February 6, 2015 by The Sumter Item

IN LOCAL NEWS: IRS wants you to beware of phone scam A3

‘Zombie rooms’ pop up across U.S. If you can’t solve the puzzles, the undead will ‘eat’ you A5

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Connecting the dots Are shooting death, gruesome cold case linked? BY MATTHEW BRUCE matthew@theitem.com When Patricia Abraham learned of her oldest son Aaron’s disappearance in July 2012, one of her first instincts was to call Johnny Singleton, a Kershaw County man who’d taken a recent interest in her teenage boy. “I trusted him, and when Aaron went missing, I was working, and I called him and asked him if he’d seen Aaron.” Singleton claimed to have no

knowledge of Aaron’s whereabouts that day, which came little more than a year after he reportedly approached Patricia and asked her permission to have Aaron out to his house in Camden to perform yard work. The two frequently rode in Singleton’s AARON car together, taking trips to get haircuts, cut grass and various other places. Now investigators are citing the relationship

between the man and teen in trying to gather new information about Aaron’s killing. The 18-year-old Sumter High School student was reported missing July 22, 2012, after he failed to return home from the Sumter County Library for days. One month later, a recycler found the boy’s decomposed body dumped in a ditch along Cane Savannah Road just outside of Wedgefield. He’d been shot one time in the head.

SEE COLD CASE, PAGE A4

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Law enforcement gathers on the campus of University of South Carolina in Columbia after shots were fired at its new School of Public Health on Thursday. Authorities are calling the apparent murder-suicide “very isolated.”

Murder-suicide at USC called ‘very isolated’

Tennis star in the making

2 dead in university’s new School of Public Health BY JEFFREY COLLINS The Associated Press COLUMBIA — Two people died Thursday in an apparent murder-suicide inside a building on the University of South Carolina’s campus, a shooting that authorities called “very isolated.” The state’s flagship university said in two alerts via its emergency system and Twitter that a shooting had occurred at the new School of Public Health, in a busy section of downtown Columbia. State Law Enforcement Division spokesman Thom Berry said in a brief news conference that the two people were found in a room in the

SEE USC, PAGE A4

You can raise awareness by wearing red KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Land Stevens, 6, returns a serve while taking tennis lessons at Palmetto Tennis Center with Michael Pereira, the center’s Youth Professional. Land has taken lessons for three years.

Hackers attack insurance giant Anthem Hit could affect as many as 80 million customers

hackers have changed their tune and have moved their focus away from retailers and toward other targets. The nation’s second-largest in(AP) — Customers of a Blue surer said it has yet to find any Cross Blue Shield insurer Ansound evidence that medical inthem may be singing the stolenformation such as insurance information blues after hackers claims or test results was targeted apparently accessed a database or taken in a “very sophisticated” containing information on as cyberattack that it discovered last many as 80 million customers. It remains unclear how many South week. It also said credit card information wasn’t compromised, Carolinians will be joining the either. chorus, however. The federal government is reThe attack on Anthem reverberportedly investigating the attack. ated through the cybersecurity The Health and Human Services community, with experts soundinspector general’s office said ing off that it could be a sign that

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BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com

Thursday it is assessing whether personal data about Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries has been compromised. Anthem offers Medicare Advantage health insurance plans and Medicaidmanaged care coverage, as well as subsidized insurance under President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. The hackers apparently gained access to names, birth dates, email addresses, employment details, Social Security numbers, incomes and street addresses of people who are covered or have

If you haven’t decided what to wear today, here’s a suggestion. Go with red. Today is National Wear Red Day, an initiative spearheaded by American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, according to goredforwomen.org. Started in 2003, MORE the first Friday in February, INSIDE which is American Heart Annual Heart Month, is designated to reWalk fundraising mind people that heart diskicks off A3 ease and strokes kill 1 in 3 women each year. Angela Scaffe, a Sumter hairdresser, lost her father, brother and sister to heart disease. With the fatal family history, she had a stress test and EKG in February 2013. Everything seemed fine.

SEE ANTHEM, PAGE A8

SEE WEAR RED, PAGE A8

DEATHS, B5 and B6 Herbert McCoy Levi Pearson Jr. Ethel D. Clea Frances S. Ard Johnny Singleton Jr. Leroy C. Melton

Campaign reminds women of dangers of heart disease

Ronald B. Posey Thomas Sweat Sr. Rev. Edward C. Holladay Corene Davis Douglass C. Britton Ashlyn Turner

WEATHER, A12

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Plenty of sunshine today; mainly clear tonight HIGH 49, LOW 30

Classifieds B7 Comics A10 Lotteries A12

Opinion A11 Television A9

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Free tickets available for choral concert The Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Association has announced that free tickets for the 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, concert by the U.S. Navy Band’s Sea Chanters, its official chorus, are available at Patriot Hall, Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and Swan Lake Visitors’ Center. While the concert begins at Patriot Hall at 7 p.m., the association advises early arrival, as there is open seating. The chorus performs often at the White House and for official occasions. The group has sung in Sumter several times through the auspices of the SSCCA and always fills the auditorium with appreciative music lovers, prompting the Sea Chanters to proclaim Sumter “the most patriotic city” on the last tour that brought them here. Call (803) 436-2616 for more information.

Democrats critical of Haley tax proposal COLUMBIA — Democratic legislators say Gov. Nikki Haley’s plan to cut income taxes by $9 billion over the next decade is nothing but a tax hike for more than a million South Carolinians. House and Senate Democrats urged Haley on Thursday to stop holding infrastructure funding hostage to a proposal they say benefits the wealthy and forces cuts in government services. Haley says she supports increasing the gas tax 10 cents to pay for roads, but only if legislators cut the top income tax bracket 2 percentage points over 10 years. State economic advisers say that will reduce revenue by $1.8 billion yearly once fully implemented. They project 1.1 million taxpayers would see no benefit because they would see no gain from the income tax reduction.

Campaign funds therapy Meth lab, operation dismantled FROM STAFF REPORTS Sumter County Sheriff’s Office investigators disassembled a methamphetamine lab late Wednesday after discovering a drug manufacturing location while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. At about 10 p.m. Wednesday, following leads that a suspect might be at the location, deputies visited a home in the 100 block of Newberry Avenue. Upon their arrival, investigators quickly identified an operational meth lab, as well as various chemicals and ingredients necessary for the creation of the illegal drug. Because of the volatile nature of the drug, as well as the lab’s proximity to a propane dealership, deputies trained and licensed to do so immediately began to disassemble the lab. Emergency responders from Sumter Fire Department’s hazmat team and Sumter County Emergency Medical Services were also on scene to assist with the decontamination. No one was injured during the procedure, although four deputies were transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center for treatment after they were exposed to the lab. All four officers were released. The residence has been placed in quarantine and will have to undergo a more thorough decontamination. Once the lab was disassembled, officers from the State Law Enforcement Division were called to the scene to remove the waste created by the drug operation. No arrests have been made at this time; however the investigation continues, and arrests are expected. If anyone has any information, he or she is asked to contact either the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Certified therapy dogs like Max are used in both group and individual counseling sessions with clients of Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands. Donations from the public have helped continue to fund such alternative therapies.

Donors contribute $8,500 for Sexual Trauma Services BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com The “30 days to change a life” campaign was a success. During December, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands took in $8,500 to support its alternative therapy programs. The original goal was $5,000. “We are blown away by the generous support our community continues to provide to support our vision of healthy survivors thriving in a community free of sexual violence,” said Ginny Waller, executive director. “Access to no-cost, trauma-focused services for survivors is one of the most

important things we can provide to reduce the detrimental impact rape has on our community.” The private, nonprofit agency serves four counties including Sumter. More than 1,000 Sumter County people benefited from its programs between 2013 and 2014. “Donors should be on the lookout for a special Valentine’s ‘Thank You’ from Max and Keagan,” said Mary Dell Hayes, development coordinator. Max and Keagan are the organization’s therapy dogs, which are used to ease clients’ nerves, provide comfort and help them redevelop trusting relationships, Sher-

ry Lewis, director of therapy and outreach, previously told The Sumter Item. Besides the animal-assisted therapy, the money raised will help fund art and yoga therapy. Usually conducted in a group setting, the art therapy is an eight-week, guided program that helps survivors process their experience in a way other than with language. The yoga therapy is a sixweek initiative that aims to heal the disconnect from one’s body a person may experience after the trauma, Lewis said. It can also help lower anxiety. For more information, visit stsm.org.

Sumter Burger King owner named Operator of the Year BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Burger King restaurant owner Hugh Bigham has no doubts about what it takes to operate a fast-food restaurant successfully. “People skills,” he said. “It is treating your people right and having them respond to that.” Bigham, who owns 14 Burger Kings — two in Sumter, as well as franchises in Florence, Bennettsville and the Charlotte area — was recently BIGHAM given the 2014 Burger King Operator of the Year Award in the six-to-19-unit category at the chain’s national convention in Las Vegas. Bigham, who grew up in Morganton,

North Carolina, said his relationship with Burger King dates back to 1979. Before his career with Burger King, he worked in the furniture business in what was then the furniture capital of North Carolina — the Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir area. He was moved to Detroit and then to Chicago, he said, but he and his wife, Mary, wanted to return to their home area. “We had kids and were trying to find a way to move back to North Carolina,” he said. “We did a whole bunch of research, and it seemed like the best opportunity was to get into the fast food restaurant business with Burger King. We wanted to do something that we thought would be fun to do and also something that would be a career.” His first Burger King was in Albemarle, North Carolina.

“It has been fun; it still is fun, and sure enough it’s been a good career,” he said. He and Mary worked in that Burger King. “I was night shift, and she was day shift because we had two small kids to take care of,” he said. He said Mary worked in the restaurants until the kids were teenagers. “We hired a director of operations, Bob Reid, and shortly after that David McKinney, who is my area supervisor in South Carolina,” he said. “When we hired those guys we were able to continue expanding.” Bigham said he is very proud to receive the Operator of the Year Award. “There are over 7,000 Burger King restaurants in the U.S., so this is quite an honor,” he said. “Give all the credit to those people who work in those restaurants every

day. I am just the head of it who got to accept the award in front of a couple of thousand people.” Bigham said Craig Davis, who manages the Burger King on Calhoun Street, and JoAnna Miles, who manages the store on Broad Street, have been with him for more than 20 years. He said another Burger King in Sumter is a possibility, but it has to be the right location. “We keep looking at Sumter, and we haven’t been able to turn up another what we call a ‘great-quality location,’” he said. “We don’t open up restaurants just for the sake of having a bunch of them; we open them because we think they will create more good jobs and enable us to run a profitable business. “Yes, we are looking to expand — if we can do it intelligently,” he said.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Sumter native makes Air Force history FROM STAFF REPORTS

PHOTO PROVIDED

Curt Ackerman is seen at the first Mr. Heart and Sole Pageant in 2013, a fundraiser for Tuomey Regional Medical Center’s Heart Walk Fund.

February kicks off annual Heart Walk fundraising BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Since February is National Heart Health Month, that means fundraising season for the annual Heart Walk, scheduled for March 28, is underway, and anyone who would like to add to an art collection and support the event will have an opportunity to do both next week at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, 129 N. Washington St. For five years, Traci Quinn has been raising funds for the American Heart Association with the heART pARTy,which will be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Tuomey. The event will be in the private dining room, next to the cafeteria. Quinn said the event began when she was asked to be a team captain for the annual Heart Walk fundraising campaign. “I wanted to help, but I was already asking everyone for money for Girl Scouts and marching band, so I didn’t want to hit everyone up for another cause,” said Quinn, who was raising a teenage daughter. “I thought about it and finally decided I would create one fundraiser, and that would be the extent of my commitment.” Among her friends are several talented artists, so she in-

vited them to her house for a Heart Week show and sale, with 10 percent of the proceeds going to Tuomey’s Heart Walk Fund. “The heART pARTy was born,” she said. The next year, she brought the party to Tuomey. “This year, I’ll have a fauxstained-glass artist and painter, a woman who makes these neat tote bags out of livestock feed bags, a painter, someone who monograms wooden spoons, a collage artist and a woman who makes baskets and wreaths.” Also Tuesday, the Mr. Heart and Sole Pageant, a “womanless beauty contest,” will be in the hospital’s cafeteria at noon, Quinn said. “It’s a fun fundraiser for the Heart Association,” she said. “We’ll have some surprise contestants coming from a competing industry who should add a little spice to the event.” She said the event usually packs the cafeteria with spectators. “People have a lot of fun,” she said. For more information on the heART pARTy and Mr. Heart and Sole Pageant, call Quinn at (803) 774-8663. For more information on the Heart Walk, visit www.sumtercountyheartwalk.org.

Senior Master Sgt. Margaret Cooper, a Sumter High School graduate stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, will long remember Dec. 1, 2014, as the date she was officially promoted to chief master sergeant. Her promotion was also significant for the Air Force, as she became the first woman in the medical equipment repair career field to achieve the top enlisted rank. “It is an honor for me to be selected to serve as a chief master sergeant in the Air Force and to be among some great leaders and mentors in this rank,” said Cooper, 81st Medical Support Squadron superintendent. “I stand among the great chiefs that have come before me, and being the first female in my career field is consequential. I only hope that I can inspire others to follow in my footsteps.” She was honored during a formal promotion ceremony at Keesler Medical Center’s Don Wylie Auditorium, with Col. Tom Harrell, Keesler Medical Center commander, serving as the presiding officer. As the 81st MDSS superintendent, Cooper leads and mentors 357 military and civilian health-care professionals who support the 960,000-square-foot medical center. She advises the squadron commander on matters influencing the health, morale, welfare and effective utilization of enlisted personnel. The chief-select also facilitates the management of the medical center’s $105 million an-

nual budget and maintains medical equipment and information technology assets valued at more than $125 million in support of seven squadrons, five Graduate Medical Education platforms and eight phase II enlisted programs delivering world-class health care to all joint service warfighters, military retirees and their family members COOPER along the Gulf Coast. Since entering the Air Force in May 1993 in Sumter, her background has included biomedical equipment technician, NCO in charge of medical maintenance, technical training instructor and instructor supervisor of the Defense Department Biomedical Equipment Technician School, superintendent of Pacific Air Forces’ largest medical equipment repair center and Air Combat Command’s largest clinical engineering department. She also has served as Pacific Air Forces’ and Air Combat Command’s biomedical equipment technician functional manager. Before her current assignment, Cooper served as clinical engineering superintendent with the 99th MDSS at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. She also has been stationed at locations in Texas, the Azores, California and Alaska. She is the daughter of Lawrence (Larry) and Leila Belkin of Sumter, both of whom are deceased.

IRS warns of phone scams FROM STAFF REPORTS Taxpayers are being warned to beware of phone calls claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. The U.S. Department of the Treasury said the scam is very sophisticated, that callers claim to work with the IRS and say you owe taxes. Almost 300,000 people have reportedly received these calls in the past two years. Some callers threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay. They may even know all or

part of your Social Security number, and they can manipulate your caller ID to make it appear the IRS is calling you. Often, they will tell you to put the money they say you owe on a prepaid debit card and give them the card’s number. The IRS said its employees do not call to demand immediate payment about taxes without first notifying taxpayers by mail; they do not ask for credit or debit card numbers and they do not threaten to bring in law

enforcement to arrest you for nonpayment. Remember: The IRS always contacts people by mail if they owe taxes and never asks taxpayers to pay using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. If you receive a such a call and have any doubts, call the IRS toll free, directly at 1 (800) 829-1040. Or, if you’ve spotted a scam or think you may have been scammed, call the IRS help line at 1 (877) 908-3360 for advice and guidance.

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COLD CASE FROM PAGE A1 Sumter Police Department has been investigating the disappearance and homicide for the past 2½ years without making any arrests. But investigators hope news of Singleton’s recent death and the renewed attention it may shine back onto the Abraham case will prompt someone to come forward with pertinent information. Authorities revealed the connection between Singleton and Aaron Abraham this week, noting the two developed a relationship after meeting at a store on Manning Road. Investigators think the man had knowledge of Abraham’s disappearance and his subsequent death. “During the whole course of the investigation, he was somebody we were really interested in,” Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark said. “The term ‘person of interest’ is really worn out. But at the end of the day, I don’t know a better way to couch it. He, in our view, was heavily involved in the life of Aaron, and we believe he was in some way connected to the disappearance.” Singleton met his own demise violently late last month. He was shot one time in the head and was found in his vehicle on the morning of Jan. 27 near the Modern Turf sod farm on U.S. 521. Authorities initially thought he died from injuries he suffered in the crash, but an autopsy later confirmed the bullet wound killed him. Investigators from Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Sumter man

USC FROM PAGE A1 public health building but would not say which floor. Berry said there was “no active shooter situation” and he did not release any names or any other information. “Every indication we have seen so far it appears to be a very isolated incident — a murder-suicide,” he said. The university said little about the shooting other than its emergency alert. Classes went on as scheduled except in the building where the shooting took place. Student Hayden Dunn, a senior from Myrtle Beach, said he was in the building about 1 p.m., getting in an elevator to change classes, when a police officer also got inside. Dunn said the officer asked whether anyone had heard gunshots, but they hadn’t. Dunn said he went to class, then an alarm sounded minutes later, and people rushed outside. Another officer told him shots had been fired, he said. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t have known anything happened,” Dunn said.

in connection with the shooting death late Wednesday night. Matthew Cory Dwyer, 21, of 218 Murphy St., faces charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime stemming from the incident. He faces life in prison if convicted of the primary charge. Deputies apprehended him at his home without incident. Sheriff’s office spokesman Braden Bunch said Dwyer was in Singleton’s car in the 8800 block of U.S. 521 when he opened fire on the man, noting the main motive appeared to be robbery. Authorities did indicate some ancillary reasons behind the shooting but did not elaborate on those. According to Bunch, the two men were acquainted, but the nature of their relationship was not known. They had agreed to meet the night of the shooting. It was not immediately clear whether the SUV was in motion when Dwyer allegedly shot Singleton. Sumter County court documents show Dwyer pleaded guilty to an assault and battery charge in 2011 and was sentenced to five years’ probation under conditions he undergo anger management counseling and drug testing.

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In fact, he had no qualms walking the two-mile trek from his house in the 800 block of Boulevard Road to the Sumter County Library on a near-daily basis during the summer of 2012. Family members said he spent several hours there on his days out of school Web surfing and playing video games. The library is one of the last places he was seen alive. Surveillance footage showed him milling around the building for nearly two hours after he used the computers the day he went missing. He finally left the library about 6 p.m. Patricia Abraham indicated she often wonders what made him stick around at the library for so long that day, saying it seemed as if he was waiting for someone or was fearful of leaving. She said many of her neighbors told her that her son was with Singleton that day, and she assumed he picked Aaron up as he was walking home from the library. “I don’t know what happened, but people were telling me that he (Singleton) was the one who picked Aaron up, so I was assuming that he was the one that had something to do with it,” she said. According to Sgt. Gene Williams, Singleton developed a relationship with Aaron at least a year before the teen went missing. The veteran Sumter Police Department investigator, who’s continued to actively work the case, indicated Singleton surfaced as a person to speak with early in the course of the investigation, and detectives questioned him about his relationship with Aaron.

TIES TO THE COLD CASE Family members and school administrators at Sumter High remembered Aaron Abraham as a talented and genuine teen with a penchant for drawing. His mother said he had dreams of enlisting in the U.S. Navy and was a health buff who loved to walk and exercise.

“His thing was he just hated to see our young, black boys walking the street,” Williams said of Singleton. “So during the summer months, he would pick them up and take them up to Camden and let them cut grass and all that kind of stuff.” But authorities seemed to suggest less-than-pure motives behind Singleton’s associations, saying he had developed a habit through the years of becoming involved in the lives of young, black males in ways that some deemed inappropriate. He was reportedly well known in South Sumter for the relationships he had with several teenage males. State records indicate Singleton had a string of criminal convictions dating back to 1976, which included charges such as lewd act upon a minor and criminal sexual conduct. Patricia said she’d feel betrayed if Singleton proved to be the person responsible for her son’s death but noted she prays to find out one day why Aaron was marked for such a grisly slaying. “It means a lot because it’s not something that you can ever forget,” she said. “I’m hopeful. I don’t say that it’ll never happen because I know it’ll happen. I know they’ll find the person that did it.” Anyone with information can contact Williams directly at (803) 436-2725 or call the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2717. Tipsters can also render information anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers at 803-436-2718 or toll free at 888-CRIME-SC.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Cities home to zombie-themed escape shows

A chained zombie reaches for participants Jan. 23 as they play “Trapped in a Room with a Zombie.” If participants don’t solve a series of puzzles within 60 minutes, the zombie “eats” everyone.

BY MIKE HOUSEHOLDER The Associated Press

Below left, Audrey Poe and Erika Sorensen look over clues during the game.

ETROIT — An interactive theater show offered in more than a

PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

dozen cities across the U.S. encourages participants to channel their inner Sherlock Holmes in an end-of-the-world team game-building exercise. It wouldn’t hurt if they had a little Rick Grimes from “The Walking Dead” in them, either. “Trapped in a Room with a Zombie” is a “room-escape” experience, versions of which are offered in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and other cities. A version that recently opened in Detroit works like this: Up to a dozen people are ushered into a room at a downtown high-rise and locked inside for an hour alongside a bloodthirsty zombie (or at least an actor portraying one) who is chained to a wall. Every five minutes, a buzzer sounds, and the zombie is given another foot of chain, allowing the undead creature to scamper closer to its next meal. If participants don’t solve a series of puzzles and riddles, the zombie “eats” everyone. Rick Broida, the Detroit show’s executive producer, said it’s “more ‘fun scary’ than ‘scary fun.’” “The zombie is there to add an adrenaline rush. Cannibalism has

been outlawed in this country for a little while, so legally speaking, the zombie’s not allowed to eat you or

consume any portion of you,” Broida said just before Audrey Poe and seven pals entered the room and did their best to avoid becoming zombie fodder. Poe, of suburban Waterford, Michigan, “was trying to find something fun and interesting to do” for her 30th birthday when she read online about “Trapped in a Room with a Zombie.” Poe’s group solved some clues but not quickly enough to make it out “alive.” “We almost got out,” she said, minutes after affixing her name tag to a wall reserved for those who didn’t survive. About 30 percent of the groups

that have taken part in the Detroit show have survived. The record time so far is 58 minutes, 21 seconds. “It always comes down to a race to the finish with the zombie nipping at your heels, and everybody’s trying to solve the last puzzle,” Broida said. “It makes for a really exciting time.” The sessions are described as “highly educational” and are recommended for date nights, family outings, birthday parties and other events. To learn more about these shows and buy tickets, visit http://roomescapeadventures.com.

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Poll shows support of gay marriage comes with caveats SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — While finding that Americans narrowly favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry, a new Associated Press-GfK poll also shows most think weddingrelated businesses should be allowed to deny service to same-sex couples for religious reasons. Roughly half the country also thinks local officials and judges with religious objections ought to be exempt from any requirement that they issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples, according to the poll. That view of the same-sex marriage issue echoes that of the Mormon church. Last week, the church called on state legislatures to pass new laws that protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from discrimination but also to protect the rights of those who assert their religious beliefs. David Kenney, a self-employed Catholic from Novi, Michigan, said he’s fine with same-sex marriage being legal. He’s among the 57 percent of Americans who said wedding-related businesses — such as florists — should be allowed to refuse service if they have an objection rooted in their religion. “Why make an issue out of one florist when there are probably thousands of florists?” asked Kenney, 59. “The gay community wants people to understand their position, but at the same time, they don’t want to understand other people’s religious convictions. It’s a twoway street.” Kenney isn’t alone. About a quarter of those who favor legal same-sex marriage also favor religious exemptions for those who issue marriage licenses, the poll finds, and a

Supporters of Arkansas’ law banning same-sex marriage, top, hold a rally Nov. 19 as a protestor waves a rainbow flag at the Arkansas state Capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas. Americans are slightly more likely to favor than oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry, a new Associated Press-GfK poll finds, but most think wedding-related businesses should be allowed to deny service to same-sex couples for religious reasons. AP FILE PHOTO

third say wedding-related businesses should be allowed to refuse service. Geri Rice, who lives near San Francisco and works in law firm management, strongly favors gay marriage. She’s torn about whether a public official with religious objections should be exempt from issuing a license but says she thinks that business owners should be allowed to tell somebody no thanks. “I don’t like it,” Rice said, “but I think they have the right.” Whether a business can refuse service to someone is a matter of federal, state and local law. National gay-rights groups called the idea of trying to carve out religious exemptions in anti-discrimination statues, such as those proposed by leaders of the Mormon church, deeply flawed. James Esseks, who directs the LGBT project of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the First Amend-

ment’s protection of religious freedom “does not give any of us the right to harm others, and that’s what it sounds like the proposal from the Mormon church

would do.” The poll found that 44 percent of Americans favor and 39 percent oppose legal same-sex marriage in their own states, while 15 percent

expressed no opinion. But the country is evenly divided, 48 percent to 48 percent, on which way the Supreme Court should rule when it decides the issue for the entire nation this spring. Gay marriage is legal in 36 states because of a flurry of recent federal court decisions.

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Poll shows public, scientists light-years apart BY SETH BORENSTEIN AP Science Writer WASHINGTON — The American public and U.S. scientists are light-years apart on science issues. And 98 percent of surveyed scientists say it’s a problem that we don’t know what they’re talking about. Scientists are far less worried about genetically modified food, pesticide use and nuclear power than is the general public, according to matching polls of both the general public and the country’s largest general science organization. Scientists were more certain that global warming is caused by man, evolution is real, overpopulation is a danger and mandatory vaccination against childhood diseases is needed. In eight of 13 science-oriented issues, there was a 20-percentage-point or higher gap separating the opinions of the public and members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, according to survey work by the Pew Research Center. The gaps didn’t correlate to any liberal-conservative split; the scientists at times take more traditionally conservative views and at times more liberal. “These are big and notable gaps,” said Lee Rainie, director of Pew’s Internet, science and technology research. He said they are “pretty powerful indicators of the public and the scientific community seeing the world differently.” In the most dramatic split, 88 percent of the scientists surveyed said it is safe to eat genetically modified foods, while only 37 percent of the public say it is safe and 57 percent say it is unsafe. And 68 percent of scientists said it is

safe to eat foods grown with pesticides, compared with only 28 percent of the general public. Ninety-eight percent of scientists say humans evolved over time, compared with 65 percent of the public. The gap wasn’t quite as large for vaccines, with 86 percent of the scientists favoring mandatory childhood shots while 68 percent of the public did. Eighty-seven percent of scientists said global warming is mostly because of human activity, while only half of the public did. The figures for scientists are slightly different than past academic studies because of wording of the question and the fact that AAAS members include many specialties, but they tell the same essential story, said Pew associate director Cary Funk. What to do about climate change is another issue. Nearly two-thirds of scientists favored building more nuclear power plants, but only 45 percent of the public did. But more of the public favored offshore drilling for oil and fracking than scientists did. More than four out of five scientists thought the growing world population will be a major problem, but just less than three out of five members of the public did. Pew polled 2,002 adults in August and did an online survey of 3,748 AAAS members in the fall. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points for the public and 1.7 percentage points for the scientists. In 2009, Pew asked only a handful of questions like these to both scientists and the public and the gap hasn’t changed much since, Funk said. “On the whole, as compared to most members of

the public, scientists are likely drawing from a larger scientific knowledge base — and thinking more scientifically — about each of these issues,” George Mason University communications professor Edward Maibach said in an email. “Therefore, their views appear to be more in line with a completely dispassionate reading of the risks versus the benefits.” Alan Leshner, chief executive officer of AAAS, said the gap between the way the public and scientists look at issues is a cause for concern. “Science is about facts; science is not about values,” Leshner said. “Policies are made on facts and values and we want to make sure that the accurate, non-distorted facts are brought in to any kind of discussion.” The trouble is that scientists don’t think the public knows the facts. The survey said 84 percent of the scientists said it is a major problem that “the public does not know very much about science” and another 14 percent said it is a minor problem. And 97 percent of the scientists criticized the educational system. Three-quarters of the scientists said not enough science and math education is a major problem and another 22 percent said

AP FILE PHOTO

A harvester works through a field of genetically modified corn on a dairy farm owned by Al Lafranchi near Santa Rosa, California, in 2005. Scientists are far less worried about genetically modified food, pesticide use and nuclear power than is the general public, according to matching polls of both the general public and the country’s largest general science organization. it was a minor one. “It’s not about being smart or dumb,” Leshner said. “It’s

about whether, in fact, you understand the source of the fact and what the facts are.”

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WEAR RED FROM PAGE A1 But come June 2014, that changed. “I had noticed a little shortness of breath, but the biggest complaint I had was I was tired,” Scaffe said. “I just couldn’t catch up. I felt exhausted no matter how much rest I got.” One night she felt a tightness in her chest and a tingling in her left arm. Her husband, J.D. Scaffe, feared she was having a heart attack. He gave her an aspirin and called 911 before she had the chance to argue with him. “I am very thankful,” she said. “Once you stop the activity, your heart rate goes back down, and the symptoms go away. Then you think, ‘that really wasn’t what I thought it was.’ As a mother and a woman, you think you don’t have time to be sick. I wanted to tell doctors in the emergency room, ‘I don’t need attention.’ I had worked that whole day, and I had a busy day the next day. I didn’t need the drama. I needed to go home.” That’s a pretty common response from women, said Catherine Ramsey, director of communications and marketing with the American Heart Association in South Carolina. “As mothers, wives and daughters, we take care of everybody else first,” she said. “We’ll take our kids to the pediatrician long before we’ll go to the doctors ourselves. We’re asking women to be more aware that this (heart disease) is their No. 1 risk. It will affect 1 in 3 women in their lifetime.” What Scaffe had was an angina attack, what the American Heart Association describes as chest pain that occurs when the

“heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood,” according to heart.org. She was soon scheduled for and received quadruple bypass surgery. “Of course, I was scared, but there was a relief, too,” Scaffe said. “I knew something wasn’t right, but I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I felt like it was a blessing that they found the problem before I was like my father, brother or sister.” She was 48 at the time, almost 10 years older than her sister had been when she died at the age of 39. But her experience didn’t end there. In August, she was visiting the mountains for the weekend when she felt angina symptoms again, shortness of breath and this time pain in her armpits. This time, Scaffe called her health care provider who asked her to come in immediately. Further testing revealed scar tissue had formed over one of the bypasses. Surgeons inserted a stent. “The main thing is for women to realize, you know if something is wrong,” Scaffe said. “If something is not right, be persistent until somebody finds out what it is. Just like with that stent. Had I not called, I would not have known anything was wrong. I had just had open-heart surgery. I thought, ‘they repaired everything in there. I shouldn’t have any more problems.’” This will be her first year participating in the Sumter County Heart Walk, and you can, too, by visiting sumtercountyheartwalk.org. From there, you can join an existing team, start a team or donate money. The event will be March 28. For more information on heart disease, visit heart.org.

ANTHEM FROM PAGE A1 had coverage in the past. The insurer said all of its product lines were affected. It sells mainly private individual and group health insurance, plans on the health care overhaul’s public insurance exchanges and Medicare and Medicaid coverage. It also offers life insurance and dental and vision coverage. The company said letters will be sent to all customers whose information may have been accessed. Affected brands include Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Amerigroup. Anthem Inc., which recently changed its name from WellPoint, covers more than 37 million people in states that include California, New York and Georgia. “To me, this is the next wave of where we’re going to see more and more attacks,” said Mark Bower, vice president with Voltage Security, a cybersecurity firm. “Cybercrime is a business. The attackers will simply move to the next lowhanging fruit.” He said security practices in health care are not as mature as they are in other industries, and hackers have multiple ways to get into a health care system that links insurers, care providers, labs and other businesses that handle sensitive patient information. Medical records can be sold to criminals who could construct billing and insurance scams involving fake medical centers or target patients for phone scams, he said. “That’s the kind of sophistication we have in cybercrime,” Bower said. “We have networks of criminals who can use this

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An all-girls a capella singing group atmatched teenagers find love in 1950s. (HD) tempts to defeat their male rivals. (HD) pieces. (HD) 109 Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (N) (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) 74 On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates. Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File 42 UFC Unleashed (HD) Golden Boy Live: from Hidalgo, Texas no~ (HD) Dodgeball Ext. Games World Poker Tour no} (HD) The New (HD) I Do, I Do, I Do (‘15) A hesitant architect relives her wedding day until she Surprised By Love (‘15, Romance) Hilarie Burton. Boyfriend tries to win A Taste of Ro183 For Better or For Worse (‘14, Romance) Lisa Whelchel. (HD) can affirm her desires. (HD) over parents. (HD) mance (HD) 112 Love It or List It, Too (HD) Love It or List It, Too (HD) Love It or List It, Too (N) (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Love It (HD) 110 American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) (:03) American Pickers (HD) American (HD) 160 In Good Company (‘05, Comedy) aaa Dennis Quaid. A middle-aged ad Meet My Valentine (‘15, Romance) Courtney Ford. Man tries to find some- Meet My Valentine (‘15, Romance) Courtney Ford. Man executive is assigned to a new, much younger boss. one to take care of his family after learning he’s dying. tries to provide for his family. (:02) Bring It!: Hometown ShowBring It! Rival di145 Bring It!: Miami Heat is Back Mock- Bring It!: Miss D Loses Her Cool Rival Bring It!: Hometown Showdown (N) (:02) Preachers’ Daughters: Jesus ing routine. (HD) directors. (HD) (HD) Went to the Club (N) (HD) down (HD) rectors. (HD) 76 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) Lockup Female inmates. (HD) Lockup The show’s crew. (HD) Lockup (HD) 91 Witch Way Witch Way Bella and (HD) Bella and (HD) Full Hse Full Hse Prince Prince Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Raymond (HD) 154 Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Glory Kickboxing (N) (HD) (:15) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) 12 Monkeys: Atari (N) (HD) Helix: Densho (N) 12 Monkeys: Atari (HD) Helix: Densho 152 The Wolfman (‘10, Horror) aac 12 Monkeys: Cassandra Complex Benicio Del Toro. Curse of the wolf. Cole in 2014. (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang King of the Nerds: The Gods Are An- Valentine’s Day (‘10, Comedy) aac Jessica Alba. People search for love, and couples deter156 Seinfeld Dinner Seinfeld (HD) hijinks. (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) gry Barbaric side. (N) (HD) mine relationships on Valentine’s Day. (HD) Wuthering Heights (‘39, Drama) aaac Merle Oberon. Childhood pals Gone with the Wind (‘40, Drama) aaac Clark Gable. A feisty Southern belle juggles ro186 The Reivers (‘69, Comedy) Steve McQueen. Old man looks back. grow up as soulmates, but their obsessive love turns tragic. mance and survival during the U.S. Civil War. 157 Atlanta (HD) Atlanta (HD) Love, Lust (N) Love, Lust (N) Love, Lust (N) Love, Lust (N) Atlanta (N) Atlanta (N) Love, Lust Love, Lust Atlanta (HD) Cold Justice: Operator, Hurry! New The Town (‘10, Crime) aaa Ben Affleck. A thief struggles to go straight while he falls in love Cold Justice: Operator, Hurry! New 158 Castle: The Double Down Castle’s bet. (HD) clues. (N) (HD) and avoids the FBI. (HD) clues. (HD) 102 Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Carbonaro Hack My Hack My Hack My Hack My (:01) Friend (:31) Friend Carbonaro 161 Walker: Mean Streets Fam. Feud Fam. Feud Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Friends (HD) Modern Family Modern Family: Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Sirens: Sirens: The Bourne Ulti132 2015 NFL Characters Unite (HD) (HD) Arrested (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Briandipity (HD) Transcendual matum (‘07) Marriage: Played and Betrayed Marriage Partners swap. Marriage Boot Camp: (N) David Tutera CELEBrations (N) Marriage Boot Camp: Tutera 172 Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met Rules (HD)

Keep a box of tissue handy for ‘Meet My Valentine’ BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH If the Hallmark Channel can milk Christmas for two months of programming, surely the rival Ion Network can get a week’s head start on Valentine’s Day. Scott Wolf (“Party of Five”) and Courtney Ford (“True Blood”) star in “Meet My Valentine” (9 p.m., TV-PG), a tearjerker about a loving dad (Wolf) who must tell his wife, Valentine (Ford), and young daughter that he has only months to live. To ensure a smooth transition, he insists she “audition” several possible replacements. Help yourself. The Ion Network is an offshoot of the old Pax Network, founded by Lowell “Bud” Paxson, who died on Jan. 9. A cofounder of the Home Shopping Club (now Network), Paxson had a religious awakening and formed Pax as a haven for family-centric programming. Pax eventually became Ion in 2007. • Ion’s evolution from Pax has nothing on the devolution of the ID network. ID currently stands for “Investigation Discovery,” but its long and winding road of changing names is enough to give one pause. Or make you weep. It was founded with rather noble aims in 1996 and called the Discovery Civilization Network. In 2003 it was changed to the more contemporary-sounding Discovery Times. By 2008, it became Investigation Discovery, since shortened to just ID. So how far have we strayed from “Civilization”? Tonight ID debuts “Sex Sent Me to the Slammer” (10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., TV-14). Every installment features stories of folks whose amorous exhibitionism earns the attention of the police. Some are just show-offs. Others are duped into getting caught with their pants down as part of pranks or more sinister setups. • Taking a chronological approach, TCM spends every night in prime time in February with Oscar-winning and nominated movies of a particular period. Tonight focuses on movies released from 1938-40, with airings of “Wuthering Heights” (8 p.m.) and “Gone With the Wind” (10 p.m.), both from 1939, and later, “Pride and Prejudice” (4 a.m.), from 1940. Many film buffs and scholars consider 1939 to be the height of Hollywood’s golden age. • Two installments of “Shake-

speare Uncovered” (PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) explore “The Taming of the Shrew” (9 p.m.), hosted by Morgan Freeman, and “Othello” (10 p.m.), hosted by David Harewood. • A comic mulls the miseries of approaching 40 and examines the reputation of Portland, his hometown, on “Matt Braunger: Big, Dumb Animal” (midnight, Comedy Central, TV-MA).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • A hospital becomes a target on “Constantine” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • Iliza Shlesinger, Greg Proops and Cameron Esposito guest-star on “World’s Funniest Fails” (8 p.m., Fox, TV14). • Holy “Groundhog Day”! A bride re-experiences her big day repeatedly until she gets it right in the 2015 romantic comedy “I Do, I Do, I Do” (8 p.m., Hallmark). • Kono uncovers a hidden threat on “Hawaii Five-0” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14). • A bounty hunter is quick to pick up on a trend on “Grimm” (9 p.m., NBC, TVPG). • Brittany and Santana deal with family matters on “Glee” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14). • Dog chews that are fabricated from yaks’ milk get the once-over on “Shark Tank” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG). • The poorest resident of a

CBS BROADCASTING INC.

Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) and Baez (Marisa Ramirez) investigate the murder of a lower income resident in a luxury building on “Blue Bloods” airing at 10 p.m. today on CBS. posh building is found murdered on “Blue Bloods” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

SERIES NOTES A real estate seminar on “Undercover Boss” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Mike fears a loss of privacy on “Last Man Standing” (8 p.m., ABC, TVPG) * Wade’s marketing ploy on “Hart of Dixie” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * A big promotion on “Cristela” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TVPG) * Misha Collins gueststars on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” (9 p.m., CW, r, TV-14).

2014-15

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF TOM OLSEN

LATE NIGHT Andy Kindler and Bob Mould appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Jennifer Lopez, Anthony Mackie and Iliza Shlesinger on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC, r) * Channing Tatum, J.J. Watt and ZZ Top appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC, r) * John Oliver and Kid Ink visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC, r) * John Mayer guest-hosts Ed Sheeran, Stephen Merchant and Jillian Bell on “The Late

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COMICS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Ignorance of Dad’s new life is bliss to his daughters DEAR ABBY — I am a widower in my mid-80s and have met a lovely widow, “Diane,” also in her Dear Abby 80s. What started as a ABIGAIL “let’s do VAN BUREN lunch” friendship has developed into a close, affectionate relationship. Neither of us wants to take this to the next level, but we do want to spend as much time together as we can in the years left to us. We have a very active social life with friends and with Diane’s family who live in the same town.

THE SUMTER ITEM

My daughters, who live in another city and rarely visit, profess to like her and say they are happy that I have someone in my life. But they have asked that I be sensitive to their feelings of loss for my late wife, who died four years ago. They don’t want me to share what we do and where we go, which is hard when Diane is such a part of my life. My problem is Diane and I want to spend a weekend in the city in which my children live to attend the theater. We will be sharing a hotel room. Do we tell them our plans and that we would like to see them while there, or not? Diane isn’t comfortable going behind their backs, but she also doesn’t want to cause a rift in my

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

family. Neither do I. What would you advise? Uncertain in Maryland DEAR UNCERTAIN — Your daughters have told you they don’t want you to share what you do with your lady friend and where you go, and I am advising you to abide by their wishes. If word should get back to them that you were in town and they ask about it, be honest and don’t lie. And please, live every moment of your life to the fullest in the time God allows, and don’t permit your family to diminish one minute of it. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

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

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

ACROSS 1 Predicament 5 *1-/9-Across 9 Mutual fund charge 13 Up to it 14 Prefix with plasm 15 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient 17 Nocturnal critter 18 Source 19 Adams’ “Nixon in China,” for one 20 Handled vessel 22 Pouches 24 Orch. section 25 Site of unexpected change? 27 Didn’t trick, maybe 29 See 62-Down 32 With 49-Across, bad break ... and what each answer to a starred clue creates vis-ˆ-vis the answers that define it 34 Prayer set to music by Schubert and Gounod 36 Choice to sleep on 40 Diva highlights 41 Distillery founder John

44 “Ray Donovan” star Schreiber 45 Aptly named bird 47 Italian almond cookies 49 See 32-Across 52 British pen pal’s last letter? 53 Part of a Buddhist monk’s ordination 56 Ridge just below the surface 58 “Father of,” in Arabic 59 Identical 61 Place where cheap shots are a good thing 65 Allow to attack 67 Dagwood’s annoying little friend 69 Inflict on 70 1985 Chemistry co-Nobelist Jerome 71 “Avatar” race 72 Always 73 “Easy to be Hard” musical 74*73-/75-Across 75 Business DOWN 1 Overdue, as pay 2 Instrument to which an orchestra tunes 3 Bushels

4 Pitchers’ places 5 White-faced cattle breed 6 Roxy Music cofounder 7 Stirs 8 Knish filling 9 Unfastens 10 Up and down, say: Abbr. 11 “Give it __” 12 Puccini’s “Vissi __” 16 Stern 21 Like “la vida” in a Ricky Martin hit 23 French vineyard 26 Gallic girlfriend 28 Jane Eyre’s charge 29 *1-/53-Down 30 Declare 31 Where to find a hero 33 Play with, in a way 35 Irritates

37 Cheese

holder 38 IdŽe source 39 *16-/64-Down 42 Russia-China border river 43 Numismatist’s find 46 Reliant soul 48 Casting aid 50 Constellation near Scorpius 51 Bind 53 Converse 54 West Indian folk religion 55 __Sweet: aspartame 57 Friend of Che 60 Where Goliath was slain 62 With 29-Across, Balkan city on the Danube 63 Rte. through Houston 64 Reactor part 66 Will Smith title role 68 DIII doubled

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

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

EDITORIAL

‘Low’ unemployment rate is deceiving P resident Obama and his echo chamber in the mainstream media have lately been trumpeting that the country’s unemployment rate is “down” to 5.6 percent. Happy days are here again, a new car in every garage, more food on the table, more and better jobs according to the cheerleaders in the White House, Wall Street, the Democratic Party and their wholly owned subsidiary, the mainstream press that sees no evil, speaks no evil and hears no evil about the ruling class in this country. America is on the move again, they keep telling us. But not so fast according to the Gallup Poll folks, the most reliable poll-

ing organization in America. Its Chairman and CEO Jim Clifton, in a recent opinion piece distributed to all press groups, disputes the rosy scenario whooped up by the usual suspects from the president on down the food chain. Clifton describes the official unemployment rate, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, is at best “extremely misleading” (his words) or at worst, what amounts to a “Big Lie” (His words again). What the cheerleaders won’t tell the American people that those who are unemployed and subsequently have given up on finding a job — that if you are so hopelessly out of work that you’ve stopped looking during the

past four weeks — the Department of Labor doesn’t count you as unemployed. So forget about the 5.6 percent — you’re not in it, and neither are millions of Americans just like you. You will find yourself keeping company with the 30 million Americans who are severely underemployed or simply out of work. There’s more, Clifton tells us. If you’re an out-of-work engineer or health care worker or construction worker or retail manager performing one hour of work in a week and paid at least $20, you’re not officially counted by the feds as being unemployed and won’t show up on the 5.6 percent list.

We’ll give the last word to the Gallup CEO: “There’s no other way to say this. The official unemployment rate, which cruelly overlooks the suffering of the long-term and often permanently unemployed as well as the depressingly underemployed amounts to a Big Lie. ... When we fail to deliver a good job that fits a citizen’s talents, training and experience, we are failing the great American dream.” As for the media, talking heads, White House and Wall Street crowing about how great things are in this country based on a fictitious unemployment rate, the American people have every right to respond by chanting “Liar, liar, pants on fire.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SCIENCE PROVES CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL, VACCINES WORK With all the debate raging this week, I must ask. How is it that we can listen — and give significant authority — to a groundhog (or three) that predicts the end of winter? (Remember how the meteorologists were crucified for predicting incorrect snow accumulation totals in New York City just two weeks ago?) But, on cue, we cannot accept that 97 percent of scientists say the science is settled. Climate change is real. OK, don’t agree with that? Fine. What about vaccinations? Today, leaders, actresses and parents are unsure about giving their children shots that not only protect them from viruses and keep them healthy, but the vaccinations protect others they encounter as well. It’s known that a majority of doctors agree with vaccinations — 92 percent say get the measles shot. (That’s settled, too.) Sorry, I just don’t understand the debate. Perhaps we should ask Punxsutawaney Phil, Buckeye Chuck or Jimmy the Groundhog. JOHN L. HEWITT III Sumter

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN NEEDED FOR SOUTH SUMTER I read with disgust the article in The Sumter Item, “West Sumter will continue to grow” (Jan. 18). In your 2030 Comprehensive Plan published Sept. 9, 2009, it was stated that Sumter remains a community largely segregated by race and income. Your article furthers the inequality by race and income. One of the goals in the 2030 plan was to direct new suburban development only to areas planned for or already served by adequate infrastructure such as public water and sewer, public services, schools, transportation network capacity and recreational opportunities. South Carolina only requires a minimum adequate education. We in South Sumter feel that you feel you have done us a favor or justice by providing a minimal adequate infrastructure. Another goal in the 2030 plan was to revitalize and redevelop existing residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors at risk or in decline. What minimal adequate or inadequate grade should South Sumter give you? I have heard over and over again the talking points, we’re not in the business of doing certain things. In the west I don’t see you having a problem in providing and/or encouraging developers in the area of housing. I don’t see you having a problem with economic development or green infrastructure. I don’t see you having a problem with community facilities being accessible seven days a week and up into the night in the west. The three HOPE Centers are not accessible to our children on Saturday or Sunday when they are not in school. In South Sumter our children have portable basketball goals turned to the paved street, which is unsafe. We all understand that you have provided no incentives in South Sumter for developers or business to want to locate or relocate in South Sumter. You have been proud to make sure we get businesses that provide health problems such as liquor stores. Adding insult to injury, someone is making sure that many receive no health care by convincing our legislators to vote “no” on Medicaid expansion if the vote ever comes up. FERDINAND BURNS Sumter Editor’s note: Because this letter exceeded the 350-word length as stated in our Editorial Page Policies which appears regularly on this page, it can be read in its entirety under Opinion on The Sumter Item’s website, www.theitem.com.

COMMENTARY

Does the barbarism have a logic?

ASHINGTON — Why did they do it? What did the Islamic State think it could possibly gain by burning alive a captured Jordanian pilot? I wouldn’t underestimate the absence of logic, the sheer depraved thrill of a triumphant cult reveling in its barbarism. But I wouldn’t overestimate it either. You don’t overrun much of Syria and Iraq without having deployed keen tactical and strategic reasoning. So what’s the objective? To destabilize Jordan by drawing it deeply into the conflict. At first glance, this seems to make no sense. The savage execution has mobilized Jordan against the Islamic State and given it solidarity and unity of purpose. Yes, for now. But what about six months hence? Solidarity and purpose fade quickly. Think about how post-9/11 American fervor dissipated over the years of inconclusive conflict, yielding the war fatigue of today. Or how the beheading of U.S. journalists galvanized the country against the Islamic State, yet less than five months later, the frustrating nature of that fight is creating divisions at home. Jordan is a more vulnerable target because, unlike the U.S., it can be destabilized. For nearly a century, Jordan has been a miracle of stability — an artificial geographic creation led by a British-imposed monarchy, it has enjoyed relative domestic peace and successful political transitions with just four rulers over four generations. Compared to Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, similarly created, Jordan is a wonder. But a fragile one. Its frontline troops and special forces are largely Bedouin. The Bedouin are the backbone of the Hashemite monarchy, but they are a minority. Most of the population is non-indigenous Palestinians, to which

have now been added 1.3 million Syrian refugees. Most consequential, however, is the Muslim Brotherhood with its strong Jordanian contingent — as well as more radical jihadist elements, some sympathetic to the Islamic State. An estimated 1,500 Jordanians have already joined the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Others remain home, ready to rise when the time is right. The time is not right today. Jordanian anger is white hot. But the danger is that as the Jordanians attack — today by air, toCharles Krauthammer morrow perhaps on the ground — they risk a drawnout engagement that could drain and debilitate the regime, one of the major bulwarks against radicalism in the entire region. We should be careful what we wish for. Americans worship at the shrine of multilateralism. President Obama’s Islamic State strategy is to create a vast coalition with an Arab/Kurdish vanguard and America leading from behind with air power. The coalition is allegedly 60 strong. (And doing what?) Despite administration boasts, the involvement of the Arab front line — Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates — has been minimal and symbolic. In fact, we’ve just now learned that the UAE stopped flying late last year. The Obama policy has not fared terribly well. Since the policy was launched, the Islamic State has doubled its Syrian domain. It’s hard to see a Jordanian-Saudi force succeeding where Iraq’s Shiite militias, the Iraqi military, the Kurds and U.S. airpower have thus far failed. What’s missing, of course, are se-

rious boots on the ground, such as Syria’s once-ascendant non-jihadist rebels, which Obama contemptuously dismissed and allowed to wither. And the Kurds, who are willing and able to fight, yet remain scandalously undersupplied by this administration. Missing most of all is Turkey. It alone has the size and power to take on the Islamic State. But doing so would strengthen, indeed rescue, Turkey’s primary nemesis, the Iranian-backed Bashar al-Assad regime in Damascus. Turkey’s price for entry was an American commitment to help bring down Assad. Obama refused. So Turkey sits it out. Why doesn’t Obama agree? Didn’t he say that Assad must go? The reason is that Obama dares not upset Assad’s patrons, the Iranian mullahs, with whom Obama dreams of concluding a grand rapprochement. For Obama, this is his ticket to Mount Rushmore. So in pursuit of his Nixon-to-China Iran fantasy, Obama eschews Turkey, our most formidable potential ally against both the Islamic State and Assad. What’s Obama left with? Fragile front-line Arab states, like Jordan. But even they are mortified by Obama’s blind pursuit of detente with Tehran, which would make the mullahs hegemonic over the Arab Middle East. Hence the Arabs, the Saudis especially, hold back from any major military commitment to us. Jordan, its hand now forced by its pilot’s murder, may now bravely sally forth on its own. But at great risk and with little chance of ultimate success. Charles Krauthammer’s email address is letters@charleskrauthammer.com. © 2015, The Washington Post Writers Group

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

AROUND TOWN the Alice Drive Baptist The Campbell Soup friends Church library. Those who lunch group will meet at have had a stroke or heart 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. attack, their caregivers or 7, at Golden Corral. Campbell Soup friends lunch groupare to invited to encouragers The Shepherd’s Center, 24 attend. Call Joyce or Wayne Councilmeet St., will offer public inHunter at (803) 464-7865. formation sessions from 11 to The American Red Cross will 11:50 a.m. on Thursdays as follows: Feb. 19, estate plan- offer New Volunteer Orientation / Disaster Services Overning with Amanda Miller of Edward Jones; Feb. 26, plan- view for new Red Cross volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon ning your spring garden on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 1155 with a Clemson Extension N. Guignard Drive. This class Service representative; is for anyone who would like March 5, tips, tricks and to volunteer in any capacity troubleshooting iPad and with the Red Cross. Call PCs. (803) 775-2363 to register. Clarendon School District One The 2015 SPCA Valentine Dance will conduct free vision, hearing, speech and developmental will be held 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Elaine D. screenings as part of a child Korn Memorial Center, 1100 find effort to identify stuS. Guignard Drive. Music will dents with special needs. Screenings will be held from be provided by The Footnotes. Cost is $20 per per9 a.m. to noon at the Sumson (must be 21 years or merton Early Childhood older) and all proceeds benCenter on the following efit the SPCA. Call (803) 773Thursdays: Feb. 12; March 9292. 12; April 9; and May 14. Call Sadie Williams or Audrey The MLK Riders of S.C. will host Walters at (803) 485-2325, a black history month parade extension 221. at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15. The parade will begin at The AARP Foundation VolunRiley Ball Park and end at teer Tax-Aide Program will Atlantic Street on Manning offer free income tax assistance for low-income or elderly Avenue. There is no registration fee to participate. Contaxpayers. You will need: all tact Jacob Dennis Sr. at tax forms and information; (803) 840-4784 or Mr. Harry government-issued ID; Soat (803) 983-5289. cial Security card; all W-2’s, 1099s and 1098s; and supThe Pinedale Neighborhood Asporting documents if you sociation will meet at 4 p.m. plan to itemize. Assistance on Thursday, Feb. 19, at will be available 9 a.m.-2 South HOPE Center, 1125 S. p.m. on Mondays and Lafayette Drive. Call FerdiWednesdays through April nand Burns at (803) 96813 at The Spectrum senior 4464. center, 1989 Durant Lane. The Lee County Branch of the Call (803) 316-0772. NAACP’s annual “Freedom Free income tax filing services Fund Banquet” will be held at and FAFSA applications will be 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, at provided through April 15 as Lee Central High School, follows: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 1800 Wisacky Highway, BishWednesdays, SC Works — opville. Rep. David Weeks, DSantee Lynches, 31 E. CalSumter, will speak. Bobby houn St., (803) 774-1300; 9:30 Wilson and the Chosen Ones a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, 3-8 p.m. will provide music. Tickets Saturdays, appointments are $20 and must be puronly on Sundays, Goodwill chased in advance. Call — Job Link Center, 1028 Mattie Westry at (803) 459Broad St., (803) 774-5006; 7033 or Patricia Carter at and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs(803) 486-5080. days and 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Lee County Adult The Lincoln High School Class Education, 123 E. College St., of 1963 will meet at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Bishopville, (803) 484-4040. American Legion Post 202, Call Ms. Samuels at (803) 310 Palmetto St. Classes 240-8355. from years 1960 through The Sumter Chapter of the Na1969 are welcome to send a tional Federation of the Blind representative to help plan will hold its monthly meetthe reunion celebrating the ing with the “King or Queen” modern Civil Rights movecontest at 7 p.m. on Tuesment. Call Ferdinand Burns day, Feb. 10, at Shiloh-Ranat (803) 968-4464. dolph Manor. Willie Wester, Robert E. Lee Academy will president of the Summerville Chapter of the National hold its 15th Annual Cavalier Pride Auction on Saturday, Federation of the Blind, will March 7, at 630 Cousar St., speak. If you know a blind Bishopville. Food will be or visually impaired person, served from 5 to 7 p.m. contact Debra Canty, chapThere will be a silent and ter president, at Debralive auction with bidding beCanC2@frontier.com or via ginning at 5:30 p.m. A raffle telephone at (803) 775-5792. will be held for a Yeti cooler. For updated information, Event will also feature a call the recorded message chance to win $1,000 in tuline at (206) 376-5992. ition credit or $500 cash. All The Stroke Support Group proceeds will benefit the (Overcomers) will meet at 6 school to improve the edup.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, in cation of the students.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Sunny

Mainly clear

Warmer with plenty of sun

Mostly sunny, breezy and mild

Mostly cloudy, showers around

Cooler with plenty of sunshine

49°

30°

61° / 40°

69° / 52°

67° / 39°

58° / 32°

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 0%

SSW 4-8 mph

SW 4-8 mph

SW 8-16 mph

WSW 12-25 mph

W 10-20 mph

NNE 10-20 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 49/29 Spartanburg 51/31

Greenville 50/31

Columbia 52/30

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

Sumter 49/30

IN THE MOUNTAINS Aiken 52/29

ON THE COAST

Charleston 50/30

Today: Plenty of sunshine. High 46 to 52. Saturday: Brilliant sunshine; warmer. High 57 to 61.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 53/33/s 30/22/c 61/42/s 27/24/c 61/44/pc 75/56/pc 58/41/s 26/23/pc 66/45/s 33/25/pc 81/55/s 65/59/r 42/30/s

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 357.54 74.44 74.17 96.53

24-hr chg +0.03 -0.02 +0.03 +0.10

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

0.04" 0.72" 0.60" 5.52" 3.09" 4.54"

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

61° 43° 57° 34° 80° in 2008 14° in 1996

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

Sat. Hi/Lo/W 60/42/s 37/34/c 72/52/s 36/31/c 71/54/pc 69/57/sh 68/51/s 37/31/c 71/50/s 46/33/c 81/54/pc 66/59/sh 52/38/pc

Myrtle Beach 46/33

Manning 50/29

Today: Sunny. Winds southwest 4-8 mph. Mainly clear. Saturday: Sunny and warmer. Winds west-southwest 7-14 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 49/29

Bishopville 50/29

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 8.42 -0.12 19 5.49 +1.32 14 6.82 -0.24 14 5.42 +1.60 80 76.93 +0.25 24 6.35 -2.40

Sunrise 7:15 a.m. Moonrise 8:37 p.m.

Sunset Moonset

5:57 p.m. 8:30 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Feb. 11

Feb. 18

Feb. 25

Mar. 5

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 10:23 a.m. 10:48 p.m. 10:56 a.m. 11:22 p.m.

Today Sat.

Ht. 3.0 2.7 2.9 2.7

Low Ht. 4:54 a.m. -0.2 5:16 p.m. 0.0 5:31 a.m. 0.0 5:48 p.m. 0.1

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 50/24/s 53/29/s 52/26/s 52/32/s 39/34/s 50/30/s 47/31/s 51/35/s 52/30/s 49/29/s 40/28/s 47/29/s 47/29/s

Sat. Hi/Lo/W 60/33/s 61/37/s 63/35/s 61/42/s 54/45/s 61/41/s 59/40/s 62/41/s 64/39/s 60/39/s 55/40/s 59/41/s 59/40/s

City Florence Gainesville Gastonia Goldsboro Goose Creek Greensboro Greenville Hickory Hilton Head Jacksonville, FL La Grange Macon Marietta

Today Hi/Lo/W 49/29/s 60/34/s 48/28/s 46/29/s 50/30/s 46/28/s 50/31/s 48/27/s 49/36/s 56/33/s 57/30/s 52/26/s 52/29/s

Sat. Hi/Lo/W 61/40/s 67/41/s 60/40/s 58/40/s 61/41/s 58/37/s 61/39/s 59/36/s 57/46/s 66/40/s 65/40/s 62/35/s 60/39/s

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 50/22/s 50/32/s 46/33/s 50/30/s 50/32/s 46/28/s 49/27/s 48/27/s 53/29/s 51/31/s 49/33/s 46/28/s 46/27/s

Sat. Hi/Lo/W 60/31/s 60/43/s 58/44/s 61/39/s 59/43/s 58/39/s 60/38/s 59/38/s 63/39/s 62/41/s 59/45/s 59/43/s 57/36/s

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

For Comfort You Can Count On, Better Make It Boykin! 803-795-4257 www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Re-evaluate EUGENIA LAST what you’ve accomplished so far this year, and whether you are sticking to whatever resolutions or promises you made. Someone is likely to intervene with regard to a contract or money matter. Don’t get emotional; get moving.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Set your goals and don’t count on others to do things for you. Time spent with a loved one or socializing with friends will lift your spirits. Don’t hold back; say what’s on your mind and you will make a difference. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Taking action too quickly will lead to a mishap. Analyze every situation as it arises, and put decision-making on hold until you feel totally comfortable with the potential outcome. Someone you deal with might not be trustworthy. Do your own fact-finding. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Ask good friends and relatives for an opinion regarding a professional move or educational pursuit you are considering. Travel and research will lead you down an unexpected path that will bring back memories and inspire you. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Finish what you start and make the changes that will improve your life and your position. Follow whatever paths promise greater stability financially, emotionally or physically. Don’t let emotions decide what’s best for you. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Remain calm, no matter how others react. Keep an open mind and offer a compassionate response, and you’ll get positive results. Accomplishment will result from being organized, understanding

and positive in all you do or say. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The time has come to step up and make a difference to someone who is in dire need. Your selfless actions will impress someone who can alter your future, bringing you unexpected rewards. Think big and do what’s right. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Hang in there and the pendulum will swing in your favor. Stick to your convictions and focus on what needs to be done, and you will bring about the changes that will improve your life. When it comes to your goals, stay on target. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take precautions and keep your plans and ideas a secret for the time being. Someone close to you is not looking out for your best interests. Avoid troublemakers, and make changes that will make your life better. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take what’s yours and keep moving. Change may not be something you relish, but it will be in your best interests. A fair assessment of what you deserve will help you move toward the success and happiness you desire. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep a close watch on others. Someone will take you for granted if you are too gullible. Take the time to reevaluate your personal situation, and prepare to have a serious discussion about what you need to feel satisfied. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put love, health and being your best at the top of your list. Don’t allow anyone to put demands on you that will limit your freedom to pursue the people, places and things you enjoy the most. Live life according to your rules.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 LUCKY FOR LIFE MONDAY THURSDAY 15-19-22-26-28 PowerUp: 3

7-11-18-19-28 Lucky Ball: 16

PICK 3 THURSDAY

PICK 4 THURSDAY

1-7-8 and 3-4-0

9-0-5-2 and 3-1-5-0

POWERBALL WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

24-36-51-52-56 11-22-25-58-69 Powerball: 22 Powerplay: 2 Megaball: 13 Megaplier: 5

SPCA DOG OF THE WEEK Yahtzee, a 1-year-old black male Labrador retriever mix, is available for adoption at the Sumter SPCA. He is affectionate, gentle, playful, active and friendly. He gets along great with other dogs and loves attention. Yahtzee would make a great addition to any family. The Sumter SPCA is located at 1140 S. Guignard Drive, (803) 773-9292, and is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Visit the website at www.sumterscspca.com.

Enjoy an evening of dancing and music at the 2015 SPCA Valentine’s Dance 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Elaine D. Korn Memorial Center, 1100 S. Guignard Drive (next to the SPCA). Music will be provided by The Footnotes. Cost is $20 per person (must be 21 or older). Call (803) 773-9292. All proceeds benefit the Sumter SPCA.

SECTION

Injury forces Tiger out at Torrey Pines

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

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

PREP SIGNINGS

Sumter OL Durant sees Lackawanna as perfect stepping stone BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS justin@theitem.com Lackawanna College has had a recent history of sending offensive lineman on to NCAA Division I football schools, Blake Durant said. That was a selling point the Sumter High School Touchstone Energy Cooperative

North-South All-Star couldn’t pass up. Durant signed with the junior college out of Scranton, Penn., on Wednesday’s National Signing Day with his eye toward one day returning to the Palmetto State, either at Clemson or the University of South Carolina, he said. “It’s a blessing — I never

thought this day would come,” Durant said. “I’m just happy to be able to play at the next level. “(Lackawanna) DURANT has been putting out top offensive linemen for a while now, so that pretty much sealed the deal for me.”

Durant said the school’s reputation with producing top linemen and its mountain setting were the biggest draws. “I really liked where the school is and the coaching staff,” Durant said. “It’s very much like a small family up there. All the players I’ve talked to have been really great.” Once Lackawanna came

PREP BASKETBALL

Role reversals

calling, Durant had made up his mind. Though he’d had a few offers from some bigger schools, Durant admitted he didn’t take his studies as seriously as he should have earlier in his high school career, so the JUCO route was his best option.

SEE DURANT, PAGE B4

LHS’ Johnson eager to focus on football at Hutchinson BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com Going into his final year of high school football, Tyshawn Johnson had a lot of upside. Despite being on a struggling football team at Lakewood, he was being recruited by some big name college football programs until a small setback. Johnson tore meniscus in his right knee going JOHNSON into his senior season, causing him to miss several games and such schools as South Carolina, North Carolina, The Citadel and Liberty to back off in their interest for him. So he signed with a big name junior college program on Wednesday’s National Signing Day, Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kan. “It’s very exciting; I’m just ready to get out there to make

SEE JOHNSON, PAGE B4

LOCAL SIGNINGS

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Lakewood’s Kamryn Lemon (12) and the rest of the Lady Gators look to secure the Region VI-3A title by defeating Shaquanda Miller-McCray (10) and 3-time defending region champion Crestwood today at The Castle.

Lady Gators look to snatch title from 3-time defending region champ Crestwood BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com What happens when the hunted becomes the hunter? For the last three seasons, the Crestwood High School varsity girls basketball program has been the Region VI-3A champion, the one the rest of the region has been chasing. That all changed on Jan. 16 when crosstown rival Lakewood beat the Lady Knights at The Swamp 47-41. “I think we’re getting bet-

ter playing as a team rather than playing as individuals because that’s all we did in the Lakewood game,” Crestwood junior Shaquanda Miller-McCray said. “We played selfish and everybody wanted to be in the paper. Everybody wanted to be a superstar, but it cannot work that way. We have to have teamwork.” The two rivals, who are each ranked in the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association 3A girls top 10

poll, meet again today at 6p.m. at Crestwood’s The Castle. The Lady Gators can win the region title outright with a victory. Lakewood is ranked No. 6 and is 8-0 in region play. The Lady Knights are ranked No. 9 and are 7-1 in the region. They would need a victory today and a win against Darlington on Tuesday to gain at least a share of the region crown. Crestwood head coach Tony Wilson said his girls

did not play together as a team in the first meet and had too many turnovers. “The first time we played them the girls were doing things that were trying to do too much individually on their own and wasn’t playing together,” he explained. “They were trying to do things I guess for the highlight or get their names in the paper since they were playing Lakewood, our

SEE REVERSALS, PAGE B4

SHS opens playoffs against White Knoll at Goose Creek HS The Sumter High School wrestling team was unable to defend its Region VI-4A crown this season, losing it to region newcomer Socastee, the 3A state runnerup from a year ago. However, the Gamecocks may have come up with a pretty good consolation prize in the 4A state duals playoffs. They will travel to

See Saturday’s edition of The Sumter Item for more stories on the individual signees.

Gators LB/RB Washington gets collegiate shot at Guilford BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com

PREP WRESTLING

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com

Girls Basketball Lakewood Sonora Dengokl (UNC Asheville) Football Lakewood Khafari Buffalo (Citadel) D’onte Washington (Guilford) Zach Baker (Methodist) Justin Yeadon (Methodist) Tyshawn Johnson (Hutchinson Community College) Crestwood Donald Rutledge (Citadel) David Ervin (Avila University) Tommie Pugh (Highland Community College) Manning Raquan Bennett (Coastal Carolina) Aaron Boatwright (Limestone) Hazen Williams (Newport News Apprentice) Sumter Blake Durant (Lackawanna College)

Goose Creek on Saturday to hopefully wrestle two playoff matches. SHS, the second seed from the region, will meet Region V No. 3 White Knoll in the first round. If it wins that, it will take on the winner between Region IV No. 4 Spring Valley and Region VII champion Goose Creek, who will be wrestling simultaSUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO neously. The two first-round Sumter’s Reco Nicholson, right, recently won the Region VI-4A individual title in

the 170-pound weight class. Sumter will travel to Goose Creek on Saturday to SEE SHS, PAGE B4 face White Knoll in the first round of the 4A state duals playoffs.

Growing up, D’onte Washington always expected to one day play college football. The Lakewood High School senior put himself in position to do that on Wednesday’s National Signing Day, signing to play with NCAA Division III Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. “I wasn’t looking at any schools in particular, just WASHINGTON whoever wanted me and whoever was going to offer me, and my momma didn’t have to kick out any money, that’s where I was going to go,” Washington said. “I always told my momma I was going to make it (to the National Football League), and I’m one step closer.” Washington, who played both running back and linebacker in his four years with the Gators, doesn’t expect an

SEE WASHINGTON, PAGE B4

SPORTS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Carolina dominates No. 22 Georgia 58-35 BY CHARLES ODUM The Associated Press ATHENS, Ga. — Bianca Cuevas scored 16 points and top-ranked South Carolina protected its undefeated record by beating No. 22 Georgia 58-35 on Thursday night. South Carolina (22-0, 10-0 Southeastern Conference) plays at No. 2 Connecticut on Monday night in a matchup of the nation’s top two teams. Tiffany Mitchell had 14 points for the Gamecocks. Georgia (17-6, 5-5) has lost three straight — all to Top 10 teams. Aleighsa Welch had two points, 14 rebounds and three of the Gamecocks’ 10 blocked shots, which matched their season high. Georgia starting forward Krista Donald, the team’s leading rebounder, was suspended for the game for an undisclosed violation of team rules in another blow to the squads depth. The Lady Bulldogs lost scoring leader Shacobia Barbee to a season-ending leg injury Jan. 25. The Gamecocks also were missing their leading rebounder. Sophomore center Alaina Coates also was suspended for a violation of team rules. The team-record 22 straight wins ties the longest streak for any South Carolina sport.

TODAY

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina guard Bianca Cuevas (1) goes up for a shot against Georgia guard Tiaria Griffin (3) during the Gamecocks’ 58-35 victory on Thursday in Athens, Ga.

five rebounds to lead Mayewood Middle School to a 60-35 victory over Ebenezer over Ebenezer in the first round of the Sumter Middle School Conference tournament on Thursday at the Mayewood gymnasium. Javontae Jones and Jamar Holliday each contributed 10 points to lead the Vikings. Mayewood will host Alice Drive in a semifinal game on Tuesday.

SUMTER McBride 11, Jackson 1, Parker 9, Tiller 9, Rembert 11, Patton 2, Lawson 2, Moore 7, Richardson 2, Kershaw 6. CAROLINA FOREST Macafee 7, Flood 5, Garnell 5, Wright 4, Lynch 2, Garcia 5, Harris 4, Jenson 2, Lenidle 6.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL MAYEWOOD 60 EBENEZER 35 Xzabian Yates had 24 points and

LAKEWOOD 36 CRESTWOOD 17 Lakewood High School defeated Crestwood 36-17 on Thursday at The Swamp to improve to 12-5. Latheron Rodgers-Anderson and Dontrea Osborne each had seven points to lead the Gators.

B TEAM BASKETBALL LAURENCE MANNING 56 CALHOUN 21 ST. MATTHEWS — Laurence Manning Academy finished its season at 10-2 with a 56-21 victory over Calhoun Academy on Thursday at the CA gymnasium. Seth Stamps led LMA with 12 points. Wyatt Rowland added 10 and J Godwin had eight.

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

Sumter cruises past CFHS 72-38 MYRTLE BEACH — Sumter High School’s No. 1 4A girls basketball team defeated Carolina Forest 72-38 on Thursday at the CF gymnasium. The Lady Gamecocks are 20-2 on the season and 8-0 in Region VI-4A. Nijah Davis led SHS with a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds. She had also blocked five shots and had five steals. D’erika Hamilton led Sumter in scoring with 18 points to go along with six steals. Jessica Harris had 11, Kadejuha Kennedy had 10 and Kyra Wilson had nine.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL CRESTWOOD 25 LAKEWOOD 14 Crestwood High School defeated Lakewood 25-14 on Thursday at The Swamp. Azariah Dixon led the 7-4 Knights with 10 points. Alexandria Dukes had seven and Hyediah Fullard added six.

B TEAM BASKETBALL LAURENCE MANNING 31 CALHOUN 16 ST. MATTHEWS — Laurence Manning Academy finished its season with an 8-4 record after beating Calhoun Academy on Thursday at the CA gymnasium. Katherine Burns led LMA with 11 points, while Kayla Accord and

SATURDAY

Varsity Wrestling Sumter vs. White Knoll (at Goose Creek High School), 10 a.m.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL SCHEDULE TODAY

MYRTLE BEACH — Sumter High School’s varsity boys basketball team improved to 6-2 in Region VI-4A with a 60-40 victory over Carolina Forest on Thursday at the CF gymnasium. The win means the Gamecocks, 12-6 overall, maintain at least a share of first place. Micah McBride and Cedric Rembert led SHS with 11 points apiece. Brandon Parker and Andrew Tiller each added nine points.

Wilson Hall lost to Cardinal Newman 43-41 on Wednesday at Nash Student Center. John Ballard led the Barons with 10 points. Drew Talley and Grier Schwartz each added seven. Lloyd Henning led Cardinal Newman with 15.

TODAY

4:30 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Malaysian Open Second Round from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (GOLF). 11:30 a.m. – LPGA Golf: LPGA Classic Second Round from Paradise Island, Bahamas (GOLF). 3 p.m. – PGA Golf: Farmers Insurance Open Second Round from San Diego (GOLF). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Clippers at Toronto (ESPN). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Dayton at George Washington (ESPN2). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Siena at Iona (ESPNU). 7 p.m. – Senior PGA Golf: Champions Tour Allianz Championship First Round from Boca Raton, Fla. (GOLF). 8 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Providence at Seton Hall (FOX SPORTS 1). 8 p.m. – Women’s College Gymnastics: Georgia at Louisiana State (SEC NETWORK). 9 p.m. – College Volleyball: California Baptist at Brigham Young (BYUTV). 9 p.m. – Professional Boxing Abie Han vs. Sergio Mora for the USBA Middleweight Title from Biloxi, Miss. (ESPN2). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: High Point at Coastal Carolina (ESPNU). 9:30 p.m. – College Hockey: Denver at Colorado College (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 9:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Miami at San Antonio (ESPN). 3:30 a.m. – International Soccer: Australian League Match – Melbourne City vs. Melbourne Victory (FOX SPORTS 2). 3:30 a.m. – Professional Baseball: Australian League Championship Series Game Two (MLB NETWORK).

Varsity Basketball Lakewood at Crestwood, 6 p.m. Marlboro County at Manning, 6 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball Lee Central at Kingstree (No JV Girls), 5 p.m. C.E. Murray at Scott’s Branch (No JV Girls), 5 p.m. Thomas Sumter at Calhoun Academy, 4 p.m. Orangeburg Prep at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m. Colleton Prep at Clarendon Hall, 4 p.m.

SHS tops Carolina Forest 60-40

WILSON HALL 41

TV, RADIO

PREP SCHEDULE

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

CARDINAL NEWMAN 43

SCOREBOARD

Trinity Harrington both had six. WILSON HALL 46 CALHOUN 14

Wilson Hall finished its third straight undefeated season on Tuesday with a 46-14 victory over Calhoun Academy at Nash Student Center. Haley McCaffrey led WH with 16 points and Madison Elmore had 10. The Lady Barons finished 15-0. ROBERT E. LEE 25 THE KING’S ACADEMY 14

FLORENCE — Robert E. Lee Academy finished its season with a 10-1 record after beating The King’s Academy 25-14 on Tuesday at the TKA gymnasium. Caleigh Barrett led REL with 13 points. Rebecca Dinkins grabbed 14 rebounds.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHESTNUT OAKS 39 HILLCREST 30 Carnasia Wells scored 20 points to lead Chestnut Oaks to a 39-30 victory over Furman on Wednesday at the CO gymnasium in the opening round of the Sumter Middle School Conference tournament. Armari Singleton added 10 points for the Lady Falcons. Chestnut will travel to Furman on Monday for a 5 p.m. semifinal game against the No. 1 seed and undefeated Lady Indians.

EAST Harvard at Brown, 7 p.m. Princeton at Columbia, 7 p.m. Penn at Cornell, 7 p.m. Dayton at George Washington, 7 p.m. Siena at Iona, 7 p.m. Canisius at Manhattan, 7 p.m. Niagara at Marist, 7 p.m. Dartmouth at Yale, 7 p.m. SOUTH Campbell at Gardner-Webb, 7 p.m. Jacksonville at North Florida, 7 p.m. Liberty at Presbyterian, 7 p.m. Charleston Southern at Radford, 7 p.m. Longwood at UNC Asheville, 7 p.m. High Point at Coastal Carolina, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY

EAST Delaware at Northeastern, Noon Marquette at Seton Hall, Noon Creighton vs. St. John’s at Madison Square Garden, Noon Baylor at West Virginia, Noon Binghamton at Maine, 1 p.m. UMBC at New Hampshire, 1 p.m. American U. at Colgate, 2 p.m. Army at Navy, 2 p.m. VCU at St. Bonaventure, 2 p.m. Fairfield at St. Peter’s, 2 p.m. James Madison at Towson, 2 p.m. Georgetown at Villanova, 2 p.m. North Carolina at Boston College, 3 p.m. Mount St. Mary’s at CCSU, 3:30 p.m. Bryant at Sacred Heart, 3:30 p.m. Saint Louis at Fordham, 4 p.m. Fisher at NJIT, 4 p.m. Nebraska at Penn St., 4 p.m. Syracuse at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m. George Mason at Saint Joseph’s, 4 p.m. St. Francis (NY) at Wagner, 4 p.m. Robert Morris at Fairleigh Dickinson, 4:30 p.m. St. Francis (Pa.) at LIU Brooklyn, 4:30 p.m. Dartmouth at Brown, 6 p.m. Princeton at Cornell, 6 p.m. Penn at Columbia, 7 p.m. Elon at Hofstra, 7 p.m. Lehigh at Loyola (Md.), 7 p.m. Vermont at Stony Brook, 7 p.m. Harvard at Yale, 7 p.m. Mass.-Lowell at Albany (NY), 7:30 p.m. SOUTH Tennessee at Georgia, Noon Wake Forest at Georgia Tech, Noon Notre Dame at Duke, 1 p.m. Temple at Memphis, 1 p.m. UNC Greensboro at The Citadel, 1 p.m. Wofford at VMI, 1 p.m. Texas-Arlington at Louisiana-Lafayette, 2 p.m. SC-Upstate at Kennesaw St., 3 p.m. Southern Miss. at UAB, 3 p.m. Florida St. at Virginia Tech, 3 p.m. Troy at Appalachian St., 3:30 p.m. Florida Gulf Coast at Stetson, 3:30 p.m. Jackson St. at Alcorn St., 4 p.m. SC State at Coppin St., 4 p.m. Bethune-Cookman at Delaware St., 4 p.m. Samford at ETSU, 4 p.m. Mercer at Furman, 4 p.m. Savannah St. at Morgan St., 4 p.m. South Carolina at Vanderbilt, 4 p.m. McNeese St. at Nicholls St., 4:30 p.m. Chattanooga at W. Carolina, 4:30 p.m. Drexel at Coll. of Charleston, 5 p.m. UCF at East Carolina, 5 p.m. UTEP at FIU, 5:30 p.m. Alabama at LSU, 6 p.m. NC Central at NC A&T, 6 p.m. Howard at Norfolk St., 6 p.m. UConn at Tulane, 6 p.m. Louisville at Virginia, 6 p.m. Mississippi at Auburn, 6:30 p.m. Grambling St. at Southern U., 6:30 p.m. Duquesne at Davidson, 7 p.m. UTSA at FAU, 7 p.m. North Texas at Marshall, 7 p.m. Lipscomb at N. Kentucky, 7 p.m. Charlotte at Old Dominion, 7 p.m. Rice at W. Kentucky, 8 p.m. Kentucky at Florida, 9 p.m. MIDWEST Illinois at Michigan St., Noon Providence at Xavier, 1 p.m. Toledo at Ball St., 2 p.m. Texas Tech at Iowa St., 2 p.m. E. Michigan at Ohio, 2 p.m. Illinois St. at S. Illinois, 2 p.m. Purdue at Minnesota, 3 p.m. DePaul at Butler, 3:30 p.m. Texas at Kansas St., 4 p.m. Northwestern at Wisconsin, 5:30 p.m. Texas A&M at Missouri, 6 p.m. Buffalo at Akron, 7 p.m. Miami (Ohio) at Kent St., 7 p.m. South Florida at Cincinnati, 8 p.m. Bowling Green at N. Illinois, 8 p.m. Missouri St. at Wichita St., 8 p.m. SOUTHWEST Kansas at Oklahoma St., 2 p.m. Oklahoma at TCU, 3 p.m. Mississippi St. at Arkansas, 4 p.m. SMU at Tulsa, 8 p.m. FAR WEST Wyoming at Air Force, 2 p.m. UNLV at Colorado St., 4 p.m. BYU at Loyola Marymount, 4 p.m. Arizona at Arizona St., 4:30 p.m. Utah St. at New Mexico, 6 p.m. Nevada at San Jose St., 6 p.m. UCLA at California, 8 p.m. San Diego at Pepperdine, 8 p.m. Utah at Colorado, 10 p.m. Hawaii at UC Santa Barbara, 10 p.m. Gonzaga at San Francisco, 11:30 p.m.

GOLF

The Associated Press

FARMERS INSURANE OPEN PAR SCORES

Thursday s-Torrey Pines, South Course (7,698 yards, par 72) n-Torrey Pines, North Course (7,052 yards, par 72) San Diego Purse: $6.3 million (a-amateur) Partial First Round

THE SUMTER ITEM Nicholas Thompson Brooks Koepka Cameron Tringale Jhonattan Vegas Freddie Jacobson Brendon de Jonge Chad Campbell Chris Kirk J.J. Henry Martin Laird Gary Woodland Jonas Blixt Spencer Levin

32-32—64 34-32—66 32-34—66 34-33—67 32-35—67 33-34—67 33-34—67 34-33—67 35-33—68 35-33—68 36-32—68 34-34—68 35-33—68

-8n -6n -6n -5s -5n -5n -5n -5n -4n -4s -4n -4n -4s

BAHAMAS LPGA CLASSIC PAR SCORES

Thursday At Ocean Club Golf Course Paradise Island, Bahamas Purse: $1.3 million Yardage: 6,650; Par: 73 (36-37) Partial First Round 60 golfers did not finish the round Brooke Pancake 36-31—67 Natalie Gulbis 33-35—68 Brittany Lincicome 34-34—68 Inbee Park 34-34—68 Ariya Jutanugarn 35-34—69 Azahara Munoz 32-37—69 Gerina Piller 33-36—69

-6 -5 -5 -5 -4 -4 -4

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION Toronto Brooklyn Boston Philadelphia New York SOUTHEAST DIVISION Atlanta Washington Charlotte Miami Orlando CENTRAL DIVISION Chicago Cleveland Milwaukee Detroit Indiana

W 33 20 18 11 10

L 17 28 30 39 39

Pct .660 .417 .375 .220 .204

GB – 12 14 22 22 1/2

W 41 31 21 21 15

L 9 19 27 28 37

Pct .820 .620 .438 .429 .288

GB – 10 19 19 1/2 27

W 30 30 27 19 18

L 20 20 22 31 32

Pct .600 .600 .551 .380 .360

GB – – 2 1/2 11 12

L 12 15 18 18 23

Pct .755 .694 .647 .633 .531

GB – 3 5 6 11

L 16 24 31 32 40

Pct .673 .510 .380 .347 .184

GB – 8 14 1/2 16 24

L 8 16 22 30 36

Pct .830 .673 .560 .362 .265

GB – 7 12 1/2 22 27

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W Memphis 37 Houston 34 Dallas 33 San Antonio 31 New Orleans 26 NORTHWEST DIVISION W Portland 33 Oklahoma City 25 Denver 19 Utah 17 Minnesota 9 PACIFIC DIVISION W Golden State 39 L.A. Clippers 33 Phoenix 28 Sacramento 17 L.A. Lakers 13

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Indiana 114, Detroit 109 Atlanta 105, Washington 96 Brooklyn 109, Toronto 93 Boston 104, Denver 100 Oklahoma City 102, New Orleans 91 Houston 101, Chicago 90 Milwaukee 113, L.A. Lakers 105, OT Minnesota 102, Miami 101 San Antonio 110, Orlando 103 Memphis 100, Utah 90 Golden State 128, Dallas 114

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Washington at Charlotte, 7 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Cleveland, 8 p.m. Dallas at Sacramento, 10 p.m. Phoenix at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

L.A. Clippers at Toronto, 7 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Orlando, 7 p.m. Cleveland at Indiana, 7 p.m. New York at Brooklyn, 7 p.m. Golden State at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Denver at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Boston, 7:30 p.m. New Orleans at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Milwaukee at Houston, 8 p.m. Memphis at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Utah at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Miami at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Chicago at New Orleans, 7 p.m. Brooklyn at Washington, 7 p.m. Charlotte at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. Golden State at New York, 7:30 p.m. Portland at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Boston at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m. Sacramento at Utah, 9 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Tampa Bay 52 32 Montreal 50 32 Detroit 50 29 Boston 51 27 Florida 49 22 Ottawa 49 20 Toronto 52 22 Buffalo 51 15 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W Pittsburgh 51 29 N.Y. Islanders 50 32 N.Y. Rangers 49 30 Washington 51 26 Philadelphia 51 22 New Jersey 51 20 Columbus 49 21 Carolina 50 17

L OT 15 5 15 3 12 9 17 7 17 10 20 9 26 4 33 3

Pts 69 67 67 61 54 49 48 33

GF 167 132 149 136 122 137 147 97

GA 135 114 129 127 140 138 160 181

L OT 14 8 17 1 15 4 15 10 22 7 22 9 25 3 26 7

Pts 66 65 64 62 51 49 45 41

GF 147 160 148 151 140 115 121 109

GA 129 143 117 129 151 139 155 134

Pts 72 70 64 61 55 54 54

GF 153 162 155 146 134 138 159

GA 118 121 118 140 143 140 162

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

GP 50 50 51 53 51 50 50

W 33 33 31 26 22 24 23

L OT 11 6 13 4 18 2 18 9 18 11 20 6 19 8

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 51 33 12 6 72 152 138 Calgary 52 29 20 3 61 152 132 San Jose 52 27 18 7 61 144 143 Vancouver 49 28 18 3 59 134 126 Los Angeles 50 21 17 12 54 134 136 Arizona 51 19 26 6 44 120 171 Edmonton 52 14 29 9 37 120 172 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Rangers 3, Boston 2 Pittsburgh 2, Edmonton 0 Calgary 3, San Jose 1

THURSDAY’S GAMES

St. Louis at Buffalo, 7 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Washington at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. Los Angeles at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Anaheim at Nashville, 8 p.m. Tampa Bay at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Detroit at Colorado, 9 p.m. Carolina at Arizona, 9 p.m. San Jose at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Toronto at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Anaheim at Washington, 7 p.m. St. Louis at Columbus, 7 p.m. Chicago at Winnipeg, 8 p.m. Pittsburgh at Calgary, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Rangers at Nashville, 3 p.m. Los Angeles at Tampa Bay, 5 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Boston, 7 p.m. Dallas at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Edmonton at Toronto, 7 p.m. New Jersey at Montreal, 7 p.m. Columbus at Ottawa, 7 p.m. Colorado at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Detroit at Arizona, 8 p.m. Pittsburgh at Vancouver, 10 p.m. Carolina at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

SPORTS ITEMS

TIGERS BASKETBALL

Back injury forces Tiger to withdraw

Clemson holds off Florida State 62-56

SAN DIEGO — In an ominous start to his season, Tiger Woods walked off the course after 11 holes Thursday at the Farmers Insurance Open because of tightness in his lower back that he attributed to a fog delay. It was his third straight PGA Tour event that he missed the cut or withdrew, and the sixth time since 2010 that he withdrew because of injury. “I was ready to go,’’ Woods said. “I had a good warmup session the first time around. Then we stood out here and I got cold, and everything started deactivating again. And it’s frustrating that I just can’t stay activated. That’s just kind of the way it is.’’ The scene is becoming familiar. Billy Horschel noticed some discomfort with Woods early in the round. Before long, Woods was reaching for his lower back, and the grimace became more pronounced. On their 10th hole _ the par-5 first on the North Course at Torrey Pines _ Horschel picked up the tee for Woods and took the ball out of the cup for him when Woods made birdie. Woods hit a safe shot to the middle of the green on the par-3 third hole. When it was his turn to play, he had caddie Joe LaCava pick up his ball marker. Woods waited for Horschel and Rickie Fowler to finish before shaking their hands, getting into a cart and driving to his car. “It’s tough to see a guy I look up to, a guy I consider a friend, to have issues with spasms,’’ Horschel said. “It’s tough to see him go, but he was in quite a bit of pain.’’ Nicholas Thompson had an 8-under 64 on the North Course and had a one-shot lead over Michael Thompson when play was suspended by darkness. Brooks Koepka, coming off his victory last week in the Phoenix Open, had a 66 on the North. The best score on the tougher South Course belonged to Jhonnatan Vegas, who shot 67. Dustin Johnson, playing for the first time since his sixmonth leave for “personal challenges,’’ holed out for eagle on No. 4 on the South Course as his lone highlight.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tiger Woods hits a short pitch shot on the 10th hole at Torrey Pines during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open on Thursday in San Diego. Woods had to withdraw from the tournament due to a back injury. He had five bogeys and was 2 over with one hole remaining. Woods was 2-over par through 11 holes and in a tie for 130th when he withdrew.

AP SOURCE: HOKE AGREES TO JOIN USC FOOTBALL STAFF COLUMBIA — Florida defensive coordinator and longtime NFL assistant Jon Hoke will join South Carolina as codefensive coordinator, according to a person familiar with the deal. Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier had been expected to announce Hoke’s position Thursday, however, a fatal shooting on campus earlier in the day postponed a planned press conference. Hoke served as Spurrier’s defensive coordinator with the Gators from 1999-2001. He coached defensive backs with

MLB ROUNDUP

Detroit’s Victor Martinez to undergo knee surgery DETROIT –— Victor Martinez needs surgery on his left knee after the Detroit slugger injured it during his offseason workout program for the second time in four years. The team said Thursday that Martinez tore the medial meniscus V. MARTINEZ in his knee and is scheduled for surgery Tuesday with Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Florida. The Tigers say an additional update will be provided then. Detroit has not announced a timetable for Martinez’s return. The designated hitter, a fivetime All-Star, missed the 2012 season injuring the same knee. Martinez hit .335 with 32 home runs and 103 RBI in 2014, and the Tigers signed him to a $68 million, four-year contract. He figured to be a major part of Detroit’s drive to win a fifth consecutive AL Central title, but now the Tigers may face a difficult task if the 36-year-old misses significant time. General manager Dave Dombrowski said the injury hasn’t altered Detroit’s approach to the offseason — not yet, at least. When Martinez was injured in 2012, the Tigers responded by signing Prince Fielder to a

$214 million, nine-year contract that Jan. 26. This injury occurred even later in the offseason, and there aren’t any major power-hitting options left on the free-agent market. Martinez tore his anterior cruciate ligament before the 2012 season, and he also had surgery to repair the medial and lateral meniscus.

LUDWICK AGREES TO MINOR LEAGUE DEAL WITH RANGERS ARLINGTON, Texas — Free agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick has agreed to a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers and will go to spring training with his original team. Ludwick would receive a $1.75 million, one-year deal if added to the Rangers’ 40-man roster. The 36-year-old is a .260 hitter with 154 homers in 1,065 major league games.

the Houston Texans from 200208 and most recently with the Chicago Bears from 2009 through this past season. Hoke will share leadership duties with Lorenzo Ward, who has led the Gamecocks’ defense the past three seasons.

PANCAKE TAKES LEAD IN SUSPENDED FIRST ROUND PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas — Brooke Pancake shot a 6-under 67 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead in the suspended first round of the Bahamas LPGA Classic. Play was suspended for the day at 2:47 p.m. and more than inch of rain fell on Atlantis Resort’s Ocean Club course. Second-ranked Inbee Park was tied for second with Natalie Gulbis and Brittany Lincicome. From wire reports

BY BRENT KALLESTAD The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — It might have been ugly, but Clemson coach Brad Brownell had no complaints. None. He rather enjoyed the tussle as his Tigers outlasted Florida State 62-56 in spite of some less-thanstellar free-throw shooting in the game’s waning moments. “Anytime we play those guys it’s just a street fight,’’ Brownell said after watching his club win its fourth straight since losing at home to the Seminoles by four points just 16 days ago. “Sometimes it’s whoever makes a couple of plays at some point in the game.’’ Or, perhaps, fewer mistakes. Florida State committed 17 turnovers and Clemson made the Seminoles pay, outscoring them 16-2 on those miscues. “We’re playing with a little more confidence,’’ Brownell said. “Some of this is just belief. You have to believe in yourself and your teammates.’’ Clemson (14-8, 6-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) has also defeated Wake Forest, North Carolina State and Boston College since losing to the Seminoles 59-55 on Jan. 19. Florida State closed to 58-56 with 29 seconds left on a pair of free throws by Devon Bookert, but Josh Smith countered with a pair of his own four seconds later and teammate Roper added two with 13.6 seconds left to secure the Clemson win. Xavier Rathan-Mayes led the Seminoles in scoring with 15 points while 7-3 Boris Bojanovsky added 13 points and 10 rebounds to earn his second double-double of the season. Florida State (12-11, 4-6) led by six points in the opening few minutes, but succumbed to poor shooting and turnovers. Clemson outscored the Seminoles 18-6 over the last 10:46 of the opening

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half to take a 27-21 lead at the break. The Tigers held Florida State scoreBROWNELL less for seven minutes and allowed just two baskets in the final 9:12. Clemson polished off a 24-8 run to build its first double-digit lead at 33-23 early in the second half. “They made the plays that we did not,’’ Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said. “We don’t have many more coupons to use. They are running short.’’ The Seminoles visit Virginia Tech on Saturday and then return home to host Duke next Monday night. The Tigers benefited from a 16-2 advantage on points off Seminole turnovers. Blossomgame scored 12 of his points in the second half, but missed four free throws in the waning moments that allowed the game to get close. “You’ve played well and you’d like to close it out with good free-throw shooting and ice the game,’’ Brownell said. “But we did anything but that and had to fight our way through it.’’ Bojanovsky had a big second half for Florida State with nine points and nine rebounds to help the Seminoles claim a 37-34 rebound advantage. He entered the game averaging just 3.6 rebounds in ACC play. “He was emotionally invested in the game tonight,’’ Hamilton said. Clemson warmed up some in the second half and finished the evening shooting 40.4 percent from the field while Florida State struggled again, connecting on 35.7 percent of its tries and going just 4-of-14 from 3-point distance. Both teams shot poorly in the opening half with Clemson hitting on 37.5 percent of its tries to Florida State’s 34.6.

William Clardy

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They Were Great!

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Associate

2003 Ford Explorer

KENDRICK AGREES TO $5.5M, 1-YEAR DEAL WITH ROCKIES DENVER — Free agent pitcher Kyle Kendrick and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $5.5 million, one-year contract. The 30-year-old right-hander is 74-68 with a 4.42 ERA in eight major league seasons, all with the Philadelphia Phillies From wire reports

2004 Chevy Impala

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PREP SPORTS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

SHS FROM PAGE B1 matches begin at 10 a.m. While Socastee will be at home on Saturday, it will have to likely deal with Fort Dorchester, which is ranked seventh in 4A in the latest poll by scmat.com. The Gamecocks, who are No. 11, are the highest ranked team in their portion of the bracket. White Knoll is ranked 14th, while Goose Creek is No. 18. “We think we match up pretty well with White Knoll,” said Sumter head coach Cody Slaughter, whose team will bring a 30-7 record into Saturday’s match. “We wrestled them earlier in the season and beat them by 18, 45-27. “We’ll try to get past them and see who we match up against in the next round,” he added. “ I think we’ll be the most in-shape team there.” There could be a potential matchup between the No. 1 and No. 2 4A wrestlers in the 152-pound weight class. White Knoll’s Austin Palmer is No. 1 while SHS’s Mac Mota is No. 2. However, Mota and teammate Donovan Jones, who is ranked seventh at 152, have been alternating between 152 and 160. It will come down to how Slaughter aligns Mota and Jones on Saturday. Mota is the Region VI individual champion at 152, one of eight Gamecocks to win region crowns. The oth-

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Sumter’s Majid Corbett, top, is the 106-pound champion in Region VI-4A. The Gamecocks will wrestle White Knoll in the first round of the 4A state duals playoffs on Saturday in Goose Creek. ers are Majid Corbett at 106, Walker Elliott at 113, Brian Budden at 126, Shyheim Perry at 145, Reco Nicholson at 170, David Pringle at 220 and Alex Perales at 285.

Pringle is ranked second in the state at 220. Sumter finished second in the other six weight classes — Trevor Keffer at 120, Caleb Jackson at 13, Matthew

REVERSALS FROM PAGE B1

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Crestwood’s Gerald Dunn (24) and the Knights look to stay atop the Region VI-3A standings today when they host Andre Washington (22) and the rest of the rival Lakewood Gators at The Castle.

WASHINGTON FROM PAGE B1

crosstown rival. Everyone wants to play in the game, but we’ve got to do the things that got us there and continue to work on playing together.” The Lady Gators, who are 17-3 overall and have won 11 straight, are led by recent University of North Carolina Asheville signee Sonora Dengokl. She is averaging 16.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 steals a game this season. “I learned that I didn’t always have to be the one with the ball in my hand for us to win,” she explained. “I realize that the more that I get my teammates involved, or play defense, and be the one to hustle on the floor and get my teammates in harmony and in sync with one another, then they’d to get to the point where it was like ‘OK, if Sonora is able to dive on the floor, let me do something for her’. I just figure the more I get my teammates involved

easy time cracking the starting lineup at Guilford. “There is a lot of depth at the linebacker position and nothing is going to be given to me and I’m going to have to work for everything I’m going to get,” he said. “From

all the training I had my senior year and all the work we put in and our work ethic, I’m ready to carry over into my freshman year of college.” Former Lakewood head coach Perry Parks, now Ridge

View’s head coach, anticipates Washington will probably play outside linebacker at the next level despite finding success as an inside linebacker as a prep player. “He’s probably one our better tacklers, so he’s going to have to work on coverage — spotting small receivers in the flats and things like that. He’s

JOHNSON

alle Patterson. A lot of guys that are highly-touted guys in the NFL (National Football League) and SEC (Southeastern Conference) guys went to that school,” former Lakewood head coach Perry Parks said of Hutchison. “It’s a big JUCO and he’s going to a storied junior college program and that’s probably the best thing for him. The junior college route for him goes two years and he gets a chance to get re-recruited and I’m probably 95 to 98 percent sure he’ll be an ACC(Atlantic Coast Conference)/SEC guy after he lifts some more weights, plays some ball and gets some film.” Johnson hopes to gain a starting spot at cornerback, but hopes he can also earn some playing time on special teams. Having played dual roles on offense and defense,

Johnson hopes he’ll have a leg up on his competition. “They made no promises about me starting right away, but he said a spot is open so I’ve got to compete for it,” he said. “I’ve got to go there and work my butt of to get the job. “I think (playing wide receiver and defensive back) bettered me because I’ve been playing DB and I’m pretty good at it, but as a receiver I know the type of routes and all that type of stuff,” he explained. I can tell by the alignment where (the receivers are) going to run.” Johnson was one of five Gators to sign on Wednesday. “It feels pretty good to know that me and my friends worked hard for this day and it finally came,” he said. “I’m just proud of them and myself.”

squad that rushed for 2,136 yards. “One of the best things about Blake is he’s got an aggressive streak on the field,” former SHS head coach John Jones said. “That’s something you can’t instill in someone. He has it naturally and takes it on to the field with him. He works extremely hard in the weight room and he really takes his responsibilities as an offensive lineman very seriously.” Durant’s commitment to the

weight room is something all players at the next level have, Jones added, along with good footwork. “He’s blessed to have good feet,” Jones said. “That helps him in pass blocking and getting downfield on screens and some of the other things we do. But he’s got tremendous footwork, he’s aggressive and he likes to hit. “Those should carry over well to the junior college level and hopefully beyond that.”

FROM PAGE B1 plays and have fun,” Johnson said. “I picked this school because it’s kind of far off, and it’s a place where you can only focus on football and school work. Compared to big time colleges, you have all these distractions as in parties and all that, but here it’s just like Sumter where you can focus on school work and football.” Johnson played in just five of 6-5 Lakewood’s games, but was still able to accumulate 325 all-purpose yards on offense, including four touchdowns. As a defensive back, he had 26 tackles and three interceptions. “They’ve got a great program with (head coach) Cord-

DURANT FROM PAGE B1 “I’m just going to work on my grades and football, and hopefully in two years I’ll be able to sign with Clemson or South Carolina or one of the other big schools.” Durant had a huge impact for the Gamecocks this past season. He graded out at 80 percent and finished with 42 knockdown blocks for an SHS

Browder at 138, Jones at 160, Reese Hankins at 182 and Michael Spurling at 195. Browder will likely be meeting White Knoll’s top-ranked 138, Rian Burris.

the more we came together as a team.” Lakewood head coach Frances Fields said it’s been a struggle to balance between her passion and the team’s success. “The feeling is so unreal and I want them to stay hungry, but I want them stay humble and keep fighting, but it’s hard,” she explained. “They try to bring it every day and I try to get on them even harder so they’ll learn from the little things and keep fighting.” As if there wasn’t enough on Crestwood’s plate, the team will be celebrating Senior Night as Ladazha Cole, Deandrea Jenkins, Aaliyah McCall and Venecia Nickens will be honored. Cole, who has been a part of the last three region titles, said the pressure lies on Lakewood. “If we play together I know deep down inside we’ll win,” she explained. “If we just come out and play with the intensity to match their intensity we’ll do fine. It’s just another

going to be a good player and I’m excited to see what he does,” Parks said. Washington had 99 tackles this past season, including nine for loss, three quarterback sacks and one interception. “I think that’s a great fit for him,” Parks said. “There are a lot of smaller kids that

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game and Coach Wilson tells us every game ‘just come out and play together and it’ll be fine; no one can touch us if we play together.’” Wilson thinks the 15-4 Lady Knights have corrected their selfishness issues. However, he is trying to remind his team this is just the next game, hopefully just the next step on getting back to the state championship game. “Before this season our focus was on being a state champion and we’re just treating this as another game, and the girls know that,” he explained. “Win, lose or draw, we’re going to go out there and play our game and play together as a team. “We’re not overlooking Lakewood because they are a good team. We’re going to have to come together as a team to stay focused on what the big priorities are. We got to the big dance last year and it’s our goal to win a state championship this year.”

play with a chip on their shoulders, but he was a catalyst on our defense this year. He played since he was a freshman; he played with (Parks’ predecessor) Coach (Chris) Collins so he had a lot of kids that were seasoned kids and did everything that we asked him do to.”

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SPORTS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Off-field scandals don’t hurt recruiting for ’Noles, UNC BY AARON BEARD The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Southeastern Conference had another strong National Signing Day on Wednesday, led by Alabama and head coach Nick Saban.

SEC collects another impressive talent haul BY JOHN ZENOR The Associated Press The Southeastern Conference is off to a good start in trying to get back to winning national titles. The league’s talent haul on Wednesday included top defensive linemen Trenton Thompson (Georgia), Byron Cowart (Auburn) and Kahlil MacKenzie (Tennessee) and bluechip prospects at every other position as well, notably including a restocking of talent at quarterback. Half of the top 12 recruiting class were SEC teams, according to the 247Sports composite of the major recruiting services. Alabama led the way again with a class that was ranked either No. 1 or 2 by those services with a group led by wide receiver Calvin Ridley. It was the fifth consecutive year the Crimson Tide has brought in a No. 1 class. Not that Alabama coach Nick Saban would admit to being concerned with all that. “We’re certainly pleased with our guys but predicting how a young person is going to do academically and athletically in college by giving them some rating when he’s in high school is not very scientific,” Saban said. “We try to use science to

create things that are very subjective in terms of what someone’s performance is going to be, and I don’t think that’s really possible. There’s no scientific way to know what the achievement of any person is going to be in anything they try to do. It’s impossible.” Scientific or not, the other SEC powers weren’t too far behind in a league that hasn’t won a national title in two seasons after capturing seven straight. Butch Jones’ haul at Tennessee ranked fourth in the composite rankings, one spot ahead of LSU. That’s followed by No. 9 Auburn, No. 10 Georgia and No. 12 Texas A&M. Only Kentucky and Vanderbilt failed to crack the Top 25. Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee all landed a defensive lineman rated the nation’s top prospect by a recruiting service. The Volunteers’ class was headlined by McKenzie, son of Oakland Raiders general manager and former Tennessee linebacker Reggie McKenzie. Here are some things to know about the SEC’s 2015 recruiting hauls: Best Class: Alabama. The Tide got top honors in the ESPN and 247Sports rankings with six consensus five-star players, including Ridley, running

back Damien Harris and cornerbacks Minkah Fitzpatrick and Kendall Sheffield. Impact Player: Cowart. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder fills a position of desperate need for the Tigers: a passrushing defensive end. It took nearly seven hours for his national letter of intent to arrive in Auburn after his announcement. Top Passers: The league was short on star quarterbacks last season and brought in a number of candidates to try to rectify that in the next couple of years. Texas A&M landed Kyler Murray, rated the nation’s top dual-threat quarterback by 247Sports, and Alabama got fellow five-star passer Blake Barnett from California. Tennessee landed three consensus four-star quarterbacks — Quinten Dormady, Jauan Jennings and Sheriron Jones. Florida’s Finish: New Gators coach Jim McElwain finished strong on Wednesday by landing consensus five-star players in offensive tackle Martez Ivey and defensive end CeCe Jefferson, despite losing key targets like Cowart. Late Addition: Georgia beat out Auburn for fivestar wide receiver prospect Terry Godwin, who didn’t announce until Wednesday night.

outside linebacker Devonte’ Fields. Fields was the Big 12 Conference’s 2012 Defensive Player of the Year as a TCU freshman, but was dismissed before last season after his exgirlfriend accused him of assaulting her and threatening her with a gun. He was arrested on a misdemeanor assault warrant in July and posted a $3,500 bond. Said Petrino: “We felt comfortable that, No. 1, there was absolutely no gun there, and that it’s a misdemeanor charge.” Here are things to know about national signing day in the ACC: BEST CLASS: Florida State ranked third nationally by Rivals and No. 11 by Scout. Still, the Seminoles missed on making this haul even better, including losing defensive back Iman Marshall to USC. Clemson had the league’s secondbest recruiting class, peaking at No. 4 nationally according to Rivals. IMPACT PLAYER: Devonte’ Fields certainly has the chance to make a big impact at Louisville if he can stay out of trouble. He spent a season at Trinity Valley Community College ranked by Scout as the nation’s No. 2 junior college player. PLAYER TO WATCH: Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins enters a good situation at Clemson. The five-star prospect, ranked as the nation’s No. 4 player at his position by Rivals, joins a Tigers team that lost six members from its front seven, including star Vic Beasley. That sets up the 6-foot-5, 305-pound recruit from Connecticut’s Suffield Academy with the opportunity to find a role quickly. SOLID SHOWING: North Carolina’s list of problems — from a miserable defensive season to the NCAA investigation — didn’t stop the Tar Heels from putting together a solid class. The 19-player class ranked 24th nationally according to Scout and 28th according to Rivals. TOUGH DAY: A coaching change didn’t help Pittsburgh, which ranked last in the ACC at No. 72 nationally according to Rivals and near the bottom among league teams at No. 63 on Scout. New coach Pat Narduzzi had fewer than six weeks to put together a 15-player class after Paul Chryst left to take over at Wisconsin.

Off-the-field scandals at Florida State and North Carolina didn’t seem to hurt the schools’ recruiting efforts. The Seminoles have spent the past year making headlines about legal troubles of several players, most notably Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston. Ugly questions have hovered even longer over North Carolina over a long-running academic fraud scandal. And yet, Florida State unveiled the top class in the Atlantic Coast Conference on national signing day Wednesday, while the Tar Heels put together a top-30 class. FSU coach Jimbo Fisher and school officials were criticized for failing to discipline top athletes for off-field behavior. Winston was accused of sexual assault in December 2012 but was never charged. The Department of Education is investigating how FSU handles possible Title IX violations in the wake of the Winston case, namely in how it responds to sexual violence complaints. But Fisher said the program’s handling of some of those issues turned out to be a positive in recruiting. “Parents respected that we didn’t cave to pressure and we didn’t cave to media and we didn’t cave to public opinion,” Fisher said. “You can’t worry about what other people try to bully you into doing.” Meanwhile at UNC, the school has been dealing with an academic fraud case that an independent investigator reported spanned more 18 years and involved more than 3,100 students — roughly half being athletes. The NCAA reopened its investigation into academic misconduct last summer. Coach Larry Fedora said other schools constantly used it against UNC in recruiting. “There was never a situation where we were trying to hide what was going on,” Fedora said. “... In each of those cases, it was continually brought up to them so we always had to go back and readdress it.” Louisville turned into the school of second chances on signing day. Coach Bobby Petrino, who returned to the university after falling from grace at Arkansas and a one-year stop at Western Kentucky, signed

OBITUARIES HERBERT MCCOY LYNCHBURG — Herbert McCoy, husband of Audrey Evans McCoy, died on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, at McLeod Hospice House, Florence. He was born on April 9, 1946, in Charleston, a son of the late MCCOY Herbert Nathaniel Wise and Naomi McCoy. The celebratory services for Mr. McCoy will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Mt. Sinai AME Church, 5985 Mt. Sinai Church Road, Lynchburg, with the Rev. Marie Deas-Webb, pastor, officiating, the Rev. Alvin E. Webb, presiding. Burial will follow in Edward Cemetery, Lynchburg. Mr. McCoy will lie in repose one hour prior to service. The family is receiving friends at his residence, 2855 Rush St., Lynchburg. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

LEVI PEARSON JR. MANNING — On Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, Levi Pearson Jr., husband of Minister Clementine “Tina” Jones Pearson, peacefully exchanged time on earth for eternity with the Lord at Clarendon Memorial Hospital.

Born on July 3, 1940, in Manning, he was a son of the late civil rights activist Levi Pearson Sr. and the late PEARSON Viola Clark Pearson. Survivors are his devoted wife of 52 years, Minister Clementine “Tina” Jones Pearson; a loving daughter, Lorie “Cookie” Pearson Hodge; two grandsons, Dominique Ny’Quan J’Rome Hodge and Diondre Marquis Levi Hodge; seven sisters; two brothers; a host of other family and friends. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the residence, 121 Gregory St., Manning. A service of remembrance for Mr. Pearson will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Historic Trinity AME Church, 39 W. Rigby St., Manning, where the Rev. Malachi Gibson, pastor, will bring words of consolation. Service of interment will follow at Manning Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home. Fleming and DeLaine Funeral Home and Chapel of Manning is in charge of services. Online condolences may be sent to www.flemingdelaine.com or Flemingdelaine@aol.com.

ETHEL D. CLEA Ethel Davis Clea was born on June 9, 1940, a daughter of the late Henry and Sarah Davis. She departed this life on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, in Miami, Florida. She leaves to cherish her memories six children, three sisters, 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Wake service will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at Job’s Mortuary.

Mrs. Clea will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. on Saturday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with Chief Apostle Harold L. Bennett Sr. Interment will follow in High Hills AME Church cemetery, Dalzell. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at job-

smortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www. jobsmortuary.net.

FRANCES S. ARD Frances Scott Ard, 83, widow of Bennie Ard Jr., died on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at a local nursing facility. Services will be announced by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE B6

Firm

EuoTop

$349

$419

$469

$479

$519

$799

$839 Plush

PillowTop

$449

$599

$549

$749

$619 $899

$799 $1099

OBITUARIES

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

JOHNNY SINGLETON JR. Johnny Singleton Jr., son of the late Johnny Sr. and Mamie Elmore Singleton, died on Jan. 27, 2015. He was born on Dec. 12, 1949, in Sumter County. He was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. He entered the military at an early age and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received two Purple Hearts, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with DVC 60, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award) and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He enjoyed working on cars, doing body work and painting. He received four black belts in martial arts. He enjoyed helping people in whatever way he could. At an early age, he accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. He enjoyed singing in the choir and working in the church. He was affectionately called “Mr. Johnny” by those who knew him. His survivors include four children: two sons and two daughters, Jenetha Keith (daughter); grandchildren; four nieces, Dorothy J. Woods, Laura Bell McKenzie, Essie Mae McKenzie and Jerrlean (Herman) Washington, all of Sumter; two nephews, Johnny (Francine) McKenzie and Glenn (Jennifer) McKenzie, both of Sumter; and a host of grandnieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday at Greater Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Marvin Hodge Sr., pastor, officiating, assisted by Dr. Lewis Walker Jr. and Bishop Michael Miller. Interment will be held at a later date at Florence National Cemetery. Public viewing will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. today. The body will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. until the hour of service. The funeral cortege will leave at 11:30 a.m. from the home of his niece, Dorothy J. Woods, 33 Gamecock Apartments. Sumter Funeral Service Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.

LEROY C. MELTON Leroy Conrad Melton, age 78, beloved husband of 49 years to Isabel Loose Melton, died on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in San Diego, California, he was a son of the late William Leroy and Maude Estelle Dunegan Melton. Mr. Melton proudly served with the United States Air Force and retired after 20 years of dedicated service. He later went on to serve in Civil Service for 20 years. Leroy will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Surviving in addition to his wife are four children, four grandchildren, three sisters and one brother.

In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by a brother. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Webb Belangia officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday one hour prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m. at Bullock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memories may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150; Tuomey Hospice, 500 Pinewood Road, Sumter, SC 29150 or to a charity of one’s choice. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

THOMAS SWEAT SR. Thomas “Bookey” Sweat Sr. was born on April 27, 1928, in Paxville, a son of the late Priestly and Pauline Way Sweat. He departed this life on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at the VA Hospital, Buffalo, New York. At an early age, he joined the United States Army. He worked at General Motors until his retirement. Thomas was a hardworking man who loved and took care of his family. Thomas leaves to celebrate his passing: five sons, Thomas Jr., James, Jreed, William and George; two daughters, Mary Alessi and Diane; six grandchildren, Norman, Natasha, Angelica, Sharon, Brain and Tiesheka; adopted daughter, Bonnie Rawlinson of Manning; two sisters, Lorena Greggs of New Jersey and the Rev. Cammie Green of Pinewood; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Cecil Smith Sweat; daughter, Tonette Sweat; son, Larry Sweat; his parents, the Rev. Priestly (Pauline) Sweat; two brothers, Mindred Sr. and Clifton; and three sisters, Eron, Dorothy and Eva. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Mr. Sweat will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2225 Conyers Road, Paxville, with the pastor, the Rev. Clifford Gaymon, officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary-Zion Hill Cemetery. 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.

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church 325 Fulton Street • Sumter

773-3658 • www.mtzionmissionarybc.com “The Little Church with the Big and Friendly Heart”

Let Us Host Your Next Special Event • Wedding Receptions/Anniversaries • Family Reunions • Class Reunions • Retirement Parties • Birthday Parties • Seminars, etc... Please call the Mt. Zion Enrichment Center at 773-3546

Opportunities for Life Enrichment 9:45 AM Church School (Sundays) 10:45 AM Morning Worship (Sundays) 6:00 PM Evening Worship (1st Sundays) 10:00 AM Golden Age Fellowship (3rd Wed.) 5:30 PM Prayer Service (Wed.) 6:00 PM Bible Study (Wed.) 6:00 PM Youth Ministry (Wed.) After School Care - Mon. - Fri. 2:30 - 5:30 PM (K-5th Grade)

Rev. James Blassingame, Pastor

RONALD B. POSEY Ronald Bruce Posey, 52, died on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at his residence. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter.

REV. EDWARD C. HOLLADAY The Rev. Edward Clifton Holladay, 72, died on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Clifton L. and Ora Bell Stephens Holladay. Rev. Holladay was the former pastor of New Calvary Baptist Church. He was also a retired project manager with South Carolina State Department of Corrections. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served in Panama. Surviving are a son, John Holladay (Susan Bethea) of Sumter; a daughter, Stephannie Kontowsky (Donnie) of Inman; his former wife, Betty Holladay Sarvis; four grandchildren, Amanda and Robyn Kontowsky and Jordan and Jacob Holladay; and a brother, Cleveland Holladay of Sumter. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Thomas Holladay. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with the Rev. Todd Fleming officiating. Burial will be in Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alice Drive Baptist Church, 1305 Loring Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29150; or to New Calvary Baptist Church, 38 Center St., Sumter, SC 29150. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

CORENE DAVIS BROOKLYN, New York — Corene Amanda Lowder Davis, 94, widow of Romeo Davis, entered eternal rest on

THE SUMTER ITEM Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at Brookdale Medical Center, Brooklyn. Born on April 23, 1920, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Gilford and Lou Emma Lowder. She received her education in the public schools of Sumter. She was employed as a licensed beautician and master of the “press and curl.” She was a member of St. Paul AME Church, where she served as a member of the Stewardess Board, Missionary Board and was a Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Ladies Auxiliary. She is survived by five grandchildren, Tanea Hammond of Brooklyn, Robert “Bobby” Watson Jr. of Charlotte, Chris Davis of the United States Army, Delvin Davis of Philadelphia and Ron Davis of Stone Mountain, Georgia; seven great-grandchildren, including Jordan Sykes of Charlotte; one brother-in-law, Roy Davis of Baltimore; two sistersin-law, Lucille Davis of Sumter and Evelyn Davis of Baltimore; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Davis will be held at 1 p.m. today at St. Paul AME Church, Plowden Mill Road, Sumter, with Pastor Robert L. Galloway, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Friendly J. Gadson and the Rev. Sidney Hampton. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Sumter. Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com. Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.

DOUGLASS C. BRITTON Douglass Cornelius Britton, 66, husband of Minnie “Handful” Wilson Britton, entered eternal rest on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015. He was born on March 14, 1948, in Sumter, to the late Birch and Easter Britton. He received his education in Sumter County public schools. He was a life member of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966 and received an honorable discharge after 20 years of serving his country. He received numerous medals and commendations. After retiring, he moved back home and gained employment with Korn Industries until the business closed. While employed with Korn, he began a career in security with Securitas. At the age of 21, Douglas worked as a funeral assistant with Community

what is stars & stripes?

Volume 7, No.

Funeral Home, until D.C. Mellette’s passing. He transferred to Sumter Funeral Service, until his death. He leaves to cherish his loving memories: a devoted wife, Minnie Deloris “Handful” Wilson Britton of the home; three daughters, Mamie D. Wilson, Shay (Wayne) Harvin and Crustal (Bernard) Leonard, all of Sumter; a niece raised in the home, Syvetrice Kendrick of Clarksville, Tennessee; two sisters, Jeanette Singleton and Susimae White, both of Sumter; one brother, Isaiah (Maggie) White of Sumter; six grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mr. Douglas can be viewed from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Marion H. Newton, assisted by Pastor Ricky Simmons, the Rev. Robert Blanding, the Rev. M.G. Walters and the Rev. Willie Wright. Burial will follow in Hillside Memorial Park. The family is receiving visitors at the home, 1034 Spaulding Ave., Sumter. Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com. Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.

ASHLYN TURNER Ashlyn Breanon-Kay Turner, 18, died on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, at Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia. Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of Samuel Turner and Jane Nashatka. Survivors include her father and mother; a sister, Samantha Turner; four brothers, Stanley Turner, Troy Turner, Christopher Laux and Cody Laux; grandparents, Gloria Jenkins, and Troy and Mary Turner; a nephew, Noah Turner; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today at New Start Community Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Dale Turner officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. today at New Start Community Church of the Nazarene and other times at the home of her grandmother, 1660 Bar Zee Drive. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ashlyn Turner Go Fund Me Account on Jane Nashatka’s Facebook page. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

6 ©SS 201 5

Stars & Stripes is a newspaper written for the military and has served American servicemen and women with editions printed and distributed around the world for more than 100 years. Now there is a domestic edition of Stars & Stripes that is distributed weekly to servicemen and women stationed on American soil.

FRIDAY, JANU ARY 23 , 2015

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2015

THE ITEM

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Wesmark Plaza • 773-2262 • Mon-Sat 10-7 • www.MayosDiscountSuits.com Roofing

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Card of Thanks

Septic Tank Cleaning

Septic tank pumping & services. Call Ray Tobias & Company (803) 340-1155.

Tree Service

The Family of Elder David Davis wishes to thank all relatives, friends and neighbors for the communication, visitation, flowers, cards and other acts of sympathy shown during our time of bereavement. May God continue to add a blessing to you always.

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747. Mention this ad & get 10% off. A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721

MERCHANDISE Garage, Yard & Estate Sales 2 Family, 3005 Caitlynn Dr. (Meadow Croft Sub.) Sat. 7-12 Hshld items, kids clothes, yard tools, etc. The family of Ms. Miriam P. Scott Wishes to express our deepest appreciation to everyone for your kind words, your prayers, the many cards and flowers, and the support you provided during our bereavement. Thank you, and may God bless each of you.

In Memory

Moving Sale Indoor & Out. 500 Concord Church Rd. Sat. 7-2 Furniture, household goods, clothes, decorations. Moving! Palmetto Towers (Behind K mart) Apt 215. Sat. 8-1 Furn., hshld, collectables, more. Indoor Sale: 1944 Pinewood Rd. Fri. & Sat. 7am. Lots of Furn., 3 auto., Misc. items. Rain or shine. 1640 Yaupon St Sat Feb 7 7am-? marble tables, small kit. appl. golf clubs/ bag , car ramps, etc.

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $2 FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. 905-4242 Inside/outside Moving 890 Perry Blvd. Near Sumter High Sat 9-1 Prices negotiable. Hshld goods

Huge 4 Family indoor-outdoor Yard Sale. 470 Chippewa Circle (Deer Field Sub.) Fri & Sat 8-2

For Sale or Trade Happy 70th Birthday in Heaven Paralee B. Caudle 02/06/45-02/22/08 An Angel lived among us, a gift from God above. She showered us with kindness and shared with us her love. She's gone to live with Jesus. But, she's here with us today, smiling down on everyone of us, and telling us she's OK. Missing you, Daughters, Grandchildren & Brunson Family

BUSINESS SERVICES Business Opportunities NEED EXTRA $$$? Sell Home & Body Fragrances! Spend $100 with us. Triple Your $$$! Call 774-7823

Home Improvements Land Clearing avail. includes: Digging ponds, excavation, and bulldozer work. Call T & N Septic Tank Co. at 803-481-2428 or 803-481-2421

Lawn Service Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs! Free est. 494-9169/468-4008

We have 92, 400 watt metal hallide fixtures & 480 volt valance. All operational, $35 each will sell in small lots. Call 843-552-6300 Hover Round Scooter brand new never used. If interested call 803-775-7468 or 803-553-6434 MTD Frontline Tiller Used twice, like new $250 Call 803-410-4079 Firewood for Sale Will Deliver. Call 803 651-8672 Above ground pool, 28,000 gallon, round, huge deck included. New pump & all accessories. You move. $2,000. Call 803-316-0685

Unfurnished Homes

The #1 Furniture Retail Company in the U.S. is seeking highly motivated individuals with outgoing personalities to join our Sales Team. Candidates must have a working knowledge of computers. They will be required to build sales volume by providing superior customer service and knowledge of product and finance options. This full time position is based on a flexible work schedule that includes evenings, Saturdays and some holidays. Offering unlimited income potential based on commission and bonuses. Guaranteed salary during training process. Send resume to 2850 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Nice 3BR 2BA dble carport, w/ appliances 10 mins from Shaw military discount. $800/mo (Diggs) 803-968-4192.

Early Tax Time Special No Payment Til March As Low As $175.00 Per Mo. On Site Rent. For A Limited Time Only.

Split Oak Firewood $65/dumped, $75/stacked. Newman's Tree Service 316-0128.

Wanted small engine mechanic. Full time or Part time. Pay based on experience. 803-494-4113

“Close to Everything” • AC/Heat

SW 3BR 2BA W/D incld. C/H/A Call 803- 410-0136 or 803-410-1153

Bring back this ad & receive FREE application fee.

2, 3 & 4 Br, all appliances, Section 8 accepted. 469-6978 or 499-1500 2BR 1BA C/H/A Alcolu, Ideal for singles or a couple. $400+ Dep No calls aft 9pm. 803-468-1768

Call Now! 469-8515

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

wc.mhcomm.com Site Property Manager - for Elderly Section 8 property located near downtown Sumter. Experience in Section 8 apartment management preferred. Must have a prop. mgrs. license. Fax resume' to: Attn: Personnel - 803-345-3804. E.O.E. Local Child and Family Service Agency seeking Full Time Staff with child care experience. Excellent salary and benefits. Please send cover letter and resume to P- 388 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677, Sumter SC 29151. Finance Trainees No experience needed. Applicants must have a sales personality and enjoy working with our customers. Auto required. Good starting salary and good benefits. We will train you on the job. Apply in person: Lenders Loans 304 Broad St. Sumter SC Wanted Body Tech. Must be trained in sheet metal, frame & uni-body repair. Exc. wage & benefits. Apply at McLaughlin Ford 950 N. Main St., Sumter Atlas Transmission looking for a FT Secretary/Office Manager . Apply in person at 301 W liberty St.

Help Wanted Part-Time

Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water /sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd. RV parking avail. Call 803-494-8350

REAL ESTATE Manufactured Housing For Sale Nice 4Br 2Ba DW with large lot 803-983-0408 Turn your Tax Refund into your dream home! Low credit score? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing.We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215 AND also visit our Face Book page (M & M Mobile Homes).

Land & Lots for Sale MIN TO WALMART/SHAW 1 AC +/- Cleared, septic, water, elec. $12,900. 888-774-5720 5 Acres For Sale by Owner with septic & water. 803-427-3888. Owner financing. Dalzell 16.5+ acres paved, water, electric $1950 ac. 713-870-0216

$$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555 Licensed cosmologists needed. Apply at Merle Norman Cosmetics at 540 Bultman Dr.

RENTALS

Subdivision For Sale Minutes Shaw/Walmart 40 lots, 1+/- acre water, underground electric, Oaks, paved & gutters $160,000 Call 888-774-5720

TRANSPORTATION

Autos For Sale

Unfurnished Apartments

1996 GMC Sonoma Pckup 1 owner, very clean, new tires, blue/silver $2850 Call 803-983-6182

2- 3BR1BA Apts for rent. Kitchen, den, LR $575 Mo.+ Dep. 458-8333 or 983-3401

Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that Baby Boy Club intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale ON premises consumption of Beer, Wine and Liquor at 11159 S. Bethel Hwy., Manning, SC 29102. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than February 22, 2015. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110. Notice is hereby given that B & M of South Carolina, LLC intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale OFF premises consumption of Beer & Wine at 4650 Broad St. Ext., Sumter, SC 29154. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2015. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110.

Abandon Vehicle / Boat Abandoned Vehicle Notice: The following vehicle was abandoned at Bailey's Automotive, 152 Myrtle Beach Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153. Described as a 2000 Mazda 626 VIN # 1YVGF5Y5160605. Total Due for storage & labor is $722.00 as of February 3, 2015 plus $29.00 per day thereafter. Owner is asked to call 803-773-3053. If not claimed in 30 days. it will be turned over to the Magistrate's Office for public sale.

Summons & Notice SUMMONS COLLECTION/NON-JURY IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CIVIL ACTION NO.: 14-CP-43-1912 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER SOUTH CAROLINA CREDIT UNION,

FEDERAL

Plaintiff, v. CARL R. YARBROUGH A/K/A CARL RUSSELL YARBROUGH A/K/A CARL YARBROUGH, Defendant. TO THE DEFENDANT: CARL R. YARBROUGH A/K/A CARL RUSSELL YARBROUGH A/K/A CARL YARBROUGH: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is hereby served upon you and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint on the subscribers at their offices, Moore & Van Allen PLLC, 78 Wentworth Street, Post Office Box 22828, Charleston, South Carolina 29413-2828, or to otherwise appear and defend, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint, or otherwise to appear and defend, within the time aforesaid, the Plaintiff in this action will obtain a judgment by default against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE OF FILING COMPLAINT YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the original Complaint in the above-entitled action, together with the Summons and Civil Action Coversheet, were filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County, South Carolina, on September 8, 2014, at 11:01 a.m., the object and prayer of which is the recovery a sum certain due Plaintiff by Defendants and for such other and further relief as set forth in the Complaint. /s/ Cynthia Jordan Lowery MOORE & VAN ALLEN, PLLC 78 Wentworth Street Post Office Box 22828 Charleston, SC 29413-2828 Telephone: (843) 579-7000 Facsimile: (843) 579-8714 Email:cynthialowery@mvalaw.com ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF SOUTH CAROLINA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

SUMMONS IN THE FAMILY COURT FOR THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT DOCKET NO.: 2014-DR-43-1625 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER Eric Rhames, Plaintiff, vs. Crystal Rhames, Defendant. TO: THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT, CRYSTAL RHAMES: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, of which a copy is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint on the subscribed, 109 North Main Street, Post Office Box 1211, Sumter, South Carolina 29151, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the date of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. THE DEAS LAW FIRM GARRYL L. DEAS, ESQUIRE 109 NORTH MAIN STREET POST OFFICE BOX 1211 SUMTER, S.C. 29151 (803) 775-7004 ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF

SUMMONS IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LIS PENDENS NO.: 2014-LP-329 Case Number 2014-CP-2729 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER Ted M. Johnson, Jr, V. AFC Fort, LLC., and any known or unknown heirs, minors, or people suffering from an incompetency, or any entity or person who may have an interest in this property. Defendant. TO: THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE-NAMED AND SUCH OTHER PERSONS AS MAY BE CONCERNED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONS and required to answer the complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer to this complaint upon the subscriber, at the address shown below, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the complaint, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. THE CAMDEN LAW FIRM, P.A. Deborah J. Butcher #74029 Attorney for Plaintiff P. 0. Box 610 Camden, South Carolina 29021 803.432.7599 dbutcher@camdensc-law.com

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

2003 Taurus, 200K, runs great, $2400 OBO. Cash only. 803-972-0900.

Tired of Renting? 2015 Could be the year you own your own home. Bad credit Ok, www.wewelcomeallbuyers.com

REVERSIBLE COMFORTERS

Twin .................. $12 each Full/Queen ......... $16 each 29 Progress St. - Sumter King .................. $20 each Store Hours Mon. - Sat. • 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

Beer & Wine License

Summons & Notice

Unfurnished Homes

Help Wanted Full-Time

775-8366 Ext. 37

LEGAL NOTICES

Notice Of Application Rent to own 2BR/1BA all appl. incl. C/H/A, water & sewer incl. $385/mo. + $400 Dep.Call 803-464-5757

2 Apts Avail. 1 Br, 3 Room Apartment, 7A-7B Maney St. No appliances $325 mo. & dep Call 803-775-0776

EMPLOYMENT

Conv. to Shaw AFB 3BR 2BA Stove/Fridge Fireplace, Carport $700 Mo. + $700 Dep. 773-6844

Mobile Home Rentals

Why Rent When You Can Own?

Boarding house with nice rooms for ladies. Call 803-565-7924.

Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves. Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311

2 & 3BR Apt & houses available in Sumter. No Sec. Dep. required. Call 773-8402 for more info.

5 br, 3 ba brick home, off Old Manning Rd. between Manning & Sumter on 1 ac. lot. $985 mo. Call 803-225-0389.

Rooms for Rent

HD Utility Trailers all w/ 3,500 lb axles, extra tongue support - jack gate. 6x10 $1190; 6x12 $1290; 6x16 Tandem $1790; 803-972-0900

3BR/1BA Recently renovated on W Hampton St C/H/A $850 Mo+Dep. 803-464-5872

Between Sumter & Bishopville 4BR 1BA C/H/A $575 Mo. + Dep 803-469-8328 or 983-9711

Slightly used Wood burning Heater, Heats 4-5 rooms. Call 803-968-0909 or 775-0602 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

2BR 1BA home in quiet cul-de-sac w/ C/H/A. $440/mo+ dep. 481-9195 or 418-9444

Nice Area 2BR 1.5BA C/H/A, Appliances. New carpet, paint. No Pets/Smoking $625mo. & dep. 803-983-8463.

Ovation cc44 Acous/Elec. Used very little $325 Call 803-410-4079

Legal Service Attorney Timothy L. Griffith 803-607-9087, 360 W. Wesmark. Criminal, Family, Accident, Injury

Help Wanted Full-Time

NEW ARRIVALS

ASST. SHOWER CURTAINS

$10 each

4 PC. PLACEMAT SETS SHOP WITH US AND SALE.....$3 per set Reg. $5 SAVE ON ALL YOUR TABLE RUNNERS HOUSEHOLD NEEDS... SALE........$2 each Reg. $4 ROUND COTTON SAVE $ SAVE $ SAVE $ SELECTED BRAIDED AREA RUGS ON LOW LOW PRICES 1/2 Off Reg Price

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2015

Jimmy Jordan Plumbing Service

DAD’S SMALL ENGINES

Repairs and New Installation

LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT • SALES & SERVICE Don & Faye 1000 Myrtle Beach Highway Sumter, SC 29153

A Helping Hand Handyman Services

(803) 495-4411

Ashley B. McDufﬁe

Parts & Service Center

1936 Pinewood Road Sumter, SC 29154

375 Veranda Dr. Sumter, SC 29150

Senior Citizen & Military Discount

M-F 8:00-5:00 | Sat 8:00-12:00

803-506-2111

Owner/Operator 1 (803) 972-0503 • abmcdufﬁe@gmail.com Specializing in Small Jobs - No Job Too Small Computer Services Also Available

Over 20 years experience Cell: 803-397-6278

Excel Alterations

If you want the Best…call the Best

103 N. Main Street

Timothy L. Griffith

Sumter, South Carolina

Attorney at Law

SAME DAY PANTS & JEANS HEM ••• REPLACE ZIPPERS IN LEATHER JACKETS

Mike Stone

803.775.8728

2160 Thomas Sumter Hwy. Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 803-905-1902 • Fax: 803-905-1906 License #M97151 www.hatfieldexpress.com

(On the corner of Main and W. Hampton Streets, same intersection as Alderman’s Drug Store.)

Senior Citizens 15% Discount

803.607.9087 Family Law • Divorce Visitation & Custody Criminal Defense • DUI • Federal and State Court

www.tlgriffith.com

HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Pretty is...you! To buy Avon products or join the #1 team in the area

Let’s Talk. Call Today!

Ernie Baker

Call ~ Vi Crutchley

McLean Marechal Insurance Associate Agent 712 Bultman Drive | Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter: 803-774-0118 | Florence: 843-669-5858 Cell: 803-491-4417 | bakee1@nationwide.com

NATHANEL DELLINGER

DIVISION MANAGER

OFFICE:

803-774-8269 FAX: CELL:

803-774-8270 803-883-1066

119 S. HARVIN STREET PO BOX 3589 SUMTER, SC 29151 www.jfcontractors.com ndellinger@jfcontractors.com

Michael Finley

Mel Brown

803.410.1082 Manning

803.468.6902 Sumter

AVON has something for everyone!

I can make your days a little easier. Affordable pricing all the time on things you use everyday!

is Available for Rent! CALL NOW FOR DATE AVAILABILITY!

Rent for your “Special Occasions” Craft Shows • Weddings • Banquets • Retirement Parties• Family Reunions Call 983-1376

Ephriam D. Stephens FUNERAL HOME

Heating and Air LLC

We have always been just around the corner.

STEVEN B. MCNAMAR

Rev. Ephriam D. Stephens, Owner

the little guy

Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer 230 S. Lafayette Dr. ~ PO Box 1306 ~ Sumter, SC 29151 Office: 803-775-8911 ~ Fax: 803-773-5092 Cell: 843-599-6490 Email: covstephens@aol.com

As lifelong residents of Clarendon County, you know who we are and that c we are committed to provide you with all the comforts of home.

OVER 32 YEARS EXPERIENCE

LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED 803-460-5420 OR 803-478-5957 SALES & SERVICE ON ALL BRANDS

Chris Mathis

Customized Gift Baskets Available!

THE GAMECOCK SHRINE CLUB

PAINTING & MINOR REPAIRS

Jimmy’s

Jimmy Mathis

5720 Bethel Church Road Pinewood, SC 29125 803-795-8832 3 795 8832 mcnamarpainting@outlook.com

“Where Dignity is the Watchword”

Professional Care

Two Moons Thermal Imaging Services

for a Beautiful Lawn

Serving Sumter FOR ALMOST

20 Years!

803-934-6292 vi.avon@yahoo.com

1050 Medina Drive, Manning, SC 29102 all_wired_up_4u@yahoo.com

vi.avon@yahoo.com • www.youravon.com/viola

“We see what others can’t – ﬁnding problems quickly and accurately through the use of today’s advanced infrared technology.”

Mowing • Pruning • Fertilization Aeration • Landscaping • Irrigation Repair • Leaf Removal • Straw/Mulch

2535 Tahoe Dr.

FOUR SEASON’S LAWN CARE 803.494.9169 • 803.468.4008 • davidlowe1958@yahoo.com

(Across from Hardee Cove)

SUMTER ELKS LODGE #855 Sweet 16 Parties, Business Meetings, Weddings, Reunions, Birthday Parties and more... Sizes for all functions. Call Cindy Davis at 316-3396 or 469-8899 1100 W. Liberty Street • Sumter, SC

BEFORE YOU BUY

CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION AND VALUE PRICING AT

ACE PARKER TIRE FREE DELIVERY AND FREE SETUP!* *within a 50 mile ra radius

LOCAL 989-254-0465 www.twomoonsthermalimaging.com

905-3473

YEAR ROUND LAWN MAINTENANCE • LICENSED AND INSURED

Rentals Available!

• Specializing in Roof Leaks • Hail & Wind Damage • Insurance Claims

TUNING • REFINISHING • REPAIRS

CLINT BARWICK Piano Service

26 Crescent St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-8955

M& S

J&T’s Local Moving and More, LLC “Saving time & money with no worries” Over 20 years of experience Jamie Singleton

64 Wilder Street Sumter, SC 29150 803-236-4008 or 803-773-3934

Owner

DISTRIBUTORS

*Free Estimates *Moving (Home & Ofﬁce)

930 N. LAFAYETTE DR. • SUMTER • 803-775-1277 • ACEPARKER@FTC-I.NET SERVING SUMTER & THE SURROUNDING AREAS FOR 34 YEARS!

www.jtslocalmovingmore.com

Goodman HVAC is back in Sumter For a local Goodman Dealer call Butch Davis 803-905-1155

Piano Tuning Repairs & Refinishing one Right! Cleaning D

Your Local Authorized Xerox Sales Agency

18 E. Liberty St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 778-2330 Xerox® is a Trademark of Xerox Corporation

HERE'S MY

Card

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Water & Fire Damage • Smoke/Odor Removal Mold Sampling and Remitiation 24/7 Emergency Service Hiram Spittle 1500 Airport Road 803-938-5441 Sumter, SC 29153 www.spittlescleaning.com

WALKER PIANO

Cincinnati Conservatory Certified Since 1947

For Expert Service

CALL ALGIE WALKER

803-485-8705 19 S. Cantey Street

Summerton, SC

LIFESTYLES LAWN

SERVICE

Grass • Edging • Trimming • Leaf Removal Year Round Services Insured • Dependable • Courteous • Professional

Erik Ford E

(803) 968-8655

OPEN YEAR ROUND 61 W. Wesmark Blvd. Sumter, SC 29150 www.jacksonhewitt.com

Tel: (803) 469-8899 Fax: (803) 469-8890 Hours: M-F 10am-6pm

PLEASE CALL 803-774-1234 FOR MORE INFORMATION!