April 24, 2013

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SHS plays host to Region VI-4A Track & Field meet. B1

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Man sought in shooting turns himself in. A2

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Shaw F-16 pilot will be Thunderbird

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com An F-16 pilot at Shaw Air Force Base has been named the newest member of the prestigious Thunderbirds demonstration squadron.

Capt. Joshua Larsen has been named the squadron’s advance pilot and narrator for the 2014 demonstration season. Larsen will be one of only 12 officers serving a two-year assignment with one of the Air Force’s most high-profile squadrons.

Larsen’s duties will include advancing to show sites ahead of the team, coordinating logistical details with the local show organizers and narrating to the crowd during performances, according to a Thunderbirds press release.

Half of the officer positions with the Thunderbirds, based out of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, are rotated every year.

SEE THUNDERBIRD, PAGE A5

FOUNDED OCTOBER 15, 1894

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School district balances budget $104M includes teachers’ step increases, no tax increase

BY KEN BELL Special to The Item There’s good news for both district employees and taxpayers as Sumter School District gave tentative approval to a $104,050,606 balanced budget Monday. The district decided against asking for a tax increase, and employees will get their step raises this year.

In addition, the district will restore lost step increases for certified teachers.

“The step increases catch us up with our steps,” said Sumter School

District Superintendent Randolph Bynum. “With these pieces in there, we won’t be behind anymore.”

Steve Mann, the district’s chief financial officer, said the district’s financial situation had improved significantly during the 2012-13 school year.

“The revenue is coming in higher than budgeted primarily due to an increase in fringe benefit revenue from the state totaling $715,874,” he said.

“Additionally, the district exercised the option of receiving capital credits from Black River Electric Cooperative in the amount of $772.043, which was

ON THE NET Find budget details online at the district’s website, http://district.sumterschools.net/home, click on the Departments heading, then click on Finance Division.

one-time non-recurring revenue.”

And that drew a comment from board member Karen Michalik, who cast the lone dissenting vote in the 5-1 SEE BUDGET, PAGE A5

Expert labels contracts illogical

BY BRADEN BUNCH bbunch@theitem.com COLUMBIA — An expert witness called to testify about physicians’ contracts said in court Tuesday it would be mathematically impossible for Tuomey Healthcare System to turn a profit on the part-time agreements it signed 19 local doctors to, starting in 2005.

Saying the contracts were

exorbitant and beyond fair market value, Kathleen McNamara — the expert witness called by federal prosecutors in the civil lawsuit against the Sumter hospital — challenged both the compensation methodology placed into the contracts in ques-

tion, as well as the healthy benefit packages for the doctors.

“It didn’t make prudent business sense for Tuomey to be paying full-time benefits to the physicians who were working less than 15 hours a week in their outpatient

surgery center,” McNamara said, later adding, “I don’t know any other hospitals that are paying full-time benefits to doctors who work one or two hours a week. It’s just not done.”

According to McNamara, the structure of the contracts made them commercially unreasonable.

“It’s mathematically impossible for the hospital to SEE TUOMEY, PAGE A8

GOSPEL FEST 2013

Recognize Sunday school teachers

Bruce Roark, Al Rooks, Chris Rooks and the Rev. James McElveen of the Promise Land Ministries play for the crowd.

The Rev. Ella Holland, emcee for the festival, dances during the event.

PHOTOS BY KEITH GEDAMKE / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

W

hen I first began to write this column, I knew I wanted to dedicate it to a specific group of people: Sunday school teachers who serve in our churches. Specifically, they are the Sunday or Sabbath school leaders, Bible study teachers and prayer chain starters who work to make sure the legacy of spiritual education is maintained. They are the unsung heroes of the church.

These are the people who send your child home with tissue paper representations of God’s creation. They are the people who prepare for hours each week for a 20-minute lesson. They often wake up earlier than most of us to make copies at the church before their class arrives. They pick up doughnuts and coffee. They bring a meal to your home when they know you are sick. They plan Christmas parties. They visit those who have gone missing from their classes. I dare say SEE FAITH MATTERS, PAGE A6

Senior Cpl. Latisha Billie sings a solo while performing with the Sumter Sheriff’s Office Gospel Choir.

Hercules, lead singer for the Heavenly Stars, entertains the crowd during the Pinewood Gospel Festival on Saturday.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or e-mail news@theitem.com

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From staff reports

Police searching for food delivery robber Sumter police are looking for a man accused of robbing a 30-year-old food delivery driver at gunpoint on Friday.

Described as a black man weighing 150 pounds and 6 feet tall, the robber allegedly called a Broad Street café before 8:45 p.m.

Friday and placed an order totaling $23.31.

When the driver arrived to the 200 block of Highland Avenue to the address given, the homeowner said he did not order food.

The driver then called the phone number on the order and was told to go to two more houses, both of which said they had not ordered food. The alleged robber then told the driver to come to a white truck parked at a house nearby.

The man reportedly pulled out a black semiautomatic pistol and demanded the food before telling the driver to leave.

The driver was not injured in the incident.

Gamblers return from deployment Members of the 77th Fighter Squadron, the Gambler Aircraft Maintenance Unit and the 20th Operations Support Squadron are scheduled to return from a six-month deployment at 8 a.m.

Thursday on the Shaw Air Force Base flight line.

The 77th Fighter Squadron was deployed as the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flying out of Kandahar Airfield and Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where they provided close-air support for coalition forces.

YWCA annual meeting slated for Thursday The YWCA of the Upper Lowlands Inc. will hold its annual meeting Thursday at the Sumter Senior Services Activity Center, 19 S. Sumter St. The Presentation of Awards and Dinner will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The cost of the dinner is $10. Mayor Joe McElveen is scheduled to speak.

The annual meeting will begin at 6:30 and will end by 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call (803) 773-7158.

Man sought in shooting arrested

BY JADE ANDERSON janderson@theitem.com A 23-year-old man the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office described as “armed and dangerous” earlier in the day turned himself in late Tuesday and was charged in connection with an attempted murder case.

Lavoures Dontrel Praylou, also known as Trell Praylou, of 520 Deschamps Road, Sumter, is accused of shooting and injuring another man on Saturday.

The 25-year-old victim said the two were at a family gathering in the 4600 block of Patriot Parkway, according to the report, when an argument reportedly began over the suspect’s current girlfriend, who was previously PRAYLOU in a relationship with the victim, reports said.

The suspect became irate and began shouting that he “was going to get this (obscen-

ity) straight right now,” the report states.

Once at his car, the report states, the suspect pulled out a “large black unknown make/ caliber semi auto handgun,” pointed it at the 25-year-old and fired one shot. The victim was struck in the right upper thigh and pelvis area.

Following the shooting, the 23-year-old fled the scene in his vehicle, and according to the report, three of the victim’s friends transported him to Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Law enforcement provided a news release about 4 p.m.

Tuesday after “numerous attempts” to apprehend Praylou, and shortly after 6 p.m., Praylou turned himself in at the county Law Enforcement Center and was transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.

Staff writer Bristow Marchant contributed to this story.

Reach Jade Anderson at (803) 774-1250.

Sumter’s stars compete for mirror ball trophies

BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com Last week, Wendell Prescott was sporting a new pair of special shoes he bought to dance the Lindy Hop with Erin Levenson, choreographer, dance instructor with Freed School of Performing Arts and senior dancer with the Sumter Civic Dance Company. They’ll be showing off their footwork and lightning-quick moves Saturday night when they compete against eight other couples in the second Dancing with the Sumter Stars, beginning at 6 p.m. at Patriot Hall.

The competition that raises money for the University of South Carolina Sumter Alumni Association will feature nine couples, each comprising a community member and a professional dancer; they’ll trip the light fantastic on the Patriot Hall stage in a format modeled after the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars.”

The routine Prescott and Levenson will dance is so energetic, they can only do two complete run-throughs each time they practice, then they have to stop to catch their breath. A precursor of the shag, South Carolina’s state dance, the Lindy Hop has lifts, jumps and other moves not usually found on the dance floors where beach music is playing.

“I took a few shag lessons from Betty Kennedy (Kane) a while back,” Prescott said, “so I think I’ve got that beat down.

This is really different, though.”

Interestingly, he’ll be competing against his former teacher, as Kane is dancing with Tyler Gibbs in DWTSS, as the dancing event is called.

They didn’t know each other before being paired for the competition, but Levenson said she has confidence in Prescott.

“He’s energetic, he works hard, and he’s enthusiastic,” she said, adding she’s “cau-

IVY MOORE / THE ITEM

Erin Levenson and Wendell Prescott practice their Lindy Hop routine for Saturday night’s Dancing with the Sumter Stars. The fundraiser for the University of South Carolina Sumter Alumni Association will be presented at Patriot Hall at 6 p.m. Saturday.

tiously optimistic” about their chances.

As for Prescott, he said he’s got some aches and pains, but “I feel good. I think we’ve got a good, entertaining kind of dance. I don’t know about the others, but ours is kind of fast and quick, and doing those lifts.”

He attended last year’s Dancing With the Stars but didn’t consider entering until, the USC business office manager said, “Some friends at work encouraged me.

“I told Erin at the beginning that I wanted something upbeat, that I’m not into the slower music — even though I’m out of shape.” He laughed and added, “I’m committed.

This is a good cause.”

The other couples competing are Lefford Fate and Chylene Burdick; Brandi

“Zumbagirl” Troncoso with Kody Brown; Kimberly Cousineau with Richard Gerner; Lisa van Patten with Bruce Blumberg; Courtney Griffin Freeman with Cedric Hobbs; and Eric McKnight with Kylie Kendrick.

Jay Jehl, former jazz band director at Sumter High School, is back conducting and playing trombone with a band comprising professional musicians, some of whom played last year. They are Sean Hackett on saxophone, John Hopkins on trumpet, Robert Gibbs on guitar, David Shoemaker on drums and vocals, Jonathan Kuehling on keyboard, Grey Shealy on percussion, Andy Locklair on bass and vocals and Oneida S. Martin on vocals.

Seth Reimer, production adviser, said Jehl is not just

conductor, but also the arranger for the band.

“To be able to have him is great,” Reimer said. “It’s a really difficult job to do the arrangements for the dancers, who’ve been practicing to recordings. The band is really talented, too, and 80 percent of them are Sumterites.”

The band and vocalists will also perform before and after the competition, he said.

“Like last year, they’ll play for the ‘significant others’ dance at the end,” Reimer said.

“The vocalists will sing a few songs, too.”

Derek Burress completes his day of hosting fundraisers with his second turn as emcee of Dancing with the Sumter Stars on Saturday night. He’s also presiding over the Rotary of Sumter Sunrise Club’s Cow Patty Bingo at the fairgrounds that afternoon.

Tickets for the 6 p.m. Dancing with the Sumter Stars event are $10 for balcony seats, $25 general admission and $100 VIP tickets, which include reserved seating and two cocktail receptions, one at 5 p.m. and the second following the program. Dress is black tie optional. Audience members can “meet and greet” the dancers at the closing reception, organizer Suzie Kearney said.

She said there will be two teams winning mirror ball trophies, one selected by the audience through their votes, the other by a team of three judges.

Since the winners will be chosen by audience votes, attendees can designate their choice as beneficiaries of their ticket purchase. Individual dancers also have tickets, and they can be purchased at USC Sumter. Additional votes can be purchased during Saturday’s competition, as well.

For more information, contact organizer Kearney at (803) 972-1515 or skearney@ safefed.org.

4 jailed on drug charges in undercover operation

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com Four men have been arrested on drug charges after an undercover police operation led to the seizure of marijuana, crack cocaine and cash.

Darrell Hawkins, 23, of 110 Carver St., was charged with two counts

of distribution of marijuana and one count each of simple possession of marijuana and possession of crack cocaine; Larry Dinkins, 49, of 540 W. Hampton Ave., was charged with possession of crack cocaine; Jody Wilson, 41, of 119 Carver St., was charged with possession of mari-

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juana; and Patrick Sinkler, 23, of 110 Carver St., was charged with distribution of marijuana.

During a period of several weeks, officers with the Sumter Police Department’s Organized Crime and Vice Control Unit conducted an undercover operation targeting two of the sus-

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pects, Hawkins and Sinkler, at their Carver Street home, where officers were reportedly able to purchase marijuana on several occasions.

On Thursday, detectives assisted by members of the Sumter County Narcotics Unit and officers with the Metro Crime Interdiction Unit

searched the home. They reportedly found small amounts of crack cocaine and marijuana and about $1,000 in cash, all of which was seized by law enforcement.

Hawkins, Dinkins and Wilson were all arrested Thursday at the home.

Sinkler was not found at the time, but officers

continued to search for him and took him into custody at the home Tuesday morning.

Hawkins is being held at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center on a $68,120 surety bond. Sinkler’s bond is set at $10,000, Dinkins’ is set at $7,500, and Wilson’s is set at $565.

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CORRECTIONS: If you see a statement in error, contact the City Desk. Corrections will appear on this page.

LOCAL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

McTEACHER NIGHT

ABOVE: Sumter School District Teacher of the Year Trevor Ivey serves customers at McDonald’s on Pinewood Road on April 18 during McTeacher Night. The event, held by the Sumter School District Teacher Forum, received 20 percent of the proceeds raised during their 6 to 8 p.m. shift at the restaurant.

RIGHT: Teacher Cathi Kersten helps make a coffee drink for a customer at the fast-food restaurant.

PHOTOS BY JAMIE H. WILSON / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

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Students at Oakland Primary School attended a Health and Wellness Fair recently during the Week of the Young Child.

According to the organization’s website, the weeklong event is held to “focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.�

From Associated Press reports

Director: Revenue department working to restore credibility COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s tax collection agency is working to restore its credibility following last fall’s massive hacking of taxpayers’ personal data, its director said Tuesday. “Our new mantra at the department — and you’re going to find this hanging on every door that’s available, and you can find this on every screen saver — is that ‘security is non-negotiable,’� said director Bill Blume.

The encryption of taxpayers’ stored data and dual authentication for remote log-ins is complete, he said. Those are the two things that computer forensic firm Mandiant determined could have prevented the theft of millions of taxpayers’ Social Security and bank account numbers last September.

Senate panel to spend 2 weeks on plan to build, repair roads COLUMBIA — Six senators plan on spending the next two weeks trying to put together a bill that will increase the amount of money South Carolina spends building and repairing its roads and bridges.

The Transportation Funding Special Subcommittee met for the first time Tuesday, listening to basic details about eight bills to get more money to fix roads and bridges. The group plans at least five more meetings during the next two weeks to get more details about all of the plans and listen to ideas and concerns from the public.

JAMIE H. WILSON / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

Students learn about health, wellness

BY JAMIE H. WILSON Special to the Item Hundreds of young students funneled through different stations at the Oakland Primary School Health and Wellness Fair recently, each learning about a particular avenue of good health. “That’s really good,� said one student, as he licked the banana smoothie off his top lip.

Throughout the multi-purpose rooms where the April 19 event was held — which included stations such as a smoothie-making station and an interactive storytelling time station — squeals of delight echoed as students partici-

pated in the hands-on experience.

Sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Week of the Young Child is celebrated worldwide with hundreds of observations across the nation. According to the organization’s website, the weeklong event is held to “focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.�

Student teachers from the University of South Carolina Upstate taught the various aspects of health and wellness at each of the stations.

Megan McCormick, president of

the Student Education Organization, said the health fair gave some of the student teachers the opportunity to get a feel for working with small children. “You get to experience all the personalities,� she said. “It gives you an idea of what you will be dealing with.�

The event focused on fun and education, teaching the students healthy food choices as opposed to poor ones. A dance fitness class got the roughly 700 students moving.

For more information on the annual Week of the Young Child event, visit the National Association for the Education of Young Children website at www.naeyc.org.

County buildings in Lee getting phone system upgrade

BY RANDY BURNS Special to The Item

LEE COUNTY PHONE NUMBERS

BISHOPVILLE — An upgrade in the phone system at the Lee County Courthouse and other county buildings is expected to make it easier for residents to place phone calls to county officials, according to Lee County Administrator Alan Watkins. “Communicating with the public and answering questions are important functions of county employees.

Hopefully, these upgrades will make the process of interacting with county government easier and less time

MAIN COURTHOUSE: (803) 484-5341: Extensions for administration, assessor, auditor, finance, planning and zoning, probate, probation and parole, solicitor’s office and the treasurer CLERK OF COURT: (803) 484-4485 or (803) 484-4762: Extensions for family court (child support services), register of deeds, criminal court and civil court MAGISTRATE’S COURT: (803) 484-6463: Extensions for traffic court and central civic court ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: (803) 484-9832 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER/FIRE DEPARTMENT: (803) 484-5274 SHERIFF’S OFFICE: (803) 484-5353 or 484-6984 VOTER REGISTRATION: (803) 484-1832

consuming,� Watkins said.

Lee County Council gave third reading and final approval at its March meeting to a lease-purchase proposal for a new phone system for the courthouse, the magistrate’s court office,

the sheriff’s department, the emergency operations center and the economic development office, he said.

As part of the upgrade, some direct numbers have been added and the calling tree at the main courthouse has been shortened so

that callers do not have as many options to listen through to find the party they are calling, Watkins said. “We analyzed where the majority of our callers were trying to reach, and the largest number of calls to county offices are directed to the Clerk of Court’s child support and family court services,� Watkins said. “We added direct numbers to these areas, which will lessen the time it takes for callers to reach someone for assistance.�

The county is also listing its full phone extension list on its website, www.leecountysc. org, which callers can

access to find the party they wish to speak with and channel a call specifically to that person through his or her direct extension.

Director of Public Safety Dwayne Huggins, who has been assigned responsibility to oversee the implementation of the phone system, said

the new system has been operational for about a week. “I’ve had no complaints so far,� Huggins said. “Everybody seems to like it. We just want to make it simple and straightforward for our residents to place a phone call to a county official.�

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

BUDGET from Page A1 decision. Michalik said she was not in favor of using one-time funds to cover recurring expenses, pointing out that the funds will not be available next year and will pretty much guarantee a property tax increase then.

Mann also commented that many people in the community questioned whether the combined school district actually saved any money. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For fiscal year 2008-09, the two school districts had a combined deficit of $4.7 million,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So yes, there has been significant savings.â&#x20AC;?

Mann said a lot of work went into this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget proposal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The district sought input from multiple stakeholders, including a priority list from the schools and departments throughout the district. Additionally, a public budget hearing was held. A finance committee consisting of three business leaders in the community, along with the board chair and board vice chair, met periodically with the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration to discuss the budget and vision of the district. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The budget goals set by the administration were to present a balanced General Fund Budget to the Sumter School District Board without raising the operating mills,â&#x20AC;? Mann said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While the economy continues to

recover, many local businesses are still struggling, and the Sumter School District recognizes that fact.

The district understands that having recurring revenue to meet recurring cost is critical to gaining financial stability, along with improving its current financial rating with both Standard & Poorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Moodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.â&#x20AC;?

Mann said that the issuance of General Obligation Bonds annually would continue through 2033 to meet obligations associated with the issuance of a combined debt for the installment lease purchases totaling $101,580,000. He said the largest portion of principal repayment on this debt happens in 2018 through 2027.

This would mean the district should be able to keep the Debt Service Mills at 60.

REVENUES

Mann explained that the committee based the 201314 General Fund Revenue Budget on several factors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Education Finance Act represents about 34 percent of the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revenue budget. The Base Student Cost is projected to increase about 4.5 percent from the previous fiscal year budget, totaling about $1.25 million. Property tax relief under Act 388 is anticipated to bring in an additional $495,973.â&#x20AC;?

The law known as Act 388 passed in 2006 and exempted owner-occupied

homes from school operating taxes. To replace these funds, the state increased the statewide sales tax from 5 percent to 6 percent and eliminated sales tax on unprepared food. Should the additional penny of sales tax not generate enough revenue to fully fund this property tax relief, the difference is required by law to be made up using money from the general fund.

Mann also said that fringe benefit revenue from the state is increasing by $809,532 over the previous fiscal yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The district is receiving an additional $715,874 in revenue under this line item, so the increase of $809,532 is in large part due to the revenue increase from the current fiscal year,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The projected overall increase will help with offsetting the increased employer health insurance premium, but more funds are needed to cover this ever-increasing line item.â&#x20AC;?

Mann said the county informed the district that it estimated a value of $181,900 per mill, excluding owner-occupied homes.

The value of a mill is greater for the Debt Service Fund since all property â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including owner-occupied homes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is included. He said the county went through reassessment in the fall of 2012, so the current fiscal year (2012-13) would be the first fiscal year with adjusted property values. The increase of $1,820,416 is

THUNDERBIRD from Page A1 Also named to the squadron at the same time as Larsen were Lt. Col. Matthew Bradley of Tyndal Air Force Base in Florida; Maj. Scott Petz of Nellis AFB; and Capt.

Ryan Wick of Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.

Other officers on the squadron have not been finalized. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All who applied demonstrated outstanding support to our Air Force and our nation,â&#x20AC;? said Lt. Col. Greg Moseley, the outgoing squad-

THE ITEM

ron commander, who will be replaced by Bradley. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After an extensive interview and selection process, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m confident the future of the Thunderbirds is in good hands.â&#x20AC;?

Moseley, as well, has

largely because of growth in the value of the mill, based on county estimates, along with the 5 mill increase that Sumter County Council approved last June. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Overall, the district has projected an increase over the current Fiscal Year 13 budget totaling $4,407,676, which is an estimated revenue increase of about 4.4 percent. The total estimated General Fund Revenue for 2013-14 is $104,050,606,â&#x20AC;?

Mann said.

EXPENDITURES

Mann said the budget included both budgeted increases and decreases from the current 2012-13 budget to cover state mandates along with aligning budgets to cover all projected costs in 2013-14. Major expenditures include: â&#x20AC;˘ Step increases for all employees â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $1,563,750; â&#x20AC;˘ Restore lost step increases for teachers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $1,094,819; â&#x20AC;˘ Fringe benefits to include increased employer premium for health insurance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $1,154,370; â&#x20AC;˘ Increased media center budget â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $162,500; â&#x20AC;˘ Increased funds for athletic teams â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $150,000; â&#x20AC;˘ Increased funds for school security â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $110,000; â&#x20AC;˘ Increased funds for maintenance repairs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $400,000; â&#x20AC;˘ Increased funds for instructional supplies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $162,500; â&#x20AC;˘ Increased budget for copiers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $290,000; â&#x20AC;˘ Budget savings from

Sumter ties. He is the son of retired Gen. T. Michael â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buzzâ&#x20AC;? Moseley, who formerly served as the Air Forceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief of staff and now lives in Sumter.

The Thunderbirds normally tour the country throughout the year performing acrobatic aerial demonstrations

A5

consolidated alternative schools â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ($710,880); and â&#x20AC;˘ Savings from teacher/ pupil realignment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ($1,636,970).

Mann said the increased expenditures of $2,740,523 represents an increase of 2.7 percent over the 2012-13 General Fund Budget. The total General Fund expenditure budget is $104,050,606, which matches the proposed revenue budget.

Mann explained that teachers would receive an increase from $250 to $275 for classroom supplies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As far as teacher alignment, what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really talking about here is a pupil-teacher ratio. We found that some schools had too many teachers and others did not have enough,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will now have moderate class sizes.

Mann said the budget is not only balanced, but it also provides something just as important: â&#x20AC;&#x153;(With this budget) we are in compliance with consolidation legislation.â&#x20AC;?

Bynum applauded the hard work it took to come up with the plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a perception that school districts donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to tighten their belts,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it was equally important for the community to know we are doing everything we can do. We can develop a budget that meets the needs of the students.â&#x20AC;?

Once it receives final approval, the new budget takes effect July 1.

for audiences. However, because of military budget cuts imposed by sequestration this year, the squadron had to cancel about 60 performance dates for the remainder of 2013. The pilots plan to resume flight shows in March of next year.

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1953 as

the 3600th Air Demonstration Unit, the Air Force branchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official air demonstration team, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The team took its nickname from a legendary creature in Native American mythology.

Reach Bristow Marchant at (803) 774-1272.

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LOCAL / NATION

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Army warns of steeper reductions in troop numbers WASHINGTON (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Senior Army officials warned Tuesday they may have to cut more than 100,000 additional soldiers over the next decade unless automatic spending reductions forcing the military services to slash their budgets are stopped.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Army Secretary John McHugh said the losses would undermine the serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to be prepared for wartime missions.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today we find our Army at a dangerous crossroads,â&#x20AC;? McHugh said.

The Army has already planned to trim its ranks from a wartime footing of 570,000 soldiers to 490,000 due to previously planned budget reductions approved by Congress in 2011, according to McHugh said. But if the automatic cuts, known as sequestration, are extended into future years, tens of thousands more soldiers, including members of the Army Nation-

FAITH MATTERS from Page A1 the state of our local churches and churches across the nation would be in disarray without them.

I have been fortunate to have served in this capacity. As a Sunday school teacher to fourthand fifth-graders, I loved the interaction I had with a group of blurryeyed 9- and 10-year-olds each Sunday. On one occasion, a child interrupted our prayer request time to tell me his own personal epiphany: Anakin Skywalker turns into Darth Vader? Had I been quicker on my feet, I would have explained that the Dark Side is a metaphor for letting sin invade our lives, but then the entire discussion had already moved to a debate about Spider-Man. I mostly remember the excitement of know-

ing they understood the thrust of a particular message. My heart practically sang when one of my students finally grasped the weight of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why did Jesus have to die?â&#x20AC;? I asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to,â&#x20AC;? she replied.

While the pastor may seem the most influential person in the church, I daresay it is the small group leaders who are tantamount to driving home a spiritual lesson.

There are some who equate Sunday school as an antiquated church ministry. The program has been around for hundreds of years. In a basic comparison, the Sunday schools of today look very similar to the ones my grandparents attended because the basic premise has stayed the same: Believers need

PIKE AD RO NITURE & FUR R MATTRESS CENTE

an atmosphere of small group spiritual instruction. It has stayed the same because small group Bible study is immensely important. According to a study by Christian research organization The Barna Group, Sunday school â&#x20AC;&#x153;remains one of the most widely embraced ministry programsâ&#x20AC;? among Protestant churches with roughly 97 percent of churches holding weekly Sunday school.

Sunday school programs have changed times, dates, names and locations, but not the core importance of small group study. I have no problems with a socalled Sunday school class that meets in a memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home on a Tuesday night. The framework of the Sunday school program is there, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just been modified to meet the needs of that particular group.

But there are those in the faith community

al Guard and Reserve, will have to be let go due to a lack of money, he said.

Gen. Ray Odierno, the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief of staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the budget cuts could threaten readiness levels on the Korean peninsula, where military forces remain on high alert after North Korea threatened to attack the United States and South Korea. Sequestration has forced the cancellation of a series of training exercises

who no longer believe that small group Bible study is a necessary weekly event. They attend church in a congregational setting but neglect the accountability found in a smaller format. Sunday school meets too early or they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel comfortable in a small group.

These classes have become the foundation of our spiritual learning, and we should not neglect them. Those of us who have been in church since we were young would be hard pressed if asked to remember a particular sermon we heard in the third grade. We would remember the teacher who first explained the story of Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark with a Popsicle stick craft.

As adults, very few things help us understand Scripture more

intended to help prepare soldiers for possible combat there, he said.

Odierno also said the cut of 100,000 additional troops is a minimum number if sequestration is allowed to continue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cuts are simply too steep,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Sequestration went into effect March 1. Overall, the Defense Department is required to cut nearly $42 billion by the end of September.

deeply than having an open dialogue with our peers. Proverbs 27:17 speaks to this exactly: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.â&#x20AC;?

The hours of preparation and work can culminate in a thankless effort for many. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commend our current and former Sunday school

teachers this week. Let them know we understand the hard work they put in each week. Then thank them for their dedication. After all, they are carrying the torch of spiritual understanding for the next generation.

Contact Jamie Hudson Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail.com.

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OPINION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

THE ITEM

A7

To submit a letter to the editor, e-mail letters@theitem.com

COMMENTARY

|

Academic cesspools

O

ver the past 10 years, I have written columns variously titled “Academic Cesspools,” “Academic Dishonesty,” “The Shame of Higher Education,” “Academic Rot” and “Indoctrination of Our Youth.” Therefore, I was not surprised by David Feith’s April 5th Wall Street Journal article, “The Golf Shot Heard Round the Academic World.” In it, Feith tells of a golf course conversation between Barry Mills, the president of Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine, and philanthropist Thomas Klingenstein.

Klingenstein voiced disapproval of campus celebration of diversity and ethnic differences while there’s “not enough celebration of our common American identity.”

Because Klingenstein wouldn’t help finance the college’s diversity craze, Mills insinuated, in remarks to the student body, that Klingenstein is a racist. Mills also told students: “We must be willing to entertain diverse perspectives Walter throughout our community. ... DiWILLIAMS versity of ideas at all levels of the college is crucial for our credibility and for our educational mission.”

Klingenstein decided to check out Mills’ commitment to diverse perspectives by commissioning the National Association of Scholars to examine Bowdoin’s intellectual diversity, rigorous academics and civic identity. Its report — “What Does Bowdoin Teach?” — isn’t pretty. There are “no curricular requirements that center on the American founding or the history of the nation.” Even history majors aren’t required to take a single course in American history. In the history department, no course is devoted to American political, military, diplomatic or intellectual history; the only ones available are organized around some aspect of race, class, gender or sexuality.

Some of the 37 seminars designated for freshmen are “Affirmative Action and U.S. Society,” “Fictions of Freedom,” “Racism,” “Queer Gardens,” “Sexual Life of Colonialism” and “Modern Western Prostitutes.” As for political diversity, the report estimates that “four or five out of approximately 182 full-time faculty members might be described as politically conservative.” During the 2012 presidential campaign, 100 percent of faculty donations went to President Obama. Despite political bias and mediocrity, in 2012, Bowdoin was ranked sixth among the nation’s liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report and was ranked 14th on Forbes magazine’s list of America’s top colleges.

That ought to tell us how much faith should be put in college rankings.

I applaud Klingenstein for not making a contribution to a college agenda that is so common today. Wealthy donors are generous but tend to be lazy and uninformed in their giving. They give large sums of money that winds up supporting college agendas that are contemptuous of donors’ values, such as enlightened racism, anti-capitalism and Marxism. A rough rule of thumb to discover modern-day racism is to search a college’s website to see whether it has vice presidents or deans of diversity and diversity programs. If so, keep your money.

Recent evidence has emerged that some colleges have become bold enough to hire former terrorists to teach and possibly indoctrinate our young people. That’s the case with Columbia University in the hiring of convicted Weather Underground terrorist Kathy Boudin, who spent 22 years in prison for the murder of two policemen and a Brink’s guard. She now holds a professorship at Columbia’s School of Social Work. Her Weather Underground comrade William Ayers is a professor of education on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Unrepentant, in the wake of 9/11, Ayers told us: ‘’I don’t regret setting bombs. I feel we didn’t do enough.’’ Bernardine Dohrn, his wife, is a professor at Northwestern University School of Law. Her stated mission is to overthrow capitalism. Ayers and Dohrn, as well as the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, are people who hate our nation and are longtime associates of President Obama’s. That might help in explaining our president’s vision.

What we see on college campuses represents a dereliction of duty by boards of trustees, which bear the ultimate responsibility. Wealthy donors who care about the fraud of higher education should recognize that there’s nothing like the sound of pocketbooks snapping shut to open the closed minds of college administrators.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2013 creators.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Funeral home, church help make the best of a hard time We recently lost our dear mother, Frances H. Goodson, at age 96 (one month shy of 97). Anyone who knew her or of her knew her to be a Godfearing, Bible studying, awesome licensed practical nurse in her day. She was also a mother beyond compare. But to my point, as many can attest, this is a very hard time to get through, both emotionally and logistically. However, from the moment the coroner and Bullock Funeral Home were called, they maneuvered us through it all in the most efficient and caring way possible. They anticipated our every need and met it, and in some cases, met it before we even knew it was a need. They did a lot of little thoughtful things that I’ve never experienced or ever witnessed in the loss of loved ones. I cannot say enough for the staff of Bullock Home. They are still helping us over a month later.

We have been in many churches in our lifetime of moving around and I must say that NEVER have we been in a more supportive one as the First Church of God, pastored by the Rev. Ron Bower. He himself is unmatched, but the church as a whole gives support in time of need like no other. Our Sunday school class, Partners With Christ, always lifts us up and feeds us on and on. The love in this church has feet and you feel it always.

Thank you, First Church of God, Camden Road, and Bull-

ock Funeral Home. You have made this very sad time as easy as it could possible be. We love you, each and every one.

JUDY GOODSON LANFORD Sumter

Blame Bynum for problems with HSAP testing I have read many posts on Facebook blaming the current administration for the problems associated with HSAP testing at Sumter High School, but folks are blaming the wrong person.

You should be blaming the superintendent of Sumter School District, who relocated four assistant principals last year and hired a principal from outside of the school district that has not had the responsibility of administering HSAP to a class the size of the sophomore class at Sumter High School. This fiasco should be blamed on Mr. Randy Bynum and the board of trustees that approved the personnel changes. Is this the result of good “change”?

NANCY MOORE Sumter

Sumter Animal Control has come a long way About a year ago, I saw a problem and set out to see what I could do to help. I realized that we had an animal control facility where dogs could be adopted, but nobody really knew about it.

Most people thought the SPCA was the only pet adoption facility in Sumter. What about those poor “pound” dogs? The forgotten ones? We learn in church to use the gifts God gave us. So,

N.G. OSTEEN 1843-1936 The Watchman and Southron

H.G. OSTEEN 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

using my PR/marketing background, my main goals were to create a Facebook page, post pictures of the adoptable dogs, contact rescues when appropriate to pull adoptable animals and promote them wherever I could. Fast forward to now.

What a difference a year can make. Under the direction of SSgt. Robert Reynolds, Sumter County/City Animal Control has progressed by leaps and bounds. That little Facebook page has close to 800 friends, some of whom peruse it daily. I rarely take pictures anymore, that has been done lately by a professional photographer. Rescues are pulling dogs left and right. Adoption numbers are higher in any one month than they were in a typical year. The facility is now allowed to have volunteers. Fostering is popular and helps keep the numbers down in the shelter.

I can’t name everyone who has worked so hard to make all this happen, but I would like to thank SSgt. Robert Reynolds and his officers, Colleen, Wayne and Willie, for never giving up. I also want to thank Sheriff Dennis. We’ve never met, but I thank you for allowing big changes to be made for the sake of the animals. Thank you to Shelby and all the other rescuers who are now pulling from Sumter Animal Control, those wagging tails tell you all you need to know. And thank you to all the volunteers who are coming out of the woodwork to help.

You WILL get paid — with an endless supply of puppy kisses.

LEIGH NEWMAN Sumter

WHO REPRESENTS YOU SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 Naomi Sanders 5605 Borden Road Rembert, SC 29128 (803) 499-3947 (home) DISTRICT 2 Artie Baker 3680 Bakersfield Lane Dalzell, SC 29040 803-469-3638 (home) DISTRICT 3 Jimmy R. Byrd Jr. 1084 Broad St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 778-0796 (office) (803) 775-2726 (FAX) countycouncil3@ftc-i.net DISTRICT 4 Charles T. Edens 760 Henderson St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775-0044 (home) DISTRICT 5 Vivian Fleming-McGhaney 9770 Lynches River Road Lynchburg, SC 29080 (803) 437-2797 (home) (803) 495-3247 (office)

DISTRICT 6 Larry Blanding Chairman P.O. Box 1446 Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 775-8518 (home) DISTRICT 7 Eugene Baten Vice chairman P.O. Box 3193 Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 773-0815 (home) SUMTER CITY COUNCIL MAYOR Joseph T. McElveen Jr. 20 Buford Street Sumter, SC 29150 803-773-0382 jmcelveen@sumter-sc.com WARD 1 Thomas J. Lowery 829 Legare St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-9298 WARD 2 Ione Dwyer P.O. Box 1492 Sumter, SC 29151 803-481-4284

H.D. OSTEEN 1904-1987 The Item

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Rep. Phillip Lowe, R-Florence District 60 507 W. Cheves St. Florence, SC 29501 (843) 662-1234 Columbia: (803) 734-2975 Rep. Joe Neal, D-Hopkins District 70 P.O. Box 5 Hopkins, SC 29061 (803) 776-0353 Fax: (803) 734-9142 Columbia: (803) 734-2804 jn@schouse.org Rep. Dr. Robert L. Ridgeway III, D-Clarendon District 64 117 N. Brooks St. Manning, SC 29102 (803) 938-3087 Columbia: (803) 212-6929 Rep. Ronnie A. Sabb, STATE LAWMAKERS Rep. Grady Brown, D-Bishopville D-Greeleyville District 101 District 50 P.O. Box 311, Greeleyville, 29056 420 S. Main St. (843) 355-5349 Bishopville, SC 29010 Columbia: (803) 212-6926 (803) 484-6832 Rep. Murrell Smith Jr., Columbia: (803) 734-2934 R-Sumter District 67 P.O. Box 580 WARD 3 Calvin K. Hastie Sr. 810 South Main St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-7776 WARD 4 Charlie Burns 422 W. Calhoun St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-8859 WARD 5 Robert Galiano 608 Antlers Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-0005 WARD 6 David Merchant 26 Paisley Park Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-1086

Founded October 15, 1894 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC 29150

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Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 778-2471 Fax: (803) 778-1643 Columbia: (803) 734-3042 murrellsmith@schouse.gov Rep. J. David Weeks, D-Sumter District 51 2 Marlborough Court Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 775-5856 Columbia: (803) 734-3102 Sen. Gerald Malloy, D-Darlington District 29 1216 Salem Road Hartsville, SC 29550 (843) 339-3000 Columbia: (803) 212-6148 Sen. Kevin L. Johnson, D-Manning District 36 P.O. Box 156, Manning, 29102 (803) 435-8117 Columbia: (803) 212-6108 Sen. J. Thomas McElveen, III D-Sumter District 35 P. O. Box 57, Sumter, 29151 (803) 775-1263 Columbia: (803) 212-6132

NATIONAL LAWMAKERS Rep. Mick Mulvaney — 5th District 1207 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5501 531-A Oxford Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 327-1114 Rep. Jim Clyburn — 6th District 319 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3315 1703 Gervais Street Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 799-1100 jclyburn@hr.house.gov Sen. Lindsey Graham U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5972 FAX (202) 224-1189 101 East Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 (864) 250-1417 Fax: (864) 250-4322

HUBERT D. OSTEEN JR. | EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN MARGARET W. OSTEEN 1908-1996 The Item

H. GRAHAM OSTEEN II Co-President

KYLE BROWN OSTEEN Co-President

JOHN DUVALL OSTEEN Vice President and Publisher

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TUOMEY from Page A1 ever make a profit on these contracts,” McNamara said, adding that if the 10-year contracts were to have run to fruition, it would have cost Tuomey $14 million. Because of the inflated contracts, she said, Tuomey lost $4.4 million from 2005 to 2008.

Federal attorneys are hoping to convince the jury that Tuomey knowingly signed the local doctors to contracts above fair market value, creating an illegal kickback, thereby violating Stark Law and the False Claims Act. If successful in its lawsuit, the federal government is expected to attempt to recoup nearly $45 million in Medicare payments to Tuomey, made between 2005 and 2009.

There was an extended delay Tuesday before McNamara began presenting her analysis of the Tuomey contracts, as defense lawyers challenged her qualifications as an expert on fair market value, saying she did not have enough experience evaluating the types of contracts into which Tuomey and the local doctors had entered. It wasn’t until after multiple lengthy sidebars, several questions away from the jurors and an extended lunch break that Senior Federal District Court Judge Margaret Seymour allowed McNamara to be qualified as an expert witness.

Before McNamara took the stand, prosecutors also played a series of audio and video tapes in an effort to bolster their claims that Tuomey acted while knowing they were creating illegal agreements. These recordings included an extended excerpt from the 2009 deposition of Tuomey Senior Vice President Greg Martin.

During the deposition, District Attorney Norman Acker repeatedly questioned Martin on whether he had knowledge of the opinion of Kevin McAnaney, a health care lawyer hired jointly by Tuomey and Dr. Michael Drake-

ford to evaluate the contracts during Drakeford’s negotiations with the hospital. Drakeford ultimately did not sign a contract with Tuomey and was the whistleblower who first raised issues with the contracts to federal prosecutors.

McAnaney testified last week he raised concerns about Drakeford’s contract but was instructed by Tuomey lawyers not to put his opinions in writing.

As both board member Dr. Henry Moses and former board member Janet Odom said in their testimony Monday, Martin said on tape during his deposition that McAnaney’s opinion was ultimately ignored at the advice of legal counsel.

“There was a difference of opinion, and we decided to stay the course,” Martin said in the recording, adding the hospital’s legal counsel thought McAnaney’s opinion had been unduly influenced by Drakeford’s lawyer.

As part of his questioning, Acker implied it was Martin, and not the hospital’s legal counsel, who had decided McAnaney’s opinion was tainted.

Before Tuesday’s proceedings began, another juror was excused from duty, this time because of a death in his family, leaving nine women and one man to hear the remainder of the case. He was the second person to be removed from the original 12-person jury, as another man was released before the trial started after telling the court serving as a juror would cause a financial hardship. The trial is expected to last three weeks.

The trial will continue at 9 a.m. today at the Matthew J. Perry Federal Courthouse with defense lawyers cross examining McNamara.

Federal prosecutors are expected to call one more witness before resting their case.

Reach Braden Bunch at (803) 774-1201.

STATE

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Bill would require approval for plane use COLUMBIA (AP) — Lawmakers will have to wait before discussing legislation requiring lawmakers to get permission to use state planes which specifically bars using them as a shuttle to legislative hearings.

Time ran out before the Judiciary Committee could begin debate Tuesday.

Last month, Rep. Bill Chumley sponsored conservative commentator Walter Williams’ flight from the Washing-

ton area to push for a bill that initially sought to nullify the federal health care law. The state Aeronautics Commission said it would have charged a paying customer $6,400.

Chumley dismissed requests that he reimburse the state, calling Williams’ testimony official state business.

Democratic Sen. Joel Lourie said Chumley’s actions were appalling, no matter what the legislation.

PUBLIC AGENDA

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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YOUR ONE CALL COMFORT SOLUTION (803) 795 - 4257

TODAY

TONIGHT

82°

THURSDAY 74°

FRIDAY

48° Partly cloudy, a t-storm in spots late

Winds: SW 7-14 mph Chance of rain: 10%

49°

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

56°

Partly sunny and pleasant

Pleasant with times of clouds and sun

Winds: SSW 6-12 mph

Winds: N 6-12 mph

Winds: ENE 6-12 mph

Winds: ESE 6-12 mph

Winds: SE 6-12 mph

Chance of rain: 45%

Chance of rain: 65%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 30%

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

Temperature High ............................................... 67° Low ................................................ 52° Normal high ................................... 77° Normal low ..................................... 51° Record high ....................... 93° in 1980 Record low ......................... 34° in 1986

Greenville 78/57

Bishopville 82/57

24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.00" Month to date .............................. 3.37" Normal month to date ................. 2.34" Year to date ................................ 13.25" Normal year to date ................... 13.63"

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Full 7 a.m. 24-hr pool yest. chg 360 358.21 +0.06 76.8 75.40 +0.01 75.5 75.16 -0.04 100 97.30 -0.01

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

7 a.m. yest.

7.23 4.52 5.04 5.50 77.50 6.80

24-hr chg -0.03 +0.32 -0.16 +0.02 -0.30 -1.87

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 75/45/sh 65/37/pc 74/46/pc 77/47/sh 78/53/sh 64/50/sh 78/51/sh 70/45/sh 73/51/pc 76/47/sh

Columbia 84/59 Today: A shower or thunderstorm late this afternoon.

Thursday: Sun and some clouds.

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm possible

Sunrise today .......................... 6:40 a.m.

Sunset tonight ......................... 8:00 p.m.

Moonrise today ....................... 7:04 p.m.

Moonset today ........................ 5:40 a.m.

Gaffney 78/56 Spartanburg 79/57

Precipitation

Today Hi/Lo/W 80/58/pc 72/48/t 78/55/t 82/57/pc 80/61/s 72/59/s 80/60/s 78/55/pc 79/57/t 84/59/s

57°

A couple of showers in the morning

Full

Last

Apr. 25 New

May 2 First

May 9

May 18

Florence 81/57

Sumter 82/57

Myrtle Beach 75/60

Manning 82/58

Shown is today’s weather.

Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Aiken 80/58 Charleston 80/60

Today: Mostly sunny. High 74 to 80.

Thursday: Variable cloudiness with showers. High 72 to 78.

The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

Wed.

Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2013

City Darlington Elizabeth City Elizabethtown Fayetteville Florence Gainesville Gastonia Goldsboro Goose Creek Greensboro

Today Hi/Lo/W 82/56/s 80/54/s 80/58/s 81/55/s 81/57/s 86/56/s 78/57/pc 82/57/s 80/59/s 78/51/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 73/45/sh 62/41/c 70/44/sh 70/46/sh 74/47/sh 86/57/pc 70/45/sh 66/43/sh 78/51/sh 67/43/sh

Thu.

City Greenville Hickory Hilton Head Jacksonville, FL La Grange Macon Marietta Marion Mount Pleasant Myrtle Beach

Today Hi/Lo/W 78/57/t 77/53/t 74/64/s 82/57/s 77/52/t 81/55/pc 75/52/t 75/52/t 78/61/s 75/60/s

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 71/49/pc 69/45/pc 73/56/sh 84/58/pc 73/43/pc 78/43/pc 70/44/pc 68/41/pc 77/53/sh 73/49/c

High Ht. 8:25 a.m.....3.1 9:00 p.m.....3.5 9:13 a.m.....3.1 9:48 p.m.....3.7

City Orangeburg Port Royal Raleigh Rock Hill Rockingham Savannah Spartanburg Summerville Wilmington Winston-Salem

Low Ht. 3:09 a.m....-0.3 3:16 p.m....-0.4 3:59 a.m....-0.4 4:04 p.m....-0.6

Today Hi/Lo/W 82/58/s 77/61/s 81/53/pc 80/57/pc 82/57/s 81/59/s 79/57/t 75/63/s 77/58/s 76/51/t

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 76/48/sh 77/55/sh 67/42/sh 70/45/sh 70/43/sh 80/55/sh 71/49/pc 75/55/sh 71/46/c 68/45/sh

Shown are today’s noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

-10s -0s 0s 10s 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 100s 110s Stationary front

Cold front Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

Ice

Warm front

Today Thu. Today Thu. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 69/50/s 76/48/pc Las Vegas 81/61/s 83/65/pc Anchorage 45/35/pc 48/34/pc Los Angeles 69/56/pc 67/54/sh Atlanta 78/50/t 72/50/pc Miami 84/71/pc 84/71/pc Baltimore 76/47/pc 67/42/pc Minneapolis 44/31/c 52/41/pc Boston 64/48/pc 59/42/pc New Orleans 79/62/t 77/61/sh Charleston, WV 64/41/r 62/33/pc New York 72/48/pc 63/44/pc Charlotte 78/55/pc 70/45/sh Oklahoma City 60/37/s 67/52/s Chicago 53/36/pc 54/35/pc Omaha 56/29/pc 63/44/s Cincinnati 52/33/r 57/31/pc Philadelphia 76/46/pc 62/44/pc Dallas 64/50/pc 70/57/pc Phoenix 92/68/pc 86/65/pc Denver 46/31/pc 67/40/s Pittsburgh 59/34/r 56/32/pc Des Moines 54/32/pc 60/44/s St. Louis 55/39/pc 63/47/s Detroit 48/36/sh 53/35/c Salt Lake City 58/39/s 65/45/s Helena 57/35/pc 65/39/pc San Francisco 66/49/s 61/47/s Honolulu 85/70/sh 84/72/s Seattle 68/45/s 65/47/s Indianapolis 52/36/sh 57/34/pc Topeka 57/31/s 67/48/s Kansas City 55/33/s 64/47/s Washington, DC 78/47/pc 65/46/pc Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

interactive you are, the ARIES (March 21-April 19): the last word in astrology better.

Adapting to what’s going on around you is the best LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): eugenia LAST way to proceed. Once you Expand your interests and get into the rhythm of the friendships, but don’t go day, you’ll encounter over budget. Protect your positive results. assets and put more into your long-term investment. Strive to stabilize contracts or TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Refrain from making medical issues you face. an impulsive decision based on emotional factors that can disrupt your position. Focus SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Recognize a problem more on your attributes and how you can use and do something about it before someone them to get ahead. else does. Losing control of a personal situation will be to your detriment. Nurture what you GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Get involved, be a have. participant and reach out to bring about changes in your community that you feel are SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put greater necessary. Don’t let uncertainty at work stop emphasis on home, family and what you know you from doing your best. and do best. Make domestic changes required to enhance your relationships with the people CANCER (June 21-July 22): Indecisiveness will you live with. work against you. Size up your situation, consider options and move forward without CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Unpredictable or hesitation. Participating in an event that brings emotional instability is apparent. Stick close to you in contact with old friends will enhance home and take care of matters that will add to your day. your personal security. Love is on the rise.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stay busy and avoid AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep a close eye on trouble. Don’t let anyone bully you into how the people around you react. Protect your something you don’t agree with. Do your part belongings and refrain from lending or by contributing knowledge, ideas and plans for borrowing possessions. the future.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Taking care of money VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll be entertaining, matters should be your mission. Changing your fun to be with and a major contributor. Focus job or redoing your resume will lead to bigger on love, romance and socializing. The more opportunities. Stick to a set budget.

PICK 3 TUESDAY: 4-8-5 AND 4-5-3 PICK 4 TUESDAY: 7-3-9-6 AND 0-0-9-0 PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY: 5-20-29-31-35 POWERUP: 2 CAROLINA CASH 6 MONDAY: 1-3-12-17-30-32 MEGAMILLIONS NUMBERS WERE UNAVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

FOR SATURDAY: 6-8-30-39-48 POWERBALL: 20

pictures from the public

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GREATER SUMTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Today, noon, chamber office SUMTER CITY-COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Today, 3 p.m., Planning Department, conference room, 12 W. Liberty St.

SUNDAY

77°

57°

Mostly sunny

City Aiken Asheville Athens Augusta Beaufort Cape Hatteras Charleston Charlotte Clemson Columbia

SATURDAY 76°

76°

Lilian Peter comments on her photo submission, “On my recent trip to China, I visited the Chongqing Zoo. This is Ya Ya, a female panda, born in 2000 at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding station. A year later, she was brought to the zoo.

Pandas are fast disappearing from the wild. At the zoo, pandas are fed a steady diet of bamboo.”

Have you visited someplace interesting, exciting, beautiful or historical that you’ve taken some pictures of? Would you like to share those images with your fellow Item readers? E-mail your hi-resolution jpegs to sandrah@theitem.com, or mail to Sandra Holbert c/o The Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29150. Include clearly printed or typed name of photographer and photo details. Include selfaddressed, stamped envelope for return of your photo. Amateur photographers only please.

SPORTS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

THE ITEM To contact the Sports Department, call (803) 774-1241 or e-mail sports@theitem.com

B1

Trio of baseball, softball teams ready for playoffs LOCAL PLAYOFFS

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com

DENNIS BRUNSON / THE ITEM

Sumter’s Jalen Lewis stretches to get over the bar during the high jump in the Region VI-4A meet on Tuesday at Sumter Memorial Stadium. Both Sumter teams won their respective championships.

Home sweep home SHS boys, girls track teams win Region VI-4A titles

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com The Sumter High School boys track and field team defended its Region VI-4A title on Tuesday at Sumter Memorial Stadium. This year, it gets to celebrate with the Lady Gamecocks as well.

The SHS boys rolled to an easy victory, winning by 56 points over its nearest competitor. The Sumter girls had a little tougher go of it, but still won handily over Carolina Forest, ending the Lady Panthers’ 3-year reign as region champion.

The Lady Gamecocks finished with 119 points while Carolina Forest had 80. South Florence finished with 46, Conway with 44 and West Florence with 41.

“I got more out of the girls than I really expected today,” said Lady Gamecocks head coach Karen McFadden, whose team lost to CF 132-108 last season. “The coaches kept telling me we had a good chance

PASADENA, Calif. — The Bowl Championship Series will be replaced by the College Football Playoff.

A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press the new four-team playoff starting after the 2014 regular season will be called the College Football Playoff, and the conference commissioners will make it official with an announcement later Tuesday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the name was not to be released before then.

The major college football conference commissioners are holding three days of meetings in the Rose Bowl’s backyard. They also will choose the remaining three sites for the six-bowl semifinal rotation in the new system, along with the site of the first championship game to be held Jan. 12, 2015.

ESPN.com first reported the new name.

BCS executive director Bill Hancock, who will hold the same position in the playoff sys-

champion West Ashley playing host to Region VIII No. 4 Fort Dorchester. The winners and losers will face each other on Saturday. If Sumter plays West Ashley, it will be in Charleston; if it faces Fort Dorchester, it will be played in Sumter.

Manning, which finished second in Region VI-3A, will play host to Region VII No. 3 Myrtle SEE PLAYOFFS, PAGE B5

DENNIS BRUNSON / THE ITEM

Sumter’s Tyreke Conyers crosses the finish line as the Gamecocks won the 4x100-meter relay during the Region VI-4A meet on Tuesday at Sumter Memorial Stadium.

to win it, but I just didn’t see it.

We came out and really performed well today.”

On the boys side, Sumter dominated with 146 points.

Carolina Forest was next with 90 points followed by South Florence 66, West Florence with 42 and Conway with 20.

College Football Playoff soon to replace BCS

BY RALPH D. RUSSO The Associated Press

Three local high school baseball teams and three softball teams have qualified for spots in their respective South Carolina High School League state playoffs which begin on Thursday and Friday.

The baseball teams are Sumter in 4A, Manning in 3eA and East Clarendon in 1A, while the softball teams are EC and Scott’s Branch in 1A and Manning in 3A. Sumter is the No. 2 seed in the District VII tournament of the 4A baseball playoffs and will play host to Dutch Fork on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Gamecock Field.

Dutch Fork is the thirdplace team from Region V. The other game in the District VII tournament will have Region VII

Baseball Thursday 4A Dutch Fork at Sumter, 6:30 p.m.

1A Green Sea Floyds at East Clarendon, 6 p.m.

Friday 3A Myrtle Beach at Manning, 6:30 p.m.

Softball Thursday 1A Hannah-Pamplico at East Clarendon, 6 p.m.

Scott’s Branch at Johnsonville, 6 p.m.

Friday 3A Manning at Socastee, 6 p.m.

tem, had said the goal was to have a simple and descriptive name.

Premiere Sports Management in Overland Park, Kan., was hired to help come up with a name and brand the new system.

Before the news was reported, Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany said he’d be happy with whatever was selected.

“I’m am not good with names — obviously,” Delany said during a break in the meetings, referring to the Big Ten’s division names, Legends and Leaders, that produced so much negative feedback the conference has already decided to change them.

The new postseason format will create two national semifinals to be played New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, with the winners advancing.

The six bowls in the playoff rotation will host marquee, BCS-type games on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day during the seasons they do not host a semifinal.

Three semifinal spots have already been decided: the Rose, Orange and Sugar bowls.

Four other bowls SEE BCS, PAGE B5

And, with all of those points came spots that were locked up for the 4A state qualifier. The Lady Gamecocks have 22 spots locked up in the state qualifier, while the SHS boys qualified for 23 spots. The top four finishers SEE TRACK, PAGE B3

ITEM FILE PHOTO

Sumter third baseman River Soles and the rest of the Gamecocks will play host to Dutch Fork on Thursday in their opening game in the 4A District VII tournament.

USC players’ draft status uncertain

BY JOSH KENDALL The State The NFL Draft begins Thursday night in New York. By the time it finishes late Saturday, most analysts believe South Carolina will have sent a nearrecord group to the NFL for the second consecutive year.

Six Gamecocks are widely expected to be taken in the draft’s seven rounds, which will be broadcast by ESPN on Thursday and Friday evening and throughout the day Saturday. If that number becomes reality, it will be the thirdbest draft class in school history and match the half dozen who were selected in last year’s draft.

The 1954 draft re-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STATE

Running back Marcus Lattimore is one of six Gamecocks expected to hear their names called at some point in the NFL draft, which begins on Thursday.

mains the most Gamecock-stacked in history, with nine former South Carolina players being selected. Seven Gamecocks were taken in the 2009 draft, and six were picked in 2012 and 1988.

Safety D.J. Swearinger, defensive end

Devin Taylor, wide receiver Ace Sanders, linebacker DeVonte Holloman, running back Marcus Lattimore and center T.J. Johnson are expected to picked in the draft.

Cornerback Akeem Auguste, linebacker Reginald Bowens, tight

end Justice Cunningham, defensive end Aldrick Fordham, fullback Qua Gilchrist, linebacker Damario Jeffery, defensive tackle Byron Jerideau, running back Kenny Miles, wide receiver D.L. Moore, linebacker Quin Smith, linebacker Shaq Wilsona and place-kicker Adam Yates also worked out at South Carolina’s pro day last month in hopes of impressing scouts and earning either a late spot in the draft or a free agent contract when the draft is complete.

While Swearinger is expected to be the first South Carolina product selected, there is debate about where the other Gamecocks SEE USC, PAGE B4

Keselowski shows resiliency with ride at Kansas

BY DAVE SKRETTA The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Brad Keselowski arrived at Kansas Speedway with the specter of NASCAR sanctions hanging over Penske Racing, and the first few laps of Sunday’s race weren’t going a whole lot better.

He sustained some damage when he got bumped early on, and then lost a lap when he

failed to get out of the pits quickly enough. And by the time the final laps were ticking away, the sheet metal on the rear of the car had finally come loose, flapping like tinfoil in a 200 KESELOWSKI mph breeze.

Through all the adversity, though, Keselowski persevered.

After the back bumper

sheared off, he came in for a late pit stop that allowed the crew of his No. 2 Ford to patch things up. Keselowski charged back onto the track, and then through the field, roaring to a sixth-place finish that made him feel as if he’d won the race.

“Usually you’re not happy unless you win,” Keselowski admitted, “but you know, a day where you can fight through SEE KESELOWSKI, PAGE B6

B2

SPORTS

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

WH golf team finishes 4th at state CONWAY – The Wilson Hall varsity golf team finished fourth at the SCISA 3A state championship on Tuesday, shooting a 321 for a 2-day total of 645 at the Hackler Course on the campus of Coastal Carolina University.

Hilton Head Christian finished first with a score of 610 followed by Pinewood Prep at 623 and Hilton Head Prep at 635.

Christian Salzer led the way for the Barons with a 77 on Tuesday to finish with a 2-day total of 157. Grier Schwartz was next with an 80 (160) followed by Raines Waggett with an 81 (160) and Sharp Turner with an 83 (169).

SUMTER IN 10TH

EASLEY – Sumter High School shot a 328 to finish in 10th after the first round of the Easley Invitational at Smithfield Country Club.

The Gamecocks were led by Charlie Dallery, whose round of 73 left him third overall in individual scores.

Dixon Flowers followed with an 84, while Daniel Spencer shot an 85 and John Keffer an 86.

VARSITY BASEBALL WILSON HALL BEN LIPPEN

13 3

COLUMBIA – Kemper Patton went six innings, struck out three and allowed one run on three hits while the Wilson Hall offense pounded out 14 hits in a 13-3 victory over Ben Lippen on Tuesday.

Patton was also 2-for3 at the plate with two doubles and three RBI. Tyler Pannell was 2-for2 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI. JP Sears was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, two doubles and two RBI. William Kinney

BOYS ROUNDUP was 2-for-2 with two runs scored and a run batted in.

The Barons improve to 13-6 overall and will play Laurence Manning Academy on Thursday at Sparrow Stadium on the campus of Francis Marion University in Florence at 7 p.m. to determine the top seed in SCISA Region II-3A. LAKEWOOD CRESTWOOD

2 1

Lakewood High School’s David Hayden outdueled Crestwood’s Josh Johnson as the Gators picked up a 2-1 victory on Monday at the Lakewood field.

Hayden allowed just four hits while striking out seven and walking none in the complete game effort. Johnson pitched all six innings for the Knights, striking out six.

Dustin Frye drove in Josh Whitley with the game-winning run.

Ryan Taylor had a hit, driving in pinch runner Courtland Howard, who had stolen a base to get in scoring position.

Nick Kremer had a hit and scored a run for Crestwood.

EAST CLARENDON LAMAR

14 9

TURBEVILLE – East Clarendon closed out its regular season with a 14-9 victory over Lamar on Monday at Shad Hall Field.

Peyton Coker led the Wolverines, who improved to 10-7 on the season, offensively. He went 3-for-5 with three runs batted in. Collin Lee had two triples and two RBI, Steven Cox was 2-for-4 with two RBI, William Ard and Zac Coker each had two hits and an RBI and Ryan Knowlton had two hits.

Jared Hair pitched

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three innings to pick up the victory.

EC opens the Disctict VII playoffs of the 1A state playoffs on Thursday by playing host to Green Sea Floyds beginning at 6 p.m.

PROVIDENCE ATHLETIC ROBERT E. LEE

16 12

COLUMBIA – Robert E. Lee Academy fell behind 13-2 after three innings and lost to Providence Athletic Club 16-12 on Monday at the PAC field.

Dustin Sims was 4-for-5 and drove in three runs to lead the Cavaliers. Zach Grantham had a hit, scored two runs and drove in two runs, Tee Outlaw had two hits and two runs and Cody Kelley and Casey Kelley both scored two runs.

VARSITY TENNIS WILSON HALL BEN LIPPEN

9 0

The Wilson Hall tennis team kept its perfect record intact with a 9-0 victory over Ben Lippen on Tuesday at Palmetto Tennis Center.

The Barons improved to 13-0 and will close out the regular season on Thursday at Augusta Christian.

SINGLES 1 – Brown (WH) def. Welsh 6-2, 6-3.

2 – Davis (WH) def. Mills 6-0, 6-2.

3 – Stover (WH) def. Barry 6-2, 6-0.

4 – Hendrix (WH) def. Gibbs 6-0, 6-1.

5 – Thompson (WH) def. Bishop 6-0, 6-2.

6 – Stone (WH) def. Beers 6-3, 6-0.

DOUBLES 1 – Brown/Davis (WH) def. Welsh/Mills 8-4.

2 – Stover/Hendrix (WH) def. Barry/Gibbs 8-2.

3 – Thompson/Stone (WH) def. Bishop/ Beers 8-2.

VARSITY SOCCER BAMBERG-EHRHARDT LAKEWOOD

4 0

Lakewood High School fell to 9-6 on the season with a 4-0 loss to Bamberg-Ehrhardt on Thursday at J. Frank Baker Stadium.

Micah McLeod had 16 saves in goal for the Gators.

WILSON HALL ORANGEBURG PREP

3 1

Michael Streeter scored a goal and had an assist and Matthew High made seven saves in goal as Wilson Hall defeated Orangeburg Prep 3-1 on Tuesday at Patriot Park SportsPlex.

Justin Schaare and Will Young each had goals for the Barons and Phillip Shuler dished out two assists.

WH improved to 105-1 overall and 3-1 in SCISA Region II and will host Laurence Manning Academy today at 5:30 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASEBALL WILSON HALL 11 BEN LIPPEN 0

COLUMBIA – Dawson Price had three hits, including a triple, and picked up the win on the mound as Wilson Hall earned an 11-0 victory over Ben Lippen on Tuesday in six innings.

Dawson had three strikeouts in three innings of work. Sam Watford and John Ballard each had two hits for the Barons, including a double for Watford.

WH improves to 13-2 overall and will close out the regular season on Thursday at Hammond.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER LAKEWOOD BAMBERG-EHRHARDT

3 2

Lakewood High School rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Bamberg-Ehrhardt 3-2 in overtime on Thursday at J. Frank Baker Stadium.

Sanchez Morales scored the first goal for the Gators, who are 2-2 on the season, on an assist from Ryan Johnson. Blake Carraher scored Lakewood’s last two goals, one on an assist from Connor Lambert.

GIRLS ROUNDUP

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Lady Knights soccer shuts out MC 2-0 Ashley Rutledge and Alexis Scriven each scored a goal as the Crestwood varsity soccer team earned a 2-0 shutout against Marlboro County on Tuesday at the Crestwood Field.

Montana Marshall assisted on both goals for the Lady Knights and Kayla Rdzinski made two saves in goal.

Crestwood improved to 6-8 overall and 3-3 in Region VI-3A. LOWER RICHLAND LAKEWOOD

2 1

HOPKINS – Lakewood High School fell to 3-7 on the season with a 2-1 loss to Lower Richland on Monday at the LR field.

Jody Brandel scored the goal for the Lady Gators.

VARSITY SOFTBALL

CLARENDON HALL JEFFERSON DAVIS

9 8

SUMMTERTON – Clarendon Hall defeated Jefferson Davis 9-8 on Tuesday at the Saints field to improve to 13-2 overall and 5-2 in region play.

Jamie Lee Kidd went 3-for-3 with a run batted in. Brittany Bays was 3-for-4 with 3 RBI. Holly Carlisle and Emily Brunson each went 2-for-3.

Shannon Corbett was 2-for- 4.

Graycn Royce picked up the win for the Lady Saints, who travel to Charleston on Monday to take on First Baptist.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL WILSON HALL WINS PAIR

The Wilson Hall JV softball teams earned a pair of wins recently with a 19-3 victory over

Hammond on Monday at Patriot Park SportsPlex and a 16-6 victory over Florence Christian School on Tuesday in Florence.

Against Hammond, Liza Lowder led the way with three hits, two runs batted in and four runs scored. Amelia Weston had two hits, including a home run. Mary Daniels Stokes, Mary Catherine Garrity and Hailey Ford all had hits for the Lady Barons as well.

On Tuesday, Drake Ives picked up the win after going five innings and also scored two runs. Weston had two hits, two RBI and three runs scored.

Peyton Geddings had a single and two RBI and Caroline Campbell made four putouts behind the plate.

MLB ROUNDUP

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Atlanta tops Colorado 4-3 in Game 1 DENVER — The coldest day ever at Coors Field was short-sleeve weather for Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Minor.

Starting a day-night doubleheader that opened with the temperature at 23 degrees, Justin Upton hit his major league-leading 10th home run, Dan Uggla and JUSTIN UPTON rookie Evan Gattis also connected in support of Minor’s solid outing and the Braves beat the Colorado Rockies 4-3 Tuesday.

PHILADELPHIA — Jeff Locke pitched six smooth innings of two-hit ball and Gaby Sanchez homered off Cole Hamels to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 on Tuesday night.

CARDS NATIONALS

ATHLETICS RED SOX

2 0

4 3

BALTIMORE — Manny Machado had two hits and two RBIs, and the Baltimore Orioles used a four-run second inning to beat R.A. Dickey and the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 Tuesday night.

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BOSTON — Bartolo Colon allowed three hits and the Oakland Athletics capitalized on eight walks, two balks and two errors to beat the Boston Red Sox 13-0 in a rain-shortened seven-inning game Tuesday night.

WASHINGTON — Adam Wainwright extended his sterling start to the season — and Washington’s mediocre one — by coming within two outs of his second shutout, leading the St. Louis Cardinals past the Nationals 2-0 Tuesday night.

PIRATES PHILLIES

AMERICAN LEAGUE ORIOLES BLUE JAYS

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From wire reports

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY 1 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Washington at St. Louis or Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (MLB NETWORK).

2 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox (WGN).

2:30 p.m. -- International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Leg 1 Semifinal Match from Dortmund, Germany -- Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid (FX).

3 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Atlanta at Colorado (SPORTSOUTH, WPUB-FM 102.7).

6 p.m. -- College Softball: Louisville at Kentucky (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

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

7 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets (ESPN).

7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Western Conference Playoffs Quarterfinal Series Game Two -- Houston at Oklahoma City (TNT).

7:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Eastern Conference Playoffs Quarterfinal Series Game Two -- Atlanta at Indiana (NBA TV).

7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Los Angeles at Detroit (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

9:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Western Conference Playoffs Quarterfinal Series Game Two -- Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio (TNT).

10 p.m. -- International Soccer: CONCACAF Champions League Final First Leg Match from Torreon, Mexico -- Santos vs. Monterrey (FOX SOCCER).

10 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: San Jose at Phoenix (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

MLB STANDINGS American League

By The Associated Press East Division W L Pct GB Boston 13 6 .684 – Baltimore 11 8 .579 2 New York 10 8 .556 21/2 Tampa Bay 9 10 .474 4 Toronto 8 12 .400 51/2 Central Division W L Pct GB Kansas City 10 7 .588 – Minnesota 9 7 .563 1/2 Detroit 9 9 .500 11/2 Cleveland 8 10 .444 21/2 Chicago 7 12 .368 4 West Division W L Pct GB Texas 13 6 .684 – Oakland 12 8 .600 11/2 Los Angeles 7 11 .389 51/2 Seattle 8 13 .381 6 Houston 5 14 .263 8 Monday’s Games Boston 9, Oakland 6 Baltimore 2, Toronto 1 Tampa Bay 5, N.Y. Yankees 1 Cleveland 3, Chicago White Sox 2 Seattle 7, Houston 1 Miami at Minnesota, ppd., rain Texas 7, L.A. Angels 6 Tuesday’s Games Minnesota 4, Miami 3, 1st game Oakland at Boston, 6:35 p.m.

Kansas City at Detroit, 7:05 p.m.

Toronto at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees at Tampa Bay, 7:10 p.m.

Cleveland at Chicago, ppd., rain Miami at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m., 2nd game Seattle at Houston, 8:10 p.m.

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

Wednesday’s Games Toronto (Morrow 0-2) at Baltimore (Stinson 0-0), 12:35 p.m.

Cleveland (McAllister 1-2) at Chicago White Sox (Quintana 1-0), 2:10 p.m.

Seattle (J.Saunders 1-2) at Houston (Harrell 1-2), 2:10 p.m.

Oakland (Anderson 1-3) at Boston (Lester 3-0), 4:05 p.m.

Kansas City (Mendoza 0-1) at Detroit (Verlander 2-2), 7:05 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees (Pettitte 3-0) at Tampa Bay (Cobb 2-1), 7:10 p.m.

Texas (Darvish 3-1) at L.A. Angels (Williams 1-0), 10:05 p.m.

Thursday’s Games Kansas City at Detroit, 1:05 p.m.

Houston at Boston, 6:35 p.m.

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

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

Texas at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.

Baltimore at Oakland, 10:05 p.m.

L.A. Angels at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

National League

By The Associated Press East Division W L Pct GB Atlanta 14 5 .737 – New York 9 8 .529 4 Washington 10 9 .526 4 Philadelphia 9 11 .450 51/2 Miami 4 16 .200 101/2 Central Division W L Pct GB Cincinnati 12 8 .600 – St. Louis 11 8 .579 1/2 Milwaukee 10 8 .556 1 Pittsburgh 10 9 .526 11/2 Chicago 5 13 .278 6 West Division W L Pct GB Colorado 13 6 .684 – San Francisco 13 7 .650 1/2 Arizona 10 9 .526 3 Los Angeles 8 10 .444 41/2 San Diego 5 14 .263 8 Monday’s Games Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 2 St. Louis 3, Washington 2 Cincinnati 5, Chicago Cubs 4, 13 innings Miami at Minnesota, ppd., rain Atlanta at Colorado, ppd., snow Milwaukee 7, San Diego 1 San Francisco 5, Arizona 4 Tuesday’s Games Minnesota 4, Miami 3, 1st game Atlanta 4, Colorado 3, 1st game Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m.

St. Louis at Washington, 7:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati, 7:10 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m.

Miami at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m., 2nd game Atlanta at Colorado, 8:40 p.m., 2nd game Milwaukee at San Diego, 10:10 p.m.

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

Wednesday’s Games Chicago Cubs (Samardzija 1-3) at Cincinnati (Latos 0-0), 12:35 p.m.

St. Louis (J.Garcia 1-1) at Washington (Strasburg 1-3), 1:05 p.m.

Atlanta (Hudson 2-1) at Colorado (Chatwood 0-0), 3:10 p.m.

Arizona (Kennedy 1-2) at San Francisco (Bumgarner 3-0), 3:45 p.m.

Pittsburgh (W.Rodriguez 2-0) at Philadelphia (Halladay 2-2), 7:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Lilly 0-0) at N.Y. Mets (Harvey 4-0), 7:10 p.m.

Milwaukee (Estrada 2-0) at San Diego (Volquez 0-3), 10:10 p.m.

Thursday’s Games Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 1:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at N.Y. Mets, 1:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at Washington, 7:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Miami, 7:10 p.m.

Colorado at Arizona, 9:40 p.m.

NBA PLAYOFF GLANCE

By The Associated Press FIRST ROUND (x-if necessary) (Best-of-7) EASTERN CONFERENCE Miami 1, Milwaukee 0 Sunday, April 21: Miami 110, Milwaukee 87 Tuesday, April 23: Milwaukee at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 25: Miami at Milwaukee, 7 p.m.

Sunday, April 28: Miami at Milwaukee, 3:30

| p.m. x-Tuesday, April 30: Milwaukee at Miami, TBA x-Thursday, May 2: Miami at Milwaukee, TBA x-Saturday, May 4: Milwaukee at Miami, TBA New York 1, Boston 0 Saturday, April 20: New York 85, Boston 78 Tuesday, April 23: Boston at New York, 8 p.m.

Friday, April 26: New York at Boston, 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 28: New York at Boston, 1 p.m. x-Wednesday, May 1: Boston at New York, TBA x-Friday, May 3: New York at Boston, TBA x-Sunday, May 5: Boston at New York, TBA Indiana 1, Atlanta 0 Sunday, April 21: Indiana 107, Atlanta 90 Wednesday, April 24: Atlanta at Indiana, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 27: Indiana at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

Monday, April 29: Indiana at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. x-Wednesday, May 1: Atlanta at Indiana, TBA x-Friday, May 3: Indiana at Atlanta, TBA x-Sunday, May 5: Atlanta at Indiana, TBA Brooklyn 1, Chicago 1 Saturday, April 20: Brooklyn 106, Chicago 89 Monday, April 22: Chicago 90, Brooklyn 82 Thursday, April 25: Brooklyn at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 27: Brooklyn at Chicago, 2 p.m.

Monday, April 29: Chicago at Brooklyn, 7 p.m. x-Thursday, May 2: Brooklyn at Chicago, TBA x-Saturday, May 4: Chicago at Brooklyn, TBA WESTERN CONFERENCE Oklahoma City 1, Houston 0 Sunday, April 21: Oklahoma City 120, Houston 91 Wednesday, April 24: Houston at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 27: Oklahoma City at Houston, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, April 29: Oklahoma City at Houston, 9:30 p.m. x-Wednesday, May 1: Houston at Oklahoma City, TBA x-Friday, May 3: Oklahoma City at Houston, TBA x-Sunday, May 5: Houston at Oklahoma City, TBA San Antonio 1, L.A. Lakers 0 Sunday, April 21: San Antonio 91, L.A. Lakers 79 Wednesday, April 24: L.A. Lakers at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m.

Friday, April 26: San Antonio at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 28: San Antonio at L.A. Lakers, 7 p.m. x-Tuesday, April 30: L.A. Lakers at San Antonio, TBA x-Thursday, May 2: San Antonio at L.A. Lakers, TBA x-Saturday, May 4: L.A. Lakers at San Antonio, TBA Denver 1, Golden State 0 Saturday, April 20: Denver 97, Golden State 95 Tuesday, April 23: Golden State at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, April 26: Denver at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 28: Denver at Golden State, 9:30 p.m. x-Tuesday, April 30: Golden State at Denver, TBA x-Thursday, May 2: Denver at Golden State, TBA x-Saturday, May 4: Golden State at Denver, TBA L.A. Clippers 2, Memphis 0 Saturday, April 20: L.A. Clippers 112, Memphia 91 Monday, April 22: L.A. Clippers 93, Memphis 91 Thursday, April 25: L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 27: L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 4:30 p.m. x-Tuesday, April 30: Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBA x-Friday, May 3: L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBA x-Sunday, May 5: Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBA

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA z-Pittsburgh 45 35 10 0 70 153 109 N.Y. Islanders 45 24 16 5 53 134 131 N.Y. Rangers 45 24 17 4 52 120 106 New Jersey 45 17 18 10 44 106 121 Philadelphia 45 20 22 3 43 124 137 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA x-Boston 44 27 12 5 59 123 97 x-Montreal 45 27 13 5 59 139 120 x-Toronto 45 25 15 5 55 138 124 Ottawa 45 23 16 6 52 109 99 Buffalo 46 19 21 6 44 119 140 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Washington 45 25 18 2 52 140 123 Winnipeg 46 24 19 3 51 123 135 Carolina 45 18 24 3 39 118 145 Tampa Bay 45 17 24 4 38 140 141 Florida 45 13 26 6 32 104 162 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA z-Chicago 45 34 6 5 73 147 97 St. Louis 45 26 17 2 54 119 112 Columbus 46 22 17 7 51 114 117 Detroit 45 21 16 8 50 113 112 Nashville 45 15 21 9 39 104 128 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA y-Vancouver 46 26 13 7 59 124 111 Minnesota 45 24 18 3 51 116 119 Calgary 45 19 22 4 42 123 149 Edmonton 45 17 21 7 41 111 127 Colorado 45 15 23 7 37 109 142 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA y-Anaheim 46 29 11 6 64 134 112 x-Los Angeles 45 26 14 5 57 128 111 San Jose 45 24 14 7 55 118 109 Dallas 45 22 19 4 48 127 133 Phoenix 45 19 18 8 46 114 122 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division z-clinched conference Monday’s Games Winnipeg 2, Buffalo 1 Pittsburgh 3, Ottawa 1 Detroit 4, Phoenix 0 Anaheim 3, Edmonton 0 Vancouver 3, Chicago 1 Tuesday’s Games Montreal at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Winnipeg at Washington, 7 p.m.

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

Boston at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.

Colorado at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Calgary at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Los Angeles at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Dallas at San Jose, 10 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games Toronto at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

Los Angeles at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m.

San Jose at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

Thursday’s Games N.Y. Islanders at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Ottawa at Washington, 7 p.m.

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

Pittsburgh at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.

Toronto at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Nashville at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

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

Montreal at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.

Calgary at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

THE ITEM

B3

Heat top Bucks 98-86 for 2-0 lead in series

BY TIM REYNOLDS The Associated Press MIAMI — All the Miami Heat really needed was two brilliant minutes to take a two-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Dwyane Wade scored 21 points, LeBron James finished with 19 and the Miami Heat took off in the fourth quarter to pull away and beat the Milwaukee Bucks 98-86 in Game 2 of the teams’ Eastern Conference first-round series on Tuesday night.

Chris Bosh, Shane Battier and Chris Andersen all scored 10 points for the Heat, who now lead the bestof-seven 2-0. Game 3 is Thursday in Milwaukee.

The Heat scored the first 12 points of the fourth quarter, needing just over 2 minutes to blow open what had been a three-point game.

Ersan Ilyasova scored 21 points for Milwaukee, which got 16 from Mike Dunleavy and 14 from Larry Sanders. The Bucks’ starting guards, Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, combined for only 15 points.

And an alreadydaunting task for Milwaukee — beating the

NBA PLAYOFFS ROUNDUP

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DENNIS BRUNSON / THE ITEM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Miami guard Ray Allen shoots against Milwaukee guard J.J. Redick (5) during the first half of the Heat’s 98-86 victory in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday in Miami.

reigning NBA champions — just got tougher.

James is 10-0 when his teams have a 2-0 series lead, and Wade is 8-0 in that situation.

KNICKS CELTICS

87 71

NEW YORK — Carmelo Anthony scored 34 points, Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith added 19, and the New York Knicks opened a 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics with an 87-71 victory on Tuesday night.

Raymond Felton added 16 points for the

Knicks, who used a 27-4 run spanning halftime to blow it open and move halfway to their first series victory since the 2000 Eastern Conference semifinals.

This is their first 2-0 lead since sweeping Toronto in the first round that year.

Paul Pierce scored 18 points for the Celtics, who will host Game 3 on Friday in their first home game since the Boston Marathon bombings.

From wire reports

ABOVE: Sumter’s Daishaun Randoph clears the bar while competing in the high jump. Randolph won the event with a jump of 6 feet, 9 inches, and both Sumter teams won their respective meets. Sumter’s Angel Cook throws the discus during the Region VI-4A track and field meet on Tuesday at Sumter Memorial Stadium.

TRACK from Page B1 in each event advance to the state qualifier, which will be held at Spring Valley High School in Columbia on May 4.

“Overall, we had some outstanding performances, with a lot of guys setting their personal bests,” said Sumter boys head coach Gerald Tomlin.

“They really stepped up to the challenge and believed in themselves. It was great to be able to win the re-

gion again.”

One of those Gamecocks who rose to the occasion was Daishaun Randolph.

He won the high jump with a jump of 6 feet, 9 inches, just missing the school record of 6-10.

Before Randolph could attempt the jump at 6-11, he had to run a leg in the 4x100-meter relay, which Sumter won.

Devontaye Edwards won both the discus and the shot put for

the Gamecocks, while Demetrius White won the triple jump, Ky’Jon Tyler the long jump, Karon Dorsey the 400 hurdles and Antonio Locklin the 400 run.

Sumter also won the 4x800 relay.

On the girls side, Dae’shondra Stephens led Sumter with victories in both the shot and the discus. Kadejuha Kennedy won the long jump, Ars’Breana Tyler the triple jump and Deana King the 400.

Sumter also won the 4x100 relay.

SPORTS ITEMS

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Pankake’s error cost Gamecocks in 7-6 loss SHELBY, N.C. — Gardner-Webb pinch-runner Taylor Fisher scored an unearned run on a throwing error by South Carolina shortstop Joey Pankake in the top of the ninth inning as the Bulldogs pulled out a 7-6 victory over the 15thranked Gamecocks at Keeter Stadium.

PANKAKE USC falls to 31-11 overall while Gardner-Webb improves to 21-19-1.

The Bulldogs scored three runs in the first inning and then three more during the last two innings to pull out the victory. Brad Collins led the way with three hits and two runs driven in.

Joel Seddon took the loss for South Carolina despite not giving up an earned run on three hits with a strikeout and a walk in 1 1/3 innings of relief. Gardner-Webb reliever Mitch Warner earned the win, holding USC to one earned run on on four hits with two strikeouts and a walk in 4 1/3 innings of relief work.

LB Dantzler had three hits for the Gamecocks. Grayson Greiner, Connor Bright and TJ Costen each had two, with Bright and Costen driving in a combined three runs.

JUSTICE SAYS ARMSTRONG WAS ‘UNJUSTLY ENRICHED’

AUSTIN, Texas — The Justice Department laid out its case in a lawsuit against Lance Armstrong on Tuesday, saying the cyclist violated his contract

with the U.S. Postal Service and was “unjustly enriched” while cheating to win the Tour de France.

The government had previously announced it would join the whistleblower lawsuit brought by former Armstrong teammate Floyd Landis.

Tuesday was the deadline for the Justice Department to file its formal complaint.

NFL SETS MEASURES TO PROTECT GAY ATHLETES

ALBANY, N.Y. — The NFL is taking action to better protect gay players from harassment and discrimination as a result of meetings with the state’s attorney general.

Democratic Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced Tuesday that the NFL will promote what he

calls a “culture of inclusion” for gay players and recruits and other prospective players. The deal includes hanging in locker rooms posters that underscore the NFL’s anti-discrimination policies.

AP SOURCE: CAVS, BROWN AGREE TO DEAL

CLEVELAND — Mike Brown and the Cavaliers are getting back together.

Brown, who led the Cavs to the playoffs in all five seasons he coached them from 2005-10, has agreed in principle to a contract to return as their coach for a second time, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

From wire, staff reports

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SPORTS

THE ITEM

Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to go undrafted in NFL

BY ARNIE STAPLETON The Associated Press For NFL prospects on the bubble, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often better not to get picked at all than to be selected in the final rounds.

Once the Indianapolis Colts pick â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Irrelevant,â&#x20AC;? a title bestowed upon the last player chosen in the seven-round draft, teams will make a mad dash Saturday afternoon to sign college free agents who were on their draft boards but didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get picked for one reason or another.

Those with multiple suitors get to salve their bruised egos by scouring rosters and picking a team that gives them the best chance to make the roster.

Every year, some of these players prove that for all its money and manpower, the draft is an inexact science. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pros and cons to each of them,â&#x20AC;?

Colorado safety Ray Polk said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you get drafted, you get to say you got drafted. And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little bit more money. But you go free agent, you get to choose a different fit or different scenarios that you can put yourself into.â&#x20AC;?

Polk is trying to both avoid and follow in the footsteps of his father, Raymond Polk, a cornerback from Oklahoma State who was drafted in the 12th round by the Raiders in 1985 only to tear a hamstring in the preseason after getting traded to Tampa Bay, ending his NFL career before it began. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would be great to be able to pick my situation,â&#x20AC;? Polk said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but I just want a shot.â&#x20AC;?

The undrafted players have more to prove than the high draft picks who get to don a spiffy new cap and shake the commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand while posing with a jersey at Radio City Music Hall.

But for all the firstround busts like Ryan Leaf, Tony Mandarich or JaMarcus Russell, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the bronze busts in Canton, Ohio, of men such as Dick â&#x20AC;&#x153;Night Trainâ&#x20AC;? Lane, John Randle and Warren Moon, three of the 14 Hall of Famers who were bypassed in the draft.

Willie Wood was another.

The USC quarterback was sidestepped in the 1960 draft because he was undersized at 160 pounds and was coming off a collar bone injury that had

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Vanderbilt has produced plenty of defensive backs, linebackers, offensive lineman and even some firstround selections like quarterback Jay Cutler. Running back has not been a position NFL teams have turned to the Commodores for as a high draft pick, but that could change with Zacl Stacy (2), the best rusher in school history.

2013 NFL DRAFT ORDER

them to start with. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You feel pretty secure picking him because now you know you have him,â&#x20AC;? Reid said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go through that whole negotiation thing that takes place after the draft, which is a circus. So thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a security there. If you really have somebody your scouts like in the seventh round, snag them up, man.â&#x20AC;?

Every teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wish list, however, is bigger than its draft list. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hear undrafted almost is better than being a late-rounder because youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pretty much the same thing, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still on the bubble whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to make the team or not and you have a little more options as a free agent, so it shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be seen as such an awful thing,â&#x20AC;? said Polkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teammate, linebacker Jon Major.

Once teams gather for rookie minicamps, offseason workouts and then training camp â&#x20AC;&#x201D; really one long tryout â&#x20AC;&#x201D; draft status can matter as little as the numbers on their backs. #SPBE 4USFFU r Sumter, SC

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2013 NFL DRAFT OFFENSIVE STANDOUTS QUARTERBACK Geno Smith, West Virginia: Mixed reviews on Smith, who possibly suffered because of 2012â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredibly strong class ... Solid build ...

Gets rid of ball quickly, but has had some accuracy problems ...

Questionable ability to read blitz ... Can make completions on run ...

Capable of big plays.

Matt Barkley, Southern California: Comes off disappointing and injury-plagued final season at USC ... Has played throughout his career with Trojans in pro-style offense ... A leader ... Inaccurate on deep balls and over middle at times ... Tips off where he is throwing ... Tough player and resilient.

E.J. Manuel, Florida State: Tall, athletic ... Has overcome injury issues in college, played entire 2012 season ... Pretty good arm, can make most throws accurately ... Gambles too much, makes some ill-advised throws ... Leaves pocket too quickly at times.

Mike Glennon, North Carolina State: At 6-7, tallest QB in this group ... Has arm strength teams want ... Inconsistent and mistake prone for most of career ... Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read coverages well.

Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Big disappointment as senior, but his previous performances with Sooners make him attractive ... Best pure pocket passer of top QB prospects ... Feels pressure and scrambles too soon ... Makes mistakes throwing on run.

ALSO: Tyler Wilson, Arkansas; Ryan Nassib, Syracuse; Tyler Bray, junior, Tennessee; Zac Dysert, Miami, Ohio.

RUNNING BACK Eddie Lacy, Alabama: Follows Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson as productive Tide runner ... Knows how to handle big games ...

Powerful, can run over tacklers ... Might be only RB to go in first round.

Giovani Bernard, junior, North Carolina: Good balance of production in running game and passing game ... Dependable near goal line ...

Might play role as kick returner.

Montee Ball, Wisconsin: Record-setting runner who uses his solid build at 5-10, 215 to spring free from behind mammoth blockers ...

Always had ball in his hands for Badgers ... Holds NCAA mark for TDs, even tied single-season record with 39 in 2011.

Joseph Randle, junior, Oklahoma State: Versatile, can break a big gainer ... Led Big 12 in rushing with 1,417 yards ... Can play all three downs ... Finds end zone.

Leâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Veon Bell, junior, Michigan State: Big, durable back at 6-2, 227 ... Never stops coming and wears down defenders ... Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do a lot in passing game.

ALSO: Marcus Lattimore, junior, South Carolina; Andre Ellington, Clemson; Stepfan Taylor, Stanford; Johnathan Franklin, UCLA. WIDE RECEIVER Tavon Austin, West Virginia: Can break a long play every time he touches ball ... Also will be dynamic returning kicks ... Goes only 5-8, 175, but never takes a big hit ... Won Paul Hornung Award as most versatile college player.

Keenan Allen, junior, California: Slow to recover from knee injury after once being rated top WR prospect ... Runs precise routes, has good size at 6-2, 206 ... Not a speed demon, but gets open and fights for ball.

Cordarrelle Patterson, junior, Tennessee: Also can make impact as kick returner ... Scored touchdowns in four ways in 2012 ... Runs pretty good routes and can get open deep ... Does not have great hands.

DeAndre Hopkins, junior, Clemson: Spectacular at times, has excellent footwork ... Scored 18 touchdowns in 2012 ... Has no fear of going after ball in crowds ... Nice size at 6-1, 215.

Robert Woods, junior, Southern California: Big-time player for Tro-

The Associated Press To be held April 25-27 at New York Win Lose Tie 1. Kansas City 2 14 2. Jacksonville 2 14 3. Oakland 4 12 4. Philadelphia 4 12 5. Detroit 4 12 6. Cleveland 5 11 7. Arizona 5 11 8. Buffalo 6 10 9. N.Y. Jets 6 10 10. Tennessee 6 10 11. San Diego 7 9 12. Miami 7 9 13. N.Y. Jets (from Tampa Bay) 7 9 14. Carolina 7 9 15. New Orleans 7 9 16. St. Louis 7 8 1 17. Pittsburgh 8 8 18. Dallas 8 8 19. N.Y. Giants 9 7 20. Chicago 10 6 21. Cincinnati 10 6 22. St. Louis (from Washington) 10 6 23. Minnesota 10 6 24. Indianapolis 11 5 25. Minnesota (from Seattle) 11 5 26. Green Bay 11 5 27. Houston 12 4 28. Denver 13 3 29. New England 12 4 30. Atlanta 13 3 31. San Francisco 11 4 1 32. Baltimore 10 6

bothered him for two years. He embarked on a letter-writing campaign begging teams for a chance. Only the Packers responded, and he repaid them by helping Green Bay win five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls while becoming one of the greatest defensive backs in league history.

The Colts have had at least one undrafted free agent make their Week 1 roster in each of the last 14 years.

Kansas City has a 10year streak and Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is nine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As far as making your team, maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not (better to be drafted),â&#x20AC;? new Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you look at the stats, there are a whole lot of undrafted free agents playing in the NFL right now, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just by sheer number of players that there are. You have a bigger pool. But you can also choose where you go, where you have a chance to make the team.â&#x20AC;?

Of course, teams can keep players from that pool by picking

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

803-775-1204

jans for first two seasons, but slumped like rest of team last year ...

Elusive, knows how to avoid first hit ... Can make awesome grabs, then drop easier ones.

ALSO: Terrance Williams, Baylor; Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech; Justin Hunter, Tennessee; Markus Wheaton, Oregon State.

TIGHT END Zach Ertz, junior, Stanford: Top prospect from school that produces tight ends ... Had most yards receiving or any TE in country ... Solid at 6-5, 250 ... Difficult to bring down when he latches on to ball.

Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame: Another school with strong history at position ... Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drop ball ... Much more a receiving tight end than blocker ... Won Mackey Award as nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best TE. ALSO: Vance McDonald, Rice; Travis Kelce, Cincinnati.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Tackles: Luke Joeckel, junior, Texas A&M: Rated as top prospect for all positions by several analysts ... Strong, aggressive, but also mobile ...

Solid fundamentals ... Should be starter from Day 1 and for long time.

Eric Fisher, Central Michigan: Big performance at Senior Bowl and in workouts enhanced his status ... Could play on left side or right ...

Excels as pass blocker, but is no slouch in run game, either ... Has strong leadership skills.

Lane Johnson, Oklahoma: Also can play left or right tackle ... Tall for this position, but has flexibility and nice surge off ball ... A former tight end who went from junior college to backup with Sooners to standout.

D.J. Fluker, Alabama: No fluke that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s played on last two national champions ... One of best run blockers in America ... Needs to upgrade his pass blocking ... Probably projects as right tackle in NFL. Menelik Watson, junior, Florida State: Football was fourth sport ...

Native of England who played soccer, boxed and planned college basketball career ... Learned American footballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intricacies at junior college, then made big impact for FSU. Guards: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama: Best blocker on college footballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best team ... Played for three national champs ... Surges off snap to establish his territory ... Will handle big defenders inside, but could struggle with speed rushers.

Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina: Unlike Warmack, Cooper should do well as pulling guard ... Good pass protector because of agility ... Probably needs to get stronger for heavy work inside.

Larry Warford, G, Kentucky: Solid player on bad team ... Huge man at 6-3, 333, uses his size well ... Somewhat mobile for his size ...

Has nasty streak on field that serves him well.

Kyle Long, G, Oregon: Son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, brother of Rams DE Chris Long ... A bit inexperienced â&#x20AC;&#x201D; baseball was his No. 1 sport â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but coachable ... Could be long-range project, but has bloodlines to succeed.

Centers: Barrett Jones, Alabama: Among nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most versatile players â&#x20AC;&#x201D; linemen or otherwise ... Comes at defenders every play, even will bark at teammates in heat of game ... Played all over O-line for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bama, won Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy.

Travis Frederick, junior, Wisconsin: Badgers do linemen well, and Frederick is versatile prospect ... Can also play guard ... Strong, but with enough mobility to make blocks toward outside ... Has a lot to learn as pass protector.

Brian Schwenke, California: Improved throughout college career ...

Gets off ball well ... Well-coached player who relies on strong technique as well as mobility ... Not as powerful as heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to become.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (6) is expected to go in the first two rounds of the National Football League draft, which begins on Thursday.

DRAFT from Page B1 will land.

NFL.com draft analyst Josh Norris projects Taylor, Sanders and Holloman will be selected before Lattimore, while Drafttek.com believes Lattimore will be the second South Carolina athlete player taken. Both projections have Lattimore being selected in the fourth round. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A guy I really like is Holloman,â&#x20AC;? Norris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To me, he fits as a strongside linebacker. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just so consistent. He gets the edge, he knifes through blocks, he can tackle in space. I think there is a chance he could start early in his career.â&#x20AC;?

The widest range of opinion appears to be about Sanders, who Norris projects as a fourth round pick but Drafttek. com projects in the seventh round.

Sanders caught 45 passes for 531 yards and was named co-SEC special teams player of the year after returning 28 punts for 429 yards and two touch-

downs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run as well as people thought,â&#x20AC;? ESPNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mel Kiper Jr. said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You think about where he can be with his size situation. At 5-foot-7, 174, I think he normally would run in the 4.4s. He plays to that level. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tremendously quick and explosive. So with the returnability he could be a day three guy who makes the team and contributes.â&#x20AC;?

Sanders could be a middle round backup plan for a team that really likes West Virginia speedster Tavon Austin but doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t select high enough to land Austin, Norris believes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A team that wants that slot receiver who can make things happen in space on quick screens, Ace Sanders can do that,â&#x20AC;? Norris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the long speed and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think he can be in as many packages (as Austin), but he can do similar things.â&#x20AC;?

Of the Gamecocks on the outside looking of the draft projections and looking in, Norris believes Cunningham has the best chance of being selected.

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SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

AREA SCOREBOARD GOLF FIRE ANTS TOURNAMENT

The Fourth Annual Fire Ants Baseball Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday, April 30, at Beech Creek Golf Club.

The tournament format will be 4-man Captain’s Choice with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

The cost is $50 per golfer. Hole sponsorship is $100 per hole.

For more information, contact University of South Carolina Sumter head baseball coach Tom Fleenor at (803) 938-3838 or by e-mail at fleenori@uscsumter. edu.

HOLE-IN-ONE

Ed Parnell had a hole-in-one on the 13th hole at The Links at Lakewood on April 15.

Parnell used a pitching wedge to ace the 108-yard hole. He was playing with Terry Griffin and Dan Owens.

CGA MAY OUTING

The Christian Golfers’ Association Lowcountry Chapter will hold its May outing at The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation in Summerville on Saturday, May 4.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with a devotional set for 9:30 and a shotgun start at 10.

For more information or to register online, go to christiangolfers.net.

RED CROSS HEROES TOURNEY

The Heroes of the American Red Cross Golf Tournament will be held on Friday at Sunset Country Club.

The tournament format is 4-person Captain’s Choice. The minimum team handicap is 40 strokes and only one team member can have a handicap under 10.

The entry fee is $300 per team.

There will be a 2-mulligan limit per player at a cost of $5 each. There will be prizes for closest to the pin, hole-in-one and place prizes.

For more information, contact Mack Kolb at (803) 773-1477 or

|

mkolb@ftc-i.net or Nancy Cataldo at (803) 7735-2363 or nancy. cataldo@redcross.org.

FOOTBALL OFFICIALS CLASSES

The South Carolina High School League Football Officials Association and the Santee Wateree Football Officials Association will have training classes for new officials for the 2013 season beginning on Monday, April 29.

Classes will be held at the Sumter County Recreation Department every Monday beginning at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Granderson James at (803) 9682391 or grandersonj@ aol.com or Richard Geddings at (803) 4688858.

SHS YOUTH CAMP

The Sumter High School Youth Football Camp will be held June 10-12 at the SHS practice fields.

The camp is open to children ages 8-15 at a cost of $45 per camper.

Each session will run from 9 a.m. until noon.

For more information, call SHS head coach Reggie Kennedy at (803) 351-0789 or email him at John.Kennedy@sumterschools. net.

BASKETBALL SUMTER CHRISTIAN CLINICS

There will be three sessions of the Sumter Christian Basketball Clinic held over the summer.

The clinics, which will be ran by Bobby Baker, Tom Cope and Jim Davis, are scheduled for June 10-14, June 24-28 and July 1519.

The first session is for children in grades 3-6, the second is for grades 6-9 and the third is for grades 9-12. The clinic will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The cost of each session is $45 per camper.

T-shirts will be given and trophies will be awarded.

For more information, call Sumter Christian School at (803) 773-1902.

BCS from Page B1 have bid for the final three spots. The clear frontrunners are the Cotton, Chick-fil-A and Fiesta. The Holiday Bowl in San Diego also put in a bid, but even its organizers have acknowledged they are a long shot at best to land the game.

Those decisions will be announced today.

The coaches on the Big 12’s spring teleconference were already talking about the Cotton Bowl having a spot in the rotation as if it was a done deal.

“I think it’s really exciting for this region, for everybody, and I think all of the schools in this region, to have Dallas as one of those sites is great for everybody in this region, and exciting for everybody,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. “Obviously everybody knows what a great and quality, what an awesome stadium it is, then the location for us is an advantage, or should be.”

The first semifinals will be played at the Rose and Sugar bowls.

The site of the first national championship game in the new system will also be determined at these meetings and the finalists are Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the billion dollar home of the NFL team and the Cotton Bowl, and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., home of the Buccaneers.

Arlington is the favorite to land that first championship game, but the competition from Tampa has been serious.

“I’m glad it has,” Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said on Tuesday. “I think it will give us a better outcome.”

Also on the agenda this week for the commissioners will be the composition of the selection committee that will set the field for the playoff.

They have said they would like the committee to be similar to the one that picks the teams for the NCAA basketball tournament, made up of conference commissioners and athletic directors.

THE ITEM

B5

Bobcats fire Dunlap after 1 season

BY STEVE REED The Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mike Dunlap is one and done with the Charlotte Bobcats.

The Bobcats fired Dunlap as coach Tuesday after a single season.

The Bobcats went 21-61 under Dunlap, finishing with the second-worst record in the NBA ahead of only the Orlando Magic.

Charlotte won just seven games in the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season, but tripling last year’s victory total and a three-game winning streak to close the season weren’t enough to save Dunlap’s job.

Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins said he and general manager Rich Cho met with players and Dunlap before approaching owner Michael Jordan and asking him to make a coaching change.

“The change was allowed,” Higgins said.

Dunlap struggled at times with game management, transitioning from the college game to the NBA and handling professional athletes, often benching veteran players for weeks at a time after they’d irritated him in some way.

Higgins said player input was “a part of the process, but not the only indicator.”

During one point in the season Dunlap feuded with veteran guard Ben Gordon during a practice, and his micromanaging approach didn’t always sit well with some of the more experienced players on the roster.

“I just don’t think he was a

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Charlotte head coach Mike Dunlap reacts to a call during the regular season.

Dunlap was fired Tuesday after one season and a 21-61 record with the Bobcats.

great fit,” general manager Rich Cho said. “Probably best that we go in a different direction.”

Dunlap was unavailable for comment.

The move means the Bobcats will have a third head coach in as many seasons.

The Bobcats hired Dunlap last June after he had been working as an assistant at St. John’s, the first person to make a direct move from an assistant coach at the college level to a head coaching position in the NBA. Dunlap replaced Paul Silas, who was fired after the Bobcats went 7-59 in 2011-12, the worst winning percentage in NBA history (.106).

The Bobcats got off to a surprising 7-5 start, but even Dunlap said at the time he “didn’t trust” the record. The Bobcats would go on to lose 18 straight games and quickly regain their spot at the

PLAYOFF from Page B1 Beach at 6:30 p.m. on Friday in the first round of the 3A District V tournament. The other half of the district will have Region V No. 1 Airport at home against Region VIII No. 4 Hanahan. The winners and losers will face each other on Monday. Manning will be at home against Hanahan and on the road against Airport.

East Clarendon is the top seed in the 1A District VII tournament. The Region VII champion will play host to Region VIII No. 4 Green Sea Floyds on Thursday at 6 p.m. The other half of the tournament will have Region VI No. 2 Military Magnet at home against Region V No. 3 Allendale-Fairfax. Win or lose and no matter who it is facing, East Clarendon will be at home on Saturday.

The same can be said for the East Clar-

endon softball team, which is tied for first in the state with Dixie in the most recent coaches poll. The Lady Wolverines are the top seed in the 1A District VII tournament and will be at home against Hannah-Pamplico on Thursday at 6 p.m. The other half of the bracket has Region VI No. 2 Military Magnet at home against the No. 3 team from Region V. Scott’s Branch finished third in Region VII and will open the 1A District V tournament on the road against Region VIII No. 2 Johnsonville on Thursday at 6 p.m. The other half of the bracket will have Region VI No. 4 St. John’s at the Region V champion.

Scott’s Branch will be on the road on Saturday against the Region V champion and at home if facing St. John’s.

Manning finished

bottom of the NBA standings, where they would remain until closing with three wins and moving ahead of the Magic.

Higgins cited the team’s inconsistent play as one of the reasons Dunlap was released.

“You can characterize the season in different buckets,” Higgins said. “We started pretty strong and we finished pretty strong. But through the middle part of those two buckets we had some inconsistencies. So when Rich and I reviewed the season we came to the conclusion we needed a change.”

Dunlap entered training camp with a desire to push his young players physically, and three- and four-hour practices became the norm. Dunlap talked early in the season about disrupting teams with three-quarter presses, but those plans were quickly abandoned.

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY Varsity Baseball Wilson Hall at Thomas Sumter, 7 p.m.

Pinewood Prep at Laurence Manning, 7 p.m.

Junior Varsity Baseball Pinewood Prep at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

Varsity Boys Soccer Covenant Classical Chistian at St. Francis Xavier, 5 p.m.

Varsity Softball Pinewood Prep at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

B Team Softball Robert E. Lee at Heathwood Hall, 5 p.m.

Varsity Boys Tennis Ben Lippen at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

Varsity Track and Field Crestwood, Lakewood, Manning in Region VI-3A Meet (at Crestwood High), 10 a.m.

Lee Central at Timberland, 5 p.m.

Scott’s Branch in Region VII-1A Meet (at Carvers Bay in Georgetown), TBA Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning in SCISA Region II-3A Meet (at Wilson Hall’s Spencer Field), 3 p.m.

THURSDAY Varsity Baseball Pee Dee at Robert E. Lee, 7 p.m.

Sumter Christian at Maranatha Christian, 4 p.m.

Junior Varsity Baseball Wilson Hall at Hammond, 6 p.m.

Varsity Boys Soccer Lakewood at Lake City, 6:30 p.m.

Florence Christian at Wilson Hall, 6 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Orangeburg Prep, 5 p.m.

Varsity Girls Soccer

fourth in Region VI and will open the 3A District VII tournament in Myrtle Beach on Friday against Region VIII No. 1 Socastee at 6 p.m.

The other half of the bracket will be played

Lakewood at Lake City, 8 p.m.

Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Lakewood at Lake City, 5 p.m.

Varsity Softball Florence Christian at Thomas Sumter, 6 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Pee Dee, 6 p.m.

Sumter Christian at Maranatha Christian, 4 p.m.

Junior Varsity Softball Florence Christian at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Pee Dee, 3:30 p.m.

B Team Softball Robert E. Lee at Trinity-Byrnes, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY Varsity Boys Soccer Oakbrook Prep at Thomas Sumter, 6 p.m.

Covenant Central in Independence Cup (at Patriot Park SportsPlex), 6 p.m.

Varsity Girls Soccer Darlington at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Varsity Softball Orangeburg Prep at Laurence Manning, 5 p.m.

Hammond at Thomas Sumter, 6 p.m.

Junior Varsity Softball Laurence Manning at Orangeburg Prep, 5 p.m.

Hammond at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

B Team Softball Robert E. Lee in Round-Robin Tournament (at Robert E. Lee), 4 p.m.

Varsity Boys Tennis Wilson Hall at Augusta Christian, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY Varsity Boys Soccer Covenant Central in Independence Cup (at Patriot Park SportsPlex), 7 p.m.

on Thursday with Region VIII No. 2 Hanahan taking on the No. 3 team from Region.

Manning will be on the road on Monday regardless of who it is facing.

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B6

OBITUARIES

THE ITEM

LLOYD HILL Sr. Lloyd Hill Sr., 64, departed this earthly life on Friday, April 19, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, after an extended illness.

Born Nov. 5, 1948, in Sumter County, he was a son of Rosa Lee Harvin Hill and the late Robert “Bum” Hill.

He received HILL his education at Manchester School, Pinewood. He was employed at Eastern Brick and Tile, followed by Martin Color-Fi as a forklift operator for numerous years. He accepted Jesus Christ as he personal Savior at an early age.

He was baptized and held membership at Enon Baptist Church, Sumter. He later joined St. Paul AME Church Shaw, where he was an active member of class number seven. Mr. Hill participated in church services until his health failed.

Lloyd was united in holy matrimony to Elsie Martha Maple on Jan. 2, 1972. To this union, they were blessed with five children. Lloyd’s love of life was demonstrated through his hobbies, fishing, music and dancing.

He loved the golden oldies and old spirituals. His charismatic smile was his trademark.

Those remaining to cherish the loving memories of his life are his devoted wife of 40 years, Elsie Hill of the home; five children, Lisa (Victor) Harper of Marietta, Ga., Mary Christina Hill of Wedgefield, Lloyd (Courtney) Hill of Tulsa, Okla., Tonya Hill of Florence and Ranada Hill of Sumter; his loving mother, Rosa Lee Hill of Sumter; four brothers, George of Wedgefield, Leroy (Beverly) of Atlanta, and Henry and Ronnie, both of Sumter; three sisters, Evangelist Edna Pringle of Orlando, Fla., and Minnie (Ben Earl) Conyers and Patricia (Albert) Kirkland, both of Sumter;

one aunt, Matilda Singleton of Sumter; eight sisters-in-law, Sarah Hill, Carrie (Titus) Butler and Maxine Hill of Wedgefield, Ernestine Hill of New York, Mary (Willie) Brown of Louisville, Ky., Deyarn Hill, Lizzie (Willie) Heyward and Lue Ella (Henry) Singleton of Sumter; one brother-in-law, Raymond (Sylvia) Maple of Sumter; five grandchildren, Trevon, Jamacia, Jamyria, Jamond and Pearis; an abundance of nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Elder Jimmie, Sammie Sr., Robert Jr., Levern, James and Larry Hill; and a foster brother, John Canty.

Funeral services will be held at noon Thursday at St. Paul AME Church Shaw, 1495 N. St. Paul Church Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Eric R. Dent, pastor, eulogist, the Rev. Lue Conyers, presiding, assisted by the Rev. Norman Gamble, the Rev. Paul Golf, the Rev. Dorothy Maple and Evangelist Edna Pringle.

The family will receive family and relatives at the home, 595 Deschamps Road, Sumter.

The remains will be placed in the church at 11 a.m.

The funeral procession will leave at 11:30 a.m. from the home.

Floral bearers will be nieces and Women Missionary Society.

Pallbearers will be nephews and trustees.

Burial will be in the St. Paul AME Church Shaw cemetery, Sumter.

Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

departed this life on April 22, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

She was born Oct. 16, 1935, in Florence, a daughter of the late Virginia Smalls.

The family is receiving friends at the home, 2125 Avenue B, Mayesville.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.

ALLEN LEE WISE Allen Lee Wise, husband of Shirley Richardson Wise, entered eternal rest on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born Oct. 12, 1952, in New Castle County, Wilmington, Del., he was a son of Richard Lee Wise and Lillie Mae Anderson.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 4020 4th St., Mayesville.

Funeral services will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

JAMES HILL James Hill entered eternal rest on Friday, April 19, 2013, in Wenatchee, Wash.

Born in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late James O. Jr. and Agnes Serena Nelson Hill.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home of his sister, Victoria Hill, 311 Brent St., Sumter.

Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

ETHEL G. BONGIORNO Ethel G. Bongiorno, age 91, beloved wife of the late Samuel Bongiorno, died on Monday, April 22, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced

by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter.

MAEDELL McGEE Maedell McGee, 77,

BRUCE TALLEY GAFFNEY — Darryl Bruce Talley, 52, of 725 College Drive, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 22, 2013, at his residence.

Born in Gaffney, he was a son of the late James Roy and Betty Ann Hyatt Talley. Mr. Talley was a graduate of Gaffney High School and Spartanburg Methodist College; retired from Community Cash; and was a member of Limestone Street United Methodist Church.

Surviving are a brother, Eddie W. Talley and wife, Carla, of Sumter; two sisters, Elaine Talley Patteson and husband, Patrick, of Easley and Jo Talley Rogers of Jacksonville, Fla.; and four nephews, Matt Talley, Wesley Talley, Graham Talley and Drew Talley.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. today at Frederick Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Ron Singleton officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Limestone Street United Methodist Church, 910 N. Limestone St., Gaffney, SC 29340 or Hospice Care of South Carolina, 1612 N. Limestone St., Gaffney, SC 29340.

The family will be at the residence, 725 College Drive, Gaffney.

An online guest register is available at www. blakelyfuneralhome. com.

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory of Gaffney is in charge of arrangements.

F. EMMETT MOYE Jr. Fulton Emmett Moye Jr., 83, husband of Margaret Anne Mims Moye, died Monday, April 22, 2013, at his home.

Born in Jonesville, he was a son of the late Fulton Emmett Sr. and Louise Mitchell Moye.

Mr. Moye was a member of Northside Memorial Baptist Church and the Fellowship Sunday School Class.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

He worked with Sumter Dairies and retired from Coburg Dairies after a combined 41 years of service. He enjoyed camping with his family and cutting grass.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years; three children, Fulton Emmett Moye III (Tammy), James F. Moye (Vivian) and Susan E. Moye, all of Sumter; eight grandchildren, Ashley Anne Moye, Nicholas Moye, Michael R. Moye, Jake Moye, Tyler Moye, Eric Brown, Brandon Brown and Brooke Brown; two brothers, Robert Moye (Jeanette) of Sumter and Joe Moye (Joyce) of Summerton; three sisters, Flora Ardis, Martha “Mickey” Rogers (Ray) and Helene “Bootsie” Dickerson (John H.), all of Sumter; one sister-in-law, Dora Moye of Chester; one brother-in-law, Norman W. Mims Jr. (Liz) of Tucson, Ariz.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill Moye and Michael Moye.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m.

Thursday at Northside Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Holley officiating. Burial will be in Sumter Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class and Dr. Clay Lowder.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at ElmoreCannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to the Northside Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 1004 N. Main St., Sumter, SC 29153.

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

SAUL NELSON Jr. MANNING — Saul Nelson Jr., 62, husband of Barbara Williams Nelson, died Monday,

April 22, 2013, at his residence.

He was born July 10, 1950, in Gable, a son of the late Saul Sr. and Mary Ceasar Nelson.

The family is receiving friends at his residence, 1194 Butterfly Lane, Gable.

These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

MARGARET L. SCHWEITZER Margaret Law Schweitzer, 88, widow of Edward Frederick Schweitzer, died Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at a local nursing facility.

Born in Montclair, N.J., she was a daughter of the late Harold Benjamin and Margaret Lucille Law. Mrs. Schweitzer was an avid sports fan. She was a former member of the Cosmopolitan Club, Sunset Country Club Golf League and several bridge clubs.

Survivors include one daughter, Judith Schweitzer Atkinson (Otis) of Sumter; one son, Robert Charles Schweitzer of Sumter; two granddaughters, Julie Atkinson and Lori Beth Aamold (Chris); one great-grandson, Ryan Christopher Aamold; one sister, Ruth Tietjen of Bainbridge, N.Y.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Cardell.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home.

Services will be private.

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

PEGGY S. COOK Peggy Shipman Cook, 77, widow of Thomas Saul Cook Sr., died Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at her home.

Services will be announced by ElmoreCannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

SPORTS

|

KESELOWSKI from Page B1 adversity like we did and get a solid finish, that’s kind of is a win, yes.”

Especially given everything the Penske team has gone through.

“It’s been a long week,” Keselowski said, “but you know what?

We’re not giving up.”

Nor should they be.

The defending Sprint Cup champions are sitting third in points, trailing only Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne as the series shifts to Richmond next weekend.

But things could be getting a lot more difficult.

Penske Racing was dealt severe sanctions by NASCAR after inspectors found unapproved parts

under the cars of Keselowski and teammate Joey Logano two weeks ago at Texas. Among the punishments were sixrace suspensions for seven members of the two teams, probation through the end of the year, $100,000 fines for each crew chief and 25point penalties for each of the drivers.

The team has appealed the sanctions, arguing that they were operating in a “gray area” with regard to modified rear-end housings, and the hearing is expected to take place this week.

“I certainly don’t think it’s cheating,” Roger Penske told The Associated Press from the IndyCar

race in Long Beach. “We all work in the gray areas.

We’re trying to be as competitive as we can be, we’ve got very creative minds and it takes a lot of creative minds to be competitive.”

It will be up to a threemember panel to decide whether creative was also illegal.

In the meantime, Penske Racing arrived at Kansas Speedway with crew chief Paul Wolfe and the rest of the No. 2 team intact, along with Logano’s No. 22 team and the No. 12 of Sam Hornish Jr. For most of the afternoon, it was turning out to be forgettable.

Logano bailed out on the apron when he saw Kyle Busch skidding down the banking of the

corner midway through the race, but he had nowhere to go. The two cars wound up in a bone-jarring, nose-tonose collision that sent debris scattering over the track’s recently repaved asphalt.

Hornish got into trouble with 84 laps to go when Marcos Ambrose got sideways right in front of him. The two collided, and Casey Mears joined in a wreck that also included Danica Patrick, leaving two of the three Penske entries looking like aluminum cans that had been stepped on.

Keselowski’s car wasn’t in much better shape. The minor damage to the rear quarter panel from early in the race kept peeling away

bit by bit.

“I could feel something was wrong with it, but I couldn’t see it,” Keselowski said afterward.

“So you don’t know what magnitude it is. Obviously it must have been pretty severe.”

It was severe enough that his crew was concerned.

“On that last restart,

he kept asking the spotter before we started, he said, ‘Where’s the wind?

The wind feels different,’” said longtime Penske executive Walt Czarnecki. “At one point he said, ‘It’s like I’ve got a parachute hanging out the back of the car.’

“It was quite a drive,” Czarnecki said. “One of the best I’ve ever seen.”

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THE ITEM

B7

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Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition.

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803.774.1234

OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, 2013, for parents and citizens of Sumter School District to make recommendations regarding the design and plan for the 2013-2014 Title I, Title II, Title III, and IDEA Child Find projects.

The meeting will be held at the Sumter School District Administration Building, Room 118, 1345 Wilson Hall Road, at 9:00 a.m.

Lost & Found

Tree Service

Found in Wintergreen S/D: sm. elderly female shih-tzu mix, light reddish color. No color. Owner call SPCA. 773-9292.

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

BUSINESS SERVICES Electrical Services Fulton Town Electric, Service any electrical needs. Cert. Master Electrician, 938-3261/883-4607

Home Improvements

Bid Notices

SBC Construction ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Project: Wise Drive Extension Phase II Separate sealed bids for: the construction of approximately 1,100 linear feet of dual lane roadway will be received by Sumter County in the County Council's Chamber located on the third floor of the Sumter County Administration Building, 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, SC until 10:00 a.m. on May 15, 2013 there at said office opened and read aloud.

To request a bid package and plans, email khyatt@sumtercountysc.org. A hard copy of the bid package and plans may be picked up for a non-refundable fee of $150 at Sumter County Public Works 1289 North Main Street Sumter, S.C. 29153 A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for April 30, 2013 at 9:00 am in the Sumter County Council's Chambers.

Decks & Fences, Screen Porches, Sun Rooms, Flooring, Concrete, Top Soil, Water problems, Insulated Windows. Free Est. 795-6046 Professional Remodelers Home maintenance,ceramic tile, roofing, siding & windows doors, etc. Lic. & Ins. (Office) 803-692-4084 or (Cell) 803-459-4773 TW Painting, carpentry & all household needs.

Call 803-460-7629.

H.L. Boone, Contractor additions, painting, roofing, gutters, sheetrock, blown ceilings, decks. 773-9904

Vinyl Siding & Home Improvement by David Brown. Vinyl replacement windows & seamless gutters. 803-236-9296

803-316-0128

Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that Leroy McDowell - 95 Live intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license/permit that will allow the sale and ON premises consumption of Beer, Wine and Liquor at 10290 Lynches River Road, Lynchburg, SC 29080. To object to the issuance of this permit/ license, written protest must be postmarked no later than May 10, 2013. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Daniel's Lawn Care â&#x20AC;˘Tree removal/trim â&#x20AC;˘Clean-up jobs â&#x20AC;˘Mowing â&#x20AC;˘Pinestraw Mulch 803-968-4185 Clary's Lawn Service. Lawn maint., Debris removal, and other handy services. Call 803-406-3514

Sumter County Flea Mkt Hwy 378 E. 803-495-2281 500 tables. Sat. $8 free return Sun.

Assorted Steel Bldgs $3.00 to $10.00 sq ft Closeout while they last Erection Information Available Source# 18X 800-964-8335

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up

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

Lawn / Garden / Nursery

PETS & ANIMALS Dogs AKC Registered male weimaraner puppy, blue/silver, born 12/31/12, $500. For sale by owner.

Contact (803)-473-7075

MERCHANDISE Want to Buy Wanted Appliances: Washers, Dryers, Stoves & Refrig. Working or not. 803-968-4907 Wanted Appliances: Washers, Dryers, Stoves & Refrig. Working or not. 803-968-4907

Auctions Liquor License

Utility Buildings

Open every wkend. 905-4242

Lawn Service Newman's Lawn & Tree Service Mowing, hedge trimming, Spring clean-up, pinestraw, mulch bedding, tree removal. 803-316-0128

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

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

Tree Doctor Call us for an appt. Free est. 7 days/week. Prune trees, remove trees, grind stumps, proper limbing & treatment. 803-773-8402.

AUCTION! Road Tractors 2-Freightliners FLD120s 3 Vans Office Furniture ONLINE ONLY BIDDING www.jrdixonauctions.com Bidding open until April 25 Rafe Dixon, SCAL 4059 (803) 774-6967

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

CENTIPEDE SOD 80sqft - $20 250 sqft - $50 500 sqft- $95 Call 499-4023 or 499-4717

For Sale or Trade Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Two Gladiator 31x28x18 metal garage cabinets w/dual bamboo top. Good condition. Cost new $450.

Three pieces $190.

803-469-0449/ leave message.

Blow out Sale! 1st Cut Special Any size yard $35 GTW Lawn Service lic & ins. 803-236-6876 Painted black, Couch, chair, 2 end tables, lamps & recliner. 983-8076 25' CC TV,matching his and hers Diamond Back Schwinn bikes, Antique China Cabinet, leather sofa w/elec. recliners. Call 803 968-2223 or email dwigle1@sc.rr.com

Penn House Oak dining rm table with 2 leaves, 6 solid chairs.

2pc hutch, Solid and bargain price $300. Call 803-432-4620

Mill Creek Roofing Specializing in Metal & Shingled roofing. Attention to quality and detail. 10 yrs warranty on labor.

28+ yrs in roofing experience.

Lic and insured. Free est.

Call 803-747-8389

F/T Cashier needed. Must have some computer knowledge. Also seeking Warehouse person. Must be self-motivated & energetic.

Apply at Wally's Hardware, 1291 Broad St. Sumter

we love

Call in or stop by Classiied Department on Wednesdays from 2pm-4pm and say

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Love

and receive

50% Off

the cost of your Classiied ad!

Call Barbra, Donna or Kathy in The Item Classiied Department:

Shaw Flea Market "U 4IBX "'# r Looking to ind...

A NEW BEST FRIEND? CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT

Do you think we should 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC have one and place an ad?

803.774.1234 It sure would help with Spring Cleaning! www.theitem.com

Pre-K teacher and a toddler care giver needed. 6 months exp. required. Send resume to: P-Box 312 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

Wednesdays!â&#x20AC;?

Roofing

Well, I was told sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s having one of those â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Garage Sales.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Can you imagine?!

Minnie told me she made over $100 last time she had one... Just by placing a Classified Ad in

"Local insurance agency seeking licensed life, accident and health agents. Ordinary and/or home service divisions. 803-775-4985."

Real Estate Paralegal position with active residential Real Estate Law Practice. Ability to multi task, communicate and cooperate with others a must. Experience with Soft-Pro and Real Estate closings preferred . Reply to Box 314 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

Wacky

Int/Ext Painting, Pressure washing. 30 yrs exp. Ref. Quality work/free est.

Call Bennie 468-7592

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen so many cars and people!

What do you think is going on over there?

Shamrock Bingo is now taking applications for runners/callers to work full or part time. Must be able to work weekends. No exp. needed. Call 803 905-5545

**CASH** FOR JUNK CARS NO TITLE NEEDED Call 934-6849 or 934-6734

Tables Just $1 & Up!

Robert's Metal Roofing 29 years exp. 18 colors & 45 year warranty. Call 803-837-1549.

Plumber's helper Must have own tools & transportation. Call 803-491-4616

Help Wanted Full-Time

Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves. Also new Gas stoves.

Guaranteed. 803-464-5439

Painting

Sumter Ghost Finders may pay you $60 for an investigation.

481-8826. On The Web

EMPLOYMENT

Oak Plank Dining Table for sale with two leafs seats 12 . Excellent condition $200 Call 469-4446

GOT STUFF?

Announcements

The SC Army National Guard wants High School Juniors, Seniors, Grads and GED holders, and Prior Service! Ask about college tuition. Receive paid technical training and more while serving your Country and Community on a part-time basis. Call now for this great opportunity!

SFC Jeffrey Hudson 803-427-3104 SSG Lorraine Lordy 803-360-1979

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Lawn & Handyman Service, Reasonable rates, free estimates.

Call Sweat @ 803-236-2473

All Types of Roofing & Repairs All work guaranteed. 30 yrs exp.

SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

Help Wanted Full-Time

Call, email or fax us today!

classiied@theitem.com â&#x20AC;˘ (803) 775-1024 FAX

(803) 774-1234

(803) 774-1234 50% discount can only be applied to purchase from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesdays. No refunds for early cancellations. Private Party only!

Businesses and Commercial accounts ineligible. All ads must be prepaid. All advertising subject to publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval. Special cannot be combined with any other discounts. Other restrictions may apply.

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

SELECTED 2 PC. BATH RUG SETS $5 Each 29 Progress St. - Sumter 775-8366 Ext. 37

MICROFIBER SHEET SETS

Store Hours 0RQ 6DW Â&#x2021; 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

Twin $6 per set Full/Queen/King $8 per set

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

EXTENDED WAREHOUSE SALE!

ROOM SIZE RUGS 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

While Supplies Last.

$30 ea.

Help Wanted Full-Time

Medical Help Wanted

Unfurnished Apartments

Resort Rentals

Manufactured Housing

Offering a sign on Bonus for HVAC Service Technician with an established family owned Heating and Air Company. Must have experience, valid driver's license, good personality and people skills. Top pay for qualified technician, spiff program, company vehicle and health insurance offered! Apply in person Hatfield Heating and Air 1640 Suber Street, Sumter SC.

Hiring Medical Administrative and Medical Assistant staff. Fax resume to 803-403-8483

Come See Us Oakland Plantation Apts.

5501 Edgehill Rd. 499-2157 2 Br apts. available. Applications accepted Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm.

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

LOW CREDIT SCORE? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing.

We have 2-3-4-5 bedroom homes.

We have a layaway program. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

Medical Billing/Charge Entry: Immediate openings for experienced Medical Billers with 2+ years charge entry experience.

(After hours/weekends available).

CPC required. Apply online at colonialfamilypractice.com Looking for FT EXPERIENCED Maintenance Supervisor for a busy, mid-size property in Sumter, SC. Drug Free Workforce. Equal Opportunity Employer. CFC and CPO certification required. Must have a valid driver's license, insurance and reliable transportation. Must be available for night/weekend call duty. Salary commensurate with experience.

Paid vacation, Personal & Sick Benefits include: 100% (employee) paid medical & dental. Please fax resume to 803-775-3995. NO phone calls please!

ATTENTION Driver Trainees Needed Now!

No Experience Necessary.

Roehl Transport needs entry level semi drivers.

Premium equipment & benefits.

Call Today!

1-888-263-7364 Drivers needed Local runs, home nightly. Must have CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements, Twic card. Clean 10 yr MVR, 2 yrs driving experience and be 25 yrs of age. Call 803-473-6553.

Finance Director for large water company. Supervises and oversees all accounting, customer service, financial reporting, billing employee benefits personnel cash managements, & IT. Minimum of Bachelor's degree in business or accounting and eight years of experience. Salary commensurate with experience. Submit resume to clitchfield@cassattwater.com

Help Wanted Part-Time

Full-time Medical Assistant needed for busy Family Practice.

Mon-Fri, hours vary. Must supply references. Fax to Attn: Clinical Mgr. (803)934-0877.

Opening for Medical Asst or Phlebotomist. Mail resume to 1225 Alice Dr Ste B Sumter SC 29150

Work Wanted Need X-Tra $$$ Buy Wholesale $100 Min. Home & Body Oils & More! 774-7823 I'm Available to clean your home.

Affordable, reliable 15 yrs exp ref's. Melissa 803-938-5204

RENTALS Want to Rent Want To Rent: Garage apt.

Cottage or small apt in Sumter for a 58 year old single Christian grandfather, Willing to be a caretaker for the absentee property owner or the resident owner that travels a lot and wants their property safe and secure. Call Steve at 803-491-5646. Longtime Sumter resident (44yrs). Can provide excellent references.

NOW LEASING

Shiloh-Randolph Manor Apts. 1 BR apts. avail. for Elderly 62 yrs. or older. Call (803) 775-0575 or apply in person. Corner of Bartlette & Washington. Immediate Openings Rent based on income. EHO.

Unfurnished Homes Freshly Painted nice 2BR in safe area. Convenient to Shaw/Sumter. Dumpster, Water, Heat pump & Sec lights incl'd. No H/A or PETS! $465/mo + $350/dep.

803-983-0043

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

RV parking avail. Call 494-8350

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Must be 55 or older.

Call for further details.

Scenic Lake 2BR1BA & 3BR2BA. No pets. Call between 9am - 5pm: (803) 499-1500.

www.gardencircleapts.com

Resort Rentals Vacation Rentals Santee, Garden City Beach Michelle Hodge, 803-491-4914

RECREATION

50 Wesmark Ct. 1,177 sq ft. $1000/mo. Reception area, 3 office space, breakroom, 1/2ba, file/storage room. 773-1477 120 Broad St Office space, Great location, Rent is $495-$695 Agent Owned Call 236-2425

Campers / RV's/ Motorhomes

Commercial Rentals

2011 Palomino Ultra-lite 32' camper. Elec. slideout, AC, heat, sleeps 8, exc cond. 803-481-8301

Guignard Storage: 57 Neal St. Personal storage units.

No deposits. Call 803-491-4914

30 ft. Dutchman RV $100 dep. $100 a week. All bills paid.

803-406-5582

9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122; $20 ea.

12â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122; TRANSPORTATION

Autos For Sale

OPEN Ernest Baker Auto Sales & Equip. Located 3349 N. Main St 5.5 miles from 378 overpass at N. Main., on Hwy 15 N. next to Baker Mini Warehouse. Remember Cars are like Eggs, Cheaper in the Country!!! 803-469-9294 L & L BODY SHOP AUTO SALES 778-2427 97' Nissan Sentra AT PS PB PW 4Dr $2100, 97' Chvy Blazer Green 4 Dr $1700 A Guaranteed Credit Approval AUTO LOANS We will arrange financing even if you have been turned down before.

Loans available for no credit, bad credit, 1st Time Buyers & Bankruptcy buyers. No co-signers needed. Call Mr. Ashley Brown at 803-926-3235

VANS VANS VANS TRUCKS TRUCKS TRUCKS SELL OFF

REAL ESTATE

Price Is Right Auto Sales 3210 Broad St, 803-494-4275

Miscellaneous

For Sale, 3Bed/2Bath, Land, $360/mo.

803-494-5090

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;PER MONTHâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 BR Unit

Mon.-Fri. 9am -5pm

Iris Winds MHP,Sumter Immediate occupancy. 3BR MH. $25,900.

Fin. avail.

803-460-9444, 800-996-9540, 803-775-6816

New const. in Beech Forest Patio Sec. 1550 sq. ft. 3BR 2BA, Eat in kitchen Hdwd, carpet, tile, granite. Custom cabinets, $148K 803-565-4850

STATEBURG COURTYARD

778-2807

50 Wesmark Ct. 1,177 sq ft. $1000/mo. + $110 CAM. Reception area, 3 office space, breakroom, 1/2 ba, file/storage room.

773-1477

Taking applications for clean affordable homes. Nice quiet areas, 2 Br1Ba $350 Mo. No pets.

3Br2ba $425-$450 Mo. Shaw Area Call 840-5734

$318

$411

Very nice 3BR/2BA mobile home for sale. 1st time buyer financing available. Call 803-236-5953.

Homes for Sale

American MHP, 2 & 3/BRs, lot rentals, water/sewer/garbage pkup inc'd. Sec. 8 ok. 803-494-4300.

Apartments Studio

304 W. Wesmark, several office suites available staring at $175 mo. 773-1477

Iris Winds MHP: 3BR/2BA MH No pets. Ref/dep req'd, $500/mo.

Call 803-775-6816, 803-460-9444

Garden Circle

202 East Liberty Street Thomas Sumter Academy in Sumter County, SC, is seeking an Assistant Headmaster to begin in the 2013-2014 school year. Eligible candidates must have at least five years of teaching and/or administrative experience in education. A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree is preferred. Interested candidates should send or email a cover letter and resume to Debbie Nix, Thomas Sumter Academy, 5265 Camden Highway, Rembert, SC 29128, debbie.nix@thomassumter.org

W. Calhoun 2BR/1.5BA, newly renovated, full kitchen, C//H//A. water & W/D incl, $525 month.

Prudential 774-7368.

Office Rentals

$10 ea.

C&C Recycling Parts & Wrecker Service Top price paid for junk cars! We buy scrap metal, alum cans, batteries, copper. 773-7702

SHOP 24/7 FOR NEW OR PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

WWW.GOODWINCARS.COM

FSBO: 5446 Meadow Dr. 3BR/2BA with 1322 sq ft. Hardwood floors, Stainless appliances and granite counters. Buyers Agent Welcome. No rentals. More pics and info at www.militarybyow ner.com. AD# 260029. $109,000.

Call Brenda @ 803-491-4714 124 Milton Rd Sumter 3BR 2BA single family, 1249 sq. ft. Large yard, Lease option or cash discount, $1,250 dwn $420 Mo. 803 978-1539

GOODWIN AUTOMALL #SPBE 4USFFU t 4VNUFS 4$

Find out whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open.

Search Sumter

$$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555 Chauffeurs needed for Limousine Co. Must have excellent people skills. Schedule includes days, nights & weekends. Exc wages. Fax resume & 10 year driving record to 803-494-5779 or Call 803-983-5247.

Deliver Phone Books Work Your Own Hours, Have Insured Vehicle, Must be at Least 18 yrs old, Valid DL. No Experience Necessary.

1-800-518-1333 x 224 www.deliverthephonebook.com Part time property manager in manning. HS diploma req., leasing exp, sect. 8 a plus. Email Resume to kshipman@pkmanagement.com Appliance repair person needed for part time work. Pay commensurate with experience. Must have own transportation. Send resume to: P-309 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151.

theitem.com/marketplace 1 Bedroom Apartments for 62 YEARS AND OLDER Â&#x2021;5HIULJHUDWRU Â&#x2021;&HQWUDO +HDW $LU Â&#x2021;&RPPXQLW\ 5RRP Â&#x2021;5DQJH Â&#x2021;+DQGLFDS Â&#x2021;&RLQ 2SHUDWHG Â&#x2021;%OLQGV $FFHVVLEOH /DXQGU\ 5RRP Â&#x2021;&DUSHW Â&#x2021;(PHUJHQF\ &DOO Â&#x2021;&HLOLQJ )DQV 6\VWHP **Rent Based On 30% of Adjusted Income** **Utility Allowance Given**

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803-934-1449 TTY 800-735-8583

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

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