Dec 19 , 2015

INSIDE: All of Swan Lake Iris Gardens now open A2 REVIEWS

Like the original Star Wars?

Then you’ll love J.J. Abrams’ ‘The Force Awakens’ A5

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

75 CENTS

Sumter School District hosts Winter Wonderland

Education task force OKs report Final document recommends ways to improve poor districts

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com South Carolina House Education Policy Review and Reform Task Force has unanimously approved a final version of its report, according to a news release

by S.C. Speaker of the House Jay Lucas, R-Darlington.

Lucas formed the task force in January with Rep. Rita Allison, R-Spartanburg, as chair after South Carolina Supreme Court refused to reconsider its

decision in Abbeville County School District v. the State of South Carolina that ordered the state to make changes in how it funds poor, rural school districts.

Key findings in the task force’s report are: • The state must make a coordinated effort to improve the quality of leadership among teachers and administrators in the plaintiff districts; • The state must outline

SEE EDUCATION, PAGE A7

Ideas differ on how to boost teacher pay

BY SEANNA ADCOX The Associated Press

PHOTOS BY KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Earlonta Jenkins, 4, smiles as he spins a hula-hoop during the Sumter School District’s Winter Wonderland at Sumter County Civic Center on Friday. The event is geared for children with special needs in the district.

Event puts smile on faces of students with special needs

BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Students with special needs from across the Sumter School District danced, played games, jumped in bounce houses and bonded with other children and teachers at the seventh annual Winter Wonderland event held Friday at Sumter County Civic Center.

The event attracted 500 children, pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade, and their families providing them with an opportunity to have some fun outside the classroom.

“Winter Wonderland gives children a chance to let their hair down,” said Diandra Polk, a mild intellectual disability teacher at Crosswell Drive Elementary School. “It gives them an outlet to just be kids. Seeing the joy on all of their faces is priceless. We encourage people to see the child and not the disability.”

Shawn Hagerty, Sumter School District director of specialized programs and one of the organizers, said about

VISIT US ONLINE AT

the

.com

Lauren Olsen, a Sumter School District employee, dances with Christopher Samlond, 10, during Winter Wonderland at Sumter County Civic Center on Friday.

200 students from clubs and organizations volunteered at the event, putting what they learned into practice.

“I volunteered to make a difference in children’s lives,” said Eric Caldwell Jr., a senior at Crestwood High School, and a member of Future Business Leaders of America. “I love it. It provides me with a great experience to work with

special needs students.”

Students from Alice Drive Middle School’s Peer Tutors program also gave their time at the event. The group works with students with disabilities on a daily basis with basic reading and social skills.

“The program and this event gives me a chance to

SEE WONDERLAND, PAGE A7

DEATHS, A7 Jamal L. Pendergrass Rev. Dr. Lawrence Presley Ricky Mouzon Mary Louise J. Davis Ruth J. Martin Sybil A. Holliday

Melvin L. Hodge Mark E. Barkley Alma M. Outlaw Diane M. Mathis Henry L. Jackson Jr.

COLUMBIA — State education officials agree South Carolina’s public school teachers should be paid more, but they differ on whether to start at the front or back end of teachers’ careers.

The state Education Department wants to begin by better compensating veteran teachers. Its budget proposal would ensure that all teachers, starting next school year, would receive an annual raise for experience through 23 years in the classroom.

Right now, the state-required boost stops at 22 years, and 24 of the state’s 81 districts go no further.

Other districts use local property tax money to pay for additional years, creating wide disparities, even among districts in the same county.

When veteran teachers can get a job that boosts their pay without having to relocate, “you can’t blame teachers for doing that,” Kathy Maness, director of the Palmetto State Teachers Association, said this week.

“But it’s the smaller districts that can’t afford to do it that really need those teachers.”

According to the Education Department, 20 percent of the state’s teachers see no compensation for experience past 22 years. Funding that additional year statewide would cost $6.3 million.

“We are not compensat-

ing our most experienced and seasoned teachers,” reads the agency’s budget request for 2016-17.

Maness’ group hopes that by 2021-22, the state will extend experience pay through 28 years — the number of years public employees in South Carolina must work to retire with full pension benefits.

But the independent Education Oversight Committee is not supporting the department’s proposal.

It instead suggests starting next year on the front end of teachers’ careers while working on a plan that overhauls the entire salary schedule. It recommends asking an outside group, such as University of South Carolina’s business school, to develop a new one.

While the department’s request “may assist in retaining some of the state’s most veteran teachers, it will not address recruiting more teachers into the pipeline,” reads its recommendation, adopted earlier this week by the agency’s board.

“We don’t need to add on to the back end until we look at the whole system,” EOC Director Melanie Barton said Monday.

Salaries are particularly critical during a teacher’s first five years in the classroom because that’s when many decide to leave the profession for a better-paying job. The low starting pay is also preventing students from pursuing the job

SEE SALARIES, PAGE A7

WEATHER, A8

INSIDE

BRIGHT AND COOL

2 SECTIONS, 16 PAGES VOL. 121, NO. 56

Plenty of sunshine today and clear today.

HIGH 53, LOW 31

Classifieds B6 Comics B5

Lotteries A8 Television A4-A5

A2

|

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

LOCAL BRIEFS

Full Cold Moon on Christmas Day

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Pedestrian killed on U.S. 76 near Stateburg A 76-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed on U.S. 76 near the intersection of S.C. 261 at around 5:50 p.m. Thursday, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The deceased was attempting to cross the highway when he was struck by a 1977 Toyota pickup traveling east reportedly driven by Charles Martak. The driver and two passengers in the truck were properly restrained and uninjured, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol. The victim was identified by Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock as Henry L. Jackson Jr., 76, of Horatio. Bullock said Jackson died of massive blunt force trauma at the scene.

Phenomenon won’t occur again until 2034

BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com For the first time since 1977, South Carolina will have a full moon on Christmas Day. If you’re younger than 38, this will be your first opportunity to see a full moon on Dec. 25, and for everyone, their last chance until 2034.

The bright moon will cross the night sky from about dusk until dawn, according to Bruce McClure of earthsky. com. Fortunately, the weatherman predicts a clear sky, so the moon should be easily visible. In fact, it will probably reflect enough of the sun’s light for reading.

GOOGLE IMAGES

The Full Cold Moon falls on Christmas Day this year, for the first time since 1977.

Many early Native American tribes had special names for the different full moons in order to keep track of time.

They called the December full moon the Full Cold Moon for the dropping temperatures that usually occur at this time of year, just days after the winter solstice — 11:48 p.m., Dec. 21 this year.

Other names used by Native Americans include the Long Night Moon, because the nights are at their longest at this time. The Druids called the December full moon the Oak Moon, comparing the strength needed to survive the harsh winter to the proverbial strength of the oak. Some Christian settlers referred to the December full moon simply as the “moon before Yule.”

According to meteorologists, it’s unlikely South Carolina will have truly cold temperatures on Christmas. But you never know.

Information on astronomical events can be found in The Old Farmer’s Almanac and at earthsky.com.

Run, run Rudolph

Broad Street closed briefly after wreck

Manchester Elementary School reindeer chase Rudolph as the school’s third graders sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” during the school’s holiday sing along on Friday. The students also raised $150 and donated food, bedding and newspapers to give to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

A section of Broad Street near Walmart Boulevard was closed temporarily at 3:30 a.m. Friday when a vehicle traveling the street became wedged under the trailer of an 18-wheeler after the truck failed to yield the right of way, Sumter Police Department reported.

A woman and two children were taken to Tuomey Regional Medical Center where they were treated for minor injuries, according to the report. The South Carolina Highway Patrol also was called to the scene after a police vehicle was struck from behind.

The driver of the 18-wheeler, Thomas K. West, 55, of Mills River, North Carolina, was charged with failure to yield the right of way, according to Sumter Police Department.

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Swan Lake reopens in its entirety FROM STAFF REPORTS City of Sumter issued a statement Friday stating that Swan Lake Iris Gardens will re-open in its entirety today.

Following the October flood, the city had more than half of the gardens closed for repair, including the entire walkway along Liberty Street, all along Garden Street, including specialty areas such as the Chocolate, Butterfly and Sensory Gardens, as well as facilities and trails on the south side just below the children’s playground.

“It was a public safety issue and important to have these areas closed during repair,” stated Al Harris, assistant city Manager of public services. “While all areas are now open, we would like to ask visitors to respect any area that may be temporarily closed for

upgrades in the future.”

The city continues to ask visitors not to venture beyond any locked gates, protective fencing and the rocks or tree roots along the lake’s edge as water levels are still low in some areas.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is the only public park in the U.S. to feature all eight swan species and is home to some of the nation’s most intensive plantings of Japanese iris. With a butterfly garden, art sculptures, café and more, the lake is dotted with colorful islands, and wildlife is abundant. The gardens are open daily from 7:30 a.m. until dusk. Admission is free.

For more information on Swan Lake Iris Gardens, contact the Sumter Convention & Visitors Bureau located at the Swan Lake Visitors Center at (803) 436-2640 or online at www.sumtersc.gov/parksgardens.aspx.

Secessionist gathering authorized Group to commemorate 155th anniversary of split with Union COLUMBIA (AP) — A Statehouse gathering commemorating South Carolina’s 1860 secession from the Union will be held Sunday after state officials reinstated a permit they canceled a week ago.

Gov. Nikki Haley said Friday she asked the state Department of Administration to reinstate the Secessionist Party’s reservation.

“The governor believes that the Statehouse grounds belong to all people, whether she agrees with their views or not,” said Haley spokeswoman Chaney Adams. “She also believes that people’s constitutional rights mean something, and that certainly includes the rights to free speech and free assembly.”

Secessionist Party founder James Bessenger called the permit’s reinstatement a victory for the First Amendment. His group had threat-

ened to sue the state.

Bessenger applied Oct. 28 to hold a Sovereignty Day Rally on the 155th anniversary of South Carolina adopting its Ordinance of Secession. Permission for the rally was granted last month, but the reservation was canceled Dec. 10 after the Department of Public Safety raised security concerns, according to documents from the Department of HALEY Administration.

“We have seen what can happen when opposing groups are allowed on Statehouse grounds,” Department spokeswoman Sherri Iacobelli said last week.

Legislators have said state officials didn’t use common sense when they allowed the Ku Klux Klan and a group affiliated with the New Black Panther Party to hold overlapping rallies July 18 at the Statehouse, resulting in violence despite a massive police presence.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ARE YOU GOING ON VACATION? Call (803) 774-1258

20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Rick Carpenter Managing Editor rick@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 Waverly Williams Sales Manager waverly@theitem.com (803) 774-1237

Jeff West Customer Service Manager jeff@theitem.com (803) 774-1259 Michele Barr Business Manager michele@theitem.com (803) 774-1249 Gail Mathis Clarendon Bureau Manager gail@theitem-clarendonsun.com (803) 435-4716

Member, Verified Audit Circulation

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD:

TO BUY A SUBSCRIPTION Call (803) 774-1258 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Standard Home Delivery

Call (803) 774-1234 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.

TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

to 5 p.m.

One year - $174.25; six months - $91; three months $47.50; two months, $33; one month - $16.50. EZPay, $14.50/month

TO PLACE A NON-CLASSIFIED AD: Call (803) 774-1237 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

to 5 p.m.

One year - $84; six months - $43; three months - $22; one month - $7.50; EZPay, $7.50

TO PLACE AN ANNOUNCEMENT

Mail Delivery

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

One year - $276; six months - $138; three months - $69; one month - $23 Printed on recycled paper with environmentally safe soy inks to reduce ruboff. The Sumter Item is recyclable.

The Sumter Item is published six days a week except for July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day (unless it falls on a Sunday) by Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Periodical postage paid at Sumter, SC 29150.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, SC 29150 Publication No. USPS 525-900

LOCAL | NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

Getting in the spirit

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

|

A3

Clemson releases October flooding documentary

BY SCOTT MILLER Clemson University Public Service Activities

PHOTO PROVIDED

Alice Drive Middle School Principal Jeannie Pressley shows her Christmas spirit by riding a children’s bicycle while dressed as a Christmas tree.

CLEMSON — Clemson University has released a documentary, interactive timeline and Web page chronicling this year’s historic flood and the hardship facing South Carolina’s No. 1 industry: agriculture and forestry.

“About 2 o’clock Sunday morning my wife woke up and she said, ‘Harry, it’s white-capping in the backyard.’ I didn’t know it at the time, but my digital range gauge was on its way to a grand total of 16 inches of rain in one day,” Clarendon County farmer Harry Durant recounts in “Treading Water,” the new documentary produced by Clemson University.

Durant is one of several South Carolina farmers, Clemson Cooperative Extension agents and agriculture industry experts who speak eloquently in the documentary about the devastating impacts of the October flood.

Rains in early October created waves that will ripple throughout the state’s $41.7 billion agriculture and forestry industries for the foreseeable future.

Clemson Public Service and Agriculture and Cooperative Extension Service

released the documentary along with the Web page and comprehensive timeline of the year’s one-two punch of drought and flooding to the state’s farmers. The timeline at www.clemson. edu/scflood includes interactive graphics detailing rainfall across the state, media coverage from throughout the country on the October flooding and resources from Clemson University and state and federal agencies.

“Our intention with this website and documentary is that our state understand the hardship these hardworking farm families continue to face,” said Thomas Dobbins, director of Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. “Financial losses will be great.

Some businesses may not survive. They need our help.

Not only is agriculture and forestry our state’s No. 1 industry, but these are the people who will grow the food put on the tables of homes throughout South Carolina and the nation.”

“The morning after this flood, our Extension agents were in the fields with farmers across the state, often neglecting their own needs following this historic storm, to help growers assess damage and chart a path forward. As the state’s

land-grant university, we will be with farmers for every step of recovery going forward.”

Clemson Extension continues to conduct educational workshops throughout the state to help farmers navigate financial decisions following this storm. Extension and Clemson Public Service and Agriculture also will continue to provide unbiased, research-based information to help farmers improve yields in the coming years. Look for upcoming Extension events at www.clemson.edu/extension.

“The floodwaters may have receded, but the impact will continue to be seen as farmers plant next year’s crop,” Dobbins said.

The short documentary includes first-person accounts and expert testimony.

The website, www.clemson.edu/scflood, includes links with information on how South Carolinians can help farmers recover. For farmers, the site includes links to flood resources, crop insurance information, disaster assessment forms and other information that will help them with recovery.

The bottom of the page includes a gallery of images taken at farms throughout the state in the day and weeks after the storm.

Women are out-earning men in corporate finance SARAH SKIDMORE SELL AP Business Writer Women may be badly outnumbered in the top ranks of corporate America, but at least they aren’t underpaid.

Compensation for female chief financial officers at S&P 500 companies last year outpaced that of their male counterparts, according to an analysis by executive compensation firm Equilar and the Associated Press. It follows a similar trend seen with female CEOs in recent years.

The median pay for female CFOs last year rose nearly 11 percent to $3.32 million. Male CFO pay rose 7 percent, to $3.3 million. This follows several years of steady gains for both sexes.

The gains, for both men and women, are in part a result of the expansion of the CFO role to include far more responsibility and visibility.

“The CFO is no longer a bean counter,” said Josh Crist, managing director at executive search firm Crist Kolder Associates.

Companies and shareholders became more focused on financial security and regulation after the financial crisis, and corporate finance began to play a bigger role in company strategy, according to Gregg Passin, a compensation expert at consulting firm Mercer.

Ruth Porat, became one of the most powerful women on Wall Street while helping steer Morgan Stanley, one of the nation’s biggest investment banks, through the aftermath of the financial crisis. She topped the list of highest paid female CFOs with her $14.4 million pay package from Morgan Stanley for the 2014 fiscal year.

Google has since lured her away and will pay her more than $70 million for her first year as CFO there. Investors have warmly welcomed her arrival at Google, where she is expected to bring some financial discipline to what some consider their free-spending ways.

The increased responsibility and visibility has helped some women CFOs rise even further, to CEO. Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo and Lynn Good, CEO of Duke Energy are both former CFOs. “It’s a unique position that has the ability to contribute to day-to-day operations but also on long-term strategic planning,” Good said. She called the CFO position “a critical train-

ing ground” for aspiring CEOs. The other top-paid female CFOs, after Porat, include Marianne Lake of JPMorgan Chase, whose compensation package is valued at $9.1 million, Catherine Lesjak of Hewlett-Packard at $8 million, Sharon McCollam at Best Buy at $7 million and Robin Washington of Gilead Sciences at $6.2 million. This ranking reflects only the companies where the CFOs who have served two consecutive years in their particular position.

To calculate pay, Equilar adds salary, bonus, perks, stock awards, stock option awards and other pay components. To determine what stock and option awards are

worth, Equilar uses the value of an award on the day it is granted, as shown in a company’s proxy statement.

The high median pay for female CFOs is partly a result of sample size — there were only 60 female CFOs at the S&P 500 companies that qualified for inclusion in the study during the last fiscal year, compared with 437 men, according to Equilar.

It is also a factor in female CEO pay. Median CEO pay for women was $15.9 million last year, according to an analysis done earlier this year by Equilar and the AP, compared with $10.4 million for male CEOs. There were just 17 female CEOs, however.

The small group of women in these important roles tended to be focused at the largest companies, where pay is higher. Crist said that he expects more women to take on CFO duties in years ahead but the pay range will broaden as more women join smaller companies.

He notes that women have historically been underrepresented in finance overall. That is changing and helping fuel this shift at the top. Younger women are getting better opportunities at entry levels and these lead to better opportunities down the line.

A Crist Kolder study found that the percentage of female CEOs and CFOs has hit an alltime high in 2015. Of the 672

Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies evaluated, nearly 5 percent had female CEOs and 13 percent had female CFOs. “It’s a heck of a trend,” he said. “It has been predominantly white male centric forever.”

....Cash in a FLASH....

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

Lafayette Gold & Silver Exchange Inside Vestco Properties

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

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

803-773-8022

Display Advertising Edition

Wed., December 23 Thurs., December 24 Sat., December 26 Sun., December 27 Tues., December 29 Sat., January 2 Sun., January 3 Tues., January 5

Deadline

Mon., December 21 at 11am Mon., December 21 at 2pm Tues., December 22 at 11am Tues., December 22 at 2pm Wed., December 23 at 11am Wed., December 30 at 11am Wed., December 30 at 2pm Thurs., December 31 at 11am

Have a Safe and Merry Christmas!

25% off all sterling silver

Jewelry Wholesale

NO PROOF DEADLINES Deadline is 24 hours earlier if proof is required Business office will be closed December 24th and 25th and January 1

20 N. Magnolia Street Sumter, SC 29150

8 803-774-1200

A4

|

TELEVISION

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY EVENING DECEMBER 19 TW

WIS

E10

FT

7 PM

7:30

8 PM

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

10 PM

10:30

Entertainment Tonight (N) (HD) 3 10

WLTX E19

9

9

WOLO E25

5

12

WRJA E27 11 14

The Wiz Live! A girl and her dog are transported to a mystical land after getting caught in a snowstorm on Thanksgiving, and as she journeys to locate an all-powerful wizard who can take her back home, she encounters friendly creatures and wicked witches. (HD) News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) NCIS: Cadence DiNozzo revisits his Criminal Minds: Hashtag An UnSub 48 Hours: Murder in Aspen An invesEvening news up- (HD) past at a military academy when an poses as an online urban myth. (HD) tigation into the murder of Aspen sodate. alumni is killed. (HD) cialite Nancy Pfister. (HD) Wheel of ForJeopardy! (HD) New Hampshire: The Democrats Debate “ABC World News Tonight” anchor David Muir and chief global affairs tune: Hawaiian correspondent Martha Raddatz moderate the third Democratic Primary debate featuring presidential candidates Adventure (HD) Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley. (HD) The Great Fire (N) (HD) Father Brown: The Daughters of Je- Doc Martin: Nobody Likes Me Ruth The Doctor Blake Mysteries: Still rusalem Crimes at a women’s insti- moves into a new house, but the next Waters Local girl’s body is found in the lake. door neighbor is rude. tute. (HD) Monopoly Mil- Family Feud UFC Fight Night: Dos Anjos vs Cerrone: from Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. WACH FOX News ASN Road to lionaires’ Club z{| (HD) at 10 Nightly Signing Day (HD) news report.

Community Community Rookie Blue A cop’s daughter and Leverage A team of skilled criminals Anger Manage- Anger ManageStudy group. (HD) Study group. (HD) other fresh rookies face harsh reali- fight against the powerful, corrupt ment Eccentric ment Eccentric ties. (HD) and unjust. (HD) therapist. (HD) therapist. (HD)

WACH E57

6

WKTC E63

4 22

A&E

46 130 The First 48: The House Next Door;

AMC

48

ANPL

41

BET

61

BRAVO

47

CNBC CNN

35 33

COM

57

6

11 PM

11:30

12 AM

(:29) Saturday Night Live Actresses Tina Fey and Amy Poehler host. (N) (HD) (:35) Scandal: Grant: For the People Quinn is put in a compromising position. (HD) The Andy Griffith Person of InterShow: Man in a est: Bad Code Hurry (HD) Jammin at HipAustin City Limits: Tom Waits pie Jack’s (N) “Burma Shave”; “On the Nickel”; more. (HD) Golan The Insa- (:45) High School Ring of Honor tiable: Pilot (HD) USA!: Adderall Wrestling (N) (HD) (HD) Cougar Town Bob’s Burgers Bob’s Burgers Dating and aging. Helping restau- Helping restau(HD) rant. (HD) rant. (HD) WIS News 10 at 11:00pm News and weather.

News 19 @ 11pm The news of the day.

ABC Columbia News at 11 (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS

DISN

18

DSC ESPN ESPN2

42 26 27

FAM

20

FOOD FOXN FSS

40 37 31

HALL

52

HGTV HIST

39 45

ION

13

LIFE

50

MSNBC NICK SPIKE

36 16 64

SYFY

58

TBS

24

TCM

49

TLC

43

TNT

23

TRUTV TVLAND

38 55

USA

25

WE WGN

68 8

The First 48: The Girl Who Knew Too The First 48: Abandoned By the (:01) The First 48: Lying in Wait: (:02) The First 48: Game Over; Long (:01) The First 48 The Showdown (HD) Much; The Guardian (HD) Bayou Bound & executed. (HD) With This Ring (HD) Walk Home (HD) (HD) Scrooged (‘88, Com edy) aaa Bill Murray.

A mean TV ex ec u tive is ex tra Imag ine: John Lennon 75th Birth day Con cert Broad cast of a con cert to honor the 75th birth Imag ine: John Lennon 75th Birth180 nasty on Christmas Eve, but ghosts change his ways. (HD) day of John Lennon. (N) day Concert 100 Pit Bulls and Parolees (HD) Pit Bulls and Parolees (HD) Pit Bulls and Parolees (N) (HD) (:02) Yankee Jungle (N) (HD) Pit Bulls and Parolees (HD) Yankee (HD) (5:00) Wait ing to Ex hale (‘95, (:15) Ty ler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Fam ily (‘11, Com edy) ac Ty ler Perry.

A woman must help her niece House of Payne (:31) House of (:02) House of 162 Drama) aac Whitney Houston. gather her family to share upsetting news with them. (HD) (HD) Payne (HD) Payne (HD) The Real Housewives of Beverly Bravo First Looks Legally Blonde (‘01, Comedy) aac Reese Witherspoon. A frivolous Legally Blonde (‘01, Comedy) 181 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Ciao, Tuscany!

Hills: Horsing Around (N) college student gets serious about law when she enrolls in Harvard. aac Reese Witherspoon.

62 Undercover Boss (HD) Undercover Boss (HD) Undercover Boss (HD) Undercover Boss (HD) Undercover Boss (HD) Undercover 64 CNN Newsroom Saturday Anthony Bourdain Parts Anthony Bourdain Parts Anthony Bourdain Parts To Be Announced Anthony (:52) Futurama Futurama Ro bot Futurama Ro bot (:28) Futurama Futurama: The Futurama (HD) Futurama (HD) Futurama: Zack and Miri Make a Porno (‘08, Com edy) Seth 136 (HD) fighting. (HD) Mafia. (HD) (HD) Honking (HD) Godfellas (HD) Rogen. Friends make an adult film to pay rent. (HD) Best Friends Liv and Maddie K.C. Undercover Kirby Buckets Lab Rats StuBUNK’D Video ev- Liv and Maddie The Muppets 80 BUNK’D: Secret Girl Meets World Austin & Ally Santa (HD) (HD) (HD) Whenever (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) dent’s app. (HD) idence. (HD) (HD) (‘11) aaa 103 Moonshiners (HD) Moonshiners: Gone A-Rye (HD) Moonshiners: Still Life (HD) Moonshiners (HD) Moonshiners (HD) Moonshiner 35 (5:30) College Football: Ohio vs Appalachian State z{| (HD) College Football: 2015 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State Red Wolves vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (HD) 39 Update (HD) NCAA Women’s Volleyball: Championship z{| College Basketball: UNLV Rebels at Arizona Wildcats (HD) College Basketball (HD) The Santa The Santa Clause 3: The Es cape Clause (‘06, Hol i day) ac Tim Allen. (:45) Na tional Lam poon’s Christ mas Va ca tion (‘89, Com edy) aaa Chevy Chase. Mem- Holiday in Hand131 Clause (‘94) (HD) Jack Frost tries to take over Christmas. (HD) bers of an eccentric family try to create the perfect Christmas vacation. (HD) cuffs (HD) 109 Diners (HD) American (HD) Chopped Sparkling cider. (HD) Chopped: Holiday Cooking (HD) Chopped (HD) Chopped Spiral ham. (HD) Chopped (HD) 74 FOX Report Saturday (HD) Watters World (N) Justice with Judge Jeanine (N) The Greg Gutfeld Show (N) Red Eye News satire. (HD) Justice (HD) 42 NHL Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Penguins z{| (HD) Postgame College Basketball: North Carolina-Asheville vs Georgetown Basketball 183 (6:00) Crown for Christmas (‘15, Ro- A Christmas Melody (‘15, Holiday) Mariah Carey. A single mother returns Mariah Carey’s Merriest Christmas Once Upon a Holiday (‘15, Romance) aac Briana mance) Danica McKellar. (HD) to her hometown with her young daughter. (HD) (N) (HD) Evigan. Disguised princess falls for citizen. (HD) 112 Home on the Ranch (HD) Home on the Ranch (HD) Home on the Ranch (HD) House Hunters (N) (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) The Ranch 110 Banned from the Bible II (HD) Christmas Dec: The 60s (HD) Christmas Dec: The 70s (HD) Christmas Dec: The 80s (HD) Christmas Dec: The 90s (HD) Christmas 160 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Trials Abusive parents. (HD) Confession (HD) Swing (HD) Lunacy (HD) Retro AIDS patients. (HD) SVU (HD) 145 (6:00) Wish Upon A Christmas (‘15, The Spirit of Christmas (‘15, Holiday) Jen Lilley. A lawyer selling a haunted (:02) Becoming Santa (‘15, Holiday) Laura Bell Bundy. Woman introduces The Spirit of Holiday) Larisa Oleynik. (HD) inn helps the ghost solve the mystery of his death. (HD) her boyfriend to her family, Santa and Mrs. Claus. (HD) Christmas (HD) 76 The House of Suh (HD) The Killing Game?

Lockup (HD) Special Edition (HD) Lockup An attack survivor. (HD) Lockup (HD) 91 Ho Ho Holiday Special Henry Shakers Nicky Thunderman Full House Full House Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Friends (HD) 154 Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (N) (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Law Abiding Citizen (‘09, Crime) aaa Jamie Foxx. A man seeks revenge. (HD) The Expanse: 152 (6:00) Angels & Demons (‘09, Thriller) aaa Tom Hanks. Experts probe a Skyfall (‘12, Action) aaac Daniel Craig. With MI6 under attack, James Bond comes to M’s rescue when her historical mystery. (HD) daunting past comes back to haunt her, forcing him to take down whoever gets in his way. (HD) Dulcinea (HD) 2 Broke Girls The Big Bang Billy on the The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Why Did I Get Married Too? (‘10, Comedy) ac Tyler 156 2 Broke Girls (HD) (HD) Theory (HD) Street Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Perry. Ex disrupts four vacationing couples. (HD) (5:15) The Dirty Dozen (‘67, Ac tion) The Shop Around the Cor ner (‘40, Com edy) aaac Mar ga ret Sullavan.

The Mor tal Storm (‘40, Drama) aaac Margaret Sullavan. A professor’s The Shopworn 186 Lee Marvin. Suicide mission.

Feuding co-workers are unaware they share a romance by mail. idyllic life is shattered by Adolph Hitler’s rise to power.

Angel (‘38) 157 Real Life Mysteries (HD) Real Life Mysteries (HD) Real Life Mysteries (HD) Real Life Mysteries (HD) Real Life Mysteries (HD) Mysteries 158 The Wizard of Oz (‘39, Fantasy) aaac Judy Garland. After a tornado, a (:20) The Wizard of Oz (‘39, Fantasy) aaac Judy Garland. After a tornado, a farm girl and (:40) Alice in Wonderland (‘10, Fanfarm girl and her dog are transported into a magical world. (HD) her dog are transported into a magical world. (HD) tasy) aaa Johnny Depp. (HD) 102 Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Adam Ruins Adam Ruins Adam Ruins Adam Ruins Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Adam Ruins 161 (5:30) Footloose (‘84) aac (HD) Instant (N) Instant (N) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) NCIS: Spider and the Fly Desperate NCIS: Swan Song Port-to-Port killer Modern Family Modern Family Satisfact. Speak 132 NCIS: Deliverance Gang war; cryptic NCIS: Outlaws and In-Laws Franks message for Gibbs. (HD) counseled. (HD) measures. (HD) infiltrates NCIS. (HD) (HD) (HD) to investors.

Law & Order: Justice (HD) Law & Order: Marathon (HD) Law & Order: Patsy (HD) Law & Order: Blood Money (HD) Law & Order: Sundown (HD) Law (HD) 172 Blue Bloods: Inside Jobs (HD) Blue Bloods: Men in Black (HD) Blue Bloods: Warriors (HD) Blue Bloods: Quid Pro Quo (HD) Grumpy Old Men (‘93) aaa Jack Lemmon. (HD)

‘Spirit of Christmas’ offers romance, mystery

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH While there’s nothing worse than a saccharine holiday film, I’ll gladly watch a bad Christmas movie if it’s weird or interesting enough. And the 2015 romance “The Spirit of Christmas” (8 p.m. Saturday, Lifetime) is plenty interesting and downright weird, with plenty of bad to go around.

Jen Lilley (“Days of Our Lives”) stars as Kate, a shrill corporate legal drone. She’s first seen oozing snark and jumping for joy when a dorky boyfriend chooses a holiday dinner date to break up with her. What a relief ! She’s the kind of woman who doesn’t have time for Christmas, or for love. She’s the perfect go-getter to send to a frozen clime to liquidate the assets of an estate that includes a charming country inn with a reputation for holiday hauntings.

There, she encounters Daniel Forsythe (Thomas Beaudoin), or at least his spirit. You see, he was murdered in 1920 and is cursed to return in human form every year, for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. As you can imagine, it’s unsettling for the guests.

For a reanimated spirit, Daniel is a bit of a stiff. He speaks in a formal, stodgy diction.

That goes double for his contemporaries, seen in flashbacks and other spectral states.

At times he looks like the kind of contemporary bearded hipster lampooned on “Portlandia,” steampunk types for whom “the dream of the ‘90s” means the 1890s. The scenes featuring these old-timey characters are consistently starchy, a bit like a costume museum come to life.

Kate is clearly modeled on the professional woman featured in every Hallmark movie ever made — the kind who lose their reserve and find themselves and love in a laid-back, small-town environment. But Kate the workaholic takes a tad too long to loosen up. And she really can’t fall for a dead guy, can she?

I’ll never tell.

• Friends and performers gather for “Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert” (9 p.m. Saturday, AMC, TV-14) to commemorate the life and music of the singer, songwriter and activist. Look for Kevin Bacon as performer and host,

COURTESY OF LIFETIME

From left, Jen Lilley, Thomas Beaudoin and Joanna Herrington star in “The Spirit of Christmas,” premiering at 8 p.m. today on Lifetime. along with Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, John Fogerty, Peter Frampton and Kris Kristofferson. The birthday tribute also features Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, who spent time in a band with Lennon and their late colleague, George Harrison, all those years ago.

• Speaking of musical flashbacks, NBC repeats “The Wiz Live!” (8 p.m. Saturday, TV-G), a small-screen adaptation of the 1975 Broadway musical. A staple of high school performances since then, this variation on “The Wizard of Oz” (7 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. Saturday, TNT) is also a time capsule of the pop music period just before the advent of disco and the arrival of hip-hop. “The Wiz Live!” was a ratings hit for the network, and it’s easy to see, and hear, why. Fans of the 1978 movie version of “The Wiz” (7 p.m. Sunday, Bounce, TV-PG) will have to wait a night.

• All over the world, some TV holiday traditions have nothing to do with Christmas at all. Some years back I spent a Christmas in France. At the time, at least one TV station aired nothing but Charlie Chaplin movies on the big day.

In Sweden, it’s just not Christmas without the airing of the 1958 “Walt Disney Presents” Christmas special “From All of Us to All of You,” starring Donald Duck. Apparently, the Swedish translation of the special boils down to: “Donald Duck and his friends wish you a Merry Christmas.” Who knew?

For some years now, ABC has been airing the 1965 musical “The Sound of Music” (7 p.m.

Sunday, TV-G) during the holiday season. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the beloved movie, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. This year, for the first time, ABC will air a “SingAlong” version, encouraging home viewers to climb every mountain from the comforts of their easy chairs. I have confidence many will do just that!

• Viewers in search of corny Christmas movies of a more recent vintage had better get going! There are only five binging days left! Sunday’s offerings include the 2015 romance “Christmas Land” (8 p.m., Hallmark), about a woman who inherits a Christmas tree farm, and “Christmas Under Wraps” (10

p.m., Hallmark), a 2014 romance set in Alaska. Ion shares “A Christmas Kiss” (7 p.m.), from 2011, and the 2013 romance “Christmas Belle” (9 p.m.). USA airs the 2015 comedy “Santa’s Little Helper” (8 p.m.), and the UP network offers “Naughty and Nice” (7 p.m.) and “The Christmas Clause” (9 p.m.).

actor Michael Caine.

• The Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals meet on “Sunday Night Football” (8:20 p.m., NBC).

• “Holiday Baking Championship” (9 p.m., Food, TV-G) wraps up its second season.

• Sunny and M.K. make their break from Quinn on the season finale of “Into the Badlands” (10 p.m., AMC, TV-14).

SATURDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS • Ash takes on demons from his past on “Ash vs Evil Dead” (9 p.m., Starz, TV-MA).

• Hard choices are made on the second season finale of “The Returned” (10 p.m., Sundance, TV-MA).

• Tina Fey and Amy Poehler host “Saturday Night Live” (11:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14), with musical guests Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

SUNDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS • Steve Harvey hosts the 64th Annual Miss Universe Pageant (7 p.m., Fox, TV-PG), live from Las Vegas.

• Scheduled on “60 Minutes” (7:30 p.m., CBS): profiles of Apple CEO Tim Cook and

SATURDAY SERIES A murdered Marine’s body holds vital evidence on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-PG) * A sicko takes inspiration from urban legends on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14).

SUNDAY SERIES The season premiere of “Undercover Boss” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A possible coup in Iran sends shockwaves on “Madam Secretary” (9:30 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * ATM schemers pose as Robin Hoods on “CSI: Cyber” (10:30 p.m., CBS, r, TVPG).

Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

TELEVISION

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

|

A5

SUNDAY EVENING DECEMBER 20 TW

WIS

E10

7 PM

FT

7:30

Football Night in America z{|

9

9

WOLO E25

5

12

WRJA E27 11 14

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

10:30

11 PM

11:30

12 AM

(:20) Sunday Night Football: Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles from Lincoln Financial Field z{| (HD)

WACH E57

6

WKTC E63

4 22

A&E

46 130 What Would You Do?: Bad Santas & The Making of Trump Donald Trump’s rise to success and transition to a

6

10 PM

WIS News 10 at Fix It & Finish It: 11:00pm News Horse Shoe Party and weather.

Pit (HD) NFL Football: 60 Minutes (N) (HD) Undercover Boss: Buffalo Wings & Madam Secretary: Tamerlane Eliza- CSI: Cyber: Shades of Grey A bank News 19 @ 11pm (:05) Scandal: Denver vs PittsRings Sports restaurant with fiery beth covertly goes to Iran. (HD) heist by a cyber Robin Hood. (N) (HD) The news of the White Hat’s Off burgh (HD) manager. (N) (HD) day.

(HD) The Sound of Music (‘65, Musical) aaac Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer. Sent to serve as governess to a stern Austrian naval officer’s difficult ABC Columbia Wolfgang: Holi- Person of Interchildren, a novice nun with doubts about her future teaches her young charges the joy of music as the family deals with the growing power of Germany’s News at 11 (HD) day Cooking Made est: Masquerade Third Reich. (HD) Easy (HD) Christmas in Masterpiece: Downton Abbey V The Masterpiece: Downton Abbey V Someone tries to ruin Growing a Great Houses With Julian Fellowes: Masterpiece: Downton Abbey V Greener World Switzerland (HD) Rose and Atticus’ happiness; Robert has a revelation.

Burghley House Historic home. (HD) Rose has an encounter with someone secret Edith is keeping is revealed.

Urban food. (HD) (HD) (HD) new. (HD) The 64th Annual Miss Universe Pageant Contestants from all across the globe convene at the Planet Hollywood WACH FOX News The Big Bang The Big Bang Celebrity Name TMZ (N) Resort and Casino in Las Vegas to compete for the honor of being named Miss Universe. (HD) at 10 Nightly Theory Donor se- Theory To the Game (HD) news report. duced. (HD) next level. (HD) How I Met Your How I Met Your Movie Family Guy Qua- Family Guy Qua- The Office Work- The Office Work- The Office WorkMother (HD) Mother (HD) hog family. hog family. day at Dunder. day at Dunder. day at Dunder.

(HD) (HD) (HD)

3 10 (HD)

WLTX E19

8 PM

CABLE CHANNELS

AMC

48

ANPL

41

BET

61

BRAVO

47

CNBC CNN

35 33

COM

57

DISN

18

DSC ESPN ESPN2

42 26 27

FAM

20

FOOD FOXN FSS

40 37 31

HALL

52

HGTV HIST

39 45

ION

13

LIFE

50

MSNBC NICK SPIKE

36 16 64

SYFY

58

TBS

24

TCM

49

TLC

43

TNT

23

TRUTV TVLAND

38 55

USA

25

WE WGN

68 8

(:01) Who is Donald Trump? A dar- What Would You Do?: Wedding The Making of career in politics. (HD) ing profile. (HD) Crashers & Pregnant Girl (HD) Trump (HD) Into the Badlands: Two Tigers Sub- Into the Badlands: Snake Creeps Into the Badlands: Hand of Five Poi- Into the Badlands: Hand of Five Poi- Into the Baddue Dragons (HD) Down Suspicions grow. (HD) sons (N) (HD) sons Fighting to escape. (HD) lands (HD) North Woods Law (HD) North Woods Law (N) (HD) (:02) North Woods Law (HD) (:02) North Woods Law (HD) North Wood For Colored Girls (‘10, Drama) aa Janet Jackson. A group of eight African-American women face a series of personal conflicts (:25) House of Rev. Peter Popoff related to issues of love, abandonment, domestic violence, rape and abortion. (HD) Payne (HD) The Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Happens Work Out New York: Spot Me, Bro! The Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Happens Housewives: Miami Spice (N) (N) (HD) (N) Miami Spice (HD) Miami Spice 62 Marijuana in America Marijuana Country Gunfight: (N) Cocaine Cowboys II (‘08) aaa Secrets of Mexico’s Drug War Gunfight: 64 Finding Jesus: Faith Finding Jesus: Faith Finding Jesus: Faith Finding Jesus: Faith Finding Jesus: Faith Finding Jesus (5:00) Hell Baby (:25) Ghostbusters (‘84, Com edy) aaac Bill Murray.

A group of para nor mal in ves ti ga tors The World’s End (‘13, Com edy) aaac Si mon Pegg.

Five friends’ strug gle to find a fabled 136 (‘13) aa (HD) goes into the ghost extermination business. (HD) pub turns into a fight to save mankind. (HD) Toy Story Time Best Friends Liv and Maddie K.C. Undercover Austin & Ally Jessie: Trashin’ 80 K.C. Undercover BUNK’D Bad luck Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (‘09, Comedy) Ray (HD) curse. (HD) Romano. Sid raises baby dinosaurs he finds.

Forgot (HD) Whenever (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Fashion (HD) 103 Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (N) Alaska: The Last Frontier (N) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska (HD) 35 Storied (HD) SportsCenter (HD) 30 for 30: The Gospel According to Mac (HD) Storied (HD) SportsCenter (HD) 39 2015 World Series Poker (HD) 2015 World Series Poker (HD) 2015 World Series Poker (HD) 2015 World Series Poker (HD) 2015 World Series Poker (HD) ESPN FC (HD) Na tional Lam poon’s Christ mas Va ca tion (‘89, Com edy) aaa Chevy (:15) Elf (‘03, Hol i day) aaa Will Ferrell.

A man raised by elves at the North Pole is sent to Mickey’s Carol Joel Osteen 131 Chase. A klutz plans a holiday celebration. (HD) New York to find his father, who is on Santa’s naughty list for being heartless. (HD) (‘83) aaa (HD) 109 Guy’s Grocery Games (HD) Guy’s Grocery Games (N) (HD) Holiday Baking (N) Cutthroat Kitchen (N) (HD) Cutthroat Kitchen (HD) Holiday 74 FOX Report Sunday (HD) Watters World Political humor.

FOX News Channel The Greg Gutfeld Show Watters World Political humor.

FOX Report 42 World Poker Tour no~ (HD) World Poker Tour no~ (HD) World Poker Tour: Alpha8 (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) Red Bull Christmas Land (‘15, Holiday) Nikki Deloach. A businesswoman inherits a Christmas Under Wraps (‘14, Drama) aaa Candace Cameron Bure.

Merry Matri183 (6:00) Royal Christmas (‘14, Romance) aaa Lacey Chabert. (HD) Christmas village and tree farm from her grandmother. (HD) A driven doctor moves to Alaska. (HD) mony (‘15) aa 112 Love It or List It (HD) Island Life (N) Island Life (N) Island Life (N) Island Life (N) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Island (HD) 110 Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Ax Men: Logged (N) (HD) Ax Men: Family Tree (N) (HD) The Curse of Oak Island (HD) (:03) Ax Men: Life & Limb (HD) Ax Men (HD) Christmas Belle (‘13, Romance) C. Thomas Howell. A handsome but Back to Christmas (‘14, Holiday) Kelly Overton. Second 160 A Christmas Kiss (‘11, Holiday) aac Elisabeth Röhm. Priscilla Hall and her assistant compete for Pricilla’s boyfriend’s attention. arrogant man hires an appraiser to clean out his parent’s home. chance to save engagement.

A Gift Wrapped Christmas (‘15, Holiday) aac Meredith Hagner. (:02) 12 Men Of Christmas (‘09, Romance) aa 145 12 Men Of Christmas (‘09, Romance) aa Kristin Chenoweth.

A New York publicist heads to Montana. (HD) Single father finds Christmas spirit. (HD) Kristin Chenoweth. Men in Montana. (HD) 76 Sex Slaves - Massage (HD) MSNBC Undercover (HD) Locked Up Abroad: Iraq (HD) Locked Up Abroad (HD) Lockup (HD) Lockup (HD) 91 (5:30) Sponge Sponge Sponge Sponge Full House Full House Full House Full House Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Friends (HD) 154 Bar Rescue (HD) Bar Rescue: Meat Sauna (HD) Bar Rescue New York bar. (HD) Bar Rescue (N) (HD) Bar Rescue (HD) Bar Rescue (6:00) Skyfall (‘12, Ac tion) aaac Dan iel Craig.

A venge ful James Bond The Bourne Ul ti ma tum (‘07, Thriller) aaac Matt Damon.

An am ne siac as sas sin tries to The Bourne Ul ti ma tum (‘07, 152 searches for the assassins behind the MI6 attacks. (HD) uncover the secrets of his past. (HD) Thriller) aaac Matt Damon. (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (‘13, Adventure) 156 The Big Bang Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) aaa Logan Lerman. Journey to sea.

(5:30) How Green Was My Val ley Broad way Mel ody of 1940 (‘40, Mu si cal) aaa Fred Astaire.

A dancer Born to Dance (‘36, Mu si cal) aac El eanor Powell. Three sailors spend Ben-Hur (‘25) 186 (‘41, Drama) Walter Pidgeon. almost misses the opportunity of star in a Broadway musical. their shore leave romancing three lovely dancers.

Ramon Novarro.

157 Hoarding: Buried Alive (HD) Jill & Jessa: Counting On (N) Jill & Jessa: Counting On (N) Married By Mom & Dad (N) (HD) Jill & Jessa: Counting On (HD) Married By The Librarians: And the Happily Ever Agent X: Angels & Demons Under- The Librarians: And the Happily Ever Agent X: Angels & Demons John The Librarian 158 (6:00) Four Christmases (‘08, Drama) aac Vince Vaughn. (HD) Afters (N) (HD) cover agent. (N) (HD) Afters (HD) goes undercover at a party. (HD) (‘06) aa (HD) 102 Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) 161 Reba (HD) Reba (HD) Reba (HD) Reba (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family 132 (6:00) Jingle All the Way 2 (‘14, Holi- Santa’s Little Helper (‘15, Holiday) (HD) day) Larry the Cable Guy. (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) CSI: Miami: Backstabbers (HD) CSI: Miami: Internal Affairs (HD) CSI: Miami: Throwing Heat (HD) CSI: Miami: No Man’s Land (HD) CSI: Miami: High Octane (HD) CSI Miami 172 Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (‘12, Holiday) ac Cheryl Ladd. (HD) The Muppet Christmas Carol (‘92, Family) aaa Michael Caine. (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met

Holiday Shoplifting (HD) 180 Into the Badlands: White Stork Spreads Wings (HD) 100 North Woods Law (HD) 162 Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family (‘11) Tyler Perry. (HD) 181 Atlanta Social (N) (HD)

REVIEWS

Star Wars flick will delight fans of original

BY LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer J.J. Abrams may not elevate the language of “Star Wars,” but he sure is fluent in it. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is no more and no less than the movie that made us love it in the first place. In fact, it’s basically the same thing. Isn’t that what we all wanted anyway?

It’s hard to talk rationally about “Star Wars.” It is a deeply silly thing, with a genuine, undeniable hold on our culture. Chalk it up to nostalgia, collective arrested development or the ineffable. But for many, the magic of “Star Wars” is inseparable from the magic of the movies and, hey, that’s no small thing.

These movies make us lose ourselves in the spectacle. They make us forget our best instincts. They make us love the advertising as much as the art.

They make us kids again.

In this way, “The Force Awakens,” the seventh movie in this improbable yet inevitable series, delivers.

It’s a movie made by someone who loves “Star Wars” deeply. Someone who can see more clearly than even its creator what made it so special to so many people. Abrams has taken everything that we adore about that first film, delicately mixed up a few elements and churned out a reverent homage that’s a heck of a lot of fun to watch.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Daisey Ridley as Rey, left, and John Boyega as Finn are seen in a scene from the new film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” directed by J.J. Abrams. The movie released in the U.S. on Friday.

From the opening scroll to the sequel-setup ending, he manages to hit each beat of its 38-year-old predecessor.

Abrams has essentially passed the torch on to its new cast by making them amalgamations of the originals.

You’ll know it when you see it. Who cares if it’s “Star Wars” Mad-Libs?

There’s the resistance-affiliated droid, who ends up stranded on a desert planet carrying a secret message (BB-8). There’s the nobody with the dead-end job and a Jedi obsession (Daisy Ridley’s Rey) who has a lifechanging encounter with said droid.

There’s the reckless kid uncertain of his allegiances (John Boyega’s Finn).

There’s the cocky pilot (Oscar Isaac’s Poe Dameron). There’s the powerful, masked villain, too (Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren).

The plot is as unwieldy and MacGuffin-filled as one might expect. It almost serves no purpose to go into the specifics at this point beyond the fact that the galaxy is in disarray, an evil army is growing (as is a resistance), and a series of coincidences help Rey collect a “Wizard of Oz”-worthy posse to help get BB-8 back to its rightful owners.

Brown is multi-dimensional on ‘Royalty’

BY MELANIE J. SIMS The Associated Press Chris Brown knows his strengths, and on his seventh studio album, “Royalty,” the singer plays to them with solid success. It’s a feat worth applauding, considering how disparate the multi-dimensional singer’s specialties seem to be.

There’s the electro-dance

stuff: the contagiously upbeat “Fine By Me,” the mid-tempo and cool “Zero” and the Tayla Parx-assisted “Anyway,” with its arena-filling waves of synth sounds.

There’s also the electronicinfluenced “A Little More (Wake Me Up).” “You inspire me, gimme a reason to keep on,” Brown sings to his daughter, Royalty, who appears on the album cover and

inspired the release’s title as well.

It’s good, radio-friendly pop music that seems as natural to Brown as traditional R&B fare. Brown pushes the R&B envelope, too, linking with Dutch DJ-producer Afrojack who worked on Brown’s “Look at Me Now” — for the very sexy “Discover,” with its trap-inspired production and slinky lyrics.

This time, it’s all because of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). He’s vanished. Those are the first words on the screen and the last we’ll say about the big mystery.

The action is nearly non-stop, as is the humor, which kicks into gear when Han Solo (Harrison Ford) finally shows up. Ford is in his element — delightful, energetic, funny, brash and fully Han, bantering with Chewie and everyone with the same verve he showed nearly 40 years ago.

If only the same showcase was given to Carrie Fisher, who is woefully, inexcusably underused as Leia.

As for the new characters, Ridley’s Rey is a dream. She is feisty, endearingly awe-filled, capable and magnetic. She is the new anchor. She is our Luke, and she’s much cooler than he ever was.

Driver’s Kylo Ren is also a disarmingly powerful presence, whose wickedness seeps through the mask. Boyega is appealing as Finn, too, even if his character doesn’t quite make sense on paper. (How do empathy, guilt and personality develop in a man who has been trained since birth to be a Stormtrooper?) But that’s taking things too seriously.

Others are less memorable, including Gwendoline Christie’s Captain Phasma, and Andy Serkis’ preposterouslooking Supreme Leader Snoke. And while Abrams captures the lively, hokey and practical visual fun of the originals, he occasionally slips into generic blockbuster mode. But those moments pass, and all it takes is a perfect John Williams music cue to transport you back into the cozy blanket of that galaxy far, far away.

Loving “Star Wars” without reserve isn’t an easily justifiable thing, and neither is the fun of “The Force Awakens.”

They are intrinsically linked. To love the original is to love this one. On its own, “The Force Awakens” probably isn’t much. It’s not likely to convert anyone, either. But for the rest of us — even the most casual of fans — it fits the bill just fine.

This CD cover image released by RCA shows “Royalty,” a new release by Chris Brown.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A6

|

WORLD

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

ONLINE DIRECTORY Visit theitem.com to see these advertisers dvertisers with live links to their website: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBE

FROM THE U.S. CENSUS NSUS BUREAU In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims — early settlers of Plymouth Colony three-day feast to celebrate — held a harvest. rvest. This event is regardeda bountiful by many as the nation’s first Thanksgiving.

The Wampanoag oag Indians in attendance played a key role. Historians storians have recorded ceremonies of thanks among mong other groups of European settlers in North These include the British orth America. colonists nists in Virginia as early as The legacy of thanks 1619. and st have survived the centuries, the feast as be came a national holiday the eventt be152 years ago go (Oct. 3, 1863) when President Abraham m Lincoln proclaimed the November as a national last Thursday off day of thanksgivving. Later, President Franklin clarified that Thanksgiving Roosevelt should alwayss be celebrated on the fourth the month to encourage Thursday of shopping, never on the earlier holidayy occasional fifthh Thursday.

CLICK HERE

R 25, 2015

| Serving South Carolina

since October 15,

1894 | $1.50 cents

20 adoptions fin in time for the hoalized lidays

WHERE TO FEASTT 117 million

Number of occupied housing across cross ss the nation in the second units ac quarter — all potential stops uarter of 22015 for Thanksgiving Thanksgiviing dinner. nner.

4.5 million

Number of multigenerationa l households househollds in the U.S. in 2014. It is households, consisting possible thesee of re generations, will have three or more to purchase largee quantities of food to accommodate all th the he family members sitting around for the holiday holida ffeast — even the tablee if there aree no guests!

4

Number of places in the named after the holiday’ United States s traditional main course. Turkey Creek Village, Louisiana, was the most populous in residents, followed by 2014, with 443 Turkey Creek, Arizona (412), Turkey City, Texas key Town, North Carolina (396) and Tur(296). There are also 11 townships in the U.S. with “Turkey” inn the thhe name.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Nun of the Missionaries of Charity prays during a special mass beside the tomb of Mother Teresa on the announcement of the approval towards her sainthood from the Vatican, in Kolkata, India, on Friday.

Pope approves miracle for Mother Teresa’s canonization attended a 1994 bishop synod at the Vatican together. At the time, he was Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

VATICAN CITY — Pope “Bergoglio had Mother TeFrancis has signed off on the miracle needed to make Moth- resa behind him, nearby, and he heard her intervene often er Teresa a saint, giving the with great strength, without tiny nun who cared for the letting herself in any way be poorest of the poor one of the intimidated by this assembly Catholic Church’s highest of bishops,” the Vatican honors just two decades after spokesman, the Rev. Federico her death.

The Vatican said Friday that Lombardi, later recounted.

“And from that he developed a Francis approved a decree atgreat esteem for her, as a tributing a miracle to Mother strong woman, a woman able Teresa’s intercession during to give courageous testimony.” an audience with the head of But Bergoglio, who has long the Vatican’s saint-making ofshown admiration for the fice on Thursday, his 79th women who raised him and birthday. taught him, added: “I would No date was set for the canhave been afraid to have had onization, but Italian media her as my superior, since she have speculated that the cerewas so tough.” mony will take Mother Tereplace in the first sa was born week of SeptemAgnes Gonxha ber — to coinBojaxhiu on cide with the Aug. 26, 1910, in anniversary of Skopje, Macedoher death and nia. She joined during Francis’ the Loreto Holy Year of order of nuns in Mercy.

1928, and in “This is fanAP FILE PHOTO tastic news. We Mother Teresa, head of Mission- 1946, while traveling by train are very happy,” aries of Charity, is seen in New from Calcutta said Sunita Delhi, India, in August 1993. to Darjeeling, Kumar, a was inspired to spokeswoman found the Missionaries of for the Missionaries of Charity in the eastern city of Kolka- Charity order. The order was established four years later ta (earlier called Calcutta), and has since opened more where Mother Teresa lived than 130 houses worldwide to and worked. provide comfort and care for The miracle responsible for the needy, sick and “poorest Mother Teresa’s canonization of the poor.” concerned the inexplicable Mother Teresa won the cure of a Brazilian man suffering from a viral brain infec- Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work with Calcutta’s destion that resulted in multiple titute and ill — work which abscesses. By Dec. 9, 2008, he continued even after she herwas in a coma and dying, sufself became sick. fering from an accumulation “The poor give us much of fluid around the brain. more than we give them,” The Rev. Brian KolodiejMother Teresa said in 1977. chuk, the postulator spear“They’re such strong people, heading Mother Teresa’s canliving day to day with no food. onization case, said in a statement Friday that some 30 min- And they never curse, never complain.” utes after the man was about St. John Paul II, one of to undergo surgery that never Mother Teresa’s greatest took place, he sat up, awake champions, waived the norand without pain, and was a mal five-year waiting period day later declared to be sympfor her beatification process to tom-free. begin and launched it a year The Vatican later attributed the cure to the fervent prayers after she died, convinced of her saintliness and apparently to Mother Teresa’s intercesintent on at least beatifying sion by the man’s wife, who her in his lifetime. He beprecisely at the time of his stowed that honor on her in scheduled surgery was at her 2003 in a Vatican ceremony. parish church praying alongArchbishop of Kolkata side her pastor.

Thomas D’Souza said the Mother Teresa, a Nobel news of the Vatican’s decision Peace Prize winner, died on was “the best Christmas gift Sept. 5, 1997, at the age of 87. one can get.”

At the time, her Missionaries “We are grateful to God, and of Charity order had nearly we are extremely happy,” he 4,000 nuns and ran roughly said.

600 orphanages, soup kitchWhile Mother Teresa is ens, homeless shelters and known and admired by many clinics around the world. around the world, she was not Francis, whose papacy has beloved by all. She was critibeen dedicated to ministering cized for taking donations to the poor just as Mother Tefrom Haitian dictator Jeanresa did, is a known fan. During his September 2014 visit to Claude Duvalier and disgraced American financier Albania, Francis confided to his interpreter that he was not Charles Keating. Detractors opposed her stance against only impressed by her fortibirth-control use in Calcutta’s tude but in some ways feared slums, which was nevertheit. less in keeping with church Francis recounted that he teaching opposing artificial had met Mother Teresa, an birth control. ethnic Albanian, when they

7

Lafayette Gold & Silver Exchange We Buy: Gold, Silver, .925 Jewelry, Diamonds, Coin Collections, Pocket Watches & Wrist Watches Flatware & Estates

Number of places and townships in the United States that are named Cranberry, a popular side dish at Thanksgiving. Cranberry township (Butler County), Pennsylvania, was the most populous of these places in 2014, with 30,170 residents.

Cranberry township (Venango Pennsylvania, was next County), (6,546).

32

Number of counties, places and townships in the United States named Plymouth, as in Plymouth Rock, the landing site of the first Pilgrims. The two counties, both named Plymouth, are in Massachusetts (507,022) and Iowa Plymouth, Minnesota, (24,874). is lous place, with 75,057 the most popuresidents in 2014.

There are two places in the United States named Pilgrim: one, a township in Dade County, Missouri, had a population the other, a census designated of 129; Michigan, had a population place in of 36. And then there is Mayflower, population was 2,345, Arkansas, whose and lage, California, whose Mayflower Vilpopulation was 5,662.

Participants in the First Feast 24.4 million

umber of U.S. residents of y as of 2014. Some could English ancesbe descendants f the Plymo th l

Jayson Hoagland, second from the of their two youngest left, and his wife Jennifer, children. Eight-yearJayden, 4 months, old Jackson, center,second from the right, stand and his grandmoth with their newly JIM stands with his ers, Nancy Browne, expanded family HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM sister Jemma, 5, far left, and Sharon after the adoption brother Jentry, McMillion, far right.

22 months, youngest g sis ssister stter

Biaan Bian annnnnual ual eve eveennntt prov even pr ides pr id id

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com

Just in time for days, 20 children the holiwere adopted into their forever families during Adoption Day at Sumter Finalization County Family

Sumterites grateful for family, friends

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

15 families with

Court on Monday.

Third Judicial Circuit Judge family court, really,” he George M. McFaddin said.

The Jr. start- twice special day is held ed Adoption every year, once Finalization Day in 2008 to expedite in June and once in November the numer. ous backlogge November is d adoption also cases in the nized as National recogarea.

“This is the happiest Month, declared Adoption such in 1995 day in

by President Bill Clinton, to

flag from the Statehouse People around grounds to the are taking stock Sumter heroic efforts of their blessings this Thanksgivof South Caroing after a momentou linians helps year in the Palmetto HARVIN ing each other the Charleston State. From recover from shootings to the 1,000-year flood, it nearly twoseems as though feet of rain and South raging Carolina has floodwaters. reeled from one catastroph At a time like e to another. this, people But there is say they are much to b most tha kf l h

new members promote awareness of the children in need of permanent families.

South Carolina of Social Services Department is promoting communit y education

SEE ADOPTION , PAGE A7

2 children killed in Monday blaze

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@the

and Clarendon item.com counties stayed at the scene until 5 The start of a.m.

Tuesday. the holiday season hit a low The residence after two girls died Monday with fire when was engulfed night in a Pinefirst respondwood house ers arrived, fire.

Christmas said.

Sumter County He said there Harvin Bullock Coroner ple, including were four peothe two chil5-year-old Isa said the girls, dren in id C

Open M-F 8:30-5:30, Sat 8-2 480 E. Liberty St. Sumter, SC 29150 (inside Coca-Cola Building Building))

803-773-8022

BY NICOLE WINFIELD The Associated Press

To advertise your business in this Online Directory and on theitem.com Call 803.774.1237

THE NEWS YOU WANT. HOWEVER YOU WANT IT.

LOCAL | STATE

THE SUMTER ITEM

EDUCATION FROM PAGE A1 a “vision” containing measurable objectives; • The state should create a “rigorous and transparent accountability system” to assess how goals are being met; • The state should provide intensive and immediate assistance to districts incapable of attracting or developing capable leadership; • The General Assembly should increase the poverty rating for districts in extreme poverty; and • The state should create a school infrastructure bank to approve low- or no-cost loans to poor districts.

The task force also focused on the need to strengthen and expand early childhood education and recommended that all state programs tasked with educating children younger than 4 be located in one agency.

The more than 100-page report also included calls for district consolidations, less time on buses, mandatory

WONDERLAND FROM PAGE A1 form a bond with the students,” said Anna Parker Hatfield, an eighth-grade student at Alice Drive.

Most of the festival’s play equipment was donated by “It’s all about God’s kids” ministry from Lancaster County.

Gene Reinhardt, ministry di-

training for school board members and increased funding for teachers in poor districts to levels above state averages.

The task force has been meeting in whole or in part since February.

“The approval of today’s report is a promising step towards advancing education reform in South Carolina,” Lucas said Wednesday. “The unwavering commitment Chairwoman Allison and the rest of this distinguished panel shares for our education system is evident in their ability to unanimously agree on specific ideas that will help give our students access to a 21st century education. I am very proud of this group and their extraordinary leadership in laying the groundwork for comprehensive education reform.”

Lucas said many of the recommendations will be introduced as part of the House education reform package, and bills including the recommendations will be referred to the appropriate committees and begin their way through the legislative process, the release stated.

Rick Reames, executive director of

rector, and other volunteers give their time each year.

“We do it all for God,” Reinhardt said. “In the last year we’ve started working more with special-needs children. It brings a smile to our faces to make them happy.”

Besides all of the games, children also got a chance to ride a choo-choo train provided by the Van Wyck community of Lancaster County.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

the Pee Dee Education Center in Florence County, and a task force member, applauded the task force for producing a unanimous report.

“I am pleased that, while there was some disagreement, in the final analysis there was unanimous agreement to accept the findings,” he said. “I hope the members of the General Assembly will take note of the great work the committee did and pass some meaningful legislation.”

Reames said that while much of the ground covered by the task force was not new to educators, it will be extremely helpful to the General Assembly.

“There were five subcommittees, and the information that came out of those is new and good information to the business people and legislators,” he said.”

Reames said in his opinion the most important thing to come out of the task force is the need to develop the quality of the educators.

“To me, developing a high quality teacher — anybody in an instructional

Kirk Jeffcoat, technical director at the Sumter Opera House, provided DJ music free of charge, along with his son, Joe. Jeffcoat’s wife, Julie, is a teacher who works with children with special needs at Kingsbury Elementary School.

“We have a heart for children with special needs,” Kirk Jeffcoat said. “We really love these kids.”

|

A7

capacity, teachers, administrators — developing the profession to make it more attractive to people who are interested in working with students in rural districts and improving their situation is the most critical thing,” Reames said.

“We have got to make it more attractive for people to go into the teaching profession.”

He said that does not mean other needs are not also important.

“We need more buses, more bus drivers — many kids on the buses too long,” he said. “We need staff development, we need buildings, we need funds just to operate the schools.”

Early childhood education would be his second priority, Reames said.

“We have got to provide good quality preschool education for children and get them ready for what they will encounter in kindergarten and first grade,” he said.

It will be a multi-year process, Reames said.

“We didn’t get in to this overnight, and we won’t get out of it overnight,” he said.

SALARIES FROM PAGE A1 at all, she said.

“Since the Great Recession, supply is declining. It’s taken a nosedive,” Barton said.

The state sets the minimum that districts must pay their teachers. Under the state’s 2015-16 minimum salary schedule, first-year

teachers with a bachelor’s degree make $29,500. In districts that pay only the minimum, teachers with a bachelor’s degree top out at $45,400 for 22 years of experience.

“In a perfect world, we’d have both. New people coming in would definitely have a bump up,” Maness said.

OBITUARIES JAMAL L. PENDERGRASS Jamal Leonard Pendergrass, 18, died on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, at Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia.

He was born on Dec. 25, 1996, in Sumter, a son of Jeffery Durant Pendergrass PENDERGRASS and Gwendolyn Miller Pendergrass. He was a senior at Lakewood High School, where he was an affectionate member of the band and he had a passion for playing drums. He was employed at Piggly Wiggly on Guignard in Sumter. He was a member of Fourth Crossroad Baptist Church and served as the church drummer.

Survivors are his loving parents of the home; one brother, Jeremy Montae Pendergrass of Rock Hill; paternal grandmother, Evangelist Sarah Miller of Silver; paternal grandfather, L.D. Gibson (Cassie) of St. Matthews; maternal grandparents, Deacon Durant and Emma Pendergrass of Manning; and greatgrandmother, Virgina Gibson of Manning.

Funeral services for Mr. Pendergrass will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Lakewood High School, Sumter, the Rev. G.K. Carter, Eulogist; Elder Charles Pendergrass and Minister Antonio Green, Assisting. Burial will follow in the Fourth Crossroad Baptist Church cemetery, Manning.

Mr. Pendergrass will lie in repose from 11:30 a.m. until the hour of service.

The family is receiving friends at his residence, 110 Independent Ave., Sumter.

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

REV. DR. LAWRENCE PRESLEY Reverend Dr. Lawrence Presley was born on Nov. 19, 1931, in Mayesville, a son of the late Johnson and Daisy Presley. He departed this earthly life on Dec. 16, 2015.

Rev. Presley received his eduPRESLEY cation in the public schools of Sumter. He was a graduate of Morris College School of Religion with a bachelor of arts; Charleston University, School of Religion, master of divinity; and Shaw University, School of Religion, doctor of divinity. He was a member of Galilee Baptist Church, Mayesville, and he later joined Chaney Grove Baptist Church. He served as pastor of the following churches: Pleasant Hill Baptist, Fork; Meltonville Baptist Church, Peachland, North Carolina; and Macedonia Bap-

tist Church, Cheraw.

Presley was a kind and loving husband, father, friend and neighbor.

Rev. Presley was first married to the late Willerdean Fuller Presley and to this union five were born.

He later married the former Margie Earley.

Rev. Presley leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving wife, Margie E. Presley of Lamar; one daughter, Maudine Presley of Sumter; three sons, Lawrence Presley Jr. and Tyrone Presley, both of Sumter, and Keith Earley of New Orleans, Louisiana; a daughter-in-law, Theresa Presley; three brothers, Richard (Annie Bell) Presley of Suitland, Maryland, Prince (Geraldine) Presley Sr. of Lynchburg and Ernest Presley of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania; one sister-in-law, Lurene Fuller of St. Matthews; two brothers-in-law, Henry (Florence ) Jackson of Winston, North Carolina, and J.C. Jackson of Columbia; six grandchildren, Shaquetta Dingle, Shakema Durant, Shiolah Mathis, Alexis Evans, De’nya Ragin and Stephon Mathis; two greatgrandchildren, Savion Madison and Kayden Budden; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Rev. Presley will be placed in the church at noon today for viewing an hour before service.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today at Chaney Grove Baptist Church, Timmonsville, with the Rev. Henry Peoples officiating and the Rev. Dr. Ralph W. Canty Sr., celebrant.

Interment will follow in Chaney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will be receiving friends at 219 Plaza Road, Lamar, SC 29069.

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

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

RICKY MOUZON MANNING — Ricky Mouzon died on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

He was born on Aug. 2, 1956, in the Workman community of Kingstree, a son of Alma Pendergrass Mouzon MOUZON and the late Neddie (Boodlem) Mouzon.

Funeral services for Mr. Mouzon will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday at Hayes F. & LaNelle J. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St., Manning, with the Rev. Jerome McCray officiating.

Burial will follow in St. John

AME Church Cemetery, Workman community, Kingstree.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Timothy Murray, 1103 Meagan Lane, Manning.

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

MARY LOUISE J. DAVIS Mary Louise James Davis departed this life on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, at the age of 87 years old, at Palmetto Health Richland hospital in Columbia.

She was born on Dec. 12, 1928, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Ellen Bracey James. Sister James was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. Louise worked for the Sumter County School District, Shevelle Zipper and also did modeling jobs in New York City. Louise was a member and the mother of Tabernacle of Praise Church in Columbia.

When you think of her, you will find yourself smiling because she had such a fun and spunky personality. Sister James was a true diva and never left the house without her nails and hair done. She was a loving and giving person, only wanting the best for her family. She even gave her family a gift on her birthday, giving them the chance to celebrate her 87th birthday with her.

She was the widow of Willie Davis and is survived by four children, Joe Arthur James (Wanda), Donald Jimmy James (Lisa), Troy Arthur James (Jameela) and Sharon James Johnston (Darren); stepchildren; goddaughter, Bertha Willis (John); adopted family, Clarice, Rodney and Maggie; 20 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews who she loved as they were her own.

She is survived by her sister, Fannie Geneva Fields (Grant); and Aunt Mattie from Philadelphia.

She was preceded in death

by Henry, Robert, Felton, George and Rovenia.

She also leaves her loving memories with other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary.

Mrs. Davis will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. on Sunday for viewing an hour before service.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with Overseer Dwayne Jeffcoat officiating. Interment will follow in Walker Cemetery.

The family will be receiving friends at Ashley Chase

Apartments No. 100, Sumter.

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

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

RUTH J. MARTIN Ruth James Martin, 76, departed this life on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

She was born on July 31, 1939, in Sumter, a daughter of the late Granderson James and Christine Rembert James.

The family will be receiving friends at the home, 19 Oakview Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

SYBIL A. HOLLIDAY AIKEN — Sybil Appelt Holliday, 89, widow of Edmund Holliday, died on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, at PruittHealth of Aiken.

Born on Nov. 29, 1926, in Manning, she was a daughter of the late John McLaurin Appelt and Thomasine Sprott Appelt. She was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by a daughter, Jeannie Banks (Allen) of Greenville; a sister-in-law, Maurine Appelt of Washington, Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Manning Cemetery.

Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org

MELVIN L. HODGE Melvin L. “Roy” Hodge, 72, husband of Rachel O. Hodge, died on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, at his home.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Melvin C. and Fannie Lawrence Hodge. He retired from Simpson’s Hardware and attended Green Acres Assembly of God. Survivors include his wife of Sumter; two sons, James M. Hodge and Bradley Ray Hodge (Jennifer), both of Sumter; four grandchildren, Ryan Andrew Hodge, Hannah G. Hodge, Breanna Nicole Hodge and Bradley Ray Hodge Jr.; three great-grandchildren, J.C., Ayden and Keylan; and a sister, Peggy Hodge Trimnal of Charleston.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, James M. Hodge Jr.; and a brother, William C. “Bill” Hodge.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens

Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Larry Griffin, the Rev. Michael Bowman and the Rev. Kenny Griffin officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday at Elmore-CannonStephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Green Acres Assembly of God, 537 Lewis Road, Sumter, SC 29154.

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

MARK E. BARKLEY FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — Mark Edward Barkley, 53, died on Sept. 25, 2015, at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale.

He was born on May 26, 1962, a son of the late James Herbert and Ann Lee Barkley.

He is survived by a brother, Robyn Barkley of Elgin.

Courtesy announcement by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

ALMA M. OUTLAW Alma Mixon Outlaw, 95, widow of Peter R. Mixon Sr. and J.E. Outlaw, died on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, at Sumter Health and Rehabilitation.

Services will be announced

by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

DIANE M. MATHIS Diane McFadden Mathis died on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

She was a daughter of Thomas McFadden and Mable Williams McFadden Taylor.

Funeral services for Mrs. Mathis will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Hayes F. & LaNelle J. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St., Manning, with the Rev. Jerome McCray officiating.

Burial will follow in Cypress Fork AME Church Cemetery, Alcolu.

The family is receiving friends at the home of her cousin, Bertie and Freddie White, 8088 June Burn Road, Cypress Fork section of Alcolu.

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

HENRY L. JACKSON JR. HORATIO — Henry L. Jackson Jr., age 76, beloved husband of Diane Gardner Jackson, died on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home.

A8

|

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE BANKS — The following will close at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24, and will remain closed Friday, Dec. 25: SAFE FedChristmas 19, 2015 eral Credit Union; Schedule: All South Dec. Federal Credit Union; and South State Bank.

The following will close at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24, and will remain closed Friday, Dec. 25: Bank of Clarendon; BB&T; First Citizens; The Citizens Bank; and Wells Fargo.

NBSC will close at noon on Thursday, Dec. 24, and will remain closed Friday, Dec. 25.

GOVERNMENT — The following will be closed Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 23-25: City of Sumter offices and Sumter County offices.

The following will be closed Thursday through Monday, Dec. 24-28: Clarendon County offices; Lee County offices; City of Manning offices; City of Bishopville offices; and South Carolina state government offices.

Federal government offices and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed Friday, Dec. 25.

SCHOOLS — The following will be closed Monday, Dec. 21, through Jan. 3, 2016: Sumter School District; Clarendon School Districts 1, 2 and 3; Lee County Public Schools; Robert E. Lee Academy; Thomas Sumter Academy; Wilson Hall; St. Anne Catholic School; St. Francis Xavier High School; and Laurence Manning Academy.

Clarendon Hall will be closed Monday, Dec. 21, through Jan. 4, 2016.

Sumter Christian School will be closed Monday, Dec. 21, through Jan. 3, 2016. A faculty in-service day will be observed on Jan. 4, 2016, and students will return on Jan. 5, 2016.

Central Carolina Technical College will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 23, through Jan. 3, 2016.

USC Sumter will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 23, through Jan. 1, 2016.

UTILITIES — Black River Electric Coop. will be closed Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24-25.

Farmers Telephone Coop. will be closed Friday, Dec. 25.

OTHER — Clemson Extension Service will be closed the week of Dec. 21-25.

The Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce will be closed Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24-25.

The Sumter County Library will be closed Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 23-27.

The Harvin Clarendon County Library will be closed Thursday through Monday, Dec. 24-28.

All offices of The Sumter Item will be closed Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24-25. The Sumter Item will not publish on Christmas Day.

AROUND TOWN kets and toiletries are being The Mayewood High School Class of 1977 will hold an orga- accepted for this event and can be dropped off at CJ’s nizational meeting at 11 a.m.

CaféClass or at the today at Mayewood Middle Mayewood High School of Guardian ad Litem office, 410 W. Liberty St. School. If1977 you are a member to meet Call Cheryl at (803) 316-5678. of this class, your help is needed in planning the 40th The Ebenezer Alumni Associaclass reunion. Come with tion’s Annual Scholarship Banideas and suggestions to quet will be held at 7 p.m. on make the reunion special in Saturday, Dec. 26, at Ebene2017. zer Middle School, 3440 EbLincoln High School Preservation enezer Road. Call (803) 494Alumni Association will meet at 2900.

4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, at Clarendon School District One the Lincoln High School cafe- will conduct free vision, hearing, teria, 22 Council St. Call speech and developmental James at (803) 968-4173. screenings as part of a child Heartz 2 Soulz will hold its annu- find effort to identify stual “Giving Back to the Communi- dents with special needs. ty Christmas Dinner and Gift Giv- Screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Suming Event” for local homeless, merton Early Childhood Cenaddicts, boarding houses, ter, 8 South St., Summerton, nursing homes, battered on the following Thursdays: women, and runaway kids, Jan. 14, 2016; Feb. 11, 2016; from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2016; April 14, 2016; Dec. 21, at CJ’s Café & Catering, 226 N. Washington St. (in- and May 12, 2016. Call Sadie side Econo Lodge). Donations Williams at (803) 485-2325, extension 116. of hats, scarfs, gloves, blan-

ARIES (March 21-April 19): A trip will be EUGENIA LAST enlightening.

The people you meet and the information you gather will help you make a wise decision that will affect your future.

Educational pursuits will lead to greater opportunities. A commitment can be made.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Learn from past mistakes. Don’t buy into something that has too many risks or people involved. You will do better on your own when it comes to money matters. Travel plans will give you something to look forward to.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your impulsive nature will be subject for gossip. If you don’t want to be the center of attention, tone down your lifestyle or be more discrete. Too much of anything will lead to trouble financially, mentally and emotionally.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A unique approach to what you do for a living will encourage you to diversify and search out positions that will allow you greater freedom to explore new territory. Romance is highlighted, and changes in your personal appearance will boost your confidence.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You’ll face personal problems if you neglect someone, or if you don’t take better care of yourself and your family.

Make the changes that will improve your domestic environment. A little festive cheer or a family surprise will smooth things over.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A romantic relationship will require attention. Make a promise that will bring you closer and give you a better understanding of what you will be able to pursue in the future.

The last word in astrology

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Plenty of sunshine

Clear

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Partly sunny and mild

Mild with occasional rain

Rain and a thunderstorm

53°

31°

58° / 39°

65° / 54°

69° / 61°

76° / 65°

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 75%

Chance of rain: 65%

WSW 4-8 mph

VAR 2-4 mph

ESE 4-8 mph

SE 3-6 mph

SSE 4-8 mph

S 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 49/25 Spartanburg 49/27

Greenville 51/31

Columbia 55/29

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

Sumter 53/31

IN THE MOUNTAINS Aiken 51/26

ON THE COAST

Charleston 55/33

Today: Plenty of sunshine; cooler in northern parts. High 51 to 55.

Sunday: Brilliant sunshine. High 57 to 62.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 53/35/s 31/24/s 62/50/s 32/24/pc 63/48/s 62/45/sh 60/48/s 41/33/s 68/51/s 44/30/s 69/44/s 54/44/pc 44/29/s

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

355.94 75.43 74.43 96.21

24-hr chg +0.08 -0.15 -0.16 +0.14

Sunrise 7:22 a.m.

Moonrise 1:08 p.m.

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

0.29" 0.82" 1.83" 58.18" 35.08" 45.43"

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

66° 53° 56° 34° 77° in 2008 16° in 1953

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest.

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

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 57/43/s 46/41/c 67/53/c 43/39/pc 72/63/c 63/47/pc 72/63/pc 45/39/s 73/60/pc 45/35/s 63/43/s 55/48/r 47/36/s

Myrtle Beach 52/35

Manning 52/29

Today: Plenty of sun. Winds southwest 4-8 mph. Clear.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. Winds light and variable.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 52/30

Bishopville 52/28

Sunset 5:16 p.m.

Moonset 12:54 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Dec. 25

Jan. 2

Jan. 9

Jan. 16

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 8.70 -0.08 19 4.90 +0.30 14 6.42 -0.03 14 5.53 +0.48 80 78.47 -0.19 24 11.61 +4.64

AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 2:49 a.m.

3:20 p.m.

3:55 a.m.

4:24 p.m.

Today Sun.

Ht. 3.0 3.0 3.1 2.9

Low Ht. 9:51 a.m. 0.2 10:19 p.m. -0.3 10:59 a.m. 0.1 11:18 p.m. -0.4

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 47/24/s 53/31/s 55/28/s 55/34/s 52/40/s 55/33/s 50/25/s 54/31/s 55/29/s 51/29/s 47/29/s 50/27/s 51/29/s

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 52/33/s 58/39/s 62/38/s 62/47/s 55/49/s 62/46/s 55/35/s 56/40/s 59/38/s 56/37/s 52/38/s 54/34/s 55/36/s

City Florence Gainesville Gastonia Goldsboro Goose Creek Greensboro Greenville Hickory Hilton Head Jacksonville, FL La Grange Macon Marietta

Today Hi/Lo/W 52/30/s 59/38/s 49/26/s 50/30/s 53/31/s 47/27/s 51/31/s 49/27/s 54/40/s 57/37/s 53/29/s 55/27/s 52/30/s

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 57/39/s 70/52/pc 54/34/s 54/38/s 60/45/s 52/35/s 56/37/s 52/34/s 60/51/s 68/53/s 58/43/s 61/40/s 57/40/pc

City Marion Mt. Pleasant Myrtle Beach Orangeburg Port Royal Raleigh Rock Hill Rockingham Savannah Spartanburg Summerville Wilmington Winston-Salem

Today Hi/Lo/W 48/22/s 53/35/s 52/35/s 54/33/s 53/36/s 48/27/s 49/25/s 50/24/s 55/33/s 49/27/s 53/30/s 52/31/s 47/28/s

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 51/31/s 60/48/s 58/46/s 59/42/s 61/49/s 52/35/s 54/34/s 54/32/s 65/49/s 53/36/s 60/44/s 57/42/s 52/35/s

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

For Comfort You Can Count On, Better Make It Boykin!

803-775-WARM (9276) www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

Don’t limit what you can do. Be the driving force.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Problems at home will surface if you neglect your responsibilities or someone lets you down. Talk to a trusted ally and you will figure out a solution that can help you improve your emotional situation. Change will lead to happiness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A little bit will go a long way. Don’t feel you have to overspend to compensate for the times you have been too busy to be attentive to loved ones.

Make it up by spending time with them and you will be rewarded.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Helping others is admirable, but not if it’s at the expense of those closer to home. Include loved ones in your outings. A family that plays together, stays together. Positive changes at home will lead to a happier lifestyle.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Participate in worthwhile ventures.

Taking on a task that will ensure you have all your personal documents in order before the year comes to a close will put your mind at ease, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with your family.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You are overdue for a change. Assess your current position and you’ll come up with a way to use your talents more appropriately. You have plenty to offer. Be true to yourself, make good choices and don’t look back.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Dreams can lead to new beginnings if you take action. Don’t let negativity stand in your way. It’s important to use your skills to bring you the happiness you deserve. Personal improvements and romantic encounters are favored.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 FRIDAY

POWERBALL WEDNESDAY

4-14-23-25-33 PowerUp: 2

9-10-32-42-55 Powerball: 6; Powerplay: 2

PICK 3 FRIDAY

PICK 4 FRIDAY

4-0-4 and 9-2-0

1-3-0-0 and 8-0-2-6

LUCKY FOR LIFE THURSDAY 9-14-22-28-46; Lucky Ball: 3

MEGAMILLIONS FRIDAY Numbers unavailable at press time.

SPCA CAT OF THE WEEK Rosie, a spayed and housebroken 1-year-old tortoiseshell American short hair, is available for adoption at the Sumter SPCA. She is a sweet, loving and affectionate cat.

She is excellent with other cats and loves to be given lots of attention. Rosie would make an excellent new family addition. The Sumter SPCA is located at 1140 S. Guignard Drive, (803) 773-9292, and is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Visit the website at www.sumterscspca.com.

SECTION

b

Saturday, December 19, 2015 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

prep basketball

Sweet revenge Lady Knights top Sumter 55-50 in overtime

college basketball

USC stops Clemson to go 10-0 on season Gamecocks off to best start in 82 years

By PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press

Keith Gedamke / The Sumter Item

Sumter’s Kyra Wilson (5) tries to drive the baseline against Crestwood’s Avis Murphy during the Lady Knights’ 55-50 overtime victory on Friday at the SHS gymnasium.

By EDDIE LITAKER Special to The Sumter Item

end of three quarters and stretched that lead to nine, 37-28, with a 7-0 run to open It took an extra period to the fourth quarter. After a get the job done, but CrestSumter timeout, the Lady wood High School’s varsity Gamecocks went on a 9-1 run girls basketball team evened to cut the lead to one, 38-37, its season series with Sumter before an Avis Murphy at a game apiece on Friday, jumper from the left side, a taking a 55-50 victory at the Cawasha Ceasar free throw SHS gymnasium. and two Lindsey Rogers free With the win, the Lady throws pushed the lead back Knights avenged a 53-39 loss to six, 43-37, before a 7-1 Lady to the Lady Gamecocks last Gamecock run took it to Friday at Crestwood. overtime.

Crestwood led 30-28 at the Kiara Jones scored six of

her 14 points in overtime, including all four of her freethrow attempts, but that would represent all of Sumter’s scoring in the extra four minutes.

“I’m proud of the girls and the way they competed tonight,” said Crestwood head coach Tony Wilson, whose team stands at 4-1 on the season. “I think that’s the biggest difference between the first time we played them and this time, because we came out and competed. In

the first game they outhustled us, they had all the loose balls, all the rebounds, and (tonight) we just came out and competed from the start of the game. I told the girls if we come out and compete and play hard, I think we may be able to win the game, and tonight we did that.”

Sumter committed 25 turnovers in the game and hit on just 12 of 23 free throw attempts, including just one of

See revenge, Page B3

Fast start lifts Crestwood past SHS

By JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com There was no double-overtime needed to decide Friday’s second varsity boys basketbll matchup between Crestwood and Sumter high schools.

Not with the type of first quarter the Knights had.

Crestwood scored the first 11 points of the game, and despite a second-quarter surge from the Gamecocks, the Knights used a strong second-half to hold off SHS for a 58-50 victory at the Sumter High gymnasium.

Both teams are now 3-2 overall and split the season series 1-1.

“I think we came in tonight a lot more focused,” Crestwood head coach Dwayne Edwards said. “We played within our concept.

When you play as a team, good things happen and I thought tonight we played as a team.

“We came out with a lot of energy tonight.”

First-year Gamecocks head coach Shawn Jones could not say the same for his squad. Sumter missed its first seven shots and had just two baskets in a first quarter that saw the deficit balloon to 20 at one point.

The Gamecocks were 1-of-6 from 3-point range as well in the first eight minutes.

“We were just not ready to play, and that’s on me,” Jones said. “We came out dead. We dug ourselves a hole and just couldn’t get out of it.

“That’s the worst way to lose.”

Meanwhile Crestwood’s Ja Morant picked up right where he left off last week against SHS. The junior guard had 10 of his 17 points in the first frame and combined with Devin Nelson’s seven, it provided a 1-2 punch that saw the Knights grab a 23-5 lead after one period.

CHS was up 27-7 early in

KEITH GEDAMKE / The Sumter Item

Crestwood’s Dakota Jennings (20) shoots over Sumter’s Ahmad Peoples (23) in the Knights’ 58-50 victory on Friday in the SHS See fast, Page B3 gymnasium.

GREENVILLE — South Carolina coach Frank Martin wasn’t going to feel bad about this victory, no matter how close the Gamecocks came to blowing a 20-point lead over rival Clemson.

Michael Carrera scored 14 points and freshman PJ Dozier had 13 as South Carolina gave up most of its large lead before holding on to defeat rival Clemson 65-59 and open 10-0 for the first time in 82 years.

“When you go on the road and win, you do cartwheels on the highway all the way home,” said Martin, South Carolina’s fourth year coach who’s got his team off to its best start since 1933-34.

That group, led by coach A.W. Norman, won its first 17 games before losing. Martin’s not worried about any of that, just about prepping for the next one.

“We’ve got to stay in the moment,” Martin said.

It was an almost a moment to forget for the Gamecocks, who led 38-18 in the first half before seeing the margin shrink to 57-53 with six minutes left. Still, South Carolina held on with defense and timely foul shooting to remain undefeated.

“It feels good, not just that we beat Clemson, but that we continued our winning streak,” South Carolina guard

See usc, Page B3

usc football

Muschamp adds Hutzler as special teams coach From staff reports COLUMBIA — New University of South Carolina football head coach Will Muschamp has named Coleman Hutzler as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.

Also, Muschamp filled two Muschamp off-the-field spots on his staff. Clyde Wrenn has been named Director of High School Relations and Assistant to Muschamp, while Robbie Liles has been promoted to Director of Player Personnel.

Hutzler, 31, spent the 2015 season as the special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach at Boston College. He was at Florida on two occasions, serving on Muschamp’s staff in 2011 and 2014.

He was the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach both times.

“Coleman is a very detailed, high energy coach,” said Muschamp. “He did a great job for us at Florida and had an outstanding year at Boston College under Steve Addazio.”

See coach, Page B4

B2

|

sports

Saturday, December 19, 2015

The SUMTER ITEM

Scoreboard

pro football

TV, RADIO

Billy Hurst/The Associated Press

Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin, center, is pulled down by St. Louis defensive tackle Aaron Donald, right, and outside linebacker Mark Barron during the Rams. 31-23 victory on Thursday.

Rams top Bucs in potential final home game in St. Louis

By R.B. FALLSTROM The Associated Press

Super Bowl championship team attended the game, including Orlando Pace, Isaac ST. LOUIS — If this was the Bruce and Torry Holt, plus Rams’ last game in St. Louis, Kurt Warner and Marshall they did what they could to Faulk from the NFL Network. leave the fans smiling.

At halftime, Warner took off “I can’t really determine his sports jacket and tossed a what’s going to happen, what’s pass to Bruce, who made the not going to happen,” defencatch as he was running along sive end William Hayes said the home team’s sideline and after the Rams started fast jogged into the end zone. and beat the Tampa Bay BucAs for the actual game, here caneers 31-23 in their home fi- are some reasons why the nale on Thursday night.

Rams beat the Buccaneers: “The one thing I can say is it was pretty awesome for the OFFENSIVE SURGE St. Louis has won two support they gave us.” straight with a notable spike The Rams rolled in what in production under new comight have been their final ordinator Rob Boras. home game before a possible Tavon Austin scored twice, move to Los Angeles.

Quarterback Case Keenum Todd Gurley topped 1,000 yards rushing for the season certainly played inspired. He was 14 of 17 for 234 yards and and Keenum threw both touchdown passes in the first two touchdowns with a nearquarter. The 31st-ranked ofperfect passer rating of 158. fense rolled to a 21-3 halftime “Obviously, the fans were lead. incredible — chanting and “We come pumped up every yelling and being loud when the defense needed them to be game, not just in case it might be our last game here,” Ausloud,” Keenum said. “I think it was a great atmosphere and tin said. “We’re going to come in and play our game and I think it was a great atmosphere for the nation to watch handle our business.” and see.”

BIG PLAYMAKERS The Edward Jones Dome Todd Gurley needed 25 has been about half-filled most of the season, and the fi- yards to become the first Rams rookie to rush for 1,000 nale wasn’t much better. The team announced 51,295 tickets yards since Jerome Bettis. He didn’t get it by much, gaining had been distributed for the 48 yards on 21 carries.

66,000-capacity dome.

Austin is the first player But those who showed up since Gale Sayers in 1965 to were into it. score at least four rushing Fans chanted “Keep Our touchdowns, five receiving Rams! Keep Our Rams!” and touchdowns and one touchcarried signs, one of them down on a punt return in a reading “We Don’t Need season. He leads the Rams Kroenke, We Just Want our with 10 total TDs. Rams.”

Owner Stan Kroenke, who TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE wants to move the Rams (6-8) Up 31-13, the Rams became to Los Angeles, attended the conservative, and Jameis finale but kept a low profile.

Winston took advantage with Several stars from the 1999

two touchdown passes in a big fourth quarter. He had just 125 yards passing the first three quarters but finished with a career-best 363, his first 300-yard effort, for Tampa Bay (6-8).

The halftime deficit was the Buccaneers’ largest since they were down 35-7 against Tennessee in their opening 42-14 loss. So, Tampa Bay’s total output of 509 yards rang hollow.

“We didn’t see a whole lot to be excited about,” coach Lovie Smith said. “On the road to becoming a championship team, you have to keep building, and again we are not there yet.”

BIG RETURNS Benny Cunningham had a 102-yard kickoff return to the 3 in the fourth quarter, setting up a field goal. The backup running back wasn’t happy about getting caught.

“I’m starting to realize I’m maybe a little too big for this kickoff thing,” Cunningham joked.

Cunningham also opened the game with a 44-yard return to set up the opening touchdown, Austin’s 17-yard scoring reception on a quick screen.

MAGIC MIKE Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans had nine catches for 157 yards and has topped 1,000 yards both of his seasons. He has five 100-yard games and is trying to keep his chin up after Tampa Bay’s second loss in five days.

“Our chances plummeted but we’re going to keep fighting,” Evans said. “We’ve tripled our win total of last year and we want to quadruple it when we get these last two wins.”

sports items

Christmas tournament starts Monday The Chestnut Oaks Christmas Basketball Tournament will be held Monday through Wednesday at the Chestnut Oaks Middle School gymnasium.

The tournament will feature nine middle school boys teams and six girls teams.

Play will start on both Monday and Tuesday at 9 a.m. with the final game each day scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.

The championship games will be played on Wednesday.

The girls game will start at 1 p.m. followed by the girls at 2 p.m.

Chestnut Oaks Christmas Tournament: Monday

9 a.m. — Chestnut Oaks vs. Hillcrest (Boys) 10 a.m. — Alice Drive vs. Furman (Boys) 11 a.m. — Southeast vs. Hillcrest (Boys) Noon — Alice Drive vs. Darlington (Girls) 1 p.m. — Alice Drive vs. Darlington (Boys) 2 p.m. — Bates vs. Mayewood (Boys) 3 p.m. — Chestnut Oaks vs. Manning (Boys)

4 p.m. — Bates vs. Darlington (Girls) 5 p.m. — Bates vs. Darlington (Boys) 6 p.m. — Furman vs. Mayewood (Girls) 7 p.m. — Furman vs. Mayewood (Boys)

Tuesday

9 a.m. — Alice Drive vs. Mayewood (Boys) 10 a.m. — Chestnut Oaks vs.

Mayewood (Girls) 11 a.m. — Southeast vs. Chestnut Oaks (Boys) Noon — Manning vs. Hillcrest (Boys) 1 p.m. — Furman vs. Darlington (Boys) 2 p.m. — Chestnut Oaks vs. Furman (Girls) 3 p.m. — Manning vs Southeast (Boys) 4 p.m. — Furman Bates (Boys) 5 p.m. — Mayewood vs. Darlington (Boys) 6 p.m. — Alice Drive vs. Bates (Girls) 7 p.m. — Alice Drive vs. Bates (Boys)

Wednesday

1 p.m. — Girls Championship 2:30 p.m. — Boys Championship

NBA Pacers 104 Nets 97

INDIANAPOLIS — Paul George scored 23 points, reserve Jordan Hill had 14 points and 11 rebounds and the Indiana Pacers beat the

Brooklyn Nets 104-97 on Friday night.

Rodney Stuckey added 15 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Pacers (16-9), who won their third straight.

Magic 102 Trail Blazers 94

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tobias Harris and Nik Vucevic each scored 25 points to propel the Orlando Magic to a 102-94 win over Portland.

Elfrid Payton added 19 points and Victor Oladipo scored 15 points and had six assists for the Magic, who won their third straight game.

Knicks 107 76ers 97

PHILADELPHIA — Arron Afflalo had 22 points and seven rebounds, Derrick Williams scored 17 off the bench and the New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 107-97 Friday night for their third win in a row.

TODAY 9:30 a.m. – Soccer: Bundesliga League Match – Bayern Munich vs. Hannover 96 (FOX SPORTS 1).

9:30 a.m. – Soccer: Bundesliga League Match – Borussia Dortmund vs. Cologne (FOX SPORTS 2).

9:55 a.m. – Soccer: English Premier League Match – Sunderland vs. Chelsea (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

10 a.m. – Soccer: English Premier League Match – Norwich City vs. Manchester United (USA).

11 a.m. – High School Basketball: Rainier Beach vs. Simeon (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

Noon – College Football: Celebration Bowl from Atlanta – Alcorn State vs.

North Carolina A&T (WOLO 25).

Noon – College Basketball: Wichita State at Seton Hall (WACH 57).

Noon – College Basketball: Utah vs.

Duke from New York (ESPN).

Noon – College Basketball: Villanova at Virginia (ESPN2).

Noon – College Basketball: Western Kentucky at Louisville (ESPNU).

Noon – College Basketball: Auburn at Xavier (FOX SPORTS 1).

Noon – College Basketball: North Carolina-Asheville at Georgetown (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST).

Noon – College Basketball: Cornell at Syracuse (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

Noon – College Basketball: Georgia Tech at Georgia (SEC NETWORK).

Noon – High School Football: Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas from Spartanburg (WPUB-FM 102.7).

12:30 p.m. – International Soccer: English Premier League Match – Aston Villa vs. Newcastle (WIS 10).

12:30 p.m. – High School Basketball: St. Anthony vs. Corona del Sol (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

12:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Michigan State at Northeastern (NBC SPORTS NEWORK).

1 p.m. – College Basketball: UCLA vs.

North Carolina from Brooklyn, N.Y. (WLTX 19).

1:30 p.m. – International Soccer: Dutch League Match – PEC Zwolle vs.

PSV (UNIVISION).

2 p.m. – High School Volleyball: Under Armour All-America Match and Skills Challenge from Omaha, Neb. (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

2 p.m. – College Football: New Mexico Bowl from Albuquerque – Arizona vs.

New Mexico (ESPN).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Indiana vs. Notre Dame from Indianapolis (ESPN2).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Creighton at Oklahoma (ESPNU).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Northwestern at DePaul (FOX SPORTS 1).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: College of Charleston at Miami (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

2 p.m. – College Basketball: Oral Roberts at Louisiana State (SEC NETWORK).

3:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Ohio State vs. Kentucky from Brooklyn, N.Y. (WLTX 19).

3:30 p.m. – College Football: Las Vegas Bowl from Las Vegas – Brigham Young vs. Utah (WOLO 25).

4 p.m. – International Swimming: Duel in the Pool from Indianapolis – United States vs. Europe (WIS 10).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: Cincinnati at Virginia Commonwealth (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

4 p.m. – College Football: NCAA Division II Championship Game from Kansas City, Kan. – Northwest Missouri State vs. Shepherd (W.Va.) (ESPN2).

4 p.m. – College Football: NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs Semifinal Game – Sam Houston State at Jacksonville State (ESPNU).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: ArkansasPine Bluff at Texas Tech (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

4 p.m. – College Basketball: Tulane at Mississippi State (SEC NETWORK).

5:30 p.m. – College Football: Camellia Bowl from Montgomery, Ala. – Ohio vs. Appalachian State (ESPN).

6 p.m. – College Basketball: North Carolina State at Missouri (SEC NETWORK).

7 p.m. – College Football: Cure Bowl from Orlando, Fla. – San Jose State vs.

Georgia State (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State from Des Moines, Iowa (ESPNU).

7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Charlotte at Washington (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST, NBA TV).

7 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Carolina at Pittsburgh (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. – College Hockey: Michigan State at Northeastern (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

7:30 p.m. – Women’s College Volleyball: NCAA Tournament Championship Match from Omaha, Neb. – Texas vs. Nebraska (ESPN2).

8 p.m. – College Basketball: Florida vs.

Oklahoma State from Sunrise, Fla. (FOX SPORTS 1).

8 p.m. – NFL Football: New York Jets at Dallas (NFL NETWORK, WWFN-FM 100.1, WNKT-FM 107.5).

8 p.m. – College Basketball: Wofford at Vanderbilt (SEC NETWORK).

9 p.m. – College Football: New Orleans Bowl from New Orleans – Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech (ESPN).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: Baylor at Texas A&M (ESPNU).

9:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Nevada-Las Vegas at Arizona (ESPN2).

10:15 p.m. – Professional Boxing: Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz for the WBA Heavyweight Title and Nicholas Walters vs. Jason Sosa in a Super Featherweight Bout from Verona, N.Y. (HBO).

11 p.m. – College Basketball: Tennessee vs. Gonzaga from Seattle (ESPNU).

11:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Texas at Stanford (ESPN2).

1:30 a.m. – College Basketball: Florida Atlantic vs. Florida State from Sunrise, Fla. (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST).

1:50 a.m. – International Soccer: FIFA Club World Cup Japan Third-Place Match from Yokohama, Japan -- Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs. Guangzhou Evergrande (FOX SPORTS 1).

3 a.m. – College Basketball: Rider at Providence (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST).

NFL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

W L T Pct PF PA y-New England 11 2 0 .846 402 253 N.Y. Jets 8 5 0 .615 325 256 Buffalo 6 7 0 .462 316 301 Miami 5 8 0 .385 264 331 South

W L T Pct PF PA Indianapolis 6 7 0 .462 275 356 Houston 6 7 0 .462 259 291 Jacksonville 5 8 0 .385 326 357 Tennessee 3 10 0 .231 253 326

North

W L T Pct PF PA Cincinnati 10 3 0 .769 354 229 Pittsburgh 8 5 0 .615 344 260 Baltimore 4 9 0 .308 278 326 Cleveland 3 10 0 .231 240 357 West

W L T Pct PF PA Denver 10 3 0 .769 281 225 Kansas City 8 5 0 .615 331 243 Oakland 6 7 0 .462 299 326 San Diego 3 10 0 .231 250 334 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East

W L T Pct PF PA Washington 6 7 0 .462 281 307 Philadelphia 6 7 0 .462 301 322 N.Y. Giants 6 7 0 .462 338 320 Dallas 4 9 0 .308 230 305 South

W L T Pct PF PA y-Carolina 13 0 0 1.000 411 243 Atlanta 6 7 0 .462 279 295 Tampa Bay 6 8 0 .429 311 353 New Orleans 5 8 0 .385 323 397 North

W L T Pct PF PA Green Bay 9 4 0 .692 317 245 Minnesota 8 5 0 .615 258 255 Chicago 5 8 0 .385 272 314 Detroit 4 9 0 .308 267 336 West

W L T Pct PF PA x-Arizona 11 2 0 .846 405 252 Seattle 8 5 0 .615 340 235 St. Louis 6 8 0 .429 241 294 San Francisco 4 9 0 .308 188 315 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division

Saturday’s Game

N.Y. Jets at Dallas, 8:25 p.m.

Sunday’s Games

Chicago at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Atlanta at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at New England, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at Washington, 1 p.m.

Kansas City at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.

Green Bay at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Miami at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

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

Denver at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m.

Arizona at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

NBA Standings

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

W L Pct GB Toronto 16 11 .593 — Boston 14 12 .538 1½ New York 12 14 .462 3½ Brooklyn 7 18 .280 8 Philadelphia 1 26 .037 15 Southeast Division

W L Pct GB Miami 15 9 .625 — Charlotte 15 10 .600 ½ Orlando 14 11 .560 1½ Atlanta 15 12 .556 1½ Washington 10 14 .417 5 Central Division

W L Pct GB Cleveland 17 7 .708 — Chicago 15 8 .652 1½ Indiana 15 9 .625 2 Detroit 15 12 .556 3½ Milwaukee 10 17 .370 8½

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division

W L Pct GB San Antonio 22 5 .815 — Dallas 14 12 .538 7½ Memphis 14 13 .519 8 Houston 13 14 .481 9 New Orleans 7 18 .280 14 Northwest Division

W L Pct GB Oklahoma City 17 9 .654 — Denver 11 14 .440 5½ Utah 10 14 .417 6 Portland 11 16 .407 6½ Minnesota 9 16 .360 7½ Pacific Division

W L Pct GB Golden State 25 1 .962 — L.A. Clippers 16 10 .615 9 Phoenix 11 16 .407 14½ Sacramento 10 15 .400 14½ L.A. Lakers 4 22 .154 21

Thursday’s Games

Charlotte 109, Toronto 99, OT Cleveland 104, Oklahoma City 100 Houston 107, L.A. Lakers 87

NHL Standings

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Montreal 33 20 10 3 43 101 76 Boston 30 17 9 4 38 96 80 Detroit 31 16 9 6 38 79 79 Ottawa 32 16 11 5 37 98 95 Florida 32 16 12 4 36 86 76 Tampa Bay 32 16 13 3 35 78 73 Buffalo 33 14 16 3 31 77 86 Toronto 30 10 13 7 27 72 86 Metropolitan Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Washington 30 22 6 2 46 91 64 N.Y. Rangers 33 19 10 4 42 96 79 N.Y. Islanders 33 18 10 5 41 91 79 New Jersey 32 16 12 4 36 77 80 Philadelphia 32 14 12 6 34 68 86 Pittsburgh 30 15 12 3 33 68 74 Carolina 31 12 14 5 29 77 96 Columbus 34 12 19 3 27 83 105

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Dallas 32 23 7 2 48 108 83 St. Louis 33 19 10 4 42 84 79 Minnesota 30 17 7 6 40 84 70 Chicago 33 18 11 4 40 89 78 Nashville 32 15 11 6 36 82 83 Colorado 33 16 16 1 33 90 89 Winnipeg 31 14 15 2 30 85 95 Pacific Division

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles 31 20 9 2 42 81 66 San Jose 31 16 14 1 33 83 83 Calgary 31 15 14 2 32 83 105 Arizona 31 14 15 2 30 86 102 Edmonton 33 14 17 2 30 87 100 Vancouver 33 11 14 8 30 81 94 Anaheim 30 11 14 5 27 56 76

Thursday’s Games

Buffalo 3, Anaheim 0 Florida 5, New Jersey 1 Philadelphia 2, Vancouver 0 San Jose 5, Toronto 4, OT Los Angeles 3, Montreal 0 St. Louis 2, Nashville 1 Minnesota 5, N.Y. Rangers 2 Chicago 4, Edmonton 0 Calgary 3, Dallas 1 Colorado 2, N.Y. Islanders 1 Columbus 7, Arizona 5

GOLF SPECIAL Mon.-Thurs. play for $15 Fri, Sat. & Sun play for $19

Expires 1435 Davenport Drive Jan. 3, 2016 Manning, SC (803) 435-8752 Must present coupon www.shannongreensgc.com (Up to 4 players per coupon)

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

Saturday, December 19, 2015

|

B3

area boys roundup

Wilson’s double-double lifts Gators past Scott’s Branch Malik Wilson had a doubledouble of 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead Lakewood High School to 74-53 varsity boys basketball victory over Scott’s Branch on Friday at The Swamp.

Jarvis Johnson also scored 18 points for the Lady Gators, who improved to 9-1 on the season. Devontae Pack and Jawan Purdue both had nine points.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL Laurence Manning 47 Ben Lippen 43

COLUMBIA — Laurence Manning Academy defeated

Ben Lippen 47-43 on Friday at the BL gymnasium.

Brewer Brunson had 12 points to lead LMA, while Chase Lee had nine.

steals and Jordan Williams contributed 10 points and eight steals.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL

DALZELL — Hillcrest Middle School lost to Chestnut Oaks 43-35 on Thursday at the Hillcrest gymnasium.

Tavion Jeffcoat led the Wildcats with 14 points.

Lee Central 61 Spaulding 36

LAMAR — Lee Central Middle School improved to 4-0 with a 61-36 victory over Spaulding on Thursday at the Spaulding gymnasium.

Daveon Thomas had a double-double for the Stallions with 32 points and 12 rebounds. K.J. Holloman added 12 points and seven

Chestnut Oaks 43 Hillcrest 35

Bates 54 Furman 18

Bates Middle School defeated Furman 54-18 on Thursday at the Bates gymnasium.

Kendal Houck led the Bantams with 18 points and Vance Ragin had nine.

area girls roundup

McMillan leads Lee Central to win KEITH GEDAMKE / The Sumter Item

Crestwood’s Kobe Thomas (25) goes up for a shot against Sumter’s Calvin Felder (34) during the Knights’ 58-50 victory on Friday.

fast

From Page B1 the second quarter when everything changed. After scoring two of the first three baskets, the Knights didn’t find the back of the rim for the rest of the half.

Jones changed out the lineup near the end of the first quarter and the newcomers provided a spark for the Gamecocks.

The SHS bench scored 11 points in the second quarter and the Gamecocks closed things out on a 13-0 run to cut the deficit to 27-20 at the break.

“I think we got away from what our concept was,” Edwards said. “We had to get our composure back a little bit at the half. We told them that we had to go back to what was working – sharing the basketball and playing together as a team.”

The Knights did just that and never let the Gamecocks get any closer than within seven points the rest of the way. Nelson added nine of his

revenge

From Page B1

its first eight, yet was still able to rally to force the extra period.

“I thought we got off to a slow start from an energy standpoint, and we never really came around,” said Sumter head coach Jason Loudenslager, whose team dropped to 6-2 with the loss. “I give Crestwood a ton of credit.

They showed up tonight ready to play and they forced us into a lot of mistakes. We did have a bunch of careless turnovers, but Crestwood forced us into quite a few turnovers as well.

So, again, as disappointed as I am with our kids tonight effort wise, I’ve got to complement Crestwood. They showed up ready to play, they played like they took it personal last week when we played like we figured that we were going to be able to squeak one out not playing our best game, like we did last week. Crestwood’s got a good team and a good program, and Coach Wilson had them ready to play tonight.”

Ceasar was responsible for a good bit of Sumter’s ball control issues, coming away with 13 steals to go with 10 points and four assists. Rogers also dished four assists and added four steals of her own along with 11 points while Jayche Whitfield closed with 12 points.

16 points in the second half and CHS connected on 9-of-13 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory and negate another late Sumter comeback attempt like in the first meeting between the two teams.

“It goes back to that hole we dug,” Jones said. “We just have to fight a little harder and not get in that situation again. That’s inexperience.

We’ve got a lot of guys who are learning on the job.

“We’ve just got to get better.”

Kobe Thomas finished with 11 points for Crestwood and Dakota Jennings added 10 to give the Knights four players in double figures. Jennings also finished with 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Thomas also had eight rebounds and Morant finished with seven.

Cedric Rembert led Sumter with a game-high 18 points, but was the only Gamecock to reach double digits. Shykim Mellette and Jaylenn Corbett were next with six each. Corbett also had seven rebounds for SHS.

Crestwood starters Tyana Saunders and Shaqounda Miller-McCray were both in foul trouble for much of the second half. Both returned with 4:42 left in regulation before Saunders, who finished with nine points, fouled out with 40 seconds left. MillerMcCray, playing with four fouls down the stretch, made her only two free throw attempts early in the second quarter for her only points of the game but did add seven blocks.

Wilson was pleased with how other players, including Murphy with a 9-point effort, stepped up to fill the void.

“I’m so proud of Avis, the way she played tonight,” Wilson said. “I told the girls that shows what kind of team that we have, if we come out and compete on a daily basis. I think another difference in tonight’s game was turnovers, because we handled their pressure tonight better than we did the first time, so I was proud of that.”

Jessica Harris led Sumter with 19 points and five steals while Kyra Wilson and Anna McBride were in double figures rebounding with 13 and 10 respectively.

Crestwood will begin play Monday morning in the Tournament by the Sea at North Myrtle Beach before both teams compete in the District 9 Officials Christmas Tournament beginning Dec. 28.

BISHOPVILLE — Alexis McMillan had a well-rounded game to lead Lee e Central High School’s varsity girls basketball team to a 57-28 victory over Lamar on Friday at the LC gymnasium.

McMillan had 13 points, five assists, seven rebounds and seven steals for the Lady Stallions. Ayana Lucas had 12 points and 10 rebounds Jaya Erwin had 10 points.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL Lee Central 43 Spaulding 6 LAMAR — Lee Central Middle School improved to 2-0 with a 43-6 victory over Spaulding on Thursday at the Spaulding gymasium.

Tashanna Harris led the Lady Stallions with 29 points.

usc

3-pointer of the half with 13:13 left in the half. South From Page B1 Carolina outscored the Tigers 24-1 over the next eight minSindarius Thornwell said. utes to take control.

Clemson (7-4) rallied back Clemson coach Brad in the second period to cut the Brownell said his players lead to 57-53 on Donte have not found their solid, Grantham’s put-back basket steady footing so far. with 6:10 to go. The Tigers “My team right now is a litmade only one of their next tle too emotional,” he said. six baskets in falling to the Clemson missed 11 straight Gamecocks for a second shots at one point in South straight season.

Carolina’s run.

Jaron Blossomgame had 17 TIP INS points to lead Clemson.

South Carolina: The GameDuane Notice and Mindaucocks came into this one the gas Kacinas had 10 points only undefeated team in the apiece for South Carolina.

Southeastern Conference. ...

It was the second time in a Despite committing just six week Clemson rallied back fewer turnovers in total over against a Southeastern Conthe last three games, South ference opponent yet fell Carolina is averaging 15.6 short, This past Sunday, the Tigers erased an 11-point defi- points more off turnovers per game than opponents in that cit against Alabama and led span.

50-49 in the final minute.

Clemson: It has been a big Shannon Hale’s steal and week at the Bon Secours Welldunk in the last seconds sent ness Arena for Tigers senior Clemson to defeat. guard Jordan Roper. He reGrantham finished with 16 ceived his bachelor’s degree points off four 3-pointers for in ceremonies here Thursday the Tigers.

Clemson opened a 13-9 lead — Clemson’s on-campus arena is undergoing yearlong, on Donte Grantham’s second

Chestnut Oaks 37 Hillcrest 13 DALZELL — Chestnut Oaks Middle School defeated Hillcrest 37-13 on Thursday at the Hillcrest gymnasium.

Trenesia Wells led Chestnut with 12 points. Cortney Gibson had six.

The 1-5 Lady Wildcats were led by Tynia Saunders and Mya Hayes with four points each.

top-to-bottom renovations — before facing the rival Gamecocks. He’s the first Tiger to compete with a degree since Bryan Narcisse and Tanner Smith did it in 2011-12.

PERFECT PROGRAMS South Carolina’s win kept the school’s basketball teams perfect on the season, a combined 20-0 with both the men and the women’s basketball teams off to 10-0 starts. No. 2 South Carolina and coach Dawn Staley get the next chance to keep that going against East Carolina on Sunday in Myrtle Beach.

MONSTER JAM South Carolina junior Sindarius Thornwell had a crowd-pleasing, high-flying jam over Clemson’s 6-foot-10 center Landry Nnoko that will surely make the sports highlights. Thornwell, who had offseason procedures to lessen tendinitis in his knees, said it felt good to elevate and show that he’s getting himself back into the form that had him on the all-SEC freshman team two years ago.

Look no further than your local newspaper for

The right advertising opportunity!

Call (803) 774-1200 and get started today.

2015-16

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF CHARLES R. “PAP” PROPST

Please Mail To: The Sumter Item/Fireside Fund PO Box 1677 • Sumter, SC 29150

Or Drop Off At The Item 20 N. Magnolia St.

B4

|

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Bowl Glance

By The Associated Press

Saturday, Dec. 19

Celebration Bowl Atlanta NC A&T (9-2) vs. Alcorn State (9-3), Noon New Mexico Bowl Albuquerque Arizona (6-6) vs. New Mexico (7-5), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Las Vegas Bowl BYU (9-3) vs. Utah (9-3), 3:30 p.m.

(ABC) Camellia Bowl Montgomery, Ala. Ohio (8-4) vs. Appalachian State (10-2), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Cure Bowl Orlando, Fla. San Jose State (5-7) vs. Georgia State (6-6), 7 p.m. (CBSSN) New Orleans Bowl Louisiana Tech (8-4) vs. Arkansas State (9-3), 9 p.m. (ESPN)

Monday, Dec. 21

Miami Beach Bowl South Florida (8-4) vs. Western Kentucky (11-2), 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Tuesday, Dec. 22

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Boise Akron (7-5) vs. Utah State (6-6), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Boca Raton (Fla.) Bowl Temple (10-3) vs. Toledo (9-2), 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl

San Diego Northern Illinois (8-5) vs. Boise State (8-4), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) GoDaddy Bowl Mobile, Ala. Bowling Green (10-3) vs. Georgia Southern (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

las vegas bowl

Rivals ready for The Holy War in Sin City

By KAREEM COPELAND The Associated Press The Las Vegas Bowl has taken on a new moniker: The Holy War in Sin City.

Longtime rivals BYU and No. 20 Utah will meet in the postseason for the first time on Saturday with an eye on finishing on a high note. Both programs ended the season on a dour note despite posting nine wins.

Las Vegas was a far-downthe-list destination for the Utes (9-3) after starting the season 6-0 and being ranked No. 3 in the country. There was talk of playing in the College Football Playoff at one time, but Utah lost three of six to wrap up the regular season and didn’t even win the Pac-12 South. The Utes and USC finished with identical conference records, but the

File/The Associated Press

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall, left, is coaching against rival Utah (and head coach Kyle Whittinghamm, right) for the last time before taking over the Virginia program. The Las Vegas Bowl is today.

Trojans earned the head-tohead tiebreaker.

“We were essentially one game away from being able to play in the (Pac-12) champion-

ship game, so that was disappointing, but it’s still been a very good year for us,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.

“Co-champs of the South,

that’s not bad when you’re picked to finish fifth.”

BYU (9-3) is back in Vegas after playing in the bowl five consecutive times from 200509. Life as an independent leaves little on the line after two losses, but the last two weeks energized the Cougars.

Saturday will be the last game for coach Bronco Mendenhall after 11 years at the head of the program. He’s been hired to coach Virginia, but will go for his 100th win first.

The two teams have never played in the postseason or at a neutral site.

“One of the first things that I thought after hearing the news from Coach Mendenhall immediately was, ‘I can’t wait to play in the bowl game because of how hard we’re going to fight for this guy,”’ BYU receiver Mitch Mathews said.

Thursday, Dec. 24

Bahamas Bowl Nassau Middle Tennessee (7-5) vs. Western Michigan (7-5), Noon (ESPN) Hawaii Bowl Honolulu Cincinnati (7-5) vs. San Diego State (10-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, Dec. 26

St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Marshall (9-3) vs. UConn (6-6), 11 a.m. (ESPN) Sun Bowl El Paso, Texas Miami (8-4) vs. Washington State (8-4), 2 p.m. (CBS) Heart of Dallas Bowl Washington (6-6) vs. Southern Mississippi (9-4), 3:20 p.m. (ESPN) Pinstripe Bowl Bronx, N.Y. Duke (7-5) vs. Indiana (6-6), 3:30 p.m. (ABC) Independence Bowl Shreveport, La. Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Tulsa (6-6), 5:45 p.m. (ESPN) Foster Farms Bowl Santa Clara, Calif.

Nebraska (5-7) vs. UCLA (8-4), 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)

Monday, Dec. 28

Military Bowl Annapolis, Md. Navy (10-2) vs. Pittsburgh (8-4), 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Quick Lane Bowl Detroit Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Minnesota (5-7), 5 p.m. (ESPN2)

Tuesday, Dec. 29

Armed Forces Bowl Fort Worth, Texas Air Force (8-5) vs. California (7-5), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Russell Athletic Bowl Orlando, Fla. North Carolina (11-2) vs. Baylor (93), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Arizona Bowl Tucson Nevada (6-6) vs. Colorado State (7-5), 7:30 p.m. (ASN) Texas Bowl Houston Texas Tech (7-5) vs. LSU (8-3), 9 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday, Dec. 30

Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl Auburn (6-6) vs. Memphis (9-3), Noon (ESPN) Belk Bowl Charlotte, N.C. NC State (7-5) vs. Mississippi St. (8-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Music City Bowl Nashville, Tenn.

Louisville (7-5) vs. Texas A&M (84), 7 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl San Diego Wisconsin (9-3) vs. Southern Cal (8-5), 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Thursday, Dec. 31

Peach Bowl Atlanta Houston (12-1) vs. Florida State (10-2), Noon (ESPN) Orange Bowl (Playoff Semifinal) Miami Gardens, Fla. Clemson (13-0) vs. Oklahoma (111), 4 p.m. (ESPN) Cotton Bowl Classic (Playoff Semifinal) Arlington, Texas Alabama (12-1) vs. Michigan State (12-1), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Friday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl Tampa, Fla. Northwestern (10-2) vs. Tennessee (8-4), Noon (ESPN2) Citrus Bowl Orlando, Fla. Michigan (9-3) vs. Florida (10-3), 1 p.m. (ABC) Fiesta Bowl Glendale, Ariz.

Notre Dame (10-2) vs. Ohio State (11-1), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif.

Iowa (12-1) vs. Stanford (11-2), 5 p.m. (ESPN) Sugar Bowl New Orleans Oklahoma State (10-2) vs. Mississippi (9-3), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, Jan. 2

TaxSlayer Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. Penn St. (7-5) vs. Georgia (9-3), Noon (ESPN) Liberty Bowl Memphis, Tenn.

Kansas St. (6-6) vs. Arkansas (7-5), 3:20 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl San Antonio Oregon (9-3) vs. TCU (10-2), 6:45 p.m. (ESPN) Cactus Bowl Phoenix West Virginia (7-5) vs. Arizona State (6-6), 10:15 p.m. (ESPN)

Monday, Jan. 11

College Football Championship Game Glendale, Ariz.

Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, Jan. 23

East-West Shrine Classic At St. Petersburg, Fla. East vs. West, 4 p.m. (NFLN) NFLPA Collegiate Bowl At Carson, Calif.

National vs. American, 6 p.m.

(ESPN2)

Saturday, Jan. 30

Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. North vs. South, 2:30 p.m. (NFLN)

Cure bowl

Game hits home for both San Jose State, Georgia State

By CARL KOTALA The Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. — They may have come to Florida to play a football game, but for both San Jose State and the Georgia State the inaugural Cure Bowl is about more than what takes place on the field.

The game, set for Saturday night at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, offers a platform to bring more awareness to breast cancer. Money raised from the contest will directly benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which funds cancer research.

“It needs to be talked about,” said Georgia State linebacker Joseph Peterson, whose aunt

coach

From Page B1

Between his stints in Gainesville, Hutzler was the special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach at New Mexico from 2012-13.

Wrenn returns to the football offices after working for the past three years in the development arm of the Gamecocks’ athletics department.

He has more than 30 years of high school, college and professional experience to his credit.

Wrenn spent 11 years at South Carolina as an Assistant Athletics Director from 19932004. Prior to that he worked as the recruiting coordinator at Clemson for 11 years.

“Clyde brings tremendous experience working with the high school coaches in the state of South Carolina,” said Muschamp. “He is extremely well thought of throughout Gamecock Nation and will be a valuable asset to our program.”

Liles has been part of the South Carolina football staff for the past 15 years. He was promoted to Director of Recruiting Operations in the spring of 2013 after spending the previous seven years as Director of High School Relations. Prior to that, he served as the Recruiting Graduate Assistant.

In his most recent role, Liles directed the on-campus recruiting efforts, managing the day-to-day operations in the recruiting office. He also served as the High School Relations Director for the football staff. Additional responsibilities included coordinating official and unofficial visits, assisting with football camps and clinics, as well as assisting with team and bowl travel.

“It was evident in the short time that I’ve been here that Robbie is a valuable part of our staff,” said Muschamp.

“He has an outstanding work ethic, is intelligent, has a great understanding of the university, and is well-liked by the high school coaches. It only makes sense to expand his role with the football program.”

is a cancer survivor. “It’s a big thing to play in a game like this. We are all very proud to be a part of it.”

The game’s cause couldn’t be more personal to San Jose State safety Simon Connette, who lost his mother, Nancy, to cancer last spring.

Connette, who wears a breast cancer awareness wrist band, said the memory

of his mother is with him “every single day, and every second.”

“Just to be a part of this and knowing that it is supporting such a good cause, really means a lot to me because I don’t want anyone to feel what I and my family have to feel,” Connette said.

Unfortunately, Connette is not the only Spartan whose

life has been touched by the disease. Amy Rodriguez, the mother of punter Michael Carrizosa, has cancer as well.

Five members of Georgia State coach Trent Miles family have had cancer, including his mother, who is flying in for Saturday’s game.

“Playing in a game like this, for a cause like this is bigger than us,” Miles said.

FREE SPEAKING PROGRAMS Glenn Givens is an Attorney and Experienced Speaker who is offering free speaking programs to local social, civic, religious, school and business organizations with 15 or more meeting attendees. Are you an organization looking for an upcoming speaker? Are you an employer or administrator who wants to reward your employees by offering an informative program?

Glenn is offering speaking programs for Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties on the following separate topics from which to select: 1. Wills and Dying without a Will; 2. Trusts and Avoiding Probate and Distribution Planning; 3. Health and Financial Powers of Attorney and Living Wills.

The programs allow for audience participation and questions during and after the program. If you are interested and have at least 15 meeting attendees, contact Glenn at (803) 418-0800; ext. 108.

what is stars & stripes?

Stars & Stripes is a newspaper written for the military and has served American servicemen and women with editions printed and distributed around the world for more than 100 years. Now there is a domestic edition of Stars & Stripes that is distributed weekly to servicemen and women stationed on American soil.

Volume 7, No.

40 ©SS 201 5

FRIDAY, SEPT EMBER

Derek Wei da, who served an Army veteran with the 82nthree tours in Iraq credits fitn d Airborne Division , ess with help break out ing him of severe dep an amputat ion ended ression after his Army care Cour tesy of er.

Derek Weid a

25, 20

ARMY AMPUTE INNER STRENG E FINDS EXERCISE, OU TH THROUGH TREACH

Page 2

PUBLISHES FIRST THURSDAY EVERY MONTH ad deadline

FRIDAY AT 11AM THE WEEK PRIOR TO PUBLICATION

more information at www.stripes.com ★ DISTRIBUTED IN AND AROUND SHAW AFB AND MCENTIRE *AROUND FT. JACKSON - BASE ACCESS PENDING ★

CONTACT YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL 803.774.1237

B5

|

COMICS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTS

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY'S SHOE

Parents insist best friends must wait to date at 16 DEAR ABBY — I’m a 14-yearold girl and I have a boy best friend who is also 14. I liked him the moment I met him, which was exactly a year ago.

He says it’s the same for

but it’s hard not to want to hold his hand and kiss him and stuff like that. He doesn’t like his parents’ rule just as much as I don’t, and he totally doesn’t want to wait, but he will. It’s also very hard to not tell him how much my feelings have grown, because I’m afraid he will react strangely if I tell him I think I might love him. What should I do?

Teen in California

him.

We established that we both liked each other months ago, but we’re still only friends.

The reason is his parents have a rule that he can’t have a girlfriend or go on dates until he’s 16. He’s the only one I want, but we have to wait until he can ask me out.

For now we are best friends,

DEAR TEEN — If your intuition is telling you not to be the first to say, “I love you,” then listen to it and you may be pleasantly surprised one day to hear him say it to you first. As to the fact that his parents are strict, you really don’t have much choice other than to respect their rules.

That said, younger teens

Dear Abby ABIGAIL VAN BUREN

JUMBLE THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

aren’t usually restricted from having any social contact at all. Before they start dating one-on-one, they usually get together in groups for movies, sporting events, school dances, etc. This should give the two of you opportunities to see each other outside of school. While this may not be the answer you’re looking for, for the time being, it may be an acceptable compromise.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.

Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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

By Julian Lim

ACROSS 1 High-end beerserving eatery 10 First husband of Bathsheba 15 Drink with Campari and sweet vermouth 16 San Francisco : BART :: Philadelphia : __ 17 Islands visited

by Darwin 18 Bill toppers 19 Like some plugs 20 Got hot for a while 21 H.S. exam 22 Distresses 23 Silver fish 26 Driving forces 29 __ ale 30 Supplanting 35 Wave back?

36 Pointless 37 Word after big or bright 38 It may be green 40 Holds up 41 Stone measure 42 Storyteller from Thrace 43 "Awesome, bro!"

47 ThinkPads, e.g.

49 ooVoo alternative

12/19/15 50 Dish cooked in seasoned broth 55 Left-hand page 56 Childhood friend of Paul Cézanne 57 Secretary of war under Teddy 58 Defame 59 Deferential denial 60 How fries are usually served DOWN 1 Stifles 2 Asian nurse 3 Ward of "Gone Girl" 4 Treat cruelly, as another's feelings 5 Most developed 6 College of Central Florida city 7 It's hard to put down 8 Some, in Seville 9 Order giver 10 Naval recovery ship for some Gemini missions

11 Change the price of 12 "Not for me" 13 Ventricle neighbors 14 Is without 22 Site of ancient Greek games 23 What some write on 24 Eponymous physicist Ernst __ 25 K thru 12 27 Calf snagger 28 James Watson, notably 30 Resident on the Arno 31 Goodyear variety 32 Partnershipforming words

33 Mount from which Moses saw the Promised Land 34 Sound of surprise 39 Outing led by a naturalist 42 Unit in Ohm's Law 43 Torn asunder 44 3M sponge brand 45 Ruth's __ Steak House 46 GOLEAN cereal maker 48 Gush forth 50 Second take 51 "Let's go!"

52 Lombardy city 53 "Put __ on it!"

54 What "All are architects of," per Longfellow

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

©2015 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

12/19/15

B6

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

803-774-1234

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

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES 11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturday’s edition 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sunday’s edition.

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.

Help Wanted Full-Time

In Memory

MERCHANDISE

ANNOUNCEMENTS Happy Ads

Green

Farm Products

Patrick L. Brown 8//19//1975 - 12//19//2009 Always in our hearts.

Mom, Grandma, Sons, & Family

BUSINESS SERVICES Happy 90th Birthday David Ross We Love You Your family

Home Improvements HOME IMPROVEMENTS Complete Service.

Please Call 803-464-5369

Legal Service

Golden Kernel Pecan Co. 1214 S. Guignard Dr. 968-9432 We buy pecans, sell Pecan halves, Choc., Sugarfree Choc., Fruit cake mix, Butter Roasted, Sugar & Spice, Prailine, Honey Glazed, Eng. Toffee Gift Pkgs avail. M-F 9-5 Sat 9-1

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales 17 Rushmore Ct Sat 8-2 Shop & Yard Equipment, Clothes & other misc. items Bake Sale Sat 9-2, For Green Acres Assembly of God Seniors, 537 Lewis Rd. 1531 Peach Orchard Rd Sat 8-? Brand New clothing! Lots of Misc!

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

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

Criminal, Family, Accident, Injury

Open every weekend. Call 803-494-5500

Roofing

302 Oswego Hwy. Sat. 8-until.

Huge sale. Gas Heaters, Clothes, Sm. appl., shoes, tools & more.

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

Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

Robert's Metal Roofing 35 Years Experience. 45 year warranty. Financing available. Expert installation. Long list of satisfied customers. Call 803-837-1549.

Lost & Found

Septic Tank Cleaning

504 Dogwood Dr Sat 9-3 Inside Sale Misc Hshld items, furniture & more!

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 Firewood for sale, off Sally & McLaurin.

You cut & haul $50 a quart, $25 1/2 & $12.50 a basket. 803-305-2159 or 803-983-7728

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

No Questions asked.

803-840-2693

Tree Service NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal, trimming & stump grinding. Lic/Ins 803-316-0128 Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721

Take a closer look.

Magazines, Featured Publications and Upcoming Specials.

LAKESIDE THE GOOD LIFE ON LAKE MARION, SC

RENTALS

Mid Carolina Exterminating is looking to hire a termite tech. No experience necessary, but willing to train. Must have a valid DL & SS. For more information, call Ritchie West at 803-968-5057.

Want to Buy PECANS Now Buying Farmers Exchange 405 Swamp Rd. 803-773-8336

Homes for Sale

Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves.

Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311.

For Sale Pool Table, 8 ft Utility Trailer, Shop shelving, Boat & Trailer, Electric handicap chair, 5 10 ft sections of dog pen with gate, Call 803-236-6426

Driver and mechanic needed.

Driver will be home on weekends.

Call 843-621-0943 or 843-621-2572 F/T Class-A CDL driver needed to haul poultry. Night Shift. Must have 2 years verifiable exp & good MVR. Call 803-857-1857 or 540-560-1031 Clinical Counselor for outpatient treatment facility. Required Master's Degree in one of the behavioral/social sciences and preferred certification through SCAADAC and or licensed LPC or LMSW. Salary commensurate with experience.

Send resume to PO Box 430, Manning, SC 29102 by 12/31/2015.

Help Wanted Part-Time Pianist needed for local Baptist Church. Sunday mornings, evenings and Wednesday nights . Call 803-494-2933

Trucking Opportunities Local / Regional Drivers Immediate openings for experienced Van, Tanker & Rolloff drivers. Class A CDL with Hazmat & Tank endorsements required with 2 years verifiable experience. Mileage starts as high as .41 per mile and top rate .45 per mile along with stop pay, hourly pay and per diem on overnight trips. $1,000.00 sign on bonus and assigned equipment. Medical, Dental, Prescription & Life Insurance plans along with 401K and profit sharing. Paid Holidays, Earned PTO time and .03 per mile yearly Safety/Performance Bonus plan. Applicants can apply in person at FCI 132 Myrtle Beach Hwy Sumter, SC 29153 or call 1-888-249-2651 ext-24

HUNTINGTON PLACE APARTMENTS

FROM 575 PER MONTH $

1 MONTH FREE THIRTEEN (13) MONTH LEASE REQUIRED

(803) 773-3600 POWERS PROPERTIES

803-773-3600

595 Ashton Mill Drive Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5

For Sale 821 Holiday Drive 2BR, 1BA, Den, LR. $61,900. Call 803-983-7064.

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

A good investment or starter .

2BR 1BA master/ walk in closet. $55,000 OBO Call 912-980-4386

Manufactured Housing

Unfurnished Homes 905 Arnaud St 2BR 2BA Quiet Cul-de-sac. All appl's, fenced patio, screened porch. $900 mo. Available now. 803-464-8354 1BR 1BA Single family home Historic dist. stove, fridge, washer & dryer, microwave, $495 Mo,+ $495 Dep. No pets Credit & backgrd Chk. Call 803-316-6505 2BR/1.5BA, duplex Ceiling fans, carpet/tile floors, kit, stove/fridge, laundry, carport, shed, $600/mo + dep. No Pets. 803-481-8286 lv msg.

Mobile Home Rentals

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Was your home affected by the recent FLOODS? Use your FEMA CHECK for a down payment on one of our quality used refurbished homes. We specialize in on the lot financing. Low credit score is OK. Call 843-389-4215 AND also visit our Face Book Page (M&M Mobile Homes)

Commercial Industrial For Sale- Lake Side Restaurant, Bar, Convenience Store, gas pumps & docks. Property is leased. Lake Marion. All equipment & furniture are included. Call 904-554-7663

TRANSPORTATION

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Autos For Sale 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom.Scenic Lake MHP, in Sumter/Dalzell area.

499-1500/469-6978 9pm-5pm

REAL ESTATE

1999 Chevy Malibu, V6, runs excellent, low miles, asking $2100 OBO. Call 803-447-5453.

2004 Volkswagen Passat. In great condition. $4000 OBO Call 803-316-8206

LEGAL NOTICES

Real Estate Wanted TOP CASH paid for houses & mobile homes.

Call 803-468-6029.

Homes for Sale REDUCED-905 Arnaud St 2BR/2BA Quiet Cul-de-sac. All appl's, fenced patio, screened porch. $114,000.

Available now. 803-464-8354 315 Rainbow Dr. 3BR 2BA new carpet and laminate flooring, fresh paint, 1 car garage. Fncd yard, scrned bck porch, Asking $119.500 Call 803-983-0472.

Beer & Wine License Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that Xclusions 2 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 3289 Broad Street, Sumter, SC 29150. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than December 21, 2015. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following

King Cobra Golf Clubs + Bag and covers $750 Cash. Call 506-4346

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time CNA's- Full-Time, Part-Time positions for 3p-11p. Please apply in person at NHC Healthcare Sumter, 1018 N. Guignard Dr., Sumter, SC 29150 (EOE)

iris

Bridal2013Preview

Classified in-line Advertising Deadline Edition Tues., December 22 at 9:30am Wed., December 23 Thurs., December 24 Sat., December 26 Sun., December 27 Thurs., December 31 Sat., January 3 Tues., January 5

Tues., December 22 at 11:30am Wed., December 23 at 9:30am Wed., December 23 at 11:30am Wed., December 30 at 11:30am Thurs., December 31 at 9:30am Thurs., December 31 at 11:30am

Have a Safe and Merry Christmas!

NO PROOF DEADLINES Deadline is 24 hours earlier if proof is required

Read it online.

Business office will be closed December 24th and 25th and January 1

.com

20 N. Magnolia Street • Sumter, SC 803-774-1200

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

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

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

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

Wesmark Plaza • 773-2262 • Mon-Sat 10-7

CLASSIFIEDS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

THE ITEM

B7

803-774-1234

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

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES 11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturday’s edition 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sunday’s edition.

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.

Beer & Wine License

Summons & Notice

Summons & Notice

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, ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214-0907; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110.

fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Sumter County in Book 1050 at Page 1865 on October 26, 2006.

3. On information and belief, the Defendants/Interested Owners all have an ownership interest in the Defendant Real Estate based on a review of the public records of the Register of Deeds for Sumter County, South Carolina.

Summons & Notice SUMMONS IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT C/A NO.: 2015-CP-43-__________ STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER Ernest A. Finney, III, Solicitor, Third Judicial Circuit, Plaintiff, vs.

Real Estate situate at 675 Bernice Ct., Sumter, SC, Sumter County Tax Map #1560001050, and Matthew Lewis, Derrick Lewis, John Lewis, Tanya Lewis, a/k/a Tanya L. Burgess, Wayne Lewis, and the Heirs of Elizabeth Lewis, all of whom are interested owners of the subject Real Estate, Defendants.

TO: THE DEFENDANTS AND INTERESTED OWNERS ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this proceeding, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Complaint on the undersigned at 1281 North Main St., P.O. Box 430, Sumter, South Carolina 29151-0430 within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the date of such service, and if you

COMPLAINT The Plaintiff respectfully asserts the following: 1. The Plaintiff is the Solicitor of the Third Judicial Circuit of the State of South Carolina, and is authorized by South Carolina Code §44-53-530 (1976), as amended, to initiate this Complaint for the forfeiture of the Defendant property.

2. The Defendant Real Estate is further described as that lot of land in Stateburg Township, Sumter County, State of South Carolina, shown as Lot 2-B on a plat by Joseph R. Edwards, RLS, dated March 1, 1991 and recorded in the Register of Deeds for Sumter County in Plat Book 91 at page 1383, and having such shapes, metes, bounds and measurements as shown on said plat.

This being the same property conveyed to the above captioned interested owners by deed of Wayne Lewis, Sr. dated October 26, 2006 and

Summons & Notice

3. The Defendant Real Estate was seized by the Sumter County Sheriff's Office on or about May 8, 2014 pursuant to a Seizure Warrant issued by The Honorable R. Ferrell Cothran, Judge for the Third Judicial Circuit.

4. The Defendant Real Estate is subject to seizure and forfeiture pursuant to South Carolina Code §44-53-520(a)(4)(1976, as amended), as the Defendant Real Estate falls within the statutory category of "All property, both real and personal, which in any manner is knowingly used to facilitate production, manufacturing, distribution, sale, importation, exportation, or trafficking in various controlled substances as defined in this article."

5. Subject matter jurisdiction over civil forfeiture proceedings is vested in the Court of Common Pleas pursuant to South Carolina Code §44-53-530, as amended.

6. Multiple controlled buys of marijuana have been made by the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and/or search warrants executed on the premises of the subject Real Estate. Such incidents are more fully set forth on the "Affidavit of Seizure Warrant" which is attached hereto as EXHIBIT A and incorporated herein by reference. One or more of the Defendants/Interested Owners were present and/or arrested in conjunction with or as a result of each of the incidents described on EXHIBIT A. Each of the Defendants/Interested Owners charged in connection with the incidents set forth in EXHIBIT A was subsequently convicted or pled guilty to one or more of the drug charges described therein.

7. Upon information and belief, the Defendant Real Estate has been knowingly used to facilitate production, manufacturing, distribution, sale, importation,

PO BOY’S TREE SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES

TREE CARE

• TRIMMING • TREE REMOVAL • STUMP REMOVAL

Summons & Notice

TREE REMOVAL • TOPPING • SPRAYING • PRUNING • FERTILIZING • BUSH HOGGING

Po Boy’s Rex Prescott OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE Tommy Thompson LICENSED & INSURED

469-7606 or 499-4413

The Perfect Housewarming Gift The Sumter Item is locally owned and run.

We’re part of this community and we believe in Sumter.

FIREWOOD DELIVERY

Summons & Notice

exportation, or trafficking in controlled substances as defined in this article; manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, purchase, aid, abet, attempt, or conspire to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, or purchase, or possess with the intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, or purchase a controlled substance; and/or used, or was used to facilitate in any manner a violation of §44-53-370(b).

Therefore, the Defendant property is subject to seizure and forfeiture under the provisions of §44-53-520, et seq.

8.By reason of these premises, the Defendant property is and should be forfeited to the State of South Carolina.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays that this Court issue its Order confirming the forfeiture of the Defendant Real

Estate to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, Third Circuit Solicitor's Office and such other agencies entitled to any portion of such forfeiture pursuant to South Carolina Code §44-53-520, et. seq., and such other relief as is deemed proper.

Kathy L. Ward, General Counsel Sumter County Sheriff's Office 1281 North Main Street Post Office Box 430 Sumter, S.C. 29151-0430 (803) 436-2000 Margaret M. Held, Assistant Solicitor 215 N. Harvin St Sumter, SC 29150 803-436-2185 ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFF

CONTRACTOR WANTED! LAKEWOOD & HWY 15 SOUTH

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. Must have RELIABLE transportation and a phone in your home.

6 Days a week CALL HARRY PRINGLE at 774-1257 or come in to fill out an application.

20 N. Magnolia Street

20 N. Magnolia St. | Sumter, SC 803.774.1200 www.theitem.com

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

SanteeFord.com

SANTEE

E C I R P E N O ur Best O O ice!

Pr

SAVINGS $

Up To

9,290!

Special Holiday Savings For All Our Friends On All New Fords!

No Negotiating!

Final Prices Clearly Marked!

0

Holiday

%

BONUS CASH

FINANCING On Most Models!

TOTAL SAVINGS $ ,

TOTAL SAVINGS $ ,

2 043

9 290

#7218

NEW ’15 FORD F-150 XLT CREW CAB

35,930

$

MSRP $45,220

NO CLOSING FEE!

NEW ’15 FORD FIESTA SE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, A/C, POWER WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS & MIRRORS, STEREO CD/MP3, BLUETOOTH, KEYLESS ENTRY, CRUISE CONTROL, #7021

16,562

$

MSRP $18,605

NO CLOSING FEE!

Trade Now Before Your Car Becomes Another Year Older!

TOTAL SAVINGS $ ,

TOTAL SAVINGS $ ,

2 752

NEW ’16 FORD FUSION SE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, A/C, POWER SEATS, POWER WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS & MIRRORS, STEREO CD/MP3, BLUETOOTH, SYNC W/MYFORD, KEYLESS ENTRY, CRUISE CONTROL, #7306

21,798

$

MSRP $25,550

NO CLOSING FEE!

4 307

NEW ’16 FORD ESCAPE SE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, A/C, POWER WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS & MIRRORS, STEREO CD/MP3, SATELLITE RADIO BLUETOOTH, KEYLESS ENTRY, CRUISE CONTROL, #7342

21,983

$

MSRP $26,290

NO CLOSING FEE!

All offers with approved credit, 0% limited term financing.

SANTEE

2601 Paxville Hwy I-95 At Exit 119 • Manning SC

803-433-5400