December 24, 2013

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Merry Christmas from

VOL. 119, NO. 60 WWW.THEITEM.COM

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2013 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

FOUNDED OCTOBER 15, 1894

60 CENTS

Shooting underscores bill’s urgency BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com Just one week after announcing a new bill to impose harsher sentences on offenders who commit new crimes while out on bond, Sen. Thomas McElveen got a new example to cite when his proposal comes up for a

hearing. If passed, the Sumter Democrat’s proposal would impose a longer sentence in the case of McELVEEN Yahchanan Christopher Reames, who allegedly shot and injured two Lee County sheriff’s deputies

Group’s free clinic fund nears goal

during a traffic stop Thursday while he was out on bond for other offenses. “You hear about the more high-profile cases around the state, but these crimes happen even in a community like ours,” said McElveen, whose district also includes much of Lee County. McElveen had earlier pre-

filed a bill for next year’s session of the General Assembly to toughen sentences in cases like Reames’. The draft bill would add 40 percent of a crime’s maximum sentence to a criminal’s time behind bars if he’s out on bond at the time the offense is committed and also convicted of the crime

SEE CLINIC, PAGE A12

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Dedicated to the memory of Glen Sharp

Christmas a little warmer in Sumter BY JACK OSTEEN Jack@theitem.com

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Kaden Seymore runs to the entrance of the Sumter Opera House to catch a showing of “Polar Express” on Friday night. Patrons of all ages came dressed in their pajamas to enjoy snacks and watch the popular movie about a doubting boy who learns all about Christmas, Santa and the North Pole during a magical train ride.

20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC 29150 (USPS 525-900)

www.theitem.com

SEE BILL, PAGE A12

‘POLAR EXPRESS’ PAJAMA PARTY

BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com United Ministries of Sumter County is very close to meeting its fundraising goal that will allow the charitable organization to begin construction of Mercy Medical, its planned free medical clinic. Clinic Coordinator Mariah McKellar said UMSC has received more than $60,000 thus far. “We are quickly approaching our goal of $80,000, which will allow us to construct and equip the four exam rooms and pharmacy, begin to see patients and handle expenses for six months,” she said. “I am confident that as a community, we can meet our goal and raise the remaining $20,000 needed.” In addition to donations, McKellar said, “to help make Mercy Medical a reality, our needs include prayer (and) volunteers. The free clinic will be a medical home for many that would otherwise go without health care.” The clinic will need volunteer office staff, physicians, nurses and other licensed medical professionals. Contact McKellar for information about donating medical supply needs. United Ministries of Sumter County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit

for which he was bonded. The alleged shooter faces two counts of attempted murder, which carry a sentence of up to 30 years. An enhanced sentence under McElveen’s bill would add 12 years to Reames’ potential sentence, or 24 years if the sentences

OUTSIDE GETTING COOLER

DEATHS Information: 774-1200 Advertising: 774-1237 Classifieds: 774-1234 Delivery: 774-1258 News, Sports: 774-1226

With Christmas Day falling on Wednesday this year, it’s going to be tougher for Salvation Army social worker Pamela Lassiter to see as many folks this week because of the holiday. However, donations still came in steady this week as the Sumter community realizes there are still plenty of folks in need of assistance. Additionally, this year’s total giving has already passed last year’s total, in large part because of a $15,000 donation from the Sharp family. That can only mean more needy residents are having a little better Christmas holiday than last year thanks to more money for assistance from giving Sumterites. Founded in 1969, the Fireside Fund collects money for those Sumt-

Carl M. Brown Cedrick A. McFedden Edward Nordstrom Mary M. Grant Jaylen Halley Lynda A. Hood

SEE FIRESIDE, PAGE A12

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Cooler with sun; breezy and colder this evening HIGH: 54 LOW: 26 B4

erites who need help with heating costs, including past-due electric bills and vouchers for kerosene and wood. The Item collects the money, and The Salvation Army interviews candidates, who must provide a valid form of picture identification, paycheck stubs and copies of late bills. This year’s Fireside Fund is dedicated to the late Glen Sharp, one of Sumter’s greatest philanthropists and businessmen. If you need assistance, please try to make an appointment and call for a list of documentation needed. Families needing assistance should call The Salvation Army at (803) 775-9336. Donations can be mailed to The Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151 or dropped off at 20 N. Magnolia St. Names, including groups,

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