January 11, 2014

PLENTY OF HOOPS ACTION Crestwood, Manning squads open Region VI-3A play, Sumter takes on Dutch Fork

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VOL. 118, NO. 74 WWW.THEITEM.COM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

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Districts react to education reform plan

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com

HALEY

Gov. Nikki Haley is receiving some praise for certain aspects of her recent school reform plans from some local public education leaders, especially for her

suggestions for South Carolina to increase funding.

Haley announced her K-12 Education Reform Initiative on Wednesday, a plan Superintendent Dr. Frank Baker said will help improve Sumter School District’s efforts to prepare students

for college and the workforce.

“I applaud Gov. Haley for developing a focus on funding for public education. Sumter School District places a strong emphasis on reading and the enhancement of technology to help ensure our students are prepared

to enter college or the workforce,” Baker said. “Her plan will help improve those initiatives.

We remain cautiously optimistic that this is a stepping stone toward education funding reform, SEE INITIATIVE, PAGE A8

RETIRED MAJOR GENERAL, SUMTER LEADER LAID TO REST Retired Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Olsen served more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and upon his retirement served in his adopted community of Sumter in several influential roles.

Olsen served as part of the USC-Sumter Partnership Educational OLSEN Foundation, became the first director of the Sumter Base Defense Committee, served on the S.C. Military Task Force and was the founding chairman of the Tuomey Foundation.

“His heart led the way, and he was loved because he was gentle and kind,” his wife, Jackie Olsen, told The Item.

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

ABOVE: Jackie Olsen embraces a flag given to her in the name of her husband, Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Olsen, at his funeral on Friday afternoon in Sumter Cemetery. Olsen, a native of Texas, passed away Sunday at the age of 79.

RIGHT: Airmen fold the flag at the funeral of Maj. Gen. Thomas Olsen on Friday afternoon in Sumter Cemetery.

LEFT: Friends and family watch pall bearers carry the flag-draped casket of Olsen during his funeral.

Death row inmate seeks reprieve in teacher’s slaying

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com A 49-year-old inmate facing the death penalty after being found guilty in 2006 of murdering, robbing and sexually assaulting a 53-year-old

Manning school teacher in June 2003 is attempting to get off death row.

Lawyers for Anthony Woods argued at the Sumter County Judicial Center on Friday that

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com

ITEM FILE PHOTO

Anthony Woods is seen in court in 2005. Woods, now 49 and on death row, is seeking a reprieve after being found guilty in December 2006 in the SEE WOODS, PAGE A7 murder of JoAnn Dubose in 2003.

A routine traffic stop for a busted headlight on Thursday led the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office to arrest a 34-year-old Greenwood man wanted in the October shooting death of a 42-year-old man in the suspect’s hometown.

The suspect, Gary William

DEATHS

20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC 29150 (USPS 525-900)

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Clarendon deputies arrest Greenwood killing suspect

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Guffey of 201 Bent Creek Road in Greenwood, is accused of shooting Lonnie Terry Cogdill at the victim’s home on East GUFFEY Laurel Avenue in Greenwood back on Oct. 11.

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Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or e-mail news@theitem.com

County to talk penny tax projects

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com At its first meeting of the new year, Sumter County Council will revisit an old and ongoing issue: the project list for a renewed penny sales tax.

Council members will hold a special meeting on tax projects Tuesday at the county administration building at 13 E. Canal St. before their regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. Members will consider staff proposals for projects eligible for funding, review proposals from different “lead groups” discussing the issue and maybe propose some ideas of their own.

A final list of projects must be formalized by August to be placed on the ballot for voters to approve in the November election.

County administrator Gary Mixon said several more meetings will likely be held before county council formulates its official list.

“That meeting probably won’t come until April,” Mixon said. “This will just be to update council, recycle some things from (December’s meeting on potential projects) and go over some of the lead groups’ findings.”

The council meeting last month

focused on resurfacing or paving several county roadways, and councilmen reached for comment on Friday said those would likely be high on the list when projects are finalized.

“I’ve spoken with (county) administration about widening Wilson Hall Road near the school to extend the third lane past the entrance,” said Councilman Charles Edens. “Traffic gets very backed up there at times.”

Councilman Eugene Baten said he’d like to see money allocated to more cultural programs, including a new facility for the Sumter County Museum.

“I’ve often said we do a very good job with the Economic Development Board attracting business and industry, but we also need stuff for people to do,” Baten said. “In a county our size, especially with new military people moving in, we need to have new, modern facilities.”

He also agreed roads would be a big part of the final proposal.

“We have citizens on dirt roads that constantly need resurfacing after every rain storm,” Baten said.

Edens said he’s interested in a previous study by the Department of Transportation in replacing the intersection at Wilson Hall Road

and Wesmark Boulevard/Carter Road with a traffic circle “as soon as we can get drivers educated on how to use them.”

“But I’m not just looking at my single-member district. It needs to be what’s best for the community overall,” he said. “I want to hear what the other (council members) have to say. I know some have roads that were not on the list.”

Council has also received information from community lead groups that have been examining projects on their own. Mixon said council members may hold joint meetings with some of them as the process continues.

“We’ve had some that were quite formal, that submitted a list with estimates, and some that were not so formal, and we’ll share those with council,” he said. “It’s not stuff we haven’t heard before over the years. Some things that were considered but not funded (by the previous Penny for Progress sales tax) could be submitted again.”

The special meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. or following a public works committee meeting at 5 p.m., whichever is later.

Reach Bristow Marchant at (803) 774-1272.

LOCAL BRIEFS | From staff reports

Red Cross calls for blood donations After a weather-related shortfall in the donation of blood and platelets, the American Red Cross is asking all eligible donors to come forward.

Sumter citizens have the chance to help out from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday at the Sumter Family YMCA, 510 Miller Road.

About 280 blood drives across 25 states were canceled because of snow and extreme cold. This led to a shortfall of about 8,400 blood and platelet donations since Jan. 2.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Governor’s School to hold open house

PHOTO PROVIDED

Tamra Tootle, left, of Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation awards Denise Lewis, office manager for the Sumter Family YMCA, a check for $25,000 to enhance the organization’s YFIT health and wellness programs. The Y is located at 510 Miller Road.

Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation gives $25,000 to local YMCA FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics will host a Preview Day for prospective high school sophomores and their families from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 20 at 401 Railroad Ave., Hartsville. This event will allow attendees to tour GSSM’s campus and attend information sessions with current students, faculty and alumni.

To attend a Preview Day, students should register online by Jan. 14.

The two-year, public residential high school for juniors and seniors specializes in the advanced study of science, technology, engineering and math.

GSSM is accepting applications from high school sophomores until Feb. 15. Requirements and applications are available online at www.scgssm.org/ apply-now.

The Sumter Family YMCA will soon be able to purchase a new tool to further enhance its YFIT health and wellness programs.

Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the communities’ Bi-Los serve a better place to live, recently awarded the Y $25,000.

“Making personal connections with local organizations and giving back to those in need in our communities is the motivation behind who we are as a company,” said Mary Kellmanson, Bi-Lo Holdings’ senior vice president of marketing and president of the Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation. “Bi-Lo Holdings is honored to dedicate time, resources and funds to benefit our customers, neighbors, friends and family. We are thankful that we are able to develop and grow partnerships with these organizations and help them improve the lives of our neighbors.”

With this funding, the Y is purchasing the InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer from Biospace.

REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Home Delivery — Tuesday through Sunday: One year $144; Six months - $75.25; Three months - $40; Two months - $27.50; One month - $13.75; EZPay - $12 per month.

Saturday and Sunday: One year - $72; Six months - $36.75; Three months - $18.50; One month, $6.25.

Mail — One year - $249; Six months - $124.50; Three months - $62.25; one month - $20.95.

OUTLYING RURAL ROUTE SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Home Delivery — Tuesday through Sunday: One year -

The device delivers an advanced, fast, consistent and more accurate method of measuring muscle, fat, water pounds and ratios.

“We are excited about this new device which will enhance our YFIT program participants’ experience as well as our members’ own journey in achieving optimal health,” said Missy Corrigan, associate executive director of the Y. “The YFIT programs, as well as the health and fitness staff, promote body fat loss instead of weight loss for improved overall health and fitness. This device will be a much better tool for individuals to gauge their progress rather than using body mass index or the scale.”

The remainder of the money will be used to offset registrations and physician referrals for both Commit to Be YFIT and YFIT Camp programs. The January session of Commit to Be YFIT and a YFIT Camp session are already underway, but another camp will begin Jan. 27.

For information about the Sumter Family YMCA’s YFIT programs, visit ymcasumter.org or call (803) 773-1404.

$153; Six months - $81.25; Three months - $43; Two months, $29; One month - $14.50. EZPay, $12.75 per month.

Saturday and Sunday: One year - $84; Six months - $43; Three months - $22; One month - $7.50.

HOME DELIVERY: Call (803) 774-1258, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat./Sun., 7 to 11 a.m.

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

Support for success

BY MISSY CORRIGAN Special to The Item

A

ncient Greek physician Hippocrates said, “If someone wishes for good health, one must first ask oneself if he is ready to do away with the reasons for his illness. Only then is it possible to help him.”

Most of us know someone who we really want to help improve their health and quality of life. We give them books, videos, suggestions and possibly even a gym membership only to see it fall on deaf ears or go to waste.

But the decision to get healthy is a personal one, something that cannot be forced on another person. If it is forced, it most likely will be met with resistance.

Lori Landrum, 36, quickly found herself overweight and unhappy after having kids.

Her husband bought her a gym membership, but she never used it. He even set up a home gym and bought her workout DVDs, but she rarely used them. “I was frustrated because I knew what I needed to do, but I just wasn’t motivated. I used every excuse possible CORRIGAN until I realized I needed more than just gym equipment or a membership. I needed friends, encouragement and support,” she said.

It is during this time of giving more focus to ourselves that we actually need more support from others. Making lasting positive changes in your life requires diligence. For some, it consumes their every thought, making daily activities that were once easy a challenge. Lori recalls, “Being so unhappy with myself, it was hard to enjoy the things I used to love, to be a positive role model for my kids and a good wife for my husband.”

She wanted to get back in control of her body and her life. “I hated looking in the mirror. I couldn’t believe how much my body had changed — it was not the me I remembered,” she said. “I was depressed.”

Having a negative attitude about yourself or your life can affect others and even lead to poor health. The mind-body connection is very powerful.

The Landrum family relocated to Sumter several months later and quickly joined the YMCA. She started taking group exercise classes and quickly made friends. “It was a relief to know I was not alone. Everyone was extremely encouraging and supportive of my goals. I felt they were all holding me accountable,” she said. “I attended YFIT Camp to learn how to eat to support the efforts I was putting in to exercise. This class was the catalyst for my change.”

YFIT Camp provides nutrition education for the course of six weeks and focuses on fueling the body for optimal health. “I thought I was eating healthy and that I just needed to exercise more to reach my goals, but I was wrong. In six weeks my body changed so much more than it did with a year of exercise and my old eating habits,” Landrum said.

“Because of the knowledge, the friendships, the support and encouragement I have received, not only did I benefit from it, but my whole family did.”

Finding support and encouragement is vital to being successful with any change. “I have regained respect and love for myself. I am happy. I am a better mother and a better wife,” Landrum said.

Your thoughts and feelings about yourself are directly linked to your attitude toward yourself and others. When you do things that improve the way you feel, your attitude improves, which can enhance your relationships and outlook on life as well as your health.

Find your support group, and use it.

Missy Corrigan is associate executive director of the Sumter Family YMCA. She can be reached at mcorrigan@ymcasumter.org or (803) 773-1404.

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LOCAL / NATION

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

THE ITEM

U.S. economy adds 74K jobs

A nation full of weather wimps WASHINGTON (AP) — We’ve become weather wimps.

As the world warms, the United States is getting fewer bitter cold spells such as the one that gripped much of the nation this week. So when a deep freeze strikes, scientists say, it seems more unprecedented than it really is.

An Associated Press analysis of the daily national winter temperature shows that cold extremes have happened about once every four years since 1900.

Until recently.

When computer models estimated that the national average daily temperature for the Lower 48 states dropped to 17.9 degrees Monday, it was the first deep freeze of that magnitude in 17 years, according to Greg Carbin, warning meteorologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

That stretch — from Jan. 13, 1997, to Monday — is by far the longest the U.S. has gone without the national average plunging below 18 degrees, according to a database of daytime winter temperatures starting in January 1900.

In the past 115 years, there have been 58 days when the national average temperature dropped below 18. Carbin said those occur-

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A person struggles to cross a street in blowing and falling snow in St. Louis on Jan. 5. The deep freeze that gripped much of the nation this week wasn’t unprecedented, but with global warming we’re getting far fewer bitter cold spells, and many of us have forgotten how frigid winter used to be.

rences often happen in periods that last several days, so it makes more sense to talk about cold outbreaks instead of cold days. There have been 27 distinct cold snaps.

Between 1970 and 1989, a dozen such events occurred, but there were only two in the 1990s and then none until Monday.

“These types of events have actually become more infrequent than they were in the past,”

said Carbin, who works at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla.

“This is why there was such a big buzz, because people have such short memories.”

Said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private firm Weather Underground: “It’s become a lot harder to get these extreme (cold) outbreaks in a planet that’s warming.”

And Monday’s breathtaking chill? It was mere-

ly the 55th coldest day — averaged for the continental United States — since 1900.

The coldest day for the Lower 48 since 1900 — as calculated by the computer models — was 12 degrees on Christmas Eve 1983, nearly 6 degrees chillier than Monday.

The average daytime winter temperature is about 33 degrees, according to Carbin’s database.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The weakest month of hiring in three years ended 2013 on a sluggish note and raised questions about whether the U.S. job market can sustain its recent strong gains.

Employers added a scant 74,000 jobs in December after averaging 214,000 in the previous four months. Economists cautioned that cold weather likely played a role in the sharp slowdown. Many analysts said they would need to see more data before they could tell whether the job market had lost momentum.

The Labor Department said Friday that the unemployment rate fell from 7 percent in November to 6.7 percent, its lowest level since October 2008. But the drop occurred mostly because many Americans stopped looking for jobs. Once people without jobs stop looking for one, the government no longer counts them as unemployed.

The proportion of people either working or looking for work fell to 62.8 percent, matching a nearly 36-year low. Last month’s expiration of extended unemployment benefits for 1.3 million longterm unemployed could accelerate that trend if many of them stop looking for work. Beneficiaries had been required to look for work to receive unemployment checks.

The stock market fell in early trading.

The Dow Jones industrial average was down 26 points in mid-afternoon trading.

And the yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.88 percent from 2.97 late Thursday — a drop that is normally a sign of a slowing economy.

It’s unclear whether the sharp hiring slowdown might lead the Federal Reserve to rethink its plan to slow its stimulus efforts. The Fed decided last month to pare its monthly bond purchases, which have been designed to lower interest rates to spur borrowing and spending.

“I don’t think the Fed is going to be panicked by this,” said Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors.

Naroff suggested that the 6.7 percent unemployment rate — a drop of more than a full percentage point since 2013 began — will eventually lead many employers to raise wages.

“It doesn’t change what they’re thinking,” Naroff said of the Fed.

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES:

Kevin Bantum, 53, and Cynthia Bantum, 55, both of 2295 Toxoway Drive, were arrested and charged with cruelty to children Thursday. According to a report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Kevin Bantum held down a 15-year-old autistic male victim while his wife, Cynthia, struck the victim with a belt at their residence, leaving bruising on his arm.

Mack Garrnett Bailey, III, 32, of 2375 Peach Orchard Road, was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct Thursday. According to

a report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, a warrant originally issued Dec. 4 alleges that Bailey raped a 37-year-old female Nov. 23 in the 2300 block of Peach Orchard Road. Bailey was sent to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center where he is being held on a $5,000 bond.

Lawrence Eugene Ragin Jr., 34, of 392 Albert Drive, was charged with second-degree burglary Thursday. According to the report from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, a warrant issued on Dec. 17 alleges that Ragin entered a residence in the 4600 block

| of Blanche Road on Dec. 15 without consent and intended to commit a crime. Once inside, Ragin reportedly assaulted a 23-year-old female occupant of the residence. Ragin was sent to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center to await bond.

STOLEN PROPERTY:

A 7-inch single indash Jensen multimedia system valued at $500 was reportedly stolen from a vehicle in the first block of Broad Street between 12:20 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

A black Dell laptop computer, a green John

Deere riding lawn mower, a silver 19-inch Phillips TV, a 14-carat gold necklace, a gold Timex watch and a Murray push mower were reported stolen at 10:44 a.m. Monday from a residence in the 800 block of North St. Pauls Church Road. The items

are valued at $910.

A black 715T Mossberg .22-caliber rifle and a box of ammunition were reported stolen at

8:47 a.m. Tuesday from a residence in the 1000 block of McArthur Drive.

The items are valued at $366.

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NATION

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

GOP promotes ways to help less fortunate

BY KEN THOMAS The Associated Press

AP FILE PHOTO

A passer-by walks near an entrance to a Target retail store in Watertown, Mass., on Dec. 19. Target is now saying the pre-Christmas security breach may have affected as many as $70 million customers.

Massive Target data breach could have lasting effects NEW YORK (AP) — Fallout from Target’s pre-Christmas security breach is likely to affect the company’s sales and profits well into the new year.

The company disclosed on Friday that the massive data theft was significantly more extensive and affected millions more shoppers than the company reported in December. As a result of the breach, millions of Target customers have become vulnerable to identity theft, experts say.

The nation’s second-largest discounter said hackers stole personal information — including names, phone numbers as well as email and mailing addresses — from as many as 70 million customers as part of a data breach it discovered last month.

Target announced Dec. 19 that some 40 million credit and debit card accounts had been affected by a data breach that happened between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 — just as the holiday shopping sea-

son was getting into gear. As part of that announcement, the company said customers’ names, credit and debit card numbers, card expiration dates, debit-card PINs and the embedded code on the magnetic strip on the back of cards had been stolen.

According to new information gleaned from its investigation with the Secret Service and the Department of Justice, Target said Friday that criminals also took non-credit card related data from some 70 million shoppers who could have made purchases at Target stores outside the late November to midDecember time frame.

Some overlap exists between the two data sets, the company said Friday. That means that more than 70 million people may have had their data stolen.

The latest developments come as Target said that just this week it was starting to see sales recover from the crisis. The company, however, cut its earnings outlook

for the quarter that covers the crucial holiday season and warned that sales would be down for the period.

But with the latest news, some analysts think the breach could be a financial drag on the company for several more quarters.

“This is going to linger like a black cloud over the company’s financials for the first half of the year,” said Brian S. Sozzi, CEO & chief equities strategist at Belus Capital Advisors.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General from New York announced that it is participating in an investigation into the security breach.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman called the latest news “deeply troubling.”

Molly Snyder, a Target spokeswoman, said that she didn’t have new details to share about how the data breach was conducted.

The company has only said that its point-of sale system in its U.S. stores was compromised.

Christie looks to recover after staff shake-up TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A wounded Chris Christie is working to move beyond the most challenging test of his political career, a traffic scandal that rocked his administration this week and threatens to tarnish his national image ahead of the next presidential contest.

Allies of Christie, New Jersey’s Republican governor and a possible candidate for president in 2016, suggest the worst is behind him. But critics promise to keep probing what happened, federal prosecutors are examining the case and hundreds more internal documents were scheduled for release Friday.

“I am embarrassed and humiliated by the conduct of some of the people on my team,” the famously blunt Christie said Thursday while facing reporters.

Christie had previously assured the public that his staff had nothing to do with lane clos-

ings last fall that caused major backups at the George Washington Bridge, among the world’s busiest. But after documents revealed Wednesday that his administration may have intentionally caused the traffic jam to exact political retribution, the governor fired a top aide and jettisoned his chief political adviser.

Christie adamantly denied any personal “knowledge or involvement” in the lane closures, a passionate pronouncement that satisfied some critics in the short term but creates political risk amid ongoing investigations. Democrats and Republicans said the governor’s presidential prospects could be severely undermined, if not crippled, should evidence emerge that contradicts his denials.

“Unless something new develops, I think he’ll survive,” said former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean, a Republican

WASHINGTON — Faced with an empathy gap before the 2014 midterm elections, Republicans are trying to forge a new image as a party that helps the poor and lifts struggling workers into the middle class.

GOP leaders are using the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty to offer a series of policy proposals that would shift anti-poverty programs to the states, promote job training and offer tax incentives for low-income workers.

The effort aims to offer an alternative to President Obama’s economic agenda and shed the baggage of Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential bid, which was hurt by his suggestion during a private fundraiser that 47 percent of Americans are dependent on government, view themselves as victims and won’t take responsibility for themselves.

The new-year push comes as Obama is pressuring Republicans to extend unemployment insurance and preparing to highlight income inequality in his State of the Union address later this month. The president is expected to seek an increase in the federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour and discuss ways to help the nearly 50 million Americans living in poverty.

For Republicans, the challenge is to offer a better way.

“We need to rethink our whole approach to this,” Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said during an event Thursday with NBC News marking Johnson’s anti-poverty push.

Florida Sen. Marco

Rubio, in a speech Wednesday in an ornate Capitol room named after Johnson, said government anti-poverty programs are only a partial solution at best.

“They help people deal with poverty, but they do not help them escape it,” said Rubio, a potential GOP presidential contender in 2016.

Rubio said antipoverty programs have been bogged down by federal bureaucracy and could be run better by the states. He called for replacing the earned income tax credit for low-income workers with a federal wage enhancement for low-wage workers as a way to create incentives for the poor to work instead of receiving unemployment assistance.

Democrats noted that Rubio and many other Republicans have come out against a threemonth extension of unemployment assistance and an increase in the federal minimum wage, which has not been raised since 2009.

“It’s very hard for the Republican Party to convince people they care about poverty when they oppose renewing unemployment insurance and raising the minimum wage,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Republicans say raising the minimum wage and repeatedly extending unemployment benefits fail to address the root causes of a complex problem. But finding a consensus on an alternative way to address these problems remains elusive as several prominent party leaders — including those considering 2016 presidential bids — have sought ways to connect with the poor and working-class voters.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a news conference Thursday at the Statehouse in Trenton. After revelations that Christie’s administration may have closed highway lanes to exact political retribution, the prospective Republican presidential candidate is working to move beyond the scandal.

whom Christie has described as a mentor.

“But if there’s a pattern of these things, if other incidents emerge with similar characteristics, that’s going to be a real problem.”

David Axelrod, a top adviser to President Obama’s campaigns, said Christie handled the high-profile news conference “as well as he could.”

Unless a smoking gun turns up, “he lives to fight another day,” Axelrod tweeted.

Christie said he fired the aide, Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly, “because she lied to me” when he demanded weeks ago that

anyone who knew anything about the episode come forward. He also cut ties to former campaign manager Bill Stepien, asking him to withdraw a bid to become the next state GOP chairman.

The governor said he was disturbed by the “callous indifference” Stepien displayed in emails released this week. Stepien had widely been seen as a potential campaign manager for Christie if he runs for president and had been tapped to serve as a senior political aide to the Republican Governors Association, which Christie will lead for the next year.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington about the “American dream” on the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson’s first State of the Union address in 1964, where Johnson committed the government to a war on poverty.

Dealing with an empathy gap, Republicans are trying to forge a new image before the 2014 midterm elections as a party that helps the poor and lifts struggling workers into the middle class.

South Carolina

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STATE / NATION

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

THE ITEM

A5

Doctors warn cutting food stamps could lead to more health issues WASHINGTON (AP) — Doctors are warning that if Congress cuts food stamps, the federal government could be socked with bigger health bills. Maybe not immediately, they say, but over time if the poor wind up in doctors’ offices or hospitals as a result.

Among the health risks of hunger are spiked rates of diabetes and developmental problems for young children down the road.

The doctors’ lobbying effort comes as Congress is working on a compromise farm bill that’s certain to include food stamp cuts. Republicans want heftier reduc-

BY THE NUMBERS $36 The amount the average family of four’s food stamps benefit is being reduced per month

$270 Average monthly household benefit

1 in 7 Americans who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP

82 percent Amount of benefits in fiscal year 2012 that were redeemed in supermarkets and superstores

$76.1B The amount of federal spending on SNAP benefits in 2013

47.6M The number of people who received SNAP benefits in 2013

$6.63 Average monthly benefit per person in 1969

$133.08 Average monthly benefit per person in 2013 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, The Associated Press

tions than do Democrats in yet another partisan battle over the government’s role in helping poor Americans.

Food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, feed 1 in 7 Americans and cost almost $80 billion a year, twice what it cost five years ago. Conservatives say the program spiraled out of control as the economy struggled, and the costs are not sustainable. They say the neediest people will not go hungry.

The health and financial risks of hunger have not played a major role in the debate. But the medical community says cutting food aid could backfire through higher Medicaid and Medicare costs. “If you’re interested in saving health care costs, the dumbest thing you can do is cut nutrition,� said Dr. Deborah Frank of Boston Medical Center, who founded the Children’s HealthWatch pediatric research institute. “People don’t make the hunger-health connection.�

A study published this week helps illustrate that link. Food banks report longer lines at the end of the month as families exhaust their grocery budgets, and California researchers found that more poor people with a dangerous diabetes complication are hospitalized then, too.

The researchers analyzed eight years of California hospital records to find cases of hypoglycemia, when blood sugar plummets, and link them to patients’ ZIP codes.

Among patients from lowincome neighborhoods, hospitalizations were 27 percent higher in the last week of the month compared with the first, when most states send out

PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ABOVE: Steve Bosshard, right, hands over a box of food to Gordon Hanson, left, on Wednesday at a food bank distribution in Petaluma, Calif.

Doctors warn that cutting food stamp benefits could lead to more hospital visits for the poor.

LEFT: A specially prepared box of food is seen at a food bank distribution as part of a research project with Feeding America to try to improve the health of diabetics in food-insecure families.

government checks and food stamps, said lead researcher Dr. Hilary Seligman of the University of California, San Francisco. But hospitalizations didn’t increase among diabetics from higher-income areas, she reported Tuesday in the journal Health Affairs.

Seligman couldn’t prove that running low on food was to blame. But she called it the most logical culprit and said

the cost of treating hypoglycemia, even without a hospitalization, could provide months of food stamp benefits. “The cost trade-offs are sort of ridiculous,� Seligman said.

She is working on a project with Feeding America, a network of food banks, to try to improve health by providing extra, diabetes-appropriate foods, including fresh pro-

duce and whole-grain cereals and pastas, for diabetics at a few food banks in California, Texas and Ohio.

Last year, research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts estimated that a cut of $2 billion a year in food stamps could trigger in an increase of $15 billion in medical costs for diabetes during the next decade.

Exhibit tells history of Winthrop student uniforms ROCK HILL (AP) — Like walking a mile in another person’s shoes, Alison Boulton’s months spent hand-sewing recreations of century-old Winthrop University uniforms has given her a new appreciation for some of the college’s first students and its history.

Boulton, who is pursuing a master’s degree at Winthrop, reproduced more than 20 pieces of clothing that were part of a female student’s uniform between 1895 and 1910.

Her work and some original uniform items from early Winthrop students are on display this month at the university’s Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections building in an exhibit called “A Stitch in Time.�

The reproduced clothing is helping fill out the

university’s archive collection, which has a sampling of old uniforms, but most are from the 1920s to the 1950s. Winthrop dropped its uniform requirement in late 1954.

Boulton worked for nearly six months last year to create four uniforms and one dressing gown to display as examples of the clothing worn during Winthrop’s first 15 years in Rock Hill. Winthrop was founded in 1886 in Columbia but moved and later held its first classes in Rock Hill in 1895.

During Winthrop’s first 1½ years in Rock Hill, Boulton said, school leaders found it difficult to enforce the uniform code. Students quickly found loopholes in the rules, she said, to express their individuality and creativi-

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ty while in uniform.

It was also challenging early on to create uniformity on campus because the female students were expected to sew their own clothes, but many lacked the skills to do so. Winthrop offered a sewing class to help students gain skills.

But, the class’ projects were mainly to produce clothing for teachers — not for other students.

The uniform code was routinely strengthened from year to year

in Winthrop’s student handbook or catalog.

Following the changing clothing rules through the old handbooks gave Boulton an idea of how the women of Winthrop found ways to bend the uniform code to allow for some differentiation. The university’s leaders would pick up on the loopholes students had found, she said, and specifically prohibit those things in the next year’s handbook.

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Alison Boulton, a Winthrop University graduate student who has put together an exhibit of old and reproduction Winthrop uniforms from the early 1900s, describes a reproduction uniform from 1895 in Rock Hill on Dec. 11.

Celebrating 45 Years in Business!

Join us Sunday, January 12, 2014 First Church of God @ 10:30 AM 1835 Camden Highway, Sumter, SC For a Special Event You don’t want to miss!

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NATION

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

Tobacco companies, government reach deal on running ads RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The nation’s tobacco companies and the federal government have reached an agreement on publishing corrective statements that say the companies lied about the dangers of smoking and requires them to disclose smoking’s health effects, including the death on average of 1,200 people a day.

The agreement filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., follows a 2012 ruling ordering the industry to pay for corrective statements in various advertisements. The judge in the case ordered the parties to meet to discuss how to implement the statements, including whether they would be put in inserts with cigarette packs and on websites, TV and newspaper ads.

The court must still approve the agreement, and the parties are discussing whether retailers will be required to post large displays with the industry’s admissions.

The corrective statements are part of a case the government brought in 1999 under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations. U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler ruled in that case in 2006 that the nation’s largest cigarette makers concealed the dangers of smoking for decades. The companies involved in the case include Richmond, Va.-based Altria Group Inc., owner of the biggest U.S. tobacco company, Philip Morris USA; No. 2 cigarette maker, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., owned by Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Reynolds American Inc.; and No. 3 cigarette maker Lorillard Inc., based in Greensboro, N.C. Under the agreement with the Justice Department, each of the companies must publish full-page ads in the Sunday editions of 35 newspapers and on the newspapers’ websites, as well as air prime-time TV spots on CBS, ABC or NBC five times per week for a year.

The companies also must publish the statements on their websites and affix them to a certain number of cigarette packs three times per year for two years.

Each corrective ad is to be prefaced by a statement that a federal court has concluded that the defendant tobacco companies “deliberately deceived the American public.� Among the required statements are that smoking kills more people than murder, AIDS, suicide, drugs, car crashes and alcohol combined, and that “secondhand smoke kills over 38,000 Americans a year.�

Tobacco companies had urged Kessler to reject the government’s proposed corrective statements; the companies called them “forced public confessions.�

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

People wait in line for water from a tanker truck brought in from Washington, Pa., on Friday at Riverside High School near Charleston, W.Va. Federal officials are investigating a chemical spill that has left the water for 300,000 people in and around West Virginia’s capital city stained blue-green. How much of the chemical seeped into nearby Elk River after escaping from a chemical plant is unknown.

West Virginia chemical spill leaves capital at standstill CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A chemical spill left the water for 300,000 people in and around West Virginia’s capital city stained blue-green and smelling like licorice, with officials saying Friday it was unclear when it might be safe again for even mundane activities such as showers and laundry.

Federal authorities began investigating how the foaming agent escaped a chemical plant and seeped into the Elk River. Just how much of the chemical leaked into the river was not yet known.

Officials are working with the company that makes the chemical to determine how much can be in the water without it posing harm to residents, said West Virginia American Water president Jeff McIntyre. “We don’t know that the water’s not safe. But I can’t say that it is safe,�

McIntyre said Friday.

For now, there is no way to treat the tainted water aside from flushing the system until it’s in low enough concentrations to be safe, a process that could take days.

Officials and experts said the chemical, even

in its most concentrated form, isn’t deadly. However, people across nine counties were told not to so much as wash their clothes in water affected, as the compound can cause symptoms ranging from skin irritation and rashes to vomiting and diarrhea.

No more than six people have been brought into emergency rooms with symptoms that may stem from the chemical, and none were in serious or critical condition, said State Department of Health & Human Resources Secretary Karen L. Bowling.

The spill brought West Virginia’s most populous city and nearby areas to a virtual standstill, closing schools and offices and even forcing the Legislature to cancel its business for the day. Officials focused on getting water to people who needed it, particularly the elderly and disabled. “If you are low on bottled water, don’t panic because help is on the way,� Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said at a news conference Friday afternoon. The governor said there was no shortage of bottled water and that officials were working to

get water to those who need it. At least one charity was collecting donations of bottled water, baby wipes, plastic utensils and other items for people unable to use tap water.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency also planned to deliver more than a million liters of water from nearby Maryland. Several companies were sending bottled water and other supplies, including Pepsi and the Coca-Cola Co., Tomblin said.

However, it appeared that some level of panic already had set in to some degree. At the Kroger grocery store in the shadow of a DuPont plant along the Kanawha River, people scrambled in the aisles to find bottled water, only to learn the store had been out since early Friday.

Robert Stiver was unable to find water at that store after trying at least a dozen others in the area, worried about how he’d make sure his cats had drinkable water.

The water at his home had a blue tint and smelled like licorice, he said. “I’m lucky. I can get

out and look for water.

But what about the elderly? They can’t get out. They need someone to help them,� he said.

That’s what 59-yearold Dan Scott was doing: Taking care of his 81-year-old mother, Bonnie Wireman, and others in the area. “She takes everything to heart. She forgot a few times and stuck her hand in the kitchen sink. When she realized what she did, she took out alcohol and washed her hands.

Scrubbed them. She was really scared,� he said.

Inside Kroger, there were signs that the chemical spills had affected business. Anything that used water — from the deli counter to the produce section — was either closed or had a limited supply.

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OBITUARIES

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

JUNIUS W. SCONYERS SUMMERTON — Junius Walbert “Wally” Sconyers entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Jan. 9, 2014, while a Hospice patient at Clarendon Memorial Hospital.

SCONYERS Born May 17, 1917, in Batesville, Ark., he was a son of Oscar Junius and Mildred Elizabeth Sconyers.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Lillian Foxworth Sconyers. Unwavering in their devotion to one another, theirs was truly a love story.

Also surviving are six children, Dibbie Swilley (Tom) of Myrtle Beach, Elizabeth Samuels (Randy) of High Point, N.C., Benjamin Duke Sr. of Joliet, Mont., Jessica Lee (Joe) of Sumter, David McClary of Summerton and Carl McClary of Atlanta. He loved his children and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In return, he was adored by them, and they are forever grateful for the integrity and values he instilled in them through his example.

An Eagle Scout, Sconyers graduated from Malden High School, Malden, Mo., in 1935. He entered Georgia Tech in 1937, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and was a member of Beta Theta Pi. Upon graduation, he worked with Glen L. Martin Co. in Baltimore, designing aircraft during World War II. In 1952, he moved to Summerton to partner with M.W. Rickenbaker and son, Henry, at the family’s farm and cotton gin. At age 69, he became a field representative for the Clarendon County Farm Service Agency, where he served until age 89.

Though he never sought the limelight, he was sought out for his wise, steady leadership and served on numerous boards and in a variety of agricultural and educational organizations.

Sconyers served for 30 years on the FHA County Committee, 40 years on the S.C. Forestry Commission board, and was a board member and chairman of Clarendon County School District 1 during the integration of public schools.

Sconyers was a member of St. Matthias Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry and as treasurer for 34 years.

Always a gentleman, Sconyers was a faithful, devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. Genuine, sincere and humble, he was loved for his sense of humor and warmth. He was an avid sportsman and loved being a “keeper of the land.” The seeds he sowed were countless acts of kindness in the lives of his family and all those he influenced.

Sconyers was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Kalkbrenner; a brother, Chester Carl Sconyers; and his first wife, Elliott Rickenbaker Sconyers, the mother of Dibbie and Elizabeth.

The family wishes to sincerely thank his devoted caretaker, Dorothy Huggins of Summerton, as well as the nurses and staff of Southern Care Hospice and Embrace Hospice who served him and his family.

The service will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 9 N. Duke St., Summerton, with the Very Rev. David W.T. Thurlow presiding. Burial will follow in Kingstree Memorial Gardens, Kingstree.

Visitation will be one hour before the service in the St. Matthias Episcopal Church Parish Hall and at other times at the family home, 5 McClary St., Summerton.

Pallbearers will be Jack Horton, Harvey Belser, Roger Flowers, Ben Duke Jr., Wally Samuels and Rick Rickenbaker.

Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Rowe, Tim Oliver, Joe Lee, Burchell Rickenbaker and Roddey Gettys.

Memorials may be made to the St. Matthias Episcopal Church

Building Fund, P.O. Box 336, Summerton, SC 29148.

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

ROBERT W. KUHN COLUMBIA — A funeral mass celebrating the life of retired Lt. Col. Robert William Kuhn will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Kornegay & Moseley, 4645 Hardscrabble Road, CoKUHN lumbia.

The family will receive friends following the services at the funeral home.

Burial at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Wounded Warriors and the South Carolina Honor Flight.

Robert, 93, passed peacefully on Thursday morning, Jan. 9, 2014.

Born in Lebanon, Mo., he was a son of the late William and Marie Kuhn. He graduated from Southwest Missouri State and shortly after enlisted as a pilot in the Air Force. During World War II, he flew a bomber, B25 Mitchell, completing 99 missions in the Solomon Islands. In 1944, he married Frances Grubbs while stationed at then Donaldson Air Base, Greenville.

Robert never met a stranger and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He had a keen intellect, a curious mind, and was a constant learner. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing at Columbia Country Club and was a loyal Gamecock fan.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather.

Robert is survived by his wife of 69 years, Frances Grubbs Kuhn; his four children, Carole Tobias (Jim), Joyce Elliott (Don), Mark Kuhn (Tanney) and

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Stanley Kuhn (Ginny); his seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Margaret Hale.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Kuhn; and his sister, Mary Mills.

Please sign the online guest book at www.kornegayandmoseley.com.

LEON ROGERS Sr. MANNING — Leon Rogers Sr., 76, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital in Manning.

Born Nov. 13, 1937, in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late Frank and Annie Rogers.

The family will receive friends at 1884 House Road, Summerton.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Summerton Funeral Home LLC, 23 S. Duke St., (803) 485-3755.

IDA LOU SMITH BISHOPVILLE — Ida Lou Smith entered eternal rest on Jan. 7, 2014, at McLeod Hospice House, Florence.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. today at the mortuary.

Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Living Church in the Lord Jesus Christ, 841 S. 11th St., McBee, with the pastor, Bishop B.L. James, officiating.

Burial will be held Monday in Boone Memorial Gardens, Bishopville.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at wilsonfuneralhome403@gmail. com.

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

RITA L. LETEMPT Rita L. Letempt, beloved wife of Stephen F. Letempt, died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at Providence Hospital.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter.

SHIRLEY C. McDUFFIE BISHOPVILLE — Funeral services for Shirley C. McDuffie will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bishopville Church of Christ. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, directed by Boatwright Funeral Home of Bishopville.

Miss McDuffie expired Jan. 8, 2014, after a lengthy illness.

She was a daughter of the late Johnson and Alice McDuffie, and was a graduate of Dennis High School.

In her youth, she became a Christian and was a member of Mount Hermon Baptist Church.

For 35 years she was employed with Arrow Fastener Co. Inc. in Saddle Brook, N.J. Upon her retirement, she relocated back to Lee County from Paterson, N.J. While in New Jersey, she was very active in St. Luke Baptist Church, serving in many capacities.

She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline Mosley of Bishopville, who cared for her faithfully until her health declined. She is also survived by her siblings, Alice McDuffie and Edward McDuffie, both of Paterson, Willie Lee McDuffie of Bishopville, Herbert McDuffie of Columbia and Ernest McDuffie of Florence; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The family is receiving friends at the home, 208 Moseley St. JAMES ALBERT James Albert, 63, husband of Patricia Brown Albert, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born April 21, 1950, in Sumter County, he was a son of Wisdom and Mary Anderson Albert.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the family home, 2875 Stamey Livestock Road, Lot 19, Dalzell.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced

by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

JAMES G. HUDSON James G. Hudson, 84, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Tuomey Re-

LOCAL / NATION

WOODS from Page A1 their client should have his death sentence reprieved on the grounds that he did not receive proper representation during his trial.

The hearing will continue next week and is expected to last an additional two days, said S.C. Senior Assistant Attorney General Ed Salter.

Woods was sentenced to death after a jury found him guilty of the murder of JoAnn Dubose, who was last seen alive on June 2, 2003. Dubose was found in her home two days later, lying face-up on her bed with a sheet tied around her neck.

Woods was arrested on June 5, 2003, after his DNA was found to match semen

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gional Medical Center.

Born in St. Stephen, he was a son of the late James C. and Mary Olivia Player Hudson.

He served in the U.S. Army and retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Mr. Hudson was also employed by Canteen Corp. for 11 years. He was a member of First Church of God and the Myrtle Beach Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include three children, Jerry E. Windham (Madeline) of Oakland, Tenn., Mikel R. Windham (Kathleen) of Hearne, Texas, and Degory L. Hudson (Ginny) of Argyle, Texas; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a special friend and caregiver, Margaret Scales and her family, Judy Ponds, Pamela Ponds and Sam Scales.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m.

Sunday in the ElmoreCannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Ellison Evans officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home of Margaret Scales.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Tuomey Hospice, 500 Pinewood Road, Suite 2, Sumter, SC 29150.

Elmore-CannonStephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

LUCIOUS SMITH BISHOPVILLE — Lucious Smith entered eternal rest on Jan. 10, 2014, at Palmetto Health Richland hospital, Columbia.

The family may be contacted at 216 Lakeside Ave., Columbia.

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

| samples taken from the crime scene. He was indicted and charged with murder, first-degree burglary and first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Woods’ conviction did not come without controversy, as it required two attempts to try the case.

The first trial, which featured a jury pool from Marion County, ended with a hung jury mistrial in September 2006. Woods was retried three months later, this time before a Clarendon County jury, and was convicted on all counts.

He was sentenced to 30 years for the criminal sexual conduct charges, life for the burglary charge and death for Dubose’s murder.

Woods was already serving two life sentences for two prior unrelated convictions by the time of the trial.

Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

Dial 9 before 911? Hotel death prompts petition DALLAS (AP) — Hank Hunt’s granddaughter tried calling 911 from the East Texas hotel room where she could hear her mother dying, just as she was taught to do in an emergency.

She didn’t know she had to dial 9 on the hotel phone first.

“Papa,” Hunt remembers the DUNN 9-year-old telling him later. “I tried, but it wouldn’t work.”

Now Hunt has launched a national push to require hotels and other businesses to do away with dialing anything before calling 911. So far, an online petition for a federal law has gotten

390,000 signatures, and one 911 advocacy group says Hunt has hit on a perhaps under-documented issue.

“I never dreamed that it would take a life of its own like this,” Hunt said this week. “There’s been a lot of good people out there helping us.”

Hunt’s petition calls for “Kari’s Law,” in honor of his daughter, Kari Hunt Dunn, who was stabbed to death inside a Baymont Inn hotel, allegedly by her estranged husband. The law as described by the petition would require hotels and motels to upgrade to “Enhanced 911” systems that would let guests call for help just by dialing 911 and give the operator the

caller’s exact location.

The National Emergency Number Association, a group representing 911 call takers and industry professionals, says such changes are long overdue. Government affairs director Trey Forgety said the association did not know exactly how many callers try to dial 911 and fail. But officials hear “with some regularity” from member law enforcement agencies about callers who couldn’t get through, he said.

“If it makes it onto our radar a few times a year, then it does sort of beg the question: How many identical situations are out there that we just don’t hear about?” Forgety said.

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DAILY PLANNER

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INITIATIVE from Page A1 which is long overdue.”

According to the governor’s office, Haley met with 16 groups of teachers, administrators, business leaders, education stakeholders and members of the S.C. General Assembly multiple times for a year before announcing the initiative. Haley’s efforts and conversations with these groups and organizations across the state sought to identify some of the challenges facing public schools and determine the best way to overcome them.

Haley’s K-12 Education Reform Initiative includes a few highlights that the governor thinks will help the state take steps toward transforming its educational system.

The initiative includes $97 million for children in poverty to provide a quality education for those living in some of the state’s poorest communities; a $29.5 million reading coach program that offers funding for a reading coach in every public elementary school in the state; and $29.3 million to improve bandwidth to school facilities, bolstering wireless connectivity within school walls to launch or enhance the efforts to ensure students have computers and tablets for educational purposes.

“Providing every child in South Carolina with the same educational opportunities isn’t just something we should talk about — it’s something we should be actively fighting to achieve, and that is what we are doing today,” said Haley. “By reforming South Carolina’s antiquated funding formula, providing funding for reading coaches and new technology, we are taking a stand against the idea that where you are born and raised should influence the quality of your education. We have an obligation, as good citizens, and as a

government, to provide every child with the chance to reach their potential in the classroom — that is our obligation, and that is my promise.”

Dr. Rose Wilder, superintendent for Clarendon 1, said the funding going toward reading coaches in public elementary schools is a good idea, and Haley’s plan focuses on other areas of the educational system that educators have tried to rectify in South Carolina for many years.

“In reference to the plan, it addresses areas that we as educators have been dealing with for years.

We’re basically putting a Band-Aid on cancer,” Wilder said. “Right now, our teachers are spending a lot of time playing catch-up in the classrooms. The funds are definitely needed, but we’re also dealing with the issue of what we do prior to those students coming to our schools. I like the idea of the reading coaches in elementary schools, but there also has to be some accountability for before those students come to us.”

Wilder said there is a need for a different type of preparation for students moving on to the college level and on to the workforce.

She said there needs to also be more of a focus on K-16 because as educators, they can’t just stop at 12th grade.

They should be able to better prepare students for life after high school.

During the meetings between Haley, teachers and educational organizations and stakeholders, the governor said it became clear there needed to be more of an emphasis on reading and technology in the educational system to better prepare students for today’s world.

To view Haley’s K-12 Education Reform Initiative in full, visit governor.sc.gov.

Reach Raytevia Evans at (803) 7741214.

SUSPECT from Page A1 Futch of the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, investigators think the shooting was the result of a dispute between Guffey, Cogdill and another man, who was arrested in October.

“A single gunshot was fired, and the victim died as a result of being shot in the chest,” Futch said.

According to reports, there were four other people riding in the cab of a white Ford pickup truck about 10 p.m.

Thursday when deputies stopped the vehicle on Dingle Pond Road in Summerton, including the suspect’s twin brother, James, who officers shortly discovered was also wanted in Greenwood County on charges of receiving stolen property.

Both Guffey brothers were taken to Clarendon County Detention Center, where they were

placed on hold for Greenwood County to pick them up.

Authorities reported a smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle, and a woman riding in the pickup truck said she was driving while sitting in the middle of the bench seat because all five subjects were so tightly packed into the vehicle that the 5-foot, 5-inch Guffey could not reach the gas pedal or brakes.

She also stated the group was traveling to Columbia and crammed themselves into the cab of the truck so they would not have to take two vehicles on the trip.

No one in the traveling group, according to reports, could say exactly where they were going in Columbia, however.

Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

QUIZ 795-4257

TODAY

TONIGHT

SUNDAY

MONDAY 63°

60° 71°

WEDNESDAY 49°

43° 37°

Heavy rain and a t-storm; breezy, warmer Winds: SSW 10-20 mph Chance of rain: 75%

45°

28°

Clearing and breezy

Sunshine and some clouds

Clouds giving way to some sun

Partly sunny and cooler

Winds: WSW 10-20 mph

Winds: WSW 10-20 mph

Winds: SW 6-12 mph

Winds: WNW 10-20 mph

Winds: WNW 7-14 mph

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 20%

Temperature High ............................................... 57° Low ................................................ 45° Normal high ................................... 54° Normal low ..................................... 32° Record high ....................... 78° in 1949 Record low ........................... 8° in 1970

Greenville 61/37

Bishopville 71/43

24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.28" Month to date .............................. 0.66" Normal month to date .................. 1.30" Year to date ................................. 0.66" Normal year to date ..................... 1.30"

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Full 7 a.m. 24-hr pool yest. chg 360 352.88 -0.08 76.8 74.93 none 75.5 73.35 -0.01 100 95.52 +0.23

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

7 a.m. yest.

7.92 4.60 6.53 7.82 80.60 9.30

24-hr chg -0.12 -3.10 -1.39 -0.03 +0.34 +3.90

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 62/35/s 52/32/pc 58/36/s 63/33/s 64/38/s 53/45/pc 64/39/s 58/36/s 58/38/s 62/35/s

Sunrise today .......................... 7:27 a.m.

Sunset tonight ......................... 5:32 p.m.

Moonrise today ....................... 2:13 p.m.

Moonset today ........................ 3:33 a.m.

Gaffney 63/39 Spartanburg 63/40

Precipitation

Today Hi/Lo/W 70/39/r 60/31/r 62/36/r 70/39/r 73/46/r 66/48/r 75/46/r 65/38/r 63/39/r 71/41/r

37°

Mostly sunny, breezy and cooler

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

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

TUESDAY 63°

Columbia 71/41 Today: Warmer with rain.

Sunday: Mostly sunny.

Myrtle Beach 72/47

Manning 73/44 Aiken 70/39

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 60/36/s 56/38/pc 60/39/s 60/37/s 62/38/s 68/44/pc 59/35/s 60/37/s 63/39/s 54/36/s

Jan. 15 New

Jan. 24 First

Jan. 30

Feb. 6

Shown is today’s weather.

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

Charleston 75/46 The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

Sat.

Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014 Today Hi/Lo/W 72/42/r 71/45/r 74/45/r 72/45/r 73/45/r 76/48/r 65/38/r 74/46/r 75/46/r 65/38/r

Last

Florence 73/45

Sumter 71/43

Today: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm in the afternoon. High 70 to 74.

Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant; cooler in southern parts. High 60 to 64.

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

Full

Sun.

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 61/37/r 59/37/r 71/46/r 76/46/r 65/34/r 69/37/r 63/35/r 60/35/r 73/46/r 72/47/r

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 58/36/s 54/34/s 61/43/s 65/41/pc 60/37/s 62/34/s 57/34/s 54/32/s 63/40/s 60/41/s

High Ht. Low Ht. 5:23 a.m.....3.0 12:25 p.m.....0.3 5:42 p.m.....2.6 ---..... --6:13 a.m.....3.0 12:27 a.m....-0.1 6:32 p.m.....2.6 1:16 p.m.....0.3

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 72/43/r 73/47/r 70/40/r 65/38/r 71/39/r 77/46/r 63/40/r 72/44/r 74/47/r 64/39/r

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 62/39/s 63/40/s 56/38/s 59/34/s 60/36/s 64/39/s 58/36/s 62/41/s 60/40/s 54/37/s

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

-10s -0s 0s 10s 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 100s 110s Stationary front

Cold front Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

Ice

Warm front

Today Sun. Today Sun. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 54/34/s 53/24/pc Las Vegas 65/46/pc 60/41/s Anchorage 20/15/c 22/15/sf Los Angeles 70/50/s 73/51/pc Atlanta 60/38/r 58/39/s Miami 84/70/pc 80/71/pc Baltimore 63/40/r 49/33/s Minneapolis 28/17/pc 38/9/c Boston 55/42/r 46/34/pc New Orleans 72/46/sh 67/57/s Charleston, WV 59/34/r 47/32/s New York 59/42/r 47/38/pc Charlotte 65/38/r 58/36/s Oklahoma City 63/38/s 67/37/s Chicago 37/23/sf 39/31/pc Omaha 40/27/s 44/26/c Cincinnati 50/30/sh 46/39/s Philadelphia 63/40/r 48/35/s Dallas 68/43/s 73/44/s Phoenix 71/46/s 69/46/s Denver 55/35/s 44/22/c Pittsburgh 53/30/r 39/34/sf Des Moines 33/25/pc 40/24/pc St. Louis 47/32/pc 54/36/s Detroit 40/28/c 36/32/pc Salt Lake City 45/32/c 36/26/sf Helena 53/32/sh 39/31/c San Francisco 57/46/c 57/43/s Honolulu 82/66/sh 82/66/pc Seattle 48/41/r 49/46/sh Indianapolis 42/26/pc 44/35/s Topeka 46/30/s 54/28/pc Kansas City 43/31/pc 52/31/pc Washington, DC 63/41/r 51/36/s Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

but consider the ARIES (March 21-April 19): the last word in astrology consequences. Ease into Concentrate on what whatever you want to do you can do to improve eugenia LAST by including the ones you your life. Use past love in your plans and experience to make offering an incentive. A changes to the way you change may beckon you, but not everyone approach situations. Look for alternative living will be in agreement. arrangements if it will help cut overhead.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Friends and family TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Pick up information will have plenty of advice to offer. Listen that will help you advance. What you find out carefully, but don’t make changes based on in conversation will give you the edge you’ve what others want you to do. Size up your been looking for. Share your findings with situation and follow your intuition. someone you can trust.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Go over investments SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick close to home and make alterations to your or documents that can affect your income or environment that will add to your comfort financial gains. A change of plans may tempt but not to your stress. Stick to a set budget you to take a risk. Stick to what you know, not and you’ll have enough left over to do a little hearsay or false advertising. last-minute entertaining.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take part in events CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t travel a or activities that can expand your mind as distance to find fun when it’s right in your well as your physical ability to take on more. own backyard. Inviting friends over or Pay more attention to important partnerships planning a quiet, romantic evening for two and work to achieve greater security. will help you relax, as well as save you money.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Explore a new interest or AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Make plans in visit someone you think can offer you insight, secret and follow through. You will but don’t mess with institutions or people accomplish more if you go it alone. Set your capable of costing you mentally, financially or sights high and don’t stop until you are physically. Protect what you have. satisfied with your progress.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Have a party or PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take part in events make arrangements that encourage you to that are of a humanitarian nature, but don’t take part in an event that will introduce you make promises that are unattainable. An to new friends. The partnerships you make interest you have in someone will become will have an emotional effect on you and apparent and the result will be moving must be chosen carefully. forward as one.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Express your feelings,

PICK 3 FRIDAY: 7-7-4 AND 4-9-3 PICK 4 FRIDAY: 6-6-1-6 AND 6-5-5-1 PALMETTO CASH 5 FRIDAY: 5-8-14-16-37 POWERUP: 2 MEGAMILLIONS NUMBERS WERE UNAVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

FOR WEDNESDAY: 10-28-39-47-58 POWERBALL: 22

pictures from the public Jeff Byer shares a photo he took during an autumn trip to Deerfield, Mass.

Have you visited someplace interesting, exciting, beautiful or historical that you’ve taken some pictures of? Would you like to share those images with your fellow Item readers? E-mail your hi-resolution jpegs to sandrah@theitem.com, or mail to Sandra Holbert c/o The Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29150. Include clearly printed or typed name of photographer and photo details. Include selfaddressed, stamped envelope for return of your photo. Amateur photographers only please.

SPORTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

THE ITEM

B1

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

SHS sweeps Dutch Fork

BY EDDIE LITAKER Special To The Item

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Crestwood’s Travis Blakely (13) goes up for a layup in front of Manning’s Talaryon Rose (20) during the Knights’ 44-35 victory on Friday at The Castle in the Region VI-3A opener for both teams.

Knights hold off Monarchs Crestwood handles late surge to earn Region VI-3A win

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com The Crestwood High School varsity boys basketball team opened Region VI-3A play with a 44-35 victory over Manning on Fri-

day, but learned a very valuable lesson.

It seemed like everything was going right for the

Knights, who improved to 7-6 on the year and are winner’s of their last three contests. They led 25-17 heading into the final quarter and were up as much as 35-22 until a steal, dunk and completion of a 3-point play by Manning sophomore Rayvon Witherspoon made it an 8-point deficit with a 1:34 left in the game.

“We made some mistakes and costly turnovers in

crunch time,” Manning head coach John E. Smith said of the loss. “For the most part I felt like my kids played well defensively we just made some mistakes that hurt us on offense.”

Manning, which fell to 5-9 overall, was led by Witherspoon’s double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Dwaymon Samuel added 12.

Balanced effort leads CHS girls past Manning

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com Manning High School varsity girls basketball head coach John Thames has seen enough basketball games to know a good team when he sees one.

Unfortunately for the Lady Monarchs, they had to learn the hard way that there is more to Crestwood than senior Keanua Williams. In fact, it was a balanced scoring effort that led the Lady Knights to a 64-46 on Friday at The

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Crestwood’s Zaria Kelly fights for a rebound with Manning’s Mohagany Green (11) during the Lady Knights’ 64-46 victory on Friday at The Castle in the Region VI-3A opener for both squads.

Castle in both teams’ Region VI-3A opener.

The Lady Knights jumped out to a 22-12 first-quarter advantage and led by nine, 30-21, at halftime using a half court trap getting in an up-tempo game. Although Manning cut the lead to within four at one point, the youth and inexperience on its roster began to show.

“I think my youth hurt me a whole lot tonight,” Thames said of the firstSEE CHS GIRLS, PAGE B3

CLEMSON — Record-setting receiver Sammy Watkins knew before the season began it would likely be his last at Clemson.

Watkins announced earlier this week he’d given up his senior season to enter the NFL draft. He stopped back on campus for this weekend’s football banquet before heading off to train in Tampa, Fla., for his expected invite to

the NFL combine.

Watkins said Friday he talked with his coaches before the year started about returning to his freshman numbers that put him on the AP All-America team. Watkins did even better with 101 catches for 1,464 yards this season, both Clemson singleseason records.

Watkins didn’t totally block out talk of his high draft status and worked to finish college ball with a flourish.

“I think that’s how I approached the SEE WATKINS, PAGE B4

SEE SUMTER, PAGE B3

PREP SCHEDULE Today Varsity Basketball Lower Richland at Sumter, 6 p.m.

B Team Basketball Calhoun Academy at Thomas Sumter, 3 p.m.

Dillon Christian at Robert E. Lee (Girls), 11 a.m.

The King’s Academy at Robert E. Lee (Boys), noon Clarendon Hall at St. John’s Christian (Girls), 3 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Greenwood Invitational, TBA

Panthers look to bury last memory of NFL playoffs

Tigers WR Watkins knew he was leaving

BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press

SEE KNIGHTS, PAGE B3

Sumter High School’s varsity basketball teams provided ample evidence Friday night that made free throws do indeed win ball games.

Jessica Harris hit five of six free throws in overtime as Sumter’s girls outscored Dutch Fork 7-2 in the extra period for a 62-57 victory at the SHS gymnasium.

Shiniyah Brown kept the Lady Gamecocks alive in regulation by rebounding a Harris miss on a 3-point attempt and VANDEVANDER calmly stepping beyond the arc to drain a trey as time expired to tie the score at 55.

Sumter head coach Chris Vandevander had high praise for both Harris, who finished with 12 points, and Brown, who led the Lady Gamecocks with 16 points.

“She (Harris) sees the floor very well and she gets after it on defense,” said Vandevander, whose team improved to 8-4 heading into a home showdown tonight with Lower Richland.

“Honestly, she comes into the gym just ready to play basketball. Her mind is on the game and, yeah, she struggled with free throws last year, and she’s come a long way to knock those (five) down in overtime for us.”

Vandevander was especially impressed with Brown’s shot at the end of regulation.

“I had just got on her for shooting a jumper leading into that, but I’m glad she didn’t hesitate on that 3 and took that shot,” Vandevander said. “And it’s nice that they listen, because during the timeout I said a 2 won’t do us any

BY STEVE REED The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) knew this would be his last season with the Tigers as the recordsetting junior announced earlier this week he was declaring for the NFL draft.

CHARLOTTE — Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis says he’ll never forget the sinking feeling in his stomach after Carolina’s last home playoff game in 2008.

The final: Arizona 33, Carolina 13.

But Davis said as painful as that memory is, it’s important the Panthers learn from that game and not allow history to repeat itself Sunday when they host the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional playoffs.

“Don’t come out and play like that team did,’’ said Davis, one of 10 holdovers from the 2008

WHAT: NFL Divisional playoffs WHO: San Francisco at Carolina WHEN: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.

WHERE: Charlotte TV: WACH 57

team.

The Panthers face a similar situation to five years ago when a pumped-up crowd watched in disbelief as quarterback Jake Delhomme committed six turnovers in the most deflating loss in franchise SEE PANTHERS, PAGE B2

B2

SPORTS

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees (9) and the Saints will tangle with Seattle defensive end Michael Bennett (72) and the Seahawks for the second time this season today when the two meet in an NFC Divisional playoff game in Seattle.

Saints, ’Hawks set for sequel and less pass reliant. The Saints had 30 rushing attempts in their final two regular-season games, then ran the ball 36 times for 185 yards last week vs. Philadelphia.

BY TIM BOOTH The Associated Press SEATTLE — After nearly two weeks of waiting, the Seattle Seahawks finally get a chance to prove they were worthy of the No. 1 seed they earned in the NFC. After winning on the road in the postseason last week, the New Orleans Saints no longer have that stigma clouding their franchise history.

Less than six weeks after Seattle made a resounding claim to NFC supremacy with a rout of New Orleans, the Seahawks and Saints collide again today in the NFC divisional playoff.

Seattle has lost some of its home invincibility after losing to Arizona in Week 16 to snap a 14-game home win streak.

And the Saints are no longer seeking a validating victory away from New Orleans after knocking off Philadelphia 26-24 last Saturday in the

REDISCOVER RUSSELL

NFC wild-card game, the first road playoff win in franchise history.

There’s also a bit of history on the side of the Saints.

Since 2005, No. 6 seeds are 5-2 against No. 1 seeds in the divisional round of the postseason.

A few things to watch: MORE THAN BREES

Drew Brees is not accustomed to being stifled, but that is what Seattle did in the first meeting. His 147 yards passing were a season-low by nearly 100 yards.

His 3.87 yards per pass attempt was the third-lowest of his entire career.

But New Orleans has evolved over the past month.

They’re attempting to become more run dependent

Russell Wilson had arguably the best regular-season game of his career when New Orleans visited in December. He threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns, ran for another 47 yards and completed 73.3 percent of his pass attempts.

For Wilson, it capped a fourweek stretch where his name was thrown into the MVP conversation.

The subsequent four games led to concern the Seahawks have slumped. Wilson’s numbers dipped significantly. He topped 200 yards passing only once, had only four touchdown passes versus three interceptions and his completion rate was below 58 percent. He was also sacked 14 times.

Brady, Luck have knack for comebacks

BY HOWARD ULMAN The Associated Press FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Tom Brady has been leading successful comebacks for more than a decade. Andrew Luck is just getting started.

One of them should have a chance to do that again to night.

The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, who have overcome big deficits this season, will meet in the AFC divisional round.

The Colts are here with the second biggest comeback in NFL postseason history. They outlasted the Kansas City BRADY Chiefs in a wild-card game 45-44 after trailing 38-10 early in the third quarter.

“It’s pretty remarkable,” Brady said.

“Down 28 points there in the third quarter, they just made a bunch of good plays and it took them until the very end to win.”

The Colts had other impressive comebacks in the regular season — beating Houston after trailing by 18 in the third quarter and overcoming fourth-quarter

PANTHERS from Page B1 history — one that sent the organization into a tailspin.

Like 2008, this year’s Panthers are 12-4, division champions and the NFC’s No. 2 seed.

“The valuable lesson is you better be ready for the playoffs,’’ said Panthers veteran offensive tackle and co-captain Jordan Gross.

The loss has become the elephant in the room for Carolina fans.

deficits to win three other games.

Easing up with a big lead on the Patriots also can be dangerous.

They erased a 24-point halftime deficit to beat Denver in overtime, topped New Orleans on a touchdown pass with 5 seconds left and scored two touchdowns in the last 61 seconds to come from 12 points back and beat Cleveland by one.

Brady “has definitely set the standard for success at the quarterback position,” Luck said.

The Patriots quarterback has led them to 41 wins in games in which they trailed or were tied in the fourth quarter.

Luck has 11 of those, the most LUCK by a quarterback in his first two seasons since 1970.

This season, the Patriots (12-4) are 8-4 in games decided by seven points or fewer, while the Colts (12-5) are 6-1 when the final margin is six or fewer.

“We’ve been in a lot of close games.

They’ve been in a lot of close games,” Brady said. “They find a way to win them. That’s how they got to this point. Hopefully, we can go out and be the team that goes out on top.”

Sure, there is a buzz of excitement in Charlotte with the city’s mayor declaring “Fan Friday’’ for Jan. 10, imploring fans to wear Panthers colors or black to show their support. But while there is anticipation, there’s also an underlying current of trepidation heading into the weekend that another emotional letdown could be looming.

The 2008 Panthers were heavy favorites going into the divisional playoffs and, if they had beaten the Cardinals, they would have hosted their first NFC championship game.

“It seemed like it was set up perfectly for us and then,

`Bam!,’’’ offensive tackle Travelle Wharton said. “You look back on it and you’re like, man, we let one get away. The thing you have to learn from it is you don’t get those chances very often. I mean look what happened around here after that game.’’

It was a disaster.

The Panthers went from Super Bowl contender to irrelevant in a hurry.

Carolina would start the next four seasons 1-3, 1-12, 1-5 and 1-6 and were never in contention when December arrived. The Panthers released Delhomme one year after giving him a $42 million

TODAY 7 a.m. -- Professional Golf: Volvo European PGA Tour Golf Champions Third Round from Durban, South Africa (GOLF).

7:40 a.m. -- International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match -- Chelsea vs. Hull (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

9:55 a.m. -- International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match -- Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

11 a.m. -- College Basketball: St. Louis at Dayton (ESPN2).

11:30 a.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Michigan Tech at Ashland (Ohio) (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

Noon -- College Basketball: North Carolina at Syracuse (ESPN).

Noon -- College Basketball: Iowa State at Oklahoma (ESPNU).

Noon -- College Basketball: Boston College at Virginia Tech (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

12:30 p.m. -- International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match -- Swansea vs. Manchester United (WIS 10).

12:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: St. Bonaventure at Massachusetts (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

1 p.m. -- College Basketball: Florida at Arkansas (ESPN2).

1 p.m. -- College Basketball: Villanova at St. John’s (FOX SPORTS 1).

1:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Louisiana State at South Carolina (WOLO 25, WDXY-FM 105.9, WNKTFM 107.5, WDXY-AM 1240).

1:30 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Army at Navy (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

2 p.m. -- College Basketball: Kansas State at Kansas (ESPN).

2 p.m. -- College Basketball: Misouri at Auburn (ESPNU).

2 p.m. -- College Basketball: Duke at Clemson (FOX SPORTSOUTH, WWBD-FM 94.7, WPUB-FM 102.7).

2 p.m. -- College Basketball: Seton Hall at Marquette (SPORTSOUTH).

2:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Rhode Island at George Washington (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

3 p.m. -- Figure Skating: U.S. Championships from Boston -- Pairs and Dance Finals (WIS 10).

3 p.m. -- College Basketball: Memphis at Temple (ESPN2).

3 p.m. -- NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series Preseason Testing from Daytona Beach, Fla. (FOX SPORTS 1).

3:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Kentucky at Vanderbilt (WLTX 19).

4 p.m. -- College Basketball: Alabama at Georgia (WIS 10).

4 p.m. -- College Basketball: Army at Navy (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

4 p.m. -- High School Basketball: Oak Ridge (Fla.) vs.

Montverde (Fla.) from Montverde, Fla. (ESPN).

4 p.m. -- College Basketball: Mississippi at Mississippi State (ESPNU).

4 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Texas-San Antonio at Southern Mississippi (SPORTSOUTH).

4 p.m. -- College Basketball: Johnson C. Smith at Elizabeth City State (WIS3 122).

4:30 p.m. -- NFL Football: National Football Conference Playoffs Divisional Game -- New Orleans at Seattle (WACH 57).

5 p.m. -- College Basketball: Virginia at North Carolina State (ESPN2).

6 p.m. -- College Basketball: Rutgers at Cincinnati (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

6 p.m. -- College Basketball: Central Florida at Connecticut (ESPNU).

6 p.m. -- College Basketball: Texas A&M at Tennessee (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

6 p.m. -- College Basketball: Princeton at Pennsylvania (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Georgetown at Butler (FOX SPORTS 1).

7 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Sony Open Third Round from Honolulu (GOLF).

8 p.m. -- Figure Skating: U.S. Championships from Boston -- Women’s Finals (WIS 10).

8 p.m. -- NFL Football: American Football Conference Playoffs Divisional Game -- Indianapolis at New England (WLTX 19).

8 p.m. -- College Basketball: St. Joseph’s at George Mason (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- College Hockey: Harvard vs. Yale from New York (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- College Basketball: California at Oregon State (ESPNU).

8 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Charlotte at Chicago (SPORTSOUTH).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Loyola Marymount at Brigham Young (BYUTV).

NFL PLAYOFFS

By The Associated Press Wild-card Playoffs Jan. 4 Indianapolis 45, Kansas City 44 New Orleans 26, Philadelphia 24 Jan. 5 San Diego 27, Cincinnati 10 San Francisco 23, Green Bay 20 Divisional Playoffs Today New Orleans at Seattle, 4:35 p.m. (FOX) Indianapolis at New England, 8:15 p.m. (CBS) Sunday San Francisco at Carolina, 1:05 p.m. (FOX) San Diego at Denver, 4:40 p.m. (CBS) Conference Championships Jan. 19 AFC, 3 p.m. (CBS) NFC, 6:30 p.m. (FOX) Pro Bowl Jan. 26 At Honolulu TBD, 7:30 p.m. (NBC) Super Bowl XLVIII Feb. 2 At East Rutherford, N.J. AFC champion vs. NFC champion, 6:30 p.m. (FOX)

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Toronto 17 17 .500 – Brooklyn 14 21 .400 31/2 New York 13 22 .371 41/2 Boston 13 23 .361 5 Philadelphia 12 23 .343 51/2 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Miami 27 9 .750 – Atlanta 19 17 .528 8 Washington 16 17 .485 91/2 Charlotte 15 21 .417 12 Orlando 10 25 .286 161/2 Central Division

extension, and they allowed John Fox to leave following a 2-14 season in 2011.

This season appeared headed in the same direction after another 1-3 start, but the Panthers got hot and have won 11 of 12 games to return to the postseason for the first time since 2008.

“That year we were expected to be good — and we were good,’’ Gross said of 2008.

“But we lost, and we lost in a really bad way. It wasn’t a close game. And it was really deflating for this franchise.’’

The 49ers (13-4) would love to spoil Carolina’s return to the postseason.

| W L Pct GB 28 7 .800 – 15 18 .455 12 14 22 .389 141/2 12 23 .343 16 7 27 .206 201/2 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 28 8 .778 – Houston 23 13 .639 5 Dallas 20 16 .556 8 Memphis 15 19 .441 12 New Orleans 15 19 .441 12 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Oklahoma City 27 9 .750 – Portland 27 9 .750 – Denver 18 17 .514 81/2 Minnesota 17 18 .486 91/2 Utah 12 25 .324 151/2 Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Clippers 25 13 .658 – Golden State 24 14 .632 1 Phoenix 21 13 .618 2 L.A. Lakers 14 22 .389 10 Sacramento 11 22 .333 111/2 Thursday’s Games New York 102, Miami 92 Denver 101, Oklahoma City 88 Friday’s Games Washington at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Houston at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Dallas at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Miami at Brooklyn, 8 p.m.

Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.

Cleveland at Utah, 9 p.m.

Orlando at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

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

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

Today’s Games Houston at Washington, 7 p.m.

Brooklyn at Toronto, 7 p.m.

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

Phoenix at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Milwaukee at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

New Orleans at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Orlando at Denver, 9 p.m.

Boston at Portland, 10 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Cleveland at Sacramento, 6 p.m.

Atlanta at Memphis, 6 p.m.

Minnesota at San Antonio, 7 p.m.

Indiana Chicago Detroit Cleveland Milwaukee

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 44 28 14 2 58 128 98 Tampa Bay 44 26 14 4 56 126 106 Montreal 45 25 15 5 55 115 106 Detroit 44 19 15 10 48 115 125 Toronto 45 21 19 5 47 123 138 Ottawa 45 19 18 8 46 129 145 Florida 44 17 21 6 40 104 137 Buffalo 43 12 26 5 29 75 120 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 45 32 12 1 65 147 107 Philadelphia 44 23 17 4 50 117 119 Washington 43 21 16 6 48 132 131 Carolina 44 19 16 9 47 111 125 N.Y. Rangers 45 22 20 3 47 111 121 New Jersey 45 18 18 9 45 104 113 Columbus 43 19 20 4 42 117 126 N.Y. Islanders 45 16 22 7 39 124 149 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA St. Louis 43 31 7 5 67 160 97 Chicago 46 29 8 9 67 169 127 Colorado 43 27 12 4 58 127 111 Minnesota 46 24 17 5 53 112 115 Dallas 43 20 16 7 47 123 132 Nashville 45 19 20 6 44 108 135 Winnipeg 46 19 22 5 43 125 139 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 46 33 8 5 71 155 116 San Jose 45 28 11 6 62 148 115 Los Angeles 45 27 13 5 59 118 93 Vancouver 45 23 13 9 55 121 113 Phoenix 43 21 13 9 51 130 131 Calgary 44 15 23 6 36 100 142 Edmonton 46 14 27 5 33 119 161 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Thursday’s Games Florida 2, Buffalo 1, SO New Jersey 1, Dallas 0 Carolina 6, Toronto 1 Washington 4, Tampa Bay 3 Anaheim 4, Nashville 3 St. Louis 5, Calgary 0 Minnesota 4, Phoenix 1 Los Angeles 4, Boston 2 San Jose 4, Detroit 1 Friday’s Games Dallas at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Washington, 7 p.m.

Carolina at Columbus, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Edmonton, 10 p.m.

St. Louis at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Today’s Games Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Chicago at Montreal, 7 p.m.

Florida at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Ottawa at Nashville, 7 p.m.

Columbus at Winnipeg, 7 p.m.

Colorado at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Anaheim at Phoenix, 8 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Calgary, 10 p.m.

Detroit at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Boston at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Games Buffalo at Washington, 3 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Dallas, 6 p.m.

New Jersey at Toronto, 7 p.m.

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

Edmonton at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Nashville, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Anaheim, 8 p.m.

Carolina defeated San Francisco 10-9 earlier this season at Candlestick Park, limiting Colin Kaepernick to 91 yards passing and 16 yards rushing.

“We owe them,’’ Kaepernick said earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Davis said the Panthers owe it to themselves to leave it all on the field.

“You never forget that feeling,’’ Davis said of 2008. “You want to make sure we do everything in our power to make sure we don’t feel that way again. But this is a completely different team and we understand that we have to go out and take care of business.’’

SPORTS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

THE ITEM

Gators top Falcons in region opener The Lakewood High School varsity boys basketball team opened its Region VI-3A schedule with a 45-44 victory over Darlington on Friday at The Swamp.

Robert Grant led the Gators with 13 points. Jarvis Johnson added seven points.

Lakewood improved to 9-7 on the season.

ANDREW JACKSON ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

61 51

EHRHARDT — St. Francis Xavier High School lost to Andrew Jackson Academy 61-51 on Friday in its SCISA Region I-1A opener at the AJA gymnasium.

Dalton Foreman and Jay McFadden both had double-doubles

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

SPORTS ITEMS

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for the Padres. Foreman scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while McFadden scored 12 points and snagged 14 rebounds.

Michael Mathias led five AJA players in double figures with 15.

T.J. Metzger had 13, Aaron Cleland 11 and Aaron Wright and Zach Bolton both had 10.

goff-Elgin 47-28 on Thursday at the Chestnut Oaks gymnasium.

Devaughnte Singletary led the Falcons with nine points. Tyrae Smalls added seven.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER Lyons 8, Savage 9, Foreman 20, McFadden 12, Russell 1, Harp 1.

ANDREW JACKSON Wright 10, Bolton 10, Cleland 11, Metzger 13, Mathias 15, Herndon 2.

Wilson Hall fell to 4-2 on the season with a 27-16 loss to Heathwood Hall on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

Noah Harvin led the Barons with six points. Brandon Carraway and Charlton Commander each had five.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHESTNUT OAKS LUGOFF-ELGIN

47 28

Chestnut Oaks defeated Lu-

B TEAM BASKETBALL HEATHWOOD HALL WILSON HALL

27 16

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

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Lakewood squeaks by Darlington 35-34 Lakewood High School’s varsity girls basketball team opened its Region VI-3A schedule with a 35-34 victory over Darlington on Friday at The Swamp.

Sonora Dengokl, Taja Randolph and Tatyana Weldon each scored eight points to lead the Lady Gators, who are 7-4 on the season. Dengokl also grabbed 10 rebounds.

AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN WILSON HALL

68 51

MARTINEZ, Ga. — Wilson Hall dropped to 7-6 on the season with a 68-51 loss to Augusta Christian School on Friday at the ACS gymnasium.

Lauren Goodson paced the Lady Barons with 14 points. Hayley Hawkins added 10 points and Nicolette Fisher had nine.

Kym Thomas led Augusta Christian with 25 points while Anna Motes had 24. Caroline Roberson added 13.

WILSON HALL Goodson 14, Hawkins 10, Jordan 6, Alderman 3, Fisher 9, Cunningham 3, Scanella 2, Scott 4.

AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN Thomas 25, Motes 24, Roberson 13, Howard 5, Fortuato 1.

ORANGEBURG PREP LAURENCE MANNING

59 55

ORANGEBURG — Courtney Beatson and Perrin Jackson both had

KNIGHTS from Page B1 “We’re going through the adjustment of going from 2A to 3A basketball and at the same time we’re trying to change the mentality and show that we can be a basketball school also,” Smith said.

The Monarchs even cut it to within six with 42 seconds left to play, but turnovers and the foul situation gave the Knights the push they needed to hold off Manning.

Crestwood’s Jacquiel Durant scored 11 of his 16 points in the final quarter to lead the Knights to a victory.

“It seemed like they had a little bit more energy than we did at the end of the ball game, and I think that’s why they made that run,” Crestwood head coach Dwayne Edwards said. “For some reason the kids thought the game was already over, but you’ve got to remember until the horn sounds you need to play with that same intensity and energy and we let up at the end.”

Two players sparked the Knights at the right time.

Crestwood used a 10-4 third-quarter advantage to help spur a double-digit lead heading into the final

CHS GIRLS from Page B1 half deficit. “He’s got some very quick girls that know how to use their physical abilities that got us into foul trouble early. “I thought we were going to lose 100-0 at first, but we got back into the game and fought within four and then we got into foul trouble.”

Manning was sparked by the play of eighth-grader Mohagany Green,

SUMTER from Page B1 good. So it’s nice that they took that out of the timeout and applied that and stepped back behind the line.”

With Christian Hithe and Cy Cooper unavailable to play, reserve Anna McBride stepped into the starting lineup and provided a spark with 11 points.

“Anna came into the starting lineup tonight for the first time and played extremely well,” Vandevander said. “I think we had her down for eight rebounds and four blocks. She played well against Dutch Fork last Friday night also. We’ve had some

double-doubles, but Laurence Manning Academy still dropped a 59-55 decision to Orangeburg Prep in its SCISA Region II-3A opener on Friday at the OP gymnasium.

Beatson had 16 points and 12 rebounds while Jackson had 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Knights, who fell to 4-3 on the season.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL MANNING 19 CRESTWOOD 18

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHESTNUT OAKS 20 LUGOFF-ELGIN 13

MANNING — Crestwood High School lost to Manning 19-18 on Thursday at Thames Arena.

Felicity Sumpter and Azariah Dixon both had six points for the

Chestnut Oaks defeated Lugoff-Elgin 20-13 on Thursday at the Chestnut Oaks gymnasium.

Tiana McElveen led the Lady Falcons with six points.

ORANGEBURG PREP LAURENCE MANNING

33 31

ORANGEBURG — Laurence Manning Academy lost to Orangeburg Prep 33-31 on Friday at the OP gymnasium.

Brooke Bennett led LMA with 15 points.

quarter of play. Tyrell Allen had six of his eight points in the third and Durant came through strong when it mattered the most in the final quarter.

“Durant creates a lot for us and he can get to the basket well for his size,” Edwards said. “And when we’re looking for some instant offense off the bench Tyrell Allen is the first one we look for, and he’s got a nice little shot. He gave us a spark.”

Allen’s 6-point swing gave the Knights a 22-15 lead in the third quarter as Crestwood outscored MHS 10-4 in the third. After making a 3-point basket, he was fouled on his next trey attempt and converted on all three free throws ending a string of 10 straight missed free throws for Crstwood.

Three times in the first half Crestwood had the opportunity to extend its lead after being fouled on a made basket, but failed to make the free throws. Instead, the Knights went 0-for-6 in the first half and only led 17-13.

“You’ve got to play an entire, complete game,” Edwards said. “I guess they learned tonight you can’t take nobody for granted because on any given night if you don’t play basketball like you’re capable of, you can get beat by anyone.”

who along with sophomore Makeba Harvin, led the team with nine points each. Senior Lanisha Brown added seven and Amhria Brunson had five for the Lady Monarchs, who fell to 10-4 overall.

Crestwood sophomore Cawasha Ceasar scored 10 of her 12 points in the first quarter while Williams pitched in seven of her 17.

“We have Keanua, but the other girls that surround her can play and Keanua makes the other girls better,” Crestwood head coach Tony Wilson said. “And the girls feed off one another.

people step up, and hopefully we’ll get everybody back healthy for region next week.”

Sumter led 27-26 at the half and built that lead to 36-28 only to see Dutch Fork cut it back to one, 38-37, heading into the final quarter. There were three ties and three lead changes before Brown sent the game to overtime.

Sydney Shull was a perfect 8-for-8 at the line while scoring 18 to top Dutch Fork.

Morgan Williams added 10 for the Lady Silver Foxes.

The boys game was similar in that Sumter had an 8-point lead midway through the third quarter before having to rally to tie the score, 38-38, heading to the final eight minutes. Like Harris in the girls game, Brandon Parker hit five of six free throws down the stretch to put

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Stuard up 1 at Sony Open HONOLULU — Brian Stuard had his fourth straight round of 65 at the Sony Open. Too bad it’s only Friday.

Stuard finished his second round with a hybrid into 2 feet for eagle. That gave him a oneshot lead over Marc Leishman of Australia and Hideto Tanihara of Japan going into the weekend at STUARD Waialae Country Club.

Bishopville native Tommy Gainey just made the cut at 1-over.

KIFFIN JOINS ALABAMA AS OC

Alabama hired former Southern California coach Lane Kiffin on Friday as its offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Kiffin returns to the Southeastern Conference after head coaching stints with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders, Alabama rival Tennessee and the Trojans. He replaces Doug Nussmeier, who left Alabama for Michigan.

The 38-year-old Kiffin was 28-15 in threeplus seasons with USC. He was fired five games into last season from one of college football’s marquee jobs.

RANGERS LHP HOLLAND HAS KNEE SURGERY AFTER FALL

Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland will miss the start of the season after having surgery Friday on his left knee.

The Rangers say Holland injured his knee in a fall on the stairs in his home earlier this week.

General manager Jon Daniels says Holland has cartilage damage. Daniels says it’s too early to have an exact timetable for Holland’s return, but the Rangers expect the lefty to miss some time during the regular season and possibly not pitch until midseason.

NBA PISTONS 76ERS

114 104

PHILADELPHIA — Josh Smith had 22 points in an outstanding all-around game, Brandon Jennings made four 3-pointers in the second half and the Detroit Pistons snapped a 6-game losing streak with a 114104 comeback victory over Philadelphia.

PACERS WIZARDS

93 66

INDIANAPOLIS — David West scored 20 points and C.J. Watson had 16, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 93-66 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday night.

MAVERICKS PELICANS

107 90

NEW ORLEANS — Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points, Monta Ellis added 23 and the Dallas Mavericks sent the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans to their fourth straight loss, 107-90.

HAWKS ROCKETS

83 80

ATLANTA — Kyle Korver scored 20 points, including four free throws in the final 16 seconds, and the Atlanta Hawks fought off Houston’s late comeback to beat the Rockets 83-30.

Thames agreed with Wilson’s assessment and said his girls had control of the game the entire time, even when his squad got close. In fact, he said his girls learned that they won’t see any better competition and will benefit from it later in the year.

“They have five girls that can play and any time we turned one loose she was the scorer. The first five they put on the floor and a couple of the subs are the same way. They’re an excellent ball club.”

Sophomore Shaquandra MillerMcCray scored 10 of her 17 in the

away a tight game as the Gamecocks pulled away for a 53-45 win.

Sumter head coach Jo Jo English said Parker, who connected on seven of eight free throw attempts in the final quarter and led the Gamecocks with 18 points, has worked hard to improve on his free throw shooting.

“He’s been stepping up. It’s either him or Micah (McBride), and teams are starting to play Micah for the 3-point shot now, so he’s starting to go inside and attack the basket,” said English, whose squad stands at 9-4. “Brandon’s Achilles heel up to this point was the free throws. He was struggling from the free throw line, so we made some adjustments in his routine and his technique, and the

B3

From staff, wire reports

third quarter, sparking a 22-11 thirdquarter advantage for the Lady Knights as they pushed their lead to 20, leading 52-32 heading into the final quarter.

“Shaquandra is starting to come into her own,” Wilson said. “She was just a freshman last year, but she has really stepped up her game.

“We just settled down (in the second half) and made the easy baskets.”

The Lady Monarchs will host Marlboro County on Tuesday. Crestwood, which improved to 12-3, will travel to Darlington on Tuesday.

main thing was mindset.

When you get up there you’ve got to believe that you are going to make the free throws before you shoot the free throws.”

English said Parker is not the only Gamecock that has struggled at times from the line.

“I think on the year we are shooting like 60 percent (as a team) from the free throw line, so that’s something that we are going to have to pick up,” English said, “because free throws win ball games.

Free throws and protecting the basketball. These guys are young, but they are growing up in front of our eyes.”

English hopes that an effort like this can provide momentum as Sumter heads into region play in the next

week.

“We’ve lost three or four close games by two, three or four points and stuff like that, but our guys are learning how to play in close games,” English said. “That’s what we need getting ready to go into the region and getting ready for the playoffs, to learn how to finish games. Those guys played hard tonight, they made free throws, protected the basketball and then we came out with a tough win.”

Cedric Rembert added 11 and Sonny Butler had 10 for Sumter while Christian Mills scored 12 to pace Dutch Fork.

Play begins tonight at 6 p.m. at the SHS gymnasium with the Lady Gamecocks taking the floor against Lower Richland before the boys teams close out the evening.

B4

SPORTS

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

Junior fears ability to replace crew chief Letarte NBC Sports Group’s broadcast booth for its NASCAR coverage beginning in 2015.

Earnhardt and Letarte have been paired since 2011. Although the duo has just one win together, they’ve made the Chase for the Sprint EARNHARDT Cup championship the past three seasons.

More important, Letarte rebuilt the confidence in NASCAR’s most popular driv-

BY JENNA FRYER The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. is admittedly scared by the daunting task of replacing crew chief Steve Letarte.

He’ll leave it up to team owner Rick Hendrick and management at Hendrick Motorsports, and they’ve got the entire season to find a new crew chief. Letarte was formally introduced Friday as the third and final member of

er and instilled a structure around Earnhardt that the driver admits raised his professionalism in the race car.

“The one thing that I fear is just trying to get a guy in there that’s equally as talented,’’ Earnhardt said Friday at LETARTE Daytona International Speedway. “Steve is a great cheerleader and definitely built up my confidence and changed me as a race car driv-

er and as a person. Working with him has really helped me grow. I think that my fear is can we replace Steve?’’

Earnhardt brought cousin Tony Eury Jr. with him to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008.

When that working relationship fractured, Hendrick replaced Eury with longtime company man Lance McGrew.

Only that combination failed to produce results, so Earnhardt was paired with former Jeff Gordon crew chief Letarte when Hendrick made

a massive organizational shake-up shortly after the 2010 season ended.

Letarte’s influence on Earnhardt was immediate, so Earnhardt will once again put his trust in Hendrick. He’ll also want Letarte and Jimmie Johnson’s six-time championship winning crew chief Chad Knaus to be part of the decision making. Knaus works side-by-side with Earnhardt’s crew chief, so Earnhardt believes Knaus needs to have input.

UL’s Petrino says he’s changed; yeah, right

B

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson’s Adonis Filer, right, and the rest of the Tigers are bracing for another showdown with ACC and national power Duke today at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson.

Tigers brace for Duke test again

BY SCOTT KEEPFER Greenville News CLEMSON — Duke is Duke, which means year in and year out the Blue Devils will be among the elite of the college basketball universe, contending for Atlantic Coast Conference and national titles with a regularity that seems downright unfair.

So the fact that Duke already has incurred three defeats, including one in ACC play, and the calendar has yet to hit midJanuary, might lead one to believe that there’s a chink in the Blue Devils’ armor.

Or not.

“No,” says Clemson coach Brad Brownell without so much as a cursory consideration of the possibility.

“They’ve played a very hard schedule and lost a two-point game at Notre Dame and I’m sure that place was rockin’.”

Littlejohn Coliseum should be rockin’ as well today when Brownell’s team takes on Duke at 2 p.m., but he’s keenly aware that the Tigers will need more than fanfare to subdue the Blue Devils.

“They just lost a road game, so I’m sure they’re ready to go again, just like Florida State was after (losing to) Virginia,” Brownell said. “They came in really ready to go, and I’m sure Duke will do the same.”

Duke has made a habit of coming in “ready to go” against the Tigers.

Clemson’s struggles against the ACC’s other kingpin — North Carolina — have been

well chronicled, but during the past 17 seasons the Blue Devils have proven more of a thorn in the Tigers’ paw than the Tar Heels.

Clemson has won just three times in its past 30 games against Duke; during that same stretch the Tigers are 5-25 against North Carolina.

Before throwing the Tigers under the bus, consider the following: In all but one of those previous 30 meetings, Duke has been ranked in the Top 10. This year Duke enters Littlejohn ranked No. 13 in the USA TODAY coaches poll, but that’s of little consolation to Brownell.

“As you would expect, we’re once again facing a very talented Duke team that’s playing pretty well,” Brownell said.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL SCHEDULE MEN STATE Today (16) Duke at Clemson, 2 p.m. (FOX SPORTSOUTH) LSU at South Carolina, 1:30 p.m. (WOLO 25) Wofford at Chattanooga, 7 p.m.

Citadel at Elon, 7 p.m.

Furman at Samford, 7 p.m.

Charleston Southern at Winthrop, 2 p.m.

Presbyterian at UNC Asheville, 2 p.m.

Coastal Carolina at Gardner-Webb, 7 p.m.

S.C. State at Morgan State, 4 p.m Lipscomb at USC Upstate, 4 p.m.

ACC Today (2) Syracuse vs. North Carolina, noon (ESPN) Boston College at Virginia Tech, noon (FOX SPORTSOUTH) Notre Dame at Georgia Tech, noon Wake Forest at Pittsburgh, noon, Virginia at N.C. State, 5 p.m. (ESPN2)

Sunday Maryland at Florida State, 8 p.m. (ESPNU) SEC Today (10) Florida at Arkansas, 1 p.m. (ESPN2) (14) Kentucky at Vanderbilt, 3:30 p.m.

(WLTX 19) (21) Missouri at Auburn, 2 p.m. (ESPNU) Alabama at Georgia, 4 p.m. (WOLO 25) Mississippi at Mississippi State, 4 p.m.

(ESPNU) Texas A&M at Tennessee, 6 p.m. (FOX SPORTSOUTH) TOP 25 Today (5) Michigan State vs. Minnesota, 2:15 p.m.

(6) Wichita State at Missouri State, 8 p.m.

(7) Baylor vs. TCU, 1:30 p.m.

(8) Villanova vs. St. John’s, 1 p.m. (FOX SPORTS 1) (9) Iowa State at Oklahoma, noon (ESPNU) (11) Oklahoma State at West Virginia, 4 p.m.

WATKINS from Page B1 season and that’s how the coaches approached me this year,’’ Watkins said. “They were going to get the best out of me and they were going to get the ball to me all year and I’ve got to be a complete player.’’

“I think I managed that well this year,’’ Watkins continued.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior has been considered by several analysts the top receiver in next May’s draft.

There were a few times, Watkins said with a grin, where he’d joke with coach Dabo Swinney or receiver

(18) Kansas vs. (25) Kansas State, 2 p.m. (ESPN) (19) Massachusetts vs. St. Bonaventure, 12:30 p.m. (NBC SPORTS NETWORK) (24) Memphis at Temple, 3 p.m. (ESPN2) Sunday (1) Arizona at Southern Cal, 9 p.m.

(3) Ohio State vs. (20) Iowa, 1:30 p.m.

(WLTX 19) (12) Louisville vs. SMU, 1 p.m. (CBS SPORTS NETWORK) (13) San Diego State at Air Force, 4 p.m.

(15) Colorado at Washington, 3 p.m.

(FOX SPORTS 1) (17) Oregon vs. Stanford, 5 p.m. (FOX SPORTS 1) (23) Illinois at Northwestern, 7:30 p.m.

WOMEN TOP 25 Friday (4) Stanford at Utah (late) (17) Colorado vs. (19) California (late) (23) Arizona State vs. Southern Cal (late) Today

coach Jeff Scott about coming back. In the end, Watkins was ready to reach the goal he’d worked toward since playing youth football in Fort Myers, Fla. “The dream is here now,’’ Watkins said.

Not that his time at Clemson was all as smooth as his pass routes.

After a stunning freshman season in 2011 — he had 82 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 TDs to help Clemson to its first Atlantic Coast Conference crown in two decades — Watkins was arrested the following May and charged with two counts of misdemeanor drug possession. Voted the 2012 preseason ACC player of the year, Watkins was suspended

(1) Connecticut vs. Temple, noon (7) Baylor vs. TCU, 8 p.m.

(11) Iowa State vs. (15) Oklahoma State, 7 p.m.

(22) Indiana vs. Ohio State, 4:30 p.m.

(24) San Diego at Gonzaga, 5 p.m.

Sunday (2) Notre Dame at Virginia, 2 p.m.

(3) Duke vs. Boston College, 3 p.m.

(FOX SPORTSOUTH) (4) Stanford at (17) Colorado, 5 p.m.

(5) Louisville at South Florida, 3 p.m.

(ESPNU) (8) Tennessee at Vanderbilt, 5 p.m.

(ESPN) (9) Kentucky vs. Missouri, 5 p.m. (ESPNU) (10) South Carolina at Auburn, 2:30 p.m. (SPORTSOUTH) (12) LSU vs. Florida, 1 p.m. (ESPNU) (13) North Carolina at (18) Florida State, 1 p.m. (FOX SPORTSOUTH) (14) Penn State vs. (21) Purdue, 3 p.m.

(ESPN) (16) Nebraska at Illinois, 2 p.m.

for the first two games by Swinney and never found his football groove.

Still, Watkins believes the incident helped him to reach this point.

“Everyone thinks of that as a bad point of my life, but I think it helped me out,’’ he said. “It helped me see the bigger picture.’’

While his sophomore numbers of 57 catches for 708 yards sounded solid, Watkins understood he had to dig deeper this season. He got stronger, putting 10 pounds or so of muscle on the skinny physique he had when he came to campus.

Watkins also worked on his downfield blocking, not wanting that to impede his rise on NFL draft boards.

obby Petrino insists he’s a changed man.

Not the scoundrel who secretly interviewed for someone else’s coaching job without telling his bosses, who abandoned the Atlanta Falcons with three games left in the season, who wrecked his motorcycle with his mistress aboard and lied about the sordid affair as long as he could.

We’re supposed to believe he’s not that guy anymore.

Yeah, right.

In the latest sign Paul that colNewberry lege athletics spews a lot of highminded malarkey but is never about anything more than wins and losses, Louisville re-introduced Petrino as its head coach this week — pairing him with another member of the Morally Bankrupt Hall of Fame — men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino.

You remember, the one who had intimate relations with someone other than his wife on a restaurant table.

The news conference Thursday was downright sickening, with all the expected nonsense about Petrino suddenly turning into a decent human being.

“If it was the same Bobby that was here 10 years ago, I wasn’t interested,’’ said athletic director Tom Jurich, who might want to consider a job selling ice cubes in Alaska. “He is definitely a changed person.’’

Puh-lease!

After Charlie Strong took the Texas job, the only thing that mattered to the Cardinals was finding someone to keep the victories coming. That’s why they brought back Petrino, who was 41-9 when he coached Louisville from 2003-06, including a trip to the Orange Bowl. There was no need subjecting us to all the familiar gibberish about Petrino finding his way to a better place as person. That doesn’t

matter in the least, even if it’s true.

“I made mistakes, both professionally and personally, and that’s something I’m not going to do again,’’ Petrino said. “The first mistake was leaving Louisville, and I’m hoping that the fans and everybody will forgive me.’’

No problem there. The Cardinal Nation seems thrilled by the hiring, not wanting to lose any ground as it moves to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

We’ll see how they’re feeling after Petrino goes 11-1 — he can coach, after all — and starts sniffing around for an even better job. A tiger doesn’t suddenly change his stripes.

A brief review, in Petrino’s own words: • “It’s a great fit for me,’’ he said after being hired

by Louisville the first time, two days before Christmas 2002. “There were a number of openings this year and a number of phone calls that came in. This is the only one I wanted.’’

Less than a year later, he slips off to a clandestine airport meeting with Auburn officials, neither side giving Jurich the courtesy of a phone call or apparently fazed that the Tigers still have a coach, Tommy Tuberville. Petrino apologizes and stays with the Cardinals.

• After interviewing for other jobs during each of his first three years at Louisville, Petrino signs a 10-year contract worth at least $25.5 million in the summer of 2006, a deal he says is designed to send a message.

Less than six months later, he leaves to coach the Atlanta Falcons.

• “I believe this is truly the best football job in the NFL,’’ Petrino says after being hired by the Falcons in January 2007.

But quarterback Michael is sent to prison for running a dogfighting ring, and the Falcons lose 10 of their first 13 games.

Just hours after assuring Atlanta owner Arthur Blank he has no plans to leave, Petrino submits his resignation, hops on a plane to Fayetteville and is hollering “Wooo Pig Sooie!’’ before the night is out.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Bobby Petrino said he has changed entering his second stint as the Louisville head football coach, but sports columnist Paul Newberry doesn’t buy the new Petrino.

TELEVISION

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

AROUND TOWN

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The Devine Sisters of Pretty Girls Rock will host a scholarship basketball tournament beginning at 9:30 a.m. today at the Lakewood High School gym. Call Cassandra Goodman at (803) 9682084 or Audrika Gadson at (803) 406-5917.

Lincoln High School Class of 1964 will hold a class reunion meeting at 12:30 p.m. today at Lincoln High School, Council Street. Call (803) 773-3804, (803) 775-9088 or (803) 7759660.

The Colonel Matthew Singleton Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will meet at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the S.C. National Guard Armory, 395 N. Pike Road West. Visitors welcome.

The Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind will hold its 2014 membership meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Shiloh-Randolph Manor, 125 W. Bartlette St. Associate member Judy L. Simon will accept annual membership dues. Martha Gaither, of Blind Awareness, will speak.

Transportation provided within the mileage radius. Contact Debra Canty at (803) 775-5792 or DebraCanC2@frontier.com. Call the 24hour recorded message line at (206) 376-5992.

The National Association for Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) will meet Thursday, Jan 16, at Sunset Country Club.

Continuing Education course will be held 11 a.m.-noon. Lunch and the quarterly meeting will be held noon-12:45 p.m. followed by Continuing Education course 1-2 p.m. Call Tammy Kelly at (803) 773-8322.

The Pinedale Neighborhood Association will meet at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. Call Ferdinand Burns at (803) 968-4464.

The Sumter Combat Veterans Group will meet at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive.

All area veterans are invited.

The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association dinner / fundraiser will be held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the Lincoln High School gymnasium, 26 Council St. Cost is $6 per dinner and includes spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and tea.

There will also be an indoor yard sale and the 2014 membership drive will begin.

Lincoln High School Class of 1963 will meet at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at American Legion Post 202, 310 Palmetto St. Plans will be discussed for the class reunion. Call Ferdinand Burns at (803) 968-4464.

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Wheel of ForJeopardy! (HD) The Bachelor Juan Pablo meets 27 beautiful women, each eager to meet Killer Women: La Sicaria Assistant tune: Great Adhim, but only 18 may move on; several of the ladies try to stand out. (HD) District Attorney is killed. (HD) ventures (HD) Masterpiece: Upstairs Downstairs Father Brown: The Flying Stars Wife Doc Martin: Pre- (:46) Doc Martin: Dry Your Tears Sun Studio: Delta Servants are hired for new tenants. of a colonel is found drowned. (HD) serve the RoMartin is asked to return to London Blues Experience, (HD) mance to resume his old duties.

Part 1 NFL Playoffs: The OT (HD) Almost Human: Arrhythmia Black Bones: The Cheat in the Retreat Mur- WACH FOX News The Middle: The Team TBA vs Semarket for bio-mechanical hearts. der leads to a marriage retreat site. at 10 Nightly Block Party (HD) attle (HD) (HD) (HD) news report.

Community: Co- Community Blan- The First Family The First Family Mr. Box Office Mr. Box Office Access Hollywood (N) (HD) operative Calligra- ket fort. (HD) President’s family. President’s family. Star must teach. Star must teach. phy (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD)

11 PM

11:30

WIS News 10 at 11:00pm News and weather.

News 19 @ 11pm The news of the day.

ABC Columbia News at 11 (HD)

B5

12 AM

(:29) Saturday Night Live Scheduled: Jimmy Fallon hosts. (HD) (:35) CSI: Miami: Death Eminent Neighborhood mad & politician killed.

(HD) White Collar: Withdrawal Guys hunt down a professional robber. (HD)

Austin City Limits: Jason Isbell; Neko Case Songs from “Southeastern” performed. (N) (HD) Golan The Insa- (:45) Golan The tiable Chicken Insatiable: Ragin’ pox. (N) (HD) Fun (HD) The Arsenio Hall Show Late night variety/talk show. (HD)

Nature: Legendary White Stallions (HD) The Closer: Flashpoint (HD) Futurama: In-A-Gadda-Da-Le ela (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS Bad Ink Tattoo Bad Ink New Bad Ink (HD) Bad Ink Tattoo di- Bad Ink Tattoo re- Bad Ink Party girl; Bad Ink Tattoo Bad Ink College (:01) Bad Ink Bad Bad Ink Tattoo (:01) Bad Ink (HD) mistake. (HD) mother. (HD) sasters. (HD) moval. (HD) pig. (HD) snafu. (HD) friends. (HD) doodle. (HD) portrait. (HD) The Green Mile (‘99, Drama) Tom The Rock (‘96, Action) aaa Sean Connery. A biochemist and a former inmate at Alcatraz prison have to rescue The Rock (‘96, Action) aaa Sean Connery. A Hanks. A special convict. (HD) a group of people who were taken hostage by a madman as they toured the old facility. (HD) madman seizes Alcatraz prison. (HD) Pit Bulls and Parolees (HD) Too Cute! (HD) Pit Bulls and Parolees (HD) Pit Bulls and Parolees (N) (HD) Pit Bulls and Parolees (HD) Pit Bulls (HD) Waiting to Exhale (‘95, Drama) aac Whitney Houston. Four women use their friendship to get through the dif- The Color Purple (‘85, Drama) aaac Whoopi Goldberg. A black woman growing up in the ficult issues in their lives, including a cheating husband and single motherhood.

South in the 20th century suffers hardships.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta: A Movie Movie Trip Down Memory Lane To Be Announced Program information is unavailable at this time.

The Suze Orman Show To Be Announced Program information is unavailable at this time.

Suze Orman CNN Presents (HD) CNN Presents (HD) Anthony Bourdain Parts Anthony Bourdain Parts CNN Presents (HD) Anthony South Park (HD) South Park: South Park (HD) South Park: Rai- Gabriel Iglesias: Hot and Fluffy Kevin Hart: I’m a Grown Little Man Dave Chappelle: Killin’ Them Softly Women and Towelie (HD) sins (HD) People impressions.

Comic Kevin Hart. (HD) Lincoln Theater.

Black Dudes (N) A.N.T. Farm Lost A.N.T. Farm (HD) Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (‘03, Action) ac Antonio Jessie (HD) Lab Rats: Adam Kickin’ It (HD) Gravity Falls (HD) A.N.T. Farm (HD) Disney’s Shake It phone. (HD) Banderas. Game traps girl. (HD) Up (HD) Up! (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) MythBusters (N) (HD) Dangerous Toys (N) (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Dangerous Toys (HD) Fast Loud World Series of Poker (HD) World Series of Poker (HD) 2013 World Series of Poker: Final Table no} (HD) SportsCenter (HD) NFL Prime.

30 for 30 (HD) 30 for 30: Broke (HD) 30 for 30: 9.79* (HD) 30 for 30 (HD) SportsCenter Mulan (‘98, Adventure) Ming-Na The Incredibles (‘04, Adventure) aaac Brad Bird. A former superhero secretly returns Superman Returns (‘06, Action) aaa Brandon Routh. The Man of Steel Wen. A woman goes to war. (HD) from retirement to perform heroic duties. (HD) returns to earth to get Lois Lane back and save his home. (HD) Rachael 1950s cuisine.

Rachael vs. Guy:: Picky Palates Rachael Food trucks.

Rachael: Star Studded Supper On the Rocks Santa Clarita. (N) Rachael FOX Report Saturday (HD) Huckabee (N) (HD) Justice with Judge Jeanine (N) Geraldo at Large (HD) Red Eye (HD) Huckabee College Basketball z{| World Poker Tour no} (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) Golden Boy Live: from Sunrise, Fla. no} (HD) Basketball Love Comes Softly (‘03, Romance) aaa Katherine Heigl. A young pio- When Calls the Heart: Lost and Love’s Enduring Promise (‘04, Drama) Logan Arens. A pioneer family Frasier Sperm neer woman makes a deal. (HD) Found Plank of wood. (N) (HD) struggles to save their farm when their father becomes ill. (HD) bank.

Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Prop Bro (HD) Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars The Bucket List (‘08, Drama) aaa Jack Nicholson. Two terminal cancer ENTV Presents: Road to the Golden Dirty Dancing (‘87, Drama) aac Jennifer Grey. A sheltered teenager falls Golden Globes patients sneak out of the hospital to meet unfinished goals.

Globes (N) (HD) for a dance instructor to the dismay of her father.

(HD) (6:00) Taken Back: Finding Haley Tiger Eyes (‘13, Drama) aac Willa Holland. A grieving teenage girl relo- Gone Missing (‘13, Thriller) aaa Daphne Zuniga. Mother sets out to lo- (:02) Tiger Eyes cate missing daughter, who vanished during spring break. (HD) (‘13) aac (HD) cated to New Mexico meets a young Native American. (HD) (‘12, Thriller) Moira Kelly. (HD) Sam & Cat Sam & Cat Sam & Cat (N) Haunted (N) Thunderman Awesome Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:33) Friends (:06) Friends Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Helix: Pilot Helix: Vector Helix: Pilot Pitch Black (‘00, Science Fiction) aaa Vin Diesel. Survivors marooned on a desert planet are hunted by flesh-eating creatures. (HD) Loves Raymond Loves Raymond The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Cougar Town Ground A trip Men at Work (HD) (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) sans Brody.

(HD) Walk, Don’t Run (‘66, Comedy) It Happened One Night (‘34, Comedy) aaac Clark Gable. A runaway Arsenic and Old Lace (‘44, Comedy) aaac Cary Grant. A man discov- (:15) Lady for a aac Cary Grant. Man plays Cupid. heiress meets a reporter who agrees to help her escape her father. ers his seemingly harmless aunts poison their gentlemen callers.

Day (‘33) aaa Extreme Cheapskates (HD) Untold Stories of the E.R. (HD) Untold Stories of the E.R. (HD) Sex Sent Me to the ER (N) (HD) Untold Stories of the E.R. (HD) Untold ER (6:00) Source Code (‘11, Action) Scott The Lincoln Lawyer (‘11, Drama) aaa Matthew McConaughey. An attorney operates his le- The Lincoln Lawyer (‘11, Drama) aaa Matthew McConaughey. An atBakula. Terror averted. (HD) gal practice out of the back of his car. (HD) torney operates his legal practice out of the back of his car. (HD) Top 20 House fire.

Cold Justice: Mother (HD) Cold Justice (HD) Cold Justice: Blind Love (HD) (:01) Top 20 House fire.

Justice (HD) Kirstie (HD) Kirstie (HD) Kirstie (HD) Kirstie (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) (5:30) No Strings Attached (‘11, Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Ocean’s Thirteen (‘07, Drama) aac George Clooney.

Comedy) aac Natalie Portman. (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Crew exacts revenge on a Vegas kingpin.

Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Bones London murder. (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) WGN News at Nine (HD) How I Met Rules (HD) Rules (HD)

HBO launches brilliant drama ‘True Detective’

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Just as “The Sopranos” reinvented the mob drama as a family melodrama/comedy, “True Detective” (9 p.m. Sunday, HBO, TV-MA) brilliantly explodes every cliche about dramas based on “buddy cop” banter.

Yes, I put “The Sopranos” and “True Detective” in the same sentence. I meant it.

Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey are on top of their game. Everything you’ve heard about this being McConaughey’s year (“Dallas Buyers Club,” “The Wolf of Wall Street”) is true.

In 1995, detectives Rust Cohle (McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Harrelson) are assigned to investigate a gruesome murder in rural Louisiana, a killing shot through with ritualistic symbolism, possibly Satanic.

Hart, a married man and local good old boy, has a hard time with Cohle, a transplant from a Texas narcotics squad.

Not to reveal too much, but over time we discover that Cohle’s personal and professional history have unleashed psychological issues that he’s capable of discussing in the starkest terms — much to Hart’s discomfort.

Cohle’s pessimistic nature is not so much an attitude, but rather a fully formed philosophy and belief system, something that becomes an issue when higher-ups begin to make noise about the “anti-Christian” nature of the ritualistic mystery and assign a religious task force to assist them.

You’ll never think of copson-a-stakeout chitchat quite the same after Cohle’s dark confessions. And just when you’ve convinced yourself that he is the one with the most demons, we learn more about Hart’s habits and backstory.

“True” unfolds from several overlapping periods and points of view. We watch them investigate the ‘95 killings and see both men investigated in 2012 when a similar killing occurs.

At a time when television series from “CSI” to “Sherlock”

and “The Mentalist” celebrate the rapid-fire super-sleuthing powers of computers, laboratory forensics and specially endowed detectives, this series marinates viewers in slow-motion character study. Hours go by without so much as a lead or a suspect. But it’s hard to notice or care when you can watch great actors breathe life into two of the more compelling characters on television.

• Two notable comedies return, one traditional and filled with laughs and the other more “interesting” than laugh-outloud amusing.

There’s a good case to be made that “Episodes” (10:30 p.m. Sunday, Showtime, TVMA) could have ended after two seasons. But fans can rejoice that this trans-Atlantic sitcom is back for a third helping. As the action picks up, Sean (Stephen Mangan) and Beverly (Tamsin Greig) are working things out, but “Pucks,” the horribly Americanized version of their acclaimed Britcom that stars Matt LeBlanc (as himself), is in a TV death spiral.

The Brits remain the adults in the room, observing and refereeing shenanigans arising out of showbiz narcissism. After three years in Hollywood, everyone’s language and attitudes seem just a little bit more coarse and profane.

I love “Episodes.” It’s easily the best post-”Friends” comedy role/project for any of that show’s sextet. But I also appreciate how the best British comedies wrap it up after a few seasons.

“Girls” (10 p.m. Sunday, HBO, TV-MA) continues to do what it does best: pack a whole indie movie’s worth of angst, attitude and self-absorbed preciousness into a half-hour dollop. That’s no mean feat.

Jessa (Jemima Kirke) dominates an episode filled with strong performances with her breathtakingly selfish stint at rehab.

As is customary here, it takes a grown-up character to articulate the clueless, destructive audacity of these not-so-young girls. In this case, it occurs when Jessa’s exasperated counselor

asks her, “Are you a sociopath, or a method actor researching a role?”

A second episode of “Girls” follows.

• The hosts of “MythBusters” (10 p.m. Saturday, Discovery, r, TV-PG) often resemble overgrown kids, and with their “Dangerous Toys” special (9 p.m., TV-14), they employ their skills and professional expertise to play an elaborate child’s game of war.

Look for Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage to consult with a panel of “experts” younger than 12 who suggest weapons and scenarios for the “MythBusters” guys to fabricate.

Playing “fort” and “army” has never been so technically realized.

• Speaking of manly men stuff, “Milius” (8 p.m. Saturday, Epix) profiles writer-director John Milius, a contributor to “Apocalypse Now,” “Jaws,” “Conan the Barbarian” and the original “Red Dawn.” Look for interviews with Milius and his contemporaries, including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Francis Ford Coppola, Harrison Ford, Michael Mann, Robert Zemeckis, Oliver Stone and others.

• Erin Krakow, Lori Loughlin and Daniel Lissing star in the period Western series “When Calls the Heart” (9 p.m. Saturday, Hallmark, TV-G). A highspirited young woman is wrenched from East Coast society and relocated to a dusty coal town, where she must contend with inattentive students and too much attention from an earnest young constable.

Saturday’s Highlights • Celebrity guests jettison tiresome audience members from the red chair on “The Graham Norton Show” (10 p.m., BBC America, TV-14).

Sunday’s Highlights • Scheduled on “60 Minutes” (8 p.m., CBS): a follow-up report on people endowed with perfect memory and extraordinary powers of recall.

• Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

host “The 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards” (8 p.m., NBC).

• Comic Book Guy woos an artist on “The Simpsons” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG).

• Varmints like porcupine and groundhogs are no match for “The Beaver Brothers” (8 p.m., Animal Planet, TV-PG).

• Alicia and Will split the difference on “The Good Wife” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Emily tries to make sense of her new situation on “Revenge” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

• House party guests raise Mary’s spirits on “Downton Abbey” on “Masterpiece Classic” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings).

• Engaged couples explore romance on a legal deadline on the weird new reality series “90 Day Fiance” (10 p.m., TLC, TVPG).

Cult Choice A Brooklyn critic (Cary Grant) discovers his maiden aunts’ dark secrets in the 1944 adaptation of the stage comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace” (10 p.m. Saturday, TCM).

Saturday Series An ailing man predicts his time of death on “Almost Human” (8 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * Undercover at a couples’ getaway on “Bones” (9 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * A fetching cop shoots straight on “Killer Women” (10 p.m., ABC, r, TV-14).

Sunday Series Host Chris Harrison takes viewers behind the scenes on “The Bachelor” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14) * Tina assists a magician on “Bob’s Burgers” (8:30 p.m., Fox, TV-PG) * A new take on old fables on “Family Guy” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14) * A thawed masterpiece on “American Dad” (9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14) * An antiKarsten conspiracy grows on “Betrayal” (10 p.m., ABC, TVPG) * X marks the spot on “The Mentalist” (10 p.m., CBS, TV14).

Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

B6

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THE ITEM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

WWW.THEITEM.COM EITEM.COM

DEADLINES

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

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturday’s edition.

11:30 a.m. Friday for Sunday’s edition.

803.774.1234

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

ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 105 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.6 million readers. Call Jimmie Haynes at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.

Notice Of Application

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AUCTION- Absolute Online w/Bid Center, Land Tracts in Marion, Marlboro & Dillon Counties, NC. Jan. 17 at 8am to Jan. 23 at 3pm.

Bid Center at BC Steak & BBQ in Dillon, SC. Iron Horse Auction, Co., Inc. 800-997-2248.

NCAL3936/SCAL1684. www.ironh orseauction.com The family of the late Miss Lucille Maple wish to express their deep appreciation to those who have offered such kindness, support, and messages of sympathy & comfort in our time of bereavement. Greatly appreciated, The Maple Family If roses grow in heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for us, place them in our mother's arms and tell her they are from us. Tell her we love & miss her. When she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile.

Happy 56th Birthday! Always in our hearts & forever on our minds.

All our Love always, Mother Ellen, Children Ellen Nicole & Christopher, Brothers, Sisters & Family

Announcements Tuesday, January 14, 2014, is the last day to redeem winning tickets in the following South Carolina Education Lottery Instant Game: (609) LUCKY X20

Card of Thanks

BUSINESS SERVICES Business Services Electrical work. New & Repair Call 803-499-4127

Legal Service DIVORCE WITH OR WITHOUT children $125.00. Includes name change and property settlement agreement. SAVE hundreds. Fast and easy. Call 1-888-733-7165, 24/7

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

SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

Robert's Metal Roofing, 35 Yrs Exp. 18 colors & 45 yr warranty.

Financing avail, 803-837-1549.

Tree Service In Loving Memory of Richard Johnson 12/25/1942-01/11/2013 It's been a year since you've been gone, not a day goes by that you are not in our thoughts and you've been truly missed. Love your Wife Dorothy, Children & Grands

Lost & Found Return of small black dog. Lost around Ideal MHP. $100 Reward for safe return, no questions asked. Call 803-406-5582

MERCHANDISE Auctions

Beer & Wine License

Notice is hereby given that The Links at Lakewood, LLC 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 at 3600 Green View Parkway, Sumter, SC 29150. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than January 13, 2014. 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.

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

In Memory In Memory of Miss Lucille Maple

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

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

Absolute Auction - 54 +/Choice Acres Divided - Williamsburg County - New Zion Rd., Hebron Community, Lake City, SC - Saturday January 18, 11AM Damon Shortt Real Estate & Auction Group 877-669-4005 SCAL2346 www.damonshorttpro perties.com

Computers & Equipment My Computer Works. Computer problems?

Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1-888-269-7891

Firewood 1 /4 Coard $20 Fill your trunk for $20 Call 666-8078 or 883-1750

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales Moving Sale: 4345 Lisa Dr. (Off Nazarene Church Rd)., Fri Jan. 17th, noon-5, Sat. 18th, 7-noon.

Some furn., appliances, tools, storm windows, plants, lots of misc. Rain or Shine!

BIG Bizarre Sale, Solomon Upholstery (Lake City Hwy). Thur, Fri, & Sat 8AM Oak table with 12 chairs, Oak mantle, Oak Armoir Call 803-464-7555 LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

For Sale or Trade

Thomas Sumter Academy in Rembert, SC, is seeking an applicant for a part-time General Ledger Bookkeeper.

Sumter County Civic Center Indoor Garage Sale.

700 W. Liberty St. Saturday, February 1, 2014 8 am - 1 pm.

Free admission.

For booth space call 436-2271 Starting Jan 6, 2014 @ 9:00am EJ's Convenience and Variety Reopens at 522 W Liberty St. (On Corner of purdy and liberty) Mon-Sat 9-5. New clothes & shoes at thrift store prices. New things every week.

Lawn / Garden / Nursery Pinestraw Clean loblolly $3 per bale for 30 or more. Customer pickup. Fri & Sat. 803-983-7594.

For Sale or Trade Antique Cherry drop leaf table, 4 Cane bottom chairs. Over 150 yrs old Call 481-2894 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Glass top dining table with 6 iron framed chairs $350 OBO Call 775-0536 Hickory & Oak firewood. Seasoned/Green $65 Delivered. Notch Above Tree Service. 983-9721 Steel Building Allocated Bargains. 40x60 on up.

We do deals. www.gosteelbuildin gs.com.

Source #18X 803-335-2030 REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL!* Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo.

FREE HD/DVR Upgrade to new callers, SO CALL NOW 1-866-981-7319 Wheelchair for sale. Like new condition. $125.00.

Call 803-481-8227 or 491-5255 Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves. Also new Gas stoves.

Guaranteed. 803-464-5439 DISH TV Retailer - Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.)

SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation!

CALL Now! 1-800-635-0278 Firewood for Sale Will Deliver. Call 803 651-8672

Final Indoor Sale 790 McKay St Sat 7-12. All must go. Furn. hshld items, kitchen, books and more.

Vinyl Bay-Window already framed. Ready to install $900. Call 803-469-3925

Sumter County Flea Mkt Hwy 378 E. 803-495-2281 500 tables. Sat. $8 free return Sun.

Split Oak Firewood, $60/dump, $70/stacked. Darrell Newman 803-316-0128. Tree Service also available.

Help Wanted Part-Time

Sofa/Buffet table $200, Bar stools wood pr $50, Crystal Lamps $50, Wood dining chairs $15, Photo emailed 435-8075 Manning.

DirecTV - Over 140 channels only $29.99 a month. Call Now! Triple savings! $636.00 in Savings, Free upgrade to Genie & 2013 NFL Sunday ticket free!! Start saving today! 1-800-908-5974

Some of the requirements are: preparing balance sheet and income statements on a monthly basis, reconciling bank accounts, creating and maintaining budget figures, maintaining the financial aid account, and being responsible for all accounts receivable collections and other related duties. Please contact/send resume to Susan Hux, Administrative Assistant, at tsa.generals@thomassumter.org or call 803.499.3378.

Trucking Opportunities

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Carolina Healthcare Hospice is seeking Full time & PRN RN's in the Sumter, Clarendon & Florence Counties. Forward resumes to PO Box 464, Sumter SC 29151 or call 803-774-4377.

Pilgrims We are currently seeking an experienced 3rd Shift Biological Waste Water Operator. Qualified applicants must have a current Biological Waste Water License Class D or better. Have a valid SC Driver's License. Background and a pre-employment physical/drug screen are required with this position. We have an excellent compensation package which consist of paid holidays, vacation, medical, dental, life insurance, and 401K. If you meet these requirements please mail or fax your resume/qualifications to: Pilgrims Attention: HR Department 2050 Highway 15 South Sumter, SC 29150 Fax: 803-481-8961 EOE-AA-M-F-D-V Established Heating and Air Conditioning Company looking for an experienced HVAC service technician. Must have experience, a valid driver's license, people skills, good personality. Great benefits offered and top pay!

Send responses to PO Box 2378 Sumter SC 29151 B-N-T is seeking experienced Drivers & EMT's. Please fax resumes to 803-774-4452 or apply in person.

Seeking PT Certified Pool Operator to check pools daily. Apply in person at Candlewood Suites, 2541 Broad St Sumter or call 803-316-4444.

Driver Trainees Needed Now! Learn to drive for US Xpress! Earn $800+ per week! No experience needed!

CDL -Trained and Job-Ready in 15 days! 1-888-263-7364

Schools / Instructional HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME 6-8 weeks. ACCREDITED. Get a Diploma. Get a Job! No Computer Needed. FREE Brochure. 1-800-264-8330. Benjamin Franklin HS www.diplomafromho me.com AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Housing and Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance.

Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-367-2513

Work Wanted I will sit with elderly or sick. Will provide ref/exp. Call 803-236-3603 for more info.

Statewide Employment Top 1% Pay - Pet & Rider Progs Exp Pays - up to 50 cpm Full Benefits + Quality Hometime CDL-A Req 877-258-8782 www.a d-drivers.com Experienced OTR Flatbed Drivers earn 50 up to 55 cpm loaded. $1000 sign on to Qualified drivers.

Home most weekends. Call: 843-266-3731 / www.bulldoghiwa y.com EOE MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant now at Advanced College. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed. 1-888-528-5176

A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721 The Tree Doctor Any size tree removal & stump grinding. Trimming & clearing. No job too big or small. Call 775-8560 or 468-1946. We accept credit cards and offer senior discounts Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

STATEBURG COURTYARD

CONTRACTOR WANTED! t 46.5&3 )*() t .033*4 8": t ,0-# 30"%

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. Spacious 2 & 3 Bedroom Units Paved Streets & Parking Well Landscaped Lawns Central Heat & Air Patrolled by Private Security Quiet Family Living

Private lot, Near Shaw, 1 block from Peach Orchard Plaza

For More Info Call: 803-494-4015

Must have RELIABLE transportation and a phone in your home.

6 Days a week

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CALL HARRY PRINGLE AT 774-1257 or come in to ill out an application 20 N. Magnolia Street Sumter, SC 29150

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

COMICS

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

DOG EAT DOUG

GARFIELD

ZITS

BEETLE BAILEY

BLONDIE

ANDY CAPP

DILBERT

BORN LOSER

MOTHER GOOSE

Jeff MacNelly’s SHOE

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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B7

Young mom must keep her wits as husband considers leaving

D

dear abby

EAR ABBY — when you do, start figurMy husband and ing out a “plan B” for I are a young how you will support couple, married almost your children if it betwo years. He recently comes necessary. You told me he isn’t happy should also consult an with me anymore and attorney who can help that he may want you ensure that to leave. He your husband won’t tell me lives up to his rewhy. He says he sponsibilities if he doesn’t know does decide to why. leave.

It was a comThe reason for plete shock to your husband’s me. He refuses to ambivalence will Abigail seek marriage become apparent VAN BUREN counseling and in time. You may has dealt with a love him deeply, lot of depression for but for your sake and which he won’t seek that of your children, it’s help, either. We have a important you stay calm child, and I am now and rational. pregnant again. It hasn’t changed his thoughts Dear Abby is written by about leaving.

Abigail Van Buren, also What should I do for known as Jeanne Phillips, myself and our children? and was founded by her What can I do to help my mother, Pauline Phillips. husband change his Write Dear Abby at www. mind? I’m still deeply in DearAbby.com or P.O. Box love with him.

69440, Los Angeles, CA CONFUSED IN 90069.

SOUTH CAROLINA To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” DEAR CONFUSED — send your name and mailI can only imagine how ing address, plus check or painful this must be for money order for $7 (U.S. you. Because your husfunds) to: Dear Abby -- Letband won’t see a counter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, selor about your marMount Morris, IL 61054riage or do anything 0447. Shipping and hanabout his depression, dling are included in the then YOU should. And price.

SUDOKU

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014

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Unfurnished Homes

ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 105 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.6 million readers. Call Jimmie Haynes at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.

HOUSE FOR RENT Patriot Parkway 2BR/1BA, LR, den, dining room, C/H/A, gas stove.

803-607-9276.

WANTED: LIFE AGENTS: Earn $500 a Day; Great Agent Benefits; Commissions Paid Daily; Complete Training; Leads, Leads, Leads; NO LICENSE NECESSARY TO APPLY. Call 1-888-713-6020 Independent Satellite Technicians Needed for Quality Home & Commercial Services. Experience Preferred!

Training Available.

White Truck or Van, Tools, & 28' ladder required. Must pass DISH background check & drug screen. tech.caotti.com/866-310-2336 WE NEED DRIVERS!! Immediate openings. OTR drivers, minimum 1yr. OTR experience. Late model conventional tractors/48' flatbed trailers. Top pay, insurance. Home most weekends. Senn Freight 1-800-477-0792 Drivers HOME WEEKLY & BIWEEKLY EARN $900-$1200/WK Class A CDL & 6 Mos. Exp. Req. No Canada, HAZMAT or NYC! 877-705-9261 Start the New Year with a Great Career by Joining our Team. Class A Professional Drivers Call 866-501-0946 for more details or visit SuperServiceLLC.com

Resort Rentals

121 Haynesworth St - 2BR/1BA, LR, DR, Utility room, HW floors, fenced in back yard, $595/mo + $1000/dep. Agent Owned Call 803-468-1612.

Mobile Home Rentals Convenient to Sumter & Shaw. 2 Bedroom DW, stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer. Lg. sundeck, private lot. No pets. $550 mo. + dep. Call 983-8152 Winter Special (Dalzell) MHP 2BR/1BA, washer, dryer, sewer & garbage P/U. Section 8 accepted. $360/mo + $360/dep. Call Mark at 803-565-7947.

Wanted Married Couple who would like living in quiet country setting, 3BR 2BA Nice, Clean DW. Ref. & background check. No Pet or smoking. Conv to Shaw, $550/mo + $550/dep. 905-5608 Scenic Lake 2Br, 2Ba. No pets.

Call between 9am - 5pm ONLY! (803) 499-1500.

ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.6 million South Carolina newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 105 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Jimmie Haynes at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.

Commercial Rentals B-N-T has commercial space for rent to a Licensed Mechanic with own tools. Call 803-774-4450 Guignard Storage: 57 Neal St. Personal storage units.

No deposits. Call 803-491-4914 862 E Liberty St Storage/Retail/ Office 1550 Sq Ft. $250 Mo. Agent Owned Call 803-236-2425

REAL ESTATE

American MHP, 2 & 3/BRs, lot rentals, water/sewer/garbage pkup inc'd. Sec. 8 ok. 803-494-4300.

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Unfurnished Apartments

Vacation Rentals

4BR/2BA in Paxville, Living Rm, Dinning Rm, Family Rm, eat in kitchen, central A-C, 452-5544 or 704-615-5622

3BR/1.5BA, all appl. incl. C/H/A, water & sewer incl. $385/mo + dep. Call 803-464-5757.

RENTALS

Vacation Rentals Santee, Garden City Beach Michelle Hodge, 803-491-4914

Homes for Sale 4185 Brabham Dr. Dalzell, 3BR 1.5BA, 1197SF-1/2 ac lot. Inside freshly renovated, new roofs, fenced backyard. $89,990. Call 499-3776 7 room house, over 1.25 ac. Part.

Furnished Asking $38,000 Call 803-406-5582.

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

2BR/2BA very nice large Apt. located in town.

Call 803-236-5953 Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette.

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

TRANSPORTATION

LOW CREDIT SCORE? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing.

We have 2-3-4-5 bedroom homes on our lot. Layaway program available. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

3 & 4BR Doublewides in Dalzell.

Owner Financing with large down payments. 803-983-8084

Land & Lots for Sale Multiple lots for sale: 803-236-8495 ask for Bruce.

Call

RECREATION

Campers / RV's/ Motorhomes 2011 Ultra-lite 32' camper. Elec slideout, AC, heat, sleeps 8. Exc cond. $17,500. 803-481-8301

CLASSIFIED ADS Will Go To Work For You! To Find Cash Buyers For Your Unused Items

Autos For Sale 2008 Chevy Impala LS (2 to choose from), 2008 Mazda 6, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (2 to choose from) 2008 Honda Accord EXL. Call R & R Motors 803-494-2886

Vans / Trucks / Buses Auction 2009 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, 4WD 1997 Chevy S-10 Ext. Cab, OS Tires Details and Bidding at www.jrdixonauctions.com Rafe Dixon, SCAL 4059 (803) 774-6967

Miscellaneous C&C Recycling Parts & Wrecker Service Top price paid for junk cars! We buy scrap metal, alum cans, batteries, copper. 773-7702

Autos For Sale 2004 Mercury Marquis LS 4Dr 58K Mi. $5, 495 Call 803 481-2894 2000 Jeep Wrangler 140k mi. blue canvas top, 5 Speed manual, 1 owner, Asking $4200 Call 803-968-3318 Holiday Special 150 cars $5,000 or less $$$ CASH $$$ Price is Right Auto Sales 3210 Broad St 803-494-4275 93' Nissan truck 215k Mi .$3500 Well maintained Call 469-3152 after 5pm Lv msg 96 Blazer 4DR, A/C, new CD player, Great cond., 218k miles. Very dependable. $2,150. 803-847-7273

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Spring Preview

Unfurnished Homes 4269 Confederate Rd. 2 br, 1 ba, C/H/A, appliances, $500 mo. + $500 dep. 916 Furman Dr. 3 Br, 2 Ba, C/H/A, appliances, $600 mo. + $600 dep. 983-3337.

Lease with option to buy. 200 Crestwood: 4 br, 2 ba, LR, DR, kitchen, utility room, & den. $900 mo. Owner financing for qualified renter. h- 775-8840 or c- 491-4026 Available Feb. 1st. 1001 Arnaud St. 2 br, 2 ba, townhouse. Stove, refrig, $750 mo. + dep. 773-5436

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advertising deadline

In Town Manning 3BR 2BA Brick house $800 Mo/Dep Call 803-473-7577

MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2014

Nicely Updated 2BR home.

New carpet, appl's, water, dumspter, sec. lights inc'd.

Conv. Shaw. No H/A or PETS! $485/mo + $350/dep.

803-968-5329

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014

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