January 16, 2014

WHO WILL TAKE THE LEAD? Lakewood, Crestwood to decide 1st place in girls’ Region VI-3A race

B1 THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

VOL. 119, NO. 78 WWW.THEITEM.COM

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31 sex-with-minor charges levied against Sumter man

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com A 42-year-old Sumter man has been charged with multiple counts of incest and criminal sexual conduct with a minor after police said investigations led to the discovery of a four-year

relationship between him and a now 16-year-old female.

Robert WAZNEY William Wazney, of 2015 Hideaway Drive, was initially charged last month with

five counts of attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor after reports were received that he was fondling an 11-year-old girl.

Further investigations led police to levy additional charges Monday, including 12 incest charges; five criminal

sexual conduct with a minor, second degree, charges; and nine additional attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor charges.

“It’s one of those complete mess situations that starts out as one thing and leads to another,” said Senior In-

vestigator Erin Boland with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, who made the original arrest as well as the additional charges. “I’m just happy that we caught it when we did.”

Wazney was denied bond on all charges and has been held at

... and just a little pinch

Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center since his arrest in December.

According to Boland, the initial investigation by the Sumter County Sheriff ’s Office stemmed from another case involving an SEE WAZNEY, PAGE A10

Housing market recovers in 2013

BY BRADEN BUNCH bbunch@theitem.com The housing market in Sumter appears to have turned the proverbial corner.

Home sales in Sumter climbed by more than 18 percent in 2013, according to figures released on Wednesday by the South Carolina Realtors. The increase, which was slightly better than the statewide average, meant about 200 more homes were sold in the area than were the year before.

Because of this, the Sumter area saw, on average, about 24 homes sold every week.

The new figures also reveal there were more homes sold in Sumter than any year since 2008, when housing markets around the nation

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

YMCA employee Abigail Mason donates blood for the first time on Wednesday. She said she was donating to set a good example. Sumter will have another chance to donate blood at Crestwood High School on Jan. 22.

SEE MARKET, PAGE A10

Sheriff ’s office reports overall drop in crime rate

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com “Case closed.”

That’s what everyone victimized by a crime wants to hear and what every law enforcement officer wants to be able to say at the end of the day.

Sumter County sheriff’s deputies were able to say those sweet words a little more often in 2013, as they cleared cases at a higher-than-average rate, during a year when the number of violent crimes went down across the county.

Deputies solved 45.98 percent of offenses reported last year through November, well above the

national average of approximately 33 percent. In 2012, deputies cleared 34.73 percent of cases in Sumter County.

In touting those numbers, Sheriff Anthony Dennis attributed the rise in cleared cases to operations that led to multiple arrests.

“We had three or four operations that led to several people being arrested,” Dennis said, including cases involving multiple car thefts and a string of air-conditioner thefts. “What I’m most proud of is the 100 per-

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cent clearance rate in homicides.”

Killings, always the top concern for law enforcement and citizens at large, dropped from eight in 2012 to five last year.

Four of those people were killed in two incidents; in April, cousins Reyshaun Sherrod Holmes, 24, and Willie Jermaine Chatman, 35, were shot and killed in a home on Confederate Road. Six months later, Arsenio Donta Colclough, 26, of 355 Prairie

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Crime Stoppers needs your help A2

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95 251 5

635

SEE CRIME, PAGE A10

OUTSIDE CHILLY DAY

DEATHS Dr. Patrick M. Mardesich Sylvia Jo B. Dwight Ozias Gray Jr. Bettie B. Walker Alice B. White

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Robert Montgomery David Hankerson III George W. Cooper Jr. Ethel Prince Diashanna Fries

Virginia P. Logan Tracy Ann Williams Willis N. Conyers Kerry Wilson B5

INSIDE 2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES

Chilly through the day, with clouds giving way to sun; partly cloudy at night.

HIGH: 48 LOW: 29 A10

Classifieds Comics Daily Planner Opinion Religion Television

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SECOND FRONT THE ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014 Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or e-mail news@theitem.com

Crime Stoppers needs donations to help area

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com It was a tough year for a local organization known for giving out cash rewards for anonymous tips that lead to arrests.

“If we had a budget, it would normally be about $18,000 to $20,000 a year,” said Marie Hodge, secretary for the Sumter County Crime Stoppers board. “Last year, our fundraisers netted about $8,000, but we didn’t have as much last year. We paid out $12,000 or $13,000.”

While the local Crime Stoppers is not broke, it has struggled the last few years since the economy went down, Hodge said. This year

hasn’t started Law Week,’ and WANT TO HELP? off much better it was pretty with the last successful last Tax deductible donations $300 donation year,” Hodge may be sent to: from Safe Fedsaid. “We’re on Sumter County Crime Stoppers eral Credit the circuit now In care of Greater Sumter Chamber Union being with the Turkey of Commerce swallowed up Trot and other 32 E. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150 at the first local 5Ks.” meeting TuesThe Sumter Want to call in a tip? day with the Series is also in board authoriz- Local: (803) 436-2718 its second year ing $360 for Toll free: 1-888-CRIMESC (1-888and includes 274-6372) three tips. eight races runThe nonning between profit does February and have a couple of fundraisers November this year, includplanned later in the year ing the Hot Pursuit 5K. such as a dinner at Outback For more information or Steakhouse in late March or Crime Stoppers or to donate, early April and the Hot Purcall (803) 436-2718. suit 5K in May. Reach Jade Reynolds at “It’s during ‘Respect the (803) 774-1250.

STATE BRIEFS

|

FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS

Zais seeks $34M for buses, close of program COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s Superintendent of Education is requesting $34 million for new school buses and asking lawmakers to close a teacher bonus program to new entries.

Superintendent Mick Zais told a House budgetwriting panel Wednesday that more than 60 percent of South Carolina’s stateowned buses are more than 15 years old. It would take $34 million to comply with a 15-year replacement cycle law that legislators passed in 2007, then ignored amid the economic downturn.

A designation of $34 million would allow the Department of Education to replace all buses that are at least 23 years old, he said.

Zais also repeated his recommendation to close an

incentive program for teachers who earn a national certification. It provides an annual bonus of either $5,000 or $7,500 — depending on when they applied — for the 10-year life of the certificate.

Zais said he thinks the program doesn’t increase teacher effectiveness.

Rep. Patrick running for state superintendent COLUMBIA — State Rep. Andy Patrick announced Wednesday he’s running to be South Carolina’s next superintendent of public schools.

The U.S. Air Force veteran and former U.S. Secret Service agent became the first Republican to officially get into the race, a month after GOP Superintendent Mick Zais announced he would not seek another term.

School board members honored for their support

Sumter High School Assistant Principal Jarrod DuBose-Schmitt presents Larry Addison and other Sumter School District board members with gifts of appreciation during Monday’s meeting.

PHOTOS BY RAYTEVIA EVANS / THE ITEM

‘You give much of your time, taking away from your other obligations.

So we thank you for your time and support, and I thank you for the board supporting me over the years.’

Dr. Frank Baker, Sumter School District superintendent

Addison presented with award for decade of efforts

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com Sumter School District trustee Larry Addison was singled out Monday night and recognized for his efforts during the past decade for promoting and supporting public schools.

The accolades from his fellow trustees, coming as the South Carolina School Board Association promotes its School Board Recognition Month, came at the board’s meeting at Sumter High School.

Chairman Keith Schultz and Superintendent Frank Baker presented Addison with his award of appreciation.

As part of School Board

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Recognition Month, all the trustees were presented with gifts of appreciation.

Including Sumter School District board members, the SCSBA is recognizing all of the more than 630 locally elected and appointed board members in the state.

Previously, Baker has said the district is proud of the board and its efforts, and during Monday night’s meeting, the superintendent restated January was the time to celebrate the board’s accomplishments.

“You give much of your time, taking away from your other obligations. So we thank you for your time and support, and I thank you for the board support-

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

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

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

ing me over the years,” Baker said on Monday.

This year’s theme for School Board Recognition Month is “School Boards: Locally Owned and Operated Since Forever.” The theme reinforces the roles and responsibilities of board members across the state — elected and appointed officials who are the voice for their public schools.

Baker said he hopes Gov. Nikki Haley’s new education reform initiative will take shape and help him and the board continue to improve public education in the Sumter area.

“The funding formula locally and for the state is beginning to take shape.

We certainly hope the governor’s plan comes to fruition,” Baker said. “Board members and audience members, please speak with your local delegation about your thoughts on funding and improvements for public education.”

Sumter High Principal Dana Fall and Assistant Principal Jarrod DuBoseSchmitt presented the gifts of appreciation to the board Monday night, mentioning how the board has continuously shown support for programs and educational improvements for Sumter High and other schools in the district.

Reach Raytevia Evans at (803) 774-1214.

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CORRECTIONS: If you see a statement in error, contact the City Desk. Corrections will appear on this page.

LOCAL / NATION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Police seek help finding suspects in shooting case

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com Sumter Police are asking for assistance from the community to find the people involved in a shooting incident Tuesday afternoon on Harrison Street.

According to reports, police responded to numerous calls from the area about 1:25 p.m.

Tuesday related to gunfire. When police arrived at the scene, none of the shooters were in sight, but officers immediately found numerous shell casings in clear view on the street.

Deputy Chief Alvin Holston said no one was thought to be injured on the scene but that one of the homes in the area was grazed by several shots.

“These are believed to be dangerous individuals who fired into a residential neighborhood,” said Holston.

“Anything that someone

might have noticed during the time of the shooting could be vital in helping police apprehend those involved.”

Information received from residents in the surrounding area led police to locating a .22-caliber handgun that had been placed in a hole in a nearby tree.

Officers also found what appeared to be a bag of marijuana and a digital scale near an abandoned building in the neighborhood. A rifle and two other handguns were also found.

Officers found more shell casings and a box of ammunition later that afternoon that they think could be related to the initial incident.

Anyone with information possibly related to the shooting is asked to call the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718.

Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

Personal data of 4,600 could have been taken COLUMBIA (AP) — South Carolina’s unemployment agency began notifying more than 4,600 people Wednesday that a former employee may have compromised their personal information.

The employee who downloaded the data to a personal flash drive was fired Tuesday, said Adrienne Fairwell, spokeswoman for the Department of Employment and Workforce, or DEW. The unidentified employee in the agency’s human resources department had been suspended Dec. 19, when the State Law Enforcement Division began investigating.

Security software detected the unauthorized download from human resources files a day earlier.

The 4,658 people impacted are current and former employees, their children and beneficiaries listed on their insurance policies. It did not affect any business or anyone receiving unemployment benefits, Fairwell said.

“This is exactly what should have happened,” said DEW Director Cheryl Stanton.

“Our security measures detected these downloads, and DEW promptly began a full investigation.”

The law enforcement division recovered what the unemployment agency says could be the flash drive used to take the information.

Stanton said people are being notified “out of an abundance of caution” so they can take steps to protect themselves from the possibility of identity theft.

The downloaded data included names, addresses, birthdates, Social Security numbers and bank account information.

It’s unclear what the fired employee planned to do with the information. SLED spokesman Thom Berry declined to discuss an ongoing investigation.

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THE ITEM

NATION BRIEFS | From Associated Press reports

Firefighters saw girl near crash site before hitting her SAN FRANCISCO — Video from the helmet camera of a firefighter responding to the crash landing of an Asiana Airlines flight in San Francisco shows at least one rescuer was aware someone was on the ground outside the aircraft and even warned a colleague. Yet two fire YUAN trucks subsequently ran over an injured passenger.

The video, first aired by CBS News on Tuesday, shows the girl, 16-year-old Ye Meng Yuan, lying in the grass before she was struck, according to an attorney for her family.

A coroner concluded she was alive at the time and died when she was later hit by a fire truck.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

On Wednesday in New York, Capt.

Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, top, pilot of U.S. Airways flight 1549, hugs Louis Salerno, a senior deck hand with N.Y. Water ways ferry who rescued Sullenberger after a water landing five years ago.

‘Miracle on the Hudson’ survivors mark 5 years NEW YORK — The pilots and some passengers on a plane that made an extraordinary landing on the Hudson River marked the fifth anniversary of that remarkable event on Wednesday, giving thanks to those who kept everyone on

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the flight alive.

Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III gained instant fame for his calm handling of US Airways flight 1549.

The flight had just taken off from LaGuardia Airport when a flock of geese disabled the engines.

Sullenberger safely glided to a water landing, and all 155 passengers and crew members were rescued in what became known as the “miracle on the Hudson.”

Google builds a ‘Nest’ for future of smart homes SAN FRANCISCO — When our Internet-connected gadgets and home appliances all learn to talk to each other, Google wants to be at the center of the conversation.

This imagined future is still a few years away, but Google is already preparing with its $3.2 billion acquisition of high-tech thermostat and smoke-detector maker Nest Labs.

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STATE / NATION

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

New report says Benghazi attack was preventable

BY KIMBERLY DOZIER AP Intelligence Writer WASHINGTON — Both highly critical and bipartisan, a Senate report declared Wednesday that the deadly assault on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, could have been prevented.

The account spreads blame among the State Department, the military and U.S. intelligence for missing what now seem like obvious warning signs.

For the first time in the much-politicized aftermath, the report also points at Ambassador Chris Stevens, who was killed in the attack. It says that the State Department ended a deal with the military to have a special operations team provide extra security in Libya, and that Stevens twice refused an offer to reinstate the team in the weeks before the Sept. 11, 2012, attack.

The military also takes criticism in the report for failing to respond more quickly on the night of the assault.

On the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in the U.S., armed militants stormed the diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, setting the building on fire. Stevens, information technology specialist Sean Smith and CIA security contractors Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, both former Navy SEALs, were killed over the course of two battles that night.

Stevens died of smoke inhalation after he was taken to a “safe room� in the besieged compound.

The Obama administra-

tion, reluctant to deal publicly with a terror attack weeks before the presidential election, first described the assault as a spontaneous mob protest of an antiIslamic, American-made video. Such a protest did occur at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo earlier that day.

Officials corrected their description days after the attack, but by then it had become a hot political issue that has continued to dog the administration.

On that issue, the report dives into the contentious initial talking points issued by the intelligence community, which helped fuel Republican allegations of an Obama administration cover-up of militant links to the violence. “Intelligence analysts inaccurately referred to the presence of a protest at the U.S. mission facility before the attack based on open source information and limited intelligence, but without sufficient intelligence or eyewitness statements to corroborate that assertion,� the report said, adding that U.S. intelligence then took too long to correct the error.

The senators also take the administration to task for failing to bring the attackers to justice more than a year later.

They say the U.S. has identified several individuals responsible but can’t capture them because of limited intelligence capabilities in the region and limited cooperation by local governments.

Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat,

STATE BRIEF

|

From Associated Press reports

Donald Trump Jr. part of naval hospital deal NORTH CHARLESTON — North Charleston has approved a plan to sell a former naval hospital to developers including Donald Trump Jr. The plan approved by City Council on Tuesday calls for $3 million to be paid up front and an additional $2 million to be

paid by Sept. 30 for the 24-acre property.

In December 2012, North Charleston officials announced plans to transform the Charleston Naval Base’s old 10story hospital into a facility for senior living.

The hospital served thousands of active duty and retired military along the South Carolina coast and beyond.

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A Libyan man investigates the inside of the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Sept. 13, 2012, after an attack that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. The Senate Intelligence Committee released a report on the deadly assault on the diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, on Wednesday, laying blame on the State Department, Stevens and the intelligence community for failing to communicate and heed warnings of terrorist activity in the area and protect diplomatic facilities.

said she hoped the report would put to rest conspiracy theories about the attacks.

Republican Vice Chairman Saxby Chambliss said the report showed that despite a deteriorating security situation in Benghazi, the U.S. government did not do enough to prevent the attacks or to protect the diplomatic facility. And Republican committee member

Susan Collins of Maine called on the administration to punish those responsible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A broken system overseen by senior leadership contributed to the vulnerability of U.S. diplomats ... in one of the most dangerous cities in the world,â&#x20AC;? she said in the report. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And yet the secretary of state has not held anyone responsible for the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s failings.â&#x20AC;?

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mately blamed the violence on militants who overran the temporary U.S. mission and, hours

later, fired mortars at the nearby CIA annex where the Americans had taken shelter.

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NATION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

THE ITEM

A5

Pot debates continue even where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal DENVER (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Recreational marijuana may be legal in Colorado and Washington, but debates over the drug are far from over. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look at debates emerging in the states where the drug is already legal without a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation:

restriction. A similar pot possession measure has been proposed before in Colorado and failed to get enough signatures to make ballots. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little reason to expect more success for the 2014 version of the legalize-for-all proposal.

MORE WEED FOR MORE PEOPLE A group of marijuana activists want another pot vote in Colorado â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to loosen restrictions on who can have it. A proposed ballot measure up for state review Wednesday would end criminal penalties for cannabis possession. If approved, the measure would effectively discard Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1-ounce possession limit and 21-and-over

SICK PEOPLE FEAR PRICEY POT Another group of pot activists â&#x20AC;&#x201D; longtime users with medical permission to use the drug â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are also unhappy. A patient-advocacy group has written to lawmakers requesting the creation of a

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cannabis Patient Fundâ&#x20AC;? to provide subsidies for some 120,000 Coloradans on a list of approved medical pot users. The group is alarmed over escalating pot prices, which arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regulated by the state and have more than doubled in retail shops since Jan. 1, when recreational sales began. So far, the group hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t found any lawmakers willing to sponsor its idea.

WASHINGTON HAS THEM PILED UP Washington has a curious economic problem as it prepares for retail pot sales: too many growers and shops. According to figures released last week, more than 2,600 applications have been submitted to produce pot. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a problem because officials are, at least initially, capping total production at 2 million square feet, or about 46 acres. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing too many would-be retailers, too. In Seattle, where the state has allotted 21 pot shops, there have been 408 retail license applications. In Spokane, which will have eight marijuana stores, there have been 84 applications.

PACKAGING PROBLEMS Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pot regulators have been widely praised for trouble-free openings when recreational pot sales opened this month. But the openings havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been without

problems. Last week, they sent pot shops a warning about marijuana packaging. The shops were allowed to transfer raw pot from their medical inventory to their recreational inventory, but they needed new packaging and labeling. Some shops continue selling pot in old packaging, instead of using the stricter packaging requirement passed for recreational sales. There was no immediate word on licenses being revoked.

FOOD STAMPS FOR POT? Internet rumors of people using food stamps to buy edible pot appear to be urban legends. Colorado Republicans want to make sure they stay that way.

A bill proposed last week by several Republicans would add marijuana dispensaries to liquor stores, gun shops and casinos as places where recipients of public assistance payments and food stamps canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use their electronic benefits cards to access cash.

CLOSING A LOOPHOLE Colorado lawmakers are also taking another look at the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5,000 marijuana caregivers, a loosely regulated group whose members are each allowed to grow pot on behalf of five people on the state medical pot registry. Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief medical officer and the head of the agency that regulates marijuana persuaded a panel Tuesday to tighten caregiver restrictions so that fewer get exemptions to grow for large numbers of people, which they say is a way to avoid hefty taxes and avoid strict oversight required of commercial growers.

Marijuana matures in ideal conditions Dec. 13 at the Medicine Man dispensary and grow operation in northeast Denver.

Though recreational marijuana sales are now legal in Colorado and Washington, debates regarding the drug arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t over.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Report says NSA maps pathway into computers WASHINGTON (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The National Security Agency has implanted software in nearly 100,000 computers around the world â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but not in the United States â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that allows the U.S. to conduct surveillance on those machines, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

The Times cited NSA documents, computer experts and U.S. officials in its report about the use of secret technology using radio waves to gain access to computers that other countries have tried to protect from spying or cyberattacks. The software network could also create a digital highway for

launching cyberattacks, the Times reported.

The Times reported that the technology, used by the agency for several years, relies on radio waves that can be transmitted from tiny circuit boards and USB cards inserted covertly into the computers. The NSA calls the effort an â&#x20AC;&#x153;active defenseâ&#x20AC;? and has used the technology to monitor units of Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s army, the Russian military, drug cartels, trade institutions inside the European Union, and sometime U.S. partners against terrorism such as Saudi Arabia, India and Pakistan, the Times reported.

Among the most fre-

quent targets of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, the Times reported, has been Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s army. The United States has accused Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s army of launching regular attacks on American industrial and military targets, often to steal secrets or intellectual property.

When Chinese attackers have placed similar software on computer systems of American companies or government agencies, American officials have protested, the newspaper reported.

The NSA says the technology has not been used in computers in the U.S.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;NSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities are focused and specifically deployed against â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and only against â&#x20AC;&#x201D; valid foreign intelligence targets in response to intelligence require-

ments,â&#x20AC;? Vanee Vines, an agency spokeswoman, said in a statement to the Times. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do not use foreign intelligence capabilities to steal the trade secrets of foreign

companies on behalf of â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or give intelligence we collect to â&#x20AC;&#x201D; U.S. companies to enhance their international competitiveness or increase their bottom line.â&#x20AC;?

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RELIGION

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Changes made to prayer breakfast, speaker named

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com There have been a couple of changes to the Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer Breakfast this year.

For one, it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be held at a church.

The last four or five years, it has been held at Alice Drive Baptist Church or Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to hold the breakfast on neutral ground,â&#x20AC;? said Chris Moore, chairman for the Sumter Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer Breakfast Committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are blessed to hold it in the Sumter County Civic Center for our entire community. We are blessed to live in a community that supports prayer.â&#x20AC;?

Another new facet, instead of relying on printed materials sent through the postal service or information sent by electronic means, is that the committee will hold a kick-off luncheon for pastors, lay leaders and other church ambassadors March 7. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to meet face to face, have a quick lunch and say here is what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing,â&#x20AC;? Moore said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key for area churches to come alongside us and call people to prayer.â&#x20AC;?

Lunch will be provided, so a head count is requested. To register or for more information, contact pastorchrismoore@gmail.com or (803) 774-8665.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Ken Bevel, seen here as Nathan Hayes in the 2011 film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Courageous,â&#x20AC;? will be the speaker for the 2014 Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer Breakfast. For more information visit, sumterprays.com.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know they are busy,â&#x20AC;? Moore said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to provide the tools necessary to promote the event within their congregations. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free lunch with fellow pastors, ministers and leaders. What do you have to lose?â&#x20AC;?

Conducted in conjunction with Na-

Church Directory Adventist

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tional Day of Prayer, the annual event has drawn from just under 300 to 400 people and speakers from retired NBA players and CNN news anchors to the daughters of Billy Graham.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speaker is Ken Bevel, a retired Marine Captain probably most known for his role in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fireproofâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Courageous.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;He spoke at Shaw Air Force Base before, and he did phenomenal there,â&#x20AC;?

Moore said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now he can address the entire community.â&#x20AC;?

He currently serves as an associate pastor of assimilation and events at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. The committee is still working with Bevel to develop this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme, Moore said. But sponsorships are available now. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not a making money event,â&#x20AC;?

Moore said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to break even. Speakers cost between $8,000 and $10,000. We need the support of local churches and local businesses.â&#x20AC;?

Tickets for the prayer breakfast are also available and are $10 in advance.

They will be $12 at the door the day of the event.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Sumter Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Breakfast on Facebook or sumterprays.com.

Reach Jade Reynolds at (803) 7741250.

Tickets still available for Over the Top FROM STAFF REPORTS About 100 tickets are still available for Big Daddy Weaveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance at this Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Over the Top Youth Event.

The theme this year is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Redeemed,â&#x20AC;? so the founders of the Mountain Movers Ministry thought a performance by this group â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whose song by the same name won Song of the Year at the K-Love Fan Awards in 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; would be a perfect fit.

Brad Cooper, student pastor with New Spring Church, will serve as the speaker this year.

Tickets are $10 and are available at Badcock Furniture, 230 N. Bultman Drive, and Olive Tree Christian Bookstore, 600 Bultman Drive. They may also be purchased online at showclix.com.

It is being held at Alice Drive Baptist Church, 1305 Loring Mill Road, and doors will open at 5 p.m. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit overthetopyouthevent.com.

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RELIGION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Seek truth as foundation for beliefs

F

ormer Seventh-day Adventist pastor Ryan Bell is gaining nationwide attention in the religion world for his commitment to shun faith in 2014. No prayer, no scripture, no church, no God. Bell’s journey began after he was asked to resign from his church in Hollywood in 2013 after disputing several doctrines held within the denomination, chief among them being the existence of God. The equivalent of this would be like an employee spitting in the milkshake machine at a fast-food restaurant.

You just don’t do it if you want to keep your job.

Bell’s response to this and his wrestle with doubt: giving atheism a whirl for one year, possibly longer.

I find myself somewhat sympathetic to Bell because the definition of faith is believing in something unseen, which is perhaps why so many choose to live without faith. An essential part of the faith process involves doubt, specifically when it comes to the question of an Almighty’s existence.

Through careful study, each one of us must make that decision, one not easily made in an afternoon.

And certainly, Bell isn’t the first pastor to defect. Former Louisiana pastor Jerry Dewitt recently gained fame, as well as clout, in the atheism community for his rejection of the belief of a divine deity. Many have come before the two men, and I’m sure many will follow.

As I researched Bell’s new course of action, I found that it wasn’t Bell’s flirtation with atheism that was most disheartening. Rather, it was the thousands of online comments in response to the story’s coverage. Dozens upon dozens of commenters gave kudos to Bell’s experiment, not for his commitment to truth but for his willingness to try on a different set of beliefs.

In fact, Bell’s support comes

from neither the faith community nor the atheism community. Many in both camps have criticized his actions. Bell’s chorus of supporters is the ever-growing populace of people who praise the idea of personal truth. It’s the idea that one person can come up with his or her own set of beliefs based on background and personal preferences.

The greatest threat to the faith community is not some sort of militant opposition but rather apathy, for others to fully adopt the ideal that each person can be completely correct in what he or she believes, regardless of conflicting views. The practice of spiritual apathy has changed the landscape of how faith and religion are perceived in our post-modern culture. Where once you could expect a spirited discourse on the beliefs you hold, you can now expect an understanding nod or yawn. To each his own, most might say.

There is no absolute truth and thus, no one path toward spiritual salvation. No rules, other than the ones plucked a la carte from the doctrines of various faith disciplines. If something is painful or inconvenient, you can whittle it away from your personal theology.

I constantly get links to websites that purport a new threat to the faithful, most of which are either gross interpretations of modern events or just a lie to draw the ire of their intended audience. When faced with such information, we respond in kind, angrily decrying the spiritual dilapidation of our culture when the real threat comes from those who wish to dilute the idea of absolute truth.

Everyone has a right to believe, but everyone has an obligation to seek truth as the foundation of his or her beliefs.

Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail. com.

THE ITEM

PEARLS OF WISDOM

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Phyllis Wiggins holds a snowflake she made at the Pearls of Wisdom group that took place at First Church of the Nazarene on Friday.

Bettye Jo Fisher performs her latest skit, “God of Second Chances,” at the event.

RELIGION BRIEFS

|

From Associated Press reports

Protests at abortion clinics back at high court

Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, says the law protects women from harassment as they exercise their rights.

WASHINGTON — The regulation of protests outside abortion clinics returns to the Supreme Court today for the first time since 2000.

The state of Massachusetts is defending a law that prohibits abortion protests any closer than 35 feet from the entrance to clinics.

Abortion opponents hoping to dissuade women from ending their pregnancies filed suit, saying the law limits their ability to encounter patients arriving for care. But federal courts in Massachusetts have upheld the law as a reasonable imposition on protesters’ rights. In 2000, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to uphold a different buffer zone in Colorado.

State officials and clinic employees say the buffer zones make patients and staff feel safer and find it easier to enter abortion clinics.

The Rev. Harry Knox, president of the

Gay Ohio teacher: I knew engagement could cost job TOLEDO, Ohio — An Ohio band and choir director says he knew that announcing his engagement to another man likely would mean he could no longer teach at a Roman Catholic school because of the church’s teachings on marriage.

Brian Panetta said he was forced to resign last week after he told administrators at Sandusky Central Catholic School about his engagement during Christmas break.

In a letter to people associated with the school, Panetta calls himself “a proud and gay Catholic” who hopes the church will change its teachings on marriage.

Two other teachers at Catholic schools in Ohio have recently fought their firings over actions that administrators said went against teachings of the church.

CHURCH NEWS Chapel Hill Baptist Church, 8749 Old Highway Six, Santee, announces: * Sunday — Martin Luther King observance at 10 a.m. followed by the Lord’s Supper.

Church of Christ, 313 Mooneyham Road, announces: * Sunday, Feb. 2 — First anniversary of Resurrection gospel singing at 4 p.m. On the program: Palmetto Gospel Singers; Hose Session & the Messengers; and Son of Faith.

Concord Baptist Church, 1885 Myrtle Beach Highway, announces: * Sunday — Gospel concert at 6 p.m. featuring Dennis Benton.

Love offering will be received.

Fellowship Outreach Ministries, 1981 Florence Highway, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 26 — Evangelist LaShonda McElveen will speak at 4 p.m.

First Baptist Mis-

A7

| sionary Church, 219 S. Washington St., announces: * Sunday — Celebration of 5th anniversary of Pastor George P. Windley Jr. at 10:45 a.m.

Full Proof Deliverance Ministry, 2758 S.C. 341 S., Olanta, announces: * Sunday — Evening of praise at 4 p.m. Pastor Harold Lavonne Bennett will speak.

Golden Gate Fellowship Ministry, 705 Oswego Road, announces: * Sunday — Celebration of the 8th anniversary of the church at 3 p.m.

Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 5405 Black River Road, Rembert, announces: * Friday-Sunday, Jan. 31-Feb. 2 — Women’s Conference. To register, call or email Claudette Witherspoon at (803) 565-9425, (803) 499-2806 or cwastepabove@yahoo. com.

High Hills AME

Church, 6780 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Today — Revival with the Rev. Willie Duggan of Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church, Columbia. * Sunday, Jan. 26 — 200 Men in Black program at 5 p.m. The Rev. Calvin Hastie of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church will speak.

Church school begins at 9 a.m. followed by 10 a.m. worship. The Rev. George P. Windley Jr., pastor of First Baptist Missionary Church, will speak. * Saturday, Feb. 22 — Youth choir anniversary program at 4 p.m. * Sunday, Feb. 23 — Black history program during morning worship.

Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., announces: * Today — Third Friday Praise Jam at 8 p.m. * Monday, Jan. 20 — Martin Luther King Day service at 3 p.m.

Kingdom Life Worldwide Ministries, meets at Marvin Hodge Life Center, 609 Miller Road, announces: * Friday, Jan. 24 — Youth on fire program at 7:30 p.m. * Wednesday, Jan. 29 — Forever Change Revival at 7:30 p.m. Pastor Robin Nichols will speak.

Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Deacon and wives anniversary celebration during morning worship. * Sunday, Feb. 9 — Junior Brotherhood anniversary celebration during morning worship. * Sunday, Feb. 16 — 19th pastoral anniversary celebration for the Rev. Eugene G. Dennis.

Lighthouse Baptist Church, 1130 N. St. Paul Church Road, announces: * Sunday — Full Southern gospel concert with Cross Anchor Quartet.

Macedonia Fire Baptized Holiness Church, 9788 Silver Road, Silver communi-

ty, Manning, announces: * Sunday — Missionary Day program “Women of the Bible” at 3:30 p.m.

New Covenant Holiness Church, 3699 Alex Harvin Highway, Manning, announces: * Nightly through Jan. 31 — Praise, Worship and Deliverance Services at 7:30 p.m.

Various speakers.

New Israel Missionary Baptist Church, 5330 Old Camden Highway, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Martin Luther King Jr. observance at 1 p.m. followed by The Lord’s Supper.

Newlight Baptist Church, 4390 Moses Dingle Road, Summerton, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 26 — Missionary program at 3 p.m. Prophetess Cheryl Graham, of Salvation Ministries, will speak.

Pine Grove AME Church, 41 Pine Grove Road, Rembert, an-

nounces: * Saturday — Laymen Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Singout Program featuring all church choirs at 6:30 p.m.

Providence Baptist Church, 2445 Old Manning Road, announces: * Monday, Jan. 20 — Widow’s luncheon at 11 a.m.

Sheppard Ministries, 8490 Two Mile Road, Lynchburg, announces: * Today — A gospel singing by The Lewises, The Singing Sheppards, Todd Sims, Julie Mahoney and Carla Stone at 7 p.m.

St. James United Methodist Church, 720 Broad St., announces: * Sunday — Fifth anniversary of the male chorus will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Theme: “Lord, I need you to hold my hand.” * Monday, Jan. 20 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at 2 p.m. State Rep. J. David Weeks, D-Sumter, will speak.

A8

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AROUND TOWN

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The Pinedale Neighborhood Association will meet at 4:30 p.m. today at the South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. Call Ferdinand Burns at (803) 9684464.

The Sumter Combat Veterans Group will meet at 10 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 17, at the South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. All area veterans are invited.

The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association dinner / fundraiser will be held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at the Lincoln High School gymnasium, 26 Council St. Cost is $6 per dinner and includes spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and tea. There will also be an indoor yard sale and the 2014 membership drive will begin.

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. Class reunion plans 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 threemile 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.

A celebratory program will follow 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 the Birnie HOPE Center, 210 S. Purdy St. Contact Jim McCain at (678) 4298150 or jtmccain@ bellsouth.net.

The Dalzell COPs (Community Oriented Police) will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Ebenezer Community Center, 4580 Queen Chapel Road and the corner of Ebenezer Road, Dalzell.

7 PM

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9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

WIS News 10 at Entertainment Community Lie Parks and Recre7:00pm Local Tonight (N) (HD) detector tests. (N) ation (N) (HD) news update.

(HD) News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) The Big Bang The Millers: The Theory Scavenger Talk Educating Evening news up- (HD) date. hunt. (HD) Nathan. (HD) Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (N) The Taste: Guilty Pleasures (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) Stevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Europe: Palmetto Scene Farming changes.

Venice: City of (N) (HD) Dreams The Big Bang The Big Bang Theory Pennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ri- Theory (HD) val. (HD) Family Feud Family Feud

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Sean Saves the The Michael J. World (N) (HD) Fox Show: Couples (N) (HD) (:01) The Crazy Two and a Half Ones: Sydney, Men Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter. (HD) Australia (HD)

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Parenthood: Jump Ball Camille has a WIS News 10 at welcome home party. (N) (HD) 11:00pm News and weather. (:01) Elementary: Solve For X Inves- News 19 @ 11pm tigating murder of mathematician. The news of the (HD) day.

Shark Tank Cleaning products; party ABC Columbia cups; bodyboard; tree tent. (HD) News at 11 (HD)

Carolina Stories: Pee Wee Gaskins Masterpiece: Sherlock: The Reichenbach Fall Sherlock The Mind of a Mysteries of a murderous mind. faces off with Moriarty in what may be his most impor- Chef: Italian (N) tant case. (HD) (HD) American Idol: Auditions #2 Singers take their turns on stage in front of WACH FOX News at 10 Local news the judges as the second set of auditions kicks off, each hoping to progress report and weather forecast. in the competition. (N) (HD) House: Broken, Part 1 House under- House: Broken, Part 2 House under- King of the Hill: The Cleveland Yankee Hankie Show: Pilot (HD) goes detox; House and roommate goes detox; Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roommate blackmails a doctor. (HD) blackmail a doctor. (HD)

11:30

12 AM

(:35) The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Scheduled: Mark Harmon from â&#x20AC;&#x153;NCIS.â&#x20AC;? (N) (HD) (:35) Late Show with David Letterman Scheduled: Brian Williams; Rosanne Cash. (N) (HD) (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Scheduled: participant Kevin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary. (N) (HD)

Tavis Smiley BBC World News Scheduled: Don International Cheadle. (HD) news.

Two and a Half Two and a Half Men Roseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fa- Men Jake moves out. (HD) ther. (HD) The Arsenio Hall Show Scheduled: actress Diahann Carroll; musician T-pain performs. (N) (HD)

Charlie Rose (N) (HD) The Middle: The Floating Anniversary (HD) Dish Nation (N)

CABLE CHANNELS Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Crazy Hearts: Nashville: Love Me (:01) Crazy Hearts: Nashville: Look (:01) Duck Dy(HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) When Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Lonely (N) (HD) Out World Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Coming (HD) nasty (HD) (:31) Catwoman (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;04, Action) a Batman Begins (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;05, Action) Chris- The Dark Knight (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08, Action) aaaa Christian Bale. A new district attorney joins Batman in the fight against crime, but the tian Bale. Behind the mask. (HD) grandiose attacks of a giggling psychopath plunge Gotham City back into fear. (HD) Halle Berry. Vengeful hero. (HD) West Alaska Grizzly Sized (N) Wild West Alaska (HD) Wild West Alaska (N) (HD) Cold River Cash (N) Wild West Alaska (HD) Cold River The Game: The Good Life (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;07, Drama) aaa Mark Webber. A social outcast in a football-obsessed Scandal: Guess Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coming To Scandal: Mrs. Smith Goes To Wash- Wendy Williams Trashbox (HD) Nebraska town meets a girl.

Dinner Oliviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father. (HD) ington (HD) Show (N) Matchmaker: The Late Bloomer and Millionaire Matchmaker: Mr. Super- The Millionaire Matchmaker Shy Courtney Loves Toned Up Video What Happens Millionaire Matchmaker: The Shy the Gay Hugh Hefner ficial and the Nutjob Magnet T.V. host; someone his age. (N) Dallas (N) shoot. (N) (N) Extrovert and the Rescuer The Kudlow Report Greed A shell company.

Greed: The Lady Killer Greed A concert promoter.

Mad Money Investing advice.

Greed Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Piers Morgan LIVE (N) (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° Later Erin Burnett OutFront P. Morgan The Colbert Re- Daily Show (HD) Chappelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chappelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Always Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Always Tosh.0 Young Tosh.0 (HD) Daily Show (N) The Colbert Re- (:01) @midnight port (HD) Show Show Sunny (HD) Sunny (HD) prankster. (HD) (HD) port (N) (HD) (N) (HD) A.N.T. Farm (HD) Good Luck Char- The Game Plan (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;07, Comedy) aac Dwayne Johnson. A superstar quar- Good Luck Char- Austin & Ally Jessie (HD) A.N.T. Farm (HD) Good Luck Charlie (HD) terback discovers he is the father of an 8-year-old girl. lie (HD) (HD) lie (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse College Basketball: Connecticut Huskies at Memphis Tigers (HD) 30 for 30: The Price of Gold (HD) SportsCenter: from Bristol, Conn. (HD) SportsCenter College Basketball: Missouri vs Vanderbilt z{| (HD) College Basketball: Ohio State vs Minnesota z{| (HD) Australian Open Tennis: Third Round (HD) Stick It (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06, Comedy) aac Jeff Bridges. A rebellious gymnast becomes a The Last Song (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10, Drama) aa Miley Cyrus. An angry and rebellious The 700 Club Bel-Air Car saleshero at the Nationals in a surprising manner. (HD) teenager spends the summer with her estranged father. (HD) man.

Donut Donut Chopped: Waste Not (HD) Chopped Canada (N) Cutthroat: The Yolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On You Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Chopped On the Record with Greta (N) The Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates.

Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File Wom. College Basketball: Virginia vs Duke Wom. College Basketball: Syracuse vs Maryland z{| Predators World Poker Tour no} (HD) NHL Hockey Home: Death Be- Home School The Good Wife: Net Worth Billionaire The Good Wife: Silver Bullet Sued for Frasier: The Pro- Frasier: Wheels of Frasier: Three Frasier: War of Gold Girl: Ro$e gins at Forty trouble. sues. (HD) testimony. (HD) posal Fortune Blind Dates the Words Love$ Mile$ Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Salvage Salvage Addict (HD) Addict (HD) Hunters (N) Hunters (N) Project (N) Project (N) Addict (HD) Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Appalachian Outlaws (N) (HD) The Curse of Oak Island (HD) Pawn Stars Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Sex Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Criminal Minds: Amplification Criminal Minds: To Hell... Homeless Criminal Minds Stress Position (HD) Club Little black book. (HD) Death Roe Chef disappears. (HD) Chemical weapon. (HD) disappear. (HD) (HD) Project Runway All Stars: Are U.N. Project Runway All Stars: Season 3 Under the Gunn: Who is Under the Gunn? Hopefuls Under the Gunn: Who is Under the Gunn? Hopefuls (:02) Project Runway (HD) or Are You Out? (HD) Reunion Special (N) (HD) work to impress the mentors. (N) (HD) work to impress the mentors. (HD) Sam & Cat Witch Way (N) Haunted (HD) Haunted (HD) Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Impact Wrestling (N) (HD) Training Day (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;01) aaa Denzel Washington. (HD) (6:30) Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;03, Science Fiction) Arnold Drive Angry (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11, Action) aa Nicolas Cage. A man escapes hell to seek The Hitcher (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;07, Thriller) aac Sean Bean. A couple Schwarzenegger. Cyborg protects Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future leader. (HD) revenge against his daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attackers. battles a deranged killer. (HD) The Big Bang Ground Floor (N) The Big Bang Conan Scheduled: Joseph Ground Brodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seinfeld (HD) Family Guy: Family Guy Coun- Family Guy (HD) The Big Bang Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Gordon-Levitt. (N) (HD) choice.

Farmer Guy (HD) try club. (HD) (6:00) Westward the Women (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;51, The Women (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;39, Comedy) aaac Norma Shearer. At a ranch in Nevada, a woman discov- When Ladies Meet (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;41, Comedy) Joan Crawford. A romance novelist ers that her husband has been unfaithful. becomes attracted to her publisher.

Western) aaa Robert Taylor.

Honey Boo Honey Boo Honey Boo Boo Jitters. (HD) Honey Boo (N) Honey Boo (N) Welcome to Myrtle Manor (N) Honey Boo Honey Boo Welcome (HD) NBA Basketball: New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers from Bankers Life Fieldhouse z{| (HD) NBA Basketball: Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets from Toyota Center z{| (HD) Inside the NBA (HD) Guinness World: Fighting a Jet Guinness World Records (N) Jokers Jokers Impractical (N) Panic (N) Top 20 Funniest: TV Blunders 3 (:02) Guinness Griffith (HD) Gilligan (HD) Gilligan (HD) Loves Raymond Clip show. (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: White Collar: Shot Through the (:01) Law & Order: Special Victims Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: White Collar (HD) Above Suspicion (HD) Twenty-Five Acts (HD) Heart (N) (HD) Unit: Beautiful Frame (HD) Mask Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past. (HD) Law & Order: Switch (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (N) (HD) SWV Reunited (N) Braxton Family Values (HD) SWV Reunit Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met WGN News at Nine (HD) How I Met Rules (HD) Rules (HD)

ESPN recalls Harding-Kerrigan Olympics drama

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH

down would equal and exceed many Super Bowls.

The attack on Kerrigan demonstrated Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appetite for stories that combined sports, crime and lurid tabloid elements, a lesson that would be reinforced just five months later with a ghastly murder involving a sports legend, sportscaster and movie star named O.J. Simpson. â&#x20AC;˘ Timing is everything, even trash. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing for â&#x20AC;&#x153;30 for 30â&#x20AC;? to discuss a tawdry moment from the vantage point of two decades later. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite another for the new series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tabloidâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., ID, TV-14) to dredge up stories of a more recent vintage.

Hosted by daytime talk show fixture Jerry Springer, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tabloidâ&#x20AC;? offers a magazine-style take on outrageous stories both celebrated and obscure, including the infamous â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bling Ringâ&#x20AC;? thefts of celebrity homes, a story that has already inspired its own Lifetime movie and a film directed by Sofia Coppola. â&#x20AC;˘ Tim Gunn hosts â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the Gunnâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., Lifetime, TV-14).

Competing designers will be mentored by Gunn and former â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Runwayâ&#x20AC;? contestants and judged by celebrity stylist Jen Rade, designer Rachel

Was there was a Big Bang that created the Reality TV Tabloid Universe? It might have been the whack to Nancy Kerriganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leg that was meant to eliminate her from competition at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games. Twenty years on, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;30 for 30â&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., ESPN) documentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Price of Goldâ&#x20AC;? recalls the assault and the news media circus that erupted after Jeff Gillooly, the ex-husband of skating rival Tonya Harding, was implicated in the violent attack, along with three other men.

Casting is everything. Kerrigan was a pretty and serene brunette from New England who wore skating outfits designed by Vera Wang. Harding appeared to be born on the wrong side of the skating rink. Even before the Kerrigan incident, Harding had been involved in any number of controversial events on and off the ice. Her fans liked her because she was a lovable trainwreck, an asthmatic who smoked and always seemed to have a thousand excuses for her mistakes on the ice â&#x20AC;&#x201D; jet lag, bad traffic, a broken skate, an untied lace, etc. In short, Kerrigan and Harding were a rivalry made in that neighborhood of tabloid heaven where sports and soap opera collide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Goldâ&#x20AC;? includes interviews with Harding and re-examines linPaying Top Dollar in Sumter gering questions about Gilloolyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attack.

The TV audience for the Harding-Kerri & 8FTNBSL #MWE t 778-1031 gan Olympics show-

BUYING GOLD

Roy and Zanna Roberts Rossi from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Runway All Stars.â&#x20AC;?

Cult Choice A waitressing job gives three teens (Julia Roberts, Annabeth Gish and Lili Taylor) a summer to remember in the 1988 coming of age drama â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mystic Pizzaâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., TV Guide), also Matt Damonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s film debut.

Tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Other Highlights â&#x20AC;˘ Aisha Tyler hosts â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 19th Annual Critics Choice Movie Awardsâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., CW). â&#x20AC;˘ Auditions continue on â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Idolâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG). â&#x20AC;˘ Leslie and Ben take new jobs on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parks and Recreationâ&#x20AC;? (8:30 p.m., NBC, TV-PG). â&#x20AC;˘ A mathematicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murder on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elementaryâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., CBS, r, TV14). â&#x20AC;˘ Camille feels snubbed on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parenthoodâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14). â&#x20AC;˘ The canceled miniseries â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Assetsâ&#x20AC;? will be replaced by â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shark Tankâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) repeats. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;SWV Reunitedâ&#x20AC;?

(10 p.m., WE, TV-PG) recalls singers Cheryl â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cokoâ&#x20AC;? Clemons, Leanne â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leleeâ&#x20AC;? Lyons and Tamara â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tajâ&#x20AC;? JohnsonGeorge, known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sisters With Voices.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jerks with Camerasâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., MTV, TVPG) showcases pranks.

Series Notes Raj invents a game on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Big Bang Theoryâ&#x20AC;?

(8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-PG) * Pierceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will is read on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Communityâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * The birds and bees on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Millersâ&#x20AC;? (8:30 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * Josh Groban guest-stars on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Crazy Onesâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * Running romantic interference on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sean Saves the Worldâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter descends on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two and a Half Menâ&#x20AC;?

(9:30 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * New friends on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Michael J. Fox Showâ&#x20AC;?

(9:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

Late Night Steven Brill is scheduled on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Daily Show With Jon Stewartâ&#x20AC;? (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emmy Ros-

Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

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sum and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings appear on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Conanâ&#x20AC;? (11 p.m., TBS) * Heather Graham, John Caparulo, Claire Titelman and Ross Mathews are booked on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chelsea Latelyâ&#x20AC;? (11 p.m., E!) * Naquasia LeGrand sits down on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Colbert Reportâ&#x20AC;? (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Diahann Carroll and T-Pain are booked on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Arsenio Hall Showâ&#x20AC;? (syndicated, check local listings) * Brian Williams and Rosanne Cash appear on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Late Show With David Lettermanâ&#x20AC;?

(11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jay Leno welcomes Mark Harmon and Kristin Chenoweth on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tonight Showâ&#x20AC;? (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Chris Pine, Kevin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary and Gregory Porter appear on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jimmy Kimmel Liveâ&#x20AC;? (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Drake, Ana Gasteyer and Neon Trees visit â&#x20AC;&#x153;Late Night With Jimmy Fallonâ&#x20AC;? (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts Kenneth Branagh and Christian Finnegan on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Late Late Showâ&#x20AC;? (12:35 a.m., CBS).

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OPINION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

THE ITEM

A9

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

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

TV shows prove end of days drawing nigh

H

ere are two sure signs that the apocalypse is upon us: SIGN NO. 1: The Golden Globes awards show that aired Sunday night featured an excruciating acceptance speech by Jacqueline Bissett when she was awarded a Globe for the Best Supporting Actress in a TV Show, Miniseries or TV Movie for her role in the BBC drama “Dancing on the Edge.”

Bissett also appeared to be dancing on the edge as she stumbled to the stage after a long — too long — walk to receive her Globe. Her rambling — often incoherent — acceptance speech, described by one critic as a “cringe-worthy TV moment,” featured a verbal slipup when she swore and said she wanted to thank those who had given her “pleasure” and “sh*t.” Obviously, she had partaken rather heavily in adult beverages prior to her appearance onstage. Not to be outdone, another actress, Emma Thompson, showed up on stage resplendent in a gold outfit while carrying her heels in one hand and a

COMMENTARY martini in another, possibly a parody of a Las Vegas Dean Martin show when he would take the stage with a cocktail in hand, pretending to be drunk.

At the Globes, it was hard to believe that everyone wasn’t drunk.

But let’s not get too appalled at the tastelessness of Hollywood awards shows. We have a prime example of that down the road in Murrells Hubert Inlet, which brings us to: OSTEEN SIGN NO. 2: Kicking off tonight at 10 o’clock on the CMT channel will be the first installment of a white trash reality show, “Party Down South.” The Coastal Observer newspaper described it as “The reality show that Murrells Inlet has been dreading to see, like a car wrecked on the side of the road.”

Some of the residents of the Inlet like to lovingly describe their hometown as “a quaint little drinking village with a fish-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Calling Item staff, editor racist is going too far This is in response to Mr. Baten’s letter from Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. The editorial that he referred to was signed.

If Mr. Baten read the very bottom of the editorial page, he would see that the Editor and Chairman is Mr. Hubert D. Osteen Jr. If Mr. Osteen did not agree with his newspaper’s editorial, it would not appear, but to insinuate that Mr. Osteen and his staff are racist is offensive and disrespectful.

Mr. Baten is a member of The Sumter County Council, and I can’t remember him ever sending a letter on issues relevant to council and community. I truly think that he maintains his elected position on the council by telling the African American community how bad the rest of the community treats them. Every time a letter from Mr. Batem is published, it sets race relations back.

Finally, I would like Mr. Baten to list these “code words” he has now added to his diatribe. By using the phrase “code word,” he means that just about everything is something racist.

MICHAEL W. BARRY Sumter

We need to fight rezoning at U.S. 521-Mooneyham There is a public notice sign on a piece of property located on U.S. 521 South and Mooneyham Road concerning rezoning this property from agricultural to commercial.

I’m sure this is something that is following Continental Tire. We already have more than our share of traffic problems at times that are associated with this business and it will only get worse as time goes by.

The residents in this area do not need the likes of a chicken shack, hamburger joint, fish house, convenience store, gas station, party shop, liquor store or mobile home park at this location. I’m certain that the residents in this neighborhood have a lot invested in their property and don’t want to see the property values fall because of any of the above mentioned businesses or anything else on

| ing problem.” Now it’s got more than just a fishing problem. The show’s film crews and cast members slipped into the Inlet last summer before the town could figure out a way to stop the onslaught. Throughout the summer while the show was being filmed at King’s Krest, a large home on the creek, nearby residents were disturbed by the late night noise as cast members partied hard for the cameras. The cast, all from the South, was carefully screened in order to provide TV audiences with authentic po’ buckras demonstrating their acting skills. And boy, do they have “skills.” According to the Observer, one “actress” in the cast “is ready to get out of her mother’s house, party hard and get her ‘extensions’ dirty. When it comes to taking her clothes off, Lauren will be the first to strip down in the name of a good time.” One of the guys in the cast

this property.

Being as the realtor that is handling this is from another county, probably the only interest they would have is the dollars that go into their pockets.

If the property owners in this area don’t get together and beat this rezoning down, we will all wind up with something we don’t want.

If you are unable to attend the hearing on proposal RZ13-17 to be held at the county administration building, third floor, on Jan. 28, at least write letters protesting this proposal and show your disgust with this unnecessary action.

Ask yourself how much you have at stake.

H.N. HODGE Sumter

Looking for a racist?

Check the mirror, Baten I see that our resident blowhard and player of the race card is at it again. It seems like being in charge of Sumter County Council isn’t big enough for him. Now he wants to be in charge of The Item. Well, so far, you aren’t the boss of The Item.

There is a principle that says for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. It is Newton’s Third Law of Motion. Some think this applies only to motion, but I believe that it applies to everything. So because we have those left-wing, progressive people, we must have someone or something to have an opposite reaction, which is what you call “a right-wing conservative newspaper.”

I also think of it as a pendulum, which swings side to side. If it swings far to the left then it has to swing back that far to the right. In other words, your racist comments will receive comments in an exact opposite proportion.

Your made up “racially coded words and implications by other white writers” is in your imagination. It’s too bad that you have to push your racist agendas on the people of Sumter County when you could be a force for good relations between such people. I hope that it makes you happy to be such a divisive person in our community. What I have been unable to figure out is, what is the payoff for you?

I don’t believe that you don’t

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

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

Reach Hubert Osteen at hubert@ theitem.com.

|

“intend to offend anyone.” I also don’t believe that you really believe that you are only trying “to express the truth and sometimes the truth hurts.” You need look only as far as the mirror that you, yourself, own to find those racist people you think you see in others.

JACQUELINE K. HUGHES Sumter

Baten, Burns soapboxes built on racism Mr. Baten’s recent letter concerning “truth” made me stop and think. First off, I am in complete agreement when he says “the truth hurts.” If you really think about it, if the truth about IRS, Benghazi, etc., scandals were to be known, it would definitely “hurt” the Obama administration more than it is now. The media has done all it could do to keep the truth hidden, but as I have written before, even they have to admit the obvious.

Mr. Baten also mentions “racism” again. It’s the same old story. When Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson feel that the country is beginning to forget they exist — boom! — they jump on a story, ride its coattails, and are in the news again. It’s a repeating process. Seems Mr. Baten and Mr. Burns are doing the same thing on a local level. They can’t let racism die. They would not have a soapbox to stand on if it did.

And just to update the readers: I have finally succeeded in enrolling in Obamacare. It took several hours but I managed to do it. I’m quite happy with the response I got from my pro-

vider. I still have serious doubts on how it will work.

I still think being forced into this was wrong, but as with all things you aren’t sure of, we shall see ...

DENNIS E. VICKERS Wedgefield

You, Mr. Bell, are mistaken about the ACA This is in response to Mr. Bell’s letter to the editor from Jan. 12. I am a S.C. resident, have not been fooled and am not mistaken. I will italicize your points and then respond to you and point out that everything you wrote — after waiting two weeks — is wrong.

Regarding your first claim: because South Carolina did not expand its Medicaid program, I was informed that South Carolinians do not qualify for subsidies. This statement is the farthest from the truth. In my original letter to the editor, I stated I received a tax credit every month to help offset the cost of health care due to my income. I am sorry that I did not use the word subsidies in my original letter. However, a tax credit is the same as a subsidy. Really nothing more to say than that. If you go to the website, healthcare.gov, it will tell you right there if you qualify or not for a subsidy after you answer four questions. It will tell you the cost without the subsidy and then the price you will pay if you qualify. So while our state did not accept the extra Medicaid money, people can still get access to subsidies to help offset the cost of health care, if they qualify.

I went to a local medical practice in Sumter where certified Affordable Healthcare

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

“loves the sound of duck calls.” Another cast member is a “lovable” 300-pounder who somehow ends up in a fight, even though he claims to never be the instigator. Then there’s a so-called “ladies’ man who never leaves home without his best friend, the beer funnel.”

Get the picture? That’s all the South needs: a collection of mouthbreathing yahoos on television who perpetuate the image of the South as a permanent God’s Little Acre.

All of the above vignettes are proof positive that the coarsening of our society continues to be unstoppable, whether it’s in Hollywood or our neck of the woods. There’s so much more to look forward to. The coarsening beat goes on, a gift that keeps on giving.

In the words of the great newspaperman, H.L. Mencken, “No one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public.”

H.D. OSTEEN 1904-1987 The Item

Act counselors walked me through the process of examining my options. For me, the cheapest option would be a plan with a monthly premium of $429 per month. If this counselor literally went on the website and put in your age and income for 2014, then it sounds like to me you make too much money to qualify for a subsidy, hence the high premium. However, if you make under $45,000 as an individual or under $95,000 as a family, then you really need to go onto the website and shop. I’m not sure how they got this quote, but if it came from the website, then it is what it is. In your article you were complaining of the high deductible, but if you were on the website, then you would have seen many other plans that have lower deductibles to choose from.

I also logged on to seek my options in front of the health counselor and can tell you there is no way to get into the site within 45 seconds. In my original letter I said I was able to get a quote in 45 seconds, nothing about the entire process. Even though that usually takes 30 minutes and you can stop and save your info if you don’t have time to finish it all.

If you would like a quote without logging in, go to the website and hit “See plans before I apply.”

SCOTT BURKETT Sumter

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

HUBERT D. OSTEEN JR. | EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN MARGARET W. OSTEEN 1908-1996 The Item

H. GRAHAM OSTEEN II Co-President

KYLE BROWN OSTEEN Co-President

JOHN DUVALL OSTEEN Vice President and Publisher

LARRY MILLER CEO

A10

DAILY PLANNER

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

MARKET from Page A1 crashed with the economic recession.

“All of our Realtors are extremely optimistic,” said Darlene Hebert, executive director of the Sumter Board of Realtors. “They’re excited about the activity, they’re excited about the flow of people, and they’re excited about the fact that we still have a quality inventory.”

The increase has been even more impressive during recent months. In December alone, sales in the Sumter market, which includes Clarendon County, climbed nearly 28 percent when compared to the year before, which was the second-strongest increase out of the

16 markets in the state.

In November, sales climbed 14 percent.

“When Spring hits, we expect our market activity to increase even more,” Hebert said.

And while Sumter sales climbed somewhat dramatically during the year, the increase didn’t have as significant an impact on home prices for area buyers. According to the Realtors, the average home in Sumter cost $130,000, up less than one percent when compared to 2012.

Statewide, prices climbed five percent last year.

Reach Braden Bunch at (803) 774-1201.

CRIME from Page A1 Circle, was charged in the men’s deaths.

Then in June, Sumter County saw another double homicide when Joseph M. Manners, 20, of 1324 Barnwell Drive, allegedly set fire to his grandparents’ Barnwell Drive home, killing 79-year-old Joann Topper and 68-year-old James Topper.

The last slaying of the year saw 17-year-old James Darren Brock of 4111 Camden Highway allegedly kill his 37-yearold landlord, Jeffrey Allen Scott, in a dispute over the electricity being turned off in the home.

Other significant figures included in the report are sexual assaults (which rose to 95 reported incidents from 82 the year before), general assaults (down to 251 from 284) and burglaries (635, down from 747).

2013 also saw an increase in arrests brought in from the county’s drug and patrol units.

Patrolmen — your average uniformed deputy riding in a marked car — made 350 arrests last year, up from 287 in 2012. Officers from the Sumter County Drug Unit brought in another 231 suspects, up from 161. Those busts helped bring the sheriff’s office’s total number of arrests through November to 2,023, almost double the department’s total from the year before.

“Partly, that’s because our officer retention rate’s up,” Dennis said.

“We have a full patrol unit, so we can do more saturation (patrols) ... there’s nothing like experience. That played a major part.”

Reach Bristow Marchant at (803) 774-1272.

WAZNEY from Page A1 unrelated suspect. Disclosure was made by an 11-year-old female saying that Wazney had molested her on multiple occasions, which led to Wazney’s initial arrest in December.

During the ongoing investigation, however, law enforcement said information arose that Wazney was involved in a four-year relationship with the initial victim’s 16-year-old relative. According to a report from the sheriff’s office, investigators received a letter on Jan. 7 disclosed by the victim that Wazney made sexual contact with her on numer-

ous occasions.

Boland said there may be even more charges coming against Wazney than what is currently listed on the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center website because the victim could not recollect every instance when the relationship was sexually physical.

“A lot of it could not be separated to specific dates because it occurred so often,” Roland said. “You’re basically dealing with a child’s memory from the time she was 12 years old.”

Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

STATE

795-4257

TODAY

TONIGHT

48°

29°

52°

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 46°

25°

52°

SUNDAY

30°

MONDAY 57°

28°

37°

Chilly with clouds giving way to sun

Partly cloudy

Breezy with times of clouds and sun

Mostly sunny

Plenty of sunshine

A full day of sunshine

Winds: WNW 6-12 mph

Winds: SW 6-12 mph

Winds: SW 10-20 mph

Winds: WSW 7-14 mph

Winds: WNW 6-12 mph

Winds: WSW 8-16 mph

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 10%

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

Gaffney 44/28 Spartanburg 44/30

Temperature High ............................................... 63° Low ................................................ 34° Normal high ................................... 54° Normal low ..................................... 32° Record high ....................... 78° in 2013 Record low ......................... 16° in 1964

Sunrise today .......................... 7:26 a.m.

Sunset tonight ......................... 5:36 p.m.

Moonrise today ....................... 6:23 p.m.

Moonset today ........................ 7:23 a.m.

Greenville 44/29

Precipitation

Bishopville 48/29

24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.02" Month to date .............................. 2.49" Normal month to date .................. 1.96" Year to date ................................. 2.49" Normal year to date ..................... 1.96"

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Full 7 a.m. 24-hr pool yest. chg 360 356.19 +0.45 76.8 75.12 +0.12 75.5 73.60 -3.03 100 100.03 -0.60

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 47/28/s 40/24/s 44/29/s 48/29/s 49/32/s 50/39/r 48/31/pc 46/28/s 47/31/s 48/28/s

7 a.m. yest.

8.36 9.40 8.88 13.62 81.81 20.80

24-hr chg +0.09 -4.20 +1.06 -1.29 +0.84 -0.70

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 51/23/pc 38/15/pc 45/20/pc 52/23/pc 56/29/pc 54/35/pc 56/28/pc 49/21/pc 47/22/pc 52/23/pc

Columbia 48/28 Today: Sunny to partly cloudy and chilly.

Friday: Breezy with intervals of clouds and sunshine.

Last

New

Jan. 24 First

Jan. 30 Full

Feb. 6

Feb. 14

Florence 48/30

Sumter 48/29

Myrtle Beach 46/33

Manning 48/29

Shown is today’s weather.

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

Aiken 47/28 Charleston 48/31

Today: Cooler. High 46 to 50.

Friday: Partly sunny; a shower in spots in southern parts. High 54 to 58.

The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

Thu.

Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 48/28/pc 44/29/pc 46/30/pc 47/30/pc 48/30/pc 51/31/s 46/27/s 44/30/pc 48/31/pc 43/27/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 51/25/pc 54/29/pc 53/27/pc 52/26/pc 54/27/pc 62/29/pc 49/21/pc 52/28/pc 56/28/pc 48/23/pc

Fri.

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 44/29/s 40/26/s 48/37/s 50/30/s 46/29/s 48/28/s 44/30/s 44/25/s 48/34/pc 46/33/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 45/21/pc 45/19/pc 55/25/pc 62/28/pc 46/21/pc 50/21/pc 41/19/pc 45/18/pc 57/29/pc 55/30/pc

High Ht. 9:01 a.m.....3.1 9:23 p.m.....2.7 9:37 a.m.....3.1 10:00 p.m.....2.7

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

Low Ht. 3:22 a.m....-0.3 3:59 p.m.....0.0 4:00 a.m....-0.2 4:34 p.m.....0.0

Today Hi/Lo/W 48/29/s 49/34/s 44/30/pc 44/26/s 47/26/pc 48/32/s 44/30/s 48/35/s 48/30/pc 42/27/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 53/26/pc 55/29/pc 51/27/pc 48/22/pc 51/23/pc 56/27/pc 47/22/pc 55/24/pc 56/29/pc 46/23/pc

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 Fri. Today Fri. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 54/27/s 52/28/s Las Vegas 67/43/s 66/43/s Anchorage 35/30/i 39/32/sn Los Angeles 85/53/s 84/52/s Atlanta 44/31/s 41/21/pc Miami 63/45/s 68/51/pc Baltimore 42/28/pc 46/26/c Minneapolis 26/-3/sn 11/8/pc Boston 42/34/c 45/33/pc New Orleans 55/41/s 56/32/s Charleston, WV 38/29/pc 35/18/sf New York 43/31/c 46/32/pc Charlotte 46/28/s 49/21/pc Oklahoma City 58/27/s 50/33/s Chicago 32/14/sf 17/9/pc Omaha 34/7/sf 31/24/pc Cincinnati 36/22/sf 27/14/sf Philadelphia 43/31/pc 47/30/c Dallas 64/35/s 55/40/s Phoenix 74/48/s 74/44/s Denver 46/22/pc 52/29/s Pittsburgh 31/26/pc 33/18/sf Des Moines 32/5/sf 20/18/pc St. Louis 40/14/sf 24/22/s Detroit 30/23/sn 32/16/sf Salt Lake City 36/24/pc 38/24/s Helena 38/23/s 39/21/pc San Francisco 69/45/s 68/45/s Honolulu 81/67/s 80/68/pc Seattle 50/36/c 52/34/c Indianapolis 34/16/sf 22/12/pc Topeka 44/16/s 36/29/s Kansas City 40/12/s 31/27/s Washington, DC 44/31/pc 45/28/pc Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Use your ARIES (March 21-April 19): You have the last word in astrology intuitive insight when dealing with the discipline to get things done, partners, friends and family. Read but your emotional outlook may eugenia LAST between the lines and you’ll discover cause some problems with someone who is with you and who is not. Let who has the power to influence your your emotions set the standard. It’s future. An innovative look at the time to regulate instead of being controlled. situation will help you find the best response.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pick a destination that will TAURUS (April 20-May 20): There is no time to waste. lead to knowledge, and head in that direction. You’ll Deadlines must be met and energy levels must remain benefit from interactions you have with people consistent. You have plenty to gain if you bring your sharing your interests or expertise. Love is in the stars best game to the competition. Less said, more done and romance should be planned for the evening will confirm you can take charge. hours.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Listen to advice, follow SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Ask questions, show through with adding a unique touch. Take care of a interest. The more information you gather, the easier it money matter before it ruins your credit, a relationship will be to make a decision. A money deal may be met or your reputation. Connecting with someone from with opposition. Listen to what’s being said and it may your past can lead to alternative ways to earn money. save you a bundle.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Live in the moment, forget CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t feel pressured to the past. By making new choices, you’ll find ways to make a choice or decision. Take your time and make it rediscover some of the things that make you happiest. clear that you won’t be bullied or coerced into Romance is highlighted and spending time socializing anything. A strong will is required if you’re going to will enhance your personal life and attitude. avoid loss and maintain control.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Choose your battles and your AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Revisit your strategy allies, focus on your strengths and destinations. The regarding work, money and moving forward. A change journey you begin will lead to specific changes that will do you good, but it may be necessary to pick up will need nurturing. Prepare to give your all and see additional skills or information to do so. Be patient matters through to the end. Success will be yours. and do what’s required of you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Make whatever you do PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do whatever it takes to enjoyable. Take initiative and you’ll find a way to make an impression. Expect to receive money or a gift spread your happiness around and encourage others or see a debt fulfilled. Share an idea and you’ll receive to follow suit. Your influence on the people you deal an interesting comment that will help you expand and with will make your life easier and your future pursue your goal. brighter.

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2 adults, 2 children found dead in home IRMO (AP) — Authorities are investigating the deaths of four people found in a home in Irmo as a possible murder-suicide.

Richland County Sheriff’s Sgt. Curtis Wilson said the bodies of two adults and two children were found at the home on Wednesday morning.

QUIZ

Martin Luther King Jr. Day closings schedule

Wilson says that all four people had been shot in the upper body. He says a weapon was also found at the home.

Investigators say they think that the case is a murder-suicide.

Authorities have not released the victims’ names or any other details.

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

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BANKS — All area banks and credit unions will be closed Monday.

GOVERNMENT — The following will be closed Monday: United States federal government offices; U.S. Postal Service; South Carolina state government offices; City of Sumter offices; County of Sumter offices; Clarendon County offices; and Lee County offices.

SCHOOLS — The following will be closed Monday: Sumter School District; Clarendon School District 1; Clarendon School District 2; Clarendon School District 3; Lee County Public Schools; Thomas Sumter Academy; St. Anne Catholic School; St. Francis Xavier High School; Laurence

Manning Academy; Clarendon Hall; Sumter Christian School; William Thomas Academy; Morris College; USC Sumter; and Central Carolina Technical College.

Wilson Hall will observe a teacher in-service day Monday and there will be no student attendance.

Robert E. Lee Academy will be closed Monday in observance of Robert E. Lee’s birthday.

OTHER — The following will be closed Monday: Clemson Extension Service; The Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce; the Harvin Clarendon County Library; and the Sumter County Library.

All offices of The Item newspaper will be closed Monday.

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY: 3-7-2 AND 8-0-4 PICK 4 WEDNESDAY: 9-0-5-5 AND 6-4-2-9 PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY: 4-7-14-18-38 POWERUP: 3 MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY: 4-23-26-62-69 MEGABALL: 13 MEGAPLIER: 3

POWERBALL NUMBERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME.

SPORTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

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

B1

Texas A&M rallies to beat South Carolina 75-67 COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Texas A&M overcame a double-digit first half deficit to defeat South Carolina 75-67 on Wednesday night.

Jamal Jones scored 22 points for the Aggies, who trailed 14-3 six minutes into the contest be- JONES fore getting their act together before their largest home crowd of the season.

Guard Brenton Williams scored 14 points for the Gamecocks (7-9, 0-3), who shot 42.9 percent (9 of 21) from the field in the second half - after making 14 of 28 in the first half - en route to their third consecutive setback to start Southeastern Conference play.

The Aggies (12-4, 3-0) under thirdyear coach Billy Kennedy are 3-0 in league play for the first time since 2010-11 under then-coach Mark Tur-

geon, now at Maryland, and as members of the Big 12 at the time.

The Aggies snagged their first lead of the second half at 58-57 on two free throws by Jones with 6:59 remaining.

Following a missed 3-pointer by Jaylen Shaw on South Carolina’s ensuing possession, A&M guard Shawn Smith responded with a 3-pointer from deep in the right corner in lifting the Aggies to a 61-57 lead.

A&M guard Jordan Green scored

four points in the final 1:34 to help put away the Gamecocks. The Aggies shot 43.8 percent (7 of 16) from the 3-point line, while the Gamecocks hobbled themselves with 17 turnovers (compared to 11 for A&M).

The Aggies overcame an 11-point first half deficit, as South Carolina manhandled A&M in rebounds over the first 20 minutes to the tune of 20-

Taking region control County rivals collide with eye on 1st

NFL draft to feature lots of young, new faces

BY STEVE MEGARGEE The Associated Press

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com Playing in games in which the top spot in Region VI-3A is on the line is nothing new for the Crestwood High School varsity girls basketball program.

The Lady Knights FIELDS won the region last year and tied for the title in the 2011-12 season.

Their WILSON Sumter County rival Lakewood, on the other hand, has seldom had to deal with such games, no matter how early in the region schedule.

However, when the Lady Gators meet up with Crestwood on Friday at The Castle, the teams will be playing for sole possession of first SEE CONTROL, PAGE B3

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY 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.

SEE USC, PAGE B2

ITEM FILE PHOTO

Lakewood junior Sonora Dengkol, left, fights for control of the ball against Crestwood junior Ladazha Cole, middle, during a Region VI-3A contest last season. Crestwood, the defending region champion, looks to beat rival Lakewood on Friday to take sole possession of first place. Both teams enter with a 2-0 mark.

South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel headline a record number of underclassmen entering the NFL draft heading into Wednesday night’s deadline.

At least 90 players who had college eligibility remaining are expected to enter the draft, shattering last year’s record number of 73.

“It’s a humongous CLOWNEY number, so the first reaction is it makes you step back a little bit,” said NFL Network MANZIEL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, a former scout with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles. “What I’m hearing is that the agents always have to make the sales pitch to get these to come out. This year, what I’ve been told is the sales pitch is that all your money right now is coming from the second contract, so you need to come out early so you can get to that second contract a year earlier ... and apparently it’s been pretty effective.”

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released a mock draft Wednesday in which 23 of the 32 first-round picks SEE DRAFT, PAGE B3

Clemson rallies to knock off Virginia Tech 56-49 BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — K.J. McDaniels scored 14 points to lead Clemson to a 56-49 victory over Virginia Tech on Wednesday.

Clemson (12-4, 3-1 ACC), which upset No. 23 Duke 72-59 at home on Saturday, rallied from a 36-30 deficit with 14 minutes left to record its second road win of the season.

The Hokies grabbed their biggest lead of the game after point guard Devin Wilson hit the second of two free throws to give the Hokies a 36-30 lead with 14:01 remaining.

But the Tigers responded by scoring the next 10 points. Damarcus Harrison and Adonis Filer hit 3-pointers in the run, as Clemson re-

CLEMSON 56, VIRGINIA TECH 49 CLEMSON (12-4) Blossomgame 2-8 2-4 6, Nnoko 2-4 0-2 4, Hall 3-5 3-5 11, Roper 1-6 0-0 2, McDaniels 4-9 5-6 14, Filer 3-5 1-1 9, Harrison 3-7 0-0 7, Smith 1-2 1-2 3, Djitte 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 19-47 12-20 56.

VIRGINIA TECH (8-8) Van Zegeren 5-6 1-4 11, Eddie 1-6 0-0 3, Barksdale 2-4 0-0 4, Wilson 5-11 2-8 14, Emelogu 4-10 1-2 11, Smith 1-5 0-0 2, Beyer 2-3 0-0 4, Johnston 0-1 0-0 0, Thompson 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 20-48 4-14 49.

Halftime_Clemson 25-24. 3-Point Goals_Clemson 6-16 (Filer 2-2, Hall 2-3, Harrison 1-2, McDaniels 1-4, Roper 0-2, Blossomgame 0-3), Virginia Tech 5-16 (Wilson 2-2, Emelogu 2-5, Eddie 1-5, Beyer 0-1, Johnston 0-1, Smith 0-2). Fouled Out_Van Zegeren. Rebounds_Clemson 33 (Blossomgame 7), Virginia Tech 30 (Beyer 7). Assists_Clemson 7 (Blossomgame, Filer, Hall, Harrison, McDaniels, Nnoko, Smith 1), Virginia Tech 10 (Eddie, Emelogu 3). Total Fouls_Clemson 12, Virginia Tech 15. A_4,022.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clemson’s Rod Hall, center, is fouled by Virginia Tech’s Adam Smith (3) during the Tigers’ 56-49 victory on Wednesday in Blacksburg, Va.

claimed the lead for good.

Clemson’s spurt ended up being a 16-4

run that ended when Jaron Blossomgame hit the second of two free throws that gave the Ti-

gers a 46-40 lead with 6:37 left - their biggest lead of the game.

Clemson led 49-43

after McDaniels hit his lone 3-pointer of the night with 4:09 to go, but the Hokies scored six straight points, tying the game on Ben Emelogu’s 3-pointer with 2:01 left.

Those were Virginia Tech’s last points of the game.

Filer answered the Tigers, driving to the basket and hitting a layup while getting fouled. He

made the free throw, and three-point play with 1:24 remaining to give Clemson a 52-49 lead. On their final four possessions, the Hokies missed three shots and two free throws, while the Tigers connected on five of six from the freethrow line to seal the game.

The Hokies (8-8, 1-3 SEE CLEMSON, PAGE B2

B2

SPORTS

THE ITEM

SPORTS ITEMS

|

Kershaw, Dodgers agree to $215M deal LOS ANGELES — Pitcher Clayton Kershaw agreed Wednesday to a $215 million, seven-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press, a deal that KERSHAW makes the two-time Cy Young Award winner baseball’s first player with a $30 million average salary.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not yet been announced.

Kershaw receives the most lucrative deal for a pitcher, breaking the mark of $180 million set

by Justin Verlander last March for his seven-year contract with Detroit.

Vikings have chosen Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as their new head coach, according to multiple media reports.

BEASLEY TO REMAIN AT CLEMSON

REDSKINS PROMOTE MCVAY TO OC

COLUMBIA — Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley is staying in school for his senior season.

The Tigers announced Beasley’s decision hours before Wednesday’s deadline for draft-eligible underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft.

Beasley led the Atlantic Coast Conference with 13 sacks and was second in the league with 23 tackles for loss.

Beasley received a second-round NFL draft grade before Clemson’s 40-35 victory over Ohio State in the Orange Bowl.

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Redskins have promoted Sean McVay to offensive coordinator, a move expected after Jay Gruden was hired last week as coach.

VIKINGS HIRE ZIMMER AS COACH

CELTICS PULL OFF 3-TEAM TRADE

OAKLAND, Calif.— The Boston Celtics traded guards Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday as part of a three-team deal, a person familiar with the situation said.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade was awaiting NBA approval, said the Warriors sent guard Toney Douglas to the Miami Heat. The Heat moved center Joel Anthony and future draft picks to the Celtics in a move that creates more financial flexibility.

LAZOR HIRED AS DOLPHINS OC

MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins are hoping their new offensive coordinator clicks with Ryan Tannehill the way he did with Nick Foles.

Bill Lazor, who tutored Foles this season as quarterbacks coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, has been hired by Miami, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota

From wire reports

TEXAS A&M 75, USC 67 SOUTH CAROLINA (7-9) Thornwell 2-7 1-1 5, Williams 3-10 6-6 14, Notice 3-7 5-7 12, Henry 2-3 0-0 4, Kacinas 1-1 1-2 3, Johnson 0-3 0-0 0, Shaw 0-2 0-0 0, Chatkevicius 4-6 0-0 8, Theus Jr. 0-0 0-0 0, McKie 2-3 0-0 5, Carrera 3-4 0-0 7, Ringer 3-3 3-6 9. Totals 23-49 16-22 67.

TEXAS A&M (12-4) Green 2-4 5-8 9, Harris 1-3 0-0 2, Roberson 2-3 0-2 4, Caruso 1-3 0-2 3, Jones 5-11 9-12 22, Smith 3-4 6-8 14, Fitzgerald 6-7 0-0 13, Space 2-5 4-9 8. Totals 22-40 24-41 75.

Halftime_South Carolina 39-38. 3-Point Goals_South Carolina 5-18 (Williams 2-6, Carrera 1-1, McKie 1-2, Notice 1-3, Thornwell 0-1, Chatkevicius 0-1, Shaw 0-2, Johnson 0-2), Texas A&M 7-16 (Jones 3-7, Smith 2-2, Caruso 1-1, Fitzgerald 1-2, Green 0-1, Space 0-1, Harris 0-2). Fouled Out_Thornwell. Rebounds_South Carolina 33 (Ringer 7), Texas A&M 25 (Jones, Smith, Space 4). Assists_South Carolina 15 (Notice 5), Texas A&M 14 (Caruso 7). Total Fouls_South Carolina 31, Texas A&M 20. A_9,257.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Lady Barons fall to Hammond COLUMBIA – Hannah Jordan and Lauren Goodson each scored six points, but the Wilson Hall varsity girls basketball team fell to Hammond 45-15 on Wednesday at the Skyhawks gymnasium.

Amelia Green and Ahlea Myers each led Hammond with nine points.

The Lady Barons, now 8-7 overall, will host Orangeburg Prep on Friday in their first region contest.

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP Andrews gymnasium.

Asia Wright led the Lady Stallions with 19 points. Alexis McMillan added 15.

HEMINGWAY EAST CLARENDON

WILSON HALL Jordan 6, Goodson 6, Fisher 2, Smoak 1.

HAMMOND Green 9, Myers 9, Hain 7, Walker 6, Felder 4, Castles 4, Johnson 6.

LEE CENTRAL ANDREWS

44 38

ANDREWS – Lee Central High School opened its Region VII2A schedule with a 44-38 victory over Andrews on Tuesday at the

TURBEVILLE – East Clarendon High School lost to Hemingway 66-30 on Tuesday at the EC gymnasium.

Quasha Kennedy led the Lady Wolverines with 18 points.

Diamond McFaddent led Hemingway with 20 and Iresha Cooper added 13.

HEMINGWAY Barr 5, Thomas 4, Cooper 13, Scott 2, Edwards 2, McFadden 20, Canty 6, Wilson 2.

EAST CLARENDON Barnes 2, Q. Rhodes 2, Shaw 5, K. Rhodes 3, Kennedy 18.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL WILSON HALL 49 HAMMOND 26

COLUMBIA – Courtney Clark had 12

KINGSTREE – Shawntea Ford scored 12 points to lead Lee Central past Kingstree 18-6 on Wednesday at the Kingstree gymnasium.

The Lady Stallions improved to 4-1 in the region and will return

B TEAM BASKETBALL WILSON HALL HAMMOND

34 17

COLUMBIA – Becca Noyse scored eight points and Betsy Noyse added six as the Wilson Hall B team earned a 34-17 victory over Hammond on Wednesday at the Skyhawks gymnasium.

Liza Lowder, Haley McCaffrey and Maddie Elmore each added four points for the Lady Barons.

CORRECTION

The Lakewood varsity girls basketball team defeated Hartsville 64-52 on Tuesday.

The score in Wednesday’s edition of The Item was incorrect.

|

SCISA Region IV-2A with a 40-37 victory over Williamsburg on Tuesday at the Williamsburg gymnasium.

Griff Buddin led the Cavaliers, who are 8-3 overall, with 13 points. Zach Gooding and Jonah Cox both had eight.

Malik Singletary led the Stallions with11 points and Frank Erwin had 10.

HAMMOND WILSON HALL

HAMMOND LAURENCE MANNING

61 25

COLUMBIA – Jay Barnes and Easton Ward each scored eight points for the JV Barons in a losing effort as Wilson Hall fell to Hammond 61-25 on Wednesday at the Skyhawks gymnasium.

WH falls to 7-3 and will open region play on Friday at home against Orangeburg Prep.

HAMMOND LAURENCE MANNING

54 25

MANNING – Laurence Manning Academy lost to Hammond 54-25 on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium.

Taylor Lee led the Swampcats with 13 points.

VARSITY BASKETBALL ROBERT E. LEE WILLIAMSBURG

40 37

ROBERT E. LEE Buddn 13, Gooding 8, Cox 8, Grantham 7, Bramlett 3, Chewning 1.

WILLIAMSBURG Singletary 11, Erwin 10, Ward 9, Heathcott 3, Arnold 4.

72 58

MANNING – Seventh Woods scored 28 points to lead Hammond to a 72-58 victory over Laurence Manning Academy on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium.

Shakei Green led LMA with 21 points. Devaughnte Anderson and Mark Pipkin both had nine.

HARTSVILLE LAKEWOOD

64 31

HARTSVILLE – Lakewood High School lost to top-ranked Hartsville 64-31 on Tuesday at the Hartsville gymnasium.

Jarvis Johnson had 11 points for the Gators, who fell to 9-8 overall and 1-1 in Region VI-3A. Demeshion Smith led the 10-2 Red Foxes, ranked No. 1 in the latest South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association 3A poll, with 19. LaKeith Ingram had 13.

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

with morning coffee.

18 6

KINGSTREE – Torian WilsonBolden scored 10 points to help lead the Lee Central junior varsity basketball team to a 57-28 victory over Kingstree on Wednesday at the Kingstree gymnasium.

Demarcus Smith and Rasheed Wilson each added nine points for the Stallions while Darice Austin came down with 10 rebounds.

LC improved to 9-0 and will play Lugoff-Elgin next Thursday.

10. The Aggies responded by out-rebounding South Carolina 15-13 the rest of the way, although the Gamecocks still led in the final tally (33-25).A&M improved to 2-0 all-time against the Gamecocks, as the programs didn’t meet until the Aggies joined the SEC in 2012.

The Item goes great

LEE CENTRAL KINGSTREE

to action next Thursday against Lugoff-Elgin.

JV Stallions win 57-28, move to 9-0

KINGSTREE – Robert E. Lee Academy improved to 3-2 in

in ACC) got 14 points from Wilson and 11 each from Emelogu and Joey van Zegeren. Virginia Tech shot 41.7 percent against the nation’s best scoring defense (53.9 ppg) and the ACC’s best field-goal percentage defense (35.9 percent), but the Hokies hurt themselves by making just 4 of 14 from the freethrow line.

Rod Hall scored 11 points for the Tigers, who shot just 40.4 percent from the floor (19 of 47).

points and Mary Daniel Stokes added 11 as the Wilson Hall JV squad earned a 49-26 victory over Hammond on Wednesday at the Skyhawks gymnasium.

Mary Margaret Munn chimed in with eight points for the Lady Barons, who improved to 10-0 and will open region play on Friday at home against Orangeburg Prep.

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

USC from Page B1

CLEMSON from Page B1

66 30

|

LAKEWOOD Grant 6, J. Johnson 11, White 1, Epps 3, C. Johnson 2, Washington 2, Lang 2, T. Johnson 2.

HARTSVILLE Smith 19, McCoy 9, Williams 1, Robinson 3, Ingram 13, Cole 4, Johnson 6, Pogue 2, Phillips 1, Moses 6.

DARLINGTON MANNING

74 53

DARLINGTON — Manning High School fell to 0-2 in Region VI-3A with a 74-53 loss to Darlington on Tuesday at the Darlington gymnasium.

Dwaymon Samuel led the Monarchs, who are 5-10 overall, with 20 points. Rayvon Witherspoon added 11.

Gerod McDowell led Darlington, 9-4 and 1-1, with 12 points.

Frankie Johnson added 10.

MANNING R. Witherspoon 11, Samuel 20, W. Witherspoon 2, Sharper 8, Rose 4, Wilson 4, Dupree 2, Darley 2.

DARLINGTON Hooks 8, Smith 3, F. Johnson 10, D. Richardson 7, E. Johnson 1, D. Green 4, Jackson 2, M. Green 4, McDowell 12, J. Richardson 6, Andrews 8, Williams 4, Ellerbe 5.

HEMINGWAY EAST CLARENDON

67 34

TURBEVILLE — East Clarendon High School lost to Hemingway 67-34 on Tuesday at the EC gymnasium.

Matthew Coaxum led the Wolverines with 10 points. William Smith added nine.

Clarence Jones led Hemingway with 15. Joshua McKelvey added 10 points for East Clarendon.

HEMINGWAY McKelvey 10, Thomas 6, Langley 2, Mack 5, Jones 15, Jackson 8, Pressley 4, Williams 8, Frierson 7, Johnson 2.

EAST CLARENDON Coaxum 10, Elmore 6, Smith 9, Burgess 4, Rose 5.

|

Williams helps UMass edge George Mason FAIRFAX, Va. — Chaz Williams had 26 points and eight assists, Derrick Gordon made a goahead layup with 8 seconds remaining and No. 16 Massachusetts beat George Mason 88-87 on Wednesday night.

The Minutemen (15-1, 3-0 Atlantic 10) rallied from eight points down in the second half to win their sixth straight.

Sherrod Wright scored 26 points, Bryon Allen had 21 and Jalen Jenkins added 16 points and nine rebounds to lead the Patriots (7-10, 0-3), who lost for the eighth time in 10 games.

(4) MICHIGAN STATE NORTHWESTERN

54 40

EVANSTON, Ill. — Gary Harris scored 14 points and No. 4 Michigan State beat Northwestern 54-40 on Wednesday night for its ninth straight win.

(9) OKLAHOMA STATE TCU

82 50

STILLWATER, Okla. — Marcus Smart scored 20 points to help No. 9 Oklahoma State defeat TCU 82-50 on Wednesday night.

803-774-1258

NBA

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WIZARDS HEAT

114 97

WASHINGTON — The Washington Wizards had a 34-point lead against the Miami Heat reduced to single digits Wednesday night before holding on for a 114-97 victory in Greg Oden’s first game in more than four years.

76ERS BOBCATS

Massachusetts guard Chaz Williams (3) takes a shot over George Mason’s Bryon Allen (0) during the Minutemen’s 88-87 victory on Wednesday in Fairfax, Va. 95 92

PHILADELPHIA — Thaddeus Young made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 3.2 seconds left to lift the Philadelphia 76ers to a 95-92 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night.

CELTICS RAPTORS

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

88 83

BOSTON — Jared Sullinger scored 25 points and grabbed a career-best 20 rebounds, Avery Bradley had 20 points and the Boston Celtics held on to snap a nine-game losing streak with an 88-83 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.

From wire reports

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

THE ITEM

B3

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley, center, has the Lady Gamecocks sitting alone atop the SEC East Division after a 4-0 start.

USC women atop SEC East

BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press COLUMBIA — South Carolina leads the Southeastern Conference and coach Dawn Staley believes her young club can stay on top for a while.

The eighth-ranked Gamecocks are already off to their best start in school history at 16-1. They can top their mark for best SEC start at 5-0 if they win at No. 25 Texas A&M on Thursday night.

South Carolina has used a blend of youth, speed and timely defense to move ahead usual SEC powers Tennessee, Kentucky, LSU, Georgia and Vanderbilt in the rankings. Staley, though, is looking for even more.

“This does feel pretty good,” Staley said Wednesday. “But I’m greedy when it comes to wanting it all.”

And she’s got the Gamecocks poised for long-term success in the SEC and beyond.

Eight of the 12 players on the roster are sophomores or freshmen. Four of the Gamecocks top six scorers are underclassmen led by sophomore shooter Tiffany Mitchell. Freshman Alaina Coates, at 6-foot-4, is sixth in SEC rebounding and third in league blocks.

Coates has had six games this season with double figure scoring and rebounds, three of those in SEC play the past two weeks.

Mitchell, the team’s top scorer at 15.6 points a game, has not gotten caught up in the fast start and doesn’t believe her teammates have either.

“I don’t think we’re too high on, ‘Oh, we’re a top-ranked SEC team right now,’” Mitchell said.

“We’re about doing what we’ve done to get here in the first place.”

That’s to buy into Staley’s style of speed on offense and toughness on defense.

Staley used that ethic to reach three Final Fours at Virginia, win three gold medals with the U.S. Olympic team and make the NCAA tournament eight times in her previous 13 years as a college coach at Temple and South Carolina.

Her Gamecocks showed that tenacity to outlast 10th-ranked Kentucky, 68-59, in a top-10 showdown last Thursday night.

South Carolina used a secondhalf rally — it trailed Auburn by double-digits early on — to push past the Tigers, 72-66, on Sunday and remain undefeated in SEC play.

Mitchell said the coaches are continually preaching humility.

“They tell us to stay humble and hungry to keep rolling,” she said. “That’s what we intend to do.”

The Gamecocks most difficult hurdles this season may come this month. They go to No. 23 Vanderbilt on Jan. 26 and then don’t face another ranked opponent back-to-back road games at No. 14 LSU and No. 10 Kentucky in mid-February.

South Carolina’s lone game with 12th-ranked Tennessee comes in Knoxville to end the regular season on March 2.

“Over a 40-minute period,” Staley said, “we just have to im-

CONTROL from Page B1 place in Region, albeit it is just the third region contest for both teams.

Lady Knights head coach Tony Wilson said he isn’t surprised Lakewood will be bringing a 2-0 region record into the matchup.

“They are a team playing with a lot of confidence right now,” said Wilson, whose team is 13-3 overall and 2-0 in the region. “Also, they are just playing very hard at this time. We’re going to have our hands full with them.”

The Lady Gators, who are 9-4 on the season, are under the guidance of first-year head coach Frances Fields. The former Sumter High point guard agreed with Wilson that her team is playing with a lot of confidence.

“I’m not really sure where it is coming from right now, but we have confidence that we didn’t have,” said Fields, whose team beat Darlington 35-34 at home before going on the road to beat Hartsville 64-52 on Tuesday in its two region games. “We just have a group of players who have decided to step up.”

Lakewood is a very young team with just one senior in Qwintasha Baker. The Lady Gators are led by junior wing Sonora Dengokl, who is averaging at least in the mid teens in scoring. However, they can get points from other sources as well. In the win over Hartsville, Taja Randolph, Shanekia Jackson

DRAFT from Page B1 were early entries. Kiper had Manziel going first overall and included Clowney, UCF quarterback Blake Bortles and Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins as top-five picks. Jeremiah’s list of the top 50 draft prospects includes early entries in the top three spots: Clowney at No. 1, Watkins at No. 2 and

pose our will.”

The team dealt with some bad news recently when assistant coach Nikki McCray said she was being treated for breast cancer.

McCray said she’ll continue coaching as treatments allow.

Staley said her players will keep surrounding McCray with support through the ordeal.

Staley will concentrate on shaping her team with so few upperclassmen.

Aleighsa Welch, at 6-foot, and Elem Ibiam, at 6-4, are both juniors with experience from South Carolina’s NCAA tournament teams the past two years. Starting point guard Kadijah Sessions missed five games with an ankle injury suffered in the Gamecocks’ lone loss, a 74-66 defeat to No. 9 North Carolina on Dec. 18.

The Gamecocks have won seven straight since, improving each game in Staley’s eyes.

“I think they’re handling it well, but you also want them to enjoy the journey because four or five years ago, we were that much further down,” the coach said.

The Gamecocks have plenty of areas to improve before SEC and NCAA titles are decided, Staley said, particular on defense. South Carolina stands second in SEC scoring defense, but Staley didn’t like giving up 66 points each in wins over Vanderbilt and Auburn this month.

“It’s not to the point where we’re thinking, ‘We’re God’s gift to this league,’” Staley said. “But there’s a point where we put in the work to get to this point and we want that to continue.”

and Tatyana Weldon each scored in double figures, and Kamryn Lemon is averaging around 10 a game.

“They’ve got a really good team,” said Wilson, whose team beat Lakewood 55-47 in the championship game of the Lake Marion Christmas Tournament last month. “Sonora is a great player who has kind of slipped under the radar, but they’ve got some other good players to go with her.”

Crestwood, which played for the lower state title last year, obviously has some good players as well.

Keanua Williams was chosen as one of the top five 3A players in the state in preseason, but Wilson likes the depth of his team.

“Keanua had just six last night (in a 59-33 road victory over Marlboro County), but Cawasha Ceasar had 18 and Tyana Saunders, a ninth-grader, had 16,” Wilson said. “And though she had just six points, Shaquanda McCray had 14 blocks. We’ve got a lot of people stepping up for us.”

“What impresses me with Crestwood is they’re a pretty good team both inside and out,” Fields said.

“They’ve got a lot of girls who can play ball.”

Wilson said the key for his team will be protecting the basketball.

“Lakewood likes to use a lot of pressure,” he said.

“If we take care of the ball I think we’ll be OK.” Fields said the Lady Gators need to be fundamentally sound.

“We’ve got to do the little things throughout the game,” she said. “We’ve got to box out the entire game, things like that, if we want to win.”

Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson at No. 3.

“It’s going to be a huge number of underclassmen that go high and have long careers,” Jeremiah said. “And there are going to be some other guys who don’t get drafted and will be in a tough spot and would have been better served to go back to school. It works both ways.”

Here’s a position-by-position break-

TODAY 1 p.m. -- College Football: NFLPA Collegiate Bowl from Practice Carson, Calif. (ESPNU).

3 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open Second-Round Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2).

3 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Humana Challenge First Round from La Quinta, Calif. (GOLF).

3 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Brooklyn vs. Atlanta from London (NBA TV).

4 p.m. -- College Football: NFLPA Collegiate Bowl from Practice Carson, Calif. (ESPNU).

6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXYFM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240).

6:30 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Virginia at Duke (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Houston at Louisville (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Connecticut at Memphis (ESPN).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Missouri at Vanderbilt (ESPN2).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Belmont at Eastern Kentucky (ESPNU).

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

7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: New York at Indiana (TNT).

8 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Los Angeles at St. Louis (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: South Carolina at Texas A&M (WNKT-FM 107.5).

8:30 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Syracuse at Maryland (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: George Washington at Dayton (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Ohio State at Minnesota (ESPN2).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Brigham Young at San Francisco (ESPU).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Arizona State at Arizona (FOX SPORTS 1).

9:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Oklahoma City at Houston (TNT).

11 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open Third-Round Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2).

11 p.m. -- College Basketball: Long Beach State at California-Santa Barbara (ESPNU).

Midnight -- NHL Hockey: Nashville at Philadelphia (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

3 a.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open Third-Round Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2).

4 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships Second Round from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (GOLF).

PREP SCHEDULE 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

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

By The Associated Press Thursday EAST Sacred Heart at Bryant, 7 p.m.

St. Francis (NY) at CCSU, 7 p.m.

Fairleigh Dickinson at LIU Brooklyn, 7 p.m.

Vermont at Maine, 7 p.m.

Siena at Manhattan, 7 p.m.

Wagner at Mount St. Mary’s, 7 p.m.

Monmouth (NJ) at Quinnipiac, 7 p.m.

St. Peter’s at Rider, 7 p.m.

St. Francis (Pa.) at Robert Morris, 7 p.m.

Providence at St. John’s, 7 p.m.

Niagara at Fairfield, 8:30 p.m.

SOUTH Chattanooga at Appalachian St., 7 p.m.

Tulsa at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Elon at Davidson, 7 p.m.

Belmont at E. Kentucky, 7 p.m.

East Carolina at FAU, 7 p.m.

Old Dominion at FIU, 7 p.m.

Furman at Georgia Southern, 7 p.m.

Arkansas St. at Georgia St., 7 p.m.

Kennesaw St. at Lipscomb, 7 p.m.

Houston at Louisville, 7 p.m.

North Texas at Marshall, 7 p.m.

UConn at Memphis, 7 p.m.

SE Missouri at Morehead St., 7 p.m.

Mercer at N. Kentucky, 7 p.m.

NJIT at NC Central, 7 p.m.

ETSU at Stetson, 7 p.m.

The Citadel at UNC Greensboro, 7 p.m.

Missouri at Vanderbilt, 7 p.m.

SC-Upstate at Florida Gulf Coast, 7:03 p.m.

Tennessee St. at Jacksonville St., 8 p.m.

UTEP at Middle Tennessee, 8 p.m.

Rice at Southern Miss., 8 p.m.

UTSA at UAB, 8 p.m.

UALR at W. Kentucky, 8 p.m.

Louisiana-Lafayette at South Alabama, 8:05 p.m.

Texas A&M-CC at McNeese St., 8:30 p.m.

Houston Baptist at Nicholls St., 8:30 p.m.

Stephen F. Austin at Northwestern St., 8:30 p.m.

Sam Houston St. at SE Louisiana, 8:30 p.m.

Louisiana-Monroe at Troy, 8:30 p.m.

Lamar at New Orleans, 8:45 p.m.

Louisiana Tech at Tulane, 9 p.m.

MIDWEST Oakland at Cleveland St., 5:30 p.m.

Murray St. at E. Illinois, 8 p.m.

Milwaukee at Ill.-Chicago, 8 p.m.

Nebraska-Omaha at N. Dakota St., 8 p.m.

W. Illinois at S. Dakota St., 8 p.m.

Austin Peay at SIU-Edwardsville, 8 p.m.

IUPUI at South Dakota, 8 p.m.

New Mexico St. at Chicago St., 8:05 p.m.

Texas-Pan American at UMKC, 8:05 p.m.

Ohio St. at Minnesota, 9 p.m.

SOUTHWEST

down of some of the early entries at each position.

QUARTERBACK

Manziel, Bortles and Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater are all projected first-round picks. Although the 6-foot-1 Manziel lacks the size of Bortles and Bridgewater, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner played tougher competition in the Southeastern Conference. Jeremiah ranks Manziel as his No. 7 overall pros-

| Oral Roberts at Abilene Christian, 8:30 p.m.

Cent. Arkansas at Incarnate Word, 8:30 p.m.

FAR WEST UCLA at Colorado, 8 p.m.

E. Washington at N. Arizona, 8:30 p.m.

Arizona St. at Arizona, 9 p.m.

IPFW at Denver, 9 p.m.

North Dakota at Montana, 9 p.m.

BYU at San Francisco, 9 p.m.

S. Utah at Idaho St., 9:05 p.m.

N. Colorado at Montana St., 9:05 p.m.

CS Northridge at Cal Poly, 10 p.m.

Utah Valley at Idaho, 10 p.m.

Portland at Loyola Marymount, 10 p.m.

Gonzaga at Pepperdine, 10 p.m.

San Diego at Santa Clara, 10 p.m.

CS Bakersfield at Seattle, 10 p.m.

UC Riverside at UC Davis, 10 p.m.

Cal St.-Fullerton at UC Irvine, 10 p.m.

Long Beach St. at UC Santa Barbara, 10 p.m.

Southern Cal at Utah, 10 p.m.

Portland St. at Sacramento St., 10:05 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Toronto 19 17 .528 – Brooklyn 15 22 .405 41/2 New York 15 23 .395 5 Boston 13 26 .333 71/2 Philadelphia 12 25 .324 71/2 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Miami 27 10 .730 – Atlanta 20 18 .526 71/2 Washington 17 19 .472 91/2 Charlotte 16 23 .410 12 Orlando 10 28 .263 171/2 Central Division W L Pct GB Indiana 30 7 .811 – Chicago 17 19 .472 121/2 Detroit 16 22 .421 141/2 Cleveland 14 24 .368 161/2 Milwaukee 7 30 .189 23 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 30 8 .789 – Houston 25 14 .641 51/2 Dallas 23 16 .590 71/2 Memphis 18 19 .486 111/2 New Orleans 15 22 .405 141/2 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Portland 28 9 .757 – Oklahoma City 28 10 .737 1/2 Denver 19 18 .514 9 Minnesota 18 19 .486 10 Utah 13 26 .333 16 Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Clippers 26 13 .667 – Golden State 25 14 .641 1 Phoenix 21 16 .568 4 L.A. Lakers 14 24 .368 111/2 Sacramento 13 23 .361 111/2 Tuesday’s Games Indiana 116, Sacramento 92 Charlotte 108, New York 98 Memphis 90, Oklahoma City 87 Cleveland 120, L.A. Lakers 118 Wednesday’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.

Today’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 46 29 15 2 60 132 102 Tampa Bay 47 28 15 4 60 136 113 Montreal 47 26 16 5 57 118 111 Toronto 48 23 20 5 51 132 146 Detroit 46 20 16 10 50 118 127 Ottawa 47 21 18 8 50 134 146 Florida 46 18 21 7 43 109 141 Buffalo 45 13 27 5 31 80 125 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 47 33 12 2 68 152 112 Washington 46 22 16 8 52 137 137 Philadelphia 47 24 19 4 52 125 132 N.Y. Rangers 48 24 21 3 51 119 126 New Jersey 48 20 18 10 50 112 118 Columbus 46 22 20 4 48 129 131 Carolina 46 19 18 9 47 111 130 N.Y. Islanders 48 18 23 7 43 132 156 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 49 30 8 11 71 177 135 St. Louis 45 32 8 5 69 163 100 Colorado 46 29 12 5 63 135 117 Minnesota 49 25 19 5 55 118 122 Dallas 46 21 18 7 49 132 141 Nashville 48 20 21 7 47 113 143 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 47 29 12 6 64 150 117 Los Angeles 47 28 14 5 61 120 96 Vancouver 47 24 14 9 57 123 115 Phoenix 46 21 16 9 51 135 143 Calgary 47 16 25 6 38 105 148 Edmonton 49 15 29 5 35 128 174 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Tuesday’s Games San Jose 2, Washington 1, SO Toronto 4, Boston 3 Tampa Bay 2, N.Y. Rangers 1 Philadelphia 4, Buffalo 3 New Jersey 4, Montreal 1 Florida 4, N.Y. Islanders 2 Colorado 3, Chicago 2, OT St. Louis 2, Phoenix 1 Nashville 4, Calgary 2 Ottawa 3, Minnesota 0 Dallas 5, Edmonton 2 Today’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.

pect, with Bridgewater 10th and Bortles 22nd. Kiper’s mock draft has Bridgewater getting taken eighth. Wyoming’s Brett Smith isn’t regarded as highly as the other three quarterbacks, but he could get chosen later in the draft.

RUNNING BACK

Auburn’s Tre Mason boosted his stock by rushing for 663 yards against Alabama, Missouri and Florida State over his final three games.

B4

NFL

THE ITEM

49ers must find ways to deal with ‘12th man’

‘Omaha’ huddle call keeps Broncos’ foes off-balance

BY EDDIE PELLS The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh, left, and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) will have to find a unique way to deal with the loud sounds of the ‘12th man’ as the 49ers face the Seahawks in Sunday’s NFC championship game.

got to be able to communicate without being able to hear very well.

You can simulate that somewhat in practice.

Signals, hand signals, verbal signals, body language, reading lips, different ways. But, we’ll practice that. We’ve been in some of those environments.”

While Kaepernick blames poor execution, and not noise issues, for two disappointing defeats in Seattle over the past 13 months, he realizes he will have to holler at the top of his lungs to avoid further problems getting the snap off in time.

“You stick to the basics,” wideout Anquan Boldin said Wednesday.

NFL PLAYOFFS

By The Associated Press Conference Championships Sunday, Jan. 19 New England at Denver, 3 p.m. (CBS) San Francisco at Seattle, 6:30 p.m. (FOX) Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 26 At Honolulu TBD, 7:30 p.m. (NBC) Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 2 At East Rutherford, N.J. AFC champion vs. NFC champion, 6:30 p.m.

(FOX)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Peyton Manning’s road to the Super Bowl has taken an unexpected detour. Through Omaha, of all places.

On Wednesday, Manning pretended to shed a bit of light on his new favorite city, the name of which he shouted out 44 times from the line of scrimmage during Denver’s playoff win over San Diego last weekend.

“I’ve had a lot of people ask me what ‘Omaha’ means,” Manning said.

“It’s a run play, but it MANNING could be a pass play, or a play-action pass, depending on a couple of things. The wind, which way we’re going, the quarter and the jerseys we’re wearing. It varies from play to play.”

With the AFC title game looming and the number of reporters quadrupling for his weekly session with the media, No. 18 was at his deadpan best.

All joking aside, though, America’s new obsession with Omaha — a top trender on Twitter during last Sunday’s game — provides yet another window into the Manning mystique.

At some points last Sunday, he used it as a snap count. At others, it was a dummy cadence. And at others, it may have meant something — or nothing — but only the other 10 guys on the field wearing orange would’ve known.

By simply perfecting their shenanigans with the snap count, Manning and the Broncos found a big advantage. They drew the Chargers offside five times. Then, once the San Diego defenders realized they’d been duped, they spent the rest of the game a halfsecond slow.

Next Sunday, Manning faces New England with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. The Patriots know what they’re in for.

“That’s always been a big part of Peyton’s game, is controlling the defensive front, however he does it with the

BY JANIE MCCAULEY The Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif.

— Jim Harbaugh will turn to lip reading, motioning and even sign language if he has to in order to communicate with Colin Kaepernick to keep things running smoothly in the deafening noise of Seattle’s home stadium.

Kaepernick plans to repeat his calls as many times as necessary in the huddle during the NFC championship game Sunday to make sure his teammates hear him.

“He just has to be louder,” center Jonathan Goodwin said. “There’s really no special tricks.

You’ve just got to be as loud as possible and hope everybody hears it.”

Solid communication through the chaos at CenturyLink Field will be paramount for Kaepernick, who had one of his worst performances as a pro in a 29-3 Week 2 loss to the Seahawks.

In preparation, music blared across San Francisco’s practice field Wednesday. The 49ers regularly practice with the sound system at full blast, but it is that much more important this week as they head to what is considered the NFL’s loudest venue.

“Other teams may approach it differently,” Harbaugh said. “You’ve

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

The 49ers (14-4) had the second-most delay of game penalties in the NFL during the regular season with eight and have frequently struggled to get plays off on time, forcing them to waste timeouts.

And that’s in the best of circumstances, not in the Seattle noise. In the first meeting with the Seahawks, the Niners committed two false starts, one delay of game and needed to use two timeouts on one thirdquarter drive as they fought the play clock.

Last year, they had two delays and were again forced to use two timeouts on offense when they couldn’t get the play off.

fake cadence, double cadence, hard counts, so forth,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “We have to do a great job, be disciplined there.”

By doing most of his best work at the line before the ball is snapped, Manning set the NFL record for yardage (5,477) and touchdown passes (55) this season. Yet for all his success, there are three stats that stand out in a bad way as he prepares for the Patriots and his 15th career meeting against Tom Brady.

•Manning is 4-10 against Brady.

He’s always looked at the games as Colts or Broncos vs. Patriots, though Manning doesn’t shy away from praising the quarterback he’s shared the spotlight with over the years.

“I think the one thing that jumps out about Tom is just his consistency,” Manning said. “I feel like he’s been a better player each year than he was the year before. That, to me, speaks to his work ethic in the offseason, his refusal to be complacent or satisfied.”

•Manning’s season low in passing yardage came against New England in Week 12. He threw for 150 yards, as Belichick drew up a game plan that dared the Broncos to run. They did, gaining 280 yards on the ground (224 from Knowshon Moreno), but it didn’t produce a ‘W.’ “Coach Belichick is the best coach that I’ve ever competed against,” Manning said. “I think it’s safe to say he’ll go down as the greatest NFL coach of all time.”

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OBITUARIES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Dr. PATRICK M. MARDESICH Dr. Patrick Michael Mardesich, age 50, beloved husband of 10 years of Naomi Vikram Kaji Mardesich, died on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at his residence.

Born in Los Angeles, Calif., MARDESICH he was a son of Joanne McDonough Mardesich and the late Nicholas Mardesich. Dr. Mardesich received his medical doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1991 and his bachelor of science from Johns Hopkins University. He served his internship in 1992 at Akron General Medical Center, Ohio: Internal Medicine and completed his residency 19941997 at Akron General Medical Center: Ophthalmology, Albany Medical Center, New York. He was board certified in ophthalmology and held fellowships in Houston, Texas: Glaucoma and Cataracts; and in Tucson, Ariz: LASIK/ Anterior Segment. He was a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmologists. Dr. Mardesich was the owner of Carolina Eye Center of Sumter and practiced at Clarendon Memorial Hospital in Manning, Providence Hospital in Columbia and Parkridge Surgery Center in Columbia. He also taught briefly at the USC Department of Ophthalmology in Columbia and helped the residents of the program become familiar with glaucoma.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He loved to build things with his hands.

He devoted most of his life to medicine and always made sure that he took good care of his patients. His greatest love in life was his wife and three beautiful children. He will be missed by all who knew him and will be remembered as a loving husband, son, father, friend and doctor.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are one son, Brennan Patrick Mardesich of the home; two daughters, Mira Patricia Mardesich and Nicole Patricia Andrea Mardesich, both of the home; and two brothers, Christopher Mardesich and his wife, Edin, and Kevin Mardesich, both of Santa Monica, Calif.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bullock Funeral Home.

You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral

Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

SYLVIA JO B. DWIGHT “We are even higher than the heavens, We are greater than angels; Why should we not transcend both?

Our lodging-place is Majesty” — Rumi Sylvia Jo Brogdon Dwight of Bamberg died peacefully Jan. 13, 2014, following a brief illness.

She was born July 28, 1934, in Orangeburg County, and grew up on the Brogdon family farm on the Clarendon-Sumter County line.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m.

Friday in the Cooner Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive visitors before the service starting at 10 a.m.

Sylvia graduated from Edmunds High School in 1951. As a student, she played saxophone in the South Carolina All-State Band. Sylvia graduated from Winthrop College in 1955 with a major in business administration.

Known as “Mom,” “Granny,” “Mama Sly,” and “Jo,” Sylvia was also a philosopher, writer and questioner. She loved to laugh — heartily! She lived her life on her own terms and died with grace and dignity.

She leaves five children, Sylvia Dwight Folk of Charleston, Harriet Dwight Ling of Pittsboro, N.C., F. Marion Dwight IV (Joyce) of Bamberg, Polly Dwight Freeman (Matt) of Hillsborough, N.C., and Lucy Dwight (Rob Metcalf) of Denver, Colo.

Her survivors also include nine grandchildren, Daniel Folk (Angel), Rachel Folk, Marshall Ling, Dakota Ling, April Bigham, Rion Dwight, Lindsey Freeman, Bailey Freeman and Sam Metcalf.

She is also survived by her great-grandsons, Landon and Decklan Folk; and her friend and companion, LaTonya Porter.

The family requests that memorials be made to Meals-On-Wheels, c/o Bamberg County Office of Aging, P.O. Box 6, Bamberg, SC 29003; or the Cheese-andCracker Box, 1162 North St., Bamberg, SC 29003; or the charity of one’s choice.

The Cooner Funeral Home LLC of Bamberg is assisting the family.

OZIAS GRAY Jr. Ozias Gray Jr., 77, husband of Willean Bethune Gray, departed this life on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 27, 1936, in Sardis, Miss., a son of the late Ozias Jr. and Ruby L. Dickins Gray and stepson of the late Fannie Gray.

The family is receiving friends at the home, 991 Antler Drive, Sumter.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.

BETTIE B. WALKER GREENVILLE — Bettie Brock Walker, widow of Albert Walker, heard her master’s call on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at Greenville Memorial Hospital, Greenville.

Born Feb. 4, 1948, in Manning, she was a daughter of the late Nettle and Gainful Cain Brock.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the residence, 1113 R. Johnson Road, Davis Station community, Manning.

Services are incomplete and will be announced by Fleming & Delaine Funeral Home and Chapel.

ALICE B. WHITE MANNING — Alice Brock White, widow of Levi White, stepped on board the old ship of Zion on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital.

Born May 15, 1920, in Manning, she was a daughter of the late David Johnson and Victoria Brock.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the residence, 1945 Kenwood Road, Jordan community of Manning.

Services are incomplete and will be announced by Fleming & Delaine Funeral Home and Chapel.

ROBERT MONTGOMERY BUFFALO, N.Y. — Robert “Bobby” Montgomery, husband of Mary Bowman Montgomery, departed this earthly life on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at the Sister’s Hospital in Buffalo.

Born Nov. 9, 1935, in Manning, he was a son of the late Sye and Marie White Montgomery.

The family will begin receiving relatives and friends on Monday at the residence of his sister, Virginia Montgomery McFadden, 115 Gregory St., Manning.

Services are incomplete and will be announced by Fleming & Delaine Funeral Home and Chapel.

DAVID HANKERSON III David Hankerson III was born Oct. 15, 1959, in Sumter, to the late David Hankerson Jr. and Helen G. Eaglin. He departed this life on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

Survivors are two

THE ITEM

children, DeVan L. Hankerson of Arlington, Va., and David Hankerson IV of Atlanta; one sister, Marsha Eaglin of Sumter; one brother, Mona (Joann) Eaglin of Gaston; one special cousin, Shawna Waters of Fayetteville, N.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary.

The body will be placed in the church at noon Friday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem St., Sumter, with the Rev. James Jackson officiating. Interment will be in Walker Cemetery. Repast will follow at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center.

Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to jobsmortuary.net.

GEORGE W. COOPER Jr. ALCOLU — George W. Cooper Jr., 61, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning.

He was born in New Zion, a son of the late George W. Sr. and Hattie Abraham Cooper.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his sister, Mary Samuels, 720 W. Huggins St., Manning.

These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

ETHEL PRINCE Ethel Prince, 89, wife of Jasper Prince, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, at her home.

Born June 6, 1924, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Willie and Marie Cabbagestalk Montgomery.

She received her early childhood education and high school at Morris College. She was employed with Tuomey Hospital as a surgical technician for 27 years prior to her retirement in April 1987.

She is survived by her husband, Jasper Prince of Sumter; three sons, Willie (Margaret) Montgomery and Isaiah (Debra) McDuffie, both of Sumter, and Abraham (Rochelle) McDuffie of Tampa, Fla.; four daughters, Lillie Smith of Phoenix, Ariz., Sylvanna Greene of New York, N.Y., and Mary Butler and Ruth McDuffie, both of Sumter; two stepsons, Leroy (Nadine) Prince of Columbia and Tony (Ola Mae) Prince of White Plains, N.J.; a host of grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, greatgreat-grandchildren, other relatives and

friends.

She was preceded in death by one brother, James Montgomery; two sons, Joseph Montgomery and Patrick Davis; and one daughter, Mildred Davis.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel, Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with Bishop Sylvester Francis III, officiating, eulogist, assisted

by Minister M.A. Hannah.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at her home, 22 Oakview Drive, Sumter.

The funeral possession will leave at 10:30 a.m. from her home.

Floral bearers and pallbearers will be family and friends.

Burial will be in Antioch United Methodist Church cemetery, Sumter.

Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com.

Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

DIASHANNA FRIES Diashanna Fries, 60, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at Hospice and Community Care, Rock Hill.

Born June 16, 1953, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of Mary Elene Fries.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the home of her son, Shannon Davis, 4910 Moye St., Dalzell.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced

by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

VIRGINIA P. LOGAN ALCOLU — Virginia Pillsbury “Jenny” Logan, 37, wife of Andrew Mickey McCall, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at Palmetto Health Richland hospital.

Services will be announced by Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, (803) 4352179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org TRACY ANN WILLIAMS Tracy Ann Williams, age 43, died on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at her residence.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced

by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter.

WILLIS N. CONYERS Willis Nehemiah Conyers, husband of

SPORTS

B5

Doreen Toebermann Conyers, peacefully exchanged time for eternity on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at his residence in Columbia.

Born May 30, 1958, in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late Eugene “Sox” and Ethel Mack Conyers. His education was obtained in the public schools of Clarendon County.

After graduation, Willis enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country with dignity and honor. He received an honorable discharge. After his retirement from the military, Willis independently owned and operated his business as a truck driver for 18 years.

Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Doreen T. Conyers; four sons, Wendell (Shaundrey) Conyers of Shreveport, La., Willis Conyers Jr. and Jeffery Conyers, both of Columbia, and Akeem Peterson of Hinesville, Ga.; two daughters, Shaunta (Clifton) Mintz and Denise (Carlos) Guzman; two brothers, Jerome (Barbara) Conyers and Dennis (Charlotte) Conyers, both of Atlanta; one uncle, Emmanuel Mack of Buffalo, N.Y.; aunts, Cynthia Waiters and Naomi (Albertus) Frazier; fatherin-law and mother-inlaw, Heinz and Karen Toebermann of Germany; and nine grandchildren.

A service of remembrance for Mr. Conyers will be held at noon Friday at Society Hill AME Church, where the Rev. Mary Rhodes serves as pastor. Words of comfort will be delivered by the Rev. A. Lamont China, pastor of Adams Northeast AME Church, Columbia.

The service of committal, benediction and interment will follow on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4120 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229.

The family is receiving friends at the residence, 309 Longwood Road, Columbia.

Fleming & DeLaine Funeral Home and Chapel of Manning is in charge of services.

Online condolences may be sent to Flemingdelaine@aol.com.

KERRY WILSON GREENSBORO, N.C. — Kerry Wilson entered eternal rest on Jan. 15, 2014, at the Moses Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his mother, Lower Lee School Road.

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

|

Serena, Djokovic into 3rd round at Aussie Open

BY JOHN PYE The Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia — Serena Williams wore a fitted pink blazer into her secondround match at the Australian Open, giving the impression she wasn’t feeling the heat.

And after her 6-1, 6-2 win over Vesna Dolonc on Wednesday, the second consecutive scorching day at the season’s first major, Williams said she could remember hot-

ter matches.

By improving her career mark to 60-8 at Melbourne Park, she equaled Margaret Court’s record 60 match wins at the Australian Open in the Open era.

On day three at Melbourne Park, the center S. WILLIAMS court at Rod Laver Arena was — at least according to the two fans holding up a sign — “Serena’s

Arena.”

The heat topped 40 Celsius (104F) during the 63-minute match, and peaked at just under 42 C (108 F) later during Novak Djokovic’s 6-0, 6-4, 6-4 win over Leonardo Mayer. Second-seeded DJOKOVIC Djokovic, aiming to be the first man in the Open era to win four consecutive Australian Open titles,

didn’t face a break point.

Williams fended off the only break point she faced with an ace, one of her 10 in the match. She hit 24 winners, sticking to the ideal strategy of keeping the points short on a hot day and extended her winning streak to 24 matches.

She said didn’t even go outside Tuesday because conditions “were a little bit extreme,” adding that the prospect of the scorching

temperatures had even interrupted her sleep.

“I kept waking up in the middle of the night last night just paranoid. I just wanted to stay hydrated,” she said. “The last thing I want to do is to cramp in this weather. It can happen so easy.”

Williams next meets No. 31-seeded Daniela Hantuchova, who was on court for 3 hours, 13 minutes in her 6-3, 3-6, 12-10 win over Karolina Pliskova.

THE ITEM

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BEETLE BAILEY

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Jeff MacNelly’s SHOE

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Man’s reticence about sex puts relationship in jeopardy

D

SUDOKU

EAR ABBY — I LOVE, BUT NO SEX have been seeIN NEW JERSEY ing a guy, “Karl,” for eight months now, DEAR LOVE, BUT — and we have never had Is there any intimacy AT sex. After two or three ALL in your relationship months, I brought up with Karl? Is he affecthe subject. He said he tionate? Is there any was stressed because he physical response when had just lost his he holds and kissjob. He also said es you? If the anthere is never swer is no, your any privacy at boyfriend may his place behave a physical or cause he has emotional probroommates/tenlem, be asexual or ants. I offered to gay. go to my place, Before agreeing Abigail but he said that to marry him, I VAN BUREN with my son recommend you there, it’s the schedule some same issue. time alone together by Karl says he’s very at- spending a few romantic tracted to me, but weekends at a hotel or doesn’t want our “time” motel. It may give you a together to be ruined by better idea of what your his current money prob- future would be like if lems. I told him I under- you two decide to tie the stood and I have waited. knot.

I also explained that it makes me feel insecure To receive a collection and unwanted. of Abby’s most memoraHe now has a job, but ble — and most frewe still haven’t had sex. quently requested — He has, in the interim, poems and essays, send told me he loves me and your name and mailing wants to marry me. I address, plus check or constantly worry that money order for $7 (U.S. there’s someone else funds) to: Dear Abby — and wonder what’s Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box wrong with me. I love 447, Mount Morris, IL Karl, too, but I don’t 61054-0447. Shipping know what to do. Please and handling are includhelp. ed in the price. dear abby

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CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

LEGAL NOTICES Legal Notice SUMTER EAST SELF STORAGE 800 MYRTLE BEACH HWY. AUCTION LIST JANUARY 25, 2014 10:00 A.M. UNITS FOR AUCTION A-15 - STEVEN B. JACKSON C-23 - MARY BURTON C-28 - GWENDOLYN BENJAMIN D-19 -BERNICE GOODMAN E-9 - TRAVIS MILLER E-15 -ELISHA MCCALL E-19 - THELMA DANIELS F-9 - JANEL NIELSEN F-13 - JANEL NIELSEN F-36 - CHARLEESHIA JACKSON G-12 - DENNIS BARKSDALE

Beer & Wine License Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that The Links at Lakewood, LLC intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale ON premises consumption of Beer, Wine & Liquor at 3600 Green View Parkway, Sumter, SC 29150. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than February 8, 2014. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110.

Public Hearing Island Investments of Sumter, LLC Legal Notice Notice of Public Sale of Personal Property

Home Improvements

For Sale or Trade

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

Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

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

Tree Service The Tree Doctor Any size tree removal & stump grinding. Trimming & clearing. No job too big or small. Call 775-8560 or 468-1946. We accept credit cards and offer senior discounts Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

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

PETS & ANIMALS Pets Free Guinea Pig to a good home. Cage & food included. 803 469-4108

MERCHANDISE Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

The sale will begin at 2:00 PM at 1254 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150.

Continuing Jewelry sale. Small vendors call for appointent.

803-469-3480 between the Business hours Mon - Fri 9am 5pm. Low, Low prices to vendors and others. Cash sale.

PalmettoTowers (inside) behind Kmart.

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

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

In Memory

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

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

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

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up Open every weekend.

905-4242

Electrical work. New & Repair Call 803-499-4127

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

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.

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.

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

Mobile Home Rentals 4BR/2BA in Paxville, Living Rm, Dinning Rm, Family Rm, eat in kitchen, central A-C, 452-5544 or 704-615-5622 2, 3 & 4/BR's Trailers for rent, Cherryvale & Dogwood Area $250 & up. (803) 651-9926 American MHP, 2 & 3/BRs, lot rentals, water/sewer/garbage pkup inc'd. Sec. 8 ok. 803-494-4300.

3BBR/2BA Doublewide (Wedgefield). $600. Call 803-983-8084

Help Wanted Full-Time

Scenic Lake 2Br, 1Ba. No pets.

Call between 9am - 5pm ONLY! (803) 499-1500.

STC Now Hiring Diesel Mechanic

Clean 1br 1ba pvt lot no pets nonsmoker Hwy15S part furn $400 Mo. $400 Sec. 481-2868

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

Trucking Opportunities 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

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

Resort Rentals

Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette.

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Autos For Sale

OPEN

Call

LAND FOR SALE: 3.25 acres (Airport Rd). Asking $8,000. Call 803-406-3596.

RECREATION

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

Miscellaneous

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

C&C Recycling Parts & Wrecker Service Top price paid for junk cars! We buy scrap metal, alum cans, batteries, copper. 773-7702

TRANSPORTATION

Autos For Sale A Guaranteed Credit Approval AUTO LOANS We will arrange financing even if you have been turned down before.

Loans available for no credit, bad credit, 1st Time Buyers & Bankruptcy buyers. No co-signers needed. Call Mr. Ashley Brown at 803-926-3235

93' Olds Achieva, Like new 105K Mi $3,000 Call 469-3014 2008 Chevy Impala LS (2 to choose from), 2008 Mazda 6, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (2 to choose from) 2008 Honda Accord EXL. Call R & R Motors 803-494-2886

CLASSIFIED ADS Will Go To Work For You! To Find Cash Buyers For Your Unused Items

Vacation Rentals Santee, Garden City Beach Michelle Hodge, 803-491-4914

Commercial Rentals Guignard Storage: 57 Neal St. Personal storage units.

No deposits. Call 803-491-4914 862 E Liberty St Storage/Retail/ Office 1550 Sq Ft. $250 Mo. Agent Owned Call 803-236-2425

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

Manufactured Housing

RENTALS

B7

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Â&#x2021; *UHDW :RUN (QYLURQPHQW Â&#x2021; +HDOWK 'HQWDO ,QVXUDQFH Â&#x2021; . 3ODQ Â&#x2021; *UHDW 6HOHFWLRQ RI 1HZ 8VHG ,QYHQWRU\

Â&#x2021; 7RS 3D\ 3ODQ Â&#x2021; 'D\ :RUN :HHN Â&#x2021; %RQXV 3URJUDP Â&#x2021; 3DLG RQ ) ,

LOW CREDIT SCORE? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing.

We have 2-3-4-5 bedroom homes on our lot. Layaway program available. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

3 & 4BR Doublewides in Dalzell.

Owner Financing with large down payments. 803-983-8084 2007 Singlewide. Owner financing with $5,000 down. Call 803-236-5953

Local Company in Need of a Field Service Tech Â&#x2021; 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ Â&#x2021; . Â&#x2021; *URXS ,QVXUDQFH +HDOWK 'HQWDO Â&#x2021; 3DLG 9DFDWLRQV +ROLGD\V Â&#x2021; 3DLG 7UDLQLQJ Â&#x2021; 3DLG 8QLIRUPV

&DOO %UDQGRQ :DUG IRU DQ LQWHUYLHZ

Got door dings on your car??

Call me at Humdinger Dent Repair 803-840-2008

Home Improvements

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

$$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves. Also new Gas stoves.

Guaranteed. 803-464-5439

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

Business Services

Steel Building Allocated Bargains. 40x60 on up.

We do deals. www.gosteelbuildin gs.com.

Source #18X 803-335-2030

For Sale or Trade

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

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

Firewood for Sale Will Deliver. Call 803 651-8672

In Loving Memory of Annie Bell Davis Tindal "Mother" 09/13/26 - 01/16/09 Mother, It's been 5 years ago today, though our hearts ache like it was yesterday. We love you, but God loved you best. You are always in our hearts.

Love, Your Children: Dorothy, Mae, Eula, Bessie, Leroy, Redell, Maxine, Micheal, & Your Baby Lana & Grandchildren

19 Baker St. (Sumter), 3BR /1.5BA, W/D hookup, Sec 8 ok.

316-8206, 236-9173

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

SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

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

Financing avail, 803-837-1549.

Land & Lots for Sale Multiple lots for sale: 803-236-8495 ask for Bruce.

Large 3BR $400 Dep/Rent Large 4 BR $525 Dep/Rent Large 1 BR Apt $300 Dep/Rent 468-1900

Multi Family in Carolina Palms 3013 Daufaskie Rd Fri & Sat 7:30-1 Furn., kids items, home decor, clothing

Building #1, Unit #7 - Richard W. Kirby

Unfurnished Homes

Roofing

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell to satisfy the lien of owner at public sale by competitive bidding on February 3, 2014 personal and/or business property including but not limited furniture, clothing, tools and other household/business items located at the property listed.

The personal goods stored therein by below named occupant:

THE ITEM

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

, +:< Â&#x2021; 0$11,1* 6& Â&#x2021;

REQUIREMENTS

BENEFITS

Work Out of Town Daily per diem and board provided Moderate to heavy labor ConďŹ ned Space Entry Complete Haz-Wop, OSHA Training Drug Free work environment

Paid Vacation Paid Holidays Paid Sick Days BC/BS Health Insurance Dental, Vision, ST Disability, Life Retirement 401K Plan

SEND RESUME TO 308 c/o The Item P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151

H.L. Boone, Contractor additions, painting, roofing, gutters, sheetrock, blown ceilings, decks. 773-9904

MAYOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUIT CITY

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!

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CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

145835B

145954A

1999 FORD EXPLORER 4WD 2002 CHEVY BLAZER 2WD 2004 FORD EXPLORER EB

$

NOW

3,995

$

NOW

145834A

2000 PORSCHE BOXSTER

$

NOW

9,995

5,995

145976A

135748A

$

NOW

7,995

2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX NOW

$

9,995 135892A

PMCL2011RANGER

124047A

2004 FORD MUSTANG GT CONVERTIBLE 2011 FORD RANGER XL 2004 FORD TAHOE 4WD NOW

$

10,995

NOW

$

10,995

NOW

$

11,995

2012 FORD FUSION (P7501) ..........................$15,763

2012 CHEVY MALIBU (145845B) ....................$20,995

2008 JEEP WRANGLER 4WD (145599A) .........$23,995

2007 FORD F150 4WD (135428A)..................$15,833

2012 JEEP COMPASS 4WD (P7437B) ..............$20,995

2013 FORD C-MAX HYBRID (P7471)...............$25,977

2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR (PLIMO) ................$15,995

2010 TOYOTA RAV4 4WD (P7481) .................$21,157

2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2WD (P7523) ...$25,995

2012 FORD FOCUS (P7529A)..........................$15,995

2012 CHEVY EQUINOX 2WD (145757A) .........$21,735

2012 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD (135411B).........$26,995

2013 DODGE DART (145775A) .......................$16,357

2010 LINCOLN MKZ (P7463) ..........................$21,887

2012 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD (135411B).........$26,995

2012 FORD FUSION (P7516) ..........................$16,495

2011 FORD RANGER 2WD (P7525).................$21,995

2012 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 2WD (135722A)........ $26,995

2011 CHEVY MALIBU (135819A)....................$16,773

2013 FORD ESCAPE 2WD (P7490) ..................$22,657

2013 FORD F150 2WD (145838A)..................$26,995

2012 FORD FUSION (P7514) ..........................$16,995

2012 CHEVY TRAVERSE 2WD (P7455) ............$22,739

2010 FORD EXPEDITION 2WD (145822A) .......$28,573

2011 FORD ESCAPE 2WD (P7469) ..................$17,793

2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2WD (P7452)......$22,970

2012 FORD EXPLORER 2WD (135356A)..........$29,613

2012 TOYOTA CAMRY (P7515).......................$18,495

2012 CHRYSLER 300 (145825B).....................$22,995

2013 FORD EXPLORER (135839A)..................$29,995

2010 MERCURY MARINER 4WD (135933B) ....$19,995

2011 FORD RANGER 4WD (135961B).............$23,995

2005 CHEVY CORVETTE (135907A).................$29,995

2006 FORD F250 2WD (P7527A)....................$19,995

2010 FORD F150 2WD (135860A)..................$23,995

2013 KIA SORENTO 2WD (145916C) ..............$29,995

2007 CHEVY AVALANCHE 4WD (135907B)......$19,995

2011 FORD F150 4WD (135922A)..................$23,995

2011 FORD EXPLORER 2WD (135947A)..........$29,995

2009 FORD F150 2WD (135871C)..................$19,995

2010 FORD MUSTANG (145767A) ..................$23,995

2013 FORD EXPLORER 4WD (135682A)..........$33,613

2011 FORD ESCAPE 2WD (145869A) ..............$19,995

2013 FORD ESCAPE 2WD (145903A) ..............$23,995

2013 FORD EXPLORER 2WD (135667A)..........$33,995

2012 FORD FUSION (145879A) ......................$20,995

2012 MAZDA MIATA MX-5 (145965A) ...........$23,995

2011 FORD F150 2WD (135400A)..................$35,900

2007 GMC ACADIA 2WD SLE NOW

11,995

$

NOW

14,495

$

135998A

2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC 2WD 2004 CHEVY SILVERADO 2500 4WD NOW

$

12,995

P7519

2010 FORD FOCUS

135577A

145958A

145732A

NOW

$

13,995

P7509

2012 FORD FUSION NOW

$

14,733

2011 TOYOTA CAMRY NOW

$

13,995 125198C

P7507

2012 FORD FOCUS NOW

14,983

$

2007 CHEVY COLORADO 2WD NOW

14,995

$

773-1481

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www.mclaughlinford.com ALL PRICES PLUS TAX & TAGS AND INCLUDES DEALER $249 CLOSING FEE - SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS.