February 13, 2013

Lady Gamecocks win 4A playoff opener. B1

TREAT YOUR SWEETIE A little chocolate can go a long way. C8

VOL. 118, NO. 98 WWW.THEITEM.COM W T ITEM TE EM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

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President urges GOP to back his plans

LICENSE PLATE UNVEILED Jereleen HollimonMiller, great-grandniece of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, holds up the new South Carolina license plate in her honor during an unveiling ceremony inside the Statehouse.

Bethune is the first black to be honored with this prestigious distinction.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Uncompromising and politically emboldened, President Obama urged a deeply divided Congress Tuesday night to embrace his plans to use government money to create ON THE NET jobs and strengthen the nation’s middle class. He deFind a fact check, clared Republican ideas for analysis reducing the deficit “even and the worse� than the unpalatable full text deals Washington had to of the president’s stomach during his first term. speech on our In his first State of the website.

Union address since winning re-election, Obama conceded www.theitem. economic revival is an “unfin- com ished task,� but he claimed clear progress and said he was seeking to build on it as he embarks on four more years in office.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

ABOVE: Ed Miller, left, his wife, Jereleen Hollimon-Miller, Starlee Alexander and Kevin Shwedo, right, unveil the license plate during the ceremony.

ABOVE: James Felder, president of South Carolina Voter Education Project and a Sumter native, speaks about Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune during the unveiling of her new license plate.

SEE SPEECH, PAGE A8

LEFT: Members of the SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy post the colors during the ceremony honoring Bethune.

Drivers question intersection’s recent changes

Valentine’s fundraisers will draw attention to matters of the heart

BY JADE ANDERSON janderson@theitem.com It’s all about heart, just not the one usually associated with Valentine’s Day. On Thursday, Tuomey Regional Medical Center will host two fundraisers for the American Heart Association. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Traci Quinn and Amy

Curt Ackerman points to the audience before taking the crown in Tuomey’s Miss Heart and Sole pageant last year. The second annual womanless pageant and American Heart Association fundraiser will be held Thursday.

Graves will sell artistic items in Tuomey Private Dining Room. “I started the heART pARTy at my house a couple of years ago,�

Quinn said. “I am fortunate to have among my friends quite a few talented artists. I invited a bunch of them to come set up all over my house and sell their stuff to others who were invited to the party. Some of them made heartshaped things — necklaces, paintings, stained glass, etc. But everyone donated 10 percent of their proceeds to the Team Traci Heart Walk Team at Tuomey.�

For non-Tuomey employees, she recommends coming by about lunch time to see the Mister Heart and Sole Pageant, a

BISHOPVILLE — Some local officials and residents think the changes recently made to a Wisacky intersection are dangerous and must be changed to prevent a serious wreck.

Three weeks ago, the Department of Transportation changed the right of way at the intersection of S.C. 341 and S.C. 527 in Wisacky, making the intersection a through road for travelers along 527 and forcing motorists on 341 — traveling between Bishopville and Lynchburg — to yield the right of way. “I am not in favor of how the road is currently operating,� said Lee County Sheriff Daniel Simon. “I have made my concerns known to Department of Transportation officials locally and in Columbia. I am so afraid somebody is going to get killed at that intersection. Does it take something like someone losing their life to make the changes?�

SEE HEART, PAGE A6

SEE DRIVERS, PAGE A8

CHRIS MOORE / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

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Man present at shooting sentenced on related charges

BY ROBERT J. BAKER bbaker@theitem.com A 21-year-old Sumter man present during what the Sumter Police Department called a “drug deal gone wrong” in 2011 was sentenced to two years in prison Tuesday during a hearing at the Sumter County Courthouse.

Rasheen I. Greenwood was charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana in separate incidents, one of which ended with the shooting death of 16-year-old Denzell Archie. Greenwood was not a party to the shooting, which occurred on June 10, 2011, at a Woodlawn Avenue home. “(That) entire event is a result of an attempted armed robbery for drugs,” then-Maj. Alvin Holston said

STATE BRIEFS

at the time. “The reckless actions of all parties involved resulted in the unfortunate death of the 16-yearold.”

Reports said Archie had accompanied Diontrae Epps, 19; Christopher Leon Davis, 25; and Travis Javez Dunham, 26, to the home, after which the men attempted to steal marijuana from Greenwood; Shoun Wright, 21; and Scottie Hickson, 22. The men traded gunfire, with Archie and Dunham firing shots into the home. At some point, Archie was shot in the back and later died at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Epps, Davis and Dunham were initially charged with attempted armed robbery, unlawful carrying of a pistol and criminal conspiracy. The men were granted steep bonds shortly after their arrests, with Davis getting

$200,000 surety, Dunham $500,000 surety and Epps $300,000. Those bonds were eventually cut in half and were made concurrent when each was charged additionally with murder in November.

Greenwood, Wright and Hicks were each charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

“My client was a victim of this (alleged) armed robbery,” Sumter Assistant Public Defender S. Elaine Cooke told 3rd Circuit Judge Howard P. King.

“He was not a part of the shooting. He would also like your honor to know that while he was at the house where the marijuana was distributed, he did not have a part of it. He understands, however, that in South Carolina the hand of one is the hand of all and that he would likely be found guilty by a jury.”

Greenwood’s second charge came April 18, 2012, when police attempted to serve other warrants on Wright. “(Greenwood) was in the right, rear bedroom,” 3rd Circuit Assistant Solicitor Bronwyn K. McElveen said.

“There were two plastic baggies in plain sight, which were found to contain 5.3 grams of marijuana.”

Cooke asked King to give a twoyear sentence that would run concurrent to one Greenwood was given Oct. 5, 2012, after a probation violation on another possession with intent to distribute conviction. King complied.

“You’ve got to quit messing around with drugs, or you’re going to seriously mess yourself up,” King said.

Reach Robert J. Baker at (803) 7741211.

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From Associated Press reports

BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION

Haley wants to get rid of regulations

LEFT: Kori Stukes, left, a student at Rubye J. Johnson Headstart Center, tells the audience he is astronaut Ronald McNair while DeJarvis Smith, representing Jessie Jackson, waits his turn. Monday was the first day of a weeklong celebration of black history month at the Sumter center.

BELOW: Khaliyha Harris, right, looks up at Marilyn Gardner, a teacher at the center, as she tells the packed room she is Rosa Parks and she “didn’t give up her seat.”

COLUMBIA — Gov. Nikki Haley directed her Cabinet agencies Tuesday to review their regulations, saying South Carolina needs to get rid of government rules that hamper businesses.

Haley signed an executive order that creates an 11-member task force to review regulations and make recommendations on which ones to throw out or alter. It also requires her 16 Cabinet agencies to report their suggestions to the task force by mid-May. The Republican governor can’t mandate other state agencies do the same, but she’s encouraging them to.

“We are continuing to make sure every agency in South Carolina is customer-service friendly,” she said.

Haley applauds tax-cutting bills COLUMBIA — Gov. Nikki Haley is praising House Republicans in South Carolina for proposing to further cut income taxes.

Measures introduced in the House differ from her recommendation, but Haley said Tuesday she supports anything that reduces income taxes. Haley wants to eventually eliminate corporate and personal income taxes as a business recruitment tool.

Haley’s executive budget recommends eliminating the 6 percent tax bracket, cutting $26 million.

Male fashion show benefits Shepherd’s Center

BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com Some of Sumter’s finest will be dressed to the nines Friday night for The Shepherd’s Center’s first ever male fashion show. Men from many different occupations, including several “men in uniform” from Shaw Air Force Base, local law enforcement and the Sumter Fire Department, will be walking the runway at Alice Drive Elementary School starting at 6:30 p.m.

The center’s director, Jeanette Roveri, said the fundraiser is being coordinated and directed by member Linda Alston.

“She’s got about 30 local men lined

up for the show,” Roveri said. “We’ll see Sheriff Anthony Dennis, former Sheriff Tommy Mims, Chief Hampton Gardner, Dr. Frank Baker, (Sumter Fire Department) Chief Johnnie Rose, doctors, lawyers, a body builder and more.”

In addition to the fashion show, the program will feature entertainment by the Lemira Lion Golden Steppers, the Sumter High School Blue Diamond Steppers and body builder James “Happy Jack” Miller.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served following the fashion show, Roveri said.

All proceeds from the show will benefit the Sumter Shepherd’s Center, which serves adults 50 and older and whose

programs are designed and run by volunteers. The center also provides lifelong learning opportunities, health enhancement and cultural enrichment opportunities.

Tickets for Friday’s Shepherd’s Center male fashion show are $10 each and can be purchased at the center in the Trinity Lincoln Center, 24 Council St., between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Monday through Friday, or for $12 at the door at Alice Drive Elementary School on Friday night. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. Call (803) 773-1944 for more information.

Reach Ivy Moore at (803) 774-1221.

Historical society to focus on oldest Mayesville home FROM STAFF REPORTS The Robert Peterson Mayes home in Mayesville will be both the topic and the site of Sunday’s 3 p.m. meeting of the Sumter County Historical Society. Now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Rhodes, the Mayes home was built about 1840 for its namesake, the second son of the founder and designer of

the town of Mayesville, Matthew Peterson Mayes.

An active resident of the town, Robert Peterson Mayes in the 1850s was the first merchant to build a store by the first train depot in the town.

Both the store and the depot were burned when the troops of Gen. Edward Potter came through the area in 1865.

Bill Rhodes’ presentation will concentrate on his resto-

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ration of the home, the oldest in Mayesville.

The house sits on seven acres and was the first in South Carolina to qualify for a bill passed in 2003 by the S.C. Legislature giving a 25 percent tax credit for the restoration of homes on the historic register or in a historic district.

The public is invited to the meeting, after which light refreshments will be served.

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The Item is published six days a week except for July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day (unless it falls on a Sunday) by Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter,

For more information about the meeting of the Sumter County Historical Society, contact Pat DuBose at (803) 775-1091. Membership applications will be available at the meeting.

DIRECTIONS: Because of the bridge construction over Scape Ore Swamp on U.S. Highway 76, plan to allow a drive time of about 35 minutes and take U.S. 401 a dis-

tance of 11.1 miles from the Highway 76/378 bypass to the crossroads in the community of St. Charles. Turn right on S.C. 154 toward Mayesville for about 6 miles. Continue through the town. The Mayes home is the first on the left after passing the cotton gin. If you reach U.S. 76, you have gone too far. Parking is available in front of the house or on the grassy area to its right.

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LOCAL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

THE ITEM

A3

Local companies get top honors on wedding website

BY JAMIE HUDSON WILSON Special to The Item Two local businesses garnered top honors on a popular wedding website, earning them a spot among the highestranked wedding businesses in the state and nation.

The O’Donnell House and Artistique Weddings and Special Events are among The Knot’s 2013 Best of Weddings for wedding venues and wedding planning, respectively.

Wanda Hunter, owner of The O’Donnell House, said it was an honor to be rated so highly by the brides who have used the venue.

“It’s great,” she said.

“Its really speaks to our dedication to our brides.”

The awards were distributed based on reviews by recent brides.

Both businesses received glowing reviews from brides who used The Knot.

One reviewer on the website touted the personal touch given by Hunter and her employees.

“She made me feel great about the reception,” she said. “I felt confident that she and her staff would do a sensational job and they did.”

The O’Donnell House was purchased by Wanda Hunter and her husband, Wayne, in 2009. After six months of renovation, the Hunters hosted their first wedding at the historic home.

“It’s a feeling like it’s your home for a day,” she said. “We try to just be your wedding consultant.”

Hunter said she and her staff try to provide more than just a scenic backdrop for a wedding, providing services such as in-house catering by her daughter Christi Brownlow.

“For that day we are totally dedicated to that bride,” Hunter said. “It takes a lot of stress off the family.”

The home has caught the attention of brides in surrounding areas.

“I do get a lot of brides calling from all over the state,” Hunter said.

Last year, the Hunters hosted 29 weddings and/or receptions at the house — a number that reflects The O’Donnell House’s popularity, which Hunter said continues to grow.

Artistique Weddings and Special Events, a wedding-planning business, has also made a positive impact on recent brides according to TheKnot.com. The wedding planning company earned a spot among the most highly rated wedding planners in the state and an editor’s pick from The Knot staff.

One bride posted her glowing review of owner Sara Dick. “… She is by far the most experienced and professional,” said the commenter. “She really is the best planner around! I don’t know if I could have made it through the wedding planning process without her!”

Dick said her experi-

Sara Dick, owner and creative director of Artistique Weddings and Special Events, stands beside a “sweetheart” table she designed for an upcoming wedding. Dick recently received an award from TheKnot.com’s 2013 Best of Weddings.

ence in planning large events began with her grandfather, a caterer in her native Michigan.

Although she has been creating and directing special events for years, the military transplant said she officially started her business just a year ago. Dick is quick to express her fondness for the often stressful job of wedding planning.

“It’s like a roller coaster that I don’t want to get off of,” she said.

The value of her services, Dick said, lies in her personalizing the wedding experience.

“I offer them not only the textbook information, but the shoulder to cry on if something goes

PHOTOS BY JAMIE HUDSON WILSON / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

Wanda Hunter, left, stands with her daughter and in-house caterer, Christi Brownlow, at the renovated O’Donnell House on Liberty Street. The O’Donnell House won an award from TheKnot.com for being one of the best wedding venues as voted by recent brides.

wrong,” she said.

Dick has also compiled a list of vendors that, in her wedding planning experience, give the bride the wedding she envisions.

“It’s collecting the vision of the bride’s wedding,” Dick said. “Most brides only plan one wedding in their life, and I try to make sure the bride and groom are guests at their wedding.”

For more information on The O’Donnell House, contact Wanda Hunter at (803) 7740088 or wanda@theodonnellhouse.com or visit the venue’s website

at www.theodonnellhouse.com. For more information on Artistique

Weddings and Special Events, contact Dick at (803) 565-0924 or sara@

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LOCAL

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Bond denied for man charged with arson

BY ROBERT J. BAKER bbaker@theitem.com A 38-year-old man charged with third-degree arson, second-degree burglary and other offenses in connection to the burning of a Neeley Street business will remain at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center after a circuit court judge denied bond on Monday.

Third Circuit Judge Howard P. King said he had concerns about Arthur Donald Morris’ ties to the family owned business, which burned to the ground Dec. 3, 2012. Morris, a former employee of Lowery Heating & Air, was reportedly terminated shortly before the busi-

ness caught fire. “They were able to link him with some physical evidence that was near the scene,� Sumter Deputy Police Chief Alvin Holston said at the time.

Firefighters responded to the heating and air business MORRIS about 3:30 a.m. to find it engulfed in flames and battled the blaze for about two hours before the fire was brought under control. Damage to the business is estimated to be as much as $500,000.

Morris, of 51 Vining Road, was also charged with unlawful carrying of a pistol and malicious injury

to personal property, according to reports. The string of charges is the result of what Holston said was “a series of erratic behaviors leading up to and after the fire.�

Morris is a suspect in an Oct. 8 incident in which someone fired multiple gunshots into an air-conditioning unit at Lowery, causing about $2,000 in damage. Police were also able to determine the business was burgled shortly before the fire began. And about two hours after the fire, police said the suspect was allegedly seen waving a handgun around outside a fast-food restaurant on McCrays Mill Road.

Third Circuit Assistant Solicitor Bronwyn K.

McElveen told King on Monday that Morris is also accused of shooting a dog several lots down from the business. Morris’ attorney, Richard Blackmon, told King that Morris had worked for the company for 14 years and questioned police reports’ account of Morris being fired from his job. “My understanding is that he quit,� Blackmon said. “He worked for this business not once, but on two separate occasions. ...�

King ordered a mental evaluation, saying that Morris can revisit the bond issue after such an evaluation.

Reach Robert J. Baker at (803) 774-1211.

NATION BRIEF Senate panel approves Hagel for Pentagon chief

WASHINGTON — A bitterly divided Senate panel on Tuesday voted to approve President Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel to be the nation’s defense secretary at a time of turmoil for the military with looming budget cuts, a fresh sign of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

The Armed Services Committee voted 14-11 to send the nomination to the full Senate, with all the panel’s Democrats backing the president’s choice to succeed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. The committee’s Republicans were unified in their opposition to their one-time colleague, a former twoterm Republican senator from Nebraska and twice-wounded Vietnam combat veteran.

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LOCAL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES:

Johnny Lamont Capers of Woodville Circle, Apt. F, was charged Friday with strong arm robbery and assault and battery by mob, second offense, while a 14-year-old boy of Peach Orchard Road, was charged Friday with strong arm robbery, assault and battery by mob and assault and battery. The warrant alleges that Capers, along with a 14-year-old boy, attacked a 21-year-old man by stomping, kicking and beating the victim in the face, head and body. Deputies said the victim’s cellphone, pocket knife and $60 were taken during the assault. Deputies said the juvenile also assaulted an 18-year-old female by kicking her in the side.

Michael Terrell Hill, 31, of 103 Vernon Drive, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, failure to stop for blue lights and driving under suspension about 7:56 a.m. Saturday after police said officers responded to the intersection of Broad Street and Bultman Drive in reference to a driver of a black 2010 Mitsubishi Galant being unresponsive and holding up traffic on Bultman.

When officers arrived, Hill woke up and drove down the road.

Police said the officer followed Hill with his sirens activated and Hill took the officer on

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a high-speed chase.

Police said Hill first lost control of his vehicle and struck a mailbox in the first block of Thelma Street. However, police said, the driver continued until the vehicle broke down in the roadway in front of Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Police said the officer was able to detain Hill, and a background check revealed his driver’s license was suspended for failure to pay traffic tickets. Hill was arrested and transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center, according to the report.

James Anthony Dwyer, 36, of 851 S. Harvin St., was charged with criminal domestic violence, interfering or resisting arrest, driving under suspension and as a fugitive from justice about 9 p.m. Saturday after officers arrived and saw a burgundy Ford Mustang partially in the parking lot of a grocery store in the 1000 block of Broad Street and partially in the roadway with a female standing beside it. Police said the car took off, causing the 27-year-old female to spin around. Police said the woman told law enforcement that her and Dwyer got into a argument after she asked him to pull over so that she could retrieve her hairpiece from the back seat.

Police said as she got out of the vehicle,

Dwyer grabbed her coat and drove away, leaving her on the side of the road. Police said a short time later, officers made contact with Dwyer at a fastfood restaurant on Broad Street. He refused to cooperate with law enforcement and gave them a false name. Police said Dwyer was arrested for interfering with police.

According to the report, Dwyer’s license was under suspension, second offense. Police said the woman informed officers that she felt threatened by Dwyer during the altercation in the vehicle but didn’t want to press charges. However, Dwyer was transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center and was found to be wanted in Williamsburg. He was also

charged with being a fugitive from justice.

STOLEN PROPERTY:

Tools valued at $1,390 were reportedly stolen between 8 p.m.

Thursday and 6 p.m.

Friday out of a silver 2001 Ford Explorer from a residence in the first block of Emily Drive that sustained $100 in damage to the truck’s bed cover.

A stereo system valued at $850 was reportedly stolen out of a gray 2003 Chevrolet Silverado between 4 and 5:20 a.m. Saturday from a nightclub parking lot in the 400 block of Rast Street.

An iPhone valued at $500 was reportedly stolen between 6 and 11 p.m. Friday from a restaurant in the 2500 block of Broad Street.

A mo-ped valued at $750 was reportedly

THE ITEM

stolen between 6 p.m.

Saturday and 10:30 p.m. Sunday from a residence in the 400 block of Highland Avenue.

A 1-year-old pit bull and seven puppies valued at $700 were reportedly stolen between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday from a residence in the 100 block of West Williams Street.

ARMED ROBBERY:

Police said officers responded to an apartment complex in the 300 block of West Bartlette Street about 11:30 p.m. Saturday in reference to an attempted robbery. Police said a 26-year-old man was dropping off a friend at the apartment complex when two unknown black males attempted to rob him at gunpoint with a

black revolver. Police said as the man approached the rear of the apartment complex the male friend exited the vehicle, and two unknown suspects approached his vehicle.

Police said one of the suspects came to the driver’s side and opened the door. Police said the suspect then grabbed the 26-year-old male around the neck and put the black handgun to his side and told him to “give it up.� Police said the 26-yearold man then put his car into gear and drove away from the suspects unharmed. Police said the man’s friend that he dropped off made it safely to his apartment and wasn’t injured.

The suspects were unable to get anything from the victim, according to the report.

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A6

LOCAL

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

HEART from Page A1 womanless beauty pagIt really is a good time, eant during which people (and) it really is a fun can vote on their favorite time. ... It’s a funny time contestant with money. It to deal with a very serious starts about 12:30 p.m. in issue.”

Tuomey’s cafeteria.

In 2010, heart disease Curt was the Ackerman leading was UPCOMING EVENTS cause of crowned in death in the inaugu- Thursday Sumter heART pARTy, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., ral pageant County, Tuomey’s Private Dining Room, 129 N. last year. according Washington St., Sumter “It really to www.

Mister Heart and Sole Pageant, 12:30 raises scdhec.gov. p.m., Tuomey’s cafeteria money for In 2011, it a cause was the March 1 that touchleading The City of Sumter, “Songs of the es I believe cause of Heart,” 7 p.m., the Sumter Opera every soul death for House, 21 N. Main St., Sumter that I know the state of locally DepartMarch 2 either diment of rectly or in- Sumter County Heart Walk, registraHealth and tion starts at 8 a.m. and the walk will directly,” Environstart at 9 a.m. in front of The Greater he said. mental Sumter Chamber of Commerce, 32 E. “Heart disControl’s Calhoun St., Sumter ease is a Region 4, monster which inMarch 25 that we all cludes The Rilee Hatfield Golf Tournament, have to Sumter, Beech Creek Golf, 1800 Sam Gillespie face to Clarendon Blvd., Sumter. varying deand Lee For more, visit www.sumtercountygrees. ... counties. heartwalk.org.

American Heart disHeart Asease was sociation is the second a leader in leading (treating it). One of the cause of death in South ways we raise money for Carolina that year. them is by having us “February is Go Red make idiots of ourselves. for Women month,” said

CHRIS MOORE / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

From left, contestants Matt Nowak from Acute Rehab, Eric McFarland from ER, Curt Ackerman from Industrial Medicine and Wellness and Brian Huskey from Nuclear Medicine pose for the crowd gathered in the Tuomey cafeteria during the inaugural Miss Heart and Sole womanless beauty pageant last year. Contestants and others raised money for the American Heart Association.

Sheryl Love, senior director of development for the American Heart Association Mid-Atlantic Affiliate. “Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women.

More women die from heart disease than the top five cancers combined.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of all Americans.”

She said the Mister Heart and Sole Pageant is a “fairly unique

for the month of February

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It inspired her to get her own health on track, and she won the American Heart Association’s Life Change Award for Sumter in 2011.

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Tuomey’s contribution was almost $12,000, said Denise Iler, captain for Team Tuomey, with $2,000 of it coming from the pageant alone. For her, it’s personal.

“Dad ended up passing away after a massive heart attack,” Iler said. “I don’t want another young person to lose a loved one. We are losing loved ones younger and young-

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“It says a lot about Tuomey’s creativity,” Love said. “It was a lot of fun last year. It made my day.”

Last year, Tuomey, along with other local businesses, industry, organizations and individuals helped raise about $203,000 to land Sumter as No. 1 in the county for a community its size, she said.

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OPINION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

THE ITEM

A7

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

COMMENTARY

|

Cultural deviancy, not guns T

here’s a story told about a Paris chief of police who was called to a department store to stop a burglary in progress. Upon his arrival, he reconnoitered the situation and ordered his men to surround the entrances of the building next door.

When questioned about his actions, he replied that he didn’t have enough men to cover the department store’s many entrances but he did have enough for the building next door. Let’s see whether there are similarities between his strategy and today’s gun control strategy.

Last year, Chicago had 512 homicides; Detroit had 411; Philadelphia had 331; and Baltimore had 215.

Those cities are joined by other dangerous cities — such as St. Louis, Memphis, Tenn.; Flint, Mich.; and Camden, N.J. — and they also lead the nation in shootings, assaults, rapes and robberies. Both the populations of those cities and their crime victims are predominantly black.

Walter Each year, more than 7,000 blacks WILLIAMS are murdered. Close to 100 percent of the time, the murderer is another black person.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, between 1976 and 2011, there were 279,384 black murder victims. Though blacks are 13 percent of the nation’s population, they account for more than 50 percent of homicide victims. Nationally, the black homicide victimization rate is six times that of whites, and in some cities, it’s 22 times that of whites. Coupled with being most of the nation’s homicide victims, blacks are also most of the victims of violent personal crimes, such as assault and robbery. The magnitude of this tragedy can be seen in another light. According to a Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute study, between 1882 and 1968, 3,446 blacks were lynched at the hands of whites.

What percentage of murders, irrespective of race, are committed with what are being called assault weapons? You’d be hard put to come up with an amount greater than 1 or 2 percent. In fact, according to FBI data from 2011, there were 323 murders committed with a rifle of any kind but 496 murders committed with a hammer or a club. But people who want to weaken our Second Amendment guarantees employ a strategy like that of the Paris chief of police. They can’t do much about hammers, clubs, fists or pistols, but by exploiting public ignorance, they might have a bit of success getting an “assault weapon” ban that will have little impact on violent crime.

There are other measures these people employ in an attempt to end violence that border on lunacy.

Massachusetts’ Hyannis West Elementary School recently warned a 5-year-old’s parents that if their son made another gun from a Legos set, he’d be suspended. Elementary-school children have been suspended or otherwise disciplined for drawing a picture of a gun or pointing a finger and saying, “Bang, bang.” I shudder to think about what would happen to kids in a schoolyard if they played, as I played nearly 70 years ago, “cops ‘n’ robbers” or “cowboys ‘n’ Indians.” Maybe today’s politically correct educators would cut the kids a bit of slack if they said they were playing “cowboys ‘n’ Native Americans.”

What explains a lot of what we see today, which politicians and their liberal allies would never condemn, is growing cultural deviancy. Twenty-nine percent of white children, 53 percent of Hispanics and 73 percent of black children are born to unmarried women. The absence of a husband and father from the home is a strong contributing factor to poverty, school failure, crime, drug abuse, emotional disturbance and a host of other social problems.

By the way, the low marriage rate among blacks is relatively new. Census data show that a slightly higher percentage of black adults had married than white adults from 1890 to 1940. In 2009, the poverty rate among married whites was 3.2 percent; for blacks, it was 7 percent, and for Hispanics, it was 13.2 percent. The higher poverty rates — 22 percent for whites, 35.6 percent for blacks and 37.9 percent for Hispanics — are among unmarried families.

Other forms of cultural deviancy are found in the kind of music accepted today that advocates killing and rape and other vile acts. Punishment for criminal behavior is lax. Today’s Americans accept behavior that our parents and grandparents never would have accepted.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2013 creators.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Column on ‘Big Rich Atlanta’ To be an assault weapon, girls mean-spirited it must be used in an assault Recently, I read your article (Graham Osteen’s column Feb. 3) discussing the show “Big Rich Atlanta.” I found the article a derogatory expose on the ladies of Sumter affiliated with the show. Frankly, the article was one dimensional.

For this reason, I felt it prudent to share the other side.

As a close relative of the girls, your article was mean-spirited and offensive. The comments depicting the ladies as vapid women who are ignorant of current affairs, as well as having no redeeming qualities, is not only mean-spirited, but completely untrue. I am proud to say I know these women (which I dare say you and others cannot proclaim) and you could not be further off the mark. The girls have always been energetic and enigmatic individuals as depicted on the show. They’re educated, loving, family oriented and motivated. How many people do you know with the drive and perseverance to make their dream of developing a jewelry line, to promote it on a reality show, and have all of this hard work pay off in one year?

How easy it must be to pass judgment on the girls in an article, Facebook post or anonymous quote. I can say from past and (because of the show) present experiences, the most egregious behavior related to the girls has not come from them but from residents of Sumter. The girls haven’t had a life of ease.

They have worked hard (and yes, played hard), but are not girls born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouths.

If the people of Sumter had treated me as they’ve been treated after tragedy and triumph, I would leave it in the rearview mirror, too. The girls have always been the energy during family gatherings, the source of laughter and a part of some of my best memories.

They’ve always had an aura about them, and, respectfully, that light is probably too bright to stay within the Sumter County lines.

I would suggest in the next article written about people who you and townspeople find shallow and leeches of society, ask yourself what do you hope to accomplish? The only result of this one is hurting my family.

ANNE-HARVIN ILER Manning

In response to Mr. Robert Johnson’s Letter to the Editor in regard to what he termed as “assault” weapons, which was published Thursday, Jan. 31: Mr. Johnson, in response to your letter, sadly a lot of people have gotten into the habit of referring to any military style firearm as an assault weapon.

There is no such thing as an assault weapon until it is actually used in an assault. In all actuality, a single-shot flintlock musket that was used in the Revolutionary War could be classified as an assault rifle under the broad terminology of Sen. Feinstein’s proposed assault weapon ban.

Then you mentioned large ammo clips. There is a big difference in a magazine and a clip. I don’t feel it my duty to educate you on that at the moment, but if you were more familiar with guns, you would know that.

You said that in regard to gun control, “A better approach would be to require all such weapons to be registered and each owner required to store the weapons in a 200-pound weapon vault with a built-in combination lock. Then, should that weapon be found in the hands of a criminal or someone other than the owner and a crime is committed, the owner would be charged with ‘failure to secure a weapon of mass destruction.’ If you wish to own of these weapons, then you should be held accountable if a crime is committed with the weapon.”

As you said, you like shooting semi-autos but can’t afford one.

Well, when it comes to the price of a gun safe, you are speaking of an expense that some of us cannot afford.

Also, as someone involved in the criminal justice system, you realize that such a measure will slow a thief down, but locks are made to keep honest people out. I had a friend whose home was broken into a couple of years back. His firearms were stored in such a safe, bolted to the wall inside of his closet.

They took the entire safe, along with part of his wall. It was found later, destroyed. His guns were gone.

JOE E. MOORE Jr. Dalzell Editor’s note: Because this letter exceeded the 350-word length as stated in our Editorial Page Policies which appears regularly on this page, it can be read in its entirety under Opinion on The Item’s website, www. theitem.com.

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

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

H.D. OSTEEN 1904-1987 The Item

Democratic Party hijacked by evil lefties full of hate Re: VonGretchen C. Nelson of Tuesday, Feb. 5: As a proud Democrat you must be extremely proud of the delegates at the Democratic convention held Sept. 4-6 in Charlotte. A delegate was asked what she thought of Mr. Romney. Her answer was, “He is a bad man, if I could see him I would kill him.” You can also be proud of the delegates who booed when the word “God” was being reinstated into the platform.

You must be proud of the anti-Romney adds aired by the DNC accusing him of killing a factory worker’s wife and other ads that were flat-out lies.

You must be proud of Jimmy Carter’s grandson who was paid to dig up dirt on Mr. Romney and then praised by the expresident for doing so.

You must be proud of the mainstream media, CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, etc. who lie and distort news to their liking. Are these your loving Democrats?

You must be proud of the striking school teachers in Chicago who put their own interests before the children they are supposed to teach. After all, their motto is “It’s for the children” or Obama using children as props to further his gun control agenda.

Do you remember when a woman asked Obama if his health care bill would provide surgery for her elderly mother?

His answer, “We would probably give her a pill.” Otherwise, death panels.

How about the loving, peaceful protesters in Madison, Wis., who left tons of garbage behind when they exited the city, or the peaceful protesters in Michigan who tore down a hot dog vendor’s tent, (he did have a permit), or the Obamabacked Wall Street occupiers who turned violent with no regard for the law, or, my favorite from Obama, “Don’t just vote, vote for revenge.” Revenge from what?

The Democratic Party has been hijacked by a group of evil lefties full of hate. Either you toe the line and agree or you will be destroyed.

There are some people in our country who are “hailing” Obama. In 1934 the German people were duped by an outsider and they “hailed Hitler.”

Of course the results weren’t very pretty.

EMERY MILLER Sumter

HUBERT D. OSTEEN JR. | EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

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

|

MARGARET W. OSTEEN 1908-1996 The Item

H. GRAHAM OSTEEN II Co-President

KYLE BROWN OSTEEN Co-President

JOHN DUVALL OSTEEN Vice President and Publisher

LARRY MILLER CEO

A8

DAILY PLANNER

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

SPEECH from Page A1 “We have cleared away the rubble of crisis, and we can say with renewed confidence that the state of our union is strong,” Obama said, speaking before a joint session of Congress and a television audience of millions.

In specific proposals for his second term, an assertive Obama called for increased federal spending to fix the nation’s roads and bridges, the first increase in the minimum wage in six years and expansion of early education to every American 4-year-old.

Seeking to appeal for support from Republicans, he promised that none of his proposals would increase the deficit “by a single dime.”

In the Republican response to Obama’s address, rising GOP star Marco Rubio of Florida came right back at the president, saying his solution “to virtually every problem we face is for Washington to tax more, borrow more and spend more.”

Sen. Rubio, in prepared remarks, said presidents of both parties have recognized that the free enterprise system brings middle-class prosperity.

“But President Obama?” Rubio said.

“He believes it’s the cause of our problems.”

Obama also announced new steps to reduce the U.S. military

footprint abroad, with 34,000 American troops withdrawing from Afghanistan within a year.

And he had a sharp rebuke for North Korea, which launched a nuclear test just hours before his remarks, saying, “Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only isolate them further.”

Despite the pressing foreign policy concerns, jobs and growth dominated Obama’s primetime address, underscoring the degree to which the economy remains a vulnerability for the president and could disrupt his plans for pursuing a broader agenda, including immigration overhaul, stricter gun laws and climate change legislation.

Standing in Obama’s way is a Congress that remains nearly as divided as it was during the final years of his first term, when Washington lurched from one crisis to another.

The president implored lawmakers to break through partisan logjams, asserting that “the greatest nation on Earth cannot keep conducting its business by drifting from one manufactured crisis to the next.”

“Americans don’t expect government to solve every problem,” he said.

“They do expect us to forge reasonable compromise where we can.”

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TODAY

TONIGHT

60°

THURSDAY 60°

FRIDAY

36° Rain tapering to a couple of showers

Clearing

Cooler with plenty of sunshine

Winds: S 7-14 mph

Winds: W 7-14 mph

Winds: SW 4-8 mph

Winds: WNW 3-6 mph

Winds: WNW 10-20 mph

Winds: NW 7-14 mph

Chance of rain: 80%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 30%

Chance of rain: 5%

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

Temperature High ............................................... 64° Low ................................................ 53° Normal high ................................... 58° Normal low ..................................... 34° Record high ....................... 79° in 1965 Record low ........................... 4° in 1973

Greenville 52/35

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ............

Month to date ...............................

Normal month to date ..................

Year to date ..................................

Normal year to date .....................

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

7 a.m. yest.

357.96 75.22 74.90 97.16

24-hr chg +0.04 +0.23 +0.23 +0.35

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

7 a.m. yest.

6.91 6.30 6.62 5.58 78.82 10.20

24-hr chg +0.45 +1.44 +0.37 +0.05 +0.02 -1.11

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 60/36/r 50/30/r 58/35/r 63/35/r 68/42/r 60/44/r 67/41/r 50/36/r 56/36/r 60/37/r

Bishopville 60/37

0.20” 2.45” 1.42” 3.66” 5.36”

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 63/35/s 55/32/s 61/36/s 64/33/s 63/39/pc 52/41/s 63/39/pc 58/38/s 61/39/s 63/35/s

Columbia 60/37 Today: Cloudy with rain tapering to a couple of showers.

Thursday: Sunny and pleasant.

Sumter 60/37

Feb. 17 Last

Feb. 25 New

Mar. 4

Mar. 11

Myrtle Beach 64/42

Shown is today’s weather.

Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Aiken 60/36 Charleston 67/41

Today: Rain and a thunderstorm tapering to showers. High 62 to 68.

Thursday: Partly sunny. High 58 to 63.

The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

High Ht. Wed. 11:15 a.m.....3.1 11:31 p.m.....3.1 Thu. 11:57 a.m.....2.9 --- ..... ---

Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2013

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 60/38/r 55/43/r 59/41/r 58/37/r 60/40/r 77/48/t 50/35/r 56/40/r 67/41/r 46/34/r

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 60/36/s 55/39/s 59/37/s 60/35/s 62/39/s 65/40/pc 60/37/s 59/37/s 63/39/pc 56/37/s

-10s -0s 0s 10s 20s 30s 40s 50s

Stationary front

Cold front

SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Thursday, 5:30 p.m., registration / election office (county courthouse, first floor, Room 114-C)

Full

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 52/35/r 46/34/r 67/46/r 77/46/t 58/35/r 63/36/r 57/34/r 51/34/r 67/43/r 64/42/r

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 59/37/s 57/36/s 59/42/pc 65/39/pc 59/34/s 62/35/s 57/36/s 57/35/s 63/41/pc 58/39/pc

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

Low Ht. 5:41 a.m....-0.5 6:00 p.m....-0.5 6:28 a.m....-0.2 6:42 p.m....-0.3

Today Hi/Lo/W 63/39/r 68/43/r 50/38/r 54/34/r 54/36/r 70/42/r 52/36/r 68/44/r 63/42/r 46/34/r

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 62/39/s 61/41/pc 56/34/s 59/34/s 60/34/s 63/38/pc 59/37/s 60/39/pc 60/38/pc 56/36/s

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

Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

|

First

Florence 60/40

Manning 62/38

110s

PUBLIC AGENDA

Sunrise today .......................... 7:08 a.m.

Sunset tonight ......................... 6:04 p.m.

Moonrise today ....................... 8:50 a.m.

Moonset today ........................ 9:52 p.m.

Gaffney 51/36 Spartanburg 52/36

90s

elers to the distinction between S.C. 341 and 527, Keeys said. An electronic message board and flashing lights were temporarily installed at the intersection when the change was first made but have since been taken down.

“It is going to take time for travelers to get accustomed to the changes,” Keeys said.

“We monitor the intersection every day. I don’t know of anything else we can do at this point.”

Logan said he would like to see, at least for the short term, the message board and lights returned as a reminder to motorists of the change.

For now, Simon said he has assigned patrol officers to monitor the intersection.

“I have also notified the (South Carolina) Highway Patrol to let them know of the situation,” he said. “They didn’t even know the road had been changed.”

26°

Cooler with a couple of showers possible

100s

Lee County Coroner Larry Logan agrees the changes have made the intersection “very dangerous.”

“I want to be proactive and not reactive,” Logan said. “The way it is now, it’s just a matter of time before someone either is seriously hurt or loses their life. We’re talking about human life here. This is a serious situation.”

Wayne Keeys, a DOT resident maintenance engineer assigned to Lee County, said the changes were made because, in its previous configuration, the intersection was considered “confusing and dangerous.” Keeys said he is not aware of any wrecks at the intersection since the changes were made but thinks many local travelers are ignoring the new signs and are not paying attention to the changes.

New plastic delineator posts will be installed at the median to alert trav-

25°

Mostly sunny

80s

DRIVERS from Page A1

35°

Mostly sunny

70s

President Obama gestures toward Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio before giving his State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday.

SUNDAY

45°

37°

60s

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SATURDAY 52°

61°

Ice

Warm front

Today Thu. Today Thu. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 46/28/s 50/27/pc Las Vegas 61/45/s 64/45/s Anchorage 30/25/sf 34/26/sf Los Angeles 69/48/s 75/52/s Atlanta 58/35/r 58/40/s Miami 84/70/pc 83/69/t Baltimore 43/32/r 45/33/s Minneapolis 36/22/sf 30/8/sf Boston 39/29/pc 41/32/pc New Orleans 63/43/sh 63/45/s Charleston, WV 46/33/r 51/33/s New York 41/32/sn 44/35/pc Charlotte 50/36/r 58/38/s Oklahoma City 46/31/s 57/33/s Chicago 42/31/s 40/24/c Omaha 48/28/pc 38/20/pc Cincinnati 46/32/c 50/29/s Philadelphia 42/32/sn 44/34/pc Dallas 60/38/s 68/39/s Phoenix 64/44/s 68/47/s Denver 49/24/s 35/12/sn Pittsburgh 40/27/sn 43/32/s Des Moines 48/29/pc 38/19/pc St. Louis 50/36/pc 52/31/s Detroit 40/28/pc 43/27/c Salt Lake City 37/28/c 39/26/sn Helena 42/24/sf 33/19/sn San Francisco 59/43/s 62/45/s Honolulu 79/66/s 79/67/s Seattle 50/42/r 51/37/c Indianapolis 48/31/pc 49/27/s Topeka 54/33/s 49/24/pc Kansas City 52/33/s 47/24/pc Washington, DC 48/32/r 51/38/s Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

family, friends or your ARIES (March 21-April 19): the last word in astrology lover regarding your Don’t share personal domestic situation and information. Someone is eugenia LAST geographical location. likely to meddle in your Take any opportunity to affairs. Emotions will be visit areas that are difficult to control, so appealing and offer potential job prospects. focus on practical matters.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Networking will pay TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll be torn off. You’ll arouse interest in your creative ideas between your beliefs and what your peers and form alliances with those who are in a think or do. Follow your heart, stick to what position to take advantage of what you have works best for you. Refuse to take part in to offer. something that doesn’t feel right.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll have to GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll be taken dodge questions from those trying to catch advantage of if you share your ideas or show you off guard. Focus on home, family and others how to do things. Protect your assets making your digs as comfortable as possible. and plans.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Readdress a CANCER (June 21-July 22): Acting on impulse service you considered providing in the past, will lead to trouble. Gauge your time and and you’ll find a practical way to move forward focus on getting things done that will satisfy with plans. Don’t let someone’s enthusiasm your creative needs. Control your emotions. lead you to take action prematurely.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You’ll make personal AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Whether you want gains if you indulge in a physical challenge to lose weight, learn something new or focus that inspires and motivates you. Trying on self-improvement, this is a great day to something new could lead to reconnecting plan your strategy and start the process. Love with someone from your past. and romance are highlighted.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take a different PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You can make things approach when dealing with business or happen if you push others to complete personal partners. Showing how adaptable or pending contracts or settlements. It’s a good diverse you can be will help you proceed in day to make suggestions that will affect your the future. financial situation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Engage in talks with

PICK 3 TUESDAY: 4-6-3 AND 7-8-7 PICK 4 TUESDAY: 3-7-4-3 AND 5-5-3-4 PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY: 1-10-19-20-22 POWERUP: 2 MEGAMILLIONS NUMBERS WERE UNAVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

FOR SATURDAY: 5-6-16-36-58 POWERBALL: 3

K.A.T.’s featured pet of the week Linda Loo is 7 months old, current on her shots and spayed. She is in need of a forever indoor home and is available for adoption from K.A.T.’S Special Kneads. Linda Loo and her two siblings were rescued from an attic at the end of June during the 100+ degree heat. K.A.T.’S. Special Kneads is a small group of fosters who want to make a difference. If you are interested in adopting Linda Loo, call Kathy Stafford at (803) 4693906 or email katsspecialkneads@yahoo.com.

You can also find K.A.T.’S Special Kneads on Facebook.

SPORTS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

THE ITEM

B1

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

Wilson Hall boys, OP girls win Region II-3A tourneys

BY EDDIE LITAKER Special To The Item Wilson Hall’s boys basketball team overcame a doubledigit second-half deficit to rally and top Laurence Manning Academy 56-51 for the Region II-3A tournament championship on Tuesday at Sumter County Civic Center.

In the girls title game, Laurence Manning rallied late to make it close before falling 47-41 to regular season co-

champion Orangeburg Prep.

With Wilson Hall down 3826, Kyle Duffy completed the first of three 3-point plays in the final 2:29 of the third quarter to help the Barons rally to with- TALLEY in four, 43-39, heading to the fourth. Duffy pulled off a fourth 3-point play with 6:39 to go to give Wilson Hall a 44-43 lead, its

first since Tyler Pannell made a basket to open the game.

The Baron lead went to seven, 52-45, before a 6-0 Swampcat run cut it back to one, 52-51, with EPPS 1:16 left. Wilson Hall was able to hit enough free throws down the stretch to keep LMA at bay, with Sharp Turner hitting 2-of-4 at the line and

Blake Bochette connecting on two with eight seconds left for the final points of the night.

Meanwhile, the Swampcats failed on five shots, including four 3-point attempts, in the final 45 seconds.

Duffy led all scorers with 20 points while Pannell added 11 and Parker McDuffie closed with 10 for the Barons, who improved to 15-9 on the season.

“I really felt like Kyle had a good second half,” said Wil-

son Hall coach Eddie Talley, who was honored as the region’s Coach of the Year after leading the Barons to the regular-season championship. “I thought Parker McDuffie played well for us tonight, gave us some great minutes.

After about halfway through the third quarter, we all played a little bit more inspired. For a while there it was kind of ugly, but we SEE TOURNEYS, PAGE B2

Gamecocks look to avoid quick exit

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com

MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER / THE ITEM

Sumter High School head boys varsity basketball coach Sam Fuller admits he is a sore loser.

“I told them that right now they’re only guaranteed one game. The only game they know they’re going to get is (today).

That’s it,” Fuller said he told his FULLER team about its game against Dutch Fork today in the first round of the 4A state playoffs. “They don’t know how many more practices they’re going to have, so they’ve got to take advantage of every opportunity they have and compete.”

In his first year with SHS, the Gamecocks fell 62-47 at West Ashley High School in the open-

ing round of last year’s playoffs. The team finished with an 18-8 record. Anything less than advancing today against Dutch Fork would be a disappointment to Fuller.

“You don’t go into the playoffs and lose. It would definitely be disappointing (to lose),” he said. “Even though this season has been a success, we have a winning record, but once you hit the playoffs anything short of a state championship, especially the tradition we have in Sumter, is a shortfall.”

Sumter, which is 14-9 overall and champion of Region VI, will host the 7-13 Silver Foxes, who finished fourth in Region V. Both teams have already met this season with the Gamecocks prevailing 60-49 on Dec. 8.

Fuller said the Dutch SEE GAMECOCKS, PAGE B2

Sumter’s Jessica Harris, center, drives to the basket between Lexington defenders MaKayla Dumas (25) and Laina Carnes during the Lady Gamecocks’ 53-50 victory on Tuesday at the Sumter gymnasium in the first round of the 4A state playoffs.

Sumter clips ‘Cats

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com

LOCAL PLAYOFFS

For many members of the Sumter High School varsity girls basketball team, Tuesday’s opening-round game against Lexington in the 4A state playoffs was their first taste of postseason play.

Led by a strong first-half defensive performance and a 32point second half, the Lady Gamecocks powered past Lexington 53-30 to advance to the second round. Sumter will host Colleton County on Friday at 7 p.m. Colleton County defeated Wando 54-45 on Tuesday in the first round.

“Some of my younger play-

BOYS 4A First Round Today Dutch Fork at Sumter, 7 p.m.

3A Second Round Friday Crestwood at Stall, 7 p.m.

GIRLS 4A Second Round Friday Colleton County at Sumter, 7 p.m.

3A Second Round Thursday Hanahan at Crestwood, 7 p.m.

ers asked me what are the playoffs,” SHS head coach Chris Vandevander said. “To them, they’re just playing another game; I don’t think they

quite grasp what they’re doing.

I hope this will give them more confidence and build for the future of our program.”

Sumter led 13-6 after the opening quarter and used an 8-3 second quarter advantage to open a 21-9 halftime lead.

The Lady Wildcats, who ended the year at 11-10, had trouble stopping the ball in transition after a Sumter rebound while the Lady Gamecocks 3-2 zone defense created numerous turnovers.

Vandevander said a big factor in the first half was the fact SHS had a lot of guards in the game and shifted junior Tiera SEE SUMTER, PAGE B2

U.S. wrestlers stunned by IOC decision

BY LUKE MEREDITH The Associated Press Rulon Gardner’s epic upset of Russian wrestling great Alexander Karelin in 2000 remains one of the most compelling moments of the modern Olympics.

Starting in 2020, youngsters looking to Gardner and Karelin for inspiration won’t have a chance to excel on the sport’s biggest stage. Gardner and nearly everyone else associated with the sport in the U.S. were jolted Tuesday when International Olympic Committee leaders GARDNER dropped wrestling from the Summer Games.

The move is set to take effect for the 2020 Olympics and eliminates a sport that’s been a staple of both the ancient and modern games.

“It’s the IOC trying to change the Olympics to make it more mainstream and more viewer-friendly SEE WRESTLING, PAGE B3

ITEM FILE PHOTO

Sumter’s Duane Kyles (1) and the rest of the Gamecocks look to avoid an early playoff exit this year when they host Dutch Fork today at the SHS gymnasium.

Knee injury likely ends year for USC’s Geathers

BY DARRYL SLATER Post and Courier

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Charles Edward Betts, right, and the rest of the United States’ wrestlers were blindsided Tuesday by the news that the IOC executive board decided to cut the sport.

COLUMBIA — South Carolina third-year sophomore forward Carlton Geathers is expected to miss the rest of the season after experiencing a setback in recovery from a knee GEATHERS injury, coach Frank Martin said Tuesday.

Geathers, a 6-10, 255-pounder from Georgetown, underwent arthroscopic surgery

Tuesday on his right knee cap. He originally fractured it July 19 in a summer pro-am league game in Columbia. The initial injury required surgery.

When USC announced it, the school said the projected earliest recovery time for Geathers was six months.

About seven months have now passed since Geathers got hurt, and he was still experiencing swelling in the knee.

“The front part of the knee cap has been healing,” Martin said. “The SEE GEATHERS, PAGE B2

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SPORTS

THE ITEM

TOURNEYS from Page B1 picked it up, got some turnovers defensively that led to some transition baskets, because we were struggling in the half-court set.”

Maliq Green ended with 15 and Nick Gibbons chipped in with 12 for the Swampcats, who dropped to 15-13 and await their state tournament fate today.

With just 10 players available for action on Tuesday, LMA head coach Will Epps said his team was feeling the effects of its down-to-the-wire 58-57 semifinal win on Monday against Orangeburg Prep.

“That (lack of depth) kind of told on us in the second half,” Epps said.

“We weren’t quite as sharp as we were in the first half, and that’s no excuse. Wilson Hall played good; they’re the best team in the conference and they proved that in the regular season and in the tournament. The Duffy kid really impressed me tonight. He was very, very

aggressive and I was very, very impressed with his play.”

Wilson Hall and LMA both had representatives on the All-Region and All-Tournament teams. For the Barons, Duffy made All-Region and Turner was named Player of the Year, while Turner was on the All-Tournament team and William Kinney took tournament MVP honors. The Swampcats placed Gibbons and Shakei Green on the All-Region team and Green and Mark Pipkin on All-Tournament.

In the girls game, Orangeburg Prep led by double digits from about midway through the second quarter until about the last three minutes before LMA staged a late rally, having an opportunity to cut the lead to four with 1:15 to go. Grace Beatson got a steal, missed a shot, followed with a miss, Dixie Richburg rebounded and missed on her follow attempt, leaving the Lady

SUMTER from Page B1 Burgess to the 4 spot. Burgess scored eight of her 10 points in the first half.

“With them coming after us we thought if we put some fast players in with ball handling (skills) we’d break through that first level defense,” she explained. “Most importantly, we were able to see our open person, and then we finished. We’ve had a hard time finishing sometimes, but I thought we waited for a good shot; we didn’t stand out there and shoot 3s all night long and tried to look for someone down low.”

The Lady Gamecocks took advantage of the fast break after grabbing the defensive rebound, which allowed easy transition buckets. Sumter was also aided in the second half by its ability to get to the charity stripe. After going just 3 of 10 in the first half the Gamecocks finished 11 of 21.

“The first half we were just ready,” Burgess said. “I (learned) I need my teammates; I can’t do it without them.

We play hard and practice every day and we’re going to get better.”

Lexington’s Destinee Langford scored two of the Wildcats’ three field goals in the first half.

Lexington got to the free throw line often but connected on 10 of 18, including 3 of 7 in the first half. Things got better in the second half for Lexington as back-to-back 3-pointers by Paige Jergenson and Sarah Moore brought the Lady Wildcats to within 10, trailing 30-20 in the third quarter, but that’s as close as they would get.

Allison Kay led Lexington with eight points while Darnica Sylve added six.

Sarah Moore and Langford each finished with five points.

After getting into early foul trouble SHS freshman Christian Hithe sparked the team in the second half, scoring all of her game-high 18 points in the second half. Teammate Shiniyah Brown was the only other player to score more than one field goal as she added five of her nine points.

“In the first half I got a little bit mad that I was in foul trouble,” Hithe said of the difference in the first and second half. “It made me think about scoring and trying to help the team so when the second half came I had to do what I had to – play hard and try to make the team better.”

“Christian is a scorer. Christian can see the floor; she’s a natural basketball player,” Vandevander said. “I can’t wait to see her progress and get better each game.”

Cy Cooper added six for Sumter, which improved to 17-5 on the season.

Looking ahead to the second round, Vandevander said the focus once again will be defense. “(Defense is) what’s gotten us this far and our offense looked better tonight so that’s a positive going into the next game; and I think we’re getting deeper on the bench,” she said.

SUMTER 53, LEXINGTON 30 LHS SHS

6 13

11 10-30 11 21-53 LEXINGTON Carnes 1, Sylve 6, Jergenson 3, Moore 5, Kay 8, Langford 5, Foulks 2.

SUMTER Brown 9, Burgess 10, K. Kennedy 3, Hithe 18, N. Kennedy 5, Davis 2, Cooper 6.

GAMECOCKS from Page B1 Fork team Sumter will face today is much different from the one he faced earlier.

“They have good guard and post play, so we’ve got our hands full because they’re going to play inside and out and we’ve got to make sure we take away a lot of things,” Fuller said.

“As long as we make sure we’re aware of whom personnel are and make sure we do what we’re supposed to do, we’ll give ourselves a great chance to win.”

Fuller said the difference between last year’s team and this year is that last year’s was more experienced while this year’s squad has gelled better.

“We came in knowing we didn’t have experience, knowing we didn’t have that core group,” Fuller said. “We came in and they had to work. We had some losses early on and some setbacks but we’ve gotten better and worked at getting through the setbacks.”

The Silver Foxes are averaging nearly 54 points a

Indians up 44-38.

Julia Bonnette got a steal and layup before Maddie Weber connected on her second three of the fourth quarter to make it 46-41 with one second left. Cassidy Hills hit the back end of a two-shot foul to account for the final margin.

“We had a little bit of an off night, I felt like, as far as not catching the ball, being weak with it or catching it and it going out of bounds,” said LMA girls head coach Kendra Rowland, whose team fell to 16-12.

Richburg led all scorers with 20 while Bonnette, named the tourney MVP, and Elizabeth Rheney both had 15.

Beatson and Richburg were named to both the All-Region and All-Tournament teams, along with Wilson Hall’s Elizabeth Munn. LMA’s Hailey Hatfield and Wilson Hall’s Hannah Jordan were allRegion selections, with Wilson Hall’s Lucion Hall taking Player of the Year honors and Glen Rector earning Coach of the Year.

game offensively while allowing 56.7 defensively.

The team has five seniors, eight juniors, one freshman and one eighth-grader. Sumter is averaging 60.5 offensively while allowing 56 points a game defensively.

The Gamecocks coach believes the game will be much like a boxing match.

“They always say in boxing you know what you want to do until you get hit,” he explained.

“What we do when we respond to adversity is going to be a big issue.”

Sumter junior Anthony Moses said that although DF has a size advantage, his team is playing better team defense and has the home crowd on its side.

“We’re going to need all five guys to box out, play defense and play basketball like we know how to play basketball,” Moses said. “We’re not going to try and take this lightly.

We’re going to play hard and feed off the crowd.”

For senior Auntrell Holloway, the journey toward a state championship be-

3 8

gins today. Sumter is on a 4-game winning streak and Holloway believes his team is playing its best ball now.

“We’re doing well at playing together as a team both offensively and defensively and talking more as a team, but we need to work on playing better one-on-one and boxing out,” Holloway said. “(We need to) come out harder than them, move faster and spread the floor because they can’t keep up with us.”

Fuller said he is confident his team can play against any style of basketbal.

“It’s all about getting stops because in the playoffs every game you’re not always going to have your best game offensively, but if you can always make sure you’re going to get stops at a high rate, you’re always going to keep yourself in any ball game,” Fuller said.

The winner between Sumter and Dutch Fork will face either Wando or Bluffton on Saturday.

Sumter is home for the first three rounds as long as it wins.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY 10 a.m. -- College Basketball: Southern Illinois (Edwardsville) at Tennessee-Martin (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

2:30 p.m. -- International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match -- Real Madrid vs. Manchester United (FOX SOCCER).

2:30 p.m. -- International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Match -- Borussia Dortmund vs. Shakhtar Donetsk (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

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

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Syracuse at Connecticut (ESPN).

7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Charlotte at Indiana (SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Miami at Florida State (ESPN2).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Oklahoma State at Texas Tech (ESPNU).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Wake Forest at Boston College (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Chicago at Boston (NBA TV).

7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: St. Louis at Detroit (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: North Carolina at Duke (WKTC 63, ESPN).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: West Virginia at Baylor (ESPN2).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Providence at South Florida (ESPNU).

10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Hosuton at Los Angeles Clippers (NBA TV).

11 p.m. -- College Basketball: Oregon at Washington (ESPN2).

11 p.m. -- College Basketball: Cal State Fullerton at Long Beach State (ESPNU).

COLLEGE BASKETBALL SCHEDULE Today EAST Wake Forest at Boston College, 7 p.m.

Colgate at Bucknell, 7 p.m.

Toledo at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Army at Lafayette, 7 p.m.

Delaware at Northeastern, 7 p.m.

Dayton at Rhode Island, 7 p.m.

Richmond at Saint Joseph’s, 7 p.m.

La Salle at St. Bonaventure, 7 p.m.

Syracuse vs. UConn at the XL Center, Hartford, Conn., 7 p.m.

Hartford at Maine, 7:30 p.m.

SOUTH Liberty at Campbell, 7 p.m.

UAB at East Carolina, 7 p.m.

Miami at Florida St., 7 p.m.

Hofstra at Georgia St., 7 p.m.

High Point at Longwood, 7 p.m.

Rice at Marshall, 7 p.m.

Coastal Carolina at Presbyterian, 7 p.m.

Gardner-Webb at UNC Asheville, 7 p.m.

Radford at VMI, 7 p.m.

UNC Wilmington at William & Mary, 7 p.m.

Charleston Southern at Winthrop, 7 p.m.

UCF at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Missouri at Mississippi St., 8 p.m.

Tulane at Southern Miss., 8 p.m.

Tennessee at Vanderbilt, 8 p.m.

Arkansas at Auburn, 9 p.m.

North Carolina at Duke, 9 p.m.

Providence at South Florida, 9 p.m.

MIDWEST W. Michigan at Bowling Green, 7 p.m.

Charlotte at Butler, 7 p.m.

Ohio at Cent. Michigan, 7 p.m.

Akron at E. Michigan, 7 p.m.

Nebraska at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Miami (Ohio) at Kent St., 7 p.m.

DePaul at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.

Fordham at Xavier, 7 p.m.

Ball St. at N. Illinois, 8 p.m.

Creighton at N. Iowa, 8 p.m.

Drake at Wichita St., 8 p.m.

Purdue at Illinois, 9 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Mississippi at Texas A&M, 7 p.m.

Oklahoma St. at Texas Tech, 7 p.m.

UTEP at Houston, 8 p.m.

Iowa St. at Texas, 8 p.m.

West Virginia at Baylor, 9 p.m.

FAR WEST Arizona St. at Utah, 8 p.m.

UNLV at Air Force, 9 p.m.

Nevada at Wyoming, 9 p.m.

San Diego St. at Colorado St., 10 p.m.

New Mexico at Fresno St., 10 p.m.

Oregon St. at Washington St., 10 p.m.

Cal St.-Fullerton at Long Beach St., 11 p.m.

Oregon at Washington, 11 p.m.

Thursday EAST George Mason at Drexel, 7 p.m.

Duquesne at Temple, 7 p.m.

Iowa at Penn St., 9 p.m.

SOUTH Furman at Chattanooga, 7 p.m.

Appalachian St. at Elon, 7 p.m.

W. Kentucky at FAU, 7 p.m.

Clemson at Georgia Tech, 7 p.m.

LSU at South Carolina, 7 p.m.

W. Carolina at UNC Greensboro, 7 p.m.

Georgia Southern at The Citadel, 7:05 p.m.

Davidson at Coll. of Charleston, 7:30 p.m.

Wofford at Samford, 8 p.m.

FIU at Troy, 8:30 p.m.

St. John’s at Louisville, 9 p.m.

Mercer at SC-Upstate, 9 p.m.

MIDWEST Wisconsin at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Northwestern at Ohio St., 7 p.m.

FAR WEST UCLA at California, 9 p.m.

Arizona at Colorado, 10 p.m.

Hawaii at UC Davis, 10 p.m.

Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s (Cal), 11 p.m.

Southern Cal at Stanford, 11 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB New York 32 17 .653 – Brooklyn 30 22 .577 31/2 Boston 27 24 .529 6 Philadelphia 22 28 .440 101/2 Toronto 19 32 .373 14 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Miami 34 14 .708 –

GEATHERS from Page B1 back part of the knee cap, the healing process is nowhere near where it needs to be. So he does all kind of stuff on the court (in practice) from a flexibility, strength (standpoint). He’s trying.

“The early time period was six months. But this can go up to 10 months. So I don’t foresee him playing this year. I’ll be very surprised if he wears a uniform this year, especially now that they had to go back in there.”

USC is thin in the post, and if Geathers returned this season, he might have added

| Atlanta Washington Orlando Charlotte

28 15 15 12

22 .560 7 35 .300 20 36 .294 201/2 39 .235 231/2 Central Division W L Pct GB Indiana 31 21 .596 – Chicago 30 21 .588 1/2 Milwaukee 25 25 .500 5 Detroit 20 33 .377 111/2 Cleveland 16 36 .308 15 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 41 12 .774 – Memphis 32 18 .640 71/2 Houston 28 25 .528 13 Dallas 22 29 .431 18 New Orleans 18 34 .346 221/2 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Oklahoma City 39 12 .765 – Denver 33 19 .635 61/2 Utah 28 24 .538 111/2 Portland 25 26 .490 14 Minnesota 19 30 .388 19 Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Clippers 37 17 .685 – Golden State 30 21 .588 51/2 L.A. Lakers 24 28 .462 12 Sacramento 19 33 .365 17 Phoenix 17 35 .327 19 Monday’s Games Minnesota 100, Cleveland 92 Charlotte 94, Boston 91 L.A. Clippers 107, Philadelphia 90 Brooklyn 89, Indiana 84, OT New Orleans 105, Detroit 86 San Antonio 103, Chicago 89 Washington 102, Milwaukee 90 Atlanta 105, Dallas 101 Tuesday’s Games Denver at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Portland at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Sacramento at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Utah, 9 p.m.

Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Phoenix at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Today’s Games San Antonio at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Charlotte at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Atlanta at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Chicago at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

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

Denver at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Washington at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Utah at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Portland at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

Sacramento at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

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

Thursday’s Games Miami at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

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

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA New Jersey 12 8 1 3 19 33 24 Pittsburgh 13 8 5 0 16 41 32 N.Y. Rangers 11 6 5 0 12 29 27 Philadelphia 13 5 7 1 11 31 38 N.Y. Islanders 12 4 7 1 9 36 43 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 10 8 1 1 17 29 21 Toronto 13 8 5 0 16 39 33 Ottawa 12 6 4 2 14 31 23 Montreal 11 6 4 1 13 31 30 Buffalo 13 5 7 1 11 39 46 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Carolina 11 6 4 1 13 34 34 Tampa Bay 11 6 5 0 12 43 32 Winnipeg 11 5 5 1 11 30 37 Florida 11 4 6 1 9 25 40 Washington 12 3 8 1 7 30 41 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 12 10 0 2 22 42 25 Detroit 12 7 4 1 15 33 32 Nashville 12 5 3 4 14 24 26 St. Louis 12 6 5 1 13 39 40 Columbus 13 4 7 2 10 30 41 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Vancouver 11 7 2 2 16 33 24 Edmonton 12 5 4 3 13 28 30 Minnesota 12 6 5 1 13 26 30 Calgary 10 3 4 3 9 26 35 Colorado 11 4 6 1 9 23 29 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 11 8 2 1 17 39 31 San Jose 12 7 3 2 16 36 28 Phoenix 13 6 5 2 14 35 35 Dallas 12 6 5 1 13 26 28 Los Angeles 11 4 5 2 10 26 32 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Monday’s Games Minnesota 2, Calgary 1, SO Toronto 5, Philadelphia 2 Carolina 6, N.Y. Islanders 4 Columbus 6, San Jose 2 Los Angeles 4, St. Louis 1 Phoenix 3, Colorado 2, OT Tuesday’s Games Carolina at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Buffalo at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

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

Washington at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.

San Jose at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Anaheim at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Dallas at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games Ottawa at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

St. Louis at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Dallas at Calgary, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday’s Games N.Y. Islanders at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Carolina, 7 p.m.

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

Montreal at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Phoenix at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Colorado at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

depth to the team. Now, USC is beginning the process of petitioning the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility. Geathers redshirted as a freshman in 2010-11. NCAA rules state that you must miss two seasons because of injury or illness to get a sixth year. Martin said he isn’t sure if Geathers was hurt in 2010-11.

“But if our training staff is OK with putting that paperwork together, then I’m assuming that two years ago, there was something there (injury-wise),” Martin said.

USC (12-11, 2-8 Southeastern Conference) will try to snap a four-game losing streak at home Thursday night against LSU, which the Gamecocks beat, 8273, in overtime last month.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

WRESTLING from Page B1 instead of sticking to what they founded the Olympics on, and that was basically amateur sports,’’ Gardner told The Associated Press by phone from Logan, Utah. “To get the death penalty out of nowhere.’’

The decision by the IOC to phase out wrestling will leave the U.S. without one of its most successful Olympic sports.

The only sports in which the Americans have won more medals than wrestling is swimming and track and field — and those two have far more medal opportunities.

Americans have won a record 113 freestyle Olympic medals, by far the most of any nation.

Though the U.S. had slipped in recent Olympic cycles, it bounced back with a pair of London Games gold medalists in Jordan Burroughs — possibly the best wrestler in the world — and Jake Varner.

“I do think wrestling people are the strongest in the world, and they’re resilient. And we’ll come out of whatever happens. But short term, yeah, it’s sad,’’ 2004 Olympic gold medalist and Penn State coach Cael Sanderson said.

“I just think of the kids in our program that dream of being Olympic champions. And to think that now that’s no longer an opportunity just so the IOC stay fresh and continue to rotate sports and whatever their plan is — it’s tough to think about.’’

Wrestling is also one of the most popular youth sports in the U.S. The National Federation of State High School Associations reports that the sport was sixth among prep boys with nearly 275,000 competing in 2010-11.

“Wrestling is the Olympics. It’s the toughest, most grueling, most demanding and most humbling sport there is.

It teaches you so many life lessons,’’ said Jake Herbert, who wrestled for the U.S. in the London Games.

Wrestling will now join seven other sports in applying for inclusion in 2020. The others are a combined bid from baseball and softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu. They will be vying for a single opening in 2020.

USA Wrestling executive director Richard Bender calls his sport “one of the most diverse,’’ with nearly 200 nations from all continents participating.

“It is an inclusive sport which provides opportunities worldwide, regardless of geography, race, gender or physical characteristics,’’ he said.

“We look forward to telling the story about wrestling to the International Committee leadership and the entire world about our great sport and why it should be part of the Olympic movement forever.’’

The IOC executive board will meet in May in St. Petersburg, Russia, to decide which sport or sports to propose for 2020. The final vote will be in September in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

THE ITEM

B3

Hillcrest to host Royal Bash tournament The Royal Bash Basketball Tournament will be held Friday through Sunday at the Hillcrest Middle School gymnasium.

The entry fee for teams wishing to participate is $200.

Admission to the event is $3 per person and all proceeds will go to Hillcrest Middle School.

Games will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.

There will be a game beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday with play resuming at noon and lasting until 8 p.m.

Games will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday and last until 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Ali Williams at (803) 56-2453 or Byron Faison at (803) 983-3785.

COULTER WINS TOURNAMENT

SIMPSONVILLE — William Coulter of Sumter won the boys 10 singles title in the Holly Tree Junior Open in Simpsonville over the weekend.

Coulter defeated Zach Strehl 4-0, 4-0 in the quarterfinals, Davis Sponseller 4-0, 4-1 in the semifinals and Bradey Minich 4-0, 4-1 in the championship match.

SPORTS ITEMS BRIGGS TO HELP COACH SHRINE BOWL

SPARTANBURG— Lee County, N.C., coach Burton Cates and Orangeburg-Wilkerson coach Tommy Brown have been named head coaches for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.

Brown’s South Carolina staff is BRIGGS made up of Manning head coach Robbie Briggs, Ken Cribb of Hemingway, Andy Palmer of Edisto, Dan Pippin of North Augusta, Joe Watson of J.L. Mann and Mike West of Spartanburg.

FIRE ANTS SPLIT TWINBILL

SWAINSBORO, Ga. — The University of South Carolina Sumter split a doubleheader with East Georgia College on Sunday, losing the first game 6-5 in 12 innings before winning the second game 1-0.

In the second game, Josh Bowers went the distance on the mound to toss the shutout for Sumter. Bowers improved to 2-0 on the season, allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out seven.

| conscious and stealing their wallets, while running back Brent Calloway has been charged with using a stolen debit card, officials said Tuesday.

Hayes and Williams confessed to robbing a student who was punched in the head and face and kicked in the ribs and back early Monday morning, according to court documents.

All four students were indefinitely suspended by coach Nick Saban.

Mason Brett drove in the only run in the fourth inning with a base hit, scoring Brad Johnson, who had doubled.

Brett and Johnson both had two hits.

In the opener, all six of East Georgia’s runs were unearned. Chris Orlando took the loss for the Fire Ants, who are 3-1 on the season, despite allowing one unearned run in 3 1/3 innings.

Ryan Perkins led the USCS offense, going 2-for-5 with two runs and a run batted in.

Bowers had two hits and Johnson smacked a solo home run.

USC Sumter plays host to the Limestone College junior varsity team today at 4 p.m. in a doubleheader at Riley Park.

On Saturday, the Fire Ants host Florida State College in a twinbill beginning at 1 p.m. before playing a single 9-inning game on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m.

(7)FLORIDA (25) KENTUCKY

69 52

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Scottie Wilbekin had 14 points and eight assists, Pat Young recorded his sixth double-double of the season and No. 7 Florida handled No. 25 Kentucky 69-52 on Tuesday night.

RAPTORS NUGGETS

109 108

TORONTO — Rudy Gay hit a pull-up jump shot with less than five seconds remaining and the Toronto Raptors beat the short-handed Denver Nuggets 109-108 on Tuesday.

4 ‘BAMA FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARRESTED

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama linebacker Tyler Hayes, safety Eddie Williams and defensive lineman D.J. Pettway have been charged with knocking students un-

From staff, wire reports

AREA ROUNDUP

|

Crestwood upsets North Myrtle Beach 63-58 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH — Seth Fitzgerald scored 26 points to lead Crestwood High School to a 63-58 upset victory over North Myrtle Beach in the first round of the 3A boys basketball state playoffs on Tuesday at the NMB gymnasium.

The Knights, the fourth seed from Region VI, trailed 31-24 at halftime. However, they outscored NMB, the Region VII champion, 23-15 in the third quarter to go up 47-46.

Fitzgerald hit on 11 of 16 free throws and was 3-for-7 from 3-point range for Crestwood, which improved to 14-9. Garian Williams added 10 points, nine rebounds and four assists, and Paris Tindal also had 10 points.

Josh Lindsey led North Myrtle Beach with 23 points. Jaquan Grissett added 16 points for the Chiefs, who finished the year with a 16-9 record, while Matt Lindsey had 13.

Crestwood will play at Stall on Friday in the second round. Stall beat Airport 55-52 on Tuesday.

Zach Gooding added 11. Payton Bramlett added nine.

Christopher Kellahan led Williamsburg with 15 points and Tripp Ward had 12.

CRESTWOOD Tindal 10, Bradshaw 2, Blakely 7, Fitzgerald 26, Williams 10, Benjamin 3, Washington 5.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH Scott 4, J. Lindsey 23, Vereen 2, Grissett 16, M. Lindsey 13.

MYRTLE BEACH — Sumter Christian School saw its season come to an end on Tuesday with a 74-37 loss to Calvary Christian in the quarterfinals of the SCACS state playoffs at the Calvary gymnasium.

Devon Green led the Bears with 12 points. Josh McGranahan added seven

ROBERT E. LEE WILLIAMSBURG

57 39

Robert E. Lee Academy won the SCISA Region IV-2A tournament on Tuesday, beating Williamsburg Academy 57-39.

Jonah Cox led the Cavaliers with 24 points, while

ROBERT E. LEE Cox 24, Gooding 11, Bramlett 9, Grantham 4, Buddin 4, Tidwell 3, Chewning 2.

WILLIAMSBURG C. Kellahan 15, Erwin 5, Heathcott5, Z. Kellahan 2, Ward 12.

CALVARY CHRISTIAN SUMTER CHRISTIAN

74 37

points while pulling down 13 rebounds.

Mitah Fields led Calvary with 25 points while Bryan Fields had 15.

JV BOYS BASKETBALL WILSON HALL FLORENCE CHRISTIAN

Wilson Hall won its seventh straight SCISA Region II-3A tournament title with a 48-29 victory over Florence Christian on Tuesday at Sumter County Civic Center.

Brandon Spittle led the Barons, who finished the year with a 17-4 record, with 17 points. John Ballard added 12 points.

JV GIRLS BASKETBALL WILSON HALL 30 ORANGEBURG PREP 20

Wilson Hall defeated Orangeburg Prep

• Travel • Weddings …and more

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28 24

WALTERBORO — Clarendon Hall defeated Colleton Prep 28-24 to win the SCISA Region I-1A tournament on Tuesday at the CP gymnasium.

Holly Carlilse led the Lady Saints, who improved to 13-2 on the season, with 13 points. Shannon Corbett added 11 points and Christine Elenbark had eight rebounds.

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30-20 in overtime to win the SCISA Region II-3A tournament on Tuesday at Sumter County Civic Center.

Lauren Goodson led the Lady Barons, who finish the year with a 17-3 record, with nine points. Catherine Kelley added seven.

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B4

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013 ©2013 HEAT SURGE 8000 FREEDOM AVE., N. CANTON OH 44720

SPECIAL PAID ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Man behind Amish Fireplace gives public $99 deal Consumers rush to get in on rock bottom deal for the World Famous miracle heater as Amish craftsmen struggle to keep up, household limit of 2 imposed NATIONWIDE – It’s a deal too good to pass up.

That’s because the man behind the Amish Fireplace and founder of Heat Surge is giving away brand new World Famous Miracle Heaters for just $99 to the general public beginning at 8:30am this morning.

And with many months of freezing cold weather yet to come and high heat bills right around the corner, the phone lines are ringing off the hook.

When I got wind that all this was ending in just 2 days, I left my office at Heat Surge and headed straight to Amish country to set up an interview with long time Amish craftsman Jonas Miller so I could be the first to get the story out to newspaper readers everywhere.

Here’s my interview with the soft spoken, hard working man who reminds me of good old honest Abe and I got right to the bottom line.

QUESTION: I’m confirming that the World Famous Miracle Heater is now just $99, right?

ANSWER: Yes ma’am, it’s just $99.

QUESTION: That’s unbelievable. Do you know how much people have paid for the Miracle Heater and handmade Amish fireplace mantle in the past?

ANSWER: Lots and lots of people have paid $249.00 just for the Miracle Heater and another $298.00 for the Amish mantle. That’s a total of $547.00 and they’re glad to pay it because they know it’s handmade Amish quality that lasts forever and Heat Surge pays me to make sure everyone knows it.

QUESTION: Then why are the Miracle Heaters being given away for just $99 now?

ANSWER: There’s a bunch of good people out there that have always wanted to slash their heat bills and stay warm with one of our fireplaces, but just couldn’t afford one. Folks living on fixed incomes, those living pay check to pay check and retired folks who would have so much more money if they didn’t have to budget for such high heat bills every month. That’s why the man behind the Amish fireplace said to give the heaters away for just $99 for the next 2 days. Plus give the handmade Amish fireplace mantles away for half price so everyone can get them.

QUESTION: Now I know why so many people are calling to get the Miracle Heater. Are the craftsmen struggling to keep up?

ANSWER: Yes ma’am. Now that winter is really starting to set in folks want to save money.

Everyone hates paying high heat bills that start showing up in January and don’t stop until after May. I looked in one of the barns this morning and I’ll tell ya what, they’re flying out the door like apple butter pies. The boys are really struggling to

฀CONSUMERS JUMP ON DEAL: “We’re gonna keep our word and give the Miracle Heaters away for just $99, but nearly everyone wants to have a handmade Amish mantle built for them, so please tell folks not to take any more than two because the boys are really struggling to keep up now that they’re just one hundred forty-nine dollars more,” said long-time Amish craftsman, Jonas Miller. Barns that were stacked from floor to ceiling just days ago are now going empty because everyone hates paying high heat bills. That’s why smart consumers are rushing to beat the 2 day deadline for this rock bottom deal that’s putting a real strain on the Amish craftsmen. keep up. That’s why I need you to tell folks I’m really sorry, but we just can’t let them have any more than two as part of this advertising announcement.

QU E STION: How much money are people saving with these Miracle Heaters?

ANSWER: Thousands of letters pour in from folks all across the country thanking us at Heat Surge for all the money they’re saving on their heat bills with this Amish fireplace. It works because the Miracle Heater creates perfect zone heating giving you 74° of bone-soothing room heat even when the home thermostat is turned down to

59°. So everyone will save money and no one will ever be cold again.

QUESTION: I read an article that says these Miracle Heaters are a top rated safety pick. Have you seen it too?

ANSWER: Oh yes. Someone showed me that article and we’re very proud of it. In fact, when a fire chief tells people with children and pets to get it, you know it’s safe. It has the World Famous safe to the touch Fireless Flame® technology that gives you the peaceful flicker of a real fire but without any flames, fumes, smells, ashes or mess.

This is about the time we had

to wrap things up, but I could’ve talked to this soft spoken Amish man for hours.

Unfortunately, he was late getting back to the barn. But there are two things I want readers to know. This really is a great deal and once the two day deadline ends, the price for the World Famous Miracle Heater and Amish built fireplace mantle will go clear back up to $547.00 plus shipping.

That’s why it’s so important for readers to call the National Toll Free Hotlines today to get the Miracle Heaters for just $99 before the deadline ends.

To make sure everyone gets

these new Miracle Heaters in a hurry, FedEx® drivers have been instructed to make home deliveries anywhere in the United States beginning tomorrow.

Thousands of local readers are expected to call the hotlines beginning at 8:30am today.

It just doesn’t make sense for anyone to suffer through the cold when you can get the brand new Miracle Heater for just $99 and never have to pay high heat bills again. So if phone lines are busy keep trying, they promise to answer all calls. ฀ – by Kristin Kishman, Consumer Analyst for Heat Surge LLC.

Who gets the $99 deal Find your zone on this U.S. Weather Map Frigid Zone: 1 Cold Zone: 2 Frost Zone: 3

Claim Code: NP384

Everyone who locates the Weather Zone they live in must call the National Toll Free Hotlines for their zone beginning at precisely 8:30am this morning. Those who get through are being given the World Famous Miracle Heater for just $99 and shipping. No calls will be accepted for this deal after the deadline ends 2 days from today’s publication date.

Anyone who misses the deadline will not get the $99 deal for the Miracle Heater. They will be required to pay the regular price of $547.00 plus shipping for the Miracle Heater that comes mounted in the handmade Amish fireplace mantle.

Visit us on the web at: www.amishfireplaces.com

EVERYONE LIVING IN THE

EVERYONE LIVING IN THE

EVERYONE LIVING IN THE

Frigid Zone: 1

Cold Zone: 2

Frost Zone: 3

START CALLING AT 8:30 A.M. TODAY

START CALLING AT 8:45 A.M. TODAY

START CALLING AT 9:00 A.M. TODAY

1-800-601-3407

1-800-601-3409

1-800-601-3433

Barns going empty, consumers rush to lock in $99 deal

฀GET THEM WHILE YOU CAN: Long-time Amish craftsman Jonas Miller encourages all the craftsmen to keep up with the household limit of 2 Amish fireplaces as newspapers hit the newsstands.

“We’ve got the whole Amish community helping out, but we’ve never seen anything like this before.

We’re letting everyone get the Miracle Heater (shown here) for just $99, but nearly everyone wants to have a handmade Amish mantle built for their Miracle Heater, so we can barely keep up with all the orders,” Miller said. Everyone hoping to cash in on this deal needs to immediately call the National Toll Free Hotlines before the deadline ends.

With just 2 days left to get in on the $99 deal and Amish barns going empty, people everywhere are rushing to get the Miracle Heaters before they’re all sold out.

Demand for the Miracle Heaters has skyrocketed ever since news about the $99 deal started spreading. In fact, overflow hotlines had to be set up just to take all the calls and because the Amish craftsmen are struggling to keep up, a household limit of 2 had to be imposed.

According to the avalanche of consumer reviews for the Miracle Heaters, people absolutely swear by them, repeatedly saying, “It saves money,” “looks beautiful,” and “heats from floor to ceiling to keep everyone warm and cozy.”

People from all across the country are calling to get in on this deal before the deadline ends 2 days from today’s publication date. So if lines are busy be sure to call one of the overflow hotlines at 1-888-414-2503 or 1-888-414-2572 to get the Miracle Heater for just $99.

And since all the handmade mantles that the Amish are building today are half price, nearly everyone is asking to have their Miracle Heater custom built in the Amish mantle for just one hundred forty-nine dollars more because everyone who does is getting a custom finish upgrade in Light Oak, Dark Oak, Black, or Cherry for free.

Just make sure you call before the deadline ends because anyone who misses the deadline can’t get in on this deal and will have to pay the regular price of $547.00 plus shipping for the Miracle Heater that comes mounted in the handmade Amish fireplace mantle. ©2013 HS P6343A OF16929R-1

OBITUARIES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

STANLEY O. SCHAETZLE Stanley O. Schaetzle, 78, passed away Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, in Sumter, surrounded by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m.

Saturday at Bullock Funeral Home, 1190 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter.

In lieu of flowSCHAETZLE ers, Stanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 140 Poinsett Drive, Sumter, SC 29150, (803) 8831049.

You may sign the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.

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

WILLIE LEE HARRISON HARTSVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Willie Lee Harrison, 59, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at the Saleeby Center, 714 Lewellen Ave., Hartsville.

He was born Feb. 21, 1953, in New Zion, a son of the late Henry Burgess and Sarah Jane Harrison Jackson.

Survivors are one sister, Shelvia Jean Kennedy; one uncle, Samuel (Harlene) Harrison; and five aunts, Mary Green, Sadie Brown, Andretta Harrison, Shelia Harison and Thelma Carter.

The celebratory service for Mr. Harrison will be held at 1 p.m. today at Howard Chapel AME Church, Old Manning Road, New Zion, with the Rev. Oliver Davis, pastor, officiating, and the Rev. Jerome McCray presiding. Burial will fol-

low in the churchyard cemetery.

The family is receiving friends at 414 Wilkie St., Sumter.

These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

NYLA JEANNE SMOTHERS MANNING â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Nyla Jeanne Bult Smothers, 64, wife of 43 years to Robert Wayne Smothers, died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born April 13, 1948, in Hammond, Ind., she was a daughter of Evelyn Harmon Bult and the late Albert Bult. She was the secretary for A Second Chance Animal Shelter; a volunteer for the Second Chance Thrift Shop; a member of the Wyboo Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club; member of the Ladies Bowling League; member of the United Methodist Women; and member of Jordan United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her mother of Sumter; her husband of Manning; a son, Matthew Smothers of the home; two brothers, Kenneth Bult of California and Alan Segur (Barbara) of Texas; a sister-inlaw, Janet Strasemeier (Roger); a mother-in-law, Reba Smothers; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Carl Ritter officiating. Burial will follow in Jordan United Methodist Church cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thurs-

day at Stephens Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Jordan United Methodist Church, c/o Colleen Bochette, 2048 Bethlehem Road, Manning, SC 29102.

Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome. org

ABRAHAM CAPERS Abraham Capers was born April 2, 1940, in Lee County, a son of the late Henry and Winnie McMillian Capers.

He quietly departed this life on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at Northwood Senior Assisted Living Residence, 1267 N. Main St. Abraham loved and cherished his family, neighbors, and co-workers. He joined Mechanicsville United Methodist Church at a very early age, where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. In his early development as a Christian, he took pride in his daily work serving others. He retired after 40 years of dedicated service at Discount Furniture Outlet in Sumter.

Mr. Capers leaves to cherish his loving memories: four brothers, Wayne (Margaret) Capers and Willie Linton, both of Sumter, and Harry Capers and James (Helen) Capers, both of Bronx, N.Y.; five sisters, Rosa Lee Capers and Lula Mae (William) Lawrence, both of New York, Martha (the Rev. Sammie) Gary of Sumter, Margaret Rivers of Mayesville and Grace (James) Wright of Columbia; one uncle, Hampton (Margie)

THE ITEM

McMillian of Sumter; two aunts, Mary Cato of Bronx and Eva Mae Shrivers of Sumter; a host of very special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Capers was preceded in death by three brothers, Hayes Capers, John Henry Capers and Thomas Capers; and three sisters, Maggie Capers White, Blanche Capers Prince and Maggie Capers.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., with the pastor, the Rev. Dr. James Blassingame, officiating and Pastor Lenora Bonaparte of New Fellowship Covenant Ministry bringing words of comfort. Interment will follow in Bradford Cemetery.

Public viewing for Mr. Capers will be from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Scrivenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funeral Home.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Margaret Capers, 27 Oakview Drive.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at scrivenfuneral@frontier.com.

Scrivenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of arrangements.

CHARLES R. ROBINSON Charles R. Robinson departed his earthly journey on Feb. 10, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born Jan. 29, 1944, in Beckley, W.Va., to William and Gladys Mae Robinson.

Funeral services will be announced by Sumter Funeral Service Inc., 623 Manning

B5

Ave., Sumter, SC 29150.

EARLINE BUTLER CHINA Earline Butler China entered eternal rest on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013.

The family will receive friends at the family home, 1690 N. St. Paul Church Road, Sumter, SC 29154.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter at a later time.

JOHNNIE MAE SMART BISHOPVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Johnnie Mae Smart, formerly of 619 Kennedy St., Bishopville, entered eternal rest on Feb. 10, 2013, at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, Hartsville.

She is survived by a son, Robert Smart.

Visitations will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishopville, with the pastor, the Rev. Don Robinson, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. John Cemetery.

Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville, is in charge of arrangements.

SHYTERIA ABRAHAM BISHOPVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Shyteria Abraham entered eternal rest on Feb. 12, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

The family is receiving friends at 23-E Houck Drive, Bishopville.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville.

NL WEST SPRING TRAINING CAPSULES SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Manager: Bruce Bochy (seventh season).

2012: 94-68, first place, World Series champions.

Training Town: Scottsdale, Ariz.

Park: Scottsdale, Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 13/16.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Here: OF Andres Torres, RHP Sandy Rosario, RHP Chad Gaudin, INF Tony Abreu.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outta Here: OF Melky Cabrera, RHP Brian Wilson, RHP Clay Hensley, C Eli Whiteside, 1B Aubrey Huff, RHP Guillermo Mota, OF Xavier Nady, INF Freddy Sanchez, INF Ryan Theriot.

Going campinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: The Giants brought back almost the entire crew that helped them win a second World Series title in three seasons, with players who accounted for more than 95 percent of the postseason at-bats and all but 1 2-3 innings pitched still on the roster. San Francisco rewarded older players such as NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro, OF Angel Pagan and LHP Jeremy Affeldt with lucrative contracts to return via free agency. The core of the team remains the starting pitching staff anchored by Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner, and NL MVP Buster Posey behind the plate. The big questions heading into 2013 are whether Sergio Romo can handle a full season as closer and two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum can return to form after struggling with an NL-worst 5.18 ERA that cost him a spot in the postseason rotation. Lincecum shined out of the bullpen in the postseason with a 2.55 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 17 2-3 innings, showing he still has plenty of life in his right arm.

Manager: Don Mattingly (third season).

2012: 86-76, second place.

Training Town: Glendale, Ariz.

Park: Camelback Ranch.

First Workout: Feb. 13/16.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Here: RHP Zack Greinke, LHP HyunJin Ryu, 2B-OF Skip Schumaker, LHP Rob Rasmussen, 2B Rusty Ryal, C Wilkin Castillo.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outta Here: OF Shane Victorino, RHP Joe Blanton, RHP Jon Ely, RF Bobby Abreu, LHP Randy Choate, RHP Jamey Wright, RHP Todd Coffey, C Matt Treanor, LF Juan Rivera, 2B Adam Kennedy, RHP Blake Hawksworth.

Going campinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: The new ownership group that includes Mark Walter, Magic Johnson and Stan Kasten will be in charge for its first full season after buying the team last May. The group opened its wallet last summer to acquire SS Hanley Ramirez, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, RHP Josh Beckett, LF Carl Crawford and RHP Brandon League. CF Matt Kemp is recovering from left shoulder surgery and Crawford, obtained in last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blockbuster trade with Boston, is recovering from the Tommy John surgery on his left elbow he had just before the deal. Kemp is expected to be ready by opening day, while Crawford could return by the start of camp.

RF Andre Ethier signed an $85 million, fiveyear extension last summer, but rumors persist that the team might be willing to trade him. Ownership continued its spending spree with the offseason signings of Greinke and Ryu. Starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw (right hip inflammation) and Ted Lilly (left shoulder surgery) are both expected to be

|

ready by spring training. Chad Billingsley (coming off a partially torn right elbow ligament) has begun throwing off a mound. If heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthy, Chris Capuano, Aaron Harang or Lilly could find themselves left out of the rotation. Mark McGwire makes his Dodgers debut as the new hitting coach.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Manager: Kirk Gibson (third season).

2012: 81-81, third place.

Training Town: Scottsdale, Ariz.

Park: Salt River Fields.

First Workout: Feb. 12/15.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Here: RHP Brandon McCarthy, 3B Martin Prado, OF Cody Ross, RHP Heath Bell, SS Cliff Pennington, 3B-1B Eric Chavez, 1B-OF Eric Hinske, LHP Tony Sipp, RHP Randall Delgado, SS Didi Gregorius, 1B Lars Anderson, LHP Matt Reynolds.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outta Here: RF Justin Upton, CF Chris Young, 3B Chris Johnson, RHP Trevor Bauer, RHP Bryan Shaw.

Going campinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: General manager Kevin Towers lived up to his reputation as a wheelerdealer this winter, pulling the trigger on several intriguing deals. Most notably, he sent Upton and Johnson to Atlanta for five players, a group led by the versatile Prado, a former AllStar who is penciled in as the everyday third baseman. Shortstop remains a question mark.

The young Gregorius, acquired from Cincinnati in a three-team trade that sent Bauer to Cleveland, is considered spectacular in the field but uncertain at the plate. He is trying to make the club in competition with Pennington, Willie Bloomquist and John McDonald. The first four spots in the rotation appear set with Ian Kennedy, McCarthy, Wade Miley and

Trevor Cahill. The spotlight will be on McCarthy, the former Oakland starter who is coming back after a line drive to the head threatened his career. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intense competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, with the leading candidates being Delgado â&#x20AC;&#x201D; acquired in the Upton deal â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and lefties Tyler Skaggs and Patrick Corbin. Towers and Gibson want a tougher, grittier squad, hence the additions of Ross and Prado. Speedy outfielder Adam Eaton, whose right hand was broken when he was hit by a pitch late last season, is in line to play center and bat leadoff unless he flops in spring training.

SAN DIEGO PADRES Manager: Bud Black (seventh season).

2012: 76-86, fourth place.

Training Town: Peoria, Ariz.

Park: Peoria Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 13/16.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Here: RHP Tyson Ross, RHP Freddy Garcia, RHP Fautino De Los Santos.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outta Here: RF Cory Burns, INF Andy Parrino, LHP Andrew Werner, RHP Micah Owings, RHP Dustin Moseley.

Going campinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: The Padres failed to make even one significant signing during the offseason and have been making news for mostly the wrong reasons. Young catcher Yasmani Grandal, who had a strong rookie season with a .297 average, eight home runs and 36 RBIs in 60 games, was suspended for the first 50 games of 2013 because of a positive test for testosterone.

Grandal was also among a half-dozen players listed in records of a Florida clinic that the Miami New Times said sold performance-enhancing drugs. Hard-throwing

RHP Andrew Cashner cut a tendon in his right thumb during a hunting accident, meaning heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll probably start the season on the disabled list. Cashner was injured by a hunting partner while they were trimming a carcass. Pro golfer Phil Mickelson announced he was not going to buy a share of his hometown Padres as was previously believed. The new ownership group, comprised of members of the third generation of the Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley family, has so far kept a tight grip on its pocketbook after spending $800 million to buy the team. The biggest offseason move was re-signing RHP Jason Marquis to a $3 million, one-year deal. Otherwise, any increases in payroll will come mostly through arbitration. 3B Chase Headleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big season netted him a $5.1 million raise. He and the Padres avoided salary arbitration by agreeing on an $8,575,000, one-year contract. Long touted as a future star, the 28-year-old Headley broke out with 31 home runs and an NL-best 115 RBIs last season, when he made $3,475,000. The switch-hitter batted .286 with a .376 on-base percentage and finished fifth in MVP voting while winning a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award. By the time Headley and the Padres return from spring training, the fences at Petco Park will be moved in.

COLORADO ROCKIES Manager: Walt Weiss (first season).

2012: 64-98, fifth place.

Training Town: Scottsdale, Ariz.

Park: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

First Workout: Feb. 11/17.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Here: RHP Wilton Lopez, 3B-1B Ryan Wheeler, C Yorvit Torrealba, RHP Chris Vol-

stad, RHP Miguel Batista.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outta Here: Manager Jim Tracy, 1B Jason Giambi, RHP Alex White, RHP Guillermo Moscoso, RHP Josh Roenicke, LHP Matt Reynolds, LHP Jonathan Sanchez.

Going campinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: The Rockies made no splashy offseason moves to bolster a club that lost a franchise-record 98 games. Instead, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re banking on the returns of lefty Jorge De La Rosa (elbow surgery) and All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (groin), along with a managerial switch. Colorado turns the controls over to Weiss, a former Rockies player who was coaching high school baseball at this time last year. Weiss takes over for Tracy, who stepped away, in part, because his responsibilities dwindled last season when Bill Geivett, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of major league operations, was given an office in the clubhouse and began focusing on roster management. Weiss, who has only a one-year deal, said he hopes to get his team to â&#x20AC;&#x153;play hardâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;play the game right,â&#x20AC;? the tenets of his career. The Rockies will again have Todd Helton and his stellar glove playing first base. Just how much they can rely on Helton is constantly a concern. The five-time All-Star is a lifetime .320 hitter, but batted a career-low .238 in 69 games before having season-ending surgery on Aug. 10 to repair a torn labrum in his right hip. He was recently arrested in a Denver suburb and charged with drunken driving. The Rockies also missed the leadership of Tulowitzki after he was sidelined in late May with a groin injury that eventually required surgery to remove scar tissue. Versatile outfielder Carlos Gonzalez had another solid season, hitting .303 with 22 homers. On the mound, the Rockies are hoping Jhoulys Chacin can emerge as an ace and that De La Rosa returns to form.

Giants gear up to defend title

BY JANIE MCCAULEY The Associated Press SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Andres Torres checked out the banner at the main entrance to Scottsdale Stadium blaring â&#x20AC;&#x153;2012 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and knew he was back in the right place.

The outgoing outfielder bounced through the clubhouse Tuesday morning, sporting a beanie for the cool desert weather after batting practice and some running. He offered handshakes and hugs as he said hello to all the familiar faces he missed spending one season away with the New York Mets following three in San Francisco.

Now, Torres will play alongside the guy the Giants traded him for last offseason: center fielder Angel Pagan.

San Francisco features a closeknit cast of Latino players, including World Series MVP Pablo Sandoval, the re-signed Pagan, second baseman Marco Scutaro and outfielder Gregor Blanco.

And Torres already fits right back in with that group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really happy, so happy to be back,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said Torres, who will

Tom & Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Put & Take LAUNDRY AND

CLEANERS

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A sign welcoming the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants hangs at their spring training facility on Tuesday in Scottsdale, Ariz. The pitchers and catchers start workouts today.

play for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is where I feel good. This is home for me. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to be back with the guys. I know Pagan, Blanco and Scutaro.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great group. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ready to go.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Giants won another World Series crown last year while Torres was away, though he attended some playoff games at AT&T Park to cheer his former, and now current, club. Reliever Ramon Ramirez, another member of the

2010 title team who went to the Mets in that same swap, also is back after agreeing to a minor league deal with San Francisco last week.

The champion feeling is everywhere at the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring training site. Hitting coach Hensley â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bam Bamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Meulens sported a black Tshirt on Tuesday with orange writing that read â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kings Wear Ringsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; with an image of a sparkly championship ring.

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MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OR LADIESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2 PIECE SUITS

$7.50

Plus Tax - With Coupon. No Limits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Exp 3-31-13 All Coupons Must Be Prepaid At Drop Off Time Coupons Valid At 2 Locations:

1784 Peach Orchard Rd (Hwy 441) t 8 8FTNBSL t (Across From Simpsons Hardware)

B6

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THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

WWW.THEITEM.COM ITEM.COM

DEADLINES

11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday.

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition.

11:30 a.m. Friday for Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition.

803.774.1234

OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notice Public Sale Pursuant to state law, the contents of the following units will be sold at public sale to satisfy storage liens.

The sale will take place on Feb 22, 2013 at 10:00am at Morningstar Mini-Storage 1143 N. Guignard Dr Sumter, SC 29150.

Unit 231â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Trina L. Mattocks: Matress, Dresser's, Table, Plastic Tubs, Bunk bed, Microwave, TV, Misc.

Unit 303â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Debra A. Wilson: Couch, Chairs, Jars, End Tables, Misc.

Unit 323â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Cregg Steffler: Guitar Case, Duffle Bag, Vacuum, CD Player, Cooler, Misc.

Unit403â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Shiela McCray: Washer/Dryer, Pool Table, Frames, Bed Frame, TV, Misc.

Unit 409---Robert P. Turner: Fan, Childs Plastic Bed, Child Toys, Safety Gate, Misc.

Unit 411â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Tammy C. Najewicz-Lindsey: Table, Dresser, T.V., Computer, Lamp, Plastic Tubs, Boxes, Misc.

Unit 453â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ramon C. Newkirk: Cooler, Saw, Misc.

Unit 463â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Dale Swinton: End Tables, Coffee Table, Plastic Containers, Bed Frame, Lamp, Misc.

Unit 560â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jaih Greggory: TV'S, Futon, DVD Player, Speakers, Lamp, Wheelchair, Boxes, Misc.

NOTICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGN REVIEW The Historic Preservation Design Review Committee will meet on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department conference room located in the Liberty Center (12 W. Liberty Street, Sumter, South Carolina).

The following requests are scheduled for public hearing:

HP11-29 (Rev.1), 21 N. Main St./ Sumter Opera House (City) The applicant is requesting Historic Preservation Design Review approval for a change of façade materials previously approved under HP-11-29 for the Sumter Opera House located at 21 N. Main St. and represented by Tax Map # 228-12-05-009.

HP-13-01. 506 W. Hampton Ave. (City) The applicant is requesting Historic Preservation Design Review approval for renovations to include new windows, replace front door, repair and/or replace porch columns, new porch ceiling, cedar siding, and painting on property located at 506 W. Hampton Ave. and represented by Tax Map #228-11-03-006.

Documents pertaining to the proposed request(s) are on file in the Office of the Sumter City-County Planning Department and are available to be inspected and studied by interested citizens.

Joseph T. McElveen, Jr. Mayor

Bid Notices INVITATION TO BID The County of Sumter is soliciting separate sealed bids from qualified vendors for the following project: "Audio-Video Equipment- County Council Chambers" Bids will be received until 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 26, 2013 in the Purchasing Department on the 2nd Floor, Sumter County

Bid Notices Administration Building, 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150.

Bid documents may be obtained from: The County of Sumter Purchasing Department 13 East Canal Street Sumter, South Carolina 29150

Summons & Notice service hereof, or as soon thereafter as counsel may be heard, for an Order enforcing the assignment of rents, if any, and compelling payment of all rents covered by such assignment directly to the Plaintiff, which motion is to be based upon the original note and mortgage and Complaint attached hereto.

LIS PENDENS: Telephone inquiries should be made to (803) 436-2331.

The County of Sumter reserves the right to reject any or all bids. The County of Sumter reserves the right to waive any or all technicalities.

Summons & Notice SUMMONS AND NOTICES (Non-Jury) FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO: 2012-CP-43-01964 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER The Bank of New York Mellon, fka The Bank of New York as Successor in interest to JP Morgan Chase Bank NA as trustee for GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust 2003-2, Plaintiff, vs.

Valeria J. Helton-West and W.S. Badcock Corporation, Defendant(s).

TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE NAMED: Valeria J. Helton-West YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to appear and defend by answering the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is hereby served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer on the subscribers at their offices, 3800 Fernandina Road, Suite 110, Columbia, South Carolina, 29210, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; except that the United States of America, if named, shall have sixty (60) days to answer after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to do so, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND/OR TO MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDES AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY: YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a guardian ad litem within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by Attorney for Plaintiff.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that Plaintiff will move for an Order of Reference or the Court may issue a general Order of Reference of this action to a Master-in-Equity/Special Referee, pursuant to Rule 53, of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that under the provisions of South Carolina Code 29-3-100, effective June 16, 1993, any collateral assignment of rents contained in the attached mortgage is perfected and Attorney for Plaintiff hereby gives notice that all rents shall be payable directly to it by delivery to its undersigned attorneys from the date of default. In the alternative, Plaintiff will move before a judge of this Circuit on the 10th day after

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

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action has been or will be commenced in this Court upon complaint of the above-named Plaintiff against the above-named Defendant(s) for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage of real estate given

by Willie West and Valeria J. Helton-West to Metro Mortgage Corporation dated April 2, 1996 and recorded on April 2, 1996 in Book 644 at Page 627, in the Sumter County Registry, hereinafter Mortgage.

Thereafter the Mortgage was transferred to the Plaintiff herein by assignment and/or corporate merger.

The premises covered and affected by the said mortgage and by the foreclosure thereof were, at the time of the making thereof and at the time of the filing of this notice, more particularly described in the said mortgage and are more commonly described as: All that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, with improvements thereon, situate, lying and being in the Township and County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, designated as Lot No. 69 of Ashley Creek Village, Sect. No. 2, as shown on a plat by Joseph R. Edwards, R.L.S, dated March 29, 1996, recorded in PB 96 at Page 388, records of Sumter County. Said Lot No. 69 being bounded and measuring as follows: On the North by Lot Nos. 87 and 88, said plat, and measuring thereon 158.52 feet and 39.75 feet; on the East by Lot Nos. 56 and 55, said plat, and measuring thereon 90.00 feet and 152.87 feet; on the Southwest by Lot No. 68, said plat, and measuring thereon 273.91 feet; and on the West by Gin Branch Road, said plat, and fronting thereon 109.41 feet in an arc. Be all dimensions a little more or a little less and according to said plat. This being the identical property conveyed to Willie West and Valeria J. Helton-West, as joint tenants with right of survivorship, by deed of Gregory B. Robinson & Cathleen A. Robinson, dated 4/2/96, and recorded 4/2/96 in Book 644 at Page 624, Sumter County, South Carolina records. Subsequently, Willie West passed away and title to the property passed to Valeria J. Helton-West by operation of law.

Property Address: 2106 Gin Branch Road, Sumter, SC 29154.

In Memory

Painting

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Call Bennie 468-7592

Happy Ads

Roofing All Types of Roofing & Repairs All work guaranteed. 30 yrs exp.

SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

First Care Medical Transport has Full-time & Part-time EMT positions available. Contact Michelle at 843-372-1656

Robert's Metal Roofing 29 years exp. 18 colors & 45 year warranty. Call 803-837-1549.

Hodge Roofing Solutions, LLC, Lic.& Bonded. Free Estimates.

Also do Vinyl Siding & Seamless Gutters. 803-840-4542

Tree Service Memorial Service for aka "Pie & Cake Lady" Instructor Mary Hilton.

Feb. 16th, 5 pm - 10 pm.

Supernatural Miracle Deliverance Mega Center, 410 S. Main St. Sumter, SC 803-565-7459 Apostle Coleman - Pastor Jacob Marshall Osborne, We are proud of you for graduating from U.S. Air Force Basic Training on September 22, 2012 from Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Also graduating from Air Traffic Control Technical Training on January 31, 2013, at Kessler Air Force Base Biloxi, Mississippi. Currently stationed at Ellsworth, South Dakota.

Love Dad, Mom, Granny Osborne, Grandma Feagin, Aunts, Uncles, Brother & Cousin

Announcements February Fragrance Challenge Call/Email your favorite Perfumes/Colognes & Get 1 Free Sample of Body Oil From your list.

Try It! You might like it! 774-7823 or cjsplus@yahoo.com Sumter Ghost Finders investigates haunted places for free.

481-8826, on the web.

TMS No. 208-03-02-009 NOTICE OF FILING COMPLAINT: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the original Complaint, Cover Sheet for Civil Actions and Certificate of Exemption from ADR in the above entitled action was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on October 5, 2012 BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC, Suzanne E. Brown, SC Bar No. 76440 J. Marshall Swails, SC Bar No. 79067 J. Martin Page, SC Bar No. 100200, 3800 Fernandina Road, Suite 110, Columbia, South Carolina 29210 (888) 726-9953 Attorneys for Plaintiff, 1017561

Tree Doctor Call us for an appt. Free est. 7 days/week. Prune trees, remove trees, grind stumps, proper limbing & treatment. 803-773-8402.

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

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

Carpentry Licensed and bonded 15 yrs exp. Big & small jobs. Room addtns, Remodeling, porch tops, decks, ramps, shingles and Etc. Call 236-8714

803-316-0128

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

Concrete

PETS & ANIMALS

Beautify your home w/decorative concrete, pools, woodwork.

Tile look on porches, patios, stamping. 494-5442/ 968-4665

Electrical Services

Dogs CKC German Shepard Puppies

Fulton Town Electric, Service any electrical needs. Cert. Master Electrician, 938-3261/883-4607

$450 males $500 females UTD shots and dewormed call or text 910-495-6679

CKC Chiweenie Pups 8 wks old.

4 females, 3 males. $150 each.

Call 803-481-4103.

Home Improvements

Pets

Concrete Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, etc. 803-934-6692 www.lgdirtbusters.com. Call today

Free to good home! 8 week old Lab mix puppies, only 4 left.

Please call 803-294-0269 or 803-316-8121 & leave a message.

TW Painting, carpentry & all household needs.

Call 803-460-7629.

2 males & 1 female cream color Chihuahua pups. 7 wks old, $150 ea. 803-464-4136

we love

1 Bedroom Apartments for 62 YEARS AND OLDER Â&#x2021;5HIULJHUDWRU Â&#x2021;&HQWUDO +HDW $LU Â&#x2021;&RPPXQLW\ 5RRP Â&#x2021;5DQJH Â&#x2021;+DQGLFDS Â&#x2021;&RLQ 2SHUDWHG Â&#x2021;%OLQGV $FFHVVLEOH /DXQGU\ 5RRP Â&#x2021;&DUSHW Â&#x2021;(PHUJHQF\ &DOO Â&#x2021;&HLOLQJ )DQV 6\VWHP **Rent Based On 30% of Adjusted Income** **Utility Allowance Given**

Bassett Park

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803-469-8238 TTY 800-735-8583

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the cost of your Classiied ad!

Call Barbra, Donna or Kathy in The Item Classiied Department:

(803) 774-1234 50% discount can only be applied to purchase from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesdays. No refunds for early cancellations. Private Party only!

Businesses and Commercial accounts ineligible. All ads must be prepaid. All advertising subject to publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval. Special cannot be combined with any other discounts. Other restrictions may apply.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

KING SIZE

300 THREAD COUNT SHEET SETS 29 Progress St. - Sumter 775-8366 Ext. 37 Store Hours 0RQ 6DW Â&#x2021; 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

$20 EACH BED PILLOWS Standard Queen King $4 ea $5 ea $6 ea

Help Wanted Full-Time

MERCHANDISE Want to Buy Lafayette Gold & Silver, Buying Gold Jewelry, Diamonds, Silver 925 Jewelry, Silver Coins, Sterling, Open 6 days. 773-8022 143 S. Lafayette Dr.

Farm Products HAY for your special Cow. Round bales, 50 left. Must sell, make offer. 775-4391, 464-5960

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

803-494-5500 or 905-4242

For Sale or Trade Split Oak Firewood, $60/dump, $65/stacked. Darrell Newman 803-316-0128. Tree Service also available.

Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 30" Kenmore electric coil cook top, 4 burner, model 4120, good cond. Works fine. $100. 481-9766 Firewood For Sale $50/Sm load, $100/Lrg load. Call Quinn McLeod 452-5874 lv msg if no answer.

Kenmore 18 cu ft upright freezer.

Exc. working condition. $50. Buy must pick up. 494-9161 lv msg New lg tent sleeps 12, $125, med tent sleeps 8 $65. queen raised airbed w/p $60, 20 ft flag pole $125. 803-983-6182.

Hickory & Oak firewood. Seasoned/Green $60 Delivered. Notch Above Tree Service. 983-9721 Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves. Also new Gas stoves.

Guaranteed. 803-464-5439 **CASH** FOR JUNK CARS OR USED Call Gene 803 934-6734

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Seeking FT class a CDL driver flatbed experience and knowledge of building materials preferred.

Apply in person at 1315 20th Century Lane Manning SC 29102

Process Engineering Technician Apex Tool Group, LLC, a manufacturer of premium quality hand tools is searching for an Engineering Technician to join our Sumter, SC team.

Qualifications/Responsibilities Include: â&#x20AC;˘Two years experience working in a similar role in a specialty machining operation, â&#x20AC;˘Must be able to work independently and be a self-starter, â&#x20AC;˘Have experience implementing and maintaining lean manufacturing program â&#x20AC;˘Have ability to lead and manage cost improvement projects, â&#x20AC;˘Experience Programming CNC turning and milling machines, â&#x20AC;˘Must be proficient in all MS Office products, â&#x20AC;˘Must have experience with carbide tooling, â&#x20AC;˘Work holding fixtures, Pro E or other 3D CAD is a plus For prompt confidential consideration, send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to: Apex Tool Group, LLC, Attn: Manager, Human Resources, P.O. Box 2096, Sumter, SC 29151-2096 An Equal Opportunity Employer

Girl Scouts of SC-MM Community Development Mgr. Kershaw and Sumter Counties Must have exceptional professional, leadership, and community development skills in the youth development and volunteer management fields. Visit www.gssc-mm.org to see vacancy announcement. E.O.E Experienced Carpenters, electricians, & electrical superintendent needed. Min of 5 yrs govern//commercial//industrial construction exp. Fed gov project exp a plus. Background checks required for access to gov facilities. Regional travel to job sites may be required. Valid Driver's License. EEO and Drug Free Workplace. Email resumes to HR@windamir.com, fax 770-436-9020 or apply at www.wi ndamir.com SATELLITE TV/INSTALLER FOR DISH NETWORK systems needed for multiple locations in the mid to eastern areas in South Carolina.

REQUIREMENTS: Good written and verbal communication skills.

Basic computer skills. Strong customer service skills. High school diploma or GED. Clean driving record. Must be able to pass a drug and background screen. No experience required, training is available. Send resume to robbie.sandm@yahoo.com.

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COME SHOP WITH US FOR YOUR HIDDEN TREASURES!

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Twin $25 each Full $35 each Queen $40 each King $45 each SET INCLUDES:

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Help Wanted Full-Time

Trucking Opportunities

Manufacturing Engineer Apex Tool Group, LLC, a manufacturer of premium quality hand tools is searching for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our Sumter, SC team.

Responsibilities Include: â&#x20AC;˘Investigates, analyzes and offers solutions to resolve technical problems. â&#x20AC;˘Performs work of varied nature and complexity in developing methods, processes, production standards, and layouts. â&#x20AC;˘Recommends capital purchases and determines best utilization of equipment, facilities, and material flow. â&#x20AC;˘Reviews engineering design changes, writes, reviews, and revises operation sheets, prepares and directs preparation of time studies.

Apex Tool Group offers a competitive starting salary and comprehensive benefit package. A Bachelor's Degree in engineering (or equivalent) and a minimum of 1 to 3 years experience are recommended. For prompt confidential consideration, send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to: Apex Tools Group, LLC , Attn: Manager, Human Resources, P.O. Box 2096, Sumter, SC 29151-2096 An Equal Opportunity Employer

Driver Trainees Needed Now! Learn to drive for US Xpress! Earn $800 per week!

No experience needed! CDL Trained and Job-Ready in 15 days! 1-888-263-7364

Comforter, Dust Ruffle, Pillow Shams & Sheet Sets Unfurnished Homes

RENTALS

Full time sales position available immediately for local contracting company. Experience in construction is preferred. Must have valid driver's license and clean driving record. Please send resumes to: Box 293 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Rusty's Diesel Service is looking for a FT Diesel Mechanic, Must have at least 2 yrs exp, Must have own Tools. Please apply in person @ Rusty's Diesel @ 874 S Guignard Dr. Sumter No Phone Calls Please

Help Wanted Part-Time

Medical Help Wanted Non-profit agency seeks F.T. LPN. Must have current LPN lic and val driv lic. State ins and retirement. Fax resume to: 803-778-0949 or email: thunter@scdsnb.org. No later than 02-15-2013. No phone calls please! EOE/AAP/M/F/V

Work Wanted Need X-TRA Cash?

Sell Home & Body Oil Fragrances. $45 Kit Special! Triple your $$$ with our $100 kit. We Stock America! Call 803-983-0363.

Certified Nursing Assistant 20 years exp seeking private care employment. Call 803-774-0606

Unfurnished Apartments Freshly Painted Duplex, 2BR /2BA, W/D hook-up. Walk to mall. $600/mo + dep. 494-4220 or 565-0056.

W. Calhoun 2BR/1.5BA, newly renovated. Full kit, C/H/A. water incl, $495. Prudential 774-7368.

SOUTH FORGE 1 & 2 BEDROOM APTS. Water, stove & refrig.

Call Linda at

(803) 494-8443 Income Restricted Equal Housing Opportunity Co.

Unfurnished Homes **Last 3--Going Fast** 195-Q Hoyt 2BR, $400/mo 195-G Hoyt 2BR, $400/mo 1024 Nathaniel 3BR, $600/mo (Deposit same as rent) Frederick & Associates, Inc 294 N. Bultman Dr. 803-938-5524 **If you so your taxes with quick Refund Tax Service (located in same building), ask for your discount on these homes.** **Quick Refund Tax Service will provide a $25.00 discount to all new clients.

304 Haynsworth 3BR/2BA , Hrdwd flrs, fenced yard. $895/mo + $1,000/dep. Good credit needed. Agent owned 468-1612

Updated, nice 2BR rental in safe area. Close Shaw AFB. We furnish dumpster, water, heat pump & security lights.

No H/A or PETS! $485/mo + $300/dep. 803-983-0043

1146 Manning Rd 2BR/2BA $425

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PANORAMA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

THE ITEM CContact Co ntac nt a t Ivy ac I y Moore Iv M or Mo oree at (803) (80 774-1221 or e-mail ivym@theitem.com

From 1st date to last The cast of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” rehearses the song “On the Highway from Love” from the second act. The musical comedy opens Thursday at Sumter Little Theatre. From left to right, they are Jesse Powers, Matt Wilt, Chris Green and Jodie Smith.

SLT Musical comedy traces relationship

BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com

PHOTOS BY KEITH GEDAMKE/SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

W

hat better night to open a play about relationships than Valentine’s Day? That’s the sentiment of Carmela Bryan and Michael Duffy, who are co-directing the musical comedy,

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”

The title of Sumter Little Theatre’s latest production might also be read as a brief summary of its plot, which follows the lifetime of a relationship. And there’s a twist that has each actor playing up to five different roles.

Duffy explained, “It doesn’t follow a single relationship, rather it follows a relationship in different stages.”

“For instance,” Bryan said, “Jesse Powers plays a mother in one scene and a child in another. There is not a linear relationship. It is a series of vignettes about a relationship.

“It’s kind of like a history of relationships from the beginning as it grows into marriage and having children and getting old and losing your loved ones and what do you do from there. It’s the life of a relationship.”

“From first date to final date,” Duffy said.

“With all the frustrations and joys,” Bryan added.

CO-DIRECTING CHALLENGE Like the actors, the directors said they have also been challenged by the show. Ask them about co-directing, and after they stop laughing, they agree they’re having fun and that having two directors is an advantage.

“It’s a lot more complex than a regular stage play,” Duffy said. “There are a lot more elements to deal with — the choreography, music, coordinating those with ‘Miss Libby’ (Singleton) and Linda Beck (choreographer and music director, respectively), much more complex tasks. Fortunately, they are both really good at what they do.”

“And also we have to organize the blocking (stage movement) so it fits in with the choreography and the music,” Bryan added. “It’s almost like the whole thing is choreographed, instead of just blocked like a regular play.”

That includes the scene and costume changes. Bryan said having a “very well trained tech crew and talented costume designers has been a tremendous asset.”

“We have a lot of different scenes,” she said, “We have to change scenes very quickly, the show is very fast moving. The actors have to change parts and change characters very fast.”

“It’s a huge costume show,” Duffy said, noting that Marge Cowles and Sylvia Pickell have been designing costumes that are easy to get into and out of.

THE ACTORS Both directors had high praise for the actors.

“All four actors have strong voices, and are skilled actors, too, “ Duffy said.

“Voices are important, but the characters are even more important in this, because the actors have to create a different character for each scene,” Bryan said.

Matt Wilt, who teaches at Sumter High, played Major General Stanley in last summer’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance” at the Sumter Opera House.

Jesse Powers, who grew up in theater in Sumter, both at SLT and Sumter High School, has voice and acting training at Winthrop University and on the professional stage.

In her second show at SLT, Jodie Smith, whose husband is with the Third Army, has been in Sumter a little over a year. She studied theater at the University of South Alabama and has 10 years of stage experience.

ADULT CONTENT “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is intended for mature audiences, Duffy and Bryan agreed.

“It takes place in modern times, and there’s some language and adult content,” Bryan said.

“It’s not for children.”

“It’s not obscene,” Duffy said. “Just realistic.”

Since it’s about relationships, “It’ll be a great date night,” he said. “Everyone will be able to identify with something.”

The cast of Sumter Little Theatre’s comedy are front, Jodie Smith; left, Matt Wilt; right, Chris Green; and top, Jesse Powers.

WANT TO GO? Sumter Little Theatre will present the musical “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” Thursday through Sunday and Feb. 21-24. Sunday performances are 3 p.m. matinees; all others begin at 8 p.m. Admission is by season membership or $20 for adults, $17 for students,

seniors and military.

There is an opening reception at 7 p.m. this Thursday. Sumter School District teachers will be admitted for half price on Friday, Feb. 22, only. For reservations call (803) 775-2150 or to the SLT box office, 14 Mood Avenue.

Smith said the biggest challenge for her with this play is “how much music is in it.”

Like the other actors, she plays a different character “every time I go out on stage, except for the beginning and the end, which is the only time a character repeats,” she said.

“That’s something I’m very comfortable with, because it’s something that comes with my training.”

The character named Mrs. Arthur Whitewood is Smith’s favorite, she said. Whitewood is an older woman, very prim and proper, which Smith said is the only description given in the script.

“I get to be so completely creative with it, “ she said, “and I get to step out of my comfort zone with her on one hand, and then on the other hand, it’s the character I just get to play with — there’s no restriction it.”

“And I get to work with Chris and Matt and Jesse and get to play with them every night ... .”

YOU’RE GONNA LAUGH Critics have compared “I Love You ... “ to “Seinfeld,” and the New York Times called it both funny and witty.

“I think audiences are going to be surprised by how much they’re going to laugh,” Smith said. “It’s hilarious.

Also, there are three or four scenes that are very touching, especially for anyone in the audience who’s in or has been through a long relationship.”

“I Love You ...” is the first show at SLT for Chris Green, the choral director at Sumter High School. In contrast to Smith, the College of Charleston graduate said he’s more comfortable with the music than the acting.

A tenor, he’s done Broadway musicals, and “In college, I mostly did opera,” he said. “It’s fun getting back into it.”

Green had never heard of the play “before the night I got the script,” he said. “It is fun! It’s hilarious, fun to do. I’m enjoying it tremendously. It’s such a stretch, because I haven’t used my acting chops in a long time. I depend on Duffy and Carmela for that. It’s making me better.”

Even the titles of the show’s songs will stir memories of a relationship. Among them are “Not Tonight, I’m Busy, Busy, Busy,” “Men Who Talk and the Women Who Pretend They’re Listening,” “I’ll Call You Soon (Yeah, Right)” and “Funerals are for Dating.”

“The songs are not ones you might recognize,” Duffy said, “but I guarantee people will walk out of the theater with a tune in their heads.”

C1

C2

FOOD

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Bananas Foster, bread pudding together at last 2 cups powdered sugar, sift-

BY ALISON LADMAN Associated Press Writer

ed

Bananas Foster and bread pudding are two of the most popular desserts in New Orleans. So in honor of the overthe-top nature of Mardi Gras, we decided to take a more-isbetter approach and combine them into one.

We topped a simple baked banana-pecan bread pudding with a classic hard sauce — including a healthy dose of bourbon, of course — which becomes a gooey icing that melts into the dessert and hardens as it cools. If that’s not your style, the dessert would be equally delicious topped with a scoop of butter pecan ice cream. Or both.

BANANA BOURBON BREAD PUDDING

Start to finish: 1 hour Servings: 16 For the bread pudding: 1 loaf (about 14 ounces) banana bread, cubed 4 cups (8 ounces) cubed French or Italian bread 2 very ripe bananas, mashed 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 3 cups milk, hot 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped For the bourbon hard sauce: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1/4 cup bourbon Heat the oven to 350 F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

On a rimmed baking sheet, arrange the cubed banana and French or Italian breads in an even layer. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly toasted.

Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs and sugar. While whisking, pour in the hot milk, then add the vanilla and allspice.

Gently mix in the toasted bread cubes and pecans, then spoon the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake until puffed and cooked through, about 25 to 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until smooth and soft.

Add the powdered sugar and beat until well incorporated.

Add the bourbon and stir until smooth. Set aside.

When the bread pudding has finished baking, dollop the hard sauce over the surface, spreading it as necessary to allow it to melt evenly over the surface. Serve the bread pudding warm.

Nutrition information per serving: 340 calories; 120 calories from fat (35 percent of total calories); 14 g fat (6 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 65 mg cholesterol; 48 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 25 g sugar; 6 g protein; 200 mg sodium.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Banana Bourbon Bread Pudding is ready in one hour and is well worth the effort.

Classic red beans dish gets a healthy makeover

BY SARA MOULTON Associated Press Writer

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Waitress Gaynell James serves up calas cake from the kitchen at The Old Coffeepot Restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Sweet rice fritters are making slow comeback in New Orelans

BY MICHELE KAYAL Associated Press Writer Gaynell James has fond memories of her mother making sweet and pillowy rice fritters called calas on Mardi Gras mornings more than a half-century ago.

Her mother is gone now. And calas nearly were, too.

“They come out in little square pillows,” says James, a 66-year-old New Orleans waitress who has been working the tables in the Big Easy for more than 40 years. “They were so good. They were so light. I remember that same taste. Every Mardi Gras we had that. My mom and cousins all made that.”

A poor sister to the more glamorous and better known beignet, calas (ka-LAS) are made from leftover rice folded into a sweetened egg batter, then dropped into a fryer. Deep-fried sweet lusciousness.

For more than a century, calas were a staple

New Orleans street food, sold on Sunday mornings by Creole women carrying baskets of the fritters on their heads and calling “Calas, bels calas. Tout chauds!”

(Calas, beautiful calas!

Very hot!) But after World War II, say local chefs and culinary figures, calas largely left public life, most likely the victim of wartime rationing.

“After World War II, for you to know about the calas, you would have to have this as a tradition in your family,” says Poppy Tooker, host of the public radio program “Louisiana Eats” and a calas evangelist.

Tooker has led the charge to revive this forgotten piece of New Orleans’ culinary history.

She has made it her mission to pass on the recipe in every class she teaches at the city’s various cooking schools, has brought it to fairs and farmers markets, and has lobbied to have it added to lists of endangered foods main-

taied by groups such as Slow Food USA. She and others say the efforts finally are starting to pay off.

“It almost just skipped a couple of generations,” says David Guas, a New Orleans native and chef/owner of Bayou Bakery outside Washington, D.C. Guas, 37, says he’d never heard of calas until he got his first job in a hotel kitchen in 1996. “But it’s definitely popped back up in the last five, six, seven years on restaurants’ menus.” He sometimes offers them as specials at his own bakery.

Calas likely came to Louisiana with ricegrowing slaves from West Africa. Louisiana historian Christina Vella has found them mentioned as far back as the 1790s. The first calas women came from the ranks of enslaved Africans who, under early Louisiana law, were given one day off per SEE CALAS, PAGE C3

Red beans and rice is one of the signature dishes of New Orleans, which explains why Louis Armstrong, perhaps the city’s best known ambassador, used to sign off his letters, “Red beans and ricely yours...”

With Mardi Gras upon us, I wanted to turn this classic dish into a hearty (and healthy) soup fit for a Mardi Gras party. Though Louisiana understandably is ground zero for Mardi Gras, people everywhere tend to get in the spirit and there’s no reason for us not to join in.

All it took to transform the standard red beans and rice into soup was the addition of celery, onion and green bell peppers (often called the “the Holy Trinity” of New Orleans cuisine), a little Creole seasoning, some chicken stock, and several ounces of andouille sausage.

I modeled my Creole seasoning on the one associated with Commander’s Palace (a landmark New Orleans restaurant) and the two most famous chefs to emerge from it — Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse.

At the core of the repertoires of both of these superstars is a special spice blend that includes powdered onion and garlic. I’m not much of a fan of powdered anything, but I make an exception for this seasoning mix. In this case, it turns a good soup into a great soup.

And let’s not forget the noble supporting role played by andouille sausage. Brought to Louisiana in the mid-1700s by the state’s French settlers, andouille is a coarsely ground pork sausage that’s been spiced and smoked.

Applegate Farms makes a good version that substitutes chicken and turkey for the usual pork, producing a sausage that is high in flavor, but lower in fat and calories.

This recipe, which serves eight, required only 9 ounces of the andouille. If you chop it into small enough pieces, there’ll be a chunk of it in every spoonful.

This dish is a great final resting place for your leftover rice, but if

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mardi Gras Red Beans and Rice Soup with Andouille Sausage

you don’t have any kicking around, it’s simple to make a fresh batch.

Just boil up the rice as if it were pasta. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, add rice and boil for about 45 minutes (brown rice takes longer than white to cook), then drain it. And since cooked rice freezes well, consider making extra to have on hand for other meals.

And the kidney beans (the red beans for which the dish is named) are little marvels. They’re rich in protein and a terrific source of fiber. In combination with the rice, they will fill you up. Which is why I think of this recipe as a one-dish dinner. Just partner it with a green salad and you’re good to go.

By the way, this soup is even better a few days later, and it freezes well. Feel free to add extra chicken broth or water if you would like it to be even soupier.

MARDI GRAS RED BEANS AND RICE SOUP WITH ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE

Start to finish: 50 minutes Servings: 8 2 tablespoons olive oil 9 ounces (3 links) turkey or chicken andouille sausage, diced into 1/2-inch chunks 2 cups medium chopped yellow onion (about 1 large) 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (purchased or use the recipe below) Two 15 1/2 -ounce cans low-sodium red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups chopped celery (about 4 medium stalks) SEE RED BEANS, PAGE C3

FOOD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Simple, versatile chocolate bark for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

BY ALISON LADMAN Associated Press

CALAS from Page C2

VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY BARK

Looking for an easy way to impress this Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day? Consider a simple â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but still sensational â&#x20AC;&#x201D; chocolate bark.

As treats go, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get much easier than this. And the best part is that there are infinite ways to personalize the bark. You know, so that you can show that you really do listen to your significant other and care enough to cater to his or her tastes.

You start with a pound of chocolate.

It can be white, milk or dark. Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter. Then you add your toppings, things like nuts, coconut, dried fruit, or more creative options such as pumpkin seeds and caramel popcorn. Whatever your topping choices, look for contrasts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; something crunchy, something tangy, something salty.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve created several combinations that are rich in contrast and beautiful in appearance, but feel free to play with the toppings or to switch out the chocolate for milk or white. Of course, because it is the star of the show, be sure to use a good quality chocolate.

Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 12 1 pound dark, milk or white chocolate Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with waxed paper.

Have all your bark toppings ready before melting the chocolate.

If your chocolate is in bars or large, thick pieces, use a knife to carefully chop it up into small bits. Transfer the chocolate to a large glass measuring cup or bowl, then heat in the microwave on medium, stopping to stir every 20 to 30 seconds, until completely melted.

Pour the chocolate onto the prepared pan, then tap the pan on the counter to level the melted chocolate. Immediately sprinkle your choice of toppings over the surface of the chocolate. Allow to cool completely and set up, then break into pieces.

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Bark

tra-crispy cooked bacon, ground black pepper â&#x20AC;˘ Crushed toffee pieces, toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped dried apricots

â&#x20AC;˘ Chopped candied ginger, chopped macadamia nuts, toasted coconut â&#x20AC;˘ Broken salted pretzel sticks, cut up mini marshmallows, caramel popcorn

week, often Sundays.

The lore goes that these women sold calas to earn money to buy their freedom, which also was permitted under Louisiana law. After calas disappeared from the markets, they were largely kept alive in African-American Roman Catholic families. In addition to Mardi Gras, they were eaten on the day of a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first communion.

Calas have been on the menu at The Old Coffeepot Restaurant for at least 50 years, says executive chef Will Falcon. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re typically served for breakfast with grits, or as a dessert with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

But it may be the only place with that long a run.

More recently, brand name New Orleans chefs such as Susan Spicer and Donald Link have begun playing with calas, Tooker says. Today, the fritters are becoming more common on menus. And like so many other classic New Orleans treats â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as the seemingly infinite varieties of king cake â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they often have a twist.

Chef Frank Brigtsen, also a passionate calas promoter, first learned about the fritters when apprenticing as a cook at New Orleansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; iconic Commanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace restaurant during the 1970s. But he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think about them again until the late 1980s, he says, when he found himself with leftover duck at his restaurant, Brigtsenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of my favorite kinds of recipes because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s born out of necessity and being resourceful,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoever came up with this was being practical because good cooks hate waste. To me, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most significant part of the whole thing. Anyone can go buy exotic ingredients. But truly good cooks make good food with humble ingredients.â&#x20AC;?

Brigtsen folded the duck into the calas and served them with an orange, honey and mustard dipping sauce. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was fabulously delicious,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That opened up doors for me.â&#x20AC;?

Today, he makes calas with shrimp and crawfish. He makes red beans and rice calas and jambalaya calas. At Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood, Brigtsenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second restaurant in Harahan, La., he substitutes calas for hushpuppies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking something that was forgotten and resurrecting it,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re exploring our past and our history and treasuring older dishes like that.â&#x20AC;?

Š 2013 by Vicki Whiting, Editor

Jeff Schinkel, Graphics

Can you make your way through this maze moving only in an odd number, even number, odd number pattern?

Vol. 29, No. 9

TOPPING SUGGESTIONS:

â&#x20AC;˘ Large-flake coconut, toasted sliced almonds, cocoa nibs â&#x20AC;˘ Chopped dried cherries, shelled pistachios, chopped chocolate wafer cookies, large flake sea salt â&#x20AC;˘ Honey roasted peanuts, chopped ex-

RED BEANS from Page C2 1 1/2 cups chopped green or red bell pepper (about 1 large) 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 Turkish bay leaf 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice (1/2 cup uncooked produces 1 1/2 cups cooked) In a large saucepan over medium, heat the oil.

Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a bowl.

Add the onion to the saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and Creole seasoning and cook, stirring, 1 minute.

While the onion and garlic are cooking, mash 1 cup of the kidney beans with a potato masher or fork, then add them to the saucepan. Add the celery, pepper, remaining whole beans, chicken broth and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the reserved sausage and the cooked rice. Cook until heated through. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition information per serving: 220 calories; 50 calories from fat (23 percent of total calories); 6 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 10 mg cholesterol; 30 g carbohydrate; 7 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 12 g protein; 740 mg sodium.

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Just in time for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a game that you can play in class or at home!

Standards Link: Mathematical Reasoning: Extend simple patterns.

Cut out the three bingo cards and give one to each player.

VALENTINE MATH HEALTHY TURNS HEARTS BINGO MIX NEWSPAPER HAPPY HOME CARD YOU ANY GIVE

Cut out the numbered hearts. Each player places 25 numbered hearts in any order they want on their card.

Cut out the math problem cards, place them in a small bowl and mix them up.

Taking turns, each player pulls one math problem from the bowl and reads it aloud.

If a player has the answer to that math problem on their card, they remove that numbered heart. (Example: If the math problem is 1 + 1, the player with â&#x20AC;&#x153;2â&#x20AC;? on their card removes it.)

The first player to remove five numbered hearts in a horizontal, diagonal, or vertical line wins.

Play a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Four Cornersâ&#x20AC;? round. The first player to remove a numbered heart on all four corners of their card wins. Can you think of other game variations to try?

X N E W S P A P E R S E M O H B R L E C H N B T E M I X V A A M R V A X N N I R P Q X U R W E T G D P S Y H T L A E H O Y O U O S F Y R T M G E N I T N E L A V B L M W A N W S M T Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Headline Valentine News Hunt Look for the following in your newspaper or news site: A headline with two adjectives A number larger than 1,000 A picture with an animal Something that makes you happy Something healthy Standards Link: Math: Solve addition and subtraction problems.

Cut out five or more words from the headlines in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newspaper. Use these to write a nice Valentine message to a friend, teacher or parent.

Standards Link: Writing Applications: Write brief expository text.

Send your story to:

One day I was shelling peas and out of a pod popped a â&#x20AC;Ś Finish this story.

Deadline: March 10 Published: Week of Apr. 7

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Please include your school and grade.

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C3

THE ITEM

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CLARENDON SUN

THE ITEM

to 18,000 square feet of the Courthouse’s total 20,000 are usable. with the initial assessment second floor courtroom “We’re going into this and budgeting that ocare showing signs of fawith a lot of unknowns,” curred in the fall of 2011. tigue. he added. “Once we finish Tate said that approval to “There are signs of this renovation, it will exmove forward with archi- bulges in the stained glass pand the life of this buildtectural and engineering windows due to heat,” ing significantly. The roof drawings was given at that Tate said. “All of them will will last 40 to 50 years time. be taken down, restored while the masonry will last An on-site investigation and stabilized and then 25 to 35 years. was completed in January put back into place.”

Tate said that his com2013 to determine if the The masonry and foun- pany has also scheduled a cornices surrounding the dation will also be adcomplete maintenance recourthouse were stable. A dressed during the renoview of the facility every project requirements vation. five years. workshop is slated for “There is significant In other meetings, the February 2013, with conmoisture in the interior county discussed how it struction drawings out for and exterior walls,” Tate will pay for the renovabid in August 2013 and said. tions. construction to begin in The foundation probAccording to Council the fall. The project should lems are a lack of proper Chairman Dwight Stewbe completed in the waterproofing, belowart, the renovations will be spring or summer of 2015. grade foundation walls paid through a fee-in-lieuCounty council has al- and an improper drainage of (agreement) with Georready given a timeline of slope of finished grade gia-Pacific, similar to the July 2013 to have all the of- away from the building. agreement the county has fices moved from the Tate said that clogged in regard to the new adcourthouse so that renostorm water lines have ministration building. vations can begin. prevented the present Once the fee-in-lieu-of The areas of biggest drainage system from car- (agreement) with G-P has concern for the project rying away the roof runoff. paid off the administrabegin at the top — the Irrigation lines in plant- tion building, those fees roof. ing beds directly around would then be used to pay According to Tate, the the perimeter of the build- for the Courthouse renoCourthouse has four rela- ing and existing plantings vations. tively flat roofs with failing are too close to the buildWhen asked how the gutters, but they have ing. county allowed the Courtbeen patched and reAlong with foundation house get in its current paired so often that temand structural renovacondition, Stewart said the porary patchwork is no tions, the Courthouse’s in- recession and lack of longer possible. In additerior will undergo a com- funds, plus repairs that did tion, Tate said the attic plete renovation with new not hold up to conditions, shows signs of moisture wiring, plumbing, heating got the county to this that has resulted in rotted and air conditioning, point. beam and that there are building system upgrades “We were using stop signs it has become a as well as a new elevator gap measures,” Stewart home to beehives, bird and ADA accessibility. said. “We knew we neednests and other animals.

“At one point, we cut ed repairs, but we didn’t The terra cotta cornices through a door to deterhave anywhere to put all that surround the top of mine how old it was,” Tate those people in the courtthe courthouse are show- said, showing a picture of house. With the move to ing signs of age and move- the door. “As you can see, the administration buildment with cracks and of there are 13 layers or coats ing, now we have places to slippage. of paint on this one door.” put some people. We were Tate said that four comLocal businessman Bill doing as best we could mon types of deterioraFenters asked Tate if he with the money we had. tions are spalls (chips), had found any evidence of We thought Grant Clarencracking, open mortar mold inside the Courtdon would help, but the joints and inappropriate house. recession hurt us there. sealant at joints. He said “Yes, mold is evident,” We’re just glad that Georthat all of these are eviTate responded. “We’ve gia-Pacific bought the fadent at the courthouse. seen it in the basement cility and will be funding The stained glass winand other areas.” these renovations and dows at the rear of the Tate said about 17,000 maybe others.”

LANDMARK from Page C1

LET’S PLAY OUTSIDE! PHOLO PROVIDED

Isabel Grace Thurlow, 9, and Mary Elizabeth Thurlow, 6, enjoyed an unseasonably warm day last week wearing summer clothes and drawing chalk art on the sidewalk in front of their home. Isabel Grace and Mary Elizabeth are the daughters of Father David W. T. Thurlow, pastor of St. Matthias Episcopal Church, and his wife, Lynn.

Clarendon News

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2013

RIBBON CUTTING AT FENTERS STATE FARM

Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Fenters State Farm Insurance office were, from left, Manning City Councilman Ervin Davis, Manning Mayor Julia A. Nelson, Missy Ard, Lillian Holladay, Jude Fenters, Pat Fenters, Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn Griffith, Bill Fenters, Tracey Carrigg, Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce President Nelson Walker, Barbara Bowers and Chairman of Clarendon County Council Dwight Stewart.

CONSERVATION COLORING WINNERS

Congratulations to the Clarendon County Soil and Water Conservation District FarmCity Coloring Contest Winners from Manning Early Childhood Center. Colby Lowder is the Pre-K winner. Damarion Gist is the winner for kindergarten and Dylan Shields won honorable mention for first grade. They were presented with a prize package from Casey Blackmon, district manager of the Clarendon County Soil and Water Conservation District.

C6

THE ITEM

COMICS

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

DOG EAT DOUG

GARFIELD

ZITS

BEETLE BAILEY

BLONDIE

ANDY CAPP

DILBERT

BORN LOSER

MOTHER GOOSE

Jeff MacNelly’s SHOE

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

Sister in open marriage takes sharing too far

D

dear abby

EAR ABBY — soon. She says she loves My daughters are Sam, who can “handle evattractive young erything,” and she enjoys women, both doing well seeing “everyone happy.” in their professional caShe says Alicia won’t reers. “Melanie,” who is sleep around now and, 27, is married to “Sam,” an maybe, one day she’ll extremely attractive and marry a handsome man successful man. like Sam who will My 30-year“return the favor”! old daughter, I can’t believe “Alicia,” has been these girls are my divorced for a daughters. Should I year. Her marcontinue to protest riage failed two or let it go? years ago beHEARTBROKEN Abigail cause she and MOM her husband had VAN BUREN an appetite for DEAR MOM — sex outside their Your daughters apmarriage. While I was dis- pear to be into the conturbed about that, I was cept of open marriage. horrified to learn that Clearly, they do not view Melanie allows her sister marriage and relationto occasionally have sex ships the same way you with Sam. do.

Melanie’s argument is Melanie is naive to that Sam is less likely to think that encouraging cheat given this situation.

Sam to have a sexual relaWhen I asked her and tionship with her sister Sam about it, he said it will discourage him from wasn’t his idea. My curseeking other partners. rent husband says any Far from it. And as for her man who would refuse wanting to start a family, this “set-up” would be has she considered what nuts. Alicia claims she will happen if her hus“doesn’t have time” to band impregnates Alicia date right now, and after at the same time — or she finishes her MBA, first? she’ll seek out a more But back to your quesnormal relationship. tion: Are you right to proI am distraught about test? You certainly are. this mess. Melanie says That’s what mothers are she wants to start a family for.

SUDOKU

TELEVISION

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

AROUND TOWN

TW FT

|

The Sumter Combat Veterans Group will meet at 10 a.m.

Friday, Feb. 15, at South HOPE Center, corner of South Lafayette Drive and East Red Bay Road.

All area veterans are invited.

The Shepherd’s Center will hold a male fashion show at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at Alice Drive Elementary School, 251 Alice Drive. Entertainment and light refreshments will be served. Tickets are $10 in advance. Call (803) 773-1944 for tickets.

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Entertainment Whitney: Snapped Guys with Kids: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Chicago Fire: Nazdarovya! Severide WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show with Jay Tonight (N) (HD) Abrasive brother. Gary’s Idea Gary’s Secrets Exhumed An old rape-murder visits an important person from his 11:00pm News Leno Scheduled: actress Anne Hathaway. (N) (HD) (N) (HD) new idea. (N) (HD) could be connected. (N) (HD) past; Casey and his mom struggle. (N) and weather.

Inside Edition (N) Survivor: Caramoan-Fans vs. Favorites The newest group of castaways, 10 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Exile News 19 @ 11pm (:35) Late Show with David Letter(HD) veterans who have played the game before and 10 die-hard fans, begin their Hodges gets cold feet about marriage. A look at the news man Popular celebrities are interevents of the day. viewed. (HD) (N) (HD) journey in the Philippine jungle. (N) (HD) Jeopardy!: Tour- The Middle: Val- The Neighbors: Modern Family: (:31)Suburgatory: Nashville: There’ll Be No Teardrops ABC Columbia (:35)Jimmy Kimmel Live Scheduled: nament of Cham- entine’s Day IV (N) Mother Clubbers Heart Broken Val- Blowtox and Bur- Tonight Plans to divorce; Juilette invig- News at 11 Nightly actor James Franco; Chef Nigella Lawpions (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) entine’s Day. (N) lap (N) (HD) news report. (HD) son; musical guest Fall Out Boy. (N) ( orated. (N) (HD) Nature: Cold Warriors: Wolves and NOVA: Earth from Space NASA scientists and data from Earth-observing satel- Tavis Smiley (HD) BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) Rick Steves’ Eu- NatureScene: International news (HD) rope: Venice: City Fossil Butte Na- Buffalo Animals’ life-and-death rela- lites produce a new space-based visual of Earth, revealing the forces that susof Dreams (N) tional Monument tionship. (N) (HD) tain life and more. (N) (HD) from the BBC. The Big Bang The Big Bang American Idol: Hollywood Round, Part 3 With only 20 girls and 20 guys able WACH FOX News at 10 News events Family Guy: I Take Family Guy: Air- Everybody Loves Theory: The Bat Theory: The Hot to move on to the semi-finals in Las Vegas, the remaining female acts prepare of the day, late breaking news and Thee, Quagmire port ‘07 Peter gets Raymond: CapJar Conjecture Troll Deviation to leave their hearts out on the stage. (N) (HD) weather forecasts are presented.

Quagmire fired. tain Nemo Family Feud (N) Family Feud (N) Numb3rs: In Plain Sight Charlie finds Numb3rs: Toxin A former drug chem- Access HollyDish Nation (N) The King of How I Met Your It’s Always Sunny himself obsessed with a photo left at a ist tampers with over-the-counter wood (N) (HD) Queens: Missing Mother: Swarley in Philadelphia meth lab bust. (HD) medications. (HD) Links Golf date. (HD) Four friends. (HD)

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Alaskan locals. lenge in Alaska for chefs. (N) Happens: Live (N) lenge in Alaska for chefs.

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Fugitives Erin Burnett OutFront Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Piers Morgan Tonight (N) (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° (HD) Erin Burnett OutFront Tonight (HD) The Colbert Re- Daily Show with Workaholics: South Park: Casa South Park New South Park: Ass Workaholics: Kroll Show: Can I Daily Show with (:31)The Colbert Workaholics: port (HD) Jon Stewart (HD) Model Kombat Bonita (HD) fad. (HD) Burgers (HD) Webcam Girl (N) Finish? (N) (HD) Jon Stewart (N) Report (N) (HD) Webcam Girl (HD) Austin & Ally Aus- Jessie High school A.N.T. Farm: Austin & Ally (HD) Jessie: Teacher’s Disney’s Shake It Dog with a Blog: Good Luck Char- Austin & Ally (HD) Good Luck Char- Wizards of tin’s cover. (HD) friends. (HD) influANTces (HD) Pest (HD) Up! (HD) Wingstan lie (HD) lie (HD) Waverly Place Moonshiners: Hat in Hand (HD) Moonshiners Tickle’s plan; more. (HD) Moonshiners Run-ins and more. (HD) Moonshiners (N) (HD) Moonshiners Run-ins and more. (HD) Moonshiner (HD) College Basketball: Syracuse Orange at Connecticut Huskies z{| (HD) College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels at Duke Blue Devils z{| (HD) SportsCenter: from Bristol, Conn.

SportsCenter College Basketball: Miami Hurricanes at Florida State Seminoles z{| (HD) College Basketball: West Virginia Mountaineers at Baylor Bears z{| (HD) College Basketball: Oregon vs Washington z{| (HD) (6:00) Where the Heart Is (‘00, Drama) aac Natalie Hope Floats (‘98, Romance) aa Sandra Bullock. A former prom queen returns to her hometown The 700 Club (N) Prince: Father Portman. Abandoned teen lives in store. (HD) to search for true love after her husband admits his love for another woman on national TV. (HD) Knows Best Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Bobby’s Dinner Battle (N) (HD) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Restaurant (HD) College Basketball: Wake Forest vs Boston College z{| Champions Series Tennis: Atlanta: Courier vs. McEnroe no} (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) Basketball Brady Bunch: Brady Bunch: Our Happy Days Happy Days: My Happy Days: Bye Happy Days: Re- Frasier: Lilith Frasier: Daphne Frasier: Trophy Frasier: Fraternal The Golden Girls: Coming Out Party Son, the Man Joanie runs away. Fair Fonzie Bye Blackball quiem for a Malph Needs a Favor Does Dinner Girlfriend Schwinns The Auction 1st Place (HD) 1st Place (HD) Cousins (N) Cousins Property Brothers (N) (HD) Hunters (N) (HD) International (N) Property Brothers: Sarah & Mari (HD) Prop Bro (HD) Swamp People: Treebreaker 2 (HD) Swamp People (HD) Swamp People: Rising Waters (HD) Swamp People: Rebound (HD) Swamp People: Gates of Hell (HD) (:01) Swamp (HD) (5:00) Sleepers (‘96, Drama) aac WWE Main Event (N) Kingdom (‘07, Thriller) Jamie Foxx. An FBI Special Agent assembles an elite counter-terrorist team Entrapment (‘99, Thriller) Sean Brad Pitt. Men seek revenge for abuse. to capture the mastermind responsible for a deadly attack on Americans working in Saudi Arabia. Connery.

(6:00) My Best Friend’s Wedding Made of Honor (‘08, Comedy) aac Patrick Dempsey. A man realizes he Bride Wars (‘09, Comedy) aa Kate Hudson. Friends become bridezillas (:02)Made of (‘97, Comedy) aac Julia Roberts. loves his best friend, who just got engaged to a Scotsman. (HD) when their wedding plans conflict due to an error. (HD) Honor (‘08) (HD) Drake: Movie Job VICTOR. Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Nanny Fran quits. Nanny Friends (:33) Friends (:06) Friends Auction (HD) Auction (HD) Auction (HD) Auction (HD) Auction (N) (HD) Auction (HD) Savage (N) Savage Savage Savage Auction (HD) Ghost Hunters: Perscription for Fear Ghost Hunters: All Ghosts on Deck Ghost Mine: Secret Passage Sealed Ghost Hunters: All Ghosts on Deck Ghost Mine: Secret Passage Sealed Haunted AbanPeoria Asylum in Bartonville, Ill. (HD) (N) (HD) tunnel could be near. (N) (HD) tunnel could be near. doned church.

Seinfeld: The Fa- Seinfeld: The Doll Family Guy: Death The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Conan (N) (HD) The Office: tigues (HD) (HD) Lives Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) WUPHF.COM (HD) (6:30)The Window (‘49, Suspense) I Remember Mama (‘48, Drama) aaa Irene Dunne. The formidable mother of a Norwegian She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (‘49, Western) aaac John Wayne. An aging aaa Barbara Hale. immigrant family in San Francisco struggles to keep her family afloat during the Depression era. calvary captain tries to stop an Arapaho attack by visiting the chief.

Hoarding: Buried Alive (HD) Hoarding: Buried Alive (HD) Hoarding: Buried Alive (N) (HD) My Strange (N) My Strange (N) Hoarding: Buried Alive (HD) My Strange (HD) (6:45) The Dark Knight (‘08, Action) aaaa Christian Bale. A new district attorney joins Batman in the fight Southland: Bats and Hats Cooper (:06)Southland: Bats and Hats Cooper (:11)Dallas: False against crime, but the grandiose attacks of a giggling psychopath plunge Gotham City back into fear. (HD) clashes with a war veteran. (N) (HD) clashes with a war veteran. (HD) Confessions (HD) Gumball NinjaGo Dragons (N) Crew King: Hilloween King American (HD) American (HD) Family Guy (HD) Family Guy (HD) (:15) Robot Dumbest: World’s Dumbest Partiers 7 Full Throttle Saloon: Jackyl in the Box Full Throttle Saloon (N) Lizard Lick Tow Lizard Lick Tow Black Gold (N) Saloon MASH MASH Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Hot Cleveland (N) Divorced (N) (HD) Cleveland (HD) Divorced (HD) Queens (HD) NCIS: My Other Left Foot Severed leg NCIS: Child’s Play Team protects child NCIS: Up in Smoke Terrorist targets Necessary Roughness: Regret Me (:01) CSI: Crime Scene Investiga- CSI: Crime Scene: with Marine tattoo found. (HD) prodigy from killer. (HD) the Navy with a bug. (HD) Not (N) tion: 4 x 4 Four death day. (HD) Bite Me (HD) Charmed Living nightmares. (HD) Fix My Family: The Coleman Family Fix My Family: The Crume Family Fix My Family (N) Fix My Family Fix My Fam Funniest Home Videos (HD) Rules: Kids (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) WGN News at Nine (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) Rules (HD)

Do you need help with your resume?

The Sumter County Library will offer free resume assistance as follows: 12:30 p.m. today at the South Sumter branch, 337 Manning Ave.; 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the main branch, 111 N. Harvin St.; and 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the Wesmark branch, 180 W. Wesmark Blvd.

The Regional Transit Council will meet 10-11 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 14, at 36 W. Liberty St.

7:30

C7

WIS News 10 at 7:00pm Local news update.

News 19 @ 7pm Evening news update.

Wheel of Fortune (N) (HD)

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will offer free income tax assistance and electronic filing for taxpayers with low to middle incomes. Assistance will be available 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 10 at the Shepherd’s Center, 24 Council St. You will need: picture ID; Social Security card for all dependents; all W-2s, 1099s and 1098s; all supporting documents if you itemize; and a check for refund to be direct deposited. Call Lynda at (803) 469-8322 or Sandra at (803) 4692052.

The Lee County Elections and Registration Office will hold two seminars about the new voter identification law.

The seminars will be held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. today in the large courtroom on the second floor of the Lee County Courthouse.

Call (803) 484-1832 or visit www.scvotes.org.

7 PM

THE ITEM

‘Earth From Space’ offers unique perspective

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Sometimes you have to leave this world to get a good look at yourself. That’s the lesson of “Earth From Space” (9 p.m., PBS, check local listings), a “NOVA” special.

During the last five-plus decades, satellite imagery has revolutionized our view of the planet. “Earth From Space” offers remarkable animation that makes use of more than 125,000 images taken from space.

The perspectives offered show how desert winds from the Sahara send dust across the Atlantic and help fertilize the Amazon, and how water from the arctic region creates the ocean currents that affect climate the world over. From tiny plankton to the birth of vast storm systems, “Earth” offers a gorgeous lesson about the interconnected nature of life.

• For something less cosmic, but just as beautiful and often moving, “Nature” (8 p.m., PBS) presents “Cold Warriors: Wolves and Buffalo.” Wildlife filmmaker Jeff Turner spent

No Initiation Fee!

several seasons documenting both species in Wood Buffalo National Park. Straddling the border of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Wood Buffalo is five times the size of Yellowstone National Park and was created in 1922 specifically to protect the free-roaming buffalo herds that were hunted to near-extinction in the 19th century.

Those who have always wanted to see buffalo in the wild should not miss this. It’s hard to describe just how big they are — or how powerful.

Buffalo can weigh up to 2 tons, yet gallop for hours at a time.

And that’s a good thing, because wolves, the “co-stars” of this production, are just as hardy, and more cunning.

Tonight’s Other Highlights • Oliver needs Felicity’s help on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14).

• A 25-year-old case rings familiar on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• A Valentine’s Day romp re-

sults in bruises on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

• Murder in the music scene on “CSI” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Dawson finds a shoulder on which to cry on “Chicago Fire” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• Intent on burning bridges, Rayna confides in an old friend on “Nashville” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

• A private life undergoes public scrutiny on “Necessary Roughness” (10 p.m., USA, TVPG).

• A murdered colleague appears to have left a family behind on “The Americans” (10 p.m., FX).

Series Notes Whitney lets loose on “Whitney” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Axl’s breakup strategies on “The Middle” (8 p.m., ABC, TVPG) * Gary tries to innovate on “Guys With Kids” (8:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Night-clubbing on “The Neighbors” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Kevin shuts the door to the underworld on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., CW, TV14) * A romantic date at an arty

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Late Night Fawzia Koofi is booked on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Kathryn Bigelow, Lupe Fiasco and Guy Sebastian on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Bobby Lee, Arden Myrin and Matt Braunger are on “Chelsea Lately” (11 p.m., E!) * Dave Grohl is on “The Colbert Report” (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Clinton Romesha, Quvenzhane Wallis and Robert DeLong are on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Anne Hathaway, Lester Holt and Eli Young Band on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * James Franco, Nigella Lawson and Fall Out Boy are on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Sarah Jessica Parker, Steve Harvey, Jeff Musial and Kacey Musgraves visit “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Russell Brand and Allison Williams on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

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FOOD WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013

THE ITEM

C8

Contact Rhonda Barrick at 803-774-1264 or e-mail rhondab@theitem.com

Chocolate &

VALENTINE’S

BY SARA MOULTON Associated Press Writer

L

ove is always sweeter when expressed with chocolate! Especially on Valentine’s Day. Yes, chocolate ... And the more ooey-gooey deeply chocolaty, the better. Still, there’s no sense overdoing it. I’ve always believed that when it comes to dessert, a little bit can go a long way. That’s why this chocolate dream of a recipe takes the form of small-ish individual cakes rather than a single, familysized gut-buster.

It’s also why I’ve replaced the butter usually found in chocolate cakes with non-fat Greek yogurt. And trust me, not only won’t you miss the butter, but you won’t taste the yogurt.

It’s in the mix strictly as a lower-fat way of adding body to the finished product.

What you will taste is chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate, specifically dark chocolate. It’s built into the cake batter, of course, but it also reappears as a melted surprise in the center of each cake. I suggest using bittersweet chocolate that’s between 60 percent and 70 percent cacao.

Once the percentage gets any higher, the chocolate begins to taste too bitter to me.

The eggs in this recipe (one of only five ingredients, by the way) ensure that the cakes will be light and spongy. But one of the tricky things about cooking with eggs is that while it’s easiest to separate yolks from whites while they’re cold, it’s best to add them to recipes at room temperature (they generate more volume that way).

So, how do you warm them up without wasting a lot of time? First, go ahead and separate the eggs when they’re fresh out of the fridge.

Then put the whites in one bowl and the yolks in another and float each bowl in a larger bowl of hot water.

Ten minutes later the eggs will be at room temp.

By the way, I find that the best

way to separate eggs is with my impeccably clean hands, rather than by using jagged-edged egg shells. I just crack the egg into my palm, toss the shell, and let the white run through my fingers. This way the yolk never breaks.

After the batter is made it needs to set up in the fridge for a little while before you put it in the oven. I discovered when I was testing this recipe that you can keep the batter in the fridge for several days before baking without any damage to the recipe’s freshness. So this is the perfect makeahead dessert for entertaining.

Given my enduring love for the combination of chocolate and raspberry, I’ve topped these little cakes with a very simple — but very flavorful — raspberry sauce. There are exactly two ingredients: raspberries and sugar. You just buzz them in a blender, then strain out the seeds.

And here’s a trick from Jacques Pepin about the quickest way to strain a sauce with seeds. Working in batches, put some of the pureed sauce in a medium-mesh strainer set over a bowl, then bang it until the only things left in the strainer are the seeds. Discard the seeds, add more sauce and continue. This method is much faster than forcing the liquid through the mesh with a rubber spatula.

Once you’re gazing with admiration at the finished product, don’t be surprised if you end up giving this little Valentine’s Day gift to yourself.

WARM DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CAKES WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE Start to finish: 3 hours 20 minutes (30 minutes active) Servings: 8 For the chocolate cakes: 1/4 cup sugar, plus 8 teaspoons for coating the ramekins 4 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, divided 2 large eggs, whites and yolks separated and brought to room temperature 1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt For the sauce: 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (if frozen, thaw, drain and retain the liquid) 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar Coat eight 1/3- or 1/4-cup ramekins with cooking spray. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of sugar into each, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides, then dumping out any excess.

Finely chop 2 1/2 ounces of the chocolate. Cut the remaining 2 ounces into 16 pieces, roughly the same size, then set those aside.

Bring a small saucepan of water to a bare simmer. Set a medium stainless steel bowl over it and add the 2 1/2 ounces of finely chopped chocolate to that. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted.

While the chocolate is melting, in another medium bowl use an electric mixer to beat the egg yolks with 1 tablespoon of the sugar until they are thick and lemon colored, about 4 minutes. Set the bowl aside and clean the beaters well.

In a third medium bowl, use the electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, a little at a time, and continue beating until the whites hold stiff peaks. Set aside.

Remove the melted chocolate from the heat. Add the yogurt and stir well.

Add the egg yolk mixture and stir well.

Add one third of the egg whites to the chocolate mixture, stirring well, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites until they are just combined with the chocolate mixture. Divide the batter among the prepared ramekins. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

While the cakes are chilling, heat the oven to 325 degrees and prepare the sauce.

In a blender, puree the raspberries with the sugar. Pour the mixture through a mesh strainer, using a silicone spatula to press the pulp. Discard the pulp and seeds. Thin the sauce with water or with the reserved raspberry liquid (if using frozen berries) until the sauce has a nice pouring consistency.

Remove the ramekins from the fridge, tuck 2 pieces of the cut chocolate into the center of each and bake in the middle of the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until just springy when touched. Let cool for 5 minutes, then unmold or serve in the ramekins. Serve drizzled with the raspberry sauce.

Nutrition information per serving: 140 calories; 70 calories from fat (50 percent of total calories); 8 g fat (3.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 45 mg cholesterol; 20 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 16 g sugar; 4 g protein; 20 mg sodium.

NOT GOING OUT?

Make Valentine’s at home special CRAB AND HEARTS OF PALM GRATIN WITH ARUGULA AND CHERRY SALAD

ALISON LADMAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

N

ot planning to go out for Valentine’s Day? This dish is warm and comforting, and rich with flavors that say “you’re special.” It cooks up in a gratin dish, so you can assemble it ahead of time, then when you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven. While the gratin bakes, assemble the salad and serve everything together with a crusty baguette. Simple, special and perfect for an evening in.

Start to finish: 45 minutes Servings: 2 For the gratin: 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained 14-ounce can hearts of palm, drained 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper 12 ounces lump crab meat 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika Pinch of salt 1 tablespoon butter, melted For the salad:

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon maple syrup 2 cups baby arugula 1/4 cup fresh or dried cherries 2 tablespoons toasted almonds (optional) Sea salt and ground black pepper

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Place 2 shallow individual-sized casserole or gratin dishes on a baking sheet.

Chop the artichoke hearts and hearts of palm into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, gently stir together the artichokes and hearts of palm with the thyme, lemon zest, cream, fontina, white pepper and crab. Spoon the mixture into the gratin dishes.

In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, paprika, salt and melted butter. Sprinkle over the gratins. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden.

While the gratins bake, make the salad. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard and maple syrup. Add the arugula, cherries and almonds and gently toss to coat. Serve topped with sea salt and black pepper.

Nutrition information per serving: 1,020 calories; 410 calories from fat (40 percent of total calories); 46 g fat (24 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 280 mg cholesterol; 101 g carbohydrate; 13 g fiber; 13 g sugar; 58 g protein; 2,190 mg sodium.