December 14, 2013

Keep her smiling.

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Domestic quarrel gets dicey with knife. A2 VOL. 119, NO. 52 WWW.THEITEM.COM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

FOUNDED OCTOBER 15, 1894

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Manufacturing classes ‘real win’ for area Fees could be waived for unemployed, underemployed, veterans for training program ing manufacturing industry.

The program, South Carolina Manufacturing Certification, will teach students the skills required to meet the needs for a skilled workforce in advancing manufacturing.

It consists of 200 hours of

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com Central Carolina Technical College will hold a series of classes staring Jan. 13 to train individuals for high-demand jobs in South Carolina’s grow-

Man wins $890K in defamation suit against neighbors

BY ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com A Clarendon County man who won a defamation lawsuit against several of his North Santee-area neighbors spreading rumors in 2010 that he was a registered sex offender said he couldn’t believe the ordeal he and his family had to

deal with. “They went to several people about this, people I’ve known for a while.

People I lived around,� James E. King said. “It was humiliating, disheartening. It blew my mind.�

King was awarded $890,000 on Thursday

training comprised of three core certificate programs — safety, quality and basic maintenance — plus 40 hours training in state-of-the-art laboratories. “Manufacturing is booming in South Carolina, but the

boom also means there is a great need for a skilled workforce,� said Neal Crotts, director of public relations at Central Carolina.

According to Elizabeth Williams, director of workforce development at the

local college, offering this type of training is necessary because “studies show that the majority of future jobs will need more than high school diploma and less than SEE TRAINING, PAGE A7

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON Also known as the “drive-thru nativity,� Trinity United Methodist Church’s program can be seen from your car. The story is a recreation of the biblical Christmas story, as it depicts a 1st-century Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. You can see the free event tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enter by turning off Oakland Avenue onto Council Street.

SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE A8

Zais won’t run for 2nd term as superintendent

BY SEANNA ADCOX Associated Press Writer COLUMBIA — South Carolina public schools chief Mick Zais announced Friday that he will not seek a second term in 2014, opening the door for a wide field of candidates for the job.

The 67-year-old Republican said he made the difficult decision after consulting with his family.

Zais and his wife have two children and two

grandchildren. “For the last 45 years of my life, my family has made enormous sacrifices to support my careers, moving around the country and the world many times,�

Zais said in a prepared statement. “They mean more to me than anything on this planet.�

Zais declined to be interviewed Friday.

In his statement, he said he’ll remain

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

A centurion traverses the streets of a homemade Bethlehem at Trinity United Methodist Church on Friday night during the church’s living nativity scene.

SEE ZAIS, PAGE A7

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013 Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or e-mail news@theitem.com

Law enforcement revving up patrols for holiday season

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem With Christmas and New Year’s Eve approaching, local police stations will be cracking down on traffic safety during the month of December.

Officers will be addressing to the public the importance of driving safely as part of South Carolina Law

Enforcement’s “Sober or Slammer Campaign,” a statewide crackdown on drunken driving that started Friday and ends New Year’s Day. “People need to be very cautious on the ROARK road this time of year since people will be out drinking,” said Sumter Po-

lice Chief Russell Roark.

South Carolina is currently ranked seventh in impaired driving issues, and the holidays are around the time when drunken driving incidents increase. While the increased traffic begins around Thanksgiving, people consume the most alcohol around New Year’s Eve, according to Roark.

“We do have a big prob-

lem with drinking and driving in South Carolina, and we want to make it aware to people as much as possible,” said Bishopville Police Chief Greg Griggs.

To help reduce the number of motor-vehicle incidents around the holidays, the Bishopville Police Department will be conducting traffic-safety checkpoints within the city area for the

On the 12th day of Christmas...

rest of the month.

“This is the time of year where people choose to go to their holiday parties, and this is just to make sure that they drive responsibly and keep the roads safe,” Griggs said. “We are trying to stay proactive with keeping South Carolina roads safe for drivers.”

Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

Domestic quarrel gets dicey with knife

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

From Left, EMS responders James Mahoney, Liz Case and Mary Holland serve lunch on Wednesday during the sixth day of a “12 Days of Christmas Lunch event that takes place throughout all of Sumter County’s departments.

County workers enjoy luncheons with carol’s theme

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com The 12 days of Christmas are more fun if you spread them out throughout the month.

Employees of Sumter County have spread good cheer through December by hosting rotating luncheons at different county departments.

Each department, from the fire department to the courthouse to Crystal Lakes golf course, prepares its own holiday meal and invites other public employees to drop in for a bite.

“The employees kind of come together to do a potluck,” said County Administrator Gary Mixon. “It’s a good opportunity for fellowship among the employees.”

This is the first year the county is holding the event, which has brought many of its 600 employees into their colleagues’ workplaces, some of them for the first time.

“It’s a good chance to see what everybody has to work with,” said EMS Director Bobby Hingst. “We had a few people say they didn’t know how cramped we are over here.”

Hingst’s department held the sixth day of Christmas at its East Hampton Street headquarters Wednesday, serving chicken bog and green beans to about 200 people who passed through

An EMS responder serves sweet iced tea and water during a luncheon being held at the Sumter County Emergency Medical Services headquarters as all departments of county workers celebrated the holidays.

over a two-hour period from noon to 2 p.m.

“Because people are still working at their departments, they have them take different times when they can come by,” Hingst said.

The luncheons are structured so county employees have time to visit each day’s host department while also having time to take care of their other holiday needs.

“When someone takes their lunch break, usually people use that to go out and shop,” Mixon said, “so this gives them a chance to drop in and get a bite to eat.”

The idea behind the 12

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days is to allow county employees across a wide range of departments the opportunity to interact with each other and boost morale during the holiday season, all while getting to know how the other departments operate.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in your own little world,” Mixon said. “I can go the whole year without seeing some of these folks.”

Next week’s days will be held at the Summary Court office on Monday, the Public Works department on Wednesday, the South Sumter Resource Center on Friday, and the recreation

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

department at Patriot Hall on Dec. 23. On the final day, Christmas Eve, employees are encouraged to celebrate in their own offices.

The holiday spirit can even spread beyond the county’s offices. The cooks at EMS made so much food for their event, they had enough after their luncheon to spread the Christmas cheer even further.

“We had leftovers,” Hingst said, “so we took them over to Volunteer Park (on East Calhoun Street) and gave it to the homeless, and we fed the fire department their dinner.”

Two people were arrested Wednesday night after a domestic dispute reportedly turned into a violent brawl.

Andrew Allen Twyman Jr., 19, and Talia Simone Twyman, 18, both of 530 S. Pike Road East, Apt. 6, were arrested Wednesday and charged with criminal domestic violence.

The fracas began about 9:57 p.m., according to a police incident report, when Talia reportedly turned off Andrew’s video game console during an argument. He reportedly responded by pushing her, causing her to fall to the ground. Talia then reportedly slapped Andrew and “attempted to continue fighting,” according to the statement she later gave police, but “when he began to look angry, she became fearful.”

Andrew then reportedly kicked her in the back, she said.

Andrew reported that Talia began choking him from behind while wrapping her legs around his torso. She then allegedly grabbed a butcher’s knife from the kitchen and returned saying, “I will kill you.” Andrew reportedly took the knife from her hand, cutting his hand in the process, then struck her in the head with his fist, causing swelling on the side of her face.

As the disturbance continued, Talia reportedly attempted to retrieve a pair of brass knuckles from her gym bag, at which point Andrew took the weapon and threw it down the apartment stairway.

Forty minutes later, according to Andrew, while he was in the shower, Talia reportedly entered the bathroom and pushed him again, nearly causing him to hit his head on the faucet.

For her part, Talia told police she couldn’t remember these incidents because she “blacked out” from her anger.

Because police were unable to determine a primary aggressor from the couple’s accounts, they arrested both parties.

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

LOCAL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

Healthy mouth, healthy body

BY MISSY CORRIGAN Special to The Item Oral health is an important aspect of overall health, but it is often overlooked. Good oral hygiene is important to maintaining healthy teeth, gums and tongue, but there is also a conCORRIGAN nection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 25 percent of adults 65 or older have no remaining teeth, and about one-third of older adults have untreated tooth decay.

The American Dental Association states the average adult has three or more decayed or missing teeth. An absence of good oral health practices can lead to many health problems, including dry mouth, excessive decay, gum disease or oral cancer. Untreated dental disease can lead to infection, damaged bones or nerves and tooth loss. Dental infections, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body. Severe gum disease is associated with chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease.

The good news is that dental disease is preventable. To have a healthy

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PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

mouth, the ADA recommends the following tips: brush twice a day, floss daily, avoid sugary snacks, don’t smoke and keep regular dental visits. Parents should begin establishing good oral hygiene habits with babies. Even though babies do not have visible teeth, the teeth are already present in the jaw at birth, and babies can develop cavities. But cavities are not just for kids; they can develop well into adulthood.

If you don’t brush your teeth, plaque and bacteria build up and live in your teeth and mouth. The bacteria will feed off of the food you eat, producing an acid that will eat away at your teeth, causing bad breath and decay. Research shows that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.

Chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth, which can help reduce or eliminate the acids and bacteria that cause cavities.

Don’t wait for your teeth to hurt before seeing a dentist. In some cases, by the time you notice pain, it is too late to prevent damage to your teeth.

Missy Corrigan is director of healthy living for the Sumter Family YMCA. She can be reached at mcorrigan@ymcasumter.org or (803) 773-1404.

Lemira Elementary School Chorus and Percussion Ensemble students rehearse for Monday night’s Parent Teacher Organization annual Christmas meeting. The show will take place at the school at 6 p.m. on Monday, and it is open to the public.

Watch the students perform online at http://bit.ly/1dykvJm. PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES:

Earl Jackson, 29, of 935 Reaves St., was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree burglary. At 7:46 p.m., Jackson reportedly knocked on the door of a home in the first block of Brent Street, and when the occupant refused to let him in, he reportedly kicked the door open.

Law enforcement arrived to find Jackson in the home’s living room, where several items were found thrown on the floor.

Monica M. Wilson, 40, of 3565 Sumter Highway, Bishopville, was arrested Wednesday and charged with forgery. On Oct. 5, Wilson reportedly presented a counterfeit check worth less than $10,000 in the 3600 block of Broad Street.

Malcolm Williams, 23, of Wedgefield, was arrested for possession and intent to distribute marijuana at 12:57 p.m.

Wednesday. According to the report, officers responded to the 1900 block of Camden Highway in reference to a controlled marijuana buy. Officers arrived at

the scene to find a gray 1995 Mercury Cougar waiting to make a marijuana delivery to a confidential informant.

After smelling an overwhelming odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle, officers searched Williams to find a clear plastic bag containing 12 grams of marijuana and a black digital scanner. Williams was arrested and sent to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. During a vehicle inventory, officers found a plastic bag containing 28 grams of marijuana.

ARMED ROBBERY:

A driver reportedly picked up an unknown man between the age of 25 and 30 asking for a ride on Radical Road near Plowden Mill Road

| at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. At the passenger’s direction, he drove to a dirt road off Boulevard Road, at which point the man reportedly put his hand in his jacket as if he had a weapon and demanded money. He reportedly took the driver’s debit card, cellphone, military ID and GPS before he had the man drive him back to Radical Road, where he got out with the items, valued at $350.

STOLEN PROPERTY:

Several feet of metal fencing and a metal car awning were reportedly stolen from the 1300 block of St. Matthew’s Church Road between Nov. 30 and 4:51 p.m.

Wednesday. The items are valued at $1,100.

Two necklaces, an

iPod and $500 in cash were reported stolen from the 4400 block of Wrangler Trail at 2:06 p.m. Tuesday. The items are valued at $740.

A Xbox 360, a tablet computer, a children’s computer and several items of clothing were reportedly stolen from the first block of Althea Circle between 3:30 and 6 p.m. Wednesday. The items are valued at $600.

SYKES IS HAVING A ONE DAY JOB FAIR THURSDAY, DEC. 19 FROM 10AM - 4PM IN THE SUMTER MALL FILL OUT AN APPLICATION ON-LINE AT WWW.SYKES.COM/SUMTER TO QUALIFY FOR AN INTERVIEW EOE

VANDALISM:

The rear window of a car parked in the 1600 block of Bar Zee Drive was reportedly broken at 12:09 p.m. Wednesday. The damage is estimated at $500.

ASSAULT:

FIRE:

A 2002 Mazda Millennia reportedly caught fire on South Guignard Drive near Liberty Street on Tuesday. Firefighters were called to the scene about 5:51 p.m. when the fire reportedly started in the car’s engine compartment and spread into the passenger section. Thirty per-

At 10:45 p.m. Thursday, a man in the 5600 block of Longview Road got into a car when a man in the back seat reportedly began to choke him with an unknown object. After he got out

of the car, the man reportedly struck him with a baseball bat. The victim reportedly had a bloody mouth, a swollen hand, was limping and had pain in both elbows.

EMS CALLS:

On Wednesday, Sumter County Emergency Medical Services responded to 45 calls.

Forty-two were medical calls, one was a fire stand-by, and two were listed as “other trauma.”

On Thursday, Sumter County EMS responded to 47 calls. Thirty-eight were medical calls, two were vehicle wrecks, and seven were listed as “other trauma.”

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THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

Girl’s doubts about religion put her at odds with parents

SUDOKU

DEAR ABBY — I’m feres with my school16 and come from a dework and social life. vout Roman Catholic How can I convince family. My parents have them that this isn’t a taken my brother and phase, and that I’m not me to church every Sun- the Catholic girl they day without fail my enwant me to be? If they tire life. We pray before continue to refuse to acmeals, before school, at knowledge my religious bedtime and at other beliefs, who can I turn times every day. to for support?

My room is filled AGNOSTIC with religious obIN STOCKTON, jects. As far as I CALIF. know, everyone else in my extendDEAR AGed family is equalNOSTIC — Your ly fervent. parents should My problem is, Abigail not have miniI have never felt mized your feelVAN BUREN very religious. ings by saying Since I was 10 I they are only a have challenged the phase because it was teachings of the church dismissive. That said, and, as I mature into you must not allow their adulthood, I’m begindevout faith -- and your ning to identify as aglack of it -- to become a nostic. When I told my contest of wills or a parents, at first they were basis for argument. angry and disappointed.

This is an important Then they told me I was time in your life with “just going through a your parents as you phase.” I know this is enter adulthood. Thank more than a phase. It’s a them for the great founpersonal belief of mine dation they have given they have been trying to you. Tell them you hope bury my entire life. they will continue to I can’t continue letlove you as you explore ting them ignore the real what your beliefs are on me. The stress of conthis spiritual journey -stantly having to lie to because it IS a journey. my parents about my The opposite of faith faith is tearing me apart is not doubt; it is certo the point that it intertainty. dear abby

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TELEVISION

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

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The Sumter Elks Lodge 855 32nd Annual Turkey Shoot will be held each Sunday through Dec. 29 from 1 p.m. until sundown at 1100 W. Liberty St. The Civil Air Patrol — Sumter Composite Squadron’s seventh annual Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held at noon today at Sumter Cemetery, 700 W. Oakland Ave. USARCENT Chaplain Kevin Mateer will speak. Attendees are invited to help hang wreaths along the cemetery fence after the ceremony.

Heartz 2 Soulz third annual Giving Back to the Community Christmas Dinner and Gift-Giving Event for the local destitute, homeless, addicts, prostitutes, battered women and runaway kids will be held 2-6 p.m. today at the Marvin Hodge Enrichment Center, 609 Miller Road. Call (803) 565-5187.

Hillcrest High School Class of 1974 will hold a reunion meeting at 5 p.m. today at Golden Corral. Call James Lane at (803) 372-6225.

The Sumter Civic Chorale will present its free Christmas concert, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St. The Westside Neighborhood Association will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at the Birnie HOPE Center, 210 S. Purdy St. Sankofa Connection founder Natalie Williams will conduct a Kwanzaa presentation. Contact Jim McCain at (678) 429-8150 or jtmccain@ bellsouth.net.

The South Sumter Resource Center’s Performing Arts for the Holidays will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St. Goody bags will be given out and there will be free pictures with Santa.

The Carolina Coin Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Parks & Recreation Department building, 155 Haynsworth St. The club meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Visitors welcome. Call (803) 7758840 for information.

The Sumter County Education Association-Retired will hold its Christmas program and luncheon at noon Wednesday, Dec. 18, at North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. Call Brenda Bethune at (803) 4696588.

The Sumter Combat Veterans Group will meet at 10 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 20, at the South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. All area veterans are invited.

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Change of fate.

Shawn and Woody.

Shawn for mayor. save Gus from being arrested.

(6:00) Christmas in the City (‘13, Hol- Christmas on the Bayou (‘13, Holiday) Hilarie Burton. Busy New York exec- A Snowglobe Christmas (‘13, Holiday) Alicia Witt. Cheerless business(:02) Christmas iday) Ashley Williams. (HD) utive decides to spend holidays in Southern hometown. (HD) woman’s happy holiday. (HD) on (‘13) (HD) Sam & Cat Sam & Cat Jinxed (‘13, Family) Ciara Bravo. (HD) Sam & Cat Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (N) (HD) Cops (HD) Law Abiding Citizen (‘09, Crime) aaa Jamie Foxx. A man seeks revenge. (HD) The Green Mile (‘99) aaa (HD) Underworld: Evolution (‘06, Horror) Kate Beckinsale. As their tribes feud, a Resident Evil: Extinction (‘07, Science Fiction) Milla Jovovich. Survivors of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (‘03, Science Ficforbidden love grows between a vampire and a lycan. (HD) the disaster fight for survival and against Umbrella Corp. tion) aac Arnold Schwarzenegger. (HD) Loves Raymond Loves Raymond The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Ground Trust Me: Natalie Norbit (‘07) a (HD) (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Hall (HD) (4:45) Grand Prix (‘66, Drama) James The Palm Beach Story (‘42, Comedy) Claudette Colbert. (:45) Tomorrow Is Forever (‘46, Drama) aaa Claudette Colbert. Vet- (:45) Midnight (‘39, Comedy) aaa Garner. Racers compete.

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A musical mystery with song, dance on ‘Psych’

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH ‘Tis the season to burst into song. “Psych” (9 p.m. Sunday, USA, TV-PG), one of television’s most dependably smart yet silly series, offers a twohour musical extravaganza, featuring 14 original songs cowritten by “Psych” creator/executive producer Steve Franks and composer Adam Cohen.

Loosely based on “The Phantom of the Opera,” this case involves the story of a frustrated playwright named Z (Anthony Rapp, “Rent”), who, six years earlier, murdered a mean-spirited critic and burned down a theater on the opening night of his life’s work, a musical based on Jack the Ripper. Recently escaped from a psychiatric facility, Z embarks on a thematic murder spree.

After a few thoroughly ridiculous explanatory song and dance numbers (“Santa Barbara Skies,” “Making Up a Song”) about being a fake psychic and a non-cop working for the police force in a sunny, placid city, Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill) buckle down to solve the musical mystery.

Their first job is to gain the confidence of Z’s best friend in lockup, a deranged character who offers cryptic clues to Z’s next step.

Guest stars include Ally Sheedy, who reprises her role as Yang. Barry Bostwick shows up and immediately invokes his participation in legendary spoof musical “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Look for Brooke Lyons (“2 Broke Girls”) and Jimmi Simpson (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”).

Kurt Fuller (“Midnight in Paris”) returns to play Woody the coroner.

“Psych the Musical” will hardly reinvent the genre, or leave many in the audience humming the score. But it’s a great example of a show and its cast confident enough to have a lark, inviting viewers to join along.

• As those who watch crime shows and lurid news reports know, many murder mysteries begin with a frantic call to 911.

Some of these capture the victim’s very last words before unspeakable tragedy strikes.

But some people abuse 911 operators and besiege them with problems that redefine the word “petty.” That’s the territory covered by “Outrageous 911” (10 p.m. Saturday, TLC, TV-PG), a show dedicated to immortalizing these ridiculous “emergencies.”

One caller thinks 911 is for Chinese takeout. A criminal sits on his phone in the middle of a burglary and summons the police. Another person mistakes the service for a dating hotline.

The most bizarre phone call involves a man swimming naked in his pool who drifts too close to the filtration system. Perhaps I’ve said too much.

• Hot on the heels of “Rodeo Girls,” five teams of participants compete on “Mustang Millionaire” (10 p.m. Saturday, Nat Geo Wild, TV-PG). This threepart miniseries follows cowboys and cowgirls as they capture, tame and train wild mustangs and compete with them as show horses. As the title implies, there is a hefty cash reward for the winner.

Saturday’s Holiday Highlights • Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney star in the 1954 musical “White Christmas” (7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., AMC).

• An outcast sleigh-puller bonds with a rebel dentist in the 1964 special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-G).

• Four families crank up the wattage in “The Great Christmas Light Fight” (8 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG).

• Carrie Underwood stars in the 2013 musical event “The Sound of Music Live!” (8 p.m., NBC, r, TV-G).

• Jimmy Durante narrates the 1969 special “Frosty the Snowman” (9 p.m., CBS, TVG).

• Country stars share holiday stories on “CMA Country Christmas” (9 p.m., ABC, r, TVPG). Jennifer Nettles hosts.

• Jonathan Winters narrates the 1995 special “Frosty Returns” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-G).

Saturday’s Highlights • Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez contend for the flyweight title in an Ultimate Fighting Championship match (8 p.m., Fox).

• Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Hill, Mary Berry, David Walliams and Cliff Richard appear on “The Graham Norton Show” (10 p.m., BBC America, TV-14).

• John Goodman hosts “Saturday Night Live” (11:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14), featuring musical guest Kings of Leon.

Sunday’s Holiday Highlights and Special Episodes • A power plant accident sparks a scenic nuclear winter wonderland on “The Simpsons” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG).

• The decorations at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue go on display on “White House Christmas 2013” (8 p.m., HGTV, TV-G).

• A candy cane proves menacing on “Bob’s Burgers” (8:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

• Peter plies his father-in-law with too much holiday spirit on “Family Guy” (9 p.m., Fox, TV14).

• An enchanted gift endows its owner with mind-reading powers in the 2013 fantasy “All I Want for Christmas” (9 p.m., ION, TV-PG). Tom Arnold stars.

• Grandpa tells a tale of Krampus on “American Dad” (9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

Sunday’s Highlights • Scheduled on “60 Minutes” (7 p.m., CBS): inside the NSA; Egypt’s Coptic Christians.

• “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) wraps up its 27th season. Everyone reunites (10 p.m.) to discuss what we’ve just seen.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals on “Sunday Night Football” (8:20 p.m., NBC).

• A sudden arrival upsets

Emily’s carefully laid plans on “Revenge” (9 p.m., ABC, TVPG).

• Repeats of season three of “Downton Abbey” continue on “Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings).

• Questions of redemption loom large on the season finale of “Homeland” (9 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA).

• New Year’s Eve on “Treme” (9 p.m., HBO, TVMA).

• Dr. James’ exercise program conflicts with Patsy’s initiative on “Getting On” (10 p.m., HBO, TV-MA).

• The team’s findings and footage do not elicit the desired response on the season finale of “Masters of Sex” (10 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA).

• Freya’s wedding day arrives on the season finale of “Witches of East End” (10 p.m., Lifetime, TV-14).

• Survivalists battle frigid temperatures and vast distances on “Ultimate Survival Alaska” (9 p.m., National Geographic, TV-PG).

• Alton Brown hosts “Cutthroat Kitchen” (10 p.m., Food, TV-G).

Cult Choice Bawdy comedian Rudy Ray Moore stars as an avenging hero in the deliriously profane 1975 thriller “Dolemite” (8 p.m. Saturday, Bounce, TV-14).

Its sequel, “The Human Tornado” (10 p.m., TV-14), follows.

Saturday Series Murder looms large on “48 Hours” (10 p.m., CBS).

Sunday Series Bob Costas hosts “Football Night in America” (7 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * The town unites to prevent Pan’s latest incantation on “Once Upon a Time” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Elaine and Aiden feel adrift on “Betrayal” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

Copyright 2013, United Feature Syndicate

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LOCAL / NATION

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

Sheriff: Colorado school shooter wounds 2, kills self CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — A suburban Denver student shot two other students at a high school Friday before he apparently killed himself, authorities said.

Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said the shooter entered Arapahoe High School in Centennial armed with a shotgun and looking for a teacher he identified by name.

The teacher immediately left the school when he learned the student was looking for him, Robinson said.

The shooter then shot two students, one of whom is in serious condition at a hospital.

The other is also hospitalized, with a minor gunshot wound.

It was initially thought the student in serious condition confronted the shooter, but Robinson now said that wasn’t clear.

Robinson said the student is thought to have acted alone.

Authorities also found a possible Molotov cocktail at the scene and are examining the device.

The school is about 8 miles east of Columbine High

School in Littleton, where two teenage shooters killed 12 classmates and a teacher before killing themselves in 1999.

The shooting also came a day before the first anniversary of the school massacre in Newtown, where a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Tracy Monroe, who had step-siblings who attended Columbine, was standing outside the high school looking at her phone, reading text messages from her 15-year-old

daughter inside.

Monroe said she got the first text from her daughter, sophomore Jade Stanton, at 12:41 p.m. The text read, “there’s sirens. It’s real. I love you�

A few minutes later, Jade texted “shots were fired in our school.� Monroe rushed to the school and was relieved when Jade texted that a police officer entered her classroom and that she was safe.

Monroe was family friends with a teacher killed in the Columbine shooting, Dave

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Carpenter. “We didn’t think it could happen in Colorado then, either,� Monroe said.

Police were outside the school, and students were seen walking toward the school’s running track with their hands in the air. Television footage showed students being patted down.

More than 2,100 students attend Arapahoe High School where nine out of 10 graduates go on to college, according to the Littleton Public Schools website.

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OBITUARIES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

ALBERTUS JONES Sr. SUMMERTON — Albertus Jones Sr., 62, husband of Deloris Spann Jones, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at his residence, 3168 Rowe Drive, Summerton.

JONES He was born Oct. 15, 1951, in Summerton, a son of Sarah Gaymon Jones and the late Walter Jones Sr. He attended the public schools of Clarendon County School District 1. He was employed with Santee Print Works of Sumter for 26 years. He was a member of Briggs Chapel Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, trustee, adult choir member and male chorus member. He was also a member of the Gospel Train and Black River Brotherhood Association.

Survivors are his wife of the home; his mother; one son, Albertus (Heidi) Jones Jr. of Sumter; two daughters, Pamela (Daryl) Madison of Tampa, Fla., and Tabatha (Sean) Livingson of Columbia; one sister, Helen J. Brailsford of Summerton; father-inlaw, Johnny Spann Sr. of Pinewood; seven aunts; four sisters-inlaw; four brothers-inlaw; and nine grandchildren.

Celebratory services for Mr. Jones will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Historic Liberty Hill AME Church, 2310 Liberty Hill Road, Summerton, with the Rev. Bobby McDonald, eulogist, the Rev. Johnny L. Lawson presiding, and the Rev. David Lawson and Elder

James P. Brunson assisting. Burial will follow in Briggs Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Jones will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.

The family is receiving friends at the residence.

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

KAREN HILL COLUMBIA — Karen Hill, 54, died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013, at Palmetto Health Richland hospital, Columbia.

She was born June 1, 1959, in New York, N.Y., a daughter of HILL the late Edward and Florence Hill.

Funeral services for Ms. Hill will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hayes F. & LaNelle J. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St., Manning.

The family is receiving friends at the home of her daughter, Kamica Hill, 1122 Westwood Apartment 38A, Manning.

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

HAZEL H. WILLIS Hazel Herbert Willis, 92, widower of Eulalie Angela Constantine, passed on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical WILLIS Center.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Johnnie Sr. and Vermell Singleton Wil-

lis. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School Class of 1939 and received a bachelor of arts degree from Morris College Class of 1943.

After graduation, he served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Corps and was selected for training as a Tuskegee Airman. After the end of his military tour of duty, he was employed for more than 35 years with the District of Columbia Department of Corrections and retired in the position of major.

Mr. Willis was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities including the trustee board, administrative council, finance committee, men’s choir and as president of the United Methodist Men. He served his community as a member of the Good Fellows Organization, the Birnie Elks Lodge No. 1195, Morris College Alumni Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Elite Club and the NAACP. Mr. Hazel was one of the first volunteer participants of the Assisted Rides Program. In 2011, he was awarded for being the most active driver and rider of the Santee Lynches Regional Council of Government’s Assisted Ride Program.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Johnnie Willis Jr. and Joseph Singleton; and one sister, Corine Holland.

Surviving are three children, Herbert Anthony Willis of the home, John Linden (Alzira) Willis of Silver

THE ITEM

Spring, Md., and Noel Paul (Lorie) Patel of Richmond, Va.; two grandchildren, Christopher Hazel and Brittany Ingrid Patel; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 130 Loring Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29151 with the Rev. Doris Bright officiating. Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.

Mr. Willis will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. until the hour of service.

Palmer Memorial Chapel of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

Please leave a condolence for the family on their memorial website found at palmermemorialchapel. com.

DERRAL McCOY Derral “Pete” McCoy, 78, husband of Lillie Geddings McCoy, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

He moved on to be with his heavenly father after a battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Born Aug. 21, 1935, in Lamar, he was a son of the late Charley and Ruth Amerson McCoy. Mr. McCoy was a longtime resident of Sumter. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Berlin, Germany, during the Berlin Crisis. After service in the U.S. Army, he returned to Sumter and became a master brick mason and laid the brick for thousands of houses over his career.

He was a member of

Lakewood Baptist Church.

Pete was a wonderful Christian man, husband and father who loved everyone, never said a bad word about anyone, and always found a way to help others any way he could.

Surviving are his loving wife; six children, Derral (Joette) McCoy and Missy McCoy, both of Moncks Corner, Darren (Paula) McCoy of Sumter, Kevin Griffin of Florida, and Tracy Griffin and Pamela Matthews, both of Sumter; seven grandchildren, Madeline, Julia and Allison Adams, Keith Griffin, Emily Griffin, Megan Selvy and Cindel Shriver; two brothers, Alton McCoy of Chapin and Jimmy McCoy of Sumter; two sisters, Faye Berry of Sumter and Mary Cabanaw of Surfside Beach; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, C.W., Gerald and Robert McCoy; and two sisters, Lois Windham and Peggy Reddick.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel of the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with the Rev. James Scarborough and the Rev. Samuel Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent to www. sumterfunerals.com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in

A7

charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

COLLEEN SCARBOROUGH LYNCHBURG — Colleen Scarborough, widow of James “Bosie” Scarborough, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at McCoy Nursing Center in Bishopville.

The family is receiving friends at the home, 78 Lewis St., Lynchburg.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Jefferson Funeral Home of Lynchburg.

ROBERT M. CARROLL LEXINGTON — Robert M. Carroll, age 89, died on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at the Dorn VA Medical Center.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced

by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter.

CARL T. DIXON Carl Thomas Dixon, 65, husband of Stamatima Harou Dixon, died Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at his home.

Born Jan. 14, 1948, in Farmville, N.C., he was a son of Joe and Easter Dixon.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the family home, 1094 Kentwood Drive, Sumter.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced

by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

LOCAL

|

TRAINING from Page A1 a four-year degree.”

Williams added the program is especially important for Sumter, with its large, advanced manufacturers.

“This program is a real win for the community,”

Williams said. “It’s great timing for the area to be able to provide great training that will give individuals entry-level skills and give them the opportunity to have a great career.”

The program is initially aimed toward the unemployed, underemployed and veterans looking to start a career in advancing manufacturing. These individuals,

provided that they’re 18 or older, will be eligible to apply for a scholarship offered by the South Carolina General Assembly that will cover the cost of the program. Non-eligible students are required to pay $2,099 for enrollment.

“These are individuals that need employment or better employment quickly, or just need the basic skills

ZAIS from Page A1 committed to his job until his term ends in January 2015.

“I commit to the public that I will spend each day, until the end of my term, working to transform education,” it read.

Zais’ win with 51 percent of the vote in 2010 returned the post to GOP control for the first time since 1998, giving Republicans every statewide office. For months, he has dismissed questions about his lack of fundraising and no campaign staff, saying he was focused on his job and would campaign on his own timeline.

His campaign-manager-turned-officespokesman Jay Ragley left the Education Department in September for a job in the private sector. According to Zais’ October campaign

training to gain a better job,” Williams said.

The program will also benefit manufacturers looking for people with the skills that they require because they hire entry-level workers with no prior experience in manufacturing in most cases, according to Williams.

All applicants for the programs are required to com-

Superintendent of South Carolina Schools Mick Zais watches the 4A Division I state championship game between Sumter and Dutch Fork on Dec. 7 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Zais recently announced that he will not run for re-election.

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

disclosure, he had $13,200 cash available but a balance of $45,600 on a loan to himself from the 2010 campaign.

The retired Army

brigadier general made his first run for political office in 2010 after being president of private Newberry College for 10 years. During his 31 years in the military,

he was a paratrooper and ranger, and served in Korea and Vietnam.

His announcement opens the field for Republican hopefuls. State Rep. Andy Patrick, RHilton Head Island, said earlier this week he’s considering a run for the job. The secondterm House member, who’s also ex-military, said he expects to decide after the holidays.

After leaving the U.S. Air Force, he worked as a New York state trooper and U.S. Secret Service agent.

Responding to criticism from a potential Democratic opponent,

plete a drug screen and background test, achieve a score of silver or better on the WorkKeys test and provide documentation of a high school diploma or GED. Classes will run every week day except Friday.

Times for the classes have yet to be determined.

Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

Patrick said the job of running the state’s public schools has more to do with leadership skills than classroom experience.

That possible foe, state Rep. Mike Anthony, touts his four decades in the classroom, as well as his family’s teaching experience.

The 63-year-old Union Democrat retired in 2004 after 32 years of teaching in high schools in Greenville, Lexington, Pickens, Saluda and Union counties. He

also was head football coach and athletic director for Union High School.

He had $19,200 cash available for his superintendent’s race as of his October filing.

Democrat Montrio Belton of Fort Mill worked for Zais as state director of school transformation. The former teacher and principal is currently a law school student at the University of South Carolina. He has not yet filed a campaign disclosure report.

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THE ITEM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

LAWSUIT from Page A1 in Clarendon County financial situation,” common pleas court Daigle said. “Everyone after Leah Londeree, was going through hard James Kinser and the times, then, but they Santee Resort Condoasked if there was a fastminium Association Inc. er way to ‘get him out of were found guilty of cirthere.’” culating slanderous Without researching statements between the validity of the printMarch and June 2010 out or confirming King’s about King, including alleged status as a sex ofthat he was a registered fender, the caller decidsex offender. ed to mention it, any“Sticks and stones way. may break my bones, “During the defenbut names can really dant’s conversation with hurt,” Shaun Kent parothe loan officer, they dedied. cided to say, ‘By the way, Kent, a Manning lawhe’s a registered sex ofyer who handled the fender,’” Kent said. “It’s case locally for King’s at- ridiculous.” torneys from Charleston, These trespasses led said there was no doubt King to file a lawsuit about the malevolence against Londeree, Kinser involved. “These people and the association in were out to do harm to 2011, charging them (King),” Kent said. with defamation.

According to attorney The defendant who Jason Daigle of Maybank made the phone call to Law Firm, the CharlesFirst Citizens was conton firm hired by King, firmed in court to be the problem began Londeree, who reportwhen an unknown peredly created the bulk of son placed a printout the trouble for King. from the South Carolina Luckily for King, the loan Sex Offender Registry at officer knew him. the office doors of SRCA. “Even the loan officer The man featured on the stood up for King,” Kent printout reportedly resaid. “She told Londeree sembled that she, ‘I’ll always be too, had King and had a simiknown grateful for the King all lar name.

Members her life, family and friends and that of the association there was who backed me no way he took it a step furwas a sex up through all offender.” ther.

“It came The call this. I’m moving was essenout in court that tially disreon with life.’ garded by several of the people the bank, involved in but the (SRCA) loan offiJames E. King cer let King began to circulate know what and show the printout to happened. residents,” Daigle said.

“I just couldn’t be“Several witnesses were lieve someone would go led to believe it was to these lengths,” King King.” said. “It was horrifying Within the first day and disgusting to me. It the printout was found, didn’t feel like it was the president of the asgoing to end.” sociation, who has According to Daigle, known King since the Londeree was less than two were toddlers, came remorseful in court. forward in a meeting to “When I was cross-exclear things up. Well, he amining Leah, I asked tried to, anyway. her if she was sorry for “He told them point what she did,” Daigle blank, ‘This is not him,’” said. “She replied, King said. “He told them ‘Sorry? For what? I didn’t that he’d known me all do anything wrong.’” his life and that the man “It’s been a comedy of in the registry wasn’t me. errors,” Kent said in refWhy did they persist?” erence to Londeree’s acThat question is one tions. “But you can’t that was never answered help evil people.” in court.

There was a two-year “We could never get a wait for the court date, clear reason why they but Daigle and Kent did this,” Kent said. “No knew it would be over one seemed to have an quickly. answer. What does that “People need to unleave us, then? Pure mal- derstand how defamaice?” tion works,” Kent said.

Other than being both “All it takes is to prove white and short in statthat one person said ure, King and the man something to just one on the printout shared other person, and that’s very little in common. defamation. We had nuOn one point, they differ merous people come in a huge way: King is forward to testify that married with two chil(Londeree and others) dren. not only circulated the As would be expectprintout but even took ed, residents became time to convince them concerned when they that it was King.” read on the printout that The trial took all of a man named William one hearing, less than a James King had been day, but the damage has convicted of committing been done. King said a lewd act on a child. he’s just happy it’s over.

They thought him to be “I’ve had great lawthe same man who yers in Charleston and owned two condos in Manning that did an extheir neighborhood. cellent job,” King said.

Their reaction, however, “They were more than went far beyond reason, professional; they were especially considering supportive. I’ll always they were wrong; it be grateful for the famiwasn’t King. ly and friends who “One of the defenbacked me up through dants called First Citiall this. I’m moving on zens Bank in Orangewith life.” burg and spoke with a Reach Rob Cottingloan officer about King’s ham at (803) 774-1225.

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Winds: NNW 6-12 mph

Winds: N 3-6 mph

Winds: WSW 6-12 mph

Winds: ENE 3-6 mph

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 10%

Full Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

Temperature High ............................................... 57° Low ................................................ 25° Normal high ................................... 57° Normal low ..................................... 34° Record high ....................... 79° in 2007 Record low ........................... 8° in 1962

Greenville 40/39

Gaffney 41/37 Spartanburg 41/38

Bishopville 60/46

24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.00" Month to date ............................... 1.43" Normal month to date .................. 1.31" Year to date ................................ 47.07" Normal year to date .................. 44.91"

Full 7 a.m. 24-hr pool yest. chg 360 350.04 -0.03 76.8 74.33 -0.06 75.5 73.83 -0.07 100 95.45 -0.17

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 62/46/r 36/34/r 52/41/r 62/48/r 69/58/r 64/53/r 69/57/r 46/37/r 43/41/r 60/46/r

7 a.m. yest.

6.39 4.98 3.98 7.55 78.38 7.32

24-hr chg -0.11 -0.52 +0.03 +1.71 +0.11 -2.08

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 59/33/pc 43/25/pc 51/29/pc 60/32/pc 63/40/sh 56/39/sh 63/39/sh 53/26/pc 54/31/pc 59/31/pc

Columbia 60/46

Sumter 62/48

Myrtle Beach 65/56

Aiken 62/46

The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

Sat.

Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2013 Today Hi/Lo/W 59/45/r 56/44/r 60/49/r 56/43/r 62/48/r 78/63/sh 46/37/r 56/44/r 69/57/r 40/35/r

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 57/31/pc 54/29/c 56/31/c 56/29/pc 58/31/pc 69/37/sh 53/27/pc 55/29/c 63/37/c 50/25/pc

Shown is today’s weather.

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

Charleston 69/57

Today: Rain; arriving in the afternoon in southern parts. High 64 to 70.

Sunday: Spotty showers in the morning.

High 59 to 64.

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

Jan. 7

Florence 62/48

Manning 65/52

Today: Areas of fog with periods of rain; cooler.

Sunday: Partly sunny and warmer.

Last

Dec. 17 Dec. 25 New First

Jan. 1

Precipitation

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Sunrise today .......................... 7:19 a.m.

Sunset tonight ......................... 5:14 p.m.

Moonrise today ....................... 3:30 p.m.

Moonset today ........................ 4:42 a.m.

Sun.

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 40/39/r 38/35/r 68/60/sh 77/62/c 62/40/r 65/47/r 55/36/r 39/35/r 69/58/r 65/56/r

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 52/27/pc 48/26/pc 63/40/sh 67/37/sh 48/29/pc 54/28/pc 45/27/pc 47/27/pc 63/40/sh 60/33/c

High Ht. Low Ht. 6:39 a.m.....3.2 12:53 a.m....-0.2 6:58 p.m.....2.8 1:40 p.m.....0.2 7:24 a.m.....3.3 1:39 a.m....-0.2 7:43 p.m.....2.8 2:26 p.m.....0.2

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 65/51/r 68/58/r 47/42/r 48/37/r 56/40/r 72/59/sh 41/38/r 69/60/sh 64/53/r 40/34/r

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 60/36/pc 63/40/sh 53/29/pc 54/27/pc 55/25/pc 63/39/sh 52/28/pc 62/38/sh 59/31/sh 49/26/pc

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

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

Cold front Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

Ice

Warm front

Today Sun. Today Sun. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 41/25/pc 46/28/s Las Vegas 54/37/s 58/45/s Anchorage 23/11/sn 16/-2/sn Los Angeles 73/50/s 78/50/s Atlanta 56/39/r 47/30/pc Miami 83/73/pc 85/69/pc Baltimore 37/34/sn 40/24/pc Minneapolis 16/-1/sn 13/11/sn Boston 26/25/sn 35/16/sn New Orleans 72/45/t 54/36/s Charleston, WV 44/31/r 34/22/sf New York 32/31/sn 37/22/pc Charlotte 46/37/r 53/26/pc Oklahoma City 38/24/pc 54/31/s Chicago 29/16/sn 21/14/pc Omaha 22/9/pc 32/23/s Cincinnati 36/23/sn 30/16/pc Philadelphia 34/33/sn 38/24/pc Dallas 44/30/pc 51/36/s Phoenix 66/45/s 70/49/s Denver 48/20/s 54/30/s Pittsburgh 34/28/sn 31/17/sf Des Moines 20/8/pc 26/18/s St. Louis 34/18/sn 29/23/s Detroit 28/18/sn 26/14/sf Salt Lake City 28/23/pc 26/25/s Helena 38/27/c 40/23/pc San Francisco 60/43/s 61/45/s Honolulu 82/66/pc 81/66/sh Seattle 50/43/c 51/41/r Indianapolis 34/17/sn 23/13/pc Topeka 30/14/pc 44/26/s Kansas City 28/12/pc 37/27/s Washington, DC 40/36/sn 42/26/pc Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A ARIES (March 21-April 19): the last word in astrology change of plans must not Encourage personal cause upset. Work with change but don’t eugenia LAST whatever you’ve been endorse anything that given and you will will blow your budget. impress, as well as boost Do the legwork your reputation. necessary to ensure that you are making the best choice for yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your entertaining way of seeing and doing things will draw TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Visiting friends or interest. Romance is in the stars. Doing sharing an interest you have with people something special for the person you love will who enjoy the same things you do will result help rekindle your relationship. in new beginnings. Romance is in a high cycle.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll be anxious to get on with the joy of socializing or GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t wait until the relaxing with the one you love. The changes new year to start a regimen that will help you you make at home will spice things up in your get back on track mentally, physically and love life. financially. Put your health and well-being at the top of your list.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Enjoy the spirit of the season and the company of loved ones.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Get your strategy in Improving your surroundings by adding order. Set your priorities and get ready to comfort and greater cost efficiency will please play the game of life to win. Explore new everyone and make you look like a genius. possibilities and delve into pastimes that are uncommon but show promise.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Say little; do a lot.

Controlling your emotions will help you get LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Offer assistance but others to listen to what you have to offer. Help don’t take over. You’ll be taken for granted if someone who needs your assistance and you aren’t careful, and accused of meddling if understands your needs as well. things don’t work out. Get involved in activities that meet your needs and desires.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep your ideas to yourself until you know what everyone VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Listen to complaints around you is doing. Take a unique approach and avert a problem at home. Compromise when making suggestions and you’ll get the and open discussions will relieve some of the support and help you need to succeed. tension caused by a disagreement.

PICK 3 FRIDAY: 8-8-8 AND 2-4-8 PICK 4 FRIDAY: 3-2-8-1 AND 7-4-5-3 PALMETTO CASH 5 FRIDAY: 1-10-24-32-35 POWERUP: 3 MEGAMILLIONS NUMBERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

FOR WEDNESDAY: 1-10-13-18-19 POWERBALL: 27

pictures from the public Marian Thomas shares a photo she took of her granddaughter Lacey’s Jack Russell terrier, Spi. Thomas comments, “Spi wants to know ‘Where is my dinner?’

He actually sits on the stool at the counter when he wants to eat.”

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

SPORTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

THE ITEM

B1

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

Fields finds early success at LHS

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

“We’re working hard and the girls have one thing I can’t teach them, and that’s heart,” Fields said. “They respond to me well and I’m really blessed to have this opportunity to coach them and carry the program forward.”

What Fields asks of her team is something that she was asked to do during her prep career. “Coming together as a team and focusing,” Fields said when asked

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com

First-year Lakewood varsity girls basketball head coach Frances Fields, right, runs drills during a recent practice at the Lakewood gymnasium. Fields, the former Sumter High standout, has the Lady Gators off to a 4-1 start this season.

There is typically a transition period a team at any level has to go through when getting a new head coach.

Fortunately for the Lakewood High School varsity girls basketball team, a change in leadership came with a familiar face. Former Sumter High standout Frances Fields is in charge of the of the Lady Gators this season. and she has them off to

a 4-1 start heading into today’s game against her alma mater, Sumter.

Fields, a former 3-year varsity assistant as well as head junior varsity coach last season, was named the school’s interim coach over the summer when Romania Myers resigned.

SEE FIELDS, PAGE B3

USC gets high marks for another 10-win year

BY RYAN WOOD Post and Courier

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Crestwood’s James Brailsford, left, tries to defend Sumter’s Sterling Ta’Bon, right, during the Gamecocks’ 67-34 victory on Friday at the SHS gymnasium.

Sumter, Crestwood split

BY EDDIE LITAKER Special To The Item

PREP SCHEDULE

The varsity girls basketball teams from Crestwood and Sumter high schools could play each other 10 times and likely come out with an even split.

After Sumter invaded The Castle last Friday and came away with a 40-28 win over Crestwood, the Lady Knights returned the favor on Friday by dominating the middle portion of the game for a 45-29 victory on the Lady Gamecocks’ home floor.

Sumter led 13-9 after one quarter and was still up 16-11 with 4:37 left in the first half. From that point,

TODAY Varsity Basketball C.E. Murray at Manning, 6:30 p.m.

Varsity Boys Basketball Pinewood Prep at Wilson Hall, 1:30 p.m.

Heathwood Hall vs. Laurence Manning (at Wilson Hall), noon Varsity Girls Basketball Pinewood Prep at Wilson Hall, noon Heathwood Hall vs. Laurence Manning (at Wilson Hall, 3 p.m.

Varsity and JV Basketball Sumter at Lakewood, 3 p.m.

JV Boys Basketball First Baptist vs. Laurence Manning (at Wilson Hall), 10:30 a.m.

JV Girls Basketball First Baptist vs. Laurence Manning (at Wilson Hall), noon Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Demon Holiday Classic (at Lugoff-Elgin High), TBA

Crestwood began what would be a 24-2 run that would extend into the fourth quarter to include Cawasha Ceasar’s steal off an inbound and

layup for a 35-18 Lady Knights lead.

Sumter would cut the lead to 10 on two occasions late but get no closer as Crestwood went a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line in the final 1:14.

“Every time we play them it’s usually a game because the girls come ready to play, because of the rivalry,” Sumter head coach Chris Vandevander said. “I thought we got some good shots, but we couldn’t knock anything down. I thought they were very structured in their zone.

My stats show that we were 7 for 33 from the 2-point line and 3 for 17 SEE SPLIT, PAGE B2

COLUMBIA — South Carolina has a full regular season to review over the next few weeks as it prepares for a New Year’s Day matchup with Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl.

All 12 games are behind the Gamecocks. There was history made. USC had its third straight double-digit win season. There also were disappointments. For the third straight year, South Carolina beat the SEC East champion but missed the conference’s title game.

South Carolina can win 11 games for the third straight year with a victory over Wisconsin.

Focus will soon shift to that game and the Gamecocks’ trip to Orlando. Before then, here’s an evaluation of USC’s 2013 season. As you might guess, the grades are quite high.

PASS OFFENSE: A-

The raw numbers show South Carolina’s consistency. For the third time in four seasons, the Gamecocks will likely have more than 3,000 passing yards. There SEE USC, PAGE B5

WHO: South Carolina (10-2) vs. Wisconsin (9-3) WHEN: Jan. 1, 2014 WHERE: Orlando, Fla. TV: ABC

’Bama QB McCarron eyes top college prize

BC’s Williams rushes way into Heisman conversation

BY JOHN ZENOR The Associated Press

BY JIMMY GOLEN The Associated Press

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — AJ McCarron has helped Alabama reach several prime destinations, from New Orleans to Miami and Southern California.

Now the third-ranked Crimson Tide’s quarterback, known for national titles and winning 12 times for every loss, gets to see New WHAT: Heisman Trophy York for the first time — just Presentation the way he wanted.

FINALISTS: Jameis Winston, AJ McCarron, “I’m a huge Yankees fan, Andre Williams, Johnny and I said I would never go to Manziel, Jordan Lynch, Tre Mason New York unless I was invited WHERE: New York for the Heisman or for draft WHEN: 8 p.m.

TV: ESPN day,’’ McCarron said. “So one of those dreams came true.

It’s just a cool moment to be a part of.’’

The NFL draft remains months away, but McCarron is one of six Heisman Trophy finalists

BOSTON — Andre Williams had already rushed for more than 2,000 yards heading into Boston College’s regular-season finale.

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was being investigated for sexual assault, and his Heisman Trophy stock was falling.

For a few days, it looked like the BC running back might have a chance to bring home college football’s most prestigious individual honor.

Then, Florida prosecutors decided not to bring charges against Winston, removing what was seen as the last impediment to his

SEE MCCARRON, PAGE B4

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron (10) is one of six finalists for the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented today in New York.

SEE WILLIAMS, PAGE B4

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Boston College running back Andre Williams (44) rushed his way into being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented tonight in New York City.

B2

SPORTS

THE ITEM

LMA tops Palmetto Christian 66-43 Emily McElveen scored 23 points to lead Laurence Manning Academy to a 66-43 victory over Palmetto Christian on Friday in the Baron Classic at Nash Student Center.

Perin Jackson added 14 points for the Lady Swampcats while Haley Hatfield and Courtney Beatson both had eight points.

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

CLARENDON HALL DILLON CHRISTIAN

SUMTER CRESTWOOD

65 22

DILLON — Abigail Jenkinson scored 23 points and Shannon Corbett had 21 to lead Clarenodn Hall to a 65-22 victory over Dillon Christian on Thursday at the Dillon Christian gymnasium.

Jordan Carter had 15 rebounds and Emily Brunson had 10 for the Lady Saints, who improved to 3-2 on the season.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL WILSON HALL 33 FIRST BAPTIST 15

Wilson Hall improved

to 6-0 on the season with a 33-15 victory over First Baptist on Friday in the Baron Classic at Nash Student Center.

CourtneyClark led the Lady Barons with 11 points. Zan Beasley had eight and Mary Daniel Stokes added seven.

32 15

Sumter High School defeated Crestwood 32-15 on Thursday at The Castle.

Erica Hamilton led the Lady Gamecocks with nine points and Ars’breanna Tyler had eight.

DILLON CHRISTIAN CLARENDON HALL

15 10

DILLON — Clarendon Hall fell to 2-3 on the season with a 15-10 loss to Dillon Christian on Thursday at the Dillon Christian gymnasium.

Christine Elenbark led

|

the Lady Saints with four points and Sydney Wells had seven rebounds.

SUMTER CHRISTIAN MARION CHRISTIAN

24 16

MARION — Sumter Christian School improved to 3-0 on the season with a 24-16 victory over Marion Christian on Thursday at the Marion gymnasium.

Sarah Fraser and Susanna Hutson both had eight points to lead SCS. MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHESTNUT OAKS 46 MAYEWOOD 7

Chestnut Oaks Middle School improved to 2-2 on the season with a 46-7 victory over Mayewood on Thursday at the Chestnut Oaks gymnasium.

Keonna McElveen had 22 points to lead the Lady Falcons. Skakena Fulton added 12 and Savonna Simon had eight.

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

|

Barons beat First Baptist 60-49 William Kinney had a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead Wilson Hall’s varsity boys basketball team to a 60-49 victory over First Baptist on Friday in the Baron Classic at Nash Student Center.

Brent Carraway and Grier Schwartz both added 14 points for the Barons.

WILSON HALL Kinney 18, Carraway 14, Schwartz 14, Spittle 2, Bochette 6, Talley 4, Ballard 2.

LAURENCE MANNING PALMETTO CHRISTIAN

62 50

Vaughnte Anderson had 20 points to lead Laurence Manning Academy to a 62-50 victory in the Baron Classic on Friday at Nash Student Center.

Shaqei Green added 16 points for the Swampcats while Mark Pipkin had 12.

SUMTER CHRISTIAN MARION CHRISTIAN

62 18

MARION — Sumter Christian School improved to 6-2 on the season with a 62-18 victory over Marion Christian on Thursday at the Marion gymnasium.

T.J. Barron led SCS with 11 points while Grayson Dennis had nine and Aaron Washington eight.

ROBERT E. LEE CAROLINA

15 points. Chris McDowell led T-B with 20.

THOMAS SUMTER Stengel 4, Brunson 15, Smith 8, Hoge 8, Robinson 6, Gibbs 4, Roedl 2, York 1.

DILLON CHRISTIAN CLARENDON HALL

69 21

DILLON — Clarendon Hall fell to 0-5 on the season with a 69-21 loss to Dillon Christian on Thursday at the Dillon Christian gymnasium.

Wes Keller led the Saints with eight points and Dustin Way had five.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL SUMTER CHRISTIAN MARION CHRISTIAN

49 28

MARION — Sumter Christian School improved to 6-1 on the season with a 49-28 victory over Marion Christian on Thursday at the Marion gymnasium.

Desmond Sigler led the Bears with 16 points. Donzell Metz and Chad Jones both had seven.

TRINITY-BYRNES THOMAS SUMTER

28 13

DARLINGTON — Thomas Sumter Academy lost to Trinity-Byrnes 28-13 on Friday at the T-B gymnasium.

Kyle Decker led TSA with five points.

49 42

DILLON CHRISTIAN CLARENDON HALL

22 11

BISHOPVILLE — Zack Gooding and Griff Buddin both scored 14 points to lead Robert E. Lee Academy to a 49-42 victory over Carolina Academy on Thursday at the REL gymnasium.

Jonah Cox addd 12 points for the Cavaliers.

DILLON — Clarendon Hall fell to 2-2 on the season with a 22-11 loss to Dillon Christian on Thursday at the Dillon Christian gymnasium.

John Lewis led the Saints with four points and eight rebounds.

ROBERT E. LEE Gooding 14, Buddin 14, Cox 12, Grantham 4, Bramlett 3, Chewning 2.

SNEED ALICE DRIVE

TRINITY-BYRNES THOMAS SUMTER

53 48

DARLINGTON — Thomas Sumter Academy fell to 4-3 on the season with a 53-48 loss to Trinity-Byrnes on Thursday at the T-B gymnasium.

Tanner Brunson led the Generals with

SPLIT from Page B1 from the 3-point line, so we weren’t able to knock any outside shots down against their zone.”

Vandevander said Shaquandra McCray’s presence on the low post made life difficult for Sumter shooters most of the night.

McCray finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots.

After SHS’s Christian Hithe scored 14 in last Friday’s game, Crestwood head coach Tony Wilson said his game plan was to take the Lady Gamecocks’ sophomore star out of the game. Thought Hithe, along with Jessica Harris, finished with a team-high nine points, the Lady Gators’ box-and-one defense proved to be effective.

“We went a box-and-one on her, and I don’t think the other girls were expecting that,” said Wilson, whose team moved to 3-1 on the

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL 43 40

Alice Drive Middle School lost to Sneed 43-40 on Thursday at the AD gymnasium.

Keonte Gregg led the Hawks with 14 points while Terrell Houston had 11 points and seven rebounds. Zion Barnes had eight points.

young season. “The biggest difference was we rebounded the ball tonight and boxed out tonight, and we hit our free throws. I think that was the big difference in the game tonight.”

After hitting just six of 20 free throw attempts in last Friday’s loss, Crestwood was true on 11 of 20 free throws in Friday’s win.

Vandevander said she will work to have her young team better prepared the next time it faces a boxand-one defense.

“It didn’t surprise me.

We’ve been expecting the box-and-one, but they’re young,” said Vandevander of her team, which dropped to 1-2. “That group is young still and they haven’t seen it yet. ... That’s something we’re going to have to deal with throughout the season because teams are probably going to box her up more.”

Ceasar joined McCray in double figures for Crestwood with 11 points, four steals and eight rebounds while Keauna Williams closed with nine points and 11 rebounds and Tyana

Saunders added eight points and one board.

As the varsity boys game wound down, the only drama left was whether or not Crestwood could avoid getting doubled up by Sumter.

Brandon Parker set the tone early for the Gamecocks, scoring all 13 of his points in the opening quarter, including a buzzerbeating three-pointer that put Sumter up 22-6 after the first eight minutes.

Crestwood trailed 38-15 at the half, 54-27 after three quarters and 66-29 with 3:15 left before a 5-1 run and three missed Gamecock shots in the dying seconds left the final margin at 67-34.

Twelve players broke into the scoring column for Sumter, now 4-0. While Parker was the only Gamecock to score in double figures, Sterling Ta’Bon and Charlie Richardson contributed nine points apiece and Quentin Kershaw added eight.

Devin Nelson led the 0-4 Knights with 10 points.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY 5 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour/Sunshine Tour Nelson Mandela Championship Final Round from Durban, South Africa (GOLF).

7:40 a.m. -- International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match -- Arsenal vs. Manchester City (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

9:55 a.m. -- International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match -- Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

Noon -- College Basketball: Arizona at Michigan (WLTX 19).

Noon -- College Football: Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs Quarterfinal Game -- Coastal Carolina at North Dakota State (ESPN).

Noon -- College Basketball: St. Peter’s at Seton Hall (SPORTSOUTH).

Noon -- College Basketball: Western Kentucky at Louisville (ESPN2).

Noon -- College Basketball: Virginia Commonwealth at Northern Iowa (ESPNU).

Noon -- College Basketball: Youngstown State at Pittsburgh (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

12:25 p.m. -- International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match -- Stoke vs. Hull (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

12:30 p.m. -- High School Football: Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl North-South All-Star Game from Myrtle Beach (WPUB-FM 102.7).

1 p.m. -- Professional Golf: Franklin Templeton Shootout Second Round from Naples, Fla. (GOLF).

2 p.m. -- Professional Golf: Franklin Templeton Shootout Second Round from Naples, Fla. (WIS 10).

2 p.m. -- College Basketball: Tennessee at Wichita State (ESPN2).

2 p.m. -- College Basketball: All-College Classic from Oklahoma City -- Louisiana Tech vs. Oklahoma State (ESPNU).

2 p.m. -- College Basketball: Florida Atlantic at Maryland (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

2 p.m. -- Professional Golf: Father/Son Challenge First Round from Orlando, Fla. (GOLF).

2 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Troy at Tennessee (SPORTSOUTH).

3 p.m. -- College Football: Army vs. Navy from Philadelphia (WLTX 19).

3 p.m. -- College Basketball: Goldey-Beacon at Philadelphia (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

3 p.m. -- College Basketball:IUPUI at Marquette (FOX SPORTS 1).

3 p.m. -- College Basketball: Northern Illinois at Massachusetts (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

3:15 p.m. -- College Basketball: Indiana vs. Notre Dame from Indianapolis (ESPN).

4 p.m. -- Professional Golf: Father/Son Challenge First Round from Orlando, Fla. (WIS 10).

4 p.m. -- College Basketball: Brigham Young at Utah (BYUTV).

4 p.m. -- College Basketball: Michigan State vs. Oakland from Auburn Hills, Mich. (ESPN2).

4 p.m. -- Women’s College Volleyball: NCAA Tournament Regional Final Match from Lexington, Ky. (ESPNU).

5 p.m. -- College Basketball: Tulsa at Oklahoma (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

5:15 p.m. -- College Basketball: Kentucky at North Carolina (ESPN).

5:30 p.m. -- College Football: Bronco Nagurski Awards from Charlotte (NFL NETWORK).

6:30 p.m. -- Women’s College Volleyball: NCAA Tournament Regional Final Match from Champaign, Ill. (ESPNU).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Kansas City Shootout from Kansas City, Mo. -- New Mexico vs. Kansas (ESPN2).

7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers at Charlotte (SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Furman at Clemson (WWBDFMF 94.7, WPUB-FM 102.7).

7:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Cleveland at Miami (NBA TV).

8 p.m. -- College Hockey: Western Michigan at Minnesota (Duluth) (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- College Football: Heisman Trophy Presentation from New York (ESPN).

8 p.m. -- College Basketball: Cincinnati at Xavier (FOX SPORTS 1).

8 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Carolina at Phoenix (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

8 p.m. -- Professional Boxing: Amir Mansour vs. Kelvin Price in a Heavyweight Bout and Ryan Coyne vs. Lionell Thompson in a Light Heavyweight Bout from Atlantic City, N.J. (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- Professional Boxing: Adrien Broner vs. Marcos Maidana for the World Welterweight Title from San Antonio (SHOWTIME).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Illinois vs. Oregon from Portland, Ore. (ESPN2).

9 p.m. -- Women’s College Volleyball: NCAA Tournament Regional Final Match from Lincoln, Neb. (ESPNU).

11:30 p.m. -- Women’s College Volleyball: NCAA Tournament Regional Final Match from Los Angeles (ESPNU).

11:30 p.m. -- Professional Golf: Asian Tour Thailand Championship Final Round from Bangkok (GOLF).

2 a.m. -- NHL Hockey: San Jose at Nashville (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Boston 10 14 .417 – Brooklyn 8 14 .364 1 Toronto 7 13 .350 1 Philadelphia 7 16 .304 21/2 New York 6 15 .286 21/2 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Miami 16 6 .727 – Atlanta 11 11 .500 5 Charlotte 10 12 .455 6 Washington 9 11 .450 6 Orlando 7 15 .318 9 Central Division W L Pct GB Indiana 19 3 .864 – Detroit 10 13 .435 91/2 Chicago 8 12 .400 10 Cleveland 8 13 .381 101/2 Milwaukee 5 17 .227 14 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 17 4 .810 – Houston 15 8 .652 3 Dallas 13 10 .565 5 New Orleans 10 10 .500 61/2 Memphis 10 11 .476 7 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Portland 19 4 .826 – Oklahoma City 17 4 .810 1 Denver 13 8 .619 5 Minnesota 11 11 .500 71/2 Utah 5 19 .208 141/2 Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Clippers 15 9 .625 – Phoenix 12 9 .571 11/2 Golden State 13 10 .565 11/2 L.A. Lakers 10 11 .476 31/2 Sacramento 6 14 .300 7 Thursday’s Games Brooklyn 102, L.A. Clippers 93 Portland 111, Houston 104 Friday’s Games Cleveland at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Charlotte at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at Toronto, 7 p.m.

New York at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Washington at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Brooklyn at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

Memphis at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.

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

Sacramento at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Utah at Denver, 9 p.m.

Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Today’s Games L.A. Clippers at Washington, 7 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

| Atlanta at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Toronto at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Portland at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.

Milwaukee at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

San Antonio at Utah, 9 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Houston at Sacramento, 6 p.m.

Minnesota at Memphis, 6 p.m.

Portland at Detroit, 6 p.m.

Orlando at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

Golden State at Phoenix, 8 p.m.

New Orleans at Denver, 8 p.m.

NFL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF New England 10 3 0 .769 349 Miami 7 6 0 .538 286 N.Y. Jets 6 7 0 .462 226 Buffalo 4 9 0 .308 273 South W L T Pct PF y-Indianapolis 8 5 0 .615 313 Tennessee 5 8 0 .385 292 Jacksonville 4 9 0 .308 201 Houston 2 11 0 .154 250 North W L T Pct PF Cincinnati 9 4 0 .692 334 Baltimore 7 6 0 .538 278 Pittsburgh 5 8 0 .385 291 Cleveland 4 9 0 .308 257 West W L T Pct PF x-Denver 11 3 0 .786 535 Kansas City 10 3 0 .769 343 San Diego 7 7 0 .500 343 Oakland 4 9 0 .308 264 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF Philadelphia 8 5 0 .615 334 Dallas 7 6 0 .538 357 N.Y. Giants 5 8 0 .385 251 Washington 3 10 0 .231 279 South W L T Pct PF New Orleans 10 3 0 .769 343 Carolina 9 4 0 .692 298 Tampa Bay 4 9 0 .308 244 Atlanta 3 10 0 .231 282 North W L T Pct PF Detroit 7 6 0 .538 346 Chicago 7 6 0 .538 368 Green Bay 6 6 1 .500 316 Minnesota 3 9 1 .269 315 West W L T Pct PF x-Seattle 11 2 0 .846 357 San Francisco 9 4 0 .692 316 Arizona 8 5 0 .615 305 St. Louis 5 8 0 .385 289 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division Thursday’s Game San Diego 27, Denver 20 Sunday’s Games Philadelphia at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Washington at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

San Francisco at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

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

Chicago at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

New England at Miami, 1 p.m.

Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

N.Y. Jets at Carolina, 4:05 p.m.

Arizona at Tennessee, 4:25 p.m.

New Orleans at St. Louis, 4:25 p.m.

Green Bay at Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Monday’s Game Baltimore at Detroit, 8:40 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 22 Tampa Bay at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Indianapolis at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Denver at Houston, 1 p.m.

Miami at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

New Orleans at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Dallas at Washington, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Minnesota at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Arizona at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.

N.Y. Giants at Detroit, 4:05 p.m.

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

Pittsburgh at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.

New England at Baltimore, 4:25 p.m.

Chicago at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 23 Atlanta at San Francisco, 8:40 p.m.

PA 287 276 337 334 PA 316 318 372 350 PA 244 261 312 324 PA 372 224 311 337 PA 301 348 334 407 PA 243 188 291 362 PA 321 360 326 395 PA 205 214 257 308

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 32 22 8 2 46 90 64 Montreal 33 19 11 3 41 86 73 Tampa Bay 31 18 10 3 39 87 77 Detroit 33 15 9 9 39 88 87 Toronto 33 16 14 3 35 90 96 Ottawa 33 13 14 6 32 94 106 Florida 32 10 17 5 25 73 106 Buffalo 32 7 23 2 16 54 94 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 32 21 10 1 43 98 71 Washington 31 17 12 2 36 98 90 Carolina 33 13 13 7 33 76 93 Columbus 32 14 15 3 31 82 88 Philadelphia 32 14 15 3 31 72 86 N.Y. Rangers 33 15 17 1 31 72 88 New Jersey 32 12 14 6 30 73 82 N.Y. Islanders 33 9 19 5 23 83 117 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 34 23 6 5 51 129 93 St. Louis 30 21 6 3 45 106 70 Colorado 30 21 9 0 42 87 71 Minnesota 34 18 11 5 41 79 80 Dallas 30 14 11 5 33 84 89 Nashville 32 15 14 3 33 74 90 Winnipeg 33 14 14 5 33 86 94 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 34 22 7 5 49 108 87 San Jose 32 20 6 6 46 106 79 Los Angeles 32 21 7 4 46 88 63 Phoenix 31 18 8 5 41 103 97 Vancouver 33 18 10 5 41 88 81 Calgary 31 12 15 4 28 81 101 Edmonton 33 11 19 3 25 91 113 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Thursday’s Games Tampa Bay 2, Detroit 1, SO Colorado 4, Winnipeg 3, SO Columbus 4, N.Y. Rangers 2 Philadelphia 2, Montreal 1 Ottawa 2, Buffalo 1 St. Louis 6, Toronto 3 Nashville 3, Dallas 1 Calgary 2, Carolina 1, OT Phoenix 6, N.Y. Islanders 3 Boston 4, Edmonton 2 San Jose 3, Minnesota 1 Friday’s Games New Jersey at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Washington at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Edmonton at Vancouver, 9 p.m.

Today’s Games Calgary at Buffalo, 2 p.m.

Los Angeles at Ottawa, 2 p.m.

Dallas at Winnipeg, 3 p.m.

Chicago at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

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

St. Louis at Columbus, 7 p.m.

San Jose at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Carolina at Phoenix, 8 p.m.

Minnesota at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Boston at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Philadelphia at Washington, 3 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Detroit, 5 p.m.

Florida at Montreal, 6 p.m.

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

Los Angeles at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Edmonton at Anaheim, 8 p.m.

SPORTS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

THE ITEM

B3

SPORTS ITEMS

|

Seattle designates OF Witherspoon for assignment

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

North Carolina’s Brice Johnson (11) and Kennedy Meeks (3) have given the 18th-ranked Tar Heels two reliable options off the bench as they prepare to host No. 11 Kentucky tonight.

UNC gets bench boost from Johnson, Meeks

BY AARON BEARD The Associated Press CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — While his team is short-handed on the perimeter, North Carolina coach Roy Williams is finding reliable production when he goes to his bench.

Heading into today’s game against No. 11 Kentucky, the 18th-ranked Tar Heels are getting steady scoring and rebounding from reserves Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks. It has been a big reason why the Tar Heels have beaten a pair of top-five opponents in the past month despite missing two key players due to NCAA eligibility concerns.

“It’s a big help just knowing that we don’t have our perimeter shooters out there,’’ Johnson said Friday. “... We have some scorers in there, it’s just you need more. It’s not enough.

You need people to come off the bench to help you.

“It’s not just about five people. You need like five to 10 people that can go out there and help your team win.’’

Williams has started 6-foot-10 sophomore Joel James alongside junior James Michael McAdoo up

front, utilizing James’ size for interior defense and toughness. But while James is the better defender, both Johnson and Meeks are better offensively and are solid rebounders.

They’re providing the spark UNC (6-2) needs from its second unit with wing players P.J. Hairston and Leslie McDonald sitting out while the school and NCAA review their eligibility connected to offseason issues.

Williams isn’t likely to juggle his starting lineup for now, even though Johnson is the team’s No. 2 scorer at 13.6 points per game.

“I’m going to leave it alone,’’ Williams said. “If those guys start playing better defense, then Joel (James) better start scoring more. It’s a pretty simple thing. They’ve got to give you something. ... My whole thing is when you come into the game, give us something positive.’’

UNC has three players averaging in double figures with two more averaging at least 8.5 points.

For the Tar Heels, at least, the production from Johnson and Meeks has been a desperately needed boost for a team missing Hairston’s 15point average from last season as

well as outside shooting from both Hairston and McDonald.

Johnson, a lean 6-9 sophomore, has a soft touch with his hook shot or turnaround jumper to go with his 6.9 rebounds per game. He’s failed to reach double figures just once, when he scored eight in the loss at UAB while battling foul trouble.

The 6-9, 290-pound Meeks is averaging 8.5 points and 6.6 rebounds in about 14 minutes per game, and came up big in the wins against then-No. 3 Louisville and former No. 1 Michigan State.

The freshman had 13 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists against the reigning national champion Cardinals, then had 15 points and seven rebounds in the road upset of the Spartans.

North Carolina will need more of the same to get another marquee nonconference win in its up-anddown start to the year.

“They’re giving us great energy when they come in and both of them are terrific rebounders so they’ve given us a lot so far,’’ sophomore guard Marcus Paige said. “We’re hoping to see that continue.’’

Tigers still working on free throw shooting

BY MANDRALLIUS ROBINSON Greenville News CLEMSON — Outside of a breakaway layup, there is no better shot.

It is a straight, 15-footer with no one standing between the shooter and the basket — and the shooter is allotted 10 seconds to release the shot.

Sure sounds easy. Yet, only three of 345 NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams are converting at least 80 percent of these seemingly simple shots

this season.

Free throws are not free, and they have cost Clemson an exorbitant fee through its hardwood history.

Clemson converted at least 70 percent from the foul line in only five of the

FIELDS from Page B1 what will take the team to the next level in achieving a region title.

She was part of three region title teams at Sumter from 2004-07, including a 27-3 season in ’06-07.

She was named to the all-region team three times and played in the North Carolina/South Carolina All-Star Game while scoring more than 1,000 points in her prep career.

Myers went a combined 23-28 in two seasons. In his first year, LHS went 12-15 overall and finished second in Region VI-3A with a 5-5 mark. Last year the team finished 11-13 with a 2-8 mark in league play, good for fifth place.

Fields said the transition has been easy.

“They already know my system and how I am,” she said. “There weren’t any questions of why are we doing this. They know how I am and they kept rolling (with things).”

Lakewood returns five players from last year’s squad and saw several pulled up from the JV. Currently, junior Sonora Dengokl leads the team with averages of 17.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game. Freshman Kamyrn Lemon is averaging 10.7 points and 3.7 re-

previous 35 seasons. It converted merely 65.4 percent of its attempts last season.

Through nine games this year, Clemson has converted 78.2 percent from the line, the seventhbest rate in the nation.

Clemson is second in the Atlantic Coast Conference in free throw percentage behind Boston College, which also leads the nation at 80.8 percent.

Clemson’s current rate would beat the school record, set in 1982, by 4.8

percent.

“We put in a lot of work.

We come in early in the morning, seven o’clock and shoot a lot of free throws,” said point guard Rod Hall, who has converted 85.7 percent from the line this season.

Junior wing K.J. McDaniels has dropped 90.5 percent of his free throws, ranking him second in the ACC. McDaniels and Hall are two of six Tigers who have converted at least 77 percent of their free throws this year.

bounds.

“We’re going to be a quick, up-tempo-paced team this year,” Fields said. “I’m leaning more toward defense because that’s what gets offense going. I harped on defense mainly during the summer time and our conditioning time during our open season.”

Fields admits the biggest challenge the team has had to overcome is its mindset. Having had limited success, the LHS head coach said she’s had to get the girls not to think in a negative fashion.

It may be early in the season but Fields and the girls are already feeling the change.

“I don’t feel like there is pressure toward me, but honestly there is a buzz going around the community about Lakewood, which is good,” she said. “I don’t think there is too much pressure on the girls, but you’re going to see hard work and dedication this year in the games and practices.”

Lakewood athletic director Terrence Scriven said he’s already seen firsthand the turnaround in mentality and focus of the team. “(Coach Fields) has a knack for this sport and is going to do a real good job because she has a high basketball IQ,” Scriven said.

SEATTLE — Former Sumter High and Sumter P-15’s standout Travis Witherspoon is looking for a new team.

In order to make room on the 40man roster for newly signed Corey Hart, the Seattle Mariners designated the outfielder for assignment just two months after claiming him off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.

WITHERSPOON Both Hart and Logan Morrison joined the Mariners on Friday, a day after the team introduced All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano.

Witherspoon battled health issues in 2012 and suffered a down year offensively with Double-A Arkansas last season, batting .214 with 11 homers, 38 RBI and 30 stolen bases in 129 games.

LAWYER WANTS SEPARATE WINSTON INVESTIGATION

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A lawyer for the woman who accused Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston of sexual assault asked Friday for Florida’s attorney general to independently examine the rape investigation, claiming it was riddled with problems.

Attorney Patricia Carroll called on the attorney general to investigate the Tallahassee Police Department’s handling of the case, saying that detectives failed to interview key witnesses, used unreliable and incomplete forensic tests and never tested the alleged victim’s blood for the presence of date-rape drugs.

But it is unlikely that any action will be taken by the state to revisit the case. Only Florida Gov. Rick Scott can appoint a special prosecutor to review how the case was handled — and Jackie Schutz, a spokeswoman for Scott’s office, described the previous investigation as thorough.

PERRY, O’HAIR SHARE FRANKLIN TEMPLETON LEAD

NAPLES, Fla. — Defending champions Kenny Perry and Sean O’Hair shot an 8-under 64 in modified alternate-shot play for a share of the first-round lead in the Franklin Templeton Shootout.

The teams of Matt Kuchar-Harris English and Charles Howell III-Justin Leonard also shot 64 on the Ritz Carlton Resort’s Tiburon course. The 24 teams will play better ball Saturday and finish with a scramble Sunday.

SABAN, ALABAMA REACH LONG-TERM AGREEMENT

Alabama coach Nick Saban is staying put.

The school announced on its Twitter account Friday night that the football coach has reached “a long-term agreement” to remain with the Crimson Tide.

Alabama didn’t release terms of the new deal, which must be approved by the board of trustees.

The agreement quells speculation that Saban would take over at Texas if Mack Brown steps down.

Saban received an eight-year deal in March 2012 worth about $5.6 million annually.

From staff, wire reports

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

First-year Lakewood girls basketball head coach Frances Fields, front, will lead her Lady Gators against Sumter today at the SHS gymnasium.

B4

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

Chants brace for a raucous Fargodome

BY JEFF HARTSELL Post and Courier

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Texas head coach Mack Brown gave no indication he was stepping down at a banquet on Friday in Austin, Texas.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who had been rumored as a possible successor, signed an extension with the Crimson Tide.

Pressure mounting as Brown mulls decision

BY JIM VERTUNO The Associated Press AUSTIN, Texas — The Mack Brown saga at Texas continues — even without Nick Saban in the picture any more.

In a short, energetic speech at his team’s annual banquet, Brown acknowledged the “distractions” his team faced over rumors and reports that he would be resign or be fired after 16 seasons, but ended only with a plea for his team to “beat Oregon” in the Alamo Bowl.

Brown did not directly address the speculation swirling around his job, but news of Alabama’s new contract with Nick Saban, a coach some Texas officials hoped to lure to the Longhorns, rippled through the banquet minutes before Brown gave his speech.

Brown gave no indication he plans to step down. His lively speech seemed to lift the somber tone of the banquet and he told new athletic director Steve Patterson that he’s looking forward to working with him.

Brown lingered long after

WILLIAMS from Page B1 Heisman candidacy. And Williams was injured in the season finale against Syracuse, finishing with 29 yards in the game — far short of the almost 190 yards per week he was averaging this season.

And that might have been the end of his Heisman chances.

“I was more worried about how it was going to affect our bowl chances,’’ Williams said this week after he was announced as one of six Heisman finalists to be invited to the award ceremony today.

“The only opportunity we really missed is being able to get that eighth win against Syracuse. I really wasn’t worried about Heisman polls.’’

The nation’s leading rusher with 175 yards per game and only the 16th player in FBS history to surpass 2,000 yards in a season, Williams was already at a nearby mall shopping for clothes for the Doak Walker Award ceremony when he learned in a text from associate athletic director Barry Gallup that he was a Heisman finalist.

Williams won the Doak Walker, which is given to the nation’s top running back, on Thursday night.

the banquet was over to chat with recruits and their families.

But what Brown and his bosses didn’t do was deliver any definitive closure to the question of whether he would be back.

Brown, Patterson and school President Bill Powers met Friday afternoon, but Patterson declined comment when approached at the banquet.

“When we have something to announce, we’ll announce it,” Patterson told reporters During his prepared remarks, Patterson said he’s “excited to be working with” Brown.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to get together and work for many years to come,” Patterson said.

Powers, one of Brown’s biggest allies, also praised Brown and his wife.

“Mack and Sally, I’m so

Now, he has a side trip to New York for Saturday’s Heisman ceremony.

“I just feel blessed to have the opportunity to go to the ceremony and be around these other great athletes,’’ Williams said.

“Whoever wins it, congratulations to them, because it’s a monumental achievement.’’

There was a time when running backs routinely brought home the Heisman.

They won 11 straight from John Cappelletti in 1973 until Boston College’s Doug Flutie interrupted the streak in 1984. Bo Jackson and Barry Sanders were also good enough to get their names on the trophy along with the quarterbacks and receivers in the 1980s, and four more rushers — including Ricky Williams — claimed it in the ‘90s.

But as teams grew more pass-happy in the new millennium, the Heisman has been almost exclusively a quarterbacking prize. Only Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram have broken through against a steady stream of quarterbacks — 11 in 13 years.

Winston is expected to make it 12 of 14 during a season in which he is on pace to break the NCAA record for passer efficiency rating (190.1) and has already set records for yards passing (3,820) and TD passes (38) for a freshman.

proud of you, the way you brought this team over obstacles,” Powers said. “You two are the very best. I’m proud to be your friend.”

A team spokesman said Brown and Powers would not comment after the banquet.

In his remarks, Brown wanted to keep the focus on his players and their 8-4 season which will end in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30 against Oregon.

“What we’re here for is the football team,” Brown said.

What Texas knows is that it won’t get Saban.

Tide coach Nick Saban has been identified as a target to potentially replace Brown, and several university regents and a former regent were involved in a meeting with Saban’s agent last January to gauge his interest in coming to Texas.

That door closed Friday night when Alabama announced it had reached “a long-term agreement” for Saban to remain with the Crimson Tide. Alabama didn’t release terms of the new deal, which must be approved by the board of trustees.

Williams said he doesn’t feel the need to carry the ball for ball-carriers.

“I love being a running back. I love representing running backs,’’ he said. “I don’t necessarily think it’s unfair that it’s been quarterbacks high up in the Heisman contention lately. That position is hard to play. It’s hard to be good at it. With the trend toward teams playing spread offenses and throwing the ball more, that’s one of the things behind it. You have to have a good quarterback.’’

But BC coach Steve Addazio said he would like to see the Heisman voters reward Williams, a senior who served as a teaching assistant for freshman seminar and is writing a novel in his spare time.

“He’s a well-rounded guy,’’ Addazio said. “He’s a guy who values and cherishes his education, his opportunity to play major college football, and being part of a team. He’s got a lot of different interests just like a typical college student would have. He’s not just all focused on football.

“I think he represents what Boston College stands for. ... If that’s the criteria: outstanding football player, a dominant football player, great integrity, a tremendous person and an outstanding student athlete, they’re really important. In this case that’s what he stands for.’’

FARGO, N.D. — Last week, Coastal Carolina’s football team traveled 2,504 miles to play in what coach Joe Moglia called “the coldest game ever played in the history of FCS.” The Chants’ playoff adventure continues with a 1,592-mile trek to what might be the loudest venue in college football, North Dakota State’s Fargodome.

Coastal Carolina (122) takes on the topranked Bison (12-0) toda at noon in Fargo, N.D., in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs.

The game will be televised on ESPN. During North Dakota State’s 38-7 win over Furman last week, NDSU scientists measured the noise level inside the Fargodome at 115 decibels, the equivalent of a Metallica concert at close range, and just 10 decibels shy of the pain threshold.

The Guinness World Record for noise at a sporting event is 136.7 decibels at the Seattle Seahawks’ outdoor CenturyLink Field. The record for an indoor arena, of 126 decibels, was set last month at the Sacramento Kings’ Sleep Train Arena.

“It was quite loud and that can be very disturbing to the opposing team,” NDSU professor Mark Schroeder said.

After preparing his team last week for brain-freezing cold — it was -5 degrees with a windchill of -20 for the Chants’ 42-35 win at Montana — Moglia has spent this week getting for the noise in the 19,000-seat Fargodome.

“Most coaches would say the visiting team is at a very real disadvan-

McCARRON from Page B1 invited to tonight’s ceremony.

McCarron will be joined by fellow quarterbacks Jameis Winston of Florida State, Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M and Jordan Lynch of Northern Illinois. Auburn tailback Tre Mason and Boston College tailback Andre Williams are also finalists.

McCarron is the one candidate largely judged by a career that stands as perhaps the best among Alabama quarterbacks, a group that includes Joe Namath, Bart Starr and Ken Stabler.

McCarron is 36-3 with two national titles as a starter and three during his five years on campus. He holds Alabama’s career marks for passing touchdowns and yards and total offense.

“I don’t think I need to state my own case,’’ McCarron said.

“I think if you look at my play over three years, I feel like no quarterback in the SEC or the country has played as consistent as I have. I think the numbers do the talking. When you look at my stats against Top 10-ranked teams, I don’t think anybody’s stats compare to mine. I just let my stats and play do the talking and sit by the side. I guess.’’

As a senior, McCarron has thrown for 2,676 yards with 26 touchdowns against five interceptions, while completing a career-best 67.6 percent of his

FCS PLAYOFFS WHO: Coastal Carolina at North Dakota State WHERE: Fargodome in Fargo, N.D. WHEN: Noon TV: ESPN

tage there,” said Moglia, who in his second season at CCU is a finalist for the FCS coach of the year award. “It’s probably the loudest venue in the country. I’ve heard guys say you look at other guys and see their mouth moving, but no voice is coming out.”

Moglia said last week’s game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, Mont., was the loudest he’d experienced until now.

“We have played in some loud venues — Liberty, South Carolina — but Montana was louder than both of those,” he said. “Everything we do is hand signals, and we practice with loud music, so we will do what we can to get ready.”

Of course, noise is not the only thing North Dakota State has going for it.

The Bison have won two straight FCS titles, and opened this season with a 24-21 upset of Kansas State. NDSU ranks first in FCS in scoring defense, allowing 11.2 points per game.

On offense, quarterback Brock Jensen has hit 66.9 percent of his throws for 2,325 yards and 28 touchdowns against just six interceptions. And the Bison are likely to finish the season with two 1,000-yard rushers — Sam Ojuri has 1,077 yards, and John Crockett is close with 947.

But there is some fear in Fargo this week, as coach Craig Bohl announced Sunday that he’s leaving after 11 years to take over at Wyoming.

Bohl will coach the Bison throughout the playoffs.

passes. He won the Johnny Unitas Award as the nation’s top senior quarterback.

McCarron and the Tide fell short of another title shot with a 34-28 loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Chris Davis’ 109yard, last-play return of a missed field goal. He’ll finish his career in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma instead of a return trip to Pasadena, Calif.

McCarron isn’t fretting over the way the regular season ended.

“I know this state and the South itself is a little crazy about football, but I feel like I keep it in a good perspective. It’s a game,’’ he said. “When it’s over and done with, I know what I left out on the field and I feel like I played one of my hardest games.

We just fell short. Nothing you can do. You’ve got to move on and live life and be happy, because life’s way too short to sit back and think about what you should have done and be mad about it.’’

He’s at least New York bound, along with his parents, girlfriend Katherine Webb, younger brother and teammate Corey and an uncle and cousin.

Pretty much the usual crew that are there to greet him after every game, win or, less often, lose. McCarron said he’d have someday gone to New York otherwise, but only when he could foot his own bill.

McCarron said he just smiled when he found out he was invited to the Heisman ceremony. Parents Dee Dee Bonner and Tony McCarron were more emotional.

FOOTBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

THE ITEM

B5

Panthers return to work energized, motivated

BY STEVE REED The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — The Panthers entered the locker room following practice and the mood was light and lively, with several players breaking into scattered wrestling matches around the room.

Quarterback Cam Newton was all smiles, too.

“There was a great vibe at practice today,’’ Newton said Wednesday.

The third-year quarterback said the Panthers approached the day eager to put Sunday night’s 31-13 loss to the Saints behind them, but not forget the lessons that come with that disappointing and potential costly defeat.

“We can’t dwell on it,’’ Newton said. “With this practice today it’s great to know these guys are even more motivated.’’

The loss snapped an eightgame winning streak.

But the Panthers (9-4) still control their own playoff destiny. Three wins and they’re in the postseason for the first time since 2008.

That chase continues Sunday with a home game against the New York Jets (67), another team with playoff aspirations.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

After a disappointing showing against New Orleans last week, Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith (89) and the rest of the Panthers will be refocused when they return to action on Sunday against the New York Jets.

“It’s a great opportunity to go out and really prove to ourselves who we are,’’ Newton said.

Coach Ron Rivera said earlier in the week that maybe the Panthers “got a little full ourselves’’ after the win streak.

Several players concurred with their coach.

“I feel like we did get a lit-

tle ahead of ourselves as far as feeling good,’’ defensive end Greg Hardy said. “It happens to the best of us. When you get something that you really deserve it gives you a great feeling and you get kind of comfortable in a sense — not really complacent or content, but kind of comfortable.

“I feel like that is where we

were for a second and we learned our lesson. We got our hand burned.’’

Said cornerback Captain Munnerlyn: “Maybe we needed a loss to come back down to Earth and play some great football again. This team is very hungry and our goals are still out there so we’re very excited.’’

Chargers stun Broncos 27-20

BY EDDIE PELLS The Associated Press DENVER — Now, Peyton Manning gets a chance to rest.

Big question: Does he really need a break?

Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers kept Manning on the sideline most of the game and handed the Denver Broncos an unexpected and harmful 27-20 loss on Thursday night.

Rivers threw two touchdown passes to Keenan Allen and kept the Chargers’ offense on the field for nearly 39 minutes, keeping their playoff hopes alive while turning Denver’s supposedly easy road to the AFC West title and top seeding in the conference into something much different.

“We didn’t play well, didn’t stay on the field, didn’t have the ball much and, when we did, we didn’t do much with it,’’ Manning said.

The Broncos gained 13 yards on the 13 plays they ran after taking a 10-3 lead late in the first quarter.

That covered four drives during which they went three-and-out three times and picked up a total of one first down.

“The longer you keep the ball and the less he has it, the better off you’re going to be,’’ said Chargers coach Mike McCoy, Manning’s former offensive coordinator.

Rivers finished 12 for 20 for 166 yards and improved to 28-6 in December. Ryan Matthews matched his season high with 127 yards on 29 carries.

After Denver’s long dry spell on offense, San Diego led 24-10, and though the Broncos (11-3) had

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

San Diego running back Ryan Mathews (24) brushes off Denver defensive end Robert Ayers (91) during the Chargers’ 27-20 victory on Thursday in Denver.

overcome double-digit deficits four times this season to win, it wasn’t happening this time.

They pulled within seven and Manning got the ball on the Denver 3 with 5:50 left. He moved the Broncos 30 yards in two plays with the help of a penalty. But the Chargers’ maligned defense produced some pass rush and forced a bad throw, which linebacker Thomas Keiser picked off at the Denver 33.

The Chargers (7-7) got a field goal to go up 10. Denver answered with a field goal but couldn’t recover the onside kick.

Manning’s final numbers were decent — 27 for 41 for 289 yards and two touchdowns — but padded during desperation time.

As most veterans do, especially this time of year, Manning griped

USC from Page B1 were more options this year, with six receivers exceeding 200 yards on the season, and tight end and former Scott’s Branch High School standout Jerell Adams 30 yards away from that mark. USC has never had seven receivers reach 1,000 yards under coach Steve Spurrier.

Senior Connor Shaw finished with 21 touchdown passes and one interception, the nation’s only quarterback with double-digit touchdowns and only one pick.

RUSH OFFENSE: B+

Mike Davis didn’t close the fall like he wanted, but the sophomore tailback was a revelation in his first season getting the bulk of South Carolina’s carries.

Davis passed the 1,000-yard mark after just nine games, leading the SEC in rushing much of the season.

He’s currently fourth in the league with 1,134 rushing yards, though he remains second with 1,476 yards from scrimmage.

Davis got much of the attention, but South Carolina had backfield depth. Four Gamecocks had at least 200 yards rushing, including Shaw with 511.

PASSING DEFENSE: B

South Carolina’s pass rush was not as dominant as last season, when it led the SEC with 43 sacks. The

about the short turnaround between a Sunday and Thursday game, the likes of which have become more common since the NFL started scheduling midweek contests for almost every week. Adding to the fatigue: Denver ran 91 plays on offense while scoring 51 points Sunday in a blowout over Tennessee.

“Did the (91) plays on offense take a toll? I can’t answer that,’’ Manning said.

Now, he’ll get 10 days to chew on it. It was the first regular-season loss at home for Denver in 14 tries, dating to last September against Houston, back when Manning was still getting his footing in Denver and the Texans, who happen to be Denver’s next opponent, were still good.

Gamecocks only had 24 sacks this fall, ranked fifth in the conference. Star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney only had three sacks in his final season at USC, 10 fewer than last fall.

Regardless, the Gamecocks’ secondary played better than in 2012. Even without the dominance up front, USC’s pass defense ranked fourth in the SEC with 202.8 yards allowed per game. That was only 8 yards more than 2012, less than a first down difference per game.

RUSHING DEFENSE: A-

The Gamecocks rank second in the SEC in run defense, allowing 142.25 rushing yards per game. That’s behind first-place Alabama (108.33 yards per game) and similar to third-place Florida (142.42 per game).

While the defensive line hasn’t been as effective rushing the passer, the front seven has more than held its own on the ground.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C+

Throughout the season, South Carolina’s weakest link was the special teams. A credit to coaching, some of those issues got better as the season progressed.

Freshman Pharoh Cooper filled a void at punt and kick returner, named to the All-SEC Freshman Team at that position. Freshman kicker Elliott Fry was the biggest bright spot, making 15 of 18 field goals and also earning All-SEC Freshman Team honors.

The Panthers could clinch a playoff berth this week with a combination of a win over the Jets, losses by San Francisco and Arizona and a loss or tie by either Dallas or Philadelphia.

On the other hand, a loss to the Jets and victories by San Francisco and Arizona would suddenly leave the Panthers on the outside looking in at the playoffs.

“There is a lot on the line this week,’’ Rivera said.

Despite the rough night in the Big Easy, Carolina’s defense has still given up the fewest points in the league.

While Panthers safety Mike Mitchell said he hates to lose, the good thing is it came now instead of in the playoffs so the team can learn from its mistakes.

“I think we had some things show up that hadn’t been happening all year,’’ Mitchell said.

“You have to ask yourself why those things happened. Our coaches did that and got that corrected. Hats off to the Saints. They were the first ones to be able to do it against us.’’

Said Newton: “Hey, no one is feeling sorry for themselves here. We have a job at hand and we have to be prepared for the task — and we will be.’’

BOWL GLANCE Saturday, Dec. 21 New Mexico Bowl Washington State (6-6) vs. Colorado State (7-6), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Las Vegas Bowl Fresno State (11-1) vs. Southern Cal (9-4), 3:30 p.m. (ABC) Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Buffalo (8-4) vs. San Diego State (7-5), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) New Orleans Bowl Tulane (7-5) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4), 9 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Dec. 23 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl At St. Petersburg, Fla. Ohio (7-5) vs. East Carolina (9-3), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday, Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl Oregon State (6-6) vs. Boise State (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl At Detroit Bowling Green (10-3) vs. Pittsburgh (6-6), 6 p.m. (ESPN) Poinsettia Bowl At San Diego Northern Illinois (12-1) vs. Utah State (8-5), 9:30 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Dec. 27 Military Bowl At Annapolis, Md. Marshall (9-4) vs. Maryland (7-5), 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Texas Bowl At Houston Minnesota (8-4) vs. Syracuse (6-6), 6 p.m. (ESPN) Fight Hunger Bowl At San Francisco BYU (8-4) vs. Washington (8-4), 9:30 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl At New York Notre Dame (8-4) vs. Rutgers (6-6), Noon (ESPN) Belk Bowl At Charlotte Cincinnati (9-3) vs. North Carolina (6-6), 3:20 p.m. (ESPN) Russell Athletic Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Miami (9-3) vs. Louisville (11-1), 6:45 p.m. (ESPN) Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl At Tempe, Ariz.

Kansas State (7-5) vs. Michigan (7-5), 10:15 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Dec. 30 Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Middle Tennessee (8-4) vs. Navy (7-4), 11:45 a.m. (ESPN) Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn.

Mississippi (7-5) vs. Georgia Tech (7-5), 3:15 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl At San Antonio Oregon (10-2) vs. Texas (8-4), 6:45 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl At San Diego Arizona State (10-3) vs. Texas Tech (7-5), 10:15 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday, Dec. 31 AdvoCare V100 Bowl At Shreveport, La. Arizona (7-5) vs. Boston College (7-5), 12:30 p.m. (ESPN) Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Virginia Tech (8-4) vs. UCLA (9-3), 2 p.m. (CBS) Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn.

Rice (9-3) vs. Mississippi State (6-6), 4 p.m. (ESPN) Chick-fil-A Bowl At Atlanta Texas A&M (8-4) vs. Duke (10-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday, Jan. 1 Heart of Dallas Bowl At Dallas UNLV (7-5) vs. North Texas (8-4), Noon (ESPNU) Gator Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Nebraska (8-4) vs. Georgia (8-4), Noon (ESPN2) Capital One Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Wisconsin (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2), 1 p.m. (ABC) Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Iowa (8-4) vs. LSU (9-3), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif.

Stanford (11-2) vs. Michigan State (12-1), 5 p.m. (ESPN) Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz.

Baylor (11-1) vs. UCF (11-1), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Alabama (11-1) vs. Oklahoma (10-2), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Jan. 3 Orange Bowl At Miami Ohio State (12-1) vs. Clemson (10-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Cotton Bowl At Arlington, Texas Missouri (11-2) vs. Oklahoma State (10-2), 7:30 p.m. (FOX) Saturday, Jan. 4 BBVA Compass Bowl At Birmingham, Ala. Vanderbilt (8-4) vs. Houston (8-4), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Jan. 5 GoDaddy.com Bowl At Mobile, Ala. Arkansas State (7-5) vs. Ball State (10-2), 9 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Jan. 6 BCS National Championship At Pasadena, Calif.

Florida State (13-0) vs. Auburn (12-1), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

B6

Classified lassified CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013 DEADLINES 11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday.

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

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

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

803-774-1234 • WWW.THEITEM.COM EM.COM

803.774.1234

BATH SHEETS $5 EACH

BATH TOWELS $4 EACH

29 Progress St. - Sumter 775-8366 Ext. 37

LIGHT WEIGHT BATH TOWELS $2 EACH

Store Hours 0RQ 6DW ‡ 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

QUALITY SHOP WITH FIRST SLIP COVERS US FOR CHAIR ........... $20 EA. GREAT HOLIDAY LOVESEAT ...... $30 EA. SAVINGS! SOFA ............ $40 EA.

LEGAL NOTICES ANNOUNCEMENTS MERCHANDISE Beer & Wine License Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that The Gold Room, LLC intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license/permit that will allow the sale and ON premises consumption of Beer, Wine & Liquor at 2199 Kingstree Hwy., Manning, SC 29102. To object to the issuance of this permit/license, written protest must be postmarked no later than December 30, 2013. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110

Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that Joseph Moore dba Cali Joe's intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale ON premises consumption of Beer, Wine and Liquor at 105 E. Wesmark Blvd. Ste 1, Sumter, SC 29150. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than December 23, 2013. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 898-5899.

Bid Notices INVITATION FOR BIDS The County of Sumter invites qualified General Contractors to offer Sealed Bids for a New Catchall-Shaw Area Community Center located at 2680 Peach Orchard Road, Sumter County, Sumter, South Carolina.

The Base Project consists of 5,208 square feet. The roof system is wood framing with fiberglass shingles, brick veneer and siding.

A complete set of Bid Documents may be obtained for $75.00 (non-refundable) per set from the Architect. Contact Jackson & Sims, Architects, 7-1/2 South Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, 803-773-4329 or email: jsarch@ftc-i.net by all interested Bidders.

Sending documents electronically will not be offered.

The Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the project site.

The Owner will receive Sealed Bids on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sumter County Administration Building, County Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150.

The County of Sumter reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive minor formalities in the bidding, and to award the contract to other than the lowest bidder if deemed to be in the best interest of the County.

Sumter County Finance/Purchasing Administration Building 13 East Canal Street Sumter, South Carolina 29150

Announcements

Want to Buy

Huge Sale Select suits $20 Select Hats $15 Entire Inventory of shoes $5 a pair Factory Outlet Dresses 3172 Broad St Sumter

Golden Kernel Pecan Company 1214 S. Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC 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.

Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-1.

HOLIDAY GIFTS $10 & UP! 633 Bultman Drive. 774-7823

Lost & Found Farm Products Found: 2 young adult labs Starks Ferry Cross Rd @ Pinewood Rd. Owner call to identify 803-795-8211.

BUSINESS SERVICES Home Improvements Professional Remodelers Home maintenance, ceramic tile, roofing, siding & windows doors, etc. Lic. & Ins. (Cell) 803-459-4773 H.L. Boone, Contractor additions, painting, roofing, gutters, sheetrock, blown ceilings, decks. 773-9904

Lawn Service JW Professional Pool & Lawn Service Seasonal lawn maintenance, weekly pool cleaning, hedging, pine straw, mulch, pressure washing & more. Satisfaction guaranteed. 803-406-1818 Daniel's Lawn Care •Firewood starting at $45 •Tree removal •Leaf removal •Gutter & roof cleaning 803-968-4185

Painting Int/Ext Painting, Pressure washing. 30 yrs exp. Ref. Quality work/free est. Bennie 468-7592

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

SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

E & E Farm & Pets. 2420 RR, $23.75 50lbs. 21% Sports Blend $15 40lbs. Call 803-435-2797 E & E Farm & Pets. 10% Sweet Feed Wrangler $9.00. Safe Choice Senior $20 per bag. 803-435-2797 E & E Farm & Pets. We have Protein tubs and high Mag mineral salt for Cattles. 803-435-2797

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales 615 Adger Lane (Banbury S/D off of Patriot Pkwy), Sat. Dec. 14th, 8 am - ? 50" Samsung TV, kids train table, kids 16" bike, toys, books, clothes, Christmas items, misc.

Sumter County Flea Mkt Hwy 378 E. 803-495-2281 500 tables. Sat. $8 free return Sun. LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

The Trading Post 3550 Camden Hwy, Dalzell, open Fri. 12 - 5 pm & Sat. 8 am - 2 pm.

Call 803-847-1805 31 Lawton Circle - Moving sale!

Sat. 7-11a. Womens/Jr sz 4-7, books, file cabinet, entertainment center, coffee table, wall decor, yard tools, misc 3275 Poppy Ct Sat 7-10:00 Weight machine, Battery Lightening McQueen toddler car, Boys clothes Sz 14-20, Christmas trees & ornaments, Women SZ med clothes.

C&B Roofing Superior work afford. prices. Free est., Sr. disc.

Comm/Res 30 yr warr. 290-6152

Huge Moving Sale! Furn., antiques, lawn equipment, small appl's, toys, etc. 1154 Bob White Dr. Manning. Dec. 14th 7AM. Cash & Carry, Bring your trailers!!

Tree Service

For Sale or Trade

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

Softball Equipment- Pitching machine, Backstop, Balls, Bats ETC. Call for details 803-968-2459

The Tree Doctor Any size tree removal & stump grinding. Trimming & clearing. No job too big or small. Call 775-8560 or 468-1946. We accept credit cards and offer senior discounts

POOL TABLES for CHRISTMAS $800 to $1200 includes balls, cue sticks, rack, and chalk. Free delivery within 25 miles of Manning. 803-433-5544 803-473-0939

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

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

PETS & ANIMALS Dogs CKC Peek-a-poo pups. 8wks, paper trained, S/D (F) $350, (M) $325 Cash. Alice 803-428-3803

Pets Just in time for Christmas!

Puppies $50. Father AKC reg.

Lab/mother full blooded blk tan German Shepard. Both good w/children. Puppies are blk and all look like father. 7 female/5 Male.

Call 803-473-5932 leave msg.

Nice, Side-by-side Frig w/Ice Maker, $300. Office Chair, $25.

Store fixtures, Neg. 803-406-3694 Like new, Little four-wheeler with battery. Cost $175 asking $85.

Like new Razor Go-cart, new batteries Cost $345 asking $150.

Like new Little girls kitchen with foods and accessories. Cost $350 asking $200. Call 803-494-4220 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 For Sale: Round Walnut Coffee table, Victorian Walnut (Mrs) Chair, 6 Mahogany chairs, 30's China Cabinet, Metal Glider, big trunk, Piano stool, Andirons, East Lake Mirror, Roland McCollum paintings & more. Phone 803-481-2995 Samsung front load washer and dryer. 1yr old, exc cond. Asking $1400, but negotiable. Still under warranty. Call 803-753-7563 Christmas Special 2008 Golf Cart Beige with black pinstripes, fold down backseat, lights, fold down windshield, 2011 batteries, good tires, new charger $2400 OBRO 481-4972 or 464-9942 Hickory & Oak firewood. Seasoned/Green $65 Delivered. Notch Above Tree Service. 983-9721

Musical Instruments

Unfurnished Apartments

Manufactured Housing

Yamaha YPG 525 electric piano.

Excellent condition. $350. Call 803-481-0682 or 459-4236

Hampton Pk Hist. Dist

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

We have 2-3-4-5 bedroom homes on our lot. Layaway program available. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

EMPLOYMENT

Clean,attractive 3Rm (1Bdrm) Range, Refrig.,Washer & Dryer Ceiling fans, No pets.

Off Street parking $390 Mo. +Sec Dep w/Yr Lease Credit report & Refs Req. Call 773-2451

428 Green Swamp Rd 2BR 1BA Trailer City Water & Sewage, New Cental Air $400 Mo Electricity dep. required over $300 Call 803-840-7860

Help Wanted Full-Time

Unfurnished Homes

Full time body shop person with professional experience needed at Sumter used car dealership. $400/week.

Call Denis @ 803-454-6815.

Approx 1,200 sq ft 2BR//1BA house with garage. $750//mo, utilities included. 803-494-5663

Farms & Acreage

For Rent 3BR 1BA house in Home Branch Paxville area $650 month/deposit (803)473-7577

FSBO: Land, Small & Large acreage.

Owner financing.

803-427-3888.

Plumber and plumber's helper needed at Rourk Plumbing. Must have exp. in comm/new construction and res. repair. Email (wdrourk@aol.com) or fax (773-9342) resume' and 10 yr. driving record.

Golden Corral We are now hiring experienced kitchen managers for our Sumter SC, Charlotte NC, Wilmington NC locations. $35-53K depending on Experience. 5 Day week. Paid PTO every quarter. Health/Life/Vision/Dental Coverage. 401K. Candidates MUST have Restaurant Management Experience. Criminal background checks and drug test required. EEOC Send resume to : jlepper@platinumcorral.com

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

Mobile Home Rentals

RECREATION

2BR/1BA, lg. yard. $475/mo. + $250/dep. No Pets. Serious Inq only. 481-4469, 406-6159 Scenic Lake 2Br, 2Ba & 3 Br, 2 Ba. No pets. Call between 9am 5pm ONLY! (803) 499-1500.

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

RV parking avail. Call 494-8350

Trucking Opportunities

Work Wanted Will sit with sick & elderly, run errands, light housework, References available 803460-3168

RENTALS

Mopeds / ATVs / Motorcycles

STATEBURG COURTYARD

2002 Honda XR200R Needs new rings, low hours, excellent condition. $500. 52"x96" trailer set up for 3 dirt bikes. $350. 803-773-0792.

2001 Honda ATV 4X4 $1500 OBO. Rob 406-9336

Large DW, 4 br, 2 ba, rents $700 mo + $700 dep. Call Live Oak Realty 803-469-8147

Office Rentals

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

2003 Yamaha 125 Dirt Bike $650. Can be seen at Hill Plumbing 438 N Main St Call Frank Hill 491-7226

Autos For Sale 120 Broad St Office Building, Great location Rent is $650 mo Agent Owned Call 236-2425

2004 Toyota SR-5 Four Runner.

1 owner, 98k miles. Asking $12,500. Call 803-905-6565

862 E Liberty St Office/Retail 1550 Sq Ft. $250 Mo. Agent Owned Call 803-236-2425 2 lg bldgs, nice bldg for church or civic organization. 1 lg truck garage w/ lifts. 4000 sq. ft bldg.

1961 McCrays Mill Rd. good space for medical clinic or offices.

Call Bobby Sisson 464-2730

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale 2806 Tindal Rd Sumter 3BR 2BA C/H/A Call 803 481-7903 Asking $51,000

Unfurnished Apartments

TRANSPORTATION

3BR/2BA starting at $425-$500 /mo. Nice quiet park conv. Shaw /Sumter 499-9501, 236-1953

Commercial Rentals

Driver Trainees Needed Now! Learn to drive for US Xpress! Earn $800+ per week! No experience needed!

CDL -Trained and Job-Ready in 15 days! 1-888-263-7364

2007 Triton TR-21X HP Bassmaster Classic Edit. with 250 Mercury XS Call for details 803 968-2459

Singlewide, 2 br, 1 ba, rents $350 mo + $350 dep. Call Live Oak Realty 803-469-8147

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Medical Receptionist needed Part-time. Ideal candidate must have medical office experience, excellent computer and telephone skills.

Fax resume to 803-433-5637 or deliver in person to Lakeside Orthopaedic Center 50 E. Hospital St. Suite 6, Manning, SC 29102.

Boats / Motors

2005 Ford Windstar Van, Loaded. Low mileage with complete check-up. Spent $1,500 to get in great shape. Have all paperwork.

Asking $4,995. Call 803-494-4220

INVESTORS DREAM DEAL 50 houses to pick from. You pick, I sell, 1-50. The more you buy, the cheaper they get. Special pricing for Good looking people.

803-773-4391, 803-464-5960

Manufactured Housing 3BR D.W. $3,500, Needs Work.

803-983-8084

’S TREE SERVICE PO BOYFREE ESTIMATES TREE CARE t 53*..*/( t 53&& 3&.07"t 456.1 3&.07"Po Boy’s Rex Prescott Tommy Thompson

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FIREWOOD DELIVERY

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