February 27, 2014

IN SPORTS: LMA boys’ hoops team reaches SCISA 3A state semifinal with win B1

Shaw medical group fine tunes its skills A2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

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Sumter invades Columbia

Haley unveils S.C. veterans’ job initiative Operation Palmetto Employment launched

BY BRADEN BUNCH bbunch@theitem.com (803) 774-1201

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter gets a round of applause on the floor of the State House as David Weeks touts the first Issue of Life is Good in Sumter magazine.

Local leaders traveled to Columbia on Wednesday for the annual Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce Legislative Day sponsored by Tuomey Healthcare System.

Education, roads, health issues top priorities shared at annual meeting

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272 COLUMBIA — South Carolina faces challenges in education, health care and infrastructure needs that will strain the state’s budget and put its people’s future in jeopardy.

Those were the messages delivered to Sumter community leaders at the State House during the annual Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce Legislative Day sponsored by Tuomey Healthcare System.

The highlight of the yearly visit welcoming Sumterites to the state capitol was a chance to hear from two of the state’s top administrators, Education Superintendent Dr. Mick Zais and Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell.

Zais came to the morning meeting armed with statistics comparing Sumter School District’s perfor-

mance with other districts across the state and ranking the performance of schools within the district.

“Every district and every school gets a letter grade,” Zais said, replacing previous evaluations that used terms such as “fair” or “at risk,” which the superintendent called “deliberately vague.”

“But every parent, every citizen, everybody in the press and every legislator knows what A, B, C, D and F mean,” he said.

In the 2012-13 school year, Sumter ranked 56th out of the state’s 80 school districts, putting Sumter in the “C” range and slightly below the state average based on the district’s poverty level. Within the district, six schools received As last year while five were ranked as failing.

Zais highlighted the gap between

SEE CHALLENGES, PAGE A8

South Carolina Superintendent of Education Dr. Mick Zais said if he were to go back into the military, he’d be in the Air Force after receiving a gift from Shaw Air Force Base. He was in Columbia as part of Legislative Day on Wednesday.

COLUMBIA — The effort to paint South Carolina in a positive light to military brass took another step Wednesday as Gov. Nikki Haley joined several top state officials in unveiling a new program geared toward providing the state’s military personnel with private-sector job opportunities.

Dubbed Operation Palmetto Employment, the new program tries to pair job-seeking veterans and their HALEY families with businesses across the state looking for the skill sets those veterans can provide.

“I want us to be the most military-friendly state in the country, and we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to let these men and women and their families know how much we appreciate their sacrifice,” Haley said.

Supported by the S.C. National Guard and the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, the initiative hopes to help lower the unemployment rates of the state’s veterans, which itself has already dropped dramatically during the past few years. According to Deputy Adjutant Gen. Les Eisner, the unemployment rate among guardsmen has fallen from 16 percent to about four percent.

Nationwide, the unemployment rate for all veterans sits at 5.6 percent, below the national average of 7 percent.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, that figure jumps higher for the country’s youngest former military servicemen, as the unemployment rate for Gulf War-era II veterans sits at 7.9 percent. In addition, nearly 90,000 of these veterans have left the labor force completely in the past year, the BLS reports.

Statewide, the unemployment rate for all South Carolinians sat at 6.6 percent in December 2013.

On the program’s website — OperationPalmettoEmployment.sc.gov — job seekers can find an array of tools to help gain employment.

While the program’s website does not provide its own list of employment opportunities, it provides links to several other sites, like SCWorks, for military

SEE JOBS, PAGE A8

County chairman Blanding won’t seek re-election

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272

BLANDING

Meetings of Sumter County Council are rarely surprising.

With its agenda published well in

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advance of each meeting, there’s not much room for council members to take any unexpected action.

But Council Chairman Larry Blanding shook up Tuesday’s meeting when he adjourned coun-

cil with the unanticipated announcement that he did not plan to seek re-election this fall to a third term.

“Despite the support of my district, after seven years on council, I’ve decided not to seek re-

DEATHS, B6 Harold G. Smith William Witherspoon Jr. John Nelms Willie J. Bradley Donald Wilson Albert Coleman Dr. Leroy Bowman

Bristol Lee Mathis Robert J. Bell Sr. Nigel G. Spencer Velma B. Glover Tudor R. Wilson Bennett Buckelew

election,” Blanding said, just before gaveling the meeting to an end.

The announcement seemed to catch Blanding’s colleagues off

SEE BLANDING, PAGE A10

WEATHER, A10

INSIDE

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Classifieds B8 Comics B7 Lotteries A10

Opinion A9 Television A7 Religion A4

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

Shaw medical group fine tunes skills

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS FROM STAFF AND AP REPORTS

Teen charged in sexual assault of 6-year-old boy A 17-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday and charged with sexual battery after he allegedly instructed his six-year-old cousin to perform a sexual act on him.

Lenerick U. Thorne, 17, of 1810 Frenchy Williams Road, was charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 11. He was sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia.

The incident was reported to the Sumter County Sheriff ’s Office at 12:12 a.m. Friday after the victim revealed details about the incident to his mother on Thursday.

Webster University makes transfers easier Webster University recently formalized an articulation agreement with the S.C. Technical College System that will permit an easier transition to the university by technical college students across the state who are interested in earning a four-year degree at Webster.

According to a recent news release, the articulation agreement is statewide and is designed to improve the transfer of students’ academic credits from a technical college to Webster University.

The S.C. Technical College System includes 16 technical colleges located throughout the state, such as the branch at Shaw Air Force Base. The system provides “its 114,000 credit students and its 128,000 continuing education students with a comprehensive education and a fast track to a rewarding career.”

Webster University has several campus locations in various metropolitan areas and military bases throughout the state and has served students of S.C. for almost 40 years.

Officer shoots man reaching for cane COLUMBIA — A police officer in South Carolina shot a 70-year-old motorist who was reaching for a cane during a traffic stop because he thought the man was grabbing a rifle from the bed of his pickup truck, investigators said. The man was expected to survive.

The York County deputy, Terrence Knox, pulled over Bobby Canipe of Lincolnton, N.C., for an expired license tag about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday north of Clover, S.C., York County sheriff’s spokesman Trent Faris said.

After stopping, Canipe got out of his pickup truck and reached into the bed, pulling out what Knox thought was a long-barreled rifle, Faris said.

It was Canipe’s walking cane.

The officer fired several times, hitting Canipe once, Faris said.

Faris refused to say where on his body Canipe was hit, but said he was expected to survive.

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 Just because you do well enough to win an award doesn’t mean there isn’t still room for improvement.

That is the attitude of the 20th Medical Group at Shaw Air Force Base, which provides outpatient medical and dental services to the 20th Fighter Wing, Ninth Air Force headquarters, U.S. Air Forces Central, Army Central Command, Shaw associate units and military retirees in the area. The family medicine side alone sees about 200 patients a week, said Maj. Karyn Revelle, flight commander.

Although the men and women of this group won the Air Combat Command 2013 Surgeon General Annual Award for Best Clinic of the Year, this week they have received further training on the Patient Centered Medical Home model.

“Every airman has a story,” said Col. Curt Prichard, chief of staff.

“This is a chance to learn that story and offer the best health care possible.

It’s been in place, and this is a chance to take it to the next level.”

The idea of the course is to help every member from the providers to the support staff to understand his or her role in the big picture of providing quality care to the patient, Revelle said.

“It’s how you put your team of health care providers together,” she said.

“You want your doctor, your physician’s assistant or nurse practioner and

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MICHAEL A. COSSABOOM

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ernest Perez, 383rd Training Squadron Patient Centered Medical Home Operations program course director from Joint Base San Antonio — Fort Sam Houston, Texas, instructs airmen and soldiers on practices used to provide quality patient care Tuesday at Shaw Air Force Base. The 20th Medical Group clinic is one of three medical treatment facilities out of 74 mid-sized Air Force installations selected to receive the four-day training from the PCMH team. medical technician to work together all the time. It’s more efficient (and) helps us take better care of you.”

There are also super teams featuring multiple doctors so that if one is deployed, two other people are available to pick up with the individual’s care, she said.

Teams of staff take the training together to help build continuity and camaraderie, said Maj. Ernest Perez, program director for the course. Seeing the same people each time also helps the patients build a relationship with their providers, he said.

The model has been around since at least 2009

and is a common civilian practice as well.

“We mirror the same quality care, the same standards, the same resources and the same benchmarks,” Revelle said.

“We’re just inside the gates.”

She used to be one of the instructors for the program, and not long after arriving in Sumter, she conducted a mini-course on the model in January 2013.

“I wanted us on the same page,” Revelle said. “It was about gluing all the pieces together and getting buy in, answering the ‘why’ questions to bring it all together.”

It’s also a good lesson for new personnel.

“What you typically see with newer people is six to eight months of figuring it or OJT (on the job time),” Revelle said. “Spending up to four days to try to prevent six to eight months of floundering is a lot more valuable than any dollar figure.”

Medical technician and Senior Airman Kyle Bettis agreed.

“They take you from just out of tech school where you don’t know anything into the weeds, from the basics to the in-depth,” he said. “We’re constantly learning something new.

It’s a great program.”

Compromise that keeps Common Core in S.C. advances COLUMBIA (AP) — South Carolina schools would continue to implement Common Core education standards in math and reading, at least for a few years, under a compromise advancing in the Senate.

The measure, sent Wednesday to the Senate Education Committee, replaces a bill that initially sought to repeal the standards being rolled out in classrooms statewide after their adoption by two state boards in 2010.

The compromise requires a review of math and reading standards by 2018. It also mandates legislative approval for future changes to what students learn in the classroom, which will affect whether South Carolina adopts nationally developed science and history standards.

Sen. John Matthews, who has opposed efforts in the past few years to undo Common Core, supported the compromise.

“If we don’t do something and give some direction, we’re continuing to put the system in limbo,” said Matthews, D-Bowman, a retired principal. “Doing nothing is the worst decision.”

But a compromise is unwanted by staunch opponents of Common Core, who say they will fight to revert to the original bill.

Common Core outlines what skills

‘If we don’t do something and give some direction, we’re continuing to put the system in limbo.’

SEN. JOHN MATTHEWS D-Bowman students in kindergarten through 12th grade should learn to be ready for college and careers, replacing standards that varied state to state. Full implementation, including standardized testing on the new standards, is set for the upcoming school year.

Opponents call it a nationalization of public education. But Common Core, adopted in 45 states and the District of Columbia, is not federal. The initiative was led by governors and superintendents, through the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. The Obama administration encouraged states to sign on through incentives.

Opposition from conservative groups has led to proposals in South Carolina

and other states backing out of Common Core.

“States really want to take back control of their standards. We may determine we want to keep Common Core standards, but it would be a state decision and not part of a national consortium,” subcommittee chairman Sen. Wes Hayes said of the compromise.

Debate continues about student testing aligned to the new standards. As amended, the bill requires South Carolina to pull out of a consortium of states developing a test with federal grants. This spring, 20 percent of students statewide will field test that assessment for math and reading, to gear up for full testing in 2015.

The state Department of Education opposes backing out of the Smarter Balanced consortium. Superintendent Mick Zais, who opposed Common Core in his 2010 campaign, has nonetheless worked to implement decisions made before he took office. To toss the test but not the underlying standards creates confusion, said his spokesman, Dino Teppara.

“We don’t view the assessment as the problem,” he said.

Liz Jones, the agency’s director of assessment, said 11 employees have worked three years on the test.

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STATE

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

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Educator becomes 10th to run for superintendent

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com After many years in education, Republican Molly Spearman recently threw her hat in the race for the S.C. Superintendent of Education. Spearman announced her candidacy earlier this week via a video posted on her website after privately raising about $30,000 in contributions.

Spearman has been an educator for more than 35 years and currently serves as the executive director of the S.C. Association of School Administrators. In SPEARMAN the past year, Spearman said she worked closely with Gov. Nikki Haley and her staff to establish her education plan. She said her qualifications and relationships with other educators make her a unique candidate for superintendent. “One of the things that I would do — and I think this is one of the things that makes me uniquely prepared for this job — is that I already have those relationships with teachers and principals, with business leaders and state legislators,� she said. “I have all of those friendly relationships, and those folks trust me, and I think I have already been speaking out for them over my entire career. I think they’re very

STATE BRIEFS FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS

Man found with mother in his trunk SANTEE — South Carolina troopers said they have taken a Virginia man into custody after finding his mother in the trunk of his car at a rest area on Interstate 95.

The Highway Patrol said its officers were looking for the Cadillac after being told it was involved in a kidnapping in Virginia Beach, Va. Troopers spotted the car in a rest area near Santee about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and took the driver into custody. The mother was found in the trunk, and authorities said she did not appear to suffer life-threatening injuries.

excited about my candidacy, and they know they’re going to have a voice and an ear at the table if I am elected.�

Spearman said in addition to addressing and implementing the initiatives in Haley’s K-12 education reform, she is also interested in looking at school safety across the state. Spearman said it’s something that is always top priority for those in leadership in education, but it’s an area she’s interested in giving some of her focus if elected. Some districts are currently running successful, research-based programs regarding the safety of schools. Spearman said these programs are showing that the level of safety in schools can improve the overall culture and atmosphere of the school.

A challenge South Carolina’s public school system faces, Spearman said, is getting enough high school graduates properly prepared for jobs in South Carolina. “I think it’s a real challenge right now to get enough workforce ready to fill all of the jobs that are in South Carolina and that are coming into South Carolina,� she said. “We, of course, need to prepare students going to college, but there are so many jobs now that require technical skills, special training during high school, and we’ve got to work very closely with

Compromise that keeps Common Core advances COLUMBIA — South Carolina schools would continue to implement Common Core education standards in math and reading, at least for a few years, under a compromise advancing in the Senate.

The measure advanced

THE CANDIDATES SO FAR

Current S.C. Superintendent of Education Dr. Mick Zais is not seeking reelection.

Other Republican candidates hoping to get the GOP nomination include Sally Atwater, a former Colleton County teacher; Gary Burgess, Anderson County Board of Education member; Charmeka Childs of Columbia and former S.C. Education Department deputy superintendent; Amy Cofield, a Lexington attorney; Sheri Few, a Lugoff Republican activist; Don Jordan of Columbia, a University of South Carolina professor; and Elizabeth Moffly, a Charleston County School Board member.

Retired coach and teacher from Union, Rep. Mike Anthony, and Montrio Belton, former principal and teacher from Fort Mill, are running as Democrats.

those businesses to set up apprenticeship programs and have those graduates ready.�

Although she doesn’t think H.4419 — a bill proposing improvements to teacher evaluations and rewarding effective teachers with recognition and the opportunity for higher salaries — will pass this year, Spearman said she agrees that teacher evaluations in South Carolina need to be addressed.

Wednesday to the Senate Education Committee. It replaces a bill that initially sought to repeal the standards adopted by two state boards in 2010. The compromise requires a review of the math and reading standards by 2018 and mandates legislative approval for future changes to what students learn in the classroom.

Charleston approves bike lane on bridge CHARLESTON — Charleston City Council has decided to eliminate a traffic lane to create a bike and pedestrian lane on the busy Ashley River Bridge on U.S. 17.

Council agreed to the move on an 8-5 vote Tuesday.

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The work on the $1.6 million project could be done in 18 months and would create a bicycle lane connecting the Charleston peninsula with the city’s western suburbs.

Opponents said creating the lane will only mean more traffic congestion on bridges that carry 56,000 vehicles a day.

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However, she said legislators should wait for the results of pilot programs that are currently in place in the state. “I support student progress being a part of the teacher evaluation. We have to make sure that it’s fair, and we have to make sure that it actually rewards the teachers who are doing the work. I do think we need to consider that, or we need to implement a program like that. Now, we are working on a pilot program right now in the state. We’re in the third year of that, and I think we need to get the results of that. This is not something that you can do really quick,� she said. “You’ve got to be sure that this is a fair system because we’re talking about people’s jobs and their livelihoods. You’ve got to be certain it’s done correctly. So I think we need to wait until the pilot is finished and we get the results from that and put it in place as soon as possible. It doesn’t appear that the bill is going to move this year, and that’s the reason for it. I think the legislators are wise, and they realize they need to get the results from the pilot, and they won’t just put any type of legislation into place.�

Spearman has become the 10th candidate in the race for S.C. Superintendent of Education, with eight Republicans and two Democrats currently vying for the position.

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RELIGION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

When dealing with aggressive opponents, turn the other cheek

I

received some hate mail recently, which is not something I would normally mention in this column as I occasionally receive emails, their authors registering their criticisms about something Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve written or something I believe. Any publicized opinion on faith and spiritual matters is bound to stir a response.

This particular email, sent in response to my last column, was particularly biting.

Now, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that it would be appropriate to use this column as a bully pulpit against specific individuals who do not share my same beliefs. Who am I to criticize someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spiritual journey, regardless of where they are on the spectrum of belief ?

This is why I would like to use this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry not to deride that individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attacks against my beliefs, but rather what I learned having dealt with the situation.

In his email, the self-proclaimed atheist asserted that I was an advocate of pushing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faith on nonbelievers by any means necessary. He accused me of touting a practice among believers that allows for people of spiritual faith to berate those

RELIGION BRIEFS FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS

Pastor acts on mental health in sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death LAKE FOREST, Calif. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A year after his sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suicide, pastor Rick Warren is taking on a new mental health ministry inspired by his personal tragedy.

Warren, founder of Saddleback Church and a best-selling author, will team with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, Calif., and the National Alliance on Mental Illness to host a daylong event next month.

The Gathering on Mental Health and the Church grew out of private conversations Warren had with the local Catholic bishop, Bishop Kevin Vann, after his sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death and his own writings in his journal as he processed his grief. Matthew Warren, who was only 27, committed suicide last April after struggling with severe depression and suicidal thoughts for years.

After Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suicide, more than 10,000 people wrote to Warren and his wife, Kay, to share their own struggles with mental illness. Warren says the conference will address a range of mental health issues, from bipolar disorder to suicide to more easily hidden issues such as anxiety, eating disorders and addiction.

Catholic health systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth raises questions ST. LOUIS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The rapid growth of a St. Louis-based Catholic health care system that is branching out into for-profit ventures is raising questions about its charitable status.

Ascension Health was created 15 years ago with the merger of the St. Louis-based Daughters of Charity National Health System and the Michigan-based Sisters of St. Joseph Health System. It has since grown into the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third-largest health care system by buying dozens of nonprofit hospitals and pursuing numerous for-profit ventures.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the company reported $17 billion in revenue in the 2013 fiscal year but didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay corporate income taxes on its nonprofit operations. Financial statements show Ascension has $30 billion in assets.

One expert on tax-exempt organizations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; University of Illinois law professor John Colombo â&#x20AC;&#x201D; said other corporations such as Microsoft also do charitable work, but pay taxes.

Ascension said it provided $525 million in charity care to the poor last year as well as $775 million in community benefits to the general public.

who do not believe. Just to be clear, my position on that is that believers are called to lovingly present their beliefs to others.

The person on the receiving end of that message then responds to that message. This Faith Matters has been my position on JAMIE H. proselytism WILSON from the beginning.

As the gentleman continued to deride my spiritual beliefs, I began to get angry.

He mocked Scripture that I hold sacred. Then he attacked me personally. The ire churned in my stomach. I

hit the button to reply to the email and prepared to unsheathe my response. I told myself that this would be an email this gentleman wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget. I would sharply correct every misgiving this person had listed in his attempt to throw Scripture in my face. I would engage this man on an intellectual level, one that superseded his profanity-laced tirade against my religion.

My blood boiling, I stared at the blinking cursor on the screen. Then something in my heart swelled: pity. It spread through me, paralyzing my fingers which were curled over my keyboard, ready to fire off a rebuttal.

It was evident that this man was angry, maybe even hurt. His words poured out

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My blood boiling, I stared at the blinking cursor on the screen.

Then something in my heart swelled: pity.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; JAMIE H. WILSON hot and quick in his email â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no punctuation. As was mine, his first impulse was to attack the one who he perceived had offended him.

I pressed â&#x20AC;&#x153;sendâ&#x20AC;? on a message that simply wished him well in his search for truth.

Believers will face opposition, sometimes aggressive opposition. Some will call

you stupid. They will call you a bigot. They will call you a bully for sharing your beliefs. They will relish the opportunity to publicly humiliate you.

But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fear, believer, you will have a peace stronger than any hurled attack.

Let peace, not a sense of defensiveness, overwhelm your attitude and your actions. If you are scared you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an answer for those who attack your faith, then study what you believe so that you can gently deliver an account for what you believe. Living a life of faith means showing love to those who afford us none.

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

Churh Directory Interdenominational

Adventit

City of Refuge Church 16 Carolina Ave 938-9066 Barbara & Johnny Davis Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:15 am Bible Study (Wed.) 7:00 pm www.cityofrefugeministry.com

Sumter Seventh-Day Adventist 103 N Pike West 775-4455 Sat. Sch: 9:15 am, Worship: 11:00 am Tues Bible Study 7 pm www.sumter22.adventistchurchconnect.org

Anglican Mon. - Thurs. Chapel 9 am Morning Prayer Wed. Chapel 11:00 qm - Bible Study 12 pm Mass

Baptit - Indeendent Cherryvale Baptist Church 1502 Cherryvale Dr. * 494-8655 Edward Bowen Sr. Pastor Sun. School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:00 pm Wed. Evening Service 7:00 pm

Baptit - Misionary

Hickory Road Baptist Church 1245 Cherryvale Dr 803-494-8281 Dr. Ron Taylor Pastor Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am

Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church 803 S Harvin St. * 775-4032 Marion H Newton, Pastor Sunday Worship: 7:45 & 10:45 am Sunday Youth Service: 10:45 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm

Long Branch Baptist Church 2535 Peach Orchard Rd. Dalzell 499-1838 www.longbranch_baptist.com Rev. Brian Benenhaley Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Sun Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wed Mid Week Service 7:00 pm

Salem Missionary Baptist Church 320 West Fulton Street 803-775-8054 Rev. Lei Ferguson Washington Sun. School 9:00 am Praise Worship 9:55 am Worship 10:00 am

Shaw Heights Baptist Church 2030 Peach Orchard Rd 499-4997 Rev. Robert White Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 am Sunday Worship:11 am & 6 pm

Baptit - Southern Grace Baptist Church 219 W Calhoun St * 778-6417 Dr. Stephen Williams S.S. 9:45 am; Worship 11:00, 6:30 Wed. Meal-Choir-Missions: 5:30 pm Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 pm

( /LEHUW\ 6W Â&#x2021; Fr. Thomas Burke, C.S.S.R. Weekend Masses: Sat Vigil 5 pm Sun. 7:30, 9:00 and 11:30 am Mass The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Jude Site : 2DNODQG $YH Â&#x2021; www.stjudesumtersc.org Fr. Charles Michael Donovan, C.S.S.R. Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm Sun. Euch.: 9:00, 11:30 am, 1 pm (Spanish)

Churh f Chrit Plaza Church of Christ &DPGHQ +Z\ Â&#x2021; Stewart Schnur cell 361-8449 Sunday School: 10 am Sunday Worship: 11 am & 6 pm Wed. Bible Class: 7 pm

Caholic - Roman

The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Anne Site

Pentecostal-United

St John United Methodist Church 136 Poinsett Dr * 803-773-8185 Rev. J. Robert (Bob) Huggins Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11:00 am Wed. Night Supper/Bible Study 6:30 pm www.stjohnumc.com

Love Covenant Church 2VZHJR +Z\ Â&#x2021; Apostle Tommy Fredrick Prophet Angela Frederick Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Thursday Bible Study: 7:00 pm

Church of the Holy Cross 335 North Kings Hwy (Hwy 261 N) 803-494-8101 Father Michael E. Ridgill, C.F.S.B. Sunday School 9:00 am Mass 10:00 am

Word International Ministries 710 Manning Avenue Apostle Larry DuRant Pastor Woship - 10:45 am Sunday School - 10:30 am Tues. Bible Study - 7:00 pm

Bethel United Methodist M Church /RGHEDU 5G Â&#x2021; Rev. Jeremy Howell Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 am Sunday School: 10 am www.yourbethel.org BMethodist@ftc-i.net

First United Penecostal Church 3ORZGHQ 0LOO 5G Â&#x2021; Pastor Theron Smith Sunday Service: 10:00 am & 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30 pm

Spiritual Life Christian Center %URDG 6W ([W Â&#x2021; Pastors Randolph & Minerva Paige Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm

Trinity United Methodist Church : /LEHUW\ 6W Â&#x2021; Rev. Regi Thackston Blended Worship 8:45 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am Sunday School 9:45 am trinityumcsumter.org

Victory Full Gospel Interdenominational Church 3LWWV 5G Â&#x2021; Joann P. Murrill, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Youth Bible Study/Respect Monday: 7 pm

Non-Denominational Bible Fellowship Church %URDG 6W Â&#x2021; Pastor Jim Ketchum Sunday Worship: 11 am Worship 6:00 pm Sunday School: 9:45 am Wed. Prayer Meeting 7:00 pm

Lutheran - ELCA St James Lutheran Church 1137 Alice Dr, Sumter 773-2260 / www.stjamessumter.org Pastor Keith Getz Sunday Worship: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am

Christ Community Church(CCC) 525 Oxford St, Sumter 803-934-9718 Sun. Worship 10:00 am (Patriot Hall) First Church of God &DPGHQ 5G Â&#x2021; www.sumterfcg.org Ron Bower, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Sunday School: 9:30 am

Lutheran - NALC Immanuel Lutheran Church 3RLQVHWW 'ULYH Â&#x2021; Pastor Gary Blobaum Worship Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:30 am Wed Bible Class: 7:00 pm

Greater St. Paul Church 200 Watkins Street 803-778-1355 Sunday School - 10:30 am Worship - 11:30 am Evangelistic Service 7:30 pm Wed. Mid Week Service - 7:30 pm

Mehoit - United

Sumter First Pentecostal Holiness Church 0F&UD\V 0LOO 5G Â&#x2021; S. Paul Howell, Pastor Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:45 am & 6:00 pm Wed. Worship/Youth Group: 7:00 pm

Pesbyterian First Presbyterian Church of Sumter : &DOKRXQ 6W Â&#x2021; Interim Pastor Rev. Ray Fancher Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School - All Ages 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Night Church Program 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Lemira Presbyterian Church %RXOHYDUG 5G Â&#x2021; Pastor Dan Rowton Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Bible Study 6:00 pm Swan Lake Presbyterian Church 912 Haynsworth St Sumter 803-775-3146 Pastor Chuck Staggs Sunday School 9:45 Worship 11:00

Sumter Bible Church 420 South Pike West, Sumter Â&#x2021; 3DVWRU 5RQ 'DYLV Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study & Prayer 7:00 pm

Aldersgate United Methodist $OLFH 'U Â&#x2021; Dr. Webb Belangia, Reverend Traditional Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:15 am Contemporary 11:15 am

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RELIGION

THE SUMTER ITEM

Youth group hosts Shrove pancake dinner

BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com The Church of the Holy Comforter invites the public to its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner and to Ash Wednesday services to start the Lenten season.

According to Youth Minister Timothy Rutherford, “The Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner is something that our church has been doing for quite a while. We generally serve between 100-150 people ... pancakes and sausage.”

The dinner is a fundraiser sponsored by the youth ministry.

“We collect donations for our summer mission project here in Sumter called SAM, or Sumter Area Missions, which is run by United Ministries,” Rutherford said.

SAM is a program during which youth volunteers under the supervision of adults make Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner repairs to the homes 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 4 of local homeowners Holy Comforter Parish Hall, 213 N. Main St. who cannot afford to hire contrac- Ash Wednesday tors. Many Services damaged roofs, floors, Noon and 6 p.m. March 5 bathrooms Holy Comforter sanctuary, and more corner of Main and have been Calhoun streets repaired or replaced over the years.

Rutherford said, “The money (donated during the pancake dinner) is used for any extra expenses that arise on the work site, or if there are significant donations then the money is given to the project as a whole along with a donation from the church.”

RELIGION BRIEF FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS

Pope makes first overhaul of Vatican in 25 years VATICAN — Pope Francis has announced the first major overhaul of the Vatican's outdated and inefficient bureaucracy in a quarter-century.

He's created a new structure that will control all economic, administrative, personnel and procurement functions of the Holy See. Australian Cardinal George Pell, one of Francis' core eight cardinal advisers and a sharp critic of current Vatican governance, will head the new office.

Francis was elected pope a year ago on a mandate to reform the Vatican after documents stolen by Pope Benedict's butler revealed the Holy See bureaucracy to be dysfunctional and corrupt.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

|

A5

World Orphans advocate heading to Haiti

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 Nate Livesay is familiar with Journey 117 Trips.

Named for the Bible verse, Isaiah 1:17, that admonishes “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed.

Defend the cause of the orphans.

Fight for the rights of widows,” the trips are a ministry of World Orphans, and its focus is to equip participants to live as advocates for orphans.

An estimated 153 million children are considered orphans, according to worldorphans.org.

“What we do is take an individual to a church or churches not associated with a partnership to see what they are doing,” said the father of three.

“We usually hold some kind of service, kind of like a VBS (vacation Bible school) one day and a medical clinic another day. We hire a Haitian doctor, and team members do what they can without medical training — take temperatures, take blood pressures, pray with patients and hand out medicines. We also make home visits in the community served by the church.”

World Orphans is a tax-deductible, not-for-profit Christian organization that brings churches in Third World countries together with American churches to help supply basic needs of the children being cared for by the indigenous churches.

It was such a trip to Ethiopia in December of 2011 that sparked the former Sumter High School coach and teacher to form the Sumter Orphan Advocacy Team in February 2012.

In May, Livesay will lead a group of 10 to 15 people to Haiti.

Eight of them are in the process of completing the application for the May 17 through 24 trip. The deadline is March 7, and the cost will be between $1,700 and $1,900, Livesay said, depending on the number of people registered.

“We’ve taken people from all over,” he said. “The last trip to Ethiopia we had people from Canada, Michigan and Kansas. We have to have at least eight weeks prior to the trip for training. It’s not a one-week trip to see kids and get pictures. We want you to come back and engage in some way in the community or in the world.”

For more information or an application, visit journey117.org.

Livesay will be going to Haiti again in March with Alice Drive Baptist

PHOTO PROVIDED

Nathan “Nate” Livesay, center, director of advocacy for Sumter Orphan Advocacy Team, hugs two children on a trip to Haiti.

Church’s administrative pastor, Mark Partin, to help plan a July trip for a full team from the church.

“A team of 10 people from Alice Drive went in October,” Livesay said.

“It was technically a Journey trip, but Condi (Richardson, outreach pastor) was exploring the possibility of a partnership.”

Churches usually commit to a minimum of three years with annual trips, Livesay said, and the one in July will

be the first partnership trip for Alice Drive Baptist. The Alice Drive and the Haitian congregations are still in communication as to what type of project they want to collaborate on, he said.

In between, Livesay’s advocacy group is raising money for projects in both Haiti and Cambodia through the Second Annual World Orphans Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction on April 11. The group is still seeking sponsorships and donations, Livesay said.

Tickets are also now available for $25 a person. Sumter band Chief Complaint is scheduled to provide the musical entertainment.

For more information on the fundraiser or to purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/Nx4Kem. For more information on the Sumter Orphan Advocacy Team, contact Director Nate Livesay at (803) 983-2076 or nate@worldorphans.org.

Arizona governor holding meetings over bill PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer was holding a series of private meetings Wednesday with opponents and proponents of legislation adding protections for people who assert their religious beliefs in refusing service to gays, a proposal that has focused national attention on the state as business groups, gay rights supporters and even many fellow Republicans urged her to use her veto power.

The governor faces a Saturday

deadline to either sign Senate Bill 1062 or use her veto stamp. In a tweet from her official twitter account late Tuesday, the governor said: “I assure you, as always, I will do the right thing for the State of Arizona.”

Brewer has been under increasing pressure to veto the proposal passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. The proposal passed with support from all but three House Republicans and all 17 GOP state senators. Three of those

senators, however, reversed course Monday and called for the governor to veto the SB1062.

“We were uncomfortable with it to start with and went along with it thinking it was good for the caucus,” said Sen. Steve Pierce, R-Prescott. “We really didn’t want to vote for it. But we made a mistake, and now we’re trying to do what’s right and correct it.”

Their letter to Brewer, however, said the proposal had fallen victim to inaccuracies.

CHURCH NEWS Calvary Baptist Church, 459 Calvary Church Road, Bishopville, announces: * Saturday — Mid-Carolina singing at 6 p.m. featuring God’s Tool Box of Gilbert and Cedar Creek Quartet.

Canty Memorial Church of God In Christ Ministries, 873 Woodcrest St., announces: * Sunday — Blessing of the bikes at 9 a.m. * Sunday, March 9 — Usher board anniversary program at 4 p.m. The Rev. Lorenzo Small, of Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, will speak. * Thursday-Friday, March 27-28 — Revival and first Young Believers Conference at 7 nightly. Elect Lady Chantelle Hutchins and Minister Torey Fountain will speak.

Chapel Hill Baptist Church, 8749 Old Highway Six, Santee, announces: * Sunday — Pastor’s family seventh appreciation worship at 10 a.m. Dr. Eddie Gamble of Georgetown will speak.

Mt. Olive Baptist Church choir will provide music. Dinner will follow in the fellowship hall.

Clark United Methodist Church, 2980 U.S. 401 N., Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday — Women in the pulpit program at 11 a.m.

* Sunday, March 23 — 50 state rally at 11 a.m.

Concord Baptist Church, 1885 Myrtle Beach Highway, announces: * Saturday — Gospel singing at 6 p.m. featuring Believers Quartet and Beulahland Quartet.

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 421 S. Main St., announces: * Sunday — Communion worship. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. followed by 11:30 a.m. worship. * Sunday, March 9 — Women in the pulpit. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. followed by 11:30 a.m. worship.

Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 5405 Black River Road, Rembert, announces: * Sunday — Senior choir day celebration. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by 10 a.m. worship. * Sunday, March 16 — Pastoral anniversary celebration.

Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by 10 a.m. worship.

High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Holy communion after 10:15 a.m. service. * Friday, March 21 — Spring musical at 7:30 p.m.

* Sunday, March 23 — Anniversary of choir number two during 10:15 a.m. worship.

Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., announces: * Today — Black history worship at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Ralph W. Canty Sr. and Presiding Elder Dr. Joseph Darby will speak.

Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday, March 9 — Parade of youth program during morning worship. * Sunday, March 16 — YWA anniversary celebration during morning worship. * Sunday, March 30 — Youth service. Church school begins at 9 a.m. followed by 10 a.m. worship.

Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday, March 8 — Knitting Hearts Café will meet 10 a.m.-noon. Dr. Linda Myers will speak. First Glimpse Praise Band will provide music and Shelica Daniels will present an interpretive dance. All women are invited for a time of fellowship, worship and the word. www. knittingheartsministry.org Land Flowing with Milk &

Honey Ministry, 1335 Peach Orchard Road, announces: * Sunday, March 9 — Ordination and installation service at 4 p.m. for Dr. Alec Bradley Jr., Presiding Bishop L.V. Williams and Pastor Ray Mathis Jr. * Sunday, March 16 — Evangelist Tonya Mack will speak at 11 a.m. There will be a pastor’s appreciation service at 4 p.m. for Pastor Ray and Prophetess Stephanie Mathis. Prophetess Rose Clark-Summers, of Greensboro, N.C., will speak. * Sunday, March 30 — Youth with Swag at 11 a.m.

RaySean Mathis will speak.

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Friday — Black history quiz bowl at 6:30 p.m.

New Fellowship Covenant Ministries, 316 W. Liberty St., announces: * Saturday, March 8 — Clothes giveaway 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free snack also.

New Testament Lighthouse Church, 1114 Boulevard Road, announces: * Saturday, March 8 — Gospel singing at 6 p.m. featuring the Sycamore Singers.

Orangehill AME Church, 3035 S. King Highway, Wedgefield, announces:

* Sunday, March 9 — 15th anniversary celebration of the male chorus at 3 p.m.

Pinewood Baptist Church, S.C. 261, Pinewood, announces: * Sunday-Wednesday, March 16-19 — Spring Revival services at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday and 7 nightly Monday-Wednesday. The Rev. Kirk Carlisle will speak. Dinner served at 5:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall MondayWednesday. Nursery provided for all services. Call (803) 4525373 or visit www.pinewoodbaptist.org.

St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 9 N. Duke St., Summerton, announces: * Today — Montessori open house 6-7 p.m. for interested families with children ages 3, 4 and 5 years old. Call Sandy at (803) 485-2504 for details.

Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., announces: * Saturday, March 29 — God’s Girls Rock Cotillion will be held at 4 p.m. Call (803) 775-4041 for information.

Walker Avenue Church of God, 100 Walker Ave., announces: * Sunday, March 9 — Usher’s anniversary program at 4 p.m. Minister Maggie Richardson will speak.

A6

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

Behaviorists say dogs feel no shame despite guilty looks

BY SUE MANNING Associated Press Writer

“I don’t think dogs actually feel shame,” Lemire said. “I think they know how to plaLOS ANGELES — The next cate us with this sad puppydog look that makes us think time you start shaking your they’re ashamed of what finger and shouting “Shame they’ve done. My guess is on you!” because your dog that their thinking is: ‘Oh chewed up your favorite fuzzy slippers, just remember man, my owner is super mad about something, but I don’t that no matter how guilty know what, but he seems to your dog looks, it doesn’t calm down when I give him know what your rant is the sad face, so let’s try that about. again.’”

Behaviorists insist dogs She thinks the online dog lack shame. The guilty look shaming memes are all in — head cowered, ears back, good fun. eyes droopy — is a reaction “People come for a laugh to the tantrum you are and camaraderie,” Lemire throwing now over the damsaid. “They see that their dog age they did hours earlier. isn’t the only one who does “Just get over it and reawful things. People don’t mind yourself not to put shame their dogs out of temptation in the way next anger; they do it out of love.” time,” said Dr. Bonnie BeaAnother dog owner helped ver, a professor at Texas get celebrities into the trend.

A&M University’s College of In late 2011, Jeremy LakaszVeterinary Medicine and executive director of the Ameri- cyck of Boston started putcan College of Veterinary Be- ting shaming videos of his lemon beagle, Maymo, on haviorists.

YouTube. Four months later, But scientific findings have Ellen DeGeneres ran one of not put a dent in the popularthem on her show, and comeity of online dog shaming dian Ricky sites such as Gervais dogshaming. tweeted it. com and The popularshameyourity of the pet.com or videos videos such soared, as those Lakaszcyck posted on said. youtube.com/ He also crackrocksubmitted candy. In the photos to photos and Lemire for videos, dogs dogshaming. wear humorcom, which ous written made “confesMaymo even sions” and more faoften are mous. surrounded PASCALE LEMIRE Maymo by the remhas a natunants of Started dogshaming.com site rally sad or their misguilty face deeds. There in 2012 and senses is no quessomething is tion that in wrong if Lakaszcyck speaks some photos, they look guilty in a stern voice. “They know of eating, drinking, chewing, when their owners are angry. licking or destroying some“Maymo can sit for quite a thing they shouldn’t have. while looking sad because Dogshaming.com was the he’s a ham. It’s natural, and first and is among the most he knows a treat is coming. popular sites. Since Pascale His tail usually wags through Lemire started it in August the wait. It’s like he’s happy 2012, it has received more on one end and sad on the than 58 million page views and more than 65,000 submis- other,” he said.

One of the first scientific sions. A submission has to studies on the “guilty dog come with a photo showing look” was conducted in 2009 the dog’s guilty look.

by Alexandra Horowitz, an Lemire, who lives in Vanassociate professor of psycouver, British Columbia, chology at Barnard College also published a book called in New York City. One of her “Dog Shaming,” which hit books, “Inside of a Dog: What the New York Times best-sellDogs See, Smell, and Know,” er list in January.

‘I don’t think dogs actually feel shame. I think they know how to placate us with this sad puppy-dog look that makes us think they’re ashamed of what they’ve done.’

Kiwanis Club of Sumter’s 52nd Annual

Pancake Day All you can eat!

Pancakes, Sausage, Milk, Juice and Coffee This Saturday

March 1, 2014

Alice Drive Middle School Cafeteria 7:00-10:30am and 5-8pm

Tickets

Adults - $6.00 Children 4-12 - $3.00 3 and under - Free QHÀW 3URFHHGV %Hand Our Youth ity Commun cts.

Service Proje

We will not be doing a garage sale this year.

Tickets may be purchased at the door, or by calling Glenn Givens at (803) 418-0800 ext. 108

included the findings.

In the study, she used 14 dogs, videotaping them in a series of trials and studying how they reacted when an owner left the room after telling them not to eat a treat.

When the owners returned, sometimes they knew what the dogs had done, and sometimes they didn’t, and sometimes the dogs had eaten the treats, and sometimes they hadn’t.

“I found that the ‘look’ appeared most often when owners scolded their dogs, regardless of whether the dog had disobeyed or did something for which they might or should feel guilty. It wasn’t ‘guilt’ but a reaction to the owner that prompted the look,” Horowitz said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jeremy Lakaszcyck’s lemon beagle, Maymo, poses for a shame illustration in Merrimack Valley, Mass. In late 2011, Lakaszcyck of Boston started putting shaming videos of Maymo on YouTube, but behaviorists insist dogs lack shame.

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Buckle up for bumpy ride down â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Red Roadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH New Jersey isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the first place youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d set a drama about a stoic cop and an insular Native American tribe. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where new drama â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Red Roadâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., Sundance, TV-14) takes place.

Tucked into a forgotten corner of the Garden State, members of the self-proclaimed Lenape tribe live uneasily beside white families, including that of Sheriff Harold Jensen (Martin Henderson). And heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got troubles of his own. His wife, Jean (Julianne Nicholson), has recently gotten sober and is entirely on edge, particularly when her wayward teenage daughter takes up with a Lenape boy.

Police descend on the tribal area after the disappearance of a New York University student, sparking resentment among locals who feel violated and invaded because some â&#x20AC;&#x153;rich kidâ&#x20AC;? went missing. Jensenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in the search is further complicated after a hit-and-run incident inflames local tensions.

Jason Momoa (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Game of Thronesâ&#x20AC;?) stars as Phillip Kopus, a Lenape and freelance criminal who forges an uneasy alliance with Sheriff Jensen â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one based on mutual interests lubricated with a little blackmail.

A game cast also includes Tamara Tunie as Phillipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, as well as familiar faces Tom Sizemore and Lisa Bonet.

Some may find the pacing a little languid. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fine line between meditative atmosphere building and just plain dull. Those who stick around will probably become smitten with Momoa, a handsome, brooding figure very much at the center of things. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Red Roadâ&#x20AC;? should make him a star. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vikingsâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., History, TV-14) returns for a second, 10-episode season, and begins with one of the most violent battle scenes Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever endured.

If you can imagine â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gladiatorâ&#x20AC;? combined with the opening moments of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saving Private Ryan,â&#x20AC;? youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting close.

Not unlike an eighth-century Michael Corleone, Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) wants to make a move west to consolidate his position and power.

But in doing so, he risks losing everything of value and everyone he holds dear, including his wife, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), a Dark Ages super-

SUNDANCE TV / AMC NETWORKS INC.

Jason Momoa and Kiowa Gordon star in the Sundance Channel original series â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Red Road,â&#x20AC;? premiering at 9 p.m. woman heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be wise not to cross. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Portlandiaâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., IFC, TV-14) returns for a fourth season of slacker silliness. Look for guest star Kirsten Dunst as a young woman who moves into a house haunted by the ghosts of two people (stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein) who were â&#x20AC;&#x153;confused to deathâ&#x20AC;? by conflicting advice received on NPR and The New York Times.

TONIGHTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Countdown to the Oscarsâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., ABC) anticipates the big night. â&#x20AC;˘ An elimination on â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Idolâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG). â&#x20AC;˘ Jury tampering on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rakeâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m. Fox, TV-14). â&#x20AC;˘ Aprilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding is the talk of the staff on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anatomyâ&#x20AC;?

(9 p.m., ABC, TV-14). â&#x20AC;˘ A contestant unravels on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the Gunnâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., Lifetime, TV-PG). â&#x20AC;˘ Help from Scotland Yard on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elementaryâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., CBS, TV14). â&#x20AC;˘ Julia needs comforting on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parenthoodâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14). â&#x20AC;˘ Sally drops a bombshell on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scandalâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14). â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mary Maryâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., WE, TV-PG) enters a third season. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Check It Out,â&#x20AC;? the 15-minute therapy spoof starring John C. Reilly, returns on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adult Swimâ&#x20AC;?

(12:30 a.m., Cartoon Network).

SERIES NOTES Emphatic decoration on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Big Bang Theoryâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Jeff plays Cupid on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Communityâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., NBC, TV-

PG) * Damon rampages on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Vampire Diariesâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Nathan bonds with Tom on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Millersâ&#x20AC;? (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Leslieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anniversary on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parks and Recreationâ&#x20AC;? (8:30 p.m., NBC, TVPG) * A fateful choice on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two and a Half Menâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Jason Sudeikis plays â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hollywood Game Nightâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Catherine loses her heirs on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reignâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * A rite of passage on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Crazy Onesâ&#x20AC;? (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).

LATE NIGHT Kevin Roose is booked on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Daily Show With Jon Stewartâ&#x20AC;? (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * John C. Reilly, Pete Holmes

and the Haden Triplets featuring Ry Cooder appear on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Conanâ&#x20AC;? (11 p.m., TBS) * Michelle Dockery, Dustin Ybarra, Fortune Feimster and Kurt Braunohler are booked on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chelsea Latelyâ&#x20AC;? (11 p.m., E!) * Jeff Goldblum is on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Colbert Reportâ&#x20AC;? (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Cloris Leachman, Tommy Chong and J. Holiday are booked on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Arsenio Hall Showâ&#x20AC;? (syndicated, check local listings) * Simon Helberg and Young the Giant visit â&#x20AC;&#x153;Late Show With David Lettermanâ&#x20AC;? (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Denzel Washington, Shaun White and Sara Bareilles on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tonight Showâ&#x20AC;?

(11:35 p.m., NBC) * Kerry Washington, Michael Strahan and Juicy J featuring Wiz Khalifa appear on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jimmy Kimmel Liveâ&#x20AC;? (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Lena Dunham, Anthony Mackie and John Mayer Trio visit â&#x20AC;&#x153;Late Night With Seth Meyersâ&#x20AC;? (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts Julia Stiles, Dave Itzkoff and Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Late Late Showâ&#x20AC;? (12:35 a.m., CBS).

CULT CHOICE Director Oliver Stone sends up the American culture of violence in the 1994 satire â&#x20AC;&#x153;Natural Born Killersâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., Cinemax).

Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

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AROUND TOWN The Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center, 24 Council St., will offer free public information sessions 11-11:50 a.m. each Thursday through March 13 as follows: today, emergency preparedness; March 6, spring gardening tips; and March 13, you are what you eat.

Free income tax filing services and FAFSA applications will be provided through April 15 as follows: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, 3-8 p.m. Saturdays, appointments only on Sundays, Goodwill Job-Link Center, 1028 Broad St., (803) 7745006; and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturdays, Lee County Adult Education, 123 E. College St., Bishopville, (803) 484-4040. For details or appointments, call Ms. Samuels at (803) 240-8355.

The AARP Foundation TaxAide Program will offer free income tax assistance and electronic filing for taxpayers with low to middle incomes. All ages are welcome and you do not have to be an AARP member.

You will need: picture ID; Social Security card for each dependent; all W-2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 1099s and 1098s; and supporting documents if you plan to itemize. Bring a canceled check if you wish to have your refund direct deposited. Assistance will be available 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through April 15 at the Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center, 24 Council St. For details, call Lynda at (803) 469-8322.

The Sumter County Veterans Association will meet at 6 p.m. today at VFW Post 3034, Gion Street.

The Shannontown Neighborhood Association will meet at 6 p.m. today at the South HOPE Center, 1125 Lafayette Drive. Call Hattie Watson at (803) 316-9461.

The Campbell Soup Friends lunch group will meet at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Golden Corral.

The Sumter County Democrats will host the 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fundraiser for Changeâ&#x20AC;? Saturday, March 1, at the Imperial, 451 Broad St. Speakers include gubernatorial candidate Vincent Sheheen, Rep. Bakari Sellers, U.S. Senate candidates Joyce Dickerson and Rick Wade, and Third Circuit Solicitor Ernest â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chipâ&#x20AC;? Finney III. U.S. Rep. James Clyburn will serve as keynote speaker. Social will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and the program beginning at 7 p.m. Limited tickets will be available at the door for $50 each.

The Sumter Benedict Alumni Club will meet at 6 p.m.

Monday, March 3, at the North HOPE Center. Call Shirley Blassingame at (803) 506-4019.

Sumter School District Superintendent Frank Baker will present an update on the district at the 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, meeting of Visioning in Progress. VIP meets at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month in the first floor conference room of the James F. Clyburn Intermodal Transportation Center (RTA). The public is invited to attend. Call (803) 4914910.

The Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center will hold a â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Pot Cook-Offâ&#x20AC;? 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, March 7, at 24 Council St. Cost is $10 per person for all you can sample and eat. Take outs will be available. Call (803) 773-1944 for details.

The Sumter County Active Lifestyles (SCAL) will hold its next community walk at noon Saturday, March 8, at Patriot Park, 200 General Drive. Walks are $1 per adult and free for children under 18, SCAL and SCOTM! members. Mary Nevins, water resources agent with Carolina Clear, will discuss rain gardens.

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LOCAL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Gov. Nikki Haley shakes hands with servicemen after announcing a new program for jobseeking veterans at Sysco Food Services in Columbia on Wednesday.

JOBS FROM PAGE A1 personnel to peruse. With the new program, military personnel registered with SCWorks will now get to see job openings a day before they become public to other statewide job seekers.

Pages on the site are also dedicated to companies looking to hire veterans.

Haley said companies are looking for quality employees such as servicemen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think these are tremendous workers,â&#x20AC;? Haley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think this is a gift when you can get military people to work within your establishment.â&#x20AC;?

S.C. Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt took the value of military personnel to South Carolina a step further, saying the Palmetto Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large number of veterans helps business recruitment efforts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wherever we go when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re selling South Carolina, veterans-as-employees is a big force for us,â&#x20AC;? Hitt said.

CHALLENGES FROM PAGE A1 two elementary schools with a high percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunches, an indicator of the poverty level of the student body. Crosswell Drive received an F last year, while the demographically similar R.E. Davis got an A. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That shows poor kids can learn. Povertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a factor, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not an excuse,â&#x20AC;? Zais said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about demographics, the education level

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

of the parents, or funding.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the adults in the school building who make the difference. With an effective teacher, poor kids can learn.â&#x20AC;?

The Sumter group also heard from McConnell, the longtime Charleston senator and powerful Senate president pro tempore who left the Legislature in 2012 when the state constitution required him to move to the lieutenant governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Becoming lieutenant governor was never on my radar screen,â&#x20AC;? McConnell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I took the oath

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of office, it felt like my political funeral.â&#x20AC;?

But McConnell took to the job with gusto and has dedicated himself to its primary responsibility, overseeing the Office on Aging. The problems facing the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elderly were shocking to him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One-third of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seniors live on Social Security alone. Fifty-one percent of people 55 and older have less than $50,000 saved for retirement, and South Carolina has 80,000 seniors with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s,â&#x20AC;? McConnell told the Sumter crowd.

N e w!

When the Office on Aging studied its Meals on Wheels program, found many seniors receiving the meals regularly still struggled with hunger, a mystery until officials realized the seniors, unable to afford pet food, were feeding the free meals to their dogs and cats. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we deliver pet food along with the meals,â&#x20AC;? he said.

McConnellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal now is to make sure seniors can live â&#x20AC;&#x153;the South Carolina dream of staying in their homeâ&#x20AC;? and avoid the cost of moving into a nursing home, which

can leave many seniors dependent on Medicaid.

McConnell also took the opportunity to call for increased funding for the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crumbling road infrastructure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fix our roads unless we increase the gas tax,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to pay it, nobody wants to pay it, but roads are a core function of government.â&#x20AC;?

The two speakers at the Legislative Day event had something else in common.

Both men have announced they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seek re-election later this year.

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

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Bubba Bobby Jindal waves war flag

W

ASHINGTON — This town can get pretty wound up when a politician misbehaves.

Given some of the reactions to Bobby Jindal’s offscript remarks Monday, you’d think he’d been caught with a mirror on his shoe in the ladies’ restroom.

No, it was much worse than that.

Hide the children. He Kathleen defied proto- Parker col!

In town for the National Governors Association winter meeting, Jindal joined other state chief executives in front of the White House after a meeting with the president.

Taking the microphone, Jindal said among other things that “the Obama economy is now the minimum wage economy,” and the president is “waving the white flag of surrender.”

It’s a wonder no one fainted.

According to those who follow closely every little thing, governors are in

COMMENTARY town to share blankies and not hurt feelings. They’re supposed to be bipartisanish and leave the spleen venting to Congress. Bobby didn’t get the memo.

His comments prompted a faux-angry rejoinder from Connecticut’s Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy, who called Jindal’s remarks “the most partisan statement that we’ve had all weekend,” — and Jindal’s white flag comment “the most insane statement I’ve ever heard.” (Really? Even wackier than you-can-keepyour-insurance-if-you-likeit?)

A smiling Jindal took the microphone again, adding that if his earlier comments were the most partisan thing Malloy had heard, “I want to make sure that he hears a more partisan statement.”

And so it went.

It should be mentioned that there were plenty of smiles all around and no one seemed to be reaching for their Valium. But Jindal seemed to be having a really good time — comfortable in his bravura, not to mention being in such close

proximity to the White House, his hoped-for future home.

Of course, he’s running for president in 2016. He hasn’t said so, but he clearly is. His actions speak far louder than his words.

Given this obvious fact, Jindal can’t start too soon demonstrating his older, wiser, more experienced persona. He has to be aggressive to convince the Republican base that he’s a stand-up guy willing to jump in the ring with Apollo Creed. OK, so maybe with Dannel Malloy.

This isn’t such an easy sell for the slightly built Rhodes scholar who became the nation’s youngest governor. And though Jindal is a Catholic convert — and he speaks with the natural lilt of his birth state of Louisiana — he is not visually “one of us” in the way some Republicans have demonstrated they’re most comfortable. To the birther sensibility, if President Obama was born in Kenya, then Jindal could be from Punjab. In fact, he was conceived there but born in Baton Rouge.

Birtherism is not unique to the fever swamps of Republican fringe dwellers, it is useful to remember.

When Jindal ran for governor in 2007, opponents frequently noted that his first name is Piyush. Democrats mentioned “Piyush Bobby Jindal” as often as Republicans brought up “Barack Hussein Obama” the following year. Of course, Vice President George H.W. Bush couldn’t resist referring to his Republican presidential rival Pete du Pont as “Pierre.” And so it goes.

Whatever you call him, anyone who has met Jindal quickly realizes that he considers himself a good ol’ boy, born and bred. Bubba Bobby. An admitted policy nerd who probably would rather revamp health care reform — overnight with no coffee — than attend a gator-wrestling match, he’s apparently ready to start flexing his muscles.

Though new to the broader public, this is a familiar Jindal to Louisianans during the Katrina era. While then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco was clearly overwhelmed by events, Jindal became the Incredible Hulk. Then a congressman in Washing-

ton, you might say he was bustin’ his britches to save the day, or at least as many fellow citizens as possible.

He flew to Louisiana, presumably by his own powers, rolled up his sleeves and procured caravans of trucks for relief efforts.

More recently, alas, Jindal is better known as the young man who delivered the GOP’s State of the Union response in 2009. A naturally fast talker, Jindal obviously had been coached to slow down. This did not work well. Rather than coming across as deliberative and thoughtful, Jindal seemed to be having an outof-body experience enhanced by special brownies.

No one is more aware of this than Jindal. Hence, what we saw Monday and likely will see again and again. Whether he could land the Republican nomination seems iffy at best, but it won’t be for lack of intelligence. Smarts is something else.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR We need to think of Bassmasters as an opportunity for tourism Manning is hosting a Bassmasters fishing tournament in the beginning of April.

We have an opportunity to get these people and accompanying spectators to tour Sumter and use our facilities.

Swan Lake will be in bloom with cherry trees and dogwoods. Shaw will be providing its daily air show of combat aircraft which isn’t advertised to the public traveling I-95.

I’ve called the Chamber of Commerce and our local tourism office on the subject, which didn’t show much interest.

By the way, having the tourism office at Swan Lake closed on weekends doesn’t help the tourists that do come to Sumter. OK Sumter, what can we do to get the Bassmasters?

JOHN J. PUZEWSKI Sumter

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE RAMIS’ TALENT WITH FILM, LIFE REMEMBERED In The New York Times, Douglas Martin writes: “Harold Ramis, Alchemist of Comedy, Dies at 69.”

Harold Ramis, a writer, director and actor whose boisterous but sly silliness helped catapult comedies like “Groundhog Day,” “Ghostbusters,”“Animal House” and “Caddyshack” to commercial and critical success, died on Monday in his Chicago-area home. He was 69.

Mr. Ramis was a master at creating hilarious plots and scenes peopled by indelible characters, among them a groundskeeper obsessed with a gopher, fraternity brothers at war with a college dean and a jaded weatherman condemned to living through Groundhog Day over and over.

“More than anyone else,” Paul Weingarten wrote in The Chicago Tribune Magazine in 1983, “Harold Ramis

has shaped this generation’s ideas of what is funny.”

And to Mr. Ramis, the fact was that “comedy is inherently subversive.”

“We represent the underdog as comedy usually speaks for the lower classes,” Mr. Ramis once said.

“We attack the winners.”

Mr. Ramis was multitalented: he was a skilled fencer and a ritual drummer, he spoke Greek to the owners of his local coffee shop and taught himself to ski by watching skiers on television. He made his own hats from felted fleece.

He said he felt pride in having made two — maybe four — films that might earn a footnote in film history. He did not specify which ones.

“That gives you a tremendous sense of validation,” he told The Los Angeles Times in 1993, “but at the same time you suffer the possibility that the next thing you do will be awful, and you have to face getting older, and I’m

not really looking forward to being 77 and being out there directing ‘Caddyshack XII.’”

WE NEED TO REPEAT REAGAN’S SUCCESS U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, discusses “How to Fix Our Appalling Tax Code.” Read it online at www.wsj.com: There have been so many changes to the tax code over the past decade that it is now 10 times the size of the Bible, but with none of the Good News. That factual statement usually gets a good laugh back home in Michigan. What isn’t funny is the effect that constant tinkering with taxes has had on the people who pay them, and on the economy.

The last time the U.S. enacted a comprehensive tax reform was 1986. But many of America’s major competi-

tors have been actively reforming their tax laws in recent years.

On Wednesday, I am releasing what a simpler, fairer tax code actually looks like.

The tax code changes in my plan are not intended as a means of raising revenue. If loopholes are closed, Americans should get the benefit by way of lower rates.

Tax reform needs to be about strengthening the economy and making the code simpler and fairer.

That’s what Republican President Ronald Reagan did when he worked with Democrats in Congress in 1986. We need to get to work and repeat that success.

WHAT MESSAGE IS OUR GOVERNMENT SENDING? From a letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal, Mark A. Smith of Highlands Ranch, Colo., writes: We better start asking some deeper questions about

the political thinking in our country. Is the purpose of government to distribute wealth from one person to another? What message are we sending our children if all they can expect with success is a redistribution of their wealth to others, who may not have the same level of work ethic, enthusiasm or discipline. Moreover, how can the top 1% ever be properly represented in our government when 99% of the population is voting (quite easily) against them? Does this raise new questions about how our country should assign voting rights?

Should we assign voting rights based on tax dollars paid? Let’s get back to the fundamentals our Founding Fathers started this country with — let people be successful if they want to be.

The Item’s “Notable & Quotable” column is compiled by Graham Osteen. Send comments or ideas to graham@ theitem.com.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your letter to letters@theitem.com, drop it of at The Item oice, 20 N. Magnolia St., or mail it to The Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151, along with the writer’s full name, address and telephone number (for veriication purposes only). Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety at www.theitem.com/opinion/letters_to_editor.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

BLANDING FROM PAGE A1 guard, including County Administrator Gary Mixon.

“He had not mentioned it to me,” Mixon said of the chairman’s decision to step down. “He had kind of alluded to it before, but almost everybody does that at some point.”

Blanding’s retirement will create two openings: for the District 6 seat on county council and the chairman’s position, a job that requires a councilman to take on more direct oversight of county operations and the lead role in representing Sumter County as a whole.

After Tuesday’s meeting, Blanding cited “personal concerns” that require his attention as the reason for his leaving office but declined to elaborate.

Blanding was first elected to the council in 2006 and took over the chairman’s seat in January 2013, having served the previous two years as vice chairman. He switched roles with former chairman Eugene Baten, who is now the council’s vice chair. Blanding previously served seven terms in the S.C. House of Representatives from 1976 to 1990.

The councilman said he intends to stay involved in the community after leaving office and would like to serve in some non-elected capacity, saying he enjoyed serving as a county representative on the SanteeLynches Council of Governments and the SanteeWateree Regional Transportation Authority.

“If some other office like that became available, I’d

consider serving,” he said, adding, “They say ‘never say never,’ but I don’t plan to hold elected office again.”

In his role as head of the council, Blanding has worked hand in hand with Mixon during the past year on county events and organizing council’s agenda.

The county administrator thought Blanding had changed since he was first elected.

“He was a man of very few words,” Mixon said.

“You knew where he would stand, but he didn’t comment much in meetings.”

But after assuming the chairmanship, Blanding took a more active leadership role on the council.

“He’s been deliberate, passionate, and he’s a pleasure to work with,” Mixon said.

It’s unclear who might succeed Blanding as council chair. In addition to Baten, council currently includes three other former chairmen, Charles Edens, Vivian Fleming-McGhaney and Naomi Sanders.

“You never know what you’re going to get with a new chairman,” Mixon said. “It’s a step up from being an average council member because it’s a pretty demanding job.”

Blanding didn’t mention anyone who might run for his District 6 seat in November, but depending on who runs, he said he might play a role in the campaign.

“When you live in the district, you have to be involved,” Blanding said.

“He’s going to be my councilman, too.”

DAILY PLANNER

WEATHER

Avalanche deaths spike as storms bring snow, risks SEATTLE (AP) — Skiers and snowboarders rejoiced when a series of storms dumped several feet of snow in the mountains across the West, after what had been a disappointing start for those seeking fresh powder in the backcountry.

But all the new snow and strong winds in the past month have fueled dangerous conditions from the Cascades to the Rockies, prompting forecasters

to issue warnings of considerable or high avalanche danger for many places outside of established ski areas.

Seventeen people have died in an avalanche this winter, 11 of them since early February.

Many more skirted disaster and survived with broken bones or other injuries.

Some were partially buried in snow, but managed to dig themselves out or were dug out by companions.

TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Sunshine, but cool

Mainly clear and cold

Mostly sunny and cooler

Partly sunny and warmer

Mostly sunny and pleasantly warm

Couple of showers, thunderstorms

57°

27°

49° / 36°

62° / 41°

71° / 50°

75° / 53°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 60%

Winds: W 4-8 mph

Winds: NNE 6-12 mph

Winds: NE 7-14 mph

Winds: NNE 3-6 mph

Winds: SSW 4-8 mph

Winds: SW 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep your conversations light and free from gossip. Don’t make promises that will end up causing emotional stress.

Acquiring knowledge will open doors to new friendships.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t let laziness or a lack of realism stand between you and success. Stick to what you do best and focus on getting ahead and you’ll reach your goal. The motives behind someone’s assistance may be questionable.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You’ll have to be imaginative and prepared to wheel and deal in order to get things done on time. Simplicity, directness and affordability should all be incorporated into whatever you decide to pursue.

have to offer. Love is on the rise.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Participation will make the difference. You can sit back and wait, or you can be forward and go after what you want. Don’t let a lazy attitude or demanding people be the reason you remain stationary.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s important to ask for a straight answer when dealing with emotional matters.

Don’t confuse issues by making excuses or letting others get away with something that will ultimately end up being your responsibility.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Address issues that have been hanging over your head. Be proactive and precise and you’ll get to the bottom of a situation that needs proper attention.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Weed out confusion by taking care of business pertaining to your past.

Whether it’s an investment that needs to be altered or a friendship that’s dragging you down, the time to act is now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Look, see and do. Don’t wait to be told or for LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Whether someone else to take over. Size up money is owed to you or by you, it’s your situation and do something time to pay up. Set a budget or about it. Whether you’re concerned payment plan that is doable for you or with a health, financial or legal issue, the person who owes you. A now’s the time to act. partnership will falter if equality isn’t PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): An maintained. unpredictable attitude will confuse VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Socialize with people who have something to offer. Put greater emphasis on the way you present and promote who you are, how you look and what you

the people around you. You may know what you’re striving to achieve, but someone looking out for you may not be able to see the method behind the measures you’re taking.

Columbia 58/26

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

Sumter 57/27

Today: Breezy with sunshine. Winds west-southwest 12-25 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny. Winds east-northeast 6-12 mph.

Aiken 55/25

ON THE COAST

Charleston 58/35

Today: Turning sunny, but sunnier in northern parts. High 56 to 60.

Friday: Mostly sunny; cooler in northern parts. High 49 to 56.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 50/27/s 7/-4/pc 56/44/s 14/-7/sf 58/43/pc 68/57/r 54/39/pc 30/12/sf 63/46/sh 34/10/sf 78/60/pc 62/52/r 39/16/pc

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

52° 41° 61° 37° 81° in 1977 11° in 1967

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

358.58 75.35 74.68 98.48

24-hr chg none +0.05 -0.03 -0.04

Sunrise 6:53 a.m.

Moonrise 5:21 a.m.

RIVER STAGES

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest.

Month to date Normal month to date Year to date Last year to date Normal year to date

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest.

12 9.79 19 5.40 14 10.06 14 5.46 80 79.80 24 10.90

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

0.17" 3.05" 3.22" 5.79" 5.93" 7.16"

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 53/38/s 20/12/c 76/49/pc 15/14/pc 70/60/c 66/53/r 64/56/c 23/18/s 71/51/s 23/16/s 78/58/pc 59/49/r 29/23/s

Myrtle Beach 56/29

Manning 59/28

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 58/26

Bishopville 58/26

Sunset Moonset

6:16 p.m.

4:44 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Mar. 1

Mar. 8

Mar. 16

Mar. 23

TIDES

24-hr chg -0.15 -0.40 -0.55 -0.12 -0.06 none

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Fri.

High 7:12 a.m.

7:26 p.m.

8:07 a.m.

8:21 p.m.

Ht. 3.4 3.2 3.5 3.4

Low 1:25 a.m.

2:04 p.m.

2:22 a.m.

2:55 p.m.

Ht. -0.8 -0.7 -1.0 -1.0

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 44/17/s 54/27/s 58/27/s 58/36/s 50/31/s 58/35/s 52/22/s 55/29/s 58/26/s 56/24/s 50/22/s 56/26/s 56/25/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 42/26/s 53/33/s 54/33/s 56/46/s 38/34/s 55/45/s 46/31/s 50/35/s 51/38/s 48/35/s 33/25/s 46/35/s 45/33/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 58/26/s Gainesville 60/32/pc Gastonia 52/23/s Goldsboro 54/24/s Goose Creek 58/34/s Greensboro 48/22/s Greenville 51/26/s Hickory 48/22/s Hilton Head 58/38/s Jacksonville, FL 60/33/pc La Grange 52/22/s Macon 56/26/s Marietta 49/24/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 49/37/s 67/42/s 44/32/s 42/29/s 55/45/s 39/30/s 48/33/s 41/27/s 53/46/s 62/44/s 56/33/s 57/36/s 52/34/s

City Marion Mt. Pleasant Myrtle Beach Orangeburg Port Royal Raleigh Rock Hill Rockingham Savannah Spartanburg Summerville Wilmington Winston-Salem

Today Hi/Lo/W 45/22/s 58/35/s 56/29/s 58/29/s 58/36/s 53/21/s 54/22/s 54/22/s 58/34/s 52/25/s 58/37/s 56/26/s 49/22/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 42/29/s 55/45/s 49/42/s 52/40/s 55/46/s 39/28/s 47/31/s 46/29/s 58/45/s 47/33/s 54/45/s 48/37/s 39/29/s

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

NOW YOU CAN REPLACE YOUR OLD NOISY, POWER HUNGRY HEAT PUMP FOR AS LITTLE AS

–$96.25– Per month for a complete two-ton heat pump replacement system. Other sizes at equally attractive prices. Call today for complete details on how you too can have a great comfort system installed by BOYKIN AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES.

PUBLIC AGENDA

The last word ARIES (March 21-April 19): in astrology Sharing is fine, EUGENIA LAST but only if you receive something of equal value in return.

Resentment will set in if you’ve been taken for granted. Protect your possessions.

Gaffney 51/24 Spartanburg 52/25

Greenville 51/26

MP OR D HEAT PU RUSTY OL ITIONER AIR COND

SUMTER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD Today, 7:30 a.m., Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, 32 E. Calhoun St.

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter

NATIONAL CITIES

NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

SEAL YOUR DUCTS FROM THE INSIDE

803-795-4257

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

1-4-6-18-31 PowerUp: 2

12-18-25-35-66 Megaball: 15 Megaplier: 5

PICK 4 WEDNESDAY

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY

6-3-2-2 and 0-4-3-6

2-5-3 and 3-0-2

Powerball numbers were not available at press time.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC SUBMITTED BY: Lupe Hill COMMENT: Hill comments, “The girls loved their poodle skirts that I made for them. They even danced ‘The Twist’ by Chubby Checker.” From left are Tori Armstrong, Leigh Thompson, Jada Armstrong and Maya Harrison. Photo taken by Siria Harrison.

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

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your photo. Amateur photographers only please.

SECTION

Mask or no mask for James in return tonight against Knicks?

B3

JAMES

B THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

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

SCISA STATE TOURNEYS

TSA squads both a victory away from SCISA 2A state title games

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com The Thomas Sumter Academy varsity girls basketball team will be seeing something close to a mirror image of itself, while the TSA boys will be going up against a style totally different from the one it prefers.

What both will be doing today, however, is playing for a spot in their respective SCISA 2A state championship games.

The Lady Generals will be facing Trinity-Byrnes at 3:30 p.m. at Sum-

ter County Civic Center in a girls semifinal game. The boys will play right behind them, taking on Charleston Collegiate in a boys semifinal game at approximately 5.

The girls contest will feature teams that split two regular-season contests. Trinity, which brings a 21-4 record into the contest, beat TSA 41-21 in December in Darlington. In January in Dalzell, the Lady Generals, 19-9, returned the favor with a 33-19 victory.

“This is really a grudge match since we are so similar,” said Thomas Sumter head coach B.J.

Reed. “They are very defensive-oriented; they have quick guards and good post play like us. We’re going to have to be able to handle the man-to-man pressure they’ll put on our guards.”

TSA, the lower No. 1 seed, has won its two playoff games despite getting just 10 points from leading scorer Taylor Knudson, who entered the tournament averaging 14 a game. Post players Hannah Jenkins and Julia Law are both averaging in double figures in the two

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Thomas Sumter Academy junior Hannah Jenkins, middle, and the Lady Generals look to make it back to the SCISA 2A state title game for the first time since the 2009-10 season. TSA’s girls will take on Trinity-Byrnes at 3:30 p.m. today while the boys will SEE TSA, PAGE B4 face Charleston Collegiate right afterwards.

USC BASKETBALL

Lady Gamecocks seeking outright SEC crown today

BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press

JUSTIN DRIGGERS / THE SUMTER ITEM

Laurence Manning Academy’s Rashaad Robinson (21) goes up for shot as Porter-Gaud’s Michael Barry (10) defends during the Swampcats’ 78-68 victory on Wednesday at Sumter County Civic Center in the quarterfinals of the SCISA 3A state tournament.

Saving the best for last 4th-quarter defense, offense carry LMA to 78-68 upset win over P-G

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS jdriggers@theitem.com When he saw the Porter-Gaud defender fall back, Shakei Green knew he was going to pull up for the 3-point shot.

“I could feel the momentum come back to us,” the Laurence Manning Academy senior said. “We never looked back after that. We just kept pushing.”

Straight into the SCISA 3A semifi-

nals, as it turned out.

Behind a more disciplined halfcourt defense, LMA erased a 10-point deficit to start the fourth quarter – capped by Green’s trey – and the EPPS Swampcats roared back to stun the lower bracket’s top-seeded Cyclones 78-68 on Wednesday at Sumter County Civic Center.

LMA, the lower No. 4 seed, improved to 21-11 on the season and will

face defending state champion and No. 2 seed Cardinal Newman on Friday at 5 p.m. at the civic center. The Cardinals defeated Heathwood Hall 48-40 in an earlier quarterfinal.

Porter-Gaud finished the year with a 17-7 overall mark.

“We told them (at the end of the third quarter), ‘Guys, we will win this game if you get back and play halfcourt defense and keep them in

SEE LMA, PAGE B4

COLUMBIA — No. 4 South Carolina is looking to launch its biggest celebration of the year Thursday night when it takes on Georgia.

The Gamecocks (25-2, 13-1 SEC) can wrap up the outright Southeastern Conference championship with a victory and finish 16-0 at home.

Coach Dawn Staley said her players’ focus has been as even-keeled as always, despite the good feelings that followed clinching a share of the SEC crown Sunday after 17thranked Texas A&M lost to No. 12 Kentucky.

“Obviously, there’s a lot at stake and I’m quite sure our players understand that,” Staley said Wednesday. “But in front of us, they’ve put up a united front and a focused look.”

That’s how South Carolina has risen all season long, particularly at home where they can complete their first-ever undefeated season since going 11-0 in 1978-79.

This past Sunday, the Gamecocks drew 10,547 people — the second largest crowd for women’s basketball since the 18,000-seat building opened in 2002 — to watch them earn a share of their first-ever SEC title with a 69-55 win over Florida.

About an hour later, Staley was smiling again when word of the Kentucky victory came in. Practices have been solid the past few days and Staley believes her team knows there’s more work ahead.

Georgia, usually near the top of the SEC standings, has struggled after going 0-4 to start the league season. Staley says the Bulldogs will certainly try and play the role of spoilers and prevent South Carolina from celebrating at time at home at their expense.

“We’re prepping our players to play the (Georgia) team that has been at the top,” she said.

Should the Gamecocks come up short against Georgia (18-9, 6-8), they’ll have a final chance to claim the title by themselves at No. 10 Tennessee on Sunday.

SEE USC, PAGE B2

PREP BASEBALL

Expectations still high for SHS baseball team

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com The Sumter High varsity baseball returns a familiar face in head coach Brooks Shumake this season, and expectations are already extremely high even before his team has hit the diamond -- at least according to those outside the program.

According to both the South Carolina Baseball Coaches Association and the Diamond Prospects preseason rankings, the Gamecocks are the top 4A team in SHUMAKE the state. East Clarendon is the SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO only other local team to earn a ranking, as it is Sumter High senior pitcher Charlie Barnes, a Clemson signee, is just ranked eighth in the SCBCA 1A poll.

“One of the reasons you get a preseason one of several reasons the Gamecocks are ranked atop two different ranking that high is because of players and ex4A high school preseason baseball polls.

perience and,of course, how well you did before,” Shumake said. “The team under (former head coach and current pitching) Coach Joe Norris’ leadership had a real fine year and finished ranked fifth at the end of the year after winning district (VII).

“I’m excited that they think we’re the No. 1 ranked team, but obviously we haven’t played a game yet and we’ve got to go out there and earn that,” the SHS head coach said. “We have to go out there and earn the respect of the polls based on how we play on the field.”

The Gamecocks went 19-11 last year, going 1-2 in the lower state tournament after winning the district.

SHS returns a core group of players, including Clemson-bound left-handed pitcher Charlie

SEE SHS, PAGE B4

B2

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SPORTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

SCOREBOARD

Santa Clara at Loyola Marymount, 11 p.m.

Oregon St. at Southern Cal, 11 p.m.

TV, RADIO

MLB SPRING TRAINING

TODAY

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

9 a.m. — Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Tshwane Open First Round from Centurion, South Africa (GOLF).

1 p.m. -- College Basketball: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Charlotte (ASPRE, WIS3 TIME WARNER 122).

1 p.m. — International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Match -- Napoli vs.

Swansea (FOX SPORTS 1).

1 p.m. — Major League Exhibition Baseball: Toronto vs. Philadelphia from Dunedin, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

2 p.m. — PGA Golf: The Honda Classic First Round from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (GOLF).

3 p.m. — College Basketball: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Charlotte (ASPRE, WIS3 TIME WARNER 122 ).

3 p.m. — International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Match -- Tottenham vs. Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (FOX SPORTS 1).

3 p.m. — Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona from Mesa, Ariz. (WGN).

5 p.m. — Major League Exhibition Baseball: Cleveland vs. Cincinnati from Goodyear, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

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

6:30 p.m. -- Women’s College Gymnastics: Louisiana State at Florida (ESPNU).

7 p.m. — College Basketball: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Charlotte (ASPRE, WIS3 TIME WARNER 122).

7 p.m. — College Basketball: Virginia Commonwealth at Fordham (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. — College Basketball: Arkansas at Kentucky (ESPN).

7 p.m. — College Basketball: Ohio State at Penn State (ESPN2).

7 p.m. — College Basketball: Charlotte at East Carolina (FOX SPORTS 1).

7 p.m. — Women’s College Basketball: Georgia at South Carolina (WNKT-FM 107.5).

8 p.m. — College Basketball: Wisconsin Green Bay at Oakland (ESPNU).

8 p.m. — College Basketball: Duquesne at Saint Louis (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. — NBA Basketball: New York at Miami (TNT).

8:30 p.m. — NHL Hockey: Carolina at Dallas (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

9 p.m. — College Basketball: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Charlotte (ASPRE, WIS3 TIME WARNER 122).

9 p.m. — College Basketball: Memphis at Houston (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

9 p.m. — College Basketball: Iowa at Indiana (ESPN).

9 p.m. — College Basketball: Temple at Louisville (ESPN2).

9 p.m. — College Basketball: Georgetown at Marquette (FOX SPORTS 1).

9 p.m. — Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Yankees vs. Pittsburgh from Bradenton, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

10 p.m. — College Basketball: Gonzaga at Pacific (ESPNU).

10:30 p.m. — NBA Basketball: Brooklyn at Denver (TNT).

10:30 p.m. — LPGA Golf: HSBC Championship Second Round from Singapore (GOLF).

11 p.m. — College Basketball: Oregon at UCLA (ESPN2).

11 p.m. — College Basketball: Oregon State at Southern California (FOX SPORTS 1).

1 a.m. — Major League Exhibition Baseball: Arizona vs. Los Angeles Dodgers from Glendale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

2 a.m. — NHL Hockey: Tampa Bay at Nashville (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

By The Associated Press TODAY

EAST New Hampshire at Albany (NY), 7 p.m.

Robert Morris at Fairleigh Dickinson, 7 p.m.

VCU at Fordham, 7 p.m.

Binghamton at Hartford, 7 p.m.

CCSU at LIU Brooklyn, 7 p.m.

Maine at Mass.-Lowell, 7 p.m.

Sacred Heart at Mount St. Mary’s, 7 p.m.

Ohio St. at Penn St., 7 p.m.

Bryant at St. Francis (NY), 7 p.m.

Stony Brook at Vermont, 7 p.m.

St. Francis (Pa.) at Wagner, 7 p.m.

Siena at Quinnipiac, 8:30 p.m.

SOUTH UNC Greensboro at Davidson, 7 p.m.

Charlotte at East Carolina, 7 p.m.

Wofford at Elon, 7 p.m.

Georgia Southern at Furman, 7 p.m.

Jacksonville at Kennesaw St., 7 p.m.

Arkansas at Kentucky, 7 p.m.

Florida Gulf Coast at Lipscomb, 7 p.m.

North Florida at Mercer, 7 p.m.

Stetson at N. Kentucky, 7 p.m.

Marshall at Old Dominion, 7 p.m.

FIU at Southern Miss., 7 p.m.

Chattanooga at W. Carolina, 7 p.m.

Tennessee Tech at E. Kentucky, 7:30 p.m.

Middle Tennessee at Louisiana Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Tennessee St. at Morehead St., 7:30 p.m.

South Alabama at Louisiana-Monroe, 8 p.m.

Appalachian St. at Samford, 8 p.m.

UALR at Troy, 8 p.m.

Murray St. at UT-Martin, 8 p.m.

Incarnate Word at McNeese St., 8:30 p.m.

Abilene Christian at Nicholls St., 8:30 p.m.

Northwestern St. at SE Louisiana, 8:30 p.m.

Stephen F. Austin at New Orleans, 8:45 p.m.

Temple at Louisville, 9 p.m.

Southern U. at MVSU, 9 p.m.

MIDWEST Milwaukee at Detroit, 7 p.m.

South Dakota at N. Dakota St., 8 p.m.

Portland St. at North Dakota, 8 p.m.

Green Bay at Oakland, 8 p.m.

Denver at S. Dakota St., 8 p.m.

Austin Peay at SE Missouri, 8 p.m.

Duquesne at Saint Louis, 8 p.m.

IPFW at W. Illinois, 8 p.m.

IUPUI at Nebraska-Omaha, 8:07 p.m.

Iowa at Indiana, 9 p.m.

Georgetown at Marquette, 9 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Sam Houston St. at Cent. Arkansas, 8 p.m.

UAB at Rice, 8 p.m.

W. Kentucky at Texas St., 8 p.m.

North Texas at UTSA, 8 p.m.

Lamar at Oral Roberts, 8:30 p.m.

Georgia St. at Texas-Arlington, 8:30 p.m.

Memphis at Houston, 9 p.m.

Tulsa at UTEP, 9:05 p.m.

FAR WEST UMKC at Grand Canyon, 9 p.m.

Portland at Saint Mary’s (Cal), 9 p.m.

Oregon at UCLA, 9 p.m.

Sacramento St. at Weber St., 9 p.m.

N. Arizona at Idaho St., 9:05 p.m.

S. Utah at Montana St., 9:05 p.m.

E. Washington at N. Colorado, 9:05 p.m.

New Mexico St. at Utah Valley, 9:05 p.m.

Texas-Pan American at CS Bakersfield, 10 p.m.

CS Northridge at Cal St.-Fullerton, 10 p.m.

Gonzaga at Pacific, 10 p.m.

San Francisco at Pepperdine, 10 p.m.

Chicago St. at Seattle, 10 p.m.

Cal Poly at UC Davis, 10 p.m.

UC Santa Barbara at UC Irvine, 10 p.m.

Hawaii at Long Beach St., 10:30 p.m.

Detroit 6, Atlanta 5 Pittsburgh 6, N.Y. Yankees 5 Toronto 4, Philadelphia 3, 7 innings Oakland 10, San Francisco 5 Cincinnati 8, Cleveland 3 Arizona 4, L.A. Dodgers 1

TODAY’S GAMES

Philadelphia vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Pittsburgh vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Atlanta vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Arizona (ss) vs. L.A. Dodgers at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Arizona (ss) vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Cleveland vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

San Diego vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Milwaukee vs. Oakland at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m.

Texas vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION W Toronto 32 Brooklyn 26 New York 21 Boston 19 Philadelphia 15 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W Miami 40 Washington 29 Charlotte 27 Atlanta 26 Orlando 17 CENTRAL DIVISION W Indiana 43 Chicago 30 Detroit 23 Cleveland 22 Milwaukee 11

L 25 28 36 39 42

Pct .561 .481 .368 .328 .263

GB – 41/2 11 131/2 17

L 14 28 30 30 42

Pct .741 .509 .474 .464 .288

GB – 121/2 141/2 15 251/2

L 13 26 34 36 45

Pct .768 .536 .404 .379 .196

GB – 13 201/2 22 32

THE SUMTER ITEM

USA BASKETBALL

Staley to coach women’s under-18 national team

BY DOUG FEINBERG The Associated Press

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley will coach the U.S. women’s under-18 team at the FIBA Americas championships this summer.

Staley, who won three Olympic gold medals playing for the U.S. national team, also coached the U.S. to a gold at the 2007 Pan American Games.

“I appreciate every opportunity I have to work with USA STALEY Basketball, an organization that I’ve worked with for almost half of my life,” Staley said. “I’m honored to be chosen and look forward to a different experience working with such a young group of athletes but in an organization I’m very familiar with.”

She will be assisted by Louisville coach Jeff Walz and Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico.

“We’ve had some preliminary meet-andgreets over text messaging, but I look forward to working with both of them,” Staley said of her coaching staff. “I think both will have program insight that will ultimately help us win the gold medal.”

Staley is also a candidate to be an assis-

tant coach for the U.S. national team which plays in the World Championship this summer. She could potentially do both coaching roles.

Both assistant coaches will get their first USA Basketball coaching experience.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for years,” Walz said. “I wasn’t sure how to get involved, but am so glad I am now. It’s an opportunity to work with some great people.”

Like Walz, Barnes Arico was excited for a chance to represent the U.S. “It has always been a dream of mine to be involved with USA Basketball and represent our country,” Barnes Arico said. “It is one of the highest honors you can achieve in any sport. To get an opportunity to be surrounded by the best players and coaches in the game is exciting. I am thrilled to be teaming up with two of the brightest minds in the business.”

If the U.S. finishes in the top four teams in the tournament this summer the Americans will qualify for next year’s U19 World Championship.

Staley is having a stellar season at South Carolina, leading the Gamecocks to a 25-2 mark. They’ve already clinched a share of the program’s first Southeastern Conference regular season title and can win the league outright on Thursday.

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W San Antonio 40 Houston 39 Dallas 35 Memphis 31 New Orleans 23 NORTHWEST DIVISION W Oklahoma City 43 Portland 39 Minnesota 28 Denver 25 Utah 20 PACIFIC DIVISION W L.A. Clippers 39 Golden State 35 Phoenix 33 Sacramento 20 L.A. Lakers 19

L 16 18 23 24 33

Pct .714 .684 .603 .564 .411

GB – 11/2 6 81/2 17

L 14 18 29 31 36

Pct .754 .684 .491 .446 .357

GB – 4 15 171/2 221/2

L 20 22 23 37 38

Pct .661 .614 .589 .351 .333

GB – 3 41/2 18 19

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Indiana 118, L.A. Lakers 98 Washington 115, Orlando 106 Toronto 99, Cleveland 93 Chicago 107, Atlanta 103 Minnesota 110, Phoenix 101 Portland 100, Denver 95 Houston 129, Sacramento 103

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Orlando at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Atlanta at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Golden State at Chicago, 8 p.m.

New Orleans at Dallas, 8 p.m.

Cleveland at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Detroit at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Phoenix at Utah, 9 p.m.

Brooklyn at Portland, 10 p.m.

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

TODAY’S GAMES

Milwaukee at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Washington at Toronto, 7 p.m.

New York at Miami, 8 p.m.

Brooklyn at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Boston 57 37 Tampa Bay 58 33 Montreal 59 32 Toronto 60 32 Detroit 58 26 Ottawa 59 26 Florida 58 22 Buffalo 58 16 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W Pittsburgh 58 40 N.Y. Rangers 59 32 Philadelphia 59 30 Columbus 58 29 Washington 59 27 Carolina 58 26 New Jersey 59 24 N.Y. Islanders 60 22

L OT Pts GF GA 16 4 78 176 125 20 5 71 168 145 21 6 70 148 142 22 6 70 178 182 20 12 64 151 163 22 11 63 169 191 29 7 51 139 183 34 8 40 113 174 L OT Pts GF GA 15 3 83 186 138 24 3 67 155 146 23 6 66 162 167 24 5 63 170 161 23 9 63 171 175 23 9 61 146 161 22 13 61 135 146 30 8 52 164 200

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION St. Louis Chicago Colorado Minnesota Dallas Winnipeg Nashville PACIFIC DIVISION

GP 57 60 58 59 58 60 59

W 39 35 37 31 27 28 25

L OT Pts GF GA 12 6 84 196 135 11 14 84 207 163 16 5 79 174 153 21 7 69 145 147 21 10 64 164 164 26 6 62 168 175 24 10 60 146 180

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 60 41 14 5 87 196 147 San Jose 59 37 16 6 80 175 142 Los Angeles 59 31 22 6 68 139 128 Phoenix 58 27 21 10 64 163 169 Vancouver 60 27 24 9 63 146 160 Calgary 58 22 29 7 51 137 179 Edmonton 60 20 33 7 47 153 199 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Buffalo 3, Carolina 2 Wednesday’s Games Boston at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Detroit at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

Los Angeles at Colorado, 10 p.m.

St. Louis at Vancouver, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Columbus at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Toronto at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Chicago at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

San Jose at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Washington at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.

Carolina at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Los Angeles at Calgary, 9:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m.

TRANSACTIONS The Associated Press BASEBALL American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Claimed RHP Maikel Cleto off waivers from Kansas City. Designated INF Jake Elmore for assignment.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Agreed to terms with OF Mike Trout on a oneyear contract.

TEXAS RANGERS — Agreed to terms with LHPs Pedro Figueroa, Michael Kirkman, Joseph Ortiz and Robbie Ross, Jr., RHPs Miles Mikolas, Ben Rowen, Nick Tepesch, Shawn Tolleson and Matt West, C Robinson Chirinos, INF Jurickson Profar and OF Alex Castellanos on one-year contracts.

USC FROM PAGE B1 South Carolina is the league’s only one-loss team.

Texas A&M and Tennessee are next with three SEC losses each. The Gamecocks would need to lose both contests this week while one or both of its pursuers win out for a tie at the top.

Gamecocks leading scorer Tiffany Mitchell says the players are excited about the opportunity to win the championship alone. “I don’t think we’re too good with sharing,” she said. “I think we’d much rather have it by ourselves.”

Some of the players left the arena Sunday before news about clinching part of the title came in. That’s when the texts from coaches and friends about the result flooded her phone.

It was a moment Staley told Mitchell, a sophomore averaging 15.3 points a game, to prepare for during recruiting two years ago.

Mitchell believed the Gamecocks were on the rise so the Parade All-American from Charlotte, N.C., signed on.

“I kind of wanted to be a part of all of that,” she said. “I know we have a huge home crowd coming out for this last game so it would be fun to win it on our court.”

Earlier Wednesday, Staley was named head coach for the U.S. women’s under-18 team at the FIBA Americas championships this summer. Should America finish in the top four, it would qualify for the U19 World Championships next year.

Staley won three Olympic

gold medals as a player and was an assistant coach when the American team won gold in 2008.

“I’ve given probably over half of my life to the organization,” Staley said of USA Basketball. “I love to coach and be a part of because when you represent the United States, there’s one common goal and that’s to win gold.”

Staley’s got a goal for her Gamecocks — to win as much as possible.

Another victory would be Staley’s most in a season so far at South Carolina and she’s pointing to even more in the SEC and NCAA tournaments as the vision she came with six years ago is unfolding.

“A win is you see the fruits of your labor become reality,” Staley said. “It is a beautiful thing.”

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Auburn tops Carolina 83-67 AUBURN, Ala. – Chris Denson scored 22 points and Allen Payne added 15 to lead Auburn past South Carolina 83-67 on Wednesday as the Gamecocks fell to 10-18 overall and last in the Southeastern Conference at 3-12.

Brenton Williams led USC with a game-high 26 points followed by Mindaugas Kacinas WILLIAMS with 10 points.

South Carolina hosts Kentucky at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Colonial Life Arena. The game will be televised on ESPN.

halftime — and seven 3-pointers for the Tar Heels (21-7, 11-4 Atlantic Coast Conference), who won the 10th straight. UNC needed every bit of that production to outlast the Wolfpack (17-11, 7-8) and league-leading scorer T.J. Warren, who had a career-high 36 points in a losing effort.

The Tar Heels were down 11 points in the first half and by six with 2 minutes left in overtime, , but clawed back to win in a classic finish between nearby rivals.

(8) VILLANOVA 67

TEXAS TECH 37 MORGANTOWN, W.Va.— Bria Holmes scored 28 points and No. 11 West Virginia cruised past Texas Tech 69-37 on Wednesday night.

BUTLER 48

VILLANOVA, Pa. — Darrun Hilliard and James Bell scored 11 points each to lead No. 8 Villanova to a 67-48 victory over Butler on Wednesday night.

(12) VIRGINIA 65 MIAMI 40

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — London Perrantes scored a career-high 15 points and No. 12 Virginia opened the second half with a 16-5 run in a 65-40 victory over Miami on Wednesday night, the Cavaliers’ 12th consecutive win.

(15) IOWA STATE 83 WEST VIRGINIA 66

AMES, Iowa — Georges Niang scored 24 points, DeAndre Kane had 17 and 11 rebounds and No. 15 Iowa State beat West Virginia 83-66 on Wednesday night for its seventh win in eight games.

(16) MICHIGAN 77 PURDUE 76

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Glenn Robinson III got a late bank shot to roll in as time expired Wednesday night, giving No. 16 Michigan a 77-76 overtime victory at Purdue.

(19) NORTH CAROLINA 85 NC STATE 84

RALEIGH, N.C.— Marcus Paige hit a driving basket with 0.9 seconds left to cap a career night and help No. 19 North Carolina beat North Carolina State 85-84 in overtime on Wednesday.

Paige finished with 35 points — 31 after

WOMEN’S (11) WEST VIRGINIA 69

(23) MIDDLE TENNESSEE 70 EAST CAROLINA 59

GREENVILLE, N.C. — Ebony Rowe scored 23 points, on 7-of-8 shooting, to lead No. 23 Middle Tennessee past East Carolina 70-59 Wednesday night.

(24) RUTGERS 67 TEMPLE 58

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Tyler Scaife had 21 points and Kahleah Copper had 17 points and 12 rebounds on Wednesday night to lead No. 24 Rutgers past Temple 67-58.

NBA MAGIC 101 76ERS 90 PHILADELPHIA — Jameer Nelson scored 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and Nik Vucevic had 21 points and 13 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic snap a 16-game road losing streak with a 101-90 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

CELTICS 115 HAWKS 104

BOSTON — Jerryd Bayless scored a season-high 29 points in a rare start, and Rajon Rondo added 22 points and 11 assists to help the Boston Celtics break a five-game losing streak with a 115-104 victory over the slumping Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

From wire reports

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

PRO FOOTBALL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

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B3

PRO BASKETBALL

Panthers’ Gross retires, WR Smith’s future unclear

BY STEVE REED The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — One longtime Carolina Panther called it quits on Wednesday, while another may be headed out the door behind him.

Offensive tackle Jordan Gross, who started a franchise-record 167 games during 11 seasons with the Panthers, officially retired at a news conference at the stadium. Afterward, coach Ron Rivera SMITH was non-committal on whether star wide receiver Steve Smith will be back with the team next season.

“A lot of it will have to do with what our situation and circumstances are going to be,” Rivera said when asked directly about Smith’s future.

“I think as we go forward, just what the role is going to be we’ll see.”

Rivera said the Panthers need to clear salary cap room and said free agency may determine what happens with Smith.

Smith, the franchise’s alltime leader in receptions and touchdowns, is under contract through 2016 but is set to cost $7 million under the 2014 NFL salary cap.

A 13-year NFL veteran who holds almost every major receiving record with the Panthers, Smith was present at Gross’ retirement news conference but declined to discuss his own future.

“This is Jordan’s day,” Smith said. “We’re not discussing me.”

Gross and Smith were the only two players on last year’s roster who played for Carolina’s Super Bowl team in 2003.

Smith plans to meet with general manager Dave Gettleman in the next week or so to determine what his future holds.

It’s unclear at this point if the Panthers want Smith to take a pay cut.

Carolina has already restructured the contracts of linebacker Thomas Davis, center Ryan Kalil and running back Jonathan Stewart this offseason to create cap space.

The Panthers need to create cap room to sign quarterback Cam Newton to a long-term contract extension and also need to make a decision soon on the future of defensive end Greg Hardy, who’ll be an unrestricted free agent.

Restructuring contracts has become commonplace in the Gettleman regime. He restruc-

tured seven contracts last season, including Gross’ deal.

“I didn’t like you very much last offseason but I got over that,” Gross said jokingly to Gettleman during his news conference.

Rivera said he believes Smith wants to play for Carolina next season.

“My understanding is yes, but we have to go through our entire process and we have to do things we need to before we starting coming out and talking about where we’re going, and how we’re going to get there,” Rivera said. “We know what we want to do. We are working on plans.”

Smith had 64 receptions for 745 yards and four touchdowns last season.

“I think a lot has to do with not just free agency but our own roster,” Rivera said. “We have to create space and we know that. We are in a tough position right now and (our front office) is working very hard on it. It’s about making sure we have the right situation so that we can go forward.”

The press conference for Gross was attended by team owner Jerry Richardson and more than three dozen former teammates, coaches and members of the training staff.

Gross looked more like a tight end than an offensive lineman at the press conference, already having dropped 25 pounds from his regular playing weight of 305.

An emotional Gross presented a slideshow with some of his favorite photos through the years — often making fun of himself along the way. He got choked up when he got to a picture of team’s offensive linemen and then again when he saw a photo of Smith jumping into his arms during the Super Bowl.

After Gross finished speaking he got a huge surprise when a Charlotte-based barbershop quartet led by teammate Ryan Kalil stood up and sang “Happy Trails.”

“This wasn’t your typical retirement press conference,” Gross said with a laugh.

Gross, who was drafted by the Panthers in the first round in 2003, said he made his mind to retire midway through last season. He notified the Panthers of his intensions before the Scouting Combines.

Gross said the Panthers wanted him to return for another season, but his mind was made up. Rivera said he didn’t try to talk Gross out of the decision.

The coach said, “It was his call.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Carolina left tackle Jordan Gross (69) keeps New Orleans’ Will Smith (91) blocked as Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks for a receiver. The Panthers will have to find someone new to protect Newton’s blindside following the retirement of Gross and now questions surround whether receiver Steve Smith will retire as well.

It’s your world.

Read all about it.

Call (803) 774-1200 and get started today.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York Knicks guard and former Latta High School standout Raymond Felton (2) loses the ball as against Dallas’ DeJuan Blair. Felton was arrested Tuesday on weapons charges after a lawyer for Felton’s wife turned in a loaded gun allegedly belonging to the basketball star, saying she didn’t want it in her home, police said. Felton turned himself in and will return to the court today for the Knicks.

Felton says arrest not a distraction to Knicks

BY BRIAN MAHONEY The Associated Press GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Raymond Felton is determined to keep personal turmoil from affecting what was already his most trying season professionally.

A day after his arrest on felony weapons charges, Felton returned to practice with the New York Knicks on Wednesday, saying that was “not a distraction” to the team.

Felton spoke for less than a minute and did not take questions. He thanked family, friends and teammates for their support and insisted his thoughts were on the Knicks’ game Thursday night in Miami.

“This is not a distraction to this team,” he said. “I’m focusing on finishing out this season, finishing out these games with my teammates and going down to Miami, focusing on this next game at task versus the defending champs.”

The Knicks are barely hanging on in the playoff race and Felton’s struggles have been among their biggest problems. Slowed by nagging leg injuries early, he’s averaging a career-worst 10.4 points on 40.3 percent shooting for a team with a 21-36 record.

He’s also dealing with the breakup of his marriage, and he was arrested early Tuesday after authorities said a lawyer for his wife turned into a police precinct a loaded semi-automatic handgun allegedly belonging to the point guard, claiming she no longer wanted it in their home.

Felton was released on $25,000 bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 2.

Knicks coach Mike Woodson said he never considered not letting Felton play against the Heat.

“The bottom line is Ray is a part of our team, and as his coach I’m going to support him and make sure he’s doing everything the right way from here on out, and to try to get him to just concentrate on basketball and practice and playing games,” Woodson said.

Felton was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and criminal possession of a firearm. The firearm charge is punishable by up to four years in prison. The weapons charge is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

He had turned himself into police not long after a 110-108 loss to Dallas dropped the Knicks farther back in the playoff race.

His wife, Ariane Raymondo-Felton, filed for divorce last week, according to court records, and Felton acknowledged recently dealing with personal problems.

He said he wouldn’t comment on the case, referring any questions to his lawyer.

“But other than that, I’m here to concentrate on this team, finish this season out with the New York Knicks and see what happens, man,” Felton said. “Trying to make it to the playoffs. We’re 5½ games out, 25 games left, so I’m really focusing on that with these guys, with the team and trying to make that happen.”

Miami’s James to return tonight

BY STEVEN WINE The Associated Press MIAMI — LeBron James says his new protective mask is hot, uncomfortable and prone to fogging up. Plus, as teammate Dwyane Wade pointed out, it looks weird.

So James is in the market for design suggestions.

“I’ve been talking to Marvel Comics for the last couple of days, and DC Comics, to try to come up with one of the greatest masks of all time,” James said with a chuckle Wednesday. “So we’ll see what hapJAMES pens.”

James spoke after trying out his new mask for the first time in practice.

He plans to use it Thursday when the Miami Heat play the New York Knicks.

The game will be the first for James since he broke his nose last Thursday in a victory at Oklahoma City. He and his mask took part in contact drills Wednesday, and coach Erik Spoelstra was encouraged by James’ progress.

“He’ll give it a shot Thursday,” Spoelstra

N e w!

said. “He was able to go through today without any hiccups. But he also didn’t take a hit today.”

Given James’ aggressive style of play, he’s bound to receive an inadvertent blow to the face sooner or later. Thus the mask.

“It lessens the impact,” said James, who wore a mask 10 years ago to protect a broken cheek. “You can still feel it, because the nose is still tender. But it definitely lessens the pain.”

James had removed his clear mask by the time media were admitted to the gym for the end of practice, but teammates provided a description.

“He looked like every other player in a mask — it looks weird,” Wade said. “He looks like the LeBron that wore a mask the first time, only about 30 pounds heavier, a little more muscular, a little less hair.”

Said Shane Battier with a grin: “As long as No. 6 is in uniform, he looks all right to me.”

James was on a roll when hurt. On Thursday he’ll try for his fifth consecutive 30-point game, which would be the secondlongest such streak in Heat history.

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PREP SPORTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCHSL STATE BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS

(1) (2) (1) (1)

(1)

(1)

(1) (1)

4A BOYS Third Round Tuesday UPPER STATE Irmo 76, (1), (2) Gaffney 65 Hillcrest 68, (4) Byrnes 62 LOWER STATE Sumter 45, (2) Goose Creek 37 Wando 70, (2) Dutch Fork 64 UPPER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Friday at Bon Secours Wellness Center (in Greenville) Irmo vs. (2) Hillcrest, 8:30 p.m.

LOWER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Friday at Florence Civic Center Sumter vs. (1) Wando, 8:30 p.m.

4A GIRLS Third Round Tuesday UPPER STATE Greenwood 56, (1) Irmo 50 Dorman 66, (2) Spring Valley 47 LOWER STATE Dutch Fork 45, (1) West Florence

(1) 48 (1) Summerville 75, (1) Goose Creek 52 UPPER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Friday at Bon Secours Wellness Center (in Greenville) (1) Greenwood vs. (1) Dorman, 7 p.m.

LOWER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Friday at Florence Civic Center (1) Dutch Fork vs. (1) Summerville, 7 p.m.

3A BOYS Third Round Wednesday UPPER STATE (2) A.C. Flora at (1) Emerald

(3) Greenville 45, (1) Dreher 44 LOWER STATE (1) Myrtle Beach 55, (2) Midland Valley 51 (1) Darlington 69, (1) Airport 50 3A GIRLS Third Round Tuesday UPPER STATE (2) Dreher 63, (1) Daniel 48 (1) Lower Richland 64, (4) AC Flora 40 LOWER STATE (1) Orangeburg-Wilkinson 56, (1) Myrtle Beach 27 (1) Crestwood 55, (2) Hilton Head Island 31 UPPER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Center (in Greenville) (1) Dreher vs. (1) Lower Richland, 5 p.m.

LOWER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday at Florence Civic Center (1) Orangeburg-Wilkinson vs. (1) Crestwood, 5 p.m.

2A BOYS Third Round Wednesday UPPER STATE (2) Abbeville at (1) Newberry (1) Keenan at (1) Indian Land LOWER STATE (1) Ridgeland-Hardeeville 59, (1) Calhoun County 52 (1) Lake Marion 92, (1) Mullins 59 2A GIRLS Third Round Tuesday UPPER STATE (1) Newberry 46, (1) Pendleton 36 (1) Andrew Jackson 50, (3) Keenan 44

SCISA STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS LOWER STATE (1) Bishop England 76, (2) Battery Creek 38 (1) Dillon 50, (1) Kingstree 49 UPPER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Center (in Greenville) (1) Newberry vs. (1) Andrew Jackson, 2 p.m.

LOWER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday at Florence Civic Center (1) Bishop England vs. (1) Dillon, 2 p.m.

1A BOYS Third Round Wednesday UPPER STATE (1) St. Joseph’s 57, (1) Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 38 (3) Southside Christian at (1) CA Johnson LOWER STATE (2) Timmonsville at (1) Whale Branch (1) Hemingway at (1) Johnsonville 1A GIRLS Third Round Tuesday UPPER STATE (1) St. Joseph’s 67, (1) McCormick 41 (1) Lamar 56, (1) Ridge SpringMonetta 49 LOWER STATE (3) Hemingway 45, (1) Baptist Hill 29 (1) Latta 40, (1) Timmonsville 35 UPPER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Center (in Greenville) (1) St. Joseph’s vs. (1) Lamar, 11 a.m.

LOWER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday at Florence Civic Center (3) Hemingway vs. (1) Latta, 11 a.m.

BOYS 3A at Sumter County Civic Center Quarterfinals Wednesday (2) Cardinal Newman 48, (3) Heathwood Hall 40 (6) Ben Lippen vs. (2) Northwood (4) Laurence Manning vs. (1) Porter-Gaud (4) Augusta Christian vs. (1) Hammond Semifinals Friday (2) Cardinal Newman vs. Laurence Manning or Porter-Gaud, 5 p.m.

(6) Ben Lippen or (2) Northwood vs. (4) Augusta Christian vs. (1) Hammond, 8 p.m.

GIRLS 3A at Sumter County Civic Center Quarterfinals Tuesday (2) Hilton Head Christian 46, (3) Laurence Manning 34 (1) Northwood 90, (5) Hammond (Lower 5) 39 (6) First Baptist 50, (2) Orangeburg Prep 39 (1) Heathwood Hall 79, (4) Porter-Gaud 42 Semifinals Friday (1) Northwood vs. (6) First Baptist, 3:30 p.m.

(2) Hilton Head Christian vs. (1) Heathwood Hall, 6:30 p.m.

2A BOYS Quarterfinals Tuesday (1) Oakbrook Prep 79, (4) The

King’s Acadamey 30 (3) Bible Baptist 56, (2) Palmetto Christian 52 (1) Charleston Collegiate 79, (5) Spartanburg Day 41 (7) Thomas Sumter 59, (6) Dillon Christian 34 Semifinals Today at Sumter County Civic Center (1) Oakbrook Prep vs. (3) Bible Baptist, 8 p.m.

(1) Charleston Collegiate vs. (7) Thomas Sumter, 5 p.m.

2A GIRLS Semifinals Today at Sumter County Civic Center (1) Richard Winn vs. (3) Beaufort Academy, 6:30 p.m.

(1)Thomas Sumter Academy vs. (2) Trinity-Byrnes, 3:30 p.m.

BOYS 1A Semifinals Today at Wilson Hall A (3) St. John’s Christian vs. (4) Coastal Christian, 7 p.m. at Wilson Hall B (1) Christian Academy vs. (2) Newberry Academy 1A GIRLS Semifinals Today at Wilson Hall A (1) Newberry Academy vs. (3) James Island Christian, 5:30 p.m. at Wilson Hall B (1) Colleton Prep vs. (2) W.W. King, 5:30 p.m.

S.C. BASEBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION POLLS 4A 1. Sumter 2. Blythewood 3. Lexington 4. Dorman 5. Mauldin 6. West Ashley 7. South Aiken 8. Summerville 9. Northwestern T10. Wade Hampton T10. Nation Ford

2A 1. Bishop England 2. Chesnee 3. Liberty 4. Mid-Carolina 5. Loris 6. Waccamaw 7. Dillon 8. Ninety-Six 9. Aynor T10. Chesterfield T10. Pelion

3A 1. A.C. Flora 2. Greenville 3. Wren 4. Belton-Honea Path 5. Airport 6. Socastee 7. Emerald 8. Berkeley 9. James Island T10. Chester T10. Blue Ridge

1A 1. St. Joseph’s 2. Latta 3. Fox Creek 4. Lewisville 5. Lake View 6. Dixie 7. Southside Christian 8. East Clarendon 9. Johnsonville T10. McBee T10. Lamar

SHS FROM PAGE B1 Barnes as well as The Citadel signees Phillip Watcher and Jacob Watcher. Barnes is the only returning All-Region and All-State player. The team also hopes to get key contributions from returnees Ian McCaffrey, Tee Dubose, River Soles and Javon Martin.

The team lost starters Will Smith and Taylor McFaddin, both North-South All-Star Game selections, to graduation.

“Every year every coach goes into the season hoping they’re going to win a championship because that’s why we do it, to try to bring home the trophy,” said Shumake, who led SHS to state titles in 2006 and ‘11 in his first stint.

“But we can’t win the championship until we get to the playoffs, and my first goal is to win game No. 1 and we want to have high expectations to finish first in our region and to get a good seeding in the tournament.

“That’s going to be very key, to try to get that homefield advantage in the playoffs,” he said. “Our first goal

is the first game then we’ve got to get through the region play well and get a good seeding for the playoffs.”

Despite the early attention, Shumake doesn’t put too much stock into early rankings, saying they’re good for bringing attention to the sport before the start of the season.

“Obviously when you’re preseason ranked No. 1 in the state there’s only one place to go from there, and that’s to go to No. 2 or No. 3, 4, 5 or 6,” he said. “I think the top 10 teams that are ranked, all those teams that are playing well at the right time are going to have the opportunity to be very successful and possibly win a championship.”

The Gamecocks open the season in the International Paper Baseball Classic in Georgetown March 6-9. They will face Summerville at 2 p.m. on March 6, then face Dorman at 10:30 a.m. on March 7 and Conway at 8:30 a.m. on March 8.

The final games will be played on March 9.

For more information on the tournament, visit www.ipclassic.com.

Laurence Manning Academy’s Maliq Green (3) dribbles the ball in front of Porter-Gaud’s Donte Smith (14) during the Swampcats’ 78-68 victory on Wednesday at Sumter County Civic Center in the quarterfinals of the SCISA 3A state tournament.

JUSTIN DRIGGERS / THE SUMTER ITEM

LMA FROM PAGE B1 front of you,”’ Swampcats head coach Will Epps said. “This is a new group that, for the most part, hasn’t been here before. They were playing really hard early on and getting after it and that was hurting us sometimes. We were overplaying and they were beating us off the dribble.”

No such problems in the fourth. After the Cyclones scored 28 points in the third quarter to take a 61-51 lead, LMA shut them down to the tune of just seven points in the final stanza.

“It was a very physical game,” Epps said.

“And we were not being physical enough with them early on. They were getting some putbacks and we were putting them on the foul line.

“But the game plan was always to keep everyone in front of us and try to deny KJ James. He’s one of the best in the state, and we wanted to make him work for everything he got. We wanted them to have to play as hard as we did.”

Meanwhile, the Swampcats posted 27 points of their own in the fourth, led by Green’s 10 points. He finished with 16 points and eight rebounds as five LMA players reached double figures, led by Rashaad Robinson who came off the bench to score 20.

“Rashaad had a tremendous game, both offensively and defensively,” Epps said. “We got contributions from so many guys tonight. We’re really playing our best basket-

TSA FROM PAGE B1

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Thomas Sumter Acadmey’s Ron York, left, and the Generals can advance to the SCISA 2A boys state championship with a victory today over Charleston Collegiate. TSA will play approximately 5 p.m. at the Sumter County Civic Center.

games; that has Reed hoping a big offensive game might be coming for her team.

“We’ve been working on trying to keep Julia and Hannah going and getting Taylor started back up,” she said. “If we can do that, we feel really good about our chances.”

TSA has also helped itself at the free throw line in its two games. The Lady Generals connected on 20 of 29 in a 44-37 win over Robert E. Lee Academy and were 13 for 17 in a 45-33 victory over Spartanburg Day. In Janie Fuller, Ayshia Scott and Brenne Fisher, the second-seeded Lady Trojans have three players averaging more than 8 points.

The winner of the game will face the winner between upper No. 1 seed Richard Winn and No. 3 Beaufort Academy for the state title on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the civic center.

ball of the season right now, so that’s very exciting.”

It was a back-and-forth game for most of the first half. The teams were tied 13-13 at the end of one and LMA had a slim 36-33 advantage at the break.

The Swampcats were led by Robinson, who had eight points in the second quarter and hit one of a trio of 3-pointers.

The Cyclones relied more on Michael Preddy than Daniels in the opening half.

Preddy had 11 points at the break and led all scorers with 23.

But the duo did make waves in the third when P-G outscored the Swampcats 28-15.

Daniels had six points and four of his 12 rebounds while Preddy had eight points. Matt Naumoff, who finished with 11 points for the Cyclones, also chimed in with six.

“We weren’t getting back; we were leaving our men wide open,” Green said of the team’s defense. “But coach told us to play like we were supposed to. Play his game, not ours. After that, we just had to stay disciplined and shut the big guys down.”

Mission accomplished as Preddy and Daniels scored just five combined points in the last eight minutes. Green and Robinson turned the tide in the fourth offensively for LMA, combining for 17 points. Rashae Bey also scored six of his 14 points in the final frame.

Vaughnte Anderson added 10 points for Laurence Manning while Maliq Green finished with 12.

While the TSA girls entered the playoffs as one of the No. 1 seeds, the TSA boys came in as the lower No. 7 seed. The Generals knocked off No. 2 TrinityByrnes 55-54 in their opening game before beating No. 6 Dillon Christian, which upset No. 3 Spartanburg Christian, 59-34.

Now Thomas Sumter gets a shot at the lower No. 1 seed in Charleston Collegiate. The Sun Devils are 26-3, winners of 19 in a row.

They are averaging 73.6 points while allowing just 44.8.

TSA head coach Morgan Watt knows what’s coming today.

“They come with fullcourt, man-to-man, runand-jump pressure on defense,” said Watt, whose team is 13-14. “They just push, push and push you on both ends of the floor. They have that attitude both offensively and defensively.

“It’s just a matter of whether we can handle it,” he added. “We’ve got to be

able to change the pace of the game to what suits us. If we get into trying to play at their pace, that won’t be good for us. We want to be aggressive offensively, but not rush things.”

Watt said the Sun Devils have a strong trio of players in Manny Smalls, Je’quan Perry and Ty Soloman.

“They are all very good players for SCISA,” he said.

Watt said he isn’t necessarily surprised his team is a game away from playing for a state title.

“I thought we could do what we’re doing now, it just took us a little longer to gel than I hoped for,” he said. “We’re deep, we’re able to go to our bench, and we have good size in (6-foot-7inch) Carlton (Washington).

We’ve just gotten better and better at what we do as the season has gone along.”

The TSA-CC winner will meet the winner between upper No. 1 Oakbrook Prep and No. 3 Bible Baptist in the title game on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the civic center.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

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B5

NASCAR

NASCAR’s task is duplicating Daytona 500

BY JENNA FRYER The Associated Press CHARLOTTE— When the race finally resumed — some six hours after the Daytona 500 was brought to a waterlogged halt — fans that made it to the finish were treated to one of the most intense races in memory.

As NASCAR heads West for a two-race swing through Phoenix and Las Vegas, the challenge is to somehow duplicate all that energy from the Daytona 500.

There are 36 events left this EARNHARDT year, and NASCAR would have very few problems if they are half as exciting as the 500.

“It was electric, man,” winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

“I don’t know what the hell was going on or why it was like that. I wish I knew, because that’s what NASCAR wants to bottle and sell.”

NASCAR spent much of last year working on a new rules package to improve the ontrack action at 1.5-mile tracks, and the first test won’t come until March 9 at Las Vegas.

First up is this Sunday’s race at Phoenix, a one-mile, lowbanked tri-oval in the desert that will give teams a far better indicator than Daytona of how prepared they are for the

season.

But there will be new eyes watching, partly because of Earnhardt’s victory and partly because of the sheer competitiveness of Daytona, and they’ll be expecting a similar show.

“I know everybody thinks it’s the greatest race they ever saw because Dale Jr. won it,” Earnhardt said. “Taking that out of the equation, I think it really was an exciting race and one of the most exciting Daytona 500s I’ve ever been in and one of the most intense races I’ve ever been in.

“It felt so different than any other race I’d ever been in.

The intensity level was at a max. Races usually have a lull in the middle, don’t get going ‘til the end when it’s time to put money on the line, people start picking up the intensity.

We sustained it from the time we started, restarted, all the way to the end. I couldn’t believe it.”

The race had 42 lead changes, and 37 of them came after the rain delay. Drivers ran three-wide when the situation called for single-file or maybe side-by-side racing. They seemed to treat every lap as if it was the last.

There’s no one reason to credit for the aggression, but a likely contributor was that no one was sure if it would rain again. Should the sky suddenly open up, the race

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dale Earnhardt Jr., front, leads the racers to the finish line as Kyle Busch (18) starts a collision coming out of Turn 4 during Sunday’s Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. would have ended and the winner would have been the leader on that lap.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France famously declared last September that he expected drivers to give 100 percent on every lap, and the Daytona 500 was evidence that everyone in the field is capable of meeting that demand.

“I think everyone raced a hard, 500-mile race. I never saw a lull in the action from where I was sitting,” said third-place finisher Brad Keselowski. “I couldn’t be more pleased as both a participant and naturally a fan of the sport with how the 500 went from a competitive standpoint.”

Now it’s up to the drivers to deliver a similar product going forward.

TWEETING FOOL

So reluctant to get involved in social media, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is suddenly a tweeting fool.

He joked with Michael Waltrip that he’d consider joining Twitter if he won the Daytona 500, and followed through

with that promise with his first tweet early Monday.

Earnhardt has since proven to be an expert at selfies, used photos of his whirlwind winner’s media tour to show his humor, and has already hosted his first Twitter chat.

His account was established

by JR Motorsports in 2008 just in case he ever wanted to use Twitter. It gradually added followers, even though the account was dormant, and a Twitter official said this week Earnhardt had 215,106 the day before the Daytona 500.

That number had gone up to 216,320 by midnight on Sunday, and had swelled to 416,219 a mere 24 hours later.

Now two days after that tweet, Earnhardt has passed the half-million mark and is rapidly closing in on six-time champion Jimmie Johnson’s mark 548,000 followers. Next up on the list? Danica Patrick, who last weekend became the first driver in NASCAR or IndyCar to reach 1 million followers.

“I just felt like I was going to join Twitter sooner or later

and just didn’t know when,” Earnhardt said. “It’s becoming such a big part of our lives and such big part of exposure to our partners. I’m having fun with it. I thought it would be after an event like winning the championship or the Daytona 500 — it felt natural (Sunday night) to go ahead and kick it off. We had 200,000 followers without one tweet. I figured they’d been waiting around for something.”

DEJECTED DENNY

Denny Hamlin could spend a lot of time second-guessing what he could have done differently in the closing laps of the Daytona 500.

He won two races during Speedweeks and was going for the trifecta with a victory in the “Great American Race.” But when he climbed back into his car after the lengthy rain delay, his radio communication was intermittent at best. He told his spotter he could only hear him on the backstretch, and there were times he could hear nothing at all.

PRO BASEBALL

Phillies batting practice pitcher becomes hitting guru

BY ROB MAADDI The Associated Press CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Tossing batting practice to Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and the rest of the Philadelphia Phillies has turned into a busy, postretirement career for Rob Potts.

The 55-year-old former postmasPOTTS ter starts his seventh season as a batting practice pitcher for the Phillies in April. His first year in 2008 ended with a World Series title.

“I’m very blessed to be able to do what I do,” Potts said.

“It’s been an unbelievable run. It’s a fun thing to throw batting practice to some of the greatest players in baseball.”

It’s nerve-racking, too.

“I still get nervous every day because you want to be perfect for these guys,” Potts said. “They’re depending on you to be perfect because they need as many swings as they can get. It’s not an easy job.

You have to know what they’re trying to do and put the ball in spots where they like it.”

Potts tosses BP before every home game to the reserves. He takes throws in the infield, shags flies in the outfield and then spends the

rest of the game helping players in the cages. Starters come in to hit off a tee or machine, take soft-tosses or overhand throws. Potts also works closely with bench guys during games as they prepare for pinch-hitting appearances.

“It’s really neat to see how they work together,” he said.

Potts soaks in all the information he can about hitting and takes it to his day job.

When he’s not working with All-Stars at Citizens Bank Park, Potts helps little leaguers to minor leaguers try to achieve their dream of reaching the majors.

Potts, who retired from the post office in 2012, is director

Tigers beat Braves 6-5 in rain-shortened game

BY JEFF BERLINICKE The Associated Press KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In a spring training game that ended with neither team sure who won, the Detroit Tigers were awarded a 6-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves in a rain-shortened exhibition Wednesday.

Hernan Perez hit a two-

run, two-out single in the top of the ninth inning that put the Tigers ahead.

The game was stopped with two outs in the bottom of the ninth with a Braves runner on first base, and it never resumed.

During the regular season, the game would have been suspended and completed later. The Braves asked the

Elias Sports Bureau for a ruling — with no resumption in sight, the Braves said Elias told them Detroit was declared the winner.

Neither manager questioned the decision, either.

Victor Martinez got two hits, drove in two runs and stole a base for the Tigers.

Braves starter Freddy Garcia struck out two in two innings.

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of baseball operations at AFC Baseball, one of the area’s top training centers. It’s an attractive place for young kids, high school athletes, college players and even guys already in the pros.

“Steve Henderson, Wally Joyner, Greg Gross, Milt Thompson, they were all great about helping,” Potts

said about past and present Phillies hitting coaches. “I’m the teacher here but the student at the stadium. I just listen and learn from all those guys. They know so much. I bring it here and apply it to whatever the kids need.”

Potts had three clients when he started giving hitting lessons a few years ago.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

HAROLD G. SMITH CAMDEN — Harold G. Smith, age 77, beloved husband of the late Dovey Ann Bixler Smith, died on Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, at KershawHealth Medical Center at Camden.

Harold was the fourth of twelve children. Living in rural Missouri, he was raised on SMITH a farm and worked with his family until he joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17. Harold was a veteran of the Vietnam War and retired as a master sergeant after 23 years of faithful service. He grew up loving baseball and he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are three sons, Daniel Smith and his wife, Korene, of Lexington, William Smith of Louisiana and Vince Smith and his significant other, Deb, of Sumter; one daughter, Lisa Kojis of Camden; one stepson, George Campbell IV of Sumter; one stepdaughter, Marie Robinson and her husband, Charles, of Texas; one brother, Terry Smith; six sisters, Gwendolyn Drake, June Skaggs, Etta Tally, Louise Turin, Doris Buttrey and Madonna Shoen; eight grandchildren, Jaryd Kojis, Cameron Smith, Liam Smith, Victor Smith, Vanrell Smith Murphy, CJ Robinson, George Campbell IV and Christy Robinson Payakwichien; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Orlando and Ruby Kathleen Brooks Smith; a brother, Hickman Smith; and three sisters, Genalee Jarrel, Irene Carder and Sonda Douglas. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tommy McDonald officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday one hour prior to the service from noon to 1 p.m. at Bullock Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

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

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

WILLIAM WITHERSPOON Jr. William James “Pop” Witherspoon Jr., 46, husband of Laura Ann Evans Witherspoon, died Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, at Lake City Memorial Hospital, Lake City.

He was born March 13, 1967, in Norwalk, Conn., a son of the late William James Sr. and Eunice Blackwell Witherspoon. He was a graduate of WITHERNorwalk High SPOON School. He was a

member of Howard Chapel AME Church, New Zion.

Survivors are his wife of the home; a daughter, Cassandra Regina Evans; a stepson, Keith Evans; four sisters, Kathleen (Antonio) Hammond, Debra (Hubert) Black, Teresa Graham and Rockeya (William) Cleveland; one brother, Jermaine; parents-inlaw, Clinton and Lois Evans; 11 aunts; and four uncles.

Celebratory services for Mr. Witherspoon will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Howard Chapel AME Church, New Zion, with the Rev. Oliver Davis, pastor, officiating, the Rev. Mary Rose, presiding, and Minister Willie Rose assisting. Burial will follow in the Harmony Presbyterian Church (USA) Cemetery, Alcolu.

Mr. Witherspoon will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his parents-in-law, Clinton and Lois Evans, 3757 American Ave., Turbeville.

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

JOHN NELMS MANNING — John Nelms, husband of Vinell Pearson Nelms, died Thursday afternoon, Feb. 20, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

He was born May 24, 1926, in Roanoke, Va., a son of Ada Nelms.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Levi Pearson Sr. Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2194, Sumter, SC 29151.

The family is receiving friends at the residence, 1879 L&H Pearson Road, Manning.

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

WILLIE J. BRADLEY Willie J. “Butch” Bradley, 54, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Oswego, he was a son of the late Alex and Viola Martin Bradley.

The family will receive friends at the home of James and Frances Bradley, 159 Pack Road, and at Delvin Drayton’s residence, 719 N. Main St. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc.

DONALD WILSON Donald Wilson entered eternal rest on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia.

Born Sept. 30, 1956, in Clarendon County, he was a son of Pauline Wells Wilson and the late Joe Wilson. He was a member of Mt. Moriah UME Church, where he served as a trustee. He attended the public schools of Sumter County and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

He was a member of Red Hill Lodge No. 144 F&AM PHA and the YMCA No. 15.

Survivors are his mother, Pauline Wells Wilson of Sumter; three sons, Donald Wilson Jr. of Utica, N.Y., Gregory (Tasha) Wilson of Clinton, N.C., and Minister Damain (Ashley) Wilson of Beulaville, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; three brothers, Levan Wilson of Manning, John (Luethel) Wilson of Clarksville, Tenn., and

OBITUARIES Aaron (Teresa) Wilson of Sumter; six sisters, Ida Stephens, Annie Williams, Inez Grinell and Brenda Wilson, all of Sumter, Queen (Paul) Williams of Raleigh, N.C., and Polly (Carnell) Baxter of Manning; a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be from 2 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Mt. Moriah UME Church, Alcolu, with Pastor Lavaron Johnson, the Rev. Samuel Benjamin and the Rev. Gloria Brown. Burial will be in Wells Cemetery.

Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com.

Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.

ALBERT COLEMAN Albert Coleman entered eternal rest on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 49 Sally St., Wedgefield.

Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

Dr. LEROY BOWMAN Dr. Leroy Bowman, husband of Mildred W. Bowman, died Wednesday morning, Feb. 26, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Brook Bowman, Rena Bowman Canty and the Rev. Benjamin Franklin Canty Sr. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 122 Runnymede Blvd., Sumter.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

BRISTOL LEE MATHIS Bristol Lee Mathis, infant son of Dell “D.J.” Jr. and Amanda Evans Mathis, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Survivors include his parents of Sumter; a brother, Tripp Mathis; and his loving grandparents.

He will be kept in the hearts of many family members that awaited his arrival.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. today in the Green Acres Cemetery with the Rev. Al Sims officiating.

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

ROBERT J. BELL Sr. MANNING — Robert Joseph Bell Sr., husband of Karen Lee Wickstrom Bell, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Hospice of Charleston in Mt. Pleasant.

Services will be announced

by Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, (803) 435-2179. www. stephensfuneralhome.org

NIGEL G. SPENCER Nigel G. Spencer, 53, husband of Annette Dillard, departed this life on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at St. Luke Hospital, New York, N.Y. He was born Jan. 26, 1961, in Horatio, a son of the late Annette Hunter and Harry

THE SUMTER ITEM

Spencer.

The family will be receiving friends at the home, 1620 N. Kings Highway, Sumter.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

VELMA B. GLOVER Velma Baker Glover, 78, wife of Herbert “Dad” Glover, was called home from earthly battles to heavenly rewards on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, at KershawHealth Medical Center at Camden, after a long illness.

Born May 31, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Monroe and Deaconess Ola Horton Baker. She was educated in the public school district of New Jersey, graduating from Robert Trent High School. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church, Newark, N.J. After moving to South Carolina, she joined Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she served for 19 years as teacher of the intermediate class and then as superintendent of the Sunday school for 15 years. She served as secretary of the missionary and senior choir for many years, She also served as finance secretary for the Twelve Tribes of Israel, Lodge No. 10, and corresponding secretary for the Grand Lodge and a member of the D.L. Glover Singers.

She was employed by Madison Industries for 25 years of service before retiring. She also worked at Kids Plus Day Care, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, and Catchall Community Center, working with senior citizens and children until her health failed.

She leaves to treasure her precious memories: her husband; daughter, Ladonna Levell of Sumter; stepson, Robert Glover of the home; two daughters-in-law, Marilyn Levell and Denise Baker, both of Newark; seven grandchildren, Crystal Levell and Gene III (Nihima) of Newark, Shelduan (Phebe) Levell of Sumter, Shaufah Baker, Latifah (Alteree) Simmons of Newark, Halean Baker and Qadia Glover of Virginia; three step-grandchildren, Keyami, Mariam and Saidah of Newark; 10 great-grandchildren, Ziare, Zondria and Zaniyah (whom she helped raise), Janora, Nariyah Levell of Sumter, Sharifah and Fareed Baker of Newark and Layla Glover of Virginia; one devoted adopted daughter, Marie Knox of Rembert; many other adopted daughters of the church whom she loved very much; two special cousins, Dorothy Mae Glover of Camden and Frank Cherry of Harvey, Ill.; one sister-inlaw, Rosa (Frank) Jackson of Washington, D.C.; two special nephews, Hampton and Anthony Rembert, both of Sumter; a host of nieces, other nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Leroy and Larry “Gene;” sister, Ruby; three brothers, James, Willie and Williams; a grandson, Nu’Mon Levell; and her sister-in-law, Lida B. Rembert.

Funeral services will be held at noon Friday at Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 5401 Black River Road, Rembert, with the Rev. Clifton N. Witherspoon, pas-

tor, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. R.L. Williams, Minister Moise Nelson and the Rev. Durant Jenkins.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at the home, 4395 Herrington Road, Rembert.

The remains will be placed in the church at 11 a.m.

The funeral procession will leave at 11:30 a.m. from the home.

Floral bearers will be members of the senior choir.

Pallbearers will be trustees.

Burial will be in the Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Churchyard cemetery, Rembert.

Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com.

Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

TUDOR R. WILSON Tudor Roosevelt Wilson, 87, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, at Sumter Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born March 26, 1926, in Sumter County, he was a son of Joe and Annie Deas Wilson.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the home of his nephew, Robert Loney, 11 Hunter St., Sumter.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

BENNETT BUCKELEW CAMDEN — A memorial service to celebrate the life of Bennett K. Buckelew, of Camden, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Robert Mills House in Camden. The celebration of life will be in the form of a Superhero Adventure Party. We invite you to come dressed in your SUPERHERO gear and remember a superhero can be anyone. We know “Bennett the Adventurer” will forever be our hero!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bennett’s memory to Happy Wheels, 133 Dupree Mill Court, Lexington, SC 29072; Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, 7 Richland Medical Park Drive, Columbia, SC 29203; or to gofundme.com/TeamBennettHeroes.

Bennett K. Buckelew, infant son of Mary Hodge and Troy Japhet Buckelew, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014.

Besides his parents, Bennett is survived by his maternal grandparents, Boyce and Kathy Hodge of Sumter; paternal grandfather, Samuel Buckelew Sr.; aunt, Cathy Buckelew of Camden; uncle and aunt, Sammy and Jacquie Buckelew of Camden; aunt and uncle, Margaret and Jim Methe of Camden; and cousins, Kristy, Shannon, Brandon, Matt, McKenzie, Trey, Ryann, Brik, Denny and Cameron.

Bennett was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Shirleen Atkinson Buckelew.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be sent to the Buckelew family by visiting www.kornegayfuneral.com or facebook.com/ TeamBennettHeroes.

SPORTS ITEMS

Trout, Angels agree to $1 million, 1-year contract TEMPE, Ariz. — Mike Trout has his first seven-figure contract. Up ahead is what figures to be a nine-figure deal.

Trout said “It feels good” Wednesday after agreeing to a $1 million, one-year contract with the TROUT Los Angeles Angels.

The salary is the highest for a one-year major league contract for a player not yet eligible for arbitration who wasn’t coming to the big leagues from Japan or Cuba or wasn’t

required to have a larger amount because of the maximum cut rule.

EAGLES, LT PETERS AGREE ON DEAL

PHILADELPHIA — All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters has agreed to a five-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Peters was signed for 2014 and his new deal adds four years through 2018. The 32-year-old Peters is a six-time Pro Bowl pick and two-time All-Pro. HERNANDEZ INVOLVED IN SCUFFLE

DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Former NFL star Aaron Her-

nandez was involved in a scuffle with another jail inmate, but neither man required medical attention, a Massachusetts sheriff said Wednesday.

The brief fight took place around noon Tuesday in a common area of the Bristol County House of Correction in Dartmouth, where only one

inmate is supposed to be out of his cell at a time, Sheriff Thomas Hodgson said.

From wire reports

...........Think..........

Lafayette Gold & Silver Karat Exchange 10K We Buy Gold & Silver Jewelry, Silver Coins/Collections, Sterling/925, g/9 /925 5, Diamonds, Diam amon onds, Pocket Pockket e , Watches Watches & W Wrist rist W Watches atch at ches 143 S. Lafayette Dr. Sumter, SC 29150 (at the he e foot ffo oot ot of of tthe he bridge brrid b iidge dg ins inside sid ide Vestco Vest est stco tco co Properties)

803-773-8022

14K 16K 18K 22K

Price per

Price per

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

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

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

COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

|

B7

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Boss who’ s object of gossip needs a word to wise DEAR ABBY — Should I or shouldn’t I tell my boss that more than a few people have come to me asking if he is fooling Dear Abby around with ABIGAIL a young VAN BUREN woman here in the office?

He is married; she is not. They spend a lot of time together “just visiting,” laughing and obviously flirting. They have also been seen coming and going together, having lunch together every day, etc.

My reaction is that whether they are or aren’t, it isn’t my business. A little voice keeps telling me that, as his personal secretary, he may want to

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

be made aware that people are talking about him behind his back, and I do feel protective and a sense of loyalty to him. Understand that I do not want to discuss it with him, have verification, denial or anything else — only to give him the information.

Vacillating in Ohio DEAR VACILLATING — If there is anything going on in your employer’s business that distracts from the work his employees are doing, he should be made aware.

DEAR ABBY — A few years ago, I relocated to a new state and bought my first home. I have enjoyed the privacy I have had while living on my own.

However, because of the economy, I may need to rent out my extra room to make ends meet.

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

I have gotten used to a clothing-optional lifestyle and spend most of my time outdoors sunning, swimming and doing yard work in the buff. I also enjoy being indoors lounging, doing chores and sleeping the same way.

Would it be OK for me to advertise for someone who also enjoys this? Can I continue my lifestyle “au naturel” or must I go back to covering?

Nevada Nude Dude DEAR NUDE DUDE — While practically anything goes in the want ads and on the Internet, your best bet would be to Google “nudists (or naturists) in Nevada.” When you do, you will find contact information for nudist resorts and clubs, and your chances of finding a renter who won’t be shocked or offended will be better.

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

ACROSS 1 Sunshine State resort 5 Country in which Quechua is an official lang.

8 Transforms, as for a different medium 14 “Downton Abbey” title 15 Tablet maker 16 Osaka-born violinist 17 *Place for a soak in Bangkok?

19 Alligator cousin 20 Abase 22 Holy territory 23 *Mumbai baby food?

27 Musical ability, in slang 30 As well 31 Mimic 32 Edward Jones Dome NFL player 33 Rank below abbot 35 Oilers’ org.

36 *Low point in Oran?

40 Shareable PC file 41 Mah-__ 42 2011 NBA retiree 43 Porter, for one 44 Effusive musical genre 45 Knoxville sch.

47 *Stance in a Monterrey

studio?

51 Poker haul 52 Green Lantern or Green Arrow 57 __ license 60 Emergency fund ... or what the second part of each answer to a starred clue ends with?

61 Mysterious 62 Teacher, at times 63 Dig for 58Down 64 “We’re outta here!”

65 Stop: Abbr.

66 What the nose knows DOWN 1 Behrs of “2 Broke Girls” 2 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing locale 3 Stuff 4 Et __ 5 Mastermind 6 Pie slices, often 7 “Swing Shift” Oscar nominee 8 Film buff’s channel 9 Scattering of an ethnic population 10 Continental farewell 11 Toy dog breed

12 Melodic syllable 13 Preacher’s topic 18 Brief upturn 21 Getting down 24 It may come before one 25 “I Feel Bad About My Neck” writer Nora 26 Long swimmer 27 Carry protectively 28 Anticipate uncertainly 29 Bit of shocked text 33 Evergreens with edible nuts 34 Lurid paper 37 Escaping ˆ la James Bond, perhaps 38 Ovoid tomato

39 Microscope slide additive 40 Non-stick brand 45 Applied to 46 Time between inaugurations 48 Little bits 49 Inflation causes 50 Bridget Riley genre 53 __ erectus 54 Oklahoma city 55 Attorney general after Barr 56 __ and terminer: criminal court 57 Sidekick 58 See 63-Across 59 Business VIP

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

WHERE $1.00 CAN BUY YOU A SUIT!

MAYOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S â&#x20AC;&#x153;FABULOUS FEBRUARY SALEâ&#x20AC;?

$IPPTF 0/& TVJU BU PVS 3&(6-"3 13*$& (FU 4&$0/% TVJU PG FRVBM PS MFTT WBMVF GPS 0/-: Because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FABULOUS FEBRUARY

If your suits arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t becoming to you, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good time to be coming to Mayoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!

8FTNBSL 1MB[B t t .PO 4BU t XXX .BZPT%JTDPVOU4VJUT DPN

LEGAL NOTICES

In Loving Memory Of Patricia Singleton

Legal Notice

Open every weekend.

905-4242

Sumter County Flea Mkt Hwy 378 E. 803-495-2281 500 tables. Sat. $8 free return Sun.

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell to satisfy the lien of owner at public sale by competitive bidding on March 7th, 2014 personal and/or business property including but not limited to furniture, clothing, tools and other household/business items located at the properties listed.

Sat 3/1 7am-11 Biggest Tag Sale. Lots of Jewelry, small appl., Lg chaffing container, Sterno, small furn. Too much to list. Inside Palmetto Towers (behind K mart) Bring small bills and big truck!

The sale will begin at 1:00 pm at 1143 N. Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150.

The personal goods stored therein by below named occupant(s);

1143 N.Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150 111 - Harper, Lewis 123 - Butler Jr, Otis 214 - Washington, Tijuanna 218 - Samuel, James 237 - Lowery, Tamieka 241 - Shaw, Billy 314 - Billie, Patty 337 - Hill, Jada 341 - Bryan, Trey 412 - McCray, Torrey 414 - Hoskins, Trameka 441 - Fulwood, Malcolm 455 - Williams, Reginald 463 - Swinton, Dale 471 - Shaw, Billy 472 - Shaw, Billy 477 - Hart, Jeffrey 504 - Vaugn III, Marion 507 - Brunson, Donna 528 - Dubose, Randal 532 - York, Timothy 704 - Choice, Ernest 708 - Williams, Tameika 736 - Maola, Crystal 3785 Broad St, Sumter, SC 29154 0105 - Dicks, John William 0113 - Williams, Carl 0121 - James, Levenia Nekisha 0124 - Jones, Melvin Leroy 0149 - Pendergrass, Angela McLeod 0212 - Lawrence, Rhonda 0231 - Munoz, Felix 0234 - Shaw, Sandra 0319 - Andrews, Lashawnda Nicole 0329 - Holmes-Moore, Emmanuel Allan 0345 - Wright, Keshia 0402 - Pack, Jerrod- Dontrell 0501 - Davis, Catherine Antoinette 0518 - Kirkland, Shavon Polynese 0524 - Maddox, Rodney 0535A - Tumbleston, Jonathan Roy 0544A - Daniel, Tekina 0618 - Addison, Tahy Dupree Cardorowe 0705 - Wilson, Christopher Lowell 0733 - Dennis, Latasha Denise 0738 - Walker, Kayla-Nicole 0745 - Carrington, Joe Larries 0746 - Fullard, Joan 0750 - Sanders, Devin 0814 - Lewis, Mary Anthony 0815 - Faulk, Kaldejia 0831 - Hendrix, Linzer 0835 - Stuckey, Sheila B 0841 - Greenlee, William Purchase must be made with cash only and paid for at the time of sale.

All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of the sale. Sale is subject to adjournment.

Storage Auction Moore's Mini Storage 1117 N. Main St. Sumter Saturday March 1, 2014. 9AM

"Policy Of Public Awareness" The Clarendon County Board Of Education advises the citizens of school district # One that Two (2) seats in district # One will be appointed. The appointee's term will run for two (2) years beginning Apri12014.

Any persons interested in being considered by the County Board of Education should pick up an application at the Voter Registration Office beginning March 3, 2014.

Applications should be returned to the Voter Registration Office at the Clarendon County Administration Building no later than 12:00 on March 17, 2014.

Clarendon County Board Of Education Post Office Box 476 Manning, South Carolina 29102 803-435-8583 ccboedu@yahoo.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS Lost & Found

11/25/58 - 02/27/13 Today makes one year since you've been gone. Your loving memories will always be cherished.

Love Your Family

Huge Garage, Moving & Estate Sale: 4943 Wedgelake Dr. Fri/Sat. 8-6. Lots of furn., misc hshld items, small lawn equip., lawn furn., Honda 250cc Motorcycle, go-kart, little girls complete kitchen, bikes, lots of Christmas decorations, professional massage table, new treadmill, 10x12 shed.

BUSINESS SERVICES Business Services Got dents on your car?? Call Shawn at Humdinger Dent Repair 803-840-2008

Exterminators FIRE ANT CONTROL GODBOLD ENTERPRISES Residential, Sporting Complexes, Cemeteries, Horse Pastures, Schools $85 For 1 Acre or less O: 843-407-7608 C: 843-687-4401

Home Improvements H.L. Boone, Contractor additions, painting, roofing, gutters, sheetrock, blown ceilings, decks. 773-9904

Tree Service STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net The Tree Doctor Any size tree removal & stump grinding. Trimming & clearing. No job too big or small. Call 775-8560 or 468-1946. We accept credit cards and offer senior discounts A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721 NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal , trimming & stump grinding. Lic & Ins.

803-316-0128

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

MERCHANDISE Auctions 27th Annual Consignment Auction Sat., March 1, 2014 @ 9AM Clarendon Hall Academy, 1140 S Duke St., Summerton, SC Farm, Construction, Trucks & Miscellaneous For more info visit: Auctionzip.com or or Contact Buddy Lewis 803.983.5040 or Billy Simpson 803.225.0389 J G Blocker Auction Walterboro, SC SCAL 110 843.908.3866

Farm Products

FOUND on Loring Mill Road on 2-25-2014: Male Pomeranian. Call 803-983-0931 and leave message.

Community & Fundraiser Yard Sale (Pinewood) 12 W. Clark St. Sat. 7am. Furn., pool table, utility /boat trailers, stove, tools, freezer, collectibles, and much more!

For Sale or Trade Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves.

Special front end load washer $399 Guarantee 464-5439/469-7311 Solid Mahogany Dining Room Set, table w/ 12 chairs, (2) china cabinets, (2) buffet tables, serving with bar, (1) entertainment cabinet, (1) storage cabinet. Cost over $35,000, asking $7,000. Beautiful Oriental hand craving.

803-494-4220 or 803-565-5600 Downsizing Moving & Estate Sale: DR Set: Solid Mahogany, (table w/12 chairs) (2) china cabinets, (2) Buffet tables, server w/bar asking $7,000. 3 piece Curved sofa w/ 2 Recliner, asking $1,000, (2) end tables & coffee table asking $600.

3 piece Ent. center asking $900 paid $2,600. 3 piece Sectional Sofa sleeper asking $1,000. Honda Motor Scooter asking $450.

Razor Go-Cart asking $150.

Husqvarna Riding Lawn Mower 20HP 46" cut asking $550. 12x10 Shed asking $800. Professional Massage table asking $175. Table w/4 chairs $400. Full size Carousel Horse asking $1,000. (2) Kirby Vacuum asking $150 each.

(2) 24" Wall ovens $500/both.

Lawn furniture, lots of misc furn.

Call 803-494-4220, 565-0056

Cash for Junk Cars, used Cars, junk Batteries & unwanted gift cards. Call Gene 803-934-6734 Three piece curved sofa with 2 recliners, asking $900. (2) end tables and coffee tables, $600, black desk and chair $200, (2) amoire with drawers and mirrored doors, $700, 3 piece Entertainment center $900, paddle boat $250, (2) Wall ovens, $600/both.

803-494-4220 or 803-565-5600 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

EMPLOYMENT Exp. Auto Tech needed IMMEDIATELY. Must have tools, driver's license & work experience.

Apply in person 601 Broad St. Business Office Associate -Full Time High School Diploma. Work Experience in Accounting or Business Office 1 or More Years. Detail Oriented, Good Organizational Skills, Able to Multi-Task and Good Communication Skills in a Team Environment is must. Please send all response to P-Box 351 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Exp. Bartenders, Servers & Kitchen help. Apply in person at Sunset Country Club 1005 Golfcrest Rd. Mon - Fri 9 -3

In Memory In Loving Memory of Patricia Singleton 11/25/58-2/27/13 It's been a year today . We talked and laughed that day, you slipped away so quickly. Didn't even say Good bye. I miss you sister, they all do. Sleep on sister, take your rest. We Love you but God loved you best.

Deeply miss you. Your sister and friend Colette

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Public Storage /PS Orangeco, Inc. LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

1277 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

In Memory

EXP CONCRETE FINSHER/ Working Foreman, valid Driver license, background/drug test, leadership skills. Submit resumes to Box 349 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 HAY for your special animal.

Round bales, 50 left. Must sell, make offer. 775-4391, 464-5960 Lakeside Market 2100 Wedgefield Rd Bananas 3lbs for $1.00

Job Shop Machinist. At least 3 yrs experience on manual mills and lathes. Must be able to machine a part from beginning to end with little or no supervision.

Email resume to RESUME29150@sc.rr.com

ASSORTED

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

Courier Services needed for busy healthcare practice with multiple locations. Must have valid SC license, reliable transportation and clean driving record. Must demonstrate excellent customer service, be trustworthy and dependable. Send resumes to hr_cfp@yahoo.com

LET YOUR TAX MONEY PUT YOU IN A HOME!

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette.

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Finance Trainees No experience needed. Applicants must have a sales personality and enjoy working with our customers auto required. Good starting salary and good benefits. We will train you on the job. Apply in person Lenders Loans, 304 Broad St. Sumter SC

1387 Raccoon County)

Rd

(Lee

Palmetto Gas Local Driver Needed Must Have: â&#x20AC;˘CDL - Class A or B â&#x20AC;˘Haz-Tank Endorsement â&#x20AC;˘Clean Driving Record â&#x20AC;˘At least 2 years driving experience â&#x20AC;˘Great Benefits EOE Drug Free Workplace Contact - Pat Joyner 803-775-1002 x107 Asst. Site Super at Shaw AFB project. Plumbing experience is preferred. Will assist Site Super in daily construction related tasks (material movement, inventory management, subcontractor direction, plumbing troubleshooting, performing quality control audits, etc.), as well as plumbing installations in new residential construction. Need strong communication skills, good customer service skills, ability to multi-task, and ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks. Must be able to pass criminal background check, Pre-Employment drug screening, and be able to legally work in the U.S. Benefits offered. Apply online at http://kimbelmechanical.com/app lication-new-employment.

Courier Services needed for busy healthcare practice with multiple locations. Must have valid SC license, reliable transportation and clean driving record. Must demonstrate excellent customer service, be trustworthy and dependable. Send resumes to hr_cfp@yahoo.com Nurse needed for primary medical care office in Sumter. Duties will be physicians support in a community based practice. Send resume Sandhills Medical Foundation, Attn: Personnel PO Box 366 McBee, SC 29101

Unfurnished Homes 2BR Home on Patricia Dr. Completely remodeled. Like new!

Den, DR, C/H/A $475/mo. + $475/dep. Call 803-316-7958 or 803-773-1838 Mon-Fri between 9-5pm. Section 8 welcome.

Rent or buy: 438 E. Charlotte, home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths.

803-968-0939.

Mobile Home Rentals Nice 3BR/2BA DW on 1 acre. 5 min. to Shaw. Priv lot. $650/mo. + dep. 803-983-0371.

Christian School seeking Kindergarten teacher for 2014/15. Must hold SC Teaching Certificate. Call 803-934-8727 for application.

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

411 N. Magnolia St.

14x70 2BR 1.5 BA Fenced Lot, Very clean, Fully furn. Shaw Area . $450 Mo + Dep Call 840-3371 or 494-3573 4BR/2BA in Paxville, Living Rm, Dinning Rm, Family Rm, eat in kitchen, central A-C, 452-5544 or 704-615-5622

D.W 1037 Acres, (near Continential Tires) 3br/2ba For more info call 775-4391 or 464-5960. Financing available

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015 Five Br, two Ba DW. Located on Hwy 15 South, Sumter. First month's rent and deposit required.

No Section 8. Call 803-225-0389.

TRANSPORTATION

American MHP, 2 & 3/BRs, lot rentals, water/sewer/garbage pkup inc'd. Sec. 8 ok. 803-494-4300.

A Guaranteed Credit Approval AUTO LOANS

Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water/sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd.

RV parking avail. Call 494-8350

Help Wanted Part-Time $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

3600 Dallas (Dalzell)

Brick 3BR 1BA Recently renovated. Mayesville Area $450 Mo. +Dep Call 843-374-3555

We will arrange financing even if you have been turned down before.

Loans available for no credit, bad credit, 1st Time Buyers & Bankruptcy buyers. No co-signers needed. Call Mr. Ashley Brown at 803-926-3235

REAL ESTATE

Hair's Auto Sales 4835 Pinewood Rd. 803-452-6020 On The Lot Financing No Credit Check, Free Warranty.

Tax Time is Here... Low Credit Score? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing. We have 3-4-5 bedroom homes. Layaway program available. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

2002 Expedition XLT Great Condition, high miles $3,900 OBO Call 803-340-0077.

4 BR DW in Dalzell Pay approx $550 a mo. in Whispering Meadows Call 494-5010 2007 Singlewide. Owner financing with $5,000 down. Call 803-236-5953

Work Wanted

Farms & Acreage

I'm Available to clean your home.

Affordable, reliable 15 yrs exp ref's. Melissa 803-938-5204 Make Extra $$$ Selling Home/Body Fragrances Kits are $45, $100 or $135 You Buy & We Supply Call 775-7823

FSBO: Land, Small & Large acreage.

Owner financing.

803-427-3888.

Sumter W Sherwood Dr- Brick 3BR 1BA 1016 sq ft. attached garage. Lease or Cash Call for details 877-499-8065

New!

The better way to buy! #3411

UP TO 30 MPG 5 YEAR, 100K MILE WARRANTY

2014 DODGE AVENGER PW, PL, CRUISE, AUTOMATIC, STEREO

MSRP $21,785 FACTORY REBATES $3,500

Your price $17,948 OR

*$236 PER MONTH

$500 REBATE FOR OUR MILITARY $2500 CASH TRADE 75M @2.9%

Stokes Craven WAC. All rebates and incentives go to dealer.

See dealer for details. Plus tax tag $287 closing fees

TAKE AN EXTRA PANELS & SHEERS 10% OFF OUR $5 ea. up to $15 ea.

NEW ARRIVALS ALREADY LOW-LOW PRICES THROUGH THE OUTDOOR WELCOME MATS MONTH OF FEBRUARY $4 ea. up to $12 ea.

2585 Paxville Hwy., Manning, SC

(803) 433-5500

StokesCraven.com

KITCHEN CURTAIN SETS $12 PER SET

MEMORY FOAM RUGS $6 ea. up to $8 ea.