December 5, 2013

Page 1

THURSDAY,

DECEMBER

IN TODAY’S EDITION:

5, 2013

Words of wisdom from local pastors in our special section

Jewelry Wholesale ' 9GUOCTM $NXF r 5WOVGT 5% 778-1031

VOL. OL. 119, NO. 44 WWW.THEITEM.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

FOUNDED OCTOBER 15, 1894

60 CENTS

Experts anticipate F-35 fleet, eventually Shaw passed up on recent round of fighter planes BY JADE ANDERSON janderson@theitem.com PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

While Shaw Air Force Base was not the recipient of the F-35 fighter planes this round, local experts think it is just a matter of time. “I do think Shaw and McEntire are still right at the top of the list for good candidates to be the next in line to get the F-35s,� said William “Dutch� Holland, a retired Air Force major general who previously served at Shaw and is currently a member of the S.C. HOLLAND Military Base Task Force. “They would mean, among other things, a new platform on the installation. There would be some additional construction to the facility and changes to accommodate the new platform. Really, it’s a matter of longevity. Having the most up-to-date equipment and platforms on the installation would certainly bode well for the installation.� The U.S. Air Force announced Tuesday that Burlington International Airport in Vermont would receive 18 of the F-16 replacements and Hill Air Force Base in Utah is set to receive an additional 72. Vermont was chosen over Jacksonville Air Guard Station in Florida and McEntire Joint National Guard Base, and Hill was chosen over Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho and Shaw, The Associated Press reported. SEE F-35, PAGE A8

Col. Benjamin Matthews, outgoing commander, left, relinquishes command to Col. Robert Agans, incoming commander, right, during a change of command ceremony for the Third Army’s 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment Command on Wednesday at Lucky Park at Patton Hall.

Third Army, Air Force welcome new liaison BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com

Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general of U.S. Army Central, hands the colors to Agans during the ceremony.

Clear, quick communications between different branches of the military can often be the difference between life and death. When American soldiers are bogged down on patrol in Afghanistan, they need to know their colleagues in the Air Force can be relied upon to provide speedy air cover that can strike the decisive blow against enemy forces. Improving those channels of communication to better coordinate actions in the volatile Middle East was one of the rea-

sons the Third Army/U.S. Army Central relocated to Shaw Air Force Base. On Wednesday, the key officer in charge of inter-service communications handed over authority at Patton Hall, as the Third Army’s 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment Command received a new commanding officer. Col. Bob Agans took command in a morning ceremony at Lucky Park, taking over from Col. Benjamin Matthews. Although the detachment is under the command of Army Central, SEE COMMAND, PAGE A6

Computer-based GED testing now offered BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com The high school equivalency test will be offered electronically throughout South Carolina starting Jan. 2, but Sumter County Adult Education has an early start on the latest upgrade. Executive Director Sharon

Teigue said they have been offering the computerbased version of the General Educational Development test for the TEIGUE past few months. So far, Teigue said there haven’t been any technical problems with the computer-

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

www.theitem.com

ized test, and students have given positive feedback. “One of the big advantages of the computer-based testing is they get their results almost right away,� Teigue said. “Another advantage is that they can register online and take it all in one sitting or by sections over a few days.� Three years

quired to pass each section with an overall score of 600 points. According to the SC Department of Education, the new test will also provide an additional score indicating the candidate’s college and career readiness. Unlike the paper-pencil GED test, which SEE GED, PAGE A8

OUTSIDE

DEATHS Jeffery C. Dolford Dovey Ann B. Smith Fullard Isaac Shirley M. Tracey Edith E. Atkinson

ago, students who took the paper test would have to wait six weeks for results. Teigue said more recently, the wait for results was one week. The new computerized GED test is streamlined into four sections: math, science, social studies and English. A minimum of 150 points is re-

Mary Ann Washington Mary L. Brunson Dewey D. Mahon B5

INSIDE

WARM AND HUMID Fog in the morning and partly sunny today; mild tonight HIGH: 76 LOW: 60 A8

3 SECTIONS, 20 PAGES

Classifieds Comics Daily Planner Opinion Sports Television

B7 B6 A8 A7 B1 A5

A2

SECOND FRONT THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or e-mail news@theitem.com

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS

Work begins on Family Court building renovation project

|

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Manning store employee held up at gunpoint

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com

Money and cigarettes were reportedly stolen from Moore Food Store in Manning during an armed robbery Tuesday afternoon, according to the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were dispatched to the grocery store at 6181 Alex Harvin Highway about 2:35 p.m. Tuesday. An employee told police a black male covering his face with a bandanna and wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt and a black jacket entered the store and pointed a handgun at her and demanded money. The employee told police she placed the money drawer on the counter, and the suspect took the money and grabbed several packs of cigarettes before exiting the store. The incident report states the suspect got into a silver or gray sedan parked near Moore Food Store and left in an unknown direction. No injuries were reported at the time of the incident. The employee was unable to tell deputies how much money was taken from the money drawer at the time of the incident, and Major Kipp Coker with the sheriff’s office said the amount was still unknown as of Wednesday afternoon. The suspect was also unknown, according to the incident report.

Construction workers have begun renovations on the old Family Court building, the latest project funded by the Penny for Progress. Workers could be seen on the roof of the building on Magnolia Street on Wednesday, preparing for the installation of a new metal roof over the structure. Once completed, the renovated building will house sessions of Sumter County summary court, which handles traffic violations, civil procedures, preliminary hearings and setting bond. Magistrates will move out of their current offices at 115 N. Harvin St. The cost of the project is estimated at $1.7 million. “They’re replacing the roof and gutting the whole interior of the

MADD vigil tonight for impaired drivers’ victims Mothers Against Drunk Driving South Carolina and its community of victims, survivors, volunteers and supporters will host its annual Statewide Candlelight Vigil tonight for those who lost their lives or were seriously injured as the result of an impaired driving crash. The event provides an opportunity for many to come together to honor and remember their loved ones among other victims and survivors from across the state. During the vigil, poems will be read, names of loved ones will be spoken, candles will be lit, and songs will be sung. The vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Gymnasium, 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia.

Columbia voters reject strong-mayor government COLUMBIA — Voters in South Carolina’s capital city have rejected the idea of switching to a strong mayor form of government. The referendum failed Tuesday, with 57 percent of voters saying “no” to giving Columbia’s mayor more authority, leaving executive duties with the city manager. Fewer than 12,000 people voted. By law, supporters cannot try again for four years. The concept failed despite the bi-partisan backing of current and former officeholders, including Republican Gov. Nikki Haley, former Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges and former Republican Attorney General Henry McMaster. Haley asked voters to say “yes” in a mailer that went out late last week.

REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Home Delivery — Tuesday through Sunday: One year $144; Six months - $75.25; Three months - $40; Two months - $27.50; One month - $13.75; EZPay - $12 per month. Saturday and Sunday: One year - $72; Six months - $36.75; Three months - $18.50; One month, $6.25. Mail — One year - $249; Six months - $124.50; Three months - $62.25; one month - $20.95. OUTLYING RURAL ROUTE SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Home Delivery — Tuesday through Sunday: One year -

building,” said Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon, whose office oversees the Penny for Progress. “The building’s pretty old. It’s been there since the ’60s or ’70s when it was the health department.” Hawkins and Kolb Construction of Sumter is handling work on the building, renovating the courtrooms currently used for Family Court hearings and creating space for about 20 magistrates and staff for summary court. Family Court will move into spaces in the old county courthouse after other court proceedings moved into the new Sumter County Judicial Center on Harvin Street, which was constructed with earlier money raised by the Penny for Progress sales tax. Mixon estimates renovations to the facility will take about eight months to complete.

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Workers carry panels on top of the Family Court Building in Sumter on Wednesday.

Sumter Series back with more races If you missed the inaugural Sumter Series, don’t worry. You can catch the second one and have the opportunity to participate in even more races. “We had 42 registrants in the first Sumter Series, and we got the pamphlets out kind of late, so it went really well,” said Bronwyn McElveen, who helped start the program. “This year, we have 2014 SUMTER eight runs. I’d SERIES RACES love to have 100 or more (par1. Westside Christian Academy ticipants), but Resolution Race 5K, Feb. 1 being realistic, 2. Recovery Road Race 5K/10K, I’d be thrilled April 12 with 75.” 3. Hot Pursuit 5K, May 17 It is de4. Tuomey Foundation 5-Miler, signed for a June 14 four-fold pur5. Sumter County Library pose, she said: Forrest Ray 5K, Sept. 20 1) To bring 6. Glow Run/Walk 5K, Oct. 11 more partici7. Sumter Sunrise Rotary 5K, pants to smallOct. 25 er races; 8. YMCA Turkey Trot, Nov. 27 2) To encourage health and fitness throughout the year; 3) To draw elite runners along with their family and friends to more races; and 4) To show some of the positive aspects of Sumter. “It’s a chance to show our community that we have as many runs as outlying areas,” McElveen said. “I hope it gains more and more momentum as the years go on.” Pamphlets with registration forms may be picked up at the Swan Lake Visitor Center — 822 W. Liberty St. — or the Sumter Family YMCA — 510 Miller Road.

$153; Six months - $81.25; Three months - $43; Two months, $29; One month - $14.50. EZPay, $12.75 per month. Saturday and Sunday: One year - $84; Six months - $43; Three months - $22; One month - $7.50. HOME DELIVERY: Call (803) 774-1258, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat./Sun., 7 to 11 a.m. The Item is published six days a week except for July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day (unless it falls on a Sunday) by Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter,

JADE ANDERSON / THE ITEM

People of all ages walk and run in the Turkey Trot on Nov. 28. It was the final race in the inaugural Sumter Series, and it will be so again at the end of the 2014 set. WILL IT STILL COST $100?

IS THIS SERIES FOR JUST REALLY FIT PEOPLE?

Thanks to Anytime Fitness, the sponsor, we were able to keep the cost at $100. That is an incredible, incredible deal. Normally a runner would pay $20 to $30 per race, and that’s if you register early. Even if you can’t make all of them, it’s a great deal. You fill out one form, pay one check, and you are registered across the board. You just show up and tell the desk you are preregistered.

No. I walked the Turkey Trot and the Forrest Ray 5K. It’s for walkers, runners, kids, adults, anybody. We encourage men and women to come out and take part. Consider it for a Christmas gift. That gives you a chance to see that person throughout the year. It’s not something you give and they use once. It’s kind of a nice, health conscious, family-enhancing activity and gift you can give.

MANY OF THESE RACES SERVE AS FUNDRAISERS. HOW IS THE MONEY DISTRIBUTED?

All the money we generate goes into a separate account. We buy the T-shirts, and Tuomey (Healthcare System) does the printing for free. Then the money is distributed equally among all eight races. SO YOU STILL GET A T-SHIRT?

You get all the T-shirts, one for each race, and a Sumter Series T-shirt.

WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE ALL OF THE RACES OR WANT TO REGISTER AFTER THE FIRST RACE?

I figure some might want to sign up at the first few runs, and there is no deadline. It’s really a matter of when the registrant comes to a point where the dollars don’t make sense to keep registering. — Jade Anderson

SC 29150. Periodical postage paid at Sumter, SC 29150. Postmaster: Send address changes to Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, SC 29150 Publication No. USPS 525-900 Member, Verified Audit Circulation.

Publishing Co. as agent. No responsibility for advance payments is assumed by the company until the money is received at this office.

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: All carriers and dealers of The Item are independent contractors. Advance payment for subscriptions may be made directly to Osteen

RECYCLING: This newspaper is printed on recycled paper and uses environmentally safe soy inks to reduce ruboff. It is recyclable.

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

LOCAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

POLICE BLOTTER ASSAULTS:

Staff at KershawHealth contacted Sumter law enforcement in reference to a 28-year-old woman being brought in after a 40-year-old man reportedly struck her multiple times with a pipe about 12:48 p.m. in the 5000 block of Mayrant Road, Rembert, on Thursday. She sustained “serious injury� to her face and arms. A 27-year-old woman reportedly told law enforcement that a 30-year-old man grabbed the steering wheel while she was driving and they were arguing and ran the vehicle into a ditch about 10:04 a.m. Friday in the 3000 block of North Kings Highway/Moody Road, Rembert. She was taken to Tuomey Regional Medical Center by EMS. A 36-year-old woman reportedly told law enforcement that two black women jumped her outside a business in the 3000 block of Camden Highway, Dalzell, about 9:11 p.m. Friday. They reportedly pulled her to the ground by her hair and hit her in the face when she tried to stand back up. The woman’s 15-year-old daughter was present and tried to step in, according to reports. The 36-year-old had a cut on her left elbow and a swollen right cheek. She declined medical attention. A 31-year-old woman reportedly told law enforcement that a 27-year-old woman and two other women hit her and a 29-yearold woman through an open car door outside a business in the 4000 block of Broad Street about 5:12 a.m. Sunday. The 31-year-old had no visible injuries but said her head hurt, and the 29-year-old said she hurt all over because she has cancer and had a visible injury to her left eye. The 29-year-old requested and was transported to Tuomey by EMS. STOLEN PROPERTY:

Two air-conditioning units and a metal ladder were reportedly stolen from the 900 block of Oswego Highway between Saturday and 10:15 a.m. Tuesday. The items are val-

DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY:

A black 2002 Mazda Speed reportedly sustained $3,000 in estimated damage, and a green 1997 Eagle Talon reportedly sustained $4,000 in estimated damage in the 900 block of Dover Circle about 11:59 a.m. Monday. BREAK-IN:

At 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, a 32-yearold man reportedly knocked out two window panes of a home in the 100 block of Carolina Avenue, reached in to unlock the door and then flipped over a TV stand in the house. A 27-year-old woman locked herself and four children in a rear bedroom until he left. RECOVERED HANDGUN:

Law enforcement responded to an altercation and a recovered weapon outside a business in the 4000 block of Broad Street about 5:20 a.m. Sunday. A security officer found a Cobra .380 near a 17-year-old and a 24-year-old that turned out to be stolen out of Sumter. Both people in the altercation said the gun belonged to the other person. EMS CALLS:

On Tuesday, Sumter County Emergency Medical Services responded to 56 calls. Fifty-three were medical calls, one was a fire standby, and two were listed as “other trauma.�

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

A wrecking company worker prepares to pull an overturned 2002 Kia Sportage from a ditch on Wednesday. The SUV overturned on Florence Highway near Paul Street about 2:19 p.m. The single-car wreck sent three people to the hospital with what were described as minor injuries. It was unclear Wednesday what caused the wreck.

0(1¡6 1,*+7 287 0

Print your celebrations in The Item: New Arrivals, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries and Renewal of Vows. Call 774-1226.

LIVE

BLUEGRASS B LUEG AND STOREWIDE ST SALE ,( O& O=KE9JC :DN<& KMEL=J$ K;

WE BUY GOLD! Per Penny Weight Per Gram 10 KT $24.00 14 KT $35.00 16 KT $42.00 18 KT $46.00 22 KT $59.00

10 KT $15.72 14 KT $22.76 16 KT $27.24 18 KT $29.80 22 KT $38.12

Gold Shop & Big T Jewelers 600 Bultman Drive | Sumter, SC 29150 | (803) 774-6767 520 West Boyce Street | Manning, SC 29102 | (803) 435-8094

Easy with

@ 3PM & 7PM

Tickets on sale at Freed School of Performing Arts and at Seaco Music

Tickets: $10 in Advance $12 at the Door

Patriot Hall 803-773-2847 www.freedschool.com

Deck your home for the

Holidays!

48((1 6,=( $299 %HGURRP 6HWV

62)$ /29(6($76 6WDUWLQJ DW $399 Per Set 7:,1 6(7 $

Ideal for All “White Tie Invited� Affairs

MENSWEAR 0QFO .PO 'SJ r BN QN

@ 7PM

Includes: Headboard, Dresser, Mirror & Chest

ITEM #WOS92ECOAE t .6-5* -&7&- COOKING t $0/7&$5*0/ t w

(803) 773-8016

Friday, Saturday, th December 13 December 14th

“We buy Silver Coins & Sterling also�

from CLASSIC NOTCH to CLASSIC FULL DRESS for Sophomore Son and Escorts

1152 Pocalla Rd, Sumter

Jingle With ‘ ‘ The Arts

All prices above based on gold market price.

We Are Your Headquarters for All Debutante Formal Wear

We have the largest selection of parts in town. Free freight on In Store pick up.

Sumter Civic Dance Company Presents:

721,*+7 ‡ 30 721,

Holiday Baking made Black Ice Wall Oven with Convection

A3

SINGLE-CAR WRECK SENDS 3 TO HOSPITAL

|

ued at $7,060. A 1997 Ford Explorer was reportedly stolen from the 600 block of Boulevard Road between 7 and 9:07 p.m. Tuesday. The car is valued at $3,500. Two weed trimmers, a backpack blower, an edger, a trimmer, a pole saw and a steel chainsaw were reported stolen from the 1300 block of Old Manning Road at 10:21 a.m. Tuesday. The items are valued at $2,809. Two TVs, two tower speakers and an electric fireplace were reported stolen from the 800 block of Shedricks Lane at 1:09 p.m. Tuesday. The items are valued at $2,200. Two 12-inch speakers, a speaker box and a 1200-watt amplifier were reportedly stolen from the 1000 block of Leflore Drive at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday. The items are valued at $860. A Dolce and Gabbana purse containing an iPhone 4 and $300 in cash were reported stolen from the 2000 block of U.S. 15 South at 1:40 a.m. Wednesday. The purse and contents are valued at a total of $850. A black 6-by-12 trailer was reportedly stolen from the 100 block of Milton Street between 10 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. Tuesday. The trailer is valued at $600. A 46-inch TV and a laptop computer were reported stolen from the 1900 block of Millwood Road at 6:26 p.m. Tuesday. The items are valued at $600. A 42-inch Magnavox flat-screen TV valued at $600, a Playstation 3 valued at $300 and an Xbox 360 valued at $300 were reported stolen from the 500 block of Grand Road about 12:37 p.m. Monday. A door also sustained $250 in damage. A 1998 Ford Explorer valued at approximately $4,000 was reportedly stolen from the 3000 block of Ginger Lane, Wedgefield, about 9:05 a.m. Monday. A 54-inch Samsung flat-screen TV valued at $800 was reported stolen from the 2500 block of Ike Brunson Road about 3:20 a.m. Tuesday. A window also reportedly sustained $300 in damage.

THE ITEM

Corner of Wise and Alice Drive 803-905-4299 www.canthonysmenswear.com

Your Sumter Hometown Tuxedo Headquarters!

129

)8// 6(7 $

199 169

$

48((1 6(7

PILLOW TOP

$

399

.,1* 6(7

),1$1&,1* $9$,/$%/( ‡ )5(( /2&$/ '(/,9(5<

FREEDOM FURNITURE Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am-7:00pm Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm Sunday Closed

1 *8,*1$5' ‡ 6807(5 6& 499-2002 &+(&. 86 287 21 )$&(%22. &20

A4

NATION

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

911 recordings of Newtown school shooting released HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Recordings released Wednesday of 911 calls from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting show town dispatchers urged panicked callers to take cover, mobilized help and asked about the welfare of the children as the boom of gunfire could be heard at times in the background. One caller told police in a trembling, breathless voice that a gunman was shooting inside the building. “I caught a glimpse of somebody. They’re running down the hallway. Oh, they’re still running and still shooting. Sandy Hook school, please,� the woman said. In the minutes that followed, staff members inside the school pleaded for help as Newtown police juggled the barrage of calls. The calls were posted on the town’s website under a court order after a lengthy effort by The Associated Press to have them released for review. An unidentified teacher called from a classroom to the left of the front entrance to report what sounded like gunshots in the hall. She said she was in the room with all her students and hadn’t yet locked the door. “Keep everybody calm, keep everybody down, get everybody away from windows, OK,� the dispatcher said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A police officer leads two women and a child from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14, 2012, where a gunman opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. After an effort by the Associated Press to obtain 911 recordings from the tragedy, the tapes of calls made from inside the school during the shooting were released.

Another woman, who was shot in the foot, reported that she was in a classroom with children and two other adults but that there was no way to safely lock the door. The dispatcher told her to apply pressure to the wound. One of the first calls came from a custodian, Rick Thorne, who said that a window at the front of the school was shattered and that he kept hearing shooting. While on the line with Thorne, the dispatcher told somebody off the call: “Get everyone you

KING 3 PIECE SET $1099.99

can going down there.� Thorne remained on the phone for several minutes. “There’s still shooting going on, please!� the custodian pleaded to a Newtown 911 dispatcher as six or seven shots could be heard in the background. “Still, it’s still going on!� The gunman, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, shot his way into the school the morning of Dec. 14 and killed 20 children and six educators with a semi-automatic rifle. He also killed his mother in their Newtown home

before driving to the school. Newtown police officers arrived at the school within four minutes of the first 911 call, but nearly six minutes passed before they entered the building as they sorted out concerns over a possible second shooter, according to a prosecutor’s report issued last week. It’s not clear whether the delay made a difference because Lanza killed himself one minute after the first officer arrived on the scene, according to the report. In one of the record-

KING 3 PIECE SET $1199.99

Brown’s “Where Quality Matters�

FURNITURE & BEDDING

ings released Wednesday, dispatchers were heard making calls to Connecticut state police that apparently rang unanswered. One of the three unanswered calls rang for at least 50 seconds. State police picked up on a

0(1¡6 1,*+7 287 721,*+7 ‡ 30

GUYS! YOUR TURN

TO HUNT FOR GREAT DEALS! ,( O& O=KE9JC :DN<& KMEL=J$ K;

fourth call. But state police had already been dispatched to the school by the time those calls were made, according to a timeline and call log supplied by Newtown officials. In all, seven recordings of landline calls from inside the school to Newtown police were posted Wednesday. Calls that were routed to state police are the subject of a separate, pending freedom of information request by the AP. Prosecutors opposed the tapes’ release, arguing among other things that the recordings could cause the victims’ families more anguish. “We all understand why some people have strong feelings about the release of these tapes. This was a horrible crime,� said Kathleen Carroll, AP executive editor and senior vice president. “It’s important to remember, though, that 911 tapes, like other police documents, are public records. Reviewing them is a part of normal newsgathering in a responsible news organization.�

BUYING GOLD EVERYDAY Paying Top Dollar in Sumter

JEWELRY WHOLESALE & 8FTNBSL #MWE t 778-1031

KING 3 PIECE SET $1299.99

Bring this ad in and receive an additional 10% of sets only. Includes Posturepedic, Hybrid, Optimum and Stearns & Foster. Prior sales not included.

You can also inance your Purchase with 12 months inancing with no interest with approved credit. Minimum payment applies. See store for details.

8 8&4."3, #-7% t 46.5&3 4$ t

TELEVISION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

AROUND TOWN

TW FT

|

The Sumter Elks Lodge 855 32nd Annual Turkey Shoot will be held each Sunday through Dec. 29 from 1 p.m. until sundown at 1100 W. Liberty St. The Chestnut Oaks Middle School Honors Choir will hold a “Cookies and Story Time with Santa� fundraiser at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in the school gymnasium. Santa Claus will read “The Night Before Christmas� while the choir sings Christmas songs. The audience will be served cookies and hot chocolate. Tickets are $3 for district employees or students; $6 for anyone age 5 and up; and $2 for age 4 and under. The Third Annual Silver Bells Arts & Craft Show will be held 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at 30 Artillery Drive. Santa will be onsite 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Bring a nonperishable food item for food drive. Unwrapped toys are needed for Toys for Tots. Vendors include: Beaded Snowflakes; The UpCycling Junkie; Just Kiln’ Time Ceramics; Pretty Is You ... Avon by Vi; Tastefully Simple; Parker’s Artistic Scrollwork; and many, many more. The Town of Mayesville Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 7 in downtown Mayesville. Line-up will begin at 10 a.m. and the parade will leave at 11 a.m. from Mayesville School. Lakewood High School and Wilson High School bands will perform. The Campbell Soup friends lunch group will meet at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Golden Corral. The Evening Optimist Club Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, on Main Street. The parade will feature marching bands, beauty queens, festive holiday floats and more. The theme is “Christmas Around the World.� Hillcrest High School Class of 1977 will hold a class reunion meeting at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Vanessa’s Playland. Call (803) 494-9584. The Sumter Branch NAACP will hold its annual meeting at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at LaGree AME Church, 2920 Kolb Road. Election of national board of directors members will be held.

MEN’S NIGHT OUT! 721,*+7 ‡ 30

MANLY MAN FOOD! AND STOREWIDE SALE

,( O& O=KE9JC :DN<& KMEL=J$ K;

7 PM

7:30

8 PM

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

THE ITEM 10 PM

10:30

11 PM

11:30

A5

12 AM

WIS News 10 at Entertainment The Sound of Music Live! A postulant nun is tasked to serve as the governess to the overdisciplined children of a WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show with Jay 7:00pm Local Tonight (N) (HD) widowed Austrian naval officer, winning them over by teaching them the joys of music, but the family must soon 11:00pm News Leno September: Hugh Jackman; news update. deal with the growing threat of Nazi Germany. (HD) and weather. Aisha Tyler. (HD) News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) The Big Bang (:31) The Millers: (:01) The Crazy Two and a Half (:01) Elementary: Tremors Sherlock News 19 @ 11pm (:35) Late Show with David LetterEvening news up- (HD) Theory (N) (HD) You’re in Trouble Ones (N) (HD) Men Clumsy The news of the man Scheduled: Jennifer Lawrence. forced to testify. (N) (HD) date. (N) (HD) model. (N) (HD) (HD) day. Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (N) Once Upon a Time in Wonderland: Grey’s Anatomy: Man on the Moon Scandal: YOLO Pope and Associates ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Scheduled: (N) (HD) (HD) Bad Blood Alice finds her father in A familiar face returns to the hospital. is getting closer to the truth of Oper- News at 11 (HD) actor Jason Schwartzman. (N) (HD) Wonderland. (N) (HD) (N) (HD) ation Remington. (N) (HD) Rick Steves’ Eu- Pride & Joy Portraits of men and women who grow, pre- A Chef’s Life: Have Yourself Some Carole King & James Taylor: Live at the Troubadour Ed Slott’s Retirement Rescue 2013 rope with Aban- pare and serve Southern food and drink. (HD) Moonshine (N) (HD) King and Taylor perform “It’s Too Late,� “Carolina in My Fiscal issues and solution discussed. Mind� and more. (HD) (HD) don! The Big Bang The X Factor: Results Show Elimina- Glee: Previously Unaired Christmas WACH FOX News at 10 Local news Two and a Half Two and a Half The Middle: The Big Bang Theory One night Theory Penny tion; Emblem3 performs, along with The living Nativity Scene auditions. report and weather forecast. Men Alan moves Men Alan’s heart Hecking It Up (HD) stand. (HD) worried. (HD) (N) (HD) out. (HD) attack. (HD) Little Mix. (N) (HD) Family Feud Family Feud House: Unfaithful Priest brings in a House: The Softer Side Male and fe- King of Hill: The Cleveland The Arsenio Hall Show Scheduled: Dish Nation (N) bleeding Jesus; House confronts male genes; House is nice. (HD) Peggy Hill: The Show: B.M.O.C comic Mike E. Winfield performs Foreman and Thirteen. (HD) Decline and Fall (HD) stand-up. (N) (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty: Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty (:01) Duck Dy- (:31) Duck Dy- (:01) Duck Dy(HD) (HD) (HD) Plan Bee (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) nasty (HD) nasty (HD) nasty (HD) (5:00) Shooter (‘07, Thriller) Mark National Lampoon’s Animal House (‘78, Comedy) aaa John Belushi. College misfits at- Pulp Fiction (‘94, Crime) aaaa John Travolta. In Los Angeles, two eccentric hit men interact with diverse characters. (HD) tempt to undermine the dean and his favored fraternity. Wahlberg. Sniper framed. (HD) North Woods Law (HD) North Woods Law: On Hunt (N) North Woods Law (HD) North Woods Law (N) (HD) North Woods Law (HD) North Wood (6:00) 106 & Park The Wash (‘01, Comedy) a Dr. Dre. A man and his larcenous roommate (:35) All Things Fall Apart (‘12, Drama) aa 50 Cent. A promising young football star is diag- Wendy Williams nosed with a devastating form of cancer. Show (N) (N) (HD) work together to rescue their kidnapped boss. The Millionaire Matchmaker: The Matchmaker: The Magnificent Seth (:01) The Millionaire Matchmaker Courtney Loves (:31) 100 Days of (:01) What Hap- Millionaire Matchmaker: Softy pens (N) Swayze and the Boy in a Bubble Red-Headed Mixer Meets Party Marty Getaway. New lease on life. (N) Dallas (N) Summer (N) The Kudlow Report (N) Fugitives A Hawaiian couple. Fugitives A securities dealer. Fugitives A Ponzi scheme. Mad Money Investing advice. Fugitives Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) An Unreal Dream A convicted prisoner gets a new trial. (N) An Unreal Dream A new trial. (:58) The Colbert (:28) Daily Show (:59) Chappelle’s Key & Peele (HD) It’s Always It’s Always Tosh.0 (HD) Tosh.0 Thank- Daily Show (N) The Colbert Re- Tosh.0 Injured Report (HD) (HD) Show Sunny (HD) Sunny (HD) sgiving. (HD) (HD) port (N) (HD) skater. (HD) A.N.T. Farm Truth Liv and Maddie The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (‘06, Holiday) (:35) Jessie Lucky Good Luck Char- Disney’s Shake It A.N.T. Farm (HD) Blog: Stan Makes Good Luck Charserum. (HD) (HD) ac Tim Allen. Jack Frost’s plan. (HD) socks. (HD) lie (HD) Up! (HD) His Mark lie (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska (HD) College (HD) College Football: Louisville Cardinals at Cincinnati Bearcats from Nippert Stadium z{| (HD) SportsCenter: from Bristol, Conn. (HD) SportsCenter College Basketball: West Virginia vs Missouri z{| (HD) College Basketball: Ole Miss vs Kansas State z{| (HD) Olbermann (HD) Olbermann The Polar Express (‘04, Holiday) aaa Tom Hanks. A boy who doubt’s The Muppet Christmas Carol (‘92, Family) aaa Michael Caine. A miser learns a valuable lesson concerning The Polar ExSanta existence is invited to take a train to the North Pole. (HD) his negative view of humanity. (HD) press (‘04) (HD) Chopped: For Sake’s Sake (HD) Chopped Canned product. (HD) Chopped Large jawbreaker. (HD) Restaurant Divided (N) Restaurant Supper club. Chopped (HD) On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates. Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File New College (HD) The Best of Pride (HD) Championship Bull Riding New College (HD) SEC Gridiron Live (HD) NHL Hockey Window Wonderland (‘13, Holiday) Naomi Judd. A serious woman com- Fallen Angel (‘03) (6:00) Moonlight & Mistletoe (‘08) Let It Snow (‘13, Holiday) Candace Cameron Bure. A talented businesspetes against her carefree department store co-worker. (HD) aac (HD) woman must inspect a new property for her company. (HD) Candace Cameron Bure. (HD) Flop Flop Flop Flop Rent Buy (N) Rent Buy (N) Hunters (N) Hunters (N) Rent Buy Rent Buy Rent or Buy Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Bible Secrets Revealed (HD) Pawn Stars Without a Trace: Suspect Teen van- Criminal Minds: Mosley Lane Child Criminal Minds: Solitary Man Kid- Criminal Minds: The Fight Homeless Law & Order: Criminal Intent: The Law & Order: napping trucker. (HD) murders. (HD) Consoler (HD) Criminal (HD) ishes. (HD) abductor. (HD) Wife Swap: Mink; Oaks Cowgirl Project Runway All Stars: Partners Project Runway All Stars: Marge Come Dine With Me: Beets Back- (:02) Come Dine With Me: Smokin’ (:02) Project Runway (HD) lash Confusing choices. (N) (HD) Ribs Fire. (N) (HD) swaps lives with working mom. in Crime (HD) Madness (N) (HD) Bubble Guppies (N) Sponge Sponge Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Impact Wrestling (N) (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Piranhaconda (‘12, Science Fiction) a Michael Madsen. A hybrid Beast of the Bering Sea (‘13, Science Fiction) Cassie Scerbo. Single father Arachnoquake (‘12, Science Fiction) a Tracey Gold. snake-fish creature stalks prey in the Amazon jungles. (HD) and family are in a fight for their lives against sea vampires. Giant albino spiders are unleashed. (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang Ground Floor: The Big Bang Conan Scheduled: Jim Parsons. (N) The Pete Holmes Seinfeld: The Li- Family Guy (HD) Family Guy (HD) Family Guy: brary (HD) Bigfat (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) The Gift (N) Theory (HD) (HD) Show (N) (6:00) Bunny Lake Is Missing (‘65, The Defiant Ones (‘58, Drama) aaac Tony Curtis. (:45) A Raisin in the Sun (‘61, Drama) aaa Sidney Poitier. Family struggling to make ends In the Heat of Mystery) Sir Laurence Olivier. Escapees put aside their distrust. meet unexpectedly receives a large sum of money. the Night (‘67) Gypsy Sisters (HD) Gypsy Sisters (HD) Gypsy Sisters: Web of Lies Cousins fight; release from jail. (N) (HD) Gypsy Sisters: Web of Lies Fight; jail. (HD) NBA Basketball: New York Knicks at Brooklyn Nets from Barclays Center z{| (HD) NBA Basketball: Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls from United Center z{| (HD) Inside the NBA (HD) Dumbest A bad bungee jump. Guinness World Records (N) Jokers Jokers Impractical (N) Panic (N) Guinness: Bungee Breakfast (:02) Guinness Griffith (HD) Griffith (HD) Griffith (HD) (:48) Loves Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: White Collar: Quantico Closure (N) (:01) Law & Order: Special Victims (:01) Law & Order: Special Victims (:01) White ColBlinded Serial rapist. (HD) Friending Emily (HD) (HD) Unit: Child’s Welfare (HD) Unit: Streetwise (HD) lar (HD) Will Grace Will Grace Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (N) (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met WGN News at Nine (HD) How I Met Rules (HD) Rules (HD)

NBC pins big hopes on ‘Sound of Music Live!’ BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Has NBC found the future in television’s past? Tonight the Peacock Network offers a three-hour presentation of the beloved Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein musical with “The Sound of Music Live!� (8 p.m., TV-PG). Country music star and “American Idol� alumna Carrie Underwood stars as novitiate-turned-governess Maria, and Stephen Moyer (“True Blood�) has been cast as Capt. Von Trapp. The original 1965 big-screen musical with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer consistently attracts a large audience when rebroadcast on ABC. Much like “The Wizard of Oz,� “The Ten Commandments,� “A Christmas Story� and “It’s a Wonderful Life,� “The Sound of Music� has become a pop cultural phenomenon through repeated and habitual television airings. NBC has high hopes that tonight’s live interpretation becomes a television tradition as well. Live television was a staple of TV’s early years, before broadcasts were captured on Kinescope and then videotape. Over the decades, live presentations of musicals, including “Peter Pan� (1955) and “Cinderel-

laâ€? (1957, 1965 and 1997), reached large audiences and became enduring television favorites when rebroadcast. As we all know, television ratings have steadily plummeted due to the proliferation of cable networks and viewer choices. And TiVos, DVRs and streaming services have allowed audiences to watch whatever they like whenever they want. Given all the choices that time shifting and streaming allows, the notion of a live broadcast with all of its highwire aspects stands out. Of course, actors in theaters perform live every time they tread the boards. And sporting events are also broadcast as they happen, losing their appeal in repeats. Perhaps that’s why live NFL games still deliver solid ratings. I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if NBC’s mostwatched prime-time shows this week are “Sunday Night Football,â€? “The Sound of Music Live!â€? and the eliminations round of “The Voice.â€? All are live broadcasts. • As the glee club holds auditions for a

Christmas pageant, graduates work as mall elves on a holidaythemed episode of “Glee� (9 p.m. Fox, TV14) that was postponed from last season.

Tonight’s Other Highlights • Too much family togetherness for April on “Grey’s Anatomyâ€? (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • Contestants design a dinner outfit for Marge Simpson on “Project Runway All Starsâ€? (9 p.m., Lifetime, TV-PG). • Pierre vows to protect Camille as a power outage descends on the town on “The Returnedâ€? (9 p.m., Sundance, TV-MA). • Peter collaborates with his ex on “White Collarâ€? (9 p.m., USA, TV-PG). • Sherlock defends his life and reputation on the witness stand on “Elementaryâ€? (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14). • Revealed secrets test long-standing relationships on “Scandalâ€? (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

Series Notes Sheldon’s shame issues surface on “The Big Bang Theory� (8

ST. MARK'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 27 Broad Street, Sumter, SC 773-7033

Saturday, December 7th Church Fellowship Hall (to right facing Church)

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. FREE Christmas Tree and home decorations, as they last.

Sunday, Dec 8th Sunday School - 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship - 11:00 a.m. (Expect a Blessing)

p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Alice learns that her father is in Wonderland on “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland� (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Stefan’s emotions rise to the surface on “The Vampire Diaries� (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Playing favorites on “The Millers� (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * A wealthy client sparks competition on “The Crazy Ones� (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A siege forces Francis and Mary to bond on “Reign� (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Accidents will happen on “Two and a Half Men� (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

Late Night Jorge Ramos visits “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart� (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Jim Parsons, Steve Coogan and Daniel Sloss are on “Conan� (11 p.m., TBS) * Casey Affleck, Ian

Karmel, Jamie Lee and Dov Davidoff are booked on “Chelsea Latelyâ€? (11 p.m., E!) * Alan Mulally is on “The Colbert Reportâ€? (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Jennifer Lawrence and Taraji P. Henson are on “Late Show With David Lettermanâ€? (11:35 p.m., CBS, r) * Hugh Jackman, Aisha Tyler and OneRepublic on “The Tonight Showâ€? (11:35 p.m., NBC, r) * Jason Schwartzman, Guillermo Diaz and Jake Owen appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Liveâ€? (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Ice-T, a Sony PlayStation4 video game demonstration and Thomas Rhett on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallonâ€? (12:35 a.m., NBC, r) * Anjelica Huston and Jackie Guerrido on “The Late Late Showâ€? (12:35 a.m., CBS). Š 2013, United Feature Syndicate

SUNDAY SERVICES 10:00 Sunday School for all ages 11:00 A.M. Worship hour 6:30 P.M. Worship hour 420 S. Pike West Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-8339 Ron Davis, Pastor

Sumter Bible Church 5SBEJUJPOBM .VTJD t &YQPTJUPSZ 1SFBDIJOH Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Sumter Bible Church

LUKE 2:14 5SBEJUJPOBM .VTJD t &YQPTJUPSZ 1SFBDIJOH

Home to

Sumter Christian School Preschool - 12th grade

40 years of Christian Education Call 773-1902 BCPVU FOSPMMJOH or visit www.sumterchristian.org

A6

LOCAL

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

SPECIALS

DECEMBER 2ND THROUGH

DECEMBER 8TH 18 PC FRESH FRYER PACK

Chicken

99LB¢ 6 WINGS, 6 LEGS, 6 THIGHS

DOUBLE PACK BOSTON BUTT

Pork Roast

$

129 LB

RIB SLICED HALF

Pork Loin

$

159LB

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Col. Benjamin Matthews, outgoing commander, foreground, relinquishes command to Col. Robert Agans, incoming commander, background, during a change of command ceremony for the Third Army’s 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment Command on Wednesday. Agans comes to Shaw from an Army War College fellowship at Duke University and the University of North Carolina.

COMMAND from Page A1 its mission coordinating action with the 20th Fighter Wing and 9th Air Force at Shaw predates the arrival of Third Army personnel to Sumter. “The 4th BCD has actually been at Shaw for seven or eight years,� Matthews said before the change of command ceremony. “Before, you had to go all the way to Atlanta to see your commanders (at Third Army’s previous headquarters), but it helped with the integration here.� Matthews has been the detachment’s commanding officer for two years, long enough to send his four children to Wilson Hall, where his son plays on the football team. He hands over to Agans a unit with command of 75 soldiers at Shaw and overseas, with

14 liaison detachments at bases across the U.S., Qatar, Afghanistan and aboard the U.S.S. Harry Truman sailing in the Gulf of Oman. “If soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan need air assets, we coordinate between the Army ground and air forces,� Matthews said. “In any ongoing operations in our area of responsibility, we integrate with air assets, whether they’re piloted or unmanned, to

Gold & Silver Jewelry Silver Coins/Collections Sterling/925 Diamonds, Pocket Watches & Wrist Watches

ated from West Point in 1989 and has spent his career as a field artillery officer, including 11 years at Fort Bragg working in Special Ops. “We did a lot of joint team operations with the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, doing a lot of what BCD does,� Agans said. Calling Agans a friend, Matthews said he thinks he’s leaving the BCD in good hands. “I’m turning it over in better shape than I received it, and he’ll do it better than me as long

as he listens to the team,� Matthews said. “It’s a great unit of professionals who have been doing this a very long time.� After spending time in a classroom environment, Agans said joining an active-duty Army detachment again feels like coming home. “It’s great to be back in a unit with soldiers, leading soldiers,� he said. “It’s very humbling to take command.�

Ribeye Steaks

$

699LB

2 PER BAG

Pork Spare Ribs $ 89 LB

1

USDA BONELESS

Chuck Roast

$

349 LB

Reach Bristow Marchant at (803) 774-1272. SHANK PORTION

MEN’S NIGHT OUT!

Smoked Hams

721,*+7 ‡ 30

$

20OFF %

119LB

STOREWIDE SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY

5 LB. BAG CHICKEN

Leg Quar Quarters ,( O& O=KE9JC :DN<& KMEL=J$ K;

...........Think.......... Lafayette L f G Gold ld & Silver Exchange We Buy

complete the mission.� Agans comes to Shaw from an Army War College fellowship at Duke University and the University of North Carolina, which he thinks better prepared him for his command responsibilities with the BCD. “The school promotes strategic thinking,� he said. “We all train the same way, and when you’re sitting in classes with a bunch of grads and undergrads, it challenges the way we think.� A native of Bordentown, N.J., Agans gradu-

FAMILY PACK USDA

Karat 10K 14K 16K 18K 22K

Price per

Price per

Pennyweight (DWT) $24.00 $35.00 $42.00 $46.00 $59.00

Gram (Gr) $15.72 $22.76 $27.24 $29.80 $38.12

All prices above based on gold market price with this ad.

803-773-8022

143 S. Lafayette Dr. Sumter, SC 29150 (at the foot of the bridge inside Vestco Properties)

Salem Missionary Baptist Church CANNED FOOD DRIVE EVERY SUNDAY IN DECEMBER

Pepsi Products

3

For

Professional Sales & Installation of Residential & Commercial Flooring

Salem will be having their Watch Night Joint Service with Mount Zion MBC. Speaker will be Rev. James Blassingame

11

$

18 PK. 12 OZ. CANS OR BOTTLES

Michelob Beer

$

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST

.POEBZo'SJEBZ BN QN t XXX NNDBSQFUT DPN

2 For $5 12 PK. 12 OZ. CANS

'3&& -0$"- &45*."5&4

t NNDBSQFU!GUD J OFU

Potatoes

December 1st, December 8th, December 15th, and December 22nd

M&M Carpets, Inc.

1FBDI 0SDIBSE 3PBE t 4VNUFS 4$

49¢LB

5 LB. BAG MOUNTAIN KING

Stuff-a-Bus From 9a.m. until 2p.m. Salem MBC Christmas Concert at 6p.m.

Veteran Owned Business

Cabbage

REV. LEI FERGUSON WASHINGTON

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14TH

Serving Shaw AFB, Sumter & Surrounding Areas

399 EA

FRESH GREEN

320 Fulton Street | Sumter, South Carolina | (803) 775-8054

Here for ALL of your looring needs!

Carpet Cleaning and Water Restoration

$

1499EA

Quantity Rights Reserved. None sold to dealers.

775-7900

348 PINEWOOD RD SUMTER

469-2400

325 W. WESMARK BLVD. SUMTER

OPINION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

THE ITEM

A7

To submit a letter to the editor, e-mail letters@theitem.com COMMENTARY

|

Toxic messaging

W

ASHINGTON — As the government health care website chugs along, the Obama administration has initiated a counter-initiative to combat Republican naysaying — and its weapons are of superior grade. The bunker buster is positive messaging and a return to hope and change. For Republicans, it’s whatever the opposite is. Despair and stagnation? Gloating and gloom? “Obamacare” may be fraught with potentially lethal problems, including the bungling of information as people sign up without any guarantee of privacy, but nothing is more toxic than “this is going to be a disaster.” Every time Republicans slam on the brakes, Kathleen Obama tosses coins PARKER and candy into the crowds. Even if the president at times resembles Baghdad Bob, the Iraqi spokesman who said everything’s fine here as American bombs exploded in the background, Republicans are the shock-and-awe gang with no plan for the day after. Democrats have targeted the GOP’s soft spot, which is a hard line on social services. Thus, when Republicans want to drastically cut food stamps, it is a piece of cake (and not the moldy sort Marie Antoinette suggested the peasants eat) to designate conservatives as cruel and heartless. When Republicans say the health care plan is doomed, a train wreck, a disaster, etc. — and offer no hopeful options — they appear to be rooting only for failure. This approach is a blessing for Democrats, who have responded by shining a light on success stories: the 25-year-old who gets to stay on his parents’ insurance plan another year, the child or elderly parent with a pre-existing condition who now can get insurance, the family who never could afford insurance and now can, thanks to ... well, all those people who are now mandated to buy insurance of a certain type or else. Comparing approaches, President Obama is wearing love beads and planting flowers in the gun barrels of the Republican guard. What Democrats know keenly — and Republicans seem never to learn — is that positive beats negative every time. Thus, we see MSNBC’s clever montage of Republican negativity: A series of unfriendly faces decrying the Affordable Care Act with apocalyptic language. Which would any everyday American prefer? The healer or the doomsayer? The elves or the orcs? This is not precisely re-

ality, but perception drives policy as much as reality does. The key for Republicans is to drop the negative attacks and refocus energies on the positives of their own alternate plans. They do have some, right? It’s fine to note the objective fact that the employer mandate/fine has restrained hiring and forced businesses to drop insurance for their employees. It’s also true that many Americans navigating the exchanges are finding much-higher premiums and less-satisfactory policies. Other longer-term consequences include inevitable cuts to Medicare benefits and tax increases, such as a 3.8 percent tax on capital gains, dividends and interest that are unrelated to health care. The effect of these additional taxes is to stifle investments and savings, which would seem to be a priority for our Congress. If this isn’t punitive toward those trying to create wealth, what is it? Or do we even care anymore? It is also fact that the rocky rollout has created uncertainty and a lack of faith among businesses and consumers. The computer system, now entering a new phase of glitchitude, has put impatient Americans on prolonged “hold.” How long before they simply hang up? Then what? What alternative solutions are Republicans hiding behind their backs? Frank Macchiarola, former Republican staff director of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (and my patient guide through the ACA) proposes in an op-ed for CNBC, co-written with Republican former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, that the GOP lead with solutions rather than piling on criticism. The authors agree with Democrats’ goal to expand access to care, including to those with pre-existing conditions. But the cure, they suggest, is in targeted policy solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Given the president’s low favorability rating these days — with 52 percent of voters saying they don’t trust him and 60 percent disapproving of his handling of health care, according to last month’s Quinnipiac poll — Democrats are scurrying to shift attention from Republican opportunity to the hope formula that worked so well in the past. The same aspirational attitude could work for Republicans, too, if they can stop shaking their heads long enough. “No” gets you nothing but nothing — and gloating floats no boats.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Carson visit, light display positive for our community I have just gotten back from seeing Dr. Ben Carson at Wilson Hall School. He was w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l. I would vote for him for president of the United States of America. He thinks big, is an honest, insightful, God-fearing, intelligent and trustworthy man, not to mention good-looking and just a real nice guy. Thank you, Wilson Hall, and anyone who had anything to do with getting him to come here. I also went to see the lights at Swan Lake. This is what I saw. The beautiful lights on that first big tree going in, and

those purple lights on that tree in the back with the baby Jesus in the manger with three wise men in the background. Then there’s the beautiful swans, something for children, flowers, train, drum, candles, Santa Claus, snowman, reindeer and a horse. Now, I look across the street as I’m turning back on to Liberty Street. There’s another tree with those purple lights and much more, to my delight. As I drive a block or so, I can’t help but look to my right as I see the decorated tree in the middle of the lake. Next, I make a right and lo and behold there’s the American flag, bells, more swans, skaters, bears, green tractor,

Recent editorials from South Carolina newspapers: DEC. 3

The Post and Courier of Charleston on battling the bad-news bugs: Public health menaces originating in such disparate places as Asian slums and American hospitals are proving very difficult to eradicate even though they kill tens of thousands of victims a year. Obamacare isn’t the only health care issue that needs attention. The Haitian cholera epidemic that has killed nearly 9,000 and sickened 715,000 in Haiti and the Dominican Republic since it broke out in 2010 has now spread to Mexico, and it could possibly cross the border into the United States. Evidence of the disease has also been found in Cuba, Chile, Venezuela, Italy, Germany and The Netherlands. That epidemic has its origins in Bangladesh and was very likely transmitted to Haiti by a United Nations peacekeeper from Nepal billeted at a camp where sewage wastes spilled into streams used as water supply by Haitians. The U.N. is being sued in a U.S. federal court case seeking financial compensation for victims. Cholera can spread rapidly in countries with poor sanitation. The last time it reached Mexico, in 1992, it was not eradicated until 2002. That time the epidemic was stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border. But the U.S. might not be so fortunate this time. Likening cholera to the plague, Ebola and pandemic influen-

Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@ washpost.com. © 2013, Washington Post Writers Group

N.G. OSTEEN 1843-1936 The Watchman and Southron

H.G. OSTEEN 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

singers, candy cane, Santa, and across the street, the apartment with decorations on their deck, french horns, (where are the saxophones), dogs, Iris flowers, more angels, snowman golfing, big truck, a back hoe, rockets, horse and carriage, Santa waving good bye and a flying F-16. It was beautiful, beautiful. Thank you, Sumter, for the sensational display. Downtown is a sight to behold as well as is Liberty Street. Thank you Mayor McElveen, anyone else who is responsible for this, and all the workers who took part in this Sumter yearly Christmas tradition. JACQUELINE K. HUGHES Sumter

EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

H.D. OSTEEN 1904-1987 The Item

|

za, Dr. Edward Ryan of Massachusetts General Hospital told National Public Radio, “It is one of the ones that tests the (public health) system.” Unfortunately, a recently developed vaccine against cholera is not widely available. Another threat comes from drug-resistant “superbugs,” bacteria that have evolved immunity from available antibiotics. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in September that more than 2 million Americans are infected by these bacteria every year and that they cause 23,000 deaths. It announced that three of these bugs were “particularly frightening,” and said that finding cures should be considered “urgent.” ... Solutions must be found to these mounting menaces. The administration and a divided Congress should be paying attention to the problem, and providing support to public health and research agencies, as needed. NOV. 29

The Aiken Standard on White House success not linked to résumé: The case has been made by at least two possible 2016 presidential contenders — South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker — that serving as governor should be a prerequisite for anyone seeking the White House. The fact that Haley and Walker are fans of other governors shouldn’t come as a shock, but their assumption that serving as such is vital

Founded October 15, 1894 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC 29150

|

isn’t necessarily credible. Haley recently indicated that as a chief executive of a state, governors “make great CEOs,” adding they operate an entire state, and consequently, have a better grip on how to run an entire country. However, being elected a governor doesn’t exactly equate to being a great president. This debate certainly intensified during the 2012 election when then-Republican nominee Mitt Romney said executive experience is the quality that likely matters most for a presidential contender. The former Massachusetts governor said this often during the race, particularly pointing out that Barack Obama’s political knowledge was largely gleaned in the U.S. Senate and not as a head of a company or state. Although the missteps of Obama and his administration are evident, success in the White House isn’t tied to particular bullet points on a resume. Ultimately, it’s about leadership. That attribute has certainly been lacking lately in the Obama White House, but it’s also been missing in the presidential administrations of exgovernors. ... It seems that historically great presidents are simply and inevitably the best at making tough calls. That doesn’t mean they have to be a former governor. A candidate’s background can certainly provide powerful insight. However, the challenges that a sitting president faces are overcome with effective and resolute decision making, not just by holding another political office.

HUBERT D. OSTEEN JR. | EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN MARGARET W. OSTEEN 1908-1996 The Item

H. GRAHAM OSTEEN II Co-President

KYLE BROWN OSTEEN Co-President

JOHN DUVALL OSTEEN Vice President and Publisher

LARRY MILLER CEO

A8

DAILY PLANNER

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

F-35s from Page A1 “Everything is headed toward the Pacific now, (but) I have no doubt that they are coming for Shaw,” said Steve Creech, another member of the S.C. Military Base Task Force and former mayor of Sumter. “The F-16 airplane is 40 years CREECH old, and we have the largest contingency of F-16s in the world. We McELVEEN have 78 airplanes. They’ve had upgrades, and they’re all in good shape, but they’re old, technology-wise.” Holland agreed. “All the F-16 fleet is getting older,” he said. “Both locations (McEntire and Shaw) have some of the best F-16s in inventory, but they’ve been used in combat probably more so than anybody ever expected they would be. It’s not just the date they were produced on the tail. It’s how they have been used over and over.” Vermont will not receive its first ones until 2020. “It’s going to take awhile to build and fill the current grouping that they’ve already announced,” Holland said.

Both men predicted the next F-35 announcement wouldn’t take place for a few years — probably sometime between 2015 and 2017. Air Force civilian spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told the AP on Tuesday that she wasn’t sure when the next announcement might take place. It would probably focus on overseas locations, she said, but that other bases in the continental United States not chosen in the first round might be considered in the next. “We better view this as a shot across the bow,” said Mayor Joe McElveen. “It’s a wake-up call for the governor, state elected officers and our congressional delegation. We need (them) to be on top of this. I have no reason to think they are not, but it’s a good reminder. “Shaw is going to be a major base no matter what, and I’m confident we will get the F-35s at the appropriate time. Shaw is in better shape for whatever is coming down the pipe than it has been in the past, but we’re still wary enough to keep on working hard to improve and make sure our base gets what it needs.”

We have a heating system to fit your budget. With payments as low as $79.00 per month

TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

76°

SUNDAY

MONDAY 72°

56°

60° 61°

Fog in the morning; partly sunny, humid

44°

53°

50°

Partly cloudy and mild

Some sun

Mostly cloudy, showers; not as warm

A couple of afternoon showers possible

Mostly cloudy and warmer with a shower

Winds: SSW 6-12 mph

Winds: S 6-12 mph

Winds: SSW 10-20 mph

Winds: NW 7-14 mph

Winds: ENE 6-12 mph

Winds: SSW 10-20 mph

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 80%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 55%

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

Temperature High ............................................... 66° Low ................................................ 56° Normal high ................................... 60° Normal low ..................................... 36° Record high ....................... 80° in 1978 Record low ......................... 18° in 1960

Greenville 68/61

Bishopville 76/61

24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.80" Month to date .............................. 0.80" Normal month to date ................. 0.41" Year to date ............................... 46.44" Normal year to date ................... 44.01"

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Full 7 a.m. 24-hr pool yest. chg 360 350.13 none 76.8 74.27 none 75.5 73.37 +0.08 100 97.09 +0.12

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 75/59/c 68/57/sh 70/61/sh 76/59/c 77/61/pc 68/60/pc 77/62/pc 70/60/c 69/62/sh 77/61/c

7 a.m. yest. 4.78 5.00 4.12 4.67 79.50 9.30

24-hr chg +0.10 -0.60 -0.37 -1.21 -0.62 none

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 78/60/pc 68/47/t 74/56/pc 81/61/pc 78/61/pc 70/60/pc 78/61/pc 75/56/pc 73/58/c 82/60/pc

Columbia 77/61 Today: Variable clouds with a shower, warm; fog this morning. Friday: A warm breeze with clouds and breaks of sun.

Dec. 9 Last

Dec. 17 New

Dec. 25

Jan. 1

Myrtle Beach 74/63

Manning 79/61

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Aiken 75/59 Charleston 77/62

The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

Thu.

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2013 Today Hi/Lo/W 76/60/pc 72/59/c 76/61/pc 76/61/pc 78/62/pc 82/61/pc 70/61/c 76/62/pc 77/62/pc 70/61/c

Full

Florence 78/62

Sumter 76/60

Today: Partly sunny. Humid; pleasant in southern parts. High 72 to 77. Friday: Partly sunny, breezy and warm. High 74 to 78.

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

First Sunrise today .......................... 7:12 a.m. Sunset tonight ......................... 5:12 p.m. Moonrise today ....................... 9:34 a.m. Moonset today ........................ 8:27 p.m.

Gaffney 70/61 Spartanburg 70/63

Precipitation

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 81/61/pc 76/50/pc 80/62/pc 81/61/pc 80/62/pc 82/61/s 76/57/pc 79/55/pc 79/61/pc 74/45/pc

Fri.

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 68/61/c 68/59/c 71/62/pc 80/61/pc 74/64/sh 74/61/c 71/63/sh 69/58/sh 76/62/pc 74/63/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 72/57/pc 70/51/pc 74/60/pc 81/60/s 75/52/t 80/63/pc 72/50/t 71/50/t 77/62/pc 75/61/pc

High Ht. 10:40 a.m.....3.8 10:53 p.m.....3.1 11:34 a.m.....3.6 11:51 p.m.....3.1

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

Low Ht. 4:49 a.m....-0.7 5:37 p.m....-0.5 5:44 a.m....-0.5 6:30 p.m....-0.4

Today Hi/Lo/W 78/60/pc 75/61/pc 73/61/c 70/59/c 74/60/c 78/60/pc 70/63/c 72/62/pc 76/63/pc 70/61/c

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 81/60/pc 76/60/pc 77/48/pc 77/60/pc 78/60/pc 79/59/pc 74/58/pc 75/59/pc 77/62/pc 74/49/pc

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

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

Cold front

costs $80, the computsaid Sumter County erized version will cost Adult Education is pre$150. paring its students for In a statement on the transition to comWednesday, South Car- puterized testing — inolina Superintendent of cluding those adult stuEducation Mick Zais dents who may not be said the new testing as technically savvy. empowers students “We’re preparing our and betstudents ter pre‘We’re preparing for it bepares cause they our students for have to be them for careers. computer it because they literate in “In a society order to have to be take the driven by informatest, so we computer have intion technology, literate in order corporatwe need ed it into to emcurto take the test, our power riculum,” those so we have Teigue seeking a said. high The incorporated it GED school was equivainto our first oflency cerfered in tificate to curriculum.’ 1942 as an help alternative them way for pass the those who test today Sharon Teigue, left high and sucschool to executive director serve in ceed in their caWorld War of Sumter County II to earn reers tomorrow,” a high Adult Education school Zais said. “My wife, equivalenSusan, taught adult ed- cy certificate when they ucation. I know what returned home. In it’s like to see someone South Carolina alone, earn their GED diploabout 11,000 to 12,000 ma and have new doors people take the test open for career opporevery year. Currently, tunities.” 95 percent of businessUntil Jan. 2, Teigue es and higher educasaid they will continue tion institutions accept to offer the paper verthe GED as the equivasion as well as the new lent to a high school dicomputer-based GED ploma. test for their students. Like the 49 other testReach Raytevia ing adult education Evans at (803) 774sites in the state, Teigue 1214.

795-4257

SATURDAY 69°

80°

Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

GED from Page A1

Call for complete details

Call our office for complete details. Good on qualifying systems only.

80s

Reach Jade Anderson at (803) 774-1250.

TRANE 0% APR for 36 equal monthly payments has been extended.

Ice

Warm front

Today Fri. Today Fri. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 38/23/sf 36/22/s Las Vegas 41/27/s 44/33/s Anchorage 32/31/sn 36/30/c Los Angeles 61/45/s 60/47/s Atlanta 72/63/sh 74/51/t Miami 82/72/pc 82/72/s Baltimore 66/54/c 56/37/r Minneapolis 10/-4/pc 7/-9/pc Boston 56/48/c 52/35/r New Orleans 78/69/t 77/47/t Charleston, WV 68/43/r 47/31/r New York 60/56/c 58/36/r Charlotte 70/60/c 75/56/pc Oklahoma City 29/18/sn 23/7/sn Chicago 34/18/c 23/12/c Omaha 18/2/pc 12/-1/s Cincinnati 61/31/r 34/18/i Philadelphia 64/57/c 59/37/r Dallas 39/25/r 30/20/i Phoenix 56/36/pc 55/34/s Denver 10/-9/c 15/-9/pc Pittsburgh 64/35/r 37/23/r Des Moines 20/5/pc 14/2/s St. Louis 34/21/sn 28/12/sn Detroit 46/26/c 33/19/sf Salt Lake City 19/8/pc 25/15/c Helena 2/-13/pc -4/-18/c San Francisco 50/43/s 54/42/sh Honolulu 82/66/s 83/68/s Seattle 36/24/pc 32/17/pc Indianapolis 47/25/i 29/14/sn Topeka 26/9/c 22/6/pc Kansas City 24/11/c 21/6/pc Washington, DC 68/58/c 61/39/r Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

affect your emotional ARIES (March 21-April the last word in astrology well-being. Don’t make a 19): Don’t just sit back; move or change the way make choices and get eugenia LAST you do things based on things moving. Don’t let demands that someone what others do paralyze else is making. you. Use your energy, time and money wisely. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Put what you want to do into play. You can get ahead if TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep moving. you are honest and refuse to give in to You’ll be surprised at how much you defeat. Developing a new approach to an accomplish. Focus, discipline and showing old idea will pay off. off your skills and talents will help you reach your goals. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Remembering the past will help you avoid GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t push your making the same mistake twice. Question luck. Observe and consider your options. any information you are given. Base Deception and disillusionment regarding a whatever move you decide to make on facts. partnership is apparent. Protect your assets, possessions and reputation. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Coast along and share your ideas and plans with people CANCER (June 21-July 22): Emotions will you feel can contribute to your goals. A surface regarding contracts and money hidden source may give you reason to matters. Opportunities are within reach, and question someone’s intentions. you should not hesitate to make a move if it will benefit your home, family and future. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Speak up. You have to make it clear what you want. A LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Try something new or contract will ensure that you are taken care travel to an unfamiliar destination. What you of financially. A change in the way you live learn through the experiences you have will and earn your living is apparent. help you rethink the way to move forward. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Participate, but VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Someone with don’t give away your secrets. The more experience and wisdom will offer you advice. mysterious you are, the greater the interest Check facts before you decide to make a will become in what you have to offer. move based on what you’ve been told. Romance is in the stars. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Bad influences will

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY: 6-4-7 AND 1-3-9 PICK 4 WEDNESDAY: 5-1-6-1 AND 9-2-5-8 PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY: 8-11-13-24-33 POWERUP: 2 MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY: 7-12-41-44-59 MEGABALL: 3 MEGAPLIER: 3 POWERBALL NUMBERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

pictures from the public Have you visited someplace interesting, exciting, beautiful or historical that you’ve taken some pictures of? Would you like to share those images with your fellow Item readers? E-mail your hi-resolution jpegs to sandrah@theitem.com, or mail to Sandra Holbert c/o The Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29150. Include clearly printed or typed name of photographer and photo details. Include selfaddressed, stamped envelope for return of your photo. Amateur photographers only. Nancy Byer comments on her photo submission, “This is the beautiful oak tree lined driveway to Tomotley Plantation outside of Beaufort, near the town of Yemassee. The house is not visible from the road, but the driveway is spectacular!”

SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

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

B1

O-line success mirrors SHS’ rise BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com

ITEM FILE PHOTO

Kyran Porter (70) and Tee Dubose (59) are two of the five cogs on the Sumter HIgh offensive line that has gotten better as the season has progressed, earning the Gamecocks a shot at the 4A Division I state title on Saturday in Columbia against Dutch Fork.

An offensive line is made up of at least five individuals trying to do their respective jobs, and if one doesn’t execute his assignment properly, it shows poorly on the entire group. “If one of us messes up, I feel like all of us have messed up and not done the job we’re supposed to do,” said Sumter High School left tackle Darius Chatman. Chatman and his O-line brethren have been limiting

those mistakes the second half of the season, and are a big reason the Gamecocks are facing Dutch Fork for the 4A Division I state championship on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia beginning at 6 p.m. “We really got CHATMAN things going when the offensive line started coming together,” said first-year SHS head coach Reggie Kennedy, whose 9-5 team takes a 7-game winning

streak into Saturday’s contest. “That’s really when we took off.” Both Chatman, a senior 3-year starter, and sophomore right tackle Troy Brayboy both agree that the line started to come into its own when Sumter faced South BRAYBOY Florence in its region opener — its eighth game of the season. “It was when we started SEE SHS, PAGE B4

WH’s Rector quietly earns 600th victory BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com As an athletic director, Glen Rector didn’t do a very good job on Tuesday. As a basketball coach, Rector did what he normally does — win. Rector, the athletic director at Wilson Hall, failed to report that the school’s varsity girls basketball team’s 39-32 victory over Carolina Academy on Tuesday in Sumter was the 600th of his coaching career. His omission left Wilson Hall flat-footed, but the school celebrated the milestone prior to the Lady Barons’ game against Hammond on Wednesday at Nash Student Center.

“I guess I didn’t do my job as an athletic director,” Rector said with a laugh. As the numbers suggest though, Rector has had tremendous success in what is now his 37th year as a head coach. He coached at Florence Christian School for 21 years before spending five years at Hilton Head Christian. Both of those stints were as the head coach of the respective schools’ boys teams. Rector is in his 11th season as the head coach of the Lady Barons and owns a 16885 record. He realized he was closing in on the mark SEE RECTOR, PAGE B4

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Wilson Halls Brent Carraway, left, defends Hammond’s Seventh Woods during the Barons’ 61-28 loss on Wednesday at Nash Student Center. Woods is one of the top sophomores in the country.

Sensational sweep Highly-touted prospect Woods helps Hammond take 2 from Barons BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com A large — almost capacity — crowd gathered at the Nash Student Center on Wednesday to get a glimpse of Hammond sophomore sensation Seventh Woods, but what they observed was a strong defensive game from two relatively young Skyhawk basketball squads that swept Wilson Hall. Both Hammond teams, which im-

PREP SCHEDULE Today Varsity Basketball Thomas Sumter in Garden City Classic (in Augusta, Ga.), TBA Junior Varsity Basketbal Crestwood at Sumter, 6 p.m. Eau Claire at Lakewood, 6 p.m. Timmonsville at Lee Central, 6 p.m. B Team Basketball Crestwood at Sumter (Boys Only), 5 p.m. Camden Military at Wilson Hall (Boys Only), 4:30 p.m. Varsity Bowling Wilson Hall at Heathwood Hall (Royal Z Lanes), 5 p.m.

proved to 2-0 on the year, held Wilson Hall from having a player score in double figures. The Lady Skyhawks

led 32-15 after the third quarter and held on for a 35-25 victory spoiling Lady Barons head coach Glen Rector’s bid for career vic-

tory No. 601. “We struggled in the first quarter offensively and had more turnovers than shots,” said Rector, who won his 600th game on Tuesday.“And anytime that happens it’s not good so we struggled scoring early on. Their pressure was something we haven’t seen yet.” Meanwhile the Hammond boys had no trouble with the SEE SWEEP, PAGE B2

McGee, Bulldogs set for NJCAA title game BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com If there’s anything Georgia Military College’s Alonzo McGee took away from his days at Crestwood High School, it’s something Knights head football coach Keith Crolley always tells his players — when you get an opportunity make MCGEE the most of it. McGee, an outside linebacker for the top-ranked 11-0 Bulldogs, will attempt to do just that as GMC will face second-ranked East Mississippi Community College,

which is also 11-0, for the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Biloxi, Miss., at Biloxi Indian Stadium. “It means a lot,” McGee said of what it means to play for a national title. “I just thank God for having a

chance to play in the national championship.” Crolley, who keeps in contact with McGee, said he felt like the former Knight is picking up where he left off at Crestwood, and is perhaps performing better at the next level. “We knew he’d be alright at the next level because he was a good football player for us, and did a lot of good things for us,” Crolley said. “He just loved to play the game of football and I think they got them a steal down there at Georgia Military. I watched film on them and he looked like he got bigger and SEE MCGEE, PAGE B3

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Wilson Hall girls basketball head coach Glen Rector got his 600th career win on Tuesday when the Lady Barons defeated Carolina Academy.

Spurrier stays coy on his coaches poll vote BY RYAN WOOD Post and Courier COLUMBIA — It’s college football’s championship week, which means there’s another hotly contested debate about who belongs in the BCS Championship Game. Florida State will likely SPURRIER travel to Pasadena, Calif., for the BCS title game if it beats Duke in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday. The de-

bate is whether Auburn deserves to jump Ohio State if it beats Missouri on Saturday in the SEC title game. Currently, the Seminoles and Buckeyes are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the BCS standings, respectively. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll, so he’ll have some small say in who gets the top two spots in the BCS title game. The Coaches Poll comprises one-third of the BCS formula, with the Harris Poll SEE SPURRIER, PAGE B3

B2

SPORTS

THE ITEM

Lakewood tops Camden 47-41 CAMDEN — Lakewood High School’s varsity boys basketball team improved to 3-1 on the season with a 47-41 victory over Camden on Tuesday at the Camden gymnasium. Robert Grant and Mackie Wilson both had nine points to lead the Gators. Montrell Epps and Jalen White each had eight. LEE CENTRAL CRESTWOOD

66 61

BISHOPVILLE — Crestwood High School opened its season with a 66-61 loss to Lee Central on Tuesday at The Castle. Tyrell Allen led Crest-

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP wood with 17 points. HAMMOND LAURENCE MANNING

59 43

COLUMBIA — Laurence Manning Academy fell to 2-2 on the year with a 59-43 loss to Hammond on Tuesday. Maliq Green led LMA with 16 points and Vaughnte Anderson added 12. LAURENCE MANNING M. Green 16, Anderson 12, Walker 6, S. Green 5, House 4.

B TEAM BASKETBALL HEATHWOOD HALL WILSON HALL

41 30

COLUMBIA — Wilson

|

Hall lost to Heathwood Hall 41-30 on Wednesday at the Heathwood gymnasium. Charlton Commander led the Barons with eight points. Andrew McCaffrey grabbed eight rebounds. LAKE CITY CRESTWOOD

49 39

Crestwood High School lost to Lake City 49-39 on Wednesday at The Castle. Tylus Green led the Knights with 20 points. Tyrik Gadson added 10 points.

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

|

Wilson Hall JV squad improves to 4-0 Wilson Hall’s junior varsity girls basketball team improved to 4-0 on the season with a 27-24 victory over Hammond on Wednesday at Nash Student Center. Mary Daniel Stokes led the Lady Barons with nine points. Courtney Clark added seven. CRESTWOOD LAKE CITY

26 9

Crestwood High School improved to 2-0 on the season with a 26-9 victory over Lake City on Wednesday at The Castle. Azariah Dixon led the Lady Knights with 14 points. LAURENCE MANNING HAMMOND

32 26

COLUMBIA — Laurence Manning Academy defeated Hammond 32-26 on Tuesday at the Hammond gymnasium. Brooke Bennet led the Lady Swampcats with 12 points.

VARSITY BASKETBALL HAMMOND LAURENCE MANNING

72 69

COLUMBIA — Laurence Manning Academy dropped a 72-69 decision to Hammond on Tuesday at the Hammond gym. Maddie Weber led the Lady Swampcats with 24 points. Emily McElveen added 14 points while Maggie Eppley and Courtney Beatson both had 11 points. RICHARD WINN THOMAS SUMTER

53 12

WINNSBORO — Thomas Sumter Academy lost to Richard Winn Academy 53-12 on Tuesday at the RWA gymnasium. Danielle Young led the Lady Generals, who fell to 1-1 on the season, with five points. Janice Johnson led Richard Winn with 14 points, Jessie Steidman had 12 and Carson Justice 10.

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

|

Korver leads Hawks past Clippers 107-97 ATLANTA — Kyle Korver scored a season-high 23 points and tied the NBA record for consecutive games with a 3-pointer in the Atlanta Hawks’ 107-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. CAVALIERS NUGGETS

98 88

CLEVELAND — Kyrie Irving scored 23 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped the Denver Nuggets’ seven-game winning streak with a 98-88 victory. SUNS ROCKETS

97 88

HOUSTON — Eric Bledsoe had 20 points and seven assists to lead Phoenix to a 97-88 win over the

Bo Ryan his 300th victory with the Badgers.

Houston Rockets that snapped the Suns’ twogame losing streak. COLLEGE (5) OHIO STATE MARYLAND

(25) DAYTON DELAWARE STATE 76 60

COLUMBUS, Ohio — LaQuinton Ross scored 17 of his 20 points in the first half, hitting his first four 3-pointers, to lead No. 5 Ohio State to an early lead and a 76-60 victory over Maryland night in the ACC/ Big Ten Challenge. (8) WISCONSIN VIRGINIA

48 38

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Josh Gasser scored 11 points and No. 8 Wisconsin won a defensive struggle against Virginia 48-38 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, giving coach

SWEEP from Page B1 Barons in a 61-28 victory while starting three sophomores and two juniors. “Our 1-3-1 was very tough,” Hammond head coach Mark McClam said of the victory. “We’ve got a lot of length and there were no real passing lanes, and I thought we pressured the ball really well and caused a lot of turnovers.” Although Woods, the highly-touted 2016 state prospect finished with a double-double, it was his team’s defensive effort that was perhaps most impressive in Hammond’s 33-point rout. The Skyhakws held the Barons to nine points in the first and third quarters and just five in the second and fourth quarters. “Their length bothered us and we’re trying to develop some inside presence and it’s a little tough,” Wilson Hall head coach Eddie Talley said of the loss. “We’re going to have some growing pains, but I’m really proud of our kids. The four games we’ve played and two practices we’ve had, they’re working hard and they’re a fun group to coach.” The Hammond sophomore had 25 points, including two dunks, and 10 steals and two rebounds. No other player for the Skyhawks scored in double figures. Hammond sophomore Chevez Goodwin and senior Doak Fisher each had eight points. The Barons were led by senior William Kinney and sophomore Grier Schwartz, who each had six points. Kinney also had five rebounds and a steal in the loss, but played with four fouls, three of which came at the 7:12 mark of the second quarter. Brandon Spittle, John Ballard and Brent Carraway each finished with four points.

56 46

DAYTON, Ohio — Matt Kavanaugh scored 11 points and No. 25 Dayton overcame a sluggish first half, poor free throw shooting and a late slump to defeat Delaware State 56-46. COASTAL CAROLINA WESTERN CAROLINA

76 68

CONWAY — Elijah Wilson shot 11-of-15 from the field, scoring 23 points, and Josh Cameron added 17 as the two led a late run to help Coastal Carolina to a 76-68 win over Western Carolina. From wire reports

GIRLS HAMMOND 35, WILSON HALL 25 H WH

14 4

8 8

10 3

3-35 10-25

HAMMOND Green 20, Johnson 6, Trigg 4, Brown 4, Myers 1. WILSON HALL Smoak 7, Scott 6, Goodson 5, Hawkins 3, Scannella 2, Alderman 2.

BOYS HAMMOND 61, WILSON HALL 28 H WH

14 9

14 5

17 9

16-61 5-28

HAMMOND Woods 25, Goodwin, 8, Fisher 8, McDaniel 5, Littlejohn 4, Felder 2, Turner 2, Yuchmow 2. WILSON HALL Kinney 6, Schwartz 6, Spittle 4, Ballard 4, Carraway 4, Bochette 2, Croft 2.

Wilson Hall, which fell to 3-1 on the season, didn’t seem to be fazed by all the hype early and took a 9-6 lead on Kinney’s 3-point shot, but struggled mightily after that. The Skyhawks went on a 13-0 run late in the first quarter that included an 11-minute offensive drought by the Barons and led 28-14 at halftime. They put the game away in the second half, outscoring WH 33-14. In the girls game, Hammond went on a 12-0 run to start the game and led for nearly six minutes until Holly Scott’s basket made it a 10-point deficit at the 1:53 mark of the first quarter. Both teams settled in defensively in the second quarter with each team scoring eight points. WH’s Hayley Smoak’s 3-pointer with 31.4 seconds to play before halftime brought the Lady Barons back within 10. WH, which fell to 3-1, couldn’t take advantage of their foul situation and only converted on one of three in the first half and finished 4 of 14.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY 11:30 a.m. -- Women’s Professional Golf: Ladies European Tour Dubai Ladies Masters Second Round from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (GOLF). 3 p.m. -- PGA Golf: World Challenge First Round from Thousand Oaks, Calif. (GOLF). 6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 6:30 p.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour/Sunshine Tour Nedbank Challenge First Round from Sun City, South Africa (GOLF). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Big Twelve/SEC Challenge -- West Virginia at Missouri (ESPN2). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Big Twelve/SEC Challenge -- Texas Christian at Mississippi State (ESPN2). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: LIU (Brooklyn) at Seton Hall (FOX SPORTS 1). 7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball:L New York Knicks at Brooklyn (TNT). 7:30 p.m. -- College Football: Louisville at Cincinnati (ESPN). 8 p.m. -- College Basketball: Providence at Rhode Island (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 8 p.m. -- NFL Football: Houston at Jacksonville (NFL NETWORK). 8 p.m. --NHL Hockey: Carolina at Nashville (SPORTSOUTH). 9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Big Twelve/SEC Challenge -- Mississippi at Kansas State (ESPN2). 9 p.m. -- High School Basketball: Homeschool Christian Youth (Texas) vs. Trinity (Texas) from Bedford, Texas (ESPNU). 9 p.m. -- College Basketball: High Point at Georgetown (FOX SPORTS 1). 9:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Miami at Chicago (TNT). Midnight -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour/Asian Tour Hong Kong Open Second Round from Fanling, China (GOLF). 4 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour/Sunshine Tour Nedbank Challenge Second Round from Sun City, South Africa (GOLF).

COLLEGE BASKETBALL Schedule Today Rider at Monmouth (NJ), 7 p.m. LIU Brooklyn at Seton Hall, 7 p.m. Providence at Rhode Island, 8 p.m. High Point at Georgetown, 9 p.m. NC Wesleyan at Coastal Carolina, 7 p.m. Tennessee Tech at Lipscomb, 7 p.m. TCU at Mississippi St., 7 p.m. Wright St. at NC A&T, 7 p.m. Montreat at Presbyterian, 7 p.m. E. Kentucky at VCU, 7 p.m. Oakwood at Alabama A&M, 8 p.m. Florida A&M at Norfolk St., 8 p.m. Marshall at Vanderbilt, 8 p.m. West Virginia at Missouri, 7 p.m. Dartmouth at N. Illinois, 8 p.m. Mississippi at Kansas St., 9 p.m. Texas A&M-CC at Oklahoma, 8 p.m. South Dakota at Air Force, 9:05 p.m. Carroll (Mont.) at Boise St., 10 p.m. Santa Clara at CS Bakersfield, 10 p.m. Seattle at CS Northridge, 10 p.m. La Verne at UC Riverside, 10 p.m. San Diego St. at San Diego, 11 p.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Schedule By The Associated Press Today Louisville (10-1) at Cincinnati (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday Mid-American championship, Bowling Green (9-3) vs. N. Illinois (12-0), at Detroit, 8 p.m. Saturday Memphis (3-8) at UConn (2-9), 1 p.m. South Florida (2-9) at Rutgers (5-6), 7:30 p.m. Conference USA championship, Marshall at Rice, Noon Southern U. (8-4) vs. Jackson St. (7-3) at Houston, 2 p.m. SEC championship, Missouri (11-1) vs. Auburn (11-1), at Atlanta, 4 p.m. Louisiana-Lafayette (8-3) at South Alabama (5-6), 8 p.m. ACC championship, Duke (10-2) vs. Florida St. (12-0), Charlotte, N.C., 8 p.m. Big Ten championship, Ohio St. (12-0) at Michigan St. (111), at Indianapolis, 8 p.m. Oklahoma (9-2) at Oklahoma St. (10-1), Noon UCF (10-1) at SMU (5-6), Noon Texas (8-3) at Baylor (10-1), 3:30 p.m. SWAC championship, Jackson St. (8-3) vs. Southern U. (8-4), at Houston, 2 p.m. Pac-12 championship, Stanford (10-2) at Arizona St. (102), 8 p.m. Mountain West championship, Utah St. (8-4) at Fresno St. (10-1), 10 p.m. FCS PLAYOFFS Second Round Fordham (12-1) at Towson (10-2), 1 p.m. Coastal Carolina (11-2) at Montana (10-2), 2 p.m. New Hampshire (8-4) at Maine (10-2), 2 p.m. Tennessee State (10-3) at Eastern Illinois (11-1), 2 p.m. Furman (8-5) at North Dakota State (11-0), 3:30 p.m. South Dakota State (9-4) at Eastern Washington (10-2), 4 p.m. Jacksonville State (10-3) at McNeese State (10-2), 7 p.m. Sam Houston State (9-4) at Southeastern Louisiana (102), 8 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Boston 8 12 .400 – Philadelphia 7 12 .368 1/2 Toronto 6 11 .353 1/2 Brooklyn 5 13 .278 2 New York 3 13 .188 3 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Miami 14 4 .778 – Washington 9 9 .500 5 Atlanta 9 10 .474 51/2 Charlotte 8 11 .421 61/2 Orlando 6 12 .333 8 Central Division W L Pct GB Indiana 16 2 .889 – Detroit 8 10 .444 8 Chicago 7 9 .438 8 Cleveland 5 12 .294 101/2 Milwaukee 3 14 .176 121/2 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 15 3 .833 – Houston 13 6 .684 21/2 Dallas 11 8 .579 41/2 Memphis 9 8 .529 51/2 New Orleans 9 8 .529 51/2 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Portland 15 3 .833 – Oklahoma City 13 3 .813 1 Denver 11 6 .647 31/2 Minnesota 9 10 .474 61/2 Utah 4 15 .211 111/2 Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Clippers 12 6 .667 – Golden State 11 8 .579 11/2 L.A. Lakers 9 9 .500 3 Phoenix 9 9 .500 3 Sacramento 4 12 .250 7 Tuesday’s Games Philadelphia 126, Orlando 125,2OT Denver 111, Brooklyn 87 Boston 108, Milwaukee 100 Detroit 107, Miami 97 Memphis 110, Phoenix 91 Dallas 89, Charlotte 82 Oklahoma City 97, Sacramento 95 Golden State 112, Toronto 103 Wednesday’s Games Denver at Cleveland, 7 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Phoenix at Houston, 8 p.m. Detroit at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Dallas at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Indiana at Utah, 9 p.m. San Antonio vs. Minnesota at Mexico City, Mexico, 9:30 p.m. Oklahoma City at Portland, 10 p.m. Today’s Games New York at Brooklyn, 7 p.m.

| L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 8 p.m. Miami at Chicago, 9:30 p.m. Friday’s Games Milwaukee at Washington, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Denver at Boston, 7:30 p.m. Cleveland at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Orlando at New York, 7:30 p.m. Golden State at Houston, 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Toronto at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Utah at Portland, 10 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

NFL STANDINGS By The Associated Press AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF New England 9 3 0 .750 322 Miami 6 6 0 .500 252 N.Y. Jets 5 7 0 .417 189 Buffalo 4 8 0 .333 267 South W L T Pct PF Indianapolis 8 4 0 .667 285 Tennessee 5 7 0 .417 264 Jacksonville 3 9 0 .250 174 Houston 2 10 0 .167 230 North W L T Pct PF Cincinnati 8 4 0 .667 292 Baltimore 6 6 0 .500 249 Pittsburgh 5 7 0 .417 263 Cleveland 4 8 0 .333 231 West W L T Pct PF Denver 10 2 0 .833 464 Kansas City 9 3 0 .750 298 San Diego 5 7 0 .417 279 Oakland 4 8 0 .333 237 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF Dallas 7 5 0 .583 329 Philadelphia 7 5 0 .583 300 N.Y. Giants 5 7 0 .417 237 Washington 3 9 0 .250 269 South W L T Pct PF New Orleans 9 3 0 .750 312 Carolina 9 3 0 .750 285 Tampa Bay 3 9 0 .250 217 Atlanta 3 9 0 .250 261 North W L T Pct PF Detroit 7 5 0 .583 326 Chicago 6 6 0 .500 323 Green Bay 5 6 1 .458 294 Minnesota 3 8 1 .292 289 West W L T Pct PF x-Seattle 11 1 0 .917 340 San Francisco 8 4 0 .667 297 Arizona 7 5 0 .583 275 St. Louis 5 7 0 .417 279 x-clinched playoff spot Today’s Game Houston at Jacksonville, 8:25 p.m. Sunday’s Games Atlanta at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Washington, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Miami at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Detroit at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Cleveland at New England, 1 p.m. Oakland at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Denver, 4:05 p.m. Seattle at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. N.Y. Giants at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. St. Louis at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. Carolina at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. Monday’s Game Dallas at Chicago, 8:40 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 San Diego at Denver, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 Philadelphia at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Washington at Atlanta, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Seattle at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Chicago at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. New England at Miami, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Carolina, 4:05 p.m. Arizona at Tennessee, 4:25 p.m. New Orleans at St. Louis, 4:25 p.m. Green Bay at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 Baltimore at Detroit, 8:40 p.m.

PA 261 248 310 307 PA 274 267 352 323 PA 216 235 278 297 PA 317 214 277 300 PA 303 281 297 362 PA 230 157 285 340 PA 287 332 305 366 PA 186 197 247 278

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 27 18 7 2 38 75 55 Montreal 28 16 9 3 35 76 59 Detroit 28 14 7 7 35 78 73 Tampa Bay 27 16 10 1 33 76 67 Toronto 28 14 11 3 31 77 77 Ottawa 28 11 13 4 26 82 92 Florida 28 7 16 5 19 61 95 Buffalo 28 6 20 2 14 48 85 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 29 19 9 1 39 89 66 Washington 28 14 12 2 30 83 82 N.Y. Rangers 28 14 14 0 28 62 71 New Jersey 28 11 12 5 27 61 67 Carolina 28 11 12 5 27 61 79 Philadelphia 27 12 13 2 26 57 65 Columbus 28 11 14 3 25 68 80 N.Y. Islanders 28 8 15 5 21 74 96 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 29 20 5 4 44 105 80 St. Louis 26 18 5 3 39 91 60 Colorado 25 19 6 0 38 76 52 Minnesota 29 16 8 5 37 70 67 Dallas 26 13 9 4 30 74 76 Winnipeg 29 13 12 4 30 78 82 Nashville 28 13 12 3 29 63 78 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA San Jose 27 19 3 5 43 96 62 Anaheim 30 18 7 5 41 93 80 Los Angeles 29 18 7 4 40 76 62 Phoenix 27 16 7 4 36 91 86 Vancouver 30 15 10 5 35 80 78 Calgary 26 9 13 4 22 70 93 Edmonton 29 9 18 2 20 75 101 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Tuesday’s Games Los Angeles 3, Anaheim 2, SO San Jose 4, Toronto 2 Pittsburgh 3, N.Y. Islanders 2, OT Carolina 4, Washington 1 Columbus 1, Tampa Bay 0 Ottawa 4, Florida 2 Dallas 4, Chicago 3 Vancouver 3, Nashville 1 Phoenix 6, Edmonton 2 Wednesday’s Games Montreal at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Detroit, 8 p.m. Phoenix at Calgary, 10 p.m. Today’s Games N.Y. Rangers at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Dallas at Toronto, 7 p.m. San Jose at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Boston at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. Ottawa at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Winnipeg at Florida, 7:30 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Carolina at Nashville, 8 p.m. Chicago at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Colorado at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m. Friday’s Games Detroit at New Jersey, 7 p.m. San Jose at Carolina, 7 p.m. Minnesota at Columbus, 7 p.m. Anaheim at Chicago, 8 p.m. Colorado at Calgary, 9 p.m. Phoenix at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

THE ITEM

B3

SPORTS ITEMS

|

NFL fines Tomlin $100,000

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The prosecutor overseeing the investigation into Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (5) for sexual assault allegations said Wednesday that it has been completed and the findings will be announced today at 2 p.m.

Prosecutor: Winston investigation done BY GARY FINEOUT The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The prosecutor overseeing the investigation of sexual assault allegations against Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston said Wednesday that it is completed. State Attorney Willie Meggs has scheduled a news conference at 2 p.m. Thursday in his office to announce his findings. Meggs said investigators have learned as much as they can about the December 2012 incident. “We think we have exhausted all investigative tools,’’ he said. Winston has led the Seminoles to the No. 1 ranking, and they will play for a conference title Saturday, with a shot at the national crown. The quarterback also is the leading candidate for the Heisman, and many voters are waiting to see whether Winston will be charged with a crime before casting their ballots. The deadline for Heisman ballots to be turned in is Dec. 9. ESPN has previously reported that DNA belonging

FSU QB picks up pair of ACC honors GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has picked up two more individual awards from the Atlantic Coast Conference. The ACC on Wednesday selected Winston as both its overall and offensive player of the year, one day after he was picked as rookie of the year. Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald also was voted the ACC’s defensive player of the year. Winston is the first redshirt freshman in the 61-year history of the league to win the award. He received 47 of 65 votes from members of the Atlantic Coast Sports

Media Association for the overall award. Boston College running back Andre Williams had 13 votes and Donald had four. In separate offensive player of the year voting, Winston had 44 votes to 19 for Williams and two for Clemson QB Tajh Boyd. Donald had 44 votes for the defensive award to 10 for Wake Forest nose tackle Nikita Whitlock and eight for Florida State cornerback Lamarcus Joyner. Donald leads the nation with 26 1/2 tackles for losses, and has 10 sacks and four forced fumbles.

to Winston was found in the underwear of the accuser. A lawyer for Winston has suggested that the star quarterback and the accuser had consensual sex. But the family of the victim has accused the 19-yearold of rape.

Meggs has said he wanted to make sure prosecutors completed a thorough investigation before making a final decision. He has also said several times that it’s up to prosecutors to determine whether there is a “reasonable’’ chance of

SPURRIER from Page B1 and computer rankings the other two factors. Spurrier declined to reveal his vote, saying he’ll wait until it’s made public next week. He did offer one insight this week. “You know what I think is interesting? Everybody is picking on Ohio State. Their schedule was ranked tougher than FSU’s,” Spurrier told The Post and Courier. “Did you know that? Everybody’s picking on how Ohio State hasn’t played anybody. I said, ‘Well, what about FSU?’ They beat Clemson, and that’s about it.” In fact, Ohio State has the 61st toughest strength of

McGEE from Page B1 better than when he was with us; I’d love to have him back.” Things didn’t come easy in McGee’s first season as he tore meniscus in his right knee and was redshirted. This season, after fighting for a starting spot, he eventually worked his way to become the team’s leading tackler and appears to be playing his best football when it matters most. “(I had a tough time) just showing coach that I deserved to play,” he explained of what was the biggest thing he had to overcome this season. “I just wanted to play my game and show the coaches that I knew I could get it done.” “He’s not going to let anything slow him down,” Crolley said as he believes McGee benefited from playing in the Knights’ defensive system. “He didn’t let anything slow him down (at Crestwood), so I thought he played hard here and never wanted to miss a game for any reason.” McGee has 54 tackles on the sea-

conviction. The fact that Meggs has scheduled a news conference — as opposed to getting a warrant for Winston’s arrest — could be seen as a sign that he will not file charges. Timothy Jansen, the attorney representing Winston, said he does not know what Meggs will announce. “We’re hoping and waiting like everyone else, and we believe the evidence will exonerate Mr. Winston,’’ Jansen said. Patricia Carroll, the attorney representing the accuser, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The alleged sexual assault was first reported to police in December. The family has said the victim did not know the identity of her attacker until early January, when she identified him as Winston. The family has been sharply critical of the way Tallahassee police have handled the case. The family says they pushed to have a DNA sample taken from Winston only to be told by a police detective that it would alert Winston and make the case public.

schedule, five spots higher than Florida State’s in Jeff Sagarin’s computer rankings. The Sagarin rankings are one of six computer rankings that enter the BCS formula. Florida State has beaten three teams that were ranked in the top 25 this season, including two in the top 10. However, Clemson is the only team the Seminoles beat that are currently ranked in the top 25. Ohio State beat two teams that were ranked in the top 25, though Wisconsin remains the only victory over a current top 25 team. On paper, Ohio State also has the tougher championship game matchup Saturday. The Buckeyes play No. 10 Michigan State in Indianapolis, while the Seminoles play No. 20 Duke in Charlotte.

son (21 solo and 33 assisted), seven quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Last week’s 63-18 victory over Lackawanna College was one of his better games. He accounted for seven total tackles (six solo and one assisted) with a 17 yards on tackles for loss. “I just focus on my responsibility and try to make a play,” McGee said. “I like being physical and trying to lead the defense.” GMC, which was not ranked early in the season, has won by an average score of 46-17 and leads the NJCAA in rushing with 299 yards per game. The Bulldogs also boast the NJCAA’S 10th-ranked defense that’s forced 36 turnovers, has 38 sacks and scored five touchdowns. The team has been to the title game three times since 2000 and is looking for its first title since 2001. The Lions have outscored opponents 685-85 in 2013 and won by an average score of 63-7. East Mississippi features an offense that averages 611 yards per game, which is tops in the NJCAA. In contrast, the Lion de-

fense ranks No. 1 in the NJCAA, allowing only 206 yards per contest and racking up 40 turnovers, 61 sacks and eight touchdowns. The team is just two years removed from its last national title. “We feel like we’re the best defense in the country right now and we feel we don’t get a lot of respect,” McGee said. “We’re going to hopefully show them and earn our respect by showing we’re the No. 1 team in the country.” McGee has garnered interest from Football Bowl Subdivision schools such as South Florida, Utah, Western Kentucky, Central Florida and East Carolina as well as a lot of NCAA Division II schools. His first goal is to win a championship ring then perhaps catch the eye of the University of South Carolina. Before all of that can happen, he’ll have to make the most of his opportunity as he’s done all season. Those interested in viewing the game can go to www.mississippibowl.com and www.njcaatv.com to watch the game streamed live.

PITTSBURGH — Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s ill-timed twostep has cost him $100,000 and could cost his team a pick in next year’s draft. The league fined Tomlin $100,000 on Wednesday for interfering with a play against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving. The NFL also said it would consider docking Pittsburgh a draft TOMLIN pick “because the conduct affected a play on the field.’’ Tomlin was not penalized on the play, though the NFL said Tomlin should have been flagged 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct for nearly colliding with Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones during a kickoff return midway through the third quarter of a 22-20 Ravens victory. ARROWHEAD DEATH RULED A HOMICIDE

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The death of a Missouri man in an Arrowhead Stadium parking lot during Kansas City’s game this weekend was ruled a homicide Wednesday, but police said it could still take weeks before they know what killed him. Kyle Van Winkle, 30, of Smithville, was unconscious on the ground when police responded to a disturbance call around 5:20 p.m. in Lot A at Truman Sports Complex, where Arrowhead is located. In announcing the Jackson County medical examiner’s ruling Wednesday, police spokesman Darin Snapp said that wouldn’t change how the case is being handled. NBC SPORTS ADDS RICK ALLEN TO NASCAR BOOTH

LAS VEGAS — NBC Sports Group has named Rick Allen lead race announcer for its coverage of NASCAR. Allen will join driver Jeff Burton in the booth for coverage that begins in 2015. The third member of the broadcast team has yet to be announced. YANKS, ELLSBURY REACH $153M, 7-YR DEAL

NEW YORK — Free agent outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, fresh off winning the World Series with Boston, reached agreement with the rival New York Yankees on a sevenyear contract worth about $153 million. Earlier Tuesday, New York finalized an $85 million, five-year contract with All-Star catcher Brian McCann. KONERKO STAYS WITH WHITE SOX

CHICAGO — Veteran slugger Paul Konerko is returning to the Chicago White Sox. The team announced Wednesday that the six-time American League All-Star agreed to a oneyear, $2.5 million contract, opting to come back for another season rather than retire or sign elsewhere. ATHLETICS FINALIZE CONTRACT WITH KAZMIR

OAKLAND, Calif. — Left-hander Scott Kazmir has finalized his $22 million, two-year contract with the Athletics. The 29-year-old Kazmir then spent the 2012 season with independent Sugar Land before bouncing back to go 10-9 with a 4.04 ERA in 29 starts and 158 innings for Cleveland this year. TIGERS FINALIZE DEAL WITH NATHAN

DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with free agent reliever Joe Nathan on a two-year contract with a club option for 2016, accomplishing one of their main objectives this offseason by adding one of baseball’s most accomplished closers to the bullpen. RED SOX SIGN C PIERZYNSKI TO 1-YEAR DEAL

BOSTON — The World Series champion Boston Red Sox have signed free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year contract. Pierzynski hit .272 with 17 homers and 70 RBI last season with Texas. In 13-plus seasons with the Twins, Giants, White Sox and Rangers, Pierzynski is a .283 batter with 172 homers and 800 RBI. From wire reports

B4

PREP SPORTS

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 PAID ADVERTISEMENT

‘America’s Pharmacist’ Makes Memory Discovery of a Lifetime: Is It the Fountain of Youth for Aging Minds? Pharmacist of the Year, Dr. Gene Steiner, finds what he and his patients have been looking for... a real memory pill

KATHRYN PURINTON / GREENVILLE NEWS

Langon Ragin (73) moved from left guard to the right side and helped solidify a Sumter High offensive line that has helped the Gamecocks rush for 2,314 yards this season en route to Saturday’s 4A Division I state championship matchup against Dutch Fork at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.

SHS from Page B1 our region,� said Brayboy, a 5-foot-10inch, 260-pound first-year starter. “I thnk it was just a case of us having to get used to one another. We knew what we were supposed to do and what each other was going to do.� Sumter had some offensive success in the early going, but it had a problem sustaining drives in its fast-paced offense. Kennedy decided to slow things down a bit, run the ball more and made a couple of moves on the line. Senior returning starting center Tee Dubose (5-10, 235) has been on the line all season along with Chatman (6-0, 230) and Brayboy at the tackles. Sophomore Landon Ragin (5-11, 260) was moved from left guard to the right side and senior Kyran Porter (5-10, 270) was inserted at left guard. Also, junior BJ McKinney (6-2, 235) was used more at tight end to help the blocking. “We were a little undersized at tackle and having BJ there really helped us out,� Kennedy said. On the season, SHS has been balanced, rushing for 2,172 yards and passing for 2,314 yards while averaging 28.8 points a contest. Sophomore running back Russell Jenkins said there is a big difference in the line he is running behind now as opposed to the one blocking for him to start the season. “The difference is they’re putting defensive linemen on their butts and getting to the linebackers,� said Jen-

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia 4A Division I Sumter vs. Dutch Fork, 6 p.m. 4A Division II Stratford vs. Northwestern, noon 3A Myrtle Beach vs. Daniel, 3 p.m. Friday at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in Columbia 2A Division I Fairfield Central vs. Dillon, 8:30 p.m. 2A Division II Batesburg-Leesville vs. Silver Bluff, 5:30 p.m.

kins, who leads the Gamecocks with 637 yards and seven touchdowns. Quintein Anderson has rushed for 537 yards and two scores and quarterback James Barnes has 416 yards and eight scores. The Gamecocks will be going against a Dutch Fork defense that likes to blitz from all angles. Chatman believes he and line mates will be ready. “Hillcrest blitzed a lot like they do and we were able to handle them,� Chatman said of SHS’s 31-28 victory over the Rams in the quarterfinals. “If we do what we’ve been taught to do, I believe we’ll be OK.�

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS ON SALE Tickets for the 4A Division I state championship football game between Sumter High School and Dutch Fork and seats on a bus going to the game are on sale at Sumter High. The game will be played on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets for the game are $10 per person. Seats on the bus are $15 per person and that includes a game ticket. Game tickets can be purchased at the school’s main office. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. To purchase bus seats, call the athletic office at (803) 481-4480 or at (803) 406-0548.

RECTOR from Page B1 last year. “We were checking up on (boys basketball head) Coach (Eddie) Talley last year when he was getting his 500th win,� Rector said. “He asked me where I was, and I started looking and figured I was going to get it this year.� Rector, who owns a 600-248 career record after losing to Ham-

mond on Wednesday, said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time coaching basketball. “This is something I’d always wanted to do,� he said. “I’ve never really wanted to do anything else.� Rector has won 15 region championships over that span, but much more impressively, 10 state titles. He isn’t certain how many region Coach of the Year honors he has won, but there is one thing of which he is certain. Rector has no plans on quit-

ting coaching any time soon. “I still love the opportunity I have to work with young people through the game of basketball,� Rector said.

0(1¡6 1,*+7 287 721,*+7 ‡ 30

20

%

OFF STOREWIDE SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY

,( O& O=KE9JC :DN<& KMEL=J$ K;

Then, the results PHOENIX, were shared with ARIZONA — the world in a wellIf Pharmacist of respected, peerthe Year, Dr. Gene reviewed medical Steiner, had a nickel for every time journal. someone leaned #1 Selling Brain over the counter and Health Pill whispered, “Do you Thirdly, this have anything that natural, memorycan improve my boosting wonder memory,â€? he would has passed the be a rich man today. toughest yardstick It’s a question of all – scrutiny he’s heard countless from the US times in his 45-year consumer. career. He has seen Word has spread; families torn apart in a very short by the anguish of time, Reynolds’ memory loss and memor y-booster mental decline, a has quickly besilent condition that come the #1-sellthreatens the indeing brain health pendent lifestyle sesupplement in the niors hold so dearly. United States. In his years-long For years, pharmacists told disappointed patients that memory Dr. Steiner search for a drug loss was inevitable. A new, drug-free cognitive formula helps estimates that or nutrient that improve mind, mood, and memory in as little as 30 days. as much as 10 could slow mental million singledecline, he finally “He gave me a couple of doses have been found the answer in the pages bottles and instructed me on its used with excellent results by of an obscure medical journal. use,â€? says Dr. Steiner. ‘lots of forgetful folks.’ “I was studying materials about “Within a few days, I can tell Users like Selwyn Howell* memory loss and cognitive you without reservation that my agree. He credits the memory decline, and there it was, right memory became crystal clear!â€? compound with bolstering his in front of me...evidence of a confidence. real memory pill!â€? Feeding an Older Brain “It helped me speak out more “At the time, I was an anchor The formula helps oxygenate than I used to. I am growing for a medical program in Los listless brain cells to revitalize more confident every day.â€? Angeles. I was so excited and protect them from free Carey S.* reports, “I feel so that I contacted the author of radicals caused by stress and much more focused and with the research and invited him toxins. the new energy I’m now ready to come on the program as It also helps restore depleted to tackle the things I’ve been a guest.â€? neurotransmitter levels, while putting off for years!â€? “I wanted millions of listeners feeding the aging mind with Elizabeth K.* of Rochester, to learn about this important brain-specific nutrients and New York experienced a nightnew development!â€? protective antioxidants. and-day difference in her mind Dr. Steiner’s guest that Steiner was so impressed that he and memory. At the age of 54, night, US researcher, Josh began recommending the formula her memory was declining at an Reynolds, observed a common to his pharmacy customers. “alarming rate.â€? ‘disturbance’ in aging brains, “I had such marvelous “I was about to consult a one that may be the primary results that I not only started neurologist when I read a newscause of degrading memory and recommending it to my paper article about it.â€? concentration powers. customers, I even shared it with “It took about a month for the other physicians!â€? memory benefit to kick in. Six Gasping for Air? months later, even my husband He saw evidence that older was impressed with my imPharmacy Best-Seller brains were ‘gasping for “It became the best-selling brain proved memory. And I am very additional oxygen,’ a condition health product in my pharmacy happy with my renewed mental caused by poor blood circulation. and customers were returning to clarity and focus!â€? “InsufďŹ cient circulation,â€? says thank me for “I highly recommend it,â€? Steiner, “reduces oxygen to the introducing says Dr. Steiner. “This drugbrain, a sign of premature men- them to it.â€? free compound is the perfect tal decline. This also restricts the supplement for increasing one’s “It felt great supply of critical brain speciďŹ c to see so brain power. If it worked for antioxidants and nutrients.â€? me, it can work for you!â€? many people Reduced blood ow has another whose lives brain-numbing effect: it slashes were enriched Get a Free 30-Day the number of neurotransmitters by taking a Supply of this in the brain, the messenger simple, natural Pharmacist-Recommended molecules used by the brain to formula.â€? Memory Formula! Pharmacist of the help form thoughts, retrieve “A rookie Call the toll-free number below memories, and help its owner doctor right Year, Gene to see how you can reserve your Steiner, PharmD, stay focused and on-task. out of medical free 30-day supply of the same, Fewer neurotransmitters circu- school can was so impressed patented memory formula lating in the brain translates to set a broken with his newused by Dr. Steiner. It is the found memory concentration and memory woes. bone, or treat #1-selling memory formula in So, Reynolds and a team of a rash or powers that he the US, and it is also mentioned recommended the scientists developed a natural, runny nose,â€? in the medically acclaimed drug-free compound shown in explains Dr. patented, book, 20/20 Brainpower: 20 prescription-free research to prompt aging brains Steiner. Days to a Quicker, Calmer, to begin to ‘think and react,’ “But he is memory formula Sharper Mind! to his pharmacy younger. often clueless when it comes patients with Claim Your Free Tired Brains Snap Awake! to helping a great success. Copyof the “It helps tired, forgetful brains patient who Top-Selling Book, to ‘snap awake,â€? says Dr. Steiner. can’t remember to take his medi20/20 Brainpower “This natural memory pill is cine, or forgets where he’s parked to your aging, sluggish brain, his car, or even worse, foolishly When you call the toll-free number below, ask how you what a breath of fresh air is to leaves the oven on at night.â€? your lungs,â€? he says. “With this simple, drug- can also receive a free copy of It works so well, explains free formula, we finally the medically acclaimed book, Steiner, that the participants in have something that we can 20/20 Brainpower: 20 Days to a peer-reviewed, international recommend that is safe and a Quicker, Calmer, Sharper, research study not only saw effective. And you don’t need a Mind! It’s a $20 value, yours free! But don’t wait, supplies improvements in their memory, prescription either!â€? mood and concentration, but Recently, Dr. Steiner relocated are limited! they also regained lost brain- to another state and was apprepower equal to that of someone hensive about taking the state Free Brain Detox 15 years younger, all in a 30- board of pharmacy jurisprudence Formula, Too! day time period! examination, a daunting exami- Be one of the first 500 callers, nation that tests a candi- and you can also receive a date’s mastery of phar- free supply of the brain detox formula that is scientifically macy law. “I began taking designed to help increase the natural memory mental clarity and focus even compound for two further by helping flush away weeks prior to the test, toxins in the brain. Call now and I passed with flying while supplies last! colors!â€? “The recall I personally experienced was fantastic,â€? says Steiner. Many frontline healthcare professionals Seniors are more concerned about memory loss and mental decline than they are about are embracing this natural remedy for three death, itself, according to a new survey. Also available at: reasons. This made perfect sense to Dr. First, the formula was Steiner, who knew instinctively submitted to the rigors of a that age-related memory prob- placebo-controlled, randomized, lems may be correctable. double-blind clinical trial, *These statements have not been using the same FDA-sanctioned evaluated by the FDA. This product is After the Show brain testing protocols used not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or After the show, Dr. Steiner to qualify prescription-sold prevent any disease. Everyone is different confided to his guest that he cognitive medicines. and you may not experience the same was fearful of not being able to “The findings for improved results. Results can depend on a variety of factors including overall health, diet, recall certain subject matter for brain function were shocking,â€? and other lifestyle factors. his popular radio show. says Steiner.

Call Toll-Free! 1-800-604-7981

OBITUARIES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

JEFFERY C. DOLFORD FLORENCE — Jeffery Clayton “J� Dolford, 30, died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, in Lamar. He was born Feb. 6, 1983, in Sumter County, a son of Dianne Dolford McKenzie and DOLFORD the late James. C. McLaughin and stepson of David McKenzie. Jeffery received his formal elementary education in Florence County public schools and his secondary education in Clarendon County public schools. As a youth, Jeffery attended Manning Deliverance Temple Church in Manning. Survivors are his parents, David and Dianne McKenzie of the home; a son, Landon LaTrey Dolford of Hartsville; a daughter, Alycia Kamiah Robinson of Charleston; a stepdaughter, Lakin Gunnells; a special friend, Stephanie Gunnells of Hartsville; four brothers, Brenton Jarron McKenzie and Quentin Alistar Dion McKenzie of the home, and Alexander McLaughlin and James McLaughlin of Baltimore, Md.; three sisters, Michelle “Josie� (William) Nickey of Turbeville, Carolena McLaughlin of Baltimore and Michelle (Paul) Goldsmith of Killeen, Texas; six aunts; and eight uncles. The celebratory services for Mr. Dolford will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Manning Deliverance Temple, 6422 June Burn Road, Manning, with Pastor Jacqueline Fulmore officiating, Minister Joshua Brand, presiding, Elder Bobby Brand, Pastor Carlos Joiner and Pastor Brand assisting. Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery. Mr. Dolford will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at Samuels Funeral Home LLC, 114 N. Church St., Manning, and other times at the home of his parents, 133 Joy Drive, Olanta. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

DOVEY ANN B. SMITH CASSATT — Dovey Ann Bixler Smith, age 76, beloved wife of Harold Smith, died on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at her residence. Born in Long Beach, Calif., she was a daughter of the late Charles F. and Alice Dodd Bixler. SMITH Ann was a former merchandise buyer for Kmart and was instrumental in opening many stores throughout South Carolina. Ann loved the outdoors and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. Surviving in additions to her husband are two sons, Vince Smith and his significant other, Deb, and George Campbell III, both of Sumter; two stepsons, Daniel Smith and his wife, Korene, of Lexington and William Smith of Deville, La.; one daughter, Marie Robinson and her husband, Charles, of Sweeny, Texas; one stepdaughter, Lisa Kojis of Camden; eight grandchildren, Christy Robinson Payakwichien, CJ Robinson, Victor Smith, Vanrell Smith Murphy, George Campbell IV, Jaryd Kojis, Cameron Smith and Liam Smith; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by a brother,

Frederick Bixler. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Turner officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday one hour prior to the service from noon to 1 p.m. at Bullock Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Camden SPCA, 460 Fair St., Camden, SC 29020. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

FULLARD ISAAC Fullard Isaac was born in Lee County to Thompson and Minnie Isaac and was educated in the public school system until the 10th grade. At the age of 18, Fullard joined the United States Army during FULLARD World War II, where he served as quartermaster, touring France and Germany. He married the beautiful, young Mattie Damon and had three sons, Thompson, Amos and Matthew. When she died at the age of 27, Mr. Isaac moved to Philadelphia and married the late Nancy Washington. Together they had a son, Clarence. While in Philadelphia, Fullard worked at the former Nimon Steel Mill and was a member of the Local Teamsters Union No. 837. He became a faithful member of New Thankful Baptist

THE ITEM

Church and served as its senior usher. Fullard was a lover of baseball ... in particular, the Philadelphia Phillies. On his 91st birthday, he was honored by Rep. Grady Brown at the State House with a resolution for his years of dedication and service. He continued church membership at Mt. Pleasant AME Church, where he was a dedicated member of the senior and men’s choirs. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today at Mt. Pleasant AME Church, Lynchburg, with the pastor, the Rev. Ernest Brown, officiating. Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery.

SHIRLEY M. TRACEY Shirley Melton Tracey, 82, wife of Arthur C. Tracey, died Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at her home. Born in Swannanoa, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Harvey B. and Pansy Pembroke Melton. Mrs. Tracey was a retired clerk at J.C. Penney. She was a past matron of Beuclare Chapter No. 20 Order of Eastern Star. Surviving are her husband of Sumter; one son, Lester Stafford; one daughter, Linda; one stepson, David Tracey and wife, Tasha; five grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; and a sister, Marie Runion of Anderson. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Rikki Tracey. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with the Rev. Pec Chatham officiating, followed by Eastern Star Rites. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home.

Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to the SPCA, 1140 S. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. Online condolences may be sent to www. sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

EDITH E. ATKINSON LYNCHBURG — Edith E. Atkinson, 82, widow of William A. “W.A.� Atkinson died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at McCoy Memorial Nursing Center. Born in Darlington County, she was a daughter of the late Clarence C. Sr. and Marie Watford Windham. Survivors include a daughter, Susie Joye of Lynchburg; four sons, Calvin Atkinson, A.Z. Atkinson (Faye), David Atkinson (Peggy) and Dewey Atkinson, all of Lynchburg; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Clarice “Curly� Clifton (Benny) of Columbia, Ruby Bailey (Ray) of Darlington, Mary Shoemake (Leon) of Hartsville and Mattie Poston (Ray) of Johnsonville; and five brothers, Willie James Windham (Mahala), John “Moe Toe� Windham, Robert “Shot� Windham (Linda), Ted Windham (Kathy) and Carl Windham (Cindy), all of Lamar. She was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Atkinson; and two brothers, Clarence “Bud� Windham Jr. and Harold Windham. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Hancock-ElmoreHill Funeral Home cha-

B5

pel with the Rev. William Taylor and the Rev. John Stephenson officiating. Burial will be in Wells Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at HancockElmore-Hill Funeral Home and other times at 961 Lynchburg Highway, Lynchburg. Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arrangements.

MARY ANN WASHINGTON Mary Ann Washington, 71, widow of Morris Washington Sr., entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia. She was born March 31, 1942, in Ridgeway, a daughter of the late Elmer and Ella Bagley Montgomery. Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter. MARY L. BRUNSON Mary Louise Brunson, wife of Harry Lee Brunson, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, at UniHealth Tanglewood Nursing Center in Ridgeway. Born Aug. 21, 1939, in Fort Pierce, Fla., she was a daughter of the late James Lesane and Eva Brunson. The family is receiving visitors at the home, 870 Salters St., Sumter. Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter. DEWEY D. MAHON MANNING — Dewey Douglas Mahon, 69, husband of Annette Taylor Mahon, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at his home in Manning. Services will be announced by Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, (803) 4352179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org

NFL

|

Panthers D looks to limit big plays vs. Saints BY STEVE REED The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Panthers coach Ron Rivera sees one potential flaw with his team’s stellar defensive play so far this season. “Apparently we like to bite on the double moves,’’ Rivera said. The Panthers (9-3) have allowed the fewest points in the NFL, but their secondary suddenly seems susceptible to big plays. Rivera his team needs to become more disciplined — preferably soon. Carolina’s secondary faces its toughest test of the season Sunday night when it faces Drew Brees and the league’s No. 3 passing attack with sole possession of first place in the NFC South on the line. “We know we have to correct that,’’ cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said of the deep balls. “Our coaches have talked to that about that.’’ Tampa Bay’s Vincent Jackson got by cornerback Drayton Florence for a 60-yard gain on Sunday. Mike Wallace beat Munnerlyn for 53 and 57 yards the week before that in Miami. Wallace

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thomas Davis (58), Dwan Edwards (92) and the rest of the Carolina defense will look to try to contain New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints’ big-play offense on Sunday in New Orleans.

would have had two other big plays but Ryan Tannehill overthrew him on one deep ball and safety Mike Mitchell broke up a deep pass to save the victory on Miami’s final possession. Munnerlyn believes some of it is a reflection of Carolina’s focus on being an aggressive defense. The Panthers have forced 26 turnovers on the season and have registered 39 sacks with their pressure defense.

“It’s trying to be aggressive and trying to make every play,’’ Munnerlyn said. “But the key is trying to play within the defense. We didn’t do that on those double moves. We didn’t play within the defensive scheme.’’ Munnerlyn said it’s particularly important to not bite on those moves this week. Brees continues to be one of the league’s best passers and needs 206 yards Sunday night to

eclipse 4,000 for the season. He’s thrown an NFC-high 29 touchdown passes. “You have to be smart with this guy,’’ Munnerlyn said. “All of the pump-faking, he can get you with that. We have to make plays when they come to you.’’ Said safety Mike Mitchell: “It’s not something that has always happened to us, but it has shown in the last two games. Obviously we want to get that cor-

rected and I think coach Rivera has gotten it corrected. The only thing to do now is pick it off in the game to show that we have it corrected.’’ The Panthers will surely scour the game film from New Orleans’ 34-7 loss to Seattle on Monday night looking for tips on how to shut down the Saints. New Orleans coach Sean Payton knows that. “They do enough things scheme-wise that cause you problems,’’ Payton said of Carolina’s defense. “The fundamentals of rushing the passer, playing good coverage and tackling are things that you see. You’ve seen them kind of blossom as the year has gone on. They have new faces there, some younger players, veteran players, it is a good mix.’’ Said Saints tight end Benjamin Watson: “It’s kind of like we’re going to be facing a tough defense just like we just faced in Seattle.’’ Of course, the difference is this game will be at the Superdome where the Saints have been nearly unstoppable. New Orleans is 6-0 at home and averaging 33.2 points per game, compared to 3-3 on the

road and 18.8 points per game. Brees has thrown 19 touchdown passes and three interceptions at home and 10 TD passes and five interceptions on the road. “I think on the turf it helps in terms of their timing because they have an indoor facility as well,’’ Rivera said. “They practice on turf. And turf does make a difference because of the timing. It’s a little faster paced as far as running routes and stuff like that.’’ Florence said the Panthers’ goal on defense remains the same — to allow the fewest points in the league. They’ve allowed just 157 overall or 13 points per game, by far the best in the league. So he’s not worried about a few deep passes becoming a lingering problem.

MEN’S NIGHT OUT! 721,*+7 ‡ 30

MANLY MAN FOOD!

AND STOREWIDE SALE ,( O& O=KE9JC :DN<& KMEL=J$ K;

THE ITEM

COMICS

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

DOG EAT DOUG

GARFIELD

ZITS

BEETLE BAILEY

BLONDIE

ANDY CAPP

DILBERT

BORN LOSER

MOTHER GOOSE

Jeff MacNelly’s SHOE

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Twins share a birthday, but shouldn’t have to share gifts

D

SUDOKU

EAR ABBY — have a large family. I I’m the proud don’t expect anyone to mother of four go broke. The gift can be beautiful children -- a a small one. Can you daughter, a son and please help me find the 8-year-old twin boys. I right words without am having a hard time sounding greedy? getting people to underMOM OF FOUR IN stand that my boys, OTTAWA whom I rarely refer to as “twins,” are two SEPADEAR MOM — Your RATE people! relatives don’t apEvery year at pear to be particuChristmas some larly sensitive, or family members they would albuy gifts for our ready realize that daughter and children are indiour eldest son, viduals whether and then ONE they happen to be gift our younger Abigail wombmates or boys are expect- VAN BUREN not. Their “frugalied to share. ty” puts a damper Abby, they once on what are supreceived one T-shirt, posed to be happy occawhich was meant for sions. It would not be both of them. This also “greedy” to tell them happens on their birththat if they can’t afford a day. gift for each child — reYes, they share a gardless of how small it room and they are might be — it would twins, but they deserve cause fewer hurt feelthe same respect as their ings if they sent none at siblings. We have never all for any of your childressed them alike. dren. They are individuals who should be treated Dear Abby is written by as such like their sister Abigail Van Buren, also and brother. known as Jeanne Phillips, Christmas is around and was founded by her the corner, and I don’t mother, Pauline Phillips. know how to tell my Write Dear Abby at www. family members to DearAbby.com or P.O. Box please buy gifts for both 69440, Los Angeles, CA the boys. I realize we 90069. dear abby

B6

ClassiďŹ ed lassiďŹ ed

CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2013

THE ITEM

B7

WWW.THEITEM.COM ITEM.COM

DEADLINES

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

803.774.1234

OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD

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.

It’s Mayo’s “More for your money Christmas Sale�! #VZ 3FHVMBS 1SJDFE 4VJU 3FDFJWF OE 4VJU PG &RVBM 7BMVF FREE! Great Selection & Savings!

MAYO’S SUIT CITY

4)*354 5*&4 1"/54 48&"5&34 4)0&4 #VZ (FU B OE )"-' 13*$& IN-STORE ALTERATIONS, FOR THOSE LAST MINUTE OCCASIONS

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that G & B Maruti LLC, dba Shop & Go intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale Off premises consumption of Beer & Wine at 3660 Pinewood Road, Sumter, SC 29154. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than December 7, 2013. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 898-5899.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Lost & Found Found pitbull in Dalzell. Must provide detail description & proof of ownership. Call 972-3493 to identify. FOUND: Ladies Ring in Lowe's parking lot on Friday 11/29/13. Owner must call to identify. Call 803-481-3054, leave message. Found gray female kitten on Garrison St. Owner call 228-313-8695 to identify.

BUSINESS SERVICES Lawn Service Newman's Lawn & Tree Service Fall clean-up, leaf removal, pinestraw, mulch bedding, clean up jobs, Free estimate 803-316-0128

AUCTION WOOD WORKING MACHINERY

PUBLIC NOTICE

Beer & Wine License

Help Wanted Full-Time

Auctions

Roofing

17- Rob Tillman 103-Antoin D. Pugh 41- Jamyra S. SCott 95- William G. Mickens 24- Boyd McConico 27- Tina Cullum 31- Lavravia K. White 115- Latoshia Wilson 21- Loretta P. Williams 61- Reginal Durant 57- Kayle Vaughn 124- Jamiel Jones 116- Charlene Plowden 73- January C. Young 62- Lasheda Coak 40- Cherelle Wright 53 & 78- Michelle Muldrow 91- Alston Freeman 34- Larry T. Milligan 75- John George

8FTNBSL 1MB[B t t .PO 4BU t 4VOEBZ

Painting

Legal Notice

All property now stored in the units listed below will be sold pursuant to the assertion of a lien for rent. If the tenant does not respond by 5:00 P.M. on December 6, 2013, their property will be sold at Storage Plus on December 7th, 2013 at 830 South Pike West at 9:00A.M. CASH ONLY! All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of sale. Storage Plus reserves the right to refuse any and all bids.

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

All Types of Roofing & Repairs All work guaranteed. 30 yrs exp. SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

METAL WORKING MACHINERY

Tree Service

TOOLS, ACCESSORIES

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

ONLINE ONLY!

NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal , trimming & stump grinding. Lic & Ins.

803-316-0128

The Tree Doctor Any size tree removal & stump grinding. Trimming & clearing. No job too big or small. Call 775-8560 or 468-1946. We accept credit cards and offer senior discounts Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747. STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net FREE OAK FIREWOOD U Cut! 803-983-6182.

MERCHANDISE Want to Buy Golden Kernel Pecan Company 1214 S. Guignard Dr. Sumter, SC 803-968-9432 We buy pecans, We sell Pecan halves & Pieces, Chocolate, Sugarfree Chocolate, Butter Roasted, Sugar & Spiced, Prailine, Honey Glazed, English Toffee Gift Packages available, Fruit Cake mix

BIDDING CLOSES ON DEC. 12, 2013 DETAILS AND BIDDING AT WWW.JRDIXONAUCTIONS.COM RAFE DIXON, SCAL 4059 (803) 774-6967

1039 Summerford LN Manning Multi Family Rain or Shine Fri 9 am-? Sat 7-? Golf Cart, Baby stuff, Heating/Air unit, Tools, ETC 803-472-0097 1st Time Ever Sale: Cleaning out home of 60 plus years of collection. Something for everyone. Sat. 7am-2pm. No Early Customers. 2550 Camden Rd. Moving Sale: 3832 Stonewood Dr, Sat. 10AM. - 2PM. Everything Must Go! Silver 2002 Saturn SL1. Sumter County Flea Mkt Hwy 378 E. 803-495-2281 500 tables. Sat. $8 free return Sun. Three Family Sale: 7 Stark St. Fri 9am-4pm Household & furniture. No early Birds! LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. 905-4242

For Sale or Trade

Auctions STORAGE AUCTION MOORE'S MINI STORAGE 1117 N. MAIN ST. SUMTER SAT. DEC. 7TH, 2013. 9AM

ESTATE AUCTION NAN FREEMAN ESTATE ‡ )XUQLWXUH 'HFRUDWLYH ,WHPV +RXVHKROG $QG 025(

Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves. Also new Gas stoves. Guaranteed. 803-464-5439 Roller Coaster pinball machine $2,350. Ms. Pacman $950. Pool tables $900-$1500. Call 316-7006. Will deliver for Christmas. 3pc LR Set. 5pc Oak DR set. 22 cubic ft s/s frig/freezer w/ice maker/door dispenser. 491-5461 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Clarendon Memorial Cemetary 4 plots in the original section. $700 each. Call 843-293-7779.

DETAILS AND BIDDING AT WWW.JRDIXONAUCTIONS.COM RAFE DIXON, SCAL 4059 (803) 774-6967

Daniel's Lawn Care •Firewood starting at $45 •Tree removal •Leaf removal •Gutter & roof cleaning 803-968-4185

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 STC offers competitive salary and benefits EOE and Drug Free Workplace Contact - Pat Joyner 803-775-1002 x107 Golden Corral We are now hiring experienced kitchen managers for our Sumter SC, Charlotte NC, Wilmington NC locations. $35-53K depending on Experience. 5 Day week. Paid PTO every quarter. Health/Life/Vision/Dental Coverage. 401K. Candidates MUST have Restaurant Management Experience. Criminal background checks and drug test required. EEOC Send resume to : jlepper@platinumcorral.com Paralegal Experience required in one or more ares of law including real estate closings, worker's comp., family law and civil litigation. Excellent pay and benefits. Reply to Box P347 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Assistant Manager needed at People's Finance Company. Valid drivers license and auto required. A career opportunity that offers excellent salary and a complete fringe benefit package. Promotion to manager possible within 15 months. No experience necessary. Apply in person at: 730B Broad St . EOE, M/F. Ask for Donnie Collins ASSISTANT MANAGER TRAINEE No experience needed. On the job training good starting salary and profit sharing auto required, A sales personality is a must. If enjoy helping customers with temporary problems then this is the career for you. Apply Lenders Loans, 304 Broad St., Sumter, SC.

Help Wanted Part-Time Insurance Office seeks FT CSR /Agent. P & C license and exp helpful but not required. Fax resume to 202-204-0295 or email to hiring_123@aol.com Local income tax service is seeking outgoing individuals to fill positions in the upcoming tax season. Computer experience required. Will train qualified individuals. Call (803) 773-1702 or fax resume to (864) 271-9439.

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Experienced FT Salesperson. Dependable transportation and good work references required. Apply in person at 873 Broad St. Handyman/Serviceman Contractor Wanted. Email resume to r339@claytonhomes.com or drop off at 2735 Broad St. Sumter, SC 29150

JERSEY KNIT SHEET SETS 29 Progress St. - Sumter TWIN ......... FULL.......... 775-8366 Ext. 37 Store Hours 0RQ 6DW ‡ 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

Sparrow and Kennedy Tractor Co. in Manning is looking to hire an Ag technician with experience in the following areas: Diesel engine repair, hydraulics and electrical diagnostics. Must have valid SCDL. Applications can be picked up at 305 E. Boyce St., Manning, SC 29102. Submit applications to Service Writer.

A Unique Seasonal Opportunity

ONLINE BIDDING! Ends Dec. 10, 2013

Seeking motivated, enthusiastic and competent service plumber. Must have at least 5 yrs experience, excellent communication skills and a valid driver license. Apply today at Hill Plumbing 438 N main St Sumter SC. 803-773-6689

$12 PER SET $12 QUEEN........ PER SET $16 KING.......... PER SET $20 PER SET

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments

Manufactured Housing

Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette. 775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO 2BR/2BA very nice large Apt. located in town. $600/mo. No credit check. Call 803-236-5953

Unfurnished Homes

Singlewides & Doublewides sold wholesale for CASH... Call Now 983-8084 3BR/2BA Mobile Home. Owner Financing with $6,000 down. Call 803-494-5010 LOW CREDIT SCORE? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing. We have 2-3-4-5 bedroom homes on our lot. Layaway program available. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

Farms & Acreage

1 David Ct 2BR 1BA $550 Mo & Dep. Call 803-210-9299 Lrg freshly painted 3BR/1BA home, $550 dep/rent, 468-1900

FSBO: Land, Small & Large acreage. Owner financing. 803-427-3888.

503 Church St. 2BR/1BA $375 /mo. + $375/dep. Ref. req. Call 803-783-4683

TRANSPORTATION

3BR/1BA home. Section 8, $500/mo + dep. Tesco 773-1515

Mobile Home Rentals

Autos For Sale

3BR 1 BA MH: N. of Manning, N. Brewington Rd. Call 803-473-3100 or 803-410-1241.

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

3BR/1.5BA, all appl. incl. C/H/A, water & sewer incl. $385/mo + dep. Call 803-464-5757.

'00 3500 Chevrolet Dually Ext Cab. 140k mi. Runs great. New tires. $7,500. '04 Ford Taurus. Newly replaced motor, (90 day warranty motor), 77k mi. $3,500. 236-1527 L & L BODY SHOP AUTO SALES 778-2427 97' Nissan Sentra 4Dr AT AC $2500, 93" Ford Probe GT 2 Dr 5sp V6 $2200, 95" Pontiac Grand AM AT 4 Dr $950

Scenic Lake 2Br, 2Ba & 3 Br, 2 Ba. No pets. Call between 9am 5pm ONLY! (803) 499-1500. 3br/2ba, 24 x 48 MH. Fenced yard, 10 x 20 deck w/priv. dock, overlooking 22 acre lake. $725/mo + utilities & sec. dep. No pets! Stove/refrig & microwave incl. min. from Shaw. Call 803-840-9097 or 840-9098. Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water/sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd. RV parking avail. Call 494-8350

WE’RE ALL EARS Questions? Comments? Story Ideas? Let us know how we’re doing.

Trucking Opportunities Driver Trainees Needed Now! Learn to drive for US Xpress! Earn $800+ per week! No experience needed! CDL -Trained and Job-Ready in 15 days! 1-888-263-7364

20 N. Magnolia Street 803.774.1200 www.theitem.com

SHOP WITH US FOR GREAT HOLIDAY SAVINGS

KITCHEN CURTAIN SETS – $8 PER SET SHOWER CURTAINS $10 EACH SHOWER CURTAIN RODS $8 EACH

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2013

135924A

P7505A

135864A

1999 TOYOTA CAMRY LE

$

NOW

3,995

2000 FORD EXCURSION NOW

$

4,500

135748A

2004 FORD EXPLORER 2WD NOW

7,995

$

P7512A

2004 GMC SIERRA SLE

$

NOW

9,995

1991 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4WD NOW

$

4,995

135630A

2002 SATURN L SERIES NOW

$

5,995

145834A

135500C

2000 PORSCHE BOXSTER

$

NOW

9,995

2005 GMC YUKON SLE

$

NOW

9,995

2012 FORD FUSION (P7514........................... $16,995

2011 FORD RANGER 2WD (P7525).................$21,995

2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID (P7471)...............$28,995

2012 FORD FUSION (P7501) ..........................$16,995

2010 FORD FLEX 2WD (145800A) ..................$21,995

2011 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 4WD (135933A).....$29,995

2012 FORD FUSION (P750) ............................$16,995

2010 FORD MUSTANG (145835A) ..................$22,995

2013 FORD EXPLORER 4WD (135839A)..........$29,995

2007 FORD F150 4WD (135428A)..................$17,995

2013 MAZDA CX-5 (135472B) .......................$22,995

2007 FORD MUSTANG (145915A) ..................$29,995

2011 FORD MUSTANG (145856A) ..................$17,995

2010 FORD MUSTANG (135656A) ..................$22,995

2013 FORD EDGE 2WD (145709A)..................$29,995

2012 TOYOTA CAMRY (P7515).......................$18,495

2010 FORD MUSTANG (145767A) ..................$23,995

2005 CHEVY CORVETTE (135907A).................$29,995

2011 CHEVY MALIBU (135819A)....................$18,995

2008 JEEP WRANGLER 4WD (145599A) .........$23,995

2010 FORD EXPEDITION 2WD (145822A) .......$30,995

2013 DODGE DART (145775A) .......................$18,995

2013 FORD ESCAPE 2WD (P7490) ..................$23,995

2012 FORD EXPLORER 2WD (135358A)..........$31,995

2011 FORD ESCAPE 2WD (P7469) ..................$18,995

2012 CHEVY EQUINOX 2WD (145757A) .........$23,995

2011 FORD F150 2WD (145822A)..................$32,995

2011 FORD ESCAPE 2WD (PMCL) ....................$18,995

2012 CHEVY TRAVERSE 2WD (P7455) ............$23,995

2010 FORD F150 4WD (P7527)......................$32,995

2007 CHEVY AVALANCHE 4WD (135907B)......$19,995

2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2WD (P7452)......$24,495

2010 FORD EXPLORER 2WD (135667A)..........$33,995

2012 JEEP COMPASS 4WD (P7437B) ..............$20,995

2010 FORD EDGE AWD (P7478)......................$24,995

2010 FORD F150 2WD (145916B)..................$34,995

2012 FORD ECONOLINE CARGO VAN (P7503) .$20,995

2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2WD (P7523) ...$25,995

2013 FORD EXPLORER 4WD (135682A)..........$35,995

2012 FORD FUSION (145879A) ......................$20,995

2013 FORD F150 2WD (145838A)..................$26,995

2011 FORD F150 2WD (135400A)..................$36,777

2010 FORD F150 2WD (P7522)......................$20,995

2013 FORD TAURUS (P7470)..........................$26,995

2011 FORD F150 4WD (135871A)..................$37,995

2012 CHEVY MALIBU (145845B) ....................$20,995

2013 FORD FLEX 2WD (FRAC9).......................$28,725

2010 TOYOTA RAV4 4WD (P7481) .................$21,995

2011 FORD F150 2WD (125198A)..................$28,995

135892A

145759A

2004 CHEVY TAHOE 4WD NOW

11,995

$

P7475

2012 KIA SOUL NOW

14,995

$

135577A

2010 KIA FORTE NOW

$

13,995

NOW

$

13,995

P7509

P7513

2013 FORD FIESTA NOW

2004 CHEVY SILVERADO 2500 4WD

$

15,995

P7519

2010 FORD FOCUS NOW

$

14,995

P7516

2012 FORD FUSION NOW

15,995

$

2012 FORD FUSION NOW

$

16,495

773-1481

/ .BJO 4USFFU r 4VNUFS 4$ r

www.mclaughlinford.com ALL PRICES PLUS TAX & TAGS AND INCLUDES DEALER $249 CLOSING FEE - SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

THE ITEM

C1

C2

FAITH TODAY

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Maintaining stability in an unstable world BY RON DAVIS Pastor, Sumter Bible Church

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A woman passes a large menorah on Independence Mall on the seventh night of Hanukkah on Tuesday in Philadelphia. Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight-day commemoration of rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians.

December plays host to many religious holidays FROM METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

BODHI DAY:

Christmas and Chanukah may get the bulk of the attention come December, but the final month of the year includes other religious holidays as well. The following are just a few of the religious celebrations taking place this holiday season.

A holiday that commemorates the day Buddha received enlightenment, Bodhi Day is typically celebrated on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month. Bodhi Day is celebrated in many Buddhist countries and communities, and many celebrants choose to meditate in commemoration.

FEAST OF SAINT NICHOLAS:

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION:

Typically falling on Dec. 6, the Feast of Saint Nicholas, or Saint Nicholas Day, is a festival for children in many European countries. In commemoration of Saint Nicholas, gift-giving occurs in some countries on his feast day, while some countries’ celebrations are more low-key. Children are typically the recipients of gifts, and the legend of Saint Nicholas, whose reputation as a gift-giver was widely known during his lifetime, is said to have inspired the idea of Santa Claus.

This feast, which is celebrated on Dec. 8, celebrates the belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a celebration of the belief that Mary was kept free of original sin from the moment of her conception. The day is a Holy Day of Obligation within the Catholic Church.

ing and receiving gifts, but a commemoration of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukah is celebrated for eight nights and days, and in some years, like this year, can begin in late November. CHRISTMAS:

CHANUKAH:

Some may instantly associate Chanukah with exchanging gifts, but this well-known December holiday is not a celebration of giv-

Celebrated every year on Dec. 25 (though some Orthodox Christians use a different calendar and celebrate on a different day), Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditions associated with Christmas include attending Christmas Mass, decorating for the holiday and exchanging gifts with family and friends. Once celebrated strictly by Christians, the holiday is now celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike and includes both religious and secular traditions.

Our society is changing constantly, and it seems harder to have stability when so many things are changing around us. When I was growing up in Bishopville in the ’50s and early ’60s, home, church and school were fairly consistent in what children were being taught. Looking back, things seemed more stable. It began to change in the late ’60s. I remember when a young married couple came to teach in our high school, and students were shocked to find that these two new teachers actually believed in evolution. It had been in our textbooks as a theory, but we all thought no one was really foolish enough to really believe it. How things have changed. So how can we have stability when the homes, churches and schools are not always teaching the same values? Everything seems to be changing around us whether we like it or not. Where do we find stability? The good news is that stability in one’s life does not have to be determined by all the things going on in one’s life. Stability does not come from the absence of motion around us but from the presence of a foundation under us. James 1:8 says, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.� Notice the verse says all his ways. This includes emotional and financial instability, family and work instability and any other kind of instability. We see from this verse that stability begins in the mind. We could call it a philosophy of life — a system of values by which one lives. To avoid being unstable in all our ways, we must first have the right thinking process. We must be single-minded. Only the believer in Jesus Christ can have true, lasting stability. Our mindset should be that God is sovereign, and we can trust Him. For the believer in Jesus Christ, we understand that everything that happens around us is either orchestrated or allowed by God and that it is for our ultimate good (even when we cannot see how). This is what Romans 8:28 teaches us. This is trusting God. This is the foundation under us that allows us to have stability of mind when everything around us seems to be moving away from our control.

Absence of violence doesn’t mean the presence of peace BY ANNA OWENS I like to know things. In fact, nothing frustrates me more than a question to which I don’t know the answer. However, since returning from a year of service in Belfast, Northern Ireland, I find that I am constantly asked questions for which I have no answers. People want to know how I have changed. I cannot say for certain how, only that I have. I can give some insight, however, into how those changes happened. I worked primarily in White-

house Presbyterian Church, leading and assisting in programs for all age groups. This church was burned to the ground in a sectarian arson attack in 2002. I worked, also, in an elementary school, where I taught music to second- to fifthgraders. This school, too, was burned to the ground in an arson attack in 2009. I have learned something of rebuilding, of rising from the ashes and doing a new thing — an image invoked by the prophet Isaiah, and one that still rings true today in the midst of vio-

lence and devastation. And while I may not have the answers to many questions I’m asked, I do have the answer to one: Why does a place in the United Kingdom need mission co-workers? The answer is this: The absence of violence is not the presence of peace. I have learned that the need for reconciliation is not only present in the segregated housing estates of Belfast. One only needs to drive through Sumter, or to walk into a cafeteria within our own school district, to know this is our sad reality, as

well. Prophets and peacemakers are not called only to one place. It is in the book of James that we find the promise that “peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.� (3:18). In order to sow peace, we must be willing to look across walls of division into the faces of those living in the neighborhoods they divide. We must be willing to communicate with those who are different in thought, word or deed. Nothing can be sown with a clenched fist — even if the seeds are present. Hands must be open in

order for seed to be cast out — open with palms facing upward and outstretched to join with others who are sowing their seed, as well. And the first step? Recognizing ourselves as the sowers. Anna served as a Young Adult Volunteer in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from 2012 to 2013. The YAV Program is a part of the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s World Mission Agency. This program is for young adults ages 1930. For more information, visit www.pcusa.org/ministries/yav.

SUMTER CUT RATE DRUGS Your Compounding Pharmacy

Susie’sSALONBoutique AND SPA

Ď­Ď°Ď° 'Ä‚ĆŒĆŒÄžĆŠ ^ĆšĆŒÄžÄžĆšÍ• ^ĆľĹ?ƚĞ Íť ^ƾžĆšÄžĆŒÍ• ^

#VMUNBO %SJWF t 4VNUFS ]

803-418-5441 Ç Ç Ç Í˜Ç€Ĺ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ?Ä‚ĹśĹ?ĞůĆ?͘Ä?Žž

JOHN W. HOLLADAY Pharmacist In Charge

Jesus is the reason for the season. 469-6613 www.destinypraisecenter.org

4 .BJO 4USFFU t 4VNUFS 4$ 5FYU .&%4 t &NBJM NFET!TVNUFSDVUSBUFESVHT DPN

COME JOIN SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH

Remember

2115 homas Sumter Highway (521 North) - Sumter, SC

773-8432

Bobby Beatson Agency, Inc. 803-778-6579

Jldk\i YY\Xkjfe7XccjkXk\%Zfd

Sunday School..................... 9:45 AM Sunday Morning Worship.... 11:00 AM Wednesday Evening Prayer Service.. 7:00 PM Sunday Evening Service................... 6:00 PM 435-4168 323 Alfred Henry Dr., Manning, SC Rev. Pec Chatham, Pastor

CHURCH NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

EARLY DEADLINE: Deadline for Church News to be published Dec. 26 is noon Wednesday, Dec. 18. Deadline for Church News to be published Jan. 2, 2014, is noon Monday, Dec. 23. Bethany Fellowship Baptist Church, 350 E. Red Bay Road, announces: * Sunday — 11th pastoral anniversary celebration of Pastor Daryl McGhaney at 11 a.m. The Rev. Sandra Simmons will speak. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 4319 Rowe Drive, Summerton, announces: * Saturday, Dec. 21 — Christmas showcase at 6:30 p.m. Donation amount is $10. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, 774 Douglas Ave., announces: * Sunday, Dec. 15 — Men of Canaan gospel program at 3:30 p.m. featuring Hosea Sessions and the Messengers as well as the Palmetto Gospel Singers. Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1275 Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday — “Women of the Bible� service at 4 p.m. * Friday, Dec. 13 — Joy Night service at 7 p.m.

deliverance worship at 7 p.m. Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 5405 Black River Road, Rembert, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 15 — Praise dance ministry’s anniversary celebration at 2 p.m. * Sunday, Dec. 22 — Christmas program at 9 a.m. High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Saturday, Dec. 21 — Christmas program and fellowship dinner at noon. Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., announces: * The mini-drama “Jesus, the Sacrificial Gift� will be presented at 7:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. as follows: Sunday, The Plan Revealed; Sunday, Dec. 15, The Promise Fulfilled; and Sunday, Dec. 22, The Gift. * Saturday — Stuff-A-Bus 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Accepting donations at 415 Manning Ave. of practical items (clothes, school supplies, etc.). Financial donations also accepted. Call (803) 775-4032 for pick up. Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 22 — Christmas program. Church school at 9

a.m. with worship at 10 a.m. * Sunday, Dec. 29 — Youth service. Church school at 9 a.m. with worship at 10 a.m. Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday, Dec. 14 — Knitting Hearts Cafe 10 a.m.-noon. Tammi Soles will speak. www. knittingheartsministry.org Land Flowing with Milk & Honey Ministry, 1335 Peach Orchard Road, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 22 — Christmas play at 11 a.m. * Sunday, Dec. 29 — Youth with SWAG at 11 a.m. Liberty Hill AME Church, 2310 Liberty Hill Road, Summerton, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 15 — Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Gospel Choir will present a Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Lighthouse Baptist Church, 1130 N. St. Paul Church Road, announces: * Tuesday, Dec. 10 — Prophetic Bible Conference at 7 p.m. Dr. Tony Gould will speak.

803-720-5015 Clark United Methodist Church, 2980 U.S. 401 N., Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 22 — Christmas program at 11 a.m. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 182 S. Pike East, announces: * Saturday — Community clothes giveaway / worship 10 a.m.-1 p.m. * Saturday, Dec. 14 — Prison ministry outreach. * Friday, Dec. 20 — Praise and

program of the Majestic Gospel Singers at 5 p.m. On the program: Brown Brothers, Heavenly Stars, Gospel Leaders and more. Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Saturday — CUIASC (Church Ushers Interdenominational Association of South Carolina) mid-winter musical / candlelight service at 4 p.m. * Sunday — Hospitality ministry’s anniversary / new member fellowship at 10:45 a.m. * Friday-Saturday, Dec. 20-21 — Christmas basketball tournament. Call (803) 7733546. * Sunday, Dec. 22 — Christmas program at 4 p.m. New Fellowship Covenant Ministries, 316 W. Liberty St., announces: * Saturday, Dec. 14 — Clothes giveaway at 9 a.m. Orangehill Independent Methodist Church, 3005 S. King Highway, Wedgefield, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 15 — Four

Seasons program and dinner at 10 a.m. Pinewood Baptist Church, S.C. 261, Pinewood, announces: * Sunday, Dec. 15 — “The Light of Christmas� musical at 6 p.m. www.pinewoodbaptist. org. * Wednesday, Dec. 18 — Christmas tree gift exchange and visit from Santa at 7 p.m. * Sunday, Dec. 22 — “The Light of Christmas� musical at 11 a.m. Children’s Christmas program at 7 p.m. * Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014 — Special service to honor retiring pastor the Rev. Bennie T. Barwick Jr. and retiring music director Claudia L. Barwick. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. with worship at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow. RSVP for luncheon by Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 as follows: sign-up on church bulletin board; call (803) 4525373; or email webmaster@ pinewoodbaptist.org. Providence Baptist Church, 2445 Old Manning Road, announces: * Saturday — Men’s prayer

C3

breakfast at 7:30 a.m. To attend the widow’s visit to Kensington Mansion’s Christmas open house, meet at the church at 10:30 a.m. * Sunday — Christmas cantata at 11 a.m. * Monday, Dec. 16 — Widow’s luncheon at 11 a.m. Sheppard Ministries, 8490 Two Mile Road, Lynchburg, announces: * Saturday — Southern Heritage Christmas Concert featuring 12 groups and choirs at Freedom Worship Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1490 Florence Highway. Doors open at 5 p.m. and program begins at 6:30 p.m. Walker’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 99 Walter Ave., announces: * Sunday, Dec. 15 — Hands on Praise puppet ministry at 11 a.m. Willow Grove AME Church, 8105 A/B Sumter Landing Road, Horatio, announces: * Sunday — Horatio Community Christmas Lighting at 5 p.m. at Lenoir’s Store.

Marvin Hodge Life Enrichment Center, 609 Miller Road, announces: * Sunday — 38th anniversary

Turn those UNWANTED HOLIDAY gift cards into CASH!

Church of Christ, 313 Mooneyham Road, announces: * Saturday, Dec. 14 — Family and friends night at 6:30 p.m. The Rev. Tommy L. China will speak.

THE ITEM

www.giftcardmonkey.com

Keep The Faith See the Difference. Feel the Comfort.

+.(* :jgY\ Klj]]l =pl& Kmel]j$ K; 0(+! ,1,%*+((

Merry Christmas from

invites you to join us for

A Night in Bethlehem 4VOEBZ %FDFNCFS QN All Ages

~

Christmas Eve Service at 5:00pm .BUIJT 4USFFU r 4VNUFS 775-2489 www.crosswell.org

i8JTF .FO 4UJMM 4FFL )JNu .BUUIFX

Love Covenant Church 245 Oswego Hwy., Sumter, SC 803.775.7605

“Best Duck Calls Made, Period!� BIG LAKE OUTDOOR PRODUCTS

“The Lord is my rock, and my Fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will Trust; My buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.� Psalms 18:2

Hugh C. McLaurin

Tommy L. & Angela P. Frederick of

Love Covenant Church

owner of Big Lake Duck Calls.

invite you to worship SERVICE TIMES 8PSTIJQ 4FSWJDFT 4VOEBZ BN t #JCMF 4UVEZ ćVSTEBZ QN Multi Cultural...Non-traditional...Relevant Teaching...Dynamic Music Listen to us on the web at www.lovecovenantchurch.com

“Big Lake Calls� call has won the SC State Championship in 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Love Covenant Child Development Center Hours Monday - Friday 5:30am til Midnight

BIG LAKE CALLS WILL NOT STICK, LOCK UP, OR FREEZE -GUARANTEED!

1FSGFDU 8PPEJF

Apostle

1FSGFDU 5JNCFS

The Ruach

245 Oswego Hwy., Sumter, SC Book Today! 803.775.5416

4UZMFT UP $IPPTF 'SPN Available at Simpson Hardware in the Sumter and Manning locations and at Helmly Brothers Ace Hardware in Elloree, SC

Big Lake Calls–Born in South Carolina to be used anywhere in the World.

Made in Elloree, South Carolina r XXX CJHMBLFEVDLDBMMT DPN

The Ruach is a spacious banquet facility, cafe and meeting space for your special occasion. Our atmosphere of warmth and elegance is conveniently located within minutes of I-95 and I-20 serving the Sumter, Lee & Clarendon County area. The Ruach is ideal for weddings, showers, family celebrations, reunions, business receptions and speaking engagements. Accommodates up to 250 guests with ample parking. www.theruach.org

C4

FAITH TODAY

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Trusting in God is key to overcoming life’s struggles ‘I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from which cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord who made the heavens and earth.’ Psalm 121: 1-2

BY JAMES BLASSINGAME Pastor, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Special to The Item Do you ever reach a point when it appears that everything is working against you? Sometimes the circumstances in life prompt us to feel like the slogan on the Morton Salt box which says, “When it rains, it pours.� Every believer should remember that no matter how bad a circumstance may appear, God is always present with us and is secretly working behind the scenes in

Serving your needs with compassion, understanding and trust. Pam Stephens Shayne Stephens

many ways to help us. Often we do not even know that it is happening. Believers are not promised immunity from unfortunate circumstances. We are not promised that there will be no auto wrecks, sicknesses, financial troubles, marital ripples and personal frustrations. We are never promised that we will always have a job. Neither are we promised financial security. We are promised that regardless to what comes our way, God will be there for us. If we are

struggling with troubles that have put our livelihoods at stake, it may seem that the world is against us, but the believer takes hope in God’s promise in Psalms 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.� If we are struggling by troubles on the left and problems on the right, don’t worry too much about it, because as long as God is on the case we can join with the psalmist: “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from which cometh

3 N. Church Street 304 M Manning, SC 29102

Business Set-Up services done On-Site for small home businesses also ofered. Sharon Moore

545 Oxford Street, Ste. D 4VNUFS 4$ t Email: sharon@mooreconcepts.biz

Merry Christmas from

DWIGHT STEWART, JR. AND ASSOCIATES CONSULTING FORESTERS & #0:$& 45 ."//*/( 4$

Churh Directory Adventit

6XPWHU 6HYHQWK 'D\ $GYHQWLVW 1 3LNH :HVW 6DW 6FK DP :RUVKLS DP 7XHV %LEOH 6WXG\ SP ZZZ VXPWHU DGYHQWLVWFKXUFKFRQQHFW RUJ

Anglican

Lutheran - NALC

:HHNHQG 0DVVHV 6DW 9LJLO SP 6XQ DQG DP 0DVV 7KH &DWKROLF &RPPXQLW\ RI 6XPWHU 6W -XGH 6LWH : 2DNODQG $YH ‡ ZZZ VWMXGHVXPWHUVF RUJ

$OGHUVJDWH 8QLWHG 0HWKRGLVW $OLFH 'U ‡ 'U :HEE %HODQJLD 5HYHUHQG 7UDGLWLRQDO 6HUYLFH DP 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP &RQWHPSRUDU\ DP

3OD]D &KXUFK RI &KULVW &DPGHQ +Z\ ‡ 6WHZDUW 6FKQXU FHOO 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP SP :HG %LEOH &ODVV SP

7ULQLW\ 8QLWHG 0HWKRGLVW &KXUFK : /LEHUW\ 6W ‡ 5HY .HYLQ *RUU\ &RQWHPSRUDU\ :RUVKLS 7UDGLWLRQDO :RUVKLS 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO WULQLW\XPFVXPWHU RUJ

Love Covenant Church 2VZHJR +Z\ ‡ $SRVWOH 7RPP\ )UHGULFN 3URSKHW $QJHOD )UHGHULFN 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP 7KXUVGD\ %LEOH 6WXG\ SP

-HKRYDK 0LVVLRQDU\ %DSWLVW &KXUFK 6 +DUYLQ 6W 0DULRQ + 1HZWRQ 3DVWRU 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP 6XQGD\ <RXWK 6HUYLFH DP :HGQHVGD\ %LEOH 6WXG\ SP

6SLULWXDO /LIH &KULVWLDQ &HQWHU %URDG 6W ([W ‡ 3DVWRUV 5DQGROSK 0LQHUYD 3DLJH 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP :HGQHVGD\ %LEOH 6WXG\ SP

+LFNRU\ 5RDG %DSWLVW &KXUFK &KHUU\YDOH 'U 'U 5RQ 7D\ORU 3DVWRU 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP :RUVKLS DP

6KDZ +HLJKWV %DSWLVW &KXUFK 3HDFK 2UFKDUG 5G Rev. Robert White Pastor 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP SXQGD\ :RUVKLS DP SP

/RQJ %UDQFK %DSWLVW &KXUFK 3HDFK 2UFKDUG 5G 'DO]HOO ZZZ ORQJEUDQFKBEDSWLVW FRP James R. Allen 6XQ 6FKRRO DP :RUVKLS DP 6XQ (YHQLQJ :RUVKLS SP :HG 0LG :HHN 6HUYLFH SP

Caholic - Roman

7KH &DWKROLF &RPPXQLW\ RI 6XPWHU St. Anne Site ( /LEHUW\ 6W ‡ )U 7KRPDV %XUNH & 6V 5

Pentecostal-United

6W -RKQ 8QLWHG 0HWKRGLVW &KXUFK 3RLQVHWW 'U 5HY - 5REHUW %RE +XJJLQV 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP :RUVKLS DP :HG 1LJKW 6XSSHU %LEOH 6WXG\ SP www.stjohnumc.com

&LW\ RI 5HIXJH &KXUFK &DUROLQD $YH %DUEDUD -RKQQ\ 'DYLV 6XQ 6FKRRO DP :RUVKLS %LEOH 6WXG\ :HG SP ZZZ FLW\RIUHIXJHPLQLVWU\ FRP

Baptit - Misionary

Sumter Bible Church 6RXWK 3LNH :HVW 6XPWHU 3DVWRU 5RQ 'DYLV 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP :RUVKLS DP SP :HG %LEOH 6WXG\ 3UD\HU SP

%HWKHO 8QLWHG 0HWKRGLVW &KXUFK /RGHEDU 5G ‡ 5HY -HUHP\ +RZHOO 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP ZZZ \RXUEHWKHO RUJ %0HWKRGLVW#IWF L QHW

Interdenominational

&KHUU\YDOH %DSWLVW &KXUFK &KHUU\YDOH 'U (GZDUG %RZHQ 6U 3DVWRU Sun. School 10:00am :RUVKLS DP SP :HG (YHQLQJ 6HUYLFH SP

5HIUHVKLQJ 6SULQJV .LQJGRP 2XWUHDFK 1 :DVKLQJWRQ 6W 6XPWHU 3DVWRU 0HOLVVD 5LFKDUGVRQ :RUVKLS SP

Mehoit - United

Churh f Chrit

Baptit - Indeendent

:RUG ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 0LQLVWULHV 0DQQLQJ $YHQXH $SRVWOH /DUU\ 'X5DQW 3DVWRU :RVKLS DP 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP 7XHV %LEOH 6WXG\ SP

Immanuel Lutheran Church 3RLQVHWW 'ULYH ‡ 3DVWRU *DU\ %OREDXP :RUVKLS 6HUYLFH DP 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP :HG %LEOH &ODVV SP

)U &KDUOHV 0LFKDHO 'RQRYDQ & 6V 5 6DWXUGD\ 9LJLO SP 6XQ (XFK DP SP 6SDQLVK

&KXUFK RI WKH +RO\ &URVV 1RUWK .LQJV +Z\ +Z\ 1

&KULVWLDQ (GXFDWLRQ DP +RO\ (XFKDULVW DP 0RUQLQJ 3UD\HU 7XHV 7KXUV DP +RO\ &RPPXQLRQ :HG SP

*UDFH %DSWLVW &KXUFK : &DOKRXQ 6W 'U 6WHSKHQ :LOOLDPV 6 6 DP :RUVKLS :HG 0HDO &KRLU 0LVVLRQV SP :HG %LEOH 6WXG\ SP

Personalized Bookkeeping, Payroll and Tax Services Business & Personal

Looking for Land?

www.stephensfuneralhome.org

Baptit - Southern

We know this to be true because of what God has promised in His word. Romans 8:28 reads: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love the God, to those who are called according to His purpose.�

MOORE BUSINESS CONCEPTS, LLC

'03&45 ."/"(&.&/5 t 5*.#&3 "113"*4"-4 t -"/% "26*4*5*0/

((803) 435-2179

6DOHP 0LVVLRQDU\ %DSWLVW &KXUFK :HVW )XOWRQ 6WUHHW 5HY /HL ) :DVKLQJWRQ 6XQ :RUVKLS DP 6XQ 6FKRRO SP 7XH 3UD\HU 6HUYLFH SP :HG )HOORZVKLS 'LQQHU SP

my help, my help cometh from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth.� (Psalm 121:12) If we believe in God, trust in Him and walk in His way, He will work every negative situation out to our advantage.

Non-Denominational %LEOH )HOORZVKLS &KXUFK %URDG 6W ‡ Pastor Jim Ketchum 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP :RUVKLS SP 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP :HG 3UD\HU 0HHWLQJ SP

9LFWRU\ )XOO *RVSHO ,QWHUGHQRPLQDWLRQDO &KXUFK 3LWWV 5G ‡ -RDQQ 3 0XUULOO 3DVWRU 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP <RXWK %LEOH 6WXG\ 5HVSHFW 0RQGD\ SP

&KULVW &RPPXQLW\ &KXUFK &&&

2[IRUG 6W 6XPWHU 3DVWRU 7RE\ 7REXUHQ 6XQ :RUVKLS DP 3DWULRW +DOO

Lutheran - ELCA

St James Lutheran Church $OLFH 'U 6XPWHU ZZZ VWMDPHVVXPWHU RUJ 3DVWRU .HLWK *HW] 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP

)LUVW &KXUFK RI *RG &DPGHQ 5G ‡ www.sumterfcg.org 5RQ %RZHU 3DVWRU 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP

)LUVW 8QLWHG 3HQHFRVWDO &KXUFK 3ORZGHQ 0LOO 5G ‡ Pastor Theron Smith 6XQGD\ 6HUYLFH DP SP :HGQHVGD\ %LEOH 6WXG\ SP 6XPWHU )LUVW 3HQWHFRVWDO +ROLQHVV &KXUFK 0F&UD\V 0LOO 5G ‡ 6 3DXO +RZHOO 3DVWRU 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP 6XQGD\ :RUVKLS DP SP :HG :RUVKLS <RXWK *URXS SP

Pesbyterian

)LUVW 3UHVE\WHULDQ &KXUFK RI 6XPWHU : &DOKRXQ 6W ‡ ,QWHULP 3DVWRU 5HY 5D\ )DQFKHU 0RUQLQJ :RUVKLS D P 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO $OO $JHV D P 6XQGD\ 1LJKW &KXUFK 3URJUDP S P /HPLUD 3UHVE\WHULDQ &KXUFK %RXOHYDUG 5G ‡ 3DVWRU 'DQ 5RZWRQ 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO DP :RUVKLS DP %LEOH 6WXG\ SP 6ZDQ /DNH 3UHVE\WHULDQ &KXUFK +D\QVZRUWK 6W 6XPWHU Pastor Chuck Staggs 6XQGD\ 6FKRRO :RUVKLS

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ACTIVE DAY INC. .FEJDBM "EVMU %BZ $BSF BOE 3FIBCJMJUBUJPO 4FSWJDFT

“We are here to keep you active.�

0TXFHP )JHIXBZ Sumter, S.C. 29153 1IPOF t '"9 XXX BDUJWFEBZ DPN

Atlas Transmission 3 : /LEHUW\ 6WUHHW ‡ 6XPWHU 6&

8803-773-8432

"MMPX :PVS #VTJOFTT UP (MPSJGZ (PE " "MMPX M

Ingram & TAX Associates FIRM -PDBMMZ 0XOFE t &TUBCMJTIFE FULL SERVICE TAX FIRM

Don’t Fuss Call Us

6RXWK 3LNH :HVW ‡ “Join us after church for dinner’’

2085 Jefferson Road, Sumter, S.C. 29153 1IPOF t '"9 2414

& -JCFSUZ 4U r

Carolina Filters, Inc.

Job’s Mortuary

We Respect Your Vehicle,Time & Money )UHH 'LDJQRVWLF ‡ )RUHLJQ 'RPHVWLF )UHH 3LFNXS 'HOLYHU\ ‡ )LQDQFLQJ $YDLODEOH

8 8FTNBSL #MWE t

($67 1(:%(55< $9(18( 0$1$*(0(17 $1' 67$))

piggly wiggly

1132 Broad Street 208 East Calhoun

OF SUMTER

Bring your Church Bulletin in and receive a free small drink

494-8292

To Advertise On This Page Call 800-293-4709

To Advertise On This Page Call 800-293-4709

“Please worship at the Church of your choice’’

XEROX DIGITAL OFFICE SYSTEMS

‡

Sumter Cut Rate Drugs 4 .BJO 4U t 4VNUFS Let Your Light Shine.

PRO GLO AUTO PAINT, BODY, GLASS & FRAME WORK, INC. Insurance Work Welcomed Billy Caples, Sr.

312 S. Main St., Sumter (803) 773-3323 “The Home Of Distinctively Finer Funeral Service’’

To Advertise On This Page Call 800-293-4709 Seven Convenient Locations

‡

“Flowers For All Occasions’’

Norman Williams & Associates Employment Services 344 West Liberty Street Sumter, SC 29150

803-775-5308

To Advertise On This Page Call 800-293-4709

To view church information online go to www.theitem.com or www.sumterchurchesonline.com

FAITH TODAY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

THE ITEM

C5

Stop chasing the ‘perfect’ gift this holiday season BY W. CLAY SMITH Lead Pastor, Alice Drive Baptist Church Special to The Item

I

n the past, Christmas meant many trips to Toys R Us: first for the kids to see what toys were there, then stealthy trips for us to buy toys they had played with. There were several flaws in this system. First, children, believing in Santa, often changed their mind on Christmas Eve. More than once we heard, “I’ve decided that I don’t want a Malibu Beach Barbie, but an Airline Pilot Barbie.� Santa would chug some Maalox and head out to fight the crowds of last-minute shoppers. The second flaw in the system was the unobtainable toy. One of our Christmases featured the quest for the White Power Ranger. We already had been tipped off a best friend was getting this same toy, so we could not allow our child to feel left out by Santa. I went in one day to five Walmarts, four Targets, three Toys R Us, two Sam’s Clubs and an independent toy store

in Columbia to protect the fat man’s reputation. I finally located the elusive toy in Florence and wrestled it away from an older woman with a cane (all is fair in love, war and Christmas). The third flaw in the system is the toy that enthralls the child in the store then is ignored on Christmas morning. One of our children could not be pried away from a kitchen set in the store. We bit the bullet and bought the overpriced piece of plastic, making it the centerpiece of Santa’s gifts. On Christmas morning, the $5 last-second toy from the drugstore was the one that captured the child’s affection. The kitchen set was eventually banished to the attic. In time, it was covered with boxes of other

Christmas rejects and finally became yard sale fodder. Now, Christmas is different. One child provided us with links to her desired items. Another child said the only thing he really wanted plugged in and had a faster processor than the one he has now. The third child has given careful instructions about her gifts because she claims to have her own unique style. Christmas is different, but not necessarily easier. It does make me appreciate Jesus, God’s perfect gift: Just what we need, lasts forever and just the right size. When you open up the gift of Jesus, you find all the grace you need, hope for every minute of every day and forgiveness that reaches

to the darkest secrets of your soul. This Christmas,, instead of chasing around for t, the perfect gift, make sure thee perfect gift — n Jesus — is in your life.

Merry Christmas “Where Quality Matters�

FURNITURE & BEDDING 31 West Wesmark Blvd. | Sumter, SC | (803) 774-2100

NEWMAN’S '63/*563& "/% $)63$) 4611-*&4 $BNEFO )XZ /PSUI t 4VNUFS t NUFS t

ALL IN STOCK BRASSWEAR

10% OFF

STEEPLES

STAINED GLASS

CHAIRS

VARIOUS ARTWORK

EXECUTIVE DESKS

Cherry or Mahogany

S lid andd Veneir Solid V i W Woodd E Executive ti D Desks–Computer Friendly t 0GüDF $IBJST t 1FXT t 4BODUVBSZ $IBJST 1VMQJU 'VSOJUVSF i#VJMU UP ZPVS TQFDJüDBUJPOTw t $IPJS 3PCFT .JOJTUFS 3PCFT $MFSHZ 4IJSUT *O 4UPDL

ROBES

Merry Christmas!

C6

FAITH TODAY

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013

Covenant Place

Give the gift of worry-free living. Call today for your personal visit.

Sumter’s Only Continuing Care Retirement Community Covenant Place is a locally owned, not-for-proit, continuing care community. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

2825 Carter Road | Sumter, SC 29150 | 803-469-7007 | www.covenantplace.org

7ULQLW\ 8QLWHG 0HWKRGLVW &KXUFK : /LEHUW\ 6WUHHW 6XPWHU 6&

6HQLRU 3DVWRU 5HY 'U 5HJLQDOG 7KDFNVWRQ

&HOHEUDWH &KULVWPDV ZLWK 7ULQLW\

0RUQLQJ :RUVKLS (YHU\ 6XQGD\ DW DP DP

7KH /LYLQJ &KULVWPDV 6WRU\

'HFHPEHU SP

$ 'ULYH 7KUX %HWKOHKHP ([SHULHQFH

6XQGD\ (YHQLQJV

'HFHPEHU VW 'HFHPEHU WK 'HFHPEHU WK 'HFHPEHU QG 'HFHPEHU WK

SP SP SP SP SP SP

+DQJLQJ RI WKH *UHHQV /LJKWLQJ RI WKH &KULVPRQ 7UHHV 6WRULHV RI &KULVWPDV &DUROV ZLWK &KLOGUHQ 7ULQLW\ &KRLUV SUHVHQWV /HVVRQV &DUROV /LYLQJ 1DWLYLW\ &DQGOHOLJKW &DUROV &RPPXQLRQ

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.