January 20, 2015

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Teen agrees to return to Kentucky New age ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ visited Manning Walmart during spree

BY GARY FINEOUT The Associated Press PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The drama surrounding two teenage sweethearts on the run from the law ended quietly and unceremoniously in a Florida beach town.

Dalton Hayes, an 18-year-old suspected of committing a string of crimes with his 13-year-old girlfriend, agreed during a quick Monday morning court hearing to return to his home state of Kentucky to face charges.

Hayes and his girlfriend, Cheyenne

Phillips, were arrested late Saturday night in Panama City Beach by U.S. Marshal’s Service and local police after being found sleeping in a stolen vehicle.

During a first appearance hearing, Bay County Judge Shane Vann said “here’s the deal” to Hayes: He could agree to return to Kentucky or stay in jail while authorities went through a formal extradition process.

“I’ll sign the papers so I can go back to Kentucky,” Hayes said during the brief proceeding held via a video link-up between the Bay County Jail and the Bay County

Courthouse. Hayes appeared fidgety during the start of the brief hearing but responded quickly to Vann. He signed his paperwork while Vann watched and then was taken out of view back into the jail.

The saga of both Hayes and Phillips had attracted national attention after the two sweethearts disappeared and worked their way to the Gulf of Mexico.

The couple allegedly began their run from the law and their families earlier this month when they vanished from

AP FILE PHOTO

Dalton Hayes is seen with his girlfriend, 13-year-old Cheyenne Phillips, at his family’s home in SEE TEENS, PAGE A8 Leitchfield, Kentucky.

Dream Walk honors King Hundreds march in annual event

BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com

H

undreds turned out to the University of South Car-

olina campus in Sumter on Monday morning to pay homage to one of the nation’s most influential figures of the 20th century.

More than 750 people descended upon NettlesSchwartz Building at University of South Carolina Sumter for the annual Dream Walk, celebrating the birthday of national icon Martin Luther King Jr. Monday’s walk marked the 15th incarnate of the event, which also featured performances, a lunch and a keynote address inside the Nettles Building auditorium afterward.

“This is our silver anniversary, so we’re delighted to

MATT BRUCE / THE SUMTER ITEM

More than 750 people gathered for the 15th annual Dream Walk on Monday morning at University of South Carolina Sumter. The three-mile trek was held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continue living the legacy of Dr. King,” said Dream Walk chairwoman Mary Sutton, who helped originate the event in 2001. “The community’s delighted to have it every year, and they look forward to it because some of the children do not know a lot about Dr. King, and they bring them

out so they can have this experience of what it was like, peacefully, years ago.”

A throng of marchers huddled outside the Nettles/ Schwartz Building on Monday morning, gearing up for the 3.1-mile trek around the campus. The walk is the brainchild of Lynwood Watts, USC

Sumter student affairs dean, who aimed to put together an event that would bring the school together with Morris College and Central Carolina Technical College. His vision was to have the Sumter colleges partner for a commemorative reflection of King’s life and legacy, which would in-

clude a peaceful walk in his honor.

“It’s an opportunity to gather together to symbolize the life of Dr. King,” Watts said. “I think that for some of these folks, this is the only time they get to see each other. So

SEE DREAM WALK, PAGE A8

Donations to Fireside drop to lowest point this season

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com Blame it on the post-holiday budget.

Or maybe it’s because temperatures have risen slightly or because the collection time frame was a day shorter.

Fireside Fund, dedicated to the late retired Maj. Gen. Tom Olsen, dropped to it’s lowest total yet for the 2014-15 season with a little more than $1,000 coming in this week.

Started in 1969, Fireside Fund is an initiative of The Sumter Item where the newspaper collects money and

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gives it to The Salvation Army to distribute in the form of vouchers for heating needs.

Kerosene continues to be in high demand, said Christy Lamb, the social worker with the nonprofit.

“We actually had a gentleman living in a tent in the woods,” she said. “He used a kerosene heater inside his tent.

He cooked on it. He did everything by kerosene.”

Another story that stuck out to the

mother of three girls was a mom of four who needed propane.

“She just had a new one that was in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) in Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital,” Lamb said. “She was not allowed to bring her baby home until she had heat in the house. She called us back to tell us her baby had come home. It’s especially hard seeing moms with children when you know they are trying.”

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While her organization typically gives $75 vouchers for kerosene and the same amount for a truckload of wood, the propane vouchers vary.

“They typically have their own tanks to fill,” Lamb said. “This morning (Thursday), I had one with a 100-gallon tank, so it cost $64 and change.”

For electric and gas, The Salvation Army pays past due bills so their services are not disconnected.

Though the money coming in has

SEE FIRESIDE, PAGE A8

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ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

A street child sniffs glue as he walks to join a group of other street children in Hlaing Thar Yar, Myanmar.

Myanmar street kids turn to glue to forget HLAING THAR YAR, Myanmar (AP) — Sweaty hair matted to his pale, emaciated face, Thant Zin Oo starts his days early, winding through small alleyways outside Myanmar’s biggest city Yangon and scavenging through garbage piled up behind shops and factories in search of something — anything — to sell.

Tucked under the 11-yearold’s filthy, tattered shirt is a half-empty yellow glue tin.

“It gives me a sense of peace,” he says, taking a break so he can draw the strong, noxious fumes into his young lungs. “I forget my hunger for a moment and dream of things that I cannot do in my real life.”

Myanmar’s long-time military rulers handed over power to a nominally civilian government three years ago, leading to the lifting of Western sanctions and a burst of economic activity. More than 500 foreign businesses have invested $50 billion.

But as poor families move from rural areas to the big city in hopes of finding work, many find themselves struggling.

Without education or money to buy food — their families often squatting on land illegally seized by gangs — children are most vulnerable.

Many are left to fend for themselves, easily influenced by the bad habits of other street kids, from prostitution and gambling to drug abuse and gang-style extortion, said Aung Kyaw Myint, local leader of an organization that provides help for homeless kids.

Every morning before sunrise, a growing number of street kids can be seen picking through garbage, climbing on the heaps of trash at city dumps, or sleeping on the sidewalk.

Rain or shine, Oo and his 15-year-old brother Ko Min are among them.

The boys say they earn $2 to $3 a day — about half of which goes to their parents and the other half to a small tin of glue they share between themselves.

Oo no longer imagines he will one day be a doctor. And Ko Min says even his more modest goal, being a soldier, now seems totally unrealistic.

He said, “When I sniff glue, I close my eyes and in my dreams I go to nightclubs and have fun.”

Colorado theater shooting case draws 9,000 prospective jurors

BY SADIE GURMAN AND DAN ELLIOTT The Associated Press

“The public is going to get an insight into the mind of a killer who says he doesn’t know right from wrong,” said DENVER — One of the deadliest mass Alan Tuerkheimer, a Chicago-based jury shootings in U.S. history will be replayed consultant. “It is really rare. It just in a Colorado courtroom — but only after doesn’t usually come to this.”

Holmes, 27, was arrested an unprecedented jury pool of 9,000 peoas he stripped off his comple is winnowed to a handful to decide whether James Holmes was insane when bat gear in the parking lot of the Century 16 movie he opened fire in a suburban movie thetheater in Aurora, where 12 ater. people were killed and 70 Holmes is one of the few suspects to survive such an attack — many are killed injured during a midnight HOLMES by police or commit suicide. His survival showing of a new Batman movie. has sparked an emotionally charged deHe later pleaded not guilty by reason bate in which his parents have begged for a plea deal that would save his life, while of insanity to multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. If many survivors and family members of jurors find him guilty, they must then devictims have demanded that he stand cide whether to recommend the death trial and face the death penalty if convicted. penalty. If Holmes is found not guilty, he Jury selection begins today, and the would be committed indefinitely to the trial could run until October. It could state mental hospital. provide a look into the mind of Holmes, Under Colorado law, defendants are whose attorneys acknowledge was the not legally liable for their acts if their gunman in the July 20, 2012, attack but minds are so “diseased” that they cannot say he was in the grip of a psychotic epidistinguish right from wrong. Part of the sode at the time. reason the case has dragged on so long is

the battle over whether that standard applies to Holmes.

Few details on those arguments have been made public. Prosecutors and defense attorneys remain under a long-running gag order, and court documents detailing the issue have stayed under seal.

Holmes’ sanity was evaluated by a state psychiatrist but the results were not made public. Prosecutors objected to the findings and persuaded a judge to order a second evaluation. Those results were contested by the defense.

Prosecutors previously rejected at least one proposed plea deal made by attorneys for Holmes, criticizing the lawyers for publicizing the offer and calling it a ploy to draw the public and judge into what should be private plea negotiations.

Survivors of the attack and family members of victims have had a long time to get ready for a trial. “We’ve all been to therapists and have talked to our families and have our support groups, so we’re prepared,” said Marcus Weaver, who was shot in the arm and whose friend, Rebecca Wingo, died in the attack. “It’s gonna be quite the journey.”

Europe’s police reconsider arms to counter terror

BY LORI HINNANT The Associated Press PARIS — One was a young policewoman, unarmed on the outskirts of Paris and felled by an assault rifle. Her partner, also without weapons, could do nothing to stop the gunman. Another was a first responder with a service gun, rushing to the Charlie Hebdo offices where a pair of masked men with high-powered weapons had opened fire on an editorial meeting. Among their primary targets: the armed police bodyguard inside the room.

With the deaths of the three French officers during three days of terror in the Paris region and the suggestion of a plot in Belgium to kill police, European law enforcement agencies are rethinking how — and how many — police should be armed.

Scotland Yard said Sunday it was increasing the deployment of officers allowed to carry firearms in Britain, where many cling to the image of the unarmed “bobby.” In Belgium, where officials say a terror network was plotting to attack police, officers are again permitted to take their service weapons home.

On Monday, French law enforcement officials demanding heavier weapons, protective gear and a bolstered intelligence apparatus met with top officials from the Interior Ministry. An official with the ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing talks, said automatic weapons and heavier bulletproof vests were on the table.

Among the most horrific images from the Paris attacks was the death of police officer Ahmed Merabet, who can be seen on eyewitness video lying wounded on the pavement as a gunman approaches and fires a final bullet into his head. Merabet, who is seen alone on the street, had a service gun and a bullet proof vest, said Michel

Thooris, of the France Police labor union.

“But he did not come with the backup he needed, and the psychology to face a paramilitary assault,” Thooris said. “We were not prepared in terms of equipment or mind-set for this kind of operation.”

One of the attackers, Amedy Coulibaly, said in a posthumous video that his plan all along was to attack police.

“We don’t want necessarily the arms that American police have. We need weapons that can respond,” said Philippe Capon of French police union UNSA. Among those weapons, he added, are modernized criminal databases, because the current databases are out of date, and firewalled between different law enforcement branches. “The databases are not interactive. They are not accessible to all. They are not up to date,” he said.

Unlike their British counterparts, French national police are armed although their municipal counterparts tend to be weaponless. But Thooris said they are not permitted to have their service weapons while off duty, raising the possibility that they could be targeted when vulnerable or unable to help if they stumble across crime afterhours.

Because of increasing unease and last week’s anti-terror raids, police in Belgium are again allowed to carry weapons home rather than put their handguns and munition in specialized lockers.

In addition, firearms suddenly became far more visible, with some police carrying heavier weaponry as they guard sensitive buildings and police offices, and paratroopers in the streets of the major cities.

In Britain, the overall threat level is “severe” — meaning intelligence and police officials have evidence that a terrorist attack is highly likely.

LOCAL BRIEF FROM STAFF REPORTS

Alleged vehicular assault leads to attempted murder charge Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 60-year-old man in connection with a Sunday night disturbance on Lakewood Drive.

Deputies responded to reports of a possible domestic dispute at approximately 9:15 p.m. Sunday outside a residence in the 200 block of Lakewood Drive.

Upon arriving, deputies found a man with noticeable injuries lying near the road. The victim, described as a 60-year-old white male, was transported by helicopter to a CoALFORD lumbia-area hospital for what was described to deputies as non-life-threatening injuries.

He has since been treated and released from medical care.

After interviewing witnesses, deputies discovered the victim had been allegedly struck by a white 2006 Ford 500 during a dispute between himself, another man and the victim’s wife.

Shortly after the incident, deputies located the vehicle thought to be involved in the incident on Mattison Avenue in Sumter County and initiated a traffic stop.

The driver of the vehicle, 60-year-old Richard Dale Alford, was taken into custody and charged with one count of attempted murder.

Alford is being held at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing.

The investigation into the incident continues, and more arrests and/or charges are possible.

CORRECTION A story on the front page of Sunday’s edition of The Sumter Item listed retired South Carolina Chief Justice Ernest A. Finney Jr. as a Sumter native. Finney was born in Smithfield, Virginia.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ANNOUNCEMENT ARE YOU GOING ON Birth, Engagement, Wedding, VACATION? Anniversary, Obituary 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Rick Carpenter Managing Editor rick@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 Waverly Williams Sales Manager waverly@theitem.com (803) 774-1237

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

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Therapist opens medically focused massage business

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com Two Sumter women are improving people’s quality of life one massage at time.

Mary Simmons opened Palmetto Massage Specialists at dayeLynn the week after Thanksgiving and brought Angie Fields on board to continue her medical focus. Both are licensed massage therapists, and Simmons has additional certification in manual lymphatic drainage. Fields specializes in neuromuscular therapy.

“It’s been going really well,” Simmons said. “A lot of doctors are referring to us, which is really nice. Doctors are realizing the big benefit of massage and how it enhances what they do. Word of mouth is helping, too.”

Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle face and body treatment that follows the pathways of the lymphatic vessels to help cleanse the body of inflammation and toxins, states a business brochure.

“It’s like a traffic controller for the lymphatic system,” Simmons said. “When there is swelling in the body, injury or just bad circulation, it helps the system move more freely to clean and process properly.”

As the name implies, oncology massages are tailored to

PALMETTO MASSAGE SPECIALISTS AT DAYELYNN WHERE: 1165 N. Guignard Drive HOURS: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday; afterhours appointments available.

To schedule an appointment, visit schedulicity.com PHONE: (803) 774-7386

those undergoing cancer treatments to try to counteract the side effects and strengthen the body, the brochure states.

“It’s a whole different look at massage,” Simmons said.

“It’s not a deep work of their system because their skin can be fragile from radiation or chemo, and their bones may be brittle. It helps ease the stress of what their going through and reduces their pain level. It enhances circulation and helps get their red blood cell and white blood cell counts up. It helps ease digestion. It helps them feel healthier.”

Neuromuscular therapy is described as a form of soft-tissue manipulation for underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems.

“So many people have golfer elbow or tennis elbow, migraines, post-surgery pain and plantar fasciitis,” she said. “It

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Mary Simmons and Angie Fields of Palmetto Massage Specialists at dayeLynn perform medical massages. offers a lot of pain relief. We’re helping people have a better quality of life. I know. It worked for me and for my mom.”

It’s also proven beneficial to Lori Rowe. When she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005, a friend recommended Palmetto Massage Specialists to her after she had visited the place.

“She said, ‘I think this would really be helpful for you,’” Rowe said. “So I went, and it was.”

For the last month, she’s been going twice a week, and she’s had the lymphatic massages as well as the neuromuscular ones.

“I have chronic pain because of the illness,” she said.

“When you live with pain, it kind of affects everything else.

It’s very hard to kind of push through daily activities. It tends to add to the stress on the body.

“I take a lot of medication, but there are side effects to those medications and they are only able to help me so much. I’m trying to find ways to manage the pain that are healthy. It gives me another tool in my tool box.”

She has definitely noticed a difference in the pain, Rowe said, and she hopes it will lead to more functionality.

“My right side is weak, so I demand a lot from the left side,” she said. “I’m always over compensating. It’s helping me manage the pain better, and it does seem to be helping my muscles relax, which causes blood flow to increase.

My body feels at peace after a

massage. I’m hoping it’s going to add to my quality of life.”

She also sees a chiropractor.

Simmons and Fields also offer trigger point or deep tissue massages, Swedish massages and hot stone massages.

Prices range from $25 to $115 depending on service and length of appointment.

They do not take insurance at this time. Gift certificates and packages are also available.

For more information, visit facebook.com/palmettomassage or call (803) 774-7386. The two are typically in the office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday, but after-hours appointments are available as are gift certificates.

To schedule an appointment, visit schedulicity.com.

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Company’s struggles highlight challenges of inmate care

BY ADAM GELLER AP National Writer

ings. I think some people forget that, I really do. They’re somebody’s child,” said Shirley Jenkins, Frazier’s grandmother.

States spend $8 billion a year on prison health care, a fifth of their corrections budgets, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts and the MacArthur Foundation. Local jails spend millions more.

Some critics fault the idea of privatizing the job.

“The problem is a structure that creates incentives to cut corners and deny care to powerless people that have no other options,” said David Fathi, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Prison Project.

Others say deficiencies with prison care go beyond whether it is privatized.

“I don’t have a great love for private health care ... but I don’t think that they’re the source of the problem,” said Dr. Marc Stern, former health services director for Washington state’s prisons. Stern, who once worked for a Corizon predecessor in New York state, issued a 2012 report criticizing the company’s care of Idaho prison inmates while serving as a court-appointed expert.

“I think the problem is how much money and effort we are willing to put into correctional health care,” Stern said.

Some critics, though, say Corizon is notably problematic.

“We get letters from prisoners about medical care not being provided and the list is endless. And it’s increased tremendously since Corizon took over,” said Randall Berg, executive director of the Florida Justice Institute, who represents inmates petitioning for care.

Months after he landed in Florida’s Manatee County Jail, Jovon Frazier’s pleas for treatment of intense pain in his left shoulder were met mostly with Tylenol.

“I need to see a doctor!” he wrote on his eighth request form. “I done put a lot of sick calls in & ya’ll keep sending me back and ain’t tell me nothing.”

Four months later, after Frazier’s 13th request resulted in hospitalization and doctors diagnosed bone cancer, his arm was amputated, according to a lawsuit by his family.

But the cancer spread. Frazier died in 2011 at age 21, months after his release.

As an inmate, his medical care had been managed not by the county sheriff’s office that runs the jail, but by a private company under contract.

That company, Corizon Health Inc., is under growing pressure after losing five state prison contracts, downgrades by analysts and increasing scrutiny of its care of inmates held by some of its largest customers, including New York City. Corizon, responsible for 345,000 inmates in 27 states, is the country’s biggest for-profit correctional health provider but is just one of many firms vying for billions of public dollars spent on prisoner care.

For-profit prison care raises questions about ceding public responsibilities to private companies. It turns, though, on a thornier issue: How do you ensure care of people that society mostly would prefer not to think about?

Inmates “are still human be-

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Corizon said it strives to provide quality care.

“We are always troubled by any questions on the care provided to our patients and view this as an opportunity to reconfirm our commitment to operational ethics and professionalism,” company spokeswoman Susan Morgenstern said in a written statement. The company declined to answer questions.

Corizon’s struggles are widespread.

Its care of the 11,000 inmates at New York City’s Rikers Island is under “comprehensive review” by officials, who say they are concerned about problems including at least 16 deaths since 2009.

Arizona hired Corizon last year to replace Wexford Health Sources Inc. after its care came under fire. But an advocacy group warned that “if anything, things have gotten worse” in state prisons. Arizona and the ACLU recently reached a settlement calling for more monitoring of inmate care.

Meanwhile Corizon has lost longstanding prison contracts in Minnesota, Maine, Maryland, Tennessee and Pennsylvania since 2012.

Corizon was created in a 2011

merger. But the company, which generated $1.4 billion in revenue in 2013, has battled stiffening competition. In recent months, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s have downgraded Corizon’s holding company, citing financial underperformance, contract losses and competition that has squeezed profits. The connection between Corizon’s contract losses and questions about the quality of care it provides is not clear.

But the challenges are evident in Florida, where a year after the state privatized prison care and awarded Corizon a $1.2 billion contract, news reports point to rising inmate deaths. If the company does not address substandard care, the state’s corrections commissioner wrote to Corizon’s CEO in September, Florida may begin withholding payment.

In Minnesota, an audit last year found that inadequate communication between prison staff and Corizon doctors during overnight hours “may have been a contributing factor to inmate deaths.”

But in announcing Minnesota’s change of contractors, the corrections commissioner said Corizon had provided “excellent” service. In a written response to questions, the state

DOC said its decision was not related to the audit. It would not comment on inmate deaths.

Corizon’s work in local jails also has come under scrutiny.

In October, Volusia County, Florida, officials questioned Corizon executives about lawsuits and its financial stability before voting unanimously to switch contractors. The hearing was held in the shadow of a lawsuit filed locally by the family of Tracy Veira, an inmate who choked to death in 2009 in a cell where she was supposed to be under watch while detoxing from painkillers.

A nurse working for one of the companies that merged to form Corizon saw an ailing Veira in the jail’s clinic the afternoon before she died. She told a supervisor the inmate looked like she needed hospitalization, but that Veira was instead sent back to her cell, according to an affidavit filed in the case.

When the commissioners questioned Corizon’s executives, there was no mention of Veira. But Commissioner Deb Denys said she was mindful of the case, scheduled for a July trial.

“I think everybody was,” Denys said. “Sometimes you don’t state the obvious.”

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LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

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‘Lifetime of Art’ opens at Covenant Place gallery

BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com The partnership between the Sumter County Gallery of Art and Covenant Place Assisted Living facility begins its third year of sponsoring art exhibitions in the Mezzanine Gallery at Covenant Place with works by local artist Glenna Robertson. The opening reception for Robertson will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, and the public is invited to attend.

The collaborative art venture began at the suggestion of a gallery member who is also a Covenant Place board member, said SCGA Executive Director Karen Watson.

“The gallery created a ‘satellite gallery’ where SCGA would curate and install new exhibitions every four months,” Watson said.

She, SCGA’s Frank McCauley and Melissa Linville and Jane Ours of Covenant Place work together to curate the shows that benefit both Covenant Place residents and the public.

The exhibitions have been “a resounding success,” Watson said. “Many of the residents are current and former members of the gallery, but

PHOTO PROVIDED

“Lighthouse on a Hill” is among paintings by Glenna Robertson that can be viewed at Covenant Place’s Mezzanine Gallery through May 8. many can no longer travel to the gallery. By traveling offsite to bring top-notch art to the residents, the gallery has found a creative way to further serve the community.”

Robertson’s exhibition is titled “A Lifetime of Art.” Now 91, she discovered her talent almost eight decades ago.

According to Watson, Robertson “recounts that when she was in seventh grade (in Russellville, Kentucky) she

wrote a book report about Russia that included a drawing of a (Russian) girl in the snow.

When her teacher handed it back, he told Robertson that she had a talent in art.”

It was not until many years later that she took up painting.

An early marriage to a career airman had the Robertsons living in Sumter several times during the past 57 years, finally retiring here. It was when her husband was in

Vietnam that she began painting.

“Glenna has slowed down a bit but still paints intermittently,” Watson said. “The walls of her home are filled with her art. Glenna estimates that she has painted over 300 paintings. She paints a wide variety of subjects — nature, landscapes, people/ portraits and still lifes. We are excited to present the work of Glenna Robertson at Covenant Place and to make more people aware of this excellent, self-taught artist.”

While Robertson never went to college or formally studied art, she had a natural talent and a great appreciation for the visual world around her, Watson said.

Robertson said, “My art comes from the heart. Art has always meant so much to me. I could escape into painting when I was worried about my husband when he was in Vietnam, or worried about my children; it was a great comfort. I have a wide variety of interests ... reflected in my paintings. When I paint, I want to know something about it, so I read about my subject, whether it’s a church or an old build-

ing in Sumter. I feel like my art is inspired by God, that he gave me my artistic talent.”

An original member of the Sumter Artists’ Guild when it was founded in 1966, Robertson took art lessons from Mildred White for many years, and the two women developed a lasting friendship. When White died in 2002, Robertson wrote an article about her that was published in The Sumter Item.

Robertson’s art appeared regularly in the annual Sumter Artists’ Guild show, The Sumter County Fair, the South Carolina State Fair and the very popular and now defunct NBSC Oil Painters’ Open Invitational (OPOI) that was founded by White. Glenna was honored one year when her painting was one of 30 juried into the OPOI Traveling show.

Glenna Robertson: A Lifetime of Art can be viewed in the Mezzanine Gallery at Covenant Place of Sumter Inc., 2825 Carter Road from Jan. 22 through May 8. There is no charge for admission. Call the Sumter County Gallery of Art at (803) 775-0543 for more information.

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LOCAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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Wilson Hall juniors Betsy Cunningham and Mary Paisley Belk dance through a tunnel created by students on the dance floor.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Junior Grier Schwartz dips classmate Catherine Kelley while dancing to “I Love Beach Music” at Wilson Hall’s 21st annual Winter Chill Semiformal held recently at The O’Donnell House. The dance for students in grades nine-12 was sponsored by student council.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR DO AWAY WITH WELFARE, DSS AND USE THAT MONEY TO EDUCATE PEOPLE I saw a letter to the editor (Sunday, Jan. 18, Eugene Baten) that needs a response. The first paragraph makes me wonder who has the largest “glass house.” I also wonder about South Carolinians who criticize the leadership abilities of our governor. I do agree that it is frightening that they have no ability to assess what is happening around them, and they don’t even realize it. I wonder if maybe these people are also sexist?

I have several solutions. Now that students are receiving free breakfast, lunch and supper, we can do away with food stamps/SNAP. We can send that money over to improve our “worst roads and bridges in America.” But then what did we get from that $825 billion stimulus package? About 10 years ago we were told that by providing free breakfast and lunch the students’ scores would improve, but we are still “second worst, thanks to Mississippi.” I think the obesity rate has also gone up.

Since adults also like to eat, they can now get jobs and that would enable us to do away with the welfare system. We could take that money and provide our veterans with what our government promised them years ago.

I never have been able to figure out how blacks, whites, poor and non-poor students can be in the same class and school but somehow only part of them get an adequate education so as to go on to college and become productive citizens. The other students drop out, become criminals and end up being a drain on our society. Parents need to be responsible for their children’s education.

Since our state’s DSS system is “one of the worst child welfare agencies in America,” maybe we should do away with it. I think people should raise their own children then they can’t complain about the job others are doing.

We could use that money to educate people, maybe in churches, on what to do about abusive relationships. However, since our top leader in the nation doesn’t have to obey the law why would any law help our “worst domestic violence rates in America”? Leadership starts at the top. Don’t forget about that “pot calling the kettle black/white.”

JACQUELINE K. HUGHES Sumter

USE A HOTEL SURCHARGE TO FIX ROADS IN SUMTER Mr. Baten has recently written a few letters to the editor. In the first he praised South Carolina for all it has accomplished and then in the next he bashes the state and at the same time tries to make the argument that Obama’s failures should be forgiven because of what South Carolina has or has not done.

I searched everywhere for the statistic that showed South Carolina has the second-worst education system. I could not find the stat Mr. Baten alluded to in his letter of Jan. 18. Education is a multifaceted subject that depends on many variables and is much too complicated to be covered in this letter.

Roads and bridges in South Carolina are atrocious, and we the citizens are being asked to pay more in gas tax to fix them. Recently I listened to a morning radio program here in Sumter where the subject was the state of roads in South Carolina. One of the state senators pointed out that most of the state’s road tax money goes to tourist counties such as Charleston and Horry. He advocated for a better dispersal of tax money to other counties such as Sumter and Lee. So here is my thought: if the majority of road money is passed on to tourist towns to improve their infrastructure for tourists, then why not pass on the cost of building such roads directly to tourists? A simple surcharge on hotel rooms would add more than enough money to pay for new roads in other parts of the state. I don’t think a tourist would balk at the idea that their hotel room costs a dollar extra per day while on vacation. In the event that they do then simply disperse the money for roads to other counties and let the tourists drive in the potholes. The answer is not to tax those of us who live here to pay for roads for those who only visit.

Domestic violence is a serious issue. Simply passing laws that say don’t do it won’t work anymore than the Constitution did to stop Obama from trying to be a dictator.

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

COMMENTARY

Mitt’s 3rd run would be no charm

W

ASHINGTON — After his third loss, in 1908, as the Democratic presidential nominee, William Jennings Bryan enjoyed telling the story of the drunk who three times tried to enter a private club. After being tossed out into the street a third time, the drunk said: “They can’t fool me. Those fellows don’t want me in there!”

Mitt Romney might understandably think that a third try would have a happy ending in a successful presidency. First, however, he must be a candidate. In 1948, when Democrats considered offering their presidential nomination to Dwight Eisenhower, the former and future Democratic speaker of the house, taciturn Sam Rayburn, said of Eisenhower: “Good man, but wrong business.” Two landslide elections and an admirable presidency proved that Rayburn was spectacularly mistaken, but he was right that not every good man is good at every business.

Romney, less than nimble at the business of courting voters, lost a winnable race in 2012.

The nation was mired in a disappointing recovery, upward mobility had stalled and the incumbent president’s signature achievement was unpopular and becoming more so. Barack Obama, far from being a formidable politician, was between the seismic repudiations of 2010 and 2014. Running against Romney, Obama became the first president to win a second term with smaller percentages of both the popular and electoral votes. He got 3.6 million fewer votes, and a lower percentage of the electoral vote. Yet Romney lost all but one (North Carolina) of the 10 battleground states. He narrowly lost Florida, Virginia and Ohio, but even if he had carried all three, Obama still would have won with 272 electoral votes.

If it seemed likely that the Republican field of candidates for 2016 would be unimpressive, this would provide a rationale for Romney redux. But markets work, and America’s electoral system is a reasonably well-functioning political market, with low barriers to entry for new products.

For all the flaws of a nominating process that begins with the Obnoxiously Entitled Four (Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada, with 4 percent of the nation’s population), those states do not require immediate substanGeorge tial financial musWill cle, and they reward retail campaigning, so lesser-known and underfunded candidates can break through. Furthermore, campaign finance laws designed to limit competition are, fortunately, porous enough to allow a few wealthy contributors to enable marginal candidates to be heard.

These are among the reasons the Republicans’ 2016 field will have more plausible aspirants than any nomination contest since the party’s first presidential campaign in 1856.

America does not have one presidential election every four years, it has 51 — in the states and the District of Columbia. A Romney candidacy, drawing on his network of financial supporters and other activists, might make sense if the GOP were anemic in the states. But Republicans as of this week control 31 governorships, including those in seven of the 10 most populous states (Florida, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia and Ohio — all but California, Pennsylvania and New York). Republicans control 68 of the 98 partisan state legislative

chambers. (Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature is chosen in nonpartisan elections.) In 23 states, with 251 electoral votes, Republicans control the governor’s office and the legislature. (Democrats have such control in only seven states.) Republicans have their most state legislative seats since the 1920s.

This mirrors Republican strength in Congress. The party holds more House seats than at any time since 1931. (Democrats, after winning the House in 20 consecutive elections 1954-1992, have lost it in nine of the last 11.) Republicans are one Senate seat shy of equaling their highest total since the 1920s.

In the six presidential elections beginning in 1992, Democratic candidates have averaged 327 electoral votes, Republicans just 211.

Republicans have lost the popular vote in five of the last six and have not won a decisive popular vote victory since 1988. And no candidate before Romney lost while winning 59 percent of the white vote, which was almost 90 percent of his support. George H.W. Bush won about that portion in 1988 but captured 426 electoral votes. Romney got just 206. The white portion of the vote has shrunk 15 points to 72 percent in the six presidential elections since 1992. With the fastest-growing ethnic group, Asian-Americans, Romney did even worse (21 percent) than he did with Hispanics (27 percent).

One more discouraging word about Romney 3.0: Massachusetts.

Only two presidential candidates, James Polk in 1844 and Woodrow Wilson in 1916, have been elected while losing their home states.

George Will’s email address is georgewill@washpost.com. © 2015, Washington Post Writers Group

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES EDITORIALS represent the views of the owners of this newspaper.

COLUMNS AND COMMENTARY are the personal opinion of the writer whose byline appears. Columns from readers should be typed, double-spaced and no more than 850 words. Send them to The Sumter Item, Opinion Pages, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, or email to hubert@theitem.com or graham@theitem. com.

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

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

TEENS FROM PAGE A1

PHOTOS BY MATT BRUCE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Marchers return to Nettles-Schwartz Building after completing a three-mile walk Monday morning at University of South Carolina Sumter during the 15th annual Dream Walk honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

DREAM WALK FROM PAGE A1 really, the morning is a lot like a reunion for a lot of people coming back.

This is not only an opportunity to celebrate the life of Dr. King, but it’s an opportunity for our community to come together for a common cause.”

Coordinators note the event served as a platform to educate people on the life of King. The Georgia-bred minister, activist and civil rights leader blazed a trail of nonviolence across the nation in the late 1950s and ’60s, using the peaceful doctrine of civil resistance to fight steadfast institutions of segregation and racial inequality that ruled the landscape of the American South in that day. His efforts helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of federal legislation that essentially outlawed racial segregation in the U.S. King achieved several feats during his time at the national

FIRESIDE FROM PAGE A1 dwindled, the demand has not.

“I have an appointment every 15 minutes, and I try to do walk-ins in between,” Lamb said. “Some get referrals and come straight here. And we have a huge amount of people waiting. There is probably 100 on the waiting list.”

If you need help with heating your home, call The Salvation Army office at (803) 7759336.

Contributions may be mailed to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151. Donations also may be dropped off at the office, 20 N. Magnolia St. Acronyms and names

Former South Carolina State University football coach Willie Jeffries delivers the keynote speech Monday morning inside the Nettles Building. forefront of racial politics — which included him winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 — before he was killed by

should be spelled out clearly and correctly. They will be printed as provided.

Donations as of Friday were: WMU Jennie Alderman Bible Study at Crosspoint Baptist Church, $50; Zoar FCL Club, $25; Adult Church School Class of Willow Grove AME Church, $170; Charles Pitts, $25; In memory of Richard Seth from Rita Seth, $100; In memory of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Britton Jr. from Frances Britton, $25; and R. Powell Black, $100.

Total Combined Anonymous: $510 Total This Week: $1,005 Total This Year: $39,420.27 Total Last Year: $62,869.17 Total Since 1969: $1,423,603.46

an assassin’s bullets in Memphis on April 4, 1968. Had he lived, he would have turned 86 Thursday. The fallen leader’s birthday is now recognized as a national holiday commemorating his life and legacy each third Monday in January.

Each year’s walk at USC Sumter includes a theme centered upon King’s dream. This year, the motif was “Beacon Light of Hope.” Willie Jeffries, a former football coach at South Carolina State University, delivered the keynote address during Monday’s activities. He told the young attendees on hand that they represent the beacon light of hope King often talked about.

“All of you can fly to the skies of academic success; some of you just need a longer runway,” said Jeffries, who received a standing ovation for his words.

“Dr. King paved the way for us. He shook the tree; the apples are on the ground. ... All you’ll have got to do is pick them up. So show appreciation, and do the best that we can.”

their small hometown in western Kentucky. Authorities think their travels took them to Manning, South Carolina, and Georgia before they ended up in Panama City Beach.

A Panama City Beach police report shows that an officer found a stolen truck in the parking lot of a home furnishings store just off the main highway that straddles Florida’s coastline. Authorities surrounded the vehicle where they discovered both Hayes and Phillips.

Hayes’ mother, Tammy Martin, had urged her son and his companion to surrender and “face the consequences.”

Authorities said Hayes is expected to be charged with burglary, theft, criminal trespassing and criminal mischief.

Phillips will face charges in juvenile court because she is a minor. The police report shows that Phillips was turned over to Florida’s Department of Children and Families and she was taken to a safe house. A spokesman for the Panama City Beach Police said Monday that her status had not changed and she was not being charged by Florida authorities.

Martin said the couple had been dating for about three months. She said the girl portrayed herself as being 19, and the family, including Hayes, believed her.

The girl “would go in and write checks, and she would come out with cigarettes and stuff, so I didn’t have any reason not to believe she wasn’t 19,” Martin said.

By the time her son realized she was a mere 13, “he was already done in love with her,” Martin said.

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Play (HD) moving out. tags along. new man.

112 Upper Contemporary home.

Upper Older home.

Fixer Upper (N) Hunters (N) Hunters (HD) Upper Large house.

Upper 110 Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Criminal Minds: Bully Blake has a Criminal Minds: Mr. & Mrs. Ander- Criminal Minds: Gabby Shocking se- The Listener: Vanished Wealthy The Listener: Je160 Criminal Minds: Devil’s Night Searching for Halloween killer. (HD) tense reunion with family. (HD) son Working together. (HD) crets in hunt for child. (HD) businessman loses daughter. richo Dance Moms: Abby Got Served Dance Moms: JoJo with a Bow Bow (:02) Child Genius: Focus, Focus, Fo- (:02) Dance Moms: JoJo with a Bow (:02) Dance 145 Dance Moms: 99 Problems But A Mom Ain’t One (HD) Abby feels outnumbered. (HD) (N) (HD) cus! (N) (HD) Bow (HD) Moms (HD) 76 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) MSNBC Special Coverage: State of the Union Address (HD) Special (HD) 91 Witch Way (N) Sam & Cat Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Prince Prince Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Raymond (HD) 154 Bar Rescue (HD) Framework: Rock the Boat Framework: King of Pong Framework: Junk Genius (N) Framework: Rock the Boat Framework Face Off: Monkey Business Third Troy: Street Magic (N) Face Off: Monkey Business Third Troy: Street 152 (6:25) Raiders of the Lost Ark (‘81, Adventure) aaaa Harrison Ford.

An adventurer seeks a religious relic. (HD) character. (N) (HD) character. (HD) Magic Seinfeld (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Ground Floor (N) Cougar Town (N) Conan Rock music group Ground: Wicked 156 Seinfeld: The Checks (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) Sleater-Kinney performs. (N) (HD) Wedding 186 TCM Presents Elvis Mitchell: Under Out of Africa (‘85, Drama) aaa Meryl Streep. In the early 1990s, an unhappily married Danish woman operates The Way We Were (‘73, Romance) aaa Barbra the Influence: Joan Allen a coffee plantation in Africa, while her cheating husband is away on business.

Streisand. Love doomed by political differences.

157 My Big Fat Fabulous Life (HD) Kate Plus 8 Plus More (N) (HD) Kate Plus 8 (N) (HD) My Big Fat (N) My Big Fat (N) Kate Plus 8 (HD) Big Fat (HD) Red (‘10, Action) aaac Bruce Willis. A retired black-ops CIA agent who Rush Hour 3 (‘07, Comedy) aac Chris Tucker. LAPD detective duo heads CSI: NY: Boo (HD) 158 Castle: Number One Fan A murder suspect takes hostages. (HD) is marked for assassination looks for answers. (HD) to Paris to protect woman with vital Triad knowledge. (HD) 102 Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Friend Hack My (N) (:01) truTV Top Funniest (:02) Jokers 161 Walker, Texas Ranger (:18) Family Feud (HD) Fam. Feud Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Friends (HD) Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Law & Order: 132 Hiking. (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) SVU (HD) Law & Order: Virus (HD) Law & Order: Securitate (HD) Law & Order: Manhood (HD) Law & Order: Benevolence (HD) Law & Order: Sweeps (HD) Law (HD) 172 Funniest Home Videos (HD) Wild Wild West (‘99, Adventure) a Will Smith. (HD) Wrestling (N) Wrestling (N) Wrestling (HD) Wrestling (HD) Wrestling (HD)

A&E

46 130 Storage Wars

AMC

48

ANPL

41

BET

61

BRAVO

47

CNBC CNN

35 33

COM

57

DISN

18

DSC ESPN ESPN2

42 26 27

FAM

20

FOOD FOXN FSS

40 37 31

HALL

52

HGTV HIST

39 45

ION

13

LIFE

50

MSNBC NICK SPIKE

36 16 64

SYFY

58

TBS

24

TCM

49

TLC

43

TNT

23

TRUTV TVLAND

38 55

USA

25

WE WGN

68 8

Compelling drama ‘Justified’ begins its final season

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH It’s not hard to feel uneasy as “Justified” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA) enters its sixth and final season. After all, Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) has just weeks left in the hollers of Harlan before he can leave for loved ones in Florida. Since “Lethal Weapon,” few fictional law enforcement types have survived that set-up.

Raylan’s nemesis, Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), is also filled with valedictory sentiment. He sees little future for him and his kind in these old Kentucky hills. And he’s planning a spectacular heist to subsidize his next chapter.

Featuring cinematic production values and a great supporting cast to back up these natural-born rivals, “Justified” has often been as compelling and entertaining as any drama on television. But as Boyd remarks early in tonight’s season opener, “All things must pass.”

• Few subjects divide America quite like football. It remains hugely popular yet widely despised. It’s the most popular “show” on television, and yet even players and NFL insiders fear for its future.

Nearly every day brings a news report about a football player under arrest or accused of gruesome, arrogant behavior arising from a culture of privilege and violence. Add to that growing concerns about the impacts of concussions, head injury and dementia among former players, and you have a sport in crisis.

“Friday Night Tykes” (9 p.m., Esquire, TV-PG) enters its second season of documenting a Texas youth football league.

Here, 10- and 11-year-old boys are taught to play hard, hit hard and win at all costs by coaches and team owners who put the “tough” in tough love.

Like everything to do with football, the nature of “Tykes” is very much in the eye of the

• A prankster rocks Daphne’s dorm on “Switched at Birth” (9 p.m., ABC Family, TV-PG).

• “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (10 p.m., HBO): looks at the little-studied problem of mental illness on team sports.

SERIES NOTES A Navy man murdered on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-PG) * Tykes in toques on “MasterChef Junior” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG) * Jarvis is arrested on “Marvel’s Agent Carter” (8 p.m., ABC, r, TV-PG) * The ranch massacre inspires a search for a cure on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., CW, TV14).

LATE NIGHT

PRASHANT GUPTA / FX

Timothy Olyphant stars as Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens on the FX series “Justified,” airing at 10 p.m. today. beholder. Is it a celebration of a manly rite of passage and All-American pastime? Or an indictment of borderline childabuse, an infliction of gladiatorial values on young men eager to live up to the expectations of adult coaches and parents who are heavily invested in football’s prestige?

Gorgeously shot and often moving, “Tykes” should not be missed.

• Part travelogue, part game show and all product placement, “Hotel Showdown” (9 p.m., Travel, TV-G) invites the proprietors of four different inns to play along as both participants and judges.

Representatives of the Ledges Hotel (Hawley, Pennsylvania); The Inn (Montgomery Center, Vermont); Grand Harbor Inn (Camden, Maine) and Carpe Diem Guesthouse (Provincetown, Massachusetts) travel to rival resorts and give

them a thorough appraisal.

At the end, the hotel given the highest score by a “jury” of rivals and peers wins a $25,000 prize.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • On two episodes of “Parks and Recreation” (NBC, TV-PG), teamwork (8 p.m.) Leslie and Ron hash out their misunderstandings (8:30 p.m.).

• Capt. Cold and Heat Wave

conspire on “The Flash” (8 p.m., CW, TV-PG).

• A Missouri mystery writer unlocks her mother’s secret on “Genealogy Roadshow” (8 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings).

• Mona’s missing laptop on “Pretty Little Liars” (8 p.m., ABC Family, TV-14).

• “Degrassi” stars Cristine Prosperi and Justin Kelly appear in the new series “Open Heart” (9 p.m., Teen Nick).

2014-15

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF TOM OLSEN

Jennifer Lopez is scheduled on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Sleater-Kinney appears on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Jude Law, Keri Russell and Fall Out Boy on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Eric Stonestreet and Stephen Amell appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Lauren Graham, Rainn Wilson and Brian Michael Bendis visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Jim Gaffigan hosts Sarah Silverman and Wolfgang Puck on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

A10

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

AROUND TOWN a healthy spirit, mind and The Carolina Coin Club will body for all. Cost is $12. meet at 7 p.m. today at 155 Contact Denise Lewis at Haynsworth St., the Parks Are you interested in(803) coin773-1404 collecting? or dlewis@ and Recreation Department ymcasumter.org to make building. The group meets reservations as seating is on the third Tuesday of each month. Visitors are al- limited. ways welcome. Call (803) The Sumter County Education 775-8840 for more informaAssociation-Retired will meet tion. at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the North HOPE CenThe Shepherd’s Center, 24 Council St., will offer public in- ter, 904 N. Main St. For inforformation sessions from 11 to mation, call Brenda Bethune at (803) 469-6588.

11:50 a.m. on Thursdays as follows: Jan. 22, healthy Free income tax filing services aging with Jeanne Price and FAFSA applications will be Pack, Tuomey Health & provided Feb. 1 through Wellness Coordinator; Jan. April 15 as follows: 9:30 29, CSI-Forensic and elder a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, safety with Carlotta StackSC Works — Santee Lynchhouse of Morris College; es, 31 E. Calhoun St., (803) Feb. 5, senior scans and 774-1300; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. safety with Patty Patterson, Fridays, 3-8 p.m. Saturdays, retired police chief; Feb. 19, appointments only on Sunestate planning with Aman- days, Goodwill — Job Link da Miller of Edward Jones; Center, 1028 Broad St., (803) Feb. 26, planning your 774-5006; and 9:30 a.m.-7 spring garden with a Clemp.m. Thursdays and 9:30 son Extension Service repa.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Lee resentative; March 5, tips, County Adult Education, 123 tricks and troubleshooting E. College St., Bishopville, iPad and PCs. (803) 484-4040. For details and appointments, call Ms. Clarendon School District One Samuels at (803) 240-8355. will conduct free vision, hearing, speech and developmental The Sumter Chapter of the Nascreenings as part of a child tional Federation of the Blind find effort to identify stuwill hold its monthly meetdents with special needs. ing with the “King or Screenings will be held from Queen” contest at 7 p.m. on 9 a.m. to noon at the SumTuesday, Feb. 10, at Shilohmerton Early Childhood Randolph Manor. Willie Center on the following Wester, president of the Thursdays: Feb. 12; March Summerville Chapter of the 12; April 9; and May 14. Call National Federation of the Sadie Williams or Audrey Blind, will speak. If you Walters at (803) 485-2325, know a blind or visually imextension 221. paired person, contact Debra Canty, chapter presiCelebrating its “Mission in Acdent, at DebraCanC2@frontion,” the YMCA of Sumter will tier.com or via telephone at hold its annual meeting from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, (803) 775-5792. For updated information, call the recordJan. 22, at Sunset Country ed message line at (206) Club, 1005 Golfcrest Road.

376-5992.

Retired Sumter physician Mary Blanchard, MD, will The Stroke Support Group speak. Open to the commu(Overcomers) will meet at 6 nity, the luncheon will feap.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, in ture the YMCA’s year in rethe Alice Drive Baptist view and will provide a vari- Church library. Those who ety of awards and recognihave had a stroke or heart tion to community members attack, their caregivers or and volunteers who have encouragers are invited to helped to promote the attend. Call Joyce or Wayne YMCA’s mission of building Hunter at (803) 464-7865.

PUBLIC AGENDA TAX ACCOMMODATIONS ADVISORY BOARD Today, 3 p.m., Swan Lake Visitors Center SUMTER COUNTY DISABILITIES & SPECIAL NEEDS BOARD INC. CREATIVE ENVIRONMENTS INC. INDEPENDENT LIVING INC. ABILITIES UNLIMITED INC. ADAPTIVE LIFESTYLES INC. MAGNOLIA MANOR INC. FIRST FLIGHT INC. Today, 5 p.m., 750 Electric Drive.

Call (803) 778-1669, Ext. 119.

SUMTER CITY COUNCIL Today, 5:30 p.m., Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. CLARENDON COUNTY PLANNING & PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Today, 6 p.m., planning commission office, Manning CLARENDON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 Today, 6:30 p.m., district office LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Today, 6:30 p.m., District Administration Complex SUMTER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD Thursday, 7:45 a.m., Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 32 E. Calhoun St. HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE Thursday, 3:30 p.m., Conference Room, Planning Department Office, 12 W. Liberty St.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Partly sunny and nice

Rather cloudy

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Mostly sunny

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Cooler with periods Mostly cloudy with of rain rain possible

66°

42°

66° / 39°

60° / 41°

51° / 36°

54° / 34°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 65%

Chance of rain: 35%

SW 8-16 mph

SW 4-8 mph

W 6-12 mph

NE 4-8 mph

ENE 6-12 mph

SSW 6-12 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 63/39 Spartanburg 64/40

Greenville 63/40

Columbia 68/41

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 66/42

Aiken 66/39

ON THE COAST

Charleston 65/43

Today: Plenty of sunshine; pleasant in central parts. High 62 to 66.

Wednesday: Times of sun and clouds; pleasant in southern parts. High 64 to 68.

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

68° 33° 55° 32° 75° in 1951 9° in 1994 0.00" 3.68" 2.47" 3.68" 2.50" 2.47"

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 63/42/pc 37/31/sn 66/44/s 31/20/sn 71/51/s 71/51/pc 68/49/pc 38/25/s 72/53/pc 44/26/pc 76/52/pc 59/46/pc 51/34/pc

LAKE LEVELS Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

357.77 74.20 72.94 95.75

24-hr chg none +0.13 +0.06 -0.22

RIVER STAGES

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest.

Month to date Normal month to date Year to date Last year to date Normal year to date

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 62/39/s 36/24/sf 60/40/c 28/21/sn 63/51/pc 71/51/s 66/49/pc 35/29/sn 74/53/pc 34/28/sn 73/51/pc 60/45/s 41/32/c

Myrtle Beach 64/45

Manning 66/42

Today: Partly sunny. Winds west-southwest 6-12 mph. Mostly cloudy.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and delightful.

Winds west 6-12 mph.

LOCAL ALMANAC

Florence 66/41

Bishopville 67/42

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

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest.

12 8.39 19 4.46 14 11.83 14 3.63 80 79.73 24 14.17

24-hr chg +0.11 +0.03 +2.35 +0.09 -0.80 -0.33

Sunrise 7:26 a.m.

Moonrise 7:10 a.m.

Sunset Moonset

5:40 p.m.

6:13 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Jan. 20

Jan. 26

Feb. 3

Feb. 11

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 8:42 a.m.

8:52 p.m.

9:32 a.m.

9:44 p.m.

Today Wed.

Ht. 3.6 3.1 3.6 3.2

Low 2:53 a.m.

3:37 p.m.

3:45 a.m.

4:26 p.m.

Ht. -1.0 -0.8 -1.1 -1.0

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 60/36/pc 65/40/pc 65/38/pc 65/45/s 58/49/s 65/43/s 63/40/pc 64/43/pc 68/41/pc 66/41/s 63/41/s 65/42/s 64/41/s

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 56/32/pc 64/37/s 67/35/s 68/43/pc 56/41/sh 67/43/pc 63/34/pc 64/38/s 67/38/s 65/38/pc 62/41/sh 65/39/pc 65/39/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 66/41/s Gainesville 69/44/pc Gastonia 64/41/pc Goldsboro 64/41/s Goose Creek 65/43/s Greensboro 60/39/pc Greenville 63/40/pc Hickory 61/40/pc Hilton Head 61/47/s Jacksonville, FL 68/44/pc La Grange 66/40/pc Macon 65/39/pc Marietta 62/39/pc

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 67/40/pc 71/46/pc 62/35/pc 64/38/sh 67/43/pc 59/33/sh 63/36/s 60/34/pc 63/46/pc 70/46/pc 66/38/s 66/37/s 60/35/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 63/37/pc Mt. Pleasant 65/45/s Myrtle Beach 64/45/s Orangeburg 65/42/pc Port Royal 64/46/s Raleigh 62/40/s Rock Hill 64/40/pc Rockingham 66/38/s Savannah 66/42/s Spartanburg 64/40/pc Summerville 62/47/s Wilmington 65/42/s Winston-Salem 60/39/pc

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 59/32/pc 67/44/pc 64/43/pc 66/40/s 66/44/pc 60/35/sh 63/34/pc 64/36/pc 68/42/pc 62/36/s 64/44/pc 65/40/pc 58/33/sh

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

For Comfort You Can Count On, Better Make It Boykin!

803-795-4257 www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Participate EUGENIA LAST and give back to your community or someone who has been there for you in the past. You will attract the attention of someone who can and will benefit you in the future. Love and commitment are heading in your direction.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When dealing with time or money management, you will be at a loss.

Put your energy into something that will help you get ahead. Try to learn more and be positive about new developments. Choose quality over quantity.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t worry about what others do or say.

Stand up and be counted and you will make a difference. Your participation in various affairs will show others you are not one to push around. Love and romance will bring about a positive lifestyle change.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t overlook fine but important details that can affect an important relationship. Let your intuition guide you when it comes to matters of a personal nature.

Communicate from the heart and you will come out on top.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take on more if it will allow you to GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Consider show your finer attributes. A your options and it will become chance to impress someone who clear what you should do next. may be able to help you reach your Follow your heart and assess what goals will present itself. An idea needs to be changed in your life to you have will bring in extra cash. make things better. Study, travel, CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): love or doing your own thing will Emotional matters will set you back bring positive results. mentally, physically or financially if CANCER (June 21-July 22): you don’t take control and put your Concentrate on financial deals or plans in motion before it’s too late. adding value to something you You don’t have to follow the crowd, already own. Don’t be afraid to take a unique journey to reach your and you shouldn’t pay for others’ destination. Changing your mistakes. attitude or beliefs is likely and will AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep bring interesting results. your intentions a secret until you LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t let are sure you can deliver. Love is on others annoy you. Time is precious, the rise, and planning something and you can accomplish plenty if special will bring high returns. you focus on what’s important to Expanding your awareness, your you. Think big and work in family or your expectations is conjunction with people who are within reach. intent on reaching similar goals.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Step up an eye out for anyone trying to and share your unique plans with mislead you. Jealousy is likely to others. A change in the way you take place if someone you compete live may be necessary in order to with gets ahead. Use your energy follow your dreams. Get together to get ahead, not to find fault in with people who are heading in the same direction as you. what someone else does.

Lottery numbers were not available at press time.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC

Ellie McLeod comments on her photo submission, “Quigley helping me clean up the leaves in my yard. I rake them all up in neat piles and he jumps in the middle and spreads them back out again. Great helper!”

SECTION

Scherzer signs big contract with new team

B

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

B4

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

COMMENTARY

SHS football program needs commitment

W

hen John Jones was selected as the new head football coach at Sumter High School in June of 2014, I defended the choice by the selection committee.

With Reggie Kennedy leaving for Irmo in May, I thought the committee made the right choice in hiring Jones, who was the offensive coordinator for a team that played for the 4A Division I state title. Com-

mittee member SHS principal Dana Fall said hiring someone already on staff and keeping the coaching staff, for the most part, intact was better than bringing in someone from the outside with the ‘15 season less than three months away.

In defense of the move, I said if Kennedy had stepped down in January instead of May, hiring someone who wasn’t already on the staff

would have been a much more feasible move.

Of course, Jones resigned last week to take the head job Dennis at Darlington Brunson High — in the second full week of January. That means now’s the time to

move outside of that box and look long and hard to bring someone in with long-time connections to the program and a passion to see it back where it was in the late 1980s through the ‘90s when it was year in and year out one of the top programs in the state.

Admittedly, the program has played for three straight titles in the past 13 years — ‘03, ‘08 and ‘13 — but there were some lean years in

there as well when it wasn’t part of the championship discussion. One of the largest schools in the state should be part of that talk more often than not.

The other three finalists in the most recent interview process were Wando head coach Jimmy Noonan, Westwood offensive coordinator Keith West and Ronnie Baker, the

SEE PROGRAM, PAGE B4

PRO FOOTBALL

From doubtful to no doubt

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New England quarterback Tom Brady delivers a pass during the Patriots’ 45-7 victory over Indianapolis in the AFC Championship game on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.

Brady tossed three touchdown passes in leading New England to a Super Bowl matchup against Seattle.

Patriots blow out Colts 45-7 to win AFC title Seahawks comeback hard THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Seattle wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) catches the game-winning touchdown pass in front of Green Bay cornerback Tramon Williams during the Seahawks’ 28-22 overtime victory in the NFC Championship game in Seattle on Sunday.

BY HOWARD ULMAN The Associated Press

for everyone to fathom

BY TIM BOOTH The Associated Press RENTON, Wash. — A day later, it was still hard to fathom how the Seattle Seahawks are headed for their second straight Super Bowl.

Even for those directly involved in Seattle’s stunning comeback to win the NFC title.

“A little bit,” said wide receiver Jermaine Kearse, who caught the winning 35-yard touchdown in overtime of Seattle’s 28-22 win over

South Carolina guard Tiffany Mitchell (25) drives past Florida forward Ronni Williams (1) during the Gamecocks’ 77-42 victory on Monday in Gainesville, Fla. Top-ranked USC has won 18 straight games to open the season.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Green Bay. “But the type of guys that we have in our locker room is a bunch of different stories of different paths of how people got to where they got.

“You think about all the undrafted guys, you think about the guys that were drafted in the late rounds and rose to the occasion. I feel like our team story is full of adversity and pushing through it and that’s what showed.”

SEE SEAHAWKS, PAGE B3

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — No doubt about it.

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are the dominant coach-quarterback pair in the NFL. And they left no question that they deserve the sixth Super Bowl appearance of their brilliant careers.

Brady threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns, Belichick got his league-high 21st postseason win and the New England Patriots routed the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 in the AFC championship game Sunday night.

“We’ve had a lot of good teams in the past,” Brady said. “This one is going to have to win a very impor-

tant game to kind of leave our legacy.”

It’s the most important one. The Patriots (14-4) will face defending champion Seattle (14-4) on Feb. 1 in Glendale, Arizona, as they seek their first Super Bowl win in 10 years after winning three in four. The Seahawks beat the Green Bay Packers 28-22 in overtime in the NFC title game Sunday.

LeGarrette Blount ran for 148 yards and three touchdowns for New England in the second-most lopsided win in an AFC title game.

“You look around and people are posing with the trophy, everybody’s smiling,” Patriots linebacker Dont’a

SEE PATRIOTS, PAGE B3

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Top-ranked Carolina dominates Florida 77-42 to stay unbeaten

BY MARK LONG The Associated Press GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Tiffany Mitchell scored 18 points, A’ja Wilson added 16 and top-ranked South Carolina remained unbeaten with a 77-42 victory at Florida on Monday night.

The Gamecocks (18-0, 6-0 Southeastern Conference) dominated every aspect of the game, taking a double-digit lead early, going up by 35 midway through the second half and coasting down the stretch.

Mitchell was the best player on the floor, making 8 of 10 shots, beating Florida up and down the floor con-

stantly and finishing with four steals.

Wilson was solid, too. She made 7 of 11 shots and added nine rebounds.

Florida (9-10, 1-5) struggled from the start, missing 13 of its first 16 shots and playing little, if any, post or transition defense. South Carolina finished with 46 points in the paint and 14 on fast breaks.

Ronnie Williams led the Gators with 12 points before fouling out with 11:41 remaining.

Carlie Needles returned after missing the last two games because of a concussion, but was a non-factor. The

SEE CAROLINA, PAGE B2

B2

|

SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

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

3:30 p.m. -- College Football: Senior Bowl Practice from Mobile, Ala. (NFL NETWORK).

5:45 p.m. -- Girls and Boys High School Basketball: Pageland Central at North Central (WPUB-FM 102.7).

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

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Louisiana State at Florida (ESPN).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Kansas State at Iowa State (ESPN2).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Boston College at Syracuse (ESPNU).

7:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: Dayton at Davidson (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- Professional Boxing: Michael Perez vs. Miguel Acosta in a Junior Welterweight Bout and Eric Hunter vs. Rene Alvarado in a Featherweight Bout from Philadelphia (FOX SPORTS 1).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Iowa at Wisconsin (ESPN).

9 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open Men’s and Women’s Second-Round Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Tennessee at South Carolina (ESPNU, WDXYFM 105.9, WNKT-FM 107.5, WDXY-AM 1240).

9:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: San Diego State at Air Force (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

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

1:30 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Qatar Masters First Round from Doha, Qatar (GOLF).

3 a.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open Men’s and Women’s Second-Round Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2).

COLLEGE BASKETBALL The Associated Press

MEN’S TOP 25 POLL

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’ college basketball poll, with firstplace votes in parentheses, records through Jan. 18, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and last week’s ranking: Record Pts Prv 1. Kentucky (63) 17-0 1,623 1 2. Virginia (2) 17-0 1,562 2 3. Gonzaga 18-1 1,467 3 4. Villanova 17-1 1,429 5 5. Duke 15-2 1,345 4 6. Wisconsin 16-2 1,282 7 7. Arizona 16-2 1,228 10 8. Notre Dame 17-2 1,055 12 9. Iowa St. 13-3 1,004 11 10. Louisville 15-3 1,003 6 11. Kansas 14-3 943 9 12. Utah 14-3 940 8 13. Maryland 17-2 937 14 14. Wichita St. 16-2 857 13 15. North Carolina14-4 803 15 16. VCU 15-3 670 17 17. Texas 13-4 554 20 18. West Virginia 15-3 501 16 19. Oklahoma 12-5 445 18 20. N. Iowa 16-2 387 23 21. Baylor 13-4 260 22 22. Dayton 15-2 241 — 23. Indiana 14-4 93 — 24. Seton Hall 13-4 91 21 25. Iowa 13-5 85 — Others receiving votes: Oklahoma St. 47, Miami 41, San Diego St. 34, Georgetown 33, Stanford 31, Saint Mary’s (Cal) 18, Providence 17, Colorado St. 16, Arkansas 15, Georgia 13, Butler 11, SMU 11, Michigan St. 8, LSU 6, Old Dominion 5, Wyoming 4, Ohio St. 3, Louisiana Tech 2, Tennessee 2, George Washington 1, St. John’s 1, Washington 1.

THE WOMEN’S TOP TWENTY FIVE

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’ women’s college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Jan. 18, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and last week’s ranking: Record Pts Prv 1. South Carolina (27) 17-0 867 1 2. UConn (8) 16-1 848 2 3. Baylor 16-1 787 3 4. Louisville 17-1 746 4 5. Tennessee 15-2 740 6 6. Notre Dame 16-2 708 7 7. Maryland 15-2 629 8 8. Texas 14-2 616 4 9. Oregon St. 15-1 606 9 10. Texas A&M 16-3 551 11 11. Stanford 13-4 489 13 12. North Carolina 16-3 457 12 13. Arizona St. 16-1 451 14 14. Kentucky 15-4 421 10 15. Duke 13-5 371 16 16. Nebraska 13-3 315 17 17. Florida St. 17-2 283 20 18. Mississippi St. 19-2 267 15 19. Princeton 17-0 219 19 20. Iowa 14-3 209 22 21. Minnesota 16-2 191 23 22. Georgia 16-3 132 18 23. Syracuse 13-5 90 25 24. W. Kentucky 16-2 80 — 25. Rutgers 13-5 65 24 Others receiving votes: Oklahoma St. 52, Chattanooga 45, Washington 30, Green Bay 21, Oklahoma 21, LSU 13, Seton Hall 13, George Washington 12, Long Beach St. 10, Miami 10, Iowa St. 6, South Florida 2, DePaul 1, Pittsburgh 1.

Jason Kokrak (50), $68,444 67-69-64-70–270 -10 James Hahn (44), $42,280 69-64-69-69–271 -9 Chez Reavie (44), $42,280 67-67-68-69–271 -9 Charles Howell III (44), $42,280 69-66-67-69–271 -9 Chris Kirk (44), $42,280 66-67-74-64–271 -9 Chad Collins (38), $33,280 69-65-69-69–272 -8 J.J. Henry (38), $33,280 65-67-70-70–272 -8 Paul Casey (38), $33,280 62-70-69-71–272 -8 Scott Langley (38), $33,280 70-68-67-67–272 -8 Hyung-Sung Kim (0), $33,280 69-69-62-72–272 -8

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION W Toronto 26 Brooklyn 17 Boston 13 Philadelphia 8 New York 5 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W Atlanta 33 Washington 28 Miami 18 Charlotte 16 Orlando 15 CENTRAL DIVISION W Chicago 27 Milwaukee 21 Cleveland 21 Detroit 16 Indiana 15

L 14 24 25 32 36

Pct GB .650 – .415 91/2 .342 12 .200 18 .122 211/2

L 8 13 22 25 29

Pct GB .805 – .683 5 .450 141/2 .390 17 .341 191/2

L 15 19 20 25 27

Pct GB .643 – .525 5 .512 51/2 .390 101/2 .357 12

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W Memphis 29 Dallas 28 Houston 28 San Antonio 26 New Orleans 20 NORTHWEST DIVISION W Portland 30 Oklahoma City 20 Denver 18 Utah 14 Minnesota 7 PACIFIC DIVISION W Golden State 32 L.A. Clippers 27 Phoenix 24 Sacramento 16 L.A. Lakers 12

L 11 13 13 16 20

Pct .725 .683 .683 .619 .500

GB – 11/2 11/2 4 9

L 11 20 22 27 32

Pct GB .732 – .500 91/2 .450 111/2 .341 16 .179 22

L 6 14 18 24 29

Pct GB .842 – .659 61/2 .571 10 .400 17 .293 211/2

SUNDAY’S GAMES

New Orleans 95, Toronto 93 Oklahoma City 127, Orlando 99 San Antonio 89, Utah 69

TODAY’S GAMES

Oklahoma City at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

San Antonio at Denver, 9 p.m.

NBA ROUNDUP

Hornets beat ’Wolves in Jefferson’s return CHARLOTTE — It’s been a long time since Al Jefferson has come off the bench in an NBA game.

The big man didn’t seem to mind Monday, however.

Jefferson returned from a groin injury, scoring eight points and pulling down five rebounds as the Charlotte JEFFERSON Hornets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-80. It’s the first time since Dec. 4, 2006 — a span of 544 games — that Jefferson didn’t start in a game in which he played.

Gerald Henderson scored 17 points and Brian Roberts added 16 for the Hornets, who have won seven of their last eight games.

Thaddeus Young had 18 points to lead Minnesota, which failed in its quest to win back-to-back games for the first time this season. Andrew Wiggins, the top pick in the NBA draft last year, had 12 points on 3 of 13 shooting and was limited to two rebounds for the Timberwolves (7-33).

HAWKS 93 PISTONS 82

NFL PLAYOFFS

By The Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlan-

ta Hawks won their 13th straight game, one shy of tying the team record, as Mike Scott and Paul Millsap each scored 20 points Monday in a 93-82 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

The Hawks haven’t lost since Dec. 26 against Milwaukee.

CLIPPERS 102 CELTICS 93

LOS ANGELES — Blake Griffin scored 22 points, DeAndre Jordan had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers held off the Boston Celtics 102-93 Monday after losing most of a 23point lead.

WIZARDS 111 SIXERS 76

WASHINGTON — The Philadelphia 76ers are halfway through a forgettable season. They lost 17 straight to start the season, but had stabilized somewhat of late and entered Monday’s game having split their last six games.

WARRIORS 122 NUGGETS 79

OAKLAND, Calif.— Klay Thompson scored 22 points, Stephen Curry had 20 points and eight assists, and the Golden State Warriors matched a franchise record with

their 16th consecutive home win in impressive fashion, whipping the Denver Nuggets 122-79 on Monday.

KNICKS 99 PELICANS 92

NEW YORK — The New York Knicks snapped their 16-game losing streak Monday, getting 24 points and nine rebounds from Carmelo Anthony to beat the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans 9992.

MAVERICKS 103 GRIZZLIES 95

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points, including the last eight for Dallas in the final 2 minutes, and the Mavericks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 103-95 on Monday.

The Grizzlies took a two-point lead with about 4 minutes left, but Dallas outscored Memphis 14-4 the rest of the way.

ROCKETS 110 PACERS 98

HOUSTON — James Harden scored a seasonhigh 45 points, including 18 in the third quarter, and the Houston Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers 110-98 on Monday.

From wire reports

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sunday Seattle 28, Green Bay 22, OT New England 45, Indianapolis 7

COLLEGE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

PRO BOWL

Sunday, Jan. 25 At Glendale, Ariz.

Team Irvin vs. Team Carter, 8 p.m.

(ESPN)

SUPER BOWL

Sunday, Feb. 1 At Glendale, Ariz.

New England vs. Seattle, 6:30 p.m.

(NBC)

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W L OT Tampa Bay 47 29 14 4 Detroit 46 26 11 9 Montreal 44 28 13 3 Boston 46 24 16 6 Florida 43 20 13 10 Toronto 46 22 21 3 Ottawa 44 18 18 8 Buffalo 47 14 30 3 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W L OT N.Y. Islanders 46 31 14 1 Pittsburgh 44 26 12 6 N.Y. Rangers 43 26 13 4 Washington 45 24 13 8 Philadelphia 47 18 22 7 Columbus 43 19 21 3 New Jersey 46 16 22 8 Carolina 45 15 25 5

Pts GF GA 62 152 126 61 134 115 59 121 105 54 121 117 50 106 120 47 138 142 44 120 122 31 89 167 Pts GF GA 63 151 129 58 134 111 56 131 104 56 133 115 43 127 144 41 110 137 40 102 132 35 94 119

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION Nashville St. Louis Chicago Winnipeg Dallas Colorado Minnesota PACIFIC DIVISION Anaheim San Jose Vancouver Calgary Los Angeles Arizona Edmonton

GP W L OT 44 30 10 4 45 28 13 4 45 28 15 2 47 25 14 8 45 21 17 7 46 19 17 10 44 20 19 5

Pts GF GA 64 136 102 60 145 110 58 139 105 58 131 117 49 143 148 48 121 132 45 123 129

GP W L OT 46 30 10 6 46 24 16 6 43 25 15 3 45 24 18 3 45 20 14 11 45 16 24 5 46 11 26 9

Pts GF GA 66 133 121 54 125 125 53 121 109 51 131 118 51 126 120 37 104 150 31 104 1 5 4

GOLF

By The Associated Press

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

SONY OPEN PAR SCORES

Winnipeg 4, Arizona 3, SO N.Y. Rangers 5, Pittsburgh 2 Dallas 6, Chicago 3 Detroit 6, Buffalo 4

Sunday At Waialae Country Club Course Honolulu Purse: $5.6 million Yardage: 7,044; Par: 70 Final (a-amateur) Jimmy Walker (500), $1,008,000 66-66-62-63–257 -23 Scott Piercy (300), $604,800 67-67-66-66–266 -14 Harris English (145), $291,200 6 6-69-65-67–267 -13 Gary Woodland (145), $291,200 70-65-65-67–267 -13 Matt Kuchar (145), $291,200 65-63-68-71–267 -13 Jerry Kelly (81), $163,600 73-62-67-66–268 -12 Brian Davis (81), $163,600 66-70-65-67–268 -12 Zac Blair (81), $163,600 71-66-64-67–268 -12 Rory Sabbatini (81), $163,600 64-67-74-63–268 -12 Max Homa (81), $163,600 69-67-63-69–268 -12 Shawn Stefani (81), $163,600 69-66-65-68–268 -12 Justin Thomas (81), $163,600 67-61-70-70–268 -12 Daniel Berger (57), $105,000 68-66-68-67–269 -11 Russell Knox (57), $105,000 66-65-69-69–269 -11 Webb Simpson (57), $105,000 62-66-72-69–269 -11 Brian Harman (57), $105,000 66-67-64-72–269 -11 Russell Henley (50), $68,444 72-64-67-67–270 -10 Jason Day (50), $68,444 65-69-68-68–270 -10 Stuart Appleby (50), $68,444 68-69-67-66–270 -10 Colt Knost (50), $68,444 70-68-66-66–270 -10 Ryan Palmer (50), $68,444 69-63-69-69–270 -10 Robert Streb (50), $68,444 63-69-69-69–270 -10 Pat Perez (50), $68,444 67-68-70-65–270 -10 Daniel Summerhays (50), $68,444 66-67-67-70–270 -10

THE SUMTER ITEM

SUNDAY’S GAMES

TODAY’S GAMES

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

Edmonton at Washington, 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Nashville at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Vancouver at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Arizona at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Boston at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Coach K claims 999th win, Duke beats Pitt DURHAM, N.C. — Mike Krzyzewski moved one victory from 1,000 for his Hall of Fame career in No. 5 Duke’s 79-65 win over Pittsburgh on Monday night.

Freshman KRYZEWSKI Tyus Jones matched a season high with 22 points for the Blue Devils (16-2, 4-2 Atlantic Coast Conference).

Coach K improved to 999308 during his 40-year career. His first chance to become the first men’s coach in Division I history to reach four figures comes Sunday against St. John’s in Madison Square Garden.

(17) TEXAS 66 TCU 48 FORT WORTH, Texas — Javan Felix scored 15 points, Isaiah Taylor added 13 and No. 17 Texas rolled to a 66-48 victory against TCU on Monday night.

WOMEN (3) BAYLOR 75

(13) ARIZONA STATE 60

(8) TEXAS 58 WACO, Texas — Nina Davis scored 25 points and Niya Johnson had 15 points with 12 assists as No. 3 Baylor stretched its winning streak to 16 games with a 75-58 victory over No. 8 Texas on Monday night.

STANFORD 57

(6) NOTRE DAME 88 (5) TENNESSEE 77

SOUTH BEND, Ind. —

CAROLINA FROM PAGE B1

South Carolina: Extended the program’s longest winning streak. ... Won its sixth in a row against Florida, including three straight in Gainesville. ... Has now held 17 of 18 opponents to less than 40 percent shooting.

Florida: Fell to 0-11 all-time against topranked teams. ... Gators are 0-3 at home in SEC play. ... Former Florida coach Carol Ross was the SEC Network’s color analyst for the broadcast.

UP NEXT

South Carolina hosts Texas A&M next Monday.

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STANFORD, Calif. — Promise Amukamara had 17 points and seven rebounds and No. 13 Arizona State held off 11th-ranked Stanford 60-57 on Monday to stay unbeaten atop the Pac-12 standings despite the Cardinal’s second-half rally.

mistakes all over the court.

guard missed her first five shots before finally finding the basket with about 2 minutes to play. She also had four turnovers.

The Gators, who lost their fourth straight, also played without Antoinette Bannister. The junior guard was dismissed from the team Friday after she was arrested for allegedly stealing a teammate’s credit card and using it multiple times.

It’s unlikely Bannister would have helped in this one.

South Carolina made 11 of its first 14 shots, getting just about any shot it wanted in the paint and forcing the Gators into

FRANK’S

Jewell Loyd scored 33 points, Lindsay Allen added 15 and No. 6 Notre Dame made 58 percent of its shots to beat fifthranked Tennessee 88-77 Monday night, ending an 11-game winning streak for the Lady Vols.

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PRO FOOTBALL

THE SUMTER ITEM

NFL DRAFT EARLY ENTRIES The Associated Press Draft: April 30-May 2 at Chicago Graduated with college football eligibility remaining Deion Barnes, de, Penn State Sammie Coates, wr, Auburn Zach D’Orazio, wr, Akron Charles Gaines, db, Louisville Dee Hart, rb, Colorado State Brett Hundley, qb, UCLA Nigel King, wr, Kansas Marcus Mariota, qb, Oregon Donovan Smith, ot, Penn State Tacoi Sumler, wr, Appalachian State Met the league’s 3-year eligibility rule Nelson Agholor, wr, Southern Cal Jay Ajayi, rb, Boise State Kwon Alexander, lb, LSU Javorius Allen, rb, Southern Cal Arik Armstead, de, Oregon Malcom Brown, dt, Texas Alex Carter, db, Stanford B.J. Catalon, rb, TCU Tevin Coleman, rb, Indiana Jalen Collins, db, LSU Landon Collins, db, Alabama Amari Cooper, wr, Alabama Xavier Cooper, dt, Washington State Christian Covington, dt, Rice DaVaris Daniels, wr, Notre Dame Ronald Darby, db, Florida State Mike Davis, rb, South Carolina Stefon Diggs, wr, Maryland Lorenzo Doss, db, Tulane Mario Edwards, de, Florida State Durell Eskridge, db, Syracuse George Farmer, wr, Southern Cal Max Flores, lb, Northern Colorado Ereck Flowers, ot, Miami Dante Fowler, de, Florida Devin Funchess, wr, Michigan Jacoby Glenn, db, UCF Eddie Goldman, dt, Florida State Melvin Gordon, rb, Wisconsin Dorial Green-Beckham, wr, Missouri

Deontay Greenberry, wr, Houston Randy Gregory, de, Nebraska Todd Gurley, rb, Georgia Chris Hackett, db, TCU Eli Harold, de, Virginia Chris Harper, wr, California Braylon Heard, rb, Kentucky Gerod Holliman, db, Louisville D.J. Humphries, ot, Florida Danielle Hunter, de, LSU David Irving, dt, Iowa State Jesse James, te, Penn State Duke Johnson, rb, Miami Matt Jones, rb, Florida Tyler Kroft, te, Rutgers Ellis McCarthy, dt, UCLA Benardrick McKinney, lb, Mississippi State Patrick Miller, ot, Auburn Tyler Moore, g, Florida Rakeem Nunez-Roches, dt, Southern Miss Andrus Peat, ot, Stanford Breshad Perriman, wr, UCF Marcus Peters, db, Washington Jordan Phillips, dt, Oklahoma Darius Philon, dt, Arkansas Bradley Pinion, p, Clemson Jaquel Pitts, wr, Trinity International Jeremiah Poutasi, ot, Utah Darien Rankin, lb, North Carolina Shane Ray, de, Missouri Josh Robinson, rb, Mississippi State James Sample, db, Louisville Jean Sifrin, te, UMass Jaelen Strong, wr, Arizona State Shaq Thompson, lb, Washington Max Valles, lb, Virginia Easton Wahlstrom, ls, Arizona State Trae Waynes, db, Michigan State Leonard Williams, de, Southern Cal Maxx Williams, te, Minnesota P.J. Williams, db, Florida State Trey Williams, rb, Texas A&M Jameis Winston, qb, Florida State T.J. Yeldon, rb, Alabama

Number of underclassmen in 2015 NFL draft drops to 74 NEW YORK (AP) — A record number of undrafted underclassmen in 2014 may have dissuaded a few players from leaving school early for this year’s NFL draft.

The early-entry list includes 74 players, with an additional 10 who became eligible for the draft after notifying the NFL they had graduated.

A year ago, a record 98 players were granted special eligibility into the draft, leading to a record 36 underclassmen who went undrafted. It’s the first time since 2009 the number of early-entry players dropped from the previous year.

Florida State, which played in the College Football Playoff semifinals, had the most early entries with five, including quarterback and 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.

This year’s Heisman Trophy winner, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, was among the players who became eligi-

SEAHAWKS FROM PAGE B1 Just how the Seahawks rallied to stun the Packers was still being comprehended on Monday while Seattle began preparations for its chance at a second straight championship facing New England.

Seattle is keeping the same schedule as last year with three days of practice this week before heading to Arizona on Sunday.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll intends on having most of the game plan in place before the Seahawks leave.

“We do have to get a lot done.

This is a very heightened time for us. This is not sit back and take a couple of days. We’re going after it,” Carroll said.

“Wednesday, Thursday, Friday we’re game planning and we’ll have the game plan in before we leave. That’s an old Bill Walsh way.

“That’s the way we’ve always done the bowl games and stuff since we’ve been doing it. It’s a really good way for the coaches and players to focus before the distractions that naturally come up when you get on the road.”

Seattle still expects both safe-

ble after graduating. His teammate, defensive end Erik Armstead, also is leaving early after leading the Ducks to the national title game, where they lost to Ohio State.

The Buckeyes had no players on the early-entry list after quarterback Cardale Jones decided to return to school.

Mariota will be joined by the two other Heisman Trophy finalists. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin’s record-setting running back, is leaving after his junior year, as is Alabama receiver Amari Cooper.

The early-entry list included five other players who were Associated Press first-team All-Americans: Indiana running back Tevin Coleman, Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson, Texas offensive lineman Malcom Brown, Alabama safety Landon Collins and Louisville safety Gerod Holliman.

The NFL Draft is April 30 through May 2 in Chicago.

ty Earl Thomas and cornerback Richard Sherman to be available to play in two weeks even though Carroll did not have results of MRIs on Monday. Thomas separated his shoulder in the first half, but returned before halftime and played with a brace.

Sherman injured his left elbow when his arm was sandwiched between teammate Kam Chancellor and Green Bay’s James Starks on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Sherman played the rest of the game with his arm pinned against his chest, but while it was obvious Sherman was limited the Packers rarely challenged him.

Seattle’s improbable comeback started when it trailed 19-7 after Russell Wilson threw his fourth interception of the game with about five minutes remaining.

But the interception started the chain of events that helped Seattle pull off its rally, beginning with Morgan Burnett’s decision to slide down in the open field rather than trying to return the pick as far as possible.

Seattle was able to force Green Bay into a three-and-out with the Seahawks using only two of their timeouts and just 1:12 elapsing off the clock.

SEAHAWKS 28, PACKERS 22 Green Bay 13 3 0 6 0 —22 Seattle 0 0 7 15 6 —28 First Quarter GB_FG Crosby 18, 8:07.

GB_FG Crosby 19, 5:07.

GB_Cobb 13 pass from A.Rodgers (Crosby kick), :00.

Second Quarter GB_FG Crosby 40, 9:37.

Third Quarter Sea_Gilliam 19 pass from Ryan (Hauschka kick), 4:44.

Fourth Quarter GB_FG Crosby 48, 10:53.

Sea_Wilson 1 run (Hauschka kick), 2:09.

Sea_Lynch 24 run (Willson pass from Wilson), 1:25.

GB_FG Crosby 48, :14.

Overtime Sea_Kearse 35 pass from Wilson, 11:41.

A_68,538.

GB Sea First downs 19 20 Total Net Yards 306 397 Rushes-yards 30-135 35-194

Passing 171 Punt Returns 3-40 Kickoff Returns 1-18 Interceptions Ret. 4-57 Comp-Att-Int 19-34-2 Sacked-Yards Lost 1-7 Punts 5-39.4 Fumbles-Lost 1-0 Penalties-Yards 5-45 Time of Possession 32:15

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

203 3-21 4-58 2-5 15-30-4 5-25 5-42.4 2-1 8-40 31:04

RUSHING_Green Bay, Lacy 21-73, Starks 5-44, A.Rodgers 1-12, Kuhn 2-3, Cobb 1-3. Seattle, Lynch 25-157, Wilson 7-25, Turbin 2-8, Lockette 1-4.

PASSING_Green Bay, A.Rodgers 1934-2-178. Seattle, Wilson 14-29-4209, Ryan 1-1-0-19.

RECEIVING_Green Bay, Cobb 7-62, Nelson 5-71, R.Rodgers 4-35, D. Adams 1-7, Kuhn 1-3, Starks 1-0. Seattle, Baldwin 6-106, Lockette 2-25, Willson 2-11, Kearse 1-35, Lynch 1-26, Gilliam 1-19, Tukuafu 1-8, Turbin 1-(minus 2).

MISSED FIELD GOALS_None.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

|

B3

NFL investigating whether Patriots used deflated footballs

BY HOWARD FENDRICH The Associated Press The NFL is investigating whether the New England Patriots deflated footballs that were used in their AFC championship game victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

“We are looking into it,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy wrote in an email to The Associated Press on Monday. “We do not have anything further to add at this point.”

The inquiry was first reported by the website for WTHR-TV in Indiana, citing an unnamed source.

BELICHICK “We’ll cooperate fully with whatever the league wants us to, whatever questions they ask,” Belichick said Monday during his regular conference call with reporters.

He said he was unaware there was an issue until Monday morning.

The Patriots have come under scrutiny with regards to NFL rules in the past, most infamously when they were punished for videotaping sideline signals used by the New York Jets during a 2007 game. Belichick was fined $500,000, and the team was docked $250,000 and stripped of its 2008 first-round draft pick.

According to the NFL rule book, home teams are responsible for furnishing playable balls at all times. Each team brings 12 primary balls, while home teams are required to also bring 12 backup balls.

Once the referee makes sure the footballs are properly inflated, they’re deliv-

PATRIOTS FROM PAGE B1 Hightower said in the locker room. “Everybody’s smiling.

Even coach Belichick is smiling.”

Andrew Luck’s expression was much different after his worst game since he was chosen with the top pick in the 2012 draft. He completed 12 of 33 passes for 126 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He is 0-4 against the Patriots with every loss by at least 21 points.

“It’s hard to find much good right now, fresh off this game,” Luck said. “We had our sights set higher.”

The Patriots lost AFC title games the past two seasons after losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl after the 2011 season.

“It’s so much work just to get there and losing the last time we were there hurt,” New England safety Devin McCourty said. “We’ve got to play a great team. They wouldn’t be there if they weren’t and to go back two years in a row is tough, and they did it.””

The Patriots have a pretty impressive history, too.

Brady surpassed John Elway for most Super Bowl appearances for a quarterback and tied defensive lineman Mike Lodish for most by any player. Belichick tied Don Shula for most Super Bowls for a coach and broke a tie with Tom Landry with his 21st postseason win. And

ered to ball attendants provided by the home team.

The league’s game operations manual notes: “If any individual alters the footballs, or if a non-approved ball is used in the game, the person responsible and, if appropriate, the head coach or other club personnel will be subject to discipline, including but not limited to, a fine of $25,000.”

Deflating a football could change the way it would be gripped by a player or the way it travels through the air.

The Patriots beat the Colts 45-7 to reach the Super Bowl. New England will play the defending champion Seattle Seahawks for the NFL title at Glendale, Arizona, on Feb. 1.

In Sunday night’s lopsided AFC finale, quarterback Tom Brady threw for three touchdowns and running back LeGarrette Blount gained 148 yards while scoring three touchdowns to send New England to its sixth Super Bowl in the past 14 years.

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck had his worst game as a pro, completing only 12 of 33 passes for 126 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.

On his regular weekly morning-aftergame appearance Monday on WEEI radio, Brady said he wasn’t aware of the report about the league’s investigation into whether footballs were properly inflated against Indianapolis.

“I think I’ve heard it all at this point,” Brady said with a laugh.

“That’s the last of my worries,” he said.

“I don’t even respond to stuff like this.”

PATRIOTS 45, COLTS 7 Indianapolis 0 7 0 0—7 New England 14 3 21 7—45 First Quarter NE_Blount 1 run (Gostkowski kick), 10:15.

NE_Develin 1 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 1:20.

Second Quarter Ind_Tipton 1 run (Vinatieri kick), 4:54.

NE_FG Gostkowski 21, :09.

Third Quarter NE_Solder 16 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 10:03.

NE_Gronkowski 5 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 3:19.

NE_Blount 13 run (Gostkowski kick), 2:08.

Fourth Quarter NE_Blount 2 run (Gostkowski kick), 10:05.

A_68,756.

Ind NE First downs 17 28 Total Net Yards 209 397 Rushes-yards 19-83 40-177 Passing 126 220 Punt Returns 2-10 3-71

New England tied Dallas and Pittsburgh for most appearances in the big game with eight.

“I know we’ve had some ups and downs this year,” Brady said of a team that split its first four games, “but right now we’re up, baby, and we’re going to try to stay up for one more game.””

Some things to take from the Patriots’ blowout win: UP HIS HOODIE SLEEVE

One game after receiver Julian Edelman threw a touchdown pass to beat Baltimore, the Patriots pulled out another trick play.

With a third-and-1 on the Colts’ 16 early in the third quarter, offensive tackle Nate Solder reported as an eligible receiver and caught a touchdown pass from

Kickoff Returns 4-86 2-44 Interceptions Ret. 1-6 2-55 Comp-Att-Int 12-33-2 23-35-1 Sacked-Yards Lost 0-0 1-6 Punts 5-49.6 3-36.0 Fumbles-Lost 1-1 1-0 Penalties-Yards 3-23 6-45 Time of Possession22:11 37:49

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING_Indianapolis, Herron 10-51, Luck 4-18, Tipton 5-14. New England, Blount 30-148, Brady 3-13, Edelman 1-12, Gray 4-4, Vereen 1-2, Amendola 1-(minus 2).

PASSING_Indianapolis, Luck 1233-2-126. New England, Brady 2335-1-226.

RECEIVING_Indianapolis, Allen 4-30, Fleener 3-30, Herron 2-11, Hilton 1-36, Nicks 1-15, Tipton 1-4.

New England, Edelman 9-98, LaFell 4-28, Vereen 3-41, Gronkowski 3-28, Solder 1-16, Amendola 1-8, Hoomanawanui 1-6, Develin 1-1.

MISSED FIELD GOALS_Indianapolis, Vinatieri 51 (WR).

Brady to give New England a 24-7 lead.

“It was amazing to be a part of a game like that and have a cool play like that,” Solder said. “The stars were aligned.”

Belichick repeatedly caught the Ravens off guard last week when they used skill players as ineligible receivers. Against Indianapolis, the crowd cheered every time the referee announced an eligible or ineligible receiver.

Brady noted that Solder played tight end his first year in college at Colorado.

“So I don’t know,” he said, “maybe we have more tricks up our sleeve.”

COACHING TREE

The Super Bowl will feature the two most recent Patriots coaches.

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B4

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SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

PRO BASEBALL

PREP SCHEDULE

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former Detroit starting pitcher and 2013 American League Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer agreed to a 7-year contract with the Washington Nationals worth $210 million.

Scherzer, Nationals agree to $210M, 7-year deal

BY HOWARD FENDRICH The Associated Press WASHINGTON— Sure seems as if Max Scherzer and his wife now will be able to afford to buy themselves at least one of those nonstick baking sheets they were hoping to receive as a wedding gift.

Or even a few million of ‘em.

The 2013 AL Cy Young Award winner will become the highest-paid right-handed pitcher in major league history after agreeing to a $210 million, seven-year contract with the Washington Nationals that includes a record $50 million signing bonus.

A person familiar with the negotiations outlined the terms to The Associated Press on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn’t been announced. It

creates a formidable rotation for the Nationals — who could try to boost the rest of their roster by trading one of their other starters.

Washington is now the 4-1 favorite to win the World Series, down from 6-1 odds when the offseason started.

Scherzer’s signing bonus tops the previous high of $30 million for any player, given by the Cubs to pitcher Jon Lester this offseason. Scherzer plans to establish residency in Florida, which would shield his signing bonus from D.C. income tax, the person familiar with the negotiations said.

The person said the pitcher is scheduled to take a physical Tuesday, one of the steps needed for the deal to be finalized.

Scherzer, who spent the past five seasons with the Detroit Tigers before becoming a free

agent, will receive the money from the Nationals spread out over 14 years, which lowers its present-day value.

Still, Scherzer did quite well for himself. Indeed, he and his bride — they were married in November 2013 — won’t have to depend on their friends to finish filling the requests on their bridal registry at Crate & Barrel, including the pair of $19.95 baking sheets that no one gave them.

The 30-year-old right-hander’s contract is the secondlargest for a pitcher, behind only Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw’s $215 million, seven-year deal that runs from 2014-20. The previous high for a righty was the $180 million, seven-year agreement from 2013-19 signed by Justin Verlander, another Cy Young Award winner for the Tigers.

Nishikori wins Australian opener

BY JOHN PYE The Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia — Kei Nishikori returned to Grand Slam action for the first time since his run to the U.S. Open final, beating Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 7-6 (1), 6-2 Tuesday in the first round of the Australian Open.

The fifth-seeded Nishikori dropped his opening service game but recovered the break quickly and weathered a difficult opening

match against Almagro, who reached the quarterfinals in his previous visit to Melbourne Park in 2013.

Nishikori kept his unforced errors to 21 against Almagro, who ripped more winners — 40 to 30 — but also made 50 unforced errors.

After a breakthrough season, when he became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final, Nishikori is determined to go one better and win a major.

PROGRAM FROM PAGE B1 SHS defensive coordinator for the past two seasons. West was the Shrine Bowl quarterback and Noonan a Shrine Bowl fullback on Sumter High’s first state championship team in ‘87. West has thrown his name back in the hat and here’s hoping the other two do the same.

Also, Chad Hoshour, a former 2-year starter at QB for SHS and the defensive coordinator for several seasons under former head coach Paul Sorrells, has also applied. He was a finalist for the job when Kennedy was hired and is still at the school even though he hasn’t been on the coaching staff the past two seasons. Gerald Tomlin is a former player who has been on the SHS coaching staff for 16 years who applied for the job last year.

I’m not advocating the hiring of any one of these men.

I just use them as possibilities, but it is time for Sumter High to find someone who will make a long-term commitment to the students, the school and the community.

It’s ridiculous that Sumter is looking for its fourth head coach in four seasons.

Kennedy and Jones both had their reasons for leaving after one season, and that’s all good and well. However, it’s now time for someone to be hired who is vested in Sumter.

Trying to relive the past can be good at times and not so good at others. Whoever the new hire is doesn’t neces-

sarily have to have SHS connections, but he does need to have a plan to be part of the Sumter community for several years. Sumter High School shouldn’t be a stepping stone football program.

FRIDAY Varsity Basketball Sumter at Socastee, 6 p.m.

Hartsville at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Manning, 6 p.m.

Hannah-Pamplico at East Clarendon, 6 p.m.

Varsity and JV Basketball Lee Central at Johnsonville (No JV Girls), 5 p.m.

Scott’s Branch at Timmonsville (No JV Girls), 5 p.m.

Thomas Sumter at Wilson Hall (No JV Girls), 4:30 p.m.

Calhoun Academy at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

Marlboro Academy at Robert E. Lee, 4 p.m.

Patrick Henry at Clarendon Hall, 4 p.m.

Sumter Christian at Calvary Christian (No Varsity Girls), 4 p.m.

B Team Basketball Thomas Sumter at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Gamecock Duals, 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Junior Varsity Basketball Sumter at Carolina Forest, 6 p.m.

Crestwood at Darlington, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Marlboro County, 6 p.m.

Hartsville at Manning, 6 p.m.

B Team Basketball Sumter at OrangeburgWilkinson (Boys Only), 5 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Laurence Manning, 5 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Timmerman, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY Varsity Basketball St. Francis Xavier at Clarendon Hall (Boys Only), 6 p.m.

Varsity and JV Basketball Florence Christian at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

Junior Varsity Basketball Socastee at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Crestwood at Hartsville, 6 p.m.

Manning at Lakewood, 6 p.m.

Manning at Lakewood, 6

SATURDAY Varsity Basketball St. Francis Xavier at Dorchester (Boys Only), 5 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Gamecock Duals, 9 a.m.

Keeping Sumter Beautiful Karen Hyatt Asst. Public Works Director • Sumter County Public Works Fluorescent Bulb Recycling at Sumter County Recycling Centers

PRO TENNIS

p.m.

B Team Basketball Laurence Manning at Heathwood Hall, 4 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Carolina, 5 p.m.

Middle School Basketball Alice Drive at Lee Central, 5 p.m.

Furman at Bates, 5 p.m.

Mayewood at Chestnut Oaks, 5 p.m.

Ebenezer at Hillcrest, 5 p.m.

Scott’s Branch at C.E. Murray, 5:30 p.m.

Varsity Bowling Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning, Robert E. Lee in SCISA Team State Championship (at Royal Z Lanes in Columbia, 2:20 p.m.

TODAY Varsity Basketball Carolina Forest at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Darlington at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Marlboro County at Lakewood, 6 p.m.

Manning at Hartsville, 6 p.m.

Holly Hill at St. Francis Xavier (Boys Only), 6 p.m.

Varsity and JV Basketball Lee Central at Timberland (No JV Girls), 5 p.m.

Scott’s Branch at C.E. Murray (No JV Girls), 5 p.m.

Augusta Christian at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

Calhoun Academy at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Orangeburg Prep, 4 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Carolina, 4 p.m.

Clarendon Hall at Andrew Jackson Academy, 4 p.m.

Grace Christian at Sumter Christian, 4 p.m.

Residents can now recycle fluorescent bulbs at all Sumter County Recycling Centers. Bulbs accepted include the 4-foot and 8-foot “tubes” along with the newer compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). You must give your bulb(s) to the attendant on duty at the recycling center. The bulb(s) will be placed by the attendant in a lined box and shipped to an approve facility for recycling.

Fluorescent bulbs use about onefourth the energy and last about 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, which saves energ y and money.

However, these bulbs contain mercury.

When broken, compacted, crushed or disposed of improperly, fluorescent bulbs may release mercury in the air, water, and soil posing a significant risk to human health and the environment.

Manufactures have taken large steps to reduce the mercur y content of fluorescent light bulbs. According to DHEC’s Of f ice of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling, many CFLs contain less than 5 milligrams of mercury (compared to older household thermometers that contain about 500 milligrams of mercury).

If you break a fluorescent bulb or a CFL, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following cleanup and disposal steps.

Immediately clear any people or pets out of the room and open the windows

and doors for at least 15 minutes. Shut off the central heating/air conditioning system if it is operating at the time. If the bulb has broken on a hard surface, carefully scoop up all glass fragments and powder using a stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid or a sealed plastic bag, then use sticky tape to pick up any remaining pieces of glass or powder and wipe the area clean using a damp paper towel or other disposable wet wipe. The used towels should also be disposed of in a glass jar or sealed plastic bag and then placed in an outdoor waste receptacle.

If the bulb breaks on a soft surface such as carpet or a rug follow the same directions as if broken on a hard surface but instead of using a wet towel to wipe down the area, vacuum the area thoroughly and then dispose of the vacuuming bag in a sealed plastic bag with the rest of the broken bulb. All c l ea n u p mater ia l s s h o u l d b e immediately taken to an outdoor waste receptacle for disposal.

For more information for clean-up steps for clothing, bedding and other soft materials visit www.epa.gov/mercuryspills/index.htm. For more information on recycling in Sumter County contact Karen Hyatt, Assistant Public Works Director at 436-2241.

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B5

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COMICS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Gay grandma is being shielded from son’s kids

Dear Abby ABIGAIL VAN BUREN

THE SUMTER ITEM

DEAR ABBY — I came out of the closet when my son was 4. I thought I had taught him not to judge because of a label. He’s now 30, with a wife and two adorable children who

own my heart.

When my granddaughter was born, my partner and I were at the hospital and have visited with them often and they with us. However, after my grandson was born last year, my son quit speaking to me.

I have asked him numerous times what the issue is. His response is: “I have to protect my

children from people who are gay. I don’t want them to know anyone who is gay.” His wife and her family are very religious, and I feel this is the real reason. What can I do?

Heartbroken gay Granny DEAR HEARTBROKEN — If your son is under the mistaken impression that he is going to somehow “protect” his children by isolating them from gay people, he must be living in an alternate reality. I suspect you have put your finger squarely on the reason why your son is now ostracizing you. His wife appears to wield the power in that family, and could benefit by learning more about homosexuality AND her religion, which I assume preaches love and tolerance for one’s fellow man rather than judgment and exclusion.

You can’t force your son and his wife to have contact with you if they don’t want to.

Leave open the possibility that they may, over time, reconcile their love for you with their faith.

For your own emotional well-being, it’s important you find other outlets for your maternal instincts and go on with your life because any child would be blessed to be a part of it. Sadly, a large number of LGBT young people are rejected by their parents when they come out. These kids would benefit greatly from having a positive adult mentor like you.

This could be your golden opportunity to make a significant, positive difference in someone’s life. Contact Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays at pflag.org to find out how to get involved.

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 PBS science series since 1974 5 Barton of the Red Cross 10 Secret language 14 Fictional rabbit’s title 15 Persian Gulf tanker 16 __ about: roughly 17 Soccer scoring opportunity 19 Lang of Smallville 20 Hairpiece 21 How French dip sandwiches are served 22 Neruda’s “__ to Wine” 24 Vice presidential hopeful 27 Cultural nonos 29 Goings-on 30 Hamilton opponent 31 NFL Hall of Famer Lynn 33 Returning to action, and, on a gridiron, what each first word of 17-, 24-, 47and 55-Across is 39 “Am not!” reply 40 Whacked arcade critter 42 Greek mar-

kets 45 Betweenmeals meals 47 Musical symbol 50 Disney frame 51 Vaulted church areas 52 Singer Newton-John 54 Table salt, to a chemist 55 Hold that’s illegal in amateur wrestling 59 “Buenos __” 60 Characteristic 61 Frustrating toy for Charlie Brown 62 “Rule, Britannia” composer Thomas 63 Breaks bread 64 Shoveled precipitation DOWN 1 “Football Night in America” network 2 Guatemala gold 3 Spinal bone 4 River of Pisa 5 Habeas __ 6 Compare 7 From another planet 8 Camcorder button 9 “Raiders of the Lost __” 10 Op-Ed piece 11 Deep into the pub crawl,

say 12 Dunkin’ __ 13 Take off the board 18 Currency since 1999 21 Winery process that can take years 22 Wagering letters 23 Apply haphazardly 25 Potato state 26 __ of the above 28 Tolkien monster 31 Look of disdain 32 Scale amts.

34 Wii game rides for Mario and Luigi 35 “Dies __”: hymn 36 Physicians’ org.

37 Soft shoe 38 Sommer of films 41 Immigrant’s class: Abbr.

42 Live-in nanny 43 Stranded motorist’s aid 44 Threat-ending words 45 Tours of duty 46 Campbell of “Scream” 47 Info-gathering exchange 48 Ryan with a record seven no-hitters 49 Hardy of Laurel & Hardy 53 Classes 55 Teleflora rival 56 Sch. in the smallest state 57 Oklahoma tribe 58 Cutting-edge

B6

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SPORTS / OBITUARIES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Back to being a Bronco again Denver hires old OC Kubiak to take over as new head coach ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — John Elway and Gary Kubiak are back together drawing up blueprints for the Denver Broncos to get back to the Super Bowl.

Elway hired Kubiak on Monday, inking his former backup QB and offensive coordinator to a four-year contract. Kubiak replaces John Fox, who was ousted last week following Denver’s stunning loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC divisional playoffs.

Fox went 49-22, counting playoffs, in four seasons in Denver, where he won four AFC West titles. But Elway didn’t like the lack of fire the team displayed in its biggest games, including a 35-point loss in last year’s Super Bowl and a 24-13 loss at home as a heavy favorite two weeks ago.

Fox was hired as the Chicago Bears’ new coach on Friday.

Kubiak and his staff are expected to bring a discipline and toughness that Elway deemed was lacking in Denver, where a talent-laden roster that featured an NFL-high 10 Pro Bowlers lost at home in the playoffs after a bye for the second time in three years.

In each of the past two seasons, Elway, the team’s general manager and executive vice president, found it necessary to address the players himself following particularly bad performances, something the head coach usually handles.

In Kubiak, Elway brings back a man who went down the championship trails with him in the 1990s.

Kubiak’s relationship with Elway includes nine seasons

Rangers, a person familiar with the deal said Monday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been announced. Texas was expected to send minor leaguers to the Brewers.

FOWLER TRADED FROM ASTROS TO CUBS FOR VALBUENA, STRAILY

HOUSTON — The Chicago Cubs hope Dexter Fowler will provide outfield strength and spark at the top of the batting order.

Fowler, 28, hit .276 with eight homers and 35 RBIs last year in his only season with the Astros, who obtained him from Colorado for outfielder Brandon Barnes and righthander Jordan Lyles.

WALKER WINS SONY OPEN

BY RECORD 9 STROKES

AP FILE PHOTO

Former Denver offensive coordinator and Houston head coach Gary Kubiak has signed a 4-year contract as the new head coach of the Denver Broncos. He replaces John Fox, who was ousted a week ago following Denver’s 24-13 playoff loss to Indianapolis. Kubiak also played for the Broncos, serving as the backup to quarterback John Elway, now the Denver general manager and the man who hired Kubiak. as his backup QB, from 198391, and four seasons as his offensive coordinator.

After winning his first Super Bowl ring as the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterbacks coach in 1994, he returned to Denver on Mike Shanahan’s staff and helped draw up the blueprint for the Broncos’ two Super Bowl championships

OBITUARIES MILDRED UNDERWOOD Mildred Dollois Layman Underwood, 95, widow of Vernon Thomas Underwood, to whom she was married for 70 years, died UNDERWOOD Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, at National Healthcare Center.

Born in Newport, Tennessee, she was a daughter of the late Robert Walker Layman and Maude Estelle Clark Layman.

Mrs. Underwood was a longtime member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Carson Newman College and taught school for many years in North Carolina, Kingstree and at Sumter High School.

Survivors include a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband who died Jan. 19, 2014. Also preceding her in death were two sisters, Donna Layman Lewis and Dorothy Layman Mellen.

The family would like to express special thanks to all of her caregivers at National Healthcare for the excellent care they provided Mrs. Underwood for the past several years.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with Dr. Webb Belangia officiating.

The family will receive friends following the graveside service.

Memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 7759386.

merton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Tennant and the late Mary Emily Barrett Tennant. She was a retired nurse’s assistant and a member of MCCALL Lakewood Baptist Church.

She is survived by two daughters, Janice Cercopely (Hal) of Manning and Lisa M. Brown (Larry) of Alcolu; a brother, Joseph Tennant Jr. (Nancy) of Sumter; six sisters, Betty Jo T. Gamble and Ruby Lee T. Spigner, both of Manning, Lucille T. Myers of Summerville, Sylvia Ann T. Amerson of Sumter, Lillian T. Watford (Joe) of Florence and Madeline T. McLeod (Larry) of Sumter; four grandchildren, Camie Barnes (Mickey), Zane Shelton, Brittany Collins and Trey Brown; four greatgrandchildren, Ethan, Ansli, Hunter and Haleigh; and a special friend and caregiver, Brad Forster of Sumter.

following the 1997 and ‘98 seasons.

BEARS’ BENNETT, BROWNS’ WHITNER ADDED TO PRO BOWL

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett and Cleveland Browns safety Donte Whitner have been selected for the Pro Bowl.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Myrtle T. McCall; and a brother, Furman Tennant.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice and Lakewood Baptist Church for all of their prayers, love and support.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Lakewood Baptist Church with the Rev. James Scarborough Sr. officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service in the church sanctuary.

Memorials may be made to Lakewood Baptist Church, 3140 Nazarene Church Road, Sumter, SC 29154.

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

LEROY RICHARDSON MANNING — Leroy Richardson, 55, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital. He was a son of the late Ruth Mae Richardson.

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Mary Jane Tennant McCall, 68, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at her residence.

Born July 4, 1946, in Sum-

BREWERS AGREE TO TRADE YOVANI GALLARDO TO RANGERS

The Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to trade starter Yovani Gallardo to the Texas

The celebratory services for Mr. Richardson will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Greater St. Phillip RUME Church, 4574 Old River Road, Pinewood, with the Rev. Powell Hampton, Pastor.

Mr. Richardson will lie in repose one hour prior to the service time. Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery Family is receiving friends at the home of his brother, James Richardson Sr., 1069 Ashton Trace Place, Manning.

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

DAVID DAVIS David Davis, 84, husband of Leona Guy Davis and son of the late Robert and Emma Amos Davis, was born Nov. 23, 1930, in Sumter County. He departed this life on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at his residence.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

JOHN V. MOORE John Vincent Moore, 82, husband of Mary Pringle Moore

1

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and son of the late John W. and Lelia Williams Moore, was born Sept. 12, 1932, in Williamsburg County. He departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, Sumter.

Family will be receiving friends at the home, 102 E. Patricia Drive, Sumter.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

MARY D. MAZYCK MANNING — On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, Mary Davis Mazyck, widow of the late Robert Mazyck, exchanged time for eternity at her residence.

Born on May 3, 1933, in Manning, she was a daughter of the late Leslie and Virginia Smith Davis.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the residence, 1539 Heritage Drive, Country Club Estates, Manning.

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

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They replace New England’s Rob Gronkowski and Seattle’s Earl Thomas, with the Patriots and Seahawks headed to the Super Bowl.

HONOLULU — Jimmy Walker blew away the field Sunday in the Sony Open by closing with a 7-under 63 to win by nine shots, a record margin for the tournament and the biggest rout on the PGA Tour in nearly six years.

Walker watched Jordan Spieth win the Hero World Challenge last month by 10 shots against an 18-man field and wondered if he was on another planet.

The timing could not have been better.

Six days ago on Maui, Walker lost a tournament he felt he should have won. Sunday on Oahu, he played like he was on his own island.

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1890 PEACH ORCHARD ROAD • SUMTER BEHIND SHAW AFB

APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE 773-2737 • 21 W. Wesmark Blvd., Sumter

CLASSIFIEDS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

THE ITEM

B7

803-774-1234

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

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CLASSIFIED DEADLINES 11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition.

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

Trucking Opportunities

ANNOUNCEMENTS In Memory In Loving Memory On Your Birthday Richard M. Ellis 01/20/1931 - 11/19/2011

MERCHANDISE For Sale or Trade Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600.

Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves.

Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311 Massey Ferguson 35 gas, very nice, $3750. OBO Cash only. Call 803-972-0900 7X16 car trailer w/wench, welding machines & tools. 803-968-3391 or 803-938-5245 Closing Business Sale, several desk like new, lanier copy mach., fax, chairs, sm fridge., drink mach.

(12oz cns., 8 flav.) Will sell individually or as a group. Call 803-499-4207 or 803-840-7556.

Always in our thoughts, Forever in our hearts.

Wife, Children & Grandchildren.

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

Lawn Service Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs!

Free est. 494-9169/468-4008 Lifestyles Lawn Service New Year Clean-up Specials!

Mil.-Sen. Disc.! Erik 968-8655

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

Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

Septic Tank Cleaning

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

Tree Service A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721

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

4 Cemetery Plots for sale in Evergreen near the veteran monument. 4 corner stones Call for details 803-494-3248.

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Locally established Heating & Air condition Co. looking for Exp. Service Tech. Needs to have good driving record. Pay range from $33k-$46k a year plus health insurance, retirement, bonus and commission available. Apply in person at 1640 Suber Street.

Metal roofer installers & sheet metal mechanics. Must have own transportation. Only exp. need to apply. Call 968-2459 before 5 pm!!!

Full Time Sales position available.

Some experience preferred but will train. No calls. Apply at Wally's Hardware 1291 broad St .

The #1 Furniture Retail Company in the U.S. is seeking highly motivated individuals with outgoing personalities to join our Sales Team.

Candidates must have a working knowledge of computers. They will be required to build sales volume by providing superior customer service and knowledge of product and finance options. This full time position is based on a flexible work schedule that includes evenings, Saturdays and some holidays. Offering unlimited income potential based on commission and bonuses. Guaranteed salary during training process. Send resume to 2850 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Assistant Body Shop Manager Qualifications: customer service / interaction exp., computer knowledge, honest, dependable. Body shop training provided onsite.

Salary + commission, vacation, 401k plan, health benefits, sick leave, paid holidays.

Apply in person M-F 8-6 at Prothro Chevrolet, Buick, GMC 452 N. Brooks St. Manning, SC 803-433-2535

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

Help Wanted Part-Time

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $2

Experienced Dry Clean Presser only. Apply in person at Little's Cleaners on Bultman Dr. Top pay for experience only.

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

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

For Sale or Trade

Full time Musician Area church is seeking a full time musician. Please call 803-481-4501 to obtain an application or email your contact information to salvation@ftc-i.net and an application will be mailed to you. A background check will be required.

Firewood for Sale Will Deliver. Call 803 651-8672 6 x10 -6x12-6x16 Utility Trailers for sale 803-972-0900

LEGAL NOTICES 150 Milton, Must Sell, 2 Br, lg. corner lot, great shape. Financing avail. Call 803-775-4391 or 464-5960

RENTALS

Horse Hay for sale. Tight sq. bails $5. Some for $4. Heavy rnd. bails $40. Some $35 Corn oats hog feed.

Call Warren 843-319-1884

Farm Products

6 Middle St. Must Sell 3/4 Br. 2 Ba New construction Financing avail.

Call 775-4391 or 464-5960

Medical Help Wanted PT LPN (Sat night only) To work in the Sumter-Lee Regional Jail Medical Units. Competitive pay.

All Applicants are subject to Drug Screening and the Issuance of Security Clearance by the Facility in Which work is to be performed.

Apply online at: www.southernhealth partners.com

Unfurnished Apartments Swan Lake Apts. Apply now.

Remodeled builds. in back, 2Bd 1Ba apts. in quiet, scenic neighborhood.

No section 8. 803-775-4641.

2 Apts Avail. 1 Br, 3 Room Apartment, 7A-7B Maney St. No appliances $325 mo. & dep Call 803-775-0776 Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette.

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Unfurnished Homes 3BR 1.5BA 726 E. Charlotte St. CHA, frig., stove incl., detached carport, $600 mo. Call 803-774-3000

3600 Dallas St. Dalzell Must Sell 3 Br 2 Ba lg. lot, lg. shop Financing avail. Call 803-775-4391 or 464-5960

Manufactured Housing For Sale Nice 4Br 2Ba DW w/ lg. lot 803-983-0408 Turn your Tax Refund into your dream home! Low credit score?

Been turned down for bad credit?

Come try us, we do our own financing.We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

2BR 1.5BA C/H/A, Stv, Frig, W/D. New carpet, paint. No Pets/Smoking $625mo. & dep. 983-8463.

Mobile Home Rentals 2, 3 & 4 Br, all appliances, Section 8 accepted. 469-6978 or 499-1500 Near Shaw: 2BR 1BA Part. furn. w /lrg porch $400/mo fenced yard 840-3371 494-3573

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015 Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water /sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd. RV parking avail. Call 803-494-8350

Business Rentals 306 & 308 Broad St. Each 1200 sq. ft. or could be combined. Immediately available. Call 775-0487 or 464-6235 for appt.

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale Moving - Must Sell Make Offer.

Immaculate 3Br 2Ba 3455 Oleander Dr. 406-9188

Estate Notice Sumter County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Estate:

Richard Scott Cain and Robert Maynard Cain 21854 US Highway 76 Newberry, SC 29108 Estate: Helen Montague James. #2014ES43007143 Personal Representative

Marie Dupre James-Roane 409 Clayton Drive Charleston, SC 29414 Estate:

Martha McElveen #2014ES4300717

Liza Jefferson 125 W. Bartlette Street, Apt. 513 Sumter, SC 29150 Estate:

Estate:

Tallis Yates #2014ES4300709 Terry W Yates C/O J David Weeks PO Box 370 Sumter, SC 29151

Farms & Acreage Hunting Land 53.26 Acres (Clarendon Co)Exit 122 Alcolu 4 ponds,established road. 4 in. well for stocked pond. Access to electrical pwr. Ducks, turkeys, fish, deer. $200K Call 803-481-2048 pin# 9129

Pamela Harrison 1255 N. Kings Hwy. Sumter, SC 29154 Jean M. Thames #2014ES4300020

Personal Representative

Leslie B. McIntosh 1685 Reynolds Road Pinewood, SC 29125 Estate:

George E. Gaymon #2014ES4300019

Personal Representative

Willie G. Moore 6465 Panola Road Pinewood, SC 29125 Estate:

Eugene C. Brown #2014ES4300011

Personal Representative

Mary Ann Knight 2358 Stevenson Dr. Charleston, SC 29414

Estate: Jonnie Mae Harrison A/K/A: Jonnie E. Harrison #2014ES4300716 Personal Representative

Charlene S Evans C/O Calvin Hastie Attorney At Law 17 East Hampton Street Sumter, SC 29150

TRANSPORTATION Estate:

Elvera Foecking #2014ES430004

Personal Representative

Autos For Sale Estate: Buy Here Pay Here, no interest, no credit check, no document fees, Floyds Used Cars, 1640 Toole St. 803-495-9585 or 803-464-2891

Jerry Harrison #2014ES4300212-2

Personal Representative

Personal Representative

Emery R. McElveen, Sr. 1800 Queen Chapel Road Sumter, SC 29153

Marion A. Jefferson #2014ES4300024

Personal Representative

Estate: Estate:

Margaret W. Cain #2014ES4300013

Personal Representative

Personal Representative

Must see! Large family friendly waterfront home in Deerfield,4BR 2.5BA Lg Rec room $1800 Mo +Dep Call 803-468-4659 or 469-0555 Brick House 3BR/1.5BA, lg fnd bkyard, garage, carport, appl, furnished, quiet neighborhood. No pets. Conv to Shaw $800 mo.+dep 803-847-7599

Estate Notice Sumter County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

Office furniture for sale, in excellent condition, Call for details 803-778-1139

Assistant Manager needed by the Sumter Branch of World Acceptance Corp. Valid Drivers License and Auto required. This is a Manager's Trainee position and a career opportunity that offers excellent salary and a complete fringe benefits package. Promotion to Manager is possible within 15 months. No experience necessary.

Apply in person at People's Finance 730-B Broad St. Sumter.

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

Mention this ad & get 10% off.

Experienced Diesel Technician Needed. Immediate opening for experienced Diesel/truck Technician for a locally based truck fleet.

Duties include trouble shooting, general repair and PM Service.

Experience with CAT, Cummins and Detroit along with hydraulic systems a plus. Benefit package includes: medical, dental, prescription plan and life insurance. Paid holidays, paid vacation, 401K, profit sharing and uniforms supplied. Must have tools and pass pre employment physical and have a valid driver's license. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Apply at FCI 132 Myrtle Beach Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153 or e-mail resume to tkrigbaum@freeholdcartage.com or call 803-773-2611 ext. 25 for Todd

Autos For Sale

Homes for Sale

Estate:

Marion M. Bowman #2014ES4300031

Personal Representative

Patricia Weaver 4715 Cayman Street Sumter, SC 29154 Estate:

Dorothy Mae Morant #2014ES430001

Claudia Miles 3313 Allen Road Effingham, SC 29541

Personal Representative

Joshua Ronald Lane #2014ES4300025

Estate:Marion Eugene Ardis Sr. #2014ES4300713

Personal Representative

Megan Lynn Lane 5695 Hugh Ryan Lane Dalzell, SC 29040

Nicholas M. Morant 3680 Bolden Lane Dalzell, SC 29040

Personal Representative

Betty Ardis 6 Edgewater Drive Sumter, SC 29150

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MAYOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUIT CITY

Š1 Š0DJQROLDŠ6WUHHWŠÂ&#x2021;Š6XPWHU Š6&

TUXEDOS AVAILABLE for rental or purchase

Winter Clearance Sale IN PROGRESS NOW!

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!

Wesmark Plaza â&#x20AC;˘ 773-2262 â&#x20AC;˘ Mon-Sat 10-7 â&#x20AC;˘ www.MayosDiscountSuits.com

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4 PIECE PLACEMAT SETS Sale $3.00 per set

Shop with us and Save on all of Your Household Needs . . .

Reg. $5.00

TABLE RUNNERS Sale $2.00 each

29 Progress St. - Sumter 775-8366 Ext. 37

Reg. $4.00

SELECTED ROUND COTTON BRAIDED AREA RUGS

Store Hours Mon. - Sat. • 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

1/2 OFF Regular Price

Estate Notice Sumter County

Estate Notice Sumter County

Estate Notice Sumter County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Estate:

Roy Laverne Osteen #2014ES4300014

Personal Representative

Estate:

Roseanne Nebblett #2014ES4300018

Personal Representative

Estate: Charles T. Geddings #2014ES4300023

SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! Low Low Prices Sumter School District IFB#15-0001 Maintenance/Custodial Uniforms Sumter School District is seeking qualified vendors to submit sealed bids for maintenance and custodial staff uniforms. The specifications and other pertinent information can be found on the District's website district.sumterschools.net Departments/Procurement Services.

You may also pick up specifications from Sumter School District Maintenance Department, 1345 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150.

The sealed bids will be opened on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the Maintenance Department.

The following vehicle was abandoned at Pro Glo Collision Center, 2085 Jefferson Road, Sumter, SC, 29153. Described as a Tao Moped, VIN # 19NTFACB1D1051719. Total Due for storage is $2585.00 as of January 16, 2015, plus $40.00 per day thereafter. Owner is asked to call 803-469-3895. If not claimed in 30 days. it will be turned over to the Magistrate's Office for public sale.

Let the

shopping begin!

Junior L. Jones #2014ES4300030 Rhonda Tomlin C/O Garryl Deas Attorney at Law Sumter, SC 29151

Leroy Smith #2014ES430006

Adopt Me 803-773-9292

ton BilLINCOLN 70 W. Wesmark Blvd.

Sumter, SC 29150

773-7339

www.biltonlm.com

My name is ARTEK and I’m a 2 year old tan male Lab mix.

My name is CLUMPY and I’m a 1 year old black and white male English Pointer/Boxer mix.

My name is Drake and I’m a 2 year old black male Lab/ Chow mix.

MY BUDDY B I F P I .

OR

ETS NC

Professional Pr Boarding, Gr Grooming & Clipping

35 Years Boarding Experience 33 Years Grooming Experience Lori Cook Briggs Groomer & Stylist

Graduate of Academy of Dog Grooming

Hours: 9am - 5:30pm Closed Wednesday & Sunday

Pet Supplies & “Life is Good” Dealer

773-2501

VISIT US ONLINE AT: Buster

www.sumterscspca.com Carmen

Catherine M. Zyback, D.M.D.

Drake

Gumby

S.P.C.A. • 1140 S. Guignard Dr., Sumter 11AM - 5PM Daily, Closed Wed & Sun Animal Receiving: 11AM - 4PM M, T, Th, F & 11AM - 2PM Sat

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, aka SPCA SPCA,, has an abundance of friendly pets looking for nice, warm homes with lots of love to share. Shown are just a few of the adoptable pets now available at the shelter.

Artek

Clumpy

2007

Abandoned Vehicle Notice:

Janet Smith Clayton C/O J. David Weeks Attorney at Law PO Box 370 Sumter, SC 29151

Melissa Gibbons 2465 Highview Street Sumter, SC 29154

OARDING NN

ASSORTED SHOWER CURTAINS $10.00 each LIGHT WEIGHT BATH TOWELS $2.00 each SELECTED HAND TOWELS 3 for $1.00

Personal Representative

Personal Representative

My name is GUMBY and I’m a 3 month old orange tabby male American Shorthair.

NEW ARRIVALS

Abandon Vehicle / Boat

Bid Notices

Personal Representative

Morenike Prescott 1425 A Airport Road Sumter, SC 29153

Hellen W. Osteen 535 E. Brewington Road Sumter, SC 29153

Estate:

Estate:

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015

803-905-5280 My name is My name is BUSTER CARMEN and I’m a PLEASE ADOPT A FRIEND! and I’m a 9 month old brown and black 1 year old gray and 2565 Lindo Ct. • Sumter, SC 29150 male Pug/Jack Russell white female Corgie mix.

Terrier mix.

Hobbes

My name is HOBBES and I’m an 11 week old chocolate and white female Lab mix.

Mikey

My name is MIKEY and I’m a 3 year old gray and white male American Shorthair.

Joanie

Marilyn

My name is JOANIE and I’m an 8 week old tan and white female Boxer mix.

My name is MARILYN and I’m a 5 month old tricolored female Hound mix.

Ophelia

Phoebe

My name is My name is PHOEBE OPHELIA and I’m a and I’m a 6 month 1 year old orange old calico and white tabby and white female American female American Shorthair.

Shorthair.

Waffles

Congaree

My name is CONGAREE and I’m a 2 year old gray tabby and white male American Shorthair. s k c So My name is SOCKS and I’m a 3 month old black and white female American shorthair.

Ted

My name is TED and I’m a 1 year old gray tabby and white male American Shorthair.

My name is WAFFLES and I’m a 10 month old gray tabby female American Shorthair.

Other things you can do to help!

Though not everyone can take a pet home, the SPCA is always accepting donations.

Monetary Donations • Collars • Animal Food • Leashes Cat Litter • Treats • Beds • Clean Newspapers Blankets • Trash Bags • Towels • Paper Towels Adoption Fee: $100.00 This includes the first vaccinations, first deworming and a voucher towards the spaying or neutering of the animal.

Hours of Operation: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Closed Wednesday and Sunday

1140 S. GUIGNARD DR.

BE A SPONSOR ON THIS PAGE AND HELP THE SPCA TODAY!

Happy Pets “Home Away From Home” For 35 Years

803-774-1200 or classified@theitem.com

Please Contact The Classified Dept. at

2 Locations to serve you!

1091 Broad Street 2022 McCrays Mill Rd.

SALES - SERVICE - PARTS

469-9030

Broad Street Ext. • Sumter www.sumterchryslerjeepdodge.com SALES HOURS: SERVICE HOURS: 9AM-8PM MON-FRI 7:30AM-5:30PM MON-FRI 9AM-6PM SAT 7:30AM-1PM SAT

Your Best Deal Is...Just Around The Corner!