December 4, 2014

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Bonds will be set later for 2 murder suspects

BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com A Sumter County judge said Wednesday that bond for two suspects charged in a shoot-

ing that left a Rembert man dead late Monday afternoon must be set at a later date.

Dikeem Dargan, 17, and Marquez Stevens, 20, both of Sumter, appeared before Magistrate Judge Joe Davis during an ini-

tial hearing inside Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center on Wednesday afternoon.

Both suspects stood before the judge shackled in their jail-issued scrubs. Davis declined to set bail for either of

the men, both of whom face murder and armed robbery charges in connection with the shooting death.

Davis told the two men that a circuit court judge would have to set bonds for them, by

virtue of the seriousness of their charges.

He advised both that they can opt for a preliminary hearing to have a judge determine

SEE SUSPECTS, PAGE A6

CanniBUSTed, again

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Braden Bunch looks at a bedroom in a house with an underground grow room in Sumter on Wednesday. The pipes were built in the bedroom to feed water to the plants below the house. The grow room featured a conveyor belt in the far corner of the subterranean room, seen below middle, and shelving for the plants, below left. Gobe Dean McElveen Sr., 50, of 2059 McCrays Mill Road, was arrested Wednesday after admitting there was more marijuana in the residence.

McElveen had been initially arrested after the room was found by deputies in November.

Deputies arrest man on drug charges for 2nd time in 10 days after grow room found in November

BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com

McELVEEN

Sumter County deputies arrested a suspected pot dealer for the second time in 10 days after finding more than a pound of apparent

.com

According to a release from Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, deputies entered the home, and McElveen admitted there was more suspected marijuana in the residence.

He was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana

DEATHS, B7

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marijuana inside his home Wednesday.

Gobe Dean McElveen Sr., 50, of 2059 McCrays Mill Road, faces additional drug charges after deputies responded to his home Wednesday morning to serve him seizure warrants on the residence.

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and possession with intent to distribute marijuana within proximity to a school in connection with Wednesday’s discovery.

McElveen was originally arrested Nov. 24. That’s when drug

SEE BUST, PAGE A6

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

City to buy downtown properties next week After an executive session Tuesday night, Sumter City Council members unanimously approved a proposal for the city to purchase a group of properties for $275,000 plus closing costs.

It will be for “mixed use” economic development, said Howie Owens, downtown development manager, meaning the set of properties could become any number of businesses such as retail, restaurants or even professional office space. There are no plans for a restaurant, he said.

Details are still being finalized, and the hope is to close on the real estate next week.

More information will be available then, Owens said.

Judge swears in new Pinewood mayor, town council members

3 face drug charges after I-95 traffic stop Three Florida men face charges after Sumter County deputies stopped them traveling along Interstate 95 with money and prescription drugs.

Leikel Uriartes-Salazar, 37, of Tampa, Florida, as well as Tomas GomezTorres, 29, and Jose Luis Rodriguez, 35, both of Reading, Florida, GOMEZwere arrested TORRES Tuesday morning.

All three face charges of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance in connection with the incident.

According to a RODRIGUEZ Sumter County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy spotted the suspects speeding along I-95 South in a 2008 Mercedes URIARTES- Benz. The deputy stopped the vehiSALAZAR cle near the 135mile marker, where he encountered the suspects visibly nervous to speak to authorities.

Gomez-Torres told a deputy he is a rapper and said the group was headed to Miami for a few days. No one in the group knew exactly where they were going in Miami, and several did not know who owned the vehicle in which they were traveling.

Deputies searched the vehicle, finding and seizing more than 70 prescription pills, nearly $9,000 in cash, multiple cellphones and at least one digital scale.

CORRECTION Sumter City councilwoman Ione Dwyer was listed with the wrong title in a story regarding passing the 1999 Tax Incremental Financing in Wednesday’s edition of The Sumter Item. She was chairwoman of the Sumter School District 17 board of trustees during that time.

RAYTEVIA EVANS / THE SUMTER ITEM

Pinewood Municipal Judge Bryan K. Griffin leads newly elected town council members and the mayor during the oath of office ceremony at Pinewood Town Hall on Tuesday evening. Members of the community attended the brief ceremony where council members Leonard Houser, second from left; Gary Nesbitt, third from left; Mayor Sarah B. Mathis, third from right; LaVaron Johnson, second from right; and Jackie Spann, far right, were officially sworn in before enjoying refreshments in celebration of the occasion.

Friends, family attend ceremony at town hall ahead of meeting Dec. 9

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS ray@theitem.com Smiles and hugs were all around as the town of Pinewood in Sumter County swore in its four town council members and the mayor Tuesday night. Before asking the five town leaders to repeat the oath of office, Pinewood Municipal Judge Bryan K. Griffin said it was a great occasion to be back in the town where he grew up with leaders looking toward the future.

“It’s always nice to know that the election process is important to the citizens in the town of Pinewood or anywhere,” Griffin said.

More than 20 members of the Pinewood community as well as friends, supporters and family members of those being sworn in attended the brief event at Pinewood Town Hall before enjoying refreshments. During the oath, the council members — Leonard Houser, Jackie Spann, Gary Nesbitt and LaVaron Johnson — and Mayor Sarah B. Mathis swore they were qualified according to the constitution of South Carolina to go about the duties of their elected positions.

During her brief speech and acknowledgement of community members, Mathis said she and the council members are open to hearing concerns, comments and suggestions for the improvement of Pinewood from all community members and will do their best to serve them well in the future.

“We will do our best for the people

here in Pinewood. We have hardworking council members, and whatever you’d like to see in the town, just let us know,” Mathis said. “As the mayor, I know the council, and I will work hard for this town.”

The new leaders of Pinewood took the oath of office Tuesday after enduring a tumultuous year in leadership for the better half of 2014. In early January, Pinewood held a special election for an eligible candidate to temporarily fill the town’s mayoral seat after former Mayor Al Pridgen resigned for medical reasons and moved to Durham, North Carolina.

Mathis, the current mayor of Pinewood, served as mayor pro tem before recently being elected and then sworn in on Tuesday.

The first regular meeting for the newly elected Pinewood Town Council is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Pinewood Town Hall.

Show-choir students sing to Covenant Place residents

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS ray@theitem.com With 21 days left until Christmas, Furman Middle School’s show choir Standing Ovation got an early start with spreading the holiday cheer on Wednesday. The 19-person choir stopped by Covenant Place to sing Christmas carols for elderly residents — the group’s fifth year participating in the event.

Linda Beck, Furman’s chorus director, said the students enjoy singing and sharing that gift with others, especially during the holiday season. Although they get to perform and do something they enjoy, Beck said it’s also about volunteering and giving back to their communities.

“This is what Christmas is all

about,” Beck said. “We like to do community service with our students. The kids enjoy it, and you can see for some of them (Covenant Place residents), there were tears rolling down their cheeks as the students performed.”

The holiday season presents many opportunities for students at Furman, as well as other schools in Sumter School District, to put on performances for the Sumter community and family members. The performance at Covenant Place is one of many events for Furman’s show choir and other schools. The students got a small group of residents in the Christmas spirit singing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” “Oh Holy Night” and a funky and fun rendition of “Jingle Bells,” among other holiday favorites.

After singing for Covenant Place residents, the students graced the district

office with their presence and sang a few Christmas songs for Superintendent Frank Baker and others. They also stopped by the mall on Wednesday afternoon to visit Santa and for an outof-school lunch.

Beck, who is also one of the music instructors for the REACH summer program, or Reinforcing and Expanding Artistic and Creative Horizons, said that music education for students is important. They get to express themselves through music and other forms of art and then share what they’ve learned or created with their communities.

Coming up, Furman will dazzle the Sumter community with its Christmas concert today at Lakewood High School’s Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. and is diligently preparing for the production of the Little Mermaid set to start in January.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ANNOUNCEMENT ARE YOU GOING ON Birth, Engagement, Wedding, VACATION? Anniversary, Obituary 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Rick Carpenter Managing Editor rick@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 Waverly Williams Sales Manager waverly@theitem.com (803) 774-1237

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LOCAL | STATE

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

Readying the city’s Christmas tree

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Latest S.C. road bill would add interstate lanes

BY JEFFREY COLLINS The Associated Press COLUMBIA — With as many as a dozen bills to put more money into South Carolina roads expected next session, state Sen. Nikki Setzler wants to make sure the interstates aren’t forgotten.

So Setzler filed a bill Wednesday that he said would allow the state to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars to add new lanes to existing interstates.

The bill would set aside about $60 million from sales taxes collected on vehicles and place it in a Lane Expansion Fund in the State Infrastructure Bank. That money would be used to fund road construction borrowing and could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars, said Setzler, D-West Columbia.

The sales tax from selling cars used to go in the

general fund. In 2013, legislators pulled out half of it to go to road construction.

Setzler’s proposal would redirect the other half of the tax revenue.

“Our interstates are crumbling and falling apart. They are in terrible condition. They are the backbone of economic development and can’t be forgotten,” Setzler said.

South Carolina has 851 miles of interstate highway, and about 80 percent are only two lanes in each direction. But expanding interstates is costly. A current project to make a 10mile stretch of Interstate 26 east of Columbia six lanes is costing $76 million.

Setzler expects his bill to be one of about a dozen filed by legislators by the time the session starts in January.

Pressure continues to build to find some way of getting more money to fix roads and bridges.

Tinkler will keep former speaker’s seat for 2 years Challenge to Democrat’s election ends CHARLESTON (AP) — South Carolina officials have dropped efforts to get a new election for the House seat formerly held

by House Speaker Bobby Harrell of Charleston.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported a motion signed by the attorney general’s office means that Democratic Rep. Mary Tinkler will keep the seat for the coming two years.

Republicans had argued in October that a new primary was needed to select a candidate to replace Harrell, who pleaded guilty in October to six campaign spending violations and resigned. While Harrell’s name appeared on the Nov. 4 ballot, his votes were not counted because of his guilty pleas.

A hearing at the South Carolina Supreme Court on the dispute about the election had been scheduled next week. But the attorney general office’s mo-

Matt Nelson, above, reaches up to grab the hook from inside the City of Sumter Christmas Tree on Tuesday morning. The tree will officially be lit on Friday during a ceremony beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the lawn of the old Sumter County Courthouse on North Main Street. There will be live entertainment, and afterward, children and their parents can take A Walk with Saint Nick.

Stroll with him from the courthouse to the Sumter County Library to enjoy refreshments and storytelling. The event is free to the public.

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

tion recognized Tinkler as the certified winner.

State Republican Party officials said they recognized the difficulty in challenging’s Tinkler’s election now.

GOP officials had bowed out of the case earlier.

They said it was up to the state Election Commission to pay the cost and defend the legality of holding a new election.

But attorney general spokesman Mark Powell said Tuesday the GOP’s withdrawal means the complaint is without merit because there is no one left officially challenging Tinkler’s election.

Charleston County Republican Party Chairman John Steinberger said the odds are strong that the GOP will try to win the seat in 2016.

“It’s a Republican district, and a Republican will win when there’s an election,” Steinberger said.

FREEDOM FURNITURE NOW HAS 2 LOCATIONS SUMTER & MANNING

CHARGES Brian Wright, 37, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, and Christopher Wright, 35, of Philadelphia, were both arrested Tuesday afternoon after a high-speed chase along U.S. 378 that reportedly reached speeds of nearly 100 mph. Brian Wright faces charges of reckless driving and failure to stop for a blue light stemming from the chase.

Christopher Wright was charged with two counts of drug possession after deputies reportedly found a small quantity of marijuana and prescription pills in the vehicle.

Joshua Bolden, 19, of 3981 Dodgen Hill Road, was arrested Monday after a report of shoplifting on Broad Street Extension. Investigators later tied him to a re-

ported robbery attempt shortly before 9:30 a.m. Friday outside a First Citizens Bank. Bolden faces charges of strong arm robbery and shoplifting stemming from the two unrelated incidents and remains jailed on $26,087.50 bond.

DAMAGED PROPERTY A 2008 Nissan Altima was reportedly scratched and sustained $1,500 in estimated damage while parked at a property in the 4400 block of Julius Lane about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

A former Chinese restaurant in the 4600 block of Broad Street was reportedly vacated and left in disarray, causing more than $5,000 in estimated property damage.

STOLEN PROPERTY A 2011 Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide motorcycle was reportedly stolen from a home in the 200

block of East Red Bay Road between 11:30 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Several copper wires valued at $6,000 were reportedly stolen from a residence in the 2000 block of Hatteras Way between Nov. 26 and 10 a.m. Monday. The property sustained $1,000 in damage during the alleged theft. Construction crews estimated it would cost $6,000 to replace the copper reportedly stolen from the residence.

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NATION | WORLD

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Data show 2014 could be hottest year on record

AP FILE PHOTO

Louis Head, center front, Michael Brown’s stepfather, and Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden, wearing sunglasses, react as they listen to the announcement that a grand jury decided not to indict Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren Wilson, who fatally shot Brown on Aug. 9. Head has apologized for his angry outburst after the grand jury’s decision and insists his comments had nothing to do with arson, vandalism and looting that occurred soon after in Ferguson.

Michael Brown’s stepfather apologizes for comments FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — The stepfather of Michael Brown has apologized for angry comments he made after the grand jury decided not to indict the police officer who killed his stepson but said his remarks had nothing to do with the arson and looting that ravaged Ferguson and the surrounding area.

Louis Head said Wednesday in a statement that he was full of emotion on the night of Nov. 24, when he yelled “Burn this bitch down!” in a crowd of protesters.

St. Louis County police said Tuesday they are investigating Head’s comments as part of a broader inquiry into the arson, vandalism and looting.

Twelve commercial buildings were destroyed in the hours

after the grand jury decision.

Head does not have a listed phone number, and there was no answer when an Associated Press reporter knocked at his listed address Wednesday.

Brown, 18, was shot and killed by Ferguson officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9. Wilson, who is white, told the grand jury he fired because his life was in danger, but some witnesses said Brown, who was black and unarmed, was trying to surrender.

Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden, was on top of a car on a Ferguson street in front of the police station, surrounded by protesters, when she heard the grand jury announcement. She began sobbing. Her husband jumped on top of the car and hugged her,

then yelled out.

The street was already noisy and grew louder as Head hugged his wife. He yelled without a microphone or any amplification. Some people who were close by couldn’t hear what he said.

Still, video of the comments immediately spread on Twitter, YouTube and other social media.

“I was so angry and full of raw emotions, as so many others were, and granted, I screamed out words that I shouldn’t have screamed in the heat of the moment,” the statement reads.

“It was wrong, and I humbly apologize to all of those who read my pain and anger as a true desire for what I want for our community.”

Jury clears officer in chokehold death NEW YORK (AP) — A grand jury cleared a white New York City police officer Wednesday in the videotaped chokehold death of an unarmed black man who had been stopped on suspicion of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes, a lawyer for the victim’s family said.

The decision in Staten Island not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo threatened to add to the tensions that have simmered in the city since the July 17 death of Eric Garner — a case that sparked outrage and drew comparisons to the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

Jonathan Moore, an attorney for Garner’s family, said he was told of the grand jury’s decision.

“I am actually astonished based on the evi-

dence of the videotape, and the medical examiner, that this grand jury at this time wouldn’t indict for anything, is really just astonishing,” Moore said.

The Staten Island District Attorney’s office didn’t immediately respond to a call. There was no immediate comment from Pantaleo’s attorney nor the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, a union that has strongly backed the officer.

The grand jury could have considered a range of charges, from murder to a lesser offense such as reckless endangerment.

A video shot by an onlooker and widely viewed on the Internet showed the 43-year-old Garner telling a group of police officers to leave him alone as they tried to arrest him.

Christmas Open House at The Ruins!

SUNDAY SERVICES:

10:00

11:00am 6:30pm

Saturday, December 6, 2014 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Rain or Shine)

Sunday School for all ages Worship Hour Worship Hour

LIMA, Peru (AP) — With temperature data showing 2014 tied for the hottest year on record, the U.N. weather agency on Wednesday rejected claims that global warming has paused.

The World Meteorological Organization said the global average temperature in January-October was 1.03 Fahrenheit above average, the same as in recordhot year 2010.

The ocean temperature set a new record in the nine-month period, while land temperatures were the fourth or fifth highest since record keeping began in the 19th century, the WMO said in a report released at U.N. climate talks in Lima and at its headquarters in Geneva.

“The provisional information for 2014 means that 14 of the 15 warmest years on record have all occurred in the 21st century,” WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud said in a statement. “There is no standstill in global warming.”

Climate skeptics point to a perceived hiatus in the

temperature rise since 1998, an exceptionally hot year, to support their claims that man-made warming is not a big problem. Most climate scientists reject that idea. Michael Oppenheimer of Princeton University said the long-term warming trend is combined with natural variations that tend to be cyclical, with a period of lower-than-average warming followed by a period of rapid warming.

“Whether such a period is about to begin, we cannot say, but the warm 2014 is a reminder that the warming never stopped, and the longterm trend is up, up, up,” Oppenheimer said.

Parts of the planet were cooler than average, including large areas of the U.S., Canada and central Russia. But most of the world experienced temperatures above average, with heat waves in South Africa, Australia and Argentina in January and in large parts of South America in October, according to the WMO assessment.

More info on drug labels will help pregnant women WASHINGTON (AP) — Pregnant and worried about your medication?

The Food and Drug Administration is revamping those confusing labels on prescription drugs to make it easier to understand which are safe to use.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding often agonize about whether a drug needed for their own health might hurt their baby or even if the woman’s changing body requires a higher or lower dose.

There are more than 6 million pregnancies in the U.S. every year, and FDA says women take an average of three to five pre-

scription drugs during pregnancy. They may have a pregnancy-related infection or morning sickness.

Or they may have an ongoing condition — asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or depression — that could dangerously worsen if they avoided treatment because of drug concerns.

Starting next summer, labels on new prescription drugs must clearly state what’s known about safe use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, including whether the information comes from studies in people or only animals. Older drugs will phase in the new labels during the next few years.

MEN’S MEN S NIGHT OUT! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 • 6-9:30PM

LIVE BLUEGRASS BL AND STOREWIDE SALE 40 W. WESMARK BLVD.•SUMTER, SC

Powell’s ON MAIN

FEATHERLITES BY Now Enrolling for 2nd Semester Call 773-1902 420 South Pike West Sumter, SC 29150

Ron Davis, Pastor (803) 773-8339

HOME TO 1257 Barnwell Drive Sumter (Stateburg), SC 29154 Rare opportunity to tour the main floor & grounds of the 230 year old historic home.

Light refreshments, hayrides (weather permitting) displays & stories.

No admission charge but contributions to restoration projects gratefully appreciated.

Directions: Take Hwy 378/76 west towards Columbia, turn right on Hwy 261, turn right on Deveaux (3rd street), turn left at the stop sign, go 1/4 mile, and The Ruins will be on the right.

Sumter Christian School & Target Learning Center “Teaching the mind, reaching the heart”

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40 Years of Christian Education Call 773-1902 or visit www.sumterchristian.org

PILLOW SOFT INSOLES 16 S. MAIN STREET | SUMTER SC | (803) 775-8171

RELIGION

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

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A5

Forget about the rules and just give T

here are certain rules we abide by during the gift-giving season. Prime example: We might verbally agree with our co-workers to a spending amount so as not to create a disparity in the values of the gifts we give to one another and create an embarrassing situation. And that’s what Christmas is about, right?

Avoiding awkward situations as we socialize with friends and family.

Most of us take great strides to know who is giving us a gift so we can reciprocate without hesitation, as if trying to strike a perfect balance between our roles as giver and receiver. We exchange gifts on a certain date at a certain time with certain people.

We resolve to spend the same amount on each child to make it fair. Some wellintentioned parents even try to stifle their children’s burgeoning materialism by limiting their children’s presents to a

specific number: one, three, 47. Even the games we play during the holiday season have rules, such as White Elephant, the gift exchange game where someone ends with the dud gift — Faith Matters up Aunt Ruth’s much-maJAMIE H. ligned fruitcake.

WILSON And the rules read on. In spite of all our current practices toward gift giving and our growing disdain for the label of materialism, I want to offer some unconventional advice this Christmas season: Give. Give a lot. Give gifts because you are able. Buy gifts even if they aren’t on sale, and give them to people you love.

Receive satisfaction purely from the that fact that your gift met the needs of

another. Use all of your Christmas bonus check if you have to.

Give gifts that reflect a person’s need or want. Don’t just give a gift because it satisfies your end of a gift exchange. A gift given out of obligation is only a few grades above an insult. Think about what would be most beneficial to that person, and give it to him or her.

Give until it hurts. Yes, your checking account will take a hit. Give to people who are on the fringe of your circle of friends. Give to people who you see every day. Forgo the assumed rules around the office, school or church, and just give. Let the wrapped presents spill from under the tree into the hallway and adjacent rooms.

Give with a happy heart filled with love for your fellow man and woman, and expect nothing in return. Give without thought to the fact that the recipient might squander the value of the gift.

Give as a natural implementation of your love for others.

If you celebrate the spiritual reason for the Christmas season, I hope that your gift giving bears testimony to the faith you profess. I’m not encouraging you to resign your bank account to ruin; I’m simply asking you to give generously and in the true spirit of the season.

So give because this season celebrates a gift given by the Almighty to His people. If you want to capture the true spirit of Christmas, then give a lot because you might begin to feel what heaven felt the day that God sent His Son to live among His people. God gave it all.

Check out our special Faith Today section beginning on page C1.

Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail.com.

Immanuel Lutheran pastor, congregation serve Crosswell community

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com While some people are wrapping up the year along with presents, Immanuel Lutheran Church’s first pastor has already celebrated his inaugural year.

“It’s been delicious with all the layers of meaning that word evokes,” said Pastor Gary Blobaum. “One experience I’ve found compelling is Southern cooking. It’s the simplest form of Southern hospitality. The church should be a feast of the Word. Sunday service, Bible study and adult Sunday school should all be wonderful encounters in the Word.”

His congregation feels similarly.

“We’re absolutely just as giddy as we were Aug. 25,” said Susan Keefe, council president for the church.

Formed in 2011, about 34 members were attending the Sumter church co-located with St. John United Methodist when Blobaum started in August 2013. They now have more than 50 members.

About a month after Blobaum started, the church created a Free Christian Library.

“We’ve gone through 375 children’s books in about a year,” said Keefe. “We can’t tell about the adult books because people bring them back.”

Loretta Stanley is now the librarian managing the mini media center.

“It’s our way to serve people in the Crosswell neighborhood by putting the Word in the hands of those who might not have access to it any other way,” she said. “Sharing the Word is what we’re all about.”

But the service-oriented church did not stop there.

“The congregation has persistently asked, ‘why has the Lord brought us to Crosswell,’” he said. “There are lives and families’ ways of living that need to be changed. There are powerful factors that affect their lives, (and) one of the most powerful factors is the persistence of crime.”

So after some research, Keefe began heading up a detention center ministry in a women’s pod. The 12-week pilot program is called “Stand By Me.” “We want to build church within the walls,” Keefe said.

“We want people to care for each other like we do at Immanuel. We’re starting with the basic tenets of our faith — who is God, who is Jesus, the 10 Commandments. We’re leading with ‘Rely on God.’ It’s not your ability to do it yourself, it’s the power of God.” The challenge is that the pop-

ulation is transient, and the hope is to continue to support people in their spiritual walk whether they are sent to prison or get out of incarceration.

While Immanuel Lutheran is breaking ground with this program, the long-term goal is for other churches to participate, Keefe said.

As for what’s next, Blobaum said it’s up to the Holy Spirit.

“Some think a church has to have a vision statement,” he said. “Our vision is to follow Christ day by day, week by week. Like the old text says, who knows what the Lord can do? Who knows where we’ll be a year from now?”

For more information, visit the church at 140 Poinsett Drive, call (803) 883-1049 or visit ilcsumter.com.

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A6

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LOCAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

BUST FROM PAGE A1 investigators found and seized an estimated 34 pounds of processed marijuana street valued at more than $154,000 from his property, on which a one-story brick structure sits just behind Archway Academy day care and McElveen Manor assisted living facility.

During the search, investigators unearthed a 500-square-foot-grow room that McElveen is suspected of building. The subterranean, climate-controlled manufacturing chamber was excavated about 15 feet beneath his home, and authorities think he planned to cultivate large quantities of marijuana in the clandestine underground lab.

McElveen was charged with manufacturing marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana after that initial arrest. Court records indicate he was released from Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center on bond Monday.

Students from the nearby day care visited the gate that divides McElveen’s property from the facility, watching and waving at officers as they combed through the residence Wednesday afternoon.

A circuit court judge issued narcotics officers a warrant to seize the suspect’s property in order to maintain control of the crime scene.

Deputies were executing that warrant Wednesday when they stumbled upon McElveen’s latest grow operation.

The marijuana was found in the living room of the residence near the front door separated and packaged in individual Zip Lock plastic bags.

Authorities estimate it had a street value of at least $4,500.

Deputies re-arrested McElveen, and he is locked up at Sumter-Lee Regional jail awaiting a new bond hearing.

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Braden Bunch shows a tunnel that was dug to hide a marijuana grow room under a house behind McElveen Manor on Wednesday.

SUSPECTS FROM PAGE A1 whether the indictments should go forward. Their next court appearances are scheduled for Jan. 9.

It was the pair’s first appearance in front of a judge since police arrested and charged them this week. Dargan turned himself in to officers at Sumter Law Enforcement Center on Monday night. Stevens turned himself in Tuesday.

Investigators with Sumter Police Department were present during the hearing and restated their theory that the incident resulted from a botched armed robbery attempt.

Authorities converged upon the scene along Shop Road one block north of Broad Street and found 25-year-old Lance Lynell Myers lying on the ground near a vacant apartment duplex.

Sumter County Coroner’s Office confirmed he died from MATT BRUCE / THE SUMTER ITEM a single gunshot wound to the upper torso. Officers said Marquez Stevens, front, and Dikeem Dargan sit inside a courtroom Wednesday the victim was unWednesday afternoon awaiting bond hearings. A judge declined bond armed at the time of the incifor both men, who were charged in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Lance Lynell Myers. Their bonds will be set later by a circuit court judge. dent.

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A7

THE CLARENDON SUN Call: (803) 774-1211 | E-mail: jim@theitem.com

PHOTOS BY JIM HILLEY / THE CLARENDON SUN

Clarendon County officials pause and share memories at an octagonal hallway intersection inside the Clarendon County Courthouse Monday. They were among a group who toured the building to see how renovations are progressing on the historic structure.

Tour of courthouse renovation evokes memories

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

A

group of Clarendon County officials, lawyers, judges and members of the media toured the Clarendon County Courthouse Monday, viewing the progress being made to preserve the historic building and make it serviceable for public use.

Many of the county officials have previously worked in the building and shared memories of which offices had once been located in which rooms. Many joked about such things as heaters that worked in the summer, air conditioning that worked in winter and damp rooms in the basement.

John Amick of Mashburn Construction, the contractor working on the building, told the group that major work on repairing the roof structure was complete and crews were beginning to rough-in electrical and plumbing fixtures.

With Amick concerned about anyone entering the building without safety goggles, helmets and vests, the tour was divided into several groups.

Inside the building, the main courtroom was filled with scaffolding that towered overhead to the still visible support beams and trusses. Amick said the original beams holding up the roof structure had been chewed by termites to the

A group touring the Clarendon County Courthouse Monday descends the steps to a lower floor. point the building had not been safe to occupy, but they were now replaced.

“The roof is not going to fall on your head,” he said.

Clerk of Courts Beulah Roberts said she has many memories of the courthouse.

“I’ve been roaming the halls for about 38 years,” she said.

Roberts said the courtroom will be used for the Circuit Court when it’s reopened. Also returning to the building will be the Master in Equity, the Clerk of Court, the Public Defender’s Office and the Solicitor’s Office.

The building showed many signs of a previous renovation in about 1970, with a high wooden wall in the main courtroom and sheet rock and stucco covering the original brick

walls.

“I think they pretty well gutted it and took out the old spiral staircases and made it look like it looks today,” Roberts said.

Amick said the work his construction company is doing is to make the building usable more than to do historic preservation.

“When you have a limited amount of money you have to make choices,” he said.

Roberts said the tour was like “going home.”

“I met a lot of wonderful people who have come and gone through there when it held all of the offices,” she said.

She recalled being moved

SEE COURTHOUSE, PAGE A9

Scaffolding fills the main courtroom in the Clarendon County Courthouse as it is under renovation.

Manning celebrates Arbor Day at the Bellwood Park

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com The City of Manning will celebrate Arbor Day at 9 a.m. today, with a tree planting at the Bellwood Park, located at the corner of Spann and Lawson streets.

Members of City Council, city staff, City of Manning Tree and Beautification Board

and members of the Manning High School FFA will assist with the planting.

Lois Edwards, Pee Dee Urban Forester for the South Carolina Forestry Commission, will present a Tree City USA flag and other materials recognizing the City as a 2013 Tree City USA. Manning achieved the Tree City USA recognition by meet-

ing the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, and annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service

and the National Association of State Foresters.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Manning make smart investments in urban forests,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beau-

ty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Benefits of trees cited by the Arbor Day Foundation are cleaner air, improved storm management, energy savings and increased property values and commercial activity.

For more information, call 435-8477, or visit arborday.org.

A8

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CLARENDON SUN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Shop for good nutrition, read food labels A s you are shopping, you are looking for the best nutritional info that fits your diet — so let’s take a look at the specific info that’s on those labels.

Here’s the meaning of the descriptive words for specific nutrients:

SUGAR • Sugar Free: This means less than 0.5 grams (g) per serving • No Added Sugar, Without Added Sugar, No Sugar Added: This means no sugars added during processing or packing, including ingredients that contain sugars (for example, fruit juices, Nancy applesauce, or dried Harrison fruit).

Processing does not CLEMSON increase the sugar EXTENSION content above the amount naturally present in the ingredients.

If the food doesn’t meet the requirements for a low- or reduced calorie food, the product bears a statement that the food is not low-calorie or calorie-reduced, so this will direct you to the nutrition fact panel for further information on sugars and calorie content.

• Reduced Sugar:

This means that at least 25 percent less sugar per serving.

CALORIES

• Calorie Free: This means fewer than 5 calories per serving • Low Calorie: 40 calories or less per serving; and if the serving is 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less, per 50 g of the food.

• Reduced or Fewer Calories: This means at least 25 percent fewer calories per serving than reference food.

FAT • Fat Free: This means less than 0.5 g of fat per serving.

• Low Fat: This means 3 g or less per serving; and if the serving 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less, per 50 g of the food.

• Low Saturated Fat: This means 1 g or less per serving, and not more than 15 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids • Reduced or Less Fat: This means at least 25 percent less per serving.

• Reduced or Less Saturated Fat: This means at least 25 percent less per serving.

CHOLESTEROL • Cholesterol Free: This means less than 2 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol and 2 g or less of saturated fat per serving.

PETS OF THE WEEK

• Low Cholesterol: This means 20 mg or less and 2 g or less of saturated fat per serving; and if the serving is 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less, per 50 g of the food.

• Reduced or less Cholesterol: This means at least 25 percent less and 2 g or less of saturated fat per serving than reference food.

SODIUM • Sodium Free: This means less than 5 mg per serving.

• Low Sodium: This means 140 mg or less per serving and; if the serving is 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less, per 50 g of the food • Very Low Sodium: This means 35 mg or less per serving; and if the serving is 30 g or less or 2 tablespoons or less, per 50 g of the food.

• Reduced or Less Sodium: This means at least 25 percent less per serving.

COLETTE

FIBER • High Fiber: This means 5 g or more per serving. Foods making high fiber claims must meet the definition for low fat, or the level of total fat must appear next to the high fiber claim.

• Good Source of Fiber: This means 2.5 g to 4.9 g per serving.

• More or Added Fiber: This means at least 2.5 g more per serving than reference food.

JULIET

Colette is a 3-month-old female, orange tabby, domestic shorthair kitten. She is the sister of Cara, Candy and Dash. She is up to date on her shots and has been spayed.

Stop by and see these cute kittens.

Juliet is a 1-year-old female black and brown Chihuahua mix. She is current on her shots and is scheduled to be spayed on Dec. 19. She came to us with her friend Romeo.

She loves to be held and petted. Stop by and visit all our beautiful shelter babies.

Meet Colette, Juliet and many other cats and dogs at A Second Chance Animal Shelter, 5079 Alex Harvin Highway (U.S. 301), which has numerous pets available for adoption. Adoption hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. To drop off an animal, call (803) 473-7075 for an appointment. If you’ve lost a pet, check www.ccanimalcontrol.webs.com and www.ASecondChanceAnimalShelter.com.

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS ST. MATTHIAS BAZAAR The St. Matthias Episcopal Church Christmas Bazaar will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the church, 9 Dukes St., Summerton. Barbecue plates and home made Christmas décor will be available for purchase. For more information, call (803) 485-2504.

TURBEVILLE PARADE The Turbeville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony will be at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, on the Turbeville Town Square. For more information, call (843) 659-2781.

VENDOR FAIR A Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Clarendon Community Center Complex, behind Weldon Auditorium. For more information, call (803) 433-7469.

CLARENDON CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

MANNING CHRISTMAS PARADE

Manning’s annual Christmas Parade has been moved up an hour and will start at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the old Manning High School.

Line-up numbers will be assigned to participants as they arrive that afternoon at the intersection of Brooks Street and Old Georgetown Road.

Participants should line up in their location by 2:30 p.m.

Haven’t signed up yet? Contact the Clarendon Chamber MENTORING PROGRAM of Commerce, 19 North Brooks Street, in Manning or Rural Leadership Insticall (803) 435-2330 for informa- tute-Clarendon is begintion. ning a mentoring proParticipants cannot throw any items, including candy, but they can walk the route and hand gifts to onlookers.

Motorcycle and horse clubs are limited to 10 per club.

The entry fee is $25 per entry. All proceeds from the parade go to United Ministries.

LET’S MOVE MANNING

Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, hosted by FTC will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Belk Building, 34 N. Brooks St. For more information, call (803) 435-4405.

The Let’s Move Manning Walkers Club meets every Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at the Gazebo on Church Street. For more information, call (803) 435-8477.

ARMY BAND IN CONCERT

The Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Clarendon Community Center Complex, behind Weldon Auditorium off Maple Street in Manning. Vendor spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $10 per space. Set up begins at 6:30 a.m. Displays must be set up by 7:30. For more information, call Bridgett Epperson at (803) 433-0103 or 473-3543.

The 282nd Army Band will play in concert at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Weldon Auditorium.

Tickets are free, but must be picked up prior to the concert date. For more information, call (803) 433-7469.

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION The City of Manning will celebrate Arbor Day with the planting of a tree at 9 a.m. today at Bellwood Park. Everyone is welcome to attend.

POLAR EXPRESS The Manning Youth Council is sponsoring “The Polar Express” at Weldon Auditorium at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. The cost of the movie is $2.

dents in grades 9 through 12. The Youth Council will serve Manning by planning and implementing social, educational, recreational and other activities for the youth and community. Students will also learn about the city government in a fun environment.

For more information and to obtain an application, contact City Hall at (803) 435-8477.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

MANNING YOUTH COUNCIL The Manning Youth Council is now accepting applications. Applicants must be Clarendon County residents attending Laurence Manning Academy or Manning High School, or home-schooled stu-

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gram, called Operation Generation, for at-risk youths in Clarendon County School District 1.

Initially, the program will focus on students at Summerton Early Childhood Center and St. Paul Elementary School.

The board members of Rural Leadership Institute Clarendon are asking adult members of the Clarendon community to volunteer to become mentors.

For more information, call Bea Rivers at (803) 4858164, Lesley Dykes at (803) 707-4901 or email rliclarendoncounty@gmail.com.

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If you would like to have your photo from the public printed, please email a high resolution image to gail@theitem-clarendonsun.com please include a few sentences to describe the photo

CLARENDON

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

Shoplifting leads to pursuit Officers then activated their sirens.

The SUV reportedly failed to stop, and the pursuing officer radioed in a pursuit in progress, requesting assistance from the sheriff’s office. The pursuit continued west on Boyce to Collins Street, south to West Huggins Street on Collins Street. The SUV reportedly turned right, then left on Alfred Henry Drive. It reportedly slowed at one stop sign and then ran the next, turning right on to Sunset Drive and left into Fairway Mobile Home Park. The pursuit reportedly reached speeds near 60 mph.

Police report the suspect’s vehicle slid to a stop in the mobile home park and the driver jumped out and fled on foot.

An officer pursued the suspect behind a mobile home where the suspect fell. The pursuing officer reportedly advised the suspect he would be tasered if he moved.

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com A shoplifting report at Walmart in Manning resulted in a pursuit both by vehicle and by foot Saturday night.

Police responded to a call from a loss prevention officer at Walmart reporting that a man had placed three televisions and other electronic items in a shopping cart and was exiting the store. While police were en route, the loss prevention officer reported the man had left the building and was placing the items in a gray SUV bearing out-of-state tags.

Police encountered the vehicle near the McDonald’s, and an officer pulled behind the vehicle and activated his blue lights. The suspect’s vehicle reportedly paused and then proceeded to the stop sign on Boyce Street, where it stopped for a few seconds before proceeding to turn left on Boyce.

COURTHOUSE, FROM PAGE A7 out of the building in May 2013, when the damaged beams were discovered.

“I was at a court clerk conference in Myrtle Beach and I got a call to come to the administrator’s office immediately,” she said. “When I got there, they told me we had to move out ‘As of yesterday.’

“That was on Thursday and we were out of there the Tuesday of the next week.”

County Administrator

David Epperson said the renovation project is costing about $6 million and is expected to be complete in June 2015.

He said he was pleased to be able to have a tour of the building.

“I thought it went really well,” he said. “We wanted to give the judges, lawyers and others who will be working in the building a firsthand look at the progress being made.”

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A9

POLICE BLOTTER

A third officer arrived less than a minute later and they took the man into custody without incident. A female passenger was detained at the SUV. Dispatch advised the arresting officer the SUV had struck a vehicle while exiting the Walmart parking lot.

Officers searching the SUV reported finding two 24-inch flat screen televisions, a sound bar and a Bluetooth speaker as well as half of a 24-ounce container of Coors beer, still cold.

Otis Ulysses Dow, 36, 206 Dyson St., was arrested and charged with driving under suspension, open container, failure to stop for a blue light/ siren, trespassing after notice and shoplifting.

The loss prevention officer at Walmart also reported the suspect had struck the alarm box with the shopping cart as he fled the store. Damage to the alarm was not determined.

Epperson said even though he has been in and out of the building during the renovation, he was impressed with how much work Mashburn Construction has been able to accomplish.

“I was surprised with the progress in the framing in the offices, the electrical conduit and plumbing they have been able to do while still working on making the structure sound,” he said.

Epperson said he hoped to have another tour of the project sometime next spring.

CLARENDON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE BURGLARY/BREAKING AND ENTERING 2:08 p.m. Nov. 24: An officer responded to a complaint of a break-in at the 2000 block of Durant Lane, Manning. Complainant, who lives in Maryland, told police he found his second home broken into. Missing were a flat screen television, a surround-sound system and an unknown amount of money in change. Police observed marks around the front door knob and on the door jam, and a bedroom window was broken out.

Two outbuildings showed signs of attempted forced entry, one was entered and a 4-by-4 ATV was missing.

The front gate was locked but a portion of the fencing was down. Missing items were valued at $3,000.

10:42 a.m. Nov. 27: An officer responded to a report of a break-in at the 1400 block of South Brewington Road, Manning. The complainant and caretaker said he had been looking after the victim, who had passed away the previous day, for ap-

proximately two years.

Complainant said after the victim’s body had been removed, he returned to the residence to lock up and feed the animals. A neighbor reportedly heard the dog barking around 2:30 a.m. that night, but did not see anyone. The neighbor observed a broken window in the home the next morning and called the caretaker.

The officer observed a broken window in the bedroom.

The caretaker said a 42-inch television, a pump shotgun and shells, a small safe and a coffee maker were missing. Missing items were valued at $790.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE An officer was dispatched to the 4900 block of Old Manning Road, New Zion, in reference to a theft from a motor vehicle. Complainant said someone took items from her 1997 Accord, including $140 in cash, a CD player and an air compressor. The vehicle had been unlocked, and no damage was done to the vehicle.

Missing items were valued at $390.

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LEGAL NOTICES Estate Notice Clarendon County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on FORM #371ES with the Probate Court of Clarendon County, the address of which is 411 Sunset Dr. Manning, SC 29102, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Estate: Ethenia Wright King #2014ES1400216 Personal Representative: Lavern Holliday King 8307 Nunley Drive, Apt. C Parksville, MD 21234 J. Cabot Seth Attorney at Law PO Box 1268 Sumter, SC 29151 11/26/14 - 12/11/14

AUCTION

www.clarendonsun.com

DECEMBER 13TH at 9 am

RACCOON ROAD STORAGE 7875 Raccoon Rd & Hwy 260 Check out our web site for updates

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A10

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WIS News 10 at Entertainment Peter Pan Live! A strange boy with the ability to fly and a fairy companion invites a young girl and her brothers to WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show Starring Tonight Will an enchanted island called Never Land for an adventure with his gang of lost boys as they encounter fascinating 11:00pm News Jimmy Fallon Chris Rock; Ruth Wilnews update.

Ferrell. (N) (HD) creatures and malicious pirates. (HD) and weather. son; Foo Fighters. (N) (HD) News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) The Big Bang (:31) Mom Luxuri- Two and a Half The McCarthys Elementary: Terra Pericolosa A thief News 19 @ 11pm (:35) Late Show with David LetterEvening news up- (HD) Theory Sheldon ous evening. (N) Men Alan is cool. Jackie’s gay ex. who murdered for a map. (N) (HD) The news of the man Actor Bill Murray; music group date. teaches. (HD) (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) day.

Foo Fighters perform. (HD) Wheel of ForJeopardy!: Kid’s The Taste: Auditions & Childhood A new group of professional chefs and How to Get Away with Murder: ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Ryan tune: Bed & Week (N) (HD) home cooks arrive to compete, meeting the mentors who will help train Smile, or Go to Jail Mother charged News at 11 (HD) Seacrest; John Mellencamp. (N) (HD) Breakfast (N) (HD) them and hoping to impress judges. (N) (HD) with felony murder. (HD) Suze Orman’s Financial Solutions For You Suze Orman offers advice on Renee Fleming - Christmas in New Great Performances: Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek Great Railway Journeys of Europe how to achieve financial independence. (HD) York Series of intimate holiday per- to Cheek LIVE! Tracks from “Cheek to Cheek” performed. (HD) (HD) formances. (N) (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang Bones: The Mutilation of the Master Gracepoint: Episode Nine Carver’s WACH FOX News at 10 Local news TMZ (N) Mike & Molly: Modern Family Theory One night Theory Former Manipulator Booth is tied up with heart condition is worse. (N) (HD) report and weather forecast.

Mike Likes Briefs Playground bestand. (HD) bully. (HD) traffic school. (N) (HD) (HD) havior. (HD) How I Met Your Anger Manage- The Vampire Diaries: I Alone Reign: Acts of War Bash may be able The Mentalist: A Dozen Red Roses The Mentalist: Red Sauce Protected Hot in Cleveland: Mother: Unpause ment Celebrity Damon’s plan gets him in trouble. (N) to help Francis. (N) (HD) Murdered movie producer. (HD) witness murdered. (HD) Life with Lucci (HD) client. (HD) (HD) (HD)

3 10 7:00pm Local

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Wendy Williams 162 Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (‘08, Comedy) aa Martin Lawrence. A talk-show host and author takes his fiancée to a family reunion in Atlanta.

Show (N) The Real House wives of At lanta: The Real House wives of At lanta: All The Real House wives of At lanta: Girl friends’ Guide to Di vorce: Rule What Hap pens The Real House wives of Beverly 181 No Moore Apollogies Tea All Shade Bury the Ratchet #23: Never Lie to the Kids (N) Hills: Pay Attention to Me! 62 Greed A crooked priest.

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(HD) tos. lie (HD) 103 Edge of Alaska (HD) Surviving Exodus (N) (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska (HD) 35 Football (HD) College Football: UCF Knights at East Carolina Pirates from Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium z{| (HD) SportsCenter (HD) Sports (HD) 39 College Basketball: LSU vs West Virginia z{| (HD) College Basketball: Arkansas vs Iowa State z{| (HD) 30 for 30: Survive and Advance (HD) Disney’s A Christmas Carol (‘09, Holiday) Jim Carrey. A wealthy old miser The 700 Club Snow (‘04) 131 The Polar Express (‘04, Holiday) aaa Tom Hanks. A boy who doubt’s Santa existence is invited to take a train to the North Pole. (HD) is visited by three ghosts who help him change his life. (HD) aac 109 Chopped Fatty protein. (HD) Chopped: Fry, Fry Again (HD) Chopped: Pesto Chango (HD) Beat Bobby Beat Bobby Food Truck Face Off (N) Chopped (HD) 74 On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates.

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NBC invites viewers on a trip to Never Never Land

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Can Allison Williams sing?

And can she perform with enough gusto to carry “Peter Pan Live!” (8 p.m., NBC) — the second annual TV event for NBC? Last year’s revival of “The Sound of Music,” starring Carrie Underwood as Maria Von Trapp, scored solid ratings and lit up social media with commentary good, bad and ugly. Underwood’s fans adored her, but some felt that her voice was too weak and too twangy to hold a holiday candle to past memorable performances of Von Trapp by Julie Andrews and Mary Martin.

Martin, who starred in “The Sound of Music” on Broadway in 1959, was also well known to early television viewers for her role in NBC’s 1955 version of “Peter Pan,” the inspiration for tonight’s effort.

Allison Williams is not a professional singer, but clips of her performances can be found all over YouTube and other sites. Best known for her role on HBO’s “Girls,” she is the daughter of NBC News anchor Brian Williams.

But Williams is not the only famous offspring involved in the special. New songs have been composed

by Amanda Green, the daughter of Adolph Green, who collaborated on the original “Peter Pan” with Jule Styne and Betty Comden.

Perhaps there’s something to this fantasy about children never growing up that inspires famous progeny.

Mary Martin’s son, Larry Hagman, became a TV celebrity of his own, starring in “I Dream of Jeannie” and “Dallas.”

Tonight’s “Peter Pan Live!” also stars Christopher Walken as Captain Hook.

Better known for playing strange and/or menacing figures, Walken appeared in the film adaptation of “Hairspray” in 2007. And, of course, he appeared in the “more cowbell” sketch on “Saturday Night Live” in 2000. Minnie Driver will also appear in tonight’s musical, as narrator.

• Using TV specials to promote movies is nothing new.

And movie ballyhoo associat-

Central) * Bill Murray and Foo Fighters with Tony Joe White are on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS, r) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Chris Rock, Ruth Wilson and Foo Fighters on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Ryan Seacrest and John Mellencamp appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Jack McBrayer, Gael Garcia Bernal and Ex Hex visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC, r) * Craig Ferguson hosts Steve Carell and Max Greenfield on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

CULT CHOICE

VIRGINIA SHERWOOD / NBC

From left are Jake Lucas as John Darling, Taylor Louderman as Wendy Darling, Allison Williams as Peter Pan and John Allyn as Michael Darling in “Peter Pan Live!” airing at 8 p.m. today on NBC. ed with biblical epics always generates interest and controversy. Producer-director Mel Gibson all but built the heated feelings over his 2004 epic “The Passion of the Christ” into his publicity strategy. But Gibson was only following in a tradition going back to the silent movie era, when Cecil B. DeMille’s 1927 drama “The King of Kings” sparked very similar passions.

Dec. 12 marks the release of Ridley Scott’s blockbuster “Exodus: Gods and Kings.”

And to promote it, along comes a cross-platform simulcast of “Surviving Exodus” (8 p.m., TLC, Discovery, Science, ID and Animal Planet, TV-PG) to lend a semi-documentary, pseudo-scientific look at the phenomena described in a book of the Old Testament. Even those excited to see a TV show extolling the Good Book might not want it to be associated with the folks who brought you “Mermaids: The Body Found.”

PG) enters a third season.

• The star of “Encino Man” takes himself very seriously in the documentary “Pauly Shore Stands Alone” (8 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA).

• Carver’s heart condition becomes critical on “Gracepoint” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

• Cartography can be murder on “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• A soccer mom needs defending on “How to Get Away With Murder” (10 p.m., ABC, r, TV-14).

SERIES NOTES Howard attends Sheldon’s class on “The Big Bang Theory” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-PG) * A deal with the devil on “The Vampire Diaries” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Misery loves company on “Mom” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Praise changes Alan’s attitude on “Two and a Half Men” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A daring scheme on “Reign” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Marjorie jumps to conclusions on “The McCarthys” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

LATE NIGHT

• A murdered psychology professor may have played one head game too many on “Bones” (8 p.m. Fox, TV-14).

• The cooking competition “The Taste” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-

Angelina Jolie is booked on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) *Jennifer Aniston and Bill Burr appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Paul

Farmer is on “The Colbert Report” (11:30 p.m., Comedy

After a Soviet-Cuban invasion, a band of teens (led by Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen) become insurgents in director John Milius’ 1984 brat-pack fantasy “Red Dawn” (8 p.m., Esquire Network).

Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

COMMENTARY

Ferguson and the media circus

W

ASHINGTON — As the curtain closes on the latest episode of “Ferguson,” the media series, it is fair to wonder whether events might not have spiraled out of control to the extent they did had the media settled on another topic.

Ebola, say. Remember that one?

I’m not the first to wonder or comment on the media’s role in contributing to events, but some further clarifications seem warranted in this case.

First, as always bears repeating, The Media are neither the same animal nor equal. Think Tom Brokaw and Al Sharpton. Or, TMZ and “60 Minutes.”

In practical terms, the differences are obvious: People in print media observe and relay what they have witnessed, Kathleen leaving readParker ers to visualize with their own intellectual resources. It’s little wonder so few still read anything longer than a tweet.

Why exert oneself when tasty news niblets are just a tap and a scroll away?

And which do you suppose captures the attention of rioters, looters and grandstanders? Certainly not the guy scribbling on a skinny notebook.

Thus, when we talk about media, we’re really talking about television. To the extent that people clown, plunder or pillage for attention, media presence does make a difference. Cameras not only capture the action but in some cases may well prompt the action. This doesn’t mean the media shouldn’t be there — or that media folks really want things to go awry to spike ratings, as some have suggested.

Except, of course, some do. A bad day in America is a good day in the newsroom. Thus it has always been and shall be.

The symbiotic relationship between viewer and the viewed makes it so. What would you rather watch, after all? A congressman standing alone in the House chamber, talking to himself and a C-SPAN camera, or “Lethal Weapon”?

Still, for the most part, producers and reporters are doing their jobs, trying to bring upto-date information to the public about events and issues that people are most likely to care about. The first person to contract Ebola in the U.S. was of paramount interest and entered into every sentient individual’s conversation for weeks. It deserved wall-to-wall coverage.

But did Ferguson? Acknowledging that race continues to challenge us and that too many unarmed African-Americans have been shot by white police officers — or, in the case of Trayvon Martin, by a non-officer playing one in the movie in his head — there is still some muddle to the emphasis placed on Ferguson.

To what might we attribute it? “Reliable Sources” host Brian Stelter noted the surge in CNN’s ratings the night the grand jury announced that no charges would be brought against police officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown. This should come as no surprise. CNN, where I was once employed, always enjoys a ratings spike during breaking news events.

‘The media may not have caused events to spiral out of control in Ferguson and, to be fair, Sharpton may well have a legitimate role in shining a light on racial injustice.

But when activists posing as journalists have television shows through which they stoke passions — and when certain media decide to magnify issues not in the name of justice but, let’s face it, for ratings — then journalism has a problem.’

And, yes, by the time the announcement was made, America tuned in. I happened to be in a restaurant bar when verdict time arrived. The whole place fell silent as patrons assumed their best “Cheers” bar positions and listened raptly.

Everyone cared!

Was it because a white police officer fatally shot a black “unarmed teenager,” otherwise known as a 6-foot-4, 290pound adult (though at 18 still a teen), who, the officer told the grand jury, punched the cop through his car window and tried to grab his gun?

It’s a compelling story, to be sure. But the intensity of interest was in no small part driven by certain media outlets and “journalists,” such as the agenda-driven Rev. Al, who talked of little else in the months since the August shooting. This relentless coverage, combined with the repeated use of photos showing a much-younger Brown, surely contributed to public contempt toward media.

Finally, what ultimately happened in Ferguson was but a brief incident compared to the weekslong preamble of speculation that took place across cable news shows. How many times did you hear show hosts asking guests, “What do you think will happen?” “Do you think Ferguson residents will heed the call for calm?” “How bad do you think it will be?”

The media may not have caused events to spiral out of control in Ferguson and, to be fair, Sharpton may well have a legitimate role in shining a light on racial injustice. But when activists posing as journalists have television shows through which they stoke passions — and when certain media decide to magnify issues not in the name of justice but, let’s face it, for ratings — then journalism has a problem.

And that means America has a problem.

Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com. © 2014, Washington Post Writers Group

GUEST EDITORIAL

Consider coroner credentials country about whether the coroner system is adequate or a medical examiner’s system is preferable. Medical examiners have M.D. When children are dying in South Caroli- degrees, usually with a specialty in forensic na and their deaths aren’t being properly re- pathology.

Charleston County has a medical examinported, it’s time to take a hard look at the er as well as a coroner. And given the problem. That’s why a legislative audit inknowledge and experience necessary to exvestigated how the state was not advised of 152 child deaths during the period from 2009 amine a dead person to determine the cause of death, it makes good sense. to 2013.

In 2009, the National Academy of Sciences And that’s why child advocate Laura Hudson is pushing to step up the quality and ac- recommended abolishing the position of coroner and establishing medical examincountability of coroners, who are charged ers’ offices with national standards for acwith reporting the deaths. creditation.

As vice chair of the state’s Child Fatality But doing so takes a willingness on the Advisory Committee, Ms. Hudson wants part of public officials to pay the difference state law to require every county to have a in costs and an ability to find enough qualifull-time coroner, who has adequate trainfied forensic pathologists. They tend to be in ing and oversight. She also wants coroners short supply because it is a specialty that to be penalized if they fail to report child pays less than others. deaths.

Small rural counties would probably be Those are reasonable suggestions. Indeed, many would be surprised that such basic re- unable to sustain medical examiners. Perhaps a regional approach would work. quirements aren’t already in place.

Coroners or medical examiners? The In South Carolina, coroners are elected in question should be part of the state’s discuseach county. They are required to have a sion of how to handle child deaths — and combination of experience in death investiother deaths — resulting from violence, acgation and education or to hold a degree in forensic science. Medical doctors and nurses cident, suicide or suspicious circumstances.

Given 152 unreported child deaths, it’s a with bachelor’s degrees are also qualified.

Still, there is an ongoing debate across the question that can’t be answered too soon.

FROM THE CHARLESTON POST AND COURIER

LETTER TO THE EDITOR DON’T COMMIT A CRIME AND YOU WON’T BE A TARGET I retired from writing editors, but because so many people have asked me why and asked me to start again, I have decided to comment on an article on the front page of Nov. 26 paper.

The nation did not respond in shock, disappointment and anger after a grand jury in Ferguson did not indict Officer Wilson.

Certain people did, but then I expected that.

I have a question for those who think like that. If Michael Brown did not steal from a store, if he didn’t walk down the middle of a busy street (a death wish) and if he didn’t assault Officer Wilson, would any of us know his name today? Commit the crime you do the time. In this case, suffer the consequences.

Issues with race are because certain people need something to cause trouble in America and use the race card to accomplish their mission. How sad for America.

I believe that the police target crime and those committing the crimes. If someone doesn’t want to be a target then they

shouldn’t commit a crime. Criminals are a real drain on society. That seems so simple to me.

Now as far as conflicting statements, when someone lies and another tells the truth, you can bet the statements will be in conflict. The truth won in this case. Thank God there are still people who do not “bear false witness against others.”

The poor are getting poorer because of many reasons. A couple of reasons are dropping out of school, having babies when you can’t take care of them, not working and depending on the government and others to take care of you. These people are a drain on society.

I have always thought that God gave everyone a brain to think with, but I am beginning to change my mind. School results and other events are proving me wrong. We now know the people who voted for Obamacare were “gruberized.” How sad for America.

I want to thank Calvin Hastie for trying to improve Sumter and its people. I wish there were more people like him.

JACQUELINE K. HUGHES Sumter

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES COLUMNS AND COMMENTARY are the personal opinion of the writer whose byline appears. Columns from readers should be typed, double-spaced 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, S.C. 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.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

FYI The International Festival Comtrative Professionals (IAAP) mittee is seeking participants to meets at 5:30 p.m. on the your culture, your time, showcaseShare their culture.

Dead- volunteer second Thursday of each find assistance moremonth in the Bultman Conline for participants is and March 14, 2015. Contact Recreation ference Room at USC Sumter. and Parks at (803) 436-2248.

Administrative professionals, assistants and secretaries The Rembert Area Community are encouraged to attend.

Coalition (RACC) is accepting Call Mary Sutton at (803) 938applications for the 2014-15 3760. after school program. Applications can be obtained at the Navy and Marine Corps shipmain office, 8455 Camden mates who served on the USS Highway, Rembert, SC 29128.

Columbus CA-74/CG-12 from Call (803) 432-2001.

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227-2345.

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Agape Hospice is in need of volunteers. Whether your pasSumter High School Class of sion is baking, knitting, read1975 will hold a 40-year class ing, singing, etc., Agape Hosreunion celebration May 29pice can find a place for you.

31, 2015. Send all addresses Contact Thandi Blanding at to cindyd27@juno.com.

(803) 774-1075, (803) 260-3876 Are you a breast cancer survior tblanding@agapsenior. vor? Maggie L. Richardson is com. seeking other survivors to Hospice Care of South Carolina form a music group and give is in need of volunteers in Sumback to the community. If ter County. Do you have one you are interested in joining, extra hour a week? Opportucontact her at mlrminnities are available for pastry2012@gmail.com or (803) tient/family companionship, 236-9086. administrative support, meal Belly dancing classes are held preparation, light household at 6 p.m. every Monday at projects, student education the Parks and Recreation De- and various other tasks. Conpartment, 155 Haynsworth St. tact Whitney Rogers, regional Only $20 per month. volunteer coordinator, at The Second (Indianhead) Divi(843) 409-7991 or whitney.rogsion Association is searching ers@hospicecare.net. for anyone/everyone who Amedisys Hospice is in need of served in the 2nd Infantry Di- volunteers. Volunteer opporvision. Visit the website at tunities include 1) special www.2ida.org or contact projects of baking, sewing, Mike Davino at MDavino@ knitting, crafts, carpentry yahoo.com or (919) 498-1910. and yard work; 2) adminisZumba classes will be held at trative/office duties of copy6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and ing, light filing and answerWednesdays at the Parks and ing phones; and 3) patient Recreation building on Hayn- companionship — develop sworth Street. Classes are $5 one-on-one relationships each. No registration rewith hospice patients (trainquired. Contact Deanne ing provided). Contact Rhoda Lewis at zumbadeanne@ Keefe, volunteer coordinator, gmail.com. at (803) 469-3047 or rhonda.

The Palmetto Singles Club holds keefe@amedisys.com. a dance from 7 to 10 p.m. on Hospice Care of Tri-County is in the first and third Fridays of need of volunteers. Volunteers each month at the VFW on offer support, companionGion Street. Call Sarah Shortship and care to the caregiver at (803) 847-3288. er by running errands, reading to patients, listening and Sumter Area Toastmasters meets at 7 p.m. each Tuesday just being there for patients at the Sumter Mall communi- who need companionship. All you need is a willing heart ty room, 1057 Broad St. The and some time to give to othgroup helps in developing ers. No medical background speaking and leadership required. Hospice Care of Triskills. Call Douglas Wilson at County will provide you with (803) 778-0197 or Rebecca the tools you need to beGonzalez at (803) 565-9271. come a hospice volunteer.

The Sumter Chapter of the Inter- Call Carol Tindal at (803) 905national Association of Adminis- 7720.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Revamp your EUGENIA LAST current financial strategy. You can raise your income if you invest wisely. Obtain knowledge in order to change your career or to allow you to earn a living from home or while traveling. Love is highlighted.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Underestimating someone’s motives will be costly. Keep your finger on the pulse and your head clear in order to avoid someone taking advantage of your generosity and trusting nature.

Don’t spend unnecessarily. Put more time and effort into your job.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Make home improvements that will ease your stress by cutting costly living expenses. A partnership can help you take control of your life by giving you more time to spend perfecting your skills and marketing your services. Romance is highlighted.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Dense fog will lift this morning

Rather cloudy

Some sun; pleasant in the p.m.

Rain

Mostly cloudy with a little rain

Partly sunny

65°

45°

63° / 48°

64° / 49°

61° / 41°

57° / 40°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 20%

Chance of rain: 75%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 15%

NE 7-14 mph

NE 6-12 mph

NE 6-12 mph

WSW 3-6 mph

NE 10-20 mph

NE 6-12 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 58/43 Spartanburg 60/46

Greenville 60/46

Columbia 66/46

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 65/45

Aiken 66/47

ON THE COAST

Charleston 71/52

Today: Dense fog will dissipate in the morning; partly sunny. High 63 to 71.

Friday: Partial sunshine; pleasant in the afternoon. High 63 to 68.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 69/54/pc 34/30/c 67/58/sh 33/26/pc 72/62/c 69/58/c 75/61/pc 43/34/s 80/64/pc 45/34/s 73/56/r 65/55/c 49/39/pc

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

356.78 74.53 74.16 96.47

24-hr chg -0.01 -0.03 +0.05 -0.02

Sunrise 7:11 a.m.

Moonrise 4:08 p.m.

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

0.00" 0.00" 0.30" 35.01" 45.93" 43.90"

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

63° 52° 60° 36° 80° in 1991 15° in 1960

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

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 64/52/pc 38/32/c 74/49/r 41/33/c 74/62/sh 69/57/pc 76/61/pc 44/44/c 80/63/s 46/43/c 75/58/pc 64/56/sh 50/46/c

Myrtle Beach 64/48

Manning 65/47

Today: Morning fog; periods of sun. Winds east-northeast 4-8 mph.

Friday: Partly sunny. Winds northeast 4-8 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 63/44

Bishopville 63/45

Sunset Moonset

5:12 p.m.

5:07 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Dec. 6

Dec. 14

Dec. 21

Dec. 28

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 7.30 +0.10 19 4.00 -0.10 14 8.01 +0.16 14 3.35 -0.04 80 77.37 -0.49 24 10.78 +1.93

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Fri.

High 7:00 a.m.

7:22 p.m.

7:49 a.m.

8:10 p.m.

Ht. 3.6 3.1 3.6 3.1

Low 1:16 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

2:05 a.m.

2:50 p.m.

Ht. -0.5 -0.1 -0.5 -0.2

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 59/40/pc 67/47/pc 70/46/pc 71/54/pc 54/48/pc 71/52/pc 58/42/pc 64/49/pc 66/46/pc 63/43/pc 54/41/pc 59/43/pc 58/41/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 56/44/c 61/47/s 65/46/s 68/54/s 60/52/pc 68/53/s 57/45/pc 61/50/pc 64/49/pc 61/46/pc 60/47/c 61/48/pc 60/46/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 63/44/pc Gainesville 78/57/pc Gastonia 58/43/pc Goldsboro 57/41/c Goose Creek 70/51/pc Greensboro 53/40/c Greenville 60/46/pc Hickory 56/40/c Hilton Head 67/55/pc Jacksonville, FL 74/55/pc La Grange 76/52/pc Macon 72/50/pc Marietta 68/51/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 62/48/pc 78/57/s 57/46/pc 60/46/pc 67/53/s 53/44/c 58/48/pc 53/45/c 65/57/s 74/55/s 72/53/s 67/50/s 63/50/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 57/40/c Mt. Pleasant 69/53/pc Myrtle Beach 64/48/pc Orangeburg 68/48/pc Port Royal 69/55/pc Raleigh 54/40/c Rock Hill 60/41/pc Rockingham 57/41/pc Savannah 75/56/pc Spartanburg 60/46/pc Summerville 68/53/pc Wilmington 63/44/pc Winston-Salem 53/40/c

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 54/44/c 67/55/s 63/52/pc 65/50/s 66/55/s 56/45/c 58/45/pc 58/45/pc 71/56/s 57/49/pc 66/56/s 65/49/pc 53/45/c

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

your qualifying Trane 0% APR and Purchase system before Dec. 15, 2014 and take your choice of 0% APR for 48 with equal payments or up 48 MONTHS months to a $1000 trade-in allowance.

Call today for complete details & schedule your FREE in-home consultation to learn how much you can save.

Protect your reputation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be prepared to make a move if necessary. Organization will be critical in allowing you to act decisively. A close bond will form with someone you share common interests with. Don’t hesitate to express your thoughts and hopes for the future.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Look into new job prospects.

Networking will pay off if you reference what you have accomplished. Attracting interest in your talents will be the first step to achieving your dreams. Don’t stop when there is so much to gain.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Speak up, share ideas and make changes personally and domestically. What you do now can help create a bright future.

Surround yourself with people you can count on and the things that make you happy. Don’t settle for second best.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put a little muscle behind your words.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t Following through will show be a follower. If you want to do everyone you mean business. The something differently, come up changes you make at home will with your own idea and make it happen. Someone you least expect help you build a strong base for a will attempt to mislead you. Protect better future. Mix business with pleasure and excel. your heart, your job and your reputation.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Think fast. A job prospect looks inviting.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Dig deep and ferret out information that will What you do to help someone in a tight spot will buy you respect and help you stay ahead of the a referral that will shape a brighter competition. Maintain your position and you will stand out and future. Love is highlighted, and celebrating will encourage impress someone you love. Taking romance. action will prove you are serious about what you say and believe.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You have to clear your mind before you VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t make a decision. An unrealistic feel obligated to make the first move. You are best to let situations view of a situation will cost you emotionally and financially. Don’t unfold naturally and without interference. Put greater emphasis make personal changes before on upholding your promises. What settling pending disputes, legal you do will reflect who you are. matters or health issues.

803-795-4257

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

3-25-29-34-37 PowerUp: 2

13-18-22-49-62 Megaball: 11 Megaplier: 5

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY

PICK 4 WEDNESDAY

2-4-2 and 9-2-1

9-3-3-3 and 8-7-8-4

POWERBALL numbers were unavailable at press time.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Covenant Place residents Ester Hickman, Lois Mayhew, Doris Graham and Marguerite Elvington enjoy a recent autumn day outside. Photo submitted by Salinda Larabee.

HAVE YOU TAKEN PICTURES OF INTERESTING, EXCITING, BEAUTIFUL OR HISTORICAL PLACES? Would you like to share those images with your fellow Sumter Item readers? E-mail your hi-resolution jpegs to sandrah@theitem.com, or mail to Sandra Holbert c/o The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29150. Include clearly printed or typed name of photographer and photo details. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your photo. Amateur photographers only please.

SECTION

B

UAB players search for what’s next

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

B3

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

PREP BASKETBALL

RING CEREMONY

No rest for Seventh

SHS ‘84-85 title winners to be honored Friday

Hammond star junior works to fine tune game continually

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com The 1984-85 Sumter High School varsity boys basketball team, the last one in school history to win a 4A state championship, will be honored on Friday for its accomplishments almost 30 years ago.

There will be a ring ceremony honoring the team during Sumter’s home games against Crestwood on Friday. The girls contest is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with the boys game following the completion of the girls contest. The ceremony will occur between the two contests.

The Gamecocks were in their first year under head coach Byron Kinney, and the program was three years removed from winning back-toback state titles in 1980 and ‘81. Sumter went 29-0, beating Eastside for the state title.

While Sumter has made several trips to the lower state title game since then, including each of the last two seasons, it has yet to return to the title game.

BY EDDIE LITAKER Special to The Sumter Item With the new high school basketball season just getting cranked up, Wilson Hall basketball supporters enthusiastically flocked to the Nash Student Center on Tuesday night to support their Baron teams as they faced off against their counterparts from Hammond School.

On this night, the Baron faithful received the added bonus of seeing an ESPN Top 25 national recruit play in their gymnasium as Seventh Woods, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound point guard/shooting guard, led the Skyhawk varsity boys against Wilson Hall head coach Eddie Talley’s Barons.

Talley said that he tries not to alter his game plan too much when coaching against a player of Woods’ caliber, though some changes are inevitable.

“We don’t necessarily prepare any differently than we do for anyone (else),” said Talley before Tuesday’s contest.

“We will know, or I hope we will know, where he is on the floor at all times, but he’s one of those rare players that comes through every so often.

It’s a pleasure to coach against someone like that, and it’s something that the kids will remember. I can remember playing guys that went on and played in the NBA that were very good players through

1984-85 SUMTER HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL 4A STATE CHAMPS

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Hammond junior Seventh Woods (23), who is considered one of the top players in his class, continSEE SEVENTH, PAGE B5 ues to improve his game. Woods made eight 3-pointers as the Skyhawks beat Wilson Hall 66-46 on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

PREP FOOTBALL

17 local athletes selected for SCISA North-South games

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com Fresh on the heels of its most successful season on the gridiron in recent memory, the Laurence Manning Academy football team has another reason to celebrate on Saturday.

Six Swampcats will take the field at the annual SCISA North-South 11-man all-star game along with six other area athletes who will represent the North squad. The 8-man game features five members of Clarendon’s Hall roster as well, bringing the total number of local participants to 17.

The games will take place at Indian Field on the campus of Orangeburg Prep beginning on Saturday at 11 a.m. with the 11-man game and finishing up with the 8-man game at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and $3,

COLLEGE FOOTBALL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley, left, was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s defense player of the year on Wednesday.

He was also third in overall player of the year voting.

SCISA NORTH-SOUTH ALL-STAR GAMES WHEN: Saturday 11 a.m. (11-man) and 1:30 p.m. (8-man) WHERE: Indian Field, Orangeburg TICKETS: $5 (11-man), $3 (8-man) to be purchased on game day at the gate.

LOCAL PARTICIPANTS: Adam Lowder (LMA), Tyshawn Epps (LMA), J.T. Eppley (LMA), Tilman Tumbleston (LMA), Todd Larrimer (LMA), Tony Cruz (LMA), Cody Hoover (WH), John Wells Baker (WH), Walker Ard (WH), Thomas McGinnis (WH), Patrick Kuzbary (TSA), Alex Glasscock (REL), Mac Davis (CH), Dustin Way (CH), Daniel Pappas (CH), Trey Thomas (CH), Cody Armstrong (CH).

respectively, and can be purchased on game day at the gate.

SEE SCISA, PAGE B5

MATT WALSH/ THE SUMTER ITEM

Laurence Manning Academy’s Tyshawn Epps (4) is one of 17 local athletes that will represent their respective schools in the SCISA NorthSouth all-star games on Saturday at Indian Field in Orangeburg.

ROSTER Players Stephon Blanding Anthony Bracey Herbert Bracey James Brunson Reggie Davis Curtis Hilton Randy Howard Derrick Jones David Lessane Ricky McCray Eric Ramsey Tripp Shorter David Trapp Tony Wilson Vincent Wilson Victor Wilson Staff Head Coach Byron Kinney Assistant Coach Larry Wilson Trainer Gary Nelson

Tigers DE Beasley earns ACC top defensive award GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Pittsburgh running back James Conner’s career as a defensive end is likely over.

The sophomore was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s player of the year on Wednesday following a breakout season in which the 6-foot-2, 250pound back led the league in rushing and set a school record for touchdowns in a season.

Conner received 16 of 55 votes cast by members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association — three more than Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, last year’s winner.

Not bad for a player who expected to spend time on both sides of the ball coming into the season. The experiment as a two-way player ended before it began.

Conner ran for 213 yards against Boston College on Sept. 5 and never let up. He

ACC FOOTBALL AWARDS GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference offensive and defensive players of the year according to results released Wednesday following voting by Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association members:

ACC PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTING

OVERALL James Conner, rb, Pittsburgh (16) Jameis Winston, qb, Florida State (13) Vic Beasley, de, Clemson (8) Gerod Holliman, s, Louisville (6) Duke Johnson, rb, Miami (5) Rashad Greene, wr, Florida State (2) Justin Thomas, qb, Georgia Tech (2) Marquise Williams, qb, North Car-

ended up making a brief cameo at end midway through the year before the plan was scuttled for good.

“Things change over time,” Conner said with a laugh. “Stuff happens, you’ve just got to go with the flow.”

In voting results released Wednesday by the league, Conner also was picked as its offensive player of the year while Clemson defen-

olina (2) Quayshawn Nealy, lb, Georgia Tech (1) OFFENSIVE James Conner, rb, Pittsburgh (23) Jameis Winston, qb, Florida State (16) Duke Johnson, rb, Miami (7) Rashad Greene, wr, Florida State (4) Justin Thomas, qb, Georgia Tech (3) Marquise Williams, qb, North Carolina (2) DEFENSIVE Vic Beasley, de, Clemson (24) Gerod Holliman, s, Louisville (20) Denzel Perryman, lb, Miami (7) David Helton, lb, Duke (2) Quayshawn Nealy, lb, Georgia Tech (2)

sive end Vic Beasley was selected as the defensive player of the year.

Beasley, who was third in overall voting with eight votes, had 24 votes for the defensive award.

Conner paced the conference and ranks sixth nationally with an average of 139.6 yards rushing. He also scored an ACC-leading 144

SEE BEASLEY, PAGE B3

B2

|

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

6 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Nebbank Challenge First Round from Sun City, South Africa (GOLF).

2 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Hero World Challenge First Round from Windermere, Fla. (GOLF).

5:45 p.m. -- Girls and Boys High School Basketball: Andrew Jackson at Lugoff-Elgin (WPUB-FM 102.7).

6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: SEC/Big 12 Challenge -- Louisiana State at West Virginia (ESPN2).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: SEC/Big 12 Challenge -- Baylor at Vanderbilt (ESPNU).

7 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Washington at Carolina (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7:30 p.m. -- College Football: Central Florida at East Carolina (ESPN).

8 p.m. -- NFL Football: Dallas at Chicago (NFL NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Cleveland at New York (TNT).

8 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Charlotte at South Carolina (SEC NETWORK, WPUB-FM 102.7).

9 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Nevada-Las Vegas at Brigham Young (BYUTV).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: SEC/Big 12 Challenge -- Arkansas at Iowa State (ESPN2).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: SEC/Big 12 Challenge -- Texas Christian at Mississippi (ESPNU).

10 p.m. -- Professional Boxing: Alan Sanchez vs. Ed Paredes in a Junior Middleweight Bout and Manuel Avila vs. Jose Luis Araiza in a Junior Featherweight Bout from Del Mar, Calif.

(FOX SPORTS 1).

10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: New Orleans at Golden State (TNT).

11 p.m. -- College Basketball: San Diego at San Diego State (ESPNU).

3 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Nebbank Challenge Second Round from Sun City, South Africa (GOLF).

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

Varsity and JV Basketball Florence Christian at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

JV and Boys B Team Basketball Sumter at Crestwood, 5 p.m.

Middle School Basketball Alice Drive at Hillcrest, 5 p.m.

Furman at Chestnut Oaks, 5 p.m.

Mayewood at Ebenezer, 5 p.m.

Varsity Bowling Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning at Cardinal Newman (at Royal Z Lanes) , 5 p.m.

FRIDAY

Varsity Basketball Crestwood at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Scott’s Branch at Lakewood, 6 p.m.

Lee Central at Lamar, 6 p.m.

Varsity and JV Basketball Manning at East Clarendon, 4 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Heathwood Hall, 4 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Pinewood Prep, 4 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Pee Dee, 4 p.m.

Sumter Christian vs. Northside Christian (in Northside Tournament in North Charleston), noon B Team Basketball Wilson Hall at Heathwood Hall, 4 p.m.

Varsity Sporting Clays Wilson Hall in Sporting Clays Tournament (at Backwoods Quail Club in Nesbitt), TBA Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Southern Slam (at Eastside High in Greenville), TBA

ATLANTIC DIVISION W Toronto 14 Brooklyn 7 Boston 4 New York 4 Philadelphia 0 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W Washington 11 Atlanta 10 Miami 9 Orlando 7 Charlotte 4 CENTRAL DIVISION W Chicago 11 Cleveland 9 Milwaukee 10 Indiana 7 Detroit 3

L 4 9 11 15 17

Pct GB .778 – .438 6 .267 81/2 .211 101/2 .000 131/2

L 5 6 8 13 14

Pct .688 .625 .529 .350 .222

GB – 1 21/2 6 8

L 7 7 9 11 15

Pct .611 .563 .526 .389 .167

GB – 1 11/2 4 8

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W Memphis 15 Houston 13 San Antonio 13 Dallas 14 New Orleans 8 NORTHWEST DIVISION W Portland 14 Denver 9 Oklahoma City 5 Utah 5 Minnesota 4 PACIFIC DIVISION W Golden State 15 L.A. Clippers 12 Phoenix 11 Sacramento 9 L.A. Lakers 5

L 2 4 4 5 8

Pct .882 .765 .765 .737 .500

GB – 2 2 2 61/2

L 4 9 13 13 12

Pct .778 .500 .278 .278 .250

GB – 5 9 9 9

L 2 5 8 9 13

Pct GB .882 – .706 3 .579 5 .500 61/2 .278 101/2

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Cleveland 111, Milwaukee 108 Atlanta 109, Boston 105 L.A. Lakers 106, Detroit 96 Brooklyn 98, New York 93 New Orleans 112, Oklahoma City 104 Dallas 132, Chicago 129,2OT Phoenix 116, Indiana 99 Portland 105, Denver 103 Toronto 117, Sacramento 109 Golden State 98, Orlando 97

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

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

Chicago at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Atlanta at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Detroit at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

San Antonio at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Memphis at Houston, 8 p.m.

Dallas at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Toronto at Utah, 9 p.m.

Orlando at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Cleveland at New York, 8 p.m.

Indiana at Portland, 10 p.m.

New Orleans at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Oklahoma City at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Denver at Washington, 7 p.m.

New York at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Atlanta at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

San Antonio at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Houston at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Miami at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.

Orlando at Utah, 9 p.m.

Indiana at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE

COLLEGE FOOTBALL The Associated Press

ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W L OT Tampa Bay 26 17 6 3 Montreal 26 17 7 2 Detroit 25 14 6 5 Toronto 24 13 8 3 Boston 26 14 11 1 Florida 23 10 7 6 Ottawa 24 10 9 5 Buffalo 25 9 14 2 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W L OT Pittsburgh 24 17 5 2 N.Y. Islanders 25 18 7 0 N.Y. Rangers 24 11 9 4 Washington 24 10 10 4 New Jersey 25 9 12 4 Carolina 24 8 13 3 Philadelphia 24 8 13 3 Columbus 24 7 15 2

SCHEDULE

WESTERN CONFERENCE

SATURDAY

Varsity Basketball Sumter Christian in Northside Tournament (in North Charleston), TBA Varsity and JV Basketball Lakewood at Lee Central, 4 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Southern Slam (at Eastside High in Greenville), TBA

(Subject to change)

TODAY

SOUTH UCF (8-3) at East Carolina (8-3), 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

MIDWEST Mid-American Championship, N. Illinois (10-2) vs. Bowling Green (7-5), at Detroit, 7 p.m.

FAR WEST Pac-12 championship, Arizona (10-2) vs. Oregon (11-1), at Santa Clara, Calif., 9 p.m.

SATURDAY

EAST SMU (0-11) at UConn (2-9), Noon SOUTH SEC Championship, Alabama (11-1) vs. Missouri (10-2), at Atlanta, 4 p.m.

Temple (5-6) at Tulane (3-8), 7:30 p.m.

ACC Championship, Florida St. (12-0) vs. Georgia Tech (10-2), at Charlotte, N.C., 8 p.m.

MIDWEST Houston (7-4) at Cincinnati (8-3), Noon Conference USA Championship, Louisiana Tech (8-4) at Marshall (11-1), Noon Big Ten Championship, Wisconsin (10-2) vs. Ohio St. (11-1), at Indianapolis, 8 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Iowa St. (2-9) at TCU (10-1), Noon Oklahoma St. (5-6) at Oklahoma (8-3), 3:30 p.m.

SWAC Championship, Alcorn St. (9-3) vs. Southern U. (9-3), at Houston, 4 p.m.

Kansas St. (9-2) at Baylor (10-1), 7:45 p.m.

FAR WEST Mountain West championship, Fresno St. (6-6) at Boise St. (10-2), 10 p.m.

FCS PLAYOFFS

Second Round Fordham (11-2) at New Hampshire (10-1), 1 p.m.

Indiana St. (8-5) at Chattanooga (93), 1 p.m.

Richmond (9-4) at Coastal Carolina (11-1), 1 p.m.

Northern Iowa (9-4) at Illinois St. (101), 2 p.m.

Sam Houston St. (9-4) at Jacksonville St. (10-1), 2 p.m.

South Dakota St. (9-4) at North Dakota St. (11-1), 3:30 p.m.

Montana (9-4) at Eastern Washington (10-2), 4:30 p.m.

Liberty (9-4) at Villanova (10-2), 4:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

EAST Army (4-7) vs. Navy (6-5) at Baltimore, 3 p.m.

FCS Playoffs Friday, Dec. 12 or Saturday, Dec. 13 Quarterfinals Fordham-New Hampshire winner vs.

Indiana St.-Chattanooga winner, TBA Northern Iowa-Illinois St. winner vs.

Montana-Eastern Washington winner, TBA Sam Houston St.-Jacksonville St. winner vs. Liberty-Villanova winner, TBA Richmond-Coastal Carolina winner vs. South Dakota St.-North Dakota St. winner, TBA

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE

CENTRAL DIVISION GP 24 24 24 25 23 25 25

Nashville St. Louis Chicago Winnipeg Minnesota Dallas Colorado PACIFIC DIVISION

W L OT 16 6 2 16 6 2 15 8 1 12 9 4 13 9 1 9 11 5 9 11 5

Pts 37 36 33 29 29 26 25 20

GF 92 69 77 81 63 50 63 45

GA 69 66 65 72 63 58 66 77

Pts 36 36 26 24 22 19 19 16

GF 82 80 71 68 58 56 62 54

GA 55 67 70 69 72 69 76 84

GF 65 66 74 52 65 73 67

GA 48 51 48 56 55 89 79

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Vancouver 25 17 7 1 35 79 69 Anaheim 26 15 6 5 35 71 68 Calgary 26 16 8 2 34 83 66 Los Angeles 25 13 7 5 31 67 57 San Jose 26 12 10 4 28 70 71 Arizona 26 10 13 3 23 64 81 Edmonton 25 6 15 4 16 56 87 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Buffalo 2, Tampa Bay 1, SO N.Y. Islanders 3, Ottawa 2, OT Pittsburgh 1, New Jersey 0 Vancouver 4, Washington 3 Carolina 2, Nashville 1 Toronto 5, Dallas 3 Florida 4, Detroit 3 Calgary 5, Arizona 2 San Jose 2, Philadelphia 1 Los Angeles 2, Boston 0

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Montreal at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

St. Louis at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Edmonton at Winnipeg, 9 p.m.

Philadelphia at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Vancouver at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Washington at Carolina, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Dallas at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Buffalo at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Columbus at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

St. Louis at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Colorado at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Los Angeles at Arizona, 9 p.m.

Boston at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

TRANSACTIONS The Associated Press BASEBALL

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Bulls hand Hornets 10th straight loss CHARLOTTE — Pau Gasol had 19 points and 15 rebounds, Joakim Noah and Nikola Mirotic each posted double-doubles, and the Chicago Bulls handed the Charlotte Hornets their 10th straight loss, 102-95 on Wednesday night.

Noah had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Mirotic added 11 points and 12 rebounds as the Bulls bounced back from a double- overtime loss to Dallas on Tuesday night.

Kirk Hinrich, who had the costly foul on a 3-point shot in the loss to the Mavericks, came up with two big 3-pointers in the final three minutes to help the Bulls (12-7) hold on and improve to 10-3 on the road.

It is the fifth straight game the Bulls have scored at least 100 points.

Kemba Walker had 23 points, and Lance Stephenson had a season-high 20 points to lead the Hornets (415), who have lost 12 of 13.

WIZARDS 111 LAKERS 95

WASHINGTON — Bradley Beal scored 27 points, John Wall had 17 points and 15 assists, and the Washington Wizards beat Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers 111-95 on Wednesday night.

The Wizards won their third straight and prevented the Lakers from getting their first three-game winning streak in more than a year.

Bryant finished with 29 points — 15 points of them in the first quarter when he shot 6 for 11. He missed nine of his final 11 shots.

Former Wizards player Nick Young helped keep the score relatively close by scoring a season-high 21 points.

Marcin Gortat added 21 points and 11 rebounds for Washington.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL IOWA 60

Pts 34 34 31 28 27 23 23

MLB — Announced the resignation of executive vice president, business and CEO of MLB Enterprises Tim Brosnan, effective at the end of January 2015.

American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Agreed to terms with RHP Eddie Gamboa on a one-year contract.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Agreed to terms with RHP Luke Hochevar on a two-year contract.

MINNESOTA TWINS — Agreed to terms with OF Torii Hunter on a oneyear contract.

SEATTLE MARINERS — Traded OF Michael Saunders toe Toronto for LHP J.A. Happ.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Agreed to terms with 1B Justin Smoak on a oneyear contract.

National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Agreed to terms with RHP Jim Johnson on a one-year contract.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Agreed to terms with LHP Clayton Richard on a minor league contract.

American Association KANSAS CITY T-BONES — Released INF Darrell Hudson.

Frontier League NORMAL CORNBELTERS — Signed INF Ozney Guillen to a contract extension.

THE SUMTER ITEM

(12) NORTH CAROLINA 55 CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Mike Gesell hit a driving layup through contact for the go-ahead three-point

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Charlotte’s Cody Zeller, right, shoots over Chicago’s Pau Gasol, left, during the Bulls’ 102-95 victory in Charlotte on Wednesday.

It was the 10th straight loss for the Hornets. play with 1:16 left, helping Iowa upset No. 12 North Carolina 60-55 on Wednesday night in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Gesell finished with 16 points for the Hawkeyes (62), who outfought the Tar Heels (5-2) on a night when both teams struggled to shoot straight.

Gesell’s basket was the team’s first after a 4-minute drought, but it ended up providing the winning margin on a night when the Hawkeyes won despite shooting 33 percent and going 3 for 20 from 3-point range.

After UNC’s Marcus Paige missed a 3-pointer for the tie, Gesell hit two free throws with 1 second left to seal a win that had Hawkeyes players running onto the court to celebrate at the horn.

NOTRE DAME 79 (19) MICHIGAN STATE 78

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Jerian Grant scored a careerhigh 27 points and Demetrius Jackson added a careerbest 22 to help Notre Dame beat No. 19 Michigan State 79-78 in overtime Wednes-

day night in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

In the first meeting between the schools in 35 years, Jackson’s three-point play 2:19 into overtime put the Fighting Irish (7-1) ahead by five. His free throw with 5 seconds left helped seal the victory.

Denzel Valentine scored 22 points and Branden Dawson had 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds for Michigan State (5-3).

WOFFORD 66 PRESBYTERIAN 45

SPARTANBURG — Jaylen Allen came off the bench for career-highs of four 3-pointers and 16 points to lead Wofford to a 66-45 over Presbyterian on Wednesday night.

Spencer Collins and Karl Cochran had 11 points apiece for the Terriers (6-2), who used 16 offensive rebounds and 17 turnovers by Presbyterian to get up 18 more shots. Wofford was 25 of 63 from the field (39.7 percent) but hit 11 of 24 3-pointers (45.8 percent).

From wire reports

SPORTS ITEMS

Braves sign Markakis, Johnson ATLANTA — Free agent outfielder Nick Markakis and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a four-year contract, pending a physical.

The team announced the move Wednesday night.

The 31-yearMARKAKIS old Markakis spent the first nine years of his career with the Baltimore Orioles.

This past season, he batted .276 with 14 homers and 50 RBIs. Markakis fills a void left by the recent trade of right fielder Jason Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals. Also, it will surely step up talks on a potential deal for slugger Justin Upton, who is entering the final year of his contract, or perhaps Evan Gattis, who is set to move from catcher to left field if he remains with the Braves.

The Braves also agreed to terms with reliever Jim Johnson on a one-year contract.

Johnson, 31, went 5-2 with a 7.09 ERA in a combined 53 1-3 innings last year for Oakland and Detroit. The former Baltimore closer is 23-28 with a 3.57 ERA and 124 saves in his career.

Johnson, an AL All-Star two years ago, led the majors with consecutive 50save seasons in 2012-2013.

He was originally drafted by

the Orioles in the fifth round of 2001.

FLORIDA AD RETURNS WITHOUT MCELWAIN

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Athletic director Jeremy Foley is back in Florida.

Colorado State’s Jim McElwain remains at home.

According to a person with knowledge of the situation, negotiations hit a snag Wednesday over McElwain’s $7.5 million buyout.

The person spoke to The Associated Press Wednesday on the condition of anonymity because the parties have declined to discuss details about the talks.

The person said Florida traveled to Colorado with the belief that the hefty buyout could be whittled down.

But Colorado State President Tony Frank stood firm on $7.5 million. The financial roadblock prompted the Florida contingent to leave without an agreement.

AP SOURCES: PETERSON WON’T ATTEND HEARING THURSDAY

Adrian Peterson won’t attend the conclusion of his suspension appeal hearing Thursday when NFL executive Troy Vincent is scheduled to testify, two people familiar with the case told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Peterson gave a statement without testifying on Tuesday, according to one per-

son. Another person said hearing officer Harold Henderson asked Vincent to testify after the NFL Players Association submitted an audio tape and a transcript of a conversation between Vincent and Peterson as evidence.

Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither side is discussing the case publicly.

SEATTLE SENDS SAUNDERS TO TORONTO FOR HAPP

SEATTLE — The Toronto Blue Jays hope they found their starting left fielder in Michael Saunders, while the Seattle Mariners hope J.A. Happ will be another lefthander for their strong starting rotation.

The Mariners sent Saunders to the Blue Jays on Wednesday in exchange for Happ, with the trade filling needs for both clubs.

PADRES AND SS BARMES AGREE ON 1-YEAR DEAL

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have agreed to a one-year contract with shortstop Clint Barmes, pending a physical.

The move Wednesday comes one day after the Padres declined to tender a contract to shortstop Everth Cabrera, an All-Star in 2013 who has had off-field drug issues.

From wire reports

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

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B3

Wildcats on the rise under Rodriguez

BY JOHN MARSHALL The Associated Press TUCSON, Ariz.— Rich Rodriguez inherited a program in disarray when he became Arizona’s coach in 2011. The players were woefully out of shape, apathy had replaced the winning mindset and the downward spiral was quickening.

A massive rebuilding job, without question.

But with a dose of discipline, patience and a dynamic offensive system, the eighthranked Wildcats have turned the program around faster than even Rodriguez expected, earning a spot in Friday’s Pac-12 Championship game against No. 3 Oregon.

“I didn’t know if this would happen in year three,” Rodriguez said after the Wildcats beat rival Arizona State last Friday. “But I knew it could happen, otherwise I wouldn’t have come here. This is the perfect environment to build one of the best programs in the country. We aren’t there yet, but we’re on our way.”

It’s been a rapid climb.

Despite a lack of depth, particularly on defense, Rodriguez led the Wildcats to eight wins and a bowl victory in his first season. Arizona duplicated the feat last season.

Still, with everything the Wildcats had accomplished under Rodriguez, expecta-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez, left, reacts to a play during a game against Colorado. The eighth-ranked Wildcats will face No. 2 Oregon for the PAC 12 title and a possible chance at a spot in the first college football playoff. tions for this season remained flat; Arizona was picked to finish fourth in the Pac-12 South behind UCLA, USC and Arizona State.

Behind Rodriguez’s innovative spread offense and a scrappy defense led by he’severywhere linebacker Scooby Wright, the Wildcats have been one of the biggest surprises of the college football season.

Rallying from losses to the two Southern California schools in a span of three games, Arizona closes out the season with four straight wins, including last week-

end’s 42-35 victory over the rival Sun Devils.

The Wildcats’ first 10-win season since 1998 earned them a second shot at Oregon, a team they beat earlier this season.

“People outside of us should be amazed,” Arizona senior safety Jourdan Grandon said. “But we knew what we (were) going to do before the season.”

The Wildcats can’t afford to get ahead of themselves facing the dangerous Ducks for the second time this season, but the spoils that might come from winning the Pac-

12 title game are hard to ignore.

After its win over the Sun Devils, Arizona moved up four spots to No. 8 in The Associated Press’ Top 25 and up four in the College Football Playoff Rankings to No. 7 on Tuesday.

With several of the teams higher in the rankings playing tough opponents, Arizona has a legitimate shot at earning one of the coveted top four spots that determine the playoffs when the final standings are released on Sunday. Adding to it, one of the national semifinals is the Rose Bowl, a

previously unattained goal in program history.

“There’s a chance,” Rodriguez said. “You ever seen the movie Dumb and Dumber?

‘So you’re telling me there’s a chance.’”

The opportunity has given Arizona another: To prove it’s not just a basketball school.

Basketball has reigned in Tucson since Lute Olson led the Wildcats to 25 straight NCAA tournament appearances and a national title.

Sean Miller has brought the program back to the elite level after a couple of down years.

The football team has had a few good years, including a 12-1 season in 1998, yet had never been able to sustain it.

Rodriguez, who is 28-12 in three seasons, appears to have the Wildcats gaining at least a little ground on the basketball team.

“Coach Rodriguez obviously talked about wanting to be the best program in the country and the University of Arizona has done that in a lot of sports,” Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne said.

“We’ve had success in football but we haven’t always maintained that. I’ve always felt that with the right combination, the right support and the right infrastructure investment that needed to happen that we could be really good.”

The Wildcats sure seem to be on their way.

No decision made in FSU’s UAB players, coaches Winston conduct hearing left to seek new homes

BY GARY FINEOUT The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A two-day hearing at Florida State that could determine quarterback Jameis Winston’s future at the university ended on Wednesday with no decision and no definitive timetaWINSTON ble on when the case will be resolved.

The hearing, which was held approximately two years after a female student said Winston sexually assaulted her in December 2012, was held to determine whether Winston violated any or all of four sections of the code of conduct — two for sexual misconduct and two for endangerment.

John Clune, an attorney representing the woman at the closed hearing, did predict that the former Florida State Supreme Court justice presiding over the proceedings will announce his deci-

sion by the end of the year.

Justice Major Harding has given both sides up to five days to submit a proposed order on what they think the outcome should be, Clune said. Harding will use those briefs as the basis for his decision, which is supposed to come within 10 class days after the hearing ends.

Both parties have an opportunity to request an appeal within five days of the initial hearing decision.

Florida State’s fall semester ends next week and the potential ramifications for Winston range from a reprimand to expulsion from school.

Attorneys for both Winston and the former FSU student had starkly different assessments at how the hearing went for their clients.

David Cornwell, an adviser for Winston and his family, said the hearing contained “more inconsistencies” and “more lies” about what happened in December 2012. He said that there was

BEASLEY FROM PAGE B1 points while rushing for a school-record 24 touchdowns, smashing the mark set by former Heisman Trophy winner and Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett.

Though Conner topped 200 yards three times, he considers his best performance his final one. His right hip ailing entering the season finale against Miami, Conner ran for 75 yards and two scores while helping Pitt (6-6) pull a mild upset to become bowl eligible.

He pointed to former teammate Aaron Donald for inspiration. Donald won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last sea-

“no evidence” presented that should prompt a hearing officer to find Winston violated FSU’s conduct rules. Cornwell repeated his assertions that the entire point of the hearing was to establish a record that could be used in a potential civil lawsuit against the Heisman Trophy winner.

“It was clear what this was about, absolutely clear what this was about, it is a shakedown,” Cornwell said.

Clune brushed aside Cornwell’s statements, saying that the hearing went well enough that he thinks there is enough evidence presented to convince the hearing officer to expel Winston from school.

“The testimony came in as we had hoped it would,” Clune said.

While Clune acknowledged that his client had testified, it was not clear that Winston answered any questions during the proceedings. Clune also said the prospect of a civil lawsuit could depend on what happens to Winston.

son before becoming a first-round NFL draft pick.

“It lets people know that we can compete with anybody in this league,” Conner said.

“We just want to keep going.”

Beasley had ACC bests of 11 sacks and 18.5 tackles for losses, and leads all active players in the Bowl Subdivision with 32 career sacks.

“He came back for his senior year to graduate, and to have a great season and improve as an all-around player,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. “He has done that — he is a complete player. ... He is the best defensive player in the ACC, and I really feel he is the best defensive player in the nation.”

BY JOHN ZENOR The Associated Press

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Brandon Prince transferred to UAB to help his ailing father, a single parent, while still doing what he loves most: Playing football.

The redshirt freshman tight end sat out the Blazers’ surprisingly strong season after transferring from Austin Peay, only to see his hometown program get shut down on Tuesday.

“It’s like SMU,” WATTS Prince said. “We got the death penalty without any NCAA violations.”

Now Prince and his teammates are left looking for new football homes and scholarships. They are eligible to play immediately if they transfer.

UAB became the first major college program since Pacific in 1995 to shut down football.

The university said keeping football would cost an additional $49 million over the next five years, including $22 million in facilities and upgrades.

“As we look at the evolving landscape of NCAA football, we see expenses only continuing to increase,” UAB President Ray Watts said. “When considering a model that best protects the financial future and prominence of the Athletic Department, football is simply not sustainable.”

Several hundred UAB students and fans gathered on campus for the third straight day to support the program that won six games to become eligible for a bowl game for the first time in a decade. Their efforts were futile, leaving coaches and staff looking for jobs.

UAB, which had a consulting

firm conduct a study that included athletics over the past year, said in a news release that it subsidizes $20 million of the athletic department’s operating budget of some $30 million annually, and said both those numbers rank fifth in Conference USA. Despite the numbers outlined by UAB, Watts insisted at an afternoon news conference that the decision “is not about financial woes. This is about planning for excellence in the future in everything we do.”

Players cried and hugged after leaving the meeting.

An emotional coach Bill Clark, who just completed his first season with a 6-6 record, briefly addressed supporters, saying players, families and coaches were all hurting.

“This is one of the most difficult days that I have had to endure in my personal as well as my coaching career,” Clark said in a statement. “I am absolutely heartbroken for my players and my assistant coaches.”

He has two years left on a contract worth $500,000 annually. Watts wouldn’t give the specific cost of shutting down football. UAB’s deal for the opener with Tennessee alone called for either school to pay $925,000 to get out of the game.

Eliminating football jeopardizes UAB’s membership in Conference USA and associated programs including the school’s marching band, though the school said it hopes to remain in the league and Division I. Members of the band and cheerleaders joined in protests on campus.

Conference USA’s current bylaws require members to sponsor football. Commissioner Britton Banowsky said the league’s board of directors will decide UAB’s status.

OSU mourners gather for Karageorge funeral days before Big 10 title game

BY RUSTY MILLER The Associated Press COLUMBUS, Ohio — Days before Ohio State plays in the Big Ten championship game, team buses carried players and coaches to a cathedral where they paid their final respects to a teammate who apparently shot himself in the head after sending a message to his parents saying concussions had addled his mind.

Family members, athletes

and coaches visibly grieved as they pulled their coats up tight to their collars to fight off the cold KARAGEORGE as they left the private funeral of Kosta Karageorge, some with tears in their eyes.

The Buckeyes’ leading rusher, Ezekiel Elliott, was distraught as he remembered the walk-on nose tackle whose cas-

ket he carried from the church.

Karageorge would always say, “’Yeah, baby! Yeah, baby!’ just before coming out on the field to practice every day,” Elliott said before his voice broke with emotion and he walked away.

Karageorge, 22, was found dead in a trash bin on Sunday.

Four days earlier he had disappeared after sending his parents a text message: “I am sorry if I am an embarrassment but these concussions

have my head all f----- up.”

Dr. Anahi Ortiz, the Franklin County coroner, had not ruled on the manner of his death but said Karageorge had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A handgun was found in the large steel container with him, police said, just a couple of hundred yards from his apartment near campus.

Karageorge’s mother told police he’d had several concussions and a few spells of

extreme confusion. The coroner said a special examination will be done of Karageorge’s brain to look for any traumatic injury.

Fellow football players have described the 6-foot-3, 273pound Karageorge as a hardworking and enthusiastic athlete who often stayed for extra practice. His position coach, defensive line coach Larry Johnson, was among the first off the bus with dozens of members of the Buckeyes football team.

B4

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PRO FOOTBALL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

NFL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

WEST

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

Arizona Seattle San Francisco St. Louis

EAST New England Miami Buffalo N.Y. Jets SOUTH Indianapolis Houston Tennessee Jacksonville NORTH Cincinnati Baltimore Pittsburgh Cleveland WEST Denver San Diego Kansas City Oakland

WL T 9 3 0 7 5 0 7 5 0 2 10 0

Pct .750 .583 .583 .167

PF 378 301 264 190

PA 253 232 217 319

WL T 8 4 0 6 6 0 2 10 0 2 10 0

Pct .667 .500 .167 .167

PF 382 287 213 186

PA 283 247 338 329

W 8 7 7 7

T 1 0 0 0

Pct .708 .583 .583 .583

PF 260 328 320 252

PA 247 242 298 245

WL T 9 3 0 8 4 0 7 5 0 1 11 0

Pct .750 .667 .583 .083

PF 361 279 277 176

PA 276 249 224 337

L 3 5 5 5

EAST

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) and the rest of the Cowboys are looking to rebound after falling to Philadelphia 33-10 last week and dropping out of the NFC East lead.

Dallas looks to bounce back against Chicago

BY ANDREW SELIGMAN The Associated Press LAKE FOREST, Ill. — If the Dallas Cowboys can avoid another late-season letdown, they can reach a significant goal: the NFC East title.

The first step is getting past the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.

They are a game behind Philadelphia in the NFC East after getting blown out 33-10 by the Eagles on Thanksgiving and have another showdown with them next week that could be for the division lead.

But before Dallas (8-4) can worry about that, there’s this matchup with the struggling Bears (5-7) at Soldier Field.

“It’s hard to get to this point in the year and be 8-4 and right in the middle of the hunt,” tight end Jason Witten said. “I think you play long enough like I have you respect the opportunity that you have and where you are positioned. So I am excited about that.”

It’s not hard to see why he is excited considering the Cowboys last made the playoffs in 2009. But they have struggled in recent years once December arrived.

In 2011, they dropped four of their final five. A year later, they dropped their final two games after taking the first three in December. Last year, they lost three of their last four.

All three seasons they wound up 8-8, and anything less than a playoff appearance would be a big letdown for a team that started 6-1.

Of course, this week’s opponent knows all about disappointment. A loss at Detroit last Thursday all but assured the Bears will miss the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years.

And the Bears may also be without kicker Robbie Gould this week. He was listed as doubtful because of a right quadriceps injury and the Bears signed veteran Jay Feely on Wednesday.

Chicago is basically in the spoiler role now, hoping to hand the Cowboys their first road loss. Dallas is a leaguebest 5-0 this season and has won six straight away from home since a 45-28 pounding at Soldier Field on a bonechilling night last December.

Here are some things to look for in this game: BOUNCE BACK

Dallas’ Tony Romo looks to rebound from a rough game.

Coming off back surgery last December and another back injury sustained on a sack in October, he appeared to be the Cowboys player most affected by the quick turnaround before last week’s game. He got sacked four times and intercepted twice while throwing for 199 yards, and his rating for the game was 53.7 compared to 106.2 for the season.

It also wasn’t a good game for the defense, which gave up a season-high 464 yards against the Eagles.

THE LION AND GAZELLE

Bears tight end Martellus Bennett acknowledged he and Witten were not exactly best friends when they were teammates in Dallas. Part of that stems from the fact that he was a young player looking for an opportunity to contribute that was not there with a veteran ahead of him.

“Every single year there’s a lion coming out of college,” Bennett said. “You know what I’m saying? And every single year there’s an old guy in the NFL who’s a gazelle.

And every single morning

the gazelle wakes up because the gazelle has to run, otherwise the lion catches it. So every single morning the lion wakes up he chases the gazelle. In that situation I was the lion. I didn’t catch the gazelle, though. I had to go to another jungle.”

Bennett had 85 receptions in four seasons with the Cowboys (2008-11). He made a big jump with the New York Giants in 2012, catching 55 passes, and he has emerged as one of the top players at his position in two seasons with the Bears. Bennett is tied with Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski for league lead among tight ends with 65 catches and has 737 yards receiving.

ANOTHER GEAR

Not that he’s in much danger of losing the rushing title, but DeMarco Murray’s pace has slowed a little in recent weeks.

He ran for a season-low 73 yards on 20 carries against Philadelphia. And in the four games since he ran for 141 against Washington, he is averaging just over 93 yards.

Even so, he still leads the rushing race by nearly 400 yards with 1,427. Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell is second with 1,046.

BALANCING ACT

The run-pass balance has been an issue for the Bears this season, and it came to the forefront again last week at Detroit.

Chicago ran the ball just eight times for 13 yards, with Matt Forte matching a career low with five carries for 6 yards. He called for more balance this week, as did coach Marc Trestman, quarterback Jay Cutler and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer.

Ravens in playoff mode as they prepare for Miami

BY DAVID GINSBURG The Associated Press OWINGS MILLS, Md. — If the Baltimore Ravens are to play in January, they must excel in December.

The Ravens are among six AFC teams with a 7-5 record.

They face one of those clubs on Sunday, the Miami Dolphins, and there is no understating the importance of getting a victory.

“Obviously, with the way the AFC is stacked, it’s playoff time,” guard Marshal Yanda said Wednesday. “We’ve got to win no matter what.”

By losing to San Diego 34-33 last Sunday, Baltimore missed

MEN’S NIGHT OUT! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 • 6-9:30PM

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OFF STOREWIDE SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY

40 W. WESMARK BLVD.•SUMTER, SC

a chance to create some separation from the rest of the pack. The victory left the Chargers at 8-4 and gave them the tiebreaker over the Ravens should the teams finish tied for a wild-card spot The Miami game is significant for the same reason, although coach John Harbaugh said, “There are so many teams in the mix right now, you just have to win.”

Meaning, there’s too much time left in the season for the Ravens to concern themselves with tiebreaker scenarios.

“We’re just thinking about getting a win, which is the same thing we were thinking about last week,” tight end

Owen Daniels said. “All those other details we can’t control at this point. It’s all about worrying about we can control: how we play, and winning the game.”

The Ravens still have a shot at capturing the AFC North, but they trail first-place Cincinnati by 1 1/2 games. The Bengals (8-3-1) face Pittsburgh (7-5) on Sunday, so if Baltimore doesn’t win in Miami, its chances of claiming the division crown will severely worsen.

The wild card appears to be the best bet for the Ravens to get back into the postseason after missing out last year for the first time in six seasons.

AIRLINE CAREERS

Atlanta New Orleans Carolina Tampa Bay NORTH Green Bay Detroit Chicago Minnesota

W 9 8 3 3

L 3 4 9 9

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .750 .667 .250 .250

PF 375 302 257 244

PA 285 273 319 322

WL T 5 7 0 5 7 0 3 8 1 2 10 0

Pct .417 .417 .292 .167

PF 291 323 228 220

PA 299 318 331 314

W 9 8 5 5

Pct .750 .667 .417 .417

PF 380 231 253 233

PA 267 207 337 257

L 3 4 7 7

T 0 0 0 0

866-367-2513

T 0 0 0 0

Pct .750 .667 .583 .417

PF 258 298 231 261

PA 224 221 244 285

TODAY

Dallas at Chicago, 8:25 p.m.

SUNDAY

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

Carolina at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

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

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

St. Louis at Washington, 1 p.m.

Baltimore at Miami, 1 p.m.

Indianapolis at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at Denver, 4:05 p.m.

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

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

Seattle at Philadelphia, 4:25 p.m.

New England at San Diego, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 8

Atlanta at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11 SUNDAY, DEC. 14

Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

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

Miami at New England, 1 p.m.

Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Jacksonville at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Green Bay at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Denver at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

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

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

Minnesota at Detroit, 4:25 p.m.

Dallas at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 15

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

Hoyer hangs on to Browns starting job

BY TOM WITHER The Associated Press BEREA, Ohio — Brian Hoyer held off Johnny Manziel again.

The Browns are still his team for the moment.

Cleveland’s struggling veteran quarterback kept his job and will start Sunday against Indianapolis after first-year coach Mike Pettine decided he would be a better choice to lead down the stretch than Manziel, the super-hyped rookie who gave the team a spark last week in a loss at Buffalo.

Hoyer has played poorly for a month, but the Browns (7-5) will stick with him as they try to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

“It’s back to business as usual,” said Hoyer, adding the past 48 hours have been difficult. “They weren’t the easiest days of my life. I’ve been through a lot. It’s just one more thing to handle some adversity and it only makes you stronger.”

Pettine described the decision as “close” and “difficult” because of Hoyer’s recent issues, but in the end the Browns coaching staff put more value on his experience and success this season.

“It wasn’t perfect and he’s made his share of mistakes, but he’s gotten the lion’s share of reps in practice and virtually all of them in games and has us in the thick of a playoff hunt,” Pettine said. “That, to me, was probably the biggest determining factor.”

Pettine said the decision was reached on Tuesday morning.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Cleveland quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) was named the starter for the Browns this week after being replaced by rookie Johnny Manziel in the fourth quarter of last week’s loss to Buffalo.

There was some “lively” discussion with his coaching staff, which finally agreed that staying with Hoyer gave the Browns the best chance to win against the Colts. Pettine said Hoyer will not be on a “short leash” and he’s confident the five-year veteran — and Cleveland’s entire offense — can bounce back after a rough stretch of games.

“We need to play better across the board in order for us to get to where we want to be,” he said.

Hoyer was benched in the fourth quarter last week for Manziel after throwing two interceptions against the Bills. He has just one touchdown pass and six interceptions in his past three games and Hoyer’s decision-making — one of his strengths earlier this season — has been questionable.

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SEVENTH FROM PAGE B1 high school and college, so it’s something that they will remember. But our focus tonight is we’re going to try and beat them. I think we’re competitive enough that we like the challenge of playing MORE ON against WOODS someone like that. I’m afraid he’s alRead the full ways played story online at pretty well in www.theitem.com this gym, so we’ve got our work cut out for us. He’s a very good ball player.”

Woods, whose highlight videos have made him a YouTube phenomenon over the past two years, lived up to the advance billing by scoring 28 points in a 66-46 Hammond victory. The Skyhawk offense definitely paralleled the ups and downs of its humble star’s evening. Woods scored 16 first-half points as Hammond built a 34-17 halftime lead, then missed his four attempts from the field in the third quarter, allowing the Barons cut the lead to nine, 42-33. Woods rediscovered his shooting touch in the fourth quarter, draining four consecutive threes to help put the game away. For the game, Woods hit on 10 of 21 shots, including 8-for-14 from long range.

Hammond head coach Mark McClam said that while Woods obviously has a great deal of God-given talent, he is always working to improve upon that talent.

“He’s a very explosive player, a great ball handler, very good shooter, a lot of athletic ability,” McClam said. “But a lot of people don’t realize that he’s a very cerebral basketball player with a lot of IQ. He understands the game and has a lot of talent that way as

SCISA FROM PAGE B1 The special coaches for the 11-man game are former South Carolina State head coach Willie Jeffries on the North side and former Furman and North Carolina State head coach Dick Sheridan on the South side.

LMA’s record-setting offensive year and strong defensive season didn’t go unnoticed as several 2-way players were selected.

Prior to the state championship game against Hammond, quarterback/defensive back J.T. Eppley rushed for 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns while collecting 17 tackles on defense. Running back/defensive back Tyshawn Epps amassed 2,087 yards on the ground with 32 TDs and had 39 tackles and three interceptions on defense.

Adam Lowder rushed for 716 yards and 11 scores on offense while tallying 23 total tackles and one INT at safety.

Tilman Tumbleston was an integral part of both lines – playing guard on offense and collecting 27 tackles as a defensive end.

Rounding out the ‘Cats are defensive standouts Todd Larrimer and Tony Cruz.

Larrimer had 60 total tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and two picks from the linebacker position. Cruz led the secondary and the team with 139 tackles and eight INTs. Cody Hoover, John Wells Baker, Thomas McGinnis and Walker Ard will represent the Barons. Hoover, a 2014 AllState selection at placekicker, was 43 for 45 on PATs this season and 3 of 5 on field goals. He also had 16 receptions for 259 yards and five touchdowns as a tight end.

McGinnis and Ard helped anchor both lines for Wilson Hall. McGinnis graded out at

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well. He’s also probably one of the hardest working kids that I’ve ever been around. I started coaching him in the eighth grade when he was 12 turning 13 and he’s always in the gym working -- he’s always trying to get better. He’s very, very coachable, always listens, and the other attribute I think he has as a character (trait) is he’s very humble, very quiet, never says anything about himself as an individual, he’s a very good teammate and a very unselfish player. He could probably go for 30 or 40 every night if he wanted to but he tries to get his teammates involved, and he’s a very good defender as well, so he’s got a very solid all-around game.”

Woods, the youngest of five sons (he also has an older sister) born to Louis and Monica Woods, said his unique first name actually has a biblical origin.

“It came from Genesis chapter 2, verse 3,” Woods said. “’God finished his work on the seventh day and made it holy,’ so that’s how I got my name, Seventh.”

Before journeying with his teammates to Sumter on Tuesday evening to take on the Barons, McClam said Woods had a 30-minute interview session with ESPN, which is not at all rare for the talented guard. Through all the media attention and scrutiny, Woods said it’s easy for him to keep everything in perspective and lead a normal life.

“It’s not really crazy,” said the 16-year-old, who started playing basketball at the age of four. “I just go to school, get my work done and come home, probably get about an hour or two to myself, then get back to school for practice and get my homework done after that. I really try to stay out of the media and social media stuff, just stay to myself and keep my family first.”

84.15 percent while Ard was at 72.27. McGinnis had 14 total tackles while Ard had nine.

Baker was a force on both sides of the ball, rushing for 172 yards on offense while leading the team with 134 total tackles at linebacker.

Baker also had three sacks and four tackles for a loss.

Thomas Sumter and Robert E. Lee have one representative each in defensive tackle Patrick Kuzbary and OL/linebacker Alex Glasscock.

Kuzbary had 41 solo tackles and 32 assisted tackles for the Generals this season along with tallying 1 ½ sacks, two tackles for losses, three pressures, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Representing Clarendon Hall in the 8-man game are Mac Davis, Dustin Way, Daniel Pappas, Trey Thomas and Cody Armstrong.

Way led the Saints offense with 925 yards passing and 15 scores through the air to go along with 1,068 yards and 12 TDs on the ground. Pappas was third on the team in rushing with 684 yards and six touchdowns and tied for second on the team in receiving with 241 yards and three scores. Armstrong had 141 yards rushing, 64 receiving and three combined TDs at the tight end position.

Thomas and Davis played along both lines, but shined on the defensive side of the ball. Thomas had 127 total tackles, 16 ½ tackles for a loss and one sack. Davis, a linebacker, had 126 tackles with 18 tackles for a loss, eight sacks and one fumble recovery.

Armstrong had 106 total tackles, 13 ½ tackles for a loss and three sacks while Way led the team with three interceptions. Pappas had 111 total tackles, 8 ½ tackles for a loss and 3 ½ sacks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

|

B5

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

TSA girls improve to 2-0 DALZELL — Thomas Sumter Academy’s varsity girls basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 44-23 victory over Heathwood Hall on Tuesday at Edens Gymnasium.

Hannah Jenkins led the Lady Generals with 12 points. Taylor Knudson added nine.

HEATHWOOD HALL Goodwin 2, Whittaker 2, Porter 11, Parker 2, Hanna 2, Chisom 4.

THOMAS SUMTER Chappell 1, Knudson 9, DeMonte 2, H. Jenkins 12, Ross 4, Nevels 2, Morris 6, Gaulke 4, Lyons 4.

the Lady Barons with 11 points and Courtney Clark added 10.

Trinity-Byrnes 37-34 on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium.

Courtney Beatson led LMA with 17 points.

LAURENCE MANNING 34 TRINITY-BYRNES 11

SOUTH POINTE CHRISTIAN 42 SUMTER CHRISTIAN 40

Sumter Christian School fell to 2-3 with a 42-40 loss to South Pointe Christian on Tuesday at the SCS gymnasium.

Sarah Fraser led the Lady Bears with 17 points. Dixie Jones added 13.

HAMMOND 51 WILSON HALL 40

Wilson Hall suffered its first loss of the season on Tuesday with a 51-40 defeat at the hands of Hammond at Nash Student Center.

Hayley Smoak led the 2-1 Lady Barons with 14 points, connecting for four 3-point baskets. Lauren Goodson added 10.

Trinity Johsnon and Ahlea Myers both had 14 points to pace 3-1 Hammond.

ANDREW JACKSON 51 LEE CENTRAL 44

KERSHAW — Lee Central High School opened its season with a 51-44 loss to Andrew Jackson High on Tuesday at the AJ gymnasium.

Jiah Ervin led the Lady Stallions with 17 points.

Alexus McMillan added 14 points to go with six steals.

TRINITY-BYRNES 37 LAURENCE MANNING 34

MANNING -- Laurence Manning Academy lost to

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL CAMDEN 20 LAKEWOOD 18

CAMDEN – Serena Choice and Denisha Felder each scored seven points, but it was not enough as Lakewood fell to Camden 20-18 on Wednesday at the Camden gymnasium.

THOMAS SUMTER 30 HEATHWOOD HALL 20

DALZELL — Thomas Sumter Academy defeated Heathwood Hall 30-20 on Tuesday at Edens Gymnasium.

Makyla Font led TSA with nine points, while Carmen Silvester had eight points and five steals.

WILSON HALL 46 HAMMOND 18

Wilson Hall improved to 2-0 with a 46-18 victory over Hammond on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

Diamond Crawford led

MANNING — Laurence Manning Academy defeated Trinity-Byrnes 34-11 on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium.

Olivia Coker led LMA with 16 points and Mason Ham added nine.

SUMTER CHRISTIAN 18 SOUTH POINTE CHRISTIAN 17

Sumter Christian School improved to 2-3 with an 18-17 victory over South Pointe Christian on Tuesday at the SCS gymnasium.

Susanna Hutson and Sarah Fraser both had eight points to lead the Lady Bears.

MANNING 51 C.E. MURRAY 29

MANNING — Manning High School defeated C.E. Murray 51-29 on Tuesday at Thames Arena.

Donnisha Bates led the Lady Monarchs with 15 points.

B TEAM BASKETBALL WILSON HALL 49 HAMMOND 6 Wilson Hall opened its season with a 49-6 victory over Hammond on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

Waverly McIver led the Lady Barons with 11. Haley Roone McCaffrey added 10 and Madison Elmore had eight.

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

Barron’s 31 points lead SCS Bears past South Pointe Christian 79-61 TJ Barron scored 31 points and Desmond Sigler added 16 to lead Sumter Christian School to a 79-61 varsity boys basketball victory over South Pointe Christian on Tuesday at the SCS gymnasium.

Lamel Sanders added 11 points for the Bears, who improved to 3-1 on the season.

Alex Kuriz led South Pointe with 40 points.

HAMMOND 66 WILSON HALL 46

Hammond outscored Wilson Hall 23-10 in the second quarter and went on to a 66-46 victory on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

Seventh Woods connected for eight 3-point baskets and finished with 28 points to lead the 2-1 Skyhawks. Chavez Goodwin added 18.

Brent Carraway led 1-2 Wilson Hall with 17 points. Drew Talley added 14.

TRINITY-BYRNES 75 LAURENCE MANNING 71

MANNING – Laurence Manning Academy opened its season with a 75-71 loss to TrinityByrnes on Tuesday at the Bubba Davis Gymnasium.

Malik Cokley led the Swampcats with 15 points followed by Terrell Houston with 14.

LMA, now 0-1, travels to Pinewood Prep on Friday.

Providence Athletic Club 78-70.

Jay McFadden led the Padres, 2-1, with a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds.

Dalton Foreman added 17, Justin Lyons had 14 and Chris Rickabaugh 10.

PROVIDENCE ATHLETIC CLUB Burk 16, McNulty 16, Rowell 15, Unthank 11, Fryer 12, Marshall 8.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER McFadden 27, Foreman 17, Lyons 14, Rickabaugh 10, Hart 2.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL LAURENCE MANNING 60 TRINITY-BYRNES 29 MANNING – Taylor Lee had 13 points and Brayden Osteen added 12 as the LMA JV team opened its season with a 60-29 victory over Trinity-Byrnes on Tuesday at the Bubba Davis Gymnasium.

The Swampcats, now 1-0, will travel to Pinewood Prep on Friday.

HAMMOND 48 WILSON HALL 18

Wilson Hall fell to 0-3 on the season with a 48-18 loss to Hammond on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

Easton Ward led the Barons with six points.

SUMTER CHRISTIAN 42

ROBERT E. LEE 39

SOUTH POINTE CHRISTIAN 30

DILLON CHRISTIAN 28

Sumter Christian School improved to 6-0 with a 42-30 victory over South Pointe Christian on Tuesday at the SCS gymnasium.

Kobe Barnett led the Bears with 12 points and Donzell Metz had 11.

BISHOPVILLE — Robert E. Lee Academy evened its record at 1-1 on the season with a 39-28 victory over Dillon Christian on Tuesday at the REL gymnasium.

Bryce Barrett led the Cavaliers with 13 points, while Chase Chewning and Matthew Tidwell both had 10. Barrett had five steals and Chewning had five assists.

DILLON CHRISTIAN Carr 9, Mingus 4, M. Price 9, L. Price 6.

ROBERT E. LEE Chewning 10, Barrett 13, Tidwell 10, Dinkins 2, Stokes 3, Glasscock 1.

PROVIDENCE ATHLETIC CLUB 78 ST. FRANCIS XAVIER 70 St. Francis Xavier High School suffered its first loss of the season on Tuesday, falling to

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B TEAM BASKETBALL WILSON HALL 18 HAMMOND 17 Wilson Hall opened its season with an 18-17 victory over Hammond on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

Frampton Macloskie led the Barons with six points. Landon Van Patten had seven blocked shots.

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B6

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COMICS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Sad story has happy ending 14 years later DEAR ABBY — You mentioned in a recent column that few people write to follow up on what happened since Dear Abby their original letter was ABIGAIL published.

VAN BUREN You printed mine April 1, 2001. I am “Hurting in Houston,” the son who, with his partner, was suddenly no longer welcome in his parents’ home after they moved to a retirement community, because they were afraid their neighbors would shun them if they discovered they had a gay son.

You advised that I should live my own life and, maybe, someday they would come around -and that is what I did.

THE SUMTER ITEM

After a number of years, I received a call from a sibling informing me that my father was ill with only a short time left, and I should fly to their city to see him. I asked if I was wanted, and he said, “It doesn’t matter, just come!” So I swallowed my pride, flew there and made my way to the hospice house.

Although my mother received me well, Dad did not, and we never had a good moment before he died a few days later. I told my mother I was staying for the funeral whether she liked it or not and had my partner fly in.

After the service there was a gathering at my mother’s house with all their friends. I introduced my partner to them and everyone was as kind as could be. Many mentioned their own gay siblings or relatives.

When the event was over, my mother said, “Wow, this has all been pretty silly, hasn’t it?” It was such a colossal understatement that I could not find words to respond.

Ten years have passed; my mother is now in hospice care with only a short time left. We have built a great relationship, and she loves my partner of more than 20 years very much.

We are glad to be able to be there for her.

Much has changed in the world over these years and the acceptance of gays has been remarkable, but for me, having these last years with my mother’s love will be a comfort I can hold onto for the rest of my life. I have no great moral here, I just wanted to let you know what has happened.

Thank you, Abby.

No longer “Hurting in Houston”

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.

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Barge, for one 5 Go up to one’s ankles 9 Saw to a seat 14 Launder 15 Obi-Wan portrayer 16 Maine college town 17 Oft-pickled fish 20 Kit for Mr. Fixit 21 Bygone 22 London facilities 23 Otologist’s concern 24 Cartoon still 25 Studiouslooking dwarf 26 Strikes out 29 Educational stage 33 Part of a Latin trio 34 Subatomic particle 35 Colleague of Sonia and Clarence 36 Musical dir.

37 Feature shared by the women vocalists concealed in 17-, 29-, 45and 59-Across 40 P&L column 41 Not from around here 43 Word in a dramatic warning 44 Shout for the

picador 45 Keep out 48 Bargains 49 Blvd. cousin 50 Bargain bin abbr.

51 Big __ 53 “So that’s your game!”

54 Had a little lamb 55 “Just walk away” 59 Comes to terms 62 Razz 63 Ordering aid 64 Sea birds 65 “Waiting for Lefty” playwright 66 Cad’s comeuppance 67 Fries, say DOWN 1 Rescue acronym 2 Roman statesman 3 Capital once called Christiania 4 They have very big calves 5 Super Soaker, e.g.

6 Ended a flight 7 Cal. page 8 Bounced off the walls 9 “Downton Abbey” title 10 Drop the ball 11 1964 Ronettes hit 12 How an embarrassing

question may be asked 13 “Mission aborted” 18 Org. chronicled in “The Puzzle Palace” 19 Glamour rival 24 More crafty 25 Sci-fi author Lester __ Rey 26 Capacitance unit 27 Well in the lead 28 PassŽ 30 Wade’s opponent 31 Jeans choice 32 Stows, as cargo 34 “__ Lisa” 38 Much of 19and 48-Down 39 Really drops the ball

42 Potato spot 46 Credit card issuer 47 Beats badly 48 Magazine with many white dresses 52 Actress Hagen 53 Aware of 54 Court figures: Abbr.

55 Horne on stage 56 Garr on screen 57 Wedding choice 58 “What __ could it be?”

60 Prov. where the CN Tower is located 61 Bus. card number

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

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B7

Mariners’ Seager finalizes $100M, 7-year contract

BY TIM BOOTH The Associated Press SEATTLE — All-Star third baseman Kyle Seager and Seattle finalized a $100 million, seven-year contract Tuesday, the third nine-figure deal for the suddenly high-spending Mariners.

The Mariners announced the deal Tuesday, a week after the sides first reached agreement.

The contract includes a club option for 2022.

“As one of our homegrown players, it is nice to know that he will remain with us for at least seven more seasons,” general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a statement. “Kyle has taken a step forward each season since joining the organization in 2009, and has turned into one of the premier third baseman in the game.”

Seager is coming off his first All-Star selection and Gold Glove. The 27-year-old hit .268 with a career-high 25 homers

and 96 RBIs. Seager was eligible for salary arbitration and could have become a free agent SEAGER after the 2017 season. He made $540,000 last season and now joins pitcher Felix Hernandez ($175 million) and second baseman Robinson Cano ($240 million) as Mariners with $100 million-or-more deals. Seattle also has a pending deal with free-

agent slugger Nelson Cruz to bolster its batting order.

“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity that the Seattle Mariners have given me,” Seager said in a statement.

“This is an amazing honor for me and my family to remain with such a great organization for the foreseeable future.”

Seager made just eight errors in 422 chances, and his .981 fielding percentage was the best among big league third basemen. His fielding percent-

age was the 10th highest for an AL third baseman since 1948.

And unlike his first two full seasons when there was little protection around him, Seager was no longer asked to be the anchor of Seattle’s batting order. Having Cano in the lineup led to Seager getting better pitches and more opportunities to drive in runs. Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon also challenged Seager to be less of a pull hitter and use the entire field.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

Survivors include her daughters, Cheryl (Max) Schmeling and JoAnn Bruce of Sumter; a sister, Ruth (Phil) Thompson of Spokane Valley, Washington; and a brother, Frederick (June) Scherpinski of Salinas, California. She was the beloved grandmother (“Oma”) to six grandchildren, Bradley (Kira) Schmeling, Sara (Daniel) Glass, Lindsay Schmeling, Robert I. Bruce, Brian (Janine) Bruce and Erica (Rich) Shearing; 11 great-grandchildren, Leah, Hope, Kaylin, Camden, Austin, Dylan, Ethan, Avery, Sofia, Eliza and Emmalin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister and three brothers, Albert Elkie, Herman Alke and Rheinholdt Schepinski.

Burial will be in Hillman Cemetery, Hillman.

Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, Sumter Corps, P.O. Box 1249, Sumter, SC 29151 or to Tri-County Hospice, 2560 Tahoe Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.

You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

friends at the home, 4585 Spencer Road, Rembert, SC 29128.

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

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

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. She was a daughter of the late Florence Mary and Joseph Sidney Pizzettier.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Donald P. “Pete” Ranum; one son, Brian Joseph Ranum of Vancouver, Washington; two sisters, Patricia Pollard (Ron) of Cave Creek, Arizona, and Rebecca Rieker of Chalmette, Louisiana; a number of nieces and nephews; a godchild; and other relatives and close friends.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, James Cullen Pizzettier and Leon Joseph Pizzettier.

She retired from Sumter School District 2, where she was a secretary for 26 years.

She worked part-time at Tuomey Regional Medical Center for three years as a medical transcriptionist in the radiology department. She attended Central Carolina Technical College and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa (International Honor Society). She was a master waste educator of Sumter County through the Clemson Extension Service; a former member of Keep American Beautiful; and a tutor with the English as a Second Language Program with the Sumter County Literacy Center. She belonged to the local, state, and national educational office professional’s organizations and was a Certified National Education Office Professional with the national organization. She was once a lector and Eucharist Minister at Our Lady of the Skies Catholic Church on Shaw Air Force Base.

She dearly loved her family and her pets, Tootsie, Macho Boy, Johnathan, Mayesville, Biscuit and Midnight. She enjoyed reading, working in the yard, going to movies, watching reality shows and meeting her friends for lunch.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel.

There will be a visitation and reception following the service at the home.

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

OBITUARIES JOAN N. HYDE MANNING — Joan Nadene Hyde, 67, died on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, at Roper Hospital in Charleston.

Born on Nov. 22, 1947, in Robbinsville, North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Calvin Bruce and Mary Emma Stewart Hyde. She was a retired supervisor for Golden Corral restaurant in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

She is survived by three sisters, Shelby Jean Caylor of Sumter, Joyce Moore of Manning and Eva Nesbitt of Paxville; five brothers, Hershel D. Hyde of Sumter, Calvin Bruce Hyde of Greenville, James Lowell Hyde of Manning, Danny Hyde of Paxville and Randy Hyde of Sumter; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Norman Kent Hyde; and a sister, Ann Risley.

Services will be private.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 520 Gervais St., Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201.

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

HERBERT LEE CHINA Herbert Lee China, 66, husband of Carrie Bell China, died on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Joe and Roberta Galloway China.

The family will receive friends at the China residence, 202 Plowden Mill Road, Sumter.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Palmer Memorial Chapel.

SHIRLEY HOLZAPFEL ORANGEBURG — Shirley Ann Means Holzapfel, age 75, beloved wife of the late Wayne Lewis Holzapfel, died on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at The Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg.

Born in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Hiram and Evelyn Nolan Means. Shirley loved playing bingo and cards with her family. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Surviving are one daughter, Debra Stilianidis and her fiance, Eugene Williamson, of Orangeburg; one brother, Harry Means and his companion, Barb Morelnad, of Pennsylvania; four sisters, Deloris Rossi of Pennsylvania, Laverne Newton of Pennsylvania, Beverly Morris and her husband, Richard, of Georgia and Carol Haun of Walterboro; four grandchildren, Melpo Nelson and her fiance, Scott Pritcher, Eleni Stilianidis and her fiancé, Clint Soles, Eliana Jones and her husband, Ryan, and Zoi Stilianidis; and five greatgrandchildren, Maddi Nelson, Ally Nelson, Chloe Jones, Ethan Pritcher and Izabella Pritcher.

In addition to her husband and parents, Shirley was preceded in death by two sons, Alan Wayne Holzapfel and Dale Lewis Holzapfel; four brothers, Charles Means, Eugene Means, Lee Means and Earl Means; and one sister, Sandra Dejulia.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Friday in the Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229.

You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.

KENNETH WILLIAMS BISHOPVILLE — Kenneth Edward Lewis Williams, of 317 Cedar Lane, died on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was a son of the late John Kay and Lottie Mae Lewis Sr. and Geneva Overstreet. He was a 1976 graduate of Bishopville High School, where excelled in basketball and football. His employment includes Reeves Bros., Palmetto Oil Co. and New South Lumber Co. At an early age, Kenneth dedicated his life to Christ, but recommitted himself in his later years when he became a member of Bishopville Church of Christ.

He is survived by a devoted wife, Gloria Lewis; three children, Kaulonda (Michael) Daniels, Meoceania (Christopher) Wells and Kenneth E. Lewis Jr.; six grandchildren; a grandmother, Katie Brown; siblings, Belinda (James) Banks, Esther Marie Taylor, John (Mary) Lewis, Felipe Quinonez and Charles Debrow Sr.; aunts; uncles; father-in-law; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; and other dear relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday at Bishopville Church of Christ with burial to follow in the church cemetery, directed

by Boatwright Funeral Home.

IDA F. HARVIN MANNING — On Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, Ida Farmer Harvin, devoted wife of 68 years to Deacon Thomas Harvin Sr., heard her master’s call at her residence.

Born on Jan. 10, 1926, in the Home Branch section of Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Jim and Carrie Major Farmer.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the residence, 1095 Thomas Harvin Circle, Paxville community of Manning.

Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced

by Fleming & Delaine Funeral Home & Chapel.

BETTIE A. MONTGOMERY Bettie A. Montgomery, 71, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at her daughter’s residence, 1106 Daisy Drive.

Born on Aug. 17, 1943, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Lucinda McBride.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the residence of her daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Franklin Bennett.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Ephriam D. Stephens Funeral Home, “Where Dignity is the Watchword.”

EMMA L. CARLSON Emma L. Carlson, 90, widow of Iver W. Carlson, died on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at home with her daughters in Sumter.

Born on Jan. 23, 1924, in Hillman, Michigan, she was a daughter of the late Frederick and Wanda Scherpinski. She was a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in WinstonSalem, North Carolina, where she lived and worked many years in the travel industry and as a hospital volunteer.

LANCE L. MYERS Lance Lynell “Black” Myers was born on Dec. 21, 1988, in Camden, to Mark C. and Sandra C. Myers. He departed this life on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014.

Lance was educated in his early years in the public schools of Sumter School District and later graduated from Will Lou Gray Military Academy of Richland County. He was an avid participant in the Sumter County 4-H Club for the majority of his adolescent years. He was awarded many honors through 4-H Club and the Clemson Livestock and Agriculture Program. As an adult, Lance continued using his agriculture and horsemanship skills on Greenfield Farms, Rembert. He later became a stable manager for H & S Stables and Farms in Camden for several years.

After his tenure with H & S, Lance traveled to Atlanta, where he worked for White Stables and Carriage Service.

He then returned to the family farm in Rembert, where he resided.

Lance leaves to cherish his memories: his parents; one son, Lamond Calvin Myers; one daughter, Sy’nijah Calvin Myers; four brothers, Mark (Stella) Myers, Troy Myers and Enrico Dinkins, all of Rembert, and Kelvin Myers of Atlanta; two sisters, Andashia Peay of Durham, North Carolina, and Octavia Peay of Rembert; 12 aunts; 11 uncles; maternal grandmother, Lillie Clea of Rembert; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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

Mr. Myers will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. on Friday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Wayman Chapel AME Church, 160 N. Kings Highway, Sumter, with Pastor Laddie Howard officiating and Elder Michael Clea as eulogist. Interment will follow in Myers Memorial Gardens at Greenfields, Rembert.

The family will be receiving

DANA B. POLLARD Dana Brown Pollard, 49, wife of Michael Allen Pollard, died on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of Raymond Rutledge Brown and Evelyn Geddings Brown. She attended Christ Community Church.

Survivors include her husband of Sumter; parents of Sumter; two sons, Austin Rutledge Pollard and Joshua Michael Pollard, both of Sumter; and two sisters, Dinah Brown Swygert (Hans) and Donna Brown McCullum, all of Sumter.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ashley and Alice Geddings, and Lawrence and Mary Brown.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim Johnson and the Rev. Mark Yoder officiating.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Derek Geddings, Jamie Geddings, Keven Hodge, Brandon Pollard, Corey Pollard and Trayton Griffin.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Bethel Baptist Church and other times at the home, 3020 Caitlynn Drive.

Memorials may be made to God’s Creatures Deserve to Live Inc., 3221 Camden Highway, Dalzell, SC 29040.

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

MARY E. RANUM DALZELL — Mary Elizabeth Ranum, 65, died on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, after a long battle with cancer.

She was born in New Orleans and educated in

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THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2014

803-774-1234

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

CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS SERVICES Business Services

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

Home Improvements Winter is here, We blow attic insulation. Call Nunnery Roofing & Remodeling 803-968-2459

Lifestyles Lawn Service Holiday Clean-up Specials!

Leaf removal, hedge trimming, pine straw instal. Mil.-Sen. Disc.!

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

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

PETS & ANIMALS Dogs OBEDIENCE TRAINING Basic Commands, Behavior problem solving, Advanced training. Ask about our vacation package. Call 803-972-0738 or 972-7597 Lab mix puppies, 2 months old, 4 females - $50 each, 2 males, $75 each. Call 469-8727 after 5 pm.

MERCHANDISE Auctions 18th,19th, 20th c. fine furniture,accessories from Bluff Plantation, estates, private collections: Edgefield pottery, sterling silver, rugs, MORE! 9:00am Dec 6, Preview Dec 5, 12-6 pm. View: www.ivyauctions.c om Ivy Auctions, 22391 Highway 76 East,Laurens, SC 864-682-2750, John Allen Ivy 4239, Barton Reed Ivy 4252

Auction Frank Davis Estate Tools & Shop Items ONLINE BIDDING 11/25-12/4 Details and bidding at: www.jrdixonauctions.com Rafe Dixon, SCAL 4059 (803) 774-6967

Help Wanted Full-Time

Unfurnished Homes

3 Plots in Evergreen Cemetery $4000 for all 3. All are together. Call 803 468-1380

Dental Assistant, who is caring, compassionate and loves working with kids! Must be experienced and team-oriented, for a fun loving, fast-paced pediatric dental office.

Excellent pay for Dental experience.

Fax resume to 803-934-9943.

3BR 2.5 BA in Twin Lakes $1000 mo.+ dep. 1yr lease. Call 775-7326 or 775-1201.

Office Of Sumter County Council NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Mobile Home Rentals

ORDINANCE #14-825

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

2, 3 & 4 Br, all appliances, Section 8 accepted. 469-6978 or 499-1500

Help Wanted Part-Time

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Seasoned Oak Firewood Full size truck $75 . Call Fred 803-883-8074 or 481-2789

Hickory & Oak firewood. Seasoned/Green $65 Delivered. Notch Above Tree Service. 983-9721 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600.

Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Firewood for Sale Will Deliver. Call 803 651-8672

Help Wanted Full-Time Carpenters, helpers & laborers needed. Must have transp. and valid Dr. Lic. Call 803-473-4254 Established Heating and Air Conditioning Company looking for a Laborer/helper for the installation dept. Employer needs to have valid driver’s license, able to lift more than 10 lbs., work well with others and experience with duct work would be good but not necessary. Mail resume to PO Box 2378, Sumter 29151 or apply in person 1640 Suber Street, Sumter SC.

In-home care for seniors avail in Sumter, Lex, Cola, and Camden.

Must be clean background, strong references and reliable transportation. Celebrating 10+ yrs in business. Apply online today at www.retireease.com

Work Wanted

LOCAL CORPORATION seeking upbeat, highly motivated and energetic individual for Full Time Position. Must have proficient computer skills, merchandizing & management skills, be able to work well in a team-oriented environment, be adaptable to a flexible work schedule, possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to multi-task. Please send Resume' to P-379 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Carpenters, helpers & laborers needed. Must have transp. and valid Dr. Lic. Call 803-473-4254 Laborers and Masons needed for Shaw AFB Project Contact: sharon.colaconstructors@gmail.com

RENTALS

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

803-938-2709

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Need OTR Truck Drivers. 2yrs exp.

Good driving records. Dependable & willing to work. Paid weekly. Paid Vacations. Call 888-991-1005

2br, 1.5ba dpx C/H/A, Stove, Frig, W/D. New carpet/paint.

No Pets/Smoking $625/mo. & dep. Call after 10am 983-8463.

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $2 FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242 Moving Sale 3010 Tara Dr. Sat. 8-1 Furniture, kitchen and hshld items, new mattress and box spring.

Moving Sale! 119 Lawrence St, Manning Sat 7-12 Inside & out . hshld, furn, dishes, & more 1745 Camden Rd.(1 mi. from Kmart) Fri. 7:30-5 Lots of christmas, baby stuff & more

Manufactured Housing

Land & Lots for Sale WALMART/SHAW 16.6 ACRES PAVED, ELEC. WATER $2350/ACRE 713-870-0216

TRANSPORTATION

Autos For Sale Crown Victoria Police Interceptors Over 15 in stock from years 2000 2008. Affordable prices & pymts.

775-2344 or come by American Auto Sales. 408 S. Lafayette St

“$2,000 - SIGN ON BONUS”

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

This public hearing will be held in the Chambers of the said County Council on the third floor of the Sumter County Administration Building, 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, South Carolina, or at such other location within the said County as proper notice might specify.

The County Council for Sumter, S. C. By: Larry Blanding, Chairman Mary W. Blanding, Clerk to Council

Office Of Sumter County Council NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE #14-826

Reconditioned batteries $35. New batteries, UBX 75-7850. Golf cart batteries, 6V. exchange $300 per set, while they last. Auto Electric Co. 803-773-4381

LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notice

LOW CREDIT SCORE? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing. We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

LOCAL DRIVERS WANTED

Horse Hay for sale. Tight sq. bails $5. Heavy rnd. bails $40.

Corn oats hog feed. Call Warren 843-319-1884

AN ORDINANCE TO ABANDON AND CONVEY FORESTER DRIVE, HALL STREET, WEARY ROAD AND PART OF SAULS STREET TO THE ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS

Commercial Rentals

Unfurnished Homes PAXVILLE 3BR, Stove, Refrig.

Housing Authority & Sec 8 welcome 452-6998 / 225-4276

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County Council for Sumter County, South Carolina, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at 6:00 O'clock P.M., or as soon thereafter as practicable, as said hearing can be convened, in connection with:

Dated this 26th day of November, 2014.

Extra large Lots for sale or rent 1008 Booker St. & 119 Murphy St. 840-3904 or after 7pm 778-1083.

For Rent or Sale 821 Holiday Drive 2BR 1BA possible owner financing. 803-983-7064.

2 Rooms, 1 ba, kit., over garage, priv. entrance, $625/mo + $400/dep incl elec & water 803-491-7832

Public Hearing

The said ordinance can be reviewed or a copy obtained from the Clerk to Council at the Offices of County Council on the third floor of the said County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend and participate in the public hearing.

3 Br, 2 Ba, DW mobile home. $685 mo. + dep. Stove & refrigerator incl.

Private quiet lot. Call 803-506-4557 or 406-1582.

Homes for Sale

STC offers competitive salary and benefits EOE and Drug Free Workplace Contact - Pat Joyner 803-775-1002 x107

Near Shaw: 2br/1ba w/ large porch $400/mo Lot # 28 fenced yard 840-3371 or 494-3573

REAL ESTATE

STC Now Hiring Diesel Mechanic Qualified candidates must have: •Valid driver license •High School Diploma or GED •Three years or more of diesel mechanical experience •Must provide tools / picture at interview

Autos For Sale

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

Rooms for Rent

Full time maintenance position available full benefits, vacation, sick leave, insurance, paid holidays. Call 803-435-4492

Commercial buses. Perfect for church or daycare. 5 to choose from.

Affordable prices, financing available. Call American Auto Sales 803-775-2344 or come by 408 S. Lafayette.

Mobile Home Lot Rentals

I will sit with elderly or sick. Will provide ref/exp. Call 803-236-3603 for more info.

Live in position in Santee. Cash + rent free apt. Couple/Single to clean motel rooms. Call 803-854-3378.

Vans / Trucks / Buses

3Bd 2Ba MH near Pinewood New carpet & appliances, no pets $500 mth + dep. Call 843-884-0346

Medical Help Wanted

EMPLOYMENT

3BR 2BA $500/mo. + $400 dep.

Cockerill Rd near industrial park No Pets. Background check req'd.

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2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

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Set of 4 Blk Factory Rims & Clear Top for a Grand Sport Corvette. Call for details and price 803-968-2459

Farm Products

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

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.

For Sale or Trade

Lawn Service Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs!

Free est. 494-9169/468-4008

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.

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

PUBLIC AUCTION SUMTER EAST SELF STORAGE 800 MYRTLE BEACH HWY. AUCTION DECEMBER 13, 2014 10:00 A.M. UNITS FOR AUCTION A-20 - TYRONE W. DENNIS A-31 - TOBER FAVOR A-35 - TINA CHILDERS A-56 - MARY MILLER B-5 - CALVIN O. EPPS B-37 - CHRISHONDA SAMUEL B-40 - SANDRA P. HILL C-7 - SHARON B. MCFADDEN C-22 - MARIE MACK D-14 - SHARON B. MCFADDEN D-20 - DORA M. GREEN E-26 - ANNETTE ROBINSON F-36 - GEORGE ROBINSON F-38 - SANDRA P. HILL G-7 - SANDRA P. HILL G-8 - SANDRA P. HILL G-28 - NATASHIA WARDLAW

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County Council for Sumter County, South Carolina, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at 6:00 O'clock P.M., or as soon thereafter as practicable, as said hearing can be convened, in connection with:

AN ORDINANCE TO ABANDON AND CONVEY A PORTION OF SAULS STREET TO THE ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNER This public hearing will be held in the Chambers of the said County Council on the third floor of the Sumter County Administration Building, 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, South Carolina, or at such other location within the said County as proper notice might specify. The said ordinance can be reviewed or a copy obtained from the Clerk to Council at the Offices of County Council on the third floor of the said County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend and participate in the public hearing.

Dated this 26th day of November, 2014.

The County Council for Sumter, S. C. By: Larry Blanding, Chairman Mary W. Blanding, Clerk to Council

Clarendon Health System is seeking dynamic individuals to become a part of our healthcare system family.

Employment opportunities include RNs, Medical Assistants, C.N.As, FT and PRN positions are available in clinical areas. Opportunities are also available in Informatics, Information Technology, Physician Practices, Patient Financial Services as well as other departments within our system.

Visit our website at www.clarendonhealth.com for a full listing of employment opportunities to include our Extended Care and Rehab Facilities and complete your application on-line today.

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THE SUMTER ITEM

2014

2014 FAITH TODAY

DECEMBER 4, 2014

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Faith

Today Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1:17

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2014 FAITH TODAY

DECEMBER 4, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

These sponsors of Faith Today, do so with the hope that more people will attend the church or synagogue of their choice on a weekly basis.

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Furniture and Bedding

Merry Christmas Open: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 10:00 - 7:00 Wed - Sat: 10:00 - 5:00 • Closed Sunday 3602 Broad St. Ext • Sumter, SC 803-494-2300

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May faith guide you...

Merry christmas from our family to yours

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Process Consulting

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Industrial Waste Service Lee Co. Solid Waste Facility T&N Enterprises 803-229-2528 cell 803-506-3171 fax

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Looking for Land?

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Jesus is the reason for the season.

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Get out of my chair THE SUMTER ITEM

2014 FAITH TODAY

DECEMBER 4, 2014

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BY JAKE FERRELL, Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church Sumter

It’s been a long week and you are running late. Frantically, you make your way to your usual seat only to see it is taken.

Begrudgingly, you make your way near the back of the church as the music begins. Now, you have a choice: you can sing or you can sit it out.

You see, for a Christian, worship is really important. I once heard it said that worship is not an elective for a Christian who has enrolled in the school of Christ; it is a required course. And depending on how you grew up, where you attended or didn’t attend church, or your personal preferences, how you approach worship in general varies.

I remember growing up in a small town and attending a small church out in the middle of nowhere. I have so many wonderful memories of worship there. My most cherished were of the Sunday night services. This was because our time of singing was traditionally longer than the morning services. I can recall even as kid how I loved to sing in church.

And while I’m fairly young, I can also remember when what I knew as worship began to change in our church. We put up the hymnals, brought in a drum set, electric guitars and began to sing redundant choruses instead of the old standards. I remember people saying that they did not like it. I remember my pastor doing his best to sort it all out as the different age groups with different tastes and agendas navigated the changes and challenges. The older people wanted their hymns and pews. The younger people wanted their music and a more casual approach to be implemented. Both were convinced their way was right.

This of course was done all in the name of people trying to “worship.� Even with the difficulty, the church began to grow.

Eventually, we ran out of space and had to build a new sanctuary.

People were excited—well, most of them. Money was raised and a building was built soon after. Before we knew it, we had a brand new sanctuary to enjoy worship with our ever changing and growing congregation.

I remember one Sunday looking around in awe of what God was doing in spite of the challenges, and I noticed something. We had changed buildings but the same groups of people were segregated in their spots. One group would sing. One wouldn’t. One group was more expressive, the other stoic and reverent depending on what was being sung at the time.

Our style had evolved, our look was new and we had even changed buildings, but we were the same people worshiping in our preferred manners. In fact, the majority of the people both old and young had kept their same general seat location in the new building!

Now before we get too far into this, it is helpful to step back and define what I mean when I say “worship.� For many people, “worship� is something you attend. Or when we say worship, we are usually referring to the part of a church service that happens before the preacher gets up to talk in terms of singing. However we define it, our definition should begin with God’s definition—found in the Bible.

The Bible contains no less than 600 references to worship—and uses at least 87 different Hebrew and Greek words to describe it. The English word in it’s most basic sense means to prostrate oneself, or

bow down. It also contains the concept of ascribing total worth to God, which includes the singing!

We see this clearly portrayed in the Bible. In the book of Revelation, we get a sneak peak of what is going on in Heaven. In this snapshot, we see that all of Heaven’s worship revolves around a throne and the One who sits on it. A myriad of angels and countless saints find themselves bowing down in awe to give God glory. Their entire existence is centered around God. They are singing, shouting, praising and bowing, giving their energy to recognizng God as the One on the throne of the universe.

The attention and focus isn’t on anything else except how awesome He is. There’s no time to argue about preference or complain about music because worshipers in heaven find themselves preoccuppied with something so much greater than anything else—God. So why do we make other things the main thing when it comes to our way of worshiping?

Well, when we read God’s word, we can see a couple of things about worship that are clear.

First, worship is really important. The Bible calls us to love God with everything we are: heart, soul, mind and body. When we do this, we are paying respect or giving loyalty to Him. To worship God completely, is to love Him completely. Jesus went on to echo these Old Testament words when asked about the most important thing a Christian should do. And the scene in the book of Revelation confirms that our lives are to revolve around the worship of God (remember, everyone and everything was around the throne not vice versa).

Sadly, with our own attitudes and actions, our priority in life is not often worship. We often willfully pass on opportunities to worship simply because we give priority to other things. It’s the same with churches everwhere. When churches prioritize other things (style, preference, programs) over who God is and what He had done we miss out and fall short of what worship is to be.

Second, worship goes beyond Sunday mornings. As a worship pastor, I love to hear people say, “Worship was so wonderful this morning!� I am so thankful to be able to point people to God every Sunday through the creative arts. And as much as I love and enjoy singing with God’s people it cannot end there. Worship has to move beyond weekly gatherings and we must embrace a lifestyle approach.

What does that mean? Simply put: If the worship in our churches is not helping people make loving Jesus a priority and pointing them to a grace that enables them to live out their faith it’s not biblical and it’s not worship—regardless of style.

Finally, what about chairs? There’s nothing wrong with having your seat. There’s nothing wrong with contemporary or hymns, traditional or modern. We are creatures of habit. What we must remember is that before we ask them to get out of our chair, or sing our music, we should ask, is the reason going to start with, “because I‌?â€? And if so, we are approaching worship all wrong. We need to start with looking at the One who is on the throne and orient our lives, actions and attitudes around Him and then we will sing and not sit it out!

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2014 FAITH TODAY

DECEMBER 4, 2014

Christmas Chaos

THE SUMTER ITEM

Maintaining your faith during the holidays

BY PASTOR CHRIS MOORE, Cornerstone Baptist Church Christmas comes but once a year — aren’t you glad?

No, my name is not Ebenezer Scrooge and I don’t run around saying, “Bah, humbug!” all December long. (Speaking of a “Scrooge”… Have you stopped and thought about what they called curmudgeons at Christmas before Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol?) I have a point, keep reading.

A season once centered on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our families has taken on an entirely different meaning in a postwar and overcommercialized America — wouldn’t you say? The average family now spends more than $800 each Christmas. Not only do our wallets and credit cards suffer, but our calendars do as well.

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s is a hectic time of year for my family. We find ourselves running to parties, plays, parades and a plethora of family gatherings — which are always a pleasure trying to schedule with the 14 other families that have the same amount of things going on as well.

Trying to find one time that everybody can get together can be a daunting task.

So not only are the holidays hectic -- they are also stressful.

There. I said it. I’m dealing with the elephant in the room. Nobody wants to talk about it, but it isn’t going away. You can’t pretend it isn’t there. You have to deal with it; otherwise, it will drive you plumb crazy.

So how do you maintain your faith during the holidays? How do you survive the most stressful time of year?

Prayer. LOTS of prayer.

Yes, prayer is key. In fact, it’s No. 1 on my list -but I’d also like to share a few other points about how to keep your sanity this Christmas.

Step #1: Pray.

Prayer is vital to relationship with our heavenly Father. Why not tap into His abundant resources? Don’t forget that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10); He gives peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7); He is our strength, our shield and our helper (Psalm 28:7).

As I think back on recent Christmases since I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior, I remember praying — leading up to some of those family gatherings — “Lord, give me the strength. Guard my mouth. Help me to love them as you love them.”

The old adage, “You can pick your friends; you can’t pick your family.”

Yep that’s true! I need His help to make it through times like that. I need Him to open my heart and mind so that I might see someone in a different light.

Step #2: Read the Word.

How can you know the mind and heart of God if

you don’t read His love letter to you? The Bible is so rich with the love of God, we just need only to take time to open it. You have to open it to apply it to your life. It’s not the book, it’s what’s in the book that can change your life.

Also, I encourage you to open the Word and read the Christmas story during your family gatherings. I have vivid memories of my cousins and me reading the Bible each Christmas as I was growing up. Turn and read Luke 2:1-20, then pray.

Step #3: Give.

As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When was the last time that you just gave something away not expecting something in return? It doesn’t have to be something huge: a small act of kindness goes a long way. Plus, there are many great ways to give back this time of year. You can pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child or donate to United Ministries so that this great ministry can continue to meet the needs of those in need in our community.

One thing that we often forget: “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

(Matthew 28:20). When was the last time that you did something solely for someone else? As Christians, you know it is not all about you. Christ came to serve, not be served. Model Christ this Christmas — after all, it is His birth that we’re celebrating.

Step #4: Count your blessings.

Have you ever stopped and thought about how Thanksgiving and Christmas are right together? I wonder if that is because God wants us to focus on our blessings and, in doing so, allow Him to prepare our hearts for the greatest gift, His son, Jesus.

When was the last time you just thought about how you’re blessed? Did you get up this morning?

Did you have clean clothes to put on? Did you have a warm blanket and heat in your home? Were you able to get out of the bed and move freely to get ready for the day?

Man, we are so blessed.

We get so caught up in running around that we forget to stop and think about how truly blessed we really are.

Do you have family and friend to celebrate this Christmas with? What about the countless men and women of our armed services who are stationed at Shaw? Many of them are miles away from their nearest family.

What about the dad or mom who is serving overseas this Christmas?

They left their children and families behind so that you and I might be able to enjoy time together this Christmas.

They are defending the freedoms we take for granted. How often do we forget the cost and sacrifice?

What about the one who recently lost a loved one and her or she is spending this Christmas alone? What about the

High Hills Missionary Baptist Church 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell•499-2311

nurses, emergency personnel or utility workers who are working this Christmas?

If you don’t have a family, not to worry, God sets the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6). Find a church and get involved.

Enjoy the blessing of a church family. If you have a friend who doesn’t have family, invite him to join yours. Reach out to those around you; you never know the difference it might make.

Count your blessings, name them one by one.

Step #5: Pray again.

WOW! After reading this list, I’d say that we can never cover our lives and situations with too much prayer. Pray some more. You can never pray too much.

I’m going to go from writing a column to preaching if I’m not careful, but let me make this point: We live looking back at the cross — where the finished work of Christ has already taken place — aren’t you thankful?

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ; however, we can’t stop there. The story doesn’t end there. It’s the beginning, but definitely

not the end. Remember Romans 8:34 when you pray: “… Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

When you pray, your prayers aren’t just hitting the ceiling and bouncing back down. No, Jesus, the one for whom we are celebrating this Christmas season, is sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding on your behalf. Amen! If that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will.

Pray boldly this Christmas.

Step #6: Be still.

Take some time and slow down this Christmas. Enjoy time with your loved ones. Hug somebody. Smile. Laugh.

Cry. Think back on memories of Christmases past. Make new memories. And most of all, point your family to the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus.

The greatest gift and joy this Christmas won’t be found in any present, but rather in the presence of Christ in our lives.

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Merry Christmas!

1426 C Camden d Hwy (521 North) • Sumter 803-469-9992

2014 FAITH TODAY

THE SUMTER ITEM

DECEMBER 4, 2014

Be anxious for nothing

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BY REV. JAMES BLASSINGAME, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

about your health? How do you stop being torn in so many directions about your family?

Paul states this is how. . . but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God. Pray about everything. Everything?

Everything! Prayer is to include all our interests, small and great. Nothing is too great for God’s power; nothing too small for His fatherly care. In other words we should ask for what is lacking, or for that which is needed. The word supplication comes with it the thought of needing supplies. When we pray, or supplicate before God, we are truly coming as empty pitchers before a full fountain, who wants to fill us up until we overflow.

Notice the propositional phrase “unto God”. The thought is to submit ourselves, our situations under God’s governance, guidance and care.

If we do these things, we have the assurance stated in verse seven, that the peace of God which passes all understanding, will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The phase “the peace of God” is the military phrase which meant, just like soldiers would guard a city, protecting it from the enemy, so God’s peace, presence, power and provision will keep us.

In Philippians 4:6 we read, “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.” What are you presently worrying about? What has you full of anxiousness? What is causing your blood pressure to rise, your nights to be sleepless and your days full of gloom and grief ? If you answer nothing to all of these questions, you need not read any further, simply thank God you are living a problem free life. But, if your answer is “yes,” and you can name quite a few things that are causing you problems, and you really want to be helped, read on.

The Holy Spirit is leading the Apostle Paul as he writes to the saints at Philippi from a prison cell. The Philippians are undergoing persecution and he is awaiting an uncertain verdict with a calm and courageous certainty in a conquering Christ. Paul is informing these Philippians as I am attempting to inform the readers of Faith for Today, be careful for nothing. The verbal phrase be careful, primarily means be anxious, or drawn in different directions. The idea is to be distracted by many cases. Paul is telling the Philippians to stop doing this.

But now you ask: How you do you stop letting bills get you down, how do you stop being distracted and depressed

Church Directory Adventist Sumter Seventh-Day Adventist 103 N Pike West 775-4455 Pastor Harry Robinson Sat. Sch: 9:15 am, Worship: 11:00 am Tues Bible Study 7 pm www.sumter22.adventistchurchconnect.org

Start the Day Right

Mon. - Thurs. Chapel 9 am Morning Prayer Wed. Chapel 11:00 qm - Bible Study 12 pm Mass

Baptist - Independent Cherryvale Baptist Church 1502 Cherryvale Dr. * 494-8655 Edward Bowen Sr. Pastor Sun. School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:00 pm Wed. Evening Service 7:00 pm

Baptist - Missionary Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church 803 S Harvin St. * 775-4032 Marion H Newton, Pastor Sunday Worship: 7:45 & 10:45 am Sunday Youth Service: 10:45 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm Salem Missionary Baptist Church 320 West Fulton Street 803-775-8054 Rev. Lei Ferguson Washington Sun. School 9:00 am Praise Worship 9:55 am Worship 10:00 am

Lutheran - ELCA Non-Denominational

St James Lutheran Church 1137 Alice Dr, Sumter 773-2260 / www.stjamessumter.org Pastor Keith Getz Sunday Worship: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am

Church of Christ Lutheran - NALC

Anglican Church of the Holy Cross 335 North Kings Hwy (Hwy 261 N) 803-494-8101 Father Michael E. Ridgill, C.F.S.B. Sunday School 9:00 am Mass 10:00 am

The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Jude Site 611 W. Oakland Ave • 773-9244 www.stjudesumtersc.org Fr. Charles Michael Donovan, C.S.S.R. Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm Sun. Euch.: 9:00, 11:30 am, 1 pm (Spanish)

A

Photo Credit Istockphoto.com/aurorat

cup of coffee is a great way to jump-start the day; yet, why depend on coffee alone to get going? While you’re waiting for it to brew, practice the restorative power of morning prayer. It will give you strength and guidance to deal with whatever the day may bring.

David relied on God, “Morning by morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; morning by morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” (Psalm 5.3) Your Heavenly Father will walk beside you through your day if you ask Him to. Each week, visit with Him in His Sanctuary and give praise for His guidance.

Psalm 100

Mark 12.35-44

Weekly Scripture Reading Mark Mark Jeremiah 13.1-23 13.24-37 10.1-16

Jeremiah 23.1-8

Nehemiah 8.1-18

Scriptures Selected by the American Bible Society

©2014, Keister-Williams Newspaper Services, P.O. Box 8187, Charlottesville, VA 22906, www.kwnews.com

Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Sun Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wed Mid Week Service 7:00 pm

Baptist - Southern Grace Baptist Church 219 W Calhoun St * 778-6417 Dr. Stephen Williams S.S. 9:45 am; Worship 11:00 am Evening Worship/Bible Study 6:30 pm Wed. Prayer Meeting 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 pm Hickory Road Baptist Church 1245 Cherryvale Dr 803-494-8281 Dr. Ron Taylor Pastor Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Long Branch Baptist Church 2535 Peach Orchard Rd. Dalzell 499-1838 www.longbranch_baptist.com Rev. Brian Benenhaley

Shaw Heights Baptist Church 2030 Peach Orchard Rd 499-4997 Rev. Robert White Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 am Sunday Worship:11 am & 6 pm

Catholic - Roman

The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Anne Site 216 E Liberty St • 803-773-3524 Fr. Thomas Burke, C.S.S.R. Weekend Masses: Sat Vigil 5 pm Sun. 7:30, 9:00 and 11:30 am Mass

Plaza Church of Christ 1402 Camden Hwy. • 905-3163 Stewart Schnur cell 361-8449 Sunday School: 10 am Sunday Worship: 11 am & 6 pm Wed. Bible Class: 7 pm

Immanuel Lutheran Church 140 Poinsett Drive • 803-883-1049 Pastor Gary Blobaum Worship Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:30 am Wed Bible Class: 7:00 pm

Interdenominational Methodist - United

City of Refuge Church 16 Carolina Ave 938-9066 Barbara & Johnny Davis Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:15 am Bible Study (Wed.) 7:00 pm www.cityofrefugeministry.com Love Covenant Church 245 Oswego Hwy • 775-7605 Apostle Tommy Fredrick Prophet Angela Frederick Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Thursday Bible Study: 7:00 pm Spiritual Life Christian Center 4672 Broad St. Ext • 968-5771 Pastors Randolph & Minerva Paige Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm

Victory Full Gospel Interdenominational Church 601 Pitts Rd • 481-7003 Joann P. Murrill, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Youth Bible Study/Respect Monday: 7 pm

Aldersgate United Methodist 211 Alice Dr • 775-1602 Dr. Webb Belangia, Reverend Traditional Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:15 am Contemporary 11:15 am

Bethel United Methodist Church 5575 Lodebar Rd • 469-2452 Rev. Jeremy Howell Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 am Sunday School: 10 am www.yourbethel.org BMethodist@ftc-i.net St John United Methodist Church 136 Poinsett Dr * 803-773-8185 www.stjohnumcsumter.com Rev. J. Robert (Bob) Huggins Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11:00 am Wed. Night Supper/Bible Study 6:30 pm

Christ Community Church(CCC) 525 Oxford St, Sumter 803-934-9718 Sun. Worship 10:00 am (Patriot Hall) First Church of God 1835 Camden Rd • 905-5234 www.sumterfcg.org Ron Bower, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:30 am

Sumter Bible Church 420 South Pike West, Sumter 803-773-8339 • Pastor Ron Davis Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study & Prayer 7:00 pm

Pentecostal

Canty Memorial Church of God in Christ, Ministries 873 Woodcrest St. • 773-6226 Superintendent Eugene Canty, SR. Sunday Prayer: 8:00 am Worship: 9:15 am & 5:00 pm

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Lemira Presbyterian Church 514 Boulevard Rd • 473-5024 Pastor Dan Rowton Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Bible Study 6:00 pm October 11, 2014 Semiannual Yard Sale Starts at 7:00 am

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494-8292

Discount Furniture Sumter Cut Rate Drugs Outlet 803-773-8432 2891 Broad St. • Sumter

Presbyterian

First United Penecostal Church 14 Plowden Mill Rd • 775-9493 Pastor Theron Smith Sunday Service: 10:00 am & 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30 pm

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First Presbyterian Church of Sumter 9 W Calhoun St (at Main St.) (803) 773-3814 • info@fpcsumter.org Interim Pastor Rev. Ray Fancher Sunday School - All Ages 9:30 a.m.

Hospitality/Fellowship 10:10 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church 226 W Liberty St • 773-9393 Rev. Steve Holler Blended Worship 8:45 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am Sunday School 9:45 am trinityumcsumter.org

Carolina Atlas Transmission 301 W. Liberty Street • Sumter, SC Filters, Inc. 775-4501 • 1-800-823-2413

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Presbyterian USA

Greater St. Paul Church 200 Watkins Street 803-778-1355 Sunday School - 10:30 am Worship - 11:30 am Evangelistic Service 7:30 pm Wed. Mid Week Service - 7:30 pm

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Free Diagnostic • Foreign/Domestic Free Pickup & Delivery • Financing Available

Sumter First Pentecostal Holiness Church 2609 McCrays Mill Rd • 481-8887 S. Paul Howell, Pastor Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:45 am & 6:00 pm Wed. Bible Study/Youth Group: 7:00 pm

Seven Convenient Locations

773-5114 •773-3219 “Flowers For All Occasions’’

“Please worship at the Church of your choice’’

18 E. Liberty St. • 778-2330 1132 Broad Street 208 East Calhoun Bring your Church Bulletin in and receive a free small drink

Sumter Auto Mall

3625 Broad Street • Sumter, SC 803-494-5900 We finance your future... not your past. www.sumterautomallsc.com

To view church information online go to www.theitem.com or www.sumterchurchesonline.com

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2014 FAITH TODAY

DECEMBER 4, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Hannah’s Couch

BY PASTOR CLAY SMITH, Alice Drive Baptist Church

My daughter Hannah is taking all kinds of grown up steps. She has her first job. She moved into her first “adult” apartment.

And she bought her first piece of furniture, a very nice white couch.

This past week Gina, Abram, and I loaded up the truck with some odds and ends from our house (translation: junk we no longer want) and headed to Durham. Once we unloaded, the next job was to go to the store and pick up the couch (thus saving the $100 delivery fee).

The man at the store was great. He wheeled the couch right out on a dolly and it slid in nicely.

Hannah and Gina went to look for other apartment vitals while Abram and I went back to the new apartment with the new couch.

The problems started when we arrived back at Hannah’s new apartment.

Did I mention her apartment was on the third floor? And did I mention there was no elevator? We pulled the couch out and realized its true weight for the first time. It weighed somewhere between a baby elephant and full grown cow. Straining, we came to the first set of stairs.

Some of you know that lugging a couch up the stairs offers terrible choices. The guy in the front has to walk backwards, but doesn’t carry as much weight.

The guy on the bottom walks forward, but he has most of the weight. Since I am a little larger than my son (okay, a lot larger), I got the bottom. Somehow, we made it up the first flight of stairs, rested, and then made up the second flight. That’s when the trouble began.

To enter the apartment from the stairs, you make a sharp turn to the left, and then another sharp turn to face the door. Once the door was open, the foyer was three-feet deep.

We couldn’t make the corner with the couch.

We stood the couch up; it wouldn’t fit through the door. We angled it; it got jammed in the door. We put three feet of the couch’s length over the balcony and tried to go straight in. Not enough room to turn.

We set the couch down to think. I lifted one end, while Abram scooted the other. We got the couch jammed again. We began to toy with the idea of cutting the couch in half, but we didn’t have a saw.

It was 95 degrees, and we were pouring sweat. We started to debate if changing the flat tire on the boat was harder or easier than this.

We tried again. We got the couch within three inches of going through.

We decided to switch ends – I’m not sure why. One end of the couch was sticking up and the other was low. I’m still not sure what happened, but I lifted my end and Abram twisted his end and mysteriously the couch began to move. I lifted a little higher, pushed a little harder, Abram twisted a little more, and the couch was through the door! We still don’t know exactly what we did to get it through the door!

You might think the lesson from this is if it’s that hard to fit something into your life, you don’t need it. But here’s the better lesson. To get the right things in the right place will take effort. But effort alone isn’t enough.

There’s a moment of mysterious grace, when what was impossible becomes possible. But you never find that moment if you don’t bring the couch to the door, if you don’t try.

Whatever is needed in your life, do your part and then trust our great and mysterious God to give you grace and strength.

And to all the women who say men have no idea what childbirth is like, you are right. However, God has given us furniture to move so we can get the general idea.

Look up, for your redemption draweth nigh

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

BY JULIE SCOTT CAVE

He’s the mighty warrior, the King of Kings.

He is my Savior, the master of my everything.

I once was sinking deep in sin.

He washed me up and made me whole again.

He left his home up above.

To come to this earth and show us His love.

He said He loves us, that salvation is free.

All you have to do is ask of Me. He told of His Father, and things to come.

He said He is the Saviour, the only one.

He shed His blood for your sin to pay.

So you would be ready on that judgment day.

Peace from the Father. Peace from the Son. Peace from the Holy Spirit. The three in one.

I hope to see you, God bless you all.

Be ye ready when the Father sounds the call.

Look up, for your redemption draweth nigh.

Look up, to the Master, where one day we fly.

9 W. Calhoun St. (at the corner of Main), Sumter, SC

Sunday, December 7, 5:00 p.m., Advent & Anchovies Advent Workshop & Pizza Party – Fellowship Hall

Sunday, December 14, 5:00 p.m., Sing for the King Christmas Caroling for All Ages

Wednesday, December 17, 11:00 a.m., Preschool Christmas First Presbyterian Preschool & Kindergarten Classes present their annual Christmas program – Fellowship Hall

Thursday, December 18, 5:00 p.m., Service of Comfort & Hope A prayer service for those who feel loss, stress, or uncertainty Featuring Kipper Ackerman on Harp - Chapel

Sunday, December 21, 8:30 & 10:30 a.m., Lessons & Carols Featuring the Chancel Choir & Taylor Strings - Sanctuary

Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve Services Candlelight Services with Communion - Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Family Service, 6:00 p.m. Traditional Service

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2014 FAITH TODAY

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2014

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CHURCH NEWS Agape Outreach Ministries, 328 W. Liberty St., announces: * Sunday, Dec. 14 — Healing and miracle service at 11 a.m.

Pastor Wanda Barnett will speak.

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 14 Brand St., announces: * Today-Sunday — TwentyEighth pastoral anniversary celebration of Larry and Evangelene Barnes at 7 nightly. LaTonya Nesbitt, Pastor Leonard Griffin and Pastor John L. Williams will speak.

Calvary Baptist Church, 459 Calvary Church Road, Bishopville, announces: * Saturday — Mid-Carolina singing at 6 p.m. featuring the Frank Mitchell Band and the Cedar Creek Quartet.

Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1275 Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 14 — Missionary ministry’s annual platform service at 4 p.m. Evangelist Carrie McFadden and Evangelist Tonia Mack will speak. * Wednesday, Dec. 31 — Watch Night service at 10:30 p.m.

Chapel Hill Baptist Church, 8749 Old Highway Six, Santee, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 21 — The Lord’s Supper will be observed at 10 a.m. * Thursday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day worship at 10 a.m.

The Rev. Fredrick Wilson will speak. * Wednesday, Dec. 31 — Watchnight worship at 10 p.m. The Rev. Darrell Frasier will speak.

Church of Christ, 313 Mooneyham Road, announces: * Saturday, Dec. 13 — Family and friends night, hosted by the China and Harvin families, at 6 p.m. The Rev. Tommy L. China Sr. will speak. Music will be provided by the Spiritual Gospel Singers, Palmettos, Corinthians and others.

Clark United Methodist Church, 2980 U.S. 401 N., Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 14 — Christmas program at 11 a.m.

Cross Road Christian Fellowship / St. Peter Baptist Church, 845 Webb St., announces: * Sunday — Workshop: Building a foundation for your family’s future at 4 p.m. Bishop Sylvester Francis III will speak.

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 105 Dinkins St., Manning, announces: * Monday-Thursday, Dec. 8-11, and Sunday, Dec. 14 — Week of praise and worship for the 145th anniversary of the church at 7 nightly MondayThursday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Speakers as follows: Monday, the Rev. Dr. Leon Brown; Tuesday, the Rev. George Payton; Wednesday, the Rev. Rogerstine Gourdine; Thursday, the Rev. Clemmon Grant; and Sunday, the Rev. Dr. James Blassingame.

High Hills AME Church, 6780 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 — “Keeping the Dream Alive” 200 men in black program at 5 p.m. The Rev. Ronnie Brailsford will speak.

* Sunday — Steward’s annual day program at 10 a.m. * Sunday, Dec. 21 — Christmas drama presentation at 10 a.m. * Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 — Gospel fest featuring the Singing Cousins at 3 p.m.

High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Holy communion will be observed after 10:15 a.m. worship. * Saturday, Dec. 20 — Christmas program and fellowship dinner at noon. * Wednesday, Dec. 31 — Watch Night service at 10:30 p.m.

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Sunday — The Rev. Lee Dingle will speak at 6 p.m. * Sunday, Dec. 14 — Hospitality Ministry’s anniversary / new member fellowship at 10:45 a.m. * Wednesday, Dec. 31 — Joint Watch Night service with Salem Missionary Baptist Church at 10 p.m. at Mount Zion. Pastor Lei Washington will speak.

Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., announces: * Friday, Dec. 19 — Music and worship arts Christmas concert at 7 p.m.

Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces: * Saturday, Dec. 13 — Criminal domestic violence seminar at 2 p.m.

Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday, Dec. 13 — Knitting Hearts Café will meet from 10 a.m. to noon. Derrek and Sabrina Fort will speak. Husbands are invited to attend the December gathering.

Knitting Hearts is a community-wide, multidenominational women’s ministry. Visit www.knittingheartsministry. org.

Mount Sinai AME Church, 5895 Mt. Sinai Church Road, Lynchburg, announces:

Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church, 1400 Mulberry Church Road, announces: * Sunday — Senior Missionary ministry’s candlelight service at 5 p.m. The Rev. George P. Windley Jr. will speak.

New Israel Missionary Baptist Church, 5330 Old Camden Highway, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — The pastor’s 10th anniversary will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Willie Wright will speak. Dinner will follow the service. * Sunday, Dec. 21 — The annual Christmas program will be held at 1 p.m. The Lord’s Supper will be observed. * Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015 — Pastor Grant will be installed and consecrated as the 12th Moderator of the Jerusalem Baptist Association at 10 a.m. at the Jerusalem Association Convention Center, 613 Jones Ave., Andrews. Dr. James B. Blassingame will speak.

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church 325 Fulton Street • Sumter

773-3658 • www.mtzionmissionarybc.com “The Little Church with the Big and Friendly Heart”

Our church supports this Faith Today special section. We would like to thank The Sumter Item for this annual publication and we hope their readers draw spiritual inspiration from reading it.

Opportunities for Life Enrichment 9:45 AM Church School (Sundays) 10:45 AM Morning Worship (Sundays) 6:00 PM Evening Worship (1st Sundays) 10:00 AM Golden Age Fellowship (3rd Wed.) 5:30 PM Prayer Service (Wed.) 6:00 PM Bible Study (Wed.) 6:00 PM Youth Ministry (Wed.) After School Care - Mon. - Fri. 2:30 - 5:30 PM (K-5th Grade)

Rev. James Blassingame, Pastor

Orangehill Independent Methodist Church, 3005 S. King Highway, Wedgefield, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 14 — Associate pastor appreciation service for the Rev. Matthew Kelley Jr. at 10 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Robert L. Dunham will speak.

Pinewood Baptist Church, S.C. 261, Pinewood, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 14 — The adult choir will present the musical “My Heart Longs for Christmas” at 6 p.m. Refreshments will follow. * Wednesday, Dec. 17 — Annual Christmas tree gift exchange at 7 p.m. and a visit from Santa. * Sunday, Dec. 21 — The adult choir will present the musical “My Heart Longs for Christmas” at 11 a.m. The children’s Christmas program will be held at 7 p.m. Nursery provided for all events. Call (803) 452-5373 or visit www. pinewoodbaptist.org.

Providence Baptist Church, 2445 Old Manning Road, announces: * Friday — Celebrate Christ at 7 p.m. Aaron Wilburn will speak. * Saturday — Russell Elmore memorial men’s breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Matt Cartledge will speak. * Tuesday, Dec. 9 — Ladies prayer walk at 6:30 p.m. * Sunday, Dec. 14 — Presentation of “Emmanuel” Christmas cantata at 11 a.m. * Monday, Dec. 15 — Widow’s Christmas luncheon at 11 a.m.

Sheppard Ministries, 8490 Two Mile Road, Lynchburg, announces: * Saturday — Gospel concert at 6 p.m. featuring Special

Friends Choir at Freedom Worship Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1490 Florence Highway.

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 27 Broad St., announces: * Wednesday, Dec. 24 — Gathering music of Christmas at 5:30 p.m. followed by 6 p.m. Christmas Eve service with Christmas carols, Bible readings and Christmas pageant.

Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church, 1130 Granby Lane, Summerton, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 21 — Annual Christmas concert at 6 p.m.

Jeffrey Lampkin, host of the Jeffrey Lampkin Show, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., announces: * Saturday, Dec. 13 — Caring and sharing event 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with distribution of clothes, food and toys. * Saturday, Dec. 20 — Drama Ministry’s Christmas production “A Journey to Bethlehem” at 4 p.m.

Truly Committed Missionary Baptist Church, 7 E. Oakland Ave., announces: * Saturday — Celebration of appreciation for Joe “Poppa” Pearson Sr. will be held at 5 p.m. On the program: Sisters of Faith; Sensational Voices; Committed and more.

Willow Grove AME Church, 8105 A/B Sumter Landing Road, Horatio, announces: * Sunday — Christmas lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. with refreshments, caroling and fellowship.

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This is a place of Grace.

Join us for services Sundays: 8:30am - Traditional Worship 9:45am & 11:00am - Contemporary Worship Adult Life Groups - 9:45am and 11:00am Journey Kids Program - 6 weeks through 5th Grade Nursery Available Monday Night: 7:00pm - Contemporary Worship *Now airing on Time Warner Cable Channel 2 Saturday Nights at 6:00pm & Monday Nights at 6pm

1305 Loring Mill Road, Sumter 905-5200 www.adbc.org Clay Smith, Lead Pastor

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2014 FAITH TODAY

DECEMBER 4, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Weapons of Warfare: the strategy of education

BY PASTOR RON DAVIS

Sumter Bible Church

Training children is a battle, but it is worth every fight.

The joys we receive from watching children grow up far outweigh the battle scars, especially when we see the children mature to love and serve the Lord. There are many battles we face in our personal lives, our families, our country, etc., but battles are not nearly as bad when we are totally prepared for them. Going into a battle without proper preparation can be discouraging and defeating.

There are at least three weapons that we can use as parents and educators to guarantee victory. The following passage refers to “the weapons of our warfare.” There are three underlined words that have to do with the mind, thus allowing us to tie this passage to education. “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (II Corinthians 10:4-5).

If we are going to see our children be victorious, we must engage in the battle for them, for they are unable to fight by themselves. We want them to be victorious in the behavior battle, in the academic battle, and, of course, in the spiritual battle. There are three “weapons of our warfare” that are essential for winning these battles. These weapons are the Word of God, prayer, and faith. We must be constantly in the Word of God and “meditate therein day and night.” Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (in battle).”

The word translated warfare in verse 4 is the Greek word strateia, from which we get our English word strategy. If we have no strategy for training our children, we will probably lose them to the enemy, who takes them as the spoil of the battle. The enemy we face is Satan. He throws many obstacles in the way of our children to make them fall. These obstacles can be friends, music, movies, activities, or a variety of other things. Satan transforms himself into an angel of light (II Corinthians 11:14) so his weapons do not always look dangerously harmful, though they certainly are

regardless of their form.

As we see from the three underlined words (imaginations, knowledge, and thought) in the passage of Scripture, the battle is for the minds of our children. Satan knows that if he can control the mind, he can control the actions, for actions are responses to thoughts in the mind.

One of Satan’s weapons is to attack “the knowledge of God” (verse 5). An education without the knowledge of God is not only a useless education, it is an education that is against God. Education is not neutral. A secular education is against the knowledge of God. Jesus taught this principle in Luke 11:23 when He said, “He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” In this battle for the minds of our children, there is no neutrality in the eyes of God. If we as parents and educators find ourselves fighting against God, then we are also fighting against our children. We cannot fight against God at the same time that we are using the weapons of the Word of God, prayer, and faith. When we lay aside or ignore these weapons, we have surrendered to the enemy and have deserted our post.

The end of verse 5 says, “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” The negative side of secular education as we saw in the previous paragraph is that it is against the knowledge of God. The positive side of Christian education is that it attempts to bring the thoughts of the mind into the obedience of Christ.

Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

In Christian education, whether at the elementary, high school, or college level, students are not taught against the knowledge of God. In Christian education, students are taught to develop their minds in such a way that their thoughts and actions are in obedience to Christ. A secular education (one without Christ) trains the mind for a secular world, but a Christian education trains the mind for the world to come. In this battle for the minds of our children, be sure to have the right strategy with the weapons of the Bible, prayer, and faith. To educate the mind in an educational system without these three weapons is to lose the battle for our children.

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