Liberal parents, GOP conservatives form odd alliance A3 PANORAMA
Got a kid who loves the great outdoors? Join Lakewood student Kalista to learn about animal tracks C1 SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894
$1.50
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015
IN SPORTS: 2 local football standouts choose colleges
B1
City plans for new water plant Leaders tout new system as opportunity to bring more industry to area BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com The city of Sumter plans to build a sixth water plant in South Sumter to enhance the water systems and, it hopes, to attract more industrial
businesses to the area. Assistant City Manager of Public Services Al Harris said the water plant will support current residential, commercial and industrial growth around U.S. 521 as well as attract more industrial busi-
nesses to the area. The plant will be built on city-owned property on Pocotaligo Drive next to the city waste water treatment plant, not far from Continental Tire the Americas on U.S. 521. “It’s an area we see as a
growth area, and that’s why we invested in it several years ago,” said Mayor Joe McElveen, referring to the water plant being listed as a Penny Sales Tax project. “I think the penny is really benefiting our community as
Got a hankering for Hillbilly Chili?
a whole,” he said. “It’s benefiting everyone and everyone has a part in it.” The city is now constructing a well that will check the water in the area and determine if
SEE WATER PLANT, PAGE A9
Teacher salaries could increase
Jason Hutcherson stirs his Hillbilly Chili during the Young Professionals of Sumter’s 6th Annual Chili Cook Off and Beer Tasting event Friday evening in downtown Sumter. The event is the organization’s biggest fundraiser. Proceeds benefit YPS charitable projects, which include pajamas, school supplies and activities for residents of the Crosswell Home for Children and several other philanthropic programs. Membership in Young Professionals of Sumter is open to working adults ages 25 to 45.
BY SEANNA ADCOX The Associated Press COLUMBIA — South Carolina legislators will consider increasing teachers’ salaries next school year as a way to keep young teachers in the profession and be fair to those approaching the end of their careers. The state Department of Education is researching the cost of boosting salaries both on the front and back ends of teachers’ careers. In South Carolina, teachers are paid according to their degree and years of experience. The minimum salary for a first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree is $29,589, although school districts can choose to pay higher. After 22 years of service, the minimum tops out at $45,466. With a master’s degree, the minimum would be $51,468. Under the state schedule, no increases for experience are required after 22 years in the classroom.
KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM
SEE TEACHERS, PAGE A9
Students from the Sumter High School Gamecock Gardeners club plant pansies in the flower bed outside of SCETV in Sumter. The students will maintain the bed. ETV Sumter’s popular gardening show “Making It Grow” will debut its new set Tuesday, and the young gardeners thought the landscaping of the station should be new and colorful, too.
It’s a new look for ‘Making It Grow’ New set, other changes will be revealed during Tuesday broadcast BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com SCETV’s popular “Making It Grow” has lost its exclamation point and gained a new logo, new theme music and a
VISIT US ONLINE AT
the
.com
new, modern set. There are other changes that will be revealed Tuesday night on the live, interactive show produced by SCETV and Clemson University that has been entertaining and informing a
continually growing audience of Southern gardeners. The multiple Emmy Awardwinning program has been hosted since 2012 by Clemson
SEE ‘MAKING IT GROW’, PAGE A9
CONTACT US
DEATHS, A11
Information: 774-1200 Advertising: 774-1237 Classifieds: 774-1234 Delivery: 774-1258 News and Sports: 774-1226
Melison Green Jeffery J. Wilson Matthew G. Williams Rosa M. Spann Kanicqwa R. Muldrow Annie R. Hanna Douglas W. Mastaler
KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM
WEATHER, A12
INSIDE
A LITTLE BREEZY
5 SECTIONS, 38 PAGES VOL. 120, NO. 97
Mostly sunny and mild today; increasing clouds tonight HIGH 69, LOW 50
Business D1 Classifieds D5 Comics E1 Education C5
Lotteries A12 Opinion A10 Business D1 Outdoors D5
Public Record D3 Stocks D2 Television E3
Styles for a Southern-Inspired Valentine’s Day
Serving Sumter 35 Years
Financing Available
Jewelry Wholesale
Matching Earrings Available 41 E. Wesmark Blvd. • Sumter, SC Phone: 778-1031