February 28, 2013

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS Gamecocks to play in preseason tourney at Red Bank Invitational today at White Knoll High in Lexington

RELAY FOR LIFE: Indoor yard sale happening Saturday in Lee County A2 VOL. 118, NO. 111 WWW.THEITEM.COM

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Coastal Carolina student dead after shooting near campus A5 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

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Local officials talk sequestration BY ROBERT J. BAKER bbaker@theitem.com What national lawmakers meant only to be a financial doomsday scenario could likely become a fiscal reality Friday. Sequestration means across-theboard cuts at the federal level totaling $1.2 trillion over 10 years, with the majority of the hurt to be felt by the military, but local leaders have few indications how the budget standoff between President Obama and Congress will affect Sumter, Clarendon, Lee and the surrounding communities.

“It’s sort of crazy to be adopting as policy something that was designed to be a failure if it had to happen at all,” said Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen. “When it comes to budgets, serious choices have to be made, but not in this way. I don’t think it’s a real sensible way to do it.” McELVEEN The sequester was designed by Congress in prior budget discussions to be such a mess, if allowed to occur, that lawmakers would

Obama, top lawmakers to meet as cuts kick in

SEE SEQUESTRATION, PAGE A8

SEE BUDGET, PAGE A8

WASHINGTON (AP) — With big, automatic budget cuts about to kick in, House Republicans are turning to mapping strategy for the next showdown just a month away, when a government shutdown instead of just a slowdown will be at stake. Both topics are sure to come up

FIT TO FIGHT Soldiers sign up for hand-to-hand combat training

at the White House meeting Friday between President Obama and top congressional leaders, including Republican House Speaker John Boehner. A breakthrough on replacing or easing the imminent acrossthe-board spending cuts still seems

County takes step to OK tax agreement Project Dark Wolf ordinance gets 1st reading approval

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com An Army foot patrol on the streets of Afghanistan suddenly turns into hand-to-hand combat, with an American soldier’s life depending on his instinctive fighting skills. It could happen at any time. But fortunately for the service members involved, this incident is happening in a gym at Shaw Air Force Base, part of a demonstration of the Army’s hand-tohand combat training. This kind of combative training takes place at Army bases across the country, preparing soldiers to defend themselves in any situation. But before last month, the Third Army lacked a combatives team at Shaw until

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com

SEE TRAINING, PAGE A10

ABOVE: From left, Spc. Adam Oakley and Senior Airman Josh Sergent deploy hand-to-hand combat techniques on an aggressive individual portrayed by Spc. Ben Chambers in a course demonstration Wednesday at Shaw Air Force Base. The two demonstrated how the techniques can be used on foot patrol during an overseas deployment. LEFT: Instructors Pvt. Lane McCartney, left, and Spc. Kurt O’Conner spar with each other during the course. The Third Army recently added the course to prepare servicemen and -women for hand-to-hand combat. PHOTOS BY BRISTOW MARCHANT / THE ITEM

A “Dark Wolf” is prowling Sumter County, and it may pounce on a million-dollar industrial expansion. At its biweekly meeting Tuesday, Sumter County Council gave first reading approval to a new fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with an economic development project code named Project Dark Wolf. The proposed project will make an investment in the expansion of a manufacturing facility worth $30 million over five years. Under the terms of the agreement presented to council, the company will enter into a fee agreement in lieu of tax payments as an inducement, utilizing a 6 percent assessment ratio for a period of 20 years. While Dark Wolf will not be identified until the project is prepared to move forward, the ordinance establishing the tax incentive identifies Dark Wolf as an expansion project involving “the acquisition of land, a building, and improvements thereon,” “the construction of improvements ... and/or the acquisition of personal property,” including machinery, equipment and furniture for SEE DARK WOLF, PAGE A10

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or e-mail news@theitem.com

Relay fashion show rescheduled, sale set for Saturday the fashion show. “The volunteers have worked hard on this event,” BISHOPVILLE — The Boateng said. “JCPenney is snowstorm of 2013 might providing the children’s have caused the temporary clothing, and we have a lot postponement of the 2013 of community support for Relay for Life Fashion this fashion show.” Show, but as it is said, “the Boateng credited Ruby show must go on.” Baker for her leadership in Cheryl Boateng, the organizing the fashion community manager for show. the American Cancer SociThe Dress Outlet in Sumety in Lee, Marlboro, Chester is providing many of the terfield and Darlington male outfits including New counties, said the fashion York High Style and Fifth show will now take place at Avenue brands, Baker said. 7 p.m. on “We will have ‘I have been very a drawing of all March 9 at Lee Central the cancer surimpressed with vivors who Middle School. model for the Lee County. Lee fashion show, The Relay teams have and the winner has a wonderful will receive a plenty of activities cash prize of group of volun- $100,” she said. planned between now Door prizes teers who are will also be and the culminating given out. Busipassionate about ness sponsors event on April 12 at donating door the cause.’ prizes include the Lee Central High CVS Pharmacy School footof Bishopville, ball field. Fred’s of BishCheryl Boateng opville and “Our indoor yard Golden Corral sale is going of Sumter. to begin at 7 a.m. on SaturBaker, who is a postal day,” she said. “We have a worker at the Bishopville new location. It is going to Post Office, said her colbe at the Ashwood gym. leagues are “behind the The Bishopville High gym fashion show 100 percent.” has a basketball tournaGenovia Cooper, a longment going on, and we are time postal clerk, will be not able to have it there this featured as one of the preyear.” mier models for the fashion Items expected to be on show, Baker said. sale include clothing, books Advance tickets are availand CDs. able at $10 from any Relay Boateng said she is convolunteer, she said. Tickets fident Lee County will be at the door are $12. able to meet its fundraising Serving as co-chairs of goal of $55,000. the 2013 Relay for Life in “I have been very imLee County are Elijah Dinpressed with Lee County,” kins and Carrie Toney. Boateng said. “Lee has a “It is not too late for wonderful group of volunteams to join our effort,” teers who are passionate Boateng said. “We are still about the cause. I wouldn’t in need of more teams. be surprised if Lee was able They can join by visiting to match what it raised two the website (www.relayforyears ago.” life.org/leesc).” Boateng said she is For more information, pleased with the planning call Boateng at (843) 245and work being done on 8538.

PUTTING ON A SHOW

BY RANDY BURNS Special to The Item

BRADEN BUNCH / THE ITEM

The Furman Middle School “Standing Ovations” show choir performs for the Sumter School District Board of Trustees at the board’s work session meeting in the school’s gymnasium Monday night.

Justices debate need for voting rights law WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court’s conservative justices voiced deep skepticism Wednesday about a section of a landmark civil rights law that has helped millions of Americans exercise their right to vote. In an ominous note for supporters of the key provision of the Voting Rights Act, Justice Anthony Kennedy both acknowledged the measure’s vital role in fighting discrimination and suggested that other important laws in U.S. history had run their course. “Times change,” Kennedy said during the fast-paced, 70-minute argument. Kennedy’s views are likely to prevail on the closely divided court, and he tends to side with his more conservative colleagues on matters of race. The court’s liberals and conservatives engaged in a sometimes tense back-and-forth over whether there is an ongoing need in 2013 for the part of the voting rights law that requires states with a history of discrimination, mainly in the Deep South, to get approval before making changes in the way elections are held. Justice Antonin Scalia called the law a “perpetuation of racial entitlement.” Chief Justice John Roberts, a vocal skeptic of the use of race in all areas of public life, cited a variety of statistics that showed starker racial disparities in some aspects of voting

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

People wait in line outside the Supreme Court in Washington on Wednesday to listen to oral arguments in the Shelby County, Ala., v. Holder voting rights case.

in Massachusetts than in Mississippi. Then he asked the government’s top Supreme Court lawyer whether the Obama administration thinks “the citizens in the South are more racist than citizens in the North?” The answer from Solicitor General Donald Verrilli was no. The question, and others like it from the conservative justices, largely echoed the doubts they first expressed four years ago in a similar case that ended without resolving the constitutionality of the latest renewal of the voting rights law, in 2006.

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS

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FROM STAFF & WIRE REPORTS

Friday ceremony adds 3 to Women’s Honor Roll Sumter Volunteers Inc. will add three new members to the Women’s Honor Roll of Sumter County at 3 p.m. Friday at the Swan Lake Visitors Center. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and reception honoring Martha Dabbs Greenway, Emily Bolger Mason and the late Lillie B. Moore Nelson. The short program is held annually, traditionally on the first Friday in March, which is national Women’s History Month. It honors women who have made significant contributions to the Sumter community. Call Jo Anne Morris, Sum-

ter Volunteers executive director, at (803) 774-7423 for more information.

Fine art exhibition opens tonight with reception Sumter Collects II, an exhibition of fine art from the personal collections of Sumter residents, opens tonight with a 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. reception at the Sumter County Gallery of Art. Both traditional and contemporary art in all mediums are in the show curated by the gallery’s chief curator, Frank McCauley, and Executive Director Karen Watson. Admission is free to gallery members or with a $5 donation by nonmembers. The exhibition can be seen through

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April 19 during regular operating hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. The Sumter County Gallery of Art, 200 Hasell St. in the Sumter County Cultural Center, can be reached at (803) 775-0543, www.sumtergallery.org. Contact Watson at scgadirector@ gmail.com or McCauley at frank@sumtergallery.org.

House approves shifting car sales tax to SCDOT COLUMBIA — The House has approved a bill shifting money collected from car sales taxes to road and bridge repair. Lawmakers voted 106-6 on Wednesday to eventually

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transfer more than $80 million yearly from the general fund to the Department of Transportation. It would be phased in over two years. The money comes from the state sales tax on vehicles, which is capped at $300. Another vote would send the measure to the Senate, where the idea has previously died. Critics said the bill comes nowhere close to funding road needs. Proposals to raise the gas tax by 10 cents and raise the $300 tax cap were easily defeated.

Greenville County deputy charged with misconduct GREENVILLE — Greenville County Sheriff Steve Loftis said one of his deputies has

been arrested after giving information about investigations to a woman wanted by police. Loftis said Timothy Jackson was charged Wednesday with misconduct in office and obstructing justice. The sheriff said Jackson was supposed to serve felony warrants on the woman last year but instead got involved in a relationship with her and didn’t turn her in.

CORRECTION

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A dancer in the Sumter Arts Showcase at Patriot Hall was identified incorrectly. Madelynn Welch, 10, a student at Miss Libby’s School of Dance, acted as a ticket-taker for a Las Vegas-themed show.

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POLICE BLOTTER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 CHARGES:

CRIMINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

Jerell Mallory Richardson, 20, of 2725 Gallishaw Road, Dalzell, was arrested and charged with criminal domestic violence and simple assault on Sunday. Officers responded to the 900 block of Miller Road when a concerned citizen called about a domestic dispute between a male and female, according to reports. The caller heard the two arguing on the stairs and the female screaming outside in front of the building. When officers arrived, they found the ground disturbed in front of the building and mud going up the stairs. When they reached the apartment, the female that responded was limping, barefoot and muddy, the report states. She originally said she fell down the stairs, and the man had left for work. Richardson was found hiding in a closet and is reported to have had a slight odor of alcohol. The officers noticed broken furniture and evidence of attempts to clean up a “reddish liquid.� The officers separated the two for interviews and received conflicting statements. The female’s visible injuries — a swelling ankle and bruised knee — were not consistent with falling down the stairs. The report states it was determined an altercation occurred and that the woman attempted to leave. The female was notified that Richardson was going to be arrested and law enforcement would be pursuing charges. The report states a check into the criminal history found Richardson had been arrested a few weeks prior for CDV against the same person. Quenton Dashawn Whitaker, 19, of 4246 Reona Ave., was arrested Wednesday and charged with third-degree assault and battery. At 5:06 p.m., sheriff’s deputies responded to the address for an alleged domestic disturbance, and the first deputy on scene reported “loud screaming� and “bumping around� coming from inside the home. Deputies spoke to Whitaker, his mother and her husband at the scene. Whitaker allegedly admitted that during an argument he pushed his mother in the chest, causing her to fall to the floor. The victim declined medical treatment, and Whitaker was transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. Jehrode William Hodge, 25, of 300 Wilson St. in Mayesville, was arrested Tuesday and charged with second-degree burglary after allegedly forcing his way into a neighbor’s home on Feb. 13 with the intent to commit a crime, according to reports. Corey Loneal Prioleau, 35, of Dalzell, was arrested about 9:53 a.m. Tuesday and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and resisting arrest after police attempted to stop him for speeding and failing to maintain his lane while Prioleau was traveling north on U.S. 521. Prioleau eventually fled the vehicle and was detained near the 500 block of Frierson Road after deputies deployed a Taser. About 692 grams of suspected marijuana and $589 in cash were found, and Prioleau allegedly told police he ran because he had the drugs on him.

A 51-year-old man living in the 600 block of Rainbow Drive told the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office that his 41-year-old live-in girlfriend slapped him in the face and attempted to stab him with a pair of scissors about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at their home. The man told deputies that a notepad in his shirt pocket prevented the stabbing attempt, and the woman told deputies that the man punched her in the face and threatened to kill her and her family with his .38-caliber gun. Neither had visible marks anywhere, according to reports. SIMPLE ASSAULT:

A man living in the 1800 block of Mallory Drive in Sumter told deputies that a 50-yearold man punched him in the mouth about 9:22 p.m. Tuesday. The victim had visible blood coming from his mouth but refused EMS treatment. STOLEN PROPERTY:

Some medicine was reportedly stolen from a residence in the 2000 block of Santee Drive before 2 p.m. Sunday. The missing medicine included: three Fentanyl patches valued at

$225, 15 Soma pills valued at $25, and 15 Lorcet pills valued at $35. The complainant stated there were “small footprints that led to the garage area that was not hers, her family’s or her friends,� the report states. There was no damage to the door. The complainant said curtains in the bathroom were knocked down and someone “took the time to leave feces in her toilet,� according to the report. She also stated someone turned on the lights for the fish aquarium. A 60-inch flat-screen TV, a PlayStation3 and a laptop computer were reportedly stolen from the 4200 block of Blanche Drive between 9 p.m. Friday and 8:25 p.m. Monday. The items are valued at $4,875. A tablet computer, a car stereo, a subwoofer, an amp and a car battery were reportedly stolen out of a vehicle parked in the 3400 block of Delaware Drive in Dalzell at 8:51 a.m. Monday. The items are valued at $2,335. A speaker, an amplifier and $600 in cash were reportedly stolen from the 7800 block of Edwards Street in Rembert at 3:43 p.m. Monday. The items are val-

ued at $1,100. An orange, yellow and green leopard print purse was reportedly stolen from a car in the 400 block of North Guignard Drive between 8:05 and 8:10 p.m. Monday. The purse contained approximately $260 in cash, a cellphone, debit and credit cards, a driver’s license and a military ID, valued at a total of $740. A 32-inch flat-screen TV was reportedly stolen from the 3500 block of Barkley Road between 4 and 9:20 p.m. Monday. The television is valued at $500. A man in the 200 block of Alexander Place noticed $206 missing from his wallet at 11:11 a.m. Friday when he found a note from his 43-year-old girlfriend apologizing for stealing from him and “confessing her love for him.� The man told law enforcement his girlfriend has a drug problem and he does not know where she went. A black Hi-Point 380 ACP handgun was reportedly stolen from a car parked in the 100 block of North Wash-

THE ITEM

ington Street between noon Sunday, Feb. 17, and 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18. The gun is valued at $183. A 14-karat gold Open Hearts necklace valued at $300, a diamond earring set valued at $300, about $86 cash and a birthstone ring with an aquamarine setting and sapphires valued at $200, along with two credit and debit cards, were reportedly stolen from a 2004 Mazda car parked at a business in the 2000 block of U.S. 15 South in Sumter about 11:37 p.m. Tuesday. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $1,000. A gray Dell desktop computer valued at $500 was reportedly stolen from a home in the 4900 block of McLaurin Road in Wedgefield between 6 p.m. Saturday and 8:38 a.m. Tuesday. A woman living in the 4400 block of Broad Street told deputies that her 20-year-old ex-boyfriend called her about 5 p.m. Tuesday and told her he broke into her home and stole her white iPhone 4 valued at $500 and her house key.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Black History Moments in Sumter, SC Judge Ernet A. Finney Jr. J Judge Finney was born in Smithield, Va., on March 23, 1931. HHe received his bachelors of arts from Clalin College in 1952 and hhis juris doctorate from South Carolina State University in 1954; hhe was admitted to the South Carolina Bar that same year. His llist of honors include election to the House of Representatives in 11972, irst black in the modern era to serve on the House Judiciary CCommittee and was the irst black judge, South Carolina Supreme CCourt, and Chief Justice.

Dr. Ralph W. Canty Sr. C was very involved with the PeeDee Baptist Canty AAssociation, Sumter schools and was a board member aand on the advisory board of the Salvation Army. He has bbeen an active civic and political member of the Sumter ccommunity. He has also maintained a life-long membership iin the NAACP. PNBC youngest president.

Judge Ruen Gray GGray attended South Carolina State University from which he rreceived a degree in business in 1961 and a degree in law in 11963. Gray devoted a great deal of his life to volunteer work, aalso serving on Sumter County Council, the Sumter School District 117 board, Sumter Development board and the Salvation Army BBoard. He served a six-year term as a family court judge from JJuly 1, 1992, to 2002.

Dr. Luns C. Richarson

R Richardson received his masters degree from the Teachers College oof Columbia University and served in numerous educational iinstitutions before becoming the ninth president of Morris College aand is the longest-serving college president. Through his educational aand managerial skills, Morris has gained in academic recognition, ddistinction and expansion. He holds memberships on numerous bboards and is active in several educational, religious, fraternal, social aand community organizations. He has served as pastor of Thankful BBaptist Church, located in Bamberg, S.C., since 1958.

James E. (Jim) Clyburn CClyburn is a Sumter native who graduated from Lincoln High School pprior to entering South Carolina State University. After graduating with a degree in history, he became the irst minority adviser to a South CCarolina governor under John West. He was later named South Carolina HHuman Affairs Commissioner. He was successful in winning the seat representing the Sixth Congressional District in 1992, becoming South r CCarolina’s irst black to serve in Congress since Reconstruction. He has hheld numerous positions of responsibility while in Washington and was tthe House minority whip.

Anhony Dennis A native of Sumter County, Dennis attended public schools in District 2, ggraduating from Hillcrest High School in 1976. He earned an associate’s ddegree in criminology from Central Carolina Technical College, a bachelor of sscience degree in criminology from Saint Leo College and a master of science ddegree in criminal justice from Troy State University. He is a 31-year veteran oof the Sumter County Sheriff’s Ofice and was the irst black sheriff in 2004. HHe is an active member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. He continues his role aas a teacher as an adjunct professor at Morris College and Central Carolina TTechnical College.

Ferinand Burns

A native of Sumter County, Mr. Burns attended its public schools, ggraduating from Lincoln High School in 1963. He joined the Air Force aand served from 1963 to 1967 receiving an honorable discharge. He eenrolled at Morris College where he earned a bachelor of science degree wwhile serving as president of the student body his senior year. He later rreceived his masters degree in education from the University of South CCarolina in 1974. In 1977 he entered administration and held that pposition at several schools until his retirement in 2007. He continues as aan active member of the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

William S. Randlph R Randolph attended the Southern Lutheran Seminary in Columbia, S.C. and the IInterdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. Rev. Randolph entered the ministry in 1954, and on Oct. 7, 1960, he was elected pastor of First Baptist m CChurch which he served until his retirement in 2007. He was elected to serve oon city council in 1987 and served continuously until 2008. He served as mayor pro tem and served on numerous boards and commissions during his m ttenure. He was accorded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest hhonor, by Gov. Mark Sanford. He was the irst black mayor pro-tem.

Sponsored by:

Fredie Solomon

Solomon began his football career in Sumter at Lincoln High School and completed his high-school career at Sumter High School where he was voted Most Valuable Player in the 1971 Shrine Bowl. He played college football at the University of Tampa before he began his professional career. He played wide receiver with the Miami Dolphins before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He was selected all pro in 1980 and was noted for his humanitarian efforts.

Bishop Fredrik C. James James enrolled in Allen University where he received a bachelor of arts degree in history and English. He later completed his masters of divinity at Howard University School of religion. He continued his education at the Union Theological Seminary in New York. Bishop James is deined as an ecumenical theologian, “advocate for fair and decent housing, proponent of civil rights, political leader and public servant.” He was accorded the state’s highest honor, Order of the Palmetto, in January of 2003.

J. David Weeks Weeks attended Morris College and earned a bachelor of arts degree. He received his juris doctorate from the University of South Carolina in 1989. He later earned a M.Ed. degree from Howard University in 1996. Mr. Weeks is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 51, Sumter County. He is a member of the Judiciary Committee and is chair of the Sumter County Legislative Delegation.

J. Phillip Remert Rembert was born in August of 1916 and died in October of 1987. Rembert was one of three Sumter men who served with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He was Sumter County’s irst black councilman. He was elected at large in 1974, before the single-member districts were introduced. He held this seat until his death in 1987.

James T. McCain

McCain was employed at Morris College as a professor, coach, registrar, academic dean and was head of the Department of Education and Teacher Training. He was principal of Palmetto High School in Mullins from 1949 to 1954. He was a inalist for the National Teacher of the Year conducted by the Negro Educational Review. McCain was a life-long advocate of civil rights and worked tirelessly to promote racial equality. He was the ield secretary and director of organization for the Congress of Racial Equality and McCain served on numerous boards and commissions and also found time to publish a number of articles and action papers related to civil rights. He founded the Sumter Branch of the NAACP.

Larry Blanding A life-long resident of Sumter County, Blanding attended Sumter public schools, graduating from Sumter High in 1971. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Clalin University in social science with a minor in education. He later earned a masters of education degree in education and guidance from South Carolina State University. He currently represents Council District 6. He was the youngest person to be elected to the House. Blanding was elected to the Sumter County Council in November of 2006 and was re-elected in 2010, where he currently serves as chairman.

James Solomon

Solomon began his graduate studies at the University of South Carolina in 1963 and was the irst black to attend USC since Reconstruction. Later he became division director at the Commission of Higher Education, commissioner of the Department of Social Services and drafted the South Carolina Desegregation Plan for Public Colleges and Universities while working for Govs. West, Riley and Campbell. Solomon was the irst black elected to public ofice in Sumter County since Reconstruction while serving on the Sumter School District 17 board. His state service earned him the Order of the Palmetto.

Collin Gilard

Sgt. Collin E. Gillard began his distinguished law enforcement career in 1952 at the age of 33 and retired in 1978 after 26 years of dedicated service. He served as patrolman, master patrolman, corporal and sergeant and was one of the highest-ranking black police oficers in Sumter during his career. He participated in the founding of the Palmetto State Law Oficers Association and received numerous commendations for outstanding service. He became the irst black oficer for the Sumter Police Department.

William Levan Byrd, CPA, PC 1988 25th Anniversary 2013

LOCAL / STATE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

THE ITEM

A5

Minority-owned firm gets $13M contract

SCOUT SNIPER

CHARLESTON (AP) — A black-owned company has been awarded a $13.4 million contract for work on Charleston’s new performing arts center, the largest minority contract for a municipal project in the city where the Civil War began, officials announced Wednesday. “The message is that this really is a community committed to giving emerging businesses a chance — a chance at the American dream,� Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. said at a news conference

Lance Cpl. Cory Levy of Manning, a scout sniper assigned to Scout Sniper Platoon, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/2, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reloads his M40A5 sniper rifle during an exercise defending the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) against small boat attacks while at sea Feb. 10. The 26th MEU is conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise, the final phase of a six-month predeployment training program. The 26th MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forwarddeployed, sea-based quickreaction force. The MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations.

outside the site where the $142 million Gaillard Center is being built. Horus Construction Co. has been awarded the $13.4 million subcontract for masonry work on the Gaillard project. Riley said the contract is thought to be among the largest such minority contracts in state history. South Carolina’s population is about 28 percent black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The announcement was made as Black History Month was drawing to a close.

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Coastal Carolina student shot, killed CONWAY (AP) — A student at Coastal Carolina University died after a shooting near the campus, and despite having no suspect in custody, there does not appear to be an immediate threat to others, school officials said Wednesday. Anthony Darnell Liddell, 19, a sophomore from Bennettsville, died after the shooting about 7:20 p.m. Tuesday at a residence hall near the school’s Conway campus, Coastal Carolina University spokeswoman Martha Hunn said. Liddell was taken to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach where he died. The State Law Enforcement Division was leading the search and investigation, and agency spokesman Thom Berry said officers were still interviewing witnesses and trying to identify a suspect. The school issued an alert using email and text messages about 8

p.m., and residence halls were locked down overnight. But there was no apparent threat to students, faculty or staff on campus, Coastal Department of Public Safety Police Chief David Roper said. Classes were held as planned Wednesday and CCU Counseling Services professionals and ministers were to be on hand to provide assistance to students. Kaitlin Eriksen, who lives at University Place residence hall, told The Sun News of Myrtle Beach she was inside her apartment when she heard four or five shots. Eriksen said she went to her balcony to see where the shots came from and saw a man fall against the back of a car’s rear window. “He took about two steps back and then collapsed. He just fell out there,� Eriksen said. According to the school’s website, University Place houses nearly 2,000 students.

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We will not be doing a garage sale this year. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or by calling Kevin Conyers at (803) 972-0145

STATE / NATION

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

S.C. bill requiring officer in each school hits snag

ROSA PARKS STATUE UNVEILED

COLUMBIA (AP) — An effort to put a police officer in every public school in South Carolina has hit a financial roadblock. State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel told a House panel Wednesday he thinks school resource officers are the best solution to securing schools and deterring shootings, echoing what he told senators last month. How to pay for them remains the question. The House Education subcommittee postponed voting on a bill that would require

President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, left, and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio unveil the statue of Rosa Parks at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Wednesday. U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn spoke at the official ceremony in Statuary Hall, saying, “Rosa Parks, the first lady of civil rights, the mother of the movement, the saint of an endless struggle — however one may wish to refer to her, this statue forever ordains Rosa Parks’ status as an icon of our nation’s struggles to live out its declaration that we all are created equal.�

an officer in every school almost immediately but provide no money to help pay for it. Keel called that unrealistic, noting hundreds of officers would have to be hired and trained. “It takes time,� he said, adding it also “takes a special officer. Some work out great in high school, but you wouldn’t want to put them in an elementary school,� and vice versa. Some sheriffs say simply diverting existing officers isn’t an option. They already lack sufficient manpower.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

AROUND TOWN

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Vietnam Veterans of America, Manning Chapter 960, will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the American Legion Hall, Sunset Drive. Spouse can be an associate member. Call Doug Bryant at (803) 473-3646 or Ron Cunningham at (412) 855-9193.

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

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CABLE CHANNELS

The Sumter County Library will offer “Get Connected,� a free series about the latest technology available and how it can be used to improve your life. Scheduled programs are as follows: “Going Mobile,� 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9; and “Getting Social,� 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13. All programs will be held in the main meeting room of the main library, 111 N. Harvin St.

Lincoln High School Class of 1964 will hold a 50-year reunion planning meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, at South Sumter Resource Center, 337 1/2 Manning Ave. Call Francis Woods at (803) 773-3804, Lillie Wilson at (803) 7759088 or Bertha Willis at (803) 775-9660.

8 PM

The First 48: Caught in the Middle The First 48: Cold Light of Day Wit- The First 48: Shattered Man’s body The First 48: After the First 48: The (:01) The First 48: Unarmed; Bad Feel- The First 48: Cold Multiple motives. (HD) ness may help solve mother’s murder. found on bed of glass. (HD) Witness Emotional testimony. (N) ing Survivor’s help. (HD) Light of Day (HD) (5:00) Hulk (‘03, Science Fiction) aa The Walking Dead: Vatos Rick’s trip Comic Book Men Freakshow Roller Immortalized: Comic Book Men Freakshow: Immortalized: Comic Book Men Eric Bana. A monster is born. (HD) to Atlanta is jeopardized. (HD) (N) (HD) skating. (N) (HD) The Odyssey (N) (HD) Two-Headed Baby The Odyssey (HD) (HD) North Woods Law: Maine Freeze (HD) North Woods Law (HD) North Woods Law: The Rookies (HD) North Woods Law (N) (HD) North Woods Law: The Rookies (HD) North Wood (HD) (6:00) 106 & Park Barbershop 2: Back in Business (‘04, Comedy) aa Ice Cube. Calvin’s shop is put in danger Steve Harvey: Don’t Trip - He Ain’t Through with Me Yet The legendary Wendy Williams: (N) (HD) again when a developer seeks to shut it down. comic performs a family-friendly set of his world-class comedy. A Wendy Event Real Housewives: (:45)Real Housewives of Beverly Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: (:45)Real House- Kathy (N) Watch What Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Game of Scones Hills: White Party Pooper House fire. Real Housewives of Paris, Part Un wives Beverly (N) Happens: Live (N) Real Housewives of Paris, Part Un The Kudlow Report (N) Crime Inc.: Grand Theft Auto American Greed: Scams: 9/11 Fraud American Greed: Scams (N) Mad Money Investment advice. Greed Erin Burnett OutFront Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Piers Morgan Tonight (N) (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Erin Burnett OutFront Tonight (HD) The Colbert Re- Daily Show with It’s Always Sunny It’s Always Sunny Workaholics (HD) Tosh.0 Racism The Ben Show Nathan For You Daily Show with (:31)The Colbert Nathan For You port (HD) Jon Stewart (HD) (HD) (HD) prevention. (HD) with Ben (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Jon Stewart (N) Report (N) (HD) Bizarre yogurt. Disney’s Shake It Jessie: 101 Lizards Disney’s Shake It Frenemies (‘12) Bella Thorne. Friends are overjoyed when Austin & Ally Aus- (:35)Good Luck Jessie: GreenDisney’s Shake It Wizards of Up! (HD) (HD) Up!: Ty It Up (HD) publisher wants to turn fashion blog into magazine. tin’s decision. (HD) Charlie (HD) Eyed Monsters Up! (HD) Waverly Place Property (HD) Property (HD) Property (HD) Property (HD) Auction (N) (HD) Auction (N) (HD) Property (N) (HD) Property (N) (HD) Auction (HD) Auction (HD) Property (HD) College Basketball: North Carolina Tar Heels at Clemson Tigers z{| (HD) College Basketball: Duke Blue Devils at Virginia Cavaliers z{| (HD) SportsCenter: from Bristol, Conn. SportsCenter College Basketball: Ohio State Buckeyes at Northwestern Wildcats (HD) College Basketball: Missouri Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks (HD) College Basketball: Gonzaga vs Brigham Young (HD) (6:00) Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (‘10, Adven- The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (‘10, Fantasy) aac Nicolas Cage. Sorcerer living in modern-day The 700 Club Scheduled: “Secret Prince: Bourgie ture) Jake Gyllenhaal. A prince tries to stop an evil plot. Manhattan recruits help in his fight against evil. (HD) Kingdomâ€? series. (N) Sings the Blues Sweet Genius Chewy fruit. (HD) Chopped: Good Chop, Bad Chop (HD) Chopped: Make No Mistake (HD) Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell (N) Worst Cooks in America (HD) Chopped (HD) NHL Hockey: Pittsburgh Penguins at Carolina Hurricanes from PNC Arena z{| (HD) Postgame (HD) Supergirl Pro Surf World Poker Tour no} (HD) NHL Hockey (HD) Frasier: Flour Child Frasier Bar torn Frasier Emcee for Frasier: The Can- Frasier Bora Bora. Frasier Lilith in Gold Girl Stan’s inThe Brady Bunch: The Brady Bunch: Frasier: The Un- Frasier: The vention. didate paradise. kindest Cut of All Matchmaker Practice baby. down. charity. Miss Popularity Kelly’s Kids Salvage Salvage West End West End (N) Addict (HD) Addict (HD) Hunters (N) (HD) International (N) Life Life Addict (HD) Swamp People: Swamp Invaders Swamp People: Texas Hold ‘Em (HD) Swamp People: Floating Dead (N) Big Rig Bounty Hunters (N) (HD) (:02) Larry the Cable Guy (HD) (:01) Swamp (HD) Without a Trace: Tail Spin Air traffic Without a Trace: Eating Away Eating Without a Trace: Primed Artist turns Criminal Minds: Soul Mates Rich man Criminal Minds: Bloodline BAU looks Criminal Minds: controller disappears. (HD) champion. (HD) photos to paintings. (HD) suspected of kidnap & murder. (HD) into young woman’s abduction. (HD) Cold Comfort (HD) Dance Moms: Bye Bye Baby Abby Project Runway: A Little Bit Country, Project Runway: Senior Fling Modern, yet ageDouble Divas Mo- Double Divas Double Divas Sea- (:02) Project Runtakes some time off. (HD) a Little Bit Rock N Roll (HD) appropriate looks for senior citizens; Joan Rivers judges. bile business. (HD) Custom order. sonal bras. (HD) way (HD) Sponge Drake SpongeBob SpongeBob Full Hse Full Hse Nanny Nanny Friends (:33) Friends (:06) Friends (5:30) Expendables (‘10) aaac Impact Wrestling (N) (HD) Bellator MMA (HD) Bellator (HD) (6:00) The Ninth Gate (‘99, Horror) aac Johnny Depp. A rare-book dealer is Stake Land (‘11, Horror) aac Connor Paolo. A man rescues a boy during a Edward Scissorhands (‘90, Fantasy) aaac Johnny hired to find a lost tome written by the devil himself. vampire epidemic in a post-apocalyptic U.S. (HD) Depp. Bizarre outsider adjusts to suburbia. (HD) King of the Nerds: The Big Bang The Big Bang King of the Nerds: Enginerds Physics; Conan Scheduled: comic and filmSeinfeld: The Lip Seinfeld: The Eng- Family: Breaking Family Guy maker Eugene Mirman. (N) (HD) Enginerds (HD) lish Patient (HD) Out Is Hard to Do Theory (HD) Theory (HD) more. (N) (HD) Reader (HD) (4:45) The Cardinal (‘63, Drama) The Graduate (‘67, Drama) aaac Anne Bancroft. A college graduate falls The Producers (‘68, Comedy) aaa Zero Mostel. Bum- (:45)The Lion in Winter (‘68, Drama) aac Tom Tryon. Priest rises rank. in love with the daughter of his married mistress. bling Broadway producers create a guaranteed flop. aaac Peter O’Toole. Borrowed (HD) Borrowed (HD) Say Yes (HD) Say Yes (HD) Say Yes (HD) Say Yes (HD) What Not to Wear: Tina Yothers (HD) Say Yes (HD) Say Yes (HD) Not to Wear (HD) The Mentalist: The Red Ponies Sus- NBA Basketball: Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls from United Center z{| (HD) NBA Basketball: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers from Staples pects abound in horse jockey murder. Center z{| (HD) (:15) Regular (:45) Orange Crew (:45) Regular King King American (HD) American (HD) Family Family Hospital Doctors. Dumbest Eggs;kicks;elephant. Guinness World Records (N) World’s Dumbest... (N) Upload (N) Upload w/ Shaq Dumbest Portable toilets. Guinness World Cosby Cosby Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Cleveland (HD) Cleveland (HD) Queens (HD) (:36) Queens (HD) (:12) Queens (HD) NCIS: Ravenous Marine’s remains are NCIS: Iced A Marine is discovered in a NCIS: Untouchable Possible Pentagon NCIS: Bloodbath Stalker threatens psych: Santabarbaratown 2 Shawn Law & Order: fed to a bear. (HD) frozen lake. (HD) spy found dead. (HD) Abby’s life. (HD) tries to find the shooter. SVU: Signature Mary Mary: New Beginnings (HD) Mary Mary: Beginning Of The End Mary Mary: Crossroads (N) (HD) Mary Mary: Crossroads (HD) Mary Mary: Crossroads (HD) Mary Mary (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met (HD) How I Met (HD) How I Met (HD) How I Met (HD) WGN News at Nine (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) Rules (HD)

Goodwill of Sumter will offer free tax services 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 20 in the Job-Link Center of Goodwill, 1028 Broad St. For after hours or weekend appointments, call (803) 240-8355.

The Campbell Soup lunch group will meet at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at Golden Corral.

7:30

A7

WIS News 10 at Entertainment Community Euro- Parks and Recre- The Office: Lice (:31)1600 Penn: (:01) Law & Order: Special Victims WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show with Jay 7:00pm Local Tonight “Jack the pean History. (N) ation: Halloween Pam brings lice To the Ranch Fam- Unit: Beautiful Frame Two trials for the 11:00pm News Leno Scheduled: actor Steve Carell. and weather. (N) (HD) news update. Surprise (HD) ily trip. (N) (HD) same case. (HD) into the office. Giantâ€?. (N) (HD) (HD) Two and a Half (:01)Person of Interest: Triggerman (:01)Elementary: The Deductionist News 19 @ 11pm (:35) Late Show with David LetterNews 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) The Big Bang Theory Parking Men Walden’s Evening news up- (HD) Finch and Reese must decide if a mob Sherlock works with an FBI profiler as A look at the news man From January: Charlie Sheen; Phil date. battle. (HD) age. (HD) enforcer’s life is worth saving. (HD) they chase down an erratic criminal. events of the day. Simms; JosĂŠ James. (HD) Jeopardy! (N) Zero Hour: Pendulum Hank returns Scandal: Truth or Consequences The (:01)Jimmy Kimmel Live: After The ABC Columbia (:35)Jimmy Kimmel Live Scheduled: Wheel of Forfrom India with a renewed determina- “Gladiators in Suitsâ€? realize that Olivia Oscars Scheduled: actor Jamie Foxx; News at 11 Nightly actor Jim Parsons; Lieutenant Govertune: California (HD) might not always wear a white. (HD) actor Channing Tatum; Robin Roberts. news report. (HD) nor Gavin Newsom; Ziggy Marley. (N) tion to find Laila. (N) (HD) Coast (N) (HD) Independent Lens: Daisy Bates: First American Masters: Sister Rosetta BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) Equitrekking Ad- Big Picture: Social Carolina Stories: Modjeska Simkins - Southern Lady of Little Rock Daisy Bates’ civil Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll International news (HD) ventures Villages; Determinants of Makin’ a Way Out of No Way from the BBC. Singer profiled. (HD) right fight examined. (HD) Healthcare wildlife. (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang American Idol: Semifinalist Round, Part 4 The tension continues as the fourth WACH FOX News at 10 News events Family Guy: Big Family Guy: I Everybody Loves Theory Penny gets Theory: The Bene- group of 10 performers prepare to take the stage for the sudden death round of the day, late breaking news and Dream of Jesus Raymond: Civil Man on Hippoweather forecasts are presented. banned. (HD) factor Factor (HD) which only half will survive. (N) (HD) campus Amnesia. Annoying song. War Dish Nation (N) The King of How I Met Your It’s Always Sunny Family Feud (N) Family Feud White Collar: Upper West Side Story White Collar: Neighborhood Watch Access HollyQueens: Ruff Goin Mother: Bachelor in Philadelphia Neal infiltrates a prestigious prep Elizabeth uncovers a hotel robbery wood (N) (HD) (HD) Party (HD) (HD) school as a substitute teacher. (HD) plot. (HD)

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will offer free income tax assistance and electronic filing for taxpayers with low to middle incomes. Assistance will be available 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 10 at the Shepherd’s Center, 24 Council St. For details, call Lynda at (803) 4698322 or Sandra at (803) 469-2052.

The Sumter Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at the Sumter County Historical Commission, 155 Haynsworth St. NAP meetings and workshops are designed to assist clubs and businesses conduct more orderly and productive meetings through correct usage of parliamentary procedure. Contact Laura LeGrand at (803) 840-9310 or at lollie@ftc-i.net.

7 PM

THE ITEM

Memorable conclusion to HBO’s ‘Parade’s End’ BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH The war heats up as “Parade’s Endâ€? (9 p.m., HBO, TVMA, part five of five) concludes. This extraordinary hour features harrowing trench battle scenes and depictions of the bravery, confusion and fear of men mired in mud and subject to unceasing bombardment. It’s quite remarkable. The drama’s powerful antiwar message centers on the action far from battle, condemning the vanities and delusions of a high command far more interested in appearances, professional advancement and social connections than the lives of millions of men squandered in the trenches. Viewers hoping “Parade’s Endâ€? would provide a “Downton Abbeyâ€? substitute will have to focus on the wardrobes and interior decoration. That happier series used World War I as a melodramatic plot device. “Parade’s Endâ€? concludes with the war obliterating almost everything that matters. • Hank comes closer to locating his wife on “Zero Hourâ€? (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG). He’d better hurry up, because the audience for this show is harder to find than the answers to a hundredyear-old Rosicrucian mystery. The ratings for the debut of “Zeroâ€? set a new low for scripted series on ABC. That sad number shrank by more than 20 percent for the second episode.

• The terminally deadpan series “Nathan for Youâ€? (10:30 p.m., Comedy Central, TV-14) consists of mock videos of a young business school graduate pitching ideas to boost sales for small businesses. Low-key laughs give way to crude scatological jokes when he advises a strip mall yogurt shop to develop a flavor similar to manure. • Similarly affected with low energy, “The Ben Show With Ben Hoffmanâ€? (10 p.m., Comedy Central, TV-14) follows the title star as he tries to buy a gun, engage in inappropriate conversation with the gun dealer and consult with his therapist about his decision. The most novel sketch features a rapper turning newspaper death notices into angry, obscene songs.

Tonight’s Other Highlights • The gang takes a course with professor Cornwallis (Malcolm McDowell) on “Communityâ€? (8 p.m., NBC, TV-PG). • Ben’s new job gives Leslie pause on “Parks and Recreationâ€? (8:30 p.m., NBC, r, TVPG). • An enforcer’s life hangs in the balance on “Person of Interestâ€? (9 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14). • Pam brings uninvited guests to work on “The Officeâ€? (9 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14). • It’s the last straw for Olivia on “Scandalâ€? (9 p.m., ABC, r, TV-14). • The contestants compete

with designs aimed at senior citizens on “Project Runwayâ€? (9 p.m., Lifetime, TV-PG). • Erica and Tina may be ending more than their tour on the season finale of “Mary Maryâ€? (9 p.m., WE, TV-PG). • Charlie gets a celebrity patient (Cee Lo Green) on “Anger Managementâ€? (9:30 p.m., FX, TV-14). • Martin Ennis evades capture on “Elementaryâ€? (10 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14). • A former victim becomes a suspect on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unitâ€? (10 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14). • “American Greedâ€? (10 p.m., CNBC) profiles the fraudulent claims of a wealth-building club. • Anderson Cooper hosts “The Bully Effectâ€? (10 p.m., CNN).

Cult Choice TCM’s Oscar-month salute to specific studios concludes with a glance at Embassy Pictures, which released three memorable films directed by Mike Nichols, including “The Graduate� (8 p.m.), “Carnal Knowledge� (2:15 a.m.) and “The Day of the Dolphin� (4 a.m.).

Series Notes Faculty parking woes on “The Big Bang Theory� (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * Rebekah returns with a shock for Elena on “The Vampire Diaries� (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-

14) * A visitor (Miley Cyrus) makes Walden feel ancient on “Two and a Half Men� (8:30 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * Vincent’s fiancee gets wind of his survival on “Beauty and the Beast� (9 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * A chance to relax on “1600 Penn� (9:30 p.m., NBC, TV-PG).

Late Night Rachel Maddow is booked on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart� (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Julian Newman and Eugene Mirman appear on “Conan� (11 p.m., TBS) * Kate Mara, Ben Gleib, April Richardson and Kurt Braunohler are booked on “Chelsea Lately� (11 p.m., E!) * Jon Favreau is on “The Colbert Report� (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Charlie Sheen, Phil Simms and Jose James are on “Late Show With David Letterman� (11:35 p.m., CBS, r) * Jay Leno welcomes Steve Carell and Shooter Jennings on “The Tonight Show� (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Jim Parsons, Gavin Newsom and Ziggy Marley appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live� (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Tina Fey, Bill Nighy and Bob Mould visit “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon� (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts David Duchovny and Ashley Madekwe on “The Late Late Show� (12:35 a.m., CBS). Copyright 2013, United Feature Syndicate

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LOCAL / NATION

THE ITEM

SEQUESTRATION from Page A1 do anything to avoid it, according to The Associated Press. The cuts have been looming for more than a year, but Congress pushed it back to Friday during lastminute fiscal cliff deals made New Year’s Day. Economists had warned the one-two punch of sequestration and the expiration of the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts could have McELVEEN thrown a still-struggling U.S. economy into reverse. The cuts are an attempt to stymie the growth of the U.S. national debt, which now stands at more than $16 trillion, by imposing across-the-board cuts to all government agencies, with a 50-50 split between defense and domestic discretionary spending. Obama urged Congress on Tuesday to pass yet another short-term deal to put off the cuts in order to allow more breathing room for a long-term deficit reduction plan. “I don’t know if I’d say push it off another week, or even two weeks,� said Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter. “It seems to me like the can keeps being kicked. We had the fiscal cliff, and they saw that coming. It seems like Congress waits until the 25th hour to sink their teeth into something.� State Sen. Kevin L. Johnson, D-Manning, said it’s a perfect example of lawmakers putting personal politics first. “While they’re playing politics, they’re messing with people’s lives,� Johnson said. “We elect these folks to serve us and make these tough decisions, and they go up there and can’t make those decisions. I think in the end a lot of people could deal with the sequestration and whatever comes of it, but what frustrates people at the local level is that it looks like the effort isn’t even being put forth at the national level.� Sen. McElveen said a cut in federal services is the most likely way local residents will feel the sequestration. Early on, about 2 million longterm unemployed people could see a $30 cut in benefit checks now averaging about $300 a week. Federal subsidies for school construction, clean energy and state and local public works projects could be pinched. Low-income pregnant women and new mothers may find it harder to sign up for food aid, and federal employees could ultimately take up to a day off per week without pay. Those receiving assistance from Medicaid or food stamps, or seniors on Social Security, would not have to worry. Those federal programs are off limits for sequestration, as are Pell grants and veterans’ programs. McElveen thinks there is little the state can do for the affected services, however. “A lot of the services

the federal government provides, we can’t,� he said. “As you probably know, we operate on a shoestring budget. We have to balance that budget every single year. Even if we wanted to do some things, I don’t know that we’d have the money to do them. I’m concerned about how this will all work out. There are a lot of services in JOHNSON our state that the federal government provides. People have come to depend on those services. I just wish they’d get something done to avoid this.� Mayor McElveen agreed. “All of us, from the national level down to the local level, realize we need to tighten our belts,� he said. “But you don’t do it the way they’re doing it. It abdicates responsibility of the Congress to make choices and pass a budget by handling it this way. I do believe in the end that local (citizens) will be called to action because of the national political situation. I think they will stand up and say (to Congress), ‘You don’t need to be handling it this way.’� McElveen said Sumter’s immediate proximity to Shaw Air Force Base — which serves as home to Air Force and Army units — is one of his main concerns. “With Shaw being a third of our economy, every dollar not spent at

Shaw has an effect on the community,� he said. Capt. Ann Blodzinski, chief of Public Affairs for the 20th Fighter Wing, said Friday’s sequestration will mean a “much larger level of cuts� than those made in previous budget fights. “A lot of actions are still in place from the prior budget cuts, such as limited travel, supply purchases, etc.,� Blodzinski said through email. “If no changes are made to the current plan, we can expect the civilian furloughs in the spring. This would cut our civilian workforce pay by an estimated 20 percent.� Those pay cuts would be affected by withholding two days’ pay every pay period for civilians, according to the federal Department of Defense. Blodzinski said flying hours would take the next hit later in the summer. “Flying hours would be cut, which means less time flying locally, cancellation of exercises that prepare for deployments, etc.,� she said. Third Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vincent Brooks said in a statement that he is confident his agency will remain vigilant in its support of operations in the Middle East and Central Asia. “It could have some impact on our civilian workforce,� he said. “It could have some impact on how much training and how much involvement we actually do in a given period of time. The reality is that our nation is going to give

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

us what we need. Yes, there will be reductions, and we are going to feel it. But our nation is going to give us what we need.� Blodzinski said she remains hopeful that something can forestall the looming cuts. “We must remain optimistic that some changes could still happen and lessen the local impact,� she said. “However, we will cautiously plan and prepare for the impacts that might occur as they are presented now.� Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart Jr. said he doesn’t expect any adverse effects from the looming sequestration. “It won’t affect our ability, at least, to provide services for our citizens,� he said. “It won’t result in any layoffs. We think if it goes through where it would affect us will be in the long term, perhaps in acquiring federal grants for different projects.� While planned refurbishment of Clarendon County Courthouse is “covered,� Stewart said the county’s water and sewer expansion could be hindered by the longterm effects of the cuts. “We have received federal funds in the past for our water and sewer projects,� Stewart said. “Those and other capital projects, I could see them being affected down the line. But we’re not worried about any immediate fallout.� The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reach Robert J. Baker at (803) 774-1211.

BUDGET from Page A1 unlikely at the first face-to-face discussion between Obama and Republican leaders this year. To no one’s surprise, even as a dysfunctional Washington appears incapable of averting a crisis over economy-rattling spending cuts, it may be lurching toward another over a possible shutdown. Republicans are planning for a vote next week on a bill to fund the day-to-day operations of the government through the Sept. 30 end of the 2013 fiscal year — while keeping in place the new $85 billion in cuts of 5 percent to domestic agencies and 8 percent to the military. The need to keep the government’s doors open and lights on — or else suffer the first government shutdown since 1996 — requires the GOP-dominated House and the Democratic-controlled Senate to agree. Right now they hardly see eye to eye. The House GOP plan, unveiled to the rank and file on Wednesday, would award the Pentagon and the Veterans Administration with their line-by-line budgets, for a more-targeted rather than indiscriminate batch of military cuts, but would deny domestic agencies the same treatment. And that has whipped up opposition from veteran Democratic senators on the Appropriations Committee. Domestic agencies would see their budgets frozen almost exactly as they are, which would mean no money for new initiatives such as cybersecurity or for routine increases for programs such as low-income housing. “We’re not going to do that,� said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa. “Of course not.� Any agreement needs to pass through a gantlet of House tea party conservatives intent on preserving the across-the-board cuts and Senate Democrats pressing for action on domestic initiatives, even at the risk of creating a foot-tall catchall spending bill. There’s also this: GOP leaders have calculated that the automatic cuts arriving on Friday need to be in place in order for them to be able to muster support from conservatives for the catchall spending bill to keep the government running. That’s because many staunch conservatives want to preserve the cuts even as defense hawks and others fret about the harm that might do to the military and the economy. If the automatic cuts are dealt with before the government-wide funding bill gets a vote, there could be a conservative revolt. “The overall sequester levels must hold,� said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif.

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OPINION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

THE ITEM

A9

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

EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

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A recent editorial from a South Carolina newspaper: FEB. 21

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Sequestration not a cut in spending I’d like to start out agreeing with Jack Osteen on his op-ed published last Sunday. Who could disagree with the idea that Shaw is integral with our local economy and vital to the protection of our nation? That said, a few inconsistencies stand out. Mr. Osteen stated that sequestration would cost the U.S. military some $46 billion this fiscal year. According to Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., that is not the case as this year’s cuts will be pro-rated, reducing them by close to one-half. Coburn sits on the Senate’s Committee on Finance so I’m thinking he should know. Then there is the matter of just

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what sequestration is, or is not, exactly. What it is not is a cut in spending. What is it? It is a cut in the ever growing rate of spending. It is a just a little over 2 percent of the U.S. government’s total spending of $3.7 trillion, of which $1.1 trillion, over 25 percent of the total, is borrowed every year. It is less than the equivalent of an average family cutting out one trip to the fast food joint once a month, except we do not borrow money from China to go to burger world. It is just one-thirteenth of the money our government forces itself to borrow each year. But it’s more. It’s something invented by the party in charge and now being used often and being made to loom as large as possible to frighten the average American and

possibly cause them pain that can be blamed on the other party. It is the secretary of transportation threatening the loss of air traffic controllers and the secretary of agriculture threatening the layoff of meat inspectors as a first line of savings. Does anyone really believe that the very first thing the DOD had to cut from the Pentagon budget was the sailing of the carrier, USS Harry S. Truman, to the Persian Gulf? Really? Do we honestly believe that teachers, firemen and police, who are compensated from local and/or state funds, will be, somehow, laid off? Really? More of the same past four years’ divisive scare tactics if you ask me. EARL REESE Sumter

COMMENTARY

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The Fed’s not-so-golden rule

R

ICHMOND, Va. — A display case in the lobby of the Federal Reserve Bank here might express humility. The case holds a 99.9 percent pure gold bar weighing 401.75 troy ounces. Minted in 1952, when the price of gold was $35 an ounce, the bar was worth about $14,000. In 1978, when this bank acquired the bar, the average price of gold was $193.40 an ounce and the bar was worth about $78,000. Today, with gold selling for about $1,600 an ounce, it is worth about $642,800. If the Federal Reserve’s primary mission is to preserve the currency as a store of value, displaying the gold bar is an almost droll declaration: “Mission unaccomplished.” Today the Fed’s second mission is to maximize employment, and Chairman Ben Bernanke construes the dual mandate as a single capacious assignment — “promoting a healthy economy.” But the Fed’s hubris ignores the fact that it anticipated neither the Great Depression that began in 1929 nor the Great Recession that began five years ago. The Fed failed to cure the former, and today’s unprecedentedly anemic recovery — approximately 3 million fewer people are working than were five years ago — has failed to cure the latter: If the workforce participation rate were as high as it was when Barack Obama was first inaugurated, the unemployment rate would be 10.8 percent. Jeffrey M. Lacker has become the Fed’s resident dissenter. As a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee, Lacker, president of the regional bank here, has cast one-third of the dissents recorded during Bernanke’s seven years as chairman. Lacker, who has dissented at more than half the policy meetings where he has been a voting member, has

done so in the name of institutional humility. When he told The New York Times, “We’re at the limits of our understanding of how monetary policy affects the economy,” he was too polite. We are increasingly understanding the deleterious effects — political as well as economic — of very low interest rates for a very long time. While Lacker says “a vigorous monetary policy response can be necessary at times to prevent a conGeorge traction from beWILL coming a deflationary spiral,” the Fed continues its vigorous pursuit of growth through cheap credit more than four years after the moment of crisis. Bernanke says “using monetary policy to try to influence the political debate on the budget would be highly inappropriate” and “it is important to keep politics out of monetary policy decisions.” But monetary decisions powerfully and predictably influence political debates. Will Rogers said, “Be thankful we’re not getting all the government we’re paying for.” Today we are not paying for all the government we are getting, and the political class benefiting from this practice should be thankful for the Fed’s low interest rate policy, which makes running deficits inexpensive. In addition to making big government cheap, this causes a flight of investors from interestpaying assets into equities — the rising stock market primarily benefits the wealthy — and commodities, rather than job-creating investments. Fed policy, which has failed so far, can also fail by succeeding. If strong economic growth begins,

interest rates will rise substantially, and the cost of debt service will cause the deficit to explode. The Fed’s policy regarding the safety net it weaves beneath large — “systemically important” — financial institutions deemed too big to fail is called “constructive ambiguity.” Lacker believes the policy is not constructive because it is not really ambiguous. Although bailing out too-big-to-fail firms is discretionary, market participants “draw inferences for future policy from our past actions.” Ambiguity, he says, breeds expectations that the Fed will act as rescuer, and these expectations are incentives for risk-taking that can compel the Fed to act. “Constructive ambiguity,” says Lacker, “became increasingly hopeless in the face of accumulating instances of intervention.” The Fed, born in 1913, is now the largest buyer of 30-year Treasury securities. And it, not Congress, which supposedly controls the government’s purse strings, funds the $447.7 million Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is headed by a person not lawfully in office. (Richard Cordray was installed by Obama by a process that a court has recently ruled amounts to a spurious “recess” appointment made to vitiate the Senate’s power to advise and consent to presidential appointments.) So before blowing out the 100 candles on the Fed’s birthday cake, consider the perverse result of current Fed policy: Although money is promiscuously printed to keep interest rates low, credit is tight as money flows toward high-return assets. Such as gold. George Will’s email address is georgewill@washpost.com. © 2013, Washington Post Writers Group

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

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

H.D. OSTEEN 1904-1987 The Item

WHO REPRESENTS YOU | SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 Naomi Sanders 5605 Borden Road Rembert, SC 29128 (803) 499-3947 (home) DISTRICT 2 Artie Baker 3680 Bakersfield Lane Dalzell, SC 29040 803-469-3638 (home) DISTRICT 3 Jimmy R. Byrd Jr. 1084 Broad St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 778-0796 (office) (803) 775-2726 (FAX) countycouncil3@ftc-i.net DISTRICT 4 Charles T. Edens 760 Henderson St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775-0044 (home) DISTRICT 5 Vivian Fleming-McGhaney 9770 Lynches River Road Lynchburg, SC 29080 (803) 437-2797 (home) (803) 495-3247 (office) DISTRICT 6 Larry Blanding Chairman P.O. Box 1446 Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 775-8518 (home) DISTRICT 7 Eugene Baten Vice chairman P.O. Box 3193 Sumter, SC 29151 (803) 773-0815 (home) SUMTER CITY COUNCIL MAYOR Joseph T. McElveen Jr. 20 Buford Street Sumter, SC 29150 803-773-0382 jmcelveen@sumter-sc.com WARD 1 Thomas J. Lowery 829 Legare St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-9298 WARD 2 Ione Dwyer P.O. Box 1492 Sumter, SC 29151 803-481-4284

WARD 3 Calvin K. Hastie Sr. 810 South Main St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-7776 WARD 4 Charlie Burns 422 W. Calhoun St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-8859 WARD 5 Robert Galiano 608 Antlers Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-0005 WARD 6 David Merchant 26 Paisley Park Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-1086 STATE LAWMAKERS Rep. Grady Brown, D-Bishopville District 50 420 S. Main St. Bishopville, SC 29010 (803) 484-6832 Columbia: (803) 734-2934 Rep. Phillip Lowe, R-Florence District 60 507 W. Cheves St. Florence, SC 29501 (843) 662-1234 Columbia: (803) 734-2975 Rep. Joe Neal, D-Hopkins District 70 P.O. Box 5 Hopkins, SC 29061 (803) 776-0353 Fax: (803) 734-9142 Columbia: (803) 734-2804 jn@schouse.org Rep. Dr. Robert L. Ridgeway III, D-Clarendon District 64 117 N. Brooks St. Manning, SC 29102 (803) 938-3087 Columbia: (803) 212-6929 Rep. Ronnie A. Sabb, D-Greeleyville District 101 P.O. Box 311, Greeleyville, 29056 (843) 355-5349 Columbia: (803) 212-6926 Rep. Murrell Smith Jr., R-Sumter District 67

123 Conyers St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 778-2471 Fax: (803) 778-1643 Columbia: (803) 734-3042 gms@schouse.org Rep. J. David Weeks, D-Sumter District 51 2 Marlborough Court Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 775-5856 Columbia: (803) 734-3102 Sen. Gerald Malloy, D-Darlington District 29 1216 Salem Road Hartsville, SC 29550 (843) 339-3000 Columbia: (803) 212-6148 Kevin L. Johnson, D-Manning District 36 P.O. Box 156, Manning, 29102 (803) 435-8117 Columbia: (803) 212-6108 J. Thomas McElveen, III D-Sumter District 35 P. O. Box 57, Sumter, 29151 (803) 775-1263 Columbia: (803) 212-6132 NATIONAL LAWMAKERS Rep. Mick Mulvaney — 5th District 1207 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5501 531-A Oxford Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 327-1114 Rep. Jim Clyburn — 6th District 319 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3315 1703 Gervais Street Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 799-1100 jclyburn@hr.house.gov Sen. Lindsey Graham U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5972 FAX (202) 224-1189 101 East Washington Street Greenville, SC 29601 (864) 250-1417 Fax: (864) 250-4322

HUBERT D. OSTEEN JR. | EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

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

The State on sentencing reform: While we thought the sentencing reform that lawmakers enacted in 2010 had the potential to slow the number of inmates going into our state’s prisons and save tax dollars, we had little hope it would happen as soon — or dramatically — as it has. Since the changes, the number of inmates has dropped by more than 2,700, to fewer than 23,000, the Corrections Department has closed two prisons and the savings for 2012 alone was $3 million. That’s a stark and welcome turnaround from dire predictions that our long underfunded, overcrowded and increasingly dangerous prison system would be deluged with new convicts. In 2010, the Department of Corrections was running a $27 million deficit, and the inmate population was projected to grow by 3,200 convicts by 2014; it would have cost $175 million to provide housing for those inmates and $66 million annually to care for them. But thanks to the new approach in the way we treat criminals, our prison system was spared the added burden. The effect of the new law can’t be overstated. Average daily population at our state’s prisons declined only six times from 1970 through 2012, based on information on the Department of Corrections’ website. Three of those drops have been in the past three years. We commend lawmakers, judges and state officials for the progress. For the longest time, lawmakers — more bent on proving they were tough on crime than improving our state — refused to take obvious, common-sense steps to reduce spending on prisons. But that changed when legislators finally passed a law that acknowledged that overcrowding prisons with nonviolent criminals makes no sense — unless the intent is to turn low-risk offenders into more dangerous ones or to make sure there isn’t adequate space for the truly violent criminals. While the new law strengthened penalties for violent crimes, it more importantly offered alternative sentences for nonviolent offenses. With almost half of our prisoners serving time for non-violent crimes, supporters expected that the law would eliminate the need to spend more on prison operations and new prisons. There was no guarantee that judges would take full advantage of the law, which allows — but does not require — them to impose shorter sentences and encourages them to use alternative sentences. But judges obviously have taken advantage of the opportunity. ... ... South Carolina should celebrate the surprising progress in this most unlikely area. And we must not let up; lawmakers must continually monitor the new approach and keep it on course. Online: thestate.com

MARGARET W. OSTEEN 1908-1996 The Item

H. GRAHAM OSTEEN II Co-President

KYLE BROWN OSTEEN Co-President

JOHN DUVALL OSTEEN Vice President and Publisher

LARRY MILLER CEO

A10

DAILY PLANNER

THE ITEM

Get “Warm as Toast” Heating Today

DARK WOLF from Page A1 the expanded facility. The proposed ordinance doesn’t specify how many, if any, jobs might be created by the expansion. Sumter County has seen several major industrial announcements in the past few years. Continental Tire the Americas, at the time code named Project Soccer, announced the construction of a new plant on U.S. 521 South in October 2011. Last year, Chinabased company Au’some inaugurated a new candy factory in Live Oak Industrial Park, creating 120 new jobs with a $6 million investment. And last March, Caterpillar Inc. announced an expansion

of its Jefferson Road hydraulics plant under the name Project Encore, representing a $20 million investment and 80 new full-time jobs. In December of 2012, the last month for which numbers are available, the unemployment rate in Sumter County was 10.2 percent, 2.3 percentage points higher than the national rate. County council approved first reading of the fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement unanimously. The proposal must receive three readings over three separate meetings to go into effect. Reach Bristow Marchant at (803) 774-1272.

TRAINING from Page A1 this weeklong course on a blue mat laid out in the base fitness center. Four instructors teach a mix of airmen and soldiers basic fighting skills that may one day save their lives. “We teach an MMA style — or mixed martial arts style — that’s a mix of wrestling and ground techniques,” said Sgt. 1st Class Don Edwards, one of the instructors for the course. “It’s used to finish a fight or defend yourself until help arrives by subduing or restraining your opponent.” The course teaches a mix of grappling techniques to block an attacker’s punch, create space to reach for your weapon or take an attacker down to the ground to gain an advantage. Like all the instructors, Edwards has completed a level-three hand-to-hand course, the second highest. The 11 soldiers and five airmen who signed up for the course — organized last month and holding its first session in the fitness center this week — will complete level-one training by the end of the course. The training will continue each month, and successful students will hopefully spread the techniques to others in their units. Members of the military are trained to defend themselves with the weapons of war on the battlefield, but hand-to-hand techniques can be used even if they run into trouble off base. “Combatives can be used in peacetime,” Edwards said. “We don’t encourage our soldiers to go out and start fights, but it does give them the confidence that they can defend themselves if they’re attacked.” The course isn’t required training for soldiers, but the Army recommends all soldiers complete at least a levelone course, especially if they’re facing deployment. Although it’s an Army program, the Third Army’s position on an Air Force base al-

BRISTOW MARCHANT / THE ITEM

Instructor Sgt. 1st Class Don Edwards, left, explains different hand-to-hand combat holds to Shaw’s combatives class Wednesday while Pvt. Lane McCartney demonstrates on Spc. Kurt O’Conner.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

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TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 54°

56° 58°

MONDAY 51°

31°

Partly sunny and breezy

Mainly clear

35°

32°

28°

Times of clouds and sun

A shower possible in the afternoon

Mainly cloudy and chilly

Plenty of sun

28°

Winds: W 10-20 mph

Winds: W 4-8 mph

Winds: W 6-12 mph

Winds: W 4-8 mph

Winds: N 6-12 mph

Winds: NNW 7-14 mph

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 30%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 0%

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

Temperature High ............................................... 63° Low ................................................ 42° Normal high ................................... 61° Normal low ..................................... 37° Record high ....................... 84° in 1996 Record low ......................... 13° in 1967

Greenville 52/31

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

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

7 a.m. yest. 357.93 74.55 73.94 96.98

24-hr chg +0.13 +0.07 +0.16 -0.06

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

7 a.m. yest. 8.99 7.48 7.83 6.69 79.45 12.09

24-hr chg +0.17 -0.12 +0.83 +1.59 +0.76 +1.49

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 58/31/pc 45/29/c 52/30/pc 58/30/pc 62/36/s 54/41/pc 62/34/s 52/31/pc 54/33/c 58/32/pc

Bishopville 56/31

0.00” 4.72” 3.35” 5.93” 7.29”

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 55/33/pc 42/31/c 53/31/pc 57/32/pc 56/37/pc 49/38/pc 57/36/pc 54/32/pc 50/38/pc 57/37/pc

Columbia 58/32 Today: Periods of sun. Friday: Intervals of clouds and sun.

Mar. 4 First

Mar. 11 Full

Mar. 19

Mar. 27

Myrtle Beach 57/36

Manning 58/32

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

Aiken 58/31 Charleston 62/34

The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

Thu.

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2013 Today Hi/Lo/W 58/32/pc 57/36/pc 58/33/pc 54/32/pc 58/33/pc 68/40/s 53/31/pc 57/33/pc 62/34/s 50/32/pc

New

Florence 58/33

Sumter 58/31

Today: Mostly sunny and breezy. High 56 to 62. Friday: Times of clouds and sun. High 54 to 58.

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

Last Sunrise today .......................... 6:51 a.m. Sunset tonight ......................... 6:17 p.m. Moonrise today ....................... 9:30 p.m. Moonset today ........................ 8:11 a.m.

Gaffney 52/32 Spartanburg 53/32

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 56/35/pc 53/34/pc 55/32/pc 56/33/pc 56/36/pc 62/36/pc 54/33/pc 53/33/pc 57/35/pc 52/29/pc

Fri.

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 52/31/pc 50/31/pc 62/38/s 68/38/s 54/32/pc 58/32/pc 50/31/pc 49/32/c 60/36/s 57/36/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 53/35/pc 51/31/pc 55/37/pc 61/34/pc 49/32/pc 55/31/pc 51/31/pc 49/32/c 57/37/pc 54/35/pc

High Ht. 10:27 a.m.....3.1 10:55 p.m.....3.2 11:09 a.m.....3.0 11:41 p.m.....3.2

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

Low Ht. 5:10 a.m....-0.5 5:22 p.m....-0.5 5:56 a.m....-0.4 6:05 p.m....-0.4

Today Hi/Lo/W 58/33/pc 62/37/s 54/32/pc 54/29/pc 54/31/pc 62/36/s 53/32/pc 62/36/s 58/35/pc 49/31/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 56/35/pc 55/37/pc 51/32/pc 54/32/pc 55/32/pc 57/36/pc 53/36/pc 55/35/pc 55/33/pc 51/31/pc

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

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lows airmen a chance to learn the fighting techniques as well. Lt. Col. Jeff Jarry with the 20th Fighter Wing got a chance to learn some of the hand-tohand moves when he studied jujitsu under a level-three combatives instructor while stationed in Qatar. “Fortunately, I never had to use those skills in Afghanistan, but if you do have an altercation with someone, it’s critical to have that skill,” Jarry said. Senior Airman Josh Sergent was a wrestler in high school, but this week’s lesson is his first experience with the Army’s MMA style and with the intensive 40hour training course. “I’m sore,” he said. “My neck’s sore.” Jarry likes that handto-hand combat training incorporates martial arts techniques such as the jujitsu instruction he received. “That’s especially important for women because jujitsu teaches you to defend (against) a larger, stronger opponent,” he said, noting that women in the military will now be deployed in combat operations overseas. “Honestly, I wish my wife had had this training before she went to Afghanistan.” The possibility of conflict overseas hung over the demonstration, even for the airmen taking the course like Sergent. “When you’re deployed,” he said, “anything can happen.”

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60s 70s 80s 90s 100s 110s Stationary front

Cold front Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

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Today Fri. Today Fri. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 46/28/s 52/29/s Las Vegas 64/47/s 70/50/s Anchorage 35/22/sf 33/22/sf Los Angeles 79/52/s 86/54/s Atlanta 50/33/pc 51/31/pc Miami 76/59/pc 72/52/pc Baltimore 50/34/sh 47/30/pc Minneapolis 32/16/pc 29/7/pc Boston 44/34/sh 39/31/sf New Orleans 60/41/s 58/40/pc Charleston, WV 42/30/c 42/27/sf New York 49/35/sh 45/33/pc Charlotte 52/31/pc 54/32/pc Oklahoma City 50/28/pc 47/25/pc Chicago 35/25/sf 31/20/sf Omaha 35/22/pc 32/17/pc Cincinnati 42/29/c 38/22/sf Philadelphia 50/34/sh 46/32/pc Dallas 58/35/s 58/32/pc Phoenix 72/50/s 77/53/s Denver 36/18/pc 43/25/s Pittsburgh 39/28/sf 35/21/sf Des Moines 34/21/c 30/15/c St. Louis 38/28/c 36/21/sf Detroit 36/25/sf 30/15/sf Salt Lake City 37/26/pc 43/27/pc Helena 42/28/sf 52/31/pc San Francisco 62/47/s 68/47/s Honolulu 81/69/s 80/68/pc Seattle 50/48/r 62/45/r Indianapolis 38/27/c 37/19/sf Topeka 36/23/pc 35/22/c Kansas City 34/24/pc 33/20/sf Washington, DC 52/36/pc 49/31/pc Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL years to come. the last word in astrology 19): Don’t get angry, get LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): moving. Sitting around Overreacting will be your eugenia LAST waiting for someone will downfall. Don’t let only make you emotions lead you down a disgruntled. You’ll make slippery slope. Controlling new acquaintances that have more to offer if your emotions will be necessary to avoid you get out and do things you enjoy. damaging a good working relationship. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Reorganize and SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take a break and redefine what it is you want to accomplish. enjoy the people you like to spend time with Getting together with people will lead to most. Getting involved in activities that inspire solutions if you collaborate. Love is on the rise. and motivate you will lead to creative projects. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t give in under SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Communication pressure. If someone demands too much of and travel will be costly. Listen but don’t start a you, put a stop to it. Taking on responsibilities feud with someone who doesn’t share your that stand in the way of your own opinions. Learn from what’s being said. accomplishments will not benefit you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Engage in CANCER (June 21-July 22): Sign up for activities that will allow you to readdress goals something that you know little about. Heading that you let fade away. Refuse to let anyone put down an obscure path will enrich your life and pressure on you to do something you don’t bring you in contact with someone who fits care to do. your personal desires perfectly. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Go over your plans LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Concentrate on what and readdress the changes you must make to needs to be done at home. Pay attention to your personal papers in order to head in a money matters and the expenses you incur. direction that will bring you greater happiness Make your dollar stretch. Don’t let pressure lead at home. to impulse. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Let your ideas grow VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Share responsibilities and develop a plan that will secure a better life with coworkers and personal partners. If you’re for you and those you love. Make your assets willing to distribute work equally, you will build grow or cut losses by getting rid of a solid relationship that will benefit you for deadweight.

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY: 3-4-8 AND 1-2-6 PICK 4 WEDNESDAY: 1-0-7-9 AND 5-9-9-2 PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY: 1-6-13-23-37 POWERUP: 2 MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY: 6-7-13-15-43 MEGABALL: 7 MEGAPLIER: 4

POWERBALL NUMBERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

pictures from the public

Reach Bristow Marchant at (803) 774-1272.

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

| The Space Shuttle Endeavour is mounted on the back of NASA’s 747 to be transported to California for permanent display. Photo taken and submitted by Hap Griffin.

SPORTS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

THE ITEM

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

After Daytona debacle, JGR eager to get to Phoenix BY JENNA FRYER The Associated Press

ITEM FILE PHOTO

Sumter High’s Phillip Watcher and the rest of the Gamecocks are ranked No. 3 in the South Carolina High School League’s preseason poll. SHS returns most of its squad from last year’s 20-5 team.

Same high expectations Gamecocks baseball team returns seven starters from last season BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com Expectations are high for the Sumter High School baseball team. The Gamecocks return seven everyday starters and most of their pitching staff from last season’s team that went 20-5, won the Region VI-4A championship and reached the District VI championship round.

Fire Ants winning the close games BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS jdriggers@theitem.com The University of South Carolina Sumter baseball team is starting to look more and more comfortable in late-inning situations. Playing in eight 1-run games and winning six of them – four in the final atbat – will usually do that. The Fire Ants begin a weekend series against Mercyhurst North East (Pa.) at Riley Park riding a 4-game winning streak and sporting a 9-2 overall mark. The FLEENOR two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. followed by a 9-inning single game on Sunday at noon. USCS has won three of its last four games via the walk-off – the latest coming last Sunday in the Pepsi Invitational in Florence courtesy of Austin Meyer’s eighth-inning double against Potomac State. “I think this team is starting to form its identity,” Fire Ants head coach SEE USCS, PAGE B3

SHS is ranked No. 3 in the South Carolina Baseball Coaches Association 4A preseason poll. It will get a chance to see where it stands immediately as it begins NORRIS play in the preseason Red Bank Invitational beginning today at White Knoll High in Lexington.

Sumter opens today against unranked Dutch Fork at 5:30 p.m., but it plays 3A No. 1 Wren on Friday at 12:30 p.m. and 4A No. 7 Boiling Springs on Saturday at 9 a.m. The other half of the bracket will include 4A No. 2 Blythewood, 3A No. 7 Chapin, Greenwood and White Knoll, which is coached by former SHS head coach Brooks Shumake. Sumter will

play one of those teams on Sunday. “We’ve got some experience back, and that’s always a good thing,” said Joe Norris, who will be starting his second year as the Gamecocks head coach. “I think it will be like last year, where it came down to how well we pitched; and we played really, really good defense. SEE SHS, PAGE B3

Nobody is as eager to get to Phoenix this weekend as Joe Gibbs Racing, the team that can only view the Daytona 500 as a disaster. JGR was running 1-2-3 KENSETH at one point of “The Great American Race” and in prime position to put one of its drivers in Vic- KYLE BUSCH tory Lane. Instead, Matt Kenseth went to pit road with an engine issue after leading a TRUEX JR. race-high 86 laps. Kyle Busch followed him a few moments later. Both could only watch in street clothes WALTRIP as Denny Hamlin tried to carry the JGR banner. He led three times for 33 laps, only to get stuck in the wrong lane in the closing laps and fade to a 14th-place finish. It was a bitter outcome for the organization and for manufacturer Toyota, which had put a huge emphasis on the Daytona 500 and had all six of its factory cars running SEE DEBACLE, PAGE B5

Clemson wants to make most of every possession BY TRAVIS SAWCHIK Post and Courier CLEMSON — While college football is quickening its pace, college basketball is slowing down. College football teams are foregoing huddles to snap the ball as quickly as possible in up-tempo schemes. In basketball, more and more point guards can be seen halting their progress, meltBROWNELL ing the shot clock, seeking guidance from the bench. In the 2002-03 season, 135 Division I teams averaged at least 70 possessions per game. Only 58 teams are averaging at least 70 possessions per SEE CLEMSON, PAGE B2

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson’s Milton Jennings (24) boxes out Maryland’s James Padgett, center, during the Terps’ 72-59 victory on Saturday in College Park, Md.

USC hopes to finish strong BY DARRYL SLATER Post and Courier COLUMBIA — About an hour after South Carolina concludes tonight’s home game against Missouri, the calendar will turn to March, the holiest month of the college basketball season. But regardless of whether the Gamecocks beat Missouri, they will once THE ASSOCIATED PRESS again enter March as a South Carolina head coach Frank Martin, right, non-factor on the sport’s rubs his head during a recent game. USC has national landscape. USC (13-14, 3-11 struggled in Martin’s first season.

Southeastern Conference) is just clawing, in its final four regular season games and the SEC tournament, to avoid a fourth straight losing record overall. Barring a miracle run in the conMARTIN ference tournament, first-year USC coach Frank Martin will watch the postseason from home for the first time in his head coach-

ing career. In Martin’s five seasons at Kansas State, the Wildcats won at least 21 games every season, made one National Invitation Tournament and four NCAA tournaments, winning at least one game in each postseason appearance. This season figured to be the toughest of Martin’s career, since USC went 6-10, 5-11 and 2-14 in the SEC the past three years. It has unfolded SEE USC, PAGE B2

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THE ITEM

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY 9 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour/Sunshine Tour Tshwane Open First Round from Centurion, South Africa (GOLF). 12:30 p.m. -- LPGA Golf: HSBC Women’s Champions First Round from Singapore (GOLF). 1 p.m. -- College Basketball: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Charlotte -- Elizabeth City State vs. Johnson C. Smith (WIS3 TIME WARNER 122). 1 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Atlanta vs. Philadelphia from Clearwater, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 2 p.m. -- College Swimming and Diving: Conference USA Championship from Houston (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 3 p.m. -- College Basketball: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Charlotte -- Winston-Salem State vs. Virginia Union (WIS3 TIME WARNER 122). 3 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Honda Classic First Round from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (GOLF). 6 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Mets vs. Washington from Viera, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXYFM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Charlotte Livingstone vs. Team To Be Announced (WIS3 TIME WARNER 122). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: North Carolina at Clemson (ESPN, WWBD-FM 94.7, WPUB-FM 102.7). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Ohio State at Northwestern (ESPN2). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Morehead State at Tennessee State (ESPNU). 7 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Pittsburgh at Carolina (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Drexel at Old Dominion (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 8 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Philadelphia at Chicago (TNT). 9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament Quarterfinal Game from Charlotte -- Lincoln (Pa.) vs. Team To Be Announced (WIS3 TIME WARNER 122). 9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Duke at Virginia (ESPN). 9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Missouri at South Carolina (ESPN2, WDXY-FM 105.9, WNKT-FM 107.5, WDXY-AM 1240). 9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Utah at California (ESPNU). 10 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Toronto vs. New York Yankees from Tampa, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Minnesota at Los Angeles Lakers (TNT). 11 p.m. -- College Basketball: Gonzaga at Brigham Young (ESPN2). 11 p.m. -- College Basketball: Oregon State at Oregon (ESPNU).

COLLEGE BASKETBALL SCHEDULE By The Associated Press Thursday, Feb. 28 EAST New Hampshire at Albany (NY), 7 p.m. Vermont at Binghamton, 7 p.m. Stony Brook at Boston U., 7 p.m. Robert Morris at Bryant, 7 p.m. St. Francis (Pa.) at CCSU, 7 p.m. St. Peter’s at Canisius, 7 p.m. Wagner at Fairleigh Dickinson, 7 p.m. UMBC at Hartford, 7 p.m. Sacred Heart at LIU Brooklyn, 7 p.m. Mount St. Mary’s at Monmouth (NJ), 7 p.m. Rider at Niagara, 7 p.m. Quinnipiac at St. Francis (NY), 7 p.m. Detroit at Temple, 7 p.m. SOUTH Samford at Appalachian St., 7 p.m. North Carolina at Clemson, 7 p.m. Drexel at Old Dominion, 7 p.m. Morehead St. at Tennessee St., 7 p.m. Chattanooga at W. Carolina, 7 p.m. Furman at The Citadel, 7:05 p.m. Kennesaw St. at Stetson, 7:15 p.m. Wofford at Coll. of Charleston, 7:30 p.m. Mercer at Florida Gulf Coast, 7:30 p.m. North Florida at N. Kentucky, 7:30 p.m. SE Missouri at Austin Peay, 8 p.m. Utah St. at Louisiana Tech, 8 p.m. UT-Martin at Murray St., 8 p.m. South Alabama at W. Kentucky, 8 p.m. Jacksonville at Lipscomb, 8:15 p.m. Alabama A&M at Grambling St., 8:30 p.m. Alabama St. at Jackson St., 8:30 p.m. FIU at Louisiana-Monroe, 8:30 p.m. Ark.-Pine Bluff at MVSU, 8:30 p.m. Oral Roberts at McNeese St., 8:30 p.m. E. Kentucky at Tennessee Tech, 8:30 p.m. Middle Tennessee at Troy, 8:30 p.m. Missouri at South Carolina, 9 p.m. Duke at Virginia, 9 p.m. MIDWEST Ohio St. at Northwestern, 7 p.m. South Dakota at IUPUI, 7:30 p.m. S. Dakota St. at Nebraska-Omaha, 8 p.m. UMKC at W. Illinois, 8:30 p.m. SOUTHWEST Arkansas St. at North Texas, 8 p.m. Seattle at Texas St., 8 p.m. San Jose St. at Texas-Arlington, 8 p.m. Idaho at UTSA, 8 p.m. Cent. Arkansas at Lamar, 8:30 p.m. Alcorn St. at Prairie View, 8:30 p.m. SE Louisiana at Texas A&M-CC, 8:30 p.m. Louisiana-Lafayette at UALR, 8:30 p.m. Nicholls St. at Sam Houston St., 8:45 p.m. Southern U. at Texas Southern, 9 p.m. FAR WEST Idaho St. at N. Arizona, 8:35 p.m. Utah at California, 9 p.m. San Francisco at San Diego, 9 p.m. N. Colorado at E. Washington, 9:05 p.m. Montana St. at S. Utah, 9:05 p.m. Cal Poly at CS Northridge, 10:05 p.m. Weber St. at Sacramento St., 10:05 p.m. North Dakota at Portland St., 10:35 p.m. Gonzaga at BYU, 11 p.m. Oregon St. at Oregon, 11 p.m. Loyola Marymount at Santa Clara, 11 p.m. UC Davis at UC Riverside, 11 p.m. Pacific at Cal St.-Fullerton, 11:05 p.m. UC Santa Barbara at Hawaii, Mid

MLB SPRING TRAINING By The Associated Press AMERICAN LEAGUE W L Pct Baltimore 3 0 1.000 Chicago 2 0 1.000 Kansas City 4 0 1.000 Cleveland 5 1 .833 Seattle 4 1 .800 Tampa Bay 4 1 .800 Detroit 2 2 .500 Houston 2 2 .500 Minnesota 2 2 .500 Boston 2 3 .400 Toronto 2 3 .400 New York 1 3 .250 Oakland 1 3 .250 Los Angeles 0 4 .000 Texas 0 4 .000 NATIONAL LEAGUE W L Pct Chicago 3 1 .750 Miami 2 1 .667 Pittsburgh 2 1 .667 San Diego 3 2 .600 Arizona 2 2 .500 Colorado 2 2 .500 Los Angeles 1 1 .500 San Francisco 1 1 .500 St. Louis 2 2 .500 Atlanta 2 3 .400 New York 1 2 .333 Philadelphia 1 2 .333

| Washington 1 2 .333 Cincinnati 1 4 .200 Milwaukee 1 4 .200 NOTE: Split-squad games count in the standings; games against non-major league teams do not. Tuesday’s Games Miami 7, N.Y. Mets 5 Philadelphia 4, N.Y. Yankees 3 Tampa Bay 7, Houston (ss) 2, 6 innings Houston (ss) 9, Detroit 4 Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., ccd., Rain Minnesota 8, Toronto 4 Atlanta 9, Washington 5 St. Louis 15, Boston 4 L.A. Angels 7, Arizona (ss) 7, tie Kansas City 4, Cleveland 1 Chicago White Sox 14, Texas 8 Seattle 6, Milwaukee 5 L.A. Dodgers 8, San Francisco 8, tie Chicago Cubs 4, Colorado 2 San Diego 7, Cincinnati 5 Arizona (ss) 9, Oakland 4 Thursday’s Games Boston vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Atlanta vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees (ss) vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Baltimore vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Miami vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Toronto vs. N.Y. Yankees (ss) at Tampa, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Detroit vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Seattle vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Arizona vs. Cincinnati (ss) at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m. L.A. Angels vs. L.A. Dodgers at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Kansas City vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Cleveland vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Oakland vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Cincinnati (ss) vs. Colorado at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m. N.Y. Mets vs. Washington at Viera, Fla., 6:05 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB New York 33 20 .623 – Brooklyn 34 24 .586 11/2 Boston 30 27 .526 5 Toronto 23 34 .404 12 Philadelphia 22 33 .400 12 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Miami 41 14 .745 – Atlanta 32 23 .582 9 Washington 18 37 .327 23 Orlando 16 41 .281 26 Charlotte 13 44 .228 29 Central Division W L Pct GB Indiana 36 21 .632 – Chicago 32 25 .561 4 Milwaukee 27 28 .491 8 Detroit 22 37 .373 15 Cleveland 19 38 .333 17 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 45 13 .776 – Memphis 37 18 .673 61/2 Houston 31 27 .534 14 Dallas 25 31 .446 19 New Orleans 20 38 .345 25 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Oklahoma City 41 15 .732 – Denver 36 22 .621 6 Utah 31 26 .544 101/2 Portland 26 30 .464 15 Minnesota 20 34 .370 20 Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Clippers 41 18 .695 – Golden State 33 24 .579 7 L.A. Lakers 28 30 .483 121/2 Phoenix 19 39 .328 211/2 Sacramento 19 39 .328 211/2 Tuesday’s Games Orlando 98, Philadelphia 84 Indiana 108, Golden State 97 Miami 141, Sacramento 129,2OT Cleveland 101, Chicago 98 Brooklyn 101, New Orleans 97 Milwaukee 95, Dallas 90 Phoenix 84, Minnesota 83, OT L.A. Clippers 106, Charlotte 84 Wednesday’s Games Toronto at Cleveland, 7 p.m. Sacramento at Orlando, 7 p.m. Detroit at Washington, 7 p.m. Milwaukee at Houston, 8 p.m. Dallas at Memphis, 8 p.m. New Orleans at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Golden State at New York, 8 p.m. Phoenix at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Atlanta at Utah, 9 p.m. Denver at Portland, 10:30 p.m. Thursday’s Games L.A. Clippers at Indiana, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Chicago, 8 p.m. Minnesota at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 20 13 7 0 26 69 54 New Jersey 19 10 5 4 24 48 49 Philadelphia 21 9 11 1 19 60 66 N.Y. Rangers 18 8 8 2 18 44 48 N.Y. Islanders 20 8 11 1 17 57 68 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Montreal 19 12 4 3 27 53 41 Boston 16 12 2 2 26 49 35 Ottawa 20 12 6 2 26 48 37 Toronto 20 12 8 0 24 57 46 Buffalo 20 7 12 1 15 50 64 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Carolina 18 9 8 1 19 50 54 Tampa Bay 19 9 9 1 19 70 60 Winnipeg 19 9 9 1 19 52 60 Florida 19 6 9 4 16 48 69 Washington 18 7 10 1 15 51 55 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 19 16 0 3 35 61 37 Nashville 20 9 6 5 23 44 47 St. Louis 18 10 6 2 22 55 52 Detroit 19 9 7 3 21 57 54 Columbus 20 5 12 3 13 44 61 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Vancouver 19 10 5 4 24 54 52 Minnesota 18 9 7 2 20 39 43 Calgary 18 7 7 4 18 49 61 Edmonton 18 7 7 4 18 42 49 Colorado 18 7 8 3 17 44 54 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 17 13 3 1 27 59 47 Dallas 20 10 8 2 22 56 57 Phoenix 19 9 7 3 21 54 51 San Jose 18 9 6 3 21 44 41 Los Angeles 17 9 6 2 20 45 41 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Tuesday’s Games San Jose 3, Colorado 2, SO Dallas 5, Columbus 4, OT Washington 3, Carolina 0 Winnipeg 4, N.Y. Rangers 3 Florida 6, Pittsburgh 4 Buffalo 2, Tampa Bay 1 Boston 4, N.Y. Islanders 1 Minnesota 2, Calgary 1, OT Phoenix 4, Vancouver 2 Thursday’s Games Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Penn State upsets Michigan STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Jermaine Marshall scored 25 points and Penn State upset No. 4 Michigan 84-78 on Wednesday night for its first Big Ten victory in more than a year. The Nittany Lions (9-18, 1-14) had lost 18 straight regular-season conference games dating to last season, but they roared back from a 15-point deficit with 10:39 left behind the energetic play of Marshall. The junior guard scored 19 in the second half, including four 3s that whipped Jordan Center fans into a frenzy. D.J. Newbill added 17 points for Penn State, which hit a season-high 10 3-pointers. Marshall’s twisting drive to the basket gave the Nittany Lions a three-point lead before Michigan’s Glenn Robinson III misfired on a 3 with 17 seconds left. (5) MIAMI VIRGINIA TECH

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CORAL GABLES, Fla. — No. 5 Miami went 11 minutes with-

TOP 25 ROUNDUP

| THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Penn State’s Brandon Taylor, left, looks for a shot past Michigan’s Glenn Robinson III (1) during the Nittany Lions’ 84-78 upset win on Wednesday in State College, Pa.

out a basket Wednesday night, then finally shook off a 10-day scoring slump and pulled away from Virginia Tech, 76-58. Shane Larkin had 22 points and six assists to lead the Hurricanes, who were coming off a loss at Wake Forest that ended their 14-game winning streak and their bid to go unbeaten in the Atlantic Coast Conference. (15) OKLAHOMA STATE TCU

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FORT WORTH, Texas — Le’Bryan Nash scored a careerhigh 28 points, Marcus Smart had his typically strong allaround game not far from the high school where he won two state championships, and No. 15 Oklahoma State beat offensively challenged TCU 64-47 on Wednesday night.

NBA ROUNDUP

Nash had the first two baskets in an 18-1 run that bridged the first and second halves and put the Cowboys (21-6, 11-4 Big 12) in control for good. (23) PITTSBURGH SOUTH FLORIDA

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PITTSBURGH — Tray Woodall scored 14 points and No. 23 Pittsburgh pulled away in the second half, beating South Florida 64-44 on Wednesday night to hand the struggling Bulls their 10th consecutive loss. Dante Taylor had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Panthers (22-7, 10-6 Big East), who have won nine of 12. They remained in the middle of the race for a double-bye in next month’s conference tournament. From wire reports

|

Knight leads Pistons past Wizards 96-95 WASHINGTON — No matter how well things are going for either team, the Detroit Pistons nearly always get the better of the Washington Wizards. Brandon Knight returned from a right knee injury to score a career-high 32 points, Greg Monroe added 26 points and 11 rebounds on the court where he played college home games for Georgetown, Jose Calderon finished with 18 assists, and Detroit escaped with a 96-95 victory over Washington on Wednesday night. The Pistons have won six games KNIGHT in a row over the Wizards, and 14 of their past 16 meetings. And Wednesday’s result represented a reversal of fortunes for both clubs: Detroit had lost three straight games; Washington had won three straight. KINGS MAGIC

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ORLANDO, Fla. — John Salmons had 21 points to lead six players in double-figures and the hotshooting Sacramento Kings cruised to a 125-101

USC from Page B1 mostly as expected, with struggles that have become all too familiar to USC fans. In 2006, USC lost by two points in the SEC tournament final and won its second straight NIT. In the next six seasons, the Gamecocks had five losing overall records, went one-and-done in the league tournament five times and made one postseason event, the 2009 NIT, in which they lost in the first round, sullying a 21-10 (10-6) season. Their record against SEC teams since losing the 2006 conference tournament final to Florida, the eventual national champion, is now 36-81. Martin knew the rebuilding job at USC would be tough. But in some ways, it has been more of a challenge than he envisioned. “There are a lot more things that need to be done than I

victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The Kings were coming off a double -overtime loss to Miami on Tuesday, but showed few signs of a hangover, knocking down 10 3-pointers. Reserve Marcus Thornton added 20 points. The win ends a six-game losing streak and snaps a string of nine consecutive road losses. It also marks the Kings’ first season sweep of the Magic in nine years. CAVALIERS RAPTORS

CLEVELAND — Rookie Dion Waiters scored 23 points, Shaun Livingston added 15 and the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a horrendous start and playing without injured All-Star Kyrie Irving for the second straight game, beating the Toronto Raptors 103-92 on Wednesday night. The Cavs made only one of their first 15 shots, but recovered and finished February at 7-5, their first winning month since March 2010, when LeBron James was still around. From wire reports

thought when I got here,” he said. “And that’s OK. I didn’t come here to go on vacation.” He declined to elaborate on what those things are. “Those are all things that, when the season is over and as things change, then I’ll elaborate on them,” he said. “As of right now, don’t misunderstand. I’m not unhappy about anything. There has to be a cultural change. Believe me, I understand why there’s a sense of apathy (around USC’s program). I didn’t a year ago. I do now. But that’s OK. Let’s change it.” Martin understands that engaging fans starts with winning and challenging for an NCAA tournament bid. USC has played in eight NCAA tournaments, but none since 2004. The Gamecocks have never advanced past the second round, and have won a game in the

CLEMSON from Page B1 game this season. Clemson ranks 326th in the country (out of 347 Division I teams) and 11th in the ACC with 62.2 possessions per game this season. North Carolina, which plays at Clemson today (7 p.m., ESPN), is one of the few college teams still operating at a fast tempo. UNC leads the ACC with 73.3 possessions per game this season, ranking sixth in the nation. The game is also slowing down because coaches have become more hands-on, more controlling. Clemson coach Brad Brownell has had assistant coaches scribble play calls on whiteboards to communicate with players on the court. “Maybe coaches are becoming a little bit more of control freaks to have a say in what’s going on,” Brownell said. “With players’ skill levels not being

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tournament just twice, in 1972 and 1973. They went one-anddone in their next five tournament appearances, including stunning flops as a No. 2 seed in 1997 and No. 3 seed in 1998. So Martin can’t rely on selling history as he tries to recruit the type of players who can consistently win in the SEC — guys like wing player Sindarius Thornwell, who has signed for next season and is the No. 43 overall recruit in the Class of 2013, according to Rivals. “All the things that need to change, in my opinion, didn’t just happen overnight,” Martin said. “Something has been building up over a long period of time. It’s been 40 years since the last NCAA win. That creates of a sense of disconnect, because like I’ve said all along, everyone is judged in our sport based on how you do in that NCAA tournament.”

quite as good, every possession seems to be really important, so you try to maximize it by slowing things down and getting what you want.” Still, there are a few coaches who are increasing tempo. Division II program West Liberty University, which averages more than 80 possessions per game, has success with a philosophy built upon full-court pressure, transition scoring and an undersized lineup that features multiple shooters and ballhandlers. VMI coach Duggar Baucom, who runs an uptempo offense, doesn’t think players have enough freedom. “I call them joystick coaches,” Baucom told Grantland.com. “They try to orchestrate every movement instead of letting ‘em play. There’s teams in our league that run 20 seconds of false motion to get the shot clock down, and then run a set. It becomes kind of like a wrestling match.”

SPORTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

THE ITEM

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Gonzaga en route to No. 1 ranking BY NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS The Associated Press SPOKANE, Wash. — Second-ranked Gonzaga’s game at BYU on Thursday suddenly has national significance. With No. 1 Indiana losing to Minnesota on Tuesday, the Zags might reach the top of the AP basketball poll Monday if they can beat BYU then defeat Portland on Saturday. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to be part of such a team that has accomplished so much up to this point,” forward Elias Harris said earlier this week. “It makes me proud.” The feat would be unprecedented for the mid-major program from the small Jesuit college in Spokane. While Gonzaga has been running with the elite teams in the nation for more than a decade, few in Spokane dreamed that coach Mark Few’s gang could ever be No. 1. “It’s special ... that people see you in that light at the top of the nation,” guard Mike Hart said. Gonzaga (27-2, 14-0 WCC) beat BYU 83-63 last month in Spokane. But the Bulldogs lost last year in Provo, where more than 20,000 fans make for a tough environment “This one’s going to be a huge challenge,” Hart said. “The crowd and their atmosphere

ITEM FILE PHOTO

Clemson verbal commitment Charlie Barnes is one of the returning starters on the Sumter High pitching staff this season.

SHS from Page B1

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gonzaga’s Przemek Karnowski (24) celebrates with his team during a recent Bulldogs’ victory over Santa Clara in Spokane, Wash. Gonzaga is on its way to earning the top slot in the AP poll after Indiana’s loss.

down there is really unbelievable. ... They are going to be rowdy and into it.” Gonzaga has played before plenty of big crowds this season, including games at Oklahoma State, Washington State and Butler. “We function very well in that type of environment,” Few said. A victory at BYU would give Gonzaga the WCC regular season title outright. The Cougars (20-9, 9-5) need a signature win to make a case for an invitation to the NCAA tournament. If the Zags beat BYU, their final regular-season game is at home Saturday against Portland (11-19, 4-10),

USCS from Page B1 Tom Fleenor said. “They’ve been in a lot of close games that we were down in the last inning or next-to-last inning. “I think playing in those games and winning a lot of them gives us a lot of confidence moving forward.” USCS has posted a .310 batting average thus far while scoring 59 runs. Trevor Bradley leads the way at .405 followed by Sumter High and Sumter P-15’s alum Andrew Reardon at .346. Both have played in all 11 games. Brad Johnson (.455) and Matt Peden (.368) are among the top bench players. “That’s one of the interesting things about this team and one of the reasons we still haven’t settled on an everyday lineup,” Fleenor said. “We’ve had a lot of different guys come through in different games. We seem to have a new hero every night. “It’s not the offensive juggernaut that we’ve had in the past with one or two big bats. It’s a very solid group top to bottom.” Meyer, Hayden Banks and Bradley have all come through with game-winners, including two for Bradley. He’s also tied with Josh Bow-

an opponent they beat by 22 points on the road earlier this season. This Gonzaga team was pegged as special from the preseason, largely because of Harris and returning guards Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. The surprise has been the emergence of junior center Kelly Olynyk, who redshirted last season after two undistinguished years on the team. The 7-foot Olynyk is averaging more than 17 points and 6 rebounds per game, shooting 66 percent from the field and thrilling crowds with acrobatic dunks. Hart brings defen-

sive energy, and the Zags get strong bench play from forward Sam Dower and guard David Stockton, the son of Gonzaga great John Stockton. The team has a strong international flavor. Harris is from Germany, while Pangos and Olynyk are Canadians. The Bulldogs opened the season with nine straight wins, lost at home to Illinois, then reeled off eight more victories. They had a lastsecond defeat at Butler and since then have ripped off 10 wins in a row, never giving up more than 63 points in any of those games.

ers for the team lead in runs batted in with six. Reardon and Ryan Perkins have five each. “I say this a lot, but I do think our best baseball is ahead of us,” Fleenor said. “We’re working on finding some offensive consistency. That’s the main thing.” Consistency hasn’t been an issue thus far for the pitching staff. Nine hurlers have combined to pitch 81 2/3 innings with a sparkling 1.65 earned run average. “Early returns are good, so we’re cautiously optimistic,” Fleenor said. “We’ve had a number of starters and relievers go out there and compete and give us a chance to win games. They’ve battled and kept us close. “Now when we start having some more midweek games and go into the (Region X) schedule, we’ll have to rely on more than six or seven guys. We’ll know then if we have the depth we think we do.” Bowers leads the Fire Ants with 23 innings pitched, two complete games and 22 strikeouts. Marlin Morris has a 1.50 ERA in 18 innings with 18 strikeouts. John Fissel has the lone save out of the bullpen for USCS and Dylan Miller has yet to allow a hit or an earned run in 3 1/3 innings of work.

Those are things we need to keep up.” SHS returns left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes, a Clemson verbal commitment who will start today’s game, along with right-handers Will Smith, Phillip Watcher and Jacob Watcher, who all saw time as starters last season. Taylor McFaddin will be the closer with River Soles, Chris Crawford, Brandon Granger and Javon Martin also expected to see some time on the mound. Of course, the everyday lineup will change from game to game based on who is starting on the mound, but Norris likes the combinations he’ll be able to put on the field. “I really like our depth,” said Norris, who will again be assisted by Frankie Ward and Randy Twitty. “The (Nos.) 6-9 spots in the batting order are pretty good hitters. There aren’t any easy outs like you have some years.” “We also have more speed in the lineup than we’ve had in a few years,” he added. The first six in the batting order today against Dutch Fork will be Jacob Watcher, Barnes, McFaddin, Phillip Watcher, Soles and Smith. Norris wasn’t sure how he’d fill out the bottom three spots. Ian McCaffery and John Lee Campbell will see time at catcher while Soles will get the bulk of the action at third base. The Watchers and Martin

will be seeing the action at shortstop and second base with Barnes, Granger, Tee Dubose and Campbell likely to see some time at first base. McFaddin, Smith and Barnes will see playing time in the outfield, while Bryson Johnson and Crawford will see some time as well. The Gamecocks will jump right into region play after completing the RBI Invitational. After a non-region home contest against Spring Valley on Tuesday beginning at 6:30 p.m., Sumter plays host to Carolina Forest on Wednesday beginning at 6:30 p.m. as well. Sumter will play all of its four region foes — Carolina Forest, Conway, South Florence and West Florence — three times apiece instead of the normal two. With the exception of the Carolina Forest series, the other series will be played on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the same week “We had been talking about doing this for some time because our seasons were coming down to how we did in eight (region) games (in who made the state playoffs and how they were seeded),” Norris said. “Depending on how your schedule fell, you could start your No. 1 pitcher in six of your eight region games. We figured if you play a team three times in one week, that will be a better judge of who is the best team.”

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SPORTS

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

AP Source: 49ers to send Smith to KC SAN FRANCISCO — Alex Smith quietly stayed behind the scenes after losing his job and watched from the sideline as San Francisco returned to the Super Bowl for the first time in 18 years. Yet the No. 1 overall draft pick from 2005 did make one thing known: The veteran quarterback still considers himself a starter. And he hoped to get that chance again. Now, he appears to have it. The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to acquire Smith from the 49ers in the first major acquisition since Andy Reid took over as the team’s new coach in early January, a person with knowledge of the trade told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot become official until March 12, when the NFL’s new business year begins. Another person familiar with the swap said the 49ers will get a secondround pick in April’s draft, No. 34 overall, and a conditional pick in the 2014 draft. WINTHROP BEATS CU IN EXTRAS

CLEMSON — Leighton Daniels scored on Clay Altman’s sacrifice fly in the 11th inning to lift Winthrop to a 3-2 win over Clemson at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. The Eagles improved to 3-5, while the Tigers fell to 5-2. 4 ‘BAMA PLAYERS DISMISSED

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Four players for two-time defending national champion Alabama have been

dismissed from school following their arrests after two robberies on campus. University spokeswoman Deborah Lane said Wednesday that linebackers D.J. Pettway and Tyler Hayes, safety Eddie Williams and H-back Brent Calloway are no longer enrolled after a judicial review. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban had earlier said the players “are no longer associated with the football program.”

SPORTS ITEMS

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USCS SOFTBALL SPLITS

The University of South Carolina Sumter softball team split a doubleheader with Columbia College’s JV squad on Wednesday at Patriot Park. Columbia won the first game 6-1 before the Lady Fire Ants bounced back with a 6-5 victory in game two. Former East Clarendon standout Sloane Welsh took the loss in the opener after giving up four earned runs in seven innings. Kali Bishop, Sabrina McCray, Hailey Grimoskas, Addy Schelble, Erica Stone and Kat Windham all had hits for USCS. In game two, Grimoskas picked up the win after going 1 1/3 innings in relief of starter Katie Sams. Former EC standout Kristan McElveen led the way at the plate with a 3-for-3 day. She walked, scored a run and drove in three. McCray had two hits and a RBI, as did Danielle Reeves. Bishop drive in a run and stole a base and

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith (11) has been traded to Kansas City according to a person with knowledge of the trade. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Wednesday because the trade does not become official until March 12, when the NFL’s new business year begins.

Jessica Weir and Rebeccah Paonita each had hits. The Lady Fire Ants improve to 4-2 on the season and will next host USC Lancaster on March 9 at Palmetto Park to open Region X play. SHOT IN THE DARK MARCH 23

The Christian Golfers’ Association will play host to the Shot In The Dark Scramble on Saturday, March 23, at Sunset Country Club. The first nine holes of the tournament will be played in the daylight with a 3 p.m. tee time. After dinner, which will be part of the entry fee, the final nine holes will be played in the moonlight, beginning approximately at 6:30. Golfers can bring flashlights if they would

like. The field will be limited to 56 players with an entry fee of $55 per golfer. The team that has the lowest score during the daytime round will receive $200, while the team with the low score in the nighttime round will receive $200. Also, the winners of a putting contest and a closest to pin shoot-out will each receive $100. To register for the event, call Tom Winstead at (803) 773-2171 or (803) 983-3457 or Eddie Porter at (803) 565-4104. AARON TO THROW OUT 1ST PITCH

COLUMBIA — Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Hank Aaron will throw out the first pitch for the Columbia Blowfish this

season. Aaron played his final minor league game for the Jacksonville Braves in 1953 at Capital City Stadium in Columbia, the same place he will be on May 29 to make the ceremonial first pitch for the summer collegiate Coastal Plain League team. NCAA: SHAPIRO GAVE UM $170K

CORAL GABLES, Fla.— The NCAA is alleging that former Miami booster Nevin Shapiro was responsible for providing about $170,000 in impermissible benefits to Hurricanes athletes, recruits, coaches and others between 2002 and 2010. Shapiro allegedly spent more than half that amount — at least $90,000 — in an effort to

get NFL players Vince Wilfork and Antrel Rolle to sign with a sports agency he was involved with, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press Wednesday on condition of anonymity because neither Miami nor the NCAA has publicly released the allegations. USC-BALL ST. GAME TIME CHANGE

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina-Ball State baseball game scheduled for Wednesday, Mar. 6 has been moved to a 4 p.m. start time to accommodate fans wanting to attend both the home baseball and men’s basketball games. From wire, staff reports

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OBITUARIES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

LOIS S. MURRELL Lois Sawyer Murrell, 81, devoted widow of Ralph D. Murrell (retired agent for Life of Virginia Insurance), passed away Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, after a long illness. Born in Norfolk, Va., she was a daughter of the late Hubert and Marjorie Barnett Sawyer. Mrs. Murrell attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Survivors include her daughter, Linda (John) Andrews of West Columbia; two granddaughters, Holly Andrews of Lexington and Heather (Brad) Collins of Leesville; one greatgrandson, Jake Andrews of Lexington; one brother, Ernest Sawyer (Dorothy) of Norfolk; and a number of nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery with the Rev. Avery Paris officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. Memorials may be made to WMHK Radio, P.O. Box 3122, Columbia, SC 29230-3122. Online condolences may be sent to www. sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386. LORETTA B. WALKER Loretta Betrand Walker, 44, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at Southern Regional Hospital, Riverdale, Ga. She was born June 13, 1968, in Manning, a daughter of Evelyn McFadden Betrand and the late James Edward Betrand Jr. The family is receiv-

ing friends at the home of her mother, Evelyn M. Betrand, 1084 Ashton Trace Drive, Manning. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

JAMES EPPS James “Iron Man� Epps, 64, husband of Julia Wilson Epps, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at his home. He was born March 5, 1948, in Gable, a son of the late Willie James Epps and Gracie Tomlin Epps. The family is receiving friends at the home, 2093 Robert Rees Durant Road, Alcolu. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning. MOSES SMITH Deacon Moses “Bubba� Smith was born Oct. 27, 1920, in Sumter County, a son of the late Thessalonian and Lillie Mae Smith. He departed his earthly life on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at his home, surrounded by the comfort of his family. Deacon Smith was educated in the Sumter County schools. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and joined Enon Missionary Baptist Church. He was an active member of the Diakonos (Deacons/ Deaconess Ministry), Enon Men of God (EMOG) Ministries, and was assistant chairperson of the Golden Age Ministry. Deacon Smith served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Co. in Baltimore, Md., after more than 30 years of dedicated service. He was also an active Mason while in

Baltimore. He leaves to cherish his memory: his faithful and loving wife, Ida Lawson Smith; two daughters, Mary (Leedel) Holley of Baltimore and Sophia (Tony) Vickers of Columbia; two sons, Greg (Veronica Smith) Davis of Columbia and Devaris (Telesia) Davis of Irmo; one sister, Kinzena Wilder of Boston, Mass.; two sisters-in-law, Alethia Smith-Owens of Kissimmee, Fla., and Dorothy Kennedy of Sumter; and 10 grandchildren, Erica Smith of Kissimmee, Linda (Antoine) Chance of York, Pa., Rickey Holley and Kenneth (Sherri) Holley of Baltimore, Shane (Valerie) Davis of Oceanside, Calif., Shauntel (John) Moseley, Sylvia Vickers, Sterling Davis and Anthony Vickers, all of Columbia, and William Davis of Irmo. An adopted father and grandfather to many, he is also survived by a host of greatgrandchildren, greatgreat-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his Enon Covenant Partners. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Deacon Smith will be placed in the church at 2 p.m. Friday for viewing and the family will greet friends at the church from 2 p.m. until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Enon Missionary Baptist Church, 3805 Starks Ferry Road, Sumter, with Pastor Stanley E. Hayes officiating, assisted by Pastor Gregory Jackson, the Rev. Georgia Walker, Pastor Rossi Ramsey and Pastor Bobby G. Damon. Interment will follow in Smith Cemetery.

THE ITEM

The family is receiving friends at 905 ½ Bartlette St., Sumter. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc. rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.

The family is receiving friends at 640 Bowen Drive, Sumter. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc. rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.

FREDIE BRACY Fredie Bracy was born June 28, 1923, in New York, to the late Johnny and Emma Dwyer Bracy. He departed this life on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at Sumter Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center. Fredie was a lifetime member of New Bethel Baptist Church. He worked for Chrysler Corp. in Detroit, from which he retired after 34 years of service. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Sallie Bracy; his children, Boyer, Beth, Brent and Bonza; stepchildren, Jerry (Ann) Word and Delores; his siblings, Edna Wortherly Underwood, Howard Bracy, Pearl Bracy Anderson and John (Warner) Bracy; his grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Mr. Bracy will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Friday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 3249 U.S. 15 South, Sumter, with Pastor Willie Wright officiating. Interment will follow in Haynesworth Beulah Cemetery.

ALICE M. LIPSCOMBE Alice Mobley Lipscombe, age 85, beloved wife of 62 years to Doug Lipscombe Jr., died on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter. DAVID ALLAN WARD David Allan Ward, 48, died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born Feb. 15, 1965, in Baltimore, Md., he was a son of Carolyn Pritchard Ward and the late Elvin Sidney Ward. He was an auto mechanic and of the Baptist faith. He is survived by his mother of Sumter; three sisters, Nancy Wiegand of Delta, Pa., Carol Class of Phoenix, Ariz., and Maisie Carol Davis of Sumter; and two nieces. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim Tanner officiating. Burial will follow in Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Stephens Funeral Home. Memorials may be

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made to the Sumter SPCA, 1140 S. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org

CREOLA T. RICHARDSON Creola T. Richardson was born March 15, 1920, in Sumter, to the late Hanna and Asberry Tomlin. She departed this life on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at her residence. Creola was married to Charles Richardson and from that union they gave life to one child, Lillie “Betty� Richardson. Early in life, she joined Mulberry Baptist Church in Sumter. She attended Mulberry until she became ill and was no longer able to attend. She was a faithful member of the Mulberry Gospel Choir. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Mrs. Richardson will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Friday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Salem Chapel and Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with Pastor M.G. Walters officiating, assisted by Minister William Dinkins. Interment will follow in the Mulberry Church cemetery. The family is receiving friends at 2895 Drake St., Sumter. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc. rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.

SPORTS

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Cup title. He said this week he’s more determined than ever. “I’m here to work hard and I’m here to win and bring home trophies and championships, that’s what my ultimate dream is,� he said. “I don’t know whether it’s the Lord upstairs just making me wait or what. Even if I did win one championship, I’m not done, I’m not leaving. I still want to win more. You still have that same hunger and drive to get as many as you can. “It just plays out as it does, sometimes. Sometimes it’s your year and sometimes it’s not your year.� BIG FINISHERS: Jimmie Johnson was only partly joking when he likened the Daytona 500 to the lottery — every driver in the field had a shot at holding the winning ticket. One glance at the finishing order proved Johnson’s theory: Michael McDowell and JJ Yeley, who more often than not are forced to start-andpark their rides, both finished

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1-through-6 at one point of the race. In addition to Kenseth and Busch’s engine woes, Michael Waltrip and Martin Truex Jr. didn’t have full power at the end of the race. As NASCAR moves into the desert for Sunday’s race at Phoenix International Raceway, Kenseth said he believes JGR showed at Daytona it’s a strong organization. “Despite not getting the finish we deserved last weekend at Daytona, I’m really pleased with how our season began during Speedweeks,� Kenseth said. “We had really fast cars and our No. 20 team had great pit stops so I’m excited with how we ran at Daytona and really thankful to be part of this team. I’m just looking forward to getting to Phoenix and building upon what we have already started

for this year.� It was Kenseth’s first race with JGR after leaving Roush Fenway Racing, and he was seeking his third Daytona 500 title. Busch’s disappointment showed Sunday at Daytona. He’d won his qualifying race earlier in the week and thought he had a shot at winning his first Daytona 500. “I’m glad to go back to a race track where drivers matter and car handling matters,� he said. “The best way to get over the disappointment of the Daytona 500 is to get back in the car and have another chance at winning the next one. I wish the race was today, to be honest. I’m ready.� Busch has made no secret that 2012, when he won only once in all three of NASCAR’s national series, was the worst season of his career. Because his temperament often overshadows his talent, he’s earning a reputation as a driver who may never win a Sprint

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inside the top 10. McDowell, who drives for Phil Parsons Racing, was ninth for his first career top 10 in 115 starts. “For us, an under-funded team to come here to Daytona and get a top 10 finish is pretty cool,� McDowell said. Yeley was 10th for his first top 10 since 2008, and he came from 41st and a lap down to get his finish. In his first season with Tommy Baldwin Racing, Yeley also hit a milestone with sponsor Golden Corral: Every time he gets a top-10 finish this season, kids eat free on Monday. “After a long, hard-fought day at Daytona, we were able to log a top-10 finish for our first outing,� Yeley said. “The best part of it all is making lots of kids happy when they eat for free as a part of JJ’s Monday.� Team owner Baldwin thought it was a sign of how hard the organization has worked. “We put in a lot of work over the offseason and to see

JJ and the team make the top 10, that tells us that we did a good job,� Baldwin said. “Seeing our team progress through the past several years, moments like this are why I started my own team.� PT on TV: Paul Tracy has joined Sportsnet’s Canadian coverage team, a prospect that means the 2003 CART champion will bring his humor and blunt analysis to IndyCar races he broadcasts this year. Sportsnet has a five-year agreement with IndyCar for exclusive Canadian rights to the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights events. Tracy will be in the booth for three races — the Indianapolis 500, the Honda Indy Toronto and one race yet to be determined. Tracy, who is tied with Dario Franchitti and Sebastien Bourdais for seventh on the career victory list with 31 wins, will be part of a broadcast team that features Canadian Motorsport Hall of Famer Bill Adam, pit reporter Todd Lewis and host Rob Faulds.

Innocent Until the wind blows WE CAN HELP! CALL US TODAY!

803-774-4070

730-B Broad Street, Sumter

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THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Man regrets giving ex-wife a place to stay

D

SUDOKU

EAR ABBY — My DEAR CONFUSED — ex-wife cheated You’re not an idiot; you’re on me five years a pushover. Your ex has ago. She ran off with a already broken the agreenonworking criminal type ment she made when you and has been bouncing let her in. The situation is from place to place with not going to get better; it this bozo ever since. will only become more When they and their complicated. 3-year-old became homeYou have helped her less two weeks for two weeks. Now ago, all of a sudit’s time to direct den she showed her to a shelter that up at my door can help her get her shoeless and with life back together their son in a diaand give her son a per. She said her stable home. Your boyfriend was responsibility for abusive and her welfare ended Abigail asked to stay with VAN BUREN when she left you me until she finds for another man. a place. I agreed under the provision that Dear Abby is written by she not see this guy. Abigail Van Buren, also I am a hard-working known as Jeanne Phillips, single father of two. I and was founded by her know my heart is two mother, Pauline Phillips. sizes too big for my own Write Dear Abby at www. good sometimes, and I DearAbby.com or P.O. Box don’t want to be taken ad- 69440, Los Angeles, CA vantage of. Abby, did I 90069. make the right choice? Or should I have told her she Good advice for everywas not welcome and one — teens to seniors — is turned her and her son in “The Anger in All of Us away? and How to Deal With It.” To I really feel I shouldn’t order, send your name and have to help her, and she mailing address, plus check should rely on her loser or money order for $7 (U.S. boyfriend — who she has funds) to: Dear Abby, Anger started seeing again. I Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount need guidance. Am I an Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipidiot? ping and handling are inCONFUSED cluded in the price.) dear abby

B6

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

THE ITEM

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

803.774.1234

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

In Memory

Tree Service

For Sale or Trade

Help Wanted Full-Time

Unfurnished Homes

In Memory of

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

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

Sambinos Bistro, 1104 Alice Dr. Hiring FT/PT Exp. Servers, Cooks & dishwashers. Apply in person Mon. - Thurs, between 2-3 & 4:30-6pm or go online to print application at sambinosbistro.com. No phone calls please.

Spacious, nice 2BR in safe area. Convenient to Shaw/Sumter. Dumpster, Water, Heat pump & Sec lights included. No H/A or PETS! $465/mo + $300/dep. 803-983-0043

Fun Job Travel the US. Call today, start work today. 18 yrs & over. Will train. No exp. Company pays transportation. Earn $400 wkly, commission based. Cash advance while in training in sunny Florida. 803-565-0799 Ms. Alston

Hwy 120S 3BR/1BA, C/H/A. Fcd back, yd. 30 min from Shaw. $500mo/$300dep. 803-452-6398

Legal Notice

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

Notice You will please take note that notice is hereby served on all dependents, known and unknown, in the case of Richard Garland, DECEASED, v YUASA-Exide, Inc. (WC550-A27989), under the South Carolina Workers Compensation Commission file number 9157432, that settlement has been or is about to be reached and all parties who have a legal interest in this matter should contact the insurance carrier in person, by facsimile, or by telephone within the next three (3) business days by contacting Dave Sanders, Liberty Mutual Insurance, (803) 261-6435, or facsimile (803) 932-7004.

Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747. NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal , trimming & stump grinding. Lic & Ins.

803-316-0128

Notice You will please take note that notice is hereby served on all dependents, known and unknown, in the case of Charles C. Chaney, DECEASED, v Exide Corporation, Inc. (WC550-677011), under the South Carolina Workers Compensation Commission file number 8961221, that settlement has been or is about to be reached and all parties who have a legal interest in this matter should contact the insurance carrier in person, by facsimile, or by telephone within the next three (3) business days by contacting Dave Sanders, Liberty Mutual Insurance, (803) 261-6435, or facsimile (803) 932-7004.

1st Sgt. Lee Carter Jr. 9/20/39 - 2/28/07 Our memories, like our dreams are ours alone and tell our story. Love is the sound of a thousand violins. love is what we have shared moments are never forgoteen. "We missed you". Your Wife, Sons, Grandchildren & The Carter Family

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lost & Found

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

Home Improvements TW Painting, carpentry & all household needs. Call 803-460-7629.

Storage Auction Moore's Mini Storage 1129 N Main St. Sumter Sat. March 2, 20123 9AM

Sumter County Flea Mkt Hwy 378 E. 803-495-2281 500 tables. Sat. $8 free return Sun. Multi-Family Yard Sale, Corner of 796 Griffin St & McCrays Mill Rd. March 1st & 2nd, 8am-1pm. Rain Date 8th & 9th. LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

803- 905-4242

Concrete Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, etc. 803-934-6692 www.lgdirtbusters.com. Call today Professional Remodelers Home maintenance, room additions roofing, siding & windows doors, etc. Lic. & Ins. (Office) 803-692-4084 or (Cell) 803-459-4773

FOUND: small-med. sz male dog in the area of Shaw AFB. No collar. Owner please call to identify 499-4978 or 236-9007. Found 02/22 between Loring Mill & Keels Rd area black male dog. Wearing a collar. Owner please call the SPCA 773-9292 to identify.

Auctions

Green Acres Assembly Girls Club Indoor Yard Sale/Bake Sale: Mar. 2 From 6 AM Til 2 PM Concessions available.

Announcements

February Fragrance Challenge Call/Email your favorite Perfumes/Colognes & Get 1 Free Sample of Body Oil From your list. Try It! You might like it! 774-7823 or cjsplus@yahoo.com

MERCHANDISE

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

BUSINESS SERVICES

M & M BARGAINS 1011 N. Main St. Suite C Next to Sharp Construction We carry Furniture, Tools, Home Decor, etc.... HOURS: Tues-Sat 10-6

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

Will buy furniture by piece or bulk, tools, trailers, lawn mowers, 4 wheelers, etc or almost anything of value Call 983-5364

For Sale or Trade Beautiful Royal Doulton Porcelain Figurine "My Love" (1965). Long Out of Production. Bargain Priced: $100. 803-934-0910

Painting

Portable Folding Firepit $70 OBO, 2 Stainless Steel sinks $150 OBO, Shower tub $550 OBO, Stereo with cabinets $110 OBO. Call 803-406-6159 OAK FIREWOOD for sale, only .50 ct each piece, any amount. Call 840-3842 or 666-8078 **CASH** FOR JUNK CARS OR USED Call Gene 803 934-6734 Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves. Also new Gas stoves. Guaranteed. 803-464-5439 Hinged Tonneau Cover 2006 Chevy or 6ft beds. Aluminum Canvas Opens Like Hard Shell 4100. 803-565-2452 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Glass top Comp. Desk, Pub tble/4 chrs. Slide top/storage/coffee tble. Gifts, mirrors, bed, Avon. Call 803-316-7407 Firewood For Sale $50/Sm load, $100/Lrg load. Call Quinn McLeod 452-5874 lv msg if no answer. Hot Point Clothes Dryer, works perfect or its yours free. $75.00. 803-481-9155 Washer/Dry Pair $260, Queen waterbed frame $135, 25" kbtu AC $260 Call 236-0512

EMPLOYMENT

50 Ramsgate 2BR//2 BA, semigated community, $850//mo. + dep. 840-5239 or 481-4013 Brick House 3BR/1.5BA, lg fnd bkyard, garage, carport, appl, furnished, quiet neighborhood. Conv to Shaw $750/$750 dep. 803-847-7599

Help Wanted Part-Time $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

Rental house millwood area - 31 Hilltop- 3bdrm/1.5bth, hardwood flr, carport, stove, hookups, fenced bkyard, new cntrl http/ac, $750/$750 dep 803-983-2881.

Trucking Opportunities

Waterfront 2BR home at Lake Marion. Private dock, boat ramp, deep water, carport. $900/mo. Call 570-301-3322

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

304 Haynsworth 3BR/2BA , Hrdwd flrs, fenced yard. $895/mo + $1,000/dep. Good credit needed. Agent owned 468-1612 2, 3 & 4/BR's Trailers for rent , Cherryvale & Dogwood & Dalzell Area $250 & up. (803) 651-9926

RENTALS

Mobile Home Rentals Scenic Lake. 2 Br/2Ba. & 3BR /2BA. No pets. Call between 9am 5pm: (803) 499-1500.

Unfurnished Apartments Holly Court Apartments located in Manning S.C, has two bedrooms for rent. Water & Sewer included. We are now offering a MOVE IN SPECIAL. Please call (803) 435-8786, or email management at bfrierson@winnco.com.

Mobile Homes for rent. Section 8 OK. Call 773-8022 2 Bd $350, Clean & in nice area. Call 803-840-5734 American MHP, 2 & 3/BRs, lot rentals, water/sewer/garbage pkup inc'd. Sec. 8 ok. 803-494-4300.

Help Wanted Full-Time Upscale Salon Seeking Exp. Licensed Cosmetologist & Nail Technicians. 1st month booth rent free. Call 803-938-5348 lv. msg. or 803-847-0710. Wanted Experienced Restaraunt Management line and prep cooks and servers. Must be able to work day or night shift. Send resume Box 299 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

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

a picture is

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

worth 1,000 words

Tree Service

Include a photo of your item for sale, use up to 7 lines to describe it and run it for 1-week* for only

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

NEEDED

GENERAL LINE TECHNICIAN Pay Based on Experience

r .POEBZ 'SJEBZ r , r (SPVQ *OTVSBODF )FBMUI %FOUBM r 1BJE 7BDBUJPO )PMJEBZT r 1BJE 5SBJOJOH r 1BJE 6OJGPSNT Call Steve Barnard for an interview

Route Open In Great For Person Looking For Extra Income $800+/- Per month

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)XZ r .BOOJOH 4$ r

MATCHING

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If you have good, dependable transportation and a phone in your home, apply in person at:

/ .BHOPMJB 4USFFU r 4VNUFS 4$ PS DBMM

Store Hours 0RQ 6DW ‡ 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

00

Horatio/Stateburg

Stokes Craven

29 Progress St. - Sumter 775-8366 Ext. 37

38

$

SMALL BATH TOWELS $2 each

HAND TOWELS 50¢ ea WASHCLOTHS 50¢ ea

ASSORTED EMBROIDERED SHOWER CURTAINS $10 each

Call, email or fax us today!

*1-Week (6-days). No refunds for early cancellations. Private Party only! Businesses and Commercial accounts ineligible. All ads must be prepaid. All advertising subject to publisher’s approval. Special cannot be combined with any other discounts. Other restrictions may apply.

COME SHOP WITH US FOR YOUR HIDDEN TREASURES! GREAT BARGAINS ARE WAITING

BED IN A BAG Twin $25 each Full $35 each Queen $40 each King $45 each SET INCLUDES:

Sheet Sets, Shams, Comforter, and Bedskirt

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

MAYO’S SUITS FOR EVERYMAN BUY ONE SUIT AT REGULAR PRICE &

GET A SECOND SUIT FOR $1.00

Name brand suits like:

Sean John

Michael Kors

Caravelli

Stacy Adams

REGULAR & SLIM FITS, BIG & TALL AVAILABLE

8&4."3, 1-";" t t .0/ 4"5 t 888 .":04%*4$06/546*54 $0. t 569&%04 #6: 03 3&/5 Mobile Home Rentals

Manufactured Housing

Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water/sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd. RV parking avail. Call 494-8350

Pre-owned Manufactured Homes for sale. 2, 3, 4 & 5 Bedroom homes at wholesale prices. Call 803-614-1165.

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Farms & Acreage

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Land & Lots for Sale

REAL ESTATE Manufactured Housing 3 bed 2 bath 16x80 for sale. Call 803-469-3252.

Owner Owner Financing available 4221 Thomas Sumter Hwy $32,500 Tax map#152-03-02-031(p) 0.54 Acre Gen. Comm. Property Dalzell water & Septic tank. 4730 Thomas Sumter Hwy $39,500 Tax map # 151-00-01-012 3.91 Acre Gen. Comm. Property With High Hills Water Thomas Sumter(across st from 4730)Tax map # 151-00-01-011 $42,500 2.34 Gen. Comm. Property With Dalzell water and fire Hydrant on site. Call Eddie 803-518-4053 For

For Sale: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, land. $350 month. Call 494-5090. Tired of Renting? Affordable housing. We can Help!! Call 803-469-3252. Need a New Home? Can't Get Financing? WE CAN HELP!! Call 803-469-3222.

by

RECREATION

BAD CREDIT, NO CREDIT Tax Season is here. We have 2-3-4-5 bedroom homes. We have a layaway program & in home financing so you BUY HERE AND PAY HERE! CALL 843-389-4215 1998 14x50, 2 br, 1 ba, $6500 OBO.C//H//A.Windsor City or can move. $6,100 OBO. 469-6973.

Sale

Boats / Motors 2006 15' War Eagle aluminum boat, 1999 30 HP electric start Johnson motor, & Wesco Galv Trailer. Trolling Motor, depth finder & new extra prop included. All in excellent condition $3,800. Call 803-565-9098

Hunting / 1,054 acres available for Hunting Lease (Lynchburg, SC). Call 704-622-6096

NCGA and its growers/members are currently recruiting 67 Temporary farm laborers to SODQW FXOWLYDWH DQG KDUYHVW GLYHUVLÂżHG vegetable crops in various NC counties statewide. Contact the local Employment Service for the name, location, and farm VSHFLÂżF FURS LQIRUPDWLRQ IXOO GLVFORVXUH IRU each Association member. Work will begin 04/18/13 and will end 11/09/13. The base wage is $9.68 per hour. Guaranteed 3/4 of contract hours. Free housing provided for non-commuting worker. Conditional transportation/subsistence reimbursed at 50% of the contract, or sooner if appropriate, for eligible workers. Work tools/equipment/ supplies provided at no cost. NCGA is an equal opportunity employer. To apply, contact WKH QHDUHVW (PSOR\PHQW 6HUYLFH RIÂżFH 1& 10177573).

I’ve never seen so many cars and people! What do you think is going on over there? Well, I was told she’s having one of those ‘Garage Sales.’ Can you imagine?! Minnie told me she made over $100 last time she had one... Just by placing a Classiied Ad in Do you think we should 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC have one and place an ad? 803.774.1234 It sure would help with Spring Cleaning! www.theitem.com

TRANSPORTATION

Autos For Sale

For Sale By Owner 5 ac. Owner Financing. 803-427-3888.

Mobile Home Lot Rentals Extra large Lots for sale or rent 1008 Booker St. & 119 Murphy St. 840-3904 or after 7pm 778-1083.

Campers / RV's/ Motorhomes

1989 Fleetwood Terry Resort Camper. Exc cond. $5,000 OBO. Call between 8am-6pm. 803-840-6249

OPEN Ernest Baker Auto Sales & Equip. Located 3349 N. Main St 5.5 miles from 378 overpass at N. Main., on Hwy 15 N. next to Baker Mini Warehouse. Remember Cars are like Eggs, Cheaper in the Country!!! 803-469-9294

Autos For Sale

Autos For Sale

2003 Ford Expedition XLT, Black/Tan Ext, Leather Int, TV, PW/PL, 3rd row, 130k miles. $6,400 OBO. 803-464-3526

A Guaranteed Credit Approval AUTO LOANS

2004 Classic Chevy Malibu. Exc, cond, 4DR, all power, auto. CD/Radio. Cloth interior, 52,200 miles. $6,200. 803-469-3730

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

Cars under $5K. Buy Here, Pay Here. www.oneilfloyd.com Call 803-464-2275 09 Dodge Ram 4dr $13,995 Over 150 Cars less than $5,000. WHY GO TO THE AUCTION? Price Is Right Auto Sales

3210 Broad St, 803-494-4275

1998 BMW 740, Clean Car. Runs great, excellent cond. Asking $4,950. Call 803-236-6968

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