December 9, 2015 by The Sumter Item

IN PANORAMA: First Presbyterian hosts 40th annual Christmas service C1 FOOD

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County approves $240M in bonds Sumter council’s resolution supports issuance of money to Palmetto Health BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com During its regular meeting Tuesday, Sumter County Council approved a resolution supporting the issuance of

bonds not to exceed $240 million by South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority to Palmetto Health. No one spoke in favor or opposition of the resolution during the public hearing held prior to council’s vote.

Palmetto Health is required by JEDA to receive support from Sumter and Richland counties, the two areas involved in the future merging of Palmetto Health and Tuomey, for the consolidation and issuance before moving forward in the bonds process. Sumter County Attorney Johnathan Bryan said the consolidation and selling of the bonds is not linked to the

According to the public hearing notice regarding the bonds, Palmetto Health intends to consolidate its outstanding bonds, with a combined value of approximately $233 million. It is proposed, according to the notice, that a portion of the bonds be used “to finance or refinance the acquisition of certain assets of Tuomey d/b/a Tuomey Healthcare System and Tuomey Medical Professions located in the County.”

SEE COUNTY, PAGE A8

Expo returns to Shaw Air Force Base in May Thunderbirds set to perform BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform their world-famous aerial acrobatics during the return of the Shaw Air Expo May 21 and 22. It will be the first expo at Shaw since 2012, according to Shaw public affairs. The “Ambassadors in Blue,” as Thunderbirds are sometimes called, were formed in 1953 at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, only six years after creation of the U.S. Air Force, according to the team’s website, www.afthunderbirds.com. In 1956, the team’s home base was relocated to Nellis Air Force in Nevada, where it is still based. During their 62 years of air demonstrations, Thunderbirds have drawn crowds with their feats of close-formation flying and gravity-defying feats all over the globe. Thunderbirds have flown the F-84G Thunderjet, the F-84F Thunderstreak, the F100C Super Sabre, F-105B Thunderchief, the F-100D, the F-4E Phantom II, the T-38 Talon and, since 1983, the F-16. Millions of people have witnessed the team’s demonstrations, the website says. “In turn, they’ve seen the

PHOTOS BY STAFF SGT. LARRY E. REID JR. / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM

Lt. Col. Greg Moseley, Thunderbird 1, commander and leader, adjusts his mask before taxiing out for a practice show in preparation for the Shaw Air Expo at Shaw Air Force Base in May 2012. U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds soar serving America and defendover the crowd during their pering freedom,” the site says. formance at the Shaw Air Expo at Other aircraft performing Shaw Air Force Base in May 2012. or on display at the show will The Thunderbirds flew their be announced at a later date. debut exhibition at Luke Air Force Steve Creech, chairman of Base, Arizona, in June 1953. City of Sumter Military AfThousands of visitors came to fairs Committee, said the Shaw for the 2012 Shaw Air Expo event has a tremendous ecoto see the Thunderbirds perform. nomic impact for Sumter. pride, professionalism and dedication of hundreds of thousands of airmen serving

at home and abroad. Each year brings another opportunity for the team to represent

S.C. recently ranked 8th most dangerous state to drive in FROM STAFF REPORTS South Carolina is the eighth most dangerous state in the nation to drive in, according to a study conducted by 24/7 Wall St. LLC, a financial news and commentary website that covers the stock market, industry research and government policy. In 2013, the latest year for which

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data was available for, there were 16.1 deaths for every 100,000 residents in South Carolina, compared to an average of 10.3 deaths per 100,000 residents across the nation, according to the report released Dec. 1. A total of 767 roadway fatalities occurred across the state in 2013.

SEE DRIVE, PAGE A8

those who deserve the most credit: the everyday, hardworking airmen voluntarily

“These things bring in 50,000 to 75,000 people,” he

SEE EXPO, PAGE A8

League of Women Voters urges community to recognize their power through voting BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com The League of Women Voters of Sumter County is working to prepare the community for the 2016

DEATHS, B7

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

Cecil H. Wilson Jr. Edward Davis Jr. Brenda Faye Overby James C. Felder Jr. Tyrone McKnight

election and encourages residents to take an active part in the political process that will affect their futures.

SEE VOTING, PAGE A8

WEATHER, A10

INSIDE

FOG IS BACK

3 SECTIONS, 26 PAGES VOL.121, NO. 47

Fog in the morning and partly sunny today with patchy clouds tonight. HIGH 66, LOW 45

Classifieds B8 Comics C6 Lotteries A10

Opinion A9 Television C7

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

Armed robbery suspects caught

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Thomas the Elf slows down for a nice meal Thomas, Downtown Sumter’s resident Elf on the Shelf, is slowing down a bit today in order to have a nice meal. Use the clues to find where he is, register at the location and on the Downtown Sumter Facebook page, and maybe you’ll win the prizes being awarded during the week of Christmas. Here’s his clue to his whereabouts today: “Thomas here. Don’t know if you know this but elves love Southern cooking. I am eating the best chicken livers today for lunch and can’t wait until dessert, red velvet cake. I think I’m going to have the Santa’s Helpers Christmas Bash here this year — the upstairs of this restaurant is awesome, come see for yourself !”

City to perform hydrant tests today, Thursday

BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com A 26-year-old Sumter man, wanted on various charges by both Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and Sumter Police Department, was taken into custody Monday night after law enforcement received a tip the suspect was in Mayesville. Datrick Gartel Wilson, of 830 Barwick Road, was WILSON taken into custody during a manhunt involving officers from multiple agencies. Wilson was located at a Mayesville residence Monday about 6:30 p.m., said Tonyia McGirt, spokeswoman for the police department. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office

charged Wilson with accessory before the fact to a felony and criminal conspiracy for his part in an armed robbery at a business in the 4500 block of Florence Highway in Mayesville. The sheriff’s office also charged Wilson with possession of a stolen firearm after he was found with a stolen handgun at the time of his arrest. Sumter Police Department charged Wilson BENJAMIN with armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and conspiracy. Investigators with both agencies have connected Wilson with another suspect, Herbert Tyrone Benjamin, 18, of 106 Rye St., Sumter, in a string of armed robberies and attempted armed robberies that started in the city on

Nov. 9, McGirt said. Benjamin was arrested in Colleton County on Nov. 25 in connection to two incidents there and remains in a local jail, McGirt said. Benjamin faces charges of two counts of armed robbery, one count attempted armed robbery and conspiracy. The current charges are in connection to reported incidents at Snak & Wrap, 516 S. Lafayette Drive, and Sunny’s, 294 S. Pike West, in Sumter. Benjamin also faces charges from Sumter County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the armed robbery of a business in the 4500 block of Florence Highway in Mayesville, McGirt said. The investigations by various law enforcement agencies are continuing, and additional arrests and charges are pending.

Mr. & Mrs. Claus visit Pinewood Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd attending Pinewood’s Christmas Parade on Saturday morning.

The City of Sumter will perform fire hydrant flow tests from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Thursday on Airport Road and East Brewington Road. Water customers in the surrounding area may experience temporary discolored water. Direct any questions or concerns to City of Sumter Public Services Department at (803) 436-2558.

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Museum says $5M cost of flag display will drop COLUMBIA — The director of South Carolina’s military museum says displaying the Confederate flag removed from Statehouse grounds will cost less than the $5.3 million price tag presented last week. William Roberson said Tuesday the figures given by an architectural firm were preliminary and will be “modified.” Roberson said much of the cost outlined at last Thursday’s commission meeting covers renovations. He expects to have more precise numbers later this month to present to the Legislature. Legislators asked Roberson to submit a proposal by Jan. 1 for displaying the flag they voted to send to the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum. The vote came after nine parishioners of a historic black church in Charleston were gunned down in June. The 119-year-old museum gets an average of 22,000 visitors yearly.

CORRECTION In Tuesday’s edition of The Sumter Item, a variance request to be reviewed by Sumter City and County Board of Zoning Appeals was incorrectly written. The applicant requests a variance of 20 feet from the required 300 feet separation distance from a residence, making the requested distance between the properties 280 feet, not 20 feet.

If you see a statement in error, contact the City Desk at 774-1226 or pressrelease@theitem.com.

SCDOT: Bridges added to replacement list BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com COLUMBIA — Interim Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall reported the latest numbers on highway repairs to the Special Senate Committee Regarding Flood Relief Efforts Monday in Columbia. Hall reported that during the peak of the flooding on Oct. 5, there were 941 closures in the state roads system. More than 900 sites needed repairs after the flood, she said. She said 221 bridges were affected; 105 have been repaired and all of the bridges have either been inspected or repaired. Hall said the Department of Transportation was already planning to replace three of the damaged bridges before the storm. After the storm, another 18 bridges became eligible to be replaced with highway relief funds, she said. Total Federal Highway Administration emergency relief for state roads and bridges is estimated at $71.2 million, of

JIM HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Christy Hall, interim secretary of South Carolina Department of Transportation, reports the latest figures on bridge and highway damage during a meeting of the Special Senate Committee on Flood Recovery and Relief on Monday. which the federal government will pay $62.4 million with an $8.8 million state match. Federal Emergency Management Agency costs are $36.9 million, of which the federal government will pay $25.2 million and the state will match with $11.7 million, she said. Repair of roads and bridg-

es not eligible for FEMA or FHWA funding totaled $7.7 million, all of which the state must pay. Hall also reported $700,000 damage to DOT buildings and said she expects another $20 million damage for what she called “latent damage,” damage not previously discovered or that may develop later. She said that total includes four bridges on U.S. 301 between Manning and Turbeville that were not on earlier lists of damaged infrastructure. Hall was asked if FEMA money could be used to bring bridges up to standards. Hall said FEMA money is only meant to make bridges and roads safe and return them to service. “That money is not to bring them to current standards,” she said. However, two bridges considered destroyed can be rebuilt with FEMA money, Hall said. Committee chairman Hugh Leatherman also asked Hall to report back to the committee about how much it will cost to bring de-

ficient bridges up to state and federal standards. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced South Carolina will receive $9.8 million to repair roads damaged in the October floods, and additional emergency relief funds will be made available once the state completes its ongoing damage assessments, the U.S/ Department of Transportation said. How the money can or cannot be used was not specified in the news release announcing the funding. SCDOT acting Deputy Secretary for Engineering Leland Colvin said the $9.8 million represents the “first installment” of the $64.2 million the state is requesting for eligible road repairs. “We are in a queue with other states for emergency relief funding,” he said. “It may come in six months or in three years.” The release said the USDOT will also provide $537,292 in emergency funding to repair a portion of Interstate 26 near Columbia damaged by a tanker truck fire on May 27.

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

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The Sumter 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, 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

LOCAL | STATE

THE SUMTER ITEM

Civic chorale presents Christmas concert “Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis.” Also on the program for Sunday is “In Silent Sumter Civic Chorale will present its first public Night,” which the chorale sang for the Woman’s Afconcert under the leaderternoon Music Club’s Fesship of its new director, tival of Choirs, and the Herbert Johnson, Sunday traditional “Silent Night,” at Patriot Hall. composed by Franz GruThe 3 p.m. concert is ber in 1818, set to a poem free, and the public is inby Joseph Mohr. vited to hear the program Arguably of Christmas the most famusic. mous of the Johnson, WANT TO GO? Christmas who is also WHAT: Sumter Civic carols, “Sithe music diChorale Christmas concert lent Night” rector at WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday tells of the Grammynight angels winning WHERE: Patriot Hall, 135 announced Lakewood Haynsworth St. the birth of High School, COSTS: Free Christ to the is getting shepherds on positive rethe hillside. views from Gruber and Mohr first chorale members, includsang the carol on Dec. 23 ing soprano Betsy Ridgethat year in a private way, who said, “He’s got home with only the acus sounding really great, companiment of Gruber’s and he’s so easy to work guitar, as the organ in the with.” small Oberndorf, Austria, Johnson has selected a church was out of comvaried program for Sunmission. day’s concert. Other carols on the proWhile much of the program include “Gloria,” gram comprises sacred “Jesu Joy,” “Ave Maria,” carols, there are several “Carol of the Drum” and familiar secular songs, inseveral more, ending with cluding three that praise the happy times of Advent the Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s Messiah. and Christmas. Johnson said the conThe Ukrainian “Carol cert will also feature of the Bells,” based on a Lakewood High School’s folk song or chant, has celebrated chamber choir, been performed and/or who will present their recorded by jazz, pop, own Christmas concert at rock and classical singers 6 p.m. Tuesday at the and groups and offers a Lakewood High School joyous depiction of the Performing Arts Center at Christmas season. the school on the Old Another secular offerManning Road. ing is the pop styled “It’s Accompanist for the the Most Wonderful Time chorale is Ann Dave. of the Year,” which also Admission to Sumter has lyrics praising the Civic Chorale Christmas joys of Christmas, with concert is free. “everyone telling you be It begins at 3 p.m. Sunof good cheer.” day at Patriot Hall, 135 “Ding, Dong Merrily” is Haynsworth St. a French carol that deA reception will follow clares “the sky is riv’n the performance. with angel singing” ...

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MOUNT PLEASANT (AP) — Donald Trump called Monday for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,” an idea swiftly condemned by his rival GOP candidates for president and other Republicans. The proposed ban would apply to immigrants and visitors alike, a sweeping prohibition affecting all adherents of Islam who want to come to the U.S. The idea faced an immediate challenge to its legality and feasibility from experts who could point to no formal exclusion of immigrants based on religion in America’s history. Trump’s campaign said in a statement such a ban should stand “until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.” It said the proposal comes in response to a level of hatred among “large segments of the Muslim population” toward Americans. “Until we are able to determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses, our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in jihad and have no sense of reason or respect for human life,” Trump said in the statement. At an evening rally in South Carolina, Trump supporters cheered and shouted in support as he read his statement. Trump warned during his speech that without drastic action, the threat of attacks is “going to get worse and worse.” “As he says, we have to find out who they are and why they are here,” Rod Weader, a 68-year-old real estate agent from North Charleston who attended the rally and said he

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Supporters for Donald Trump wave to the press after being prodded by the businessman turned Republican presidential candidate during a rally coinciding with Pearl Harbor Day at Patriots Point aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown in Mt. Pleasant on Monday. agreed with Trump’s plan “150 percent.” ‘’Like he said, they are going to kill us and we’ve got to stop it.” Since the Paris attacks, a number of Republican presidential contenders have proposed restrictions on Syrian refugees — with several suggesting preference for Christians seeking asylum — and tighter surveillance in the U.S. But Trump’s proposed ban goes much further than those ideas, and his Republican rivals were quick to reject the latest provocation from a candidate who has delivered no shortage of them. “Donald Trump is unhinged,” Jeb Bush said via Twitter. “His ‘policy’ proposals are not serious.” John Kasich slammed

Trump’s “outrageous divisiveness,” while a more measured Ted Cruz, who has always been cautious about upsetting Trump’s supporters, said, “Well, that is not my policy.” Trump’s plan also drew criticism from the heads of the Republican Party in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the first three states to vote in next year’s presidential primaries. New Hampshire GOP’s chairwoman Jennifer Horn said the idea is “un-Republican. It is unconstitutional. And it is un-American,” while South Carolina chairman Matt Moore said on Twitter, “As a conservative who truly cares about religious liberty, Donald Trump’s bad idea and rhetoric send a shiver down my spine.”

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LOCAL | STATE

Charleston on front line of climate change battle CHARLESTON — About 175 years ago, a Charleston mayor offered a $100 gold medal to anyone who could stop the floods in the small coastal city. That medal was never awarded, the flooding was never solved and now it’s much worse. Because of urban development and rising sea levels, the slow-moving catastrophe of climate change has near-daily consequences in the historic city. “Charleston is essentially ground zero for some of the more severe changes we can anticipate,” said Hamilton Davis, the energy and climate director for the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League. In response, the city is engineering a fix with tunnels and pump stations that costs about $250 million — more than oneand-a-half times its annual budget. It’s a commitment few other communities on America’s East Coast have made. Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., a Democrat winding up 40 years as the city’s chief executive in the Republican-led state, said the $80 million in drainage work already completed prevented even more extensive flooding in October, when a so-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A pedestrian walks past two barriers in place to stop vehicles from driving through the flooded City Market in Charleston. Heavy thunderstorms can leave intersections impassable like these streets flooded near Charleston’s City Market area, a popular tourist haunt. called 1,000-year-storm dumped 16 inches of rain, shuttering Charleston and much of South Carolina for three days. “The damage would have been far more severe,” Riley said. “I think it’s proof that these very costly and major construction projects are extremely helpful.” Charleston occupies the end of a peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers — two estuaries that, as locals like to say, meet to form the Atlantic Ocean. The city founded in

1670 has expanded ever since, filling in creeks and marshes that once drained water. Rainstorms rendered many streets unpassable at least six times this year. Even on sunny days, high tides can flood lowlying areas — it happens about 23 days a year now, roughly four times as often as it did 50 years ago. On stormy days, runoff cascades through the narrow streets, forcing locals and tourists to wade through deep pools. Savvy residents sometimes use kayaks or rubber boats to get around.

Man gets 16 years for trafficking cocaine Devin Rodriguez, a 25-yearold Sumter man arrested in March during an undercover drug investigation by Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, was sentenced to 16 years in jail Monday at Sumter County Judicial Center. RODRIGUEZ According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to three counts of trafficking cocaine and one count

of trafficking crack cocaine. His penalties also include a $1,050 fine. The six-month operation into illegal drug activity in Sumter County, conducted by officers with Sumter County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Richland County Sheriff’s Department, ended in March. During the investigation into Rodriguez’s illegal activity, undercover officers seized approximately 13 grams of crack cocaine, worth a street value of $2,600, and 44 grams

of cocaine, worth a street value $8,800, states the release. Rodriguez was one of 16 people arrested at the conclusion of a investigation looking into illegal drug activity in several parts of Sumter County, including the Mayesville, Shiloh, Pinewood, Cherryvale, Rembert and Wedgefield communities. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office will continue to assist South Carolina Third Circuit Solicitor’s Office in the prosecution of these charges.

THE SUMTER ITEM

Sheriff ’s office arrests suspect in assault case The Sumter County Sheriff ’s Office has arrested Jonathan Cole, 25, of 5350 Scenic Lake Drive in Rembert on first degree assault and battery charges following an incident on Nov. 26 in which he allegedly used a glass bottle to strike a victim in the eye. The victim reportedly needed medical attention.

The incident took place in the 3800 block of Broad Street in Sumter County. COLE Cole was being held Monday at the SumterLee Regional Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.

POLICE BLOTTER

Three face marijuana charges Nicholas Jackson, 25, of 11 Frazier St., was arrested Monday and charged with second degree assault and battery, unlawful possession of prescription pills and simple possession of marijuana. Jackson allegedly punched and slapped a woman while sitting in his vehicle in the 400 block of Broad Street and later head butted the victim in the face while on Highland Avenue, between 7:35 and 11:30 p.m. When he was later approached by an officer, Jackson attempted to run but later stopped and was arrested. A plastic bag containing .6 grams of marijuana and a Xanax pill was found in the area where Jackson took off running and a handrolled cigarette containing approximately .05 grams of marijuana was found inside Jackson’s vehicle. Calvin A. Anderson, 25, of 450 Mims Road, was arrested Friday and charged with simple possession of marijuana and leaving a motor vehicle running unattended. According to a police report, the responding officer observed the unattended vehicle at 6:51

p.m. while in the 1000 block of Broad Street and was later approached by Anderson who stated the vehicle belonged to him. The officer then noticed the odor of marijuana coming from Anderson’s person and the vehicle. A plastic bag containing 4 grams of marijuana was found inside the vehicle and a hand-rolled cigarette containing approximately .5 grams of marijuana was found on Anderson’s person. Christopher J. Eaddy, 29, of 706 Olive St., was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with driving under suspension, fifth offense, possession of marijuana and misrepresenting his identity to officers. Eaddy was instructed to exit his vehicle after attempting to conceal an unknown object in his hand and failing to produce a valid driver’s license while at a checkpoint on East Hampton Avenue. As he stepped out of the vehicle, an officer instructed Eaddy to drop the concealed item, later identified as a hand-rolled cigarette filled with marijuana. While outside of the vehicle Eaddy gave officers a false name.

NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Uranium contaminates water in the West High uranium concentrations has led to the removal of at least 23 public-supply wells from service within the last 20 years.

Lodi Stockton Manteca Modesto

Uranium concentrations above the California Maximum Contaminant Level.

Turlock Merced

San Joaquin Valley makes up the southern two-thirds of the Central Valley

Madera

Fresno

Visalia

Lemoore

AP FILE PHOTO

Children play in well water from a hose at a trailer park near Fresno, California, in September. Residents of the trailer park receive notices warning that their well water contains uranium at a level considered unsafe by federal and state standards.

C A L I F.

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Homeowners nters and Renters Insurance, too. too

Groundwater uranium contamination

Centr

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — In a trailer park tucked among irrigated orchards that help make California’s San Joaquin Valley the richest farm region in the world, 16-year-old Giselle Alvarez, one of the few English-speakers in the community of farmworkers, puzzles over the notices posted on front doors: There’s a danger in their drinking water. Uranium, the notices warn, tests at a level considered unsafe by federal and state standards. The law requires the park’s owner to post the warnings. But they are awkwardly worded and mostly in English, a language few of the park’s dozens of Spanish-speaking families can read. “It says you can drink the water — but if you drink the water over a period of time, you can get cancer,” said Alvarez, whose working-class family has no choice but keep drinking and cooking with the tainted tap water. “They really don’t explain.” Uranium, the stuff of nuclear fuel for power plants and atom bombs, increasingly is showing in drinking water systems in major farming regions of the U.S. West — a natural though unexpected byproduct of irrigation, drought and the overpumping of natural underground water reserves. An Associated Press investigation in California’s central farm valleys — along with the U.S. Central Plains, among the areas most affected — found authorities are doing little to inform the public at large of the risk. That includes the one out of four families on private wells in this farm valley who, unknowingly, are drinking dangerous amounts of uranium. Government authorities say long-term exposure to uranium can damage kidneys and raise cancer risks, and scientists say it can have other harmful effects. In this swath of farmland, roughly 250 miles long and encompassing cities, up to one in 10 public water systems have raw drinking water with uranium levels that exceed safety standards, the U.S. Geological Survey has found. More broadly, nearly 2 million people in California’s Central Valley and the U.S. Midwest live within a half-mile of

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Bakersfield 50 mi 50 km Sonora

SOURCE: GROUND WATER–November-December 2010

groundwater containing uranium over the health limits, University of Nebraska researchers said in a study in September. Entities ranging from state agencies to tiny rural schools are scrambling to deal with hundreds of tainted public wells. That includes water wells at the Westport Elementary School, where 450 children study outside the Central California farm hub of Modesto. At Westport’s playground, schoolchildren take a break from tether ball to sip from fountains marked with Spanish and English placards: “SAFE TO DRINK.” The school is one of about 10 water-well systems in Central California that have installed on-site uranium removal facilities in recent years. Prices range from $65,000 to millions of dollars. Just off Westport’s playground, a school maintenance chief jangles the keys to the school’s treatment operation, locked in a shed. Inside, a system of tubes, dials and canisters resembling scuba tanks removes up to a pound a year of uranium from the school’s well water. The uranium gleaned from

local water systems is handled like the nuclear material it is — taken away by workers in masks, gloves and other protective garments, said Ron Dollar, a vice president at Water Remediation Technology, a Colorado-based firm. It is then processed into nuclear fuel for power plants, Dollar said. Before treatment, Westport’s water tests up to four times state and federal limits. After treatment, it’s safe for the children, teachers and staff to drink. Meanwhile, the city of Modesto, with a half-million residents, recently spent more than $500,000 to start blending water from one contaminated well to dilute the uranium to safe levels. The city has retired a half-dozen other wells with excess levels of uranium. State officials don’t track spending on uranium-contaminated wells. But the state’s Water Resources Control Board identified at least $16.7 million the state has spent since 2010 helping public water systems deal with high levels of uranium. In coming years, more public water systems likely will be compelled to invest in such costly fixes, said Miranda

“DEBUTANTE SPECIAL”

Fram, a researcher with the U.S. Geological Survey in Sacramento. Fram and her colleagues think the amount of uranium increased in Central Valley drinking water supplies during the last 150 years with the spread of farming. In California, as in the Rockies, mountain snowmelt washes uranium-laden sediment to the flatlands, where groundwater is used to irrigate crops. Irrigation allows year-round farming, and the irrigated plants naturally create a weak acid that is leeching more and more uranium from sediment. Groundwater pumping pulls the contaminated water down into the earth, where it is tapped by wells that supply drinking water. The USGS calculates that the average level of uranium in public-supply wells of the eastern San Joaquin Valley increased 17 percent from 1990 to the mid-2000s. The number of public-supply wells with unsafe levels of uranium, meantime, climbed from 7 percent to 10 percent during the same period there. “We should not have any doubts as to whether drinking water with uranium in it is a problem or not. It is,” said Doug Brugge, professor of public health and community medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.

“The larger the population that’s drinking this water, the more people that are going to be affected.” In California, changes in water standards since the late 2000s have mandated testing for uranium in public water systems. For private well-owners and small water systems, however, officials were unable to point to any public health campaigns in the most-affected areas, or any help testing or dealing with uranium-contaminated wells. “When it comes to private domestic wells, we do what we can to get the word out. It’s safe to say that there’s always more than can be done,” said John Borkovich, head of water quality at the state Water Resources Control Board. The Associated Press commissioned independent sampling of wells at five homes in the countryside outside Modesto. The results: Water from two of the five private wells tested over the government maximums for uranium — in fact, two and three times the maximum. None of the five families had ever heard that uranium could be a problem. “It would be nice to be informed, so we can make an informed decision, and those wells can be tested,” said Michelle Norleen, one of the five, who was later relieved to learn her own water had tested safe.

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WORLD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Chinese parents go to court seeking to register 2nd children BY LOUISE WATT The Associated Press BEIJING — Wan Changru’s 6-year-old daughter collects passes — for her dance school, English lessons and other extra-curricular classes, anything bearing her name that she can pretend is an identity card. The girl is legally unregistered because her parents broke China’s one-child policy in having her. They say they cannot afford to pay a $30,000 fine that would allow her to gain legal status. Without it, she can’t visit a hospital or get on a plane to go on holiday to Disneyland like her friends. With the government’s announcement in October that it would allow all married couples to have two children, Wan and her husband have decided to take family planning officials to court to try to get her registered without paying the fine. Wan’s daughter is one of nearly 14 million unregistered people across China, most a legacy of China’s 35-year strict family planning policy that limited most urban couples to one child, though rural couples were allowed to have two if their first was a girl. Those who are unregistered lack a “hukou”— a household registration entry in a small family book and on a police computer system. Without a hukou, a person has limited access to health care, education and other benefits and cannot get a permanent ID card. “Now that the country has relaxed the one-child policy, I think it’s time for us to call upon the public to realize that there are still a large number of marginalized people in China who have no hukou,” said Wan, a 42-year-old housewife. The Ministry of Public Security said last month every citizen has the right to a hukou and efforts should be made to register those without one. It gave no details on how, and no official has so far publicly

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Demonstrators urging the Chinese government to recognize unregistered children are stopped by policemen along the side of a road near Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Nov. 14. The signs read “Please give 13,000,000 unregistered children an identity.” backed any amnesty for fines, which vary from city to city. The hukou system predates the one-child policy, which perpetuates inequalities not only between registered and unregistered Chinese, but also between urban and rural residents. “The one-child is just a policy that can be quite easily changed, like China has just done, while the hukou is a much larger institution,” said Kam Wing Chan, a geography professor at the University of Washington who researches the hukou system. “It has been around for almost 60 years now. It has all kinds of impact. It’s dividing China socially, economically.” China’s ruling Communist Party initiated the household registration system in the

1950s to control the movement of people. It ties them to their family’s hometown and the subsidized health and education services available in that area. Changing one’s hukou can be difficult, particularly shifting residence to big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai where many migrants want to work.

The system has barely changed even as millions of people have moved from the countryside to cities. Big-city governments have balked at the costs of delivering education and health care to migrant workers and their children, an estimated 253 million people — almost a fifth of China’s population.

China last year announced a cautious reform of the hukou system by allowing urban areas to give migrants a residence permit with some social benefits or a local hukou if they meet a city’s own residency requirements. Shanghai and Shenzhen are experimenting with registering migrants based on a points system related to educational background and their employment history in the city, for example. The government’s plan aims to enable about 100 million people to settle in towns and cities by 2020. None of those changes, however, are aimed at helping the unregistered. To create more public awareness of their cause to have their second children registered, Wan and seven other mask-wearing parents cycled through Beijing on a recent smoggy Saturday with signs stuck to the backs of their shirts pleading for unregistered children to be given “an identity.” “We organized the cycling event because we don’t want our children to be forgotten,” Wan said. Their route took them past Tiananmen Square, a sensitive location near the government’s offices where police told them to take their signs off. Instead, they cycled in a different direction and then went home. In the 2010 census, there were 13.76 million people, or 1 percent of the population, without permanent residence registration. Data collectors visited homes and counted people regardless of their registration status.

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NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Wary high court tackles ‘one person, one vote’ WASHINGTON (AP) — Practical concerns about forcing states to abandon the way they have drawn electoral districts for more than 50 years seemed to give a key justice pause Tuesday in a Supreme Court case of immense importance to the nation’s growing Latino population. The court heard arguments in a case from Texas on the meaning of the principle of “one person, one vote,” which the court has said requires that political districts be roughly equal in population. But it has left open whether states must count all residents, or only eligible voters, in drawing district lines. In Texas, and other states with large immigrant populations, the difference is more than academic. Urban districts include many more people who are too young, not citizens or otherwise ineligible to vote. Two rural Texas voters are challenging the use of total population data in drawing state Senate districts because they say it inflates the voting power of city dwellers at their expense. Their arguments seemed to make some headway Tuesday with Justice Anthony Kennedy, the pivotal vote on so many close high court cases. When some districts of

roughly equal population have dramatically different numbers of eligible voters, shouldn’t Texas “at least give some consideration to this disparity that you have among voters?” Kennedy asked. Later he wondered whether states could produce districts that were roughly equal in terms of overall population and eligible voters, saying, “Why is one option exclusive of the other? Why can’t they have both?” Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller said such an outcome could only be achieved at the expense of other traditional requirements about redistricting, including drawing relatively compact districts that don’t split counties. Kennedy sounded persuaded. “That sounds highly probable to me,” he said. The Texas case was one of three matters before the court on Tuesday that dealt with redistricting. The justices also considered a challenge from Republicans about whether Arizona’s state legislative districts were redrawn in a way that illegally shifted voters to give Democrats an advantage. The case also invokes the “one person, one vote” principle in asking whether slight differences in population that typically

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pass muster are nonetheless problematic if districts are drawn for partisan advantage or to comply with a now-defunct provision in the Voting Rights Act. In yet a third case, the court unanimously revived a challenge by some Maryland residents to their state’s 2011 redrawing of its congressional districts, ruling that their case must be heard by a panel of three judges, not a single judge. The arguments in the Texas case were unusual in several respects. The justices displayed little of the aggressiveness that often marks Supreme Court arguments, and Justice Antonin Scalia said nothing at all during the hourlong session. Civil rights groups say forcing states to change their method would damage Latino political influence. Texas picked up four congressional seats after the 2010 census, mainly because of the growth in its Hispanic population. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito appeared most open to the challengers’ argument, but Scalia, another usually reliable conservative voice, did not comment at all. “It is called ... one person, one vote. That seems to be designed to protect voters,” Roberts said.

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Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, RTexas, left, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, right, speak about the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the U.S. during their joint news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Syrian refugees resettled in resistant Texas, Indiana DALLAS (AP) — Syrian families have been settled in Texas and in Indiana, the groups helping them said Tuesday, defying efforts by the conservative states’ governors to stop their arrival. A family of six went to live Monday near relatives already living in the Dallas area, said Lucy Carrigan, a spokeswoman for the International Rescue Committee. “They seem very happy,” Carrigan said, noting that they were put up in an apartment with basic furniture and a stocked refrigerator. “And it was almost like breathing a sigh of relief that they have arrived. This has been a long journey for them, and it’s been a long journey for a lot of Syrian refugees.” Carrigan declined to make family members available for an interview, but she said they were not fazed by the state’s fight or concerns that they might not be welcome in Texas. Fifteen more Syrians are expected to arrive in Houston this week, according to court filings

made by federal officials. Meanwhile, a Syrian couple and their two small children arrived safely Monday night in Indianapolis, where they have relatives, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis said in a statement. It said the family fled Syria three years ago and underwent two years of security checks before being allowed to enter the U.S. Archbishop Joseph Tobin said he considered Gov. Mike Pence’s recent request to not bring the family to Indiana until Congress had approved new legislation regarding immigrants and refugees. But he said he welcomed them anyway because helping refugees “is an essential part of our identity as Catholic Christians.” Pence and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott were among more than two dozen Republican governors who said they would refuse any new Syrian refugees after the deadly Nov. 13 Paris attacks, which have been linked to the Islamic State group operating in Syria.

LOCAL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

COUNTY FROM PAGE A1 partnership between Tuomey and Palmetto Health. He said the two entities would still be expected to merge on Jan. 1 even if council had not approved the resolution. Council later approved a second resolution regarding bonds, this time for the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direct usage. Bryan informed the audience that the resolution authorizes the closing of bonds not to exceed $5.2 million to make energy-efficient im-

STAFF SGT. LARRY E. REID JR. / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM

DRIVE

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the elite Air Force Demonstration team, perform an aerial maneuver during their performance at the Shaw Air Expo at Shaw Air Force Base in May 2012.

EXPO FROM PAGE A1 said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It brings a lot of attention to Shaw Air Force Base and a lot of attention to Sumter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an opportunity to go out and see what airmen do every day to protect this country and how we do so much

VOTING

FROM PAGE A1 According to South Carolina Department of Public Safety Traffic Collision Fact Book for 2013, there were 17 people killed in wrecks in Sumter County and 1,429 injured; 11 people killed in wrecks in Clarendon County and 326 injured; and four people killed in wrecks in Lee County and 206 injured. 24/7 Wall St. found in many of the states with the most dangerous roads a higher share of deadly incidents were a result of drunken driving. Nationally, 72 percent of those killed be-

with so few.â&#x20AC;? Anyone with questions regarding a display or aircraft may call (803) 895-1052 or email daniel.tindall@us.af.mil. Vendors seeking information may call (803) 895-4867 or email charles.rupp@us.af.mil. For more information, call 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs at (803) 895-2019.

School seniors register to vote online. For some Visit reason, www.scvotes.org many young people are not registering nor voting, she said. She said the students at the high school were able to register using their smart phones and going to www.scvotes.org. Woodward said one of the students called her and said she received her voter registration card two days after registering online. All anyone needs to register to vote is a valid South Carolina driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license or permit and their Social Security number, Woodward said. She said teenagers who will turn 18 by the Nov. 2016 election are eligible to register to vote. Woodward said the organization is also trying to find more ways to reach out to younger members of society. On Dec. 15, the Sumter league will host a holiday social at 6 p.m. at Loganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roadhouse, 2531 Broad St., with leaders from local high schools and colleges to discuss ways to encourage the youth to vote and participate in political discussions. The League of Women Voters of Sumter County regularly meet at 6 p.m. the second Monday of every month at the Central Carolina Technical College Health Sciences Center, 133 S. Main St. For information on how to join the league, contact Dee Woodward at (803) 469-3485 or deloissumter@aol.com.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

FROM PAGE A1 League President Dee Woodward said the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 1 focus right now is pushing for residents to get registered to vote in time for the 2016 presidential election. She said the leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals are to grow the vote, protect the vote and empower the vote.Voting is the most powerful way for people to have their voices heard, she said. Woodward quoted former President Abraham Lincoln, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elections belong to the people. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.â&#x20AC;? The league works to inform the community about voting and political issues by reaching out to local youths and holding discussions with the public. The league has the expertise and grassroots networks to make sure the 2016 election is decided by the voters, not special interests, Woodward said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We find a way to meet everyone,â&#x20AC;? she said. She said the league informs residents about issues concerning society such as payment for college, healthcare and domestic violence reform. Woodward said the league also teaches residents to use the voting machines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do everything we can to make sure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re prepared,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Voting is a way for people to stand up for what means the most to them.â&#x20AC;? Woodward said the league recently helped Sumter High

hind the wheel had been drinking, while in South Carolina, 82 percent of drivers killed had alcohol in their blood, the report states. Also, 80 percent of all fatal wrecks in the state occurred in rural areas, according to the report. To rank the safest and most dangerous states to drive in, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed state-by-state fatality data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety along with urban and rural travel data provided by the Federal Highway Administration. The number of fatal roadway deaths was then adjusted for population as fa-

talities per 100,000 residents. 24/7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;10 Most Dangerous States to Drive In,â&#x20AC;? ranked in order from most dangerous included: â&#x20AC;˘ Montana; â&#x20AC;˘ North Dakota; â&#x20AC;˘ Mississippi; â&#x20AC;˘ West Virginia; â&#x20AC;˘ Oklahoma; â&#x20AC;˘ Alabama; â&#x20AC;˘ Arkansas; â&#x20AC;˘ South Carolina; â&#x20AC;˘ South Dakota; and â&#x20AC;˘ Tennessee. The safest states to drive in order according to the report were: Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. For more information on the study, go to http://bit. ly/1m97Jv6.

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throughout the county, but it will take time for all roads to receive permanent repairs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ask for your patience,â&#x20AC;? he said. He said the county is making sure to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations and carefully go through paperwork in order to receive the most reimbursement possible. Mixon said he hopes for the county to receive 75 percent or more reimbursement from the government or FEMA so money will not have to come from local tax dollars.

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provements to 10 county-operated buildings. He said the bonds are anticipated to close on Dec. 21. County Administrator Gary Mixon said the two largest buildings to receive improvements will be Sumter County Administration Building and Sumter County Judicial Center. He said the improvements will include energy-efficient lighting and computerized Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning systems. Before adjournment, Mixon told the meeting attendees that road work following the flood continues

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

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

COMMENTARY

Squandered resources on college education

ost college students do not belong in college. I am not by myself in this assessment. Washington Post columnist Robert Samuelson said, “It’s time to drop the college-for-all crusade,” adding that “the college-for-all crusade has outlived its usefulness.” Richard Vedder, professor emeritus of economics at Ohio University, reports that “the U.S. Walter Labor DeWilliams partment says the majority of new American jobs over the next decade do not need a college degree. We have a six-digit number of college-educated janitors in the U.S.” Vedder adds that there are “one-third of a million waiters and waitresses with college degrees.” More than one-third of currently working college graduates are in jobs that do not require a degree, such as flight attendants, taxi drivers and salesmen. College was not a wise use of these students’, their parents’ and taxpayer resources. What goes on at many colleges adds to the argument that college for many is a waste of resources. Some Framingham State University students were upset by an image of a Confederate flag sticker on another student’s laptop. They were offered counseling services by the university’s chief diversity and inclusion officer. Campus Reform reports that because of controversial newspaper op-eds, five Brown University students are claiming that freedom of speech does not confer the right to express opinions they find distasteful. A Harvard University student organization representing women’s interests now routinely advises students that they should not feel pressured to attend or participate in class sessions that focus on the law of sexual violence and that might therefore be traumatic. Such students will be useless to rape victims and don’t belong in law school. And some college professors are not fit for college, as suggested by the courses they teach. Here’s a short list, and you decide: “Interrogating Gender: Centuries of Dramatic Cross-Dressing,” Swarthmore College; “GaGa for Gaga: Sex, Gender, and Identity,” University of Virginia; “Oh, Look, a Chicken!” Belmont University; “Getting Dressed,” Princeton University; “Philosophy and Star Trek,” Georgetown University; “What if Harry Potter Is Real?” Appalachian State

University; and “God, Sex, Chocolate: Desire and the Spiritual Path,” University of California, San Diego. The fact that such courses are part of the curricula also says something about administrators who allow such nonsense. Then there is professorial “wisdom.” Professor Mary Margaret Penrose, of the Texas A&M University School of Law, asked, during a panel discussion on gun control, “Why do we keep such an allegiance to a Constitution that was driven by 18th-century concerns?” Perhaps the newest “intellectual” fad is white privilege. Portland State University professor Rachel Sanders’ “White Privilege” course says “whiteness” must be dismantled if racial justice is ever to be achieved. Campus Reform reports on other whiteness issues (http://tinyurl.com/oof9wu3). Harvard’s classes on critical race theory combine “progressive political struggles for racial justice with critiques of the conventional legal and scholarly norms which are themselves viewed as part of the illegitimate hierarchies that need to be changed.” Back to those college administrators. Dartmouth College’s vice provost for student affairs, Inge-Lise Ameer, said, “There’s a whole conservative world out there that’s not being very nice.” She did, however, issue “an unequivocal apology” for stoking tensions with such a disparaging comment about conservatives to Black Lives Matter protesters. After a standoff with other Black Lives Matter protesters, Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber acceded to demands that former Princeton President Woodrow Wilson’s name be removed from the campus because of his behavior as U.S. president. President Wilson was a progressive and an avowed racist who racially segregated the civil service and delighted in showing D.W. Griffith’s racist “The Birth of a Nation” to his White House guests. Professor Thomas DiLorenzo’s recent column suggests that a worthier target for Black Lives Matter protesters would be Abraham Lincoln, who he says was “the most publicly outspoken racist and white supremacist of all American presidents” (http://tinyurl.com/jza7ntf). The bottom line is that George Orwell was absolutely right when he said, “There are notions so foolish that only an intellectual will believe them.” Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University © 2015 creators.com

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

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

Passing on the invite of the season

or some unknown reason, I have been placed on the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign fund-raising list. Of course, I have no plans to contribute to her campaign or to any other campaign, be it Democrat or Republican. I’d planned to continue my efforts to help draft Charley “Boo-Wah” Boulware as a presidential candidate. But I knew BooWah had more important things to do, such as predict that the South Carolina Gamecocks would win every football game they played this past season. That didn’t work out too well. Anyway, getting back to the Hillary campaign, like all the other presidential campaigns, Hillary and her team try to come up with creative and eye-catching ways to collect money from potential donors. They do such things as enlist celebrities to sign off on personal letters to targeted donors. I received one of those letters from — and I’m not making this up — movie star Drew Barrymore. I was quite flattered to receive a letter from Drew, even though I would have preferred one from Cher. Regardless, I thought I would share Drew’s letter with The Item’s readers so they could be included in

COMMENTARY

Hubert D. Osteen Jr.

the conversation and I would prove that Drew singled me out. Here is her letter, in its entirety:

Hubert, When reporters ask me what it means to be a “girlboss” (this really happens!), I tell them it’s about the humility of knowing you can’t accomplish anything alone, and that being an empowered woman as part of a team means you really can do anything. I know that Hillary is going to be the ultimate girlboss as our next president, but she needs all of us on her team to help her win the White House! To help her get there, my husband Will and I are throwing a holiday party for Hillary in New York City. It’s going to be a super-fun winter wonderland full of families, and I would love for you to be our VIP guest. All you have to do is add your name for a chance to join us. I think it’s so great that you’re on Hillary’s team, and I would love to meet you and your family in New

York. The campaign will cover your flights and hotel, and I bet you’ll even have time for some shop windows and ice skating. (Rockefeller Center or Central Park, you can’t go wrong.) Ok, so like a good girlboss, I’m going to recap our next steps: Hubert: Add your name at this link Drew: Plan a kickass party Hillary: Keep working hard to become our next president!! Sound good to you? See you in New York! Thanks! Drew I did think long and hard about whether I should accept Drew’s invitation (plus send in a substantial donation) and join the fun at Rockefeller Center, watching the Rockettes do their kicks, etc., but realized The Boss Lady (my wife) had other plans for our family during the Christmas season and decided to decline. Besides, Hillary doesn’t need any money from me: She’s a multi-millionaire, just like her hubby. I’ll just stick to my family’s own kickass party and let my granddaughters do the kicking, just like the Rockettes.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OBAMA RESPONSIBLE FOR RECENT ATTACKS Who is responsible for the mass murder and injury to hundreds and hundreds of French and American citizens between 2013 and 2015 by radical Muslim terrorists? The answer is very simple: The president of the United States and his incompetent hires of Secretareis of State Clinton and Kerry, of Attorney General Holder and Lynch and for his National Security Advisor (Susan) Rice. The President let ISIS take hold in Iraq and Syria by not ensuring that a residual force of American military stayed in Iraq. There was no one left in Iraq to lead and support the Iraq military. The longstanding distrust between the Shi’ites and Sunnis Muslims in the newly formed Iraq government and the military resulted in an ineffective fighting force. ISIS took hold and we did nothing. Thousands upon thousands of U.S. military weapons were seized by ISIS. Our Embassy in Bagdad

was over 300 people (the largest in the world), which included CIA operatives, and the President did not listen to them about the growing ISIS threat and the serious unraveling of the Iraq government and military. This also illustrates the incompetence of Clinton and Rice. On the home front, the Justice Department, including the FBI, was not focused like a laser or adequately funded to prevent the Fort Hood, Chattanooga and San Bernardino radical Muslim terrorist attacks. This was the direct result of the president’s lack of leadership and Clinton’s and Kerry’s failure to adequately screen who is coming into our country. There were many signs that should have stopped these shootings and kept Americans safe; but the president and the Justice Department diverted the FBI resources to other matters, even after the three French radical Muslim terrorist attacks earlier this year that killed 142 and injured over 300.

The bottom line is that if ISIS did not exist, and if we had effective leadership of the Justice Department and State Department, there would be many more Americans and Frenchmen alive today. Don Damm Sumter

WRITER GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT The beautiful display of lights at Swan Lake-Iris Garden and the huge crowd attending the Christmas parade lifted our holiday spirit! We have just finished living through stressful months of the “terrible flood.” The losses that many families dealt with have certainly tested our faith! Many civic and religious activities taking place remind me that Sumter again is bouncing back. Let us pray that all who lost so much will recover during this holy season. I wish for all a safe and happy Christmas. COLLEEN YATES Sumter

A10

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

AROUND TOWN Clarendon School District One meet at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at Morris College. will conduct free vision, hearDoes your child attend school in Attorney Glen Givens will ing, speech and developmenClarendon District One? speak. tal screenings as part of a child find effort to identify The Scotts Branch High School students with special Alumni will meet and hold needs. Screenings will be its Christmas fellowship at held from 9 a.m. to noon at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, the Summerton Early Child- at Eagle’s Nest headquarhood Center, 8 South St., ters, 1 Larry King Highway, Summerton, on the followSummerton. ing Thursdays: Dec. 10; Jan. The Sumter Branch NAACP 14, 2016; Feb. 11, 2016; will conduct the national March 10, 2016; April 14, 2016; and May 12, 2016. Call board of directors election Sadie Williams at (803) 485- during the annual meeting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2325, extension 116. 13, at First Baptist MissionSumter Little Theatre will ary Church, 219 S. Washingpresent the Christmas classic ton St. “Miracle on 34th Street” The Lincoln High School Class Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 10of 1963 will hold its meeting 13, at 14 Mood Ave. Show and Christmas luncheon at times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 3 p.m. on 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, at Golden Corral, 2385 Sunday. Tickets: $20 for Walmart Blvd. Call Ferdiadults; $15 for students / nand Burns at (803) 968senior citizens / military. 4464. Call (803) 775-2150. Are you looking for informaThe Sumter Stroke Support Group (Overcomers) will hold tion about the Affordable Care Act? The Harvin Clarendon its Christmas meeting at 6 County Library will hold a p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, free program at 6 p.m. on in the Alice Drive Baptist Monday, Dec. 14. Carrie Church library on the corner of Loring Mill Road and Sinkler-Parker will speak. Registration is not reWise Drive. Bring your faquired. Call (803) 435-8633 vorite homemade Christfor details. mas treat. The Clarendon County Repub- The League of Women Voter’s Sumter County will hold its lican Party will meet on holiday social membership Thursday, Dec. 10, at Cormeeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesnerstone Free Will Baptist day, Dec. 15, at Logan’s Church, 2116 Greeleyville Roadhouse, 2531 Broad St. Highway, Manning. Dinner The meal will be Dutch. We will be served at 6:30 p.m. are inviting all members or and the meeting will begin those who would like to beat 7 p.m. come a member. Call Dee The Town of Mayesville will Woodward at (803) 469hold its annual Christmas pa3485. rade on Saturday, Dec. 12, The Sumter County Education in downtown Mayesville. Association-Retired will hold The parade will begin with its meeting and Christmas the lineup at 10 a.m. folluncheon at noon on lowed by the festivities at 11 a.m. Call Katherina Caro- Wednesday, Dec. 16, at New Beginnings restaurant, 1335 line at (803) 453-5974 or Peach Orchard Road. Call Jeannie Jefferson at (803) Brenda Bethune at (803) 495-8181. 469-6588. The Sumter Civil Air Patrol’s Wreaths Across America cere- The Sumter Combat Veterans Group will meet at 10 a.m. mony will be held at noon on Friday, Dec. 18, at the on Saturday, Dec. 12, at South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Sumter Cemetery. Former Lafayette Drive. All area U.S. Marine and retired veterans are invited. Army Reserve Master Sgt. The Mayewood High School Jackie Hughes will speak. After the ceremony, attend- Class of 1977 will hold an organizational meeting at 11 ees may assist in hanging the wreaths along the cem- a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, etery fence. For more infor- at Mayewood Middle School. If you are a memmation about the WAA orber of this class, your help ganization, contact Denise is needed in planning the Owen at owenmom@aol. 40th class reunion. Come com or visit www.wreathwith ideas and suggestions sacrossamerica.org. The National Council of Negro to make the reunion speWomen, Sumter branch, will cial in 2017.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Fog in the a.m.; partly sunny

Patchy clouds

Pleasant with partial sunshine

Sunshine, nice and warm

Sunny and very warm

Mostly cloudy

66°

45°

68° / 49°

72° / 51°

76° / 53°

77° / 58°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 25%

S 3-6 mph

VAR 3-6 mph

WSW 3-6 mph

SW 4-8 mph

S 6-12 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 61/40 Spartanburg 62/41

Greenville 62/43

Columbia 69/42

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 66/45

Aiken 66/40

ON THE COAST

Charleston 69/48

Today: Mostly sunny. High 64 to 70. Thursday: Mostly sunny; pleasant in northern parts. High 66 to 70.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 66/49/s 51/38/pc 71/51/s 49/38/sh 74/51/pc 78/56/pc 73/56/pc 52/47/pc 79/60/pc 56/45/pc 78/49/s 62/55/c 58/45/pc

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 355.93 76.40 75.23 96.35

24-hr chg -0.09 +0.05 +0.01 +0.01

Sunrise 7:15 a.m. Moonrise 5:21 a.m.

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

0.00" 0.40" 0.81" 57.76" 35.04" 44.41"

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

62° 40° 59° 35° 82° in 1998 17° in 2010

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

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 68/52/pc 57/37/c 76/48/pc 51/42/pc 78/64/pc 69/55/pc 74/63/pc 58/50/pc 78/58/pc 60/45/pc 78/52/pc 60/49/r 61/45/pc

Myrtle Beach 65/50

Manning 65/45

Today: Sunshine. Winds west-southwest becoming southwest 4-8 mph. Thursday: Pleasant with clouds and sun. Winds southwest 4-8 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 64/45

Bishopville 64/43

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest. 12 9.69 19 6.30 14 7.75 14 4.39 80 80.76 24 15.38

Sunset Moonset

5:13 p.m. 4:17 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Dec. 11

Dec. 18

Dec. 25

Jan. 2

TIDES

24-hr chg -0.03 +0.88 +0.15 -0.35 +0.02 +0.47

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Thu.

High 7:28 a.m. 7:31 p.m. 8:09 a.m. 8:13 p.m.

Ht. 3.2 2.8 3.3 2.8

Low 1:35 a.m. 2:18 p.m. 2:16 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

Ht. 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.1

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 57/36/c 65/46/s 70/40/s 70/49/s 63/54/s 69/48/s 64/39/pc 64/45/s 69/42/s 63/43/pc 62/46/s 62/46/pc 63/43/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 60/39/pc 67/48/pc 71/45/pc 70/49/s 63/53/pc 71/49/s 66/46/pc 66/48/pc 70/48/pc 67/46/pc 63/47/pc 66/47/pc 67/48/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 64/45/pc Gainesville 73/53/s Gastonia 62/41/pc Goldsboro 62/46/pc Goose Creek 67/48/s Greensboro 61/39/pc Greenville 62/43/s Hickory 59/37/s Hilton Head 67/51/s Jacksonville, FL 72/53/s La Grange 67/48/s Macon 69/42/s Marietta 64/47/s

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 67/48/pc 73/50/s 64/44/pc 65/48/s 69/49/s 64/45/pc 65/47/pc 63/42/pc 68/51/s 73/50/s 68/50/pc 71/48/pc 66/49/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 59/36/c Mt. Pleasant 67/49/s Myrtle Beach 65/50/s Orangeburg 67/45/s Port Royal 68/50/s Raleigh 60/42/pc Rock Hill 63/41/pc Rockingham 62/40/pc Savannah 72/48/s Spartanburg 62/41/pc Summerville 67/47/s Wilmington 66/47/s Winston-Salem 60/38/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 61/37/pc 68/49/s 66/50/s 69/49/pc 68/50/s 65/46/pc 65/46/pc 66/45/pc 72/50/pc 64/45/pc 69/48/s 66/47/pc 63/45/pc

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

Special Financing for 72 Months*

PUBLIC AGENDA

803-775-WARM (9276)

SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Thursday, 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, 141 N. Main St.

www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Put travel EUGENIA LAST plans or educational pursuits into motion. Pick up information and negotiate deals that could ensure a brighter future. Only you can bring about the changes you want in your life. Reassess your current situation and make a move.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Initiate changes instead of waiting for someone else to take the lead. Your strength and courage will draw interest from others and make your loved ones proud. Make special celebratory plans for two. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll be sidetracked if you give in to the people who are trying to take advantage of you. Pay more attention to your own responsibilities and refuse to indulge in someone else’s melodrama. Interference and meddling will lead to misunderstandings and regret. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pay closer attention to your creative goals and make yourself available when friends, children or your loved ones need a helping hand. What you do will reflect who you are and make a difference for others. Romance is on the rise. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Avoid making changes that may disrupt your domestic scene. Strive to get involved in projects that will encourage you to take positive action regarding your work. Put a plan in place that will help you improve your emotional, mental and physical well-being. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stick to facts and don’t fall short when it comes to your promises or responsibilities. You won’t be given much leeway if you make a mistake. Strive for optimum performance both personally and

professionally. Romance is encouraged. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Travel or socializing with friends or relatives will result in some interesting suggestions and changes to your current situation. A partnership will undergo changes that could alter the way you’ve been performing. Walk away from discord. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): There is money to be made, but you may have to sacrifice being a good Samaritan and focus instead on finding paying jobs rather than doing work for free. Don’t let others take advantage of your loyalty and dedication. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Secrets will be revealed if you have been withholding information that can affect your reputation, status or position. Do your best to cover your tracks and own up to anything that could incriminate you before you are blamed openly. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Money deals, negotiations and expanding your financial interests are all favored as long as you don’t get involved in joint ventures. Someone’s plans could place a burden on you. Look out for yourself and the ones you love. Make romance a priority. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Base decisions on facts, not emotions, or you will make poor choices. You will gain respect from others if you tie up loose ends and set high standards for yourself. Live up to your promises, but don’t neglect your health. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll be getting mixed signals from others. Rely on your intuition to guide you in matters concerning health, money and information. Situations are not likely to be as they appear. Take a wait-and-see approach if you have any doubts.

Offer expires 12/15/2015. Financing is subject to credit approval. *For dates, details, and restrictions please see your independent Trane Dealer. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

2-6-13-29-33 PowerUp: 2

13-27-33-47-68 Powerball: 13; Powerplay: 2

PICK 3 TUESDAY

PICK 4 TUESDAY

1-8-2 and 8-9-1

0-4-7-6 and 7-2-7-6

LUCKY FOR LIFE MONDAY 12-21-23-27-37; Lucky Ball: 5

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY Numbers unavailable at press time.

SUMTER ANIMAL CONTROL PET OF THE WEEK Mary Kate is a small and friendly young girl. She is available for adoption in kennel 5 at Sumter Animal Control, 1240 Winkles Road, (803) 436-2066. To see more adoptable pets, look for Sumter Animal Control on Facebook.

SECTION

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

prep basketball

Taking the rubber match Lady Gamecocks use balanced attack to beat LR again, 63-45

usc sumter auction

USCS fundraiser to feature starstudded roster By justin Driggers justin@theitem.com

Keith Gedamke/The Sumter Item

Sumter’s Jessica Harris (20) drives to the basket against Lower Richland’s Alaysia Washington in the Lady Gamecocks’ 63-45 victory on Tuesday at the SHS gymnasium on Tuesday night.

By JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com Jason Loudenslager looked at Tuesday night’s matchup against Lower Richland in probably the same way as the other coaches did, he said. “Tonight was kind of the title belt for the season,” Loudenslager said. In a heavyweight bout featuring

two ranked programs playing for the third time, it was the Lady Gamecocks who walked away with their hands emphatically held high. Tiarra Abram led three SHS players in double figures with 15 points as the Lady Gamecocks took the rubber match 63-45 in a blowout to close out the season series between the two schools. LR had won the initial contest

44-32 at the A.C. Flora Tip-Off Tournament to start the season. Sumter avenged that loss a week later with a 56-46 win in Hopkins. Sumter was ranked sixth in the initial South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association 4A poll while LR was seventh in the 3A poll. “I know both programs take a lot

see SUMTER, Page B3

From staff reports

see SEC, Page B4

see STAFF, Page B4

From staff and wire reports

The Associated Press

South Carolina’s Pharoh Cooper (11) was named to the coaches All-SEC first team as a wide receiver for the second straight season on Monday and was also selected to the first team as an all-purpose back. Gamecock linebacker Skai Moore was named to the second team. ing 94.9 all-purpose yards per game. Cooper was also a firstteam All-SEC receiver a year ago and earned second-team honors as an allpurpose back. He finished his career with 138 catches (ninth all-time) for 2,163 yards (eighth all-time) and

Muschamp hires Robinson, Bentley for new USC staff

18 touchdown receptions (sixth all-time). Moore, a 6-2, 218-pounder, paced the Gamecock defense with 111 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions. He tied for third in the SEC in

South Carolina’s Cooper, Moore selected to coaches’ All-Southeastern Conference teams

total at Carolina. He logged five 100-yard receiving games in 2015 and has nine in his 3-year career. He also rushed 24 times for 111 yards and a touchdown, completed 2-of-5 passes for 11 yards and a score and returned 12 punts for 55 yards, averag-

see USCS, Page B5

COLUMBIA — New University of South Carolina football head coach Will Muschamp hired Travaris Robinson as his defensive coordinator and former Byrnes High School head coach Bobby Bentley as the running backs coach for his new staff on Monday. Robinson, who is regarded as one of the top recruiters in the country, has spent the past five seasons coaching defensive backs under Muschamp, first at Florida from 2011-14, then at Auburn last season. The former Tiger standout also began his coaching career at Auburn under Muschamp, first as a staff assistant in 2006, then as a graduate assistant in 2007. “I look forward to Travaris leading our defense,” said Muschamp. “I’ve worked with him since 2006. He understands our schemes and systems and what we want to accomplish on defense.” Robinson, a Miami native, spent one season each as a defensive backs coach at Western Kentucky (2008), Southern Miss (2009) and Texas Tech (2010) before reuniting with Muschamp on his staff at Florida. In his first season at Florida in 2011, Robinson guided a UF secondary that ranked seventh in the nation in pass defense (166.8), while the Gator defense ranked eighth nationally in total defense (299.5). Robinson led a secondary that was one of the best in the nation in 2012, ranking No. 2 in pass efficiency defense (95.55) and allowing just seven touchdown passes, the second-fewest in the nation. Florida had 20 interceptions on the season, good for seventh nationally while safety Matt Elam was a first-team All-America selection and first-round draft pick. In 2013, Robinson’s secondary was

south carolina Football

COLUMBIA — University of South Carolina junior Pharoh Cooper was selected to the coaches’ All-Southeastern Conference first-team unit as both a wide receiver and an all-purpose back on Monday, while junior linebacker Skai Moore earned second-team accolades. Cooper a 5-foot-11-inche, 207-pounder, led the Gamecocks with 66 receptions for 973 yards and eight touchdowns during the 2015 campaign. He ranked second in the SEC in receiving yards (81.1) and fifth in receptions (5.5) per game. A team captain, Cooper caught 35 percent of the team’s passes for 39 percent of the yards thrown. His 66 receptions was more than the rest of the Gamecock wide receivers’ combined total of 56 and was the seventh-highest single-season mark in school history. His 973 receiving yards was the sixth-best single-season

Tim Medlin has carried on the winning tradition at the University of South Carolina Sumter, and now he’s reviving another tradition as well — and adding to it. The “Night of Champions” fundraiser started by former USCS baseball head coach Tom Fleenor is being brought back in the form of an inaugural “Legends Dinner & Silent Auction” fundraiser that will be held on RICHARDSON Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Nettles Gymnasium at USC Sumter. The program will feature a “hot stove discussion” about the state of the game, a question-and-answer session as well as several speeches from what will be a highlyMCMILLON decorated roster of former and current professional players in attendance. The list includes Sumter native, former University of South Carolina head coach and New York Yankee great Bobby Richardson; Clemson MONTGOMERY All-American and 13-year MLB veteran Billy O’Dell; Bishopville native, Clemson All-American, 6-year MLB veteran and current Boston Red Sox minor-league manager Billy McMillon; former University of South Carolina standout and current Detroit minor-leaguer Grayson Greiner; and former Sumter High, Sumter P-15’s, USC standout and current Yankee minor league pitcher Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery was a late confirmation, but will be part of the roundtable discussion and the Q&A segment with the audience, Medlin said. “It’s a great chance for people to come together on a Sunday and listen to some really great baseball stories from some really great people who have been in baseball and who are currently in baseball,” Medlin said. “These guys have

sports

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

The SUMTER ITEM

Scoreboard

college basketball roundup

TV, RADIO

TODAY 2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match – BATE Boriso vs. Roma (ESPN2). 2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match – Barcelona vs. Bayer Leverkusen (FOX SPORTS 1). 2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match – Arsenal vs. Olympiacos (FOX SPORTS 2). 2:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match – Porto vs. Chelsea (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 5 p.m. – College Basketball: Niagara at St. John’s (FOX SPORTS 1). 6 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Winter Meetings from Nashville, Ten. (NBA TV). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Chicago at Boston (ESPN). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Eastern Kentucky at Kentucky (ESPN2). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Howard at Purdue (ESPNU). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Boston College at Providence (FOX SPORTS 1). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Miami at Charlotte (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST). 7:30 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Boston at Montreal (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 8 p.m. – College Basketball: Nebraska at Creighton (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 8 p.m. – College Basketball: Nebraska (Omaha) at Missouri (SEC NETWORK). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Utah State at Brigham Young (BYUTV). 9 p.m. –College Basketball: NevadaLas Vegas at Wichita State (ESPN2). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Dayton at Vanderbilt (ESPNU). 9 p.m. –Professional Golf: Asian Tour Thailand Championship First Round from Chonburi, Thailand (GOLF). 9:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Atlanta at Dallas (ESPN). 10 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Pittsburgh at Colorado (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 2 a.m. – Professional Golf: Asian Tour Thailand Championship First Round from Chonburi, Thailand (GOLF). 5 a.m. – Women’s Professional Golf: Ladies European Tour Dubai Masters Second Round from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (GOLF).

The Associated Press

Virginia’s Anthony Gill (13) dunks in the Cavaliers’ 70-54 win over West Virginia on Tuesday.

No. 10 Virginia rolls past No. 14 West Virginia 70-54 in Jimmy V The Associated Press NEW YORK — Anthony Gill had season highs of 20 points and 12 rebounds, London Perrantes returned from a two-game absence to score 13 points and No. 10 Virginia beat No. 14 West Virginia 70-54 on Tuesday night in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. In the first game between the schools in 30 years, the Cavaliers (8-1) had trouble all game with West Virginia’s pressure and switching defenses. They trailed by as many as 12 points late in the first half. Virginia shot 73.7 percent in the second half (14 of 19) and 62.8 percent for the game (27 of 43). Jaysean Paige had 16 points for West Virginia (7-1).

No. 12 Xavier 90 Wright State 55 CINCINNATI — Trevon Bluiett scored a career-high 22 points, and 12th-ranked Xavier went on a 25-point run during a 90-55 victory over Wright State on Tuesday night that left the Musketeers 9-0 for the first time in seven years. Bluiett also had 11 rebounds. The Raiders (3-6) couldn’t keep up in their first game against Xavier since the 1994-95 season.

No. 17 Miami 66 Florida 55 CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Sheldon McClellan scored 24 points Tuesday, and No. 17 Miami overcame an off night offensively with scrappy defense in a 66-55 victory

over rival Florida. The Hurricanes held Florida to 39 percent shooting, including 1 for 12 from 3-point range. Miami shot a seasonlow 39 percent overall, but made 7 of 17 3-pointers. The Hurricanes (8-1) won their third straight game. The Gators (6-2) lost to their instate rivals for the second consecutive year.

Georgia 74 Winthrop 64 ATHENS, Ga. — Yante Maten scored a career-high 24 points and had 12 rebounds as Georgia held off Winthrop 74-64 on Tuesday. Maten was 10-of-16 from the field and J.J. Frazier had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulldogs (4-3). He also had five assists. Keon Johnson scored 21 to lead Winthrop (6-2).

NFL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA New England 10 2 0 .833 375 247 N.Y. Jets 7 5 0 .583 295 248 Buffalo 6 6 0 .500 296 278 Miami 5 7 0 .417 240 300 South W L T Pct PF PA Indianapolis 6 6 0 .500 259 305 Houston 6 6 0 .500 253 264 Jacksonville 4 8 0 .333 275 341 Tennessee 3 9 0 .250 245 296 North W L T Pct PF PA Cincinnati 10 2 0 .833 334 196 Pittsburgh 7 5 0 .583 311 240 Baltimore 4 8 0 .333 272 291 Cleveland 2 10 0 .167 216 347 West W L T Pct PF PA Denver 10 2 0 .833 269 210 Kansas City 7 5 0 .583 321 240 Oakland 5 7 0 .417 284 314 San Diego 3 9 0 .250 247 324

NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Washington 5 7 0 .417 257 286 Philadelphia 5 7 0 .417 278 302 N.Y. Giants 5 7 0 .417 307 296 Dallas 4 8 0 .333 223 277 South W L T Pct PF PA x-Carolina 12 0 0 1.000 373 243 Tampa Bay 6 6 0 .500 271 298 Atlanta 6 6 0 .500 279 257 New Orleans 4 8 0 .333 299 380 North W L T Pct PF PA Green Bay 8 4 0 .667 289 238 Minnesota 8 4 0 .667 238 232 Chicago 5 7 0 .417 251 290 Detroit 4 8 0 .333 253 315 West W L T Pct PF PA Arizona 10 2 0 .833 382 232 Seattle 7 5 0 .583 305 229 St. Louis 4 8 0 .333 189 257 San Francisco 4 8 0 .333 178 291 x-clinched division

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dusty Baker thinks the Washington Nationals need more speed, so he wants more African-American and Latino players on the roster. He also vigorously defended Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, who was accused of choking his girlfriend and shooting a gun during an incident in October. And Baker also had a different take on domestic violence. At the winter meetings as a manager for the first time since he was fired by the Reds after the 2013 season, Baker answered more than 30 questions in a free-wheeling interview session. “You’re always in need of left-handed pitching, lefthanded hitting, and in need of speed,” he said. “I think that’s the number one thing that’s missing, I think, in the game is speed. You know, with the need for minorities, you can help yourself — you’ve got a better chance of getting some speed with Latin and African-Americans. “I’m not being racist,” he added. “That’s just how it is.” Staff and wire reports

W L Pct GB 22 0 1.000 — 12 9 .571 9½ 9 13 .409 13 7 15 .318 15 3 18 .143 18½

Monday’s Games

San Antonio 119, Philadelphia 68 Charlotte 104, Detroit 84 Toronto 102, L.A. Lakers 93 Dallas 104, New York 97 Washington 114, Miami 103 Phoenix 103, Chicago 101 L.A. Clippers 110, Minnesota 106 Boston 111, New Orleans 93 Milwaukee 90, Portland 88

Tuesday’s Games

Portland at Cleveland, 7 p.m. Golden State at Indiana, 7 p.m. Houston at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m. Oklahoma City at Memphis, 8 p.m. Orlando at Denver, 9 p.m. Utah at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games

Chicago at Boston, 7 p.m. Houston at Washington, 7 p.m. Miami at Charlotte, 7 p.m. San Antonio at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Memphis at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Minnesota, 8 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. New York at Utah, 9 p.m. Orlando at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Atlanta at Dallas, 9:30 p.m.

NHL Standings

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Montreal 28 19 6 3 41 94 63 Detroit 27 15 8 4 34 71 69 Ottawa 27 14 8 5 33 86 81 Boston 26 14 9 3 31 85 75 Florida 27 13 10 4 30 69 66 Tampa Bay 28 13 12 3 29 66 65 Buffalo 28 11 14 3 25 67 78 Toronto 27 9 13 5 23 61 74 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA N.Y. Rangers 28 18 7 3 39 80 58 Washington 25 18 5 2 38 79 55 N.Y. Islanders 28 15 8 5 35 78 67 New Jersey 27 14 10 3 31 69 66 Pittsburgh 26 14 10 2 30 61 62 Philadelphia 27 11 11 5 27 54 74 Carolina 27 10 13 4 24 59 81 Columbus 28 11 16 1 23 66 81

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Dallas 27 20 5 2 42 93 70 St. Louis 27 15 8 4 34 68 67 Minnesota 26 14 7 5 33 70 64 Nashville 27 14 8 5 33 72 71 Chicago 27 14 9 4 32 74 69 Winnipeg 28 13 13 2 28 76 85 Colorado 28 12 15 1 25 77 81 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles 26 17 8 1 35 68 55 San Jose 26 14 12 0 28 70 68 Vancouver 29 10 11 8 28 77 81 Arizona 27 13 13 1 27 74 85 Anaheim 28 11 12 5 27 55 68 Edmonton 28 11 15 2 24 71 82 Calgary 26 10 14 2 22 65 94 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Monday’s Games

Nashville 3, Boston 2 Colorado 2, Minnesota 1, OT Vancouver 5, Buffalo 2

Tuesday’s Games

N.Y. Islanders at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Los Angeles at Columbus, 7 p.m. Detroit at Washington, 7:30 p.m. New Jersey at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Ottawa at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Arizona at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Nashville at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Carolina at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. San Jose at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games

Boston at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. San Jose at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Colorado, 10 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

NCAA FCS Playoffs

Saturday, Nov. 28 Western Illinois 24, Dayton 7 Chattanooga 50, Fordham 20 The Citadel 41, Coastal Carolina 38 Sam Houston State 42, Southern Utah 39 Montana 24, South Dakota State 17 Colgate 27, New Hampshire 20 William & Mary 52, Duquesne 49 Northern Iowa 53, Eastern Illinois 17

Winter Baseball Skills Camp set for Saturday Baker makes racesensitive comments

GB — 2 4 4 4½

Sunday’s Games

Arizona 27, St. Louis 3 Seattle 38, Minnesota 7 Tennessee 42, Jacksonville 39 San Francisco 26, Chicago 20, OT N.Y. Jets 23, N.Y. Giants 20, OT Tampa Bay 23, Atlanta 19 Buffalo 30, Houston 21 Miami 15, Baltimore 13 Cincinnati 37, Cleveland 3 Denver 17, San Diego 3 Kansas City 34, Oakland 20 Carolina 41, New Orleans 38 Philadelphia 35, New England 28 Pittsburgh 45, Indianapolis 10

$5.3 million, two-year contract with catcher Tyler Flowers, a person familiar with that deal said.

W L Pct 12 8 .600 9 9 .500 9 13 .409 8 12 .400 8 13 .381

By The Associated Press

Green Bay 27, Detroit 23

tract with major league ERA leader Zack Greinke earlier in the day, also would send outfielder Ender Inciarte and pitching prospect Aaron Blair to the Braves, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The Diamondbacks would acquire minor league lefthander Gabe Speier as part of the trade. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade was pending approval of medical records. Greinke is set to anchor a new-look rotation that also could include Patrick Corbin, Rubby De La Rosa and Robbie Ray. The Cubs also made some major moves. They agreed to a $56 million, four-year contract with infielder Ben Zobrist, who also was sought by the New York Mets, who swept Chicago in the NL Championship Series. Zobrist figures to replace second baseman Starlin Castro, dealt to the New York Braves deal Miller Yankees on Tuesday night to Diamondbacks for right-hander Adam WarIn another dramatic move ren and a player to be to return to the playoffs for named, likely infielder Brenthe first time since 2011, the dan Ryan. Arizona Diamondbacks In the day’s other trade, reached an agreement Tues- the St. Louis Cardinals acday to acquire All-Star right- quired infielder Jedd Gyorko hander Shelby Miller from and from the San Diego Pathe Atlanta Braves for overdres for outfielder Jon Jay. all No. 1 draft pick Dansby San Diego will pay St. Louis Swanson, and two other $7.5 million to cover part of prospects. the $33 million remaining on Arizona, which finalized a Gyorko’s contract. $206.5 million, six-year conAlso, Atlanta agreed to a

5 16 .238 12½

Thursday, Dec. 3

sports items

The Winter Baseball Specialty Skills Prospect Camp will be held on Saturday at Riley Park. The camp is open to all players in grades 9-12 at a cost of $85 per player. The camp will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. with a 1-hour break for lunch. All players must have insurance to participate. Members of the Sumter American Legion Post 15 coaching staff will be hosting the event. Other coaches who will be participating are University of South Carolina Sumter head coach Tim Medlin, Florence American Legion Post 1 head coach Derick Urquhart and North Greenville assistant coach Tyler Jackson. Pre-registration forms are due no later than Thursday. Final registration will begin on Saturday at 8 a.m. at Riley Park. For more information, contact Steve Campbell at (803) 774-1620.

New Orleans Northwest Division Oklahoma City Utah Portland Minnesota Denver Pacific Division Golden State L.A. Clippers Phoenix Sacramento L.A. Lakers

First Round

Monday’s Game

Dallas 19, Washington 16

Thursday’s Game

Minnesota at Arizona, 8:25 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 13

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

Monday, Dec. 14

N.Y. Giants at Miami, 8:30 p.m.

W L Pct 13 9 .591 12 9 .571 10 12 .455 5 15 .250 1 21 .045

GB — ½ 3 7 12

W L Pct 12 7 .632 12 8 .600 13 9 .591 11 9 .550 9 10 .474

GB — ½ ½ 1½ 3

W L Pct 13 7 .650 12 7 .632 11 7 .611 12 10 .545 9 13 .409

GB — ½ 1 2 5

WESTERN CONFERENCE W L Pct 18 4 .818 13 9 .591 12 9 .571 10 11 .476

Semifinals

Friday, Dec. 18 TBD, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 TBD, 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 At Toyota Stadium Frisco, Texas Semifinal winners, Noon

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Southwest Division San Antonio Dallas Memphis Houston

Quarterfinals

Friday, Dec. 11 Richmond (9-3) at Illinois State (10-2), 7:30 p.m. Charleston Southern (10-2) at Jacksonville State (11-1), 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 Northern Iowa (9-4) at North Dakota State (10-2), Noon Colgate (9-4) at Sam Houston State (10-3), 8 p.m.

Championship

NBA Standings

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

Second Round

Saturday, Dec. 5 Richmond 48, William & Mary 13 Charleston Southern 14, The Citadel 6 Colgate 44, James Madison 38 Illinois State 36, Western Illinois 19 Jacksonville State 41, Chattanooga 35, OT North Dakota State 37, Montana 6 Sam Houston State 34, McNeese State 29 Northern Iowa 29, Portland State 17

GB — 5 5½ 7½

Transactions

By The Associated Press BASEBALL American League DETROIT TIGERS — Agreed to terms with RHP Mark Lowe on a two-year contract. National League ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Agreed to terms with RHP Zack Greinke on a six-year contract. CHICAGO CUBS — Agreed to terms with RHP John Lackey on a two-year contract. COLORADO ROCKIES — Agreed to terms with RHPs Jason Motte and Chad Qualls on two-year contracts. MIAMI MARLINS — Claimed LHP Mike Strong off waivers from Milwaukee. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — Traded OF Jon Jay to San Diego for 2B Jedd Gyorko and cash. FOOTBALL National Football League ATLANTA FALCONS — Waived-injured DT Ricky Havili-Heimuli. Released CB T.J. Heath from the practice squad. tice squad.

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

SUMTER

The Associated Press

I NDI A NA POLIS — T he Golden State Warriors followed the script perfectly for three quarters Tuesday night. Then things got a bit more interesting. The defending NBA champions improved to 23-0, with Klay Thompson scoring 39

Gators cruise to win against Lee Central Keith Gedamke/The Sumter Item

Sumter’s Ryan Missildine (24) goes up for a shot against Lower Richland Savion Townsend, in the Gamecocks’ 53-47 victory on Tuesday. were already getting beat rebounding-wise, so that’s something we kept an eye on. But I thought in the long run it really benefited us and we didn’t give up too much more defensively.” Sumter was only up three late in the second quarter before a 7-0 run stretched it to 10. Another 7-0 run to start the third – highlighted by Harris’ 3-pointer – put the Lady Gamecocks up 17 and they never looked back. The lead got as high as 20 before a late bucket by LR dropped it to the final 18-point margin of victory. “Whether we got the rebounds tonight or now, we still had to play good defense,” Abram said. “We knew we were going to get the ball back either way so we just made sure we clamped down on defense and didn’t get hurt too much inside the paint.” Jones had eight points for Sumter and McBride followed with seven to nearly give the Lady Gamecocks five players in double figures. LR, now 4-2 on the year with both losses coming at the hands of Sumter, was led by Dejah Williford’s 16 points. Kameron Roach added 12 points. Sumter travels to crosstown rival Crestwood on Friday. The Lady Knights were ranked fourth in the initial 3A poll –

pitting two top-10 programs against each other again. The Sumter boys also picked up their second straight win over Lower Richland by edging the Diamond Hornets 5447. The Gamecocks jumped to a 14-3 lead after the first quarter and then used another late surge in the final period to hold off LR and improve to 2-1. “Started out strong and proud of the guys for that,” first-year SHS head coach Shawn Jones said. “We still have to do a better job of closing out games and that’s something we’re working on. I should have gone to some different defense (in the second and third quarters) because they were starting to figure some things out and get penetration. “But overall I was happy with the way we played and had some guys step up.” Andrew Tiller had 18 points to lead the Gamecocks, including connecting on four 3-pointers. Ahmed Peoples also connected on a long-distance shot in the final minutes to help SHS hold off the Diamond Hornets. Calvin Felder was second with 15 points for Sumter. Kelvin Washington had 14 points to lead LR followed by Ja’Cor Nelson with 13.

Ben Lippen 51

day at the Furman gymnasium. Zaria Stephens led the Lady Indians with six points. Shania Davis topped Ebenezer with eight. Staff reports

WINNSBORO — Thomas Sumter Academy defeatd Richard Winn Academy 60-47 on Tuesday at the RWA gymnasium. Ryan Dixon led the Generals with 14 points. Austin Hudson and Justin Lyons both added 13.

Heathwood Hall 58 Wilson Hall 44 COLUMBIA — Wilson

B TEAM BASKETBALL Sumter 55 Lower Richland 29 HOPKINS — Sumter High School improved to 2-1 with a 55-29 victory over Lower Richland on Monday at the Diamond Mine. Eric Watts led the Gamecocks with 20 points. Kareem Burson added 15 points. Staff reports

Local Prep Schedule TODAY

Varsity Basketball C.E. Murray at Crestwood, 6 p.m. B Team Basketball Wilson Hall at Heathwood Hall, 4 p.m. Middle School Basketball Timmonsville at East Clarendon, 5:30 p.m. Varsity Bowling Laurence Manning, Thomas Sumter vs. Wilson Hall (at Gamecock Lanes), 5 p.m. Varsity Sporting Clays Wilson Hall at Palmetto Shooting Complex (at Edgefield), TBA Varsity Wrestling Sumter at Ridge View, 6 p.m. Varsity Basketball Aynor at East Clarendon, 6 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball Lakewood at Scott’s Branch (No JV Girls), 5 p.m. Clarendon Hall at Williamsburg, 4 p.m. Junior Varsity Basketball Crestwood at Sumter, 6 p.m. Timmonsville at Lee Central, 6 p.m. Middle School Basketball Bates at Alice Drive, 5 p.m. Chestnut Oaks at Ebenezer, 5 p.m. Manning at Furman, 5 p.m. Hillcrest at Mayewood, 5 p.m. Scott’s Branch at Lee Central, 5:30 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter, Berkeley Creek, 6 p.m.

Goose

FRIDAY

Varsity Basketball Sumter at Crestwood, 6 p.m. Lee Central at Timmonsville, 6 p.m. First Baptist at Wilson Hall, 7 p.m. Laurence Manning in Baron Classic, 4 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball East Clarendon at Manning (No JV Girls), 5 p.m. Thomas Sumter at Ben Lippen, 4 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Marlboro, 4 p.m. St. John’s Christian at Clarendon Hall, 4 p.m. B Team Basketball Wilson Hall at Cardinal Newman, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY

Varsity Basketball Manning at Scott’s Branch, 6:30 p.m. Northwood at Wilson Hall, 2:30 p.m. Laurence Manning in Baron Classic, TBA Varsity and JV Basketball Lee Central at Lakewood, 3 p.m. Junior Varsity Basketball Robert E. Lee in JV Tournament, TBA Varsity Wrestling Sumter in FCA Duals (at Greenwood), TBA

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Ben LIppen 18

MANNING — Manning High School lost to C.E. Murray 39-21 on Tuesday at Thames Arena. Kimora Hilton led the Lady Monarchs with six points.

Richard Winn 47

WILSON HALL Watford 9, Burgess 4, Carraway 18, Schwartz 9, Talley 3.Stone 1. HEATHWOOD HALL Caldwell 14, Jones 4, Vaughn 7, King 2, Lee 2, Kemper 9, Hill 17, Joseph 3.

Palmetto Farm Supply

Laurence Manning 39

Manning 21

Thomas Sumter 60

Hall dropped to 3-3 on the season with a 58-44 loss to Heathwood Hall on Tuesday at the Heathwood gymnasium. Brent Carraway led the Barons with 18 points. Grier Schwartz and Sam Watford both had nine. Justin Hill led the Highlanders with 17 Josh Caldwell added 14.

FARM PET GARDEN

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL

C.E. Murray 39

BISHOPVILLE — Lakewood High School’s varsity boys basketball team had four players score in double figures at it defeated Lee Central 81-57 on Tuesday at the Lee Central gymnasium. Davonte Pack led the Gators with 17 ponits. Tyrell Still added 14 while Jarvis Johnson had 13 and Grant Singleton 11. Kendrick Holloman and Damarcus Smith both had 13 to lead the Stallions.

THURSDAY

COLUMBIA — Wilson Hall’s MIDDLE SCHOOL varsity girls basketball team BASKETBALL had three players score in douFurman 20 ble figures in a 56-33 victory over Heathwood Hall on TusEbenezer 17 day at the Heathwood gymnaFurman Middle School desium. feated Ebenezer 20-17 on MonLauren Goodson led the Lady Barons with 16 points. Catherine Kelley and Nicolette Fisher both had 12 points. Kelley and Liza Segars both had five assists.

MANNING — Laurence Manning Academy defeated Ben Lippen 39-18 on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium. Katherine Burns led the Lady Swampcats with 10 points.

points and Stephen Curry adding 29 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists in a 131-123 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Thompson scored 29 points in the first half, during which the Warriors went on a 22-0 run. Golden State led by 28 in the fourth quarter before the Pacers closed within six late.

boys AREA roundup

Lady Barons top Heathwood 56-33

MANNING — Laurence Manning Academy’s Courtney Beatson scored 20 points, but the Lady Swampcats still dropped a 51-50 decision to Ben Lippen on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium. Brooke Bennett added 15 points for LMA.

Warriors reach 23-0

girls AREA roundup

Laurence Manning 50

PRO BASKETBALL

From Page B1

of pride in what they do,” said Loudenslager, whose team improved to 5-1 on the year. “I was very proud of the way our kids stepped up and rose to the occasion. “I felt like we got pushed around on the inside a little bit, but other than that we made them play our game. We changed tempos and really sped things up and that sort of gave Lower Richland a couple more wrinkles to deal with.” Abram, Kyra Wilson and Jessica Harris were the beneficiaries of the change in tempo. Wilson and Harris finished just behind Abram with 14 points each. Abram and Wilson combined for 10 rebounds and Harris had four steals. “It’s just a team effort, to be honest,” Abram said. “We have to rotate the ball and if you get an open shot, you take it. None of us are scared to shoot the ball and we have a team full of shooters.” The Lady Gamecocks have not relying on a single individual to carry the load in any game so far this season – and they didn’t rely on any one individual in any quarter on Tuesday. Anna McBride led SHS with six points in the first, Harris had five in the second, Abram had six in the third and Wilson had eight in the fourth. “We’ve got enough talent out there that on any given night, Jessica Harris gets hot, Kyra Wilson will get hot, Kiara Jones will get hot – and teams have got to make adjustments to that.” Loudenslager said. “Every time they doubleteamed Jessica, someone else stepped up and made a play. “I think that was one of the big differences in the game. A lot of our players stepped up and made shots and some of their players weren’t able to take advantage in the same way.” Sumter had a 16-11 lead after one quarter and a 10-point advantage at the half. After a couple of first-half 3-pointers kept the Lady Diamond Hornets in the game, SHS shut them down in the second half as LR missed all three of its long-distance shots over the final 16 minutes. “We stretched out a little more in the second half and really tried to take away that perimeter shot,” Loudenslager said. “Now that opens things up for them inside, and we

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sports

The SUMTER ITEM

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

college football bowls By The Associated Press

Saturday, Dec. 19

(9-3), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Celebration Bowl

Atlanta NC A&T (9-2) vs. Alcorn State (93), Noon

New Mexico Bowl

Albuquerque Arizona (6-6) vs. New Mexico (75), 2 p.m. (ESPN)

Las Vegas Bowl

BYU (9-3) vs. Utah (9-3), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)

Camelia Bowl

Montgomery, Ala. Ohio (8-4) vs. Appalachian State (9-2), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)

By JOHN ZENOR The Associated Press

in fact, better than any other Tide runner. He’s already broken Herschel Walker’s SEC TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Der- single-season rushing record, rick Henry made a quick imreaching 1,986 yards with a big pression on his Alabama team- league championship game mates upon arriving on camperformance in Saturday’s pus as a coveted prospect with 29-15 win over Florida. That everything from his hardcore earned Alabama a No. 2 seed weight room workouts to those in the playoffs. middle-of-the-night pushup Granted, he’s done it in 13 sessions. games, two more than Walker. Big, physical and by all acBut Henry also matched the counts a tireless worker, SEC record of 23 rushing Henry stood out even in a pro- touchdowns shared with Tim gram that’s been handing off Tebow and Tre Mason during tailbacks to the NFL pretty his 189-yard performance much annually. Alabama line- against the Gators. backer Reggie Ragland “He just put icing on the learned the hard way in one cake,” said tight end O.J. Howearly practice encounter. ard, Henry’s roommate. “When you meet him in the The durable Henry has hole,” Ragland says now, “you logged an even heavier workbetter bring everything you’ve load than usual in the past two got.” games. He’s had 90 carries and The 6-foot-3, 242-pound 460 yards combined against Henry is perhaps the leading Auburn and Florida. candidate for the Heisman He’s mostly deflected HeisTrophy. New Orleans Saints man talk, while quickly shartailback Mark Ingram is the ing credit with teammates. school’s lone Heisman winner, “My main focus is on finishcapturing the trophy in 2009. ing and helping this team Henry’s numbers are better; win,” Henry said after the SEC

championship game. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to help this team win. Whether it’s me running the ball, catching the ball or pass blocking, I just want this team to win. It’s a team effort.” Henry, who has scored touchdowns in a nation’s best 18 consecutive games, has averaged 180.9 yards against seven ranked opponents. His long stride makes him hard to catch in the open field besides being a load between the tackles. Tide coach Nick Saban said Henry arrived on campus with the same work ethic that’s carried him to the brink of a Heisman. After setting the national high school record for career rushing yards, Henry split carries with T.J. Yeldon his first two seasons before taking over in the backfield. Saban said he hasn’t coached “many players that actually set a better example to affect other people.” “I don’t know that there’s any player on the team that the team means more to them than it does to Derrick,” Saban said.

Riley, Oklahoma bring Air Raid to Orange Bowl

Belk Bowl

New Orleans Bowl

Nashville, Tenn. Louisville (7-5) vs. Texas A&M (84), 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Miami Beach Bowl

San Diego Wisconsin (9-3) vs. Southern Cal (8-5), 10:30 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Dec. 31

South Florida (8-4) vs. Western Kentucky (11-2), 2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday, Dec. 22

Tide’s Henry bulls way to top Heisman contender

Birmingham (Ala.) Bowl

Auburn (6-6) vs. Memphis (9-3), Noon (ESPN)

Cure Bowl

Louisiana Tech (8-4) vs. Arkansas State (8-3), 9 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Dec. 21

The Associated Press

Texas Bowl

Houston Texas Tech (7-5) vs. LSU (8-3), 9 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday, Dec. 30

Charlotte, N.C. NC State (7-5) vs. Mississippi St. (8-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Orlando, Fla. San Jose State (5-7) vs. Georgia State (6-6), 7 p.m. (CBSSN)

Alabama running back Derrick Henry (2) is thought to be the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman Trophy to be presented on Saturday..

Arizona Bowl

Tucson Nevada (6-6) vs. Colorado State (7-5), 7:30 p.m. (TBA)

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Boise Akron (7-5) vs. Utah State (6-6), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Boca Raton (Fla.) Bowl

Temple (10-3) vs. Toledo (9-2), 7 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday, Dec. 23

Poinsettia Bowl

San Diego Northern Illinois (8-5) vs. Boise State (8-4), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)

GoDaddy Bowl

Mobile, Ala. Bowling Green (10-3) vs. Georgia Southern (8-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Dec. 24

Music City Bowl

Holiday Bowl

Peach Bowl

Atlanta Houston (12-1) vs. Florida State (10-2), Noon (ESPN)

Orange Bowl (Playoff Semifinal)

Miami Gardens, Fla. Clemson (13-0) vs. Oklahoma (111), 4 p.m. (ESPN)

Cotton Bowl Classic (Playoff Semifinal)

Arlington, Texas Alabama (12-1) vs. Michigan State (12-1), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl

Tampa, Fla. Northwestern (10-2) vs. Tennessee (8-4), Noon (ESPN2)

Citrus Bowl

Bahamas Bowl

Orlando, Fla. Michigan (9-3) vs. Florida (10-3), 1 p.m. (ABC)

Hawaii Bowl

Glendale, Ariz. Notre Dame (10-2) vs. Ohio State (11-1), 1 p.m. (ESPN)

Nassau Middle Tennessee (7-5) vs. Western Michigan (7-5), Noon (ESPN) Honolulu Cincinnati (7-5) vs. San Diego State (10-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Dec. 26

St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl

Marshall (9-3) vs. UConn (6-6), 11 a.m. (ESPN)

Sun Bowl

El Paso, Texas Miami (8-4) vs. Washington State (8-4), 2 p.m. (CBS)

Heart of Dallas Bowl

Washington (6-6) vs. Southern Mississippi (9-4), 3:20 p.m. (ESPN)

Pinstripe Bowl

Bronx, N.Y. Duke (7-5) vs. Indiana (6-6), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)

Independence Bowl

Shreveport, La. Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Tulsa (6-6), 5:45 p.m. (ESPN)

Foster Farms Bowl

Santa Clara, Calif. Nebraska (5-7) vs. UCLA (8-4), 9:15 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Dec. 28

Fiesta Bowl

Rose Bowl

Pasadena, Calif. Iowa (12-1) vs. Stanford (11-2), 5 p.m. (ESPN)

Sugar Bowl

New Orleans Oklahoma State (10-2) vs. Mississippi (9-3), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Jan. 2

TaxSlayer Bowl

Jacksonville, Fla. Penn St. (7-5) vs. Georgia (9-3), Noon (ESPN)

Liberty Bowl

Memphis, Tenn. Kansas St. (6-6) vs. Arkansas (75), 3:20 p.m. (ESPN)

Alamo Bowl

San Antonio Oregon (9-3) vs. TCU (10-2), 6:45 p.m. (ESPN)

Cactus Bowl

Phoenix West Virginia (7-5) vs. Arizona State (6-6), 10:15 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Jan. 11

College Football Championship Game

Military Bowl

Annapolis, Md. Navy (9-2) vs. Pittsburgh (8-4), 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Glendale, Ariz. Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Jan. 23

Quick Lane Bowl

East-West Shrine Classic

Detroit Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Minnesota (5-7), 5 p.m. (ESPN2) Tuesday, Dec. 29

At St. Petersburg, Fla. East vs. West, 4 p.m. (NFLN)

NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

Armed Forces Bowl

At Carson, Calif. National vs. American, 6 p.m. (ESPN2) Saturday, Jan. 30

Russell Athletic Bowl

Senior Bowl

Fort Worth, Texas Air Force (8-5) vs. California (7-5), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Orlando, Fla. North Carolina (11-2) vs. Baylor

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

By CLIFF BRUNT The Associated Press

ally with 45.8 points per game and seventh with 542.9 yards. “Lincoln is a very innovative NORMAN, Okla. — Lincoln and bright coach,” defensive Riley barely looks older than coordinator Mike Stoops said. some of his players. “It didn’t surprise me — I Don’t let it fool you. Oklahoknew in the spring. It took a ma’s 32-year-old offensive cowhile to get adjusted to our ordinator is the mastermind personnel. Our running backs behind the Sooners’ offensive are different than what he’s resurgence and quarterback used to dealing with. Once he Baker Mayfield’s standout stagot those guys in position to do The Associated Press what they do along with Baker tistics. His powerful offense Quarterback Baker Mayfield is will be on display when No. 4 and the great wideouts — I Oklahoma faces No. 1 Clemson the leader of Oklahoma’s highthink we have all-out confiin a New Year’s Eve in a semi- powered offense. dence in his ability.” final on the road to what the Riley said figuring out the Sooners hope will be their Riley’s version of the Air Raid, personalities on his team was eighth national title. the same system that lifted the biggest challenge. Coach Bob Stoops’ proud Oklahoma back to prominence “It’s just learning our guys,” program was reeling after a the previous decade. he said. “Trying to learn what 40-6 loss to Clemson in last Stoops’ directive to Riley makes them tick, what makes year’s Russell Athletic Bowl, was to move forward, but them go, what we’re not good at so he took a chance on East bring back the old results. and need to cover up and what Carolina’s young offensive coAfter a few bumps in the we are good at. Just our staff, ordinator. The Pirates had set road, Riley has delivered. continuing to jell — I think we numerous school records with Oklahoma ranks third nation- have, really, really well.”

STAFF

a first-team All-America. Freshman defensive back From Page B1 Jalen Tabor received freshman All-America and freshman seventh nationally in passing All-SEC honors. The Gators defense (171.8), eighth in pass- defense finished the 2014 reguing efficiency delar season ranked ninth nafense (107.18), tionally in total while the defendefense (311.0), 14th in pass sive unit was eight efficiency defense (107.57) in total defense and 23rd in passing defense (314.3). Under Rob- (194.2). inson, Vernon Bentley returns to the state Hargraves III was of South Carolina after two ROBINSON a freshman Allseasons as an offensive analyst SEC and freshat Auburn under head coach man All-America Gus Malzahn. pick while being “We look forward to having named the Nation- Bobby back in the state of al Freshman DeSouth Carolina,” said Musfensive Player of champ. “He is a legendary the Year by Colhigh school coach in South lege Football Carolina who won multiple BENTLEY News. state titles. He will represent In 2014 at Flori- our university in a first-class da, Robinson again tutored manner.” Hargraves III, who was a firstBentley was the head coach team All-SEC pick and named at Byrnes for two different

stints, first from 1995-2006 and then for 2013. He compiled a 119-54 record and won fourconsecutive state championships from 2002-05. The Rebels posted a 57-2 record during the title streak run. Following the team’s fourth state title, Bentley was honored as Nike’s National Coach of the Year. He also was named as the South Carolina Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2006. Bentley was named head coach at his alma mater, Presbyterian College, in 2007, becoming the first NCAA Football Championship Subdivision head football coach in PC’s history. In his first year at PC, the Blue Hose ranked third nationally in both passing yards and total offense and finished in the top 15 in both scoring and passing efficiency. He logged a 10-13 mark in two seasons at PC.

SEC

From Page B1 tackles (9.2) and tied for fifth in interceptions (0.33) per game. A team captain, he became the first Gamecock to reach the century mark in tackles since 2006, while his 111 tackles was the second-highest total recorded by a South Carolina player in the last 25 years. He led the team in tackles for the third consecutive season, becoming the first Gamecock to do so since 1992-94, and led the team in interceptions for the second time in three years. He recorded double figures in tackles six times during the ‘15 campaign, including a career-high 14 stops at

Texas A&M. His 11 career interceptions rank in a tie for third on the school’s alltime list. SEC champion Alabama has seven players on the first team. The Crimson Tide players include Heisman Trophy finalist tailback Derrick Henry. Left tackle Cam Robinson, center Ryan Kelly, defensive linemen A’Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen, linebacker Reggie Ragland and safety Eddie Jackson. Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III earned first-team honors for the third straight season. Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott and Cooper also repeated. Coaches aren’t allowed to vote for their own players.

COACHES’ ALL-SEC TEAMS FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE TE — Hunter Henry, Arkansas OL — Sebastian Tretola, Arkansas; Vadal Alexander, LSU; Cam Robinson, Alabama; John Theus, Georgia C — Ryan Kelly, Alabama WR — Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss; Fred Ross, Mississippi State; Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina QB — Dak Prescott, Mississippi State RB — Derrick Henry, Alabama; Leonard Fournette, LSU AP — Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina DEFENSE DL — Myles Garrett, Texas A&M; Jonathan Allen, Alabama; Jonathan Bullard, Florida; A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama LB — Kentrell Brothers, Missouri; Reggie Ragland, Alabama; Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt DB – Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida; Eddie Jackson, Alabama; Jalen Tabor, Florida; Trae Elston, Ole Miss SPECIAL TEAMS PK – Daniel Carlson, Auburn P – Drew Kaser, Texas A&M RS – Evan Berry, Tennessee

SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE TE – Evan Engram, Ole Miss OL – Dominick Jackson, Alabama; Shon Coleman, Auburn; Dan Skipper, Arkansas; Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M C — Ethan Pocic, LSU WR – Calvin Ridley, Alabama; Christian Kirk, Texas A&M; De’Runnya Wilson, Mississippi State QB — Chad Kelly, Ole Miss RB — Alex Collins, Arkansas; Jalen Hurd, Tennessee AP — Christian Kirk, Texas A&M DEFENSE DL — Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss; Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss; Charles Harris, Missouri; Derek Barnett, Tennessee LB — Leonard Floyd, Georgia; Antonio Morrison, Florida; Skai Moore, South Carolina DB – Mike Hilton, Ole Miss; Dominick Sanders, Georgia; Tre’Davious White, LSU; Jamal Adams, LSU SPECIAL TEAMS PK — Taylor Bertolet, Texas A&M; Adam Griffith, Alabama P — Johnny Townsend, Florida RS – Christian Kirk, Texas A&M

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

recruiting

New USC coach Muschamp, staff to move quickly on recruits

ew University of South Carolina football head coach Will Muschamp and any new members of his coaching staff will move quickly to jump on players in the state the previous staff had been recruiting. One of those is former USC wide receiver commitment Bryan Edwards of Conway High School. Edwards said on Sunday he will take his official visit to USC this weekend. He has taken an official visit to Clemson, and he said he would make his decision between those two schools as soon as possible after the USC visit. H e said there is no favorite at this point. USC has been recruiting Edwards as a WR while Clemson reportedly is recruiting him as a safety. When asked about the hiring of Muschamp as USC’s new head coach, Edwards said he doesn’t know much about him at this point. USC quarterback commitment Brandon McIlwain of Newtown, Pa., has set his official visit with USC for this weekend. McIlwain seems pleased by the Muschamp hire. “I liked him at Florida and I’m looking forward to talking to him about the future of the program,” McIlwain said. He was visited on Wednesday by his recruiter from Penn State and USC recruiter GA Mangus was in to see him last week as well. “To me, honestly, the biggest thing is just having Coach Mangus on the staff,” McIlwain said. “Whatever it really takes to have Coach Mangus on the staff is good for me.” And if he’s not retained? “We’ll just have to go from there. I still love South Carolina. I fell in love with the school. I fell in love with the atmosphere there and I have family down there. There are still a lot of things to me that are attractive about South Carolina. “Again, Coach Mangus is one of them, but it’s definitely not an end-all, be-all and we’ll have to see when we get to that.” Along with Penn State, California is another school McIlwain said he’s heard from recently. Professional baseball also lurks in the background for McIlwain, an outfielder viewed as a first- or second-round pick for this summer’s Majo

USCS

From Page B1 seen it all in their careers and they can offer a lot of different perspectives on the game.” The night will feature much more than baseball talk though1. There will be a special ceremony honoring Fleenor’s contributions to the program, as the man who started the Fire Ants program from the ground up will have his No. 28 jersey retired. Members of the 2015 USCS squad that earned the school’s first trip to the Junior College World Series will also be recognized. “It’s a great way to recognize coaches and players and everyone who’s had a part in getting this program to where it is today,” Medlin said. “It’s a way to start the baseball season a little early with a bang, and I think it’s a great way for parents and fans to come out and have a good time and really help raise funds for our program.” A silent auction will be held throughout the evening and door prizes will be given away to kick things off. The list of items includes numerous piec-

League Baseball draft. “It’s a great opportunity, but the opportunity to play football and baseball at a top-tier school Phil Kornblut like South Carolina is also an Recruiting amazing opcorner portunity,” he said. “It’s something that I have to look at because of just what it is and the opportunity that it presents, but I’ve been committed to South Carolina for so long that the opportunity there is just as great, if not greater. “It’s not completely about the (baseball) money. There are a lot of other things that go into that decision and eventually some type of money figure (for signing).” McIlwain is regarded as one of the nation’s top dual-threat QBs. This season he passed for 1,727 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for 1,528 yards and 30 TDs. He is considering enrolling in January of 2016. Offensive lineman Jordan Johnson of Jacksonville, Fla., decommitted from Georgia Tech recently and one of the schools that immediately moved to the top of his list was USC. It was in strong contention for him until he committed to GT last summer. Now that he’s looking around again, Johnson said USC will get another close look. “I’m open to anybody who wants to talk to me,” Johnson said. “I plan to take an official visit to South Carolina. USC is the only one I have on my list, but I want to see who comes at me. South Carolina has always been one of my favorites.” Johnson said he’s still considering GT. He’s also heard from Georgia Southern and Colorado. He’s not naming a favorite at this point. WR Nate Johnson (5-feet11-inches, 175 pounds) of Thompson’s Station, Tenn., recently was offered by USC and he’s strongly interested. “It’s an out-of-state SEC (Southeastern Conference) offer and South Carolina is big time,” Johnson said. “I’m very interested and especially want to take my official visit. They watched my film and liked how I played, and they offered because my skill set is good enough to play for them right

USCS FUNDRAISER WHAT: USC Sumter Legends Dinner & Silent Auction WHEN: Sunday, 5 p.m. WHERE: Nettles Gymnasium WHO: Billy O’Dell, Bobby Richardson, Grayson Greiner, Jordan Montgomery, Billy McMillon PURPOSE: Raise money for USCS athletics program COST: $40 per person (Kids 12 and under are free) INFO/TICKETS: Call (803) 938-3904

now. That’s great route running, great hands and I also track the ball well.” This season he has 72 catches for 1,633 yards and 23 TDs. Johnson once was committed to Purdue. He’s also talking to Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Miami and Tennessee. The Vols have not yet offered. He has set official visits to Miami for Jan. 16, Vandy on Jan. 23 and Northwestern on Jan. 30. Linebacker TJ Brunson of Richland Northeast High in Columbia made his official visit to Louisville over the weekend, and he has set a visit with USC for Jan. 16. Brunson called Muschamp’s move to USC “a great hire. I’m happy he’s getting another chance as a head coach because he’s a good coach.” Brunson is still committed to Louisville and said he also might visit Purdue in January. The Shrine Bowl selection finished his season with around 140 total tackles. USC OL commitment Lloyd Cushenberry of Geismar, La., made an unofficial visit to Mississippi State for the Egg Bowl against Mississippi. It was his first visit to Starkville. “I liked it, I liked the atmosphere,” he said. “I’m still committed, but I’m still keeping my options open, seeing where I fit the best, taking it day by day.” He said he will set official visits with USC, Minnesota, Memphis, Mississippi State and Louisiana Tech. USC defensive back commitment JJ Givens of Mechanicsville, Va., saw his first game in Columbia when he visited USC unofficially for the Clemson game. “It was amazing,” Givens said. “For being a 3-9 team, the fans are so loyal. That was my first Carolina game and it was crazy seeing “Sandstorm” and everyone. They are loyal. I could definitely see that place as home.” Givens has continued to hold to the commitment he made at camp last summer despite the travails of the program and the strong interest of Wisconsin, Ole Miss and Arizona State. Clemson at one time also made a push, but that interest seems to have cooled. Givens’ plan is to stick with USC as long as he and Muschamp make a good connection. He plans to visit USC, Wisconsin, Ole Miss and Ari-

zona State. USC defensive end target Sadarius Hutcherson of Huntingdon, Tenn., will visit Arizona State on Jan. 25. He has USC set for an official visit on Jan. 16. USC OL commitment Will Putnam of Harrisburg, N.C., was back in Columbia for the Clemson game. “I’m still committed,” Putnam said. As for the Muschamp hire, Putnam said, “The new hire is interesting. I need to get back down there and meet with him and his staff.” He plans to take his official visit to USC in January and said he might take one to Virginia Tech as well. USC DE commitment Jordan Smith of Lithonia, Ga., took an official visit to Tennessee over the weekend. Tennessee also offered USC ’17 tight end commitment Will Register of Chapin High. USC met last week with ‘16 OL Stewart Reese of Fort Pierce, Fla.

Simpson hasn’t scheduled any official visits yet, but said Clemson and UF will get one. He’s not sure on the others.He said all of his top seven -Clemson, USC, Georgia, UF, Tennessee, Alabama and LSU are still in it with him, but Clemson, UF and LSU stand out the most right now. He does not have a single favorite. Simpson said he will take his recruiting into January. He doesn’t want to go all the way to National Signing Day in February, but said he would if necessary.

CLEMSON

Clemson once had DE Rahshaun Smith of Baltimore and IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., in its commitment class. However, after deciding he wanted to take official visits to other schools, Smith decommitted on Aug. 6. He has since taken official visits to Oregon, LSU, Auburn and Maryland over the weekend. Clemson is scheduled to host Smith this weekend. CLEMSON AND USC “He’s at a point where he OL John Simpson of Fort wants to make the right deciDorchester High in North sion,” said Smith’s head coach, Charleston got a visit at his Kevin Wright. “He’s all about school on Tuesday from USC relationships and trust and I recruiters Shawn Elliott and think ultimately he’ll end up Steve Spurrier Jr. where he feels he’s developed “Basically he (Elliott) was the best relationship, and he telling me he’s not sure where trusts those people will put he’s going to be,” Simpson him in a position to be sucsaid. “He came the day before cessful.” Smith will play in the he had an interview and he Under Armour All-American was telling me he doesn’t Game in early January and is know where he’s going to be at set to make his announcement and he wished me the best of there on Jan. 2. Wright feels luck, stuff like that.” Smith has an idea about where Elliott has always been one he wants to play and go to of Simpson’s favorite recruitschool next fall. ers and coaches, and if he reWright believes Smith has mains in some capacity with narrowed the list in his mind USC, that would be a bonus for to a smaller number than the it as it pertains to him. five schools, but he said his “I feel like it would mean a player has not shared that inlot because I like his coaching formation with him. style and I like the things that DL Dexter Lawrence of he does and the way he carries Wake Forest, N.C., is regarded himself when it comes down by one recruiting network as to coaching,” Simpson said. the nation’s top prospect for Simpson met with his rethe ‘16 class. Few will argue cruiter from Tennessee on that he is an outstanding prosThursday and with Louisiana pect who on the high school State recruiter Kevin Steele on level has been dominant on Friday. He said Florida will be the defensive line. The Shrine in this week. Bowl selection had 91 tackles As for Clemson, Simpson and 12 QB sacks this season. said he’s been in touch with Lawrence is an early gradurecruiter Tony Elliott on the ate and has set Dec. 14 for his phone. “Basically he was just announcement date at his wanting me to take one of my school. He will report for the officials there,” he said. “We Shrine Bowl in Spartanburg had a long conversation about that weekend, return home for that and other things that the announcement and then were more personal.” go back to the Shrine Bowl.

CHRISTMAS COLORING CONTEST

es of memorabilia from all of the featured guests in attendance -- including autographed ones as well. There will also be a cornhole tournament that will offer more prizes as well as a dinner provided by Southern Pride Catering, Medlin said. “It’s going to be good food and a lot of fun I think,” he added. “It has a chance to be a very special night for all those who come out and a chance to really help our program.” The cost is $40 per person and no charge for children age 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, interested parties can call (803) 938-3904.

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sports

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

The SUMTER ITEM

nfl

Manziel to start at quarterback again for Browns By TOM WITHERS The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Johnny Manziel’s timeout has ended. He’s starting for the Browns again. The polarizing quarterback will play Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, returning to the lineup after being benched two MANZIEL games by coach Mike Pettine for defiantly partying during the team’s bye week. Pettine is giving Manziel another chance after the secondyear QB broke a promise that

he wouldn’t become a distraction when the team was off last month. Manziel had been named the starter for Cleveland’s final six games on Nov. 17 only to throw away the opportunity with his escapades. He was demoted to third string, but moved up one spot last week when Josh McCown sustained a season-ending collarbone break. Pettine feels Johnny Football has paid his dues. “He’s been solid in the building over the last couple of weeks and we are hopeful he takes this opportunity to continue to build on the progress he’s made on the field throughout the season,” Pettine said. “The goal for every

game is to go out and win, and Johnny needs to show that he can put us in position to do so during these last four weeks of the season.” Manziel will replace Austin Davis, who started Sunday’s 37-3 embarrassing loss to Cincinnati. Davis, the 24th quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999, didn’t do anything to lose his job, but not enough to hang on to it either. The Browns lost two receivers to injuries against the Bengals. The Browns have changed starting quarterbacks six times this season — this is the third time Manziel has been given the job. Manziel’s return serves other purposes. With the

Browns (2-10) on a seven-game losing streak, it distracts from the team’s many other issues and gives Cleveland fans something to hold their interest over the final weeks of another dreary season. Before Pettine announced his decision, wide receiver Brian Hartline said he was excited by the prospect of Manziel being back in the lineup. “He was doing some great things on the football field a couple of weeks back and I expect him to continue that level of play,” Hartline said. “It’s an added preparation for the incoming team.” Manziel passed for a careerhigh 372 yards in his last start on Nov. 15 in Pittsburgh. He’s

1-2 as a starter this season, and will now have four more games to prove to the Browns that he can be their long-term answer at quarterback. More importantly, he has to win back the trust of Pettine, other coaches and teammates. After facing the 49ers, the Browns travel to Seattle and Kansas City, where Manziel will face two of the noisiest crowds in the league. Cleveland hosts Pittsburgh in its season finale on Jan. 3. Assuming Manziel starts the remaining games, Pettine believes the club will have the information it needs. The Browns currently have the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft and could use it on a QB.

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The Associated Press

Dallas placekicker Dan Bailey (5) celebrates with his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against Washington on Monday in Landover, Md. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins 19-16.

It’s ugly, but NFC East champ won’t care come playoff time By SCHUYLER DIXON The Associated Press IRVING, Texas — Players and coaches in the NFC East won’t be apologizing anytime soon for their woeful division having a spot in the playoffs — with a home game, no less. Neither will Dallas owner and general manager Jerry Jones. “I’m going to go back to that old saying: it’s an ugly baby, but it’s my baby,” Jones said on his radio show Tuesday, a day after the Cowboys beat Washington to drop the Redskins into a three-way tie with Philadelphia and the New York Giants for the East lead at 5-7. Dallas, which won the division at 12-4 last season, is one game back despite just two victories in 10 weeks. And the Cowboys (4-8) are headed to Green Bay after finally winning without quarterback Tony Romo — a first in eight tries this season. “The bottom line is, ‘Why not?”’ Jones said. “We can go up there and the defense put together a game like that, a little more confidence in our offense, and here we go. Why not?” The rest of the NFL might have a different question. Like, why? “Does it matter?” Eagles tackle Jason Peters countered. “We can win the division and that’s what matters. If a team was 12-0 and we were 11-1, it’s no different. The records aren’t as good, but it’s all about winning your division.” The same questions were circulating a year ago about the NFC South. Carolina recovered from 3-8-1 to win four straight for a 7-8-1 finish before beating Arizona at home in the wild-card round. The Panthers haven’t lost in the regular season since, a winning streak that’s up to 16 games now. There is one other fairly recent example of a painfully weak division getting a wildcard win from its champion: Seattle in the NFC West in 2010, when the Seahawks rode their rowdy home crowd to a victory over defending Super

Barnettes Auto Parts Bubba’s Diner Broad St. Chick-fil-A Broad Street DeMaras Italian Restaurant Hwy 441 D & L Diner 441 back gate at Shaw Duncan Dogs 5641 Broad Street El Cheapo Gas Station Hwy 76 Across from Shaw Gamecock Bowling Lanes Broad Street Georgios 5500 Sycamore at 5000 area of Shaw IGA Pinewood Rd. IGA Wesmark Blvd. IHOP • Kwik Mart Hwy 441 Logan’s Roadhouse McDonalds 76/441 at Shaw MRMA #441 Midlands Retirement Military Association Palmetto Oyster House (PO House) Parkway Shell Station Hwy 441 at Shaw Piggly Wiggly Pinewood Rd. Pita Pit 1029 Broad Street • Quiznos SHAW AAFES Gas Station & Shoppette SHAW Base Exchange SHAW Commissary Sumter Cut Rate Drug Store 32 S. Main St. Tuomey Hospital TWO Main Entrances at Patton Hall 3rd Army YMCA Miller Road Yucatan Mexican Restaurant

Volume 7, No. 45 ©SS 2015 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30,

WAR ON TERRORISM

CARTER: US WILL STEP UP ATTACKS ON ISLAMIC STATE

PAGE 2

Defense Secretary Ash Carter testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee. CARLOS BONGIOANNI /Stars and Stripes

6, 2015 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER

Volume 7, No. 46 ©SS

Bowl champion New Orleans after a 7-9 finish. “Records aren’t good, but they’re good teams,” coach Jay Gruden said after the Redskins blew a chance to be the division’s only .500 team. The most important play in Washington’s 19-16 loss fittingly was DeSean Jackson’s poor decision to backtrack more than 20 yards on a punt return to his 1 in the final 2 minutes. His fumble led to the only touchdown for Dallas’ 27thranked offense. “There’s a lot of talent on these football teams that we’re playing, I promise you that,” Gruden said. “It’s exciting down the stretch and that’s the way the NFC East is going to be. Whether we’re 12-0 or 4-12, it doesn’t matter. The fact of the matter is we have four games left and everything in our goals is still reachable.” The Eagles gave up 45 points in consecutive blowouts before getting three touchdowns from the defense and special teams in a 35-28 win over Super Bowl champion New England last weekend. The Cowboys, Giants and Redskins each lost to the Patriots. The Giants keep giving away fourth-quarter leads with questionable decisions in game management by coach Tom Coughlin. And the Redskins just can’t keep a good thing going. They had five straight home wins before again failing to win consecutive games for the first time this season. The Cowboys have the best excuses, with Romo missing seven games with a broken left collarbone and now out for the rest of the regular season at least with another break in that shoulder. All-Pro receiver Dez Bryant sat five games with a broken foot and didn’t look much like himself in the first few weeks back. Dallas couldn’t find ways to win close games until Monday, when the Cowboys bounced back from allowing Kirk Cousins’ tying touchdown pass to Jackson in the final minute and got in position for Dan Bailey’s winning 54-yard field goal with 9 seconds remaining.

2015

Team, 25th Infantry dso the 4th Brigade Combat Base Elmendorf-Richar Paratroopers with an exercise near Joint U.S. Air Force Division, conduct of the on Page 4. Courtesy Alaska. See more

Volume 7, No. 47 ©SS 2015 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 20

CONTINUING SERIES

Stumbling into war

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INSIDE

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

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From the front: Killing, dying, suffering ‘indelibly marked us

all’

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

AT STRIPES.COM/VIETNAM50

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

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

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

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

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The SUMTER ITEM THE SUMTER ITEM

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

B7 B7

golf

Ailing Woods merely an onlooker — for now By DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press NASSAU, Bahamas — Jordan Spieth is used to having an audience on the golf course. Just not Tiger Woods. Spieth had just made bogey from the sand on the par-3 fifth hole at Albany Golf Club when he heard from the other side of the ropes, “Don’t worry. You’ll get it back.” It was hard to ignore because no more than a dozen people were following him at the Hero World Challenge. What startled him was recognizing the voice and looking over to see Woods watching him and Bill Haas from a golf cart during the third round. “If you had told me four years ago when I was still in college that Tiger would be sitting in a cart watching me play ... I mean, that was weird,” Spieth said. A moment later, Spieth added what so many other players are saying, or at least thinking. “We need him back out here playing.” He can only watch at the moment, and there is no indication when that might change. Woods used to speak without giving much information. Now he has no information, and it seemed to speak volumes. He doesn’t know when his back, which has had three procedures in the same spot over 18 months, will get better. He doesn’t know when he can start doing any exercise beyond walking. He doesn’t know when he can play. What was rare about his news conference last Tuesday was his willingness to look back instead of forward. He said it has been a great career no matter what happens the rest of the way. The public and his peers can debate his place in history with 79 wins on the PGA Tour, 14 majors and a com-

Championship, where he was two shots behind going into the final round. He closed with a 70, wound up four shots back and tied for 10th. If or when his health improves, that could be a seminal moment. Woods brought out record crowds in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it served two purposes — what he did for the tournament, and what the tournament did for him. It was a wholesome reminder of his stardom, and it was needed after the worst two seasons of his career. And he surely paid attention to the winner, Davis Love III, a 51-year-old who found a way to win after significant surgeries to his ankle and neck. Woods made it clear that he wants to keep playing, provided his health cooperates. “I’m far from being done,” he said in the broadcast booth during the final round. “But I have to be patient, which I’m not very good at when it comes to that side of it.” The real challenge will be his ability File/The Associated Press to be honest with the state of his back, Tiger Woods has had three procedures on the same spot on his back over the last 18 his game and the competition. months. When Woods will be able to return to the PGA Tour is unknown.. Woods said 10 years ago in the parking lot at Doral that “I’ll definitely bined 13 years at No. 1 in the world. So yes, this will be a tedious recovquit the game earlier than people And anything else, Woods said, “will ery — if it ever gets started. And in the think.” In today’s context, it’s eerie. be gravy.” meantime, there will be a void to fill Then again, most golfers approaching That explains why so many stories for those yearning for answers. the prime of their careers think they read like golfing obituaries. Will he ever win again? Will he ever will always have more control than But there was no visible indication play again? And the way he reflected they really do. from Woods during a week in the Baon his career, does he even care if he More interesting that day was Woods hamas that this was the end. Subdued plays again? saying there would be no reason for in his news conference, he was relaxed “He was, it seemed to me, invincible him to play if his best was not good the rest of the week. for the longest time,” Haas said. “And I enough. Woods mingled during a Thursday would say he was so that way that I But how will he ever know? night party called “India Night,” shar- wouldn’t put it past him to come back When do the very best athletes, paring laughs and stories. Different about and be extremely good again. I don’t ticularly in a sport like golf, ever think this night is that after about 10 minknow that he’ll ever be where he was they played their best? It’s an endless utes of standing, he quietly retreated because he was so far ahead of everypursuit until retirement becomes awkto a bench to carry on the conversation one else. But he may be No. 1 again. It ward. while sitting. And when he got back wouldn’t shock anyone, I don’t think.” That’s what Woods will have to figup, Woods arched his back in a long, The most fun Woods had all year on ure out when he returns. slow motion. the golf course was the Wyndham If he returns.

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Sumter; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one godson, Sidney H. “Trey” Brown of New Zion; and one goddaughter, Kim Smith Lilze of Sumter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sons, Ronald G. Martin, Randal B. Martin and Reginald C. Martin; and two sisters, Alma Wilson Holroyd and Sue Wilson Elliott. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday at Manning Baptist Temple with the Rev. William Jeffers officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Cecil H. Wilson IV, Randal M. Hughes, Benjamin Hughes, John W. Wilson and Ronald G. Martin Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Manning Baptist Temple, Mission Fund, 1375 AM Nash Road, Manning, SC 29102. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. William Alldredge and to the nurses and staff of Clarendon Memorial Hospital for their many years of loving care. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com to sign the family’s guest book. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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EDWARD DAVIS JR. LYNCHBURG — Edward Davis Jr., of 4362 Elliott Highway, died on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at his home. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Jefferson Funeral Home Service Inc. of Lynchburg.

BRENDA FAYE OVERBY Memorial service for Brenda Faye Overby, 52, who died on Dec. 7, 2015, will be held at 3 p.m. today at Open Bible Church, 180 Old Manning Road, Sumter. Surviving are her daughter, Becky Ann McKenzie; son-inlaw, Royce McKenzie; three sisters, Darlene Overby, Diane Graham and Joyce Carpenter; best friend, Faye McFarland; and a host of other loving relatives and friends. Condolences for Ms. Overby can be made at www.mccollom-myers.com.

JAMES C. FELDER JR. James Chandler “Jimmy” Felder Jr., 74, husband of Dorothy “Dotsy” Harvin Felder, died on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at his home. Born on April 5, 1941, in Sumter, he was a son of the late James Chandler Felder Sr. and Margaret Lou Beasley Felder. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church. He was a salesman for Dixie Electronics, Resource Electronics, and later for Radio Communications. Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunt-

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Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

TYRONE MCKNIGHT FLORENCE — Tyrone McKnight, 62, husband of Gwendolyn Johnson McKnight, died on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, at Carolinas Hospital System, Florence. He was born on July 28, 1953, in the Lynchburg section of Sumter County, a son of Harvey and Mattie Mae Wells McKnight. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Asbury United Methodist Church, Lynchburg, with the Rev. Shirley McKnight and the Rev. Shelley Hickson, eulogist. Burial will be in Goodman Cemetery. The family is receiving friends at the residence, 1609 S. Lee Drive, Florence. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

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ing and fishing when he was younger and golf in later years. Survivors include his wife of 52 years; two children, Susan “Mimi” Felder Mixon (Dwight) of Sumter and James Chandler “Jimmy” Felder III (Elizabeth) of Clemson; four grandchildren, Ashleigh Sharon Mixon, Kaylee Grace Mixon, James Chandler Felder IV and Mary Walker Felder; and a brother, Willard Tillman Felder (Diane) of Sumter. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Dr. James Chandler officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home of Dwight and Mimi Mixon, 2010 Plowden Mill Road. Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 219 W.

MANNING — Cecil Hudson Wilson Jr., 81, beloved husband of Margie Young Wilson, died on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital. Cecil Wilson was born on March 4, 1934, in Sumter, and was a son of the late Cecil Hudson Wilson Sr. and Alma Steinmeyer Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a Korean veteran serving in the United WILSON States Navy. After his service in the Navy, Cecil worked for more than 34 years with General Telephone, until he retired. After retirement from GTE, Cecil obtained his captain’s license and worked as a boat captain for Eagle Tour at Santee State Park. Cecil was a member of Manning Baptist Temple, where he served as a Sunday school teacher. He was also ordained as a deacon. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Surviving in addition to his wife of 53 years are two sons, Cecil H. Wilson III and his wife, Tammy, of Illinois and John N. Wilson and his wife, Monica, of Summerton; one daughter, Debra M. Hunt of

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Golden Kernel Pecan Co. 1214 S. Guignard Dr. 968-9432 We buy pecans, sell Pecan halves, Choc., Sugarfree Choc., Fruit cake mix, Butter Roasted, Sugar & Spice, Prailine, Honey Glazed, Eng. Toffee Gift Pkgs avail. M-F 9-5 Sat 9-1 We buy pecans! Warren E. Coker Farms, 341 W. Main St. Olanta. Call 843-319-1884.

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Savondria N. Shannon 03/31/1980 -12/09/2005 It's amazing that 10 years has been a long time. When Herbert left us it took us by surprise.Two precious little nieces so small and so fine. Your mom turned 50 without you being here. Your grandparents 53rd anniversary all full of tears, we'll always miss you each day after day. But never fail to realize it was Gods way. Sadly missed, Family & Friends

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New Dishwasher Thermadon 24" SS, 4 options + 4 programs, Model DWHD 440MFP. $650. Call 803-968-2392. Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Hooker brand name: 6 pc. professional computer desk. $2500 OBO. Leather love seat, $250 OBO. Call 803-481-8286

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

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

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ASE Certified front end alignment tech. for a local tire dealer. Very competitive pay 50/50 commission. If you think you are that man, send resume to P-432 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

3 BR 1BA House for rent Sect 8 Welcome. Call 803-225-4963

Full time experienced auto mechanic. Must have 8 years experience. Call 803-775-8300 Local apt. community seeking a full time manager. Exc. benefits. Call 803-435-0713 to get an application.

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5 BR 2.5 Ba, 2 kitchens, dbl garage, brick home $75k. Financing help available. Call 803-464-5757.

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REAL ESTATE Real Estate Wanted TOP CASH paid for houses & mobile homes. Call 803-468-6029.

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

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This is to notify you that McLeod Regional Medical Center of the Pee Dee, Inc., doing business as McLeod Home Health, is applying for a Certificate of Need from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (the "CON"). The CON would allow McLeod Home Health to operate a home health agency and provide home health services in Clarendon County, South Carolina. The capital cost of the project is estimated to be zero. NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF NEED This is to notify you that McLeod Regional Medical Center of the Pee Dee, Inc., doing business as McLeod Home Health, is applying for a Certificate of Need from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (the "CON"). The CON would allow McLeod Home Health to operate a home health agency and provide home health services in Sumter County, South Carolina. The capital cost of the project is estimated to be zero.

FOR SALE. MH, 3BR 2BA, porch & equip for handicap w/ 1 acre land. $98,000 Call 843-729-6076 Was your home affected by the recent FLOODS? Use your FEMA CHECK for a down payment on one of our quality used refurbished homes. We specialize in on the lot financing. Low credit score is OK. Call 843-389-4215 AND also visit our Face Book Page (M&M Mobile Homes)

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

1st Presbyterian offers Lessons, Carols Chancel choir presents 40th annual Christmas service BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

irst Presbyterian Church’s 40th Annual Service of Les-

sons and Carols will be presented at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. The public is invited to attend the service that alternates readings (the lessons) and songs (the carols) to retell the story of Advent and the birth of Jesus Christ. Joni Brown, Director of Music Ministries at the church, said, “We (will) celebrate the third Sunday of Advent with scripture readings, congregational hymns and a variety of choral and instrumental music. ... It is modeled after the traditional Lessons and Carols first held on Christmas Eve in 1918 at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England.” Scripture readings include verses from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, followed by musical selections with lyrics relating to each lesson, most sung by First Presbyterian’s chancel choir, directed by Brown. In addition, the congregation will be invited to join the choir in singing several familiar carols. The morning service will open with the Taylor String Quartet playing the opening voluntary, Handel’s Overture and Pastoral Symphony from “The Messiah”; and at 5 p.m. with Jacqueline Taylor Hendricks, cello, and Hamilton Stoddard, piano, playing “Two Carols of the Christ Child” and “O Holy Night.” First Presbyterian’s Youth Bells will play The Chiming of the Trinity, and Hendricks will play Kristin Coleman Campbell’s arrangement of “What Wondrous Love Is This.” Brown said the music for the remainder of the service is equally as moving. She gave the background on several carols. “‘And the Glory of the Lord’ is the first chorus in Handel’s Messiah,” she said. “The text is the prophecy of salvation as found in the Old Testament’s

The First Presbyterian Church and its chancel choir with Director of Music Joni Brown will present its 40th Annual Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 13. Isaiah 40:5” — And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. The Chancel Choir will sing it, accompanied by the Taylor String Quartet and Hamilton Stoddard, organ. “The Dream Isaiah Saw” by Glenn Rudolph paraphrases Isaiah’s vision of peace and harmony among God’s creation. The composer began composing it in July 2001 and finished it on Sept. 30, immediately after the World Trade Center attacks. Thomas Troeger’s 1994 poem, which Rudolph used for his setting, is seen as a plea for peace in the world. Brown said Rudolph explains his inspiration in his program notes: “I was at once moved by the appropriateness of the words, and struck by the irony that I would be composing this piece at this time. Coincidence or divine intervention, it was clear that ‘The Dream Isaiah Saw’ should be dedicated to those who perished on September 11, 2001.” This work will be accompanied by Hamilton Stoddard, organ, Evan Thompson and Jon Hopkins, trumpets, with Jay Shealy and Kenny Jordan, percussion. Dan Forrest’s “Blessed Is

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The Taylor String Quartet will perform with the First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir in presenting the Service of Lessons and Carols. Also performing will be the church’s Youth Bells and several other musicians. the Lord (Benedictus)” is another selection Brown described. It “is based on the song of Zacharias from Luke 1,” she said. “It tells of the angelic vision to Zacharias proclaiming the coming of the Christ child.” The work also includes accompaniment by violin, cello and percussion. “African Noel” by Andre Thomas is a spiritual celebrating the birth of Jesus. Jay Shealy and Kenny Jordan will accompany the choir on percussion. The Youth Bells will ring the Ukrainian Bell Carol Fantasy arranged by Cynthia Dobrinksi. The middle and high school students are directed

by the Rev. Janie McElweeSmith. Members are Ansley Blanding, Kathryn Blanding, Emma Chapman, Kayleigh Jordan and Kenny Jordan. “I Will Be a Child of Peace” by Elaine Hagenberg is a choral arrangement of an 1851 Shaker hymn. It is uplifting in its beauty and simplicity, a prayer of peace and purity that includes the lyrics: “Child of comfort, child of light. Hope that drowns away the night. Touch our lives from heaven above. Oh child of peace, we need your love.” The service also includes a “Children’s Time” with First

Presbyterian’s pastor, the Rev. Jim Burton. In addition to those mentioned above, worship leaders include soloist Michelle Blassengale, violinists Mary Lee Taylor Kinosian and Jessie Kinosian, and violist Mary Taylor. The service will close with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah. First Presbyterian Church, at the northwest corner of Main and Calhoun streets, invites the public to attend its services of Lessons and Carols at either 10:30 a.m. or 5 p.m. on Sunday. The offering at the evening service will be donated to Sumter United Ministries.

Celebrate ‘Christmas with The Embers’ at Opera House BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

t’s been more than five years since The Embers have performed in Sumter, and they’ve yet to present their popular Christmas concert here. That will change at 7:30 Thursday night, when the Sumter Opera House presents “Christmas with The Embers.” With more than 25 albums and singles, The Embers are widely recognized as one of the most celebrated beach music and rhythm and blues bands in the nation, perhaps best known for their anthem, “I Love Beach Music.” Their Christmas performances, which include some carols with a beach music beat and many of their originals, are in demand this time of year. The band traces its roots to a Raleigh, North Carolina, band called The Satellites that started in 1958 as a rhythmand-blues group. Since then the Embers have been in great demand at clubs, concerts and festivals, playing with some of the biggest names in popular music. Among the groups they’ve shared the stage with are the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, the Four Tops

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Embers, one of the most popular pop and beach music bands around, will present their Christmas show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sumter Opera House. and the Temptations, and guest artists on their recordings have included the Coral Reefer Band’s Greg Taylor, Jerry Butler, the late Bill Pinkney and many others. Those who don’t know the group by name — and there aren’t many in this area —

have likely heard their greatest hits “Far Away Places” and “I’m Gonna Do Beautiful Things for You.” A big hit at their concerts is their “Beach Music Medley Marathon,” a compilation of 38 beach music classics. Even if you haven’t heard

the Embers in concert, you’ve probably heard their Budweiser commercial in which “I Love Beach Music” becomes “I Love Budweiser.” “This Bud’s For You” and their Piggly Wiggly and CocaCola ads are also popular. In great demand, the Em-

bers play more than 225 dates a year all over the country and overseas. They’re members of the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the S.C. Beach Music Hall of Fame and have been recognized as North Carolina’s Official Ambassadors of Music. They served in that capacity when performing their “Christmas with The Embers” concert for U.S. troops in South Korea a few years ago. Members of the band have come and gone over the years, but founder Bobby Tomlinson, the last original member, remains as its leader and drummer. Today’s Embers also include lead singer and saxophonist Craig Woolard; guitarist, saxophonist and vocalist Jeff Grimes; Stephen Pachuta on trumpet and flugelhorn; Andy Swindell on piano and vocals; bassist Hugh Blanton; and Bob Nantz on trombone and trumpet. See Christmas with The Embers at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. Tickets are $28, $25 or $20 and can be purchased online at www.sumteroperahouse.com, at the box office, or by calling (803) 4362616.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

FOOD

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mocha cookies by way of South American truffles BY ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press

rigadeiros are a classic Brazilian truffle-like confection that traditionally blends the flavors of chocolate and caramel. We love these easy no-

bake treats, so we decided to update them with the more traditional holiday flavors of gingerbread, mocha and molasses. These brigadeiros also make great gifts, as they are easily made ahead and refrigerated for several

MOCHA GINGERBREAD BRIGADEIROS Start to finish: 45 minutes Makes 36 cookies 1 tablespoon butter, plus more for buttering hands and bowl 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder 1 tablespoon molasses 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger Crushed gingerbread cookies or chopped pistachios Use a bit of butter to coat the inside of a medium bowl. In a medium saucepan over medium, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of butter, the instant coffee, molasses, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Cook, stirring constantly, for 10to 12 minutes, or until thickened. The mixture should hold a line when you drag your spoon through it. Stir in the crystallized ginger, then pour into the buttered bowl and allow to cool. Once the mixture is cool, use buttered hands to roll the mixture into 3/4-inch balls, then roll through the crushed gingerbread or pistachios. Serve in small cupcake papers. Can be refrigerated for 3 weeks in a tightly sealed container. Nutrition information per cookie: 60 calories; 15 calories from fat (25 percent of total calories); 2 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 5 mg cholesterol; 25 mg sodium; 9 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 7 g sugar; 1 g protein.

weeks.

Looking for a way to make holiday baking easy? No-fuss Mexican Tortilla Cutouts are your answer BY ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press Like the idea of baking holiday cookies, but hate the mess and trouble of baking? These are the cookies for you. This recipe lets you focus on the fun parts of making cookies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; cutting out the shapes and decorating them. Instead

of a classic cookie dough, we cut our cookies from flour tortillas, which then get brushed with melted butter and seasoned with a warming blend of cinnamon, cayenne, cocoa and sugar. Once baked, the cookies get a sweet lime juice glaze followed by a sprinkle with whatever candy decorations you like.

MEXICAN TORTILLA CUT OUTS Start to finish: 30 minutes Makes 48 cookies 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of cayenne 2 teaspoons cocoa powder Four 10-inch flour tortillas 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon corn syrup 3/4 cup powdered sugar Colored sugars and sprinkles, to decorate Heat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with kitchen parchment. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, cayenne and cocoa powder. Brush the tortillas liberally on both sides with the butter. Using 2-inch cookie cutters of your choice, cut out as many cookies from the tortillas as you can fit. Sprinkle the cut tortillas all over on both sides with the sugar mixture, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until crisp. Allow to cool, then prepare the icing. In a small bowl, stir together the lime juice, corn syrup and powdered sugar, adjusting the consistency with more sugar or a couple drops of additional lime juice as needed to make a thick glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cookies, then sprinkle immediately with your choice of sprinkles or sugars. Allow to set up for several hours. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks. Nutrition information per serving: 50 calories; 20 calories from fat (40 percent of total calories); 2.5 g fat (1.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 5 mg cholesterol; 45 mg sodium; 7 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 1 g protein. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

FOOD

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Move chai from your mug and into a meringue cookie BY ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press

e love warming spices around the holidays,

which is one of the reasons we love to sip hot chai this time of year. But chai isn’t just for sipping. The rich, earthy flavors of this Indian spice blend also make great cookies. And that’s what inspired us to stir them into this simple recipe for meringue. You could dollop the meringue into individual portions on the baking sheet, but we love the rustic appeal of doing it as one large sheet that then is broken and cracked into individual portions. This recipe also is incredibly versatile. If you don’t like chai, substitute a few drops of peppermint extract. And if coconut isn’t your thing, leave it out and top the meringue with chopped nuts.

COCONUT-CHAI MERINGUE BREAKAWAY Start to finish: 2 1/2 hours (30 minutes active) Makes 16 cookies 4 green cardamom pods 2 star anise 2 whole cloves Pinch of fennel seeds 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground dry ginger 2 teaspoons hot water 2 teaspoons honey Hefty pinch of saffron 4 egg whites 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar Pinch of salt 3/4 cup sugar 2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

spice grinder and discarding the shells. Add the seeds from the star anise, discarding the star shell. Add the cloves and fennel. Pound with a pestle or grind until you have a powder. Stir in the nutmeg, pepper and ginger. Set aside. In a small bowl or cup, combine the hot water, honey and saffron, smashing the saffron with the back of a spoon. Set aside. In a large bowl use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until very foamy. About 1 tablespoon at a time, add the sugar while continuing to beat, beating until all of the sugar is incorporated. Continue to beat until thick and glossy peaks form, 5 to 7 minutes. Gently stir in the spice mixture and half of the coconut. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Drop small dribbles of the saffron mixture onto the surface, then swirl with a butter knife or a toothpick to make bright yellow saffron-honey swirls. Sprinkle with the remaining coconut. Bake for 2 hours, or until dry. Allow to cool. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 week (if kept very dry and away from humidity).

Heat the oven to 200 F. Line a baking sheet with kitchen parchment. Break open the cardamom pods, placing the seeds in a mortar or a

Nutrition information per serving: 50 calories; 20 calories from fat (40 percent of total calories); 2 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 25 mg sodium; 8 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 1 g protein.

No-bake cookies ideal for children BY ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press Want the fun of making holiday cookies with the kids without going to the trouble of turning on the oven? These stovetop snowball cookies are the treat you need. The process is simple. Simmer some almond butter, honey and salt, then stir in puffed rice cereal and coconut. Let it cool a bit, then the fun begins. Let the kids roll the mixture into balls, then coat them with more coconut. Or if you (or, more likely, the little ones) aren’t into coconut, leave it out entirely. The snowballs also can be rolled in chopped nuts, crushed cookies or even crushed graham crackers.

DIRTY SNOWBALLS Start to finish: 30 Makes 48 cookies 1 cup almond butter 1 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 3 cups crispy puffed rice cereal 2 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut, divided In a medium pan over medium-high, bring the almond butter, honey and salt to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cereal and 1 cup of the coconut. Allow to cool until just warm so that it is easily handled. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball through the remaining coconut, squeezing gently to stick the coconut to the balls. Set aside to cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week. Nutrition information per serving: 80 calories; 40 calories from fat (50 percent of total calories); 4 g fat (1.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 55 mg sodium; 11 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 1 g protein.

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Husband’s assaults can no longer be ignored DEAR ABBY — I have been with my husband for almost 14 years. I’m a sound sleeper, and I suspect he has Dear Abby been having ABIGAIL sex with me VAN BUREN while I’m sleeping. I have woken up without clothes on, my undergarments askew or the waistband “rolled on.” I called him on it and told him I knew and that I’m not OK with it. Weeks later, I caught him red-handed. This time I was awake, but I was so frightened that I froze! I was sexually abused as a child and raped as an adult, and now I feel like

JUMBLE THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME By David L Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

my marriage has been turned upside down. My husband denies it. He claims it’s all in my head. My friends say that for the sake of my children I should ignore it or I’ll turn their lives upside down. Abby, everyone thinks my husband is a catch! I’m sure if I walk away I’ll lose friends — maybe even some of my family. Please help me. I feel lost. Turned upside down in Illinois DEAR TURNED UPSIDE DOWN — Your friends are wrong, and you should NOT “ignore” this. Sex without a person’s consent is rape! When a husband does what you have described, it is called spousal rape. Because he claims this is “all in your head,” for your own sanity, make an appoint-

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ment to discuss this with a licensed psychotherapist. With your unfortunate history, you should have spoken with someone already. Your husband is either grossly insensitive or derives pleasure from being a predator. His behavior is appalling, and you do not have to stand for it. Counseling can help you decide whether to remain in this marriage. Regardless of what your ultimate decision may be, it will help you be emotionally resilient enough to live with your choice regardless of what your “friends” and family members may think. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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

By Kurt Krauss

ACROSS 1 Under the weather 7 Like cotton candy 11 Fund-raising org. 14 Provoke 15 Subtle glow 16 Trip segment 17 Utopian 18 WWI aircraft 20 They may coordinate with floor mats 22 Quarterback's target 23 Payroll deduction 24 Volcanic debris 25 Big maker of chips 27 Till compartment 29 Bedstead part 33 MSN, for one 36 Meander 37 Under the weather 38 Went different ways ... or what each of six sets of circled letters literally represents 42 Homer's path 43 Middle name on many patents 44 BYU or NYU 45 In the opposite order

12/9/15 48 Modern address starter 52 Tickle 53 __ in November 56 Mama bear, in Madrid 57 1980s Peppard co-star 58 Some deal closers 62 Hit-by-pitch consequence 64 West Point students 65 Corner key 66 Italian noble family 67 Danish port named for a Norse god 68 Pen 69 Hammerwielding god 70 Got nervous, with "up" DOWN 1 Deliberately misinforms 2 Like llamas 3 Mountaineering aid 4 Effort 5 City in New York's Mohawk Valley 6 Cowboy legend __ Bill 7 Fill and then some 8 Run smoothly

9 "The Haj" novelist 10 Siesta 11 Often-fried tropical fruit 12 With affection 13 "Act your __!" 19 Fallon's predecessor 21 TV channels 2-13 25 Computer debut of 1981 26 Cholesterol initials 28 Title for Noël Coward 30 Seal-hunting swimmers 31 Valentine card hugs 32 Flat hats 34 Barrel support 35 Soccer legend who turned 75 in 2015

38 Most like a schoolmarm 39 Precision 40 Device for binge-watching 41 "How relaxing!" 42 Gardner of the silver screen 46 Cornerstone abbr. 47 Furthermore 49 Arcade coins 50 African threat 51 Got a C in, say 54 Knotted neckwear 55 Relief from the sun 58 Diner breakfast order 59 Chorus line? 60 Card or D'back 61 Yemeni seaport 62 __ Moines 63 Wager

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

12/9/15

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Oh, the wonderful Christmas special possibilities BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Don’t go looking for Andy Williams’ sweater on “Taraji And Terrence’s White Hot Holidays” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14). The stars of “Empire” host a musical-variety special offering contemporary updates of carols and holiday songs from Mary J. Blige, John Legend and Jamie Foxx. This is a great idea! The notion of marrying a popular TV show or hot pop culture phenomenon to a Christmas special is a time-honored tradition that seems to have fallen out of favor. You have to scour YouTube to find clips of “A Very Brady Christmas” or the notoriously terrible “Star Wars Holiday Special” from the winter of 1978. Long considered one of the worst specials ever, it still makes people smile. Rather than airing standalone variety specials, TV shows tend to shoehorn their Christmas episodes into the season. In fact, some are airing tonight. Think of the great specials we might have seen? Who wouldn’t have loved a “Jack Bauer Christmas,” where the clock ticked down to Santa’s arrival? Wouldn’t you love to have been “Lost” on “Christmas Island”? How about a “Very ‘Game of Thrones’ Christmas,” where Daenerys Targaryen sings “Deck the Halls” in Dothraki while riding a sleigh pulled by dragons? I guess “The Walking Dead” variety special is too much to ask for. The dance numbers might prove challenging, and nobody wants to see a rotting corpse in a Christmas sweater. But anything’s possible around the holidays! • ABC unwraps its holiday episodes a few weeks early: Frankie decides to forgo an actual church service for a televised Christmas celebration on “The Middle” (8 p.m.). Tired of a humdrum Hanukkah, Beverly turbo-charges the Festival of Lights on “The Goldbergs” (8:30 p.m.). Gloria yearns for an old-fashioned snowy Christmas, just like the ones she used to know from TV shows on “Modern Family” (9 p.m.). Pops tries to teach a lesson by putting an emphasis on giving away and doing without for the holidays on “black-ish” (9:30 p.m.).

CW, TV-14) * A sicko obsesses about medical experiments on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Amara unleashed on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., CW, TV14).

LATE NIGHT

FRANK MICELOTTA / FOX

Terrence Howard, left, and Taraji P. Henson perform on the musical-variety special “Taraji and Terrence’s White Hot Holidays” airing at 9 p.m. today on FOX. • The new documentary series “Finding My Father” (9 p.m., Oxygen) follows 16 young men and women as they track down and meet their biological fathers for the very first time. Drama ensues as a lifetime of expectations, questions and resentments bubble over. • The piety of a celebrity pastor and his wife are put on display in the reality series “Rich in Faith” (10 p.m., Oxygen). Why do I think this will be more about being “Rich” than having “Faith”?

TONIGHT’S HOLIDAY MOVIES AND SPECIALS • Bill Murray channels his inner Ebenezer in the 1988 comedy “Scrooged” (8 p.m., AMC). • A single mother makes ends meet working as a department store Santa in “Christmas at Cartwright’s” (8 p.m., Hallmark). • Strangers (Mayim Bialik, Ryan McPartlin) settle for shared lodgings in the 2015 comedy “The Flight Before Christmas” (8 p.m., Lifetime). • George C. Scott portrays the grasping miser in the 1984 adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” (10 p.m., AMC). • “Christmas Through the Decades” (10 p.m., History, TVPG) moves into the 1980s, the era of Pac-Man, Cabbage

Patch Kids and personal computers.

Fox, r, TV-14) * Oliver puts up a challenge on “Arrow” (8 p.m.,

Marion Cotillard is booked on “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Allen Leech, Adam McKay and Kurt Vile are booked on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Amy Poehler, Kevin Nealon and Lalah Hathaway on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Adam Driver, Jesse Plemons and Aretha Franklin visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Tyler Oakley, Hank Azaria and Rick Ross appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS). Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • The final three scheme on “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS, TVPG). • A Rhode Island illusionist takes to the road on “Mat Franco’s Got Magic” (8 p.m., NBC, r, TV-PG). How did he make the second “t” in his first name disappear? • Adventurers battle the elements on “Melting: Last Race to the Pole” (9 p.m., Animal Planet). • A foggy road results in mass casualties on “Code Black” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14). • Performers and sleight of hand experts work their magic on “The Illusionists” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-PG). • Markus may miss another deadline on “Nashville” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

CULT CHOICE All work and no play reduce a frustrated writer (Jack Nicholson) to madness in a haunted hotel in the 1980 adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Shining” (5:30 p.m., Sundance).

SERIES NOTES Lucious’ rash move may backfire on “Empire” (8 p.m.,

AUCTIONS SATURDAY, DEC. 12 • 2 AUCTIONS SAME DAY (RAIN OR SHINE)

AUCTION #1 • 9:00 AM - ESTATE PROPERTY OF MARTHA GRAINGER (DECEASED) 1948 RALPH BELL RD., BELLVIEW SUBDIVISION, SUMMERTON, SC Total of .62 acre (.40+/- acre deeded and .22 +/- acre marginal lease) waterfront lot with pier on slough off Taw Caw Creek with access to Intercoastal Waterway. 100 ft. road frontage, cleared lot, well and septic tank. For more information on this lot contact Alfred H. Kelley, Sr. in Manning at 803-460-4422 or alfredhkelley@gmail.com or Rick Watts at contact info. shown below. AUCTION #2 • 12:00 NOON - 348 SUWANEE DRIVE, MILL CREEK COVE, VANCE, SC (ORANGEBURG COUNTY) Beautiful 2500+/- sq. ft. Traditional Home, 1.5 story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, situated on a large waterfront lot with pier on slough off Mill Creek.

10 % BUYERS PREMIUM APPLIES

FOR PICTURES AND TERMS GO TO OUR WEBSITE: WWW.RICKWATTSAUCTIONS.COM OR CALL

Rick Watts Auctioneers SCAL 124 843-669-5717 Florence, SC Alfred Kelley, Sr. • 803-460-4422 Manning, SC *Note: For Auction #1 contact Rick Watts or Alfred Kelley For Auction #2 contact Rick Watts Only!!

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Packaging the Flavors of South Carolina

hat happens when you measure out grits and rice, add in family tra-

ditions and regional flavors, and serve them with an extra helping of hospitality? For Savor the Flavor Gourmet Rice and Grits the answer is a perfect recipe for business.

Savor the Flavor is well known to customers who love traditional recipes of South Carolina. With names such as Carolina Red Rice, Edisto Island Herb Rice, and Litchfield Lemon Dill, it is easy to imagine why the products are popular at specialty stores and gift shops across the Southeastern and Gulf Shores states. The flavors may sound fancy, but the recipes are designed to be hassle free. “Our logo is ‘Southern, Simple, and Delicious,’” said Carolyn Brunson Hodge, coowner of Savor the Flavor. “We pride ourselves on providing an easy recipe for the novice to follow that Susan allows them to recreate a southern dish Osteen from the Lowcountry without difficulty. Literally, all you have to do is boil water, add a little butter, simmer ... and Voilà!” Their company’s bestseller is Southern Garlic Cheese Grits, which was KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM one of the first flavors created by Carolyn Brunson Hodge, co-owner of Savor the Flavor, poses next to some of the varieties of rice her company makes. founder Betty Lee Brunson. In 1991 Brunson retired from teaching and Savor the Flavor remains a family started a small catering company. business owned by Hodge and her Soon the demands of the job were too aunt, Anne Brunson Thomas, and her much and she switched to selling preuncle, Scriven “Spencer” Brunson. packaged rice and grits. Hodge’s stepfather, William “Billy” “She was often referred to as “The Stack, helps with the operations as Grits Lady,” said Hodge, who is also does long-time employee Ella May Brunson’s granddaughter. “It was a June. title she was proud of, and it always “My grandparents loved this town made her chuckle. She never could and served it for many years, in severquite grasp the demand for her grits. It al different ways,” Hodge said. “We are tickled her pink!” trying to get plugged into the commuToday, Savor the Flavor distributes nity more and hopefully make Savor 40,000 specialty rice and grits mixes the Flavor a household name here in annually. But the business started out our great city.” Locally, their product as a true mom-and-pop venture in can be found at Bradley’s Market, the Brunson’s home kitchen. Brunson and Farm Store and Naomi and Warner. her husband, Scriven Brunson, mixed Betty Lee Brunson passed away in and packaged the product in their 2014, but her recipes live on, and they Haynsworth Street home and then continue to inspire her family. took day trips to specialty and seafood PHOTO PROVIDED “She led a full life and has left my markets around the state leaving samfamily and me an extraordinary gift,” ples with storeowners. The soft-sell Savor the Flavor’s bestseller is Southern Garlic Cheese Grits. Hodge said. “Her legacy is one that tactic worked, and soon the business ment and are hoping to introduce some will not soon be forgotten by the hunly, they outgrew the porch and moved outgrew the kitchen. new rice and grits flavors, relishes, and dreds of thousands of folks that have The Brunsons’ son Phil helped them to a 20-by-40 production facility only tasted her delicious creations over the one very special barbeque sauce,” about 40 feet away from the kitchen enclose their back porch and develHodge said. “Additionally, we are trying past 25 years.” where it all began. oped machinery to streamline the For more information visit www.sato work with a few local restaurants in Nearly a quarter century later the manufacturing process. For years the vortheflavorsc.com or call 1-800-390Sumter that may be interested in putbusiness is still growing. family team worked together to fill in8027. “We are working on product develop- ting our cheese grits on their menu.” creasing numbers of orders. Eventual-