m. Pastor W.J. Chandler will speak. * Sunday — Sunrise service will be held at 6 a.m.

Pinewood Baptist Church, S.C. 261, Pinewood, announces: * Friday — Good Friday service at 6:30 p.m. * Sunday — Easter services: 7:15 a.m. sunrise service; 7:45 a.m. breakfast; 9 a.m. Sunday school; and 10 a.m. worship. Visit www.pinewoodbaptist.org or call (803) 452-5373. * Sunday, April 26 — Lynda Randle will perform in concert at 6:30 p.m. A love offering will be received and refreshments will follow.

Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., announces: * Friday — Drama Ministry’s Easter production “The Chosen Lamb” at 7 p.m. * Saturday — Youth Easter fun day 10 a.m.-1 p.m. featuring games, fun and lunch. * Sunday — Easter sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. Youth Easter presentations at 8:30 a.m., followed by 10 a.m. worship. * Saturday, April 11 — The Singing Sensations Youth Choir of Baltimore, Maryland, will provide music at 5 p.m. * Saturday, April 25 — Women’s conference 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration fee: $10. * Sunday, April 26 — Women’s Day worship at 10 a.m. The Rev. Irene Anthony will speak.

Providence Baptist Church, 2445 Old Manning Road, announces: * Saturday — Russell Elmore prayer breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Children’s Easter party will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Refreshing Springs Kingdom Outreach, meets at Econo Lodge, Iris Room, 226 N. Washington St., announces: * Sunday — Resurrection Day service at 5 p.m. Holy communion will be served.

Walker Avenue Church of God, 100 Walker Ave., announces: * Sunday, April 19 — CWC Women’s Day program at 4 p.m. Minister Cherry Harvin will speak.

Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 320 W. Fulton St., announces: * Sunday — Easter sunrise service at 6 a.m., church school recitations at 9 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. The Rev. James Blassingame will speak during sunrise service. St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 7650 Summerton Highway, Silver community, Pinewood, announces: * Sunday — Easter program during 10 a.m. service. * Saturday, April 11 — Adult Choir’s “Taking It Back” old time gospel program at 4 p.m. * Saturday, April 18 — Adult Choir’s “Worst Dress Christian”

Wayman Chapel AME Church, 160 N. Kings Highway, announces: * Saturday, April 11 — Car wash and fish fry beginning at 8 a.m. Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2225 Conyers Road, Paxville community, Manning, announces: * Sunday, April 12 — 14th pastoral anniversary celebration of the Rev. Clifford Gaymon at 11 a.m. The Rev. George P. Windley Jr. will speak.

JESUS IS ALIVE! Come Celebrate & Worship 11:00 AM April 5, 2015

Sumter Bible Church www.sumterbiblechurch.org Home to

Sumter Christian School 420 S. Pike West Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-8339 Ron Davis, Pastor

SUNDAY SERVICES

10:00 Sunday School for all ages 11:00 A.M. Worship hour 6:30 P.M. Worship hour

Call 773-1902 about enrollment

www.sumterchristian.org

RELIGION

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Do you have an obedience problem?

he count is three balls and two strikes. The manager calls “time” and walks out to the mound. He tells the pitcher, “Your fastball is your best pitch. Make this next one a fastball.” The pitcher replies, “Are you sure? He’s seen the fastball. Don’t you think he will know it is coming?” The manager says, “Trust me. I’ve seen a lot more baseball than you have.” The manager walks off and the pitcher starts thinking: “I should throw my change up. He’s seen my fastball. What does that manager know? He’s not seeing what I see. He’s getting old, anyway. I know more than he does.” He throws the change up. It trots over the plate and hangs there, begging to be hit. The batter swings and launches the ball over the infield, over the outfield, over the fence and over the county line. Before the batter can round the bases, the manager is on his way out to the mound while he motions to the bullpen. The pitcher’s head is hanging down. The manager says, “Son, didn’t I tell you to throw a fastball? Did you think the old man was crazy and didn’t

see what you saw? Did you think you knew better than me what to pitch? Well, son, you’re done.” Someone Clay has an obediSmith ence problem. We squirm at the idea of being told what to do. Some of this has to do with human experience. We’ve all been told to obey mindless rules, ridiculous policies and unjust laws. And that’s just in kindergarten. When you get your first job, it takes about two weeks before you are convinced you know more than the boss. If they would only let you be in charge, you could get the place straightened out in no time. Disobedience always has a root of arrogance. Our problem with obedience has a lot to do with our pride, the sin that no one confesses. Real obedience begins with humility. We understand we don’t know everything. We acknowledge that we are missing perspectives we need. We sub-

mit to the authority of someone wiser than ourselves. Imagine Jesus walking out to you on the mound. “Listen,” he says, “you are going to be tempted to pitch a lie right now. But the truth is going to be better. You know you will disappoint people when you tell them the truth, but the truth is going to build your soul. It will bring you closer to me. It will grow trust in this relationship. Pitch the truth.” Then Jesus walks back to the dugout. Now your moment has come. The voice in your head starts: “Maybe a little lie wouldn’t be too bad. Maybe Jesus, just this once, is wrong. I think I can get away with this. Yeah, I know what to do.” You wind up. You release the lie. It explodes. Damage is everywhere. You feel part of your soul pulled apart. The relationship goes into ICU. You don’t want to meet Jesus’ eyes. Shame washes over you. Someone has an obedience problem. Maybe you need the humility to listen to the wise Shepherd, Jesus. Clay Smith is the lead pastor at Alice Drive Baptist Church. You can reach him at wcsmith@adbc.org.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Erskine College Choraleers and Chamber Singers will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Church of the Holy Comforter, corner of Main and Calhoun streets. The public is invited to attend. Call (803) 773-3823, extension 113, for more information.

Federal judge to hear case in Episcopal split

cal issues. The bishop of parishes remaining with the national church later sued, alleging the bishop of the parishes that left committed false advertising by presenting himself as bishop. U.S. District Judge C. Weston Houck had postponed the case while a lawsuit over control of church property was decided in state courts. But the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this week there was no reason to delay the case.

CHARLESTON (AP) — A federal judge in South Carolina has been told to hear a case stemming from the Episcopal Church split in eastern South Carolina. The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that the case involves which bishop is the rightful church leader. Conservative parishes split with the national church in 2012 over theologi-

Catholic - Roman Lutheran - ELCA Non-Denominational

EASTER LILIES

Sumter Seventh-Day Adventist 103 N Pike West 775-4455 Pastor Harry Robinson Sat. Sch: 9:15 am, Worship: 11:00 am Tues Bible Study 7 pm www.sumter22.adventistchurchconnect.org

The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Anne Site 216 E Liberty St • 803-773-3524 Fr. Thomas Burke, C.S.S.R. Weekend Masses: Sat Vigil 5 pm Sun. 9:00 and 11:30 am Mass

Anglican Church of the Holy Comforter 213 N. Main Street 803-773-3823 The Rev. Marcus Adam Kaiser Sunday Services 8:30 am (Rite 1) & 11:00 am (Rite ll) in the Sanctuary www.holycomforter.net

he exquisite lily comes in nearly endless colors and varieties and scents the air with delicate perfume. Returning each spring, new leaves and stems rise and each glorious bloom enchants us for a day. As the lilies return once more, you may see them in a new way. Perhaps they remind us that God sent His Son, Jesus, to transform the world with His message of love; to die on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins, and to arise from the grave to appear on the earth before ascending to live with God for eternity. Worship this Easter season. Delight in our Savior, Christ Jesus.

Church of the Holy Cross 335 North Kings Hwy (Hwy 261 N) 803-494-8101 Father Michael E. Ridgill, C.F.S.B. Sunday School 9:00 am Mass 10:00 am

John 12:12-26

First Assembly of God 1151 Alice Drive * 773-3817 www.sumterﬁrstag.org Jason Banar, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship: 10:30 am

Baptist - Missionary Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church 803 S Harvin St. * 775-4032 Marion H Newton, Pastor Sunday Worship: 7:45 & 10:45 am Sunday Youth Service: 10:45 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm

John 12:27-50

Weekly Scripture Reading John John John 1-26 18:1-24 18:25-30

John 19:1-30

John 19:31-42

Scriptures Selected by the American Bible Society

Mon. - Thurs. Chapel 9 am Morning Prayer Wed. Chapel 11:00 qm - Bible Study 12 pm Mass

Assembly of God

Photo Credit Istockphoto.com/SHSPhotography

Salem Missionary Baptist Church 320 West Fulton Street 803-775-8054 Rev. Lei Ferguson Washington Sun. School 9:00 am Praise Worship 9:55 am Worship 10:00 am

Baptist - Southern Grace Baptist Church 219 W Calhoun St * 778-6417 Dr. Stephen Williams S.S. 9:45 am; Worship 11:00 am Evening Worship/Bible Study 6:30 pm Wed. Prayer Meeting 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 pm

Hickory Road Baptist Church 1245 Cherryvale Dr 803-494-8281 Dr. Ron Taylor Pastor Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Long Branch Baptist Church 2535 Peach Orchard Rd. Dalzell 803-499-1838 Pastor Jonathan Bradshaw Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Sun Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wed Mid Week Service 7:00 pm Shaw Heights Baptist Church 2030 Peach Orchard Rd 499-4997 Rev. Robert White Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 am Sunday Worship:11 am & 6 pm

The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Jude Site 611 W. Oakland Ave • 773-9244 www.stjudesumtersc.org Fr. Charles Michael Donovan, C.S.S.R. Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm Sun. Euch.: 9:00, 11:30 am, 1 pm (Spanish)

St James Lutheran Church 1137 Alice Dr, Sumter 773-2260 / www.stjamessumter.org Pastor Keith Getz Sunday Worship: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am

Calvary Christian Outreach Ministry - “Multi-Cultural” 220 Hasel Street, Sumter, SC (Sumter School District Annex Building) Sunday Worship 11:00 am LaShonda McElveen, Pastor

Lutheran - NALC

Christ Community Church(CCC) 525 Oxford St, Sumter 803-934-9718 Sun. Worship 10:00 am (Patriot Hall)

Immanuel Lutheran Church 140 Poinsett Drive • 803-883-1049 Pastor Gary Blobaum Worship Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:30 am Wed Bible Class: 7:00 pm

Church of Christ Methodist - United

Plaza Church of Christ 1402 Camden Hwy. • 905-3163 Stewart Schnur cell 361-8449 Sunday School: 10 am Sunday Worship: 11 am & 6 pm Wed. Bible Class: 7 pm

Interdenominational City of Refuge Church 16 Carolina Ave 938-9066 Barbara & Johnny Davis Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:15 am Bible Study (Wed.) 7:00 pm www.cityofrefugeministry.com

Spiritual Life Christian Center 4672 Broad St. Ext • 968-5771 Pastors Randolph & Minerva Paige Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm Victory Full Gospel Interdenominational Church 601 Pitts Rd • 481-7003 Joann P. Murrill, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm

First Church of God 1835 Camden Rd • 905-5234 www.sumterfcg.org Ron Bower, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:30 am

Aldersgate United Methodist 211 Alice Dr • 775-1602 Dr. Webb Belangia, Reverend Traditional Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:15 am Contemporary 11:15 am

Greater St. Paul Church 200 Watkins Street 803-778-1355 Founder Bishop W.T. English Sunday School - 10:30 am Worship - 11:30 am Evangelistic Service 6:30 pm Wed. Mid Week Service - 7:30 pm

Bethel United Methodist Church 5575 Lodebar Rd • 469-2452 Rev. Jeremy Howell Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 am Sunday School: 10 am www.yourbethel.org BMethodist@ftc-i.net

Sumter Bible Church 420 South Pike West, Sumter 803-773-8339 • Pastor Ron Davis Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study & Prayer 7:00 pm

St John United Methodist Church 136 Poinsett Dr * 803-773-8185 www.stjohnumcsumter.com Rev. J. Robert (Bob) Huggins Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11:00 am Wed. Night Supper/Bible Study 6:30 pm

Sumter First Pentecostal Holiness Church 2609 McCrays Mill Rd • 481-8887 S. Paul Howell, Pastor Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:45 am & 6:00 pm Wed. Bible Study/Youth Group: 7:00 pm

Presbyterian USA First Presbyterian Church of Sumter 9 W Calhoun St (at Main St.) (803) 773-3814 • info@fpcsumter.org Interim Pastor Rev. Ray Fancher Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. Hospitality/Fellowship 10:10 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Night Church Schedule: 4:45 p.m. Children & Youth 5:00 p.m. Adults 6:30 p.m. Supper (all ages)

Presbyterian - ARP Lemira Presbyterian Church 514 Boulevard Rd • 473-5024 Pastor Dan Rowton Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Yard Sale coming in May

Pentecostal First United Penecostal Church 14 Plowden Mill Rd • 775-9493 Pastor Theron Smith Sunday Service: 10:00 am & 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30 pm

Trinity United Methodist Church 226 W Liberty St • 773-9393 Rev. Steve Holler Blended Worship 8:45 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am Sunday School 9:45 am trinityumcsumter.org

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS To Advertise Carolina To Advertise On This Page Filters, Inc. On This Page 109 EAST NEWBERRY AVENUE Call Call 773-6842 800-293-4709 MANAGEMENT AND STAFF 800-293-4709 Norman Williams Sumter Machinery Co. Job’s Mortuary & Associates “Serving Sumter Since 1904” Mill Supplies • Steel Sales Machine Shop • Rewinding Shop

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Controversial reality series ‘8 Minutes’ premieres BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH It says something about our attention spans that A&E has devolved from “The First 48” (9 p.m., TV-14) to “8 Minutes” (10 p.m., TV-14). As we’ve been told for years, the 48 in “48” indicates the two-day period that murder investigators have to wrap up an investigation before evidence grows cold. “8 Minutes” has an entirely different agenda to go with its abbreviated stopwatch. Police officer-turned-pastor Kevin Brown (and a camera crew) travel the mean streets of America to intervene in the lives of prostitutes. The ladies of the night agree to meet with him in hotel rooms, where, they assume, he’s out for a sexual assignation. Instead, he uses his time to try to talk them out of the working life. He only gives himself eight minutes, because after that, pimps tend to get suspicious — making matters dangerous for Brown and his would-be rescue. Brown hopes this series will help its documented subjects and shed light on the problem of sex trafficking around the world. “8 Minutes” has already received attention, much of it negative, and drawn protests from a curious coalition. Some argue that not all sex workers are victims and that they should be left alone. Others in the religious community contend that Brown is demeaning the idea of ministering to prostitutes by turning them into spectacles for television voyeurism and “entertainment.” Documenting the vulnerable for programming has become common fodder for A&E. The network has aired “Intervention” for years and has showcased the clearly mentally ill with its long-running “Hoarders” series. • We’ve yet to see what happens when Ragnar and his

sion shakes things up (9 p.m.) * Oscar pines for a lost love on “The Odd Couple” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A prescription for catastrophe on “Mom” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT

A&E

Premiering at 10 p.m. today on A&E, the new reality series “8 Minutes” follows Pastor Kevin Brown, a retired police officer, as he attempts to convince women to leave the prostitution industry. gang of marauders get to Paris. But we can say for certain that “Vikings” (10 p.m., History, TV-14) will return for a fourth season. If the second season of “Vikings” was about “Godfather”like alliances, season three has concentrated on the implications of the Norsemen’s collision with Christian culture. Last season, Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) thought that Ragnar was treating him like Fredo Corleone. This season, Floki frets that Ragnar’s flirtation with the God of the Cross may put Odin and Thor in peril. After all, what good are gods when nobody believes? Speaking of old gods and the drama they inspire, Syfy debuts “Olympus” (10 p.m., TV-14) set amongst the gods and mortals of ancient Greece.

• Students on a field trip get an eyeful of something awful on “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • A con artist targets the wealthy on “The Blacklist” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • AWOL from rehab, a witness turns up dead on “Backstrom” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14). • David continues his war on B613 on “Scandal” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • A homicidal hack targets the competition on “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14). • Tales from Richie’s past may be his undoing on the sea-

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • A teacher is found dead amidst book stacks on “Bones” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

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son finale of “The Slap” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • Carter jumps bail on “American Crime” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • “The Red Road” (10 p.m., Sundance, TV-14) returns for a second season.

CULT CHOICE

SERIES NOTES On two episodes of “Big Bang Theory” (CBS, TV-14), a major detour (8 p.m.), Penny gets the message (9 p.m., r) * On two episodes of “The Flash” (CW, TV-14), Victor Garber gueststars (8 p.m.), a nuclear explo-

HAPPY EASTER! COME IN AND ENJOY A COOL COLORFUL REFRESHING FROZEN YOGURT.

DIFFERENT TOPPINGS

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Rob Corddry is on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central, r) * Aubrey Plaza, Ron Funches and Calexico on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Kelly Ripa, Aasif Mandvi and Fat White Family appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Matthew Morrison and Smashing Pumpkins on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Jason Statham and Brian Wilson are on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Kevin Bacon, Rob Huebel and Years & Years visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Jeff Goldblum and Rick Schwartz appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

A baby-sitter’s dream plants him and his sidekick in the center of a fairy tale in the comedy “Jack and the Beanstalk” (6:30 p.m., TCM), starring Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

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THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

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

Manning native leads Google effort to teach children coding BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com

and I loved growing up here,” she said. To this day, Goodman calls Manning her home and comes back to visit nearly every weekend. At Manning High, she got interested in computers in Jenny Aycock’s journalism class. “We learned how to do layout for the newspaper on the computer,” she said. “I already knew some basic coding at that time and would show some of my classmates how to do it.” After graduating from Manning High in 1993, Goodman went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in English from University of South Carolina. She said she fell in love with coding after being exposed to a computer programming course at the university. So after graduating college, she secured a job writing code for a software systems company in Colorado. She then worked for several major

Manning native JamieSue Goodman got started with computers at a Manning High School journalism class in the early 1990s. Today she is a leader at Google. Goodman is project lead for CS First, a program for fourth- through eighth-graders that teaches students to express themselves and their interests through computer code. The program, called “club in a box,” uses the online curriculum to teach the basics of coding. Engaging students seems to run in Goodman’s blood. Her mother, the late Sue Clark, was a fourth-grade teacher at Manning Elementary School for many years. Her father, the late James Clark, was a car salesman at Prothro Chevrolet Buick GMC in Manning. “They both loved Manning,

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JamieSue Goodman, a Manning native, is making a difference by teaching computer coding to children. companies in New York City. One of those companies, Zagat Survey, was bought out by Google, and that is how Goodman became an employee with the company. “When I received the job with Google, I knew that I wanted to get into the education field,” she said. Her first role with the company was working on the Google Maps system, a job she said she often did remotely from her home in Manning. “It was pretty awesome doing conference calls (with) people from all over the world from my porch,” she said. Goodman soon had the opportunity to be involved in a

new Google project that focused on exposing children to coding. “At the time, we were just throwing ideas out there,” she said. She said Google was looking into the job market of the future. Hundreds of thousands of jobs will require people to use more refined computer skills, she said. CS First’s goal is to engage children’s interests in science, technology, engineering and math, Goodman said. The self-guided curriculum allows students to work at their own pace, creating stories, games and animation, while learning the basic con-

cepts of computer science. The students use a simple programming language called Scratch, developed at MIT. Google has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of America to bring the CS First program nationwide. Goodman said it has attracted 5,000 students from across the state and 29,000 from across the nation. Locally Alice Drive Middle School, Laurence Manning Academy and Manning Elementary School have used the program. “We’ve targeted children in grades four through eight to expose them to the different fields that use code on a daily basis,” she said.

County courthouse renovations to be completed in summer BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY/THE SUMTER ITEM

The Clarendon County Courthouse will reopen its doors this summer after a two-year, $6 million renovation project.

Clarendon County Courthouse’s $6 million renovation project is scheduled to be complete this summer. Renovations on the 107-year-old courthouse began in May 2013. The building had not seen a major renovation since 1969 and was in need of repairs, according to Clarendon County Administrator David Epperson. In January 2013, Meadors Construction Inc., an architectural firm based in Charleston, did preliminary studies to investigate the main problem areas. The four main planned renovation priorities were: exterior envelope, or the outer shell of the building; security upgrades;

upgrades in building systems; and interior space allocation and Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility. In their investigation, Meadors discovered foundation problems, including several structural issues in the trusses of the main courtroom, Epperson said. Other issues included lack of proper waterproofing coat on foundation walls, improper drainage slope of finished grade away from the building and clogged storm water lines. The second priority was security, Epperson said. This included increasing the level of security on the outer shell of the building and in a functioning court, such as secure locations to hold prisoners and having metal detectors in the building.

The third priority is building systems to upgrade the HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems. This also includes technology upgrades for the audio and visual systems. The fourth part Meadors looked into was the interior space and getting up to par with the ADA compliance. All of the issues have been addressed, according to Epperson. The project is being funded through an installment purchase revenue bond paid by the Georgia-Pacific plant in the county, in lieu of taxes. Once completed, the courthouse will house an additional smaller courtroom and offices for the circuit judge, retired circuit judge, master-inequity, clerk of court, public defender and solicitor.

Central Carolina class helps prep students for career change BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Making a career change to the industrial sector seemed to be a very difficult task for Vanessa R. Mitchell. She worked 26 years caring for abused children, a field that was totally different from the industry sector. Finding out about the South Carolina Manufacturing Certification course was just what she needed to transition to her newly chosen career field, she said. The 13-week course offered by Central Carolina Technical College at its F.E. DuBose Campus in Manning as well as its main campus in Sumter helps to prepare students for jobs in manufacturing. The class simulates a working environment with students having to clock in and out and being responsible for completing hands-on projects, said Elizabeth Williams, director of workforce develop-

ment and the S.C. Environmental Training Center. The 200-hour curriculum is broken down into five sections: employability skills learning objectives, safety awareness, quality assurance, production and processes and maintenance awareness. The last section, called The Penville Plant, involves a simulation factory in which students put their skills into practice. “This is a very well-rounded curriculum that helps students be prepared for an entry-level job in the industry sector,” said Williams. The course is non-credit, meaning students don’t receive credit towards a degree, but upon completion, they receive a work-ready certificate. “Many of the students who have completed this course are employed by major industry around our area,” Williams said. “This gives students an advantage when

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applying for jobs, because they already have the background and the industries are familiar with the program.” Employers visit the class and present on different career fields that are available. There is also assistance available to students in resume writing and other job prep skills. The cost of the program is $2,119, but scholarships are available for most students. In order to be eligible for funding, a student must have a silver level work keys certification. The person must be unemployed or underemployed, however, and an individual is also eligible who is currently employed but would like to recareer in the manufacturing sector. Potential employees must pass a drug screen and background check and be a resident of South Carolina to qualify for scholarships. For more information, contact Williams at 803-778-7837 or williamsel@cctech.edu.

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY/THE SUMTER ITEM

Ron Haynes, Industrial Technology-Program Manager for S.C. Workforce Development at Central Carolina Technical College, teaches a class at the college’s F.E. DuBose campus on Monday

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CLARENDON SUN

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Prepare for Easter with these egg tips A

pril is Easter time. For many people that means preparation for a traditional Easter egg hunt and other fun events with family and friends. If children will be eating the Easter eggs they find, make sure you won’t have to worry about foodborne illness. That means following good food safety practices from the grocery case through consumption. Start with fresh Grade A or AA eggs that are clean and free of cracks. You can tell exactly when the eggs were packed because egg cartons that have the USDA grade shield will also have a three-digit code that represents the day of the year on which the eggs were packed. Jan. 1 will be “001,” and Dec. 31 will be “365.” For best quality, fresh eggs should be used within four to five weeks of packaging. Write the date of purchase on the carton, and use the eggs within four weeks. If a “use by” or “best before” date is stamped on the carton, this tells the consumer the last date to use the eggs

BRIEFS Manning Easter egg hunt will be held today Main Street Manning will host an Easter Egg Hunt and Movie in the Park today at Gibbons Street Park. The Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 6 p.m., and the movie will start once the sun sets. Eggs will be hidden for children 4 and under and 5 to 12. Bring your own basket to hunt eggs. Hot dog plates will be available for purchase after the Easter Egg Hunt, before the movie. In case of bad weather, the Eas-

for best quality. The “sell by” or “expiration” date tells the retail store the last date the eggs should be sold. The consumer still has a week or two to enjoy the eggs after the “sell by” date. Store your eggs in the carton they came in to protect them against picking up “off” flavors. Each egg shell has about 17,000 tiny pores through which it can absorb odors given off by other foods in the refrigerator. Now, to cook your Nancy eggs: Place or lower Harrison them into cold water, RETIRED CLEMSON bring just to a boil, reduce heat to simmerEXTENSION AGENT ing and cook for 10 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cover; let stand for 15 minutes, and place in cold water. Dye your eggs: Prepare Easter egg dye as directed on package, or use a few drops of food coloring in custard cups

ter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Gibbons Street Park, and the Movie in the Park will be rescheduled. For more information, contact Carrie Trebil at City Hall at (803) 435-8477, extension 132.

Library will be closed for holiday The Harvin Clarendon County Library will close for Easter on April 3-4 and reopen on April 6 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The book drop will be available for return of unrestricted materials. For more, call (803) 435-8633.

or muffin tins with enough hot water to cover eggs. With a tablespoon, dip eggs one by one into dye. Let stand, turning occasionally until evenly covered. Lift out egg and place on paper towels or in carton to dry.

EASTER EGG SAFETY TIPS • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling eggs at every step, including cooking, cooling, dyeing and hiding. • Refrigerate hard-cooked eggs immediately if you won’t be coloring the eggs right after cooking. Refrigerate them again immediately after dyeing and after they’ve been hidden and found. • Make sure the eggs you color or hide aren’t cracked. • Use food coloring or specially made food-grade egg dyes dissolved in water that is warmer than the eggs. • Avoid hiding eggs where they might come into contact with pets, wild animals, birds, reptiles, insects or lawn chemicals. • Discard any cracked eggs and eggs

Egg and Vegetable Casserole: 6 servings, ½ cup each • 2 cups mixed vegetables (cooked or canned), drained • 6 eggs, hard cooked and chopped • ¼ cup chopped onions • ½ cup sliced olives • 10½ ounces cream of mushroom soup • ¼ cup shredded wheat, crushed, and cheddar cheese, shredded Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 1-quart casserole, combine vegetables, eggs, onion, olives, soup and ½ teaspoon salt (optional). Pour into casserole, toss crushed shredded wheat and cheese together and sprinkle over casserole. Bake 30 minutes or until bubbling. Nancy S. Harrison is a retired Food Safety and Nutrition Educator with Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.

Zion Hill will celebrate 14 years with pastor

The Annual Survivor Dinner honoring all Clarendon County cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 27, at Manning First Baptist Church on Boyce Street.

Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2225 Conyers Road, Paxville, will celebrate the 14th

Home dedication will be held for family Habitat for Humanity will hold a home dedication for Angela Kennerly and her son, TJ, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, at 910 Branchview Drive, Manning.

April is “Cat & Dog” month at Manning Feed Mill.

Quality Specialty Feeds For Livestock & Pets 233 Dinkins St. Manning, SC 29102

USING LEFTOVER EASTER EGGS IN A RECIPE

Annual dinner will honor survivors

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR ANIMALS Please like us on FB and submit your picture of you and your Cat or Dog.

that have been out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.

Come support Pee Dee Animal Rescue Sat., April 4th at Tanners yard sale. Food and Monetary donations appreciated!

anniversary of its pastor, the Rev. Clifford Gaymon, at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 12. The speaker will be the Rev. George P. Windley Jr., pastor of First Baptist Missionary Church.

Join Us For Our

Easter Services

Good Friday Service Friday, April 3 at 6:30 pm Sunrise Service Sunday, April 5 at 7:00 am Sunday School at 9 am Morning Worship at 10 am Emmanuel Baptist Church 1794 Old Georgetown Rd. • Manning, SC 29102

(803) 435-4354

CLARENDON COUNTY the original

Readers’ Choice The Best 1) Beer, Wine & Liquor ________________________ 2) Car Dealership ____________________________ 3) Used Car Dealership _______________________ 4) Church ___________________________________ 5) Cup of Coffee _____________________________ 6) Dance School _____________________________ 7) Doctor’s Office ____________________________ 8) Dry Cleaner _______________________________ 9) Fast Food_________________________________ 10) Financial Institution _______________________ 11) Floral Shop ______________________________ 12) Friendliest Bank __________________________ 13) Furniture Store ___________________________ 14) Gift Shop ________________________________ 15) Golf Course ______________________________ 16) Golf Pro Shop ____________________________ 17) Grocery Store ____________________________ 18) Hair Salon _______________________________ 19) Hardware Store ___________________________ 20) Heating & Air Co. _________________________ 21) Insurance Company _______________________ 22) Lawn Mower Shop _______________________ 23) Local Cellular ____________________________ 24) Nail Salon _______________________________ 25) Oil Change ______________________________ 26) Pharmacy ________________________________ 27) Pool Company ___________________________ 28) Real Estate Company _____________________ 29) Restaurant _______________________________ 30) Sub Sandwich ____________________________

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34) Boss ____________________________________ 35) Cashier __________________________________ 36) Coach ___________________________________ 37) Dentist __________________________________ 38) Hair Stylist _______________________________ 39) Insurance Agent __________________________ 40) Massage Therapist ________________________ 41) Pharmacist _______________________________ 42) Physician ________________________________ 43) Real Estate Agent_________________________ 44) Teacher _________________________________

Best Place For 45) BBQ ____________________________________ 46) Breakfast ________________________________ 47) Fried Chicken ____________________________ 48) Mexican Food ____________________________ 49) Milk Shakes ______________________________ 50) Oriental Food ____________________________ 51) Sweet Tea _______________________________ 52) To Work _________________________________

Register to Win $50 Cash! Registration Ballot Name ___________________ Address _________________ City _____________________ State _________________ Zip ______________________ Phone: __________________ Drop off or mail to:

C/O Jeffords Ins. Agency 40 N. Mill Street Manning, SC 29102

Offiicial Rules: You must be 18 or older to enter. Limit one ballot per person and only one answer per category. Your full name, address & phone number must appear on the ballot. You must vote in a minimum of 20 categories. No purchase necessary. Ballots can be mailed or dropped off at Jeffords Ins. Agency at 40 N. Mill Street, Manning, SC , 8am-5pm, Monday - Friday. Mailed ballots must be postmarked or dropped off by noon April 21, 2015. Late entries will not be accepted. Employees of Osteen Publishing Co. and their families are not eligible for cash drawing. The winner of the $50 cash prize will be determined by a random drawing from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified by phone and will appear in The Clarendon Sun’s Readers’ Choice section May 28, 2015.

CLARENDON SUN

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Clarendon 1 among 5 districts awarded grant for innovation FROM STAFF REPORTS Clarendon School District 1 was recently named one of five recipients of the 2015 South Carolina Community Block Grants for Education. Clarendon 1 was awarded $242,237 for its science, technology, engineering and math initiative. The STEMfocused project establishes two academies within the school district focusing on environmental science and providing learning experiences. The goal of establishing the academies is to increase student achievement in science and math. The initiative is also designed to implement a development model that will prepare teachers to deliver a comprehensive, challenging STEM

of representatives from the business and education committee appointed by the executive director of the S.C. Education Oversight Committee. The independent grants committee placed priority on districts with higher percentages of students living in poverty. “We are so pleased to recognize these districts for their innovative projects focused on helping children learn,” said Allison Jacques, assistant dean for assessment and chair of the grants committee at University of South Carolina School of Education. “Our hope is that these projects become models of how schools and communities can unite to handle challenges and create positive outcomes for students and families.”

education to students. The pilot program, which was awarded to five school districts in the state, is a matching grants program designed to encourage sustainable partnerships among school districts and community groups. The program was created through Proviso 1.94 of the 2014-15 General Appropriation Act focused on “state-of-the-art education initiatives and models to improve students’ learning.” The proviso allocated $1 million in one-time money for the program, and school districts were required to provide matching financial support. The five winners were chosen from 37 applications received. Eight finalists were chosen for the grant by a review committee, composed

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Gloria Johnson, left, wife of Sen. Kevin L. Johnson, Manning Mayor Julia A. Nelson, center, and Clarendon School District 2 board member Kim Johnson at the Clarendon Habitat for Humanity Charity Martini Tasting fundraiser held last Thursday at the courtyard of Land, Parker & Welch Law Firm in Manning. The event raised money to build the organization’s 23rd house.

Join Us Saturday April 18th @ 9AM

at John C Land Landing 4404 Greenall Road, Summerton

Goat Island Boat Club

Live Music by 4-Way Stop Band

Join us for Easter Buffet

Food • Door Prizes • Drawing @ 5PM T-shirts available for purchase!

Featuring Ham, Pineapple Casserole, Deviled Eggs and all the fixings.

MANNING RESTAURANT

Entry forms available at: www.goatislandboatclub.com or from Goat Island Restaurant, Taw Caw Campground, J&J Marina, Lake Vue Landing, Light House Pointe, Fayz at the Lake, Randolph’s Diner, Jefford’s Insurance & the Chamber office.

Monday - Friday 6 am - 2 pm • Saturday 6 am - 11am • Sunday 11 am - 2 pm

803-460-1883

Order your casseroles and desserts early. 476 N. Brooks St. • 435-4212

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Summons & Notice SUMMONS NON-JURY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO. 2014-CP-14-584 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLARENDON

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The Bank of Clarendon, Plaintiff, vs. Steve Eric Conyers, individually and as PR of the Estate of Ervin Parson, Brian Parson, Tanya Baker, heirs of Ervin Parson, deceased, and heirs of Earline Parson, deceased, Defendants. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, of which a copy is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer to the said Complaint on the subscribers at their offices: 248 West Evans Street, P O Box 1909, Florence, South Carolina 29503-1909, Tel. No. (843) 662-3258, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WILLCOX, BUYCK & WILLIAMS, P.A. MARK W. BUYCK, JR., I.D. No: 001060 PO Box 1909, Florence, SC 29503-1909 (843) 662-3258 - Tel., (843) 662-1342 - Fax ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF

Estate Notice Clarendon County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on FORM #371ES with the Probate Court of Clarendon County, the address of which is 411 Sunset Dr. Manning, SC 29102, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.

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A10

CLARENDON SUN

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Pets of the week

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Participants in the Monarchs Making Miracles dance marathon hold up the total amount of money raised at the event, $1,193, held on March 19 at Manning Junior High School.

Abby is a 1-year-old, black-and-tan hound mix. She was brought to the shelter at 5 weeks old. She is up to date on her shots and has been spayed. She is very playful and would love the chance to show how much love she has to give. Stop by and see these beautiful dogs and fine cats at A Second Chance Animal Shelter, 5079 Alex Harvin Highway. Adoption hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Angie is an 18-week-old female, tan with black nose, shepherd/Lab mix puppy. She has had her age-appropriate shots and will be spayed on April 10. She is a playful puppy.

Manning students collect $1.2K for Children’s Miracle Network BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com

“It’s great to see it all finally thon at USC while she was a come together,” Dukes said. student there. Greenwell said that each of “This is a great philanthropy event to support an organi- the students brought a few dollars to the event and that zation and a hospital that MANNING — More than they received support from serves children from all over 100 students participated in a the state, in- local businesses. Food was dance marathon also donated for the event. cluding this held at Manning “I really like how everyone area,” she Junior High came together for a great said. School on March cause; I had a lot of fun,” said Shana 19, raising nearly Heather Varn, an eighthDukes and $1,200 for ChilEMILY GREENWELL grade student. Sabrina dren’s Miracle Dance Marathon is a nationDingle, seNetwork. First-year teacher at wide movement involving colniors at The event, Manning Junior High lege and high school students Manning called Monarchs at more than 250 schools High Making Miracles, School and initiator of across the nation, all raising School, orbrought the stumoney for the Children’s Mirdents together Monarchs Making Miracles ganized the acle Network Hospital in their event with with University event community, according to the Greenwell of South Caroliorganization’s website. for their sena’s Dance MaraFor more information on nior project. Both students thon, and proceeds went to the national event, visit are involved in student counPalmetto Health Children’s http://dancemarathon.com/. cil at the high school. Hospital in Columbia. It was initiated by Emily Greenwell, a first-year teacher at the junior high school, who is a USC graduate and a Teach for America instructor. “This event blew my expectations,” she said. “It’s not always easy to get middle school students excited about things, but these students definitely were.” The sixth- to eighth-grade Sunrise Service - 6:45 am students involved in the event were separated into four (On The Church Lawn) teams. They danced and Sunday School - 9:45 am played various games [For All Ages] throughout the three-hour event, including “Minute to Worship - 11:00 am Win It” challenges, in which (Sanctuary) they had to complete certain physical activities in less than one minute such as basketball * Breakfast will follow after the free throws, crab soccer and Sunrise Service in the Fellowship Hall. hula hoop. Greenwell said that she got 17 East Rigby Street the idea to do the event locally Post Office Box 68 after being involved on the exManning, South Carolina 29102 ecutive board of Dance Mara-

‘This event blew my expectations.’

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THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

A11

11 former Atlanta educators convicted in cheating scandal Former Deerwood Academy assistant principal Tabeeka Jordan, center, is led to a holding cell after a jury found her guilty in the Atlanta Public Schools testcheating trial, Wednesday. Jordan and 10 other former Atlanta Public Schools educators accused of participating in a test cheating conspiracy that drew nationwide attention were convicted of racketeering charges.

BY KATE BRUMBACK The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

former elementary school principal Dana Evans, said he was shocked by the judge’s decision and called it “unnecessary and vindictive.” Prosecutors said the 12 on trial were looking out for themselves rather than the children’s education. Defense attorneys accused prosecutors of overreaching in charging the educators under racketeering laws usually employed against organized crime. The attorneys for some of the defendants said they will appeal. Hall served as superintendent for more than a decade, which is rare for a big-city schools chief. She was named Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators in

2009 and credited with raising student test scores and graduation rates, particularly among the district’s poor and minority students. But the award quickly lost its luster as her district became mired in the scandal, which began to unfold when The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that some scores were statistically improbable. In a video message to the staff before she retired, Hall said: “I am confident that aggressive, swift action will be taken against anyone who believed so little in our students and in our system of support that they turned to dishonesty as the only option.” The months-long trial began in August with more than six weeks of jury selec-

tion, and testimony concluded in late February. District Attorney Paul Howard said it was the biggest and most complex case his office had ever handled. It lasted more than two years and involved hundreds of interviews with school administrators, staff, parents and students. “Our entire effort in this

case was simply to get our community to stop and take a look at the education system,” Howard said. Dessa Curb, a former elementary school teacher, was the one educator acquitted of all charges. “I’ve prayed and I believed that this would be my outcome,” said a dazed-looking Curb, tears in her eyes.

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ATLANTA — In one of the biggest cheating scandals of its kind in the U.S., 11 former Atlanta public school educators were convicted Wednesday of racketeering for their role in a scheme to inflate students’ scores on standardized exams. The defendants, including teachers, a principal and other administrators, were accused of falsifying test results to collect bonuses or keep their jobs in the 50,000-student Atlanta school system. A 12th defendant, a teacher, was acquitted of all charges by the jury. The racketeering charges carry up to 20 years in prison. Most of the defendants will be sentenced April 8. “This is a huge story and absolutely the biggest development in American education law since forever,” said University of Georgia law professor Ron Carlson. “It has to send a message to educators here and broadly across the nation. Playing with student test scores is very, very dangerous business.” A state investigation found that as far back as 2005, educators fed answers to students or erased and changed answers on tests after they were turned in. Evidence of cheating was found in 44 schools with nearly 180 educators involved, and teachers who tried to report it were threatened with retaliation. Similar cheating scandals have erupted in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Nevada and other public school systems around the country in recent years, as officials link scores to school funding and staff bonuses and vow to close schools that perform poorly. Thirty-five Atlanta educators in all were indicted in 2013 on charges including racketeering, making false statements and theft. Many pleaded guilty, and some testified at the trial. Former Atlanta School Superintendent Beverly Hall was among those charged but never went to trial, arguing she was too sick. She died a month ago of breast cancer. Hall insisted she was innocent. But educators said she was among higher-ups pressuring them to inflate students’ scores to show gains in achievement and meet federal benchmarks that would unlock extra funding. Over objections from the defendants’ attorneys, Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter ordered all but one of those convicted immediately jailed while they await sentencing. They were led out of court in handcuffs. “They are convicted felons as far as I’m concerned,” Baxter said, later adding, “They have made their bed and they’re going to have to lie in it.” The only one allowed to remain free on bail was teacher Shani Robinson, because she is expected to give birth soon. Bob Rubin, the attorney for

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A12

LOCAL

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

FIRES

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY / THE SUMTER ITEM

An American Water Spaniel catches a duck during The American Water Spaniel Club’s Southeastern Regional Hunt Saturday.

SPANIELS FROM PAGE A1 the Irish and English Water Spaniels, according to the Club’s website, americanwaterspanielclub.org. The breed is also the state dog of Wisconsin. There are only a few thousand water spaniels across the country and about 180 people who are members of the club nationwide.

GRANT FROM PAGE A1 The city currently has a voluntary demolition program, Sumter Pride, that allows owners of dilapidated property to have the structures demolished for a fee and owners will retain ownership of the remaining parcel of land. Through NIP, substandard property is purchased from residents using grant funds and a nonprofit partner organization, in Sumter’s case Santee-Lynches, keeps ownership of the parcel after the residential structure is demolished. City Planning Director George McGregor said government entities taking part in the program must partner with a not-for-profit organization in order to become eligible for the grant. Once property has been

American Water Spaniels are also unique in the fact that they do both dog shows and hunt tests, said David McCracken, an owner of several water spaniels, one of whom recently won its category at The Westminster Kennel Club’s 139th Annual Dog Show in New York City. The hunt test was held, for the second year in a row, on the property of Bob and Judy Jones, owners of Lake Moultrie Kennels.

purchased, Santee-Lynches will maintain ownership of that property for a three-year period. During that time period, the city must demolish and provide maintenance for the property. If the city or Santee-Lynches is approached by an entity with plans to redevelop the property, ownership can be transferred within the threeyear holding period with approval from the Housing Authority. According to NIP guidelines, the city and SanteeLynches will have a $35,000 cap for each property, which includes the costs of acquisition, purchase, demolition and long-term maintenance of that property. McGregor said there is no specific area that the city will target first but known dilapidated properties will be prioritized so that the most hazardous structures

are taken down first. He said the city has not yet signed all contractual agreements with the state Housing Authority, but he said the blight removal program should start within the next 60 days. McElveen said the program will work well with the property maintenance code once it has been amended to include revised regulations regarding demolition orders and a vacant property registry. In an effort to remove or repair blighted houses, the city has been debating passing a code that would require owners of vacant houses to register the property with the city. Owners who do not register vacant houses could face fines. The Neighborhood Initiative Program is another big step in the city’s efforts to remove blighted structures in the city, McElveen said.

“We’ve been doing it for the last two or three years, passing out the brochures FROM PAGE A1 and giving people the stuff that the Forestry (Comto combat and extinguish mission) gives us,” Lee the raging blaze in such County Fire Chief Mike cases. Bedenbaugh said. “It Lee County Fire Marseems to help. It’s a little shal Brandon Holloman reminder all the way said he’s seen brush fires spread to as big as 50 acres around.” Holloman said the seain minutes when the wind son for increased burns picks up. spans from March through He noted many spot September. fires along Sumter highways NUMBERS TO CALL County Fire spark up WHEN BURNING Department when vehiYARD DEBRIS BY spokesman cles drag obCOUNTY Joey Duggan jects against said this is the the concrete, Sumter : 1-800-517-9641 time of year causing them Clarendon: 1-800-986when brush to ignite and 3597 fires increase intermittentLee : 1-800-705-8612 because activly set the dry ity increases. grass along Many homethe road owners use ablaze. the spring months to preHe also said burns are pare their yards for the known to re-ignite days after people complete their upcoming summer days, and opt to burn the leaves controlled burns if the as opposed to bagging grass remains dry. them. He urged burners to Officials warned resithoroughly wet down the dents to respect the weathareas of their burns to make sure they completely er conditions before they begin a burn, and urged extinguish all the embers. them to call 911 immediFire authorities in Lee ately if a burn grows out County said their highest of hand. number of vegetative fires “Make sure that you’re in recent years came in safe when you’re doing it,” 2011 when they responded Duggan said. “Make sure to 163. Since then, officials have you use common sense when you’re out there taken it upon themselves burning because fire can to begin educating the get away from you relapublic about how to pretively quickly. And the vent out-of-control burns, other thing that’s really and the numbers have important is you’re resteadily declined. sponsible for your fire. If In 2014, the department it gets away from you and went on a total of 139 wood, brush and grass fire it burns somebody else’s property, you’re responsicalls. So far this year, it ble for that.” has responded to 30.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

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A13

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

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COMMENTARY

Freedom is a two-way street E

xcited protests against Indiana’s recently passed religious freedom law have highlighted both America’s growing support for same-sex marriage and our apparent incapacity to entertain more than one idea at a time. The law in question is a version of the 1993 federal Religious Freedom and Restoration Act signed by then-President Clinton. Nineteen states have versions of the law and another 11 have interpreted their state constitutions as already providing these protections. Without diving into the weeds, RFRA aims to protect religious freedom against government action that abridges deeply held convictions. Indiana’s law isn’t exactly the same as the federal version — or of some other state laws — and it isn’t clear whether these distinctions constitute a difference justifyKathleen ing the curParker rent level of outrage. They include extending protection to corporations as well as individuals; expanding protections against government actions that are “likely” to be substantially burdensome; and, perhaps most problematic, allowing claims of religious-freedom infringement even if the government isn’t involved. Nevertheless, after a difficult week of criticism and protests aimed at Indiana, Gov. Mike Pence announced Tuesday that he would push his state’s Assembly to pass legislation stating that the new law does not give businesses a right to deny services to anyone. This may be exactly so, but it wouldn’t necessarily preclude individuals or corporations from denying services to same-sex couples and then defending themselves on religious principle. Based on what Pence said, it would merely make clear that the state doesn’t authorize or condone such refusal of services or any other discriminatory action. But discrimination remains a personal choice, which can be defended in individual cases under RFRA. Does anyone really object to this option? Isn’t it fair to allow religious people a framework for seeking recourse through the courts? Refusing services because of a religious belief doesn’t lend solace to those who are seeking complete equality without exception. (For the record, I am solidly in this camp, but I do have compassion for those whose religious convictions make compromise impossible.) As Clinton said at the time

of the federal law’s passage, freedom of religion is “perhaps the most precious of all American liberties.” Though the First Amendment was intended to protect citizens from religious persecution and the imposition of a state religion, inferentially, it also has protected religious believers from being forced by government fiat to renounce their belief in attendance to some government action. The most familiar recent case involved a baker who didn’t want to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. The question is whether he has the right, owing to his religious beliefs, to refuse to bake the cake. If you think this is silly, consider that RFRA first came about to protect the rights of Native Americans to consume peyote in religious ceremonies. The theoretical abuses on both sides can be endlessly entertaining. Should we also allow the slaughter of pets as sacrifices to someone’s God? Even Abraham believed that God required he slay his own son. Abraham almost did, too, before God intervened, satisfied that Abraham sufficiently feared him, whereupon a ram materialized on his own very worst day. But we’re not talking about silly or extreme exceptions. If even a few Christians, Jews or Muslims understand marriage to be the sacred union of man and woman in the eyes of God, activists seeking a fresh definition shouldn’t expect an immediate surrender. This doesn’t justify the refusal of a wedding cake, the baking of which hardly qualifies as an endorsement, but nor does it justify charges of bigotry, as is often said of religious people struggling with profound social restructuring. This isn’t an excuse for what is, in fact, discrimination by any other name. It is an attempt at compassion sorely missing from most discussions of this and other laws that try to carve out a tiny space for people whose religious beliefs are being put asunder. As gay activist and conservative author Andrew Sullivan wrote last year, “we should give them space.” Such as by, say, going to another bakery? The market ultimately may settle these matters before the courts do. Pence’s latest move was prompted by corporate pressure as well as a few state boycotts on statefunded travel to the Hoosier state. As Indiana moves to clarify its intent, the perception of discrimination will persist until RFRA laws are eliminated. This is the goal of many activists. But discrimination is a two-way street and tolerance should apply equally to sexual orientation as well as to religious belief. There’s plenty of cake to go around.

‘This isn’t an excuse for what is, in fact, discrimination by any other name. It is an attempt at compassion sorely missing from most discussions of this and other laws that try to carve out a tiny space for people whose religious beliefs are being put asunder.’

EDITORIAL ROUNDUP Recent editorials from South Carolina newspapers:

The Aiken Standard March 31

FUDGING MILITARY BUDGET WRONG APPROACH Short-changing defense would be a misguided approach by budget makers in Washington, D.C. The U.S. is facing too many threats abroad, especially from groups such as the Islamic State, which, in turn, have created a legitimate increase in concern toward domestic threats. However, the Pentagon funding approved by Republicans last week effectively uses a budgetary gimmick to circumvent mandatory spending caps and boosts spending for the military with no real long-term vision. The budget plan essentially leaves the spending caps that were instituted through the process known as sequestration in place while simultaneously upping military spending - seemingly only a trick politicians in Washington, D.C., could pull off. These caps were put in place through a 2011 agreement to raise the federal debt ceiling, which imposed limits on both defense and non-defense spending. Instead of doing the hard work to cobble together a compromise and repeal the sequestration process, lawmakers seem complacent with simply using budgetary gimmicks. U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter slammed the proposal by the Republicans, indicating the plan merely wedged funding into the upcoming budget rather than instilling any kind of long-term vision. While other, non-defense spending is kept in check, the Republicans opted to effectively fatten up the Pentagon’s war-fighting account by about $90 billion through an “overseas contingency operations account,” which isn’t subject to the budget limits. “Current proposals to shoehorn (the Pentagon’s) base budget funds into our contingency accounts would fail to solve the problem, while also undermining basic principles of accountability and responsible, longterm planning,” Carter said. The GOP has long liked to say that they’re hawkish on both defending the nation, as well as balancing budgets. Those sentiments, though, are increasingly in competition in a time of significant global unrest. Democrats, though, don’t deserve a free pass here either. As it stands, they would have to reach an agreement dealing with about $1 trillion in spending cuts to non-defense spending. So far, Democrats have shown no indication they will come to the negotiation table. Even President Barack Obama has blinked and said military spending should be boosted above the caps set in 2011. He added, though, he would want domestic spending increased, as well. That’s not the right way forward either, as every year our country’s deficit and debt continues to balloon. With control of Congress, Republicans have already put negotiations on a wrong footing by exempting defense accounts from mandatory spending caps while effectively squeezing non-defense spending. This spending plan was strongly supported by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. He noted that sequestration budget cuts are “going to give you the smallest army since 1940, the smallest navy since 1915, one contingency Marine Corps, 30 fighter squadrons ground-

ed without the enemy firing a shot by the end of the decade. ... If we’re not willing to stand up and fix that, then what good are we (the Republican Party) to the nation?” Graham isn’t totally irrational in his point. Gutting spending can create a slippery slope toward national security, especially in an increasingly dangerous world. However, the Republicans have basically altered the way our nation funds wars by turning it into annual, multi-billion-dollar slush fund that’s subject to even less congressional oversight than any regular military budget gets. Carter has wisely urged lawmakers to make compromises on tax and spending reforms in order to lift the sequestration caps imposed by the 2011 Budget Control Act. That’s the right way forward...

The Island Packet of Hilton Head March 24

HALEY’S STAND IMPORTANT AGAINST NEW NUCLEAR PLAN Gov. Nikki Haley’s forceful opposition to more toxic waste in South Carolina is well founded and much appreciated. A private operator wants the state to undo a hard-fought compact reached long ago to stem the tide of nuclear waste brought into South Carolina. Haley’s stand is consistent with long-established policy. She correctly called the new proposal a “huge step backward.” “We don’t sell our soul for jobs and money,” Haley said last week. “I’m not willing to go in and take in nuclear waste that our kids and grandkids are going to have to deal with.” The 235-acre Barnwell Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility opened in 1971. Tons of radioactive trash from 39 states was buried there before South Carolina lawmakers started to push back about three decades later. It holds 28 million cubic feet of material that leaks radiation, and now the Utahbased company that operates the site wants to bring in material that is more highly contaminated from more states. On the face of it, the proposal is absurd. But EnergySolutions, operating in Barnwell as Chem-Nuclear, started a public relations campaign to undo the Atlantic Compact limitations put in place in 2000 under Gov. Jim Hodges after years of work. The compact was agreed to by the state, Chem Nuclear and Barnwell leadership. As a result, the landfill was closed in 2008 to all states except South Carolina, New Jersey and Connecticut. Haley’s strong stand reflects the resolve it will take to keep South Carolina from being the nation’s nuclear dumping ground. EnergySolutions argues it must bring in higher-level waste from around the country to help pay for environmental management of the site. “Using a pro-environmental argument for taking higher-level waste to pay for environmental degradation that’s taken place there over time -- that’s pretty unique and creative,” Hodges said. Thankfully, Haley is not falling for it, and neither should the state legislature. South Carolina has borne well more than its share of the nation’s nuclear-waste problem. Besides the Barnwell County site, tons of nuclear waste remains at the Savannah River Site, a Cold War nuclear weapons producer near Aiken. That problem was made worse when the Obama administration negligently halted work on a national nuclearwaste repository at Yucca Mountain in Utah...

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your letter to letters@theitem.com, drop it off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St., or mail it to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151, along with the writer’s full name, address and telephone number (for verification purposes only). Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety at www.theitem.com/opinion/letters_to_editor.

A14

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

GOOD FRIDAY, EASTER SCHEDULE BANKS — Banks and credit unions will be open on Friday. GOVERNMENT — The following will be closed on Friday: City of Sumter offices; Sumter County offices; Clarendon Good Friday and Easter Schedule: County offices; City of Manning offices; Lee County offices; April 2, 2015 offices. and City of Bishopville SCHOOLS — The following will be closed on Friday: Sumter School District; Robert E. Lee Academy; Clarendon School Districts 1, 2 and 3; Thomas Sumter Academy; St. Anne Catholic School; Wilson Hall; William Thomas Academy; St. Francis Xavier High School; Clarendon Hall; Sumter Christian School; and Laurence Manning Academy. Lee County Public Schools will observe a teacher in-service with no student attendance on Friday. Morris College will be closed on Monday, April 6. Central Carolina Technical College will be closed April 6-10. UTILITIES: Farmers Telephone Coop. will be closed on Friday. Black River Electric Coop. will close at 3 p.m. on Friday. OTHER — The Harvin Clarendon County Library and the Sumter County Library will be closed Friday-Sunday. The Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Friday. All offices of The Sumter Item will be open on Friday.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Sun and clouds

Mostly cloudy and mild

Partly sunny

Spotty morning showers

Sunny

Rather cloudy

78°

62°

86° / 65°

72° / 41°

70° / 50°

75° / 59°

Chance of rain: 40%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 20%

SSE 7-14 mph

S 7-14 mph

SW 10-20 mph

NNW 15-25 mph

SE 6-12 mph

SE 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 68/56 Spartanburg 66/57

Greenville 67/57

Columbia 77/63

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

SUPPORT GROUPS AA, AL-ANON, ALATEEN: AA — Monday-Friday, noon and 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 7751852. AA Women’s Meeting — Wednesdays, 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852. AA Spanish Speaking — Sundays, 4:30 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852. AA “How it Works” Group — Mondays and Fridays, 8 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call (803) 4945180. Al-Anon “Courage to Change” Support Group — Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Alice Drive Baptist Church, Room 204, 1305 Loring Mill Road. Call Dian at (803) 316-0775 or Crystal at (803) 775-3587. 441 AA Support Group — Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 p.m., Hair Force, 2090-D S.C. 441. AA Summerton Group — Wednesday, 8 p.m., town hall. Manning Al-Anon Family Group — Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Behavioral Health Building, 14 Church St., Manning. Call Angie at (803) 435-8085. C/A “Drop the Rock” Group — Thursday, 9:30 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call Elizabeth at (803) 607-4543.

MONDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Vitiligo Support Group — second Monday of each month, 5:45 p.m., North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. Call Tiffany at (803) 316-6763.

TUESDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Connective Tissue Support Group — 1st Tuesday of Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov., 7 p.m., 180 Tiller Circle. Call (803) 773-0869. Mothers of Angels (for mothers who have lost a child) — Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Wise Drive Baptist Church. Call Betty at (803) 469-2616 or Carol at (803) 469-9426.

EFMP Parent Exchange Group — Last Tuesday each month, 11 a.m.-noon, Airman and Family Readiness Center. Support to service members who have a dependent with a disability or illness. Call Dorcus at (803) 895-1252/1253 or Sue at (803) 847-2377.

Sickle Cell Support Group — last Wednesday each month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., South Sumter Resource Center, 337 Manning Ave. Call Bertha at (803) 774-6181.

THURSDAY MEETINGS: TOPS S.C. No. 236 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) — Thursdays, 9 a.m., Spectrum Senior Center,1989 Durant Lane. Call Diane at (803) 775-3926 or Nancy at (803) 469-4789. Asthma Support Group — Every 1st Thursday, 6 p.m., Clarendon School District 3 Parenting Center, 2358 Walker Gamble Road, New Zion. Call Mary at (843) 659-2102. Alzheimer’s Support Group through S.C. Alzheimer’s Association — 1st Thursday, 6-8 p.m., McElveen Manor, 2065 McCrays Mill Road. Call Cheryl at (803) 905-7720 or the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 636-3346. Journey of Hope (for families members of the mentally ill), Journey to Recovery (for the mentally ill) and Survivors of Suicide Support Group — Each group meets 1st Thursday, 7 p.m., St. John United Methodist Church, 136 Poinsett Drive. Call Fred at (803) 9055620.

FRIDAY MEETINGS:

Sumter 78/62

Today: Mostly cloudy and cooler with a shower. Winds south 4-8 mph. Friday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. Winds southwest 10-20 mph.

Aiken 75/59

ON THE COAST

Charleston 76/63

Today: Partly sunny; a shower in spots in southern parts. High 72 to 76. Friday: Sunshine and patchy clouds; pleasant. High 79 to 83.

LOCAL ALMANAC Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

LAKE LEVELS

Today Hi/Lo/W 75/59/c 65/44/t 86/65/pc 67/42/sh 84/69/pc 76/57/s 83/67/pc 60/51/s 84/64/pc 65/54/s 86/59/s 68/49/s 70/60/s

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 358.13 75.32 75.14 97.51

24-hr chg none +0.01 +0.06 -0.05

Sunrise 7:09 a.m. Moonrise 6:20 p.m.

RIVER STAGES

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 81/50/pc 49/27/r 74/45/c 56/28/r 85/55/pc 82/58/s 84/60/s 63/44/sh 88/64/s 68/49/t 87/59/s 67/50/s 74/49/t

Sunset Moonset

7:43 p.m. 6:06 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Apr. 4

Apr. 11

Apr. 18

Apr. 25

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 9.66 +0.10 19 3.87 -0.16 14 7.16 -0.45 14 2.84 -0.13 80 77.18 -0.08 24 6.58 -0.05

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

0.00" 0.00" 0.11" 14.73" 9.67" 11.40"

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

73° 60° 71° 45° 91° in 1974 25° in 1964

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

Myrtle Beach 68/63

Manning 76/59

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

WEDNESDAY MEETINGS:

Florence 77/62

Bishopville 76/59

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Fri.

High 8:35 a.m. 9:05 p.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:43 p.m.

Ht. 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.2

Low 3:09 a.m. 3:26 p.m. 3:50 a.m. 4:02 p.m.

Ht. 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 61/54/c 73/58/c 78/58/pc 76/62/pc 64/58/s 76/63/s 72/60/pc 69/58/c 77/63/pc 76/61/s 69/58/s 75/60/s 75/59/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 77/44/t 83/52/pc 86/62/s 83/63/s 70/61/pc 84/62/s 81/56/pc 83/54/pc 86/64/s 85/62/pc 80/62/pc 84/64/pc 83/64/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 77/62/s Gainesville 81/59/pc Gastonia 71/59/pc Goldsboro 74/58/s Goose Creek 77/63/pc Greensboro 71/60/s Greenville 67/57/c Hickory 66/55/c Hilton Head 73/61/pc Jacksonville, FL 79/60/pc La Grange 79/56/c Macon 77/55/c Marietta 74/57/c

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 86/63/pc 85/58/s 81/56/pc 83/64/pc 84/62/s 79/51/pc 82/55/pc 77/52/pc 78/62/s 85/59/s 83/53/s 83/55/s 80/48/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 63/52/c Mt. Pleasant 75/63/s Myrtle Beach 68/63/s Orangeburg 77/62/pc Port Royal 74/62/pc Raleigh 72/57/s Rock Hill 72/59/pc Rockingham 74/58/s Savannah 77/61/pc Spartanburg 66/57/c Summerville 74/61/pc Wilmington 72/59/s Winston-Salem 69/59/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 78/45/t 81/62/s 77/62/s 85/65/s 80/63/s 80/57/pc 81/57/pc 81/60/pc 85/62/s 81/54/pc 79/62/s 79/63/pc 77/50/pc

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

WITH WI T EQU EQUAL Q AL PAYMENTS S

Celebrate Recovery — Fridays, 6 p.m., Salt & Light Church, Miller Road. For struggles of alcohol, drugs, family, etc. Wateree AIDS Task Force Support Group — Every third Friday, 11:30 a.m. Call Kevin at (803) 778-0303.

NO INTEREST TILL JANUARY 2020 803-795-4257

See details a See at www.boykinacs.com

LOTTERY NUMBERS ARIES (March 21-April 19): Go after what EUGENIA LAST you want. Show confidence in all that you do, you’ll impress the people who can help you get ahead. Don’t give up, just make adjustments necessary to advance.

your relationship with someone special. Trust your intuition and let your emotions lead the way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Let your experience lead the way. Recall similar situations and apply what you know in order to avoid past mistakes. Selfimprovement projects will boost your confidence and attract positive attention. Romance will help a relationship that means a lot to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take a chance and do something totally out of the ordinary. Let your creative imagination and unique approach to life lead the way. A job offer might not be presented honestly. Get what you want in writing.

The last word in astrology

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep the peace and make a point to compromise with others. It’s in your best interest to keep spending down and to listen to sound advice regarding financial or legal matters.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Jump into the spotlight. Helping others will give you the chance to show off your skills and meet people who can improve your life. Don’t let manipulative tactics deter you from doing what you want.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You can accomplish plenty if you don’t let emotions come between you and common sense. Concentrate on what you can do to improve your home and standard of living. There’s money to be made if you invest wisely.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t rush in to anything that could jeopardize your position. If you make assumptions, you’ll be disappointed. Concentrate on making your home more inviting and comfortable. Your surroundings should ease stress, not add to it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t let changes going on around you upset your plans. You’ll be disappointed if you let someone else take care of your responsibilities. Concentrate on yourself and the ones you love.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make your move and you’ll outmaneuver someone who’s trying to make you look bad. Don’t get angry -- take action. It’s what you accomplish that will put you in a good position. Travel and communication will lead to success. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Follow your heart when it comes to personal improvements as well as

PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

POWERBALL WEDNESDAY

9-10-24-30-31 PowerUp: 2

8-26-41-61-73 Megaball: 11; Megaplier: 5

Numbers unavailable at press time

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY

PICK 4 WEDNESDAY

LUCKY FOR LIFE MONDAY

3-1-5 and 5-6-7

3-0-3-2 and 6-0-9-0

4-12-32-33-45; Lucky Ball: 4

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’re overdue for a change. Consider your talents and do what you can to turn something you enjoy doing into a lucrative venture. A chance to form a partnership will pay off. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Pick up the slack. If someone thinks you’re being lazy, you’ll be criticized. Problems will surface if you depend on someone to do things for you. A realistic, honest appraisal of your situation will be necessary.

Jada Simmons, 9, left, of Dalzell, and Key’nyeria Butler, 8, of Summerton, attend the “Share Fair Nation” at River Bluff High School, Lexington, recently. The girls assisted a USC School of Medicine professor in performing an echocardiogram. Photo taken and submitted by Taylor Willis.

SECTION

Eric Young Jr. quickly catching on with Braves

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

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

PREP BASKETBALL

Champs reflect on journey to 4A title BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com Even guest speaker Corey Miller couldn’t help but marvel at the journey the Sumter High School boys basketball team took this year. “You guys really came out of nowhere,” the former University of South Carolina football standout, 8-year National Football League starter and current WACH 57 sports director said. Perhaps, but no one can deny where they finished – as

4A state champs. The team gathered once again on Wednesday in the SHS Commons Area for the Sumter High awards banquet that highlighted a remarkable season the likes of which hadn’t been seen in 30 years. “It’s still an amazing feeling and one that hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Gamecocks head coach Jo Jo English said. “I’m extremely proud of these guys and the work they put in this year and they deserved to be called the best in the state.” The SHS coach could think

of no one better to speak to all of the school’s basketball players than Miller, who was a junior on ENGLISH the USC football team when he arrived as a freshman on the basketball squad. English is adamant he never gave Miller any direction about what to say, but no one would have guessed that based on the former defensive standout’s speech.

Miller touched on overcoming adversity, not letting your environment define you and not succumbing to outside influences – all things that defined the Gamecocks’ season in one way or another throughout the year. “I preferred being the underdog because it gave us something to prove,” said senior Quentin Kershaw, who earned the coaches’ award on Wednesday. “We knew we had to go out and play hard every night to get where we wanted to be.

“We had to overcome a lot of adversity the last few years, and that led us to the championship. I think about what we were able to do every day. It never gets old.” There was no greater adversity than Sumter’s final three games on its title run. A road game at undefeated Irmo, a lower state title game at Florence Civic Center and a championship bout with Hillcrest at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia proved how far his

SEE CHAMPS, PAGE B5

USC FOOTBALL

One last impression Guard Cann, fullback Davis lead low-key Carolina pro day BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press COLUMBIA — All-Southeastern Conference guard A.J. Cann and 1,000-yard tailback Mike Davis were the main attractions during South Carolina’s pro day, a much more low-key affair than the past couple of must-see sessions. A year ago, dozens of NFL representatives came to Williams-Brice Stadium to watch No. 1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney workout. In 2013, scouts watched injured running back Marcus Lattimore take his first strides toward getting drafted. On Wednesday there were personnel from 28 NFL teams in attendance — with much of the focus on Cann and Davis. Cann is a 6-foot-4, 311-pound lineman who blends above average strength with quick feet to slow down defenders. Cann, who spent time working out for New England Patriots personnel, is projected to be a late first round or early secondround draft pick. Davis, 5-9 and 223 pounds,

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Running back Mike Davis makes a catch during South Carolina’s pro day on Wednesday in Columbia. Davis and all-Southeastern Conference SEE IMPRESSION, PAGE B6 guard A.J. Cann were the two big attractions at the pro day.

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

PREP SIGNING

Gamecocks’ bench proving worth in Final Four run

EC’s Keefe inks with Erskine for tennis BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com

Carolina’s reserves continue to aid team in crucial games BY WILLIE T. SMITH III Greenville News COLUMBIA— No athlete likes to hear, “You’re going to begin the game on the bench, but stay ready because your time is coming.” That’s normally coachspeak for “You’re not good enough to start.” Nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team. When the No. 4-ranked Gamecocks take on No. 2 Notre Dame at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in Tampa, Florida, in the first game of the NCAA Final Four, they will do so with the knowledge

FINAL FOUR At Tampa, Fla. National Semifinals Sunday Notre Dame (35-2) vs. South Carolina (34-2), 6:30 p.m. UConn (36-1) vs. Maryland (342), 8:30 p.m. National Championship Tuesday Semifinal winners, 8:30 p.m.

that this game would not have happened without the contribution from their bench.

SEE BENCH, PAGE B4

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina’s A’ja Wilson, center, is a third team All-American even though she comes off the bench for the Gamecocks. USC has made good use of its bench in earning its first ever trip to the Final Four. Carolina takes on Notre Dame in a national semifinal game on Sunday in Tampa, Fla.

TURBEVILLE – As well as anyone associated with the East Clarendon High School athletic program can determine, Morgan Keefe made a little bit of history in March. Keefe is believed to be the first ECHS girls tennis player to sign to play college tennis when she put pen to paper and signed with Erskine College. “It is very special,” Keefe said of being the first Lady KEEFE Wolverine tennis player to have a chance to move to the next level. “I’m excited about going to Erskine.” Keefe said she went to Erskine, which is located in Due West in Greenwood County, for a visit and it just felt right to her. “I loved it when I went there,” Keefe said. “The coaches and the

SEE KEEFE, PAGE B2

SPORTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO

San Diego 8, Chicago White Sox (ss) 2 Colorado 10, Texas 4 Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 7:05 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

TODAY

6 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Atlanta vs. Philadelphia from Clearwater, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 9 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Angels from Oakland from Mesa, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). Noon -- High School Basketball: Dick’s Sporting Goods Nationals Quarterfinal Game from Queens, N.Y. -- Blanche Ely (Fla.) vs. Findlay Prep (Nev.) (ESPNU). Noon -- LPGA Golf: ANA Inspiration First Round from Rancho Mirage, Calif. (GOLF). 1 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Yankees vs. Detroit from Lakeland, Fla. (ESPN). 1 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Miami Open Women’s Semifinal and Men’s Quarterfinal Matches from Key Biscayne, Fla. (ESPN2). 2 p.m. -- High School Basketball: Dick’s Sporting Goods Nationals Quarterfinal Game from Queens, N.Y. -- Huntington Prep (W.Va.) vs. Wheeler (Ga.) (ESPNU). 3 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Houston Open First Round from Humble, Texas (GOLF). 4 p.m. -- High School Basketball: Dick’s Sporting Goods Nationals Quarterfinal Game from Queens, N.Y. -- Greensboro Day (N.C.) vs. Montverde (Fla.) (ESPNU). 4 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Arizona vs. Chicago White Sox from Scottsdale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 6 p.m. -- High School Basketball: Dick’s Sporting Goods Nationals Quarterfinal Game from Queens, N.Y. -- Wings Academy (N.Y.) vs. Oak Hill Academy (Va.) (ESPNU). 6 p.m. -- LPGA Golf: ANA Inspiration First Round from Rancho Mirage, Calif. (GOLF). 6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240) 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: CollegeInsider. com Basketball Championship Tournament Championship Game -- Northern Arizona at Evansville (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Slam Dunk and 3-Point Championships from Indianapolis (ESPN). 7 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Miami Open Women’s Semifinal and Men’s Quarterfinal Matches from Key Biscayne, Fla. (ESPN2). 7 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Boston vs. Minnesota from Fort Myers, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 7 p.m. -- College Baseball: Kentucky at Texas A&M (SEC NETWORK). 7 p.m. -- College Baseball: Kansas at Oklahoma (SPORTSOUTH). 7:30 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Powershares Champions Series QQQ Challenge from Chicago (FOX SPORTS 1). 7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Carolina at Florida (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Boston at Detroit (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 8 p.m. -- College Baseball: Portland at Brigham Young (BYUTV). 8 p.m. -- College Basketball: South Carolina at Mississippi State (ESPNU, WNKT-FM 107.5). 8 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Miami at Cleveland (TNT). 9 p.m. -- College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament Championship Game from New York -- Stanford vs. Miami (ESPN). 10 p.m. -- Professional Boxing: Julian Ramirez vs. Raul Hidalgo in a Featherweight Bout and Joet Gonzalez vs. Luis Maldonado in a Featherweight Bout from Los Angeles (FOX SPORTS 1). 2 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at Los Angeles Angels (MLB NETWORK). 10 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Oakland at San Francisco (MLB NETWORK). 10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Phoenix at Golden State (TNT).

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

Varsity Baseball Crestwood at Lakewood, 6:30 p.m. Lee Central at Johnsonville, 6:30 p.m. East Clarendon in Mingo Bay Spring Break Tournament (in Myrtle Beach), TBA Gray Collegiate Academy vs. Thomas Sumter, 5 p.m. Robert E. Lee in Spring Break Tournament (in Myrtle Beach), TBA Varsity Boys Soccer Lakewood at Crestwood, 6:30 p.m. Trinity-Byrnes at Thomas Sumter, 6 p.m. Varsity Girls Soccer Lakewood at Crestwood, 5 p.m. Varsity Softball Crestwood at Lakewood, 7:30 p.m. Lee Central at Johnsonville, 6:30 p.m. Junior Varsity Softball Crestwood at Lakewood, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Varsity Baseball East Clarendon in Mingo Bay Spring Break Tournament (in Myrtle Beach), TBA Robert E. Lee in Spring Break Tournament (in Myrtle Beach), TBA

SATURDAY

Varsity Baseball Sumter vs. Gilbert (in Gilbert Spring Break Tournament), 9 a.m. B Team Baseball Sumter vs. Gilbert (in Sumter JV Classic), 1:30 p.m. Varsity Track and Field Sumter in Track Classic (at Beaufort High School), 10 a.m.

N.Y. Mets vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 12:05 p.m. Tampa Bay vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Pittsburgh vs. N.Y. Yankees (ss) at Tampa, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees (ss) vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Cleveland vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Milwaukee vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m. Baltimore vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 6:05 p.m. Boston vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 7:05 p.m. L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m. Oakland at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

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

W 44 33 33 18 14

L 30 40 41 57 60

Pct .595 .452 .446 .240 .189

GB – 101/2 11 261/2 30

W 56 41 34 31 22

L 19 33 40 42 52

Pct .747 .554 .459 .425 .297

GB – 141/2 211/2 24 331/2

W 48 45 36 32 29

L 27 29 38 42 45

Pct .640 .608 .486 .432 .392

GB – 21/2 111/2 151/2 181/2

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

W 51 50 48 45 39

L 24 24 26 29 34

Pct .680 .676 .649 .608 .534

GB – 1/2 21/2 51/2 11

W 48 42 33 28 16

L 25 32 41 46 58

Pct .658 .568 .446 .378 .216

GB – 61/2 151/2 201/2 321/2

L 13 26 37 47 53

Pct .824 .653 .507 .356 .274

GB – 121/2 231/2 341/2 401/2

W z-Golden State 61 x-L.A. Clippers 49 Phoenix 38 Sacramento 26 L.A. Lakers 20 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division z-clinched conference

THE SUMTER ITEM

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

Bruins hand Sumter second region loss FLORENCE – Sumter High School’s varsity baseball team fell to 4-2 in Region VI-4A with a 3-1 loss to South Florence on Wednesday at the SF field. James Barnes took the loss for the Gamecocks, who fell to 7-6 overall. He gave up two runs in 1 1/3 innings. Britton Beatson pitched the final 4 2/3 innings, allowing just one run and two hits while striking out five. Javon Martin had a double for SHS and Barnes added a hit. Chris Crawford had a sacrifice fly.

VARSITY GOLF

THOMAS SUMTER 0

FLORENCE – Thomas Sumter Academy lost to The King’s Academy 3-0 on Tuesday at the TKA field. TSA fell to 3-4.

WILSON HALL 153

SUMTER 3

CARDINAL NEWMAN 182 Christian Salzer shot a 36 to help lead Wilson Hall to a 29-stroke victory over Cardinal Newman on Wednesday. Easton Ward shot a 37 for the Barons, who had a score of 153 to CN’s 182. Walker Jones and Coker Lowder both shot a 40.

SOUTH FLORENCE 1 Sumter High School improved to 6-1 on the season with a 3-1 victory over South Florence on Wednesday at the SHS field. Blake Drown scored a goal on an assist from Kwajo Boateng. Travis Disher and Chase Hayes scored the other goals.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASEBALL CRESTWOOD 7 LAKEWOOD 6 Crestwood High School picked up its first win of the season with a 7-6 victory over Lakewood on Wednesday at the CHS field. Alex Fairfield had two hits for the Knights. Jeremiah Scott pitched 6 1/3 innings to get the victory and Matthew Rogers came on for the save.

LAKEWOOD 2 LAKE CITY 1 Lakewood High School improved

Detroit 105, Atlanta 95 Brooklyn 111, Indiana 106 San Antonio 95, Miami 81 Golden State 110, L.A. Clippers 106

THE KING’S ACADEMY 3

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER

VARSITY SOCCER

TUESDAY’S GAMES

to 9-2 with a 2-1 victory over Lake City on Tuesday at J. Frank Baker Stadium. Greg McLeod scored two goals for the Gators, while Christian McDonald and Tanner Newman each had an assist.

LAKE CITY 3 LAKEWOOD 1

LAKE CITY – Lakewood High School fell to 2-4 with a 3-1 loss to Lake City on Monday at the Lake City field. Charles Olden scored a goal for the Gators on an assist from Tyler Carraher. THOMAS SUMTER 2 THE KING’S ACADEMY 1

FLORENCE – Thomas Sumter Academy defeated The King’s Academy 2-1 on Tuesday at the TKA field. Walt Martin had a goal and an assist to lead TSA. Allie Lindler scored the other goal.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Philadelphia at Washington, 7 p.m. San Antonio at Orlando, 7 p.m. Detroit at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Indiana at Boston, 7:30 p.m. Brooklyn at New York, 7:30 p.m. Dallas at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Sacramento at Houston, 8 p.m. Chicago at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Toronto at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Denver at Utah, 9 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10 p.m. New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

Knights blank Lake City 1-0

TODAY’S GAMES

Miami at Cleveland, 8 p.m. Houston at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Phoenix at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP x-Montreal 77 x-Tampa Bay 78 Detroit 76 Boston 77 Ottawa 76 Florida 77 Toronto 77 Buffalo 76 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP x-N.Y. Rangers 76 Pittsburgh 76 N.Y. Islanders 77 Washington 77 Columbus 76 Philadelphia 76 New Jersey 77 Carolina 76

W 47 47 40 39 38 35 29 21

L 22 24 23 25 26 27 42 47

OT 8 7 13 13 12 15 6 8

Pts 102 101 93 91 88 85 64 50

GF 203 250 221 204 220 192 201 148

GA 174 204 208 198 204 210 245 255

W 48 42 45 42 37 30 31 28

L 21 23 27 25 35 29 33 37

OT 7 11 5 10 4 17 13 11

Pts 103 95 95 94 78 77 75 67

GF 231 210 235 227 210 198 170 176

GA 179 190 215 190 234 219 197 208

OT 9 7 6 7 12 10 12

Pts 103 99 98 95 90 84 82

GF 224 229 217 219 217 239 206

GA 193 190 176 186 204 248 213

GP W L OT x-Anaheim 78 49 22 7 Vancouver 77 45 27 5 Calgary 77 42 28 7 Los Angeles 76 37 25 14 San Jose 76 37 30 9 Edmonton 76 23 40 13 Arizona 77 23 46 8 NOTE: Two points for a win, overtime loss. x-clinched playoff spot

Pts 105 95 91 88 83 59 54 one

GF GA 227 216 224 208 229 204 201 192 212 215 185 255 161 256 point for

Crestwood High School’s varsity girls soccer team picked up its second win of the season on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over Lake City at the CHS field. Angelica Manzo scored the goal for the Lady Knights, who improved to 2-7 on the season. She was assisted by Alexus Padar. Ashley Griffin had 10 saves in goal for CHS.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL SUMTER 24 CRESTWOOD 0 Katy Murray drove in two runs and was the winning pitcher as Sumter High School defeated Crestwood 24-0 on Tuesday at the SHS

field. Murray allowed just two hits and struck out six. Erin McCaffrey was 2-for-3 while Breelynn Durham had a hit and two RBI. Gabby Kirkman had an insidethe-park home run and drove in two runs. HOLLY HILL 17 CLARENDON HALL 12

HOLLY HILL – Clarendon Hall dropped to 3-3 with a 17-12 loss to Holly Hill on Tuesday at the HH field. Summer Barnes led the Lady Saints, going 3-for-4 with a run batted in. Sydney Wells, Sara James and Mallory McIntosh each had a hit and an RBI.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

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

W 20 18 15 17 15 11 13 12 13 12 11 10 11 10 9

L 9 10 10 12 13 10 13 12 15 14 16 15 17 18 17

Pct .690 .643 .600 .586 .536 .524 .500 .500 .464 .462 .407 .400 .393 .357 .346

NATIONAL LEAGUE

W L Pct Los Angeles 16 9 .640 New York 18 11 .621 Pittsburgh 15 10 .600 Cincinnati 14 11 .560 San Diego 15 12 .556 St. Louis 12 11 .522 Miami 13 12 .520 Arizona 15 14 .517 Colorado 15 14 .517 Chicago 14 15 .483 Atlanta 13 15 .464 Milwaukee 11 14 .440 Washington 10 14 .417 Philadelphia 11 16 .407 San Francisco 10 20 .333 NOTE: Split-squad games count in the standings; games against non-major league teams do not.

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Pittsburgh 7, Detroit 3 Boston 11, Tampa Bay (ss) 8 N.Y. Mets 2, Washington 0 Minnesota 3, N.Y. Yankees 1 Miami 3, St. Louis 2 Tampa Bay (ss) 4, Baltimore 3 Toronto 10, Philadelphia 6 Cleveland 8, Seattle 6 San Francisco 4, Colorado 3 Chicago Cubs 15, Texas (ss) 10 Cincinnati 10, Milwaukee 4 Chicago White Sox 2, L.A. Dodgers 1 Arizona 8, Texas (ss) 7 Oakland 13, L.A. Angels 10 Houston 8, Atlanta 5 Kansas City 4, San Diego 1

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Philadelphia 9, Atlanta 2 Houston 3, Detroit 2 Tampa Bay 3, N.Y. Yankees 0 Miami 8, Washington 0 Minnesota 4, Boston (ss) 4, tie Toronto 9, Boston (ss) 7 St. Louis 5, N.Y. Mets 4 Kansas City 4, L.A. Dodgers 4, tie Oakland 4, L.A. Angels 1 Chicago Cubs 11, Milwaukee 7 Chicago White Sox (ss) 12, Seattle 4 Arizona 3, Cincinnati 0 San Francisco 5, Cleveland 2

CENTRAL DIVISION x-Nashville St. Louis Chicago Minnesota Winnipeg Dallas Colorado PACIFIC DIVISION

GP 78 76 76 76 77 77 76

W 47 46 46 44 39 37 35

L 22 23 24 25 26 30 29

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Ottawa 2, Detroit 1, SO Vancouver 5, Nashville 4, SO Boston 3, Florida 2 Washington 4, Carolina 2 Columbus 3, New Jersey 2, OT Toronto 3, Tampa Bay 1 N.Y. Rangers 3, Winnipeg 2

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Toronto at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m. Edmonton at Anaheim, 10 p.m. Colorado at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Islanders at Columbus, 7 p.m. Washington at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. Tampa Bay at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. Boston at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Carolina at Florida, 7:30 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Calgary at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Vancouver at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Edmonton at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

TRANSACTIONS The Associated Press

COLLEGE SPORTS

Will Indiana law force 2016 women’s Final Four to relocate? BY RALPH D. RUSSO & DOUG FEINBERG The Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS — As pressure builds for the repeal or revision of Indiana’s new religious objection law, the NCAA faces a decision about whether to look for a new venue for next year’s women’s Final Four. NCAA President Mark Emmert has indicated the Indianapolis-headquartered organization would consider relocating all types of college sports events out of state if the law doesn’t

change. But none on the calendar is quite as urgent as next year’s women’s championship. Indiana’s capital city, which has built an economy and reputation as an attractive base for major sports events, is being watched carefully as fallout swells about the law, which opponents say amounts to legalized discrimination. The NCAA was among the first sports organizations to express concern with the law when it was signed by Gov. Mike Pence last week, and many others have

followed, including the NFL, the NBA and NASCAR. The men’s Final Four is in Indianapolis this weekend and could not have been moved on short notice. But officials have made it clear there is enough time to consider relocating future events, and that they want an environment welcoming to all athletes and fans. “What’s going on in Indiana is troubling,” NCAA vice president of women’s basketball championships Anucha Browne said Wednesday.

BASEBALL

American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Reassigned RHP Jesse Crain and LHP Carlos Rodon to minor league camp. HOUSTON ASTROS — Placed RHPs Josh Fields and Brad Peacock and LHP Brett Oberholtzer on the 15-day DL; Field retroactive to Friday, Peacock to Monday and Oberholtzer to Tuesday. Optioned LHP Kevin Chapman, OF L.J. Hoes and 1B Jon Singleton to Fresno (PCL). Designated OF Alex Presley for assignment. KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Agreed to terms with SS Rafael Furcal on a minor league contract. MINNESOTA TWINS — Optioned LHP Caleb Thielbar to Rochester (IL). National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Claimed LHP Andrew McKirahan off waivers from Miami. CHICAGO CUBS — Optioned RHP Brian Schlitter, LHP Zac Rosscup and OF Junior Lake to Iowa (PCL).

KEEFE FROM PAGE B1 players are very friendly and I just love the Christian atmosphere.” Erskine is sponsored by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. She was the No. 1 singles player for the Lady Wolverines and helped lead them to the 2013 1A state championship match where they lost to Christ Church. Keefe also played in the ’13 2A/1A

singles tournament as well. Keefe will be joining an NCAA Division II program that has dominated Conference Carolinas over the past decade. The Flying Fleet has won 10 straight conference tournament titles which decides the conference’s automatic berth to the DII tournament. Keefe is looking forward to the opportunity to play collegiately. She first began playing tennis when she was in the fourth grade.

THE SUMTER ITEM

MEN’S NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Duke’s Krzyzewski adapts to ‘1-and-done’ BY AARON BEARD The Associated Press DURHAM, N.C. — There was a time when Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski led Final Four teams built around players who stayed for years to grow into tournament-tested veterans. No longer, not in today’s one-and-done world in which top players rarely stick around long. The Blue Devils enter this week’s Final Four relying on more freshman starters than John Calipari at Kentucky’s NBA factory. The Blue Devils have three freshmen players who facing stay-or-go NBA decisions after the season. “What Coach K has done in my judgment, and I think Calipari has done the same thing, they’ve adapted to the landscape, and they are dealing with it in a positive way,” said Jay Bilas, an ESPN analyst who played on Krzyzewski’s first Final Four team in 1986. “Now people want to use value judgments to it and say, ‘This is not the way it’s supposed to be’ and ‘This is antithetical to college.’ Well, says who?” Krzyzewski, the Hall of Famer in his 35th season at Duke and the winningest coach in men’s Division I history with 1,016 wins, didn’t have a player go pro early for nearly two decades. Then in 1999, two Blue Devils bolted early: Elton Brand opted to enter the draft after his sophomore season and freshman Corey Maggette became Krzyzewski’s first of five one-and-done players. It took five years for Luol Deng to become the next one, but Duke has now had three in four seasons: No. 1 overall pick Kyrie Irving in 2011, Austin Rivers in 2012 and Jabari Parker last year.

FINAL FOUR At Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis National Semifinals Saturday Michigan State (27-11) vs. Duke (33-4), 6:09 p.m. Kentucky (38-0) vs. Wisconsin (353), 8:49 p.m. National Championship Monday Semifinal winners

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski has adopted to the recent trend of NCAA basketball players who play one year of college basketball and then head to the NBA. Krzyzewski has Duke back in the Final Four with a young talent that will have to make a decision after the season. It’s forced the 68-year-old Krzyzewski to adjust his approach compared to the days when Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley and Grant Hill were four-year guys or even when Jay Williams, Carlos Boozer and Mike Dunleavy stayed for three. “It actually starts before they get here,” Krzyzewski said. “We try with the kids, especially if they commit early, to develop even a deeper relationship with them than we did 10 years ago. You had time (then). You want to know them even better because you’re only going to have them for a shorter period of time.” Duke (33-4) is built around star freshman big man Jahlil

Okafor, a possible No. 1 overall pick who chose Duke jointly with point guard Tyus Jones. Forward Justise Winslow is the other every-game freshman starter. Their arrival comes a year after Parker arrived as an allbut-certain one-year player. The reality is it isn’t all that different — except maybe for the smaller numbers — than what Kentucky’s Calipari often is criticized for doing with his “succeed and proceed” approach, a response to the NBA’s requirement for players to be at least one year out of high school before entering the draft. As Bilas sums it up, Krzyzewski “has been playing against these players, and

if some of them want to come to Duke, why not take them?” And considering college should help prepare someone for a job, there’s nothing wrong with a player leaving school to start a lucrative career. “I really get tired of this discussion of basically people — and they’re not just fans, they’re NCAA member administrators — their view is ‘Our one-and-done is a great kid that had a wonderful opportunity he couldn’t turn down, and your one-and-done is a threat to the integrity of this enterprise,’” Bilas said. “You can’t moralize about that. You take one, you’re in the same boat. There’s not one negative thing about a

young person going to college for any amount of time. Not one negative thing.” To that point, Krzyzewski said the program’s ability to develop players is “obvious” but his pitch includes that the university itself “has a chance to develop you, too.” Okafor said knowing Krzyzewski had “coached the best of the best” was key in his decision, though he and Winslow said getting to the NBA wasn’t a big part of the recruiting conversations. “He always knew that the NBA could be a part of my eventual path,” Winslow said. “But all our discussions were about me becoming the best player I could at Duke, not really any conversation about the NBA.” Bilas was part of the recruiting class that got things rolling for Krzyzewski, Bilas, Stanford head coach Johnny Dawkins, Mark Alarie and David Henderson were the senior core of a 37-win team that lost to Louisville in the 1986 title game. But in today’s game, Bilas said, Dawkins would’ve probably gone to the NBA in a year or two and Alarie in maybe two years. The only constant in the radically different equation is Krzyzewski.

Jackson’s journey ends at Final Four BY GENARO C. ARMAS The Associated Press MADISON, Wis. — Traevon Jackson sat on the scorer’s table in his practice jersey, watching Wisconsin teammates run up and down the floor. Ideally, the point guard didn’t want to spend one of his final practices at home as a spectator. This is coach Bo Ryan’s senior leader, after all, someone so trusted by teammates that he took the last shot in last season’s one-point loss in the Final Four to Kentucky. But after missing more than two months with a broken right foot, the senior is simply grateful to get one more chance to return to the NCAA Tournament’s brightest stage. The Badgers play the Wildcats in a rematch in the national semifinals on Saturday night. “All this stuff that happened, to be able to go to backto-back Final Fours — I prayed for this consistently over and over again,” Jackson said in a phone interview. The team said Jackson sat out practice Tuesday just for precautionary rest. Faith, Jackson said, is his foundation. It is what helped him persevere through the pain and rehab process. A history of coming through in the clutch is what drew the respect of teammates. The privilege of taking shots in tight games must be earned in practice. “You find out through those situations at least who the players are trusting to be in that position,” Ryan said. “Then you strongly encourage (and think) ‘OK, this is what happened eight times, three times this happened,’ and you play percentages. That’s what I do.” Jackson has hit four gametying or winning jumpers in his career. At last year’s Final Four, Jackson hit two foul shots with 16 seconds left to give Wisconsin a 73-71 lead before Aaron Harrison hit a the game-winning 3 with 6 seconds left. Jackson missed that last shot at the buzzer. This season, the Badgers

WISCONSIN BADGERS STATS The Associated Press Player G-GS Min Avg FG-FGA Pct 3P-3PA Pct FT-FTA Pct Kaminsky 37-37 1235 33.4 253-461 .549 39-94 .415 146-188 .777 Dekker 38-38 1171 30.8 201-382 .526 48-142 .338 78-109 .716 Hayes 38-38 1244 32.7 158-315 .502 35-92 .380 121-162 .747 Koenig 38-22 1090 28.7 107-257 .416 60-146 .411 52-63 .825 Jackson 19-17 481 25.3 58-129 .450 11-37 .297 36-43 .837 Gasser 38-38 1252 32.9 76-171 .444 48-125 .384 62-75 .827 Dukan 36-0 584 16.2 57-150 .380 28-88 .318 31-46 .674 Showalter 34-0 261 7.7 23-53 .434 2-14 .143 24-27 .889 Brown 33-0 213 6.5 26-59 .441 0-0 --10-17 .588 Dearring 15-0 39 2.6 4-10 .400 3-7 .429 0-1 .000 Moesch 14-0 28 2.0 2-7 .286 0-1 .000 0-2 .000 Ferris 9-0 17 1.9 1-3 .333 0-1 .000 0-0 --Smith 14-0 35 2.5 0-9 .000 0-5 .000 0-0 --Total 38 966-2006 .482 274-752 .364 560-733 .764 Opponents 38 846-1987 .426 195-522 .374 308-439 .702 Player Off Def Tot Avg PF DQ A TO BS ST Pts Avg Kaminsky 56 241 297 8.0 61 0 99 58 54 32 691 18.7 Dekker 74 135 209 5.5 40 0 46 36 18 20 528 13.9 Hayes 81 160 241 6.3 71 1 78 48 16 34 472 12.4 Koenig 18 48 66 1.7 60 2 92 33 8 8 326 8.6 Jackson 2 28 30 1.6 25 0 50 30 3 18 163 8.6 Gasser 25 104 129 3.4 84 1 67 18 8 30 262 6.9 Dukan 26 68 94 2.6 43 0 23 24 3 8 173 4.8 Showalter 18 27 45 1.3 38 0 15 4 4 10 72 2.1 Brown 12 31 43 1.3 37 0 7 15 8 8 62 1.9 Dearring 0 4 4 0.3 5 0 1 6 0 1 11 0.7 Moesch 2 4 6 0.4 4 0 3 2 1 0 4 0.3 Ferris 3 2 5 0.6 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 0.2 Smith 1 1 2 0.1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 Total 360 909 1269 33.4 472 4 481 281 124 170 2766 72.8 Opponents 285 766 1051 27.7 690 345 367 74 154 2195 57.8

were cruising at 15-1 when Jackson got hurt. Already without star center Frank Kaminsky because of a concussion, Wisconsin lost at Rutgers 67-62 that day after Jackson departed following 26 minutes with the foot injury. He was playing well at the time, averaging 9.4 points. The Badgers lost depth when sophomore Bronson Koenig moved into the starting lineup. But the team adjusted and kept rolling. Wisconsin is 20-1 since Jackson’s injury, with the only loss coming at Maryland. Koenig has turned into one of the team’s top outside shooting threats while growing more confident as a leader. Kaminsky and guard Josh Gasser can also handle the ball in close games. Jackson had to focus on rehab. He made it a point to mentor Koenig, who teammates said already had the physical skills. “Trae has been supportive throughout this whole process, getting hurt. He’s a great teammate and he’s always been there for Bronson and for us ... being a coach on the sidelines,” forward Sam Dekker said Tuesday. Jackson said he has watched Koenig become more assertive. “He wants to do things, wants to be the guy,” Jackson said. “That’s big for being in a

point guard situation.” But it hasn’t necessarily been a smooth adjustment to come off the bench. He has been the starter since early in his sophomore year. He has overcome bouts of inconsistency in his career that had fans at times using social media to questioning his decision-making. Jackson is focusing on the positives. “It’s different. It’s a role that changed,” Jackson said about being a reserve. “That’s what has allowed me to really just focus and get into adverse situations and adapt. Adapt for anything and get ready for any situation.” Jackson was understandably anxious to return. At one point in late February, Jackson thought he would be ready to return for Wisconsin’s final regular season home game on March 1 against Michigan State. But he wasn’t medically cleared to return practice until the week leading up to the opening weekend of the NCAAs. Jackson finally played his first game in the 79-72 win over North Carolina last week in the Sweet 16. He played nine minutes and finished with four points. But he’ll always remember his first shot, a 3 from the corner that gave Wisconsin a lift off the bench.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Wisconsin point guard Traevon Jackson (12) will see his college career come to an end with a second straight trip to the Final Four. The Badgers will face No. 1 Kentucky in a semifinal game on Saturday in Indianapolis.

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WOMEN’S NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

McGraw appreciates Notre Dame women’s run more than ever BY KURT VOIGT The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — It would be easy to forgive Muffet McGraw if she started taking Final Four appearances for granted. After all, the Notre Dame women’s coach has become a regular of sorts on college basketball’s biggest stage — reaching her fifth straight Final Four with a 77-68 win over No. 2 seed Baylor on Sunday night. Despite the top-seeded MCGRAW Fighting Irish’s wild success, their longtime coach has only grown more appreciative of the ride as the wins have piled up. In fact, McGraw — likely because this season’s success was less expected than some of the others — encouraged her youthful group to enjoy every part of this week leading up to next weekend’s clash with fellow top-seed South Carolina (34-2) in Tampa, Florida. “I’m planning on celebrating it a little bit more because they need that,” McGraw said. “They need to understand how special this is, and I will enjoy watching the freshmen enjoy it because for them it’s the first time, and it’s going to be a really special one.” Sunday’s win was Notre Dame’s 21st in a row, a remarkable achievement given an offseason roster turnover that resulted in the Fighting Irish playing only one senior against a Lady Bears (33-4) team set on atoning for an Elite Eight loss a year ago. Point guard Lindsay Allen continued her emergence as the perfect backcourt complement to all-everything guard Jewell Loyd, finishing with 23 points as Notre Dame rallied from nine points down in the first half. The sophomore was 10 of 16 from the field and

BENCH FROM PAGE B1 In the third-round game of the NCAA Tournament, the Carolina reserves outscored North Carolina’s bench 39-16. In the Elite Eight game against Florida State, USC’s bench held a 40-23 scoring edge. The Gamecocks’ bench outscored USC’s starters in the North Carolina game 39-26; both units scored 40 points against Florida State. That’s just the way USC coach Dawn Staley planned it. “Our bench has been extremely important for us all season long,” Staley said. “That depth we’ve created because of our bench is probably the reason we’ve been able to separate ourselves from other really good basketball teams. Obviously, they keep coming through for us.” The USC bench has tied or outscored the starters 20 times this season, including 11 times against Southeastern Conference opponents and in each of the Gamecocks’ four NCAA Tournament games. Overall, the USC bench has scored 49.3 percent of the team’s points this season. In SEC games, the reserves scored 50.6 percent of the points. Considering the second unit features SEC freshman of the year and third-team All-American A’ja Wilson and All-SEC second-team selection Alaina Coates, that’s not a surprise. Coates played so well in the Greensboro, North Carolina, regional last weekend she was selected the regional’s most valuable player. Throw in sharp-shooting guard Tina Roy, feisty freshman point guard Bianca Cuevas and defensive specialist Olivia Gaines, and you have a

NOTRE DAME STATISTICS The Associated Press Player G-GS Loyd 37-37 Turner 34-33 Allen 37-37 Reimer 35-33 Mabrey 37-36 Westbeld 37-0 Cable 37-6 Johnson 28-0 Wright 30-2 Huffman 35-0 Thompson 17-0 Holloway 18-1 Total 37 Opponents 37 Player Loyd Turner Allen Reimer Mabrey Westbeld Cable Johnson Wright Huffman Thompson Holloway Total Opponents

Off 55 96 18 61 10 61 44 7 23 27 3 3 485 463

Min 1171 857 1144 853 840 651 785 320 270 390 58 86

Avg FG-FGA Pct 31.6 259-572 .453 25.2 189-288 .656 30.9 152-280 .543 24.4 149-287 .519 22.7 89-233 .382 17.6 98-185 .530 21.2 83-179 .464 11.4 28-84 .333 9.0 32-57 .561 11.1 33-61 .541 3.4 3-8 .375 4.8 5-13 .385 1120-2247 .498 842-2252 .374

Def Tot 143 198 169 265 109 127 149 210 62 72 104 165 111 155 25 32 42 65 36 63 5 8 7 10 1050 1535 754 1217

Avg 5.4 7.8 3.4 6.0 1.9 4.5 4.2 1.1 2.2 1.8 0.5 0.6 41.5 32.9

3P-3PA 32-103 0-0 20-50 0-0 71-181 7-17 39-79 11-34 0-0 0-3 0-0 1-3 181-470 178-625

Pct .311 --.400 --.392 .412 .494 .324 --.000 --.333 .385 .285

PF DQ A TO BS 43 0 114 95 16 81 0 25 73 85 69 1 195 89 3 69 0 63 86 38 38 0 87 50 3 71 1 63 64 10 50 0 35 28 9 33 0 25 18 4 23 0 13 15 5 37 0 35 16 8 8 0 2 3 1 4 0 10 5 0 526 2 667 549 185 676 15 411 639 125

FT-FTA 188-229 87-145 74-87 56-90 17-18 54-76 30-36 20-29 21-29 14-17 9-15 4-6 574-777 341-530 ST 57 37 51 18 31 40 57 14 9 28 15 2 345 284

Pts 738 465 398 354 266 257 235 87 85 80 15 2995 220

Pct .821 .600 .851 .622 .944 .711 .833 .690 .724 .824 .600 .667 .739 .643 Avg 19.9 13.7 10.8 10.1 7.2 6.9 6.4 3.1 2.8 2.3 0.9 0.8 80.9 59.5

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH ROSTER The Associated Press Coach: Muffet McGraw No. 3 Whitney Holloway 11 Brianna Turner 12 Taya Reimer 14 Mychal Johnson 15 Lindsay Allen 22 Madison Cable 23 Michaela Mabrey 24 Hannah Huffman 32 Jewell Loyd 33 Kathryn Westbeld 34 Markisha Wright 35 Diamond Thompson

Pos G F F G G G G G G F F C

Ht 5-4 6-3 6-3 5-8 5-7 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-4

continually left the Baylor defense without an answer — a game after she had a career-high 28 points in a win over Stanford. Allen finished a combined 19 of 33 from the field in the two games in Oklahoma City, a two-game display she said was the best of her career. “This weekend was just a really great weekend,” Allen said. While the weekend was one McGraw wanted the Fighting Irish to remember for Allen and the rest of her teammates, Notre Dame’s recent Final Four disappointments were impossible to ignore admist the celebration. None as fresh as last season’s national championship game loss to Connecticut, a 79-58 defeat that ended Notre Dame’s hopes of completing an undefeated season — and

Yr Sr Fr So Fr So Sr Jr Jr Jr Fr Sr So

Hometown Plainfield, Ill. Pearland, Texas Fishers, Ind. Huntington, W.Va. Mitchellville, Md. Mount Lebanon, Pa. Belmar, N.J. Diablo, Calif. Lincolnwood, Ill. Kettering, Ohio Des Moines, Iowa Wheaton, Ill.

winning the school’s first national championship since 2001. The Fighting Irish have reached the Final Four seven times, all since McGraw took over in 1987. They are now 7-0 in the Elite Eight, though losing in three of the last four national championship games led to a more big-picture approach than normal for the only women’s coach to lead Notre Dame to the NCAA Tournament. “We have been there a number of times and not been able to finish,” McGraw said. “Each year, we feel like maybe this will be our year, but I think (we’re) definitely celebrating this whole week of what we accomplished all year long because only one team is going to win.” While Notre Dame was left to celebrate its continued run

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Notre Dame guard Lindsay Allen (15) shoots against Baylor guard Niya Johnson (2) defends during the Irish’s 77-68 victory in an NCAA Tournament regional final game. Longtime Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw said she is enjoying her team’s journey this year just a little bit more than some other seasons. NOTRE DAME (35-2) 105 UMass Lowell 71 at Michigan St. 88 Chattanooga 104 Holy Cross 97 Harvard 112 Quinnipiac 89 Kansas 92 Maryland 58 UConn 94 at DePaul,OT 70 Michigan 64 Saint Joseph’s 82 at UCLA 74 Florida St. 85 at Syracuse 63 at Miami 104 Boston College 89 at North Carolina 88 Tennessee 89 Georgia Tech

51 63 53 29 43 52 47 72 76 93 50 50 67 68 74 78 58 79 77 76

of Final Four appearances, the Lady Bears once again fell just short of returning to college basketball’s final weekend for the first time since winning the national championship in 2012. Baylor led 26-17 in the first half following an inside basket by Alexis Prince, but it shot only 35.3 percent (12 of 34) in the second half as the Fighting Irish ended the Lady Bears’ season for the second straight year in the Elite Eight.

74 at Clemson 36 74 at Virginia Tech 50 92 Wake Forest 63 75 Virginia 54 89 at Boston College 56 63 Duke 50 71 at Georgia Tech 61 68 Louisville 52 87 Pittsburgh 59 67 at N.C. State 60 77 Miami-x 61 55 Duke-x 49 71 Florida St.-x 58 77 Montana-y 43 79 DePaul-y 67 81 Stanford-y 60 77 Baylor-y 68 x-Atlantic Coast Conferencee y-NCAA

Nina Davis, the Big 12 player of the year, had 26 points and 13 rebounds and returns next season along with point guard Niya Johnson — who had 46 assists and two turnovers in the tournament. Still, the loss overshadowed any immediate reflection for Baylor coach Kim Mulkey. “I know we’re young, but guys, Notre Dame is young, too,” Mulkey said. “So, they’ll have a good team back as well.”

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS ROSTER The Associated Press Coach: Dawn Staley No. 0 India Farmer 1 Bianca Cuevas 2 Olivia Gaines 3 Kaydra Duckett 5 Khadijah Sessions 15 Tiffany Davis 22 A’ja Wilson 23 Tina Roy 24 Aleighsa Welch 25 Tiffany Mitchell 31 Asia Dozier 33 Elem Ibiam 40 Jatarie White 41 Alaina Coates

Pos F G G G G G G/F G F G G/F C F C

Ht 6-0 5-6 5-7 5-8 5-8 5-7 6-5 5-11 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-4

unit that can be competitive with any opponent. “They are absolutely loaded with players,” UNC coach Sylvia Hatchell said of the Gamecocks after her team dropped a 67-65 decision to them in the Sweet Sixteen. “They just keep putting them in, keep putting them in and a lot of those kids sitting over there would be starting at a lot of other places.” Despite enrolling at USC as the No. 1 high school prospect in the nation, Wilson understood her role with the team virtually from the start. She was good with it as long as the team was winning “Of course I would like to start,” Wilson said. “But I’m not complaining. Things are working great and, by not starting, you get a chance to sit and watch the flow of the game and pick up a few things before going in.” Wilson is USC’s second-leading scorer at 12.9 points per game. She’s also second in rebounds and first in blocks. Coates is third in scoring at 10.8 points, first in rebounds at eight per game and second in blocks. “How many good (post players) are there in (the SEC)?” asked Texas A&M coach Gary Blair, whose team took a 79-61

Yr So Fr Sr Fr Jr So Fr Jr Sr Jr Jr Sr Fr So

Hometown North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Bronx, N.Y. Chester, S.C. Columbia, S.C. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Houston Hopkins, S.C. Kaplan, La. Goose Creek, S.C. Charlotte, N.C. Columbia, S.C. Fayetteville, Ga. Charlotte, N.C. Irmo, S.C.

regular-season beating against the Gamecocks. “You might have three on one team (USC). You might have one at Tennessee. That’s it.” The depth and diversity of talent on the USC squad is the reason Staley was confident in letting everyone know following the 2013-14 season that the goal in 2014-15 was the Final Four and national championship or bust. “That’s the great thing about this team,” starting point guard Khadijah Sessions said. “When someone is having an off day, not doing what they normally can, we have others who come in to pick them up.” That so many players are used each game — 10 players have played in at least 34 of USC’s 36 games — has been a positive for team comradery. “This is a very close team,” said senior Aleighsa Welch. “Everyone has embraced their role and is ready to come in and help when needed. “Coach Staley has this saying, ‘Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.’ That’s what everyone on this team does. That’s why we’ve been so successful.”The USC bench has tied or outscored the starters 20 times this season, including 11 times against Southeastern Conference op-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina’s Alaina Coates (41) grabs a rebound over Florida State’s Ivey Slaughter during the Gamecocks’ 80-74 victory. Coates and the USC bench has scored 49.3 percent of the team’s points this season. ponents and in each of the Gamecocks’ four NCAA Tournament games. Overall, the USC bench has scored 49.3 percent of the team’s points this season. In SEC games, the reserves scored 50.6 percent of the points. Considering the second unit

features SEC freshman of the year and third-team All-American A’ja Wilson and All-SEC second-team selection Alaina Coates, that’s not a surprise. Coates played so well in the Greensboro, North Carolina, regional last weekend she was selected the regional’s most valuable player.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

PRO BASEBALL

Speedy Young Jr. quickly grabs chance with Braves BY JEFF ODOM The Associated Press DUNEDIN, Fla. — Eric Young Jr. reported to spring training with the Atlanta Braves on a minor league deal, simply hoping to make an impression. Now with opening day less than a week away and starting center fielder Melvin Upton Jr. likely out until midMay because of a foot problem, Young finds himself as the odds-on favorite to be playing there a lot. One major drawback for Young and the Braves: His lack of experience at the position. The former second baseman and left fielder with the Rockies and Mets has spent just 44 games in center during his six-year career. Young, however, isn’t concerned, viewing it as just another challenge with the Braves preparing to open Monday at Miami. “I always shagged out there and played a little bit in years past,” Young said. “But, obviously, the more reps you get out there, the more comfortable you’re going to get. Just knowing that I’m going to be out there, I’m just making sure I get my pregame work in and let the rest happen.” One major benefit for the 29-year-old Young is his speed. In 2013, while playing for the Rockies and Mets, Young led the National League with 46 stolen bases. He stole 30 in 100 games last season for New York, but wasn’t offered a contract after the Mets opted to sign veteran Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million deal. With much more ground to

AREA SCOREBOARD GOLF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER GOLF CLASSIC The St. Francis Xavier High School 20th Annual Golf Classic will be held on Friday, May 8, at Sunset Country Club. The format will be a 4-person Captain’s Choice. The entry fee is $70 per team. For more information, call Chan Floyd at (803) 774-8555, Rick Lavergne at (803) 4813048 or the St. Francis office at (803) 773-0210.

ROAD RACING RECOVERY ROAD RACE

The fifth annual Recovery Road Race 5K/10K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, April 18, at Heath Pavilion at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Race day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the race starting at 9. Registration forms are available at the Sumter Family YMCA. Registrations are accepted at the YMCA through www.Strictlyrunning. com.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Atlanta’s Eric Young Jr., catches a fly ball during a spring training workout in Kissimmee, Fla. Young Jr. reported to spring training with the Braves on a minor league deal, simply hoping to make an impression. Now with opening day less than a week away and starting center fielder Melvin Upton Jr. likely out until mid-May because of a foot problem, Young finds himself as the odds-on favorite to be seeing a lot of playing time in center. cover in center, Young knows he will have to use the same speed he displays running the bases when he’s in the outfield. Young has provided a glimpse of his athleticism during spring training. In the third inning Saturday against a Toronto split squad, he robbed Devon Travis of an extra-base hit by quickly ranging from right-

The entry fee for the 10K run/walk is $25 before April 11 and $30 after April 11, including race day. The 5K run/ walk fee is $20 before April 11 and $25 after April 11. Those who register before April 11 will receive a T-shirt.

SWIMMING SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION

The City of Sumter Aquatics Center is currently taking registration for its swim team. Practice for the team begins on Monday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m. Boys and girls ages 5-18 are eligible for the team. Fore more information, call the aquatics center at (803) 774-3998.

BASKETBALL TEAM PERSEVERANCE REGISTRATION

Team Perseverance Basketball is now registering boys and girls ages 8-18 for its offseason travel program. For more information, contact coach Junko Allen at (803) 795-5513, or by email at coachj_perseverance@yahoo. com.

center to left-center to make a headfirst diving catch. Then in the fourth, Young corralled a long fly ball from Josh Donaldson with a leaping grab at the wall in rightcenter. “On the corners, you have the foul line that kind of protects you and in center field, you’ve got both gaps once you realize how much space is out there,” Young said. “For-

tunately for me, I have the speed to make up for that ground. “So, it’s just about getting good reads off the bat and if I do that, then I’ll put myself in good position,” he said. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, however, has taken notice of more than just Young’s speed. “Fundamentally sound,” Gonzalez said. “You can’t

complain about that.” With Upton sidelined because of inflammation in his left foot, Gonzalez said he plans to use a platoon-like approach when filing out his lineup. He’ll use Young and touted middle-infield prospect Jace Peterson, acquired from San Diego in December as part of the Justin Upton trade, at the top of the lineup against righties.

SPORTS ITEMS

Hornets earn much-needed victory over Pistons 102-78 CHARLOTTE — Marvin Williams scored 18 points and the Charlotte Hornets cruised to a 102-78 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Kemba Walker had 17 points and Gerald Henderson added 14 as the Hornets won for only the third time in 10 games to keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Charlotte entered the night two games behind eighth-place Brooklyn. Before the game, Hornets center Al Jefferson had his knee drained for the third time in eight days. He finished with 11 points and nine rebounds, sitting out the fourth quarter because of the big lead. Jodie Meeks led Detroit with 15 points. Andre Drummond was in early foul trouble and finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. WIZARDS 106 76ERS 93

CHAMPS FROM PAGE B1 team had come, English said. “Over the last two years, we’ve only lost one game at home,” he said. “Our problem was winning on the road. It has to do with mental and physical toughness. All you have in those games is each other, and when the going got tough in those last three games, they all circled around each other and leaned on one other and played together. “That’s the one little thing I saw them do that made the difference in the season, especially in the championship.” The night also featured individual recognitions, with the highest going to senior Brandon Parker. Parker was named the team’s defensive player of the year, but it was also revealed that he will be honored later this month at the South Carolina High School League’s awards ceremony as the 4A player of the

year as well. “I just want to thank God, my family, my friends, my coaches, my teammates and everybody who’s supported me,” Parker said. “It’s a great honor. We overcame a lot of obstacles as a team and as players, so I’m thankful for this.” Parker will be joined by fellow All-State player Micah McBride who also named the team’s offensive player of the year. “To get rejected as a region player but then to get the state honor just shows what you can accomplish if you keep at it,” McBride said. “But that’s been what’s defined us all year. Big guys step up in big moments.” The team will get together again in a little over two weeks when they are recognized at the State House in Columbia on April 16.

WASHINGTON — Marcin Gortat scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, Bradley Beal added 20 points, and the Washington Wizards defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 106-93 on Wednesday night. John Wall chipped in 13 points and 15 assists for Washington, which had lost five of six. The Wizards (42-33), who clinched a playoff spot Monday, began play three games behind the Raptors for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. SPURS 103 MAGIC 91

ORLANDO, Fla. — Aron Baynes had 18 points, Manu Ginobili added 13 and the San Antonio Spurs clinched a playoff berth with a 103-91 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. San Antonio posted its fifth straight victory. The Spurs are now 15-3 since

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Charlotte’s Kemba Walker, left, drives past Detroit’s Anthony Tolliver, front, and Joel Anthony, back, during the Hornets’ 102-78 victory in Charlotte on Wednesday. Feb. 27, and have now made the postseason in 18 consecutive seasons. San Antonio trailed early, but connected on 13 of their 29 attempts from the 3-point line as they built as much as a 25-point lead. It was the Spurs’ eighth straight win over Orlando. SERENA EARNS 700TH WIN TO REACH MIAMI OPEN SEMIS

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — Serena Williams abused her racket, scolded herself and even made angry faces at the sun. In the end, as usual, she took out her frustration on the ball. The seven-time Key Biscayne champion overcame her annoyance and shaky play Wednesday for her

700th career victory, beating Sabine Lisicki 7-6 (4), 1-6, 6-3 to reach the semifinals of the Miami Open. COWBOYS SIGN LINEBACKER MCCLAIN TO 1-YEAR CONTRACT

IRVING, Texas — Rolando McClain revived his career with a solid season in Dallas. Now the linebacker will return for at least one more year with the Cowboys. McClain, a former top 10 pick who flamed out after just three seasons in Oakland, signed a one-year contract Wednesday, the team reported on its website. The one-year deal is worth $3 million, with incentives that could push the value to $4 million. From wire reports

SPORTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

IMPRESSION FROM PAGE B1 ran for 2,165 yards the past two seasons. After his breakout sophomore season with 1,183 yards, Davis wound up 18 yards shy of becoming just the secondever South Carolina player with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. Davis opted to give up his senior season for the pros. He posted one of the fastest times in the 40-yard dash, clocked at 4.38 seconds. Davis is projected as a third or fourth round pick. “I hope I helped myself,” said Davis, whose older brother James Davis played at Clemson and in the NFL. “I think I did good, ran good, tested well. I just wanted to have fun out there.” South Carolina’s pro days have seen their share of fun the past couple of seasons. NFL evaluators gave Lattimore, a one-time, sure-fire first-rounder, long applause after he went through limited drills a few months after his second devastating knee injury in as many seasons. Lattimore would eventually get

picked by San Francisco in the fourth round, yet gave up the sport when he didn’t make sufficient progress in his recovery. A year ago, anyone with a network or an NFL connection turned out for Clowneypalooza. Scouts four and five deep watched the lightning quick defensive leap hurdles, catch tennis balls and blow through tackling dummies. The Houston Texas showed up in full force with head coach Bill O’Brien, general manager Rick Smith and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel to work with and visit with Clowney, who’d the team picked a month later with the No. 1 overall selection. There were a few wow moments, though. Receiver Damiere Byrd drew double-takes when he posted a fast time of 4.25 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Byrd said later that some scouts had his run clocked at 4.16 seconds. “That’s kind of where I wanted to be at,” said Byrd,

who caught 20 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns his senior season. “Anything that helps confidence is good.” Last year’s starting quar-

terback Dylan Thompson had set a school single-season passing mark with 3,564 yards last season. The showing, though, was largely lost in South Carolina’s up-and-

down, 7-6 season after the team went 33-6 the previous three years. Thompson put on a strong performance for NFL teams, completing all his passes including several long balls to Byrd, Davis and receiver Nick Jones. Thompson’s hoping to follow the NFL path of South Carolina former quarterback Connor Shaw, who went undrafted and caught on with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad before starting the team’s final regular-season game. Thompson said he proved to teams that he was more athletic than he showed during his lone season as a starter. “I’m unemployed right now,” Thompson said with a smile. “And I’m looking for a job.” Like Shaw, Thompson or most of the 17 Gamecocks who worked out Wednesday should not expect to hear their names called during the draft in a few months. “I know where I stand,” Thompson said. “If you’re putting money on the line, you’re probably not putting much on me right now. I’m OK with that.”

formerly of Sumter, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2015, at Adams Farm Living and Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Greensboro. She was born on July 1, 1976, to the late Ezell Jr. and Sarah Tiller Anderson. Samantha graduated from Mayewood High School in 1994 and received a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1999. Samantha was an employee at Epworth Children’s Home in Columbia for several years and was passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and adults. Samantha was an active member of Pine Hill AME Church, to include president of the YPD, Youth Choir director, Women’s Missionary Society, and an active role within the Northeast Division as the YPD president. Samantha was an avid supporter with missionary initiatives and outreach projects and programs at Pine Hill; she committed her life to serving the Lord in all avenues. In addition to her active role at Pine Hill, she continued to foster her spiritual growth once she relocated to Greensboro, at Williams Memorial CME Church, High Point, North Carolina. She was a devoted participant in the Single’s Sunday school and maintained her growth with her Savior. Samantha is survived by five brothers, Anthony Anderson of Greensboro, Stanley (Elaine) Anderson of Sumter, Alford (LeAnn) Anderson of Greensboro, Bruce (Carlett) Anderson of High Point and Maurice Anderson of West Virginia. Surviving in addition to her brothers are her three sisters, Anita (Jerome) Ray of St. Mary’s County of Maryland, Arlene (Garret) McCloud of Sumter and Amanda (Devon) Douglas of Rock Hill. Samantha also has a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who mourn her passing. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Pine Hill AME Church, 1505 U.S. 521 South, Sumter, by the Rev. T.J. Slater Jr. Burial will follow at Hillside Memorial Cemetery. Samantha will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. The family will be receiving visitors at the home of Arlene Anderson McCloud, 1190 Bamburgh Way, Sumter, SC 29154.

COPER GREEN

SHIRLEY JEAN FORTUNE

Coper “George” Green, 61, husband of Julia Dingle Green, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. He was born on Feb. 10, 1954, in Pinewood, a son of the late Aaron and Sarah Johnson Green. The family is receiving friends at his residence, 1052 Old Pocalla Road, Sumter. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

BISHOPVILLE — Shirley Jean Fortune entered eternal rest on March 28, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. The family is receiving friends at 273 Rouse Road, Bishopville. Visitations will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at New Zion AME Church, Wisacky community, with the pastor, the Rev. A.S. Temoney Sr., officiating, Burial will follow in New Zion Memorial Garden. Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville, is in charge of arrangements.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Offensive linemen Corey Robinson, top, and A.J. Cann go through drills during South Carolina’s pro day on Wednesday in Columbia. Cann is being projected to be taken in the first two rounds of the upcoming NFL draft.

OBITUARIES RODERICK T. PRINGLE Roderick Torrell Pringle, affectionately called “Rod,” was born on Nov. 7, 1978, in Darlington, to Flossie Pringle Nero and Weldon Bess. He departed this life on Sunday, March 29, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Rod leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life: his parents, Flossie E.R. Nero and Ronnie B. Nero Sr. of the home and Weldon Bess of Lamar; three sisters, Danetrian Pringle, Ashley PRINGLE Caesar and Iyanna Nero of the home; one brother, Weldon Pringle of Indianapolis, Indiana; two stepsisters, Faith (Joe) Williams of Florence and Shakeeta Smiling of Lexington; maternal grandmother, Daisy Bell (Robert) Ward of Lamar; paternal grandmother, Jannie Mae Bess of Lamar; eight aunts; seven uncles; 12 grandaunts; nine granduncles; nine stepgrandaunts; six step-granduncles; five nieces; four nephews; a host of other close relatives and friends. Rod was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandfathers as well as his great-grandparents. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Mr. Pringle will be placed in the church at noon on Friday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 126 E. Sumter St., Mayesville, with Pastor Eugene Myers, assisted by the Rev. Alberta Myers. Interment will follow in Mayesville Community Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 46 Mikado Road, Mayesville. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.

PAUL E. BEAUFORT ALCOLU — Paul Edward “Buzzard” Beaufort, 68, husband of Frances Hickman Beaufort, died on Saturday, March 28, 2015, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. He was born on April 30, 1946, in Greeleyville, a son of the late Nelson and Tina Epps Beaufort. He received his formal education at Pleasant Grove School in Clarendon County. He was emBEAUFORT ployed with Durant Brothers Farm for many years. In his youth, he joined Harmony Presbyterian Church, Alcolu. Survivors are his wife, Frances H. Beaufort; three

children, Robin Beaufort, Mary Ann Brown and Bobbie Hickman, all of Alcolu; four sisters, Ida Watson, Ella Mae Lawton and Perlie Mae Beaufort, all of Manhattan, New York, and Lillie Singleton of Lake City; two brothers, Henry Beaufort of Alcolu and Richard Beaufort of Deerfield, Florida; nine grandchildren; and 12 greatgrandchildren. Public viewing will be held from noon until 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Friday at Harmony Presbyterian Church, USA, 8883 U.S. 301 North, Alcolu, with the Rev. Dr. Franklin D. Colclough Sr., moderator, officiating. Burial will be in Big Springs Cemetery, Greeleyville. Mr. Beaufort will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time. The family is receiving friends at his residence, 1397 Robert Reese-Durant Road, Alcolu. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

JUDY PLUM Judy Kay Hooey Plum, age 71, beloved wife of 28 years to Arlis L. Plum, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at her residence. Born in North Dakota, she was a daughter of the late Herman and Daisy Campbell Hooey. Mrs. Plum worked in healthcare for more than 20 PLUM years. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Surviving in addition to her husband are two children, Troy Hoffman and his wife, Kim, and Tammie Asbury and her husband, Tim, all of Michigan; two stepsons, Jason Plum of Tennessee and Travis Plum and his wife, Tamesha, of Sumter; 13 grandchildren, Troy Huffman Jr., Johnnie Huffman, Angela Huffman, Rebecca Hayes, Julia Plum, Andrew Plum, Travis Plum, Kamonie Plum, Steven Plum, Dontrell Fulton, Hunter Rogers, Hailey Rogers and Hayden Rogers; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday with the Rev. Tommy McDonald officiating. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

SAMANTHA ANDERSON Samantha Viola “Sammy Joe” Anderson, 38, of Greensboro, North Carolina, and

MOSES FORD Moses Ford, 75, companion of Mary Georgia, died on April 1, 2015, at his residence in Manning. Born on June 29, 1939, in Waverly, Florida, he was a son of the late Robert and Ibra Wilkson Ford. The family will receive friends at the home, 2317 Fawn Ridge Road, Manning. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Summerton Funeral Home LLC.

LOUISE SCOTT Louise Wilson Conyers Scott, 70, widow of Joe Scott, entered eternal rest on Friday, March 27, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. She was born on May 8, 1933, in Sumter County, a daughter of the late Eugene and Christine Green Wilson. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the chapel of Community Funeral Home. Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com. Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.

JOHN WOODS OSSINING, New York — John Woods died on March 26, 2015, in Ossining. He was a son of the late Joseph and Charlotte Woods. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today in Tarrytown, New York. These services have been entrusted to Leach Thompson Funeral Home, 32 State St., Ossining. Courtesy announcement by Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

LILLIAN H. MCCRAY Lillian Hinnant McCray, 86, widow of Albert McCray, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born on Sept. 23, 1928, in Selma, North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Rufus and Rosa Bradley Hinnant. The family is receiving friends and relatives at the home, 1246 Mooneyham Road, Sumter. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc.

DAVID SCOTT SR. David “DC” Scott Sr., age 61, beloved husband of 38 years to Debra Willis Scott, died on Saturday, March 28, 2015, at the Dorn VA Medical Center. Services will be private. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

FRANCIS O. TROY Francis “Frank” Owen Troy, 73, husband of Nancy Pinckney Troy, departed this life on Sunday, March 29, 2015, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence, after an extended illness. Born on June 21, 1941, in Whiteville, North Carolina, he was a son of the late Samuel and Laura Bell Young Troy. Frank was educated in the public schools of Whiteville. He retired from Kohn’s Industries Furniture Plant after many years of services. Frank leaves to cherish fond memories: his wife of 42 years, Nancy Pinckney Troy of the home; two sons, Jerry Singletary of North Carolina and Christopher Sinkler of Sumter; one daughter, Gloria Seeden; a special grandson raised in the home, Jermaine (Olivia) Troy; a special nephew also raised in the home, Raymond Anthony (Karen) Troy; two brothers, Elanza (Lucille) Troy of Hampton, Virginia, and James Troy of Newburgh, New York; three sisters, Narcissa (Don) Mooney of Texas, and Dorotha Troy and Novella McNair of Newburgh, New York; two sistersin-law, Martha Ann Pinckney and Katie Moseley of Sumter; 10 grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by one brother, Samuel Troy Jr.; and three sisters, Mary Ann Troy, Catherine Troy and Annie Mae Shipman. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel, Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with the Rev. Laddie Howard officiating, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Charlie Howard. The family is receiving family and friends at the home, 5010 John Franklin Road, Sumter. The procession will leave at 10:20 a.m. from the home. Floral bearers and pallbearers will be family and friends. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web. Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Wife is sick of being humiliated by husband DEAR ABBY — I’m an alcoholic. My husband blames it for everything that goes wrong in our lives. Not inDear Abby vited to a coveted ABIGAIL party? They VAN BUREN must have heard what an ass I made of myself four years ago. I love my husband and don’t want to leave him. However, he is blind to the similarities to his overeating and smoking. I’m at my wit’s end. He refuses to see, while pointing out to our friends that I’m not supposed to drink, that I could be as nasty as he is and

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

say things like, “You’re not supposed to smoke,” or, “You’re overweight and shouldn’t eat that.” I’m sick of being humiliated and tired of feeling like I owe him something because he “overlooks” me being an alcoholic. How can I get him to see that these things are all addictions and hard to kick, and he should quit looking down his nose at me? Humiliated in Texas DEAR HUMILIATED — Your letter proves the truth of the saying that alcoholism is a “family disease.” The more your husband draws attention to your alcohol problem, the less he is forced to confront his own addictions to food and tobacco, and it also serves as a distraction. It’s comfortable for

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

him, allows him to feel superior and benefits him because it makes him an object of sympathy. This is neither helpful nor healthy for either of you. I have said many times that you cannot change another person. However, a licensed mental health professional may be able to help you understand why you tolerate your husband’s behavior — and might even be able to give you insight into why you drink the way you do. What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

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

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

ACROSS 1 Sweet Spanish wine 7 Work unit: Abbr. 11 Mendel’s sci. 14 Place to surf 15 Washbowl partner 16 Proteinbuilding molecule 17 Holy woman sculpted by Bernini 19 Battleship letters 20 Self-conscious question 21 Preceder of old age? 22 Peoria-toDecatur dir. 25 It may call for lateral thinking 28 Iconic figure with an anchor tattoo 30 Tenochtitl‡n natives 31 Zenith 32 Chanted phrase 35 Van Gogh painting depicting peasants 41 Hostile advance 42 Toe loop kin 43 Not around much 46 Campaign ad urging 48 Many a sofa 52 Common animal in “The

Far Side” comics 53 Participated in a poetry slam 54 Holey reef dweller 56 Give __: pay attention 57 Words spoken often this time of year, one of which is anagrammed four times in this puzzle 62 Whirlpool site 63 __ nitrate 64 Allow 65 Lush 66 In the wrong business? 67 Scone fruit DOWN 1 High pts. 2 “So that’s the answer!” 3 Island souvenir 4 Years in the Roman legion 5 Manages 6 It’s worn 7 Physics Nobelist of 1938 8 Typical “Divergent” reader 9 Guitar man Paul 10 Beach top 11 Banana blemish 12 How many

artists work 13 Police weapons 18 Greek vowel 21 Gangster film sound effect 22 Cross words 23 Junior-to-be 24 Sport with double touches 26 Museum that awards the Turner Prize 27 Biblical scribe 29 No longer valid 32 “Nixon in China” tenor role 33 __ moment’s notice 34 Auction bid, often 36 Formerly 37 Half of seis 38 Board mem-

ber, usually 39 Slots spot 40 Impede 43 Overachiever’s concern 44 Chintzy 45 Turkish peak 46 Thin layer 47 “Star Wars” surname 49 Best Angler and Best Jockey, e.g. 50 Ask (for), as a job 51 First car, for many 55 Actor Morales 57 Harrison role 58 Ovid’s “I love” 59 CNN launcher 60 Wearer of a “Y” sweatshirt 61 Stimpy’s chum

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

BUSINESS SERVICES Brick Work MJ Masonry Specializing in concrete, brick & stone. Contact Matt Johnson 803-460-0596 for more info.

Health Service/ Medical Tender Care Home Health of SC Immediately Hiring RN's LPN's 888-669-0104 Email resume to: tchhemployment@att.net

Home Improvements Land Clearing avail. includes: Digging ponds, excavation, and bulldozer work. Call T & N Septic Tank Co. at 803-481-2428 or 803-481-2421 Vinyl Siding, vinyl windows install for $189 and seamless gutters by David Brown. 803-236-9296

H.L. Boone, Contractor: Remodel paint roofs gutters drywall blown ceilings ect. 773-9904 Professional Remodelers Home maintenance, ceramic tile, roofing, siding & windows doors, etc. Lic. & Ins. (Cell) 803-459-4773

Lawn Service We Do It For Less Commercial & Residential lawn care. Removal of branches & leaves. Call 803-565-6693. Daniel's Lawn Care â&#x20AC;˘ Tree removal â&#x20AC;˘ Lawn Service â&#x20AC;˘ Mulch / Pine straw â&#x20AC;˘ Debris removal 803-968-4185 Professional Grass Cutting Rates start at $30. Call 803-406-5075

Newman's Lawn & Tree Service Mowing, Landscaping, Irrigation, Spring Clean-up, Tree removal. Call 803-316-0128 Lifestyles Lawn Service New Year Clean-up Specials! Mil.-Sen. Disc.! Erik 968-8655 J.F. Landscaping Lawn maintenance services, bedding design, etc. License & insured. Call 774-8269 or cell 883-1066.

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

Roofing Robert's Metal Roofing 35 Years Experience. 45 year warranty. Financing available. Expert installation. Long list of satisfied customers. Call 803-837-1549. The Original Nunnery Roofing. Established since 1972. Please contact Robert Nunnery for free est. 803-478-2950

Septic Tank Cleaning

THURSDAY, APRIL 02, 2015

For Sale or Trade

Mobile Home Rentals

Manufactured Housing

Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

Scenic Lake 3bd/2ba mobile home, no pets, call 499-1500 or 469-6978 before 6pm.

Turn your Tax Refund into your dream home! Low credit score? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing.We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215 AND also visit our Face Book page (M & M Mobile Homes).

Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves. Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Mechanic needed at Atlas Transmission for volume auto service shop. Must have own tools. Apply in person at 301 W. Liberty St. 8-9 Janitorial Positions, all shifts, some part time. Call 803-561-1384 Mon-Thur 9am-1pm Helena Chemical Company seeking driver with CDL license, must have HazMat and tanker endorsements. Please call 803-453-5151 to schedule an interview. Atlas transmission-Service Writer/Sales Person needed. Must possess out going personality. No automotive experience necessary but helpful. Apply in person at 301 W. liberty st.

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

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Land & Lots for Sale

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

For Sale by Owner 4 Acres. 12 miles to Sumter. Owner financing. 803-427-3888 or harryives@hotmail.com.

Resort Rentals

Vacation Rentals 3Bd 2 Ba Florida room. $100 dep. $100 refurb. $105 day, $735 week. Call 803-406-6159 9AM-8 PM. No pets. Serious calls only. leave msg.

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale

TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE-NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY required to Answer the Complaint in this action, of which a copy is herewith served upon you, to serve a copy of your answer to said Complaint on the persons whose names are subscribed below at Post Office Box 4216, Columbia, South Carolina, 29240, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service hereof, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

Defendant. TO THE DEFENDANT DOUGLAS EDWIN HAAS:

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to Answer the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is hereby served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Complaint on the Plaintiff(s) at the office of his/her attorney James A. Stoddard at 314-A North Magnolia Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to Answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, Judgment by Default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in the above entitled action was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County Family Court on November 14, 2014.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER Bank

and

Trust

Plaintiff,

will move for a general Order of Reference of this cause to the Master in Equity for Sumter County, which Order shall, pursuant to Rule 53(e) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically provide that the said Master in Equity is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this cause. TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND/OR MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDES AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY: YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem to represent said minor(s) within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by the Plaintiff(s) herein. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in the above entitled action was filed in the office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on December 10, 2014. SCOTT AND CORLEY, P.A. Ronald C. Scott, SC Bar #4996 Reginald P. Corley, SC Bar #69453 Angelia J. Grant, SC Bar #78334 Vance L. Brabham, III, SC Bar #71250 William S. Koehler, SC Bar #74935 J. Harrison Rushton, SC Bar #100406 Andrew M. Wilson, SC Bar #72553 Andrew M. Sullivan, SC Bar #100464 ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFF 2712 Middleburg Drive, Suite 200 Columbia, SC 29204 803-252-3340

Autos For Sale

U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee, successor in interest to Bank of America, National Association, as Indenture Trustee, successor by merger to LaSalle Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee for AFC Trust Series 2000-1, PLAINTIFF, VS. Roxanne Dennis Latimer, John Markham, Associated Adjustment Bureau, Beneficial Financial I Inc., Rmc Financial, DEFENDANT(S). (140268.01520) TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ASSOCIATED ADJUSTMENT BUREAU ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action, copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve copy of your answer upon the undersigned at their offices, 2712 Middleburg Drive, Suite 200, P.O. Box 2065, Columbia, South Carolina 29202, within thirty (30) days after service hereof upon you, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint, and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Case No. 2013-CP-43-0614

First Citizens Company, Inc.

Defendant(s).

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CASE NO. 2014-CP-43-02634

SUMMONS (Collection) (Non-Jury) 3600 Dallas St. Dalzell Must Sell 3 Br 2 Ba lg. lot, lg. shop Financing avail. Call 803-775-4391 or 464-5960

Brady

SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT

James A. Stoddard Attorney for Plaintiff 314-A North Magnolia Street Sumter, South Carolina 29150 803 773-6995, FAX 803 773-0576 South Carolina Bar Number 5363

$$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

Now hiring position working with animals. Must not have allergies to animals & be able to do heavy lifting. Must be dependable, honest & hard working, able to work wknds, & must work well with others. Job consists of cleaning & caring for animals. Send ref. & resume to P 405 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151. Serious inquiries only

IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DOCKET No.: 2 014-DR-43-1468

Plaintiff,

150 Milton, Must Sell, 2 Br, lg. corner lot, great shape. Financing avail. Call 803-775-4391 or 464-5960

and

B. Lindsay Crawford, III Theodore von Keller Sara C. Hutchins Crawford & von Keller, LLC P.O. Box 4216, Columbia, SC 29240 803-790-2626 Attorneys for Plaintiff

-vsDouglas Edwin Haas,

Help Wanted Part-Time

Live in Aide needed in Manning SC Thurs 9am- Sun 9am References Required. Non Smoker Call 803-478-7434

SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT

Susan Elaine Haas,

Shaw AFB Golf Course looking for a full time mechanic. Call Thad at 803-968-0047.

v. Wilson

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in the above entitled action, together with the Summons, was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on April 3, 2014

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER

6 Middle St. Must Sell 3/4 Br. 2 Ba New construction Financing avail. Call 775-4391 or 464-5960

James B. Wilson

Summons & Notice

NOTICE OF FILING COMPLAINT

Summons & Notice

Full-time HVAC Tech & HVAC Duct Installer wanted for busy Heating & Cooling Co. in Sumter. Minimum 5 yrs exp. & strong job references required. Paid holidays vacations. Please call 803-968-2272

SUNSET COUNTRY CLUB now hiring servers, bartenders, sous chef, dishwasher/ prep-cook and certified life guards. Apply in person at 1005 Golfcrest Rd. No phone calls.

LEGAL NOTICES

Ocean Lakes 2BR/2BA C/H/A Sleeps 8, near ocean. Call 803-773-2438

Clinical Counselor for outpatient treatment facility. Required Master's Degree in one of the behavioral/social sciences and prefered certification through SCAADAC. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to P.O. Box 430, Manning, S.C. 29102 by April 20. EEO Employer. Need OTR Truck Drivers. 1-1/2 yrs exp. Good driving records. Dependable & willing to work. Paid weekly. Paid Vacations. Call 888-991-1005

Summons & Notice

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that should you fail to Answer the foregoing Summons, the Plaintiff

Found dog at the Home Branch rd in Manning area. 4-6 mo. old. call to identify 803-968-4222 leave message or text.

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Trucking Opportunities

Septic tank pumping & services. Call Ray Tobias & Company (803) 340-1155.

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

NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal, trimming & stump grinding. Lic & Ins.

803-316-0128

MERCHANDISE Garage, Yard & Estate Sales LARGE GARAGE SALE Every Weekend Tables $2 FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. 905-4242 or 494-5500

Indoor 1121 ORIOLE CIR Moving sale! Everything must go! April 3rd-4th 8AM- ? everything gone. Xbox360 w/ 4 games. receipt/warranty included, all for $200 obo. Call 803-481-7272.

For Sale or Trade Complete Set Taylor Made woods, Walter Hagen irons, $150 Whirlpool Washer $100 Call 294-0980

On April 11th let everyone know how much you love your pet by placing an ad in the Friday, April 11th issue of The Sumter Item.

Work Wanted I am a reliable CNA looking to sit with your elderly loved ones day or night. Ref. provided. Call 803-225-0924 or 803-225-0543

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

National Pet Day

Local/Regional Drivers Immediate openings for experienced Van, Tanker & Rolloff drivers. Class A CDL with Hazmat & Tank endorsements required with 2 years verifiable experience. Mileage starts as high as .41 per mile along with stop pay, hourly pay and per diem on overnight trips. Medical, Dental, Prescription & Life Ins. plans along with 401K and profit sharing. Paid Holidays, Earned PTO time and .03 per mile yearly Safty/Performance Bonus plan. Applicants can apply in person at FCI 132 Myrtle Beach Hwy, Sumter SC 29153 or call 1-888-249-2651 ext 24

RENTALS Unfurnished Homes 3BR, 1.5BA brick home w/single carport, C/H/A $700/mo +$700 /dep. Call 803-840-0207

Mobile Home Rentals 5 Bd/ 2.5 Ba, 2 kitchens, dbl garage, brick home $75k. Financing help available. Call 803-464-5757.

Unfurnished Apartments

HUNTINGTON PLACE APARTMENTS

FROM 600 PER MONTH $

1 MONTH FREE THIRTEEN (13) MONTH LEASE REQUIRED

(803) 773-3600 POWERS PROPERTIES

803-773-3600

395 Coachman Drive Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5

(Please send your picture in with a self-return stamped envelope so that we can get your pictures back to you.)

Bear

I am so blessed to have such a sweet and loving dog. Owner: Sarah Williams

Only

Deadline: Thursday, April 2 â&#x20AC;˘ 12pm Name ______________________________________ Phone ________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City ____________________________ State ____________ Zip _____________ Petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name _________________________________________________________ Ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Name _____________________________________________________ Message (limit 12 words) ___________________________________________________ Payment must accompany order: Total $ ______________ â?? Check â?? Visa â?? Mastercard If paying with credit card: Card No.______________________ Exp. date_________________ Signature _______________________________________________________________________

20 N. Magnolia Street â&#x20AC;˘ Sumter, SC

803-774-1212 www.theitem.com

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