January 15, 2014 by The Sumter Item

WALKING FREE: Sumter man found not guilty of kidnapping. A2

BIRNIE HOPE HOOPS St. Francis Xavier tangles with Clarendon Hall

B1 VOL. 119, NO. 77 WWW.THEITEM.COM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

FOUNDED OCTOBER 15, 1894

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Baker will earn $182K annually BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com

BAKER

Dr. Frank Baker will receive at least $182,070 a year for the next three school years, as details of the Sumter School District superintendent’s finalized contract were released on Tuesday.

According to the contract, Baker has agreed to serve until June 30, 2016, and will be paid at least nearly $10,000 more than his predecessor, former superintendent Randolph Bynum. The contract also states the board and Baker “may mutually agree to adjust the salary of the su-

perintendent during the term of this contract, based on satisfactory performance, but in no event shall the superintendent be paid less than $182,070.” Baker also has the option of contributing any part of his salary to an annuity plan of his choice, and the contract has other added benefits,

such as a monthly automobile allowance of no less than $1,000. The contract was discussed in executive session during the board’s meeting on Monday, according to the Rev. Daryl McGhaney, who made the motion to SEE CONTRACT, PAGE A8

Pinewood election set

PHOTO PROVIDED

Erika Harlan walks away with some gifts at the October Operation Military Shower, founded to help moms whose spouses were deployed or on temporary duty assignment, but it has grown to include those with financial concerns.

Showers help to support local military moms BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Both seen Tuesday at Pinewood’s town council meeting, Pinewood Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Mathis, left, will face off against Manley Dubose in Pinewood’s special election in March for the seat vacated by former Mayor Al Pridgen. Filing closed Monday.

2 candidates file for mayoral seat BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com Two candidates have offered up their names to fill Pinewood’s empty mayoral seat during the special election in March. With filing closing on Monday, Manley C. Dubose, a resident of Pinewood, is set to appear on the ballot against Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Mathis, who has been serving as interim mayor since former Mayor Al Pridgen left Pinewood in October to seek medical attention in North Carolina. Pridgen’s resig-

nation was made official after council received an updated resignation letter with an effective date of Dec. 16. Dubose said he was running because of dissatisfaction with how the current council is handling issues in Pinewood. “I just want to make sure that things are done the way that they are supposed to be done,” Dubose said. “I just need to see what needs fixing and go from there.” In the past, Dubose has expressed his discomfort with the way council has

been running Pinewood, most recently when council didn’t immediately inform its citizens about receiving a resignation letter from Pridgen in early December 2013. “I don’t think it was right, and it wasn’t done the way it was supposed to be done,” Dubose said. “I just want to get things back like they ought to be.” Dubose has been a resident of Pinewood for the majority of his life, having never lived any farther than four miles from the town all his

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com The town of Pinewood is no longer able to offer its employees health insurance benefits after falling more than $13,000 behind in insurance payments to the state agency providing coverage. In a letter sent to the town last week, the S.C. Public Employee Benefit Authority said it was suspending service for any town employees because of the delinquent payments. Mayor Pro Tempore Sarah Mathis, however, stated during a Pinewood council meeting Tuesday that the town has no public employees, so no one in the town is eligible to receive benefits.

SEE ELECTION, PAGE A8

SEE INSURANCE, PAGE A8

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Having a baby is an expensive proposition. Now imagine having twins. Take it a step further. Imagine having twins while your spouse is halfway around the world and knowing that, come April, you or he may no longer be employed. “I have 22 moms and two are expecting twins,” said Melissa Revel, founder of OperYOU CAN ation Military Shower. HELP OUT “I’ve had some who are dual military, and Go online some where Mom is for more active duty. It’s eye information or opening to see so many to donate to the different situations. cause. “The troop drawdown, the way it is afwww.operationfecting Shaw (Air Force militaryshower. Base) and how it afcom fects my program, is I’ve changed the mission to not just deployment. Those are becoming fewer and fewer. It’s about a financial need, too.” The wife of Third Army Maj. Richard Revel and mother of three ranging in ages from 9 to 6 months, she aims to ease some of the fears of the moms-tobe with gifts and a support network. But she needs the community’s help. Revel is putting out a call for donations and more volunteers. “We’re still looking for those big

Barbara Jean C. Nash Tom McElveen Norma Jean Hudson Julius Thomas Rita Lina C. LeTempt Valerie J. Fields Dr. Patrick M. Mardesich

Jean T. Holladay Jacqueline M. Chambers Samuel S. Haley James Albert Kathryn D. Richardson Ada T. Lovely B5, B6

SEE MOMS TO BE, PAGE A6

OUTSIDE SOME SUN

INSIDE 3 SECTIONS, 28 PAGES

Partly sunny today; cloudy tonight with possible showers HIGH: 58 LOW: 29 A8

Classifieds Comics Daily Planner Food Opinion Television

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014 Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or email news@theitem.com

Owens found not guilty of kidnapping BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem

TYLER SIMPSON / THE ITEM

Kevin Owens smiles after 3rd Circuit Judge W. Jeffrey Young announced the jury had found him not guilty of all charges levied against him in an alleged kidnapping in March 2012.

A 33-year-old Sumterite is a free man after being found not guilty on Tuesday of the charges he faced for allegedly kidnapping and threatening his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint in 2012. Kevin Owens, facing a possible maximum sentence of 45 years in prison if found guilty of kidnapping, criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and unlawful possession of a firearm, was cleared of all the charges against him after the jury hearing the two-day trial at Sumter County Judicial Center deliberated for approximately two hours. “Obviously, the jury didn’t feel that the burden of guilty beyond a reasonable doubt was met,” said Defense Attorney Tiffany Butler. After the trial, Butler said her main focus

Penny sales tax projects coming into focus

while defending Owens was the insufficient quality and quantity of evidence the prosecution and law enforcement presented against her client, pointing out the case was based mainly on a single statement from his accuser. Back in March 2012, Owens’ ex-girlfriend told police he had kidnapped her from outside her apartment and kept her captive in a trailer home in the 400 block of Silver Street, where he reportedly beat her and held a firearm inside her mouth at some point. On Tuesday, however, the jury did not feel the prosecution had proven its case, and because Owens was not being held in jail on any other charges at the time, 3rd Circuit Judge W. Jeffrey Young declared Owens was free to go immediately after the trial concluded. Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS | FROM STAFF & WIRE REPORTS

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com The lineup of projects Sumter County voters will be asked to approve in November’s penny sales tax referendum is beginning to take shape. Of the nine lead groups put together by county council to recommend projects to be funded by the proposed tax, five have now submitted their lists for consideration, County Administrator Gary Mixon told a special council meeting Tuesday. Proposals from three citizen groups, as well as law enforcement and the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, have now been received by county administration, approximately three months before a joint citycounty commission will formulate the final list to be submitted to voters. Formal submissions from Sumter City Council and the Economic Development Board are still outstanding, while Mixon said he expects to get a list from the education group “in a week or so.” That leaves county council — operating as its own lead group — to formulate its own list of recommendations. Members didn’t make any final decisions Tuesday but

CCTC massage therapy clinics return

Sumter County Council Ordinance Status Ordinance RZ-13-17: Changing 4.91 acres at 1625 U.S. 521 South from "agricultural conservation" to "general commercial." RZ-13-16: Changing 15.19 total acres at 1257 Barnwell Drive and 0 Millhouse Road from "residential 15" to "agricultural conservation"

reviewed some of the county’s outstanding needs. Patriot Hall is in need of a new roof that could cost $700,000, Mixon said, while the Recreation and Parks gym on Haynsworth Street also needs renovation. “The electrical box there is part of the original system put in by Edmunds High School in the 1950s,” Mixon said. “A lot of the parts they don’t make anymore.” Councilwoman Vivian Fleming-McGhaney said she wanted an expansion of the county water system included, noting many residents in the eastern part of the county she represents rely on ground wells. “Some people have been waiting many, many years for water,” she said. “People just give up hope after a while.” But among the other pro-

1st Reading Jan. 14: Approved unanimously

; ;

Dec. 10, 2013: Approved unanimously

2nd Reading

Public Hearing

3rd Reading

Expected at Jan. 28 meeting

Expected at Feb. 11 meeting

;

Jan. 14: Action deferred; could be taken up Jan. 28

posals discussed Tuesday, roadwork still seems likely to take up most of the funding. “What I keep hearing about in the county is roads,” said Councilman Artie Baker. “That’s what they’re asking for. That’s what everybody wants.” Many county roads may get penny tax funding, but Councilman Eugene Baten said he was reluctant to take on state-maintained roads as a county responsibility. “The more we do, the less they’re going to do,” he said. In addition to the lead groups’ work, the county has also received suggestions from members of the public, including business owner Philip Marlowe. Marlowe spoke at the meeting about adding a stoplight on U.S. 378 to create an intersection with Wesmark Boulevard.

; Held at Jan. 14 meeting

; ;

“We miss a lot of opportunities with traffic bypassing Sumter without an access point to Wesmark Plaza,” said Marlowe, who owns Palmetto Tire on East Wesmark Boulevard. “We also have heavy traffic on Broad Street during the day, and this could be a valve to relieve congestion.” Mixon said that proposal would require input from the state Department of Transportation, which manages 378 as a highway bypass. In other news, council also approved the addition of a streetlight to the intersection of Old Camden Highway and Alpenglow Drive, which includes a school bus stop. Council hopes to hold a joint meeting with all the lead groups by the end of the month, so each group can speak in support of its projects.

The Central Carolina Massage Therapy Student Clinics are back. They will run from now through July 31 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments are available for 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The cost of the one-hour student massage is $15. To book an appointment, visit centralcarolinatechnicalcollege. fullslate.com or call (803) 774-3317.

SCANA pays $169M in property taxes in 2013 CAYCE — The parent company of South Carolina Electric & Gas says it paid about $169 million in property taxes to South Carolina counties in 2013. SCANA Corp. said Tuesday that 18 of the state’s 46 counties received at least $1 million in taxes from the company’s land holdings and power plants. Lexington County was paid the most at $32 million.

Spy court judge slams proposed privacy advocate WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. judiciary told Congress on Tuesday it opposes the idea of having an independent privacy advocate on the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, while members of Congress lauded the idea at a Capitol Hill hearing. Speaking for the entire U.S. judiciary, U.S. District Judge John D. Bates sent a letter to the Senate Intelligence Committee saying that appointing an independent advocate to the secret

surveillance court is unnecessary and possibly counterproductive, and he slammed other key reforms as adding too heavy a caseload to the secret court’s work. In FISA court hearings, judges only hear from the government seeking a spy warrant. Bates said opening the proceeding to an advocate for privacy in general — who would never meet the suspect or be able to defend the charges against him — wouldn’t create the kind of back and forth seen in open

criminal or civil court proceedings. “Given the nature of FISA proceedings, the participation of an advocate would neither create a truly adversarial process nor constructively assist the courts in assessing the facts,” he wrote. Members of the presidential task force that recommended such an advocate defended the proposal before the Senate Judiciary Committee, as did Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., during a hearing on the NSA’s surveillance programs Tuesday.

Cass Sunstein, a member of the Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies, said the secret court should not be making decisions on law or policy without an opposition voice. “We don’t think that’s consistent with our legal traditions,” Sunstein said. He also said that a public advocate would only be needed for a small number of cases because most FISA proceedings do not involve “issues of law or policy.”

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LOCAL / STATE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

THE ITEM

Lawmakers return to Columbia to dueling rallies COLUMBIA (AP) — South Carolina lawmakers returned Tuesday to the Statehouse and were greeted by dueling protests over health care. On one side of the capitol, protesters called for the Legislature to pass a bill that would keep the state from implementing some parts of the new federal health care law backed by President Obama. On the other side of the Statehouse, protesters gathered for what they said would be the first of many Truthful Tuesday rallies to call for more spending on health care and education and more social justice in South Carolina. They hinted they would be willing, like their counterparts in North Carolina, to have mass arrests to get their point across. Inside, the House and Senate met for less than two hours in what was a mostly ceremonious first day. The Senate briefly discussed a bill allowing guns in restaurants but took no action. It was mostly a chance to catch up with each other after six months away from Columbia. Rep. Russell Ott, D-St.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Paul Anderko of Rock Hill holds a sign during a protest outside the Statehouse on the first day of the South Carolina Legislature on Tuesday in Columbia. State’s rights supporters of the concept of nullification called on South Carolina to reject what they see as federal intrusions into the state, such as the Affordable Care Act.

Matthews, was sworn into office, surrounded by his father, former Rep. Harry Ott, and other family members.

Russell Ott, 35, was elected in October to fill out his father’s term. The former House minority leader repre-

sented the district for 15 years before stepping down to become the state executive director of the federal

Farm Service Agency. Lawmakers will start getting to the state’s business in the next few days. And one of the first bills that should come up in the South Carolina Senate is what was nicknamed the “Nullify Obamacare” bill when it passed the House last year. The bill will be altered so it isn’t quite as stringent. The original version made it a felony for an agent or employee of the federal government to try to uphold the law and offered a state tax deduction to offset any penalties for not getting health insurance. Those parts of the law are gone. The amended bill will ban Medicaid expansion and state-run health care exchanges in South Carolina and prevent state and local agencies from helping people sign up for health insurance. “You’re not going to use our agencies, you are not going to use our employers, you’re not going to use our money. You are not going to use anything we have in our borders to implement this unconstitutional law,” said state Sen. Tom Davis, RBeaufort, who is one of the biggest backers of the bill.

POLICE BLOTTER

CHARGES:

STOLEN PROPERTY:

Keon Terrell Robinson, 30, of 4695 Cane Savannah Road, Wedgefield, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm at 1:34 a.m. Saturday. According to the report, officers observed Robinson exit his silver Lincoln at a parking lot on Atlantic Street and Manning Avenue with a jug, stating that his vehicle was “running hot.” An officer patted him down to feel a bulge in his left jacket pocket, which Robinson said was a magazine for his gun. The other officer saw the gun in plain view on the passenger floor of the vehicle, and Robinson was asked to put his hands on his head before he tried to flee on foot. An officer placed Robinson into custody.

A black 15-inch Toshiba laptop valued at $800 was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 100 block of North Washington Street at 7:37 a.m. Friday. A silver 2006 Chevrolet Impala valued at $9,000 was reportedly stolen from a residence in the 10 block of Henrietta Street between 9:30 p.m. Friday and 9:15 a.m. Saturday. A women’s gold wedding band set, a men’s gold wedding band, a set of diamond earrings, birth stone earrings and a cigar can containing approximately $40 were reported stolen at 12:19 p.m.

Sunday from a residence in the 1600 block of Poole Road. The estimated value of the stolen items is $2,420. Approximately $950 in cash was reportedly stolen from a green Mazda in the 400 block of Loring Drive between 11:30 a.m. and noon Sunday. A washer and dryer set worth approximately $1,100 was reported stolen at 10 a.m. Monday from a residence in the 3000 block of Raffield Court, Dalzell. A black 73-inch Mitsubishi flat-screen television, a brown television stand, a brown and clear 55-gallon fish tank, a black and glass

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kitchen table set with four matching chairs, a white Whirlpool washer, a white Whirlpool dryer, a black microwave oven, a black Sony DVD player, a black Panasonic DVD player and a silver 27inch flat-screen Samsung computer monitor were reported stolen at 11:27 Monday from a residence in the 5000 block of West Scenic

Lake Drive, Rembert. The estimated total value of the items is $10,616. VANDALISM:

An unknown suspect reportedly vandalized a vehicle in the 300 block of Manning Street about 6:35 p.m. Saturday by bending the windshield wipers, stealing the AT&T auto papers, breaking the

right front twin signal assembly and scratching the passenger’s side. The estimated total cost of the damage is $3,000. An unknown suspect reportedly scratched the passenger side of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado about 1:05 p.m. Monday in the 3000 block of Lindella Road. The estimated cost of the damage is $1,000.

LOCAL / NATION

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

Agency touts results from sex abuse education efforts

TAKING OFF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

FROM STAFF REPORTS If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever wondered if education works, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands says it does. The nonprofit agency provided a Youth Violence Prevention Program last year to 23 middle and high schools in its service area, which includes Sumter. This program led to 17 mandated reports of suspected sexual abuse in 2013, seven of which were filed in December alone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sexual abuse is an epidemic harming our community,â&#x20AC;? said Executive Director Ginny Waller. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prevention education is vital to change social norms about gender and sexual violence that negatively impact our families, businesses and schools. Teachers and other adults who work with children must understand how to respond to child sexual abuse and file a mandated report to protect children from further abuse.â&#x20AC;? STSM community educators use primary prevention programming

endorsed by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control to educate people about the root causes of violence and to empower people to make positive change in the community. The service is offered free of charge and is available to local schools, community organizations and businesses. In addition, STSM offers training for adults on recognizing and preventing child sexual abuse and other sexual violence prevention and risk-reduction initiatives, including mandated reporting. Professionals who work directly with vulnerable populations are identified by the state of South Carolina as mandated reporters. Mandated reporters must report to Department of Social Services or law enforcement when they have reason to think that a child has been or will be abused or neglected. Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands provides a number of other free and confidential services. For more information, visit stsm. org.

Huge budget bill aims to show Congressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mettle

IVY MOORE / THE ITEM

WASHINGTON (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A chastened Congress is putting aside the crisis-driven budget battles of the past three years, embracing a $1.1 trillion spending bill that restores or smooths the sharpest edges of the automatic cuts imposed as a result of its own dysfunction. The huge election-year legislation preserves the downward trajectory on government spending demanded by Republicans. Yet the bipartisan measure steaming through Congress also preserves President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care overhaul and stricter regulation of financial markets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and deflects the most significant attempts by Republicans to rewrite en-

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Sumter County employee Steve Johnson spent part of the dreary Tuesday afternoon taking down the lights from the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas tree in preparation for its removal from the courthouse grounds.

vironmental rules and force other changes. Lawmakers hope the compromise will show disgruntled voters before next fallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s midterm election that Washington â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially its unpopular Congress â&#x20AC;&#x201D; can perform its most basic function of responsibly funding the government. The bravado that prompted tea party Republicans to force a government shutdown in hopes of derailing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obamacareâ&#x20AC;? is long gone, replaced by an election-year desire to focus attention on the administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s troubled rollout of the health care law instead of lurching from crisis to crisis.

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REGION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

THE ITEM

Suspect in fatal Florida theater shooting denied bond WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chad Oulson was described by friends as a man who loved dirt bikes and his baby daughter. Curtis Reeves was a retired Tampa police officer with numerous commendations who liked riding his motorcycle with his wife. The menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives collided Monday in a movie theater altercation that left Oulson dead and Reeves in jail. Oulson was texting his daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daycare, friends said, and Reeves got mad. Authorities said Reeves shot and killed Oulson with a handgun after the men exchanged words. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He must have just snapped,â&#x20AC;? neighbor Joe Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andrea said of Reeves, describing him as friendly, â&#x20AC;&#x153;stand-upâ&#x20AC;? guy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to put all of this together.â&#x20AC;? Reevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personnel files from the police department show he led other agencies in gun safety training and received numerous letters of commendation for his leadership. Still, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said Tuesday, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter what he had done previously in his life. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shoot someone over a texting incident.â&#x20AC;? During Reevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first court appearance Tuesday, Judge Lynn Tepper ordered the 71-year-old held without bond on a second-degree murder charge pending a bond hearing. Pasco County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s officials said Reeves initially asked Oulson to stop texting at the theater in Wesley Chapel, a suburb about a half hour north of downtown Tampa. Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Detective Allen Proctor wrote that Reeves spoke to Oulson during the movie previews, then got up and informed management. When Reeves returned to

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Curtis Reeves appears via video conference before Circuit Judge Lynn Tepper in Wesley Chapel, Fla., on Tuesday. Tepper ordered Reeves, 71, held without bond on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of 43-year-old Chad Oulson on Monday.

his seat â&#x20AC;&#x153;additional words were exchangedâ&#x20AC;? and Oulson threw a bag of popcorn at Reeves, the report said. After officers read him his rights, Reeves told the detective that Oulson struck him in the face with an unknown object, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when he removed a .380-caliber gun from his pants pocket. The report said Reeves fired the gun and struck Oulson once in the chest and that he â&#x20AC;&#x153;was in fear of being attacked.â&#x20AC;? The sheriff said at a news conference that Reevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; son â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who was off duty from his job as a Tampa officer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; was walking into the theater when the shooting happened. Nocco said Reeves briefly struggled with an off-duty deputy but released the weapon. The gun was jammed and unable to fire again.

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Pasco Sgt. Steve Greiner was among the first officers in the theater. When asked about Reevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; demeanor, Greiner replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was very calm. He was seated in the chair, looking at the screen.â&#x20AC;? At the hearing, Judge Lynn Tepper said she found the evidence significant enough to warrant the no-bond order. Reeves faces life in prison if convicted. He only spoke once during his court appearance, to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;yes, maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;amâ&#x20AC;? to the judge when she asked him if he could afford to hire his own attorney. Reeves, who appeared in court via a video link from the jail, appeared to be wearing a bulletproof vest without a shirt underneath. Reevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attorney, Richard Escobar, argued that his client should be released because of

his deep ties to the community. Escobar said the probable cause document was â&#x20AC;&#x153;quite weakâ&#x20AC;? and that Reeves was defending himself. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The alleged victim attacked him,â&#x20AC;? Escobar said, adding that Oulson threw something, possibly popcorn, at Reeves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At that point in time, he has every right to defend himself.â&#x20AC;? The judge said that throwing â&#x20AC;&#x153;an unknown object does not equal taking out a gunâ&#x20AC;? and shooting someone. Escobar said Reeves has lived in the Tampa Bay area almost his entire life, and he worked at the Tampa Police Department from 1973 to 1993 and was a homicide detective and captain during his career. Reeves has two grown children, one a Tampa Police officer.

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Reevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; application to join the Tampa Police Department shows that he served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1963 as a machinistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mate on a submarine. After an honorable discharge, he worked as a truck driver drove a bucket truck for a telephone company and as a warehouse worker. As a police officer, Reeves regularly received outstanding evaluations and numerous letters of commendation for his leadership skills and the frequent trainings he led for other agencies on gun safety and other topics. He was lauded for leading the tactical response team for Vice President George H.W. Bushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to Tampa in 1987. He was often praised for his problem-solving abilities to manage stressful situations.

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LOCAL / NATION

THE ITEM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

MOMS TO BE from Page A1

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A woman wipes a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes at a staging ground area set up at the Roswell Mall, where families were united after a shooting at Berrendo Middle School on Tuesday in Roswell, N.M. A shooter opened fire at the middle school, injuring at least two students before being taken into custody.

Vigil draws hundreds after New Mexico school shooting ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A 12-year-old New Mexico boy drew a shotgun from a band-instrument case and shot and wounded two classmates at his middle school Tuesday morning before a teacher talked him into dropping the weapon and he was taken into custody, officials and witnesses said. A boy was critically injured and a girl was in satisfactory condition following the shooting at Berrendo Middle School in Roswell. Gov. Susana Martinez said the students were in the gym, where they typically hang out before classes start during cold and inclement weather. The 12-year-old opened fire with the shotgun there at about 8 a.m. However, he was â&#x20AC;&#x153;quickly stopped by one staff member who walked

right up to him and asked him to set down the firearm, which he did,â&#x20AC;? Martinez said at a news conference. Superintendent Tom Burris said the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faculty had participated in â&#x20AC;&#x153;active shooterâ&#x20AC;? training, and they responded appropriately Tuesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the 10 seconds that transpired from the time of this thing starting until the teacher had control of the weapon, there was no cowardice,â&#x20AC;? Burris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was protection for our kids. Everyone acted and did their duties today at Berrendo Middle School.â&#x20AC;? Officials at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, said an 11-year-old boy was flown there in critical condition and a 13-year-old girl arrived in serious condition. Her condition was upgraded to satisfactory Tuesday evening.

from the hospital,â&#x20AC;? Revel said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve really done wonders. I get emails back about these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;huge delicious meals, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to cook.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? This is her third event, and the items â&#x20AC;&#x201D; nursery furniture, car program continues to grow. seats, strollers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; because those â&#x20AC;&#x153;We went from 10 to 15 to are the items people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afmore than 20 moms,â&#x20AC;? Revel said. ford,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know when I â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last April, I would have never had my son (oldest child), I thought it would come to this.â&#x20AC;? couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford it. Thank God, I The next shower is scheduled had my family. But some donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for Feb. 13 at the Quality Inn, have family. thanks to â&#x20AC;&#x153;the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I just enjoy amazing Cheryl â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need more volunteers to step Baker,â&#x20AC;? Revel said. helping people. I The theme will be up to the plate, too. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inspiration,â&#x20AC;? and know several girls one of the speakhave to be part of Shaw to volunteer, ers scheduled to that are going to appear is Dr. Hasjust part of the community.â&#x20AC;? san Tetteh. He is a attend this time. I U.S. Navy ComHer â&#x20AC;&#x153;head volunteerâ&#x20AC;? got inmander and a thoreally look forward racic surgeon as volved after participating in the well as the author to it. Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gifts of the first shower. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just enjoy Heart.â&#x20AC;? excited.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to helping people,â&#x20AC;? said Julie Prillershake his hand,â&#x20AC;? man, mother of Revel said. four. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know sevAnother schedJulie Prillerman uled speaker is Nieral girls that are going to attend cole Cloutier and this time. I really her husband; their look forward to it. Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son was born with a triple heart excited.â&#x20AC;? defect. Revel often works with compaâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll speak about their nies, but she has also received sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first open-heart surgery, handmade gifts such as blankets which I think was at 4 months and burp cloths from local old,â&#x20AC;? Revel said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in churches. One Bible study group and out of the hospital, and they even did a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meals for Momsâ&#x20AC;? are outright amazing. She is why program. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing these events.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;They delivered full meals to Reach Jade Reynolds at (803) these ladies when they got home 774-1250.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

OPINION

THE ITEM

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

To submit a letter to the editor, email letters@theitem.com COMMENTARY

Income inequality D

emocrats plan to enables them to make demagogue ingreater claims on what come inequality their fellow man producand the wealth gap for es, such as big houses, political gain in this cars and jets. year’s elections. Most of Brin and Page and what’s said about inpeople like them created come inequality is stuwealth by producing serpid or, at best, ill-invices that improve the formed. Much to their lives of millions upon disgrace, economists fo- millions of people all cusing on measures of around the globe. income inequality bring Should people who have little light to the issue. improved our lives be Let’s look at it. held up to ridicule and Income is a result of scorn because they have something. As such, rehigher income than sults alone canmost of us? not establish Should Congress whether there is confiscate part of fairness or justheir wealth in tice. Take a simthe name of fairple example to ness and income make the point. redistribution? Suppose Tom, Except in Dick and Harry many instances Walter play a weekly when governWILLIAMS game of poker. ment rigs the The result is: game with crony Tom wins 75 percent of capitalism, income is the time. Dick and mostly a result of one’s Harry, respectively, win productivity and the 15 percent and 10 pervalue that people place cent of the time. Knowon that productivity. Far ing only the game’s remore important than insult permits us to say ab- come inequality is prosolutely nothing as to ductivity inequality. That whether there has been suggests that if there’s poker fairness or justice. anything to be done Tom’s disproportionate about income inequaliwinnings are consistent ty, we should focus on with his being either an how to give people astute player or a clever greater capacity to serve cheater. their fellow man, namely To determine whether raise their productivity. there has been poker To accomplish that justice, the game’s progoal, let’s look at a few cess must be examined. things that we shouldn’t Process questions we do. Becoming a taxicab might ask are: Were owner-operator lies Hoyle’s rules obeyed; within the grasp of were the cards unmany, but in New York marked; were the cards City, one must be able to dealt from the top of the get a license (medaldeck; and did the playlion), which costs ers play voluntarily? If $700,000. There are hunthese questions yield af- dreds of examples of firmative answers, there government restrictions was poker fairness and that reduce opportunity. justice, regardless of the What about the grossly game’s result, even with fraudulent education reTom’s winning 75 perceived by so many micent of the time. nority youngsters? And Similarly, income is a then we handicap them result of something. In a further with laws that free society, for the most mandate that businesses part, income is a result pay them wages that exof one’s capacity to serve ceed their productivity, his fellow man and the which denies them onvalue his fellow man the-job training. places on that service. Think back to my Say I mow your lawn, poker example. If one is and you pay me $50. concerned about the That $50 might be seen game’s result, which is as a certificate of perfor- more just, taking some mance. Why? It serves as of Tom’s winnings and evidence that I served redistributing them to my fellow man and enDick and Harry or teachables me to make a ing Dick and Harry how claim on what he proto play better? If left to duces when I visit the politicians, they’d prefer grocer. Google founders redistribution. That way, Sergey Brin and Larry they could get their Page are multibillionhands on some of Tom’s aires. Just as in the case winnings. That’s far of my serving my fellow more rewarding to them man by mowing his than raising Dick’s and lawn, they served their Harry’s productivity. fellow man. The difference is they served Walter E. Williams is many more of their fela professor of economics low men and did so far at George Mason Univermore effectively than I sity. and hence have received many more “certificates © 2014 CREATORS. of performance,” which COM

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Opinions of people in recent editorial are non-journalistic So, according to your editorial on Jan. 5, if you are a liberal/progressive-leaning writer whose frame of reference was formed by suffering from years of Southern “Jim Crow” ideology, you are a race-card playing blowhard for expressing your feelings on the past and continuing results of that experience. However, if you are the beneficiary of that same ideology longing for a return to that aristocracy, real or imagined, where certain people “knew their place,” then you are incisive and intelligent. There has never been any doubt where your sympathies left/right/tea party lie, but your blatant calling out of those you see as favorable/unfavorable opinions was as non-journalistic as I have seen this side of talk radio. LEE ROY CAMPBELL Jr. Kingstree

Baten’s words not helpful to improving race relations Mr. Baten’s letter of Jan. 14 sums up the real problem of racism in Sumter in a single paragraph. He said, “In Sumter, The Item has the reputation of being a right-wing conservative newspaper. Therefore, for them to define me and Mr. Burns, while overlooking the many letters with racially coded words and implications by other white writers, is no surprise. However, the public is not fooled. They know that racism exists in Sumter County. To not mention it, deal with it or try to eliminate it is what actually divides us as one community.” Mr. Baten I am writing this for you. I am sure that you will read this looking for some “racially coded” words but I assure you I do not possess such a code book. I am speaking directly from the heart. In letters to the editor, it is you who use race most often when posing your arguments. When is the last time that you spoke of the community as a whole? It was not that long ago that you pointed the finger and said that if a white person disagreed with you that it was because of their racism handed down from their slave-owning forefathers. How

was accusing whites who have a differing opinion, of not only being racist but also slave owners, helpful to improving race relations in this country? While you look for “racially coded” words, some of us are looking for real ways to fix things. If you see someone badmouthing Mrs. Clinton in the upcoming election you are going to think it is coded words because the Clintons have done so much for the black community. Well, you will see me badmouth her, but not for what the Clintons did to support the black community. I don’t like the Clintons because it was Bill who signed the three-strike law into law. You know, the same three-strike law that Mr. Burns railed against in the latter half of last year. The same three-strike law that has put so many young men behind bars serving life sentences. The same threestrike law that has broken up so many homes. Go ahead and point out my coded words. JOHN GAYDOS Wedgefield

Editor’s note: Because this letter exceeded the 350-word length as stated in our Editorial Page Policies which appears regularly on this page, it can be read in its entirety under Opinion on The Item’s website, www. theitem.com.

Focus on children’s safety instead of spreading hate As a faithful reader of The Item, I enjoy my morning paper. But I get upset reading “Letters to the Editor.” It’s the same stupid letters and comments from the same old awful group of readers. You all know who you are. People who are plain “black haters,” “white haters” and “politician haters.” Enough! Why does a good newspaper like The Item print this crap? Helping these people spread their hatred and prejudice? Writer’s note: I will not waste 250 or more words on this wasteful subject. I only have one question ... I’m not sure who to address it to but here goes ... Why don’t we focus on Sumter’s school children’s safety and comfort while they are out in the streets

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

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

waiting on their school buses to arrive in the mornings? They are our future. Hopefully, they will grow up to be good, smart and productive human beings who will help make Sumter a good place to live, not wasting their time and energy writing hateful comments, spreading poison and prejudice to the people of Sumter. Like many others on a daily basis, I see our school children waiting outside in bad weather, cold, sometimes nasty rainy weather, just inches from the road. No solid dry places to stand; no cover. Some parents wait with kids in their cars, but most parents are either at work or on their way to work. Penny tax, city or county, I don’t know ... But can we get help? Nothing huge or unsightly, just simple and safe. Our children’s safety is very, very important. MARY STINNEY Dalzell

Writer needs new angle for outdoor column After reading last weekend’s article from Earle Woodward, I was somewhat perplexed by what he meant in the fact that he has to go hunting to have a decent article in the paper. When did Earle decide that an outdoor article should be composed solely of a menagerie of personal diary excerpts of his normally unsuccessful adventures in the hunting and fishing world that he lives in? If poor Earle is getting tired of tromping off into the woods for the sole purpose of gathering fodder of what he did this week to write about, maybe he should consider another angle. How about write about someone other than yourself, your lovely bride, your running buddies, the land, vienna sausage and the damnable doghunters? I was amazed that this week’s article included something about the cormorant problem, but something like this is far from the norm. If you’re getting burned out finding fresh material, write about anything you care to write about (just not yourself ). MEL BROWN Sumter

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are written by readers of the newspaper. They should be no more than 350 words and sent via email to letters@theitem.com, dropped off at The Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St. or mailed to The Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, along with the full name of the writer, plus an address and telephone number for verification purposes only. Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety online at http://www.theitem.com/opinion/letters_to_editor.

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

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CONTRACT from Page A1 finalize it during open that I not vote on somesession. The board voted thing that I disagree with, 4-to-0 to approve the con- not in totality, but in part. tract, although three trust- I disagreed with the proees — Vice Chairman cess and the way in which Patty Wilson, the Rev. it was handled.” Ralph Canty and Larry Wilson added the Addison — abstained board has not discussed from the vote. goals or what it expects Wilson said she refrom the superintendent, ceived a copy of the connor has Baker informed tract last Friday but was the board of his plans or not in a place to peruse goals. Addison declined the confidential informato comment on the mattion until Monday mornter of the board approving ing. After reading Baker’s contract Baker’s contract, and his decision ON THE NET Wilson said she to withhold his had a few quesvote. Attempts to Read tions, including reach Canty for Baker’s inquiries about comment were contract the person who unsuccessful. in full online with wrote the conChairman this story. tract and whethKeith Schultz er the district’s said the board www.theitem. attorney had had been discom been given the cussing the opportunity to terms of Baker’s review the terms contract for of the contract. about two months, and Wilson said she agrees he was glad the issue was with her colleagues that resolved. As for the timeBaker “is a fine man and line for naming Baker has done a great job since permanent superintenhe’s been there,” but the dent and approving the way the approval of his contract, Schultz said it contract was handled was was done in a timely fashdifferent from how they ion. had handled contracts in “We wanted to officialthe past. ly put Dr. Baker in place Based on her previous so he could lead the disexperience on other trict and we could show boards, Wilson said the the community that we’re process of making Baker moving forward,” Schultz permanent and approvexplained. “I’m excited ing the contract felt a little about what the future rushed and excluded the holds for the school disopportunity to appoint trict.” someone from within. Baker was originally “We would get in a named interim superinroom together, and we re- tendent in July 2013, reviewed the information. placing Bynum. We provided our input The agreed annual saland difference of opinions ary in Baker’s contract is and then we came up also the exact amount with a solid contract,” Wil- Bynum received as part of son explained on Tueshis settlement agreement day. “Having not had that after his resignation. opportunity, I decided it Reach Raytevia Evans was my better judgment at (803) 774-1214.

ELECTION from Page A1 life. It’s because he grew up in Pinewood that he feels he is the ideal candidate to take over as mayor until the next general election in November. “My daddy used to be on the council, and I have cousins on the council,” Dubose said. Mathis commented she entered the special election because she wanted to make a difference in Pinewood. “I love the town of Pinewood, and I would

INSURANCE from Page A1 At the beginning of its budget process, approved back in June, it was clear the town had made plans to make health insurance payments. An income statement obtained from a Pinewood council meeting Tuesday illustrated the town had budgeted $12,000 to spend on health care insurance for the year. However, the same document stated that none of the money budgeted had been spent on health

like to continue to help it grow,” Mathis said. While the date for the special election has been set, the chairman position of the town’s election commission has yet to be filled. However, Town Clerk Felicia Benbow said during the council meeting Tuesday she had spoken with Sumter County Election Commission executive director Patricia Jefferson, who said the commission would be fine with only two members running the election. Benbow said Jefferson she would also be willing to step in and help if needed. Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

care insurance. According to Public Information Director Kevin B. Crosby of PEBA, the agency recently met with an attorney for the Town of Pinewood, who said the town wants to cancel participation in the state insurance program. Crosby said the town currently only has one person — a former employee — on its health care plan, but the last payment was made in January 2013. “To cancel participation, the town has to pay the bill through December 2013,” Crosby said. “The town will have to deal separately with the former employee.”

PUBLIC AGENDA CLARENDON SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 Thursday, 7 p.m., district office, Turbeville

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

QUIZ 795-4257

TODAY

TONIGHT

58°

THURSDAY 46°

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 47°

50°

SUNDAY

53°

29° 29° Partly sunny

Mostly cloudy, a shower in spots; colder

Winds: SW 7-14 mph Chance of rain: 15%

26°

Mostly sunny

Winds: NW 7-14 mph

Winds: W 6-12 mph

Winds: WSW 10-20 mph

Winds: SW 6-12 mph

Winds: W 7-14 mph

Chance of rain: 40%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 20%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 15%

Temperature High ............................................... 58° Low ................................................ 51° Normal high ................................... 54° Normal low ..................................... 32° Record high ....................... 79° in 2013 Record low ......................... 14° in 1962

Greenville 50/24

Bishopville 58/28

24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.24" Month to date .............................. 2.47" Normal month to date .................. 1.83" Year to date ................................. 2.47" Normal year to date ..................... 1.83"

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Full 7 a.m. 24-hr pool yest. chg 360 355.74 +0.45 76.8 75.00 -0.02 75.5 76.63 +3.00 100 100.63 +0.35

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

7 a.m. yest. 8.27 13.60 7.82 14.91 80.97 21.50

24-hr chg +0.29 -3.20 +0.82 +3.21 +0.46 -0.20

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 46/30/s 38/24/s 44/29/s 46/29/s 46/34/s 46/36/r 48/34/s 44/28/s 47/30/s 46/29/s

Columbia 58/27 Today: A little rain, then snow. Thursday: Sunny to partly cloudy and cold.

Brilliant sunshine

Sunrise today .......................... 7:26 a.m. Sunset tonight ......................... 5:35 p.m. Moonrise today ....................... 5:29 p.m. Moonset today ........................ 6:44 a.m.

Gaffney 51/25 Spartanburg 51/26

Precipitation

Today Hi/Lo/W 56/25/pc 39/18/sn 46/23/pc 56/25/pc 60/30/pc 56/42/pc 63/30/pc 53/25/c 50/26/r 58/27/pc

29°

Sunny and breezy

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

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

29°

Mostly sunny and colder

Full

Last

Jan. 15 New

Jan. 24 First

Jan. 30

Feb. 6

Florence 62/30

Sumter 58/29

Myrtle Beach 61/32

Manning 61/29

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

Aiken 56/25 Charleston 63/30

Today: Partly sunny. High 59 to 63. Thursday: Mostly sunny and cooler. High 44 to 48.

The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

Wed.

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 59/28/pc 58/36/pc 61/31/pc 58/31/pc 62/30/pc 65/29/pc 52/24/c 59/33/pc 63/30/pc 51/26/c

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 46/29/s 46/30/s 46/30/s 47/29/s 46/31/s 52/30/s 44/29/s 44/29/s 48/33/s 42/28/s

Thu.

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 50/24/c 48/22/c 59/27/pc 64/28/pc 44/24/pc 49/25/pc 41/22/pc 45/22/r 63/31/pc 61/32/pc

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 42/29/s 40/25/s 45/36/s 50/31/s 48/31/s 48/30/s 43/30/s 40/24/s 47/34/s 46/33/s

High Ht. 8:23 a.m.....3.1 8:44 p.m.....2.7 9:01 a.m.....3.1 9:23 p.m.....2.7

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

Low Ht. 2:42 a.m....-0.3 3:23 p.m.....0.0 3:22 a.m....-0.3 3:59 p.m.....0.0

Today Hi/Lo/W 60/28/pc 60/30/pc 56/29/pc 53/24/c 57/27/pc 61/29/pc 51/26/c 59/25/pc 62/33/pc 50/26/c

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 46/30/s 46/34/s 44/30/s 44/28/s 47/28/s 46/33/s 42/30/s 45/35/s 46/31/s 41/27/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 Thu. Today Thu. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 51/30/s 53/26/s Las Vegas 65/44/s 66/43/s Anchorage 29/26/sn 32/29/c Los Angeles 85/53/s 85/53/s Atlanta 40/23/pc 44/31/s Miami 73/51/c 62/43/s Baltimore 49/31/r 42/28/pc Minneapolis 20/19/sn 24/-7/sn Boston 48/36/s 42/32/c New Orleans 52/32/s 57/41/s Charleston, WV 34/21/sf 36/29/pc New York 50/37/pc 43/31/pc Charlotte 53/25/c 44/28/s Oklahoma City 54/33/s 58/22/s Chicago 19/15/pc 31/7/c Omaha 37/26/s 31/8/pc Cincinnati 29/19/sf 36/18/pc Philadelphia 50/36/pc 43/31/pc Dallas 57/38/s 64/32/s Phoenix 73/46/s 72/47/s Denver 54/28/s 47/23/pc Pittsburgh 34/22/sf 31/26/pc Des Moines 28/26/s 30/3/pc St. Louis 28/23/s 44/13/pc Detroit 30/18/sf 30/22/sn Salt Lake City 40/22/s 40/21/pc Helena 38/18/pc 38/23/s San Francisco 68/45/s 66/45/s Honolulu 80/67/s 81/66/s Seattle 51/38/c 51/36/c Indianapolis 25/19/sf 34/15/pc Topeka 41/29/s 42/16/s Kansas City 35/29/s 38/11/pc Washington, DC 49/31/r 41/31/pc Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

to reach your goals. Listen ARIES (March 21-April 19): the last word in astrology to advice given and Past problems will creep compromise enough to up on you if you allow eugenia LAST get things done. Use emotions to take you intelligence to motivate back to incidents that are and inspire others to see best left alone. Charge things your way. ahead with confidence, willpower and determination. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Past partners will be valuable. Share ideas and you will discover a TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Trust may be an way to make the most of an idea you have. issue, and revealing your secrets and intentions Listen carefully and respond responsibly, you’ll can lead to interference. Take care of regain the confidence and respect you responsibilities that you are handed quickly deserve. and efficiently. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t spend GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t just question your own money. Watch what everyone else is what you’re doing; initiate change based on doing and base your decisions on facts and information you discover. Getting involved in a figures. Take care of all transactions yourself. joint venture can be your ticket to a better life. Make changes within your means. Make sure that you get what you’re promised in writing. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Partnerships will be an issue. Don’t allow emotions to get CANCER (June 21-July 22): Share with the involved in serious decisions. Change your people you feel you have something in mind if you don’t feel comfortable with what’s common with. You may be considered a little happening around you. Protect your health, trendy or ahead of your time, but if you mute wealth and happiness, and trust in your your ideas initially, you’ll draw interest in what abilities over others. you’re trying to accomplish. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t repeat past LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t respond to or get mistakes. Look at the situation and make into a spat over something that can cause adjustments that will counter whatever is problems. Keep your thoughts a secret and act coming down the pipeline. Your intelligence, quietly to accomplish your goals with as little integrity and ability to act fast will help you meddling as possible. avoid a situation that can affect your livelihood. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Voice your opinions. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Reach out and make You will get a standing ovation and interest a difference to others. Your kindness will lead from someone who may want to use you in to offerings and proposals that can turn a little more diverse ways. Be wary of anyone wanting gesture into a huge opportunity. Don’t shy you to contribute funds as well as suggestions. away from participating. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Hard work is required

PICK 3 TUESDAY: 5-6-0 AND 9-6-9 PICK 4 TUESDAY: 2-9-8-1 AND 7-2-2-4 PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY: 4-7-19-32-38 POWERUP: 2 MEGAMILLIONS NUMBERS WERE UNAVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

FOR SATURDAY: 10-15-33-48-54 POWERBALL: 34

pictures from the public Dennis Selvig comments on his photo submission, “From 37,000 feet, this is what beautiful Lake Tahoe, Nev., looks like.”

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

SPORTS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

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

Plenty of offseason questions for Carolina

Say hey Jay

BY RYAN WOOD Post and Courier COLUMBIA — With the long, dull offseason barely a week old, South Carolina’s remarkable 2013 season is still fresh. The Gamecocks finished with their highest ranking at No. 4 in The Associated Press poll. They finished with their third straight 11-win season, their third straight bowl victory against the Big Ten, but also their third straight year without making it to Atlanta for the SEC championship game. “Identical years,” South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier called them. Mostly, that’s a SPURRIER good thing. So how does South Carolina maintain its unprecedented success in 2014? With the departures of quarterback Connor Shaw, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles and receiver Bruce Ellington, it won’t be easy. Here are the five biggest personnel questions the Gamecocks face over the long offseason months ahead:

Padres’ McFadden breaks out in big win over Saints BY EDDIE LITAKER Special to The Item St. Francis Xavier High School’s Jay McFadden had a coming out party of sorts on Tuesday at the expense of Clarendon Hall. McFadden scored the Padres’ first 11 points, had 30 at the half and closed with 40 as St. Francis Xavier came away with a 78-36 varsity boys basketball win in the SCISA Region I-1A contest at Birnie Hope Center. “He’s been struggling all season, and we have had to work and talk about a few things the last couple of days; that was giving a hundred percent out on the court, working hard in everything that he did, on the boards, with his shot, handling the ball,” said Padres head coach Junko Allen, who unofficially had McFadden with 19 rebounds, six blocked shots and five steals. “Everything that I’ve asked him to do, he went ahead and executed it tonight. He was definitely a factor on the boards, which made a big differ-

1. HOW WILL DYLAN THOMPSON SETTLE IN AS STARTING QB?

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

St. Francis Xavier’s Jay McFadden, center, takes a jump shot during the Padres’ 78-36 victory over Clarendon SEE PADRES, PAGE B3 Hall on Tuesday at the Birnie Hope Center.

SHS boys fall; girls top South BY LOU BEZJAK Morning News FLORENCE — During its 5-game winning streak, South Florence High School’s varsity boys basketball has been getting production from different people off the bench. On Tuesday, it was Bobby Rivers’ turn. The senior scored nine points as South Florence defeated Sumter 55-47 in the Region VI-4A opener for both teams. “Bobby brings it every day and he is our energy right now,” South Florence

JOHN D. RUSSELL / MORNING NEWS

Sumter’s Marquise Moore (34) puts up a shot during the Gamecocks’ 55-47 loss to South Florence on Tuesday at the SFHS gymnasium in Florence in the Region VI-4A opener for both teams.

PREP SCHEDULE Today Varsity Basketball East Clarendon at Branchville, 6:30 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball Wilson Hall at Hammond, 4 p.m. B Team Basketball Wilson Hall at Hammond, 5 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Dillon Christian, 4 p.m. Varsity Bowling Laurence Manning, Robert E. Lee at Wilson Hall (at Gamecock Lanes), 5 p.m. Varsity Wrestling Blythewood, Marion at Sumter, 6 p.m.

head coach John Schweitz said. “It has been contagious with our other guys. He was big for us tonight and I thought we jumped them really good in the SEE SHS, PAGE B3

Over the next several months, you’ll probably hear other names as candidates for South Carolina’s starting quarterback job. Maybe Brendan Nosovitch. Perhaps Connor Mitch. Hey, what can go wrong with a South Carolina quarterback named Connor? Oh, this will be fun. What’s an offseason in college football without a good quarterback controversy? Which is why I’m getting this out there, in print for everyone to see: I will believe a quarterback other than Dylan Thompson starts in the Gamecocks’ opener against Texas A&M when I see it, not before. South Carolina’s victory at Clemson in 2012 with Thompson under center gives him serious credibility, as does the way he helped guide the team to a win at Fiesta Bowl champion Central Florida this season. Thompson struggled at times in 2013, finishing with an uneven four touchdown passes and three interceptions. It’s understandable, given the impossibility of finding consistent rhythm with inconsistent playing time. Ultimately, the eye test matters, and when the eye test is added to Thompson’s SEE USC, PAGE B5

Family responsibilities sway Tigers WR Bryant to enter NFL BY AARON BRENNER Post and Courier CLEMSON — For Martavis Bryant, it had to be a decision blending business with personal needs. As much as the blossoming Clemson wide receiver felt he could have continued to emerge with one more year in college as the presumed “guy” in the Tigers’ passing game, it was time to go to the NFL.

“I talked with my mom and grandma a lot about my decision,” Bryant told The Post and Courier in a weekend phone interview. “I didn’t do it just to go; I had a legitimate reason to go and do it for my family.” Bryant has two young daughters, acknowledging in fall camp last August that he’s driven by “my kids, my family.” That was at a time when Bryant appeared to be the third or fourth option in

Clemson’s aerial attack, coming off a 10-reception season (albeit with 30 yards per catch.) But with Charone Peake tearing his ACL in mid-September, Bryant’s opportunity arBRYANT rived, and he finished his junior year with 42 catches for 828 yards and seven touchdowns — all figures ranking second on the

Tigers behind All-American Sammy Watkins. Bryant’s teammate, Bashaud Breeland, also made the leap after his third season with the Tigers. He was a second-team all-ACC cornerback, leading Clemson with 13 pass break-ups and four interceptions, while making 74 tackles. “Breeland, I’m so proud of that guy,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. “Really became a leader for

us this year on that back end. Quietly had a great year.” Bryant and Breeland will share an agent: Joe Flanagan of Chicago-based BTI Sports, who also represents former Clemson defensive ends Da’Quan Bowers and Jarvis Jenkins. There’s no guarantee either will be drafted, but the goal for less-heralded underclassmen is to compete for a SEE BRYANT, PAGE B5

SPORTS

THE ITEM

Knights fall to Bulldogs in 3 OTs BENNETTSVILLE — Crestwood High School’s varsity boys basketball team lost to Marlboro County 63-61 in triple overtime on Tuesday at the Marlboro gymnasium. Tyrell Allen led the Knights with 17 points. Devin Nelson added 13 and Darnell Robteau had 11. Crestwood fell to 7-6 on the season and 1-1 in Region VI-3A. HOLLY HILL CLARENDON HALL

59 15

SUMMERTON — Clarendon Hall lost to Holly Hill 59-15 on Monday at the Clarendon Hall gymnasium. Dustin Way led the Saints with eight points. SUMTER CHRISTIAN NEW PROSPECT CHRISTIAN

78 39

Sumter Christian School improved to 9-6 on the season with a 78-39 victory over New Prospect Christian on Monday at the SCS gymnasium. TJ Barron led the Bears with 14 points, while Grayson Dennis added 13. Thomas Smith had 23 to lead New Prospect. On Friday in Conway, SCS lost to Conway Christian 50-40. Barron led the Bears with 18. Webb Kasin led Conway with 14. JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL SUMTER CHRISTIAN 42 NEW PROSPECT CHRISTIAN 27

Sumter Christian School improved to 9-1 on the season wiwth a 42-27 victory over New Prospect Christian on Monday at the SCS gymnasium. Saquon Cole led the Bears with nine points. Chad Jones and Grayson Dennis each had six. JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL CRESTWOOD 49 MARLBORO COUNTY 45

Tyquan Logan scored 18

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

points to lead Crestwood High School to a 49-45 victory over Marlboro County on Monday at The Castle. Ja Morant added 13 points for the Knights. Michael Williams grabbed 14 rebounds.

to a 52-47 victory over Furman on Monday at the Chestnut gymnasium. Javonte Singletary added nine for the Falcons and Tyree Smalls had eight.

WILSON HALL THOMAS SUMTER

HILLCREST ALICE DRIVE

24 18

Wilson Hall improved to 7-2 on the season with a 24-18 victory over Thomas Sumter Acaademy on Monday at Nash Student Center. Chandler Stone led the Barons with seven points, while Banks Burns added six. Dante Lindler led TSA with five points. On Friday in St. George, Thomas Sumter lost to Dorchester Academy 2923. Lindler led the Generals with 12 points while Jarrod Washington added six. LAKEWOOD HARTSVILLE

40 30

Lakewood High School improved to 5-2 on the season with a 40-30 victory over Hartsville on Monday at The Swamp. Daquan Tindal led the Gators with 21 points. Devaughnte Pack added eight. CLARENDON HALL HOLLY HILL

21 18

SUMMERTON — Clarendon Hall evened its record at 5-5 on the season with a 21-18 victory over Holly Hill on Monday at the Clarendon Hall gymnasium. Matthew Corbett led the Saints with nine points while Al Hobbs grabbed 11 rebounds. MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHESTNUT OAKS 52 FURMAN 47

Dajon Butts led Chestnut Oaks Middle School

40 36

DALZELL — Alice Drive Middle School fell to 7-6 on the season with a 40-36 loss to Hillcrest on Monday at the Hillcrest gymnasium. Mike Solberg had nine points to lead the Hawks, while Cameron Singleton had eight points and Grant Singleton seven. B TEAM BASKETBALL CRESTWOOD MARLBORO COUNTY

47 33

Tylus Green scored 12 points to lead Crestwood High School to a 47-33 victory over Marlboro County on Monday at The Castle. Tyrek Gadson added nine for the Knights. WILSON HALL THOMAS SUMTER

27 24

Wilson Hall improved to 6-2 on the season with 27-24 victory over Thomas Sumter Academy on Monday at Nash Student Center. Brandon Carraway, Walker Jones and Noah Harvin each had seven points to lead the Barons. LAURENCE MANNING ORANGEBURG PREP

50 7

MANNING — Laurence Manning Academy improved to 2-0 on the season with a 50-7 victory over Orangeburg Prep on Monday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium. Luke DeCosta led LMA with 10 points. Jake Jordan, Brent Jordan, Noah Fenters and Ryder Hudson each had six.

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

Lady Gators edge Hartsville 64-62 HARTSVILLE — Lakewood High School’s varsity girls basketball team improved to 2-0 in Region VI-3A with a 64-62 victory over Hartsville on Tuesday at the Hartsville gymnasium. Sonora Dengokl had a double-double for the Lady Gators, who improved to 9-4 overall. Dengokl had 16 points and 11 rebounds to go with four blocked shots. Taja Randolph added 12 points for Lakewood while Shantkia Jackson had 11 and Tatyana Weldon had 10. CRESTWOOD MARLBORO COUNTY

59 33

BENNETTSVILLE — Crestwood High School improved to 13-3 on the season with a 59-33 victory over Marlboro County on Tuesday at the Marlboro gymnasium. Cawasha Caesar led the Lady Knights, who are 2-0 in Region VI-3A, with 18 points. Tyana Saunders added 16. THOMAS SUMTER SOUTH AIKEN BAPTIST

61 23

DALZELL — Thomas Sumter Academy defeated South Aiken Baptist Christian 61-23 on Tuesday at Edens Gymnasium. Taylor Knudson led the Lady Generals with 19 points. Mary Katherine Ross had 12 and Julia Law added 10. HAMMOND LAURENCE MANNING

67 24

MANNING — Laurence Manning Academy lost to Hammond 67-24 on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium. Courtney Beatson led LMA with 12 points. HOLLY HILL CLARENDON HALL

26 24

MANNING — Laurence Manning Academy defeated Hammond 26-24 on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium. Sara Herbert, Brooke Bennett, Cora Downer and Taylor Lea each scored five points for LMA. HOLLY HILL CLARENDON HALL

30 12

SUMMERTON — Clarendon Hall dropped to 5-6 on the season with a 30-12 loss to Holly Hill on Monday at the Clarendon Hall gymnasium. Sydney Wells led the Lady Saints with six points. SUMTER CHRISTIAN NEW PROSPECT CHRISTIAN

26 6

Sumter Christian School improved to 6-0 on the season with a 26-6 victory over New Prospect Christian on Monday at the SCS gymnasium. Susanna Hutson led the Lady Bears with 12 points. MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL

SUMMERTON — Clarendon Hall dropped to 5-6 on the season with a 51-22 loss to Holly Hill on Monday at the Clarendon Hall gymnasium. Holly Carlisle and Emily Brunson both had six points to lead the Lady Saints. 31 23

CONWAY — Sumter Christian School

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL LAURENCE MANNING HAMMOND

EBENEZER MAYEWOOD

51 22

CONWAY CHRISTIAN SUMTER CHRISTIAN

fell to 4-5 on the season with a 31-23 loss to Conway Christian on Friday at the Conway gymnasium. Sarah Fraser and Dixie Jones both had seven points. Gracie Norris led Conway with 21.

40 28

Destinee Jamison scored 35 points to lead Ebenezer Middle School to a 40-28 victory over Mayewood on Monday at the Ebenezer gymnasium. Hydeia Fullard led Mayewood with 20 points. FURMAN CHESTNUT OAKS

35 12

Chestnut Oaks Middle School lost to Furman 35-12 on Monday at the Chestnut gymnasium. Shania Simmons led CO with four points.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

SCOREBOARD

TV, RADIO TODAY 1 p.m. -- College Football: NFLPA Collegiate Bowl from Practice Carson, Calif. (ESPNU). 3 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open SecondRound Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2). 4 p.m. -- College Football: NFLPA Collegiate Bowl from Practice Carson, Calif. (ESPNU). 6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Georgetown at Xavier (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Central Florida at Rutgers (ESPNEWS). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Notre Dame at Maryland (ESPN2). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: South Florida at Southern Methodis (ESPNU). 7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Charlotte at Philadelphia (SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Clemson at Virginia Tech (FOX SPORTSOUTH, WWBD-FM 94.7, WPUB-FM 102.7). 8 p.m. -- College Basketball: South Carolina at Texas A&M (WKTC 63, WDXY-FM 105.9, WNKT-FM 107.5, WDXY-AM 1240). 8 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Utah at San Antonio (ESPN). 8 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Washington at Pittsburgh (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Nevada-Las Vegas at New Mexico (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 9 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open SecondRound Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2). 9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Baylor at Texas Tech (ESPNU). 10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Denver at Golden State (ESPN). 11 p.m. -- College Basketball: Washington at California (ESPNU). 3 a.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open SecondRound Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2). 4 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships First Round from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (GOLF).

PREP SCHEDULE THURSDAY Varsity and JV Basketball Robert E. Lee at Trinity-Byrnes, 4 p.m. Junior Varsity Basketball Sumter at Conway, 6 p.m. Crestwood at Lakewood, 6 p.m. Manning at Marlboro County, 6 p.m. Lee Central at Lake Marion, 6 p.m. B Team Basketball Marlboro County at Sumter (Boys Only), 5:30 p.m. Thomas Sumter at Orangeburg Prep, 5 p.m. Carolina at Robert E. Lee, 4 p.m. Clarendon Hall at Dillon Christian (Girls Only), 4 p.m. Middle School Basketball Alice Drive at Furman, 5 p.m. Mayewood at Bates, 5 p.m. Chestnut Oaks at Ebenezer, 5 p.m. Manning at Clark, 6 p.m. FRIDAY Varsity Basketball Conway at Sumter, 6 p.m. Lakewood at Crestwood, 6 p.m. Marlboro County at Manning, 6 p.m. Lake Marion at Lee Central, 6 p.m. East Clarendon at Carvers Bay, 6 p.m. Scott’s Branch at Timmonsville, 6:30 p.m. Governor’s School at Robert E. Lee, 6 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball Orangeburg Prep at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m. Florence Christian at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m. Thomas Sumter at Holly Hill, 4 p.m. Clarendon Hall at Andrew Jackson Academy, 5 p.m. Sumter Christian at Calvary Christian (No JV Girls), 4 p.m. Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Coach Trapp Duals (at Battery Creek High in Beaufort), TBA SATURDAY Varsity and JV Basketball Palmetto Christian at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m. B Team Basketball Holly Hill at Thomas Sumter, 2 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Carolina, 10 a.m. Varsity Equestrian Wilson Hall vs. Riverbend Equestrian Center (in Greenville), TBA Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Coach Trapp Duals (at Battery Creek High in Beaufort), TBA

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 Jan. 11 Seattle 23, New Orleans 15 New England 43, Indianpolis 22 Jan. 12 San Francisco 23, Carolina 10 Denver 24, San Diego 17 Conference Championships Sunday New England at Denver, 3 p.m. (CBS) San Francisco at Seattle, 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 Toronto 19 17 .528 New York 15 22 .405 Brooklyn 15 22 .405 Boston 13 26 .333 Philadelphia 12 25 .324 Southeast Division W L Pct Miami 27 10 .730 Atlanta 20 18 .526 Washington 17 19 .472 Charlotte 15 23 .395 Orlando 10 28 .263 Central Division W L Pct Indiana 29 7 .806 Chicago 17 19 .472 Detroit 16 22 .421 Cleveland 13 24 .351 Milwaukee 7 30 .189 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct San Antonio 30 8 .789 Houston 25 14 .641 Dallas 23 16 .590 Memphis 17 19 .472 New Orleans 15 22 .405 Northwest Division W L Pct Portland 28 9 .757 Oklahoma City 28 9 .757 Denver 19 18 .514 Minnesota 18 19 .486 Utah 13 26 .333 Pacific Division W L Pct L.A. Clippers 26 13 .667 Golden State 25 14 .641 Phoenix 21 16 .568 L.A. Lakers 14 23 .378 Sacramento 13 22 .371 Monday’s Games Toronto 116, Milwaukee 94 Houston 104, Boston 92 New York 98, Phoenix 96, OT Washington 102, Chicago 88 San Antonio 101, New Orleans 95 Dallas 107, Orlando 88 Utah 118, Denver 103 Tuesday’s Games Sacramento at Indiana, 7 p.m.

GB – 41/2 41/2 71/2 71/2 GB – 71/2 91/2 121/2 171/2 GB – 12 14 161/2 221/2 GB – 51/2 71/2 12 141/2 GB – – 9 10 16 GB – 1 4 11 11

New York at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Oklahoma City at Memphis, 8 p.m. Cleveland at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m. Today’s Games Chicago at Orlando, 7 p.m. Charlotte at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Miami at Washington, 7 p.m. Toronto at Boston, 7:30 p.m. Sacramento at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Memphis at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Utah at San Antonio, 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Cleveland at Portland, 10 p.m. Denver at Golden State, 10:30 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m. Thursday’s Games Brooklyn vs. Atlanta at London, England, 3 p.m. New York at Indiana, 7 p.m. Oklahoma City at Houston, 9:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 45 29 14 2 60 129 98 Tampa Bay 46 27 15 4 58 134 112 Montreal 46 26 15 5 57 117 107 Detroit 46 20 16 10 50 118 127 Toronto 47 22 20 5 49 128 143 Ottawa 46 20 18 8 48 131 146 Florida 45 17 21 7 41 105 139 Buffalo 44 13 26 5 31 77 121 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 47 33 12 2 68 152 112 Washington 45 22 16 7 51 136 135 N.Y. Rangers 47 24 20 3 51 118 124 Philadelphia 46 23 19 4 50 121 129 Columbus 46 22 20 4 48 129 131 New Jersey 47 19 18 10 48 108 117 Carolina 46 19 18 9 47 111 130 N.Y. Islanders 47 18 22 7 43 130 152 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 48 30 8 10 70 175 132 St. Louis 44 31 8 5 67 161 99 Colorado 45 28 12 5 61 132 115 Minnesota 48 25 18 5 55 118 119 Dallas 45 20 18 7 47 127 139 Nashville 47 19 21 7 45 109 141 Winnipeg 48 20 23 5 45 133 146 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 48 35 8 5 75 161 119 San Jose 46 28 12 6 62 148 116 Los Angeles 47 28 14 5 61 120 96 Vancouver 47 24 14 9 57 123 115 Phoenix 45 21 15 9 51 134 141 Calgary 46 16 24 6 38 103 144 Edmonton 48 15 28 5 35 126 169 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Monday’s Games Calgary 2, Carolina 0 Columbus 3, Tampa Bay 2 Winnipeg 5, Phoenix 1 Los Angeles 1, Vancouver 0 Tuesday’s Games Toronto at Boston, 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m. San Jose at Washington, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. New Jersey at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Colorado at Chicago, 8 p.m. Phoenix at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Calgary at Nashville, 8 p.m. Ottawa at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Edmonton at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Today’s Games Buffalo at Toronto, 7:30 p.m. Washington at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m. Vancouver at Anaheim, 10:30 p.m. Thursday’s Games Detroit at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m. Nashville at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Montreal at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. San Jose at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Los Angeles at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Edmonton at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Boston at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. New Jersey at Colorado, 9 p.m. Winnipeg at Calgary, 9 p.m. Vancouver at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

TENNIS Australian Open Results By The Associated Press Wednesday At Melbourne Park Melbourne, Australia Purse: $29.72 million (Grand Slam) Surface: Hard-Outdoor Singles Men Second Round Tomas Berdych (7), Czech Republic, def. Kenny de Schepper, France, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3. Richard Gasquet (9), France, def. Nikolay Davydenko, Russia, 7-6 (3), 6-4, 6-4. Damir Dzumhur, Bosnia-Herzegovina, def. Ivan Dodig (32), Croatia, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 4-1, retired. Florian Mayer, Germany, def. Mikhail Youzhny (14), Russia, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Women Second Round Li Na (4), China, def. Belinda Bencic, Switzerland, 6-0, 7-6 (5). Ekaterina Makarova (22), Russia, def. Irina Falconi, United States, 6-2, 7-5. Monica Niculescu, Romania, def. Sabine Lisicki (15), Germany, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2. Mona Barthel, Germany, def. Luksika Kumkhum, Thailand, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Lucie Safarova (26), Czech Republic, def. Lucie Hradecka, Czech Republic, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-0. Serena Williams (1), United States, def. Vesna Dolonc, Serbia, 6-1, 6-2. Doubles Men First Round Johan Brunstrom, Sweden, and Frederik Nielsen, Denmark, def. Yen-hsun Lu, Taiwan, and Divij Sharan, India, 6-2, 6-4. Jean-Julien Rojer, Netherlands, and Horia Tecau (10), Romania, de.f Teymuraz Gabashvili, Russia, and Mikhail Kukushkin, Kazakhstan, 6-2, 7-5. Oliver Marach, Austria, and Florin Mergea, Romania, def. Santiago Gonzalez, Mexico, and Scott Lipsky (16), United States, 6-3, 7-6 (6). Yuki Bhambri, India, and Michael Venus, New Zealand, def. Roberto Bautista Agut and Daniel Gimeno-Traver, Spain, 6-2, 7-5. Marin Draganja and Mate Pavic, Croatia, def. Marc Gicquel and Benoit Paire, France, 7-6 (0), 6-3. Women First Round Anna-Lena Groenefeld, Germany, and Mirjana LucicBaroni (11), Croatia, def. Azra Hadzic and Jessica Moore, Australia, 6-3, 6-1. Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears (8), United States, def. Chuang Chia-jung, Taiwan, and Liga Dekmeijere, Latvia, 6-1, 6-1. Katarzyna Piter and Alicja Rosolska, Poland, def. Olga Govortsova, Belarus, and Christina McHale, United States, 6-3, 6-3. Chan Hao-ching, Taiwan, and Liezel Huber (13), United States, def. Tamarine Tanasugarn, Thailand, and Zheng Saisai, China, 6-3, 6-3. Kaia Kanepi, Estonia, and Renata Voracova, Czech Republic, def. Sally Peers and Viktorija Rajicic, Australia, 6-3, 6-1. Jelena Jankovic, Serbia, and Karin Knapp, Italy, def. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Vera Zvonareva, Russia, 6-2, 6-4. Kveta Peschke, Czech Republic, and Katarina Srebotnik (4), Slovenia, def. Alexandra Cadantu and Simona Halep, Romania, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

TRANSACTIONS By The Associated Press BASEBALL COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE _ Suspended Milwaukee LHP Will West 100 games after testing positive for an amphetamine, in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, as well as a third positive test for a drug of abuse.

PREP BASKETBALL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

PADRES from Page B1

JOHN D. RUSSELL / MORNING NEWS

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ST. FRANCIS XAVIER 78 CLARENDON HALL 36 CH SFX

ence, very aware on defense with the interceptions and got our team going.” Even with McFadden scoring 11 of the Padres’ 13 first-quarter points, Clarendon Hall kept pace, trailing just 13-11 heading to the second quarter. McFadden’s relentless offensive efforts took its toll in the second as he scored 12 in an opening 14-0 run that put St. Francis up 27-11. McFadden added seven more before the half as the Padres took a 37-16 lead to the break. Collyn Bates provided the offensive spark for Clarendon Hall in the third quarter, hitting three of his five 3-point baskets while scoring 11 of his team-high 17 points. Still, the Saints trailed 54-29 heading to the final quarter. “He’s generally our best offensive player, but he was out for about a month-and-a-half with knee surgery,” Clarendon Hall head coach Storm Bennett, whose team fell to 0-12 on the season and 0-3 in the region,

11 13

5 24

13 17

7 — 36 24 — 78

CLARENDON HALL Way 8, Keller 5, Bates 17, Pappas 2, Lookabill 2, Patel 2. ST. FRANCIS XAVIER Lyons 10, Hannus 2, Savage 4, Foreman 20, McFadden 40, Rickabaugh 2.

said of Bates. “This is his second game back now, so we’ve been without him and we’re still trying to work the kinks out with not having him. We lost another player who transferred schools, and he was a starter, so we’re without him, too. He (Bates) sparked us there, and I thought he and Dustin Way (who finished with eight points) played really well the whole game. The rest of them were rattled a little bit by the pressure, I think.” McFadden was not SFX’s only double-figure scorer as Dalton Foreman and Justin Lyons did most of their damage in the fourth quarter. Foreman scored 13 of his 20 points and Lyons had six of his 10 in the final eight minutes. “Dalton, Jay, and even Justin at times have been a force as far as running into the double figures for us,” said Allen, whose team moved

to 2-6 and 1-1. “Dalton had a little off night tonight with penetrating to the basket and missing his layups. Typically he doesn’t miss those so it would have been a better night for him but, again, they started to just figure it out. They started to get it tonight and just really clicked as a team. Tonight they displayed a lot of teamwork, a lot of heart, and that’s what I wanted to try to foster this evening.” Bennett said the offensive production from McFadden and Foreman was the difference in the game. “They’ve got shooters and we’re lacking shooters. That’s where we really lack,” Bennett said. “Between those two, they could have doubled us over, just the two of them. They were good players, but if we could have kept (McFadden) off the boards, I think that could have made a big difference. “I was telling the guys at halftime that on the first shots they probably shot about the same percentage as we did. He had probably about 20-something rebounds on us and putbacks, so that’s something to work on in practice tomorrow. We haven’t had a practice in about a week now, so it will be good to get them in there.”

Sumter’s Anna McBride, right, tries to block a shot by South Florence’s Maleaha Johnson during the Lady Gamecocks’ 39-31 victory on Tuesday at the SFHS gymnasium in Florence.

SHS SFHS

11 15

12 10

9 16

17 — 49 14 — 57

SUMTER Butler 5, McBride 4, Rembert 6, White 11, Parker 8, Moore 10. SOUTH FLORENCE Small 1, Ford 8, Robinson 15, B. Rivers 9, G. Rivers 5, Floyd 3, Rupert 2, Johnson 8.

GIRLS SUMTER 39, SOUTH FLORENCE 31 SHS SFHS

11 5

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3 9

11 — 39 12 — 31

SUMTER Brown 2, Wilson 4, K. Kennedy 9, McBride 4, Harris 7, Davis 2, N. Kennedy 4, Richardson 7. SOUTH FLORENCE Daniels 3, Barnes 1, Hodge 1, Johnson 11, Wilson 14, Douglas 1.

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

St. Francis Xavier’s Chris Rickabaugh, front, steals the basketball during the Padres’ 78-36 victory over Clarendon Hall on Tuesday at the Birnie Hope Center.

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the Bruins. Erick White led Sumter with 11 points and Marquese Moore added 10 points In the girls game, SHS opened defense of its region title with a 39-31 victory. Kadejuha Kennedy had a team-high nine points to lead the Lady Gamecocks, who improved to 9-5. Anna McBride and Kyra Wilson each pulled down 10 rebounds for SHS. Sumter never trailed and made just one field goal in the second half, but dominated the game from the free throw line. The Gamecocks went 24 of 34 from the line, while the Bruins were just 13 of 32. South, ranked fifth in the most recent South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association 4A poll, came into the game shooting just 46 percent from the line. The Lady Bruins got as close as eight points twice in the second half, but couldn’t get any closer. Alex Wilson led South Florence with 14 points, and Maleaha Johnson added 11 and five rebounds.

ise

third quarter and he was a big reason for it.” Rivers had seven of his nine points in the second half, and the Bruins opened the second half on a 7-0 run to take a 32-23 lead with 5:19 left in the third quarter. South extended its lead to 48-34 with three minutes left in fourth quarter to snap a 3-game losing streak to the Gamecocks. Sumter, which fell to 10-5 on the season, defeated South Florence by more than 20 points in both games on its way to winning the region title last season. “We didn’t want to lose to them like that again and we wanted to protect our home court,” Rivers said. “So I had to bring extra energy and getting everyone else involved off the bench.” And winning a region title is something Schweitz thinks can happen if the team continues to give the defensive effort like it has been getting during its winning streak. The Bruins, 9-4, have allowed 50 points or less in five of their last six games. “It’s a good start and I love our defense,” Schweitz said. “If we ever get good at decision making then we could be pretty dangerous. The kids are really thinking about things we have been practicing and executing on the floor.” Demerous Robinson led South Florence with 15 points and five rebounds, and Justin Ford and Josh Johnson each added eight points for

BOYS SOUTH FLORENCE 57, SUMTER 49

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

Panthers GM expresses faith in coach, QB BY STEVE REED The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman has no doubts Cam Newton is a franchise quarterback, and he emphatically said so Tuesday — and this time without any hesitation. “Yes,’’ Gettleman said definitively, then with a smile added, “No seven-second pause, was there?’’ Gettleman created a little controversy during training camp when he was asked the same question but paused to think before throwing his weight behind NEWTON Newton. On Tuesday, Gettleman made it clear that Newton — and coach Ron Rivera — figure into the team’s long term plans. Back in August, Gettleman said Newton had to prove he could win. The former Heisman Trophy winner did just that this season, leading the Panthers to the NFC South championship and a first-round bye in the playoffs before being bounced from the postseason by the San Francisco 49ers. Gettleman said Newton proved to him that he is a franchise quarterback. “He proved it this year,’’ the

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General manager Dave Gettleman, right, said on Tuesday that he has great faith in Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, left, and in quarterback Cam Newton despite the team’s struggles in Sunday’s 23-10 loss to San Francisco in the NFL Divisional playoffs.

GM said. “He flat proved it.’’ Carolina’s big season couldn’t have come at a better time for Rivera, who was on the hot seat after a 1-3 start. Rivera is entering the final year of his contract, so it’s likely the team will look to extend his deal this offseason. “I have the ultimate faith in Ron,’’ Gettleman said. “... We were 12-4, NFC South champs. I think I’m pretty pleased’’ with his effort. Gettleman wouldn’t dis-

cuss the contract situation for Newton or Rivera. With Newton’s third NFL season complete, the Panthers can now sign him to a long-term contract extension. His contract is set to expire after the 2014 season, but the Panthers can exercise an option for a fifth year in 2015 by agreeing to pay the two-time Pro Bowler an average salary equal to that of the top 10 highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. The Panthers have until May 3 to make that decision.

Rivera has previously said Newton has shown “substantial progress’’ this season, throwing for 3,379 yards and a career-high 24 touchdowns while leading the Panthers to a 12-5 record. He also ran for 585 yards and six TDs. Gettleman said the team’s overall salary cap picture will factor into what happens this offseason. The Panthers have 21 soon-to-be unrestricted free agents on their roster whose contracts expire in March.

Li, Serena handle heat, advance at Aussie Open BY JOHN PYE The Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia — Coming from one of China’s three “Stove Cities’’ had its benefits for Li Na on another scorching day at the Australian Open, where she completed back-to-back wins over the two youngest players in the draw to reach the third round. The 2011 French Open, a two-time finalist at Melbourne Park, raced through the first set against 16-year-old Belinda Bencic in S. WILLIAMS 22 minutes on Wednesday, conceding just 10 points. She had to work harder in the second, with temperatures topping 39 Celsius (102 Fahrenheit), before winning 6-0, 7-6 (5). Li, from Wuhan, one of three cities in central China renowned for hot temperatures, turns 32 next month. In the first round, she dropped just two games as she accounted for 16-year-old Ana Konjuh, the youngest player in the tournament. Bencic and Konjuh each won two of the four junior majors in 2013. “It’s warm, but it’s OK,’’ Li said of her 1-hour, 20-minute second-round match.

Serena Williams matched one of Margaret Court’s records as she advanced to the third round as well with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Vesna Dolonc. Williams improved her record to 60-8 at Melbourne Park, equaling Court’s 60 match wins in the Open era at the Australian championship. The temperature topped 40 Celsius (104F) during the 63-minute match, and Williams fended off the only break point she faced against the No. 104-ranked Dolonc with an ace late in the second set. The 17-time major winner extended her winning streak to 24 matches. Temperatures topped 42 Celsius (108 F) on Tuesday, and there were a total of nine retirements in the first round, equaling a Grand Slam record. The forecast is for the heat wave to continue until Friday, with daily maximums above 40 C (104F). In other completed matches, No. 22 Ekaterina Makarova followed up her first-round win over Venus Williams with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over American Irina Falconi. On the men’s side, No. 7 Tomas Berdych became the first man into the third round with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 win over Kenny de Schepper of France.

Judge’s decision means NFL may have to pay more BY RICK FREEMAN The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Li Na serves to Belinda Bencic during their second-round match at the Australian Open on Wednesday in Melbourne, Australia. Li won 6-0, 7-6 (5).

SPORTS ITEMS

Lions hire ex-Colts head coach Caldwell ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions have hired former Indianapolis head coach Jim Caldwell to the same position. The Lions are giving Caldwell another chance to be an NFL head coach. He helped the Colts play in the Super Bowl after his debut season in 2009 and was fired two years later after a 2-14 season while Peyton Manning was injured, dropping his three-year mark to 26-22. CALDWELL

SMITH, PADRES AGREE TO $4.5 MILLION CONTRACT

SAN DIEGO — Seth Smith and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a $4.5 million, one-year contract to avoid arbitration. Smith, a left-handed hitter, batted .253 with eight home runs and 40 RBI last year. GEORGIA HIRES FSU’S PRUITT TO HEAD DEFENSE

ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia coach Mark Richt moved

Among those is defensive end Greg Hardy, who has developed into one of the league’s top pass rushers with 26 sacks over the past two seasons, including 15 this year. Hardy, who was selected to the Pro Bowl, could command a salary in excess of $10 million per season. Gettleman said the Panthers are still “cap challenged’’ one year after he inherited a team more than $16 million over the NFL salary cap.

quickly to name a new defensive coordinator, hiring Jeremy Pruitt from Florida State on Tuesday, only two days after losing Todd Grantham to Louisville. Under Pruitt, undefeated Florida State led the nation in scoring defense, allowing 12.1 points per game, and ranked third in total defense while winning the national championship. KERSHAW, PRICE, SCHERZER AMONG 146 IN ARBITRATION

NEW YORK — Cy Young Award winners Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers headed 146 players who filed for salary arbitration. Tampa Bay pitcher David Price, Pittsburgh third baseman Pedro Alvarez, Cincinnati pitcher Aroldis Chapman, Arizona outfielder Mark Trumbo, Baltimore catcher Matt Wieters and Washington pitcher Jordan Zimmermann also were among those who filed Tuesday. From wire reports

NEW YORK — The NFL’s concussion settlement popped back into the national consciousness Tuesday — and it’s no closer to being resolved — just as the league was set for a big couple of weeks. On the cusp of a championship weekend with two appealing matchups ahead of the first Super Bowl in the New York area, the NFL is facing the possibility that it will have to pay more money to reach a settlement on the concussion issue. The league’s deal with former players hit a snag when a federal judge asked both parties to back up their assertions that the settlement is fair to both sides. Based on the 12-page ruling issued by Judge Anita B. Brody Tuesday, the NFL may have to pay out more money. Brody denied a motion that was meant to serve as a preliminary approval for the settlement, seeking more information. She wrote that she was “primarily concerned that not all retired NFL football players who ultimately receive a qualifying diagnosis or their (families) ... will be paid,’’ and that the lawyers for both parties have not addressed those concerns. Meanwhile, former players looking to receive assistance for the injuries they suffered while playing in the league will have to wait longer to be compensated. The two sides agreed in late August, just before the season kicked off and the issue largely went to the back burner, awaiting Brody’s decision. The weekly accounting of brain injuries on the field, despite efforts to reduce them, did still make headlines. Both sides said they would try to assure the judge the money will last. Also, they can modify the deal in other ways to assuage her concerns, too.

OBITUARIES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

BARBARA JEAN C. NASH BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Barbara Jean Clark Nash, 55, beloved wife of Randy Nash, departed this earthly life on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, at her home in Birmingham. She was a daughter NASH of B.J. Clark and the late Julia Clark. Barbara leaves to cherish her memories: three children, Tanica Clark, and Camille and Justin Nash, all of Birmingham; seven sisters, Catherine Hodge of Bronx, N.Y., Mary F.

Clark of Brooklyn, N.Y., Vivian (Terry) Clarkson of Atlanta, and Juliet Clark Hill, Janett Clark Goodman, Shirley A. Clark Dwyer and Jacqueline (Gregg) Vaughn, all of Sumter; one brother, Ben Clark of Sumter; and one sisterin-law, Reatha Clark of Sumter. She was preceded in death by one brother, the late Robert Clark, who departed this life on Aug. 9, 2013. Funeral services will be held at a later date in Birmingham. Courtesy announcement by Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

TOM McELVEEN FLORENCE — William Thomas “Tom” McElveen, 81, died Friday evening, Jan. 10, 2014, at his residence, with his family at his side. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Tabernacle Cemetery, Lynchburg. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the home of Jane McElveen, 724 Dix Lane, Florence. Mr. McElveen was born in Sumter County, a son of the late Woodrow and Kathleen Lee McElveen. Tom served his country in the U.S.

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Air Force. He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Clemson University. He taught vocational agriculture in Lynchburg. He was certified in biology, science and chemistry. Before his retirement, Tom was a vocational rehab counselor with the Pee Dee Vocational Center in Florence. Tom loved traveling and spending time with his family as they traveled across the country. He and his wife, Miriam, spent time together at their beach home at Garden City, until her death in 2011. After her death, he moved to Florence

to be close to his children and grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Miriam Lariscy McElveen. Surviving are two sons, Will McElveen of Evergreen and Dean McElveen of Florence; two daughters, Jane (Mark Hancock) McElveen of Florence and Marie McElveenBell (Rick) of Raleigh, N.C.; brothers, Jack McElveen (Barbara) of Lynchburg and Mike McElveen of Florence; sisters, Mary (Charles) Hinds of Florence and Patsy Campbell of Rock Hill; and grandchildren, Thomas Lee, Wil-

SPORTS

CLEMSON — He blindsided everyone in Littlejohn Coliseum, especially those wearing royal blue. Redshirt freshman forward Jaron Blossomgame posted 14 points and 14 rebounds during Clemson’s 72-59 victory against Duke on Saturday. He converted a pair of 3-pointers late in the second half to seal the victory. Through the 14 games before that performance, Blossomgame never scored more than nine points or grabbed more than nine rebounds. He totaled three 3-pointers during that span. Thus, Saturday’s startling stat line appears to be a mere spike on an otherwise low impact reading. However, Blossomgame asserted that it was the signal of a new standard. He intends to prove that claim tonight, when Clemson visits Virginia Tech. “Going forward, I have a lot more confidence in myself,” Blossomgame said. “You’ll see me shooting the ball a lot more from the 3-point line, attacking the basket. “The biggest thing with me is I need to stay consistent. I don’t want to have an off game. I’m expecting to have a

USC from Page B1 track record, there’s every reason to believe South Carolina’s quarterback position will be in good hands next season. 2. CAN MIKE DAVIS MAKE A RUN AT THE HEISMAN TROPHY?

When he was healthy this season, tailback Mike Davis was considered a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender for 2014. And with good reason. Davis breezed across the 1,000-yard mark this season, surpassing the milestone in nine games. Then he hobbled to the finish line in the season’s final month, literally. Dealing with a variety of injuries, Davis didn’t look like the same player in November who took Gamecocks fans by storm earlier in the fall. With an offseason to heal, Davis should be ready to go when August comes. If he can be the player everyone expects, it will go a long way toward keeping South Carolina in the top 10. In college football, one truly special player can hide many weaknesses. 3. CAN AN INEXPERIENCED DEFENSIVE LINE SURVIVE IN THE SEC?

South Carolina will try to replace two All-Americans on its defensive line with mostly young, inexperienced players — if not freshmen. It’s not impossible. For inspiration with the task ahead, look no further than Auburn. The SEC champions were anchored on their defensive line by All-SEC first team selection Dee Ford, a senior who justifiably got much of the credit this season because of his 10.5 sacks. Behind Ford, two of the Tigers’ top four sacks leaders were true freshmen. Carl Lawson (four sacks) and Elijah Daniel (2.5) demanded attention from opposing offensive lines. The Gamecocks will be anchored next year by senior tackle J.T. Surratt, who quietly had a nice junior season with 33 tackles — four for loss — and 1.5 sacks. The defensive line also hopes to see junior defensive end Gerald Dixon and junior defensive tackle Gerald Dixon Jr. have a jump in production. Perhaps most important, South Carolina has five defensive linemen committed in the 2014 class, including four-star prospects Abu Lamin, Kalan Ritchie and Dante Sawyer. With Georgia coming to Williams-Brice Stadium on Week 3 next season, nothing

liam T. McElveen III, David Bell and Jacob D. McElveen. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jim McElveen. Memorials may be made to McLeod Hospice, P.O. Box 100551, Florence, SC 29501; Lynchburg Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 41, Lynchburg, SC 29080; or Tabernacle Cemetery Fund, c/o Patricia Tyler, chairman, P.O. Box 87, Lynchburg, SC 29080. Layton-Anderson Funeral Home, 4210 W. Palmetto St., Florence, is assisting the family with arrangements. SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE B6

Tigers’ Blossomgame out to prove he’s no 1-hit wonder BY MANDRALLIUS ROBINSON Greenville News

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pretty good game. I want to go for another double-double every game now. I’ve shown myself that I can do it against pretty good competition.” Blossomgame produced those 14 points on 10 field goal attempts. He has averaged 5.1 attempts through the 14 games in which he has logged at least 10 minutes. Developing into a consistent contributor requires more than attempting more shots. Blossomgame simply must operate within himself and within the flow of the offense. He must maintain the discretion to fire good shots and the confidence to convert them. “He didn’t really force any shots,” sophomore guard Jordan Roper said of Blossomgame. “He didn’t do anything outside of what he’d normally do. He just really stepped up in the situations that we needed him and knocked down key shots. I can see him continuing to do that.” Blossomgame has battled through two surgeries to repair a leg he broke before arriving at Clemson in 2012. According to Clemson head coach Brad Brownell, Blossomgame has not regained all of his speed, explosiveness and endurance. Nevertheless, he has started 13 of Clemson’s 15 games.

will be more important than turning South Carolina’s young defensive line into a respectable unit as quickly as possible. Identifying one or two incoming players during preseason camp would help that process.

Clemson’s Jaron Blossomgame (5) looks to follow his breakout performance against Duke with another strong outing tonight as the Tigers travel to Virginia Tech.

BRYANT from Page B1

4. WHO WILL PLAY CORNERBACK?

As soon as the Capital One Bowl ended, South Carolina’s cornerback depth was depleted. Senior Jimmy Legree’s eligibility expired. Junior Victor Hampton announced he’ll leave early for the NFL draft. Sophomore Ahmad Christian transferred in December. Christian would have been a virtual lock to start at cornerback next fall. Now, the position gets sketchy. South Carolina lost its top three tacklers at cornerback. That’s a lot of production to replace. Secondary coach Grady Brown was blunt, and honest, when he told reporters last month that next year’s cornerbacks may currently be in high school. Committed defensive backs Al Harris Jr. and Darin Smalls are three-star recruits who could get an early opportunity, along with returning players Rico Williams, Ali Groves and Ronnie Martin. Don’t be surprised if the coaches try out a safety at the cornerback position this offseason, either. Junior T.J. Gurley seems like a logical candidate. 5. WHO WILL FILL THE VOID LEFT BY BRUCE ELLINGTON?

Steve Spurrier knows how to replace a star receiver. He’s proven that over the years, especially recently at South Carolina. The Gamecocks have had three different leading receivers the past three seasons. When Alshon Jeffery left school early for the NFL, Ace Sanders and Ellington stepped up. When Sanders left, Ellington led the way this season. Now, with Ellington leaving early, South Carolina faces a similar challenge. USC doesn’t have a receiver who’s proven to be the in same class as Jeffery, Sanders and Ellington. Yet, on paper, the Gamecocks’ receiving corps may have more depth than ever. Seven receivers had at least 187 yards this season, the most during Spurrier’s tenure in Columbia. Six will return next season. For the fourth straight year, South Carolina will have a different leading receiver. Who will it be? Senior Damiere Byrd and junior Shaq Roland are the early favorites.

Day 1 selection, when the first three rounds will commence on May 8 in New York City. Once players get outside the top 100 draft picks, guaranteed money rarely gets higher than half a million dollars on rookie contracts. “(Bryant’s) size and speed combination is a premium that most NFL scouts covet,” Flanagan said. “It’s all about matchups at the next level, and Martavis has an opportunity to create mismatches for guys who can’t go up and go get the ball.” As for Breeland, Flanagan said, “He’s shown straightline improvement, all the way across the board. The things he does well you don’t have to teach — aggressiveness against the run, not fearing contact, making plays on the ball with instinct — those are the things that make the difference between good corners and great corners.” During fall camp, Swinney lauded Bryant’s attitude adjustment after getting suspended for the 2012 Chick-filA Bowl after being ruled academically ineligible. Swinney reiterated that praise Saturday, recalling when he got back to his office after the team returned from Atlanta, there was Bryant awaiting him, hat in hand. “I think we all know Martavis is going through a little bit of a transformation,” Swinney said. “I’m really proud of him, because since last January, I have not had one issue with him. Not one. “I really didn’t even want him

back. He sat in there and we had a great conversation. The best thing that happened to him was having to sit at home.” Swinney saw a refocused, recommitted Bryant, who in Swinney’s eyes stayed consistent the entire year of 2013. “Because he knew he had the ability to really be a special player,” Swinney said. “Great to see him have a great year this year. I have no doubt somebody’s going to get an outstanding young talent in Martavis.” Bryant and Breeland are set to train in Boca Raton, Fla., along with their quarterback the past three years, Tajh Boyd. “It helps me out a lot, because he’s going to have to throw to me at Pro Day,” Bryant said. “So we’re already working on our stuff now, so we’re in rhythm come Pro Day.” Favorite memory? For Bryant, who joined in the football team’s welcome home celebration at halftime of Saturday’s basketball game against Duke, it’s the pageantry of Death Valley. “The fans always supported me; the love that the fans gave us every Saturday,” Bryant said. “The experience I got on campus is one of the best experiences you’ll ever have. Running down the Hill, I’ll never forget that. I’m just gonna be a Tiger all my life.” Now comes to hard part: the four-month job interview, with everything scrutinized from route-running to personal background questions. “I’m excited about it, but at the same time, the grind doesn’t stop,” Bryant said. “I’m still continuing to learn and get better.”

OBITUARIES

THE ITEM

NORMA JEAN HUDSON MYRTLE BEACH — Norma Jean Hudson, 89, passed away Jan. 13, 2014. Born April 1, 1924, in Success, Ark., she was a daughter of the late Roscoe C. and Jewell Fowler Barwick. Norma Jean was a graduate of the Tuomey Hospital School of Nursing and served in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. She worked as a registered nurse for more than 40 years, the last 28 at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base hospital and children’s clinic. She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach. Wonderful memories will be cherished by her children, Merry H. Milford of Conway, L. David Hudson Jr. and wife, Becky, of Atlanta and Phillip W. Hudson and wife, Billie, of Myrtle Beach; three sisters, Louise Hasibar of Sumter, Syble DeBerry of Myrtle Beach and Beverly Rhodes of Windber, Pa.; five grandchildren, Jennifer Martin, Rachel Smith, Scott Hudson, Whitfield Hudson and Beth Clifton; and nine greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Louis D. Hudson; granddaughter, Kristin Elaine Hudson; grandson, Jason Lane Martin; and two brothers, Duard Barwick and Norman Barwick. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery in Sumter with the Rev. Richard Hudson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chadwick Kyle Cranford Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 71238, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. An online guest book is available at msfh.net. McMillan-Small Funeral Home of Myrtle Beach is serving the family. JULIUS THOMAS BISHOPVILLE — Julius Thomas entered eternal rest on Jan. 11, 2014, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. The family is receiving friends at the residence, 309 Bradley Ave., Bishopville. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville. RITA LINA C. LeTEMPT Rita Lina Cranford LeTempt, age 65, beloved wife of Stephen Francis LeTempt, died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at Providence Hospital in Columbia. Born July 6, 1948, in Germany, she was a daughter of the late Al and Margaret Cranford. She will be remembered as a very giving and hardworking woman. She loved all animals and would take in any and all strays. She was very involved in the SPCA and all her pets were animal rescues. She owned and operated Wholesale Auto Parts Store in Sumter for more than 40 years. She loved her family, especially her grandson Paul. She will be missed by all who knew her and will be

remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Christopher LeTempt and his wife, Toni, of Bentonville, Ark.; one brother, Bill Cranford of Florida; two sisters, Shirley Booher and her husband, David, of Kansas and Donna Mack of Oklahoma; and one grandson, Paul LeTempt. Services will be private. Memorials may be made to the Sumter SPCA, 1140 S. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

VALERIE J. FIELDS Valerie Jones Fields, 64, widow of Robert Fields, passed away on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. She was born Aug. 15, 1949, in New York City, N.Y., to the late George Carter and Vernell Maple Singleton. The family is receiving friends at 4140 Patriot Parkway, Sumter. Services have been entrusted to Whites Mortuary and are incomplete at this time, (803) 774-8200. Dr. PATRICK M. MARDESICH Dr. Patrick M. Mardesich, age 50, beloved husband of Naomi Mardesich, died on Monday, Jan. 13, 2013, at his residence. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter.

JEAN T. HOLLADAY ALCOLU — Sandra Jean Tisdale Holladay, 69, wife of James Leon Holladay, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Stephen Eugene and Louise Bradham Tisdale. Mrs. Holladay was a member of Graham Baptist Church. She retired as a guidance counselor from Sumter School District 2 and was an active member of Mental Health America of Sumter County. Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Sara Camille Howle (Murry B. Jr.) of Suwannee, Ga.; two granddaughters, Sara Grace Howle and Katherine Mae Howle; two brothers, Robert J. Tisdale (Claudia) of Elkin, N.C., and Dallas Bradham Tisdale of Marathon, Fla.; and two sisters, Margaret Attaya of Charleston and Kate Lees of Dunnellon, Fla. She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Roland Tisdale. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thurs-

day at Graham Baptist Church with the Rev. John Patrick and the Rev. Jim Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery. Pallbearers will be Butch Tomlinson, Edward Brunson, C.W. Brunson, Jimmy Davis, Thomas Sorensen and Leon Tobias. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday at Graham Baptist Church and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to the Graham Baptist Church Building Fund, 4140 U.S. 521, Sumter, SC 29153. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

JACQUELINE M. CHAMBERS Jacqueline Maree Chambers, 52, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at home, surrounded by her family. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.brunsonfuneralhome.com. Brunson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15 E. Hospital St., Manning, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 433-2273. SAMUEL S. HALEY Samuel Shelby “Bud” Haley, 74, husband of Carolyn Brunson Haley, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Manning, he was a son of the late Samuel F. Haley and Mary Haley Tallman. Mr. Haley was a graduate of Edmunds High School Class of 1959. He attended the University of South Carolina and was an avid Gamecock fan for 54 years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was on Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban Crisis. He owned and operated Haley’s Front End and Brake Shop for 10 years. He was a charter employee of Kaydon Corp. in Sumter, from which he retired after 30 years. Mr. Haley also operated Haley’s Paint Service within Kaydon Corp. for 15 years. After his retirement, he was a maintenance consultant for Kaydon Corp., until the time of his illness. He was of the Presbyterian faith. Survivors include his wife of 54 years; two children, Gregory S. Haley (Michelle) of James Island and Stephanie Haley (John) of Sumter; six grandchildren, Mary Cheyenne Mayfield and Ashleigh Haley Mayfield, both of the home, Camilyn Corley, Michaela Wrenn, Dakota Brown and Joshua Button; one sister, Evelyne Haley Ball (Jerry) of Summerville; and one brother, Gilbert F. Haley of Georgetown. His two black labs, Duke and Dogeé, were very special to him. He was preceded in death by a son, Samuel Shelby Haley. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Barry Eller officiating. Burial will be in Brunson Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wayne Lowder, Joseph Lowder, Gilbert Haley,

Brandon Rogers, Glenn Rogers and Kenneth Gardner. Honorary pallbearers will be the Kaydon Corp. Maintenance Crew, Paul Brewer, Archie Blakley, John Dickerson and Ron Moody. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

JAMES ALBERT James Albert, 63, husband of Patricia Brown Albert, died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born April 21, 1950, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Wisdom and Mary Anderson Albert. He was an active and faithful lifelong member of Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, until he became ill. He was a member of the United Methodist Men Organization. James was a joyful and very talkative person. He was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and a graduate of Eastern High School Class of 1968. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served two tours of Vietnam duty and received a Purple Heart. After serving in the Army, he returned to Sumter and attended Morris College for two years. He worked several jobs, which included: a correctional officer with the state of South Carolina Department of Correction; four years with the City of Columbia Police Department, where he was promoted to the rank of sergeant; and for years with several trucking companies. James then became the owner of James Albert Trucking Co. He leaves to cherish fond memories: his wife, Patricia Brown Albert of the home; three sons, James (Noel) Albert Jr. of Sumter, Brian (Tomorray) Albert of Columbia and Deion Frierson of Sumter; six grandchildren; three sisters, Betty (Donald) White of Baltimore, Md., Jessie (Melvin) Ellington of Detroit, Mich., and Mary (Verness) Harrison of Riverview, Fla.; three brothers, Wisdom (Ada) Albert Sr., Prince (Adline) Albert and Edward (Deborah) Albert Sr., all of Sumter; his mother-in-law, Hattie Mae Brown of Sumter; six sisters-in-law, Catherine (Chris) Glisson, Juanita Rouse, Doris Brown, Joan Fullard and Patricia Jackson, all of Sumter, and Loretta (Roosevelt) Brown of Mannassa, Va.; one brother-in-law, Leo (Lorraine) Chestnut of Pinewood; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and precious friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Jervey Brown Jr.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 184 Lake Ashwood Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Kenneth N. Carter, pastor, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Wyatt C. Minton III. The family will receive friends and relatives at his home, 2875 Stamey Livestock Road, Lot 19, Dalzell. The remains will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. The funeral procession will leave at 10:30 a.m. from his home. Floral bearers and pallbearers will be 1968 class mates of Eastern High School. Burial will be in the Florence National Cemetery, 803 E. National Cemetery Road, Florence. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@ sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web. Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

KATHRYN D. RICHARDSON Kathryn Alexander DeBow Richardson, 83, of Sumter, passed away Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, in her home, surrounded by family. Kathryn was born May 13, 1930, in Clarksdale, Miss., the fourth and final daughter of the late Robert and Ruth Lee Ellison DeBow. Kathryn attended the Mississippi State College for Women to study microbiology during a time when women were not encouraged to pursue science careers. After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in microbiology, she married 2nd Lt. Roland Lee Richardson, U.S. Air Force of Denver, Colo., on Aug. 16, 1953, a union that flourished for 60 years. After she raised five daughters to adulthood, Kathryn returned to college and earned her licensed practical nurse degree at Tuomey Hospital. She worked at National HealthCare caring for the elderly until she retired. In her later years, Kathryn was known for her care of neighbors and friends in their times of need and her support during the passing of their family members. As a longtime member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, she cherished

knitting prayer shawls with the Knurturing Knitters. She was greatly saddened when she was unable to actively participate in the Wesley Fellowship Class and the United Methodist Women Circle 1. She is survived by her husband, Roland (retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel); her five daughters and their families located across the breadth of this nation from Florida to Washington, Rhonda (Dale) Windham, Rebecca (Bob) Kalamasz, Rachel Haymes, Renette (Jan) Wongrey and Rivan (John) Ruffalo; her six grandchildren, Adam and Michael Windham, Kathryn and Robin Kalamasz, Christopher (Melissa) Ruffalo and John Joseph Ruffalo; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved and adored. Kathryn was preceded in death by her three sisters, Shirley O’Keefe, Ruth Fowlkes Stigler and Anna Lewis Garrigan; and son-in-law, Jim Haymes. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Sumter with Pastor Dr. Webb Belangia officiating. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. Saturday prior to the memorial service. Condolences may be sent to the family via email to funeralhome@ ftc-i.net. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

ADA T. LOVELY BISHOPVILLE — Ada Toney Lovely, 78, passed at her residence on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, surrounded by her family. She was a daughter of the late Isaac and Gussie Stuckey Toney. Funeral services will be held today at Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerome Douglas officiating. These services have been entrusted to Square Deal Funeral Home of Bishopville. Online condolences may be sent to esquaredealfun@sc.rr.com.

SLAUGHTER SALE

50% - 75% OFF GOING ON NOW!

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GRAB TABLE From $100 - $2499

MENSWEAR Corner of Wise and Alice Drive 803-905-4299 www.canthonysmenswear.com

Your Sumter Hometown Clothing Store!

Classified lassified

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

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11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday. Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition. 9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition. 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition.

803.774.1234

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Lost & Found

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

For Sale or Trade

Found at the Kangaroo gas station on Oswego Hwy. female hound. Contact SPCA 773-9292.

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

Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves. Also new Gas stoves. Guaranteed. 803-464-5439

Legal Notice Public Storage/ PS Orangeco, Inc. LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell to satisfy the lien of owner at public sale by competitive bidding on January 23, 2014 personal and/or business property including but not limited to furniture, clothing, tools and other household/business items located at the properties listed. The sale will begin at 1:00 pm at 1277 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153. The personal goods stored therein by below named occupant(s); 1277 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153 A014 - Phillips, Standley C047 - Taylor, Whitney C051 - Holmes, Latimore D009 - Hickmon, Cheryl D017 - Reyes, Juan D037 - Jones, Richard E015 - Evans, Thelma E023 - Goodman, Patricia E030 - Mcgee, Jacqueline F010 - Wright, Howard F026 - Newman, Tameka F044 - White, Crystal F049 - Hayes, Latoya G022 - Dargan, Bryan G037 - Habersham, Verna H005 - McFadden, Ray I006 - Edmond, Tonyatta 1143 N.Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150 3785 Broad St, Sumter, SC 29154 0123 - McFadden, Demetrius 0239 - Ray, Malinda 0801 - Stocker, Miree Purchase must be made with cash only and paid for at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of the sale. Sale is subject to adjournment.

ANNOUNCEMENTS In Memory

BUSINESS SERVICES Business Services Electrical work. New & Repair Call 803-499-4127 Got door dings on your car?? Call me at Humdinger Dent Repair 803-840-2008

Home Improvements WINTER-SPECIAL - 20% Awnings, Patio Covers, Screen Rooms Ventu-Lite Inc 773-9545

Sumter County Flea Mkt Hwy 378 E. 803-495-2281 500 tables. Sat. $8 free return Sun. Sumter County Civic Center Indoor Garage Sale. 700 W. Liberty St. Saturday, February 1, 2014. 8AM - 1PM. Free admission. LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up

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

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. 905-4242

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time

Roofing

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

Residential Plumber needed. Exp. req. & must have tools & transportation. Call 491-4616

Robert's Metal Roofing, 35 Yrs Exp. 18 colors & 45 yr warranty. Financing avail, 803-837-1549.

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

STC Now Hiring Diesel Mechanic

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

Tree Service Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Steel Building Allocated Bargains. 40x60 on up. We do deals. www.gosteelbuildin gs.com. Source #18X 803-335-2030

Qualified candidates must have:

â&#x20AC;˘Valid driver license â&#x20AC;˘High School Diploma or GED â&#x20AC;˘Three years or more of diesel mechanical experience â&#x20AC;˘Must provide tools / picture at interview STC offers competitive salary and benefits EOE and Drug Free Workplace Contact - Pat Joyner 803-775-1002 x107

Help Wanted Part-Time

Unfurnished Apartments

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

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

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.

1st Month Special 2BR/2BA Apt. Call 803-236-5953

Unfurnished Homes Available Feb. 1st. 1001 Arnaud St. 2 br, 2 ba, townhouse. Stove, refrig, $750 mo. + dep. 773-5436

Trucking Opportunities

In Town Manning 3BR 2BA Brick house $800 Mo/Dep Call 803-473-7577

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

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.

Medical Help Wanted Experienced Receptionist needed for busy doctors office in Sumter. Call 803-566-0179

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

2BR 2BA, Stone FP, washer & dryer, All on a stocked pond. Located off 521 S Call 495-4994 3Br 1BA For Rent or Rent to own Alderman Camp Rd $600/mo + Dep. Call 803-473-3301 Rent or buy: 438 E. Charlotte, $600 mo. 913 Holly Dr. $500 mo. Both homes have 3 br, 2 ba. 803-778-0796. 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

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

Livestock Wrangler All Stock, $9.00 Cattle & Horse feed. Safe Choice Senior $20.00, Protein Tubs and Mineral for Cows. 803-435-2797

Pets Dog Feed 50lbs, River Run 30/20 $26.25, 24/20 $23.75, 27/15 $22.50. Call 803-435-2797 Old English/Blue Pitbull Pups. 8 wks old. 1st shots & de-wormed. Text/call for pics. $75. 803-847-0138.

MERCHANDISE

Lost & Found Firewood Found: Small Black & White puppy on Broad Street. Owner must call the SPCA to identify.

Firewood for Sale Will Deliver. Call 803 651-8672

For Sale or Trade

PETS & ANIMALS

Ronnie G. Truesdale 12/24/52 -01/14/12 You will never be forgotten. For though we are apart. You are always and forever alive in our hearts. It's been 2 years and we think about you everyday. We Love you Sherry, Chasity & Bubba

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.

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

CONTRACTOR WANTED!

Need Cash? Classiieds - your best deal for making a few bucks on things you no longer need! Call 774-1234 today! Classified

1 Bedroom Apartments for 62 YEARS AND OLDER Â&#x2021;5HIULJHUDWRU Â&#x2021;&HQWUDO +HDW $LU Â&#x2021;&RPPXQLW\ 5RRP Â&#x2021;5DQJH Â&#x2021;+DQGLFDS Â&#x2021;&RLQ 2SHUDWHG Â&#x2021;%OLQGV $FFHVVLEOH /DXQGU\ 5RRP Â&#x2021;&DUSHW Â&#x2021;(PHUJHQF\ &DOO Â&#x2021;&HLOLQJ )DQV 6\VWHP **Rent Based On 30% of Adjusted Income** **Utility Allowance Given**

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NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. Must have RELIABLE transportation and a phone in your home. 6 Days a week

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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GOT STUFF?

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MAYOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUIT CITY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

569&%04 "7"*-"#-& GPS SFOUBM PS QVSDIBTF

Winter Clearance Sale */ 130(3&44 /08

If your suits arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t becoming to you, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good time to be coming to Mayoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!

8FTNBSL 1MB[B t t .PO 4BU t XXX .BZPT%JTDPVOU4VJUT DPN Unfurnished Homes

Manufactured Housing

ALCOLU: 4BR/2BA in the country for rent. $700/mo + $700/dep. 803-473-3301 19 Baker St. (Sumter), 3BR /1.5BA, W/D hookup, Sec 8 ok. 316-8206, 236-9173

Mobile Home Rentals Scenic Lake 2Br, 1Ba. No pets. Call between 9am - 5pm ONLY! (803) 499-1500. 4BR/2BA in Paxville, Living Rm, Dinning Rm, Family Rm, eat in kitchen, central A-C, 452-5544 or 704-615-5622

RENTALS Commercial Rentals Building for rent, 4miles out of Manning. Might could be used as a church. Call 803-473-3301

REAL ESTATE

RECREATION

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.

Mobile Home Lots

1994 Grumman 174 Side console alum. boat with trailer. 1994 50HP Johnson $2900 Contact 803 428-7890

MH Lot For rent $165/mo. Includes water & Sewage off Camden Rd. 803-983-3121

TRANSPORTATION

FSBO: 2 Br $45,000, 3 Br, $65,000. Good starter home or rental. Call 803-983-9671.

American MHP, 2 & 3/BRs, lot rentals, water/sewer/garbage pkup inc'd. Sec. 8 ok. 803-494-4300.

Manufactured Housing

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PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF SOUTH CAROLINA CLERKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OFFICE NOTICE OF HEARING AND PREFILE TESTIMONY DEADLINES DOCKET NO. 2014-1-E Annual Review of Base Rates for Fuel Costs of Duke Energy Progress, Inc. S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-27-865 (Supp. 2012) established a procedure for annual hearings to allow the Commission and all interested parties to review the fuel purchasing practices and policies of the Company and for the Commission to determine if any adjustment in the fuel cost recovery mechanism is necessary and reasonable.

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a hearing, pursuant to 10 S.C. Code Ann. Regs. 103-817, on the above matter has been scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 19, 2014, at 10:00 a.m., before the Commission in the Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hearing Room at 101 Executive Center Drive, Saluda Building, Columbia, South Carolina. Any person who wishes to participate in this matter as a party of record, should ÂżOH D 3HWLWLRQ WR ,QWHUYHQH LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH &RPPLVVLRQÂśV 5XOHV RI 3UDFWLFH and Procedure on or before March 21, 2014. For the receipt of future Commission correspondence, please include an email address in the Petition to Intervene. Please refer to Docket No. 2014-1-E and mail a copy to all other parties in this docket. Any person who wishes to testify and present evidence at the hearing, if VFKHGXOHG VKRXOG QRWLI\ LQ ZULWLQJ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ WKH 2IÂżFH RI 5HJXODWRU\ 6WDII at 1401 Main Street, Suite 900, Columbia, South Carolina 29201; and Timika Shafeek-Horton, Deputy General Counsel, Duke Energy Progress, Inc., 550 South Tryon Street, DEC 45A, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 on or before March 21, 2014. Please refer to Docket No. 2014-1-E. For the most recent information regarding this docket, please refer to www.psc. sc.gov and Docket No. 2014-1-E. INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL PARTIES OF RECORD, pursuant to 10 S.C. Code Ann. Regs. 103-845: 1.

Duke Energy Progress, Inc. PXVW SUHÂżOH ZLWK WKH &RPPLVVLRQ RQH FRS\ RI the direct testimony and exhibits of the witnesses it intends to present and serve the testimony and exhibits of the witnesses on all Parties of Record on or before May 8, 2014 (must be post-marked on or before this date).

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All other Parties of Record ÂżOLQJ Surrebuttal Testimony PXVW SUHÂżOH ZLWK the Commission one copy of the testimony and exhibits of the witnesses they intend to present and serve the testimony and exhibits of the witnesses on all Parties of Record on or before June 12, 2014. (Surrebuttal testimony and exKLELWV PXVW EH LQ WKH RIÂżFHV RI WKH &RPPLVVLRQ DQG LQ WKH KDQGV RI WKH SDUWLHV on this date.)

advertising deadline:

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publication date:

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Please be advised that failure to comply with the instructions contained herein could result in your proposed witnessesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; testimony and exhibits being excluded in the subject proceeding. Additionally, please note that failure to comply with the above on or before the dates indicated may result in the DISMISSAL of your pleading. Persons seeking information about the Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s procedures should contact the Commission at (803) 896-5100 or visit its website at www.psc.sc.gov. 12/11/13

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PANORAMA WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

THE ITEM

Contact Ivy Moore at (803) 774-1221 or e-mail ivym@theitem.com

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Dream Walk urges ‘Make justice a reality’

— Martin Luther King, Jr.

14th march a community effort BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com

he theme of the 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Walk is “Make Justice a Reality.” The phrase is taken from King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he said, “Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” In keeping with the theme of the threemile walk, which is Sumter’s 14th annual, sponsors have engaged Nicole Simon, victim’s advocate with the Third Judicial Circuit, as grand 2014 MLK Dream Walk Schedule marshal and as at USC Sumter Nettles Auditorium keynote speaker Monday, Jan. 20 for the celebration 8:30 a.m. – Registration that follows. 9:30 a.m. – Walk begins 11 a.m. Celebratory program at Nettles Mary Sutton of Auditorium the student affairs 1 p.m. – Dream Walk events end office at the University of South Carolina Sumter and a longtime member of the Dream Walk committee, said the event has grown each year since it started. “We had more than 450 last year,” she said, “and we always march, no matter what kind of weather we have.” The Lakewood High School band will play and march with the group on Monday, she said. Sutton noted that the walk is an effort of USC Sumter, Morris College and Central Carolina Technical College, who have been sponsoring it since its inception. Following the 8:30 a.m. registration, Simon and the Lakewood band will lead walkers along the route that begins on Miller Road, proceeds to Broad Street, where it heads north, then turns south at the intersection of Broad and Bultman Drive and continues to Miller Road, end-

ITEM FILE PHOTO

Sumter community members begin a past Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Walk at USC Sumter. The 3-mile walk will take place on Monday, Jan. 20, this year. It is traditionally sponsored by Central Carolina Technical College, Morris College and USC Sumter.

ing at USC Sumter’s Nettles Auditorium. Beginning at 11 a.m., Simon will speak to the walkers and others joining them in the auditorium, the Morris College Gospel Choir will sing, and the USC Sumter Blazing Star Steppers will perform. Austin B. Floyd of Central Carolina Technical College’s Department of Student Affairs/Admissions and Records, will serve as master of ceremonies and will introduce CCTC students, who will present a poetry reading. Refreshments will be served following the program. There is no charge to participate in the walk, Sut-

ton said, “but we will have commemorative T-Shirts available for a donation of $10, which is used for expenses, including the refreshments — hot dogs, chips, cookies and beverages — as well as the Tshirts themselves.” Those desiring to participate in the Dream Walk can register online at www.uscsumter.edu/dreamwalk-2014, or sign up at USC Sumter’s Nettles Auditorium at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the walk, Monday, Jan. 20. For more information, contact Lynwood Watts, University of South Carolina Sumter, (803) 938-3826.

After a long struggle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.” The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President’s national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” For information about how to serve, visit the website http://mlkday.gov/about/serveonkingday.php. Source: Corporation for National and Community Service

Activist-poet Baraka dies; appeared at Millican Festival BY HILLEL ITALIE AP National Writer NEW YORK — Amiri Baraka, the militant man of letters and tireless agitator whose blues-based, fist-shaking poems, plays and criticism made him a provocative and groundbreaking force in American culture, died Jan. 9 at 79. In 2010, Baraka headlined the kick-off event in Columbia for the 2010 Arthenia J. Bates Millican Festival, based at Patriot Hall in Sumter, home of the late writer Millican. An internationally recognized poet, playwright, political activist and leading authority on African-

American music, his often controversial work explored the experience and anger of African Americans. He was the author of more than 40 books and and presented poetry and lectured extensively across the United States and internationally. Baraka taught at Yale University and George Washington University and spent 20 years on the faculty of the State University of New York in Stonybrook. He received numerous grants and prizes, including a Guggenheim fellowship and a poetry award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Perhaps no writer of

the 1960s and ‘70s was more radical or polarizing than the former LeRoi Jones, and no one did more to extend the political debates of the civil rights era to the world of the arts. He inspired at least one generation of poets, playwrights and musicians, and his immersion in spoken word traditions and raw street language anticipated rap, hip-hop and slam poetry. The FBI feared him to the point of flattery, identifying Baraka as “the person who will probably emerge as the leader of the Pan-African movement in the United States.” Baraka transformed

from the rare black to join the Beat caravan of Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac to leader of the Black Arts Movement, an ally of the Black Power movement, and intensified a divide over how and whether the black artist should take on social issues. Scorning art for art’s sake and the pursuit of blackwhite unity, Baraka was part of a philosophy that called for the teaching of black art and history and producing works that bluntly called for revolution. His influences ranged from Ray Bradbury and Mao Zedong to Ginsberg and John Coltrane. Baraka wrote poems, short

stories, novels, essays, plays, musical and cultural criticism and jazz operas. Baraka was denounced by critics as buffoonish, homophobic, anti-Semitic, a demagogue. He was called by others a genius, a prophet, the Malcolm X of literature. The scholar Arnold Rampersad placed him alongside Frederick Douglass and Richard Wright in the pantheon of black cultural influences. The revolution, Baraka believed, would be set to music. In “Blues People,” he traced the role of blues and jazz as forces of nonconformity in American culture

from slavery days to the present. He welcomed rap as “mass-based poetry,” but worried that corporate power was turning performers away from the mission of “struggle and democracy and political consciousness.” The Black Arts Movement was essentially over by the mid-1970s, and Baraka distanced himself from some of his harsher comments — about Dr. King, about gays and about whites in general. In 2002, he was respected enough to be named New Jersey’s poet laureate. Features Editor Ivy Moore contributed to this story.

FOOD

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

Start the new year with a fresh take on ambrosia BY ELIZABETH KARMEL Associated Press Writer During Chinese New Year, displaying and eating tangerines and oranges is said to bring wealth and luck. Sounds like a fine start to the new year! It doesn’t hurt that oranges are hitting their prime about now. Of course, I tend to go overboard, always buying more than I can possibly eat straight up. To handle my excess, I often make ambrosia, a lightly sweet treat I grew up with in the South. The two main ingredients are oranges and coconut, both welcome on any Chinese table. So celebrating Chinese New Year with this classic dish seemed about right, at least for this Southern girl. Ambrosia is a simple recipe that in our house was served only for dessert. Fresh orange segments, freshly grated coconut, maybe a sprinkle of sugar — only if the oranges aren’t sweet enough — and that is basically it. My grandmother topped it with a dollop of real whipped cream, but I personally never liked the whipped cream. I’d rather add a splash of orange liqueur. When I left home, I thought my grandmother’s ambrosia was as common as peanut butter and jelly. Guess not. Most ambrosia recipes are served as a side dish, not a dessert, and in addition to oranges — often canned Mandarin oranges and sweetened dried coconut (not fresh coconut) — they include many other ingredients, such as pineapple bits, grapes, bananas, maraschino cherries, nuts, mini marshmallows and all kinds of creamy ingredients, from mayonnaise and

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Prepare this clean simple Coconut-Orange Ambrosia in 20 minutes.

sour cream to whipped topping and heavy cream. These creamy sweet side dishes don’t appeal to me. I prefer the clean, simple flavor of the ambrosia I grew up with. Better, and probably better for you. And that’s a fine start to a fresh year.

COCONUT-ORANGE AMBROSIA Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 4 8 to 10 large navel oranges 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) orange liqueur

2 teaspoons superfine sugar Pinch of salt Flesh from 1 fresh coconut, grated 1 sprig fresh mint Whipped cream Use a paring knife to cut off the tops and bottoms of each orange. One at a time, stand each orange on a cut side and slice off the peel (including the white pith) on all sides. One at a time, hold the peeled oranges in a cupped hand over a bowl to catch the juices. Use the paring knife to

cut out the orange segments from between the membranes. Add the segments to the bowl. When all of the segments have been removed from each orange, squeeze the membranes over the bowl to get as much juice as possible. Sprinkle the oranges with the orange liqueur, sugar and salt. Toss gently. Divide between 4 serving bowls. Top with the fresh coconut, a few fresh mint leaves and whipped cream. Nutrition information per serving: 570 calories; 400 cal-

ories from fat (70 percent of total calories); 45 g fat (36 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 40 mg cholesterol; 39 g carbohydrate; 12 g fiber; 25 g sugar; 5 g protein; 50 mg sodium. EDITOR’S NOTE: Elizabeth Karmel is a grilling and Southern foods expert and executive chef at Hill Country Barbecue Market restaurants in New York and Washington, as well as Hill Country Chicken in New York. She is the author of three cookbooks, including “Soaked, Slathered and Seasoned.”

This healthy chicken soup has Chinese influences BY SARA MOULTON Associated Press Writer When it’s cold outside, I love making soup for supper. Everything goes into a single pot, starting with an aromatic broth and a substantial array of vegetables, then a little bit of protein, and finally a crispy garnish. And when dinner’s over, there’s only that one pot to wash! This recipe’s fragrant broth is essentially a Chinese version of a Jewish chicken soup. Folklore has it that the latter is a cure-all, if only because it’s so comforting. But once you add a significant amount of fresh ginger, as I have here, your case for the soup’s therapeutic value is even stronger. Ginger does great things for the body, which is why I keep a big batch of ginger tea simmering on the stove when I’m fighting a cold. Swimming in this broth are four vegetables — carrots, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and peas. I chose them not only because they’re the kind of vegetables you might find in a Chinese soup, but also because they are nutritious and provide a fresh array of colors. That said, you’re welcome to swap them out in favor of any number of other winter veggies, including butternut squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, broccoli and parsnips. But whatever else you

add to the soup, make sure that the chicken goes in last. Cut into bite-sized chunks, it takes little time to cook, but it will become tough and leathery if cooked too long. At the end of it all, you’ll want to add some wonton crisps, which bake quickly and contribute some flavorful crunch. A healthful approximation of the wonderful fried noodles often found on Chinese-styled salads, these crisps spend no time submerged in oil. You simply take fresh wonton wrappers (an allpurpose item you always want to have at hand in your freezer), cut them into strips, toss them with a tiny bit of oil, then bake them until crispy (which happens in a flash). They’re the crowning touch for a soup that’ll warm you from the inside out.

CHINESE CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE SOUP Start to finish: 1 hour Servings: 4 For the wonton crisps: 12 square wonton wrappers 1/2 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil Salt For the soup: 6 medium scallions 4-by-1-inch piece fresh ginger, unpeeled 3 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled 1/2 cup rice wine, sake or dry sherry

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots 4 to 5 ounces sliced or cubed shiitake mushrooms 3 tablespoons cornstarch whisked with 1/4 cup water 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2-inch cubes 3 cups sliced bok choy or napa cabbage 1 cup frozen peas (do not defrost) 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil Heat the oven to 375 F. Cut the wonton wrappers into 1/4-inch strips. In a bowl, toss the wonton strips with the oil and a pinch of salt. Arrange the strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake on the oven’s middle shelf until golden and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. Meanwhile, place the scallions on a cutting board, then use the side of a large knife or a rolling pin to lightly smash. Cut the ginger into thin rounds, then slice each round into thin matchsticks. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the smashed scallions, sliced ginger, garlic, rice wine and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes,

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

This recipe’s fragrant broth is essentially a Chinese version of a Jewish chicken soup.

use a slotted spoon to remove and discard the solids. Add the carrots and mushrooms and simmer gently, covered, for 5 minutes. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the cornstarch-water mixture in a stream while whisk-

ing. Return to a boil. Add the chicken, bok choy, peas, soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook gently until the chicken is just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each portion with some of the wonton crisps, if using.

Nutrition information per serving: 380 calories; 35 calories from fat (9 percent of total calories); 4 g fat (0.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 70 mg cholesterol; 45 g carbohydrate; 6 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 35 g protein; 1,050 mg sodium.

FOOD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

THE ITEM

This Asian-inspired flank steak is ideal with rice or on a bun BY ALISON LADMAN Associated Press Writer Flank steak isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t particularly Chinese in origin, but in honor of the Chinese New Year, we decided to pretend by dressing it up with classic Asian flavors. We start by marinating it in five-spice powder, rice vinegar and soy sauce. Then while the steak is absorbing all those rich flavors, we grate a daikon radish (they resemble giant white carrots, but have a mild peppery bite) and toss it grated fresh ginger, scallions and red bell pepper for a simple slaw with just enough assertiveness to cut through the savory heft of the steak. If you want to keep this dish lean â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for holding on to those New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; serve it as is or over brown rice. But if you are willing to embrace carbs, try it slapped on a bun.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pan-Seared Flank Steak is served up with Daikon Slaw.

PAN-SEARED FLANK STEAK WITH DAIKON SLAW

Print your celebrations in The Item: New Arrivals, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries and Renewal of Vows. Call 774-1226.

For more than 20 years, Martin Luther King spoke out against _______ and segregation. During these years, he was arrested, had his ______ bombed, and was accused of being â&#x20AC;&#x153;un-American.â&#x20AC;?

ÂŠ 2014 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 30, No. 5

4. 1.

The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. helped to change the world. His words still inspire people today. He was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His father was the minister of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, as was his father before him. Because Martin and his father had the same name, the family called him M.L.

When M.L. was young, he played with all the children who lived in his Atlanta neighborhood. But when they reached school age, the white children went to a school for white children only, and M.L. was sent to a school for black children. After the first day of school, M.L. and his white friends were never allowed to play together again. Standards Link: History: Students identify the people honored in commemorative holidays.

= = = =

A D E G N

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She talked about why the family didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ride streetcars, why there was a WHITES ONLY sign on the elevator at City Hall, why there were restaurants that refused to serve black people, and theaters that allowed blacks to sit only in the balcony. She said that it was simply because some white people didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand that we all deserve equal treatment.

Sadly, just four _______ later, Dr. King was shot and killed in Memphis, Tenn. But his words live on.

Standards Link: History: Students understand the importance of individual action.

As M.L. grew up, he saw more and more examples of segregation. He also saw his father and others speak out against hatred and segregation. These people taught M.L. about the power of words. He learned that words could heal or hurt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the history books are written, someone will say there lived black people who had the courage to stand up for their rights.â&#x20AC;?

Standards Link: Mathematical Reasoning: Students use strategies, skills and concepts in finding solutions.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr. Martin Luther King

Select a headline from todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newspaper and rewrite it to say just the opposite. How many more ways can you rewrite that headline. How does the impact of the words change when you write the headline different ways?

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Look through todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newspaper for examples of people acting in a way that reminds you of Martin Luther King. Select one person and write a paragraph explaining how that person is somewhat like Martin Luther King.

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Find the words in the puzzle, then in this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kid Scoop stories and activities.

Just Like Martin

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Standards Link: Sentence Structure: Students are able to write complete sentences.

Standards Link: Character Education: Students identify character traits in others.

Standards Link: History: Students understand the achievements of famous people.

M.L. decided right then and there that someday he would try to change the world. He wanted to make it a place where white children and black children could play together and enjoy the same rights.

O R S U Y

In 1963, Dr. King gave his famous â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have a Dreamâ&#x20AC;? speech in Washington, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have a dream that one day in Alabama little black boys and black girls will _____ hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and __________.â&#x20AC;? In 1964, the ______ Rights Act was passed, granting equal rights to black Americans and Dr. King received the Nobel Peace _______.

M.L. was very sad when his friends would no longer play with him. He asked his mother why they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

ANSWER: 301

Start to finish: 1 hour (30 minutes active) Servings: 4 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 4 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar, divided 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 pound flank steak 1 cup shredded daikon radish, patted dry with paper towels 1 red bell pepper, cored and sliced into thin matchsticks 1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger Pinch of salt 4 scallions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil In a large zip-close plastic bag, mix together the black pepper, fivespice powder, red pepper flakes, 3 tablespoons of the vinegar and soy sauce. Add the flank steak, seal the bag, then turn to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the daikon radish, bell pepper, ginger, salt, the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of vinegar and the scallions. Set aside. When you are ready to cook the steak, in a large skillet over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the steak and sear for 4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Allow the steak to rest on a cutting board for 8 minutes. Slice the steak thinly across the grain, then serve with the slaw. Nutrition information per serving: 220 calories; 90 calories from fat (41 percent of total calories); 10 g fat (2.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 40 mg cholesterol; 6 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 26 g protein; 260 mg sodium.

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DOG EAT DOUG

GARFIELD

ZITS

BEETLE BAILEY

BLONDIE

ANDY CAPP

DILBERT

BORN LOSER

MOTHER GOOSE

Jeff MacNelly’s SHOE

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

Angry dad wants to learn how to control his emotions

SUDOKU

EAR ABBY — son (in your case, your I’m a dad in my children) simply shuts 30s and I have a down out of fear that problem. I have been physical violence might battling anger issues follow. since I was a kid. I have You should not ignore been finding myself get- your feelings when your ting more and more children act up. Rather, worked up with my kids. you need to find another When they misbehave, I manner for expressing lose it and yell at them. your emotions. My It is the way I booklet “The was raised; howAnger in All of Us ever, I feel even and How to Deal worse afterward. With It” offers sugI really want gestions on redito break this recting angry feelhabit. I don’t ings in a healthy want the only way. It can be ormemories my dered by sending Abigail children have of your name and VAN BUREN me to be images mailing address, of my red face plus a check or and bugged-out eyes money order for $7 (U.S. hollering at them. Do funds), to Dear Abby — you have any guidelines Anger Booklet, P.O. Box I can follow to get a bet447, Mount Morris, IL ter handle on my anger? 61054-0447. Shipping LOUD DAD and handling are included in the price. DEAR LOUD DAD — Dealing with anger Yes, I do. And I’m glad calmly and with reason you asked me because is more effective than it’s important that you lashing out. Expressing find other ways of reliev- your feelings is healthy ing your frustration than when it’s done with a taking it out on your few well-chosen words children. It is not only that make your point. As counterproductive, it is you have already extremely destructive. learned, exploding in When a bigger person anger serves no conyells at a smaller person, structive purpose and the message is often lost only makes you feel because the smaller per- worse afterward. dear abby

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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 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 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. Clarendon School District 2 will hold Saturday with the Superintendent from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. Superintendent John Tindal will be at the district office, 15 Major Drive, Manning, to meet with anyone in the district or community who would like to speak with him. Lincoln High School Class of 1963 will meet at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at American Legion Post 202, 310 Palmetto St. Plans for the class reunion will be discussed. Call Ferdinand Burns at (803) 968-4464. The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association will meet at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at 26 Council St. The 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Walk will be held Monday, Jan. 20. This three-mile walk will start and end at USC Sumter Nettles Building, 200 Miller Road. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. There will be a celebratory program at 11 a.m. Call Mary Sutton at (803) 938-3760. The Sumter Branch NAACP will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 805 S. harvin St. The Rev. Clifton N. Witherspoon will speak. The Westside Neighborhood Association will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Birnie HOPE Center, 210 S. Purdy St. Contact Jim McCain at (678) 429-8150 or jtmccain@ bellsouth.net.

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Can ‘American Idol’ be saved by season 13 reboot? BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Will 13 be a lucky number for this season of “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG)? The musical competition ran itself into a ditch last year. Judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj shared a mutual contempt that repelled viewers. The Emmys anointed “The Voice” the best musical competition last fall. Last week’s “People’s Choice Awards” winner was also “The Voice.” “Idol” wasn’t even listed among the also-rans. Aware of their decline, the folks behind “Idol” have rebooted the show for the 13th season. Randy Jackson has moved from judge to “mentor,” leaving Ryan Seacrest as the only familiar face from the original “Idol” lineup. And Keith Urban is the only judge from last season to return. Jennifer Lopez, who helped give the show some buzz during its 10th and 11th seasons, also rejoins the panel, joined by perennial niceguy crooner Harry Connick Jr. The jury appears to be lacking a heavy. Who will provide the tough love? The caustic comments? In short, who will play Simon Cowell? This year, in addition to competing against each other, “Idol” singers will also be up against another heavily promoted “reality” competition: the Winter Olympics. • “Crazy Hearts: Nashville” (11 p.m., A&E, TV-14) may sound like a singing contest, but it’s actually a hybrid soap opera/reality series following performers and their would-be paramours as they seek love and stardom in Music City. So-called “country

royalty” Lee Holyfield has put her career on hold while nursing her heart, bruised by a recent breakup with singer and honky-tonk heartthrob Leroy Powell. Meanwhile, singer/songwriter and club co-owner Anthony Billups holds a torch for Amy Wilcox, a fetching chanteuse who once opened for Kellie Pickler and comes from a rich family. Journalist and Nashville insider Heather Byrd flits between these social orbits and helps the audience understand each overlapping melodrama. All of the “real” characters on “Crazy Hearts” appear to be acting out, or rather “re-enacting” their own lives. And because they’re singers and not actors, their “performances” are rather stiff. For all of its pretenses to glamour, “Crazy” has the feel of one of those cheap documentary police procedurals. Perhaps, with this misfire, the show’s makers have stumbled upon a brandnew genre: The romantic forensic, where “experts” perform autopsies on dead relationships! “Crazy Hearts” moves to its regular 10 p.m. time slot Thursday night. • A gaggle of sitcoms return to the schedule. It’s not certain how much they were missed. Tessa and George bond over a dog on “Suburgatory” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG). Austin wants another

chance on “Melissa & Joey” (8 p.m., ABC Family, TV-14). Ben and Riley get serious on “Baby Daddy” (8:30 p.m., ABC Family, TV-14). Neal wants to propose to Amy but fears her father on “Men at Work” (10 p.m., TBS, TV-14).

couch on “Duck Dynasty” (10 p.m., A&E, TVPG). • Fiona and Laveau face The Corporation on “American Horror Story: Coven” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).

Tonight’s Other Highlights

An earnest law student (Timothy Bottoms) dates the daughter (Lindsay Wagner) of his gruff professor (John Houseman) in the 1973 drama “The Paper Chase” (10:15 p.m., TCM).

• Monroe reaches a crossroads on “Revolution” (8 p.m., NBC, TV14). • Frankie’s boss (Jack McBrayer) needs a friend on “The Middle” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG). • A bomb threat looms on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14). • A suspect’s injury brings public scrutiny on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • Claire unravels over a school open house on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG). • “NOVA” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) recalls the use of zeppelins to bomb London during World War I. • A sky-high crisis on “CSI” (10 p.m., CBS, TVPG). • Antonio suspects a gang snatched his son on “Chicago P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • Juliette’s reputation receives another blow on “Nashville” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG). • An ailing Uncle Si loafs on Phil and Kay’s

Cult Choice

Series Notes Miley Cyrus cameos on “Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV14) * Playing favorites on “The Millers” (8:30 p.m., CBS, r, TV-PG) * A flame rekindled on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV14) * Stephen worries about his father on “The Tomorrow People” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Fred

Armisen guest-stars on “Super Fun Night” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

Late Night Robert Gates is booked on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Damian Lewis and Moon Taxi on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Kevin Hart and The Orwells are on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Vanessa Hudgens and Foreigner on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Kenneth Branagh are on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Ice Cube and Mark Consuelos visit “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Tig Notaro and Julie Delpy on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS). © 2014, United Feature Syndicate

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FOOD WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

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HUMMUS BUFFALO WING DIP

Fresh Tips for

Game Day BY FAMILY FEATURES

hen family and friends gather together to watch the game, loading up the table with a variety of easy-to-grab, flavorful appetizers is a winning plan. After all, casual food and good times are what game day is all about. In the world of appetizers, dip is king. From savory to sweet, this simple tailgating party addition can take on flavors that span the globe, or that are as American and as beloved as the gridiron game itself.  Keep it light — A tailgating scene can seem overwhelming for those who don’t want to splurge all their day’s calories, so be sure to have lots of fresh, crunchy vegetables on hand. Start with your standard dippers — like sliced carrots, broccoli and cucumbers — or score big with unique vegetable dipper options — like snap

peas, asparagus spears and radishes. This recipe for Cucumber Cups creates simple and crunchy bite-sized noshes with a delicious dip of Sabra Hummus in the center. For more great game day recipes, visit www.sabra.com.  Serve delightful dippers — Potato and tortilla chips go hand-in-hand with tailgating festivities, but beyond these standards is a whole world of other dipping options. For a Mediterranean touch, go with flatbread, pita bread or pita chips. Instead of plain old butter rounds, opt for more texture with multi-grain crackers that include raw flax, chia or sesame seeds. Or, serve up a warm batch of buffalo wings with this smoky and spicy recipe for Hummus Buffalo Wing Dip.  Offer variety — A large spread of dippers calls for a wide assortment of scrumptious dips. As an alternative to sour cream or cheese-based dips, serve up an assortment of hummus.

HUMMUS BUFFALO WING DIP 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 cup Sabra hummus Whisk first seven ingredients together (vinegar through paprika). Add Sabra hummus and combine thoroughly.

CUCUMBER CUPS Yield: 16 servings 2 English cucumbers 1 container Sabra hummus 1 teaspoon paprika 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped Peel cucumbers and slice lengthwise into 1 1/4-inch pieces. Using melon baller, carve out seeds to create a vessel, making sure to leave bottom intact. Using piping bag or small spoon, fill each with hummus, about 1 teaspoon each. Sprinkle with paprika and finely chopped parsley. Source: Sabra

Simple, tasty takes on entertaining with seafood BY FAMILY FEATURES

or many home chefs, the idea of preparing seafood can be an intimidating process. Because they cook very quickly, the biggest mistake many people make while preparing shrimp is overcooking. But, with a little know-how, preparing a shrimp dish is quite simple. Here’s a fool-proof plan for preparing shrimp that will please the palate of everyone at the table:

 Bring a large saucepan filled with lightly-salted water to a boil.  Add the shrimp to the boiling water.  Cook for one to three minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.  Drain and rinse shrimp in a colander under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Now that you have cooked the shrimp, prepare Hot Gulf Shrimp Dip and sit down for the big game.

HOT GULF SHRIMP DIP Recipe provided by the Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition 1 pound Gulf of Mexico shrimp, cooked, peeled, deveined, chopped 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 1/2 chopped green onion 1 clove minced garlic 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon Creole seasoning 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack) Toasted pitas or sliced fresh bread

Combine all ingredients in an 8- by 8-inch baking dish, reserving 1/4 of cheese. Mix well. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Dip with toasted pitas or sliced fresh bread. For more great Gulf shrimp recipe ideas, visit www.eatgulfseafood.com. Source: Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition

Country-style ribs with mojo BY FAMILY FEATURES

or James Beard Award winner, author and chef, Michelle Bernstein, the traditional dishes she remembers most vividly from her childhood include traditional American-style BBQ pork ribs and pork marinated in mojo — a simple, Latin-influenced sauce that varies in spiciness and typically includes citrus, garlic and

cumin. To honor these two favorite recipes from her past, chef Bernstein created a new, flavor-filled recipe that infuses classic countrystyle pork ribs with a zesty, savory mojo sauce. “I knew there couldn’t be anything more perfect than marinating pork ribs in mojo — not just because the ingredients remind me of my heritage, but because ribs are so easy to make and so

great to pair with different flavors,” said chef Bernstein. “After marinating them in the mojo sauce and grilling them for about 15 minutes, you’ll have incredibly tasty, tender and juicy ribs the whole family will love — and probably ask for again and again.” Why not try these ribs on your Super Bowl crowd?

COUNTRY-STYLE PORK RIBS WITH MOJO Yield: 6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes, plus overnight marinate Cook time: 25 minutes 12 cloves garlic, smashed About 2/3 cup canola oil 3 oranges 4 limes 3 tablespoons adobo sauce, from a can of chipotles in adobo 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons olive oil Leaves from 4 sprigs thyme 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 2 pounds pork country-style ribs

In small saucepan over medium heat, combine garlic and enough canola oil to barely cover it. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until garlic is tender and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Strain and set the garlic aside. Zest oranges and set zest aside. Juice oranges and limes. In jar of a blender, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, adobo sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, thyme, cumin, pepper and coriander and process to puree. Stir in zest. Transfer to large resealable bag and add pork. Set aside in refrigerator overnight. Prepare grill to medium heat and lightly oil grate. Remove pork from marinade and grill, turning occasionally, until ribs are tender. Remove ribs from grill and let rest 3 minutes. Source: National Pork Board COUNTRY-STYLE PORK RIBS WITH MOJO