December 23, 2015 by The Sumter Item

IN SPORTS: Changes ahead for Bishopville’s McMillon

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Farmers look to legislature for assistance BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com The $300 million in Community Development Block Grants made available in the omnibus bill recently passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Obama is less than advocates for South Carolina farmers had hoped, but Marshall Thomas, a national affairs coordinator for the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, said there is other federal money in the legislation available to flood-damaged farms in the Palmetto State. Additional money will be available through Farm Services Agency loans, he said, and the omnibus bill added significantly to funding for the Emergency Conservation Program. “Last year the appropriation for the ECP was $9 to $11 million, and I think the funding is up to $91 million,” Thomas said. “The reason is there is a big backlog around the county, and we got together with Rep. (Tom) Rice and Sen. (Lindsey) Graham to get as much funding as we could in those programs to clear the

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PHOTOS BY RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Santa visits Monday at Sumter County Museum with Kydrea Hardy, 6. She said she wants a dog for Christmas.

Jolly Old Elf: We ‘should never stop caring for one another.’ BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com

anta Claus stopped by the Sumter County Museum on Monday to encourage everyone to be a helper this holiday season by doing good deeds. Claus, who was briefly in town this week, took time from his busy schedule for an exclusive interview with The Sumter Item. “Santa understands that times change and people change, but we should never stop caring for one another,” Claus said. “We should always be willing to help those who need help, and when they do that, then Santa will certainly make sure their name gets on his ‘good’ list. The thought we’d want to leave people with is: to care about others and try to do good things.” Before his arrival in Sumter the week of Christmas, Santa had a scouting mission during the summer, where he observed local residents and their actions. Adjusting to the summer climate can be quite an ordeal, especially for his nine reindeer, he said. “Rudolph tends to complain about the heat, but we usually re-

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ward him with a milkshake for his extra effort,” Claus said. The most popular requests from children are usually toys; but in recent years, technology items such as iPads have become more popular. In fact, Claus said a new section with technology had to be added in his production plant to keep up with all of the requests. “Santa’s aware that with time comes change and we’re trying to keep up with it all,” he said. “Sometimes children will ask for gifts for others, which always puts a smile on his face.” Claus said he doesn’t use modern technology, such as radar or GPS. “We know where you live and what you’re doing and aware of everything that’s going on,” he said. Even though he has a really busy schedule, Claus said he has time to visit every house throughout the world. “The spirit of Christmas lasts longer than just one night,” he said. “We don’t measure time like most people do. Our time can be measured in a blink of an eye, a nod of the head and a twinkle of the nose; we can be at many places at once.”

Police urge firearm safety after incident outside local store FROM STAFF REPORTS

The children he visits range in age from babies to those over 100, he said Claus said he has thousands of helpers throughout the world who help him make Christmas a jolly season. “The one thing we want our friends all over the world to know is we’re hoping they will continue to be nice and learn to love one

A trip to a sporting goods store to buy a new holster for a gun shouldn’t be dangerous, but at about 4:50 p.m. Friday, Sumter police responded to the parking lot of Simpson Hardware on Wesmark Boulevard in response to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A 48-year-old man had reportedly been inside the store to find a holster for a handgun, and as he was reloading the weapon, it accidentally discharged, resulting in a leg wound. The man was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center for treatment. In a news release, the Sumter Police Department said it would like to remind anyone who handles a firearm to adhere to the following safety tips: 1. Handle all firearms as if they were loaded. 2. Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. Never point a gun — whether loaded or unloaded — at yourself or any other person. 3. Fingers should be kept out of the gun’s trigger guard and off the trigger until the gun’s sights are aligned on the intended target. 4. Always be certain your target and the surrounding area are safe before firing. 5. Anyone handling a firearm should immediately open the action to determine whether the weapon is loaded while keeping it pointed in a safe direction and with their fingers outside the trigger guard.

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Rembert man arrested for attacking man Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 34-year-old Rembert man Tuesday for allegedly assaulting another man earlier this month, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. Trevor Bennett, of 694 Stuckey Town Road, was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued Dec. 21 stating he allegedly physically assaulted a 54-year-old man while in the 7400 block of Bennett Drive on Dec. 10. Bennett is charged with second degree assault and battery and has been transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.

Sumter man charged with assault, battery Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrested 49-year-old Mark Bennett on Tuesday pursuant to a warrant issued on Dec. 18. According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, Bennett, of 1555 Mason Road, allegedly put his hands down the front of a 42-year-old female victim’s pants without her consent while in the 1500 block of Mason Road on Dec. 2. Bennett is charged with second degree assault and battery and has been transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.

Déjà vu: Water hits home in the middle of repairs BY RICK CARPENTER Rick@theitem.com Eartha English panicked Tuesday morning when a short cloud burst caused water to flow towards her house and into her garage. She thought, as Yogi Berra once said, “It’s déjà vu all over again.” Heavy rains flooded her home at the corner of Oriole Circle and Alice Drive in Sumter on Oct. 4. She recalls flood waters coming into her garage at first and slowly rising as high as 4 feet in her house. English had flood insurance for her house but not her belongings. She has since added the contents of her home to the insurance. After that epic flood, English visited with the project manager about her concern that her driveway had been relatively level from the garage area to the Oriole Circle. With the widening of Alice Drive and the addition of drainage systems, the transition from Alice Drive to Oriole Circle required an elevation from one portion of her driveway to Oriole Circle. Unfortunately for English, that elevation now channels water toward her house and her garage in particular.

And, because there is an abrupt dropoff from Alice Drive to the side of her yard, water also builds on the east side of her home leaving her yard on Tuesday with about 3 inches of water. “I’ve never had any (water) damage before this year,” English said. South Carolina Department of Transportation Resident Construction Engineer Jeffrey Wilkes said he knew of English’s concern and thought the previous project manager had taken care of it. That project manager has since left the department, Wilkes said. He said he planned to contact English Tuesday and would review elevation markings to determine how he can resolve the problem. “The ground is so saturated right now, I want to make sure none of our right of way is causing problems,” he said. English said she recalls talking to someone about installing some type of drainage that would help channel the water in a different direction than toward her house. Ironically, while the Tuesday rainfall had caused her alarm, a crew of workers were in her house repairing drywall and painting the interior from damage

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

The driveway at Oriole Circle and Alice Drive now channels water toward Eartha English’s garage. Debris from the early October flood still sits by the curb of her home. sustained in the October flood. The National Weather Service has issued an advisory for Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties that states heavy rains could fall through Christmas Day causing flooding of small streams and urban locations.

Firefighters give to kids at Crosswell

Black River presents $5K to United Ministries

Master Firefighter Henry Favor, second from left, gives a toy truck to a boy at John K. Crosswell Home for Children on Monday. Sumter firefighters and students and faculty from Alice Drive Middle School bought more than 150 toys to donate to the home. Other firefighters in the photo include, from left, firefighter Joe Wilson, Division Chief Johnnie Rose and Lt. Wayne Holmes. This is the seventh year Sumter County Fire and Rescue has collected toys for the home.

Black River Electric Cooperative recently presented checks totaling $5,000 to the Sumter United Ministries for flood victims. Employees of Black River raised more than $1,200 to help with flood relief, and the Black River board voted for the cooperative to match that donation to further assist with needs associated with the recent flooding. Black River also applied for a matching grant and received an additional $2,500 for United Ministries from its national banking partner CoBank.

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

13 nonprofits receive One SC Relief Fund grants FROM STAFF REPORTS The One SC Flood Relief Fund, a fund created to provide flood relief for nonprofits, has announced $500,000 in grants to South Carolina nonprofits to support their flood recovery projects in hard-hit areas. Among the 13 organizations receiving grants are Sumter United Ministries and South Carolina United Methodist Church in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Sumter counties. According to a One SC news release, projects provided by the nonprofits range from mold remediation to complete home rebuilding. The participating nonprofits will be providing volunteer labor and

an additional $2.5 million in financial support for the projects. “We’ve asked the people of South Carolina to step up, and what we’ve seen so far is the best in our state — but there’s more work to be done,” Gov. Nikki Haley said. “If you were blessed and did not have damage to your home, if you were blessed and able to get back into a safe place, pay it forward. Give whatever you can to support the One SC Flood Relief Fund.” One of the grantees helping the state recover is the Mennonite Disaster Service team. Members of the team arrived in South Carolina on Oct. 12, one week after the flooding. The team is reportedly establishing permanent work

camps to host about 900 volunteers from across the U.S. and Canada who will build an estimated 70 homes during the next year, with their first project in Andrews. “MDS tries to find and meet the people who do not have resources to do the repairs themselves,” said Larry Stoner, a disaster relief coordinator for the Mennonite service. “Through All Hands Volunteers, another volunteer disaster recovery group on the ground in South Carolina, we were introduced to Andrews, a community that desperately needed help from clean-up to rebuild. We were also introduced to Trinity United Methodist Church, a church that is providing temporary housing to

our volunteers.” The grant recipients were selected by a committee made up of representatives from four Community Foundations representing the 24 Federal Emergency Management Administration designated emergency counties, business and civic leaders. “The One SC Flood Relief Fund was established after October’s devastating floods to help bridge the funding gap in order to rebuild our state,” said JoAnn Turnquist, president and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “The nonprofit organizations receiving grants will help more than 350 households resume their lives. We are grateful for their help.”

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Why cats don’t like Christmas BY NICK THOMAS Tinseltown Talks

he holiday season should be a joyous time for all mem-

bers of the household, even the four-legged ones. Unfortunately, some cats only reluctantly seem to embrace the Christmas spirit. So if you have a puss that starts pouting during the holidays, don’t blame him or her entirely — pet owners might bear some of the responsibility. Consider our cat, for instance. Each Christmas, he usually finds himself decorated with a brightly colored, cheerful holiday hat, vest and matching multicolored collar studded with numerous festive brass bells, by a family member who has threatened to do the same with me if I identify her. Personally, however, I find decorating a cat rather pointless. After all, they can’t see color as distinctly as we do so fail to appreciate the sartorial splendor of such glamorous body ornamentation. Then there’s those infuriating collar bells that drive both me and the cat nuts. No self-respecting feline can be expected to maintain its dignity, let alone a good disposition, with a constant tingling tormenting it night and day. The perpetual, shrill jingling will disrupt essential activities, such as maintaining personal hygiene and the satisfaction derived from a session of vigorous scratching. And as far as stalking is concerned, mice can hear even the most stealthy cat tinkling from three blocks away, so hunting must be suspended until the New Year. It’s enough to unhinge the most congenial feline temperament. With the appearance of the Christmas tree, we usually hope that kitty will begin to enjoy the spirit of the season. But in reality, the tree holds few fond memories for the cat ever since he chewed through the light cord as an adventurous young kitten. Sure, that was the year he broke the neighborhood tree-climbing record — reaching the top in a mere 3 milliseconds — but at what cost? He forever remains cynical of nature’s greatest seasonal scratching post. Christmas Eve brings more torment in the form of a delicious glass of creamy milk that mysteriously appears out of reach, high on a shelf above

the lounge room fireplace. But just as the cat devises a plan to scale the furniture and reach the tasty white nectar for a midnight snack, some paunchy, bearded intruder breaks into the house — materializing in the hearth, of all places — and drinks it. And just when kitty thought someone with whiskers named Santa Claws might be a pal. Needless to say, the cat is unimpressed, and by Christmas Day, its nerves are shot to hell. If you think your sweet little kids can turn nasty when they don’t receive that much soughtafter present on their wish list,

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meowing like some frantic feline in agony: “Meow, my spleen, meow, my spleen — I’m dying here, take me to the Doc. NOW!” Naturally we fell for it the first year. Well, after spending 3 hours looking for a vet open on Christmas Day, the doc smirked and said, “Fell for that

wait until you experience a crabby kitty Christmas. I should also offer an additional warning to fellow cat owners. Don’t fall for that old Christmas stunt our cat pulls every year. You know, a desperate attempt for revenge by rolling over kind of sickly looking, just as we’re all sitting down to dinner, clutching his side and

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Support for abortion at highest level in 2 years BY LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer

AP FILE PHOTO

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is seen in Los Angeles in January 2008. Sudden cardiac arrest may not always be so sudden; new research shows a lot of people ignore potentially life-saving warning signs in the days and weeks before they collapse.

Some cardiac arrest victims ignore warning symptoms WASHINGTON (AP) — Sudden cardiac arrest may not always be so sudden: New research suggests a lot of people may ignore potentially life-saving warning signs hours, days, even a few weeks before they collapse. Cardiac arrest claims about 350,000 U.S. lives a year. It’s not a heart attack, but worse: The heart abruptly stops beating, its electrical activity knocked out of rhythm. CPR can buy critical time, but so few patients survive that it’s been hard to tell if the longtime medical belief is correct that it’s a strike with little or no advance warning. An unusual study that has closely tracked sudden cardiac arrest in Portland, Oregon, for more than a decade got around that roadblock, using interviews with witnesses, family and friends after patients collapse and tracking down their medical records. About half of middle-aged patients for whom symptom information could be found had experienced warning signs, mostly chest pain or shortness of breath, in the month before suffering a cardiac arrest, researchers reported Monday. The research offers the possibility of one day preventing some cardiac arrests if doctors could figure out how to find and treat the people most at risk. “By the time the 911 call is made, it’s much too late for at least 90 percent of people,” said Dr. Sumeet Chugh of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles, who led the study reported in Annals of Internal Medicine. “There’s this window of opportunity that we really didn’t know existed.”

Importantly, a fraction of patients considered their symptoms bad enough to call 911 before they collapsed, and they were most likely to survive. That’s a reminder to the public not to ignore possible signs of heart trouble in hopes they’re just indigestion, said University of Pittsburgh emergency medicine specialist Dr. Clifton Callaway, who wasn’t involved in Monday’s study but praised it. “Chest pain, shortness of breath — those are things you should come in the middle of the night to the emergency department and get checked out,” said Callaway, who chairs the American Heart Association’s emergency care committee. “We strongly recommend you don’t try to ride it out at home.” Previous heart attacks, coronary heart disease and certain inherited disorders that affect heartbeat all can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. People known to be at high risk may receive an implanted defibrillator to shock the heart back into rhythm. But cardiac arrest is such a public health problem that the Institute of Medicine last summer urged a national campaign to teach CPR, so more bystanders know how to help. Monday’s data from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study examined records for nearly 1,100 people ages 35 to 65 who suffered a cardiac arrest between 2002 and 2012. For about a quarter of patients, researchers could find no information about whether they experienced symptoms — making it impossible to say just how common warning signs really are.

WASHINGTON — Support for legal abortion in the U.S. has edged up to its highest level in the past two years, with an Associated Press-GfK poll showing an apparent increase in support among Democrats and Republicans alike over the last year. Nearly six in 10 Americans — 58 percent — now think abortion should be legal in most or all cases, up from 51 percent who said so at the beginning of the year, according to the AP-GfK survey. It was conducted after three people were killed last month in a shooting at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado. However, just more than a third of Americans want laws on abortion to be stricter than they are now, the poll shows, while a quarter think they should be less strict. While support for legal abortion edged up to 40 percent among Republicans in this month’s poll, from 35 percent in January, the survey found that the GOP remains deeply divided on the issue: Seven in 10 conservative Republicans said they want abortion to be illegal in most or all cases; six in 10 moderate and liberal Republicans said the opposite. Count 55-year-old Victor Remdt, of Gurnee, Illinois, among the conservatives who think abortion should be illegal in most cases. He’s adopted and says he “wouldn’t be here talking” if his birth mother had opted for abortion rather than adoption. Remdt, who’s looking for work as a commercial driver, said he’d like to see abortion laws become more restrictive but adds

that he’s not a one-issue voter on the matter. John Burk, a conservative Republican from Houston, Texas, is among those whose position on abortion is somewhere in the middle. He reasons that banning the procedure would only lead to “back-alley abortions.” But he’s open to restrictions such as parental notification requirements and a ban on late-term abortions. Burk, a 59-year-old computer programmer, said he tracks his beliefs on the issue to his libertarian leanings and the fact that he’s not religious. He doesn’t see the nation coming to a resolution on the divisive issue any time soon, saying hardliners on both sides of the question are entrenched and “they’re never going to change.” Among Democrats, 76 percent of poll respondents now think abortion should be legal all or most of the time, up slightly from 69 percent in January. Independents are more evenly split, with 54 percent saying abortion should be legal all or most of the time, edging up from 43 percent in January. For Larry Wiggins, who describes himself as a liberal Democrat from Henderson, North Carolina, legal access to abortion should be — but isn’t — a settled matter. “A woman has the right to decide what she wants to do with her body,” he said flatly. “I don’t think the government has the right to interfere.” Nefertiti Durant, a 45-year-old independent voter from Columbia, Maryland, sees abortion as more complex matter, calling it “kind of a Catch-22.” She

thinks a woman should have the right to Visit choose abortion http://ap-gfkpoll.com but she’s “not so keen on the fact that just anybody can go and have an abortion.” She worries that young people may not understand the effects of the procedure, and the “deep issues” that go along with it. Still, she said, abortion is legal and “let’s just leave it at that. ... I don’t think it’s a matter of discussion.” It undoubtedly will be up for discussion, though, in a presidential election year. All of the Republican presidential candidates say they favor restricting abortion rights. The Democratic candidates support broad abortion rights. Interest in the issue picked up this year after anti-abortion activists began releasing undercover videos they said showed Planned Parenthood personnel negotiating the sale of fetal organs. Planned Parenthood said any payments were legally permitted reimbursements for the costs of donating organs to researchers, and it has since stopped accepting even that money. Republicans have sought to cut off federal funding for Planned Parenthood, and several GOP-governed states have tried to block Medicaid funding to the organization. Overall, the poll found, 45 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of Planned Parenthood, and 30 percent have an unfavorable opinion. A quarter said they don’t know enough about the organization to say.

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Community input is a cri cal element of the environmental cleanup process. Your input will provide Shaw AFB leaders with informa on on how best to keep the community ac vely involved and well informed about the status of site cleanup. You may provide your feedback through a survey seeking your opinions on the cleanup program and communica on preferences. There are three ways to take the survey: in person, by phone or online. In-person and phone interviews take about 30 minutes. The online survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is available at: h ps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2015_Shaw_CIP_survey To schedule an in-person or phone interview, please call Toll Free 1-844-866-2015 between January 2 and January 15, 2016. Please note the phone number has been updated from the ﬁrst public no ce.

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AP photographer walks refugee road Journalist forges bond with family during journey BY MUHAMMED MUHEISEN The Associated Press I never imagined that I would grow so close, and so quickly, to perfect strangers. But the Qasu family will live in my hearts for the rest of my days. My professional goal since November has been to befriend a newly arrived refugee family in Lesbos and accompany them the rest of the way to their European sanctuary. I failed twice: one journey cut short by a mother’s sudden choice for privacy; the second sabotaged by the pitch-dark chaos of a crowded Macedonian border crossing at three in the morning. Third time proved the charm. At dawn on Dec. 3, I set out along the dirt track on Lesbos’ northern coast facing Turkey and spotted an approaching boat. Wading into the water to capture images of rescue workers pulling people from the craft, I turned back toward shore, and my heart stopped. There stood a husband and wife, clasping their children and weeping. I imagined, for a moment, my own mother and father. I photographed them from a distance, approached and asked the father in Arabic: Are you OK? Where are you from? “I am a Yazidi from Iraq, and we are alive but terrified,” said the man I soon came to know as Samir. He and wife Bessi didn’t hesitate a second in welcoming me alongside to document their effort to reach Germany. I asked if they had a working cell phone, and he provided me a Turkish number. Immediately my apprehensions swelled that this phone would stop working inside Europe, and I would lose another family midway. I often had to move at least one step ahead of the Qasus, because officials at most border crossings and boarding points for refugee transportation links bar journalists from tagging along. I’d wait for hours on the far side of the next best-guess destination. Samir made clear he didn’t want to lose me. Just before they boarded their ferry to the Greek mainland, I asked him: Do you trust me? “I already consider you one of us,” he said. “The fact that I see you around us every step of the way tells me you care.” When, some 36 hours later, I spotted the Qasus sitting around a fire warming themselves from the morning cold on the Greek side of the Macedonian border, I was heartened to see how pleased they were to see me, too. Throughout the Balkans, I had to shadow their train-

MUHAMMED MUHEISEN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Samir Qasu and his family approach Macedonian army officers, as they cross a fence at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the northern Greek village of Idomeni. Within two days of arriving on Lesbos, the Qasus had traveled by midnight ferry from Lesbos to Athens and then by bus to Greece’s northern border with Macedonia.. and-bus journey remotely by car and pray that the Turkish mobile would keep working. They caught sporadic sleep on each link, while I just kept driving. Reconnecting at each transit point proved a Kafkaesque nightmare at times: The Qasus literally did not know where they were, sometimes not even what country they were in. Each stop was a bewildering experience for them, each reunion a minor miracle for me. Reflecting on it now makes me smile because I still have no clue how

we made it. But in the process, as I used my own experience of each country and crossing to explain to them what might lie ahead, I became a valued part of their journey. As we walked together on a bridge connecting Salzburg, Austria, to the German border town of Freilassing, Samir approached and whispered in my ear: “Please don’t abandon us.” I won’t. After gathering my own emotions, I explained to Samir that I will never forget

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645 Bultman Drive • Sumter, SC • (803) 774-3550

them; they are not just a story I am covering. They are part of my life, and I am proud to share their experience with the world. Muheisen, the AP’s chief pho-

John Tingle

tographer for the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, is a Jordanian national based in Amman. Since joining the AP in 2001, he has won two Pulitzer Prizes for his work covering wars in Iraq and Syria.

Roy Johnson

Thank you for a great 2015!

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LOCAL | STATE

THE SUMTER ITEM

Lucas: More changes needed to shore up public pensions BY SEANNA ADCOX The Associated Press COLUMBIA — Legislators need to make immediate changes to shore up South Carolina’s pension system for public workers, House Speaker Jay Lucas said Monday following a report that concluded the last overhaul in 2012 didn’t go far enough. “Thousands of South Carolinians have voluntarily contributed to this program, and their hard-earned dollars should always be managed in a way that produces the highest return possible,” said Lucas, who was among House members requesting the audit from

the Legislative Audit Council. The agency’s report says the system remains severely underfunded and vulnerable to severe economic downturns, with a $19 billion debt on promised benefits as of July 2014. That unfunded liability represents the difference in portfolio assets and what the state owes everyone currently in the system, including those still decades from retiring. Any year-to-year increase in that debt should be paid off in 20 years instead of 30, reducing the state’s exposure to a potential crash and putting less debt on future generations, the report recommends. That could

FARMERS FROM PAGE A1 backlog so South Carolina can move up the list.” The ECP is a conservation program and uses are limited, Thomas said, but the program should still help farmers with such things as debris cleanup, fencing or infrastructure. “If there is a huge ditch where the water came through, you can repair that,” he said. He said the Farm Bureau is working with the State Department of Agriculture to find and present a model to the South Carolina administration that other states have used to get the money to farmers. “I think there will be some money available, it is just up to the state to get up and go after it,” he said. With the omnibus bill now in the books, farm advocates will turn their efforts to the S.C. General Assembly, where there seems to be a growing consensus to create some sort of aid package for farmers. Sen. Thomas McElveen, DSumter, who is a member of the Special Senate Committee Regarding Flood Relief Efforts in South Carolina, said

he is not aware of any particular legislation pre-filed in the S.C. Senate, but said he expects a lot of discussion about how projected surplus money should be spent. “Farmers are hurting, and they need assistance,” he said. “This is not a partisan issue at all; we have the people in our districts we represent, and it is doing our job.” Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, said farmers are in crisis and don’t have the resources to plant crops. “There is some consensus in the House that we are going to have some sort of farm aid bill,” Smith said. “The House has been working with Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers to try to create some aid package to help them stay in business.” Smith said a lot of industries have been affected, but farmers seem to have been hit the worst. “They are in crisis,” he said. “They are our life line and our No. 1 industry, and that is on the mind of many legislators.” S.C. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brian White, R-Anderson, also said

SAFETY FROM PAGE A1 6. Thoroughly read the instruction manual supplied with the firearm. 7. Before firing your weapon, routinely make sure the firearm is in good working order and that the barrel is free of dirt and obstructions. 8. Use only ammunition recommended by the firearm manufacturer and always be certain that the ammunition matches the caliber and fits the chamber of the gun. 9. Quality ear and eye protection should always be

worn when shooting firearms or observing their use. 10. Never use a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 11. Store all firearms unloaded and secured in a safe storage case or locker inaccessible to children and untrained adults. 12. The transportation of firearms is regulated by federal, state and local laws. Always transport your firearm in a safe, unloaded condition and in accordance with applicable laws.

require significantly increasing how much employees contribute toward their retirement or cutting benefits. Audit manager Andrew Young said it’s not yet clear how much contributions would have to increase. Any cuts would be a legislative decision. The report lays out the possibility of transitioning from pensions to a “defined contribution” system, such as 401K retirement accounts that employees would manage themselves. But it stops short of recommending such a change, which employee advocacy groups have previously opposed.

some of the most devastating impacts from the flood have been to the South Carolina’s agriculture industry. “While the agricultural crop loss crisis is not the only need arising out of October’s flooding, it is one of the most important and time-sensitive, which is why I plan to push for a Palmetto Farm Aid bill as soon as we begin the new legislative session,” White said. White said crop insurance is not true insurance, and many crops are not insurable. “While it will cover some of the losses, it is an insufficient mechanism for insuring against catastrophic loss arising from a natural disaster,” he said.

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Kydrea Hardy, 6, reacts to Santa after she tells him she wants a dog for Christmas.

SANTA FROM PAGE A1 another and to be kind,” he said. “These are traits we want people to develop and, of course, if they develop these traits, then their children will develop them as well.” Claus is on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Claus said that he doesn’t pay his helpers, as they all volunteer to do good. “There’s a lot of pay-

ment that can be received when someone smiles at you or appreciates what you do,” he said. “It’s a type of payment that doesn’t have to be in money, gold or silver. It can be in something that makes your heart feel better. And that’s what Santa is there for, to encourage people to make others feel good and happy. It’s about giving from the heart.”

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

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

Immorality and contempt for liberty A merican immorality and contempt for liberty lie at the root of most of the political economic problems our nation faces. They explain the fiscal problems we face, such as growing national debt and budget deficits at the federal, state and local levels of government. Our immorality and contempt for liberty are reflected most in our widespread belief that government ought to forcibly use one American to serve the purposes of another American. Let’s examine it. Suppose there is an elderly widow in your neighborhood. She does not have the strength to mow her lawn, clean her windows and perform other household tasks. Plus she does not have the financial means to hire someone to perform them. Here is my question: Would you support a government mandate that forces one of your neighbors to mow the widow’s lawn, clean her windows and perform other household tasks? Moreover, if the person so ordered failed to obey the government mandate, would you approve of some sort of sanction, such as a fine, property confiscation or imprisonment? I believe and hope that most of my fellow

COMMENTARY

Americans would find such a mandate repulsive. They would rightfully condemn it as a form of slavery, which can also be described as the forcible use of one person to serve the purposes of another. Would there be the same condemnation if, instead of forcing one of your neighbors Walter to actually perform Williams the household tasks, your neighbor were forced to fork over $50 of his weekly earnings to the widow? That way, she could hire someone to perform the tasks that she is unable to do. Would that mandate differ from one under which your neighbor is forced to actually perform the household tasks? I’d answer no. Just the mechanism differs for forcibly using one person to serve the purposes of another. Most Americans would want to help this widow, but they would find anything that openly smacks of servitude

or slavery deeply offensive. They would have a clearer conscience if government would use its taxing authority, say an income tax or property tax. A government agency could then send the widow a $50 check to hire someone to mow her lawn and perform other household tasks. T his collective mechanism would make the servitude invisible, but it wouldn’t change the fact that people are being forcibly used to serve the purposes of others. Putting the money into a government pot simply conceals an act that would otherwise be deemed morally repulsive. Some might misleadingly argue that we are a democracy, in which the majority rules. But a majority consensus does not make acts that would otherwise be deemed immoral moral. In other words, if the neighbors got a majority vote to force one of their number, under pain of punishment, to perform household tasks for the elderly widow, it would still be immoral. People like to give immoral acts an aura of moral legitimacy by noblesounding expressions, such as “spreading the wealth,” “income redistribution,” “caring for the less fortunate” and “the will of the majority.”

If one American can use government to force another to serve his purpose, what is the basis for denying another American the right to do the same thing? For example, if farmers are able to use Congress to give them cash for crop subsidies, why should toymakers be denied the right for Congress to give them cash subsidies when their sales slump? Congress has completely succumbed to the pressure to use one American to serve the purposes of another. As a result, spending grows. Today’s federal budget is about $3.8 trillion. At least two-thirds of it can be described as Congress taking the earnings of one American to give to another. I personally believe in helping one’s fellow man in need. Doing so by reaching into one’s own pockets is laudable and praiseworthy. Doing so by reaching into another’s pockets is evil and worthy of condemnation. Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2015, creators.com

COMMENTARY

God is in every refugee

amilies around the globe are fleeing their homeland, just like the Holy Family fled Bethlehem to escape King Herod’s bloody regime. This unprecedented migration has special poignancy as Christmas approaches, a joyous time when families reunite, something not possible for many displaced from their naMost Rev. tive land. Robert In our curGuglielmone rent state of BISHOP OF fear, we unCHARLESTON derplay the fact that the expectant Mary with her husband, Joseph, were turned away from the Inn. We overlook the slaughter of the Holy Innocents — and that the infant Jesus was spared their fate only through the hurried flight into Egypt where the Holy Family lived for years as what today we would call “political refugees.” This is the reality that many families face this Christmas — extreme and profound suffering many here in our country have never experienced. More than 60 million refugees and internally displaced persons are living in our world. No home and no inn to accept them. We cannot give into the fear and retreat into an isolationist mindset. Without reservation, the enormity of what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, and in Paris last month should raise our awareness of security concerns. However, these concerns should not be used as a smoke screen to justify heartless and senseless polices that would

close our doors to victims of terrorism as the Bethlehem innkeepers closed their doors to the Holy Family that first Christmas. We are a land of immigrants, a land of open and unbridled horizons for those willing to partake. The United States of America is better than these merciless policies. This is defining time for our country. Will we save these innocent families fleeing from the violence and beheadings, or will we close the door and leave them easy prey for terrorists set on ending their lives for no particular reason? One hundred and twentynine years ago the people of France gifted the United States of America the Statue of Liberty. It was a gift meant to signify what was best about the United States and Americans as a people; our courage in defending freedom and welcoming the stateless from war-torn countries. Let us not let the massacre in Paris eliminate our history of being the protector of the innocents. As the Holy Father said to the United States Congress in September: “We should respond in a way that is always human, just and fraternal. We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome. Let us remember the golden rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’” We should see the refugees as individual people with inherent dignity, worthy of great respect, rather than problems worthy of contempt. By accepting these women, men and children, our nation can continue to be a haven for those — who like Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus — still flee from the modern day Herods.

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES EDITORIALS represent the views of the owners of this newspaper. COLUMNS AND COMMENTARY are the personal opinion of the writer whose byline appears. Columns from readers should be typed, doublespaced and no more than 850 words. Send them to The Sumter Item, Opinion Pages, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, or email to hubert@ theitem.com or graham@theitem. com. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are written by readers of the newspaper.

They should be no more than 350 words and sent via e-mail to letters@ theitem.com, dropped off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St. or mailed to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151, along with the full name of the writer, plus an address and telephone number for verification purposes only. Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety at www. theitem.com/opinion/letters_to_ editor.

The Democrats’ theme for 2016 is totalitarianism

t the beginning of December, Rolling Stone writer Jeff Goodell asked Secretary of State John Kerry whether Charles and David Koch, two libertarian political activists, should be considered — his remarkable words — “an enemy of the state.” He posed the same question about Exxon, and John Kerry, who could have been president of these United States, said that he looked forward to the seizure of Exxon’s assets for the crime of “proselytizing” impermissibly about the question of global warming. An enemy of the state? That’s the Democrats’ theme for the New Year: totalitarianism. Donald Trump may talk like a brownshirt, but the Democrats mean business. For those of you keeping track, the Democrats and their allies on the left have now: voted in the Senate to repeal the First Amendment, proposed imprisoning people for holding the wrong views on global warming, sought to prohibit the showing of a film critical of Hillary Rodham Clinton, proposed banning politically unpopular academic research, demanded that funding politically unpopular organizations and causes be made a crime and that the RICO organizedcrime statute be used as a weapon against targeted political groups. They have filed felony charges against a Republican governor for vetoing a piece of legislation, engaged in naked political persecutions of members of Congress, and used the IRS and the ATF as weapons against political critics.

COMMENTARY On the college campuses, they shout down unpopular ideas or simply forbid nonconforming views from being heard there in the first place. They have declared academic freedom an “outdated Kevin D. concept” Williamson and have gone the full Orwell, declaring that freedom is oppressive and that they should not be expected to tolerate ideas that they do not share. They are demanding mandatory ideological indoctrination sessions for nonconforming students. They have violently assaulted students studying in libraries and assaulted student journalists documenting their activities. They have staged dozens of phony hate crimes and sexual assaults as a pretext for persecuting unpopular organizations and people. What they cannot achieve by legislation or litigation, they seek to achieve by simple violence, left-wing activists having smashed, looted, and burned portions of Ferguson, Mo., and Baltimore, where Koreans and other Asian minorities were specifically targeted. As on college campuses, they have made a point of assaulting journalists documenting their violence. They have rioted in Philadelphia and in other cities. They are not backing away from that. Hillary Rodham Clinton may do her vice-

principal shtick, but Bernie Sanders is calling for “revolution,” and by “revolution” he means crushing the economic and political rights of opponents in order to prevent them from having a say in political debate. Sounding oddly like Henry Ford, he seethes as he talks about scheming foreigners and international bankers working nefariously behind the scenes to undermine American interests, while his admirers brandish such traditional symbols of totalitarianism as the hammer-andsickle flag. They have sought to use the FCC to revoke the broadcast licenses of Rupert Murdoch and other political hate totems, and have long dreamt of using federal regulation to shut down conservative talk radio. They have gone to the Supreme Court to argue that they should be empowered to ban books, films, magazines, and newspapers when they desire to do so for political reasons. They are energetic suppressors of free speech. It is possible to have a robust, energetic political discourse within the parameters of American liberalism, which cherishes freedom of speech and of inquiry, which distinguishes between public and private spheres, which relies upon the rule of law and the Bill of Rights while placing limits on the reach of the state. But if you reject that, as our so-called liberals have, then you cannot have genuine political discourse, or genuine democracy. Kevin D. Williamson is roving correspondent at National Review.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE BANKS — The following will close at 1 p.m. on Thursday Christmas Holiday Schedule: Dec. 23,Credit and will remain closed Friday: SAFE Federal Union; 2015 All South Federal Credit Union; and South State Bank. The following will close at 2 p.m. on Thursday and will remain closed Friday: Bank of Clarendon; BB&T; First Citizens; The Citizens Bank; and Wells Fargo. NBSC will close at noon on Thursday and will remain closed Friday. GOVERNMENT — The following will be closed through Friday: City of Sumter offices and Sumter County offices. The following will be closed Thursday through Monday, Dec. 28: Clarendon County offices; Lee County offices; City of Manning offices; City of Bishopville offices; and South Carolina state government offices. Federal government offices and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed Friday. SCHOOLS — The following will be closed through Jan. 3, 2016: Sumter School District; Clarendon School Districts 1, 2 and 3; Lee County Public Schools; Robert E. Lee Academy; Thomas Sumter Academy; Wilson Hall; St. Anne Catholic School; St. Francis Xavier High School; and Laurence Manning Academy. Clarendon Hall will be closed through Jan. 4, 2016. Sumter Christian School will be closed through Jan. 3, 2016. A faculty in-service day will be observed on Jan. 4, 2016, and students will return on Jan. 5, 2016. Central Carolina Technical College will be closed Wednesday through Jan. 3, 2016. USC Sumter will be closed through Jan. 1, 2016. UTILITIES — Black River Electric Coop. will be closed Thursday and Friday. Farmers Telephone Coop. will be closed Friday. OTHER — Clemson Extension Service will be closed through Friday. The Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce will be closed Thursday and Friday. The Sumter County Library will be closed through Sunday. The Harvin Clarendon County Library will be closed Thursday through Monday, Dec. 28. City of Sumter will not collect household garbage or recyclables on Christmas Day. Instead, if you have a Friday collection day, your garbage and recyclables will be collected on Saturday, Dec. 26. Residents are asked to have their roll carts and recycling bins at the curb by 7 a.m. for collection. City of Sumter will collect household garbage and recyclables on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2016. All offices of The Sumter Item will be closed Thursday and Friday. The Sumter Item will not publish on Christmas Day.

AROUND TOWN

DAILY PLANNER

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Some rain and a thunderstorm

A shower and t-storm around

Clouds and breaks of sun

Intervals of clouds and sun

Low clouds

Mostly cloudy

75°

66°

80° / 65°

79° / 64°

79° / 61°

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 15%

S 8-16 mph

S 7-14 mph

SSW 4-8 mph

SW 6-12 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 67/65 Spartanburg 66/64

Greenville 68/65

Columbia 75/67

Sumter 75/66

IN THE MOUNTAINS Aiken 71/66

ON THE COAST

Charleston 77/67

Today: Occasional rain and a thunderstorm. High 71 to 75. Thursday: Humid with a passing shower in the morning. High 72 to 78.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 71/67/r 61/37/r 75/53/s 61/50/c 79/56/c 66/46/pc 80/68/r 64/63/r 85/69/pc 67/65/r 65/50/pc 56/45/c 68/64/r

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

67° 55° 55° 33° 80° in 2013 13° in 1985

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 356.13 74.87 73.67 95.87

24-hr chg none -0.05 -0.20 -0.62

Sunrise 7:24 a.m. Moonrise 4:06 p.m.

RIVER STAGES

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

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

1.02" 1.84" 2.28" 59.20" 35.51" 45.88"

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 76/66/c 45/31/pc 70/50/s 54/37/pc 78/68/c 62/46/c 79/68/t 73/59/c 85/68/pc 77/59/t 66/48/sh 52/43/r 77/61/t

Myrtle Beach 75/67

Manning 74/67

Today: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm. Winds south 6-12 mph. Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms. Winds south-southwest 6-12 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 76/67

Bishopville 73/66

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

NATIONAL CITIES

speech and developmental The Ebenezer Alumni Associascreenings as part of a child tion’s Annual Scholarship Banfind effort to identify stuquet will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26, at Ebenezer dents with special needs. Screenings will be held from 9 Middle School, 3440 Alumni EbenezerScholarship Ebenezer Bana.m. to noon at the SummerRoad. Call (803) 494-2900. quet to be held ton Early Childhood Center, 8 The Sumter Stroke Support South St., Summerton, on the Group will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at the following Thursdays: Jan. 14, 2016; Feb. 11, 2016; March 10, Alice Drive Baptist Church li2016; April 14, 2016; and May brary on the corner of Loring 12, 2016. Call Sadie Williams Mill and Wise Drive. at (803) 485-2325, extension Clarendon School District One 116. will conduct free vision, hearing,

THE SUMTER ITEM

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest. 12 8.91 19 6.65 14 6.96 14 7.48 80 80.31 24 15.93

Sunset Moonset

5:18 p.m. 5:14 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Dec. 25

Jan. 2

Jan. 9

Jan. 16

TIDES

24-hr chg +0.19 +1.55 +0.01 -0.04 +0.30 -1.47

AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 6:56 a.m. 7:20 p.m. 7:50 a.m. 8:13 p.m.

Today Thu.

Ht. 3.5 3.0 3.6 3.0

Low 1:12 a.m. 1:59 p.m. 2:05 a.m. 2:51 p.m.

Ht. -0.7 -0.4 -0.8 -0.4

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 66/61/r 70/65/r 74/65/r 74/65/c 74/66/r 77/67/r 71/65/r 68/65/r 75/67/r 72/66/r 75/66/r 73/69/r 74/69/r

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 70/57/t 77/64/t 81/62/pc 77/63/pc 75/67/c 79/64/pc 76/65/t 73/65/t 82/65/pc 78/66/c 78/67/c 78/67/c 81/67/c

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 76/67/r 83/67/c 68/65/r 75/70/r 75/67/r 71/65/r 68/65/r 69/62/r 74/68/t 82/67/c 72/68/r 72/64/r 71/66/r

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 80/66/c 84/65/pc 74/65/t 81/68/c 78/67/pc 76/64/c 74/64/t 72/61/t 74/66/pc 82/64/pc 76/68/pc 80/62/pc 75/64/t

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 63/60/r 74/67/r 75/67/r 74/67/r 72/66/c 74/67/r 69/66/r 72/67/r 76/67/c 66/64/r 75/67/r 77/68/r 70/65/r

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 68/58/t 76/66/pc 78/66/c 79/67/pc 75/65/pc 78/66/c 75/65/t 77/66/pc 79/64/pc 72/63/t 78/67/pc 79/66/c 75/64/c

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

For Comfort You Can Count On, Better Make It Boykin! 803-775-WARM (9276)

PUBLIC AGENDA GREATER SUMTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Today, noon, chamber office

SUMTER CITY-COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Today, 3 p.m., fourth floor, Sumter Opera House, Council Chambers

www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Impulsive EUGENIA LAST action and responses due to additional anxiety will make it difficult for you to decipher what others are thinking. Don’t let situations escalate because of false assumptions. Diplomacy and practicality will help you avoid conflict.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Relax and enjoy the merriment of the season. Engage in laughter with friends and relatives, and make plans with someone you love. A thoughtful gift or gesture will add to popularity among your peers. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll be sensitive to what others say and do. Don’t show your feelings or someone is likely to use your vulnerability against you. Indulgence is not a good idea, especially if you are celebrating with your peers. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put aside time for play. Getting together with the youngsters in your family or making special plans with your lover will improve your relationships and ensure good tidings throughout the holiday season. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take this opportunity to rearrange your decor or to prepare for the upcoming holidays. Don’t reveal secrets to anyone or someone will criticize you. Consider the changes you want to make in the new year and lay down the groundwork. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t feel limited by the demands other people make. Do your best to keep moving forward. Your practical, determined nature and your precise and patient way of handling situations will result in personal success. Put time aside for romance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t let the craziness of the season or difficult people get to you. Focus on making personal changes that will help you head into the upcoming year in tip-top shape. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Communication will help keep things moving along smoothly. Discuss your plans and help others find solutions to dilemmas that crop up and you will form good alliances with those who can help you build a brighter future. Romance is on the rise. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t get down emotionally when you should get moving. Bring about the adjustments at home or to the way you live that will alleviate unnecessary stress. Keep your interaction with peers professional. Overindulgent behavior will work against you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Keep your eyes and ears open. There is valuable information being passed around at industry functions or family reunions. Gains can be made if you put your money in the right place. An unusual proposition looks promising. Romance is encouraged. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep busy taking care of personal business and checking into ways that you can set yourself up for financial gains in the new year. Don’t let someone’s secretive nature get you down. Focus on home, family and achieving greater personal security. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t expect favors to come through. Someone is likely to offer you false information. Don’t get angry, just plan to do things yourself to avoid disappointment. If you don’t count on others, everything will run smoothly. Romance is highlighted.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS FRIDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

1-3-13-24-26 PowerUp: 4

6-23-24-28-62 Megaball: 7; Megaplier: 5

28-30-41-59-68 Powerball: 10; Powerplay: 2

PICK 3 TUESDAY 8-5-2 and 0-5-8

PICK 4 TUESDAY 1-6-1-7 and 3-3-6-0

LUCKY FOR LIFE MONDAY 7-32-36-41-48; Lucky Ball: 4

SUMTER ANIMAL CONTROL PET OF THE WEEK Snowflake, an 8-week-old mixed breed puppy, is available for adoption at Sumter Animal Control. Like most puppies, Snowflake is cuddly, sweet and everything nice. You can find Snowflake in the inside puppy room at Animal Control, 1240 Winkles Road, (803) 436-2066. Sumter Animal Control would like to thank the community for its continued support in helping the homeless animals. Visit Sumter Animal Control on Facebook.

SECTION

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

minor league BASEBALL

The next challenge

McMillon embracing role as roving outfield/baserunning coordinator in order to increase influence, experience in Red Sox organization By justin driggers justin@theitem.com

aging for the last six years, McMillon will be the roving outfield / baserunning coordinator for all Please see MCMILLON, Page B3 minor league teams for the Red Sox.

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Mitchell propels No. 2 USC past Elon 78-63 COLUMBIA — When No.2 South Carolina needed someone to make a big shot, the Gamecocks again turned to their Southeastern Conference player of the year. Tiffany Mitchell scored 18 points, including key 3-pointers as the Gamecocks trailed or nursed small leads, to lead South Carolina to a tougher than expected 78-63 win over Elon on Tuesday night. South Carolina (12-0) had trailed for just over five minutes in its past four games coming in, all of it against No. 13 Duke at the beginning of the month. But Elon (7-3) came out aggressive and led 20-13 early in the second quarter, matching South Carolina’s biggest deficit of the year. Mitchell buried her first 3 as the Gamecocks climbed back to the lead. Her second basket from behind the arc came early in the third quarter as Elon rallied back to tie it again at 41 and her final 3 late in the third quarter sparked a 12-2 run that put South Carolina ahead double-digits for the rest of the game. “Really good players have

Sumter’s Hankins signs with Stingers By DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com

Billy McMillon has worn the manager’s hat for the last six seasons in the Boston Red Sox organization. The Bishopville High School graduate had success -- winning the 2013 Carolina League championship with Single-A Advanced Salem and in 2014 he guided the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs to a franchise-record 88 wins. While his influence on the teams he’s guided is evident, 2016 will mark a new chapter in the 44-year-old’s career and an increase in his potential influence in Boston’s minor league system. McMillon will spend next season as the roving outfield/baserunning coordinator for the Red Sox -- a position McMillon says will help him in his ultimate goal to become a Major League manager. “It’s going to be a win-win for me,” McMillon said. “It’s going to be good for my career. As I continue to move up, having this under my belt is going hopefully make me a little more attractive for potential Major League jobs. It also allows me to be around my family more, so that’s a positive too. “But this is definitely a step up in my career and hopefully it leads to bigger and better things.” McMillon will be in charge of all of the outfield and baserunning instruction across all of the Red Sox’s farm system. Working with the Major League outfield instructor, he hopes to develop a plan that fits the needs and desires of the big club while also emphasizing key things McMillon believes are important. “It’s really just trying to get things to where it’s a seamless transition from one level PHOTO PROVIDED to the next,” he said. “It’s emphasizing the verbiage we use Bishopville High School graduate Billy McMillon is switching roles for Boston this season. After man-

By JEFFREY COLLINS Associated Press

PREP BASEBALL

na to its second-lowest rebound total of the season. “You hold them to 34 rebounds, that’s a pretty good job,” Elon coach Charlotte Smith said. “But there were times we just couldn’t stop second-chance opportunities.” South Carolina had 11 of its 15 offensive rebounds in the second half.

TIP INS Elon: The Phoenix fell to 0-9 against top 25 teams. ... Elon is 2-2 against South Carolina, but both wins came in 1975. ... Elon has made the semifinals of its conference tournament, but no further the past three seasons. South Carolina: The Gamecocks won their 40th game in The Associated Press a row at Colonial Life Arena, South Carolina guard Tiffany Mitchell, right, dribbles past Elon’s Es- the second-longest home sence Baucom during the first half of the No. 2 Gamecocks’ 78-63 winning streak in the counvictory on Tuesday in Columbia. try. ... South Carolina coach Dawn Staley and Elon coach Charlotte Smith played toa sense when they need to Burnett 15 points and seven gether for the Charlotte Sting make shots and stop a run,” rebounds. of the WNBA for six years. South Carolina coach Dawn The Phoenix stayed in the Staley said of her senior game by shooting well and STALEY’S GAMBLE guard. keeping the turnover battle When Elon took the 20-13 Alania Coates added 16 close. The Phoenix shot 44 lead with 8:58 left in the secpoints and eight rebounds, percent, the best of any and A’ja Wilson added 12 South Carolina opponent this ond quarter, Staley put Wilson back in, even though she points and eight rebounds season. Elon turned the ball had two fouls. for the Gamecocks. over 17 times, while the Jenifer Rhodes led Elon Gamecocks had 14 turnovers. Please see USC, Page B6 with 19 points, while Shay Elon also held South Caroli-

Drew Hankins has no problem admitting it. “If you had told me last year that I would have a chance to pitch in college I would have told you (that) you were crazy,” Hankins said. Who’s crazy now? Hankins, the lanky, side-arming, right-handed pitcher for Sumter HANKINS High School, has signed to play collegiately with Florence-Darlington Technical College next season. “I just liked it (at FDTC),” Hankins said. “I got along well with the guys over there, and I decided to go ahead and sign with them.” Florence-Darlington was the only firm offer that Hankins had, even though University of South Carolina Aiken and Presbyterian College were showing interest in him. Hankins didn’t see a massive amount of time on the mound in his junior season for the Gamecocks, who went 14-14 and reached the 4A lower state tournament. He pitched 16 innings in seven appearances, posting a 3.50 earned run average and a 1-1 win-loss record. He gave up 16 hits as opponents batted just .143 against him. He had 11 strikeouts against six walks. Hankins had always come over the top with his pitching motion until last year when he

Please see HANKINS, Page B2

tigers BASKETBALL

Mann, Gaines help Georgia beat Clemson The Associated Press ATHENS, Ga. — In Georgia’s victory over Georgia Tech last Saturday, Charles Mann and Kenny Gaines played secondary offensive roles, scoring four and eight points, respectively, while junior J.J. Frazier lit up the gym with 35 points. In the Bulldogs’ 71-48 victory over Clemson Tuesday, the roles were flipped as Mann tallied a game-high 18 points and Gaines added 17 in the Tigers’ most lopsidBROWNELL ed loss of the season. “That’s the importance of having a team,” Georgia coach Mark Fox said. “J.J. doesn’t have to score every night for us to win. Yante (Maten) doesn’t have to score every night for us to win. Tonight, Kenny and Charles scored, and Charles was back to his old self and I thought he played terrific.” It was Georgia’s third consecutive victory and its second straight against an Atlantic Coast Conference foe. It was the first time Georgia has won consecutive games against the ACC since December 2000, when the Bulldogs defeated Georgia Tech and North Carolina State.

Please see CLEMSON, Page B6

sports

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

sports items

Leake signs with Cardinals ST. LOUIS — Minutes after his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals was announced, Mike Leake was looking ahead to rivalry games against the Chicago Cubs. “Honestly,” he said Tuesday, “I wouldn’t mind taking them down.” Leake and the Cardinals agreed to an $80 million, five-year contract, a move the Cardinals hopes boosts their chances to win a fourth straight NL Central title. The deal includes an $18 million mutual option for 2021 with a $5 million buyout. Leake also gets a full no-trade provision. A 28-year-old right-hander, Leake is 64-52 with a 3.88 ERA in six big league seasons. He was 11-10 with a 3.70 ERA for Cincinnati and San Francisco last season.

The Associated Press

New St. Louis pitcher Mike Leake, right, holds up his Cardinals jersey alongside general manager John Mozeliak during a news conference introducing the new starter on Tuesday in St. Louis.

teammates were first-time selections, including cornerSmoltz promoted to back Josh Norman and lineFox lead analyst backer Thomas Davis. Hall of Famer John Seattle, Arizona and New Smoltz has been promoted to England each had seven Fox’s lead baseball analyst players selected, and Cincinand will work alongside nati had five players picked. play-by-play man Joe Buck, Raiders safety Charles displacing Harold Reynolds Woodson, who announced and Tom Verducci. on Monday that he will reWinner of the 1996 NL Cy tire after the season, was seYoung Award, Smoltz was a lected for the ninth time. first-ballot pick for the Hall Hall of Famers Jerry Rice this year. He has been a Fox and Michael Irvin will serve analyst during the last two as alumni team captains for seasons. their Pro Bowl teams. The draft will be on Jan. 27. Panthers have NFL-best The Pro Bowl will be held 10 make Pro Bowl on Jan. 31 in Aloha Stadium NEW YORK — The Caroli- in Honolulu, Hawaii. na Panthers lead the NFL (13) Miami 95 with 10 players selected for La Salle 49 the Pro Bowl. PHILADELPHIA — Ivan The Panthers are two wins Cruz Uceda scored 20 points away from a perfect regular and Tonye Jekiri had 10 season. Quarterback Cam Newton was picked Tuesday points and 14 rebounds to for the third time. Five of his lead No. 13 Miami (10-1) to a

95-49 win over La Salle on Tuesday night. (11) Iowa State 81 (22) Cincinnati 79

CINCINNATI — Abdel Nader hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left that put No. 11 Iowa State ahead, and No. 22 Cincinnati (10-3) missed three shots in the closing seconds, allowing the Cyclones (10-1) to hold on for an 81-79 victory on Tuesday. Grizzlies 104 76ers 90

PHILADELPHIA — Marc Gasol scored 19 points, Mike Conley had 18 points and six assists, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Philadelphia 76ers 104-90 on Tuesday night. Philadelphia fell to 1-29 while losing its 11th consecutive game.

LAKEWOOD Singleton 17, Pack 12, Johnson 11, Wilson 10, Rogers-Anderson 6, Tindal 5, Osborne 3, Hill 2.

Crestwood 70

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL Wilson Hall 63 Airport 42

COLUMBIA -- Wilson Hall advanced to the championship game of the Home Pest Control Holiday Classic tournament by defeating Airport High School 63-42 on Tuesday at the Heathwood Hall gymnasium. The Lady Barons, now 6-3 on the season, will face Westwood High School today at 3 p.m. Nicolette Fisher led WH with 17 points followed by Betsy Cunningham with 12. Shakdri Jennings-Shirley led Airport with 14 points followed by Jaylon Rhodes with 12. WILSON HALL Fisher 17, Cunningham 12, Hutson 9, Goodson 7, Munn 6, Stokes 4, Clark 4, Kelley 3, Crawford 1.

Robert E. Lee 33

CAMDEN — Ragin Griffin scored 10 points in a losing effort as Robert E. Lee Academy fell to North Central High School 44-33 on Tuesday at a Christmas tournament in Camden. Ivy Watts added seven points for the Lady Cavaliers, who dropped to 2-8 overall and will return to action on Jan. 5 at Carolina Academy. ROBERT E, LEE Griffin 10, Watts 7, Hall 4, Campbell 4, Watson 3, Dinkins 3.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL Thomas Sumter 51 Williamsburg Academy 21

Shumake said Hankins adapted to the switch quickFrom Page B1 ly. “He really took to it pretty joined the varsity. That’s easily,” Shumake said. when SHS pitching coach “What makes him so good is Joe Norris decided to drop that he is able to spot his him down. pitches really well with it.” Hankins said he had no Shumake said Hankins’ problem with the switch most impressive perforwhen Norris approached mance actually came in his him with the idea. one loss, a 3-2 defeat at the “I was all for it,” Hankins hands of Dutch Fork. Hansaid. “I was ready to try it kins pitched three innings, and I ended up being pretty giving up two runs, but Shugood at it.” make said the Silver Foxes Sumter head coach Brooks struggled against Hankins.

“He just really had a good game against them,” Shumake said. “They were struggling making contact and they were a really good hitting team.” FDTC is a member of Region X in the National Junior College Athletic Association. Its head coach is former Lakewood High School and Sumter P-15’s standout and former Dalzell-Shaw American Legion head coach Preston McDonald. The Stingers were 36-14 last season, going 14-8 in region play.

hankins

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East y-New England N.Y. Jets Buffalo Miami South Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Tennessee North x-Cincinnati Pittsburgh Baltimore Cleveland West Denver Kansas City Oakland San Diego

W L T Pct PF PA 12 2 0 .857 435 269 9 5 0 .643 344 272 6 8 0 .429 341 336 5 9 0 .357 278 361 W L T Pct PF PA 7 7 0 .500 275 301 6 8 0 .429 285 372 5 9 0 .357 343 380 3 11 0 .214 269 359 W L T Pct PF PA 11 3 0 .786 378 243 9 5 0 .643 378 287 4 10 0 .286 292 360 3 11 0 .214 253 387 W L T Pct PF PA 10 4 0 .714 308 259 9 5 0 .643 365 257 6 8 0 .429 319 356 4 10 0 .286 280 348

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

St. Louis 31, Tampa Bay 23

Williamsburg Academy 35 KINGSTREE — Bree Stoddard scored a game-high 28 points and pulled down nine rebounds to help lead Thomas Sumter Academy to a 50-35 victory over Williamsburg Academy in the cham-

Thomas Sumter 50

NFL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

North Central 44

pionship game of the WA Christmas tournament. Latrice Lyons added 10 points for the Lady Generals, who will return to action on Jan. 5 at Ben Lippen.

KINGSTREE — Sydney Daniel scored 14 points as Thomas Sumter Academy earned a 51-21 victory over host Williamsburg Academy in Tuesday’s championship game of the WA Christmas Tournament. Aubrey Stoddard added 11 points for the Lady Generals and Diamond Gibson followed with seven.

Marion 62 KINGSTREE — Ja Morant poured in a game-high 35 points to help power Crestwood past Marion 70-62 on Tuesday at the Kingstree Basketball Invitational tournament at the KHS gymnasium. Devin Nelson added 11 points for the Knights, who

TV, RADIO

TODAY 12:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Central Connecticut State at Connecticut (ESPNU). 2:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Diamond Head Classic Consolation Game from Honolulu (ESPNU). 4:30 p.m. – College Football: Poinesettia Bowl from San Diego – Boise State vs. Northern Illinois (ESPN). 4:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Diamond Head Classic Semifinal Game from Honolulu (ESPNU). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Illinois vs. Missouri from St. Louis (ESPN2). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Utah Valley at Louisville (ESPNU). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Boston at Charlotte (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Western Carolina at Pittsburgh (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Houston at Orlando (NBA TV). 8 p.m. – College Football: GoDaddy Bowl from Mobile, Ala. – Georgia Southern vs. Bowling Green (ESPN). 8 p.m. – College Basketball: Las Vegas Classic Consolation Game from Las Vegas (FOX SPORTS 1). 8 p.m. – College Basketball: Northern Colorado vs. Mississippi State from Jackson, Miss. (SEC NETWORK). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Diamond Head Classic Semifinal Game from Honolulu (ESPN2). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Pepperdine at Portland (ESPNU). 10:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Las Vegas Classic Championship Game from Las Vegas (FOX SPORTS 1). 10:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Oklahoma city at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA TV). 11:30 p.m. – College Basketball: Diamond Head Classic Consolation Game from Honolulu (ESPNU).

THOMAS SUMTER ACADEMY Stoddard 28, Lyons 10, Kistler 4, Morris 4, Ross 2, Font 2.

From wire reports

Gators advance to Panther Invitational semifinals also earned a 61-54 victory over Fort Dorchester on Monday. In that game, Kobe Thomas led CHS with 19 points followed by Dakota Jennings with 12 and Nelson with 10.

Scoreboard

East W L T Pct PF PA Washington 7 7 0 .500 316 332 Philadelphia 6 8 0 .429 318 362 N.Y. Giants 6 8 0 .429 373 358 Dallas 4 10 0 .286 246 324 South W L T Pct PF PA y-Carolina 14 0 0 1.000 449 278 Atlanta 7 7 0 .500 302 312 Tampa Bay 6 8 0 .429 311 353 New Orleans 5 9 0 .357 350 432 North W L T Pct PF PA x-Green Bay 10 4 0 .714 347 265 Minnesota 9 5 0 .643 296 272 Chicago 5 9 0 .357 289 352 Detroit 5 9 0 .357 302 363 West W L T Pct PF PA y-Arizona 12 2 0 .857 445 269 x-Seattle 9 5 0 .643 370 248 St. Louis 6 8 0 .429 241 294 San Francisco 4 10 0 .286 202 339 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division

area roundup

MYRTLE BEACH — Grant Singleton had 17 points as Lakewood High School earned a 68-54 victory over Andrews on Tuesday at the Carolina Forest gymnasium to earn a berth in the Panther Invitational semifinals. Davonte Pack added 12 points for the Gators followed by Jarvis Johnson will 11 and Malik Wilson with 10. The Gators improved to 11-1 on the year and are taking a 10-game winning streak into a noon semifinal matchup with BrooklandCayce. If Lakewood wins that, it will play for the championship at 9 p.m. On Monday, Wilson led three LHS players in double figures as the Gators earned a 56-53 overtime victory against Mount Zion. Wison had 15 points followed by Jarvis Johnson with 13 and Davonte Pack with 11.

The SUMTER ITEM

Thursday, dEC. 17

W L Pct GB 26 1 .963 — 16 13 .552 11 12 18 .400 15½ 11 17 .393 15½ 4 23 .148 22

Monday’s Games

Washington 113, Sacramento 99 Boston 113, Minnesota 99 Orlando 107, New York 99 Brooklyn 105, Chicago 102 Houston 102, Charlotte 95 Atlanta 106, Portland 97 San Antonio 106, Indiana 92 Utah 110, Phoenix 89 Oklahoma City 100, L.A. Clippers 99

Tuesday’s Games

Memphis at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Dallas at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Detroit at Miami, 7:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games

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

NHL Standings

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Montreal 35 20 12 3 43 104 87 Boston 32 19 9 4 42 104 83 Detroit 33 17 9 7 41 86 85 Florida 34 18 12 4 40 93 80 Ottawa 34 17 12 5 39 104 102 Tampa Bay 34 17 14 3 37 86 80 Buffalo 34 14 16 4 32 79 89 Toronto 32 12 13 7 31 84 90 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Washington 33 25 6 2 52 105 71 N.Y. Islanders 35 19 11 5 43 96 82 N.Y. Rangers 35 19 12 4 42 101 91 New Jersey 34 16 13 5 37 79 84 Philadelphia 34 15 12 7 37 74 92 Pittsburgh 33 16 14 3 35 76 84 Carolina 34 13 16 5 31 80 101 Columbus 36 13 20 3 29 88 112

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Dallas 34 25 7 2 52 120 88 Chicago 35 20 11 4 44 96 83 St. Louis 35 20 11 4 44 90 85 Minnesota 32 17 9 6 40 89 79 Nashville 34 17 11 6 40 90 86 Colorado 35 17 17 1 35 99 97 Winnipeg 33 15 16 2 32 91 100 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles 32 20 10 2 42 81 71 San Jose 33 16 15 2 34 88 91 Vancouver 35 12 14 9 33 89 102 Arizona 32 15 15 2 32 87 102 Calgary 33 15 16 2 32 87 112 Edmonton 35 15 18 2 32 91 106 Anaheim 32 12 15 5 29 60 82 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Monday’s Games

N.Y. Islanders 5, Anaheim 2 Philadelphia 4, St. Louis 3 Pittsburgh 5, Columbus 2 Washington 2, Carolina 1 Nashville 5, Montreal 1 Dallas 6, Minnesota 3 Toronto 7, Colorado 4 Edmonton 3, Winnipeg 1

Tuesday’s Games

St. Louis at Boston, 7 p.m. Anaheim at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m. New Jersey at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Vancouver at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Ottawa at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Montreal at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Chicago at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Winnipeg at Calgary, 9 p.m. Toronto at Arizona, 9 p.m. San Jose at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday’s Games

Sunday, dEC. 21

No games scheduled

Transactions

By The Associated Press

BASEBALL

Major League Baseball MLB INTERNATIONAL — Named Charles Hill managing director of MLB Europe, Middle East and Africa. American League CLEVELAND INDIANS — Released 3B Chris Johnson. National League ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — Agreed to terms with RHP Mike Leake on a fiveyear contract.

Monday’s Game

Detroit 35, New Orleans 27

Thursday’S GAME

San Diego at Oakland, 8:25 p.m.

BASKETBALL

SaturdAY’S GAME

Washington at Philadelphia, 8:25 p.m.

Sunday’S GAMES

Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Kansas City, 1 p.m. New England at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Miami, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Detroit, 1 p.m. Dallas at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Chicago at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at New Orleans, 4:05 p.m. St. Louis at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Green Bay at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 28

Cincinnati at Denver, 8:30 p.m.

NBA Standings

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE W L Pct 17 12 .586 15 13 .536 14 15 .483 8 20 .286 1 28 .034

GB — 1½ 3 8½ 16

W L Pct 16 10 .615 18 12 .600 16 12 .571 15 12 .556 12 14 .462

GB — — 1 1½ 4

W L Pct 18 7 .720 16 11 .593 15 11 .577 16 12 .571 11 18 .379

GB — 3 3½ 3½ 9

WESTERN CONFERENCE W L Pct 24 5 .828 15 12 .556 15 14 .517 15 14 .517 8 19 .296

14 .462 6 16 .407 7½ 17 .393 8 19 .367 9

No games scheduled

Minnesota 38, Chicago 17 Atlanta 23, Jacksonville 17 Houston 16, Indianapolis 10 Carolina 38, N.Y. Giants 35 New England 33, Tennessee 16 Washington 35, Buffalo 25 Kansas City 34, Baltimore 14 Seattle 30, Cleveland 13 Green Bay 30, Oakland 20 San Diego 30, Miami 14 Cincinnati 24, San Francisco 14 Pittsburgh 34, Denver 27 Arizona 40, Philadelphia 17

Southwest Division San Antonio Dallas Houston Memphis New Orleans Northwest Division Oklahoma City

12 11 11 11

Wednesday’s Games

Saturday, dEC. 19

N.Y. Jets 19, Dallas 16

Atlantic Division Toronto Boston New York Brooklyn Philadelphia Southeast Division Miami Atlanta Orlando Charlotte Washington Central Division Cleveland Indiana Chicago Detroit Milwaukee

Utah Denver Minnesota Portland Pacific Division Golden State L.A. Clippers Phoenix Sacramento L.A. Lakers

GB — 8 9 9 15

W L Pct GB 19 9 .679 —

National Basketball Association MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES — Reassigned Fs James Ennis and Jarell Martin and G Russ Smith to Iowa (NBADL). MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES — Recalled G Tyus Jones from Idaho (NBADL).

FOOTBALL

National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS — Placed S Tyrann Mathieu on injured reserve. Re-signed S Chris Clemons. BALTIMORE RAVENS — Placed TE Crockett Gillmore on injured reserve. Placed LB Brennen Beyer on the practice squad injured list. Signed LB Chris Carter. Signed DE Nordly Capi to the practice squad. BUFFALO BILLS — Placed LB Randell Johnson and WR Robert Woods on injured reserve and T Seantrel Henderson on the reserve/non-football illness list. Released WR Marcus Thigpen. Signed WRs Dezmin Lewis, Walter Powell and Greg Salas and DE Jerel Worthy. Signed TE Jacob Maxwell and QB Zac Dysart to the practice squad. CLEVELAND BROWNS — Placed OL John Greco on injured reserve. Resigned WR Darius Jennings. GREEN BAY PACKERS — Placed LS Brett Goode on injured reserve. Signed LS Rick Lovato. HOUSTON TEXANS — Placed QB T.J. Yates on injured reserve. Signed QB B.J. Daniels from the practice squad. MIAMI DOLPHINS — Placed LBs Koa Misi and Chris McCain on injured reserve. Re-signed LB James-Michael Johnson and OL Jacques McClendon. Signed G Shelley Smith. MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Signed LB Alex Singleton to the practice squad. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Placed LB Eric Martin on injured reserve. Released DL Ishmaa’ily Kitchen. Signed RB Steven Jackson. WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Signed TE Marcel Jensen from Buffalo’s practice squad.

COLLEGE

NCAA — Placed Hawaii’s men’s basketball program on probation for three years. TEXAS STATE — Announced the retirement of football coach Dennis Franchione. WISCONSIN — Named Howard Moore men’s assistant basketball coach.

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Special Delivery

Pop Warner Champions

Members of the Alice Drive Middle School girls basketball team display some of the Christmas toys they delivered to the fire station on Alice Drive on Friday. The toy drive started on Dec. 14 at the school and there were donations from classmates, teachers and family members. The homeroom class of Mrs. Christine Shuler donated the most toys and will receive a pizza party from Domino’s.

The Spartans, a Pop Warner Pee wee football team from Sumter, are the 2015 Palmetto City Classic champions, which was held on Nov. 5 at Dutch Fork High School in Irmo. Members of the team are, first row, left to right: Tajon Roach, Brandon King, Ryan McCants. Zayveon Well, Calvin Harvin, Zyir Gamble and Malik McKenzie. Second row: Jay Sanders, Trayveon Coard, Davin Jackson, Michael Billups, Mysir Gray, Caleb Benjamin and Andre Myers. Third row: Daeveon Peterson, Jayden McCants, Darren Harris, Darrius Pringle, Daniel Lawrence, Braylon Burris and Clyde Rankins. Fourth row: Coach Frank McCants, coach Michael McKenzie, coach Ivan Sanders, coach Christopher Bankhead and coach Jabaar Carcark. Not pictured are Keon Jett, Kionte Richburg, Travis Rembert, Rashad Muldrow and coach Austin Freeman.

PHOTO PROVIDED

AREA Scoreboard BASEBALL U.S. Baseball Academy Camp

The University of South Carolina Sumter is hosting a 4-week baseball camp beginning on Jan. 2, 2016. USC Sumter head coach Tim Medlin will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Classes are

available for players in grades 1-12 and are limited to six players per coach. Sessions are offered in advanced hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and base running. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit www.USBaseballAcademy.com, or call toll-free at 866622-4487.

BOWLING Gamecock Lane Scores Week of 11/29 through 12/5

Sunday Night Mixed: Edith Haviland 394; Todd Haviland 222-592; Harold Allen 235-633; LoisAnn Horne 256-739; Larry Horne 529; Maritza Hogan 133326; Patricia Hout 305; Kris Hackett 489; Debbie Becchetti 494. Hot Shots: Katie Berry 167-414. Tuesday Night Mixed: Russel Nowell 266-661; Terrence Williams 675; Joshua Sweeney 232-574; Greg Jones 663; Jay Gillion 243-641; Richard Whisnant 529; David Durant 255-680; Tony Friday 588; Von Carraway 239-621; Richard Roarick 593; Eduardo Allen 268; Nick Urban 554; Gregg Anderson 277; Joe Blake 529; Willie Graham 212-555; Troy Blake 557; Winston Jewell 245630; Tanya Foster 570; Doug Lauchart 211-570; Lafond Dennis 364; Kevin Welch 244; Rita Blake 506; Thomas Price 226; Rosa White 464; Amy Vohs 199-494; Felicia Lonon 473; Debbie Becchetti 204; Becky Dabbs 204.

Close Encounters: David Outlaw 224613; David Timmons 234-581; Johnny Evans 200-498; Mike Barwick 622; Ann Timmons 444. Afternoon Delights: Steve Anderson 263-702; Sly McMillan 232; Leo Mickens 244; Norvell Jackson Jr. 497; Elias Wells 600; Norvell Jackson Sr. 493; Edith Spann 472. Industrial Mixed: Willie Graham 242581; Greg Cunningham 234-641; Rowland Yates 268-707; John Loney 244615; Thomas Price 220-576; Gabe Reynolds 256-675; Steve Anderson 243-635; Jay Gillion 554; Kenneth Smith 641. Friday Night Mixed: Leroy Pringle Jr. 253-567; Darryl Fleming 663; Tony Friday 266-625; Gregg Anderson 724; Tyrone Bailey 278-726; Romero D. Davis 491; Doug Oliver 257-686; Michael Gregg 616; Lewis Washington 246-706;

Gene Jenkins 539; Norvell Jackson Sr. 213; Joe Spangler 655; Mike Hodge 256-691; Curtis Anderson 650; Sam Green 238-679; Martha Gregg 485; Romero Davis 215; Margaret Coleman 506; Victor Baker 220; Reggie Ratcliff 211-515; Charlie Boykin 258-672; Sean Chapman 254-651; Kenny Smith 249658; James Owens 145-332; George Russ 196-509; Rosemary Smith 232634.

Junior Leagues Bumper Bowlers: Hunter Sweeney 94; Logan Geder 104. Bantams/Preps: Luther Bells 123-252; Ahmad June 96-242; Warner Newman 137-364; Bryleigh Kelly 116-303; Sydnie Vohs 162; Haley Carter 356. Jr./Major/Sr.: Connor Batey 203-561; Zayd Mccolgin 155-407; Mark Lupori 202; Ryan Wolfe 188-519; Emily Batey 247-617; Rachel Williams 146-354; Keonta Bethea 485.

GOLF commentary

Major moments, major shots for 2015 By DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bishopville High School graduate Billy McMillon, left, has already had some influence on former Boston outfielder Shane Victorino and others. McMillon will be the outfield / baserunning coordinator for all of the minor league teams in the Red Sox organization this season.

MCMILLON

From Page B1

and what to do in certain situations. For baserunning, it’s breaking up double plays and going first to third and things like that.” With that in mind, McMillon will not be spending six months in the same place anymore, but rather traveling across the Eastern seaboard to all of the minor league clubs. “Basically I’ll spend three or four days with our Triple-A affiliate; three or four days with our Double-A affiliate and so on,” he said. “That will allow me to not only directly impact how our baserunning progresses, how our outfield progresses, but also allow me time in between to come home.” Combined with his years as a manager and hitting instructor, McMillon is hoping the overall scope of his career is something that will be more enticing to someone looking for a potential coach, he said. “It’s a way of saying look at all the things I’ve gotten experience with,” he said. The managerial world of professional baseball has changed somewhat even since McMillon began his coaching career. Analytics, Sabermetrics and defensive shifting have become large parts of the game, and the former Clemson University standout has been keenly aware of that. “In terms of statistical analysis, you see that more so at the big-league level,” he said. “What that has allowed us to do is to put emphasis on both offense and defense. It kind of more completes a player. “I think it has a place in baseball, though. I think the problem is when you rely on that more than what your experience in your baseball life has taught you. I think a healthy respect for the analytical side mixed with feel and experience that allows you to make good decisions on the field.” The increase in player salaries have also been a recent trend as well, and although McMillon said managers have no control or input on those type of things, it does make him yearn for his playing days. “I wished I’d have come along about 10 years later,” he said.

Jason Day’s drive. Jordan Spieth’s flop shot. Zach Johnson’s putt. Major championships produce shots that can be more memorable than the winner holding the trophy. Zach Johnson with a claret jug? The more lasting image from the British Open was Johnson holding his crouch and slowly clenching his fist on the 18th green at St. Andrews. And then there are shots that stand out only to the player. The three major champions were asked what they thought was the signature shot from their The Associated Press victory, along with a shot that was Major championships produce major shots, and Jordan Spieth had two this particularly pleasing to them because of the circumstances or the year at the Masters and the U.S. Open. quality of the shot. this 3-iron I was carrying, but it “That green is not that fast,” he MASTERS was off an up slope. I hit 3-wood said. “I hit a solid putt, and I hit it In a wire-to-wire win, the bigand cut it. As long as I hit a fade, perfect. It straightened out at the gest moment for Spieth was on nothing could go wrong, so ultiend, the last 3 feet it went left, and the 18th hole in the third round. A mately I ended up in a perfect the rest is history.” seven-shot lead only 20 minutes yardage. I could miss it really bad Not quite. earlier was down to four shots, and carry the front.” It got him into a playoff with and it looked certain to shrink It bounded to the back of the Marc Leishman and Louis Oosteven more when he missed the green and rolled back to about 10 huizen. Just as meaningful to 18th green well to the right behind feet for a two-putt birdie. Johnson was the 10-foot birdie the bunker. In a risky move, SpiLost in a wild final hour was a putt he made on No. 1 in the foureth hit a flop shot that helped him simple par that really wasn’t that hole playoff. Oosthuizen made save par and set the tone for the simple. Spieth’s tee shot on the birdie from about 15 feet. Johnson final round. par-3 15th rolled back off the felt it was critical not to fall be“That was the key shot,” he front, and the slope was much like hind. said. “You could pitch it 15 feet in the elevation at Augusta National “The biggest of the week was front and hit it hard enough to at — you have to see it to believe it. the first putt in a playoff,” Johnleast be on the green. But given “That slope was taller than me,” son said. “It was huge.” the severity of that slope, it’s he said. “You had to judge the PGA CHAMPIONSHIP going to roll out. A good shot speed the right way. I had to cast It’s hard to find that one signawould be 15 feet. I decided to hit a it out to the right, but if I hit it too ture moment for Day, which higher one and spin it. That shot hard it goes 12 feet by. I can’t be is certainly one I don’t want over short or I’m re-hitting. It was per- speaks to the clinic he put on at Whistling Straits in winning at a again. It was 1 in 5 getting it up fect speed and went to 4 or 5 feet record 20-under par. It was after and down.” for a manageable second putt.” Not so obvious was the 5-iron Only after he made that putt did his worst shot that Day was at his best. on the par-5 13th. He had about Spieth look at a leaderboard on He had a two-shot lead going to 190 yards to the front from the left the back nine and see that he was No. 9, drilled a drive down the side of the fairway, but the ball tied for the lead. middle and Spieth was in trouble was nearly knee-high because of BRITISH OPEN in the rough. A model of perfecthe slope. He was coming off a Johnson figured he had to make tion all week, Day inexplicably three-putt bogey on No. 12. The chunked his wedge. With momendanger comes from ball above his birdie on the 18th at St. Andrews to reach 15 under and have a tum at stake, he followed with anfeet because the swing is flatter other wedge to 8 feet and saved with less speed, and the ball won’t chance. Known for his wedge game, this wasn’t his best — some his par. Spieth made bogey and go as far. 30 feet behind the hole — “but I at Day was on his way. Spieth provided his own comleast gave myself a look at it.” “To hit such a terrible shot and mentary: “Go hard! GO HARD! Give an assist to Danny Willett. then come back and get up and GO HARD! GO!” It narrowly “Fortunately, I had a good read,” down, it was a good momentum cleared the creek and set up a Johnson said. “He was 3 to 5 feet change,” Day said. “To be able to two-putt birdie. Asked how many from me, so I had a good look at it. hit a good pitch ... that’s probably times he barked instructions to I know the putt is left to right, and the biggest shot I’ve had to hit.” his golf ball, Spieth said, “Less I know the putt at the end flattens It was a full, powerful swing out loud than what was in my out and potentially goes left, espe- that brought him just as much head. But still enough.” cially after seeing Danny.” satisfaction, particularly the 382U.S. OPEN Two thoughts crept into his yard shot on the par-5 11th that The winning shot for Spieth mind. Johnson lipped out on the left him no more than a wedge to turned out to be a 3-wood on the final hole a week earlier at the the green. par-5 18th at Chambers Bay, and John Deere Classic that kept him “Under those circumstances, it he felt he couldn’t miss. out of a playoff. “It’s not a good was the best drive I hit all year,” “I had 281 (yards), but I only thought, but it went through my Day said. “If I had an off week had 238 to cover the front,” he head.” And he considered the with my driver, no way I would said. “The only other option was speed. That was a good thought. have won.”

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Bowl schedule

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

By The Associated Press

Saturday, Dec. 19

Celebration Bowl Atlanta North Carolina A&T 41, Alcorn State 34 New Mexico Bowl Albuquerque Arizona 45, New Mexico 37 Las Vegas Bowl Utah 35, BYU 28 Camellia Bowl Montgomery, Ala. Appalachian State 31, Ohio 29 Cure Bowl Orlando, Fla. San Jose State 27, Georgia State 16 New Orleans Bowl Louisiana Tech 47, Arkansas State 28

Monday, Dec. 21

Miami Beach Bowl Western Kentucky 45, South Florida 35

Tuesday, Dec. 22

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Boise Akron 23, Utah State 21 Boca Raton (Fla.) Bowl Temple (10-3) vs. Toledo (9-2), 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday, Dec. 23

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

Thursday, Dec. 24

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

Saturday, Dec. 26

St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Marshall (9-3) vs. UConn (6-6), 11 a.m. (ESPN) Sun Bowl El Paso, Texas Miami (8-4) vs. Washington State (8-4), 2 p.m. (CBS) Heart of Dallas Bowl Washington (6-6) vs. Southern Mississippi (9-4), 3:20 p.m. (ESPN) Pinstripe Bowl Bronx, N.Y. Duke (7-5) vs. Indiana (6-6), 3:30 p.m. (ABC) Independence Bowl Shreveport, La. Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Tulsa (6-6), 5:45 p.m. (ESPN) Foster Farms Bowl Santa Clara, Calif. Nebraska (5-7) vs. UCLA (8-4), 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)

Monday, Dec. 28

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

Tuesday, Dec. 29

Armed Forces Bowl Fort Worth, Texas Air Force (8-5) vs. California (7-5), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Russell Athletic Bowl Orlando, Fla. North Carolina (11-2) vs. Baylor (93), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Arizona Bowl Tucson Nevada (6-6) vs. Colorado State (75), 7:30 p.m. (ASN) Texas Bowl Houston Texas Tech (7-5) vs. LSU (8-3), 9 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday, Dec. 30

Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl Auburn (6-6) vs. Memphis (9-3), Noon (ESPN) Belk Bowl Charlotte, N.C. NC State (7-5) vs. Mississippi St. (8-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Music City Bowl Nashville, Tenn. Louisville (7-5) vs. Texas A&M (84), 7 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl San Diego Wisconsin (9-3) vs. Southern Cal (8-5), 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Thursday, Dec. 31

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

Friday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl Tampa, Fla. Northwestern (10-2) vs. Tennessee (8-4), Noon (ESPN2) Citrus Bowl Orlando, Fla. Michigan (9-3) vs. Florida (10-3), 1 p.m. (ABC) Fiesta Bowl Glendale, Ariz. Notre Dame (10-2) vs. Ohio State (11-1), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif. Iowa (12-1) vs. Stanford (11-2), 5 p.m. (ESPN) Sugar Bowl New Orleans Oklahoma State (10-2) vs. Mississippi (9-3), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, Jan. 2

TaxSlayer Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. Penn St. (7-5) vs. Georgia (9-3), Noon (ESPN) Liberty Bowl Memphis, Tenn. Kansas St. (6-6) vs. Arkansas (7-5), 3:20 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl San Antonio Oregon (9-3) vs. TCU (10-2), 6:45 p.m. (ESPN) Cactus Bowl Phoenix West Virginia (7-5) vs. Arizona State (6-6), 10:15 p.m. (ESPN)

Monday, Jan. 11

College Football Championship Game Glendale, Ariz. Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, Jan. 23

East-West Shrine Classic At St. Petersburg, Fla. East vs. West, 4 p.m. (NFLN) NFLPA Collegiate Bowl At Carson, Calif. National vs. American, 6 p.m. (ESPN2)

Saturday, Jan. 30

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

File/The Associated Press

Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey, right, beat out ‘Bama RB Derrick Henry and Clemson QB DeShaun Watson for AP player of the year.

Stanford’s McCaffrey wins AP player of year By RALPH D. RUSSO The Associated Press Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey is The Associated Press college football player of the year, becoming the first non-Heisman Trophy winner to earn the honor in six years. McCaffrey was the runnerup for the Heisman Trophy to Derrick Henry, but received 29 of 60 votes from the AP Top 25 media panel to edge the Alabama running back. Henry received 16 votes and Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson was third with 11. Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds and Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield each received two votes. The last time the AP player of the year was not the Heisman winner was 2009. That season Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was the AP voter’s choice while the Heisman went to Alabama running back Mark Ingram. It is the fifth time overall that the Heisman winner and AP player of the year went to different players. McCaffrey is the first Stanford player to win the award since it was first handed out in 1998 and first running

AP Player of the Year Voting

By The Associated Press Player, Team Votes Christian McCaffrey, Stanford 29 Derrick Henry, Alabama 16 Deshaun Watson, Clemson 11 Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma 2 Keenan Reynolds, Navy 2

AP Players of the Year

2015 — Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford 2014 — Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon 2013 — Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State 2012 — Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M 2011 — Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor 2010 — Cam Newton, QB, Auburn 2009 — Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska 2008 — Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma 2007 — Tim Tebow, QB, Florida 2006 — Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State 2005 — Reggie Bush, RB, Southern Cal 2004 — Matt Leinart, QB, Southern Cal 2003 — Jason White, QB, Oklahoma 2002 — Brad Banks, QB, Iowa 2001 — Rex Grossman, QB, Florida 2000 — Josh Heupel, QB, Oklahoma 1999 — Ron Dayne, RB, Wisconsin 1998 — Ricky Williams, RB, Texas

back to win it since one of his football heroes, Southern California’s Reggie Bush, did it in 2005. “This award is a testament to all the efforts and support of my teammates, coaches, staff and the entire Stanford football program,” McCaffrey said in a statement to the AP on Tuesday.

The 200-pound sophomore was a revelation this season and, like Bush, displayed an ability to dominate games in various ways. He ran for 1,847 yards (second-most in the nation behind Henry) and eight touchdowns, caught a team-best 41 passes for 540 yards and four scores and averaged 28.9 yards per kickoff return with another score. He also threw two touchdown passes. “What is Christian McCaffrey? The answer is football player,” Stanford coach David Shaw said in a recent interview. “It’s not running back. It’s not receiver. It’s not returner. It’s football player. What do you need for him to do?” Add it all up and McCaffrey set the NCAA record for all-purpose yards with 3,496 this season, breaking the mark of 3,250 set by Oklahoma State’s Barry Sanders in 1988. McCaffrey played two more games than Sanders, though he had fewer total touches when he passed the record. “You can say he had the best year in the history of college football,” Shaw said. McCaffrey, who is the son of former Stanford and NFL receiver Ed McCaffrey, can also kick and punt though he

admits without much consistency. “(In high school) I had one 60 yard punt and I had one negative-3-yard punt,” he said. Shaw said he is confident McCaffrey could hold his own on defense if necessary. “One day we needed some guys to flip over and be on the scout team,” Shaw said. “And he flipped over and jumped over at corner. And the back pedal was natural. The plant and dive was natural. The flipping the hips to run deep was natural. He could be phenomenal at that position, too.” McCaffrey led the Cardinal (11-2) to a Pac-12 championship and their third Rose Bowl appearance in the last four year. Stanford will play Iowa on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California. His record-breaking season will make him one of the favorites to win the Heisman heading into the 2016 season. It will be a high standard to match, but McCaffrey said he has plenty left to prove. “I’m not satisfied at all with the season, my personal season,” he said. “All the great players you ask always expect greatness. There’s definitely a lot of work to be done.”

Stein, Brown lead Akron past Utah State in Potato Bowl, 23-21 By JASON CHATRAW Associated Press BOISE, Idaho — Robert Stein made three field goals and Jatavis Brown led a smothering defense as Akron earned its first victory in a bowl, a 23-21 win over Utah State on Tuesday in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Stein, who became the school’s career scoring leader with 268 points, connected from 29, 33 and 46 yards, and was selected the game’s MVP. His longest kick gave the Zips a 23-14 with 8:15 remaining. Akron (8-5) finished with eight wins for the first time since moving up to FBS in 1987. The record came four years to the day after the school hired coach Terry Bowden. While Stein provided the difference in scoring, it was Akron’s defense that made the lead stick. Brown, the MAC defensive player of the year, had eight tackles along with 1½ sacks, 2½ tackles for loss, and a critical forced fumble. Utah State (6-7) mounted a

The Associated Press

Akron’s Thomas Woodson (13) scores during the Zips’ 23-21 Potato Bowl victory over Utah on Tuesday in Boise, Idaho. comeback behind senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton, who threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Sharp with 1:12 remaining to pull to 23-21. But Akron recovered the onside kick and then stopped one final flea flicker play by Utah State as time expired. While Akron averaged less than 200 yards passing per game this season, the Zips turned to the air to score the

game’s first points. After an incompletion, Zips quarterback Thomas Woodson hit A.J. Coney on a 42-yard pass play. On the next play, Akron dug into its bag of tricks, scoring when receiver Tyrell Goodman hit Woodson with a 14-yard pass for the 7-0 lead. Utah State struggled to generate any offense early as the Aggies, going through three-and-out for minus-5

yards on their first four possessions. The Aggies, however, got a spark after a long punt return by Sharp set up Utah State at the Akron 31. But on third-and-8 from the Zips 18, Akron cornerback Kris Givens ripped an apparent touchdown catch out of Brandon Swindall’s arms. Utah State elected to go for a first down instead of kick a field goal, but the Akron defense held. The Zips responded with a 12-play, 59-yard drive that ended in a 33-yard field goal by Stein, pushing their lead to 10-0. Utah State wasted little time in answering. Devante Mays broke off a career-long 61-yard run before Jatavis Brown caught him at the Akron 10. Two plays later, Kent Myers hit Swindall on a 9-yard pass play. Keeton and Myers combined for 28-of-45 passing for 232 yards and three touchdowns, while Woodson was 14 of 29 for 168 yards. Andrew Pratt set a career high with nine receptions for 94 yards to lead the Zips.

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

recruiting

Gamecocks land Fort Dorchester WR Champaigne

niversity of South Carolina football head coach Will Muschamp popped open a bottle of champagne on Monday morning, figuratively speaking. Wide receiver Diondre Champaigne (6-feet-3-inches, 175 pounds) of Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston called Muschamp and committed to USC Muschamp offered Champaigne on Saturday around the time Hanahan High WR Samuel Denmark announced he was sticking with his Virginia Tech commitment. Champaigne was blown away by the offer, by far the best one he had received. It took him just a couple of days to sort things out. “Me and my mom we sat down this morning and we were feeling real good about South Carolina,” Champaigne said. “She liked how the recruiting process went and how they came at me. She likes Coach Muschamp a lot. I was waiting on a big offer and I finally got it.” Muschamp first saw Champaigne in the 4A Division state championship game at USC’s Williams-Brice Stadium as Fort Dorchester defeated Dorman High to complete an undefeated season. He had a good game against Dorman and finished the season with 54 catches for 1,212 yards and 16 touchdowns. “He thinks I can spread the field a lot more for them and catch the deep ball,” Champaigne said. “My strengths are my route running and my ability to go up high and catch the ball.” Champaigne is good friends with Fort Dorchester offensive lineman John Simpson, whom USC also is recruiting, but he doesn’t believe his decision will impact his friend. “I let him do his own thing,” Champaigne said. “Wherever he wants to go, that’s his choice. We’re really good friends, but he goes where he wants to go.” Champaigne is the third WR for USC’s 2016 recruiting class, which unofficially now totals 17. There are some commitments prior to Muschamp taking the job that are not confirmed as still on the list. Muschamp secured his quarterback of the future on Thursday when Brandon McIlwain of Newtown, Pa., announced he will enroll in January of ‘16, following through on his commitment to USC to play football and baseball instead of leaving the option of the Major League Baseball draft on the table. “It’s a relief and it’s also exciting,” McIlwain said on Friday. “I knew two days ago and told the coaches that day. I took the night to talk to my parents about it and make sure it’s 100 percent.” McIlwain made his official visit to USC on Dec. 12 and spent a lot of time with the coaches and saw the plans Muschamp has for him and the program. “They showed us all a really bright future for the program,” McIlwain said. “Coach Muschamp has an awesome plan for the program. It’s something that’s exciting and that I want to be a part of, the new era, the cocky new era. “I talked to my parents about the pros and cons of graduating early and the many options that I had, and I decided that to reach that goal and to reach what I want to do, the best option is to graduate early and go in January.” McIlwain said he had three meetings with baseball scouts last week to try and get all the information he could from their standpoint. “I just tried to get as much information as possible so I could make an informed decision,” he said. “Football is my passion. There’s a lot more that goes into it, the college experience, getting my education, those things are very important to me as well. While I love football and football is sort of my passion, football is the sport that I like the best. I do like baseball, too, but at this point there is no way I could give up football and just

completely stop playing. “The opportunity at South Carolina is great. I’m a competitor and I want to be to go in Phil Kornblut able and compete Recruiting as much as I corner can from the start and the way that I can do that is by graduating early.” McIlwain said he will jump right into baseball on Jan. 11 because there’s not much going on with football at that time. He said the coaches have a plan for him that will allow him to bounce back and forth between his sports as needed. By entering school in January and starting baseball, McIlwain will be eligible for the draft in the summer of ‘18, meaning he might only play two seasons of football at USC. One of McIlwain’s top targets at USC in the seasons to come figures to be WR Bryan Edwards of Conway High, who re-committed to USC nearly a month after stepping away from his original pledge. He too will enroll in January. Edwards made his official visit to USC with McIlwain then took a couple of days to sort out his decision between the USC and Clemson. USC had always pursued Edwards as a WR, but Clemson gave him a lot to think about by offering him the chance to play safety. He took an official visit with the Tigers on Nov. 21. After decommitting, Edwards also drew interest from Georgia and most recently Miami, but he kept his focus on the instate programs. Edwards was one of the state’s top players this season until suffering a season-ending knee injury in late October. He finished his high school career with 188 catches for 2,562 yards and 32 TDs. Running back CJ Freeman of Greensboro, N.C., never decommitted USC after the coaching change, but he did waver. Freeman too took his official visit on Dec. 12 and announced last week he was sticking with USC. Freeman is enrolling early and has signed his financial aid agreement. He also took official visits to Georgia Southern, Wisconsin and Louisville before visiting USC. Coming off a broken ankle late in his junior season, Freeman didn’t get back to full health and running mobility until late in the season. He averaged over 200 rushing yards per game in the state playoffs and finished the season with 2,091 yards and nine TDs. Muschamp also was able to address the defensive side of things last week with a pair of commitments. Defensive end Sadarius Hutcherson (6-6, 250) of Huntingdon, Tenn., picked USC over Memphis, Illinois and Arizona State. Hutcherson is not an early enrollee and said while it’s a solid commitment he does plan to take other official visits in January. He is scheduled for USC on Jan. 16 and Memphis the following weekend. Defensive back Jamarcus King (6-1, 180) of Coffeyville Junior College in Kansas wasted little time making his decision known last Wednesday, the first day of the signing period for mid-year enrollees. King grabbed the papers sent to him by Muschamp, signed them and faxed them back, officially becoming a part of his first USC class. King was targeted quickly by Muschamp and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson when they started on their new jobs. They had recruited him while at Auburn, and at one point he was a Tiger commitment. As soon as they offered though, USC zoomed to the top of his list along with Auburn and Arkansas. “I feel like I can fit in,” King said. “He and T-Rob have been together for a long time and I feel like they can get something going. Coach Robinson is a great coach, a great personality and he’s a super person.” Former USC DB commitment JJ Givens of Mechanicsville, Va., released a top eight,

in no order, of USC, Clemson, Arizona State, Michigan State, Maryland, Wisconsin, N.C. State and North Carolina. LB Jacorey Morris of Grove Hill, Ala., has been committed to USC since August, but he doesn’t know if he figures into the plans of the new coaching staff his head coach said last week. “We haven’t heard from them,” Keith Kelly said. “He’s turned down Ole Miss (Mississippi) and Southern Miss(issippi) to come to South Carolina so hopefully they will respect his scholarship.” Kelly is hopeful he and Morris will soon hear from USC so they can know in which direction they should move. Morris has not scheduled any official visits. Muschamp offered teammates from Houston in linebacker Dontavious Jackson (6-2, 239) and DB Chris Brown (5-11, 183) last week. He had recruited both while at Auburn. Jackson already has taken official visits to Florida State, UCLA and Michigan, and now USC has a chance at landing one of his final two visits in January. “I had never heard from South Carolina until Coach Muschamp got there,” Jackson said. “He told me he recruited me hard at Auburn, and I’m still one of his top priorities, and he wanted to reach out to me and let me know that I have a scholarship from him, and we’ll sit down and talk more later on.” And that phone call alone, coming from a coach he highly respects, was enough to get USC in the ball game with Jackson. “Coach Muschamp is really an intriguing guy and I’ve heard so much about him positively,” Jackson said. “A couple of my older brothers, guys that I look up to, they’ve been coached by him and they say nothing but positive things about him.” As of Nov. 1, Jackson had a top list of Florida, FSU, Louisiana State, Alabama, Texas and UCLA. Brown has taken official visits to UCLA, Arizona State and Michigan, so he has two left for January. He’s still reeling in offers so he’s not sure yet who will get them. “South Carolina is a possibility for a visit, most definitely,” Brown said. “Me and Jack are going to sit down and talk about it. I knew about Coach Muschamp from Florida. He’s a great coach.A lot of people say he’s crazy, but he’s a coach that’s going to coach. Everybody don’t have to be your best friend. I like a coach who will try to bring the best out of a player. That’s what you want in a coach.” Some of Brown’s other offers include Duke, Houston, Louisville, Kansas, Wisconsin, Texas, California, Texas Christian, Texas A&M and UF. USC’s old staff offered and worked OL Jordan Johnson of Jacksonville, Fla. It didn’t go all that well for USC because Johnson committed to Georgia Tech in July. However, former USC assistant Steve Spurrier Jr. never stopped recruiting him and when Johnson decommitted in November, USC was right back on his list, and the new staff has continued the relationship. Johnson set an official visit to USC on Jan. 29. He’s also looking at January visits to Central Florida and GT. Those are the three schools he’s eyeing with no favorite. As for what he sees for USC with Muschamp, Johnson expects positive things. “I feel like they have a legitimate chance to be a powerhouse in the SEC (Southeastern Conference.” USC offered DL Jamil Dukes (6-4, 290) of Mooresville, N.C., last week, and he’s now considering USC though he is committed to East Carolina. Dukes only played in six games this season due to a cyst on his hip that required medical attention. The injury cost him a spot in the Shrine Bowl. Dukes said he felt good about getting the USC offer. Dukes will take an official visit to USC on Jan. 15, and

he’s also planning to take one to Pittsburgh. He also plans to take one to ECU. WR Cavin Ridley of Deerfield Beach, Fla., made an official visit to USC on Dec. 12 and got the chance to meet Muschamp and the new staff. Ridley was recruited by the previous USC staff and attended a camp last summer. He was one of the first out-of-state players contacted by Muschamp when he came on board and the message was there is a place for him at USC. “I liked it a lot; it was cool and a nice environment,” Ridley said. “The new stuff that’s being built around the school and the new staff that they’ve got coming in, this could be turning South Carolina around. They are trying to turn it around and that really caught my eye.” As for what’s next with his decision-making process, Ridley said he’ll wait until the Under Armour All American Game in January to make his announcement between USC, Alabama and Tennessee. Tight end Kyle Oliver of Jones County Junior College in Mississippi made an unofficial visit to USC on Dec. 13 with his parents and his younger brother. Oliver played one season at Jones and is a mid-year transfer though he said he won’t sign today, the first day mid-year recruits can sign. He’s looking at late December or early January for a decision. USC has not yet offered, but Oliver and Muschamp had a good meeting. Oliver has offers from Oklahoma State, Vanderbilt, West Virginia and Missouri. He’s also getting interest from Ole Miss, Arkansas and LSU. USC offered RB Rico Dowdle (6-1, 190) of Ashevie, N.C. He was a late addition to the North Carolina Shrine Bowl roster and had a good game with 48 receiving yards and a touchdown and 19 rushing yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 2,545 yards and 51 TDs this season and also passed for 1,434 yards. Dowdle has taken an official visit to NCSU and also has offers from Boston College, Wake Forest, Vandy and Appalachian State. USC offered defensive lineman D’Andre ChristmasGiles of New Orleans. He just decommitted from Tennessee. UF also jumped in with an offer. USC also offered DE Joshua Uche (6-2, 212) of Miami. Some of his other offers are UF, Miami, Auburn, Alabama and UNC. USC also offered DE Tyreic Martin of Valley, Ala. He currently is committed to Mizzou. On Friday, USC offered ‘17 QB Jake Bentley (6-4, 205) of Opelika, Ala., the son of new USC RB coach Bobby Bentley. Bentley’s other offers include Stanford, Auburn, Duke, Miami, UGA and WF. Bentley and his family have to decide about where they will live moving forward and where he will play his senior season of high school football. He said they are considering options for him in South Carolina as well as him playing his senior year in Alabama. This past season, Bentley passed for 2,834 yards and 28 touchdowns.

CLEMSON Last week was a fruitful one for Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. Clemson landed one of the defensive gems in the ‘16 class and two of the top QBs for ‘17. First in for Clemson last week was DL Dexter Lawrence (6-5, 330) of Wake Forest, N.C., regarded by one recruiting network as the No. 1 high school football recruit in the country for the ‘16 class. Lawrence picked Clemson over NCSU, Ohio State, UF and Alabama. He took official visits to all five schools. Lawrence also considered UNC. “I just feel like it will be the best place for me. It’s where I fit in,” Lawrence said. “When I think about Memorial Stadium and rubbing the (Howard’s) rock, I knew that was the place for me. When I walked down the steps in Memorial Stadium I knew. I get along with all the coaches

pretty well. I enjoyed it every time I went up there.” This season Lawrence totaled 91 tackles with 21 tackles for loss and 13 QB sacks. He’s a dominating presence in the middle of the line and figures to be very disruptive when he gets to Clemson in January. Swinney then struck a couple of major blows for the ‘17 class with commitments from QBs Hunter Johnson (6-3, 197) of Brownsburg, Ind., and Chase Brice (6-3, 200) of Loganville, Ga. Johnson had been committed to Tennessee before he and his family visited Clemson for a day and that changed everything. “Sometimes you just kind of get that gut feeling and I just felt it,” Johnson said. “My parents did, too. They just kind of knew right away. It just felt right to me. I just felt more comfort at Clemson than I ever have, and I was just able to make the decision.” Clemson QB coach Brandon Streeter has been recruiting Johnson, and the success he had this year helping to develop Deshaun Watson into a Heisman Trophy candidate wasn’t missed by Johnson. “I think you can definitely see what he’s been able to do this year,” Johnson said of Watson. “The offense there is great. Deshaun is a great guy and a great quarterback. I think they’re able to complement each other and work well together. I believe 100 percent in Coach Streeter.” Two days after Johnson committed, Brice followed suit. Some of the other top offers for Brice included USC, Michigan State, Miami, WVU, VT, UGA, Alabama and Mizzou. In this case though, they were all competing for second. “I’ve really known since a little before the Notre Dame game when I visited,” Brice said. “It was just the right place for me to be and the right people for me to be around and the offense just fit me well.” With Johnson committing on Monday, Zerrick Cooper coming in next month, and freshmen QBs Kelly Bryant and Tucker Israel already in the program, the meeting room is going to be quite crowded in the Tigers’ new football building. This season Brice passed for 2,436 yards and 28 TDs with eight interceptions. “He has a great release and a very strong arm,” said Brice’s head coach, Mickey Conn., who was a teammate of Swinney’s at Alabama. “He’s mobile in the pocket and elusive. He sees the field really well and gets the ball out quick. And he can run.” DE Rahshaun Smith of Baltimore finished his academic work at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., last week, and as a mid-year enrollee, he has only a couple of weeks to decide before he makes his announcement at the Under Armour game. Smith was a Clemson commitment until August when he decommitted so he could take other official visits. He took those to Oregon, LSU, Auburn, Maryland and last weekend to Clemson. On Sunday Smith announced he had cut Maryland from his list and will be a Tiger, either with Clemson, Auburn or LSU. DE Malik Herring, a ‘17 recruit from Forsyth, Ga., has Clemson in his top eight along with Tennessee, FSU, Alabama, UGA, UF, LSU and Ole Miss.

CLEMSON AND USC Greer High DB Troy Pride has set Thursday for his announcement day. He is considering Clemson, USC, ND, Tennessee, GT, Ole Miss, Marshall, VT, Mercer, Maryland, App State, UNC and NCSU. Jerry Jeudy, a ‘17 WR from Deerfield Beach, Fla., has USC and Clemson in his current top 10. The others are Alabama, Auburn, UF, FSU, UGA, Ohio State, Tennessee and WVU. USC offered ‘17 DB Trajan Bandy of Miami and ‘17 RB AJ Davis of Lakeland, Fla. Each also has been offered by Clemson.

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

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USC

college basketball

From Page B1 The gamble worked. Wilson kept her hands and body to herself and the Gamecocks went on a 22-7 run. “I didn’t think twice about it,” Staley said.

SLOW STARTS South Carolina again looked tentative and slow to start a game. The Gamecocks trailed 18-13 at the end of the first quarter. They have led by 10 at the end of the first only twice in the past eight games. Mitchell said it is something she wants to fix. “You can’t do that going into SEC play” in 12 days, she said. Staley thinks this team takes a more deliberate ap-

No. 1 Spartans survive in OT The Associated Press The Associated Press

South Carolina’s A’ja Wilson (22) looks to shoot during Tuesday’s win over Elon.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Bryn Forbes scored a career-high 32 points and No. 1 Michigan State needed overtime to beat Oakland 99-93 on Tuesday night, the Spartans’ first game without the injured Denzel Valentine. Eron Harris added 27 points for the Spartans (13-0). Forbes hit seven 3s in nine attempts for the Spartans, who trailed by as many as 15 points.

proach than last year’s Final Four squad “They just take things in at the beginning of the game,” Staley said. “I don’t think it’s intentional.”

UP NEXT Elon travels to West Virginia on Tuesday. South Carolina hosts Arkansas in the SEC opener for both teams on Jan. 3

The Associated Press

Georgia guard Charles Mann, left, goes to the basket past Clemson center Legend Fobertin for two of his team-high 18 points during the Bulldogs’ 71-48 victory on Tuesday in Athens, Ga.

CLEMSON

From Page B1

The Bulldogs (6-3) have leaned heavily on Mann and Gaines over the last several seasons. The two seniors account for about 20 of Georgia’s points each night. But the emergence of Frazier on the perimeter and Maten inside has taken a bit of the scoring responsibility of the two seniors. Gaines became the 46th player in Georgia basketball history to score 1,000 points for his career. He needed just three points to reach the plateau and passed the mark on a 3-pointer with 7:40 left in the first half as part of a 15-6 Georgia run. “Kenny has been great for us all year, just being Kenny Gaines,” Mann said. “He’s been pretty consistent throughout the whole season and we depend on him a lot.” The 48 points scored by Clemson (7-5) represented the Tigers’ lowest output of the season. Clemson shot 27.1 percent (16 of 59) from the field while the Bulldogs shot 52.1 percent (25 of 48). After trailing 13-5 in the first half, Georgia went on a 29-7 run that saw Clemson suffer a pair of three-minute scoring droughts. The Tigers shot 27 percent from the field while the Bulldogs were successful on 52 percent of their at-

tempts. “We’re just struggling right now because we don’t have a great perimeter driver to break teams down,” Clemson coach Brad Brownell said of his team, which has dropped three of its last four games. “It makes it hard for us.” Clemson, which made one of its last 21 field goals in the first half, tallied four points in the final 3:43, with Landry Nnoko and Avry Holmes hitting two free throws apiece and Gabe DeVoe scoring a jumper off a blocked shot at the buzzer to pull the Tigers to within 39-24. Georgia, which led by as many as 26 points, opened the second half on a 9-2 run and never let Clemson get within 20 points after that. Frazier scored nine points, Maten contributed eight and Derek Ogbeide added six points for Georgia. The Tigers were led by Nnoko with 11 points. Holmes added eight points and DeVoe had seven for the Tigers.

TIP-INS Georgia: J.J. Frazier scored a season-high 35 points on Saturday against Georgia Tech, but finished with just nine points on Tuesday, including 2 of 7 from the 3-point arc.

UP NEXT Georgia hosts Robert Morris on Dec. 29. Clemson faces No. 7 North Carolina on Dec. 30.

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was the year America took the gloves off in Vietnam, moving from “advising and assisting” the South Vietnamese military to an active combat role. The first U.S. ground combat troops arrived there in March. That same month, the United States began bombing North Vietnam in Operation Rolling Thunder. In November, troops would take on North Vietnamese regulars for the first time in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley. Gen. William Westmoreland, commander of the U.S. Forces, was Time magazine’s Man of the Year. Once again, America was at war.

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War correspondent Joseph Galloway did four stints in Vietnam, including a 16-month tour in which he covered the pivotal Battle 1965, during of Ia Drang Valley. Galloway, the co-author of the acclaimed Vietnam War book “We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young,” which was the basis for the movie “We Were Soldiers,” shares with us his unique perspective from the ground at Landing Zone X-Ray and a lifelong brotherhood forged under fire. Page 4

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‘Slippery slope’ Unrest The first U.S. combat at home troops

waded ashore near Da Nang in March 1965, and within a few months the Vietnam conflict became an American war. Although it barely registered in the national consciousness at first, the war would have dire consequences for the country, the presidency and American optimism and faith in governm t

The self-immolations of 1965 were the most dramatic acts of a budding antiwar movement. The centralized and diverse effort intertwined with movements for civil rights and free speech and against war, nuclear weapons and communism — then overtook them all.

Interactives, galleries & much more Interactive features include bios of key players, a timeline of major 1965 events and an Ia Drang Valley battle map. Plus, view photo galleries, read Stars and Stripes reporting from 1965 and veterans can share

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NFL reminds teams ‘no foreign objects’ on field By STEVE REED The Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. — At the end of the day a frustrated Ron Rivera didn’t have a choice whether Carolina players could continue to bring baseball bats on the field before games. The NFL made sure Tuesday that Rivera and other coaches were clear on the rules. League spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email to The Associated Press that the NFL sent a memo all 32 teams reminding them that “no foreign objects unrelated to the uniform or playing equipment are permitted on the playing field and sidelines on game day (which includes the pre-game period, during the game, and postgame on the field).” The Panthers baseball bat, which they say is a motivational prop, has garnered much attention in the fallout after the Panthers-New York Giants game on Sunday due mainly to incidents involving wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Panthers cornerback Josh Norman. Rivera said earlier Tuesday that the Panthers had not done anything wrong and was asked if that was the case, why he made the decision. The coach said, “because I’m going to hear it if I don’t. That’s the truth of the matter, “So to avoid the situation and set of circumstances, let’s just eliminate it. So that’s what we’re going to do. Again, it’s the No Fun League for a reason.” Rivera didn’t say if he had received a league memo, which also stated, “While we realize that teams and individual players may have items they use for motivation or to symbolize a theme that the team has used this season, we

File/The Associated Press

Carolina’s Bene Benwikere swings a baseball bat before a recent game in Charlotte. On Tuesday, the NFL reminded all teams that “no foreign objects unrelated to the uniform or playing equipment are permitted on the playing field and sidelines on game day (which includes the pregame period, during the game, and postgame on the field).” ask that you instruct your club personnel and players to leave those items in the locker room. For the purposes of this policy, ‘foreign objects’ broadly encompasses any item that is neither intrinsic to the game nor necessary to conduct pregame drills and treat and prepare players for the game.” One thing the Panthers fifthyear coach did make clear was being upset about what he said were untrue reports that some players taunted Beckham with physical threats and homophobic slurs before Sunday’s

game. Rivera said the Panthers wouldn’t stand for that kind of behavior and the team found no evidence it occurred. Neither the Giants nor Beckham have released any statements accusing the Panthers of taunting the wide receiver before the game with physical harm or homophobic slurs. Rivera said homophobic slurs are an important social issue and he doesn’t take them lightly. “If there is something out there that is factual, that there is truth or hard evidence,

please present it to us as well so we can act accordingly,” Rivera said. “We don’t tolerate that here. We don’t. If there is some truth to it we will react to it and handle it appropriately. Until there is, there’s nothing for me to do.” None of the Panthers questioned about the incident addressed the issue in the open locker room session, which came before Rivera’s press conference. The coach said the baseball bat represents the team having a home run mentality when it

comes to making big plays. Rivera spoke to practice squad player Marcus Ball, who was seen carrying the bat before the game, but the defensive back denied any of the accusations. “I’ve seen some of the clips but honestly they are benign,” Rivera said. The Panthers are 14-0 on the season and five wins away from completing an unbeaten season. They can wrap up the No. 1 seed in the NFC this Sunday with a win or tie against the Atlanta Falcons.

Lions race to big lead, hold off late Saints rally By BRETT MARTEL The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS — Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions will have some fond memories of the way they came together this season, even if they regret it took them too long to get rolling. With Stafford turning in one of the most efficient performances of his career, the Lions beat the Saints 35-27 on Monday night for Detroit’s fourth victory in six games. They’ve been competitive even in their two losses during that stretch, falling once on a last-second touchdown heave by Green Bay and losing by a touchdown against St. Louis. “Guys are still excited and working hard,” said Lions receiver Golden Tate, who caught two touchdown passes in New Orleans. “A lot of

teams in this league get down and go into the tank and just look forward to the offseason. Our guys are looking forward to get better. We know we’re good.” Stafford was 22-of-25 passing for 254 yards and three touchdowns as the Lions (5-9) raced to a 28-3 lead before holding off a late surge by the Saints (5-9). “Obviously, if you complete 88 percent, that’s rare,” Lions coach Jim Caldwell said of Stafford. “It’s very difficult to do that versus air. He was huge for us and spread it around quite a bit.” The Saints, meanwhile, are now guaranteed consecutive losing seasons for the first time since Sean Payton took over as coach in 2006. One more loss in their final two games would mark the first 10-loss season under Payton, who coached New Orleans to six playoff appear-

ances and a Super Bowl title in his first eight seasons on the sidelines — not counting 2012, when he was suspended in connection with the NFL’s bounty probe. Ameer Abdullah and Joique Bell each ran for more than 70 yards and each scored a touchdown for Detroit. Star receiver Calvin Johnson had just one catch for 19 yards. Brees passed for 341 yards and three touchdowns, becoming only the fourth quarterback to surpass 60,000 yards in a career while also eclipsing the 4,000-yard mark for the 10th straight season. Brees ranks behind only Peyton Manning (71,871), Brett Favre (71,838) and Dan Marino (61,361) in career yards passing. Saints receiver Brandin Cooks made a career-high 10 catches for a career-best 124 yards receiving, including a 27-yard touchdown.

The Associated Press

Detroit ‘s Golden Tate (15) celebrates his touchdown with Travis Swanson during the Lions’ 35-27 win over New Orleans on Monday in New Orleans.

OBITUARIES CYNTHIA P. SMITH Cynthia Price Smith, 53, entered eternal rest on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. Born on Sept. 9, 1962, a

daughter of the late Leroy Sr. and Ada Ruth Capers Price. The family is receiving visitors at the home of her sister, Velma Price, 226 N. Wise Drive, Sumter. Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter

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2015-16

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Make Your Plans To Celebrate New Years Eve With Us. See Next Weeks Ad For Chefs Specials. CATERING • GIFT CARDS • TAKE OUT

65 W. Wesmark Blvd (ACROSS FROM BILTON LINCOLN)

803-469-8502

Sun., Mon., Tues. 11:00am-2:30pm Wed. and Thur. Lunch 11:00am-2:30pm • Dinner 5pm - 9pm Fri. and Sat. 11:00am-9:00pm

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS SERVICES Home Improvements JAC Home Improvements 24 Hr Service. We beat everyone's prices, Free Est. Licensed & Bonded 850-316-7980

H.L. Boone, Contractor: Remodel paint roofs gutters drywall blown ceilings ect. 773-9904

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

Roofing All Types of Roofing & Repairs All work guaranteed. 30 yrs exp. SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734. Robert's Metal Roofing 35 Years Experience. 45 year warranty. Financing available. Expert installation. Long list of satisfied customers. Call 803-837-1549.

803-774-1234 OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD Trucking Opportunities Local / Regional Drivers Immediate openings for experienced Van, Tanker & Rolloff drivers. Class A CDL with Hazmat & Tank endorsements required with 2 years verifiable experience. Mileage starts as high as .41 per mile and top rate .45 per mile along with stop pay, hourly pay and per diem on overnight trips. $1,000.00 sign on bonus and assigned equipment. Medical, Dental, Prescription & Life Insurance plans along with 401K and profit sharing. Paid Holidays, Earned PTO time and .03 per mile yearly Safety/Performance Bonus plan. Applicants can apply in person at FCI 132 Myrtle Beach Hwy Sumter, SC 29153 or call 1-888-249-2651 ext-24

Need Help putting your house back together since the storm? Specializing in cabinets & trim work. 803-481-4464

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments

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

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

NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal, trimming & stump grinding. Lic/Ins 803-316-0128

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

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales LARGE GARAGE SALE Every Weekend Tables $2 & $3 FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. Call 803-494-5500

Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette. 775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Unfurnished Homes 905 Arnaud St 2BR 2BA Quiet Cul-de-sac. All appl's, fenced patio, screened porch. $900 mo. Available now. 803-464-8354

Mobile Home Rentals

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom.Scenic Lake MHP, in Sumter/Dalzell area. 499-1500/469-6978 9pm-5pm

Business Rentals Warehouse Space Available Adjacent to Broad St.(35 Cuttino Rd) Call 803-773-9577

Unfurnished Homes

315 Rainbow Dr. 3BR 2BA new carpet and laminate flooring, fresh paint, 1 car garage. Fncd yard, scrned bck porch, Asking $119.500 Call 803-983-0472. For Sale 821 Holiday Drive 2BR, 1BA, Den, LR. $61,900. Call 803-983-7064.

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

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

RECREATION

Guns / Ammunition Remington 1100 built on a big Browning pattern. Call 803-983-5364.

Autos For Sale

1 MONTH FREE

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER CitiFinancial Servicing LLC, Plaintiff vs. The Personal Representative, if any, whose name is unknown, of the Estate of Francis Ellis a/k/a Francis V. Ellis; and any other Heirs-at-Law or Devisees of Francis Ellis a/k/a Francis V. Ellis, Deceased, their heirs, Personal Representatives, Administrators, Successors and Assigns, and all other persons entitled to claim through them; all unknown persons with any right, title or interest in the real estate described herein; also any persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America, being a class designated as John Doe; and any unknown minors or persons under a disability being a class designated as Richard Roe, Defendants. It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court, upon reading the Motion for the Appointment of Kelley Y. Woody, Esq. as Guardian ad Litem for all unknown persons and persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America (which are constituted as a class designated as "John Doe") and any unknown minors and persons who may be under a disability (which are constituted as a class designated as "Richard Roe"), it is ORDERED that, pursuant to Rule 17, SCRCP, Kelley Y. Woody, Esq. is appointed Guardian ad Litem on behalf of all unknown persons and persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America (constituted as a class and designated as "John Doe"), all unknown minors or persons under a disability (constituted as a class and designated as "Richard Roe"), all of which have or may claim to have some interest in the property that is the subject of this action, commonly known as 328 N. Magnolia Street, Sumter, SC 29150, that Kelley Y. Woody, Esq. is empowered and directed to appear on behalf of and represent all unknown persons and persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America, constituted as a class and designated as "John Doe", all unknown minors and persons under a disability, constituted as a class and designated as "Richard Roe", unless the Defendants, or someone acting on their behalf, shall, within thirty (30) days after service of a copy of this Order as directed below, procure the appointment of a Guardian or Guardians ad Litem for the Defendants constituted as a class designated as "John Doe" or "Richard Roe".

Riley Pope and Laney, LLC Post Office Box 11412 Columbia, South Carolina 29211 Telephone (803) 799-9993 Attorneys for Plaintiff A-4553839 12/16/2015, 12/23/2015, 12/30/2015

SUMMONS AND NOTICE

Public Hearing

TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS WITH ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED HEREIN; ALSO ANY PERSONS WHO MAY BE IN THE MILITARY SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BEING A CLASS DESIGNATED AS JOHN DOE; AND ANY UNKNOWN MINORS OR PERSONS UNDER A DISABILITY BEING A CLASS DESIGNATED AS RICHARD ROE;

NOTICE OF BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING The City of Manning Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, January 07, 2015, at 6:00 p.m., City Hall, 29 W. Boyce Street, to hear the following appeal: Request No. E-2016-01 by Rommie Williams to be allowed a special exception to operate a theological institute (Bible School) located at 113 E. Boyce Street, Tax Map#187-02-04-015-00 zoned General Commercial (GC).

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in the above action, a copy which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer upon the undersigned at their offices, 2838 Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29205, within thirty (30) days after service upon you, exclusive of the day of such service, and, if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for relief demanded in the Complaint.

Documents related to this appeal are available for public inspection during regular business hours at City Hall, 29 W. Boyce Street, Manning, SC 29102.

NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in this action was filed in the office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on November 25, 2014.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Lost & Found

NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT an action has been commenced and is now pending or is about to be commenced in the Circuit Court upon the complaint of the above named Plaintiff against the above named Defendant for the purpose of foreclosing a certain mortgage of real estate heretofore given by Francis V. Ellis to CitiFinancial Servicing LLC bearing date of August 12, 2005 and recorded August 15, 2005 in Mortgage Book 993 at Page 115 in the Register of Mesne Conveyances/Register of Deeds/Clerk of Court for Sumter County, in the original principal sum of Twenty Five Thousand Two Hundred Ten and 65/100 Dollars ($25,210.65). That thereafter, the Mortgage was assigned unto Plaintiff, which assignment is dated August 28, 2014 and to be recorded in said ROD Office., and that the premises effected by said mortgage and by the foreclosure thereof are situated in the County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, and is described as follows: That property with any improvements thereon situate in School District 17, Sumter County, South Carolina, representative as Lot 15 on plat of R.F. McLellan dated January 7, 1938, recorded in the Sumter County RMC Office in plat book G-5 at page 152. Together with all and singular, the Rights, Members, Hereditaments and Appurtenances to said Premises belonging or in anywise incident of appertaining. TMS No. 249-08-04-016

Reward with safe return. Questions asked. 803-840-2693

CONTRACTOR WANTED!

• WEDGEFIELD & WEDGEFIELD ROAD AREAS

Classified in-line Advertising

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

Local grading and paving contractor looking for experienced concrete finishers and heavy equipment operators. Please call (803) 469-7483 to set up an appointment.

LEGAL NOTICES

newspaper of general circulation in the County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, together with the Summons in the above entitled action.

803-773-3600

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

Help Wanted Full-Time

Summons & Notice

(803) 773-3600 595 Ashton Mill Drive Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5

EMPLOYMENT

Summons & Notice

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order shall be served upon the unknown Defendants by publication in the The Item, a

THIRTEEN (13) MONTH LEASE REQUIRED

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

Brown plaid 90 inch sofa sleeper, coffee table, Ivory frost free frig /freezer 803-494-9848

2007 Toyota Tacoma, Dble cab, pre runner, blue w/ gray int., $14,000 OBO. Call 803-938-3689.

ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO. 2014-CP-43-2547 For Sale, Christmas Special! 1387 Raccoon Rd. Mayesville area. Must Sell! 3 br, 1.5 ba, lg bldg side yard, 1 ac lot C/H/A. Fin avail. No dwn pymt. Pymt of $431 mo. 464-5960

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

Property Address: 328 N. Magnolia Street, Sumter, SC 29150

Summons & Notice

FROM $575 PER MONTH

POWERS PROPERTIES

Big screen TV Take home this sony HD 60 in. TV for Christmas. Excellent condition $600 803-478-3688 or 460-3701

REDUCED-905 Arnaud St 2BR/2BA Quiet Cul-de-sac. All appl's, fenced patio, screened porch. $114,000. Available now. 803-464-8354

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES

11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition. 9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturday’s edition 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sunday’s edition.

TRANSPORTATION Vans / Trucks / Buses

Homes for Sale

HUNTINGTON PLACE APARTMENTS

For Sale or Trade

Firewood for sale, off Sally & McLaurin. You cut & haul $50 a quart, $25 1/2 & $12.50 a basket. 803-305-2159 or 803-983-7728

REAL ESTATE

Work Wanted

Septic Tank Cleaning

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

Edition

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. Must have RELIABLE transportation and a phone in your home. 6 Days a week

CALL DEAN BENENHALEY AT 774-1257 or come in to fill out an application

Driver and mechanic needed. Driver will be home on weekends. Call 843-621-0943 or 843-621-2572 F/T Class-A CDL driver needed to haul poultry. Night Shift. Must have 2 years verifiable exp & good MVR. Call 803-857-1857 or 540-560-1031

20 N. Magnolia Street Sumter, SC 29150

Wed., December 23 Thurs., December 24 Sat., December 26 Sun., December 27 Thurs., December 31 Sat., January 3 Tues., January 5

Deadline Tues., December 22 at 9:30am

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

Have a Safe and Merry Christmas! NO PROOF DEADLINES Deadline is 24 hours earlier if proof is required Business office will be closed December 24th and 25th and January 1

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

It’s Mayo’s “More for your money Christmas Sale”! Buy 1 Regular Priced Suit, Receive 2nd Suit of Equal Value FREE! Great Selection & Savings!

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

MAYO’S SUIT CITY If your suits aren’t becoming to you, It’s a good time to be coming to Mayo’s! Wesmark Plaza • 773-2262 • Mon-Sat 10-7

SECTION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

Forgot your stocking stuffers? It’s not too late to fill up those socks BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

o, it’s the morning before Christmas Eve, and all your gift shop-

ping is done. Presents are wrapped and under the tree. You heave a sigh of relief, make a cup of tea and collapse on the sofa. Maybe you drift off to sleep and dream of Santa’s arrival down the chimney, where he starts to fill the stockings “hung by the chimney with care.” Then, with a slap on your forehead you remember: You’ve forgotten the stocking stuffers! It might be too late for some of those on this list suggested by the elves at The Sumter Item office, but most stores are open today, and many gift certificates can be purchased online. If you’re too tuckered to get out, there’s always an IOU: Who couldn’t use a nice massage on the day after Christmas? That’s probably Santa’s favorite stocking stuffer, too. Here are the Item elves’ last minute ideas:

Find the 2015 Sumter Volunteers Ornament at the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce on West Calhoun Street; at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens Visitors Center; Simpson Hardware on Wesmark Blvd.

1. Orange Bowl tickets 2. USC or Clemson season tickets 3. Ear buds 4. Scratch off lottery tickets 5. Hand sanitizer minis 6. Spices/dried herbs 7. Cell phone 8. Mini digital recorder 9. Tea ball 10. Flash drives 11. Small alarm clock 12. iPad Mini 13. Travel-size toiletries 14. Luxury soaps 15. Small notepads 16. Gift cards — drugstore, grocery store, movies, etc. 17. Gourmet tea 18. Socks 19. Band-Aids® 20. Sewing kit 21. Super Bowl tickets 22. Change purse 23. Watch 24. Jewelry 25. Breath mints, spray 26. Batteries 27. Small camera 28. Candy 29. Fresh fruit 30. Fit Bit® 31. iPod 32. Pepper spray 33. Gloves 34. Hand/foot warmers 35. Bubble bath 36. Star Wars collectibles 37. Cell phone cover 38. Cologne 39. Golf balls

40. Earrings 41. Golf tees 42. Marbles 43. Deck of cards 44. Certificate for home-cooked meal 45. Adele’s new CD 46. Key chain 47. Ear plugs 48. Tiny flashlight 49. Lotion 50. Mini-bottles 51. Paperweight 52. Computer mouse 53. Paper clips 54. Instant snow 55. Antacid tablets 56. Small action figures 57. Local restaurant gift certificates 58. Mexican jumping beans 59. Handmade ornaments 60. Lip balm 61. Certificate for doing chores 62. An original poem 63. Magazine subscription certificate 64. Collectible coins 65. Harmonica or kazoo 66. Gourmet foods 67. Dry erase markers 68. Small packs of gourmet coffee/K-cups 69. Hankies or tissues 70. Wallet 71. Disposable razors 72. Tickets to Opera House New Year’s Eve Comedy Explosion 73. Scented tea lights 74. Crayons, colored pencils, paints 75. USC basketball tickets 76. Manicure kit 77. Museum, gallery memberships 78. Cell phone car charger 79. Stylus for iPad 80. Nail polish remover 81. Make-up remover wipes 82. Contact lens solution 83. Energy drinks 84. Matchbox cars 85. Nuts 86. Money 87. Gum 88. Post-It® notes 89. Pocket calendar 90. Back scratcher 91. Stress ball

PHOTOS BY IVY MOORE/THE SUMTER ITEM

ABOVE: Loved one have a dog? How about a nice Christmas leash for Fido? These are at the Elephant Ear Gallery on Bultman Drive. TOP LEFT: Handcrafted from wood, nuts and other materials, these tiny birdhouse ornaments, also at Elephant Ear, fit perfectly into a Christmas stocking. Sumter’s David Sessions makes these and other wooden items by hand.

Doris Day says Merry Christmas to all, including animals BY NICK THOMAS Tinseltown Talks

side from its traditional spiritual significance, Christmas is generally considered a time to spread peace, love, and “good will to all men.” Actress Doris Day would like to see that benevolence extend to animals year-round, but especially during the gift-giving season. “Many people think dogs, cats, birds and bunnies make good Christmas gifts, and they couldn’t be more wrong,” explained Day from her longtime Carmel, California, home. Although she rarely gives interviews, Day agreed to discuss her passion for animal welfare. “The holidays tend to be loud and chaotic – an awful environment into which to bring a new pet,” she added. “Those cute, rambunctious puppies and kittens given as gifts often prove to be too much for the household to handle and wind up back at the shelters. A much better option is a gift certificate from a local shelter or rescue organization, and wait to redeem it until the dust from the holidays settles.” A hugely popular singer and actress throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, Day says she first became interested in animal issues on the set of a 1956 Alfred Hitchcock film. “One of my first profound experiences working with animals in my films was in Morocco on the set of ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much,’” she recalled. “I was never one to

make waves when working on my films, but was appalled at the condition of the local animals used in this film and refused to continue until we made sure they were all wellfed, well-treated and happy. I think this was one of the instances where I truly realized how my celebrity could help improve animals’ lives.” In 1978, she founded the Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF), a small, grassroots organization. ”Since evolving into a grant-giving charity, we’ve been able to have a much greater impact on both a local and national level, supporting programs and other nonprofit organizations that share our vision. It’s all there on our website, www.ddaf.org.” Now 93, Day still takes an active role in the Foundation. “I make it a priority to stay on top of all DDAF activities,” she said. “We have a very small, caring staff and board of directors so that donations go directly to help the animals instead of administrative expenses. My wonderful group keeps me apprised of all the grants we are considering, the donations we receive and the ‘happy endings’ reports from our grantees.” While her big screen presence declined after the ‘60s, Day had no regrets bidding farewell to Hollywood. “I enjoyed my career and had a great time working in Hollywood,” she said. “But after decades of non-stop films, recordings and television, the time seemed right to start a new chapter – concentrating on my animal welfare

PHOTOS PROVIDED

LEFT: Doris Day is shown with her dogs Lovey and Biggest in this photo from the 1970s. She has long been an animal rights activist and founded the Doris Day Animal Foundation in 1978. RIGHT: Day and James Stewart pose for a publicity photo during the filming of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much” in 1956. work.” Over the years, many animals have passed through the Day household, and several still call it home. “I currently have several cats and three dogs – fewer than I’m used to,” she said. “I can’t even think about all of the sweet four-leggers I’ve lost over the years. But I always say, although they can never be replaced, the best way to honor their memory is to save another life from the shelter. My current crew is keeping me on my toes

and laughing at their antics – I don’t know what I’d do without them.” Fans from her Hollywood days also keep in touch. “I’ve been blessed with good health and keep busy with the foundation and going through all the mail that comes in, especially around the holidays,” she said. “I get such lovely letters from all over the world, including from young people whose parents and grandparents introduced them to my films and music. I’m floored when they tell me how much

my work has meant to them – let alone that they even know who I am!” As for this Christmas, Day says hers will be typically low-key. “Our Christmas is going to be quiet, here at home, with friends,” she says. ”Just the way I like it.” Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for more than 600 magazines and newspapers. Follow @TinseltownTalks

FOOD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Holiday samosas with mushrooms, walnuts BY MEERA SODHA The Associated Press

cant family gathering, whether it was small and festive or a huge celebration. A week or so prior to the big amosas probably are Inevent, my mother, sister and I would form a production line in the kitchen. dia’s favorite snack. These My mother would make the filling, crispy triangles are loved my sister would fill the samosas (I could not be trusted not to eat the by everyone from Bollywood acmixture) and I would fold them into tresses to business managers and neat triangles. The samosas then would be covtoddlers to grandmas. ered with plastic wrap and frozen on sheet pans, ready to be baked a few When I was growing up, samosas minutes ahead of our guests’ arrival, made an appearance at any signifi-

CREMINI MUSHROOM AND WALNUT SAMOSAS The key to perfecting this mushroom and walnut samosa recipe is to cook the filling mixture until it is dry. This keeps your samosas lovely and crisp. If the mixture is wet you might get soggy samosas. A food processor also makes swift work of chopping your mushrooms and walnuts. The samosas also can be prepped and frozen, then baked directly from the freezer. Frozen samosas should bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes (45 active) Makes 18 Samosas 1 1/4 cups walnuts (5 ounces) walnuts 3 cups cremini mushrooms, roughly chopped 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (plus extra, to garnish) 1 large yellow onion, diced 1-inch chunk fresh ginger, grated 6 large cloves garlic, minced 2 serrano or jalapeno chilies, finely chopped 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 8 ounces phyllo dough (1/2 a 16-ounce package) 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted Heat the oven to 400 F. In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until finely ground. Transfer to a bowl, then add the mushrooms to the processor and pulse until reduced to pea-sized chunks. Set aside. In a large skillet over medium, heat the oil. Add the cumin and nigella seeds. When the seeds start to sizzle in the hot oil, add the onion and cook for 8 minutes, or until starting to soften and brown. Add the gin-

leaving us all happy and out of the kitchen to enjoy the party. Traditionally, samosas are filled with a medley of mixed vegetables, such as potatoes, peas and carrots, or minced meat and herbs, then deepfried to crisp perfection. In our family kitchen, we’ve evolved them over time to use whatever ingredients grew in our farming community. We also bake them instead of fry so that they’re healthier (and easier to cook). Some families make their own pastry (which is surprisingly easy), but I

like to use phyllo pastry, as it’s quick, light and easily stored in the freezer. During the holiday season, I love to use walnuts and mushrooms together. Their savory flavors marry perfectly and feel very festive. Plus, their meaty textures persuade even the most hardened of carnivores to get involved. Once you’ve mastered the folding technique, feel free to use this recipe as a blank canvas for whatever spicy filling you desire. After a few goes, the world will be your samosa.

ger, garlic and chilies, then cook for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are darkened. Add the mushrooms and gently fold into the onion mixture. Season with the salt and pepper, then cook for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid evaporates. There should only be the tiniest trace of liquid in the bottom of the pan. Once the onions and mushrooms are ready, add the walnuts. Cook for another 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and leave to cool while you get your samosa station ready. Line 2 baking sheet with kitchen parchment. On a large chopping board, unroll one sheet of phyllo pastry. With a pastry brush, lightly cover the sheet with melted butter, then layer over it a second sheet of pastry. Brush the second sheet with additional butter. Using a sharp knife, cut the sheets into 3 horizontal strips measuring 4-by-10 inches.

Place 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture on one end of each strip. Fold the filling over on itself at an angle to form a triangle. Continue folding the filling and pastry over on itself in this way, similar to folding a flag, to form a triangular packet. (For a video demonstrating this technique, click https://youtu.be/Fni7_R5s0H8 ). When you get near the end, stick the final bit of pastry down with a bit of melted butter. Cut off any bits that don’t fall into shape. Pop the samosa on a tray and repeat with remaining ingredients. To bake the samosas, brush them on both sides with butter, sprinkle with nigella seeds and place them in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Serve hot. Nutrition information per serving: 170 calories; 120 calories from fat (71 percent of total calories); 14 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 15 mg cholesterol; 200 mg sodium; 10 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 3 g protein.

Blue Cheese and Mushroom Gougeres are sure to be a hit BY ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press It’s holiday entertaining season, so we say bring on the fat and carbs! Still, if you’re entertaining, you can’t totally slack off. You just need to marry your need for fatty comforting carbs with something dressy enough to serve in polite company. So we give you blue cheese and mushroom cheese gougeres. Or just call them cheese puffs; they’re delicious no matter what you call them. They’re basically dough balls studded with chopped mushrooms and crumbled blue cheese. They are delicious right from the oven or at room temperature. And as an entertaining bonus, they can be prepped ahead and frozen on the baking sheet. Just add a few minutes baking time when you’re ready to cook them off. Blue cheese and mushrooms not your style? Substitute pretty much any cheese you like, ditch the mushrooms, add fresh herbs or scallions. Whatever. It all works.

BLUE CHEESE AND MUSHROOM GOUGERES Start to finish: 50 minutes Makes 25 to 30 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided 8 ounces mixed mushrooms, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped Kosher salt 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup milk Ground black pepper 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 eggs 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese Heat the oven to 400 F. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the mushrooms, shallots and a hefty pinch of salt. Cook until tender and lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside. In a medium saucepan over medium, combine the remaining 7 tablespoons butter, the water, milk and a hefty pinch of each salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then add the flour all at once. Stirring with a wooden spoon, mix well and continue to cook until the mixture becomes a ball that separates from the pan, 1 to 2 minutes. Scoop the dough ball into the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes to allow the mixture to cool slightly. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly between additions. Stir in the re-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

served mushroom mixture and the blue cheese. Scooping by the tablespoonful, place walnut-sized dollops on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 1/2 inches of space between each. Alternatively, transfer the dough into a large zip-close plastic bag. Snip off one of the

lower corners and pipe (squeeze) the mixture into place on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Nutrition information per serving: 70 calories; 45 calories from fat (64 percent of total calories); 5 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 45 mg cholesterol; 70 mg sodium; 4 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0 g sugar; 3 g protein.

FOOD

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2015

A cheesy, spicy cracker that’s good enough to give as gifts SARA MOULTON Associated Press When I was a kid, my parents sometimes brought home tins of deliriously delicious cheese crackers. I can’t remember the brand — I think it was a British import — but I do remember that my sister and brother and I would inhale them as soon the tin was opened. All these years later the flavor of those crackers, richly cheesy and spicy, remains burned into my memory. This recipe is my attempt to resurrect them. The ingredients and technique for making these crackers are similar to those used to make pie dough. Butter and flour (with added flavorings) are its bones. And as with pie dough, as soon as you combine gluten (the protein in flour) with a liquid, you have to mix quickly and briefly, or the end product will be tough. So be careful not to over-mix the dough. The stars of this recipe are its two cheeses: extra-sharp cheddar and Parmesan. The spice, which is added to the dough at the start, then dusted onto the outside of each

cracker, is provided by Colman’s Mustard powder (a venerable English brand) and cayenne pepper. Happily, this recipe is simple to make. The dough is mixed quickly in a food processor, then shaped into a cylinder and chilled for an hour, time enough for the gluten to relax and the dough to solidify, making it easy to slice and bake. The typical cracker recipe requires you to roll out the dough and cut it with a cutter, a method that takes a lot more time — and generates a bigger mess — than my cylinder method. Another advantage of this

method is that you can freeze the cylinder (just take care to wrap the dough well, first in plastic, then in foil) and then, when guests show up unexpectedly, let the dough soften on the counter for a bit, then slice off and bake as many crackers as you need. Or you can package the baked crackers in batches of 10 or 12, tie them up with a bow, and give them as gifts. No matter how you use them — as presents or served at home — I believe your family and friends will make them disappear as quickly as my sister, brother and I made that tin go poof.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SPICY CHEESE CRACKERS Start to finish: 2 hours 10 minutes (40 minutes active) Makes about 50 crackers 1/2 pound extra-sharp cheddar, coarsely grated 5 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 1/2 cups (6 1/3 ounces) allpurpose flour 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks 1 1/2 teaspoons Colman’s Mustard powder, divided 1/2 teaspoon table salt 1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne, divided 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons ice water In a food processor, combine the cheddar and 4 ounces of the Parmesan. Pulse until the cheddar is finely chopped. Add the flour, butter, 1/2 teaspoon of the mustard, the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne. Pulse until the mixture looks like small pellets. Add the Worcestershire sauce and ice water, then pulse until just combined. Pour the dough onto the counter, divide it into 2 mounds, then use the palm of your hands to smear each mound across the counter several times, or until it comes together quickly when you press it with your fingers. Transfer each half of the dough onto a 16-inch-long sheet of plastic wrap. Shape into a 12-inch log (about 1 1/2 inches around), using the plastic as needed, then wrap tightly in the plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour. When ready to bake, heat the oven to 325 F. Line 2 sheet pans with kitchen parchment and position one of the oven racks in the center of the oven. On a large plate, combine the remaining 1 teaspoon of mustard and 1 teaspoon of cayenne. Remove one of the cylinders from the refrigerator. Unwrap the dough, then roll it in the spice mix, rubbing off the excess spice. Slice the dough crosswise about 1/3 inch thick. Arrange the dough rounds on the prepared sheet pans, about 1/2 inch apart. Sprinkle each round with a pinch of the additional Parmesan cheese and bake on the oven’s middle and bottom shelves, switching places halfway through, until dark golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool. Nutrition information per cracker: 60 calories; 40 calories from fat (67 percent of total calories); 4 g fat (2.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 10 mg cholesterol; 100 mg sodium; 3 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0 g sugar; 2 g protein.

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BIZARRO

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JEFF MACNELLY'S SHOE

Payback for cheating isn’t worth the price DEAR ABBY — I found out a few months ago that my husband, “Hal,” the father of my children, has had affairs with five different women. I left, and we are now being divorced. I desperately wanted revenge, so I have been secretly seeing Hal’s good friend Dear Abby “Ron,” whom he “forbade” ABIGAIL me from contacting after I VAN BUREN told him his infidelity and disrespect gave me permission to act on the attraction I had for Ron. It’s just a friends-with-benefits situation and I am having fun, so I don’t really consider it to be revenge. Hal has spent the last five months begging me to forgive him and work on our marriage, but I no longer love him and I certainly don’t trust him. I told him I would “work on” forgiving him, so now he calls, says he still loves me and flirts. The last woman Hal cheated on me with is

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

his current girlfriend. He told me that if I ever want to hook up, I should make sure to use code words when leaving messages because she might see my calls and text messages. He also told me that he is not interested in a longterm relationship with her. I slept with Hal recently to have leverage. I was contemplating sending her the proof as payback for how she treated me some months back, although I don’t want her boyfriend back. I am now questioning if this is the right thing to do. Should I just leave it alone? Payback somewhere in the USA DEAR PAYBACK — Yes, do it for everyone’s sake — including your own. This cycle of revenge is doing no one any good. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME By David L Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

By Jeff Stillman

ACROSS 1 Dictionary abbr. 4 Pests repelled by cedar 9 Give birth to 14 __ Kappa Epsilon: U.S./Canada frat with more than 250 chapters 15 Skylab's path 16 Impish type 17 Out of the ordinary 18 "The 11:00 p.m. flight is now boarding"? 20 Rabies victim 22 Org. making raids 23 Fruity coolers 24 Capital near the Gulf of Tonkin 26 Figure out 28 Inconsolable freshwater fish? 34 Trac II cousin 35 "Frasier" sibling 36 Out of use 38 "The Shoop Shoop Song (__ His Kiss)": Cher hit 40 Suffix with chlor41 Lexus competitor 43 Personal quirk 44 __ in the right direction

12/23/15 46 Rock 'n' roll middle name 47 Fearful Iowan? 51 Stallone nickname 52 More resentful 53 Star with tons of fans 56 Darling 59 Go kicking and screaming 62 Fictional sailor's pies? 65 "I'm impressed!" 66 Speak from a podium 67 Zagreb native 68 Whammy 69 Party dip 70 Laughs heartily 71 Rubble creator DOWN 1 Tiny power source 2 Cry from a crib 3 Two-time Emmy winner for "Taxi" 4 Capital of the Comoros 5 Its state tree is the Douglas fir 6 Up in the air, on a sched. 7 Hurried, old-style 8 Case for an ophthalmologist 9 Salt scrub venue

10 "Ecce homo" speaker 11 Cut down 12 Toaster-to-plug link 13 Brooklyn hoopsters 19 Bald __ 21 __ Lama 25 Start to burn 27 Disney queen who sings "Let It Go" 28 "Let me catch up!" 29 Web site 30 Spread out 31 Talmud letters 32 "Couldn't agree more" 33 Jetson who attends Little Dipper School 37 Hamlet or Ophelia 39 Component of ocean H2O

42 Bakery display 45 Video calling option 48 Fiji's 500-plus 49 Like some matters of the heart? 50 Forcibly removes 53 NYSE debuts 54 Cartoon explorer with a talking backpack 55 October birthstone 57 Make a lasting impression? 58 Hawaiian starch source 60 Not overlooked 61 Smartphone message 63 Word of support 64 Chairs may be arranged in one

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Christmas holiday specials both old, new take over BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Holiday specials old, new, trendy and classic take over the dial. There are specials very much of the moment and perennials that date back to the middle of the last century. Nothing, or no one, says late 2015 like the English singer-songwriter Adele, whose album “25,” released last month, has singlehandedly breathed new life into the recording industry, selling in vast quantities that some thought no longer possible. Her single “Hello” became the first song to sell a million digital downloads within a week of its release. That single is the opening number of her special “Adele Live in New York” (9 p.m., NBC, r), first seen last week. Her other numbers include emotional favorites “When We Were Young” and “Someone Like You.” Years from now, when people wonder just who made the world weep in 2015, millions will have no problems summoning a one-word answer. • If NBC summons the singer of the moment, CBS offers classic comedy dating back to the early 1950s. A combination of two episodes, colorized for contemporary audiences, “I Love Lucy Christmas Special” (8 p.m., TV-G) has the Mertzes and the Ricardos decorating the tree and celebrating the arrival of little baby Ricky. For the record, that child’s birth was depicted on an episode, “Lucy Goes to the Hospital,” that aired on Jan. 19, 1953, the very last day of the Truman presidency. It received legendary ratings, watched in 72 percent of the homes that had television sets. Viewers looking for a special of a similar vintage might enjoy the 1957 special “Happy Holidays With Bing and Frank” (8 p.m., TCM). It stitches together clips of the two crooners performing sacred songs, Christmas carols and popular holiday numbers. In addition to the Adele special and “Michael Buble’s Christmas in Hollywood” (10 p.m., NBC, r), a repeat of the fifth annual special from the crooner, NBC airs the beloved classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (8 p.m., TV-G). The animated

VIRGINIA SHERWOOD / NBC

Adele performs on “Adele Live in New York” airing at 9 p.m. today on NBC.

tale, narrated by Boris Karloff, will turn 50 next year. That’s a half-century of roast beast! • AMC turns over its entire schedule to Christmas movies, airing nothing but from “A Dennis the Menace Christmas” (9 a.m., TV-PG) through “Scrooged” (11 p.m., Thursday).

CULT CHOICE Not even its star (Halle Berry) could stand the 2004 comic book adaptation “Catwoman” (7 p.m., Oxygen). Critical brickbats have turned it into a cult favorite for some.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Cookie’s new music label may crash upon takeoff on “Empire” (8 p.m., Fox, r, TV14). • Howard Hesseman stars in the 2005 holiday comedy “Crazy for Christmas” (8 p.m., Lifetime).

• The three remaining contestants on “Santa in the Barn” (8 p.m., Tru TV) head for the malls, where legions of children prepare to sit on their laps and discuss their wish lists. • Rosewood and his dad tangle in court on “Rosewood” (9 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14). • Gloria’s Christmas wish runs into warm weather on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, r, TV-14). • “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” (9 p.m., CNN, r) visits Jerusalem. • “Drugs Inc.” (9 p.m., National Geographic) looks at a Thai city’s efforts to fight a methamphetamine addiction epidemic. • “Inside the NFL” (9 p.m., NFL, TV-PG) takes stock of the season as the playoff picture comes into focus. • “Going Deep With David Rees” (10 p.m., Esquire) presents interviews with scientists, chefs and experts to determine the best way to make and present the perfect slice of toast.

SERIES NOTES Frankie decides to forgo church services on “The Middle” (8 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG) * A mayoral candidate worries Oliver on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * Beverly wants to turbo-charge the festival of lights on “The Goldbergs” (8:30 ABC, r, TV-PG) * A cowboy is poisoned on “Hawaii Five-O” (9 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * Jenna needs Dean’s help on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * Pops emphasizes the giving end of Christmas on “blackish” (9:30 p.m., ABC, r, TV-14) * A missing lawyer had a long list of enemies on “Criminal Minds” (10 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * Eddie’s broken heart on “Fresh Off the Boat” (10 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG) * Pops avoids the doctor on a second helping of “black-ish” (10:30 p.m., ABC, r, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT Aaron Sorkin, Artie Lange and Beirut appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS, r) * Bruce Willis, Michael Lewis, Andrew

Delbanco and Lizzo are booked on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS, r) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Tom Hanks, Jessica Chastain and Pentatonix on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC, r) * Larry, Hilary & Josh Meyers and Brian Chase visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC, r) * Josh Duhamel, Kelly Osbourne and Richard Barker appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS, r). Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

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Bring your stuffed mushrooms into the modern era (and to a party) BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press

hen I was a kid and my mom was throwing

dinner parties, I noticed that one of her go-to appetizers was stuffed mushrooms. The fungi in the spotlight were plain old white cultivated mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of buttery chopped mushrooms stems, onions, breadcrumbs and a little dried thyme or cheese. Those button mushrooms seem pretty ho-hum to us today, but back then they were downright exotic, if only because they were the only mushrooms in the store and they fetched a correspondingly serious price. Today, it’s nothing but pastures of plenty. Go the supermarket and you’ll find mushrooms for miles. Even so, as I started developing this recipe, I began with white mushrooms partly as a sentimental nod to “auld lang syne” and partly because those particular mushrooms happen to be the cheapest in the store. Alas, the old standby didn’t have anywhere near the depth of flavor of its more darkly-colored cousins, namely cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella or baby portabella mushrooms. So I went with the cremini. Technique-wise, I was able to apply some of the moves I’ve learned since I cooked

with my mom. The first is the proper way to wash mushrooms. During the ‘60s, the prescribed solution was to wipe each one separately with a damp cloth. The theory was that mushrooms, being the little sponges that they are, would get soggy if you washed them. As you might imagine, this practice becomes tedious pretty quickly. Happily, I learned a much speedier way in my restaurant days. It’s similar to washing lettuce. You fill up a bowl with cold water and toss in a handful of mushrooms. Then, working fast, you swish them all around, lift them out, and transfer them to paper towels to dry. They emerge from this quick communal bath clean and without having absorbed any water. Next, what’s the best way to remove the stems from the mushrooms? With a grapefruit spoon. It may seem weird, but I promise you it’s the right tool for the job. Use it to neatly dig out the stem, leaving a cozy crevice for stuffing — and without splitting the mushroom in half. If you don’t have a grapefruit spoon, use a melon baller. Finally, I must admit that my mom’s stuffed mushrooms were a little soggy sometimes, which left the caps a tad bland. Accordingly, I precook the caps before stuffing them, removing some of their water and helping to intensify their flavor. When it comes to the stuffing itself, the recipe below offers two options — Spanish and Italian. Each features pork and cheese. Neither recalls my mom’s recipe, but both are big on flavor and deeply satisfying. Serve them at a Christmas party and wow your guests. I know my mom would approve.

SPANISH-STYLE STUFFED MUSHROOMS This recipe uses Spanish chorizo. If all you can find is Mexican chorizo (which is fresh, not smoked and cured like the Spanish, and needs to be cooked more thoroughly), remove the meat from the casing, cook it in the oil in the skillet, stirring until it is just cooked through. Transfer the cooked chorizo to a medium bowl with a slotted spoon and proceed with the recipe as written. Start to finish: 1 hour (45 minutes active) Makes 30 stuffed mushrooms 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra 1/4 pound Spanish chorizo sausage 30 large (1 1/2 inches in diameter) cremini mushrooms 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion 1/4 cup dry sherry 1 slice firm white sandwich bread, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about 1/2 cup) 1 ounce Manchego cheese, coarsely grated 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves Kosher salt and ground black pepper Heat the oven to 400 F. Use a bit of olive oil to lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet. Remove the casing from the sausage and cut it into small dice. Trim and discard the dry ends of the mushroom stems. Remove the stems from the mushroom caps and finely chop them. Arrange the

mushroom caps, open sides down, on the oiled pan and bake on the ovens middle shelf for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium, cook the chorizo, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer the chorizo to a medium bowl with a slotted spoon. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped mushroom stems and cook until the liquid the mushrooms release is almost all reduced. Add the sherry and simmer until almost all the liquid is reduced. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the bowl with the chorizo and set aside to cool slightly. Stir in the bread, cheese and parsley, then season with salt and pepper. After the mushrooms have baked for 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Carefully turn the mushroom caps over and divide the chorizo mixture among them, mounding it slightly. Bake the stuffed caps on the oven’s middle shelf for about 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown. If the stuffing browns too quickly, cover the mushrooms loosely with foil. Nutrition information per serving: 40 calories; 25 calories from fat (63 percent of total calories); 3 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 5 mg cholesterol; 95 mg sodium; 2 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 2 g protein.

ITALIAN-STYLE STUFFED MUSHROOMS Start to finish: 1 hour (40 minutes active) Makes 30 stuffed mushrooms 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra 30 large (1 1/2 inches in diameter) cremini mushrooms 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, finely chopped 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated 1 slice firm white sandwich bread, cut into 1/4-inch cubes (about 1/2 cup) 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Kosher salt and ground black pepper Heat the oven to 400 F. Use a bit of olive oil to lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet. Trim and discard the dry ends of the mushroom stems. Remove the stems from the mushroom caps and finely chop them. Arrange the mushroom caps, open sides down, on the oiled pan and bake on the ovens middle shelf for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the chopped mushroom stems and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid the mushrooms release is almost all reduced. Add the sage and prosciutto and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the cheese, bread cubes and red pepper flakes, if using. After the mushrooms have baked for 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Carefully turn the mushroom caps over and divide the stuffing mixture among them, mounding it slightly. Bake the stuffed caps on the oven’s middle shelf for about 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown. If the stuffing browns too quickly, cover the mushrooms loosely with foil. Nutrition information per serving: 25 calories; 15 calories from fat (60 percent of total calories); 1.5 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 105 mg sodium; 2 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 1 g protein.