December 10, 2014 by The Sumter Item

Another setback Panthers QB Cam Newton injured in car wreck B1 NATION: Report shows brutal

CIA questioning didn’t work

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Board approves district’s clean audit BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com Sumter School District board of trustees received and unanimously approved a clean audit for 2013-14 from Robin Poston with Harper, Poston and Moree

PA Certified Public Accountants on Monday night. The district ended the year with about $4.4 million in the general fund balance. While trustee Johnny Hilton said he was confident the audit was correct, he did have ques-

tions about items within the audit that might be better addressed with Superintendent Frank Baker and Steve Mann, the executive director of finance, at a later point. “I’d like some information as it relates to activities that went

on during school last year,” Hilton said. “I’m not questioning the accuracy, just how the numbers shook out and why they shook out that way.” Poston offered to return any

SEE AUDIT, PAGE A10

A special visit with Santa

MORE ON EDUCATION Parental involvement is a key to success for Sumter’s children. A9

City council reviews project grant money; cuts possible BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com Sumter City Council is gearing up for its next budget season. On Tuesday afternoon, board members heard of an area where less money may be coming in down the road and another area where the city may gain more funds. The first is the Community Development Block Grants. Preliminary numbers are showing Sumter will receive $298,862 in these grants, but within that amount, certain restrictions apply as to how much can be spent on public service and how much on administration. Clarence Gaines, community development director, said the draft budget his office worked up reflects numbers from last year’s budget, and while revenue will be down a little, he’s more concerned about possible cuts coming in 2016. The programs that traditionally receive money from this grant are: • Demolition; • Housing repair; • Youth employment; • YMCA youth services; • Wateree AIDS Task Force; and • United Ministries. “We get every drop of juice out of the orange, so to speak,” said city manager Deron McCormick. “We just wish there were more oranges.” Councilman Calvin Hastie asked

MacKenzie Hancock, 1, above, is held by her mother, Megan, as photographer Gerald Campagnari takes her picture with Santa during the Silver Bells Art and Craft Show on Saturday at the American Legion Building. Woodworkers Frances Parker and Bryan DuRant Sr., right, talk about their craft during the show on Saturday. The event featured holiday crafts, specialty foods and gifts for pets that were offered by more than 15 vendors. PHOTOS BY KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

SEE GRANTS, PAGE A10

Give healing this holiday season Group seeks money to continue therapies BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com For the past three years, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands has incorporated art, yoga and animal-assist-

VISIT US ONLINE AT

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ed therapy in its client services. But now the private nonprofit needs your help to continue these healing offerings. The agency, which provides free services to sexual assault and abuse survivors in four counties including Sumter, has launched a “30

days to change a life” campaign to raise $5,000 by Jan. 1. Sherry Lewis, director of therapy and outreach, has seen these programs in action. “Many of them (the clients) are very surprised and pleased

PHOTO PROVIDED

SEE HEALING, PAGE A10

DEATHS, B6 Rose F. Metz Henry L. Stokes Randy J. Coulter Charles R. Holmes Jr. Clyde W. Ream

A survivor works on a painting during art therapy at Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands. Officials say it helps process the trauma when there are no words.

Danny Ray Gainey Willie Filmore Frederick Wilson Ernest L. Billie

WEATHER, A12

INSIDE

SUNNY TODAY

3 SECTIONS, 28 PAGES VOL. 120, NO. 47

Sunshine today; mainly clear and cold tonight HIGH 55, LOW 28

Panorama C1 Classifieds B7 Comics C6

Lotteries A12 Opinion A9 Television C7

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS

Teacher Forum challenges you to give blood

House member Crawford resigns

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS ray@theitem.com

COLUMBIA — South Carolina Republican Rep. Kris Crawford resigned from his Florence seat Tuesday, a month after being elected to a fifth term, saying the commute to the state capital and his professional duties were wearing him out. The Legislature’s only emergency room doctor told The Associated Press the 160-mile round-trip drive between his House duties in Columbia and full-time ER job in Florence has worn on him, and the ascendency of fellow Pee Dee Rep. Jay Lucas to speaker assures him his district won’t suffer.

For the third year in a row, Sumter School District Teacher Forum is giving in a different way for the holiday season. The organization of educators is partnering with the American Red Cross for its annual blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at Alice Drive Middle School. Teacher Forum’s Trevor Ivey said they are asking schools, parents and other community members to donate blood that can possibly save a life. Individuals interested in giving blood can schedule a donation time by visiting American Red Cross’ website at www.redcrossblood.org and using the sponsor code: ADMiddle. Ivey said he will also schedule appointments for those who call or text him at (803) 3167849. The organization will schedule appointments up to the day of the blood drive.

STATE BRIEFS

Regulators reject challenge to gold mine COLUMBIA — Environmental regulators have rejected a challenge to a proposed gold mine in Lancaster County. The board at the Department of Health and Environmental Control has turned down an appeal by the Sierra Club, The State newspaper reported. The agency said Monday that its board has endorsed a permit approved by staff members for Romarco Minerals Inc. to set up the gold mine on about 2,500 acres in the rural part of Lancaster County. “We are pleased with the decision and continue to believe all questions and concerns raised over the past four years have been fully addressed,” Diane Garrett, Romarco’s chief executive, said in a statement.

Clemson fraternity suspends activity CLEMSON — The Clemson University chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon has suspended all fraternity activities after what the school called an inappropriate theme party was organized by several members last weekend. Multiple media outlets reported that most of the chapter’s officers have resigned after white students dressed as gang members at the “Cripmas party.” The party sparked a widespread backlash. Pictures on social media early Sunday showed Clemson students covering their faces with red and blue bandannas and wearing T-shirts with images of handcuffs and the late rapper Tupac Shakur.

CORRECTIONS The wording in a quote by Maj. Gen. H.D. “Jake” Polumbo in Tuesday’s newspaper should have read, “It costs bucks to be Buck Rogers.” The Sumter Bottom Brass concert will be presented at 6:30 p.m. today only at National Health Care.

Along with advocating for improving public education for students and educators in South Carolina, the organization also looks for opportunities to do community service projects in Sumter. “One of our goals with Teacher Forum is community outreach, so this is a part of that,” Ivey said. Although Teacher Forum recommends individuals call or go online to schedule a donation time for the blood drive, Ivey said they will also welcome walk-ins on the day of the event. This year, Superintendent Frank Baker issued a challenge to the Teacher of the Year for each school in the district to sign up at least three people to donate blood. Last year, Teacher Forum was able to get enough people signed up to donate 120 pints of blood, and this year they hope to exceed that amount with the help of the community. In previous years, Teacher Forum

has partnered with local businesses and organizations to give back to the community and those in need, including collecting more than 1,300 coats for The Salvation Army and filling a bus with stuffed animals and school supplies for victims of Hurricane Sandy. Teacher Forum is also preparing to award its Scholarship for Future Educators for the second year in a row as part of its community outreach and efforts to advocate for education. The organization is accepting donations for the scholarships, including the inaugural Hailey Bordeaux Memorial Scholarship for Future Educators, which will be awarded in honor of a Sumter High School graduate who died in a boating wreck last summer. For more information about Teacher Forum and how to donate to the scholarship fund, visit www.sumterschools.net.

DEE MITCHUM / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM

James H. Mills and the Sumter Community Concert Band will present their Christmas Extravaganza at 4 p.m. Sunday at Sumter Opera House. Admission is free, and tickets are available at the Opera House, 21 N. Main St.

Have a merry little Christmas with

Sumter Community Concert Band BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

WANT TO GO?

More than an hour of live Christmas music will fill Sumter Opera House beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday as Sumter Community Concert Band presents its Christmas Extravaganza. The program of seasonal music features old favorites, both secular and sacred, as well as some new arrangements, all played in one of the city’s most beautiful venues. And it’s free to the public. Band spokesman Rick Mitchum, who also plays trumpet, said, “It’s the selection of the music that makes this an extravaganza. It’s all Christmas music, and it’s in a wide variety of styles.” The band directed by James H. “Jimmy” Mills always begins its concerts with the “Star-Spangled Banner,” Mitchum said, “but after that, it’s Christmas all the way.” Jeff Simmons’ traditional arrangement of “The First Noel” and “A Carol Triptych,” arranged by Pierre la Plante, should be very familiar to the audience. “A Carol Triptych” features “variations on the traditional melodies of ‘Silent Night,’ ‘We Three Kings’ and ‘Sing We Now of Christmas,’” Mitchum said. English composer John Rutter’s “Candlelight Carol” is a gentle melody that highlights all the different sections of the band. Originally a choral piece,

WHAT: Sumter Community Concert Band Christmas Extravaganza WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday WHERE: Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. COST: Free PHONE: (803) 436-2260

its lyrics set the scene for the Nativity, as it asks “How do you measure the love of a mother? Or how do you write down a baby’s first cry?” In “A Celtic Christmas,” the band will produce “a bagpipe sound” without a bagpipe, Mitchum said. Among the tunes in this medley are “ I Saw Three Ships,” “Here We Come A Wassailing,” “Deck The Halls” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” arranged with a Gaelic lilt by James L. Hosay. Inventive scoring marks arranger Kenny Bierschenck’s “A Festive Christmas,” featuring “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “The First Noel,” “Stille, Stille, Stille” and quotes from several other carols. There’s plenty of humor in the band’s version of “Up on a Housetop,” which will evoke fond memories of children’s Christmases, and “A Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” by John Len-

non and Yoko Ono should be especially nostalgic for baby boomers, as well as others. Of course, Mitchum said, the band will play one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, titled, in fact, “The Christmas Song.” Also known as “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” for its first line, the song was written by Mel Torme in 1946; the definitive version is generally recognized as Nat “King” Cole’s 1961 recording; Cole also recorded it in 1946 with his trio. Rather than a vocalist, the saxophone section of the band will take the solo part in “The Christmas Song.” “A Canadian Brass Christmas,” a medley of familiar seasonal tunes, and another song that evokes nostalgia for an old-fashioned holiday, “White Christmas,” will be performed in a traditional arrangement much like its composer, Irving Berlin, wrote; Bing Crosby’s version has sold more records that any single in history, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The song was one of 12 written by Berlin expressly for the 1942 film “Holiday Inn.” Mitchum also said there will be a surprise guest during the performance. No surprise will be audience members leaving the Opera House with Christmas music in their heads.

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Holiday tour and tea At left, Sandra Wallace shares a laugh with Sumter resident Susan Boyce, seen at right, during the Council of Garden Clubs of Sumter’s annual Holiday House Tour and Tea on Saturday afternoon at the Alice Boyle Garden Center. There were six other stops across the county on the holiday tour, and the theme for the 65th-annual event was “A Southern Christmas.” Mary Allen Beatson plays the piano during the event on Saturday.

PHOTOS BY MATT BRUCE / THE SUMTER ITEM

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES Georgetta Maria Taylor, 20, of 6350 Cougar Way, Wedgefield, was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of crack cocaine during a driver’s license checkpoint about 2:52 p.m. Friday at the intersection of 1149 Swamp Mill Circle and McCrays Mill Road. Kingwood Carrell Smith, 19, of 2865 Bunneau St., was charged with violation of S.C. Gun Law, possession of a stolen handgun and possession of a gun with an obliterated serial number about 4 p.m. Saturday after a stop at a driver’s license safety checkpoint at the corner of 1099 Westbury Mill and Cotton Acres roads. According to the report, when deputies asked the suspect who was visually nervous if he had anything illegal, he admitted to having marijuana. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded Hi-Point 9 mm handgun with an obliterated serial number under the front seat. The suspect claimed ownership of the weapon,

and a further search uncovered a Taurus .22-caliber handgun that records revealed was stolen. Gabrielle Lee Harrison, 24, of 8750 Camp Mac Boykin Road, Pinewood, was charged with criminal domestic violence about 3:46 a.m. Sunday after an incident during which a 25-year-old man said the suspect hit him in the back and face as well as grabbed and ripped his shirt. According to the report, the victim had visible injuries. Rebecca K. Elmore, 39, of 2700 Cain’s Mill Road, was charged with aggravated assault about 4:35 a.m. Sunday after the suspect reportedly hit a man with her vehicle in the 2000 block of Cain’s Mill Road. Thomas Calvin Robinson, 60, of 5305 Martez Lane, Wedgefield, was charged with petty larceny after officers reportedly found him taking scrap metal about 5:09 a.m. Sunday from a company truck outside a business in the 800 block of Broad Street. Adrienne Scarborough, 33, of 3260 Starview Drive, was arrested during a traffic stop

at the corner of Alice Drive and Broad Street about 7:30 p.m. Monday and charged with her third offense of driving under suspension. STOLEN PROPERTY A 2002 silver Mitsubishi Galant valued at $2,000 was reportedly stolen between 9 p.m. Dec. 1 and 3 p.m. Friday from the 200 block of South Purdy Street. A pink Apple iPhone valued at $649 was reported stolen about 9:36 a.m. Thursday from a school in the 2000 block of Oswego Highway. About $1,318 in cash was reported stolen about 6:33 a.m. Saturday from a home in the 4000 block of Briar Branch Road. A 2000 white Chevrolet Silverado Z71 valued at $4,500 was reported stolen about 9:11 a.m. Saturday from the 3000 block of Camden Highway. An aluminum door valued at $500, four stainless steel sinks valued at $80, five storm windows valued at $200, an assortment of Christmas lights valued at $500 and an estimated $500 of copper wire were report-

ed stolen about 10:03 a.m. Saturday from a storage building in the 3000 block of Brandon Circle. A 1996 Honda Accord valued at $3,000 was reportedly stolen between 1 and 7:15 p.m. Saturday from the 1000 block of Broad Street. A black 19-inch Emerson flat-screen TV with a built-in DVD player valued at $500 and a burgundy and black 25-gallon shop vacuum were reported stolen about 5:53 p.m. Saturday from the 1000 block of Old Pocalla Road. Two fireproof safes valued at $100, jewelry valued at $800, an Apple iPod valued at $400, a payroll check for $110 and $50 in cash were reported stolen about 10:14 p.m. Saturday from a home in the 2000 block of Emil Road, Wedgefield. Clothing, $10, seven pairs of Air Jordan shoes, six hats, an Albuterol inhaler, wallet with license and Social Security card, tissue, food, jewelry and a 32-inch Toshiba TV valued at a total of $2,550 were reportedly stolen between 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday from the 100 block of West

College Street. A 2006 Dodge Charger valued at $3,600 was reported stolen from a Dalzell home in the 3400 block of West Brewington Road at 5 p.m. Monday. A pistol and multiple TVs were reportedly stolen from a home in the 3900 block of Selma Lane between Friday morning and 11:45 a.m. Monday. A grill and trailer station were reportedly stolen from a property in the 3100 block of Leonard Brown Road between 1:30 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. Monday. A $120 check and $500 in cash were reportedly stolen from an employee’s purse at a restaurant in the 2400 block of Broad Street between noon and 3:30 p.m. afternoon. PROPERTY DAMAGE A 2005 Cadillac Escalade reportedly had $1,000 in estimated damage after reports that unidentified suspect(s) fired gunshots into the vehicle in the first block of Sampson Street between 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:10 p.m. Monday.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

City marks Arbor Day City of Sumter employees Lee Davis, Steve Johnson and Earl Boone help Brock McDaniel, city arborist, plant a Red Oak tree to commemorate Arbor Day on Friday in Memorial Park. Many unusual and historic trees are in the park, quite a few planted by Sumter’s first female city arborist, Julia Lester Dillon, for whom Dillon Park is named. Friday’s program was sponsored by the city, the Council of Garden Clubs of Sumter, the Azalea Garden Club and the Heart of Sumter Association. KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

end someone a helping hand this holiday season. The fol-

lowing are just a few of the needs in our community. If your nonprofit organization would like to be included on this list, email needs to rhonda@theitem. com. Sumter United Ministries has the following needs: • Electric heaters for those in the community who otherwise would go without heat; • Soups, canned meats, canned fruit, canned meals, loaves of bread, Ensure and diapers (size 4 and 5); and

• Volunteers (especially college age) for the first SAM Winter Restore Project Jan. 5-9, hosted by Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, and people interested in helping with weekend projects such as building wheelchair ramps

and doing small home repairs. Call (803) 775-0757 or email dennis@unitedministriessumter.org. Donate a new toy during Sumter Police Department’s Cram-A-Cruiser drive. The department, in partnership with The Salvation Army and the help of local Walmart, Walgreens and Dollar General locations, will collect toys to be distributed to local children in need. Residents are asked to help fill a police cruiser with new, unwrapped toys each Saturday through Dec. 20. An officer and police cruiser will be waiting for donations at the following times and locations: • Dec. 13 – Walgreens, 1990 McCrays Mill Road; and • Dec. 20 – Walgreens, 1000

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Broad St. Donation boxes also will be inside these businesses so toys can be dropped off during their normal business hours through Dec. 20. Boxes also will be at Dollar General stores at Savannah Plaza and U.S. 15 South and at the Law Enforcement Center, 107 E. Hampton Ave. For more information or to make a donation, contact Sumter Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at (803) 436-2721 or (803) 436-2723. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring the Elizabeth Foxworth Helping Hands Canned Food Drive in honor of the 45-year-old senior corporal and mother of five who died last December. Donations of canned goods and

other nonperishable food items are being collected through 5 p.m. Dec. 20 at the sheriff’s office, 1281 N. Main St. The goal is 1,600 cans to feed 200 families at eight cans a bag, she said. Most of the staff is asked to bring in 20 or more cans each. For information, contact Lt. Petrina Wiley at (803) 436-2026. Garfield’s Pantry Food Drive is collecting for KAT’s Special Kneads. Needed donations include monetary; chicken and turkey canned food or Purina dry food for cats; and canned moist food, dry food and bones for dogs. Please drop off donations at Mattress Firm, 1285 Broad St., or Computer Upgraders, 19 Pinewood Road. For information, call (803) 4693906.

NATION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

New guidelines widen racial profiling ban WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration released racial profiling guidelines for federal law enforcement agencies on Monday. The new policy broadens existing decade-old guidance on profiling but contains significant exceptions that trouble some advocacy groups for minorities. Here is a closer look at the changes:

What’s new in the guidelines? The guidelines direct the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies against profiling on the basis of religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. They replace 2003 directives from the Bush administration that forbid profiling on the basis of race and ethnicity but created an exception for national security investigations. The new rules close that national security loophole and widen the profiling prohibition to include a broader set of characteristics.

ethnicity sets off a bomb in a foreign country, the FBI could take ethnicity into account as it cultivates sources in the U.S. for information about the organization.

How will this impact day-to-day policing across the country?

That’s not clear. The guidelines are geared toward federal law enforcement officials from agencies including the FBI, Drug Enforcement AdministraWhat other exemptions exist? tion and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. They The primary carve-outs are in airports and at the nation’s borders. Secu- cover local and state officers — the ones most likely to carry out day-tority screens by Department of Homeday law enforcement in communities land Security employees in airports — only when they’re serving on federand at border checkpoints are exempt from the new protocols, as are interdic- al task forces. Still, the Justice Department hopes the guidelines will be a tions at ports of entry and Secret Servoluntary template for local agencies, vice protective activities. The departand Holder was briefing local law enment argued that the “unique nature forcement to encourage them to adopt of border and transportation security the federal policy. as compared to traditional law enforceAP FILE PHOTO ment” justified the exclusion of those U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder speaks What has been the reaction of groups activities. during a news conference before a recent

roundtable meeting in Cleveland. New racial profiling guidelines for federal law enforcement agencies were announced Monday by the Obama administration.

Are the new rules a response to recent police-involved deaths in Ferguson, Missouri, New York City and Cleveland?

whom to pull over if they’ve been told to be on the lookout for a fleeing bank robbery suspect of a given race or gender. Not quite. The Justice Department In other types of federal investigasays law enforcement officials may still tions, agents would be able to factor in consider those characteristics in cera person’s race, religion, gender or natain situations, including while seektional origin if they have “trustworthy ing a criminal suspect of a particular information” connecting individuals of physical description. In other words, those characteristics to a specific though U.S. Park Police officers may not indiscriminately stop speeding mo- crime, homeland security threat or immigration law violation. That means torists on the basis of race or gender, that if a terrorist group of a particular they can use those factors to decide

No. The protocols are a long-standing priority of Attorney General Eric Holder and have been under contemplation for the last five years. Still, they come in the aftermath of high-profile cases, such as the police shooting of an unarmed black 18-year-old in Ferguson, that have stirred concern about the treatment of minorities by law enforcement and about the adequacy of police training. Holder said in announcing the new guidelines that “it’s imperative that we take every possible action to institute strong and sound policing practices.”

Does that mean federal law enforcement agencies can never take those factors into account?

that advocate for ethnic and religious groups and for minorities?

Mixed at best. Though advocates say they’re happy with the broadened protections, they’re disappointed that the rules don’t go further. They say they wish the guidelines were binding on local and state departments, not just federal agencies, and are disappointed with caveats that they say will still allow profiling in certain circumstances. Muslim advocacy groups in particular say they’re concerned that the guidelines won’t bar the FBI from using neighborhood data on race, ethnicity and religion to recruit informants and develop information about where people of particular backgrounds live.

Policy snags hold up $1.1 trillion spending bill BY ANDREW TAYLOR The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Negotiators inched closer to agreement on a $1.1 trillion government-wide spending bill on Tuesday, as House Republicans indicated they would advance several controversial policy provisions on a separate track. The massive measure is the main piece of unfinished business before the lame-duck Congress packs up for the holidays and Republicans take full control of Capitol Hill

next month. GOP leaders want a clean slate to start next year and are eager for a deal. Democrats want a deal as well — while they retain power in the Senate. Money issues and many policy provisions have been worked out. The remaining hang up involved efforts by House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling, RTexas, to erode provisions of the 2010 Dodd-Frank law that tightened regulation of the financial sector. House leaders signaled they would advance that legislation separately —

tied to a renewal of the government’s terrorism insurance program that’s eagerly sought by Democrats standing in the way of Hensarling’s moves. The power play by Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, is aimed at making the Senate fold, but Democrats controlling the chamber — for now — said they would reject the move, which would mean that the government’s terrorism insurance program would lapse at the end of the year. The terrorism insurance program is important to the

construction and hospitality sectors, who say they will be unable to get insurance against costly attacks. A key issue in the battle involves unrelated legislation that would exempt banks from having to “push out” much of their trading in complex and risky financial instruments known as swaps into affiliates that aren’t eligible for federal assistance such as deposit insurance. The measure comes in response to complaints from the banking industry, which says it would make custom-

ers pay more for products that help them hedge against market changes such as higher fuel costs. Democrats say the measure puts taxpayers at risk for future bailouts. Aides said that efforts to attach to the broader bill politically tricky legislation to shore up economically distressed multi-employer pension plans by permitting a reduction of benefits for current retirees were likely to fail. The bipartisan measure may instead advance on a separate track.

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NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Mother, 2 sons among 6 dead in plane crash GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) — Residents of a suburban community adjacent to a small, regional airport said they don’t give much thought to the jets that fly over their homes daily. But the sound they heard Monday — a plane flying much too low and struggling to remain aloft — was different. It was followed by a horrifying scene on the ground. A mother and her two young sons, one of them just a month old, were killed Monday morning when a private jet crashed into their two-story woodframe home, which was engulfed in a fireball immediately, authorities and witnesses said. All three people on board the plane also died. Marie Gemmell, 36, tried to protect 3-year-old Cole and 1-month-old Devon from the smoke and fire, but there was nothing she could do, Montgomery County police spokesman Capt. Paul Starks said. Her body was found in a second-floor bathroom, lying on top of her sons. The jet’s fuselage crashed into the front lawn of an adjacent home, which was heavily damaged by fire, and investigators think one of its wings, which had fuel inside, sheared off and tore through the front of the Gemmell

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Montgomery County, Maryland, firefighters stand outside a house where a small private jet crashed in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on Monday. A woman and her two young sons inside the home and three people on the aircraft were killed, authorities said. home, said Robert Sumwalt, a National Transportation Safety Board member. Witnesses reported seeing and hearing a secondary explosion after the plane hit the ground. The plane took off from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and was approaching a runway at the Montgomery County

Pedreira, 67, who lives near the crash site, told The Associated Press. “Then he was 90 degrees — sideways — and then he went belly-up into the house, and it was a ball of fire. It was terrible. “I tell you, I got goosebumps when I saw it,” Pedreira said. “I said, ‘My God, those are people in that plane.’”

Airpark, about a mile from the crash site, when it went down, Sumwalt said. Witnesses reported that the plane was flying too low and careening wildly before the crash. “This guy, when I saw him, for a fast jet with the wheels down, I said, ‘I think he’s coming in too low,’” Fred

Testing quandary arises for women with dense breasts WASHINGTON (AP) — More women are learning their breasts are so dense that it’s more difficult for mammograms to spot cancer. But new research suggests automatically giving them an extra test isn’t necessarily the solution. Screening isn’t the only concern. Women whose breast tissue is very dense have a greater risk of developing breast cancer than women whose breasts contain more fatty tissue. Laws in 19 states require women to be told if they have dense breasts after a mammogram, with Missouri’s and Massachusetts’ requirements taking effect in January. Similar legislation has been introduced in Congress. What’s not clear is what a woman who’s told her breasts are dense should do next, if anything. Some of the laws suggest extra screening may be in order. Not so fast, a team of scientists reported Monday. They modeled what would happen if women with dense breasts routinely received an ultrasound exam after every mammogram and calculated such a policy would cost a lot, in extra tests and false alarms, for a small benefit. For every 10,000 women who got supplemental screening between the ages of 50 and 74, three to four breast cancer deaths would be prevented — but 3,500 cancer-free women would undergo needless biopsies, the study concluded. “Not everybody with dense breasts is going to get cancer. There are people with dense breasts that are not at high risk,” explained study co-author Dr. Karla Kerlikowske of the University of California, San Francisco, who has long studied density. Among the questions: How

to tell which women really are at high risk, and how to better examine that group. “We need to investigate alternative screening strategies for women with dense

breasts,” added epidemiologist Brian Sprague of the University of Vermont Cancer Center, who led the research published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Topping that list: Scientists are beginning to study if a newer tool, 3-D mammograms, might get around the density problem by essentially viewing breast tissue from

more angles. Meanwhile, Sprague said his study could help women consider the trade-offs as they decide for themselves whether to pursue an ultrasound.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

Brutal CIA questioning didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work, report says WASHINGTON (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Senate investigators delivered a damning indictment of CIA interrogations Tuesday, accusing the spy agency of inflicting suffering on prisoners beyond its legal limits and peddling unsubstantiated stories that the harsh questioning saved American lives. Treatment in secret prisons after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks was worse than the government told Congress or the public, said the report from the Senate Intelligence Committee, the first official public accounting after years of debate about the CIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brutal handling of prisoners. Five hundred pages were released, representing the executive summary and conclusions of a still-classified 6,700-page full investigation. President Obama declared the past practices to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;contrary to our valuesâ&#x20AC;? and pledged, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will continue to use my authority as president to make sure we never resort to those methods again.â&#x20AC;? Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the committee chairwoman, branded the findings a stain on the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under any common meaning of the term, CIA detainees were tortured,â&#x20AC;? she declared, commanding the Senate floor for an extended accounting of the harsh techniques identified in the report. Tactics used included weeks of sleep deprivation, slapping and slamming of detainees against walls, confining them to small boxes, keeping them isolated for prolonged periods and threatening them with death. Three detainees faced the simulated drowning technique known as waterboarding. Many developed psychological problems. But the â&#x20AC;&#x153;enhanced interrogation techniquesâ&#x20AC;? didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t produce the results that really mattered, the report asserts in its most controversial conclu-

sion. It cites CIA cables, emails and interview transcripts to rebut the central justification for torture â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that it thwarted terror plots and saved American lives. In a statement, the CIA said the report â&#x20AC;&#x153;tells part of the storyâ&#x20AC;? but â&#x20AC;&#x153;there are too many flaws for it to stand as the official record of the program.â&#x20AC;? Some Republican leaders objected to the reportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release and challenged its contention that tough tactics didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work. The interrogation program â&#x20AC;&#x153;helped us identify and capture important al-Qaida terrorists, disrupt their ongoing plotting and take down Osama bin Laden,â&#x20AC;? Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, top Republican on the intelligence panel, said in a joint statement. But GOP Sen. John McCain, tortured in Vietnam as a prisoner of war, welcomed the report and endorsed its findings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We gave up much in the expectation that torture would make us safer,â&#x20AC;? he said in a Senate speech. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Too much.â&#x20AC;? The report, released after months of negotiations with the administration about what should be censored, was issued amid concerns of an antiAmerican backlash overseas. American embassies and military sites worldwide were taking extra precautions. Earlier this year, Feinstein accused the CIA of infiltrating Senate computer systems in a dispute about documents as relations between the investigators and the spy agency deteriorated, the issue still sensitive years after Obama halted the interrogation practices upon taking office. Former CIA officials disputed the reportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s findings. So did some Senate Republicans, who accused Democrats of inaccuracies, sloppy analysis and cherry-picking evidence to

reach a predetermined conclusion. CIA officials maintain they gained vital intelligence that still guides counterterrorism efforts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The program led to the capture of al-Qaida leaders and took them off the battlefield,â&#x20AC;? George Tenet, CIA director when the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks occurred, said in recent days. He said it saved â&#x20AC;&#x153;thousands of American lives.â&#x20AC;? Not so, said Democratic Sen. Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It got us nothing except a bad name.â&#x20AC;? President George W. Bush approved the program through a covert finding in 2002, but he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t briefed by the CIA about the details until 2006. At that time Bush expressed discomfort with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;image of a detainee, chained to the ceiling, clothed in a diaper and forced to go to the bathroom on himself.â&#x20AC;? After al-Qaida operative Abu Zubaydah was arrested in Pakistan, the CIA received permission to use waterboarding,

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday after the release of a report on the CIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harsh interrogation techniques at secret overseas facilities after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Feinstein branded the findings a â&#x20AC;&#x153;stain on the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.â&#x20AC;? sleep deprivation, close confinement and other techniques. Agency officials added unauthorized methods into the mix, the report says. At least five men in CIA detention received â&#x20AC;&#x153;rectal rehydration,â&#x20AC;? a form of feeding through the rectum. The report found no medical necessity for the treatment. Others received â&#x20AC;&#x153;ice bathsâ&#x20AC;? and death threats. At least three in captivity were told their families would suffer, with CIA officers threatening

to harm their children, sexually abuse the mother of one man and cut the throat of another manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother. Zubaydah was held in a secret facility in Thailand, called â&#x20AC;&#x153;detention Site Greenâ&#x20AC;? in the report. Early on, with CIA officials thinking he had information on an imminent plot, Zubaydah was left isolated for 47 days without questioning, the report says. Later, he was subjected to the panoply of techniques. He later suffered mental problems.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

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

Parental involvement is a key to success Editor’s note: This is the first part of a two-part series by Johnny Hilton on how parents can get involved and make a difference in their children’s academic achievement.

e all want our children to be successful in school and get a good education. There is plenty of evidence that a person’s level of education is a primary factor in the quality of life they will experience. As Dr. Seuss put it: “The more you read, the more you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Knowledge provides opportunities; education opens doors. As parents, how can we get our kids to do better in school? The short answer is to get involved in their education. Kids do better in school when their parents actively participate in their educational experiences. What does this mean we parents should do? There’s a long list of things we can do to become more involved which might include reading to and with your child, helping with homework, attending parent-teacher confer-

GUEST COMMENTARY ences, having lunch at school, joining the PTA, setting academic expectations and many more. The literature on this subject indicates that parental involvement at any level is a key to success. Sending a message to our kids that we want to be involved and that we are interested in their school and its related activities can make a difference. Have lunch at school with Johnny your elementary-age Hilton kids, chaperone field trips, attend extracurricular functions such as athletic events and musical performances and join and become active in the PTA. If you want to take your involvement up a notch you will need to get involved in your child’s homework. All kids are different, and of course they go through changes as they mature, but most do better when they

have some structure related to their homework. This structure might include a schedule so they tackle their homework at about the same time each day, with some flexibility, of course, for other learning activities such as sports or music lessons. This structure might also include a place where they can do their homework with a minimum of distractions. Interruptions and distractions caused by others in the home or the neighborhood should be eliminated during homework time. Your kids will want their cellphone, iPod and who knows what else turned on. Multitasking is the way of our world, but research shows that we really do better when we focus on one thing at a time. Putting away the electronic devices while doing homework will result in improved learning. Parent/teacher communication is another important aspect of parental involvement. This is true not only at the elementary level, but throughout your child’s educational career. We know that as our children grow older, they sometimes act as if they don’t want us involved in their business.

That’s a challenge that parents must deal with, because students at all levels do better when parents communicate with their teachers and know what’s going on with their school work. The traditional parent/teacher conference can yield important information and insights for both parent and teacher. When parents come in for a conference it is best to have some questions prepared to ask teachers about your child’s behavior and academic performance. Teachers are always eager to share grades and you should ask to see a current print out of your child’s grades. Email is also a great way to stay in touch with teachers. Exchange email addresses with your child’s teacher. Don’t be a pest, however, just let your child’s teachers know you want to be kept informed and check in with them periodically. Thanks for reading this far down in the article. Johnny Hilton is a parent and former public school teacher and principal. He now serves as the area 4 representative on Sumter School Board.

COMMENTARY

What’s rule of law?

resident Obama said just before the recent Ferguson, Missouri, riots, “First and foremost, we are a nation built on the rule of law.” Most Americans have little or no inkling of what “rule of law” means. Many think it means obedience to whatever laws legislatures enact. That’s a vision that has led to human tragedy down through the ages. Historically, it sanctioned the divine right of kings, whereby a monarch was subject to no earthly authority, deriving his right to rule directly from the will of God. More recently, it’s a vision that included the Nuremberg laws, which led to the genocide of European Jews, and the brutal laws of the regimes Walter of Josef StaWilliams lin and Mao Zedong, which led to tens of millions of murders. Let’s ask ourselves what the characteristics of laws in a free society should be. Let’s think about baseball rules (laws) as a way to approach this. Some players, through no fault of their own, hit fewer home runs than others. In order to create baseball justice, or what’s sometimes called a level playing field, how about a rule requiring pitchers to throw easier pitches to poorer home run hitters? Alternatively, we could make a rule that what would be a double for a power hitter is a home run for someone who doesn’t hit many homers. Some pitchers aren’t so good as others. How about allowing those pitchers to stand closer to home plate? Better yet, we could rule their first two pitches as strikes, regardless of whether they are or not. In the interest of baseball justice, we might make special rules for some players and not for others. That would level the playing field between old players and young players, black players and white players and fast runners and slow runners. Umpires would become arbiters of baseball justice. You say, “Williams, you can’t be serious! Can you imagine all the chaos that would ensue: players lobbying umpires, umpires deciding who gets what favor, and lawsuits — not to mention violence?” You’re ab-

solutely right. The reason baseball games end peaceably — with players and team owners satisfied with the process, whether they win or lose — is that baseball rules (law) are applied equally to all players. They’re fixed, and umpires don’t make up rules as they go along. In other words, baseball rules meet the test of “abstractness.” They envision no particular game outcome in terms of winners and losers. The rules that govern baseball simply create a framework in which the game is played. Laws or rules in a free society should have similar characteristics; there should be “rule of law.” Rule of law means that laws are certain and known in advance. Laws envision no particular outcome except that of allowing people to peaceably pursue their own objectives. Finally, and most importantly, laws are equally applied to everyone, including government officials. Sir Henry Sumner Maine, probably the greatest legal historian ever, wrote, “The movement of the progressive societies has hitherto been a movement from Status to Contract.” In non-progressive societies, rule of law is absent. Laws are not general. They’re applied according to a person’s status or group membership. There’s rule not by legis, the Latin word for law, but by privilegium, the Latin term for private law. Let’s look at our country and ask whether we live under rule of law. Just about every law that Congress enacts violates the requirements for rule of law. How do we determine violations of rule of law? It’s easy. See whether the law applies to particular Americans, as opposed to all Americans. See whether the law exempts public officials from its application. See whether the law is known in advance. See whether the law takes action against a person who has taken no aggressive action against another. If one conducts such a test, he will conclude that it is virtually impossible to find a single act of Congress that adheres to the principles of the rule of law. The supreme tragedy is Americans do not want rule of law. Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2014 creators.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR MILITARY MEMBERS NEED TO BE HOME WITH THEIR FAMILIES It’s time to come home. We have been involved in two major wars, World War I and World War II, also the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, Iraq and Afghanistan. We pulled out of Iraq once and returned. These Southwestern Asia wars will never end. Our troops need to come home to their families. It’s very hard to be away from your family, especially during Christmastime.

I know from experience how hard it is on our troops during Christmas time to not be home with family. My tour of duty during my Air Force career included 18 months in France without family, four months in Turkey, six months in Japan, and 12 months in Thailand, Southeast Asia. We, as soldiers, airmen, Marines, and Navy are doing a superior job in protecting our country, the United States of America. MARION RICHBURG Retired U.S. Air Force technical sergeant Paxville

WHO REPRESENTS YOU SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 Naomi Sanders 5605 Borden Road Rembert, SC 29128 (803) 499-3947 (home) DISTRICT 2 Artie Baker 3680 Bakersfield Lane Dalzell, SC 29040 803-469-3638 (home) DISTRICT 3 Jimmy R. Byrd Jr. 1084 Broad St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 778-0796 (office) (803) 775-2726 (Fax) countycouncil3@ftc-i.net DISTRICT 4 Charles T. Edens 760 Henderson St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775-0044 (home) DISTRICT 5 Vivian Fleming-McGhaney 9770 Lynches River Road Lynchburg, SC 29080 (803) 437-2797 (home) (803) 495-3247 (office) DISTRICT 6 Larry Blanding Chairman P.O. Box 1446 Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 775-8518 (home) DISTRICT 7 Eugene Baten Vice chairman P.O. Box 3193 Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 773-0815 (home)

NATIONAL LAWMAKERS

SUMTER CITY COUNCIL STATE LAWMAKERS MAYOR Joseph T. McElveen Jr. 20 Buford St. Sumter, SC 29150 803-773-0382 jmcelveen@sumter-sc.com WARD 1 Thomas J. Lowery 829 Legare St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-9298 WARD 2 Ione Dwyer P.O. Box 1492 Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 481-4284 WARD 3 Calvin K. Hastie Sr. 810 S. Main St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-7776 WARD 4 Colleen Yates WARD 5 Robert Galiano 608 Antlers Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-0005 WARD 6 David Merchant 26 Paisley Park Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-1086

Rep. Grady Brown, D-Bishopville District 50 420 S. Main St. Bishopville, SC 29010 (803) 484-6832 Columbia: (803) 734-2934 Rep. Joe Neal, D-Hopkins District 70 P.O. Box 5 Hopkins, SC 29061 (803) 776-0353 Fax: (803) 734-9142 Columbia: (803) 734-2804 jn@schouse.org

Rep. J. David Weeks, D-Sumter District 51 2 Marlborough Court Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 775-5856 Columbia: (803) 734-3102 Sen. Gerald Malloy, D-Darlington District 29 1216 Salem Road Hartsville, SC 29550 (843) 339-3000 Columbia: (803) 212-6148

Sen. Kevin L. Johnson, D-Manning District 36 Rep. Dr. Robert L. Ridgeway III, P.O. Box 156, Manning, 29102 D-Clarendon (803) 435-8117 District 64 Columbia: (803) 212-6108 117 N. Brooks St. Manning, SC 29102 Sen. J. Thomas McElveen III, (803) 938-3087 D-Sumter Columbia: (803) 212-6929 District 35 P. O. Box 57, Sumter, 29151 Rep. Ronnie A. Sabb, (803) 775-1263 D-Greeleyville Columbia: (803) 212-6132 District 101 P.O. Box 311, Greeleyville, 29056 (843) 355-5349 Columbia: (803) 212-6926 Rep. Murrell Smith Jr., R-Sumter District 67 P.O. Box 580 Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 778-2471 Fax: (803) 778-1643 Columbia: (803) 734-3042 murrellsmith@schouse.gov

Rep. Mick Mulvaney — 5th District 1207 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5501 531-A Oxford Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 327-1114 Rep. Jim Clyburn — 6th District 319 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3315 1703 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 799-1100 jclyburn@hr.house.gov Sen. Lindsey Graham 290 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5972 Midlands Regional Office 508 Hampton Street, Suite 202 Columbia, SC 29201 Main: (803) 933-0112 Sen. Tim Scott 167 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-6121 (202) 228-5143 (fax) 1301 Gervais St., Suite 825 Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 771-6112 (803) 771-6455 (fax)

A10

LOCAL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

AUDIT FROM PAGE A1 time for a board workshop or for Hilton to contact her directly. Chairman the Rev. Daryl McGhaney asked Hilton to coordinate with Baker and Mann and get back to him on some possible dates for a workshop. Trustee the Rev. Ralph Canty asked if it would be better to receive the audit report as information that night and

vote to adopt it another time. By state law, the report had to be to the state Department of Education by Dec. 1, Baker said. “Then should we be acting on it in our November meeting rather than our December one?” Canty asked. McGhaney asked Baker to investigate that possibility further, and Baker agreed he would. Several trustees asked questions regarding food service

HEALING FROM PAGE A1 to see we offer something outside of the traditional counseling,” she said. “Some of our clients come to us after several attempts at counseling or come from long-term therapy, and nothing has been really effective.” Between July 1, 2013, and June 30 this year, STSM volunteers and staff provided services to 1,104 people in Sumter County, said Mary Dell Hayes, development coordinator. “Often when we work with a young person, their mom or boyfriend or support people will get counseling as well to learn how to support the survivor and to deal with their own issues related to the trauma,” she said. Services include: • 24-hour crisis intervention via hotline and hospital accompaniment; • Legal advocacy and court accompaniment; and • Individual and group counseling. Along with these services, the clients are welcome to participate in the animal assisted, art and yoga therapy.

“We provide them with a safe environment that allows them to process some other aspects of their trauma,” Lewis said. “It helps them continue the healing journey and amplifies what we’re already doing. The only regret I’ve heard is they wish it was longer. They want more of it. That is one of our goals, to be able to provide more.” Again, all services are free to the clients, but the average cost of art therapy would usually be between $150 to $175 per person per session, she said. Yoga varies widely, but curriculum similar to what they offer has run about $150 per person, Lewis said. Animal-assisted therapy also varies, but most of the time, people volunteer. “We would love to be able to offer reimbursement,” Lewis said. “Even though they volunteer, that would be a way to recognize that we value their time.” While a gift of any size helps, said Ginny Waller, STSM’s executive director, in a recent newsletter, a few amounts will come with special recognition if you give between now and the first of the year.

GRANTS FROM PAGE A1 who runs the home repair program. Gaines’ office administers it, he said, but it’s sent out to the lowest bidder. “While $152,090 may seem like a lot of money, when you’re getting into repairing older houses, it doesn’t go that far,” Gaines said. He has about 75 houses on his waiting list, Gaines said, and many of those are 60 to 70 years old, meaning they are in need of major repairs. David Merchant asked how the homes are selected, and Gaines said he presents the next 10 on the list to the housing board. “They don’t count the cost of the project,” Gaines said. “They look at disability, age and how many are in the household, and they prioritize. I follow their list.” The board is appointed by council, McCormick said. Robert A. Galiano asked

revenues and expenditures, and Poston expressed concerns about the change in revenues with the district switching to free lunch for all students. The district will get more revenue through the reimbursements on the free lunch claims than the district was previously drawing, Baker said. In other news, the chairman appointed: • Hilton and Lucille McQuilla to the Finance Committee; • Vice Chairwoman Karen

about an emergency situation. For example, last year a family’s home insurance was going to be canceled because of the condition of their house. Galiano was able to connect them with Habitat for Humanity. “I’ve had three people this year in the same situation,” Gaines said. “I used the emergency funds the council allocated to us.” Home repairs continued to be a major topic as Sumter Planning Director George McGregor presented an update on the 2010 vacant home report. Based on this year’s numbers, an estimated 1,151 homes in the city are vacant with 235 of those being considered hazardous for human habitation. To start addressing this problem, which is one seen across the nation, said city attorney Eric Shytle, McGregor proposes amendments to the city property maintenance

THE SUMTER ITEM Michalik and himself to the Public Information Committee; and • Maintained Canty, Michalik and himself on the Policy Review Committee. Board members also unanimously approved: • A 2015-16 school calendar; • Second reading of amendments to the school wellness policy; and • A personnel report that will give R.E. Davis Elementary School a new kindergar-

ten teacher. School will start Aug. 17 next year and end on June 2, 2016. The winter holidays break will be Dec. 21, 2015, to Jan. 1, 2016. School resumes Jan. 4, 2016. And the spring holidays will be March 25, 2016, through April 1, 2016, with classes resuming April 4. The board will meet again at 9 a.m. Thursday at district headquarters, 1345 Wilson Hall Road.

THERAPIES AVAILABLE Art Therapy is an eight-week program conducted primarily in a group setting. It usually lasts about an hour and a half for each session and assists survivors in processing their narrative from a different angle. While the left side of the brain is what is normally associated with language and analytical skills, said Sherry Lewis, director of therapy and outreach with STSM, the right side is more associated with images and pictures. Sometimes, survivors don’t have the language to express themselves, and this therapy allows them to access different parts of the brain. It is paired with trauma-specific talk therapy, she said, and topics include self-esteem, communication and awareness. The yoga therapy program is a six-week curriculum that addresses the way the impact of the trauma can cause a person to disconnect

• $250 or more will get you a Wine and Design Healing Art session led by STSM clinicians; • $100 or more will get you a Meet and Greet Party with therapy dogs Max and Keagan; • $50 or more will get you a set of six

code. These changes would allow code enforcement more power in addressing these matters. “But it’s not a silver bullet,” he said. “It will not fix the marketplace or poverty in certain areas.” Another way to work on the problem involves applying for the Neighborhood Initiative Program, a grant that aims to stabilize blighted communities through acquisition and demolition of vacant homes, McGregor said. This is the part where the city might gain some much-needed funds. For this grant, Sumter would be considered part of the Pee Dee Region and qualify for $6 million in state funds. The city would partner with SanteeLynches Regional Council on Governments for the program, McGregor said. His office plans to apply by Jan. 12. Merchant asked about how difficult it is to track out-oftown owners for such property. With the way the ordinances

from the individual’s body, Lewis said. It’s about coming back to a sense of safety and developing trust in one’s self and body again. It can also help with mindfulness and lowering anxiety. Trauma sometimes causes a heightened sense of fight or flight, she said. Animal-assisted therapy has proven very effective in the teen support group. “It’s often a prerequisite,” Lewis said. “They ask, ‘Is Keagan going to be there?’” But the dogs are also used in individual sessions, she said, and crisis appointments when needed. They become an extension of the counselor. Where it may not be appropriate for the therapist to go over and hug the person, the animal can provide that safe touch comfort. The therapy also helps the survivor start developing a safe relationship that can translate into other relationships, Lewis said.

note cards featuring healing art created in STSM art therapy group; and • $25 or more will get your name listed in the STSM newsletter and a thank you photo from Max and Keagan. For more information, visit stsm. org.

stand today, McGregor said it throws a wrench in the process but that the proposed revisions would help deal with out-of-

town ownership. It will take a multi-faceted approach to address the vacant housing issue, Shytle said.

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AROUND TOWN tact Jim McCain at (678) The Civil Air Patrol Sumter 429-8150 or jtmccain@bellComposite Squadron’s Wreaths Across America cer- south.net. Don’t Across America ceremony will bemiss heldthe at Wreaths noon Performing Arts for the Holiemony Dec. 13, at on Saturday, days will be held at 6:30 Sumter Cemetery, 700 W. p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, Oakland Ave. The public, at Patriot Hall, 135 Haynespecially active duty and sworth St. All forms of enretired military members tertainment are welcome: and their families, are ininstrumental, vocalists, vited to attend this event. mimes, choirs, poetry, Perry Moses III, former flo- praise dancers, and more. tilla commander of the U.S. For additional information, Coast Guard Auxiliary, will call the South Sumter Respeak. After the brief cere- source Center at (803) 436mony, attendees are wel2276. come to help hang the VFW Post 10813 will hold its wreaths along the cemeannual Christmas celebration tery fence. from 6 to 9 p.m. on TuesClarendon School District day, Dec. 16, at 610 ManOne will conduct free vision, ning Ave. Members may hearing, speech and develop- bring a guest. Call (803) mental screenings as part of 773-6700 for information. a child find effort to idenThe Sumter County Educators tify students with special Association — Retired will needs. Screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at hold its Christmas program and luncheon at the Summerton Early noon on Wednesday, Dec. Childhood Center on the 17, at New Beginnings Resfollowing Thursdays: Dec. taurant, 1335 Peach Or11; Jan. 8, 2015; Feb. 12, chard Road. Call Brenda 2015; March 12, 2015; April Bethune at (803) 469-6588 9, 2015; and May 14, 2015. for additional information. For more information, call The Sumter Combat Veterans Sadie Williams or Audrey Group will meet at 10 a.m. Walters at (803) 485-2325, on Friday, Dec. 19, at the extension 221. South HOPE Center, 1125 S. The Mary McLeod Bethune Lafayette Drive. All area Sumter Branch will meet at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, at veterans are invited. The Sumterites Association Morris College. Call Lucile will hold its annual Christmas Washington at (803) 773dance at 8 p.m. on Friday, 1987. Dec. 19, at the old Lincoln Heartz 2 Soulz will hold its High School gym, 22 Counannual “Giving Back to the Community Christmas Dinner cil St. Call (803) 773-6700, (803) 840-3794 or (803) 340and Gift-Giving Event” for 0042 for information. local homeless, addicts, Good Samaritans For All Peoprostitutes, battered ple will mark its 20th anniverwomen, etc., from noon to sary with the nonprofit’s 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. Christmas giveaway starting 13, at CJS Café N Catering, at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 226 N. Washington St. (in20, at Lee Central High side Econo Lodge). DonaSchool, 1800 Wisacky Hightions of hats, scarfs, gloves, coats, blankets and way, Bishopville. All famitoiletries are being accept- lies who need help are ed for this event. Call (803) welcome to attend for toys, clothes and food. Bi774-2233 or (803) 406-2446. cycles will also be availThe Sumter Branch NAACP able. For more informawill hold its annual memtion, call the Rev. Eddie bership meeting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, at High Thomas at (803) 459-4989. Manchester High “55-70” will Hills Baptist Church, 6750 host its biannual school reMeeting House Road, Dalunion on Friday, Dec. 26, zell. 2014, at the Gamecock The One Sumter Community Shrine Club, 1865 U.S. 15 S., meeting will be held at Sumter. All school alumni 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, at Mount Zion Mission- / attendees are invited. Cost is $65 per person. ary Baptist Church. Payment deadline is Dec. 15. The Westside Neighborhood Contact the Rev. Rufus Association will meet at Gaymon at (803) 316-6428, 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. the Rev. George Gaymon at 15, at the Birnie HOPE Cen- (803) 600-5919 or Doris ter, 210 S. Purdy St.. ConHarvin at (843) 906-8250.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Sunshine

Mainly clear and cold

A full day of sunshine

Partly sunny

Mostly sunny

55°

28°

54° / 28°

56° / 29°

58° / 31°

57° / 32°

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

NW 7-14 mph

NNW 3-6 mph

W 3-6 mph

WNW 3-6 mph

NNW 4-8 mph

NNW 3-6 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 51/28 Spartanburg 51/29

Greenville 51/29

Columbia 56/29

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 55/28

Aiken 55/27

ON THE COAST

Charleston 56/33

Today: Plenty of sunshine. High 53 to 57. Thursday: Sunny. High 52 to 57.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 50/31/s 35/23/pc 61/49/c 35/23/c 66/50/pc 73/57/pc 59/44/s 39/33/sh 62/40/s 40/32/sn 76/54/s 64/59/c 45/35/sh

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 356.91 74.30 73.97 95.68

24-hr chg +0.08 -0.03 -0.02 -0.27

Sunrise 7:16 a.m. Moonrise 9:19 p.m.

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

trace 0.03" 0.91" 35.04" 46.89" 44.51"

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

55° 39° 58° 35° 83° in 1998 16° in 2006

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. Month to date Normal month to date Year to date Last year to date Normal year to date

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 52/33/s 37/27/s 59/51/c 37/28/s 65/52/c 70/57/c 61/44/pc 39/32/sh 63/45/pc 39/30/sn 76/54/pc 61/52/r 45/35/c

Myrtle Beach 53/33

Manning 56/28

Today: Mostly sunny. Winds west-northwest 4-8 mph. Mainly clear. Thursday: Sunny. Winds west-southwest becoming west 3-6 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 55/29

Bishopville 55/27

Sunset 5:13 p.m. Moonset 10:12 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Dec. 14

Dec. 21

Dec. 28

Jan. 4

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 7.09 -0.11 19 3.63 +0.07 14 4.69 -0.35 14 3.53 none 80 76.58 -0.32 24 8.79 +2.21

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Thu.

High 11:20 a.m. 11:49 p.m. 12:00 p.m. ---

Ht. 3.1 2.7 3.0 ---

Low 5:45 a.m. 6:24 p.m. 6:27 a.m. 7:04 p.m.

Ht. 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.6

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 43/24/pc 52/27/s 57/25/s 56/35/s 48/38/pc 56/33/s 52/27/s 54/31/s 56/29/s 54/28/s 53/33/c 53/31/s 54/29/s

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 47/24/s 53/27/s 55/24/s 57/34/s 47/37/s 57/33/s 52/27/s 55/32/s 55/28/s 53/27/s 50/30/s 51/29/s 51/28/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 55/29/s Gainesville 58/33/s Gastonia 52/27/s Goldsboro 52/30/pc Goose Creek 56/32/s Greensboro 49/28/s Greenville 51/29/s Hickory 48/27/s Hilton Head 55/38/s Jacksonville, FL 57/32/s La Grange 55/30/s Macon 55/28/s Marietta 49/29/s

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 53/29/s 58/34/pc 52/27/s 49/29/s 56/32/s 48/29/s 53/30/s 50/28/s 55/40/s 57/32/pc 57/29/s 56/26/s 51/29/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 48/27/pc Mt. Pleasant 56/35/s Myrtle Beach 53/33/s Orangeburg 56/31/s Port Royal 55/36/s Raleigh 51/28/pc Rock Hill 52/26/s Rockingham 52/25/s Savannah 59/35/s Spartanburg 51/29/s Summerville 55/36/s Wilmington 54/31/s Winston-Salem 48/28/s

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 50/24/s 57/35/s 52/33/s 55/30/s 56/35/s 49/28/s 52/25/s 52/23/s 58/33/s 53/29/s 55/36/s 52/30/s 49/29/s

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

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t let EUGENIA LAST uncertainty cloud your judgment. Look deep inside and you will find the answers you are looking for. Good fortune will come from your ability to openly discuss any problems or concerns you have. Don’t be shy.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Emotions will flare up if you get into arguments and don’t maintain your honesty and integrity. Embellishment and indulgence will be the culprits that set situations spinning out of control. Choose self-improvement over criticizing others. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll be more focused on having fun than getting things done. Popularity is attainable, but not at the cost of failing in school, at work or taking care of responsibilities. Do what needs to be done first. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Completing tasks will be the goal in order to get ahead professionally, financially or where education is concerned. A trip or mentor will take you on an unexpected journey that will influence your future. Let your intuition guide you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Speak your mind and share your thoughts. Don’t worry about someone who is trying to bully you into something. Simply say “no” and keep on moving. Take control, make the changes that suit you and don’t look back. Put yourself first. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You must proceed with caution. You may think you have a handle on a situation, but emotions will get stirred up, causing irrational actions. Stick close to home and protect what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Learn from past mistakes. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick to your plans and fill your day with accomplishments. You will make an impressive display of offering assistance, options and suggestions that will boost your reputation and bring about recognition and rewards. Romance is highlighted and will improve your personal life.

803-795-4257

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

1-16-23-27-28 PowerUp: 4

12-15-22-43-49 Powerball: 14 Powerplay: 2

PICK 3 TUESDAY

PICK 4 TUESDAY

6-3-8 and 1-2-2

3-8-6-4 and 8-8-2-6

MEGAMILLIONS numbers were unavailable at press time.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t fold under pressure or give in to demands. You may not like the changes going on around you, but if you stick to what you know, do your best and work quietly behind the scenes, you will come out on top.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Embrace a challenge, a playful activity or dealing with youngsters with great enthusiasm, and you will gain wisdom from the experience. You can make changes to how you live while also adding to your knowledge and skills.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Jump into action and take on the role of a leader. Apply for a new position or go above and beyond the call of duty, and you will advance. Love is highlighted, and partnerships will prove beneficial. Expand, explore and experiment.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Secrets will be revealed, and being prepared to face whatever develops will be necessary if you want to avoid discord. Put greater emphasis on making personal improvements and doing your best to protect and appreciate the ones you love.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put any differences you have aside. You cannot advance if you are constantly fighting everyone around you. Focus on truth, talent and adjusting your skills to suit the current economic climate. Aim to fix and stabilize instead of destroying and starting over.

Dan Baxter shares a picture he took early one summer morning on Dog Lake, Ontario, Canada. Baxter calls the photo “Sitting On the Dock of the Bay.”

SECTION

Did big game cost Jones rest of season? JONES

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

PRO FOOTBALL

Newton injured in car wreck Panthers QB suffers back fractures, expected to be released today BY TOM FOREMAN JR. The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Panthers quarterback Cam Newton suffered fractures to his lower back in a two-car crash Tuesday and will spend the night in the hospital, a team spokesman said Tuesday. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Newton was in fair condiA Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer, right, tends to Carolina quar- tion, had no other internal interback Cam Newton following a two-vehicle crash not far from the juries and would not need team’s stadium in Charlotte on Tuesday. surgery, team spokesman

USC FOOTBALL

Charlie Dayton said during a news conference outside a Charlotte hospital. It was unclear if Newton would be able to practice or play Sunday against the Buccaneers, Dayton said. “Right now we have thought about Cam’s well-being and we understand there was someone else in the other car who was injured,” Dayton said. “We just hope that they’re all OK.”

He was expected to be released from the hospital today after undergoing tests. Television footage showed Newton on a stretcher being placed in an ambulance after the crash. Photos from The Charlotte Observer showed the 25-year-old smiling as an officer attended to him on the ground. A black pickup truck that

SEE NEWTON, PAGE B5

PREP WRESTLING

Cann, Fry, Cooper earn SEC accolades SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT COLUMBIA— University of South Carolina senior offensive lineman A.J. Cann and sophomore wide receiver Pharoh Cooper earned first-team All-SEC recognition, according to the league’s 14 coaches, while Cooper, garnering distinction as CANN an all-purpose back, joined sophomore placekicker Elliott Fry on the coaches’ All-SEC second team, which was announced on COOPER Tuesday. Cann, a 6-4, 311-pounder from Bamberg, S.C., has been a fouryear starter at guard for the Gamecocks. He FRY has started 50 of the 51 games over the past four seasons, the second-most starts in Carolina history. A two-time captain, Cann helped lead a team that averaged over 33 points and 450 yards per game. He earned second team All-SEC accolades from the Associated Press on Monday. Cooper, a 5-11, 201-pounder from Havelock, N.C., was the Gamecocks’ top pass catcher with 60 receptions for 966 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed 24 times for 198 yards and two scores, completed 5-of-8 passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, and returned 14 punts for 78 yards. His best game came against Tennessee when he caught a career-high 11 passes for a

SEE USC, PAGE B3

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Sumter’s Mac Mota, left, is one of nine returning starters from last year’s Region VI-4A championship squad as the Gamecocks look to build on last season’s success.

Work in progress Looking to build off last year, SHS returns nine from region title team BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com The Sumter High School wrestling team won the Region VI-4A title last season for the first time since 2010-11. The Gamecocks return nine starters from the 14 weight classes, including five individual region champions. Defending that region crown is a work in progress for SHS head coach Cody Slaughter and his team. That won’t be determined until the region meet on Jan. 31, 2015, in Sumter. Until

then, Sumter will be seeing plenty of mat action around the state, but it will open its home schedule today. The Gamecocks will be playing host to a quad match featuring 4A Westwood and 3A schools Dreher and Airport. Weigh-in will be at 5:30 p.m. with the matches starting at 6:30. “We’re about where I expected us to be at this point,” said Slaughter, whose team beat Clover 52-24 last week before finishing 16th out of 32 teams in the Southern Slam in Greenville over the weekend. “We won (the Clover match)

by a large margin of victory, but we didn’t do as well as I thought we would in the Southern Slams. Still, finishing 16th out of 32 isn’t terrible, but we want to get better.” SHS had three wrestlers qualify for the state tournament last year and two of them return. Mac Mota, who finished fourth in the 145-pound weight class, is back, but is wrestling at 160. Trevor Keffer qualified for state at 113 and has moved up to 120.

SEE PROGRESS, PAGE B4

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Moglia: Should be better game vs. Bison BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press COLUMBIA — Less travel. Warmer climates. Familiar surroundings. For Coastal Carolina coach Joe Moglia, it’s been a much smoother path to this year’s FCS playoff matchup with defending champion North Dakota State. MOGLIA It’s the second straight season the Chants (12-1) have had to travel to face the Bison (12-1) with a trip to the NCAA semifinals on the line. In 2013, North Dakota State defeated

Coastal Carolina 48-14 on the way to its third straight national championship. Moglia said a big reason for the beatdown along with the Bison’s talent was his team’s physical condition after prevailing in sub-zero temperatures at Montana — some 2,500 miles each way from Coastal’s campus — before heading to North Dakota State. This time, the seventh-seeded Chants had a playoff bye and a home game before taking on the No. 2 seeded Bison. “We were in the middle of exams last year and in eight days we had to travel almost nine or 10,000 miles,” Moglia

said. “All of that had a little bit of impact on us.” So Moglia and Coastal Carolina went about ensuring they wouldn’t face such hassles again in its latest playoff run. The Chants started 11-0 and were No. 1 in the country until a final-game loss to Liberty ended the undefeated season. Still, it was enough to guarantee a national seed, a week off in the 24-team playoff and a home game for the Chants, who scored the first 21 points and never looked back in a THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 36-15 victory over Richmond Coastal Carolina running back, Andre Johnson, front, and the rest of to advance. the Chanticleers will to travel to North Dakota State for the quarterfi-

nals of the FCS playoffs. This marks the second straight year Coastal SEE COASTAL, PAGE B3 has had to face the Bison in the Fargo Dome.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

Goodson, Wilson Hall hold off Cardinals 36-32 COLUMBIA – Lauren Goodson scored 19 points to help lead the Wilson Hall varsity girls basketball team to a 36-32 victory over Cardinal Newman on Tuesday at the CN gymnasium. Hayley Smoak added 11 points for the Lady Barons, who improved to 5-1 on the season. Wilson Hall will next play Pinewood Prep at home on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Baron Classic.

WILSON HALL Goodson 19, Smoak 11, Scott 3, Cunningham 2, Jordan 1. CARDINAL NEWMAN Powers 9, Fosmire 9, Deyhiff 9, Barrett 3, Dobbs 2, Cummings 2.

Lady Knights, who will host Sumter on Friday.

CRESTWOOD Miller-McCray 15, Ceasar 12, Cole 10, Whitfield 8, Rogers 6, Nickens 3, Bolden 3, Jenkins 3, Jamison 1.

LEE CENTRAL 44

added six points for Wilson Hall, who improved to 5-0 and will return to action after the holidays.

B TEAM BASKETBALL

ANDREW JACKSON 34

WILSON HALL 35

BISHOPVILLE – Alexis McMillan scored 16 points to help lead Lee Central past Andrew Jackson 44-34 on Tuesday at the LCHS gymnasium. Alida Mathis added 15 points for the Lady Stallions, who will travel to Lakewood on Friday.

CARDINAL NEWMAN 9 COLUMBIA – Wilson Hall defeated Cardinal Newman 35-0 on Monday at the CN gymnasium. Haley Roone McCaffrey led the Lady Barons with eight points. Emily Reynolds, Waverly McIver and Abbie Glaser each added six.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL

CRESTWOOD 65 SCOTT’S BRANCH 11

WILSON HALL 30

SUMMERTON – Shaquanda Miller-McCray scored 15 points to lead three players in double figures as Crestwood earned a 65-11 victory over Scott’s Branch on Tuesday at the Eagles gymnasium. Cawasha Ceasar added 12 points and Ladazha Cole finished with 10 for the

CARDINAL NEWMAN 9

COLUMBIA – Diamond Crawford scored nine points as the JV Lady Barons earned a 30-9 victory over Cardinal Newman on Tuesday at the CN gymnasium. Addy Carraway and Mary Daniel Stokes each

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL FURMAN 50 ALICE DRIVE 19

Kiari Cain scored 17 points to lead Furman to a 50-19 victory over Alice Drive on Monday at the Furman gymnasium. Rahteshia Burgess added 15 points for the Lady Knights.

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO

TUESDAY’S GAMES

TODAY

11 a.m. – Professional Golf: Asian Tour Indonesia Open Final Round from Jakarta, Indonesia (GOLF). 2 p.m. – Women’s Professional Golf: Ladies European Tour Dubai Masters First Round from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (GOLF). 2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match from Rome – Manchester vs. Roma (FOX SPORTS 1). 2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match from Barcelona, Spain – Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona (FOX SPORTS 2). 2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match from London – Sporting Clube de Portugal vs. Chelsea (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Columbia at Kentucky (ESPN2). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: High Point at Ohio State (ESPNU). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Kansas at Georgetown (FOX SPORTS 1). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Rhode Island at Providence (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Wisconsin at Florida (SEC NETWORK). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Boston at Charlotte (SPORTSOUTH). 8 p.m. – College Basketball: Farleigh Dickinson at St. John’s (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 8 p.m. – NBA Basketball: New Orleans at Dallas (ESPN). 8 p.m. – Professional Golf: PGA Tour Australasia Australian PGA Championship First Round from Benowa, Australia (GOLF). 8 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Toronto at Detroit (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Wisconsin at Wisconsin-Milwaukee (ESPN2). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Utah at Brigham Young (ESPNU). 10:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Miami at Denver (ESPN). 11 p.m. – College Basketball: Washington State at Gonzaga (ESPNU). 1 a.m. – Professional Golf: Asian Tour Thailand Championship First Round from Chanburi, Thailand (GOLF).

JV Swampcats move to 2-1 on year MANNING – Laurence Manning Academy’s junior varsity basketball team improved to 2-1 on the season with a 48-27 victory over Heathwood Hall on Tuesday at the Bubba Davis Gymnasium. Brayden Osteen led the JV Swampcats with 14 points followed by Taylor Lee with 13 and Brewer Brunson with 11.

CARDINAL NEWMAN 35

holiday.

WILSON HALL 24 COLUMBIA – Easton Ward and Brandon Carraway each scored six points, but it was not enough as Wilson Hall fell to Cardinal Newman 35-24 on Tuesday at the CN gymnasium. The Barons, who are 1-5 on the season, return to action after the New Year’s

SUMTER 43

PREP SCHEDULE Varsity Basketball West Florence at Manning, 6:30 p.m. B Team Basketball Wilson Hall at Camden Military (Boys Only), 5:15 p.m. Middle School Basketball Lee Central at Alice Drive, 5 p.m. Varsity Bowling Laurence Manning at Wilson Hall (at Gamecock Lanes), 5 p.m. Varsity Wrestling Dreher, Airport, Westwood at Sumter, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY

SPRING VALLEY 40

Sumter High School improved to 2-0 with a 43-40 victory over Spring Valley on Monday at the SHS gymnasium. Jaymon Corbette led the Gamecocks with 12 points. Ahmad Peoples added 11 and Tyleek Simon had 10.

Varsity Basketball East Clarendon at Latta, 6 p.m. Providence Athletic Club at St. Francis Xavier (Boys Only), 6 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball Thomas Sumter at Carolina, 4 p.m. Clarendon Hall at Williamsburg, 4 p.m. Junior Varsity Basketball Lee Central at Lakewood, 6 p.m. JV and B Team Basketball Crestwood at Sumter (No B Team Girls), 5 p.m. Middle School Basketball Bates at Furman, 5 p.m. Chestnut Oaks at Mayewood, 5 p.m. Hillcrest at Ebenezer, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

James, Cavs rally past Raptors for 8th win in a row CLEVELAND — LeBron James scored 35 points, making the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 48 seconds remaining, and the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 105-101 on Tuesday night for their eighth straight victory. James’ jumper from the top of the key gave Cleveland a 102-99 lead and tied him with Mark Price for the franchise record for 3-pointers at 802. James scored 10 points in the fourth quarter as Cleveland rallied from a 10-point deficit early in the period. Dion Waiters came off the bench for 18 points and Kevin Love added 17. Jonas Valanciunas and Terrence Ross each scored 18 for Toronto. Kyle Lowry added 16, but only scored two in the fourth quarter as he was hounded defensively by Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova. BLAZERS 98 PISTONS 86

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — LaMarcus Aldridge had 23 points and 11 rebounds, Wesley Matthews scored 19 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers picked up their fifth straight victory with a 98-86 win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Detroit lost its 13th in a row, one short of the franchise record set in 1979-80 and tied in 1993-94. Those were both aging teams, with the second group marking the end of the Bad Boys era at the Palace. The current Pistons haven’t had a winning season or won a playoff game in seven years. Greg Monroe had 22 points and 10 rebounds for Detroit, which only got 40 points from its starting lineup. COLLEGE (7) VILLANOVA 73 ILLINOIS 59 NEW YORK — Dylan

Varsity Basketball Sumter at Crestwood, 6 p.m. Lee Central at Lakewood, 6 p.m. Varsity Boys Basketball Wilson Hall vs. Pinewood Prep (in Baron Classic), 8:30 p.m. Laurence Manning vs. First Baptist (in Baron Classic), 7 p.m. East Clarendon at St. Francis Xavier, 6 p.m. Varsity Girls Basketball Wilson Hall vs. Pinewood Prep (in Baron Classic), 7 p.m. Laurence Manning vs. Palmetto Christian (in Baron Classic), 5:30 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball Thomas Sumter at Florence Christian, 4 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Calhoun Academy, 4 p.m. Clarendon Hall at Jefferson Davis, 4 p.m. Sumter Christian at South Pointe Christian, 4 p.m. B Team Basketball Wilson Hall at Ben Lippen, 4 p.m. Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Silver Fox Invitational (at Dutch Fork High), TBA

Cleveland’s LeBron James, left, flips up a shot over Toronto’s Patrick Patterson in the Cavaliers’ 105-101 victory on Tuesday in Cleveland. Ennis scored 18 points to lead No. 7 Villanova past Illinois 73-59 on Tuesday night. Darrun Hilliard and Daniel Ochefu both scored 12 points. Malcolm Hill scored a career-high 20 points for Illinois. (11) WICHITA STATE 77 SETON HALL 68

WICHITA, Kan. — Ron Baker scored 22 points, Fred VanVleet added 18 points and eight assists and No. 11 Wichita State handed Seton Hall its first loss of the season, 77-68 on Tuesday night. Darius Carter had 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Shockers (6-1), who used a big first-half run to seize control, and then breezed through a foul-filled second half. (14) IOWA STATE 73 UMKC 56

AMES, Iowa — Bryce Dejean-Jones scored 22 points and No. 14 Iowa State beat Missouri-Kansas City 73-56 on Tuesday for its third straight win. Dejean-Jones topped 20 points for the third time for the Cyclones (6-1), who’ve

won 25 straight non-conference games at home. Monte Morris scored 13 points with five assists for Iowa State, which let UMKC (3-7) get within 11 midway through the second half before pulling away. (25) NOTRE DAME 93 MOUNT ST. MARY’S 67

SOUTH BEND — Steve Vasturia scored a careerhigh 19 points and Zach Auguste had 19 points and eight rebounds Tuesday to lead No. 25 Notre Dame to a 93-67 win over Mount St. Mary’s. WINTHROP 96 MARS HILL 51

ROCK HILL — Keon Moore scored 17 points, Keon Johnson added 14 and Winthrop rolled past Division II Mars Hill for a 96-51 victory on Tuesday night. The Eagles (4-4) shot 52.4 percent from the field and out-rebounded Mars Hill 49-34. Derrick Henry chipped in nine points, while Tevin Prescott and Xavier Cooks finished with seven points and 10 rebounds apiece. From wire reports

TODAY’S GAMES

Washington at Orlando, 7 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Indiana, 7 p.m. Boston at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Brooklyn at Chicago, 8 p.m. New Orleans at Dallas, 8 p.m. Portland at Minnesota, 8 p.m. New York at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m. Miami at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Cleveland at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Houston at Sacramento, 10:30 p.m.

NFL STANDINGS By The Associated Press AMERICAN CONFERENCE EAST New England Miami Buffalo N.Y. Jets SOUTH

WL T 10 3 0 7 6 0 7 6 0 2 11 0

Pct .769 .538 .538 .154

PF 401 314 281 214

PA 267 260 241 349

WL T 9 4 0 7 6 0 2 11 0 2 11 0

Pct .692 .538 .154 .154

PF 407 314 220 199

PA 307 260 374 356

W 8 8 8 7

T 1 0 0 0

Pct .654 .615 .615 .538

PF 281 362 356 276

PA 289 319 255 270

WL T 10 3 0 8 5 0 7 6 0 2 11 0

Pct .769 .615 .538 .154

PF 385 293 291 200

PA 293 272 241 350

Indianapolis Houston Tennessee Jacksonville NORTH Cincinnati Pittsburgh Baltimore Cleveland WEST Denver San Diego Kansas City Oakland

L 4 5 5 6

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Varsity and JV Basketball Sumter at Lakewood, 3 p.m. Manning at Scott’s Branch (No JV Girls), 5 p.m. Varsity Boys Basketball Wilson Hall vs. First Baptist (in Baron Classic), 4 p.m. Laurence Manning vs. Palmetto Christian (in Baron Classic), 2:30 p.m. Varsity Girls Basketball Wilson Hall vs. Northwood (in Baron Classic), 2:30 p.m. Laurence Manning vs. First Baptist (in Baron Classic), 4 p.m. Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Silver Fox Invitational (at Dutch Fork High), TBA

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION W Toronto 16 Brooklyn 8 Boston 7 New York 4 Philadelphia 2 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W Atlanta 14 Washington 14 Miami 9 Orlando 9 Charlotte 5 CENTRAL DIVISION W Cleveland 12 Chicago 12 Milwaukee 11 Indiana 7 Detroit 3

L 5 11 12 18 18

Pct GB .762 – .421 7 .368 8 .182 121/2 .100 131/2

L 6 6 11 14 15

Pct GB .700 – .700 – .450 5 .391 61/2 .250 9

L 7 8 11 14 18

Pct GB .632 – .600 1/2 .500 21/2 .333 6 .143 10

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W Houston 16 Memphis 16 San Antonio 15 Dallas 16 New Orleans 9 NORTHWEST DIVISION W Portland 16 Denver 9 Oklahoma City 7 Utah 5 Minnesota 4 PACIFIC DIVISION W Golden State 18 L.A. Clippers 15 Phoenix 12 Sacramento 11 L.A. Lakers 5

MONDAY’S GAMES

WL T 9 4 0 9 4 0 4 9 0 3 10 0

Pct .692 .692 .308 .231

PF 389 343 293 244

PA 309 301 326 346

WL T 5 8 0 5 8 0 4 8 1 2 11 0

Pct .385 .385 .346 .154

PF 328 333 269 237

PA 342 359 341 348

WL 10 3 9 4 6 7 5 8

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .769 .692 .462 .385

PF 423 265 263 281

PA 304 224 281 378

WL Arizona 10 3 Seattle 9 4 San Francisco 7 6 St. Louis 6 7

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .769 .692 .538 .462

PF 275 322 244 285

PA 238 235 268 285

Philadelphia Dallas N.Y. Giants Washington SOUTH Atlanta New Orleans Carolina Tampa Bay NORTH Green Bay Detroit Minnesota Chicago WEST

THURSDAY’S GAME

Dallas 41, Chicago 28

SUNDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Giants 36, Tennessee 7 Carolina 41, New Orleans 10 Minnesota 30, N.Y. Jets 24, OT Pittsburgh 42, Cincinnati 21 St. Louis 24, Washington 0 Baltimore 28, Miami 13 Indianapolis 25, Cleveland 24 Detroit 34, Tampa Bay 17 Houston 27, Jacksonville 13 Denver 24, Buffalo 17 Arizona 17, Kansas City 14 Oakland 24, San Francisco 13 Seattle 24, Philadelphia 14 New England 23, San Diego 14

MONDAY’S GAME

Green Bay 43, Atlanta 37

THURSDAY

Arizona at St. Louis, 8:25 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 14

Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Washington at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Miami at New England, 1 p.m. Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Denver at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Tennessee, 4:05 p.m. San Francisco at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Minnesota at Detroit, 4:25 p.m. Dallas at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 15

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

SATURDAY

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Toronto at Cleveland, 7 p.m. Portland at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. New York at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Milwaukee at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Dallas at Memphis, 8 p.m. Miami at Phoenix, 9 p.m. San Antonio at Utah, 9 p.m. Sacramento at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

EAST

TODAY

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

Cleveland 110, Brooklyn 88 Golden State 102, Minnesota 86 Sacramento 101, Utah 92 L.A. Clippers 121, Phoenix 120, OT

L 4 4 5 6 10

Pct GB .800 – .800 – .750 1 .727 1 .474 61/2

L 4 12 13 16 16

Pct GB .800 – .429 71/2 .350 9 .238 111/2 .200 12

L 2 5 10 10 16

Pct GB .900 – .750 3 .545 7 .524 71/2 .238 131/2

Washington 133, Boston 132,2OT Atlanta 108, Indiana 92 Toronto 112, Denver 107, OT

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W L OT Tampa Bay 28 18 7 3 Detroit 28 17 6 5 Montreal 29 17 10 2 Toronto 26 14 9 3 Boston 28 15 12 1 Florida 26 11 8 7 Ottawa 27 11 11 5 Buffalo 27 9 16 2 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W L OT Pittsburgh 27 18 6 3 N.Y. Islanders 27 19 8 0 Washington 26 12 10 4 N.Y. Rangers 26 12 10 4 New Jersey 28 11 13 4 Philadelphia 26 9 13 4 Columbus 26 9 15 2 Carolina 27 8 16 3

Pts 39 39 36 31 31 29 27 20

GF 98 88 74 89 72 58 70 47

GA 72 70 76 79 72 68 74 85

Pts 39 38 28 28 26 22 20 19

GF 88 86 74 77 66 68 61 59

GA 64 74 71 76 80 82 88 76

Pts 38 37 36 33 29 25 24

GF 80 85 70 64 71 79 72

GA 65 53 54 64 61 95 89

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION St. Louis Chicago Nashville Winnipeg Minnesota Dallas Colorado PACIFIC DIVISION

GP 28 27 26 28 25 27 27

W L OT 18 8 2 18 8 1 17 7 2 14 9 5 14 10 1 10 12 5 9 12 6

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 29 18 6 5 41 85 79 Vancouver 28 18 8 2 38 87 78 Calgary 28 17 9 2 36 89 72 Los Angeles 27 14 8 5 33 72 59 San Jose 29 14 11 4 32 81 79 Arizona 28 10 15 3 23 66 90 Edmonton 27 7 15 5 19 60 91 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

MONDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Rangers 4, Pittsburgh 3, OT New Jersey 2, Carolina 1 St. Louis 4, Florida 2

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Chicago at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Columbus, 7 p.m. Los Angeles at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. Calgary at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Vancouver at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. Washington at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Winnipeg at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Nashville at Colorado, 9 p.m. Edmonton at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Toronto at Detroit, 8 p.m. Edmonton at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Chicago at Boston, 7 p.m. Calgary at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

BOWL SCHEDULE The Associated Press

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

New Orleans Bowl Nevada (7-5) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4), 11 a.m. (ESPN) New Mexico Bowl At Albuquerque UTEP (7-5) vs. Utah State (9-4), 2:20 p.m. (ESPN) Las Vegas Bowl Colorado State (10-2) vs. Utah (8-4), 3:30 p.m. (ABC) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl At Boise Western Michigan (8-4) vs. Air Force (9-3), 5:45 p.m. (ESPN) Camelia Bowl At Montgomery, Ala. Bowling Green (7-6) vs. South Alabama (6-6), 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)

MONDAY, DEC. 22

Miami Beach Bowl BYU (8-4) vs. Memphis (9-3), 2 p.m. (ESPN)

TUESDAY, DEC. 23

Boca Raton (Fla.) Bowl Marshall (12-1) vs. Northern Illinois (11-2), 6 p.m. (ESPN) Poinsettia Bowl At San Diego Navy (6-5) vs. San Diego State (7-5), 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24

Bahamas Bowl At Nassau Western Kentucky (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (7-5), Noon (ESPN) Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu Rice (7-5) vs. Fresno State (6-7), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

FRIDAY, DEC. 26

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) runs past Auburn defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) during the second half of the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Cooper has been Alabama’s biggest offensive weapon by far, and is trying to become just the third receiver to win a Heisman Trophy.

Cooper posts numbers like no other ‘Bama WR BY JOHN ZENOR The Associated Press TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama receiver Amari Cooper blew past the defensive back on a deep post, and his offensive coordinator didn’t even wait until the ball was in the air to celebrate. Lane Kiffin raised his hands on the sideline to signal a touchdown. A little early — but he was right. “I guess he’s seen me do it,” Cooper said. Much of the country has by now. Cooper has become easily the biggest, most dangerous weapon in a program normally defined by tailbacks and defense, while leading the top-ranked Crimson Tide into a College Football Playoff matchup with No. 4 Ohio State and becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. The award will be presented Saturday night. Cooper streaked 39 yards for a touchdown midway through the third quarter to spark a comeback win over Auburn in the regular-season finale, just one of many plays that left the Tide celebrating and opponents dumbfounded. Something no one — other than Kiffin, perhaps — could have seen coming: a Tide receiver producing 1,656 yards and 14 touchdowns and setting a Southeastern Conference record with 115 receptions. He has demolished previous Alabama marks for yards and catches. It turned into a perfect combination of Kiffin, Cooper and first-year starting quarterback Blake Sims. Tailbacks T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry had to take a backseat to the passing game, at least by Alabama standards. Cooper has even trumped the numbers produced by the Atlanta Falcons’ Julio Jones, the Tide’s last superstar receiver. Cooper ranks second nationally in both yards receiving and catches per game. Praised by coach Nick Saban and teammates for his work ethic, Cooper has three 200-yard receiving performances this season. Tide receivers collectively had only produced two coming into the season. “To do what he does every Saturday is impressive, man,” Alabama tight end O.J.

Howard said. “We’re like, ‘Wow.’ We knew he could do it, but he’s doing more. So that’s impressive. Without Coop I don’t know where we’d be right now.” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer didn’t need to dive too deep into film study to proclaim Cooper the nation’s biggest downfield threat and “one of the best receivers ever to play college football.” Cooper had four catches and a rush on Alabama’s opening drive for a touchdown in Saturday’s 42-13 victory over No. 16 Missouri in the SEC title game. Even when teams know the ball is likely to be delivered to Cooper, they’ve struggled to keep it away from him. Alabama’s normal penchant for smashmouth football, plus experienced receivers such as Christion Jones and DeAndrew White, have created headaches for defenses trying to figure out how to cover Cooper. Double team? Man to man? Or some other, more creative method? Alabama offensive tackle Austin Shepherd has his own idea for covering Cooper. “I’d have the whole defense on him,” Shepherd said. HE’LL WIN VOTES FOR

Cooper was unstoppable in the Iron Bowl to end the regular season on a huge stage. He had 13 catches for 224 yards and touchdowns of 17, 39 and 75 yards. Then he set an SEC championship game record with 12 catches against Missouri, posting 10 by halftime. BUT HE’LL LOSE THEM BECAUSE

Desmond Howard (1991) and Tim Brown (1987) are the only wide receivers to win a Heisman. Unlike Cooper, both those winners also were stars in the return game. Cooper was only shut down once, when Arkansas held him to two catches for 22 yards, but like any receiver he had games in which he didn’t put up eye-catching numbers. NFL PROSPECTS

Cooper, a junior, is widely regarded as the top receiver in the draft if he opts to turn pro. He is projected as a top five pick in mock drafts.

Emmert: UAB cutting football is ‘troubling’ BY RALPH D. RUSSO The Associated Press NEW YORK — NCAA President Mark Emmert said Tuesday that it was troubling to see the University of Alabama-Birmingham drop its football program, but he believes Olympic sports are more vulnerable to cuts as schools look at athletic budgets. In an interview with The AsEMMERT sociated Press, Emmert said he worries that while autonomy for the Big Five conferences will lead to more money being spent on athletes it could decrease the overall number of opportunities in college sports for students. UAB dropped its football program last week. The school cited rising costs of college athletics, including pressure to pay the full cost of attendance for athletes. That proposal was supported by Emmert and pushed by the wealthiest conferences. “I think it’s really hard and hard for people to understand when you have to back away or make a decision to back away from

a sport,” Emmert said. “But schools do that fairly often, actually, they just rarely do it in football or men’s basketball or women’s basketball.” Emmert was president at the University of Washington when the school dropped its men’s and women’s swimming program. “Those were hard decisions but they were the right ones for us,” he said. “I know UAB and their administration has to make the decisions that work for them over the long run.” UAB said it estimated paying the entire cost of attendance for an athletic scholarship would cost the school $5,442 for each football player on full scholarship. FBS schools are allowed to carry 85 scholarship football players, a limit that is usually reached. “What everybody pays attention to and what we all love as a country is football and basketball,” he said. “But when schools are trying to support those programs they are starting to feel the pinch in the Olympic sports: volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, wrestling and a variety of other things.

Heart of Dallas Bowl Illinois (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (8-4), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Quick Lane Bowl At Detroit Rutgers (7-5) vs. North Carolina (66), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl UCF (9-3) vs. N.C. State (7-5), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

SATURDAY, DEC. 27

Military Bowl At Annapolis, Md. Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Cincinnati (93), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Duke (9-3) vs. Arizona State (9-3), 2 p.m. (CBS) Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La. Miami (6-6) vs. South Carolina (6-6), 4 p.m. (ESPN2) Pinstripe Bowl At Bronx, N.Y. Boston College (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl At San Diego Nebraska (9-3) vs. Southern Cal (84), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

MONDAY, DEC. 29

Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn. West Virginia (7-5) vs. Texas A&M (7-5), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Russell Athletic Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Clemson (9-3) vs. Oklahoma (8-4), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Texas Bowl At Houston Texas (6-6) vs. Arkansas (6-6), 9 p.m. (ESPN)

TUESDAY, DEC. 30

Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn. Notre Dame (7-5) vs. LSU (8-4), 3 p.m. (ESPN)

COASTAL FROM PAGE B1 Moglia said his players aren’t out for payback from last year’s embarrassment at North Dakota State, although it’s natural for those thoughts to pop up given the situation. “We’re thinking about it now,” Moglia said. “And the only advantage is that we’re in a little better mental state and physical state.” The Bison needed some drama to successfully move on in their first playoff game, getting a 12-yard TD pass from Carson Wentz to RJ Urzendowski with 54 seconds left in a 27-24 victory over South Dakota State. A win by the Chants would put them in the FCS final four for the first time since the program began in 2003. Coastal Carolina features the Big South Conference’s offensive and defensive players of the year in quarterback Alex Ross and linebacker Quinn Backus. Ross said the players haven’t dwelled on accomplishments throughout the season and won’t start now. “It’s about business,” he said. Chants defensive end Calvin Hollenhorst said the players gained more resolve after Liberty spoiled the perfect season. “It was probably the best time, if we were to lose a game, to kind of humble us a little bit and make us hungry for the playoffs,” he said.

USC FROM PAGE B1 school record 223 yards and two scores, rushed three times for 23 yards and a touchdown, and threw a 30-yard touchdown pass. Cooper also earned two spots on the AP’s All-SEC squad announced Monday, earning first team honors as a wide receiver and second-team recognition as an all-purpose back. Fry, a 6-0, 165-pound sopho-

Belk Bowl At Charlotte, N.C. Louisville (9-3) vs. Georgia (9-3), 6:30 p.m. (ESPN) Fosters Farm Bowl At Santa Clara, Calif. Stanford (7-5) vs. Maryland (7-5), 10 p.m. (ESPN)

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31

Peach Bowl At Atlanta Mississippi (9-3) vs. TCU (11-1), 12:30 p.m. (ESPN) Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz. Boise State (11-2) vs. Arizona (10-3), 4 p.m. (ESPN) Orange Bowl At Miami Mississippi State (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech (10-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

THURSDAY, JAN. 1

Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Wisconsin (10-3) vs. Auburn (8-4), Noon (ESPN2) Cotton Bowl Classic At Arlington, Texas Michigan State (10-2) vs. Baylor (111), 12:30 p.m. (ESPN) Citrus Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Minnesota (8-4) vs. Missouri (10-3), 1 p.m. (ABC) Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif. Playoff semifinal: Oregon (12-1) vs. Florida State (13-0), 5 p.m. (ESPN) Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Playoff semifinal: Alabama (12-1) vs. Ohio State (12-1), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

FRIDAY, JAN. 2

Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Pittsburgh (6-6) vs. Houston (7-5), Noon (ESPN) TaxSlayer Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Iowa (7-5) vs. Tennessee (6-6), 3:20 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl At San Antonio UCLA (9-3) vs. Kansas State (9-3), 6:45 p.m. (ESPN) Cactus Bowl At Tempe, Ariz. Oklahoma State (6-6) vs. Washington (8-5), 10:15 p.m. (ESPN)

SATURDAY, JAN. 3

Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl Florida (6-5) vs. East Carolina (8-4), 1 p.m. (ESPN2) GoDaddy Bowl At Mobile, Ala. Toledo (8-4) vs. Arkansas State (75), 9 p.m. (ESPN)

SATURDAY, JAN. 10

Medal of Honor Bowl At Charleston, S.C. American vs. National, 2:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 12

College Football Championship At Arlington, Texas Sugar Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl winner, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

SATURDAY, JAN. 17

East-West Shrine Classic At St. Petersburg, Fla. East vs. West, 4 p.m. (NFLN) NFLPA Collegiate Bowl At Carson, Calif. National vs. American, 4 (ESPN2)

p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 24

Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. North vs. South, 4 p.m. (NFLN)

FCS PLAYOFFS The Associated Press Quarterfinals Friday Chattanooga (10-3) at New Hampshire (11-1) vs. 8 p.m. Saturday Coastal Carolina (12-1) vs. North Dakota State (12-1), Noon Sam Houston State (10-4) at Villanova (11-2), 1 p.m. Illinois State (11-1) at Eastern Washington (11-2), 4 p.m.

North Dakota State safety Colten Heagle said the Chants have more balance than last year and past the awe of facing the national champs. “I think they’re going to be a very confident group,” Heagle said. Moglia, the former CEO of TD Ameritrade, sees a similarly strong opponent as a year ago in the Bisons. Despite losing their coach and several key players from their three championships, North Dakota State is fundamentally sound in all aspects of the game. “I’m looking at an experience, top quality team,” Moglia said. “It’s a little different than a year ago, but it’s not all that different from a year ago.” Where the Bison dominated Coastal most severely was up front, gaining 623 yards of offense and 424 rushing yards — North Dakota State’s most since 1996. Moglia thinks the Chants have narrowed that disparity this time and will show a stouter, more polished group to slow down the Bison attack. “I believe we’ll do a better job of holding our own,” he said.

more from Frisco, Texas, was one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, which recognizes the nation’s top placekickers. Fry was 17-for-22 in field goal attempts in 2014 and is 32-of-40 in his career. He has connected on a schoolrecord 96 consecutive extra points. He tallied 99 points this season, tying his mark of last year for the fourth-highest single-season points scored in school history.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

SPORTS ITEMS

PROGRESS FROM PAGE B1 “Mac and Trevor are the vocal leaders of this team,” Slaughter said. “They also lead by example as well.” Mota finished third in the Southern Slams as did David Pringle at 220. Pringle won a region title last year wrestling at 195. He moved up to 220 with the graduation of DeMarcus Harris, who won the region title as well. The Gamecocks have a big hole to fill both literally and figuratively in Nathan O’Connor at 285. O’Connor finished second in the state last year after finishing third in 2013. Jonathan Brunson is the starter. The other returning starters who won region titles besides Mota, Keffer and Pringle are Shyhiem Perry at 145 and Reco Nicholson at 170. The other four returning starters from last

THE SUMTER ITEM

SUMTER STARTERS 106 – Majid Corbett (returning starter) 113 – Walker Elliott 120 – Brian Budden (returning starter) 126 – Trevor Keffer (region champion, state qualifier) 132 – Caleb Jackson (returning starter) 138 – Matthew Browder 145 – Shyheim Perry (region champion) 152 – Donovan Jones 160 – Mac Mota (region champion, 4th in state) 170 – Reco Nicholson (region champion) 182 – Reese Hankins 195 – Michael Spurling (returning starter) 220 – David Pringle (region champion) 285 – Jonathan Brunson

year at Majid Corbett at 106, Brian Budden at 120, Caleb Jackson at 132 and Michael Spurling at 195. Filling out the rest of the lineup is Walker Elliott at 113, Matthew Browder at 138 Donovan Jones at 152 and Reese Hankins at 182. There were just three schools in Region VI that had wrestling teams last year, the other two being Conway and Carolina Forest. There is a fourth team

this year and a very formidable one at that in Socastee. “We had a pretty easy time in the region last year, but we’re adding Socastee, which wrestled for the 3A (duals) state title last year (losing to Eastside),” Slaughter said. “It’s going to be more difficult for us, but we’ve just got to work and get better.” Socastee is ranked eighth in the state and Sumter 11th among 4A teams in the SCMAT.COM preseason poll. Winning the region title also helps in positioning in the state duals. “It means you get two home matches,” said Slaughter, whose 15-15 team lost to Ashley Ridge 36-26 in the second round last year. Along with hosting the region tournament, Sumter will again have its Gamecock Duals on Jan. 23-24 and also host the 4A lower state tournament on Feb. 20-21. Tickets for today’s quad match are $5 per person.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Cleveland quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) has been named the starter for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati. Former starter Brian Hoyer had gone 10-6 over the last two seasons.

Johnny Time: Browns’ Manziel to make first start CLEVELAND — Johnny Football’s days as a backup are over this season. He’s getting his chance to start. Rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel will make his first NFL start Sunday against Cincinnati, replacing the slumping Brian Hoyer as Cleveland tries to pump life into its sagging playoff hopes. After moving up in May’s draft to get him and waiting seven months as he learned and watched from the sideline, the Browns are finally setting one of college football’s most captivating players loose with three games left in the season. Browns coach Mike Pettine made the expected switch on Tuesday after meeting with his staff and general manager Ray Farmer, then informing both quarterbacks. Many Browns fans have wanted the change for weeks as they watched Hoyer fumble away his dream job. Pettine said in a statement that the switch isn’t about Hoyer or Manziel, but about the Browns. Johnny better be good. TEXANS’ CLOWNEY HAS MICROFRACTURE KNEE SURGERY

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans say Jadeveon Clowney, the top overall pick in this year’s draft, has had microfracture surgery on his right knee. The team said last week that Clowney would have seasonending knee surgery, but did not specify what that surgery would be. The surgery Tuesday was the second this season for the outside linebacker. He had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee after being injured in Week 1.

backs of having to pay $40 million over the next three years. Arizona receives minor league right-handers Jeferson Mejia and Zack Godley in Tuesday’s swap. AP SOURCE: CALLASPO, BRAVES AGREE TO 1-YEAR DEAL

ATLANTA — A person familiar with the negotiations says the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a one-year contract with free-agent infielder Alberto Callaspo. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the agreement was subject to a physical. The 31-year-old Callaspo played second base, first base and third base this year for Oakland. He hit .223, well below his .267 career average. A year earlier, he batted .258 with 10 homers for the Athletics and Los Angeles Angels. AP SOURCE: LIRIANO, PIRATES REACH $39M 3-YEAR DEAL

SAN DIEGO — A person familiar with the negotiations says Francisco Liriano is staying with the Pittsburgh Pirates, agreeing to a $39 million, three-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the agreement had not been announced. The 31-year-old left-hander joined the Pirates for the 2013 season and went 16-8 with a 3.02 ERA. He dropped to 7-10 with a 3.38 ERA this season.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Sumter’s Michael Spurling, top, wrestles in the 195-pound weight class and is one of nine returning starters coming back off last year’s Region VI-4A title championship team for the Gamecocks.

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Falcons hope hip injury won’t sideline WR Jones BY CHARLES ODUM The Associated Press FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga.— Falcons coach Mike Smith said Tuesday the “intention” is for wide receiver Julio Jones to play this week against Pittsburgh after hurting his hip in Monday night’s JONES loss at Green Bay. Jones had 11 catches for a team-record 259 yards with one touchdown in the 43-37 loss to the Packers. He watched from the sideline after leaving the game in the fourth quarter with the injury. Smith said Jones and safety William Moore, who hurt his foot, were sore on Tuesday and may miss practice time this week. “How much practice time they’re going to get, we don’t know that at this point in time,” Smith said. “It’s our intention to have those guys ready to go against Pittsburgh.” The Falcons (5-8) remain tied for first in the NFC South. If Jones can’t return, it would be a big blow to Atlanta’s hopes of winning the NFL’s worst division. Jones has a combined 448 yards receiving in his last two games. He set a personal high with 189 yards in a home win over Arizona on Nov. 30 before topping that total with the team record against the Packers. “He showcased on the national stage the kind of player that he is,” said quarterback Matt Ryan. “That kind of production is huge for our football team.” Ryan passed for 375 yards and a season-high four touchdowns against Green Bay. “Again, when they’re in

sync, it really is very difficult to slow those guys down,” Smith said of Jones and Ryan. “Julio is an outstanding wide receiver. In my mind he’s the best in the NFL. In the last few weeks, you’re not going anyone who can put games together back to back like that. Of course for a receiver to have a big game, the quarterback has to be able to distribute the ball and Matt has done a very good job.” Jones’ stats back up Smith’s claim. He leads the NFL with 1,428 yards receiving, a career high. Jones was leading the NFL in catches when his 2013 season ended with a broken bone in his right foot in a Week 5 loss to the Jets. He broke the same bone during his college career at Alabama. The fourth-year receiver has made his successful return from the foot injury, and now there is a new concern. He moved stiffly on the sideline following the injury. At one point he grabbed his helmet as if he planned to return to the game before being sent back to the bench. The Falcons have won three of five, including a split of back-to-back games with Arizona and Green Bay, two of the NFC’s top teams. After Sunday’s visit from Pittsburgh, Atlanta finishes the regular season with NFC South games against New Orleans and Carolina. New Orleans and Atlanta are tied at 5-8, but the Falcons already have a win over the Saints. “The opportunity keeps coming up for us,” Ryan said. “I think collectively we need to seize it. We are at the point in the season where it is time.”

NEWTON FROM PAGE B1 Charlotte-Mecklenburg police spokesman Robert Tufano said Newton was driving was overturned on the roadway with debris scattered all over the street. The roof was caved in and a tow truck later was hauling it away. Another car that appeared to be involved in the crash had front end damage. Police were investigating how the crash happened on a bridge that crosses busy I-277 in the shadow of Bank of America Stadium, where the Panthers play. Dayton said he believes Newton was on his way to the stadium but wasn’t certain. The two-time Pro Bowler has 2,800 yards passing this season with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also has rushed for 425 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Panthers to a 4-8-1 record. An Atlanta native, Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a na-

tional championship in 2010. Dayton said Newton had two transverse process fractures in his lower back, which is the same description of an injury that Dallas quarterback Tony Romo has and has been playing through it. Dayton said Panthers owner Jerry Richardson stopped to visit Newton, but was unable to see the quarterback because he was undergoing tests. Richardson left to attend the league meetings in Dallas. As word of the accident spread online, NFL players started sending good wishes on social media. “Praying for @ CameronNewton,” Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck tweeted. Newton threw three touchdown passes in Carolina’s 41-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, his best game in nearly a month-and-ahalf.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Green Bay’s Eddie Lacy (27) celebrates a touchdown run during the Packers’ 43-37 victory over Atlanta on Monday in Green Bay, Wis.

Lacy, Packers hold off Falcons for 43-37 win BY GENARO C. ARMAS The Associated Press

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Eddie Lacy and Aaron Rodgers powered the Green Bay Packers to another big first half in a home victory. But the Atlanta Falcons’ furious late rally provided the Packers’ potential playoff foes some hope. Maybe Lambeau Field won’t be that impenetrable after all in the postseason. Lacy ran for a touchdown and caught one of Rodgers’ three TD passes, and Green Bay built a 24-point halftime lead before holding on for a 43-37 victory Monday night. The Packers (10-3) earned their fifth consecutive victory to stay a game up on Detroit in the NFC North. They remained tied with Arizona for the NFC’s best record. “There’s been some ups and downs on both sides of the ball all season,” Rodgers said. “But we’re really getting this home-field advantage thing going, with the crowd noise, with the footing, with the way we’re playing being really balanced on offense.”

Rodgers acknowledged there may have been a “slight relaxation” at halftime up 24. What matters most in the end to Green Bay is that it held on for a victory, even though this win didn’t go quite according to the script the Packers had written earlier this year against NFC foes. “Defensively, a tale of two halves. You have to give Atlanta’s offense a lot of credit,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We have plenty to clean up.” The Falcons dropped to 5-8, but remained in a firstplace tie with New Orleans in the woeful NFC South. Julio Jones had a careerbest 259 yards receiving for the Falcons before leaving with a hip injury. Jones had a 22-yard touchdown catch in a 20-point fourth quarter that helped Atlanta cut into Green Bay’s big lead. Matt Ryan’s 2-yard touchdown pass to Harry Douglas with 2:15 left got Atlanta within six. But the Packers recovered the ensuing onside kick, and backup running back James Starks effectively

ended Atlanta’s upset hopes with a 41-yard run to the Falcons 6 with 1:37 left. The Falcons had won three of four coming into the game. They haven’t lost hope that they can still make the playoffs. “Yeah, absolutely. We scored 37 points tonight. If you can’t believe in that, then you don’t need to be in this locker room, we need to cut some people,” receiver Roddy White said. Coach Mike Smith said it was difficult to lose Jones late. But the Falcons did damage even with their No. 1 receiver hobbling on the sideline. Ryan threw for 375 yards and four scores, including a 1-yard touchdown catch by White with 6:20 left that trimmed Green Bay’s lead to 40-30. Jones didn’t come out for Atlanta’s failed 2-point conversion attempt. “Difficult. There’s probably never a good time for an injury, but that’s part of the game,” Ryan said. Mason Crosby kicked a 53-yard field goal with 4:37 left, helping the Packers withstand Atlanta’s final punch.

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THE SUMTER ITEM

Winter meetings wait for Lester to make his move BY RONALD BLUM The Associated Press SAN DIEGO — As players and teams waited for Jon Lester to make a decision and start defining the highend pitching market, baseball’s winter meetings opened Monday with Oakland jettisoning yet another All-Star and the Chicago White Sox adding a closer. LESTER In the first swap of the four-day session, the Athletics sent first baseman-outfielder Brandon Moss to Cleveland for minor league infielder Joey Wendle. That followed Oakland’s trade last month of third baseman Josh Donaldson to Toronto. The White Sox agreed to a $46 million, four-year contract with David Robertson, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the deal had not yet been announced.

Chicago also acquired right-handers Jeff Samardzija and Michael Ynoa from Oakland on Tuesday for righthander Chris Bassitt, catcher Josh Phegley, first baseman Rangel Ravelo and infielder Marcus Semien. Samardzija had pitched for the crosstown Cubs before he was traded to the Athletics in July. Big-name moves among free-agent starting pitchers are taking more time to percolate. Traded from Boston to Oakland last summer, Lester was sought by the Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs. Athletics general manager Billy Beane is watching the bidding without getting personally involved from his position with the low-payroll A’s. “That one’s more just for my industry curiosity as much as anything,” he said. “Like Arthur Miller being married briefly to Marilyn Monroe — that’s who we are. We’re the Arthur Miller in Lester’s career.” Max Scherzer and James Shields appeared content to wait for Lester to

reach a deal first. And trade talks for top pitchers seemed secondary. “Almost any move that’s made has some kind of domino effect, some more pronounced than others,” said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ new president of baseball operations. “But obviously when you’re talking about the bigger guys coming off the board, there’s a more pronounced trickledown effect.” Lester helped Boston go from worst to first and win the 2013 World Series, and then was part of a purge as the Red Sox again dropped to last in the AL East. “We’re still optimistic that he’ll be in a Red Sox uniform. There’s a lot of history between the Red Sox and Jon,” Boston manager John Farrell said. “We obviously have a strong desire to bring him back. And yet, hopefully, this is coming to a little bit of a head here.” The perennially woeful Cubs got a player back at the less pricey level, agreeing to a $20 million, two-year contract with right-hander Jason Hammel — a pitcher Chicago traded

to the A’s last summer. That deal was confirmed by a person familiar with those talks, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to the AP because the deal had not been announced. Arizona completed its $68.5 million, six-year contract with Yasmany Tomas, a 24-year-old Cuban defector the Diamondbacks may move from the outfield to third base. “Initially, you’ve got to believe that that’s a lot of money to be passing out on any player,” new Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart said. “And in this day and time when a player has not played here, he’s not proven yet here, that makes it even a little bit uncomfortably. But once you get the right information and you’ve checked the right sources, it makes it a lot easier to make the move.” Cleveland obtained the 31-year-old Moss, who hit .234 with 25 homers and 81 RBIs in 2014. He batted .268 with 21 homers in the first half of the season to earn his first All-Star selection, but a nagging hip problem cut into his production over the final months.

OBITUARIES ROSE F. METZ Rose Ferrara Metz, 81, beloved wife of Richard S. Metz, died on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she was a daughter of Francis and Josephine Ferrara. In 1952, she graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, majoring in home economMETZ ics and art. She was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, the Sunset Country Club, the Sumter Art Association and the South Carolina Watermedia Society. She taught art at the Sumter County Museum of Art for many years and was active as president of the Sumter Artist Guild. She also taught classes in Summerton and held workshops in Bishopville, Columbia, Georgetown and Santee. Her professional education background included studying at the Cleveland Institute of Art, the Fort Worth Museum of Western Art, the University of South Carolina and abroad at Peterborough, England, and the Fortman Studios in Florence, Italy. She spent many years with the Leroy Springs Art Workshops in Myrtle Beach. She worked with such noted artists as Betty Lou Schlemm, Ferdinand Petrie, Alex Powers, Robert Mills and Guy Lipscomb. She showed versatility in her choice of subject matter by painting abstracts, landscapes, florals, still life, figure study and collage. Many of her paintings reside in collections in the U.S. and in Germany, Italy and Switzerland. She received numerous awards with the South Carolina Watermedia Society, the Sumter Iris Festival and Fall Fiesta, the Beaufort Water Festival Show, the Springs Traveling Exhibition and the Sumter Fine Arts Competition. She exhibited with the Oklahoma Watercolor Society, the Collage Society in Los Angeles, the Salmagundy Club in New York City and, in 2003, at the BurroughsChapin Museum in Myrtle Beach. One woman shows were held in Bishopville, Camden, Lancaster, and the Florence Museum. She was the featured artist in “Watercolor Magic” magazine in 2002. Survivors besides her husband of 61 years include two sons, Jeffrey Metz (Lisa) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Christopher Metz (Susan) of Cape Coral, Florida; one daughter, Julie Langley (Steve) of Huntersville, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Richard E. Metz, Jennifer Walker, Spencer and Trevor Metz, and Sarah Grace and Emily Langley; as well as three great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a twin sister, Sarah Scalish of Chesterland, Ohio. She was preceded in death by a sister, Lena; and three brothers, Alfred, Frank and Joseph. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at St.

Anne Catholic Church with Father Thomas Burke, C.Ss.R. officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends following the service in the Parish Hall. Memorials may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church, 261 E. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150 or to the Sumter Gallery of Art, 200 Hasell St., Sumter, SC 29150. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

HENRY L. STOKES CARRIERE, Mississippi — Henry LaVon Stokes, 72, husband of Charlotte Meredith Stokes, died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at his home with his wife, son, daughter-in-law and sister by his side. Born on May 28, 1942, in Kingstree, he was a son of the late STOKES George W. Sr. and Fran Daring Stokes. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Jamil Shriners and the Masonic Lodge of Sumter. A chemist by trade, Mr. Stokes worked for Southern Coatings and Chemical Co. of Sumter and was plant manager in Slidell, Louisiana, for a number of years. He also worked for Valspar in Orangeburg and transferred to the Picayune, Mississippi, branch where he retired in June of 2008. He will be remembered as a kind, humble, caring and gentle man with a loving heart of compassion and sharing. He is survived by his wife of 49 years; a son, Christopher L. Stokes and wife, Michele, of Poplarville, Mississippi; a sister, Betty Pritchard of Summerton; and numerous nieces and nephews in South Carolina. Mr. Stokes was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Yvonne Stokes; and a brother, George W. Stokes Jr. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery with the Rev. Harold Kirkland officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to the Children’s Fund at Lee’s Chapel No. 1 Baptist Church, 11 Herb Lee-Fred Spiers Road, Carriere, MS 39426. Stephens Funeral Home and Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org

RANDY J. COULTER DALZELL — Randy James Coulter, 7 months, died on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Manning, he was a son of Chandler L. Coulter Jr. and Annette Marie Law-

son Voigt. Survivors besides his parents of Dalzell include three brothers, Chandler Coulter III, Branden Coul- COULTER ter and Michael Voigt; two sisters, Chanlee Coulter and Haley Disher; maternal grandparents, Larry and Darlene Lawson of Peoria, Arizona; paternal grandparents, Chandler L. Sr. and Sheila Coulter of Sumter; and maternal greatgrandmother, Lois Lawson of Stockton, California. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday in the Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery with Timothy Welch and the Rev. Ronnie Morris officiating. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

CLYDE W. REAM Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clyde William Ream, 90, widower of Lenadelle Schrock Ream, died on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at the Rice House in Columbia. Born in Stoystown, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late George Cleveland Ream and Alice Prudence Ream. Mr. Ream was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and the Order of Daedalians. He was also a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving in World War II, Vietnam and Korea. Surviving are a son, Jeffrey L. Ream and wife, Debra of Columbia; a sister, Wanda Whipple of Jennerstown, Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, Dr. Danielle Ream and husband, Robert Donchess, and Maj. Joshua Ream and wife, Maj. Johanna Ream; and two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Ream and John Leonard Ream. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday in the chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with the Rev. Harry Crout officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Aviary Fund at the Rice House, 100 Finley Road, Columbia, SC 29203. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

DANNY RAY GAINEY Danny Ray Gainey, age 65, died on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at Palmetto Health Richland hospital. Born in Hartsville, he was a son of Betty Catherine Kelly Gainey and the late Robert Gainey. Danny enjoyed fishing and camping in his younger years and loved

to travel to the beach and mountains. He will be remembered as a tenderhearted and loving soul and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Surviving in addition to his mother are one son, Timothy Gainey Pack of Sumter; three daughters, Nicole Viers and her husband, Bart, of North Carolina, Sharon Danielle Crosby-Gainey of Sumter and Malinda Dawn Brown of Arkansas; three brothers, Robbie Larue Gainey and his wife, Terrie, of Sumter, Terry Glen Gainey of Sumter and Jerry Anthony Gainey and his wife, Carol, of Sumter; 14 grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Angela Gainey. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Bullock Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Faith Outreach Assembly Building Fund, 42 Callen Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

CHARLES R. HOLMES JR. Charles Rutledge Holmes Jr., 67, died on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at a local nursing center. Services will be announced by Elmore Hill McCreight Fu-

neral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, (803) 7759386.

WILLIE FILMORE SUMMERTON — Willie Filmore, age 65, entered into eternal rest on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born on Sept. 9, 1949, in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late Harry and Rachel Alice Miller Filmore. The family will receive friends at the home, 11 Second St., Summerton. Professional services entrusted to Dyson’s Home for Funerals of Summerton, (803) 485-4280.

FREDERICK WILSON Frederick Wilson, son of Bennie and Irene Wilson, entered eternal rest on Dec. 8, 2014, at his residence. The family is receiving friends at the residence, 2058 Stoney Brook Drive, Hartsville. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville.

ERNEST L. BILLIE Ernest Leroy “Roy” Billie, 52, entered eternal rest on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at his home in Sumter. Born on May 5, 1962, in Gable, he was a son of Ruby James Billie and the late Jasper Billie. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 424 Robney Drive, Sumter. Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

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PETS & ANIMALS Dogs OBEDIENCE TRAINING Basic Commands, Behavior problem solving, Advanced training. Ask about our vacation package. Call 803-972-0738 or 972-7597 I, Debra Canty, President Of the Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind wishing you a joyous advent season and a prosperous new year. We appreciate your support and donations. Thank you for attending our gala last night. Merry Christmas from all of us in the NFB!!!

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MERCHANDISE Farm Products Horse Hay for sale. Tight sq. bails $5. Heavy rnd. bails $40. Corn oats hog feed. Call Warren 843-319-1884

For Sale or Trade

well

Found, male puppy 4100 block Camden Hwy call to ID 803-499-9832

BUSINESS SERVICES Business Services

Bird's Towing & Lock Out 24 Hour Service 803-834-BIRD (2473) TAXES Income - Payroll - Sales Same day service. 507 Broad St. Locally owned. Tesco 773-1515

Lawn Service Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs! Free est. 494-9169/468-4008 Lifestyles Lawn Service Holiday Clean-up Specials! Leaf removal, hedge trimming, pine straw instal. Mil.-Sen. Disc.! Call Erik 803-968-8655

Roofing Robert's Metal Roofing 35 Years Experience. 18 colors & 45 year warranty. Financing available. Expert installation. Long list of satisfied customers. Call 803-837-1549.

Like New Pool Table 8 1/2 Ft X 5 ft $500 Call 775-7123 9-5:30 or 468-0280 New Nascar scale Go Kart Sale list:: $3000 will take $1600. Excellent Christmas gift. Can be seen at Watson Small Engine Or Call 778-1929 8am-5pm

Established Heating and Air Conditioning Company looking for a Laborer/helper for the installation dept. Employer needs to have valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, able to lift more than 10 lbs., work well with others and experience with duct work would be good but not necessary. Mail resume to PO Box 2378, Sumter 29151 or apply in person 1640 Suber Street, Sumter SC. LOCAL CORPORATION seeking upbeat, highly motivated and energetic individual for Full Time Position. Must have proficient computer skills, merchandizing & management skills, be able to work well in a team-oriented environment, be adaptable to a flexible work schedule, possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to multi-task. Please send Resume' to P-379 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Night Security PRN/Weekend Night Security needed in a skilled nursing facility for 8pm to 8am shift. Position consists of security walk through and light environmental maintenance. Experience preferred but not required. Apply in person to: Covenant Place 2825 Carter Road Sumter, SC 29150 EOE Laborers and Masons needed for Shaw AFB Project Contact: sharon.colaconstructors@gmail.com STC Now Hiring Diesel Mechanic Qualified candidates must have: â&#x20AC;˘Valid driver license â&#x20AC;˘High School Diploma or GED â&#x20AC;˘Three years or more of diesel mechanical experience â&#x20AC;˘Must provide tools / picture at interview

American Red Cross New Crop Variety Shelled Pecans 803-775-2363 3 Plots in Evergreen Cemetery $4000 for all 3. All are together. Call 803 468-1380

STC offers competitive salary and benefits

Split Oak Firewood $70/dumped, $75/stacked. Newman's Tree Service 803-316-0128. Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves. Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311 4 plots at Evergreen Cemetery next to the cross. $2100 each. Call 803-469-9841. Golden Kernel Pecan Co. 1214 S. Guignard Dr. Sumter 803-968-9432 We buy pecans, We sell Pecan halves & Pieces, Chocolate, Sugarfree Chocolate, Butter Roasted, Sugar & Spiced, Prailine, Honey Glazed, English Toffee Gift Packages available . M-F 9-5 Sat 9-1

Hickory & Oak firewood. Seasoned/Green $65 Delivered. Notch Above Tree Service. 983-9721

EOE and Drug Free Workplace Contact - Pat Joyner 803-775-1002 x107

RNs/LPNs Needed Immediately Tender Care Home Health Care of SC Pediatric exp. highly desired Sign on Bonus Offered Apply with resume at tchhemployment@att.net (888) 669-0104

Firewood for Sale Will Deliver. Call 803 651-8672

Apply at 344 W. Liberty St. Norman Williams and Associates www.williamstemporary.com Locally established Heating & Air condition Co. looking for Exp. Service Tech. Needs to have good driving record. Pay range from $33k-$46k a year plus health insurance, retirement, bonus and commission available. Apply in person at 1640 Suber Street.

Help Wanted Part-Time $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

RENTALS Rooms for Rent Bordering house with open rooms for female occupants. Call 803-565-7924.

ROOMS FOR RENT, $100- $125 /wkly. All utilities & cable included. 803-938-2709

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

TRANSPORTATION

Commercial Rentals 1012 Pocalla Rd. (Old Parts Connection bldg.) 2,000 sq ft heated w/ 2 offices, 3 baths, showroom/lobby, 3,000 sq ft warehouse space. $1,350 mo/dep. 803-775-2344.

REAL ESTATE

Crown Victoria Police Interceptors Over 15 in stock from years 2000 2008. Affordable prices & pymts. 775-2344 or come by American Auto Sales. 408 S. Lafayette St

Land & Lots for Sale

Homes for Sale THE WILLOWS: 1029 Cutleaf 2/2, all appl, washer/dryer. Call 803-469-9381

WALMART/SHAW 16.6 ACRES PAVED, ELEC. WATER $2350/ACRE 713-870-0216

For Rent or Sale 821 Holiday Drive 2BR 1BA possible owner financing. 803-983-7064. Tudor Place: 2241 Preot 3/3, all appl., washer/dryer, new roof, h.w. heater, carpet, vinyl and paint. Call 803-469-9381

Manufactured Housing LOW CREDIT SCORE? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing. We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215. For Sale Nice 4 Br 2 Ba D/W MH w/ dinning rm, den w fire place, bonus rm. c//h//a, new carpet & paint, brick underpinning, lg fenced lot 803-983-0408

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Oakland Plantation Apts. 5501 Edgehill Rd 499-2157 2 BR apartments avail. Applications accepted Mon., Wed. & Fri. 8 am - 4:30 pm.

Unfurnished Homes

Experienced Activities Professional Covenant Place of Sumter is looking to fill the position of Activities Professional. This position requires a minimum of 1 yr. of dementia care experience in a Long Term Care facility. Apply in person to: Covenant Place 2825 Carter Road Sumter, SC 29150 EOE

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

RECEPTIONIST/CLERICAL PLANT ASSEMBLERS CNC MACHINE OPERATORS CHEMICAL OPERATOR/TECH PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

3BR 2BA 1900 sq. ft, large fenced backyard $950 Mo + $950 Dep 840-0207 3 Br House $335 rent/dep, 2 Br Hse $350 rent/dep, 4 Br Hse $550 rent/dep. Call 803-468-1900 Must see! Large family friendly waterfront home in deerfield,4BR 2.5BA Lg Rec room $1900 Mo +Dep Call 803-468-4659 or 469-0555

Mobile Home Rentals 3Bd 2Ba MH near Pinewood New carpet & appliances, no pets $500 mth + dep. Call 843-884-0346 2, 3 & 4 Br, all appliances, Section 8 accepted. 469-6978 or 499-1500 Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water /sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd. RV parking avail. Call 803-494-8350

Spacious 2 & 3 Bedroom Units Paved Streets & Parking Well Landscaped Lawns Central Heat & Air Patrolled by Private Security Quiet Family Living

Private lot, Near Shaw, 1 block from Peach Orchard Plaza

For More Info Call: 803-494-4015

Shaw Flea Market

Tree Service

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INDIVIDUAL SHEETS Flat or Fitted Twin .....................$3 each 29 Progress St. - Sumter Full ...................... $3 each Queen.................. $4 each 775-8366 Ext. 37 Store Hours Mon. - Sat. â&#x20AC;˘ 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

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THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

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!

MAYO’S SUIT CITY

SHIRTS, TIES, PANTS & SHOES Buy 1, Get a 2nd HALF PRICE!

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

IN-STORE ALTERATIONS, FOR THOSE LAST MINUTE OCCASIONS

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

Commercial buses. Perfect for church or daycare. 5 to choose from. Affordable prices, financing available. Call American Auto Sales 803-775-2344 or come by 408 S. Lafayette.

Reconditioned batteries $40. New batteries, UBX 75-7850. Golf cart batteries, 6V. exchange $300 per set, while they last. Auto Electric Co. 803-773-4381

Destruction of Special Education Records (300.573) Sumter School District will be destroying special education records for students exiting during or prior to the 2009-2010 school year. Records being destroyed include all special education referral records, evaluation reports, testing protocols, notifications of meetings, Individual Education Plans (IEP), reviews of existing data summaries, and all other personally identifiable information therein. Under state and federal law, special education records must be maintained for a period of five years after special education services have ended. Former students over the age of 18, or parents of students over the age of 18, who have retained parental rights through the court's determination, may obtain special education records by contacting and making an appointment with Mrs. Lillarweise Seymore at (803) 774-5500 (ext. 210).

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.45/mi on all miles • Layover Pay • Loading/unloading $15 from 1st hr Achievable Goals for Lucrative Incentives - CDL (Class A) w/ hazmat & tanker - At least 2 yrs. exp. - Clean MVR - Excellent pay ($.45 per running mile - includes $.06 per diem non-taxable expense) - Paid Vacation - Paid Holidays - Paid Sick Days - BC/BS Health Ins. - Dental Insurance - Life Insurance - Short Term Disability - 401(k) w/co. Match

CONTACT Pat Joyner at 803-775-1002 Ext. 107 OR visit our website to download a job application and fax to (954) 653-1195 www.sumtertransport.com 170 S. Lafayette Drive Sumter, SC 29150 EOE

20 N. Magnolia Street Sumter, SC www.theitem.com No refund for early cancellation. Private Party Only! Business and commercial accounts not eligible. All ads must be prepaid. All advertising subject to publisher’s approval. Special cannot be combined with discounts. Other restrictions may apply.

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SECTION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

PHOTOS BY KEITH GEDAMKE/THE SUMTER ITEM

Not only was Jingle with the Arts inspired by the Rockettes’ famous Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall, the Sumter Civic Dance Company does a kickline in the opening scene. The much anticipated Jingle will be presented Friday and Saturday at Patriot Hall and will feature several other performing groups to get their audiences in the Christmas spirit.

Get that warm yuletide feeling Jingle with the Arts inspires Christmas spirit BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

an’t make it to New York to see the Rockettes’ Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall? Don’t fret — Patriot Hall’s got the annual Jingle with the Arts music and dance show inspired by the Rockettes, but featuring some of the finest talents in the area kicking up their heels and exercising their vocal cords. Like the Rockettes’ show, Jingle with the Arts has become a much anticipated Christmas ritual for many, and its annually updated acts also attract new audience members each December. This year’s Jingle, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Patriot Hall, will present newly written and choreographed segments built on the familiar five-act program. It’s all intended not just to entertain, but to guarantee viewers a generous infusion of the Christmas spirit, said director and choreographer Andrea Freed-Levenson. Participating in this year’s Jingle with the Arts are the Sumter Civic Dance Company and its Apprentice Company, the Sumter High School Show Choir, the Bethesda (Church of God) Sounds of Grace and the St. Marks Four Bridges Missionary Baptist Church Choir. Jingle’s five scenes are “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Snowy Night,” “Santa’s Workshop,” “Santa’s Hideaway Café” and “The Reason for the Season.” Each scene comprises a variety of music and dance numbers telling a story about an aspect of the Christmas season. The production is filled with showstoppers, FreedLevenson said, from the very beginning scene, “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The dance and choral numbers by several of the participating groups in this big opening give an indication of the Broadway-style show to come. In Scene I, the dancers and singers perform several numbers that address both the sacred and secular sides of Christmas, starting with a Christmas medley from the Sumter Civic Dance Company, followed by Sounds of Christmas from the Bethesda Sounds of Grace. Freed School Youth Theatre and the Sumter Civic Apprentice Company appear as dancing shoppers, and the Sumter High School Show Choir celebrates Christmas with Andy

Williams’ 1963 hit, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The Show Choir then introduces an element of wonder with “Believe.” While Freed-Levenson always strives to keep Jingle’s scenes current — look for Olaf the snowman and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” and some Minions, for example — there are certain features she brings back each year because of audience expectations. “We have to do a river dance,” she said. “They’re our ‘Visitors from Afar’ in (Santa’s Hideaway Café), and we have to have the reindeer. We’ve got all nine of them, including Rudolph.” There will be many different genres of dance, as well, including the “hip-hoppish ‘Dubstep Christmas Mix,’” Freed-Levenson said. Expect also to see contemporary, ballet, jazz, lyrical and other styles of dance. While she’s done most of the choreography, she said Erin Levenson Harms did the “Christmas Can Can” and Andrea Barras Govier and Kimberly Barrett choreographed the Dubstep. Govier also did “Dig That Crazy Santa.” Not all of the music was written specifically for Christmas, Freed-Levenson said, but it all expresses the exuberant feelings of the season. “The finale has all the performers — around 200 — on stage at the same time,” she

said. “The three choirs will all sing together. It’s a big, big, wonderful sound that’ll leave everyone with a warm, Christmas feeling.” Artistic Director for Jingle with the Arts is Andrea Freed-Levenson; technical director is David Shoemaker; stage manager is Sondra Tidwell; special choreography is by Andrea Govier and Erin Levenson Harms. Call 773-2847 for tickets.

SUMTER CIVIC DANCE COMPANY Artistic Director: Andrea Freed-Levenson Andrea Barras Govier, Kimberly Barrett, Madison Beasley, Allie Gleaton, Winter Grant, Sarah Greene, Don Philips, Alazia Daniles, Ta’Niss Robinson, Sigmon Bryant, Cedric Hobbs, Ashley Taylor, Brooke Delbocca, Kylie Kendrick, Maggie Watts, Ruby Edwards, Erin Levenson Harms, Emily Woodard Ridgeway

APPRENTICE COMPANY Kayleigh Benenhaley, Allie Gleaton, Mary Catherine Matthews, Sigmon Bryant, Abby Hoshour, Waverly McIver, Brooke Delbocca, Gracie Hudson, Emily Simmons, Nicole Dixon, Darden Kelly, Hannah Young, Hayley DuBose, Hayden Kirkhart

FREED SCHOOL GYMNASTICS TEAM Anna Collins, Aaliyah

Members of the Sumter Civic Dance Company rehearse “Christmas Can Can” for the Santa’s Workshop scene in Jingle with the Arts. Craig, Mary Jones, Monica Scriven-Peoples, Chris Rembert, Bria Williamson, Jakayla Walker, Kyndal Waynick

Tindal, Anne Beth Williams, Beth Williamson

FREED SCHOOL YOUTH THEATRE

Director: Denise Lynch Choreographer: Fran Glaze Shannon Chaney, Kiera Dow, Lauren Memry, Amori Taylor, Jassamine Green, Breiana Pettway, Carlos Griffin, Lennon Stewart, Meggan House, Deshawn Thomas, Rachel Caldwell, Jordan Avery, Audra Chaney, Malcolm Major-Wright, Mathew Witherspoon, Ashleigh McElveen, Sara Grace Young

Lexi Claire Altman, Morgan Arguellez, Noel Bradford, Aaliyah Craig, Mary Kathryn Gilroy, Nataleigh Jones, Gigi Joyce, Annie Lee Kessinger, Faith Livingston, Lucy McIver, Lakeiyah Sims, Amber

SUMTER HIGH SCHOOL SHOW CHOIR

BETHESDA SOUNDS OF GRACE Director: Julia Sims-Owens Phillip Elliott, Cherie Bucklew, Mary Fullard, Jason Goss, Lisa Elliott, Rodney McBride, Phil Nobles, Nathan Lawson, Cristin Coleman, Crystal McBride, Kaye Nobles, Whitney Lawson, Josh Coleman, Eric Rosdail, Chan Griffith, Sandra Johnson, Jean Spittle, Lisa Rosdail, Angela Scott, Barbara Sovine, Regenia Owens, Terrie Baldwin, Leigh Rapier, Paul Parker, Ashley Brock, Wanda Mercer, Jessica Isaac, David Grubbs, Christa Anglin, Minnie Maple, Judy Hice, Judson Bucklew, Howie Owens, Julia Sims-Owens, Julie DuBose, Neil DuBose, Hayley DuBose, Al Sims, Jackie Sims

Members of the Sumter High School Show Choir and the Sumter Civic Dance Company pause for a group photo during rehearsal for the weekend’s performances of Jingle with the Arts. It can be seen at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Call 773-2847 or 436-2260 for $10 advance tickets or pay $12 at the Patriot Hall box office before each show.

ST. MARKS FOUR BRIDGES MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR Directors: Detrick Simmons, Roneika Jenne

FOOD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Hankering for comfort food? Consider knish ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press f you’re looking for

some cold weather comfort food, you

might want to consider the knish. Though there are many variations of the knish, they essentially are the hand pie of classic Jewish cuisine — a baked (though sometimes fried) light pastry dough filled with mashed vegetables (often potatoes) or meat. They started as peasant food, later became a 19th century street cart convenience food, and now are a staple of Jewish delis. They can be hard to find if you don’t live in a larger city. But whether or not you’re Jewish, consider making some this winter. They are warm and filling and truly satisfying in that way that only carb-heavy food can be.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

POTATO KNISHES Start to finish: 2 hours (1 hour active) Servings: 16 3 eggs, divided 6 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil, divided ½ cup water 1 tablespoon cider vinegar Kosher salt 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 large yellow onions, diced ¼ cup chopped fresh thyme Ground black pepper In a large bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of the oil, the water, vinegar and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add the flour and knead together to form a smooth dough. Divide the dough in 2 and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for 1 hour. While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan and fill with enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly, then transfer the potatoes to a medium bowl. Mash the potatoes until mostly smooth. Set aside. In a medium skillet over medium-high, heat the remaining 4 tablespoons of oil. Add the onions and cook until tender and starting to brown, about 8 minutes. Stir the onions into the potatoes, along with the thyme. Season with salt and black pepper. Heat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with kitchen parchment. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll and stretch each piece until it is a long strip about 6 inches wide and 16 inches long. Spoon half of the potato filling

mixture down the middle of each strip of dough, using your hands to smooth the mixture into an even mound. Dip your fingers in water and moisten the edges of the dough, then wrap both sides of the dough up and over the potato filling. Slice each piece of dough, which now should resemble filled tubes, into 8 pieces. Turn each piece onto its side and use the palm of your hand to flatten slightly. Working in batches of 8, arrange the pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them. In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water until foamy. Brush a bit of the egg mixture over each knish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Nutrition information per serving: 230 calories; 60 calories from fat (26 percent of total calories); 6 g fat (0.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 40 mg cholesterol; 38 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 5 g protein; 140 mg sodium.

An easy way to make freshly baked cookies any time BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press It really is hard to beat freshly baked cookies. Leave aside for a moment the deliciousness of the finished product; the simple act of cooking them makes your whole house smell like heaven. But who has the time to whip up a batch of cookies every time a guest shows up at your door? Or every time you get a craving? Actually, if you rely on these refrigerator cookies, you do! Refrigerator cookies predate refrigerators. In the 1920s, they were known as icebox cookies. Whatever they’re called, they’ve survived because they’re wonderful: easy to make, easy to store, and delicious. You make a batch of dough, roll it up in a log, then store it in the refrigerator or freezer. When the moment is ripe, you slice off and bake up as many cookies as you want, then return the unused part of the log to cold storage. This particular recipe is ridiculously simple — a boon to one and all, including the baking-impaired — as long as you follow a few rules. Always take the butter out of the refrigerator 35 to 45 minutes before mixing the

dough, which makes it soft enough to mix easily. Then beat together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, or “creamed,” which prepares the batter for leavening. But don’t let the butter get too soft or your

VANILLA REFRIGERATOR COOKIES (WITH VARIATIONS) Want to get a jump on your holiday cookies. These easy refrigerator cookies can be prepped ahead, then refrigerated for several days or frozen for several months until the moment (or craving) is right. The recipe also is exceptionally versatile, so I’ve included suggestions for easy variations on the basic recipe. Start to finish: 3 ½ hours (30 minutes active) Servings: 4 ½ to 5 dozen cookies 1 vanilla bean ¾ cup sugar 12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 large egg 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon table salt Powdered sugar (optional) Using a paring knife, cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Use the tip of the knife to scrape the seeds out of the pod and into a medium bowl. Discard the pod.

cookies will flatten out like pancakes in the oven. I’ve flavored the recipe with vanilla bean and vanilla extract. Vanilla beans are fantastic, but they’re pricy, so if you don’t want to spring for one, just add another table-

Add the dry ingredients to the dough and mix it all together until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, but no more. When flour is combined with moist ingredients (in this case the butteregg mixture) and beaten, the gluten (protein) in the flour starts to develop. Beating it too much at this stage will make your cookies tough. It also is key to chill the dough after mixing it, otherwise it will be too soft to roll. When the dough becomes cold enough to hold its shape, divide it in half and shape each into a cylinder 2 inches in diameter. Then, with the help of a sheet of kitchen parchment, you can smooth out the cylinder. Twisting the ends of the paper, firecracker style, further compresses and smooths the log. Done! Now your dough is ready to refrigerate or freeze. One final tip: Every time you remove the log to slice off some cookie rounds, rotate it slightly as you slice it THE ASSOCIATED PRESS so as not to squish the dough flat on one side. This recipe offers five variaspoon of the extract. If you do tions on the basic cookie. use a bean, don’t discard the These options will come in pod after scraping out the particularly handy during the seeds. Instead, you should rinse it, dry it and drop it into holiday season. Show up at the party with a tin of mixed your sugar jar, where it will slowly infuse your sugar with cookies and you’ll be greeted like Santa every time. the scent of vanilla.

Add the sugar and butter, then use an electric mixer to beat on medium until the mixture is light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat for another 2 minutes. In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat just until combined. Cover and chill until firm enough to be shaped, about 1 hour. Divide the dough into 2 pieces. Place a 12-inch piece of kitchen parchment on the counter. Set one piece of the dough on the parchment, then use the parchment to shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter and about 10 inches long. Wrap the dough in the parchment, twisting the ends to seal. Repeat with the remaining piece of dough using a second sheet of parchment. Refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. The dough also can be frozen for up to 3 months. Heat the oven to 375 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and slice into ¼-inch rounds. Arrange the rounds 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake just until the edges start to become golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a

cooling rack and let cool. Pack in an airtight container. Serve lightly dusted with powdered sugar, if desired. Variations: Lemon: Use 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean, and add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons grated lemon zest to the flour mixture. Orange: Follow the lemon variation directions, but substitute orange zest and juice for the lemon zest and juice. Ginger: Add 1/3 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger and 2 teaspoons ground ginger to the flour mixture. These may not slice neatly once frozen, but just pat them back together on the baking sheet. Peanut butter: Add ½ cup chunky peanut butter to the butter mixture and increase the flour by 2 tablespoons. Double chocolate: Substitute ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa for the cornstarch, eliminate the vanilla bean and add just 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 2 cups semisweet chocolate mini-chips to the flour mixture. This will make 6 dozen cookies because of the added chips. Nutrition information per serving: 40 calories; 20 calories from fat (50 percent of total calories); 2.5 g fat (1.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 10 mg cholesterol; 5 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 0 g protein; 30 mg sodium.

FOOD

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Easy party snacks BY ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press Nobody is going to blame you if your holiday party spread includes a bowl of mixed nuts, some grapes and a wedge or two of cheese. After all, most people enjoy them and are willing to nibble mindlessly on them. But it is easier than you think to elevate your feast by bolstering those tired party snack cliches with a few more creative offerings. You won’t need to work very hard at this. Most holiday party snacks can be assembled in less than 10 minutes, and many can be assembled ahead of time. And the only truly important rule is to make sure everything is neat and easy to eat (onehanding it really is best for party food). To help get your party started, we’ve assembled some of our favorite snack ideas. We’ve even given you a way to jazz up your basic bowl of mixed nuts. • Spiced nuts: Beat 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon of water until frothy. Add 3 cups of your favorite unsalted nuts and toss to coat. In another bowl, whisk together ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon five-spice powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Toss the sugar mixture with the nuts and spread on a rimmed baking sheet lined with kitchen parchment. Bake at 350 F until fragrant and dry. • Marinated olives: Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, the zest of 1 orange, 2 minced cloves garlic and 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh rosemary. Toss with 2 cups mixed pitted olives. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 4 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving. • Honeyed goat cheese: Set an 8-ounce log of soft goat cheese on a serving plate. Drizzle the cheese liberally with honey, then sprinkle with toasted pecans, chopped fresh tarragon, grated lemon zest and ground black pepper. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette. • Apricot prosciutto beans: Spread a half slice of prosciutto very thinly with apricot preserves. Wrap the prosciutto around several haricot verts (thin French green beans) and a thin strip of roasted red pepper. Make a dozen or so bundles in this fashion, then stack on a serving tray. Sprinkle with ground black pepper. • Bacon-date cream cheese dip: Beat an 8-ounce block of cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of milk until light and fluffy. Stir in ½ cup crumbled well-cooked bacon, ½ cup chopped dates and 2 thinly sliced scallions. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. • Avocado shrimp cocktail: In a food processor, combine the flesh of 3 avocados with ½ cup cocktail sauce, 2 tablespoons horseradish, the juice of 1 lime, a splash of hot sauce and a bit of salt and pepper. Process until smooth, then transfer to a serving bowl. Top with sliced scallions and serve with cooked, chilled shrimp. • Candied kielbasa bites: Slice 1 pound of kielbasa into thin ovals. Arrange in a single layer on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix together ¾ cup brown sugar with ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the kielbasa. Bake at 350 F until the slices are golden brown and the sugar is bubbly, about 30 minutes. • Smashed lemon cannellini beans: Drain and rinse a 15ounce can of cannellini beans. Pat dry with paper towels, then spread on a dinner plate. Roughly smash the beans with a fork or potato masher. Drizzle all over with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with grated lemon zest, chopped fresh oregano, coarse sea salt, black pepper and smoked paprika. Serve with toasted pita chips. • Marinated mozzarella with anchovy and peanuts: Mash 3 anchovies with a fork in a medium bowl. Add ½ cup good olive oil, 1 pound cubed, drained fresh mozzarella, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 2 cloves grated garlic, ¼ cup torn fresh basil leaves, and ½ cup lightly chopped unsalted peanuts. Serve with bread for scooping. • Sweet and spicy cracker

bark: Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer covering the entire baking sheet. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cayenne (more or less to taste), ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend, ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Bring to a simmer and stir to combine. Pour the mixture over the crackers, spreading until the crackers are evenly covered. Bake at 350 F until golden brown and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the top with ½ cup crumbled crispcooked bacon and ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds. Allow to cool completely, then break into bite-sized pieces.

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It’s easy to elevate a holiday party spread beyond a bowl of mixed nuts, grapes and a wedge or two of cheese, by using a few more creative offerings such as candied kielbasa bites.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

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JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Reader is angry friends did not tell DEAR ABBY — I was married for six years and had three children with my husband. He always said Dear Abby he hated people who ABIGAIL cheat on VAN BUREN their spouse, but then he had an affair with a married co-worker, a woman who had three kids. We had a huge argument about it. I called her names and he beat me up. I called the police, he was arrested, jailed and I filed for divorce. It has been six years and I have moved on, but I’m still angry over their cheating.

THE SUMTER ITEM

They got married and invited mutual friends who knew of their affair. All of them attended the wedding. When I questioned a few of them about why they didn’t tell me he was cheating on me, they said it was “none of their business.” (Oddly enough, those people thought nothing of socializing with the cheaters.) I’d like to know how many of your readers would tell someone their spouse was cheating. I know I would, because affairs aren’t innocent fun. Just to add to the end of my story, my ex and his trophy wife are now divorcing after three years of marriage. The reason? He caught her cheating! The ex-Mrs. in Illinois

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

DEAR EX-MRS. — These “friends” may not have told you because they either didn’t want to get involved, or they had already chosen whose side they planned to be on. I suspect many readers will want to chime in on your question. And I also suspect that, unlike years ago when folks opted to remain silent, the majority will say they feel the spouse has a right to know because they would want to be told. Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $14 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

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

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

ACROSS 1 Go wrong 4 Party garb for Hef 7 Some grenades, briefly 12 Response to a home team bobble 13 Tough kid to handle 14 Amazon crocodilian 15 Eight-time Norris Trophy winner 17 A to A, e.g. 18 Mascara mishap 19 Practical joke during a greeting 21 Vena __: heart vessel 23 Cobbler’s tool 24 Times gone by, in times gone by 25 Less solid 28 Anti-bullfighting org. 30 Steamed cantina food 31 Postwar population phenomenon 35 Heaps 36 Boring routine 37 In need of a massage 38 Yokohama is on it 41 Gravel components 43 Work without __

44 Pens in 45 Scammer’s target 48 “The Book of __”: 2010 film 49 Very little 50 Board buyer’s request 53 Less experienced 57 Less taxing 58 Like many teen girls, and a literal hint to this puzzle’s circled squares 60 Lose 61 Nobelist Wiesel 62 Tax shelter letters 63 Take the reins 64 Single chinup, say 65 Season ticket holder DOWN 1 Fades away 2 Dorm unit 3 Post-shower wear 4 One paid to play 5 “Star Wars” character __ Binks 6 Houston MLBer 7 School group 8 __ Bits: cracker sandwiches 9 Leave wideeyed 10 “Order! Order!” mallet

11 Dummy Mortimer 13 How much cargo is transported 14 All-natural flytrap 16 Slangy “Ditto!” 20 Pester, puppy-style 22 Crew neck alternative 25 Medical “Now!” 26 Saintly radiance 27 Hog-wild 29 Shock __ 31 Believe 32 Chaplin of “Game of Thrones” 33 Pitcher Hershiser 34 Predicament 36 Numerical relationship 39 Like many gift subscriptions

40 Quasimodo’s workplace 41 Putting green patch 42 Mesmerized state 44 King of pop 45 Parts of peonies 46 Look forward to 47 Ad hoc law group 51 Gallbladder fluid 52 Slangy prefix meaning “ultra” 54 Street urchin 55 University founder Cornell 56 “Sleepless in Seattle” costar 59 “Take me! Take me!” at the shelter

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Would you want stocking stuffers from a junkyard? BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH How do you pinch pennies when everybody’s throwing money around? The holidays are so often associated with spending, it’s nice to know that there’s an “Extreme Cheapskates: Merry Cheapskate Christmas” (9 p.m., TLC, TV-PG) out there. More about parsimony than poinsettias, this special follows Sarah Gracel as she scours junkyards for stocking stuffers and gifts for her loved ones. Shelly Watson concocts a fake turkey out of ground meat, chicken and turkey legs. I can’t see how those ingredients are less expensive than a Butterball, but I’m sure there’s a sensible “Cheapskate” explanation. • The cable comedy “Melissa & Joey” (8 p.m., ABC Family, TV-PG) has always played up its retro roots. From the casting of Melissa Joan Hart (“Sabrina”) and Joey Lawrence (“Gimme a Break!”) to its laugh track, it exults in its safe throwback status. Tonight’s Christmasthemed episode turns the way-back machine up to 11 as a spat about holiday ornaments leads to a long story about holiday traditions and family roots going all the way back to the 19th century, where the cast appears in Dickens-era regalia. “Baby Daddy” (8:30 p.m., ABC Family) follows, with its own holiday episode. • Don’t go looking for “Red Band Society” tonight. Folks from the Fox series assure us that “Red Band” was always supposed to take a winter hiatus after airing its first 10 episodes. But the network also announced that it was limiting production to the existing 13. When, where and if “Red Band” returns to the schedule should be interesting.

We’ve been told that a major character will not survive season one. We’re all but assured that “Red Band” will not see a season two. “Red Band” is part of a larger catastrophe for Fox. Of its new series, only the very expensive “Gotham” has emerged as a modest hit. With so many of existing series past their prime and the network’s spring season tied to the sagging fortunes of “American Idol,” Fox is a network in dire need of reinvention. But given Fox’s history of audacity, I don’t think that is an impossible task.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS AND EPISODES • Frankie decides to downsize the holidays on “The Middle” (8 p.m., ABC, TVPG). • Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki star in the 1989 comedy “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (9 p.m., ABC Family). • Willy cuts a Christmas record on “Duck Dynasty” (9:30 p.m., A&E, TV-PG). • Dre thinks the North Pole is too white on “blackish” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Director Rob Reiner and editor Robert Leighton discuss their long partnership on “AFI’s Master Class” (8 p.m., TCM). • An attacker follows a specific pattern on “Law & Order: SVU” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • Haley does not turn 21 without drama on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TVPG). • Teddy pulls strings to find his recent fling on

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“Nashville” (10 p.m., ABC, TVPG). • Nothing concentrates the mind like imminent doom, on the season finale of “The Game” (10 p.m., BBC America, TV-14). • Jimmy drowns his sorrows on “American Horror Story” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).

SERIES NOTES Eviction night on “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * A fertility doctor vanishes on “The Mysteries of Laura” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * The top six compete on a two-hour helping of “Hell’s Kitchen” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14) * Oliver faces a ticking clock on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Barry turns heads on “The Goldbergs” (8:30 ABC, TVPG) * Salt Lake sickos on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Abby improvises on “The 100” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * A memoir sparks murder on “Stalker” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A close call for Olinsky on “Chicago PD” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT Suki Kim is scheduled on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Rebecca Romijn, Robert Patrick and Mo Mandel appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Sarah Koenig sits down on “The Colbert Re-

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Nyssa (Katrina Law) returns to Starling City with an ultimatum from her father giving Oliver (Stephen Amell) 48 hours to find Sara’s killer or the League of Assassins will begin killing Starling City’s citizens on “Arrow” airing at 8 p.m. today on The CW. port” (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Meryl Streep, Rebel Wilson and J. Cole appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Mark Wahlberg and Kevin Nealon on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Cameron Diaz, Richard Engel and Bob Mould visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts Mila Kunis and Bob Saget on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

comedy “Cry-Baby” (8 p.m., Logo) director John Waters’ stab at an Elvis-style 1950s musical.

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ggnog is a funny thing. We crave it for one month a year, then never think about it again. And when we do crave it, we love to pretend that this sinfully rich drinkable dessert (basically, it’s melted ice cream in a glass) is a perfectly reasonable and festive little pre-dinner aperitif. The more honest among us glug it down without pretense. After all, life is short; we should eat dessert first. Technically, eggnog is cooked custard cream. The French — in a nod to the English passion for it — call it creme anglaise. The English themselves call it custard. By any name, it is the base of most ice creams. In fact, if you felt lazy, you could just pull that pint of premium vanilla ice cream out of the freezer, let it defrost in the refrigerator, add some booze and a sprinkle of nutmeg, and pass it off as your very own custom-made eggnog. Even easier, you can buy eggnog by the carton at the supermarket. But I promise that the version you make from scratch at home will be the best you’ve ever had. A great eggnog requires few ingredients — milk and/or cream, sugar, vanilla, eggs, nutmeg and (if you like) bourbon, brandy or rum. Many recipes say the eggs should be raw, but I don’t recommend it.

Start to finish: 25 minutes, plus chilling Servings: 10 4 cups whole milk 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 12 large egg yolks ¾ cup sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 cups heavy cream ¾ cup bourbon, brandy or rum Freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the milk and vanilla bean. Bring just to a boil, then let stand off the heat for 10 minutes. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the milk and discard the pod. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch until light and lemon colored, about 2 minutes. With the mixer on, slowly add about half the milk in a stream. Add the egg mixture to the remaining milk in the saucepan. Set the pan over moderate-

Not only is it safer to cook the eggs, it also ensures the eggnog develops a thick, rich texture. You start by beating together the eggs and sugar. Hot milk then is added, but only a bit. This step is called tempering. By mixing a little hot milk into the eggs, you raise their temperature enough to be able to cook them without scrambling them. If you added all of the hot milk at once, you’d end up with unappealing chunks of cooked egg in your nog. Once everything is combined, turn off the phone, tune out the kids and concentrate on stirring the custard while it heats until it reaches the proper thickness. There’s a chance

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ly low heat. Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, heat until the mixture coats a spoon when you run your finger through it and registers 160 degrees, 15 to 20 minutes. Quickly strain the custard through a mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Stir in the cream and bourbon, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled. To serve, ladle into cups and top each portion with freshly grated nutmeg. Nutrition information per serving: 400 calories; 240 calories from fat (60 percent of total calories); 26 g fat (15 g saturated; 0.5 g trans fats); 335 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 17 g sugar; 11 g protein; 140 mg sodium.

• LIGHT AND AIRY VARIATION Do not add the cream before chilling the eggnog. After the eggnog has chilled, in a large bowl use an electric mixer to beat the cream until it forms soft peaks. Stir a quarter of the eggnog into the whipped cream, then fold the cream mixture back into the eggnog, gently but thoroughly. Ladle into cups and top each portion with freshly grated nutmeg.

that the mixture can curdle if you become distracted during this process and allow the custard to get too hot. Ideally, you’re using a wooden spoon. Your goal is to be able to coat the spoon, run your finger through the custard on the spoon’s backside and leave a path that doesn’t quickly disappear. That’s when you’ll know it’s done. At that point the custard has reached 160 F, the temp at which the eggs are considered safe. As extra insurance against curdling, I have added cornstarch to the custard; this will stabilize the mixture. But if you prefer, you can leave the cornstarch out.

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• WHITE CHOCOLATE-PEPPERMINT VARIATION Add 8 ounces of finely chopped white chocolate to the hot strained custard. Let the eggnog stand for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Add the cream and bourbon, then chill as directed. In a saucepan, combine ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water and cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar is melted. Transfer to a small shallow bowl and let cool. In a food processor, pulse 12 candy canes until they are finely crushed. Transfer a heaping tablespoon of the crushed candy canes to a small plate. Working with 1 serving glass at a time, dip the rim of each glass in the sugar syrup, letting the excess drip off, then into the crushed candy canes, making sure the edge of the rim is coated well. Discard the peppermint on the plate each time and add a fresh tablespoon (the candy gets wet after dipping and will not stick properly to the next glass). Let the crushed candy canes dry on the side of the glass for 5 minutes before adding the eggnog.

And by the way, if you do rush and scramble your eggs, just throw the custard into a blender. This will help smooth out the texture, though the finished product won’t be as smooth as a never-scrambled version. If you want your eggnog to have a lighter texture, you can whip the heavy cream before it is added (I explain how below). If you’re looking to make a seriously extravagant eggnog, you might add some finely chopped white chocolate to the hot custard. You’re welcome to use dark chocolate instead, but the finished drink doesn’t look as classically eggnog-y. Either way, don’t forget to coat the

rim of the glass with crushed peppermint. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the drink itself. And if, heaven forbid, you’re overtaken by the spirit of Scrooge and decide to make your eggnog less rich, just use fewer yolks (a modest complement of six will thicken it all up quite nicely), replace the cream with more whole milk, or — sacrilege! — swap in lower-fat milk for all of the prescribed dairy. Finally, if you somehow drink too much nog — low-fat or full-fat — and end up falling asleep before the main course, what the heck. Your dreams will surely be sweet.

3 holiday cocktails to help you pour some cheer BY ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press Whether you’re having a quiet night in with family or a larger gathering with friends, holiday celebrations often call for a cocktail — sometimes simply to help you deal with those friends and family! So we’ve got you covered with a trio of easy but delicious cocktails that won’t tax your time or budget. If there’s a chill in the air, consider starting with the roasted cider, a seasonal hot toddy that combines a classic mulled cider with the toasty flavor of hazelnuts. Or for a fresh take on tradition, try the ginger fashion, a zippy rendition of the reliable old fashioned. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, the ruby spice bubbles offers a fresh — and refreshing — way to enjoy sparkling wine.

ROASTED CIDER Start to finish: 10 minutes Servings: 1 6 ounces cider 1 ½ ounces rye whiskey 1 ounce hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico) Freshly grated nutmeg Cinnamon stick, to garnish In a small saucepan over medium heat or in a mug in the microwave, heat the cider until just steaming. Stir in the whiskey and hazelnut liqueur, then top with grated nutmeg. Serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring.

RUBY SPICE BUBBLES Start to finish: 1 hour (10 minutes active) Servings: 4 ¼ cup sugar ½ teaspoon cinnamon Pinch ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground dry ginger 3 tablespoons water 4 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice, chilled 750-milliliter bottle sparkling white wine, chilled

Brandied or candied cherries In a microwave-safe bowl or glass, combine the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and water. Stir well, then microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool completely. In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled spice syrup with the cranberry juice. Shake to combine, then divide between 4 cocktail flutes or coupe glasses. Top each with sparkling wine and add 1 cherry to each.

GINGER FASHIONED Start to finish: 5 minutes Servings: 1 1-inch slice fresh ginger 1 sugar cube 2-inch strip orange peel 2 dashes maple bitters 2 ounces bourbon Ice In an old fashioned glass, muddle the ginger, sugar, orange peel and bitters until the sugar is dissolved. Add the bourbon and stir. Add an ice cube and serve.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Roasted Cider is a seasonal hot toddy that combines a classic mulled cider with the toasty flavor of hazelnuts.