January 27, 2015

TOP 2 TANGLE: 2nd-ranked Sumter girls will face No. 1 West Florence tonight B1 HEALTH

Scientists could soon set loose new GMO mosquitoes TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

A4

75 cents

Landfill Thirsty theater fans will soon funding get downtown relaxation spot debates continue THE WOLVES DEN AND RAYVENS VIEW

Concerns remain about possible leaks, improper permit for site

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

fairly and treated me like I knew what I was doing,” Garrett said.

The Historic Preservation Design Review Committee approved revised designs for the buildings during its regular meeting Thursday afternoon.

The committee was concerned with the placement of the emergency exit of the buildings because it will be near the entrances of neighboring establishments. Garrett said he understands the concern and wants his neighbors to know that the front door on Main Street will be the entrance and exit of the theater and bar.

“We don’t want people just randomly going near your offices at 10 at night when they’ve been drinking,” he said.

“This is a ticking time bomb sitting on the shores of Lake Marion and Sparkleberry Swamp,” said Rep. Murrell Smith, RSumter, on Monday about the Pinewood hazardous waste landfill.

While the amount of money needed to safely maintain and monitor the toxic waste site is being debated in Columbia, with DHEC asking for $3.9 million per year in addition to $1 million a year generated by a trust fund, and Gov. Nikki Haley proposing $1.5 million in addition to the trust fund money in her 2015-16 fiscal year budget, questions remain about possible leaks and improper permitting at the facility.

Former Department of Health and Environmental Control Director Catherine Templeton recently said it cost $4.4 million per year to operate the site.

In September 2014, Kestrel Horizons LLC, the trustee for the Pinewood Site Custodial Trust, resigned effective Oct. 31 after a bitter dispute about money spent by the company during operations and the need for additional improvements at the site to protect Lake Marion.

In a letter to Templeton, sent that same month, Kestrel’s principal owner William “Bill” Stephens Jr. accused the department of ignoring “objective information as well as critical needs for information and analysis and based its judgments on incomplete and inaccurate information derived from incomplete and erroneous technical analysis.”

Templeton left the position Jan. 8, and the DHEC board of directors announced the appointment of Eleanor Kitzman as director, subject to the Senate’s and governor’s approval. Marshall Taylor, general counsel to the department, was named acting director.

Stephens also said in a letter titled “Final Report to the Citizens of South Carolina,” obtained by the Columbia law firm Callison-Tighe through a Freedom of Information Act request, the landfill has “virtually no routine monitoring” of gases potentially leaking through the top of the site and said wells monitoring possible waste plumes along the sides of the waste site’s synthetic liners are inadequate to detect the majority of leaks.

He also said investigations have revealed “hazardous waste contaminants exist in substantial quantities and concentrations outside the landfill containment ... .”

In addition, attorneys with CallisonTighe, a Columbian law firm representing an undisclosed client, said DHEC has been allowing waste to be incinerated at the site

SEE RELAX, PAGE A7

SEE LANDFILL, PAGE A7

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Kyle Garrett plans to use the corner lot for a bar and restaurant at Main Street and Law Range and raise the roof of the property at 117 N. Main St. to house a theater. Guests will be able to bring drinks from the bar into the theater next door.

Owner hopes 2 buildings will be popular with young Sumterites

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com A young entrepreneur plans to build a bar and independent theater downtown with his sights on attracting young adults to the area.

Kyle Garrett, 23, recently purchased property at 117 and 119 N. Main St. with high hopes and contemporary ideas for The Wolves Den bar and lounge and Rayvens View theater.

The Garrett family moved to Sumter from England when Kyle’s father was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base about 1999.

A graduate of Lakewood High School, Kyle received a bachelor’s degree in digital film and video production from the Art Institute of Washington in Arlington, Virginia. He is

also the owner of Black Rayven Productions LLC, a photography and independent film company.

Howie Owens, downtown development GARRETT manager, helped Garrett find the right building for his project. The city offered Garrett a good deal on the property through its Penny for Progress initiative, and he said he was able to purchase the two buildings through bank loans.

After visiting multiple architects in Sumter, Garrett chose John Jackson of Jackson & Sims Architects to design the bar and theater because Jackson showed a sincere interest in the project.

“John was the only one who just sat down with me and treated me

Donations spike as more than 100 wait for heating help FROM STAFF REPORTS The reports of cold weather in the Northeast may have encouraged readers opening their hearts and wallets.

Fireside Fund donations were back up this week with The Sumter Item collecting $3,582.

That’s good news because the needs continue to pour in, said Christy

Lamb, the social worker with the nonprofit.

“We have more than 100 people on our waiting list,” Lamb said.

In previous weeks, she said the biggest demand was for kerosene. Now the shift seems to be more for gas.

DEATHS, B6

VISIT US ONLINE AT

the

.com

That’s appropriate because one of the two largest donations last week came from Palmetto Gas Corp.

Palmetto Gas and the family of Doc, Whitney and Risden Dunlap each donated $1,000.

Started in 1969 to help families keep

Charlie H. Holloman III Sarah D. Bradshaw May Sharp William J. Brunson Martha S. Willis

Jimmy D. Geddings Thomas Sweat Sr. Willie Budden Jr. Winfred B. Nathaniel Susie May P. Moore

Emily H. Cantey Sanford H. Weaver Sr. Itly Wilson Baker Clifton Prince Hedrick Galloway Jr.

warm during some of the coldest months of the year, Fireside Fund is a partnership between the newspaper and The Salvation Army. The Sumter Item takes in donations and gives them to The Salvation Army to distribute in the form of vouchers.

A few years ago, the publication

SEE FIRESIDE, PAGE A7

WEATHER, A10

INSIDE

SOME SUN

2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES VOL. 119, NO. 86

Intervals of clouds and sun; mainly clear tonight HIGH 51, LOW 27

Classifieds B8 Comics B7 Lotteries A10

Opinion A8 Television A9

A2

|

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Call: (803) 774-1226 | E-mail: pressrelease@theitem.com

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Commission to consider numerous requests Sumter City and County Planning Commission will meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday in City Council Chambers, Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. The commission will consider: • A request to approve the conveyance of subdivided property at 564 Eagle Road to siblings; • A request to approve a variance from an article to subdivided parcels of a residential lot on Red Lane Road; • A request to approve a major site plan for the construction of a 41,117-square-foot grocery store with a 754-square-foot kiosk and 12 fuel pumps on the corner of Bultman Drive and Kilgo Street, 585 and 615 Bultman Drive; • A request to rezone approximately 172.85 acres of limited commercial and light industrialwarehouse property at the southeast corner of the intersection of Frierson and Sargent roads, between Shaw Air Force Base and Stamey Livestock Road, to heavy industrial land; • A request to rezone a 15.4acre parcel of land at 0 E. Calhoun St. from general commercial property to residential multifamily; and • A request to amend an ordinance to define administrative staff level approvals.

The commission will also hear an update about ice vending machines in the city and county.

City council holds special called meeting Sumter City Council will hold a special called meeting and workshop at noon today in City Council Chambers, Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. Council will discuss a proposed property maintenance code.

County council to receive audit, hold public hearing Sumter County Council will hold a special meeting today at 5:30 p.m. in County Council Chambers conference room, County Administration building, 13 E. Canal St., to receive the audit for the county for fiscal year 2013-14.

On the agenda for council’s regular meeting at 6 p.m. are: • A public hearing before considering second reading on a request to rezone approximately 2.88 acres of property at 2132 and 2138 N. Main St. from agricultural conservation and neighborhood commercial to limited commercial land; • Consider third reading of a request to rezone three parcels of land at 2581, 2587 and 2577 Broad St. from split-zoned general residential and general commercial to general commercial; • Discuss standing committee appointments; • Consider second reading of an ordinance to abandon and convey a portion of Maxwell Avenue to the city; • Consider second reading of an ordinance to abandon and convey a portion of Paddock Court to the adjoining property owner; and • Receive council member reports.

4 teens nabbed in auto break-ins

BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com

Authorities arrested four teens implicated in a rash of recent auto break-ins, Sumter Police Department announced this weekend.

City of Sumter police collaborated with Sumter County JACKSON deputies to identify the four suspects, each of whom face multiple counts of breaking into a motor vehicle, criminal conspiracy, financial transaction card theft and financial transaction card fraud.

Records show authorities took both Marquis Jackson, 19, of 2457 Trudy Road, Dalzell, and Kendall Dow, 18, of 2245 Lone Rogers Lane, Sumter, into custody last Tuesday. Both men remained behind bars at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center as of Monday morning, each facing nearly 20 charges in connection with the string of break-ins. Dow’s bond was set at $139,000 and Jackson’s

tied the two 17-year-olds to a volley of break-ins within Sumter city limits while the older suspects allegedly participated in auto-breakings throughout the county. The areas hit during the rash included Oleander Drive, Rhododendron Street, Grimble Court and Tudor Street, NELSON officials indicated.

According to a statement issued Sunday by Sumter Police Department, the incidents took place primarily between Jan. 17 and 21, and the majority involved unlocked vehicles. Suspects knocked a rear window out to gain entry into the vehicles in some cases. Handguns, purses, wallets, keys, checkbooks, debit, credit and gift cards, an Ipod and a Skil saw were among the items reportedly stolen during the break-ins. One suspect allegedly tried to cash money orders that were reportedly stolen from one of the vehicles.

Authorities urged residents to lock their vehicles

at $103,000.

Authorities charged Dow with 10 counts of breaking into motor vehicle, three counts apiece of financial transaction card fraud and financial transaction card theft, as well as two counts of criminal conspiracy. Jackson faces 14 auto-breaking DOW counts, three counts of financial transaction card theft and two counts of criminal conspiracy.

Two other teens face charges tied to the thefts.

Malik Myers, 17, of Mayesville, was arrested and is being held at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia on unrelated juvenile charges. Police arrested Isaac Nelson, 17, of 4040 Queen Chapel Road, on Sunday and booked him on a charge of grand larceny, criminal conspiracy and 13 counts of breaking into motor vehicle. He remained at Sumter-Lee jail awaiting a bond hearing Monday.

Law enforcement officials

and keep valuable items out of sight in their cars. In recent months, Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark has said as many as 90 percent of auto-breakings involve vehicles left unlocked.

He attributed a high number of illegal firearms infiltrating the Sumter streets to being stolen from veMYERS hicles.

Sumter Police Sgt. Billy Lyons told The Sumter Item during an interview earlier this month that many thieves lurk around neighborhoods targeting unlocked vehicles and noted reports of the break-ins often occur in clusters. “If you see one case, you can expect at least five or six more in the nearby area,” Lyons said.

“That’s because they’re walking around and checking these unlocked doors. So I think people have got to get into the habit of (locking their doors). I think once you get into that habit, it almost becomes second nature.”

S.C. Supreme Court refuses to reconsider education ruling

BY SEANNA ADCOX The Associated Press COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Supreme Court has refused to reconsider its order last fall that lawmakers fix the state’s broken education system.

The state’s high court denied requests from the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Nikki Haley to rehear the case first filed by poor, rural school districts 22 years ago.

The justices ruled last November that the state’s fractured education funding system denies opportunities to students in poor, rural districts. They ordered legislators and school officials to collectively fix the system but mandated no particular method for changing it and

no timetable for doing so.

They also stressed that money alone would not solve the problem.

In seeking a rehearing, legislators argued both that the state’s high court overstepped its authority in telling them to do anything and that the justices needed to provide more direction.

Haley wanted credit for education changes in last year’s budget.

But the justices said there’s no basis for a rehearing.

“We are unable to discover that any material fact or principle of law has been either overlooked or disregarded,” reads the oneparagraph order, dated Friday.

Last week, House Speaker Jay Lucas announced a

committee was being created to study the issue. The group’s reform suggestions aren’t due until next January.

Lucas is expected this week to appoint the panel’s district representatives. The court mandated that legislators and school officials work together on a comprehensive solution, and the task force allows for that dialogue, he said.

Haley has said the court needed to acknowledge changes made last year at her recommendation. The ruling came two years after attorneys for the state and the districts re-argued their appeal of a December 2005 lower court ruling that gave each side a partial victory.

Haley called the timing of the ruling odd.

Traffic checkpoint leads to drug arrest FROM STAFF REPORTS A Wedgefield man was arrested during the weekend after deputies found drugs in his vehicle at a traffic checkpoint.

Peter Gilbert Jr., 24, of 650 Eagle Road, was charged with possession of marijuana and two counts of trafficking cocaine in connection with the incident, records indicated.

According to a Sumter County Sheriff’s Office report, the suspect pulled up to a driver’s license checkpoint along U.S. 378 in a Chevrolet car, and deputies immediately noted a strong odor of mar-

ijuana wafting from the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found a small plastic bag containing a gram of a substance thought to be crack cocaine.

After claiming ownership of the apparent drugs, officers arrested the suspect. Deputies noticed Gilbert was walking awkwardly as they led him to their patrol vehicle and searched him again. A plastic bag containing a gram of a substance thought to be cocaine fell from his groin, and officers found a small quantity of suspected marijuana in his pocket.

35-year-old man faces molestation charges FROM STAFF REPORTS A Sumter man faces charges following reports he molested a teenage girl he was entrusted to babysit.

Aubrey Stacks, 35, of 885 Salterstown Road, was charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor, victim under 16, in connection with the incident.

STACKS According to a Sumter County Sheriff’s Office report, the victim’s mother gave a statement to deputies Saturday afternoon. She said the suspect cared for at least two of her children while she worked. The mother said her son told her about the illicit sex acts, which the suspect allegedly imposed upon his sister during their stays at his home.

According to the reports, Stacks allegedly carried the teen girl into his bedroom on one occasion and closed the door.

He then showed the victim a pornographic video on his cellphone and subsequently touched the teen inappropriately.

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

Earle Woodward Customer Service Manager earle@theitem.com (803) 774-1259 Michele Barr Business Manager michele@theitem.com (803) 774-1249 Gail Mathis Clarendon Bureau Manager gail@theitem-clarendonsun.com (803) 435-4716

Member, Verified Audit Circulation

$40.80; three months - $20.40; one month, $6.80; EZPay, $6.80

Rural Route Home Delivery

Call (803) 774-1258

Call (803) 774-1226

TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One year - $174.25; six months $91; three months - $47.50; two months, $33; one month $16.50. EZPay, $14.50/month

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD:

TO BUY A SUBSCRIPTION Call (803) 774-1258 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Standard Home Delivery

Mail Delivery

TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

One year - $276; six months - $138; three months - $69; one month - $23 Printed on recycled paper with environmentally safe soy inks to reduce ruboff. The Item is recyclable.

Call (803) 774-1234 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TO PLACE A NONCLASSIFIED AD: Call (803) 774-1237 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TO PLACE AN

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

One year - $84; six months - $43; three months - $22; one month $7.50; EZPay, $7.50

One year - $166; Six months - $87; three months - $45.25; two months - $31.50; one month - $15.75; EZPay - $14/month SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

One year - $81.60; six months -

The Sumter Item is published six days a week except for July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day (unless it falls on a Sunday) by Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Periodical postage paid at Sumter, SC 29150.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, SC 29150 Publication No. USPS 525-900

LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

|

A3

Don’t miss ‘A Life in Art’ at gallery Louise Fudger and Susan Davenport talk with Glenna Robertson, 91, about her art exhibition during its opening Thursday in the Mezzanine Gallery at Covenant Place of Sumter. Robertson greeted scores of guests during the evening. She has been painting for more than 60 years. “A Life in Art” can be seen through May 8.

IVY MOORE / THE SUMTER ITEM

POLICE BLOTTER STOLEN PROPERTY A PlayStation 4 and several games valued at $1,000, as well as a PlayStation 3 valued at $300, were reported stolen from a home in the 500 block of Grange Road just after 3:50 p.m. Thursday. The home reportedly sustained $500 in estimated damage during the break-in.

A 2012 Honda CBR250R motorcycle valued at $2,000 was reported stolen from a Dalzell home in the 3300

block of Annie Street about 8 p.m. Tuesday.

A 32-inch high-definition TV, a 40-inch HDTV, a 50-inch HDTV, a PlayStation 3 and a Dell laptop were reported stolen from a Dalzell home in the 2500 block of Autumn Terrace about 4 a.m.

Wednesday.

A Verizon iPhone valued at $600 was reportedly stolen from a school in the 40 block of Miller Road between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Wednesday.

Various items valued at more than $4,000 were reported stolen from the 1100 block of Liberty Street after 10 p.m. Friday when the suspect allegedly drove away with the victim’s possessions in his vehicle.

DAMAGED PROPERTY Front and rear windows were reported busted out of a 1991 Honda Accord, which sustained an estimated

$600 in damage, in the 900 block of Kolb Road at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday.

RECOVERED PROPERTY A Ford E-150 valued at $12,000 reportedly sustained $1,500 in estimated damage during a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Jackson Street about 8 p.m.

Thursday. The Ford had been reported stolen from Savannah, Georgia.

A 2008 Toyota Camry valued at $7,500, reported stolen in the city of Sumter, was reportedly found parked on a dirt path about 500 yards off the road in the 3900 block of Queen Chapel Road about 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

A 2013 Nissan Altima valued at $18,589, reported stolen from Sumter, was recovered by the owner near the intersection of Fulton Street and Manning Avenue about 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

Diner market! Bubba’s BREAKFAST

JUST BACK FROM

NEW ITEMS ARRIVING DAILY

15% OFF

& LUNCH

HOURS: 6AM-3PM

DONUTS

LUNCH SERVED 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 11AM - 3:00PM • BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY SATURDAY

When Your Tummy Talks . . . We Got It!

ALL IN STOCK LIGHTING AND DÉCOR

SALE ENDS JANUARY 30 • SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY

841 BROAD STREET • SUMTER, SC • 803.774.7500

135 W. Wesmark Blvd.

803.77-LIGHT

MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. SATURDAY 10:00 A.M.- 3:00 P.M.

WE BUY AMMO!

We will buy ammo you do not want in your house.

We will dispose of old ammo.

• Rifle • Pistol • Shotgun Shells Thank You For Voting Us #1

33 West Liberty Street • Downtown Sumter 18 N. Brooks Street • Downtown Manning

Sumter & Manning’s Oldest & Largest Pawn Shop

A4

|

NATION

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

President seeks bigger wilderness designation in large Alaska refuge JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — President Obama is proposing to designate the vast majority of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a wilderness area, including its potentially oil-rich coastal plain, drawing an angry response from top state elected officials who see it as a land grab by the federal government.

“They’ve decided that today was the day that they were going to declare war on Alaska. Well, we are ready to engage,” said U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, RAlaska, and chair of the Senate energy committee.

The designation would set aside an additional nearly 12.3 million acres as wilderness, including the coastal plain near Alaska’s northeast corner, giving it the highest degree of federal protection available to public lands. More than 7 million acres of the refuge are managed as wilderness.

The refuge’s coastal plain has long been at the center of the struggle between conservationists and advocates of greater energy exploration in the U.S. Political leaders in Alaska have supported allowing for exploration and production within the coastal plain.

They have opposed attempts to further restrict development on federal lands, which comprise

Carrie Atwood, an entomological technician with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, sorts and counts dead captured mosquitoes in Key West, Florida, in October 2012. Millions of genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in the Florida Keys if British researchers win approval to use the bugs against two extremely painful viral diseases.

about two-thirds of the state, including within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

A resolution passed the state Legislature with bipartisan support last year urging Congress to allow for exploration and development on the coastal plain. A federal lawsuit brought by the state over the Interior Department’s refusal to consider a proposed exploration plan for the refuge’s coastal plain is pending.

The state in 2013 proposed an exploration plan that it said was aimed at determining the true oil and gas potential in the refuge.

The Republican congressional delegation, along with Alaska’s new governor, Bill Walker, sent out a joint news release Sunday morning calling the action “an unprecedented assault on Alaska.” Walker changed his GOP affiliation to undeclared in running for office last year.

Walker told reporters in Anchorage that while he is not leaning toward litigation, the state is reviewing its options. He said this is one more example of a restriction that the federal government wants to put on Alaska. He wants to reach out to other governors in hopes of banding together to fight the proposal, Walker said.

AP FILE PHOTO

GMO insects could be released KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) — Millions of genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in the Florida Keys if British researchers win approval to use the bugs against two extremely painful viral diseases.

Never before have insects with modified DNA come so close to being set loose in a residential U.S. neighborhood.

“This is essentially using a mosquito as a drug to cure disease,” said Michael Doyle, executive director of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, which is waiting to hear if the Food and Drug Administration will allow the experiment.

Dengue and chikungunya are growing threats in the U.S., but some people are more frightened at the thought of being bitten by a genetically modified organism. More than 130,000 people signed a Change.org petition against the experiment.

AGES ANTIQUES Come see our unique blend of old and new Furniture, Accessories and Gifts

Post Holiday Sale!

Hours: Tues-Thurs 11am - 5pm • Friday 11am - 3pm Or by Appointment and anytime the antiques flag is out

(803) 968-3308 • 462B Guignard Dr.

Even potential boosters say those responsible must do more to show that benefits outweigh the risks of breeding modified insects that could bite people.

“I think the science is fine; they definitely can kill mosquitoes, but the GMO issue still sticks as something of a thorny issue for the general public,” said Phil Lounibos, who studies mosquito control at Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory.

Mosquito controllers say they’re running out of options. With climate change and globalization spreading tropical diseases farther from the equator, storm winds, cargo ships and humans carry these viruses to places such as Key West, the southernmost city in the continental U.S. There are no vaccines or cures for dengue, known as “break-bone fever,” or chikungunya, so painful it causes contortions. U.S. cases

remain rare.

Insecticides are sprayed year round in the Keys’ charming and crowded neighborhoods. But Aedes aegypti, whose biting females spread these diseases, have evolved to resist four of the six insecticides used to kill them.

Enter Oxitec, a British biotech firm that patented a method of breeding Aedes aegypti with fragments of genes from the herpes simplex virus and E. coli bacteria as well as coral and cabbage. This synthetic DNA is commonly used in laboratory science and is thought to pose no significant risks to other animals, but it kills mosquito larvae.

Oxitec’s lab workers manually remove modified females, aiming to release only males, which don’t bite for blood like females do. The modified males then mate with wild females whose offspring die, reducing the population.

Have it done right the first time!

Weddings • Pageants • Proms Customized Fittings Crinoline Rentals • Gown Steaming

Corner of Guignard and Adams

Karla Dickerson

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Be Ready for Valentine’s Day! February 14

Cupid Suggests...

• Flowers • Gifts • Candy • Bouquets • Plants • Balloons • Stuffed Animals • and much more

Full Service Wedding Alterations Wedding Gown Cleaning and Preservation Formal Wear • Beaded & Sequined Expert Alterations For Ladies, Men, and Children

Nothing is too difficult • We do it all Over 25 Years Experience 577-5 Bultman Drive • Sumter, SC 29150

803.775.5096 Alice Van Allen - Owner

NEED SOME CURB APPEAL?

WE CAN HELP!

Order Yours Today!

LOCAL DELIVERY WE WIRE WORLDWIDE

“A Ring Around the Roses” 95-B Market Street 803-934-8000 www.aringaroundtheroses.com

Smoak Irrigation Company ompany LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION

803-773-3400

JOEY SMOAK

BILLY CARLISLE

Serving Sumter and Surrounding Communities Since 1986

NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

|

A5

Mom on trial accused of killing 5-year-old with salt

BY JIM FITZGERALD The Associated Press WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — A confounding and heartbreaking murder case alleging that a mother purposely poisoned her 5-year-old son with salt and documented his decline on social media began Monday in the New York suburbs.

Lacey Spears, 27, of Scottsville, Kentucky, who presented herself online as a supremely devoted mother, is charged with depraved murder and manslaughter in the death a year ago of Garnett-Paul Spears.

“This mother was intentionally feeding her child salt at toxic levels,” prosecutor Doreen Lloyd said at Spears’ arraignment.

The boy’s sodium levels rose to a dangerous point with no medical explanation, prosecutors said, leading to a swollen brain, seizures and death. They believe his single mother, who was sharing his hospital room at Westchester Medical Center, adminis-

tered salt through a feeding tube into Garnett’s stomach.

All the while, she was keeping followers up to date with 28 online postings in the last 11 days of his life, noting his death with, “Garnett the great journeyed onward today at 10:20 a.m.” She had tens of thousands of entries over Garnett’s lifetime, many about his doctor and hospital visits.

“My Sweet Angel Is In The Hospital For The 23rd Time,” Spears tweeted on Nov. 9, 2009, adding a sad-faced emoticon. “Please Pray He Gets To Come Home Soon.”

Jury selection began Monday with a pool of 90 potential jurors on hand at the courthouse. Several told the judge they had seen some of the extensive news coverage of the case.

In rulings delivered last week, Lacey Spears’ messages on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace were determined relevant and are likely to be introduced as evidence. Some of the posted photos depict Garnett’s declining health, said acting state Supreme

Court Justice Robert Neary.

Neary also found that prosecutors can tell jurors about Internet research Spears did on her iPhone into the dangers of sodium in children and the properties of iodized salt.

In addition, the judge said Garnett’s hospital records from Alabama, Florida and New York are relevant and “inextricably interwoven into the fabric of this case. They provide a history of the child’s medical issues and treatment leading up to his death. They illustrate the defendant’s role as custodian and caregiver.”

Prosecutors believe Spears often lied to doctors about Garnett’s health, for example claiming he had celiac disease when he didn’t.

Spears’ lawyers have not publicly detailed a defense strategy and did not return calls seeking comment. Attorney Stephen Riebling said in July that the defense would focus “on the relevant facts, not fiction.”

Spears, originally from Decatur, Alabama, was living in Chestnut Ridge,

New York, at the time of Garnett’s death. She moved to Kentucky before her arrest in June and has been jailed since then. A man who says he is Garnett’s father lives in Alabama.

Other evidence in the case includes bags used to feed Garnett which prosecutors say have “extraordinary” concentrations of sodium. The prosecution says Spears tried to cover up by asking a friend to take a feeding bag, “get rid of it and don’t tell anybody.”

The trial apparently will not include any reference to Munchausen by proxy, a disorder in which caretakers purposely but secretly harm children and then enjoy the attention and sympathy they receive. Some experts regard it as a mental illness and a defense to such crimes, while others consider it a motive. Several believe Spears’ case fits the syndrome.

Spears’ lawyers asked the judge to prohibit any mention of Munchausen and prosecutors said they had no plans to bring it up.

Milk industry fights back against ‘anti-dairy folks’ NEW YORK (AP) — The milk industry is fed up with all the sourness over dairy.

As Americans continue turning away from milk, an industry group is pushing back at its critics with a social media campaign trumpeting the benefits of milk. The association says it needs to act because attitudes about milk are deteriorating more rapidly, with vegan groups, non-dairy competitors and other perceived enemies getting louder online.

Julia Kadison, CEO of Milk Processor Education Program, which represents milk compa-

• Full-Service Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services • Unsurpassed Stain Removal • Detailed Cleaning • Hand Finishing • Garment Restoration • Specialty Cleaning • Bridal Services

nies, says the breaking point came last year when the British Medical Journal published a study suggesting drinking lots of milk could lead to earlier deaths and higher incidences of fractures. Even though the study urged a cautious interpretation of its findings, it prompted a wave of posts online about the dangers of drinking milk.

“I said, ‘That’s enough.’ We can’t have these headlines that ‘Milk Can Kill You’ and not stand up for the truth,” Kadison said in a phone interview.

Today, the “Get Real” social media campaign will be an-

to be up 39 percent last year, according to Virginia Lee, a packaged food analyst with market researcher Euromonitor International.

Meanwhile, the USDA recommends adults get three cups of dairy a day, including options like fat-free, low-fat milk or calcium-fortified soy milk. And the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which represents nutrition professionals, is supporting the Get Real campaign and its push to underscore “the decades of research reinforcing low-fat milk as one of the most nutrient-rich beverages available.”

warm, friendly atmosphere • painless experience • family oriented

717 Bultman Dr. Sumter, SC

www.DentalTeamofSumter.com

5635 Broad Street Ext. • Sumter, SC 29150 on the corner of 378 & 441

803.494.8466

-MEMBER-

803-778-1565 Monday-Friday: 7:00am - 6:00pm Saturday: 9:00am - 1:00pm

Pick up & Delivery Available

WASHER

Price is low on t to he items to se advertis e!

• GE 5.0 Cu. Ft. 13-Cycle • High-Efficiency Steam • Top-Loading Washer • White

DRYER

• 7.8 Cu. Ft. • 13-Cycle Steam Electric Dryer • HE Sensor Dry Technology • White-on-White

GTDS820EDWS

WASHER

• 3.9 Cu. Ft. • 16-Cycle • Top-Loading Washer • White

• 7.8 Cu. Ft. • 13-Cycle Steam Electric Dryer • HE Sensor Dry Technology • White-on-White

what is stars & stripes?

Volume 7, No.

6 ©SS 201 5

Stars & Stripes is a newspaper written for the military and has served American servicemen and women with editions printed and distributed around the world for more than 100 years. Now there is a domestic edition of Stars & Stripes that is distributed weekly to servicemen and women stationed on American soil.

FRIDAY, JANU ARY 23 , 2015

PUBLISHES EVERY THURSDAY ad deadline

DRYER GTWN4250DWS

almond milk, which is surging in popularity.

The campaign comes as milk’s dominance in American homes continues to wane as beverage options proliferate. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, people drank an average of 14.5 gallons of milk a year in 2012. That’s down 33 percent from the 21.8 gallons a year in 1970.

One factor chipping away at milk’s dominance is the growth of non-dairy alternatives. While soy milk’s popularity has faded, retail sales for almond milk are estimated

Little’s Personal Cleaners

JANUARY SUPER SPECIALS!

GTWS8350HWS

nounced at a dairy industry gathering in Boca Raton, Florida, in conjunction with the National Dairy Council and Dairy Management Inc., which represent dairy farmers. The campaign is intended to drown out milk’s detractors with positive posts about the nutritional benefits of milk on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere. Milk brands, their employees and others in the industry will post the messages and direct people to a website where they can get more information.

Online ads will also tout the superiority of dairy milk over

EVERY FRIDAY AT 11AM FOR NEXT WEEK’S PUBLICATION GTDP490EDWS

If you are building or remodeling, we have special contractor pricing.

Like Us On

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

more information at www.stripes.com ★ DISTRIBUTED IN AND AROUND SHAW AFB AND MCENTIRE *AROUND FT. JACKSON - BASE ACCESS PENDING ★

CONTACT YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL 803.774.1237

A6

|

WORLD

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Cuban youth build computer network despite Wi-Fi ban HAVANA (AP) — Cut off from the Internet, young Cubans have quietly linked thousands of computers into a hidden network that stretches miles across Havana, letting them chat with friends, play games and download hit movies in a mini-replica of the online world that most can’t access.

Home Internet connections are banned for all but a handful of Cubans, and the government charges nearly a quarter of a month’s salary for an hour online in governmentrun hotels and Internet centers. As a result, most people on the island live offline, complaining about their lack of access to information and contact with friends and family abroad.

A small minority have covertly engineered a partial solution by pooling funds to create a private network of more than 9,000 computers with small, inexpensive but powerful hidden Wi-Fi antennas and Ethernet cables strung over streets and rooftops spanning the entire city. Disconnected from the real Internet, the network is limited, local and built with equipment commercially available around the world, with no help from any outside government, organizers say.

Hundreds are online at any moment pretending to be orcs or U.S. soldiers in multiplayer online games such as “World

of Warcraft” or “Call of Duty.” They trade jokes and photos in chat rooms and organize real-world events like house parties or trips to the beach.

“We really need Internet because there’s so much information online, but at least this satisfies you a little bit because you feel like, ‘I’m connected with a bunch of people, talking to them, sharing files,” said Rafael Antonio Broche Moreno, a 22-year-old electrical engineer who helped build the network known as SNet, short for streetnet.

Cuba’s status as one of the world’s least-wired countries is central to the new relationship Washington is trying to forge with Havana. As part of a new policy seeking broader engagement, the Obama administration hopes that encouraging wider U.S. technology sales to the island will widen Internet access and help increase Cubans’ independence from the state and lay the groundwork for political reform.

Cuban officials say Internet access is limited largely because the U.S. trade embargo has prevented advanced U.S. technology from reaching Cuba and starved the government of the cash it needs to buy equipment from other nations. But the government says that while it is open to buying telecommunications equipment from the U.S., it

sees no possibility of changing its broader system in exchange for normal relations with the U.S. Outside observers and many Cubans blame the lack of Internet on the government’s desire to control the populace and to use disproportionately high cellphone and Internet charges as a source of cash for other government agencies.

Cuba prohibits the use of Wi-Fi equipment without a license from the Ministry of Communications, making SNet technically illegal.

Broche Moreno said he believes the law gives authorities latitude to allow networks like SNet to operate. He described a sort of tacit understanding with officials that lets SNet run unmolested as long as it respects Cuban law — its hundreds of nodes are informally monitored by volunteer administrators who make sure users don’t share pornography, discuss politics or link SNet to illicit connec-

tions to the real Internet.

“We aren’t anonymous because the country has to know that this type of network exists. They have to protect the country and they know that 9,000 users can be put to any purpose,” he said.

“We don’t mess with anybody.

All we want to do is play games, share healthy ideas.

We don’t try to influence the government or what’s happening in Cuba ... We do the right thing and they let us keep at it.”

Users who break rules can be blocked from the network by their peers for as little as a day for minor infractions such as slowing down SNet with file-sharing outside prescribed hours and with lifetime bans for violations like distributing pornography.

“Users show a lot of respect for preserving the network, because it’s the only one they have,” Broche Moreno said.

“But me and the other administrators are watching things to make sure the network

does what it’s meant for.”

The Cuban government did not respond to a request for comment on the network.

Before Obama moved to restore full diplomatic ties with Cuba, the U.S. made several attempts to leverage technology against the Cuban government. Contractor Alan Gross was sentenced to 15 years in prison after a U.S. Agency for International Development contractor sent him to Cuba to set up satellite Internet connections. He was freed after five years as part of the deal last month that paved the way for Obama’s new Cuba policy.

A separate USAID contractor tried to build a text message-based social network called Zunzuneo whose brief existence was revealed in an Associated Press investigation last year.

Joining SNet requires resources out of reach of many people in a country where the average salary hovers around $25 a month.

Tuesday is Senior Day! SENIOR BREAKFAST BAR Visit with your old friends and enjoy our world famous Breakfast bar for the incredible price of

$4.54

Tuesdays only for our friends 60+

...AND ALSO TRY Breakfast For Dinner ON THURSDAY ust J $ NIGHTS

We’ve Moved!!!

.............T Think hi k............

Lafayette f yettte G Gold olld & S Silver ilv ver er E Exchange x h ng Inside Vestco Properties We Buy: Gold, Silver, .925 Jewelry, Diamonds, Coin Collections, Pocket Watches & Wrist Watches Flatware & Estates

8.25

480 E. Liberty St. Sumter, SC 29150

226 S. Pike West • 378 Bypass • Sumter, SC • 803-773-3321

(inside Coca-Cola Building))

Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 5:30 PM • Sat: 8 - 2 PM

Proudly Sumter Great Food & Friendly Smiles For Over 35 Years!

Visit Serving us at Shoneys.com & facebook.com/shoneys

803-773-8022

C

M L AU G H L I N F O R D $

00

199

PER MONTH

OR

$

00

13,990

$

19900

$

PER MONTH

0

0 9 19

2013 Dodge Dart SXT

TH MON PER

$

19900

PER MONTH

00

$

2013 Hyundai Elantra

$

199 00

199

PER M ONTH

NTH MO R E P

2013 Chevy Cruz LT

2013 Nissan Sentra 2013 Ford Focus

$

199 00

PER M ONTH 2013 Toyota Corolla

2012 Honda Civic

All vehicles equiped with Auto, Air, PS, PB, PW, Tilt, CD and More • Several Colors to Choose from.

GOOD CREDIT, NO CREDIT, BAD CREDIT–NO PROBLEM!

773-1481

950 N. Main Street • Sumter, SC • 1-800-948-7764

www.mclaughlinford.com $1,000 DOWN ALL PRICES PLUS TAX & TAGS AND INCLUDES DEALER $249 CLOSING FEE WITH APPROVED CREDIT - 72 MONTH @ 3.9%APR SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS • PHOTOS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY

LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

RELAX FROM PAGE A1 The bar and theater will reflect Garrett’s ideal spot for 20-somethings to go to relax.

“I never liked the idea that all 21-year-olds like to go to smoky bars,” he said.

The Wolves Den will be a quiet, relaxing place for people to have a drink and enjoy great food and company without distraction, he said.

Cigars and pipes may be allowed in the lounge, but that depends on city regulations and the ventilation system of the building.

The bar and lounge is what Garrett classifies as a gastropub, which serves high-quality bar staples.

The Wolves Den will serve seasonal foods and international dishes with an American spin. “We want to be a little different, but we still want to bring people in,” Garrett said.

He plans to get all produce and meats from markets and farmers within the state.

“We understand that there are going to be things that we can’t keep in South Carolina, but we want to do as much as possible,” Garrett said.

And, although it will cost a little more, the lounge will try to have vegan and gluten-free options on the menu.

Lunch will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. until closing, which will most likely be determined by the city.

The establishment will be closed

FIRESIDE FROM PAGE A1 started dedicating the heating initiative in memory of a recently deceased individual who contributed a lot to the Sumter community. This year’s is named for retired Maj. Gen. Tom Olsen.

If you need assistance, contact The Salvation Army at (803) 775-9336. Contributions may be mailed to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151 or dropped off at the office, 20 N.

one day a week, either Sunday or Monday.

“We’ll just pick one of our slowest days,” Garrett said.

Rayvens View theater will have one screen and will show two movies per night starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are expected to cost about $12 per showing.

“It’s a little bit more expensive than the Beacon, but with the very comfortable atmosphere and the ability to bring your drinks in and actually relax at a movie theater, I think the extra price really won’t be that bad,” Garrett said.

Because the theater is accessed through the bar, people under the age of 21 will not be allowed to enter.

Rayvens View is an independent theater, meaning Garrett can show whichever movies he wants for as long as he likes.

“I’m not dedicated to whatever a studio tells me to play,” he said.

The theater will show first-run movies, classic movies and movies targeted for young adult audiences, although they “may be few and far between.” Garrett, a self-described “huge movie guy,” will show films from a variety of genres.

The theater may also be equipped to show 3-D movies within its first year of opening.

Depending on the seating and equipment in the theater, 50 to 100 people will be able to watch movies during each showing.

Garrett plans to get comfortable,

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

A7

LANDFILL FROM PAGE A1

separated seats for the theater. “You’ll have your own captain’s chair as you sit in there and watch the movie,” he said.

A comparison of Rayvens View to the Cinebarre in Mount Pleasant ends with the theme of a relaxing place to watch movies.

“We don’t want people ordering food in the theater because it would kind of take away from the movie experience,” he said. But the theater could serve free popcorn to moviegoers because of the cost of tickets and meals.

“You’re going to spend $6, $7, $10 on a meal. I’m not going to make you pay four bucks for a bag of popcorn,” he said.

The storefront window of the ticket booth will change to feature art from “local artists and local school kids” once a month or every other month.

Garrett is also considering renting out the Eagles Loft studio on the second floor of the lounge so local artists can host exhibitions.

Now that the designs for the bar and lounge have been approved, Garrett and his partners are waiting to receive one more approval.

“The next biggest hurdle is to get full funding for the project,” he said.

“At this moment, it is all in the banks’ hands.”

Garrett will run the bar and theater with his father, Pernell Garrett, chief financial officer; his mother, Dianne Garrett, senior vice president of operations; and friend Joseph Heikkila, head chef.

Magnolia St. Names will be printed as given, so please write legibly, and check spelling for accuracy. Also, please spell out acronyms.

Donations received as of Monday included: Doc, Whitney & Risden Dunlap, $1,000; Palmetto Gas Corp., $1,000; Mt. Vernon Coffee Club, $50; In memory of Jenny Jemming-Vranizan from Teresa Jemming, $25; Beuclare Chapter No. 20, Order of the Eastern Star, $87; Gene &

|

without proper permitting.

“They have been, and DHEC has been allowing them, to operate on a temporary permit that is supposed to allow them to operate for 30 days, and they have been for several years,” said Rick Detwiler, an attorney with Callison-Tighe.

Kathleen McDaniel, also an attorney with Callison-Tighe, said the apparent lack of a proper permit is troubling.

“We are concerned about air-quality issues with the incinerator,” she said. “It’s our understanding from reading the statutes that renewal is really not appropriate, and we think they are operating under an exemption improperly.”

McDaniel said the firm has made frequent Freedom of Information Act requests for documents from DHEC, with mixed results.

“We have gotten some responses back, but there are requests for inspection reports we sent back in June and July of last year, and we still haven’t gotten those,” she said.

McDaniel said Callison-Tighe is working for a client who has an interest in making sure DHEC properly manages the Pinewood facility.

Meanwhile, DHEC has consistently maintained the site is safe.

“Numerous environmental consultants have studied the Pinewood Site extensively over the past decade,” Templeton said in September. “The objective data and information provided by these consultants and Kestrel indicate the site is safe.”

Shirley Patterson, because we are so blessed!,$100; In memory of Frank Foxworth from Alice Foxworth, $20; In memory of Ed Hartin from David & Barbara McInnis, $50; Faith Sunday School Class, Grace Baptist Church, $75; Southside Baptist Church Ladies Missions Group, $50; In memory of Susan Smith from Faye Heape, $25; Sumterites Association, $200; Crosswell Mission Group, $25; In memory of Rusty Weinberg from Mary Weinberg, $300; New Bethel Missionary Circles 1 & 3, $70; In memory of

Samuel Witherspoon from New Bethel Adult Class No. 2, $25; Jarama & Rodney Nathaniel, $30; Charlie Pitts, $25; In memory of Mary Rivers Hiller, $100; In memory of Major Don Osborne from Daniel & Lucy Owens, $50; and In honor of Michaela Boles from Charlie Pitts, $25.

Total Combined Anonymous: $250 Total This Week: $3,582 Total This Year: $43,002.27 Total Last Year: $62,869.17 Total Since 1969: $1,427,185.46

DINE-IN OR ORDER TO GO

Join us for

Wednesday Night Trivia 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place Prizes!

Great Laughs & Music Pizza & Trvia 837 C Broad Street, Sumter, SC

803-774-7492 Open 7 Days a Week • 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

COME MEET OUR NEW SERVERS

PEPSI PRODUCTS PEPSI PRODUCTS

3/$

12PK. 12 OZ. CANS

9

WE NOW HAVE TWO LOCATIONS:

It’s Tax Time!

4/$

6 PK. 16.9OZ. BOTTLES

9

QUEEN SIZE $299 Bedroom Sets

Includes: Headboard, Dresser, Mirror & Chest

SOFA & LOVESEATS Starting at $399 Per Set TWIN SET

129

$

FULL SET

199 169

$

QUEEN SET

$

PILLOW TOP

399

$

KING SET

FINANCING AVAILABLE • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

FREEDOM FURNITURE 493 N. GUIGNARD • SUMTER, SC 499-2002 South Mill St. Hwy. 260

Odom Auction

674 WEST LIBERTY ST • SUMTER, SC 29150 • 803-775-7278 • HOURS: 8AM TO 9PM DAILY

Freedom Furniture All About Pools & Spas

539 A S. MILL ST., • MANNING, SC 803-433-2300 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am-7:00pm •Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm • Sunday Closed

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK.COM

A8

|

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

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

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

THE SUMTER ITEM H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

COMMENTARY

Hey junkies, it’s cookie time again

“I

t’s Cookie Time!”

That message haunts me as I drive around the county these days, as I see it displayed in store windows and private yards alike, reminding me of my eternal arch nemesis — the Girl Scouts of America.

For years, I’ve given in to their marketing schemes, the cheap ploy of having doe-eyed little girls come in and beg you to buy their cookies, telling you that they’ll get a merit badge/be able to go to Cookie Camp/get a new computer/be Queen of all the Girl Scouts/get to go on the International Space Station ... .

I’ll be honest with you, readers: Once the cookies have materialized, I’m not usually listening to the words coming out of Cliff the kids’ mouths. I have McCollum no earthly idea what it is Girl Scouts get for selling massive amounts of cookies.

I always assumed they got points and got to pick various cheap, foreign-made prizes out of a catalog to spend said points, not unlike the old Marlboro system.

(And those cookies are just as addictive as a pack of Menthol Milds. Don’t be fooled. People just haven’t found a way to freebase Thin Mints yet).

“Congrats, little Susie, you sold thousands of dollars’ worth of cookies for us, so you get to use your 2,000 points to buy either a spare tire to Barbie’s Malibu Convertible or two plastic mustache combs.”

Starting this year, you can also purchase the cookies online.

I’m not certain that giving people instant access to the food equivalent of black tar heroin is necessarily the greatest idea. I mean, isn’t “healthful living” supposed to be one of the Girl Scouts ideals?

Oh, those delicious, sinful cookies.

The proud Tagalongs. The delightful Do-Si-Dos. The Thin Mints. Dear God, the Thin Mints.

Why did they have to have Thin Mints?

(I’ll admit to consuming at least three Thin Mints while writing to this point in the column.)

And if I don’t buy them now, I may not get any, because Girl Scout cookies have a season.

When does Cookie Season end? Since when are cookies seasonal anyway?

Swallows return to Capistrano, but what about Trefoils?

What’s the average airspeed velocity of a coconut-laden Samoan?

This barrage of insane questions starts to play in my head, and I find myself handing over stacks of dollars to those green-clad little imps for boxes upon boxes of cookies, hoarding them for the inevitable cookie famine that shall soon befall the land.

Friendly freezers across the county will see random boxes of Thin Mints pop up within them, as I start geocaching cookies to be consumed at my convenience.

(Fact: Thin Mints are always better frozen. This is not open for discussion; it’s just true.)

I wish I had the strength to say “No” to these powdered sugar pushers.

We learned in the DARE program years ago to “Just Say No” to the evils of drugs.

I know just what to say to some junkie who offers me heroin or some Coke-bottle meth, but Nancy Reagan didn’t teach young me anything about what to do about a box of Lemonades.

So, I’ll keep feeding my habit, literally, continuing the cycle of addiction I’ve dealt with for years, hoping that a spot will open up at the prestigious Cookie Monster Clinic for the Cookie Addicted.

It’s Cookie Time, friends. Be afraid.

Cliff McCollum is managing editor of Gulf Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at cmccollum@gulfcoastnewspapers.com.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE In “How the Great Blizzard of 1888 Killed the Petticoat,” Amanda Hess writes about the evolution of women’s fashion on www.slate. com: In 1888, a blizzard hit New York City with such ferocity that it propelled the city into the 20th century.

Telegraph and telephone wires whipped dangerously in the wind, prompting the New York Times to call for an underground power line system. Thirty-foot snow drifts stranded passengers between elevated railroad stations, spurring plans for a subway system. And heavy petticoats made it so difficult for women to traverse the snow that it’s no wonder a sleeker silhouette would soon come into fashion.

Women who did venture into the storm risked being trapped in a prison of skirt and ice. According to the New York Sun: “A woman attempting to cross Nassau street was obliged to call for help. She said she had lost her strength, and her clothing was so entangled with her limbs that she could not move.”

By the 1890s, the feminine ideal of the “Gibson Girl” wore a tighter, narrower skirt, befitting what the Library of Congress calls her “more visible and active role in the public arena than women of preceding generations.”

••• Jason Gay reports on the craziness of Super Bowl week in “The Game Is Days Away, but Thanks to Deflategate, the Insanity Has Arrived Early.” Read it online at www.wsj.com: Super Bowl XLIX is still days away, and already, it’s my favorite Super Bowl ever. How could it not be? These playoffs began with a merry skybox snuggle between Jerry Jones and Chris Christie — what did that clutch mean for America?

— and now our nation is trapped amid the glorious entertainment of “Deflategate,” and all of its conspiracy-theorizing, scientific rumination and double-entendre hardyhar-har, as the NFL vows to probe the treatment and handling and shrinking of … OK, I’ll stop there.

I know a lot of people are sick of it already. Not me. It’s the best — the NFL being swallowed alive by national obsession and its own selfgenerated insanity.

On Saturday, we got another heaping spoonful of the surreal, when New England coach Bill Belichick returned to the podium in Foxborough and attempted to put a halt to the speculation party bus.

Belichick prefers to dress for midwinter scallop fishing, but on this afternoon, he wore a handsome but-

ton-down collared shirt under a Patriots short-sleeved windbreaker. He was more than a half-hour late. He grimaced his usual grimace.

Usually a Belichick media appearance offers little more than monosyllabic grunts, but the coach had many words here, among them “bladders,” “stitching,” “pressure,” “gauge variance” and “rubdowns.”

•••

From Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, March 5, 1946: [W]hat we have to consider here today while time remains is the permanent prevention of war and the establishment of conditions of freedom and democracy as rapidly as possible in all countries.

From what I have seen of our Russian friends and allies during the war, I am convinced that there is nothing they admire so much as strength, and there is nothing for which they have less respect than for weakness, especially military weakness. For that reason the old doctrine of a balance of power is unsound. We cannot afford, if we can help it, to work on narrow margins, offering temptations to a trial of strength.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR APPLAUD GOOD DEEDS OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT Matthew 25:40 (NIV): The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

This morning, as I read part 2 of Grayson Russell’s well-done article on our homeless population, these comments by a member of our Sumter Police Department just leapt out at me.

“Sometimes the more we interact with them, the more willing they are to accept our help.”

“We want to improve their quality of life, not diminish it.”

— Lt. Darien Quiroz If you meet this young officer, it is obvious that he has the ability to deal swift justice to those who want to victimize society and defy authority. Still he clearly is observant of the needs of the down and out and can show compassion for The Least Of These.

I thought about it all day and really wanted to tell him how much I appreciated that mindset. On the way home from church tonight, I happened to roll up on a wreck, and Lt. Quiroz was first on scene. I had the opportunity to personally thank him.

In recent months, law enforcement has received some black eyes around our state because of corrupt or thoughtless actions by some of its leaders. This came at a time when around our nation, they are already being demonized for simply doing their job, and because of political fear, facing possible

criminal charges.

I think it is not only fair, but it is also our duty, to openly acknowledge and support their dedicated actions, applaud their good deeds and to keep them in our prayers.

GLENN A. HARRELL Sumter

PRESIDENT’S ‘STRATEGY’ MAKES THE WORLD MORE DANGEROUS It has been six years under the President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton’s Arab Spring and the Russian Reset. This was initiated with the President’s European, Asian and Middle East apology tour about our past alleged aggressive behavior throughout the world. This was closely followed by Obama and Clinton canceling the Poland and Czech Republic antimissile defense program with absolutely no concessions from the Russians. Then when Russia attacked the Ukraine, the Obama Administration refused to provide any “requested” weapons to the Ukraine government to help defend themselves; however, meals ready to eat and blankets were offered. At about the same time administration initiated minimal economic sanctions when Russia took over Crimea by force. This is not to mention his failed attempt to further greatly reduce our nuclear missile and bomber deterrent force.

Now let’s turn to the Middle East and Africa. After the Cairo, Egypt, apology speech and about the Arab Spring, a number of uprisings did occur, and here is what happened

over the next few years. Libya is in crisis with a number of tribes warring for control, our embassy was closed, our ambassador was murdered with three other government officials … this all resulted from the Obama “lead from behind” military strategy. Then Egypt came under control of the radical Muslim Brotherhood who Obama and Clinton supported. Eventually, the military had to take control with popular support. At about the same time a civil war in Syria broke out with many outside combatants, consisting of competing Muslim affiliates. When the president drew the red line in the sand about the Syrian president using chemical weapons, he did nothing, and things got much worse. The Islamic State (the beheading thugs) was formed and took over a lot of Syria and a large part of Iraq. The Islamic State militant Muslim terrorist, probably well over 15,000, captured and controlled major cities in Iraq, while we had an embassy of more than 300 government officials in Bagdad (obviously including CIA operatives with satellite observations) and the administration was surprised about the Islamic military efforts for more than one year.

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

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your letter to letters@theitem.com, drop it off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St., or mail it to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151, along with the writer’s full name, 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.

TELEVISION

THE SUMTER ITEM TW

E10

WIS

WLTX E19 WOLO E25 WRJA E27 WACH E57 WKTC E63

FT

7 PM

7:30

8 PM

8:30

WIS News 10 at Entertainment Tonight (N) (HD) news update.

News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) 9 9 Evening news up- (HD) date.

Wheel of ForJeopardy! (N) 5 12 tune: California (HD) Coast (N) (HD) Making It Grow (N)

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

Parks and Recre- Parks and Recreation: Gryzzlbox ation: Save JJ’s (N) (HD) (N) (HD) NCIS: So It Goes A case shares a connection with an old childhood friend of Ducky’s. (HD) Shark Tank A mother and son share their business that has beautiful, cheap wedding cakes. (HD) Genealogy Roadshow: Philadelphia 11 14 - Franklin Institute Man uncovers possible Viking ties. (N) (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang MasterChef Junior: Raw Talent 6 6 Theory Goth Theory ValenCooks must complete sushi dish in nightclub. (HD) tine’s Day. (HD) pairs. (N) (HD) How I Met Your Anger Manage- The Flash: The Sound and the Fury A 4 22 Mother: ment Former cli- former student of Wells seeks reDowisetrepla (HD) ent. (HD) venge. (N) (HD) 3 10 7:00pm Local

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 10 PM

10:30

Marry Me: Friend About a Boy: Chicago Fire: Apologies are DangerMe Old friends.

About a Hook (N) ous Dawson’s first day as a candi(N) (HD) (HD) date. (HD) NCIS: New Orleans: It Happened CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Last Night A new widow is held for The Last Ride A woman is found covransom. (HD) ered in chrome. (N) (HD) Marvel’s Agent Carter: The BlitzForever: 6 A.M. Henry and Jo try to krieg Button Howard Stark returns to find the murderer of jazz saxophonist town. (N) (HD) Pepper Evans’ son. (HD) American Experience: Edison Inventor and businessman Thomas Edison is profiled, revealing a driven man who held over 1,000 patents and is remembered for creating the modern world. (N) (HD) New Girl: Land- The Mindy Pro- WACH FOX News at 10 Local news line No fraterniza- ject Beer pong. report and weather forecast. tion. (HD) (HD) Supernatural: There’s No Place Like Law & Order: Criminal Intent: The Home Sam finds a video of Charlie. Last Street in Manhattan Wall Street (N) (HD) murder. (HD)

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

News 19 @ 11pm The news of the day.

ABC Columbia News at 11 (HD)

11:30

|

A9

12 AM

(:35) The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Comedic skits and celebrity interviews. (HD) (:35) Late Show with David Letterman Oscar Isaac; Drenge. (N) (HD) (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Celebrities and human-interest subjects. (HD)

BBC World News International news.

Mike & Molly: Eight Is Enough (HD) Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Trophy Wine A wine connoisseur is murdered. (HD) Into the Wild Famous friends.

(HD) TMZ (N)

Charlie Rose (N) (HD) Modern Family: Benched (HD) Hot in Cleveland: Love Is Blind (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars (N) (:01) Wild Trans- (:31) Wild Trans- (:02) Storage (:32) Storage (:01) Storage (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) port (N) (HD) port (N) (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) Wars (HD) The Bourne Supremacy (‘04, Action) aaac Matt Damon. Bourne is 180 (5:30) Die Hard 2 (‘90, Action) Bruce The Bourne Supremacy (‘04, Action) aaac Matt Damon. Bourne is blamed for Willis. Airport terrorists. (HD) murder in a failed CIA operation and goes on the run. (HD) blamed for murder in a failed CIA operation and goes on the run. (HD) 100 North Woods Law (HD) North Woods Law (HD) Rugged Justice (HD) Rocky Mountain Bounty (HD) North Woods Law (HD) Rugged (HD) 162 Husbands Nick Husbands: Bad Husbands Tisha Husbands Duane Husbands: Model Husbands: Vote Husbands of Hol- Keyshia Cole: All Husbands: One in Husbands: Vote Wendy Williams hires a P.I. Sport arrested. kicked out.

Behavior for Kidney lywood (N) In (N) (HD) a Bazillion for Kidney Show (N) The Real House wives of Beverly The Real House wives of Beverly The Real House wives of Beverly Girl friends’ Guide to Di vorce (N) What Hap pens The Real House wives of Beverly 181 Hills: Live and Learn Hills: House of Cards Hills: It’s Just a Scratch (N) (N) Hills: It’s Just a Scratch 62 Restaurant Reversal of fortune.

Shark Tank Goat rental. (HD) Shark Tank (HD) Restaurant Startup (N) Shark Tank Jeff Foxworthy. (HD) Shark (HD) 64 Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) CNN Special Report (N) CNN Tonight Anderson Cooper 360° (HD) CNN Spc. Tosh.0 Angry Gin- Tosh.0: Ready to Tosh.0 Ratings Kroll Show: Daily Show (N) Nightly Show w/ (:01) @midnight 136 South Park: Gin- Kroll Show: Pleep Tosh.0: Spelling Tosh.0: ger Kids (HD) Ploop (HD) Bee Kid (HD) Hurl-a-Whirl (HD) ger Kid. (HD) Mingle (HD) boost. (HD) Bangs (N) (HD) (HD) Wilmore (N) (N) (HD) Blog Squad mem- Jessie Another Liv and Maddie Austin & Ally K.C. Undercover: 80 Dog Blog: Avery Jessie Wedding Tinker Bell (‘08, Family) aac Anjelica Huston. A fairy Austin & Ally vs. Teacher plans. (HD) tries to change who she is. (HD) (HD) bership. nanny. (HD) (HD) (HD) Pilot 103 Moonshiners Stuck stash. (HD) Moonshiners (N) Moonshiners (N) (HD) Big Giant Swords (N) (HD) Moonshiners (HD) Big Giant (HD) 35 College Basketball: Nebraska vs Michigan z{| (HD) College Basketball: Florida Gators at Alabama Crimson Tide (HD) SportsCenter (HD) Sports (HD) 39 College Basketball: West Virginia vs Kansas State z{| (HD) 2015 Australian Open Tennis: Quarterfinals: from Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia z{| (HD) Switched at Birth Emmett surprises Pretty Little Liars: The Bin of Sin The 700 Club Pretty Little Liars 131 Pretty Little Liars: Over a Barrel Se- Pretty Little Liars: The Bin of Sin crets abound. (HD) Hanna framed. (N) (HD) Bay with a visit. (N) (HD) Hanna framed. (HD) (HD) 109 Chopped Salad dressing. (HD) Chopped: Military Salute (HD) Chopped Leftover baskets. (HD) Chopped Redemption. (N) (HD) Chopped Sea creature. (HD) Chopped (HD) 74 On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates.

Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File 42 World Poker Tour no} (HD) UFC Unleashed (HD) Sports Unlimited (HD) Celebrity Sports Invt’l (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) NHL Hockey The Middle: The The Middle Axl’s The Middle: The The Middle (HD) Golden: Love Me Golden Girls: Val- Golden: Two 183 The Waltons: The Lost Sheep A mar- The Waltons: The Violated Olivia riage proposal. tries to help a soldier’s wife.

Hose (HD) foot. (HD) Safe (HD) Tender entine’s Day Rode Together 112 Upper Waco, Texas.

Upper Older home.

Fixer Upper (N) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Upper Country home.

Upper 110 Sons of Liberty: The Uprising Wife gave away plan. (HD) Sons of Liberty: Independence Freedom v power war. (N) (HD) (:01) Sons of Liberty: Independence (HD) Criminal Minds: What Happens in The Listener: Curtain Call Toby goes The Listener: The 160 Criminal Minds: True Genius Zodiac Criminal Minds: Rabid Three bodies Criminal Minds: Blood Relations murders. (HD) with bite marks. (HD) Longstanding feud. (HD) Mecklinburg... (HD) undercover.

Taking Dance Moms: JoJo with a Bow Bow Dance Moms: Bye Bye Pittsburgh (:02) Child Genius: (:02) Dance Moms: Bye Bye Pitts(:02) Dance 145 Dance Moms: Abby Got Served Abby feels outnumbered. (HD) (HD) L.A. preparations. (N) (HD) Triskaidekaphobia (N) (HD) burgh L.A. preparations. (HD) Moms (HD) 76 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) Lawrence O’Donnell (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) Maddow (HD) 91 Witch Way (N) Sam & Cat Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Prince Prince Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Raymond (HD) 154 Framework: Rock the Boat Framework: King of Pong Framework: Junk Genius Framework Piece falls apart. (N) Framework: King of Pong Framework Face Off: Let the Games Begin (N) Troy: Street Magic (N) Face Off: Let the Games Begin (HD) Troy: Street 152 Face Off: Return of the Champions Face Off: Monkey Business Third Artists coached. (HD) character. (HD) (HD) Magic Seinfeld (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Ground Floor (N) Cougar Town (N) Conan (N) (HD) Ground Dinner in156 Seinfeld: The Junk Mail (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) vitation.

The Candidate (‘72, Drama) aaac Robert Redford. Idealistic young All the President’s Men (‘76, Drama) aaac Robert Redford. A young reporter joins 186 (6:30) Condemned Women (‘38, Drama) aac Louis Hayward. lawyer faces truth about campaigning when he runs for office. a partner in tracing a burglary to the White House.

157 Big Fat (HD) Big Fat (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) The Replacements (‘00, Comedy) aac Keanu Reeves. A strike forces a coach to The Replacements (‘00, Comedy) aac Keanu Reeves. A strike forces a 158 Castle: In the Belly of the Beast Beckett undercover. (HD) recruit a team of second-string bench-warmers. (HD) coach to recruit a team of second-string bench-warmers. (HD) 102 Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Hack My (N) (:01) Hack My (:31) Hack My (:02) Jokers 161 Walker: The Prodigal Son Fam. Feud Fam. Feud Raymond (HD) 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 Si rens: Superdick (:31) Si rens (N) (:02) Mod ern (:32) Mod ern (:02) Sirens: 132 (HD) (HD) (HD) Snip (HD) (HD) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) Family (HD) Family (HD) Superdick (HD) Law & Order: Black Tie (HD) Law & Order (HD) Law & Order: Apocrypha (HD) Law & Order (HD) Law & Order: Born Bad (HD) Law (HD) 172 Black Hawk Down (‘02, Action) aaac Josh Hartnett. U.S. soldiers are cornered in Somalia.

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

‘American Experience’ profiles inventor as celebrity

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH We love to think that we live in an age of rapid change and marvelous innovation. We congratulate ourselves that we speak on smartphones connected by satellites. But satellites have been circling the globe since 1957 and the phone was invented in 1876.

To really appreciate a time of drastic change and revolutionary invention, consider “Edison: American Experience” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG check local listings). Calling on a wealth of period photographs and some documentary footage shot toward the end of his life, “Edison” celebrates not only his era-defining breakthroughs, but also his competitive spirit and ability to promote himself as the indispensable inventor of his age (1847-1931).

Thomas Alva Edison was hardly the first American inventor. The telegraph’s Morse code (Samuel Morse) and the telephone (Alexander Graham Bell) preceded Edison’s development of incandescent light bulbs, recorded sound and motion pictures, but Edison managed to turn the idea of Edison the inventor into something as important as the president and as popular as any vaudeville, radio or movie star.

“Edison” makes the case that, more than any one of his inventions, Edison’s celebrity and cult of innovation made

COURTESY OF THOMAS EDISON NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE / PBS

American inventor Thomas Edison sits in his laboratory in 1893. “Edison: American Experience” airs at 9 p.m. today on PBS.

Hunger Games”) gets to judge on “Face Off” (9 p.m., Syfy).

• Super Bowl prognostications take center stage on “Inside the NFL” (9 p.m., Showtime).

• Television creator/producer Shonda Rhimes (“How to Get Away With Murder,” “Scandal”) guest-stars as herself on “The Mindy Project” (9:30 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14).

• Raylan runs into resistance from some militia-types on “Justified” (10 p.m., FX, TVMA).

• Perhaps it’s fitting that a creation featured on “Big Giant Swords” (10 p.m., Discovery) is shaped like a whale.

fires on “New Girl” (9 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * Howard Stark returns on “Marvel’s Agent Carter” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Charlie returns from Oz on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., CW, TV14) * An opportunity for Will on “About a Boy” (9:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Restoring vintage Rolls Royces can be murder on “CSI” (10 p.m., CBS, TV14) * Dawson treats Casey with kid gloves on “Chicago Fire” (10 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14) * A jazz legend’s son dies mysteriously on “Forever” (10 p.m., ABC, r, TV-14).

SERIES NOTES American society synonymous with an embrace of all things modern. The era of Edison championed “better living through science” without a trace of irony or fear.

Some of us lived quite nicely before the Internet, cellphones and smartphones, but life before electric light, recorded sound or “moving pictures” is much more difficult to imagine.

• Seventy years after the liberation of the death camps, Wolf Blitzer hosts the documentary “Voices of Auschwitz” (9 p.m., CNN), including three survivors who spent their childhood in the camps.

• Fans of Johnny Depp can catch him as a bedeviled book

dealer in the 1999 shocker “The Ninth Gate” (7 p.m., Sundance), an undercover FBI informant in the 1997 drama “Donnie Brasco” (10 p.m., Sundance) or as Tonto in the 2013 adaptation of “The Lone Ranger” (7:25 p.m., Starz).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • On two helpings of “Parks and Recreation” (NBC, TV-PG), April mentors interns (8 p.m.), Leslie champions a failing restaurant (8:30 p.m.).

• The War for Independence begins on the conclusion of “Sons of Liberty” (9 p.m., History, TV-14).

• Josh Hutcherson (“The

London-bound on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * The Pied Piper arrives on “The Flash” (8 p.m., CW, TV-PG) * Top secrets in doubt on “NCIS: New Orleans” (9 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * A groomsman short on “Marry Me” (9 p.m., NBC, TV14) * A no-dating policy back-

PROTECT THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE.

LIFE

2014-15

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF TOM OLSEN

AUTO

II can can help help you you protect protect your your family family and and save save money money too. too.

N`k_ k_\ 8ccjkXk\ 8lkf&C`]\ ;`jZflek# pfl ZXe jXm\ N`k_ k_\ 8ccjkXk\ 8lkf&C`]\ ;`jZflek# pfl ZXe jXm\ fe fe Xlkf Xlkf `ejliXeZ\ `ejliXeZ\ n_\e n_\e pfl pfl gifk\Zk gifk\Zk pfli pfli ]Xd`cp ]Xd`cp n`k_ c`]\ `ejliXeZ\% @Ëcc dXb\ `k \Xjp kf ^\k k_\ hlXc`kp n`k_ c`]\ `ejliXeZ\% @Ëcc dXb\ `k \Xjp kf ^\k k_\ hlXc`kp Zfm\iX^\ pfl e\\[ Xk Xe X]]fi[XYc\ gi`Z\% Jf n_p nX`k6 Zfm\iX^\ pfl e\\[ Xk Xe X]]fi[XYc\ gi`Z\% Jf n_p nX`k6 :Xcc d\ kf[Xp kf glk pfli ]Xd`cp `e >ff[ ?Xe[j %

JAMES THORNE 803-905-1911

*(, N N<JD8IB 9CM; JLDK<I JLDK<I aXd\jk_fie\7XccjkXk\%Zfd aXd\jk_fie\7XccjkXk\%Zfd

Insurance, discounts and savings subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Discount and availability varies by state and product line. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Life insurance issued by Allstate Life Insurance Co., Northbrook, IL, and Lincoln Benefit Life Co., Lincoln, NE. Northbrook, IL. In New York, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, NY. © 2011 Allstate Insurance Co.

A10

|

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

AROUND TOWN tional Federation of the Blind The Sumter County Education will hold its monthly meeting Association-Retired will meet with the “King or Queen” at noon on Wednesday, Jan. youHOPE a retired educator? contest at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, 28, at theAre North Center, Feb. 10, at Shiloh-Randolph 904 N. Main St. Call Brenda Manor. Willie Wester, presiBethune at (803) 469-6588. dent of the Summerville The Shepherd’s Center, 24 Chapter of the National FedCouncil St., will offer public ineration of the Blind, will formation sessions from 11 to speak. If you know a blind or 11:50 a.m. on Thursdays as follows: Jan. 29, CSI-Forensic visually impaired person, and elder safety with Carlot- contact Debra Canty, chapta Stackhouse of Morris Col- ter president, at Debralege; Feb. 5, senior scans and CanC2@frontier.com or via telephone at (803) 775-5792. safety with Patty Patterson, For updated information, call retired police chief; Feb. 19, the recorded message line estate planning with Amanat (206) 376-5992. da Miller of Edward Jones; Feb. 26, planning your spring The Stroke Support Group (Overcomers) will meet at 6 garden with a Clemson Exp.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, in tension Service representative; March 5, tips, tricks and the Alice Drive Baptist Church library. Those who troubleshooting iPad and have had a stroke or heart PCs. attack, their caregivers or Clarendon School District One encouragers are invited to will conduct free vision, hearattend. Call Joyce or Wayne ing, speech and developmental Hunter at (803) 464-7865. screenings as part of a child The American Red Cross will find effort to identify stuoffer New Volunteer Orientation dents with special needs.

Screenings will be held from / Disaster Services Overview for new Red Cross volun9 a.m. to noon at the Summerton Early Childhood Cen- teers from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 1155 N. ter on the following Thursdays: Feb. 12; March 12; April Guignard Drive. This class is for anyone who would like to 9; and May 14. Call Sadie volunteer in any capacity Williams or Audrey Walters with the Red Cross. Call (803) at (803) 485-2325, extension 775-2363 to register.

221.

Robert E. Lee Academy will hold Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, its 15th Annual Cavalier Pride Inc., Nu Gamma and Eta Zeta Auction on Saturday, March 7, Omega Chapters will hold at 630 Cousar St., Bishopville.

Founders’ Day 2015 at 6 p.m.

Food will be served from 5 to today at Morris College in 7 p.m. There will be a silent the Neal Jones Auditorium. and live auction with bidding Free income tax filing services beginning at 5:30 p.m. A rafand FAFSA applications will be provided Feb. 1 through April fle will be held for a Yeti cooler. Event will also fea15 as follows: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 ture a chance to win $1,000 p.m. Wednesdays, SC Works in tuition credit or $500 cash.

— Santee Lynches, 31 E. CalAll proceeds will benefit the houn St., (803) 774-1300; 9:30 school to improve the edua.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, 3-8 p.m. cation of the students.

Saturdays, appointments only on Sundays, Goodwill — St. Anne Catholic School’s sixth annual benefit auction will be Job Link Center, 1028 Broad held from 6 to 10 p.m. on FriSt., (803) 774-5006; and 9:30 day, May 1, at the O’Donnell a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays and House. This event will in9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, clude heavy hors d’oeuvres, Lee County Adult Education, 123 E. College St., Bishopville, music, a cash bar and silent auction. Rafe, master of cer(803) 484-4040. For details emonies from J.R. Dixon Aucand appointments, call Ms. tions, will also conduct a live Samuels at (803) 240-8355. auction. Tickets are $25 per The Clarendon County Demoperson. All proceeds will cratic Party will meet at 7 benefit St. Anne Catholic p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, at School and assist in continuBassard’s Pond House, 4162 ing its various programs and Rev JW Carter Road, Sumfunding scholarships. Call merton.

(803) 775-3632 for tickets or The Sumter Chapter of the Namore information.

PUBLIC AGENDA SUMTER CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Today, noon, Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., City Council Chambers CLARENDON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES Today, 6 p.m., hospital board room SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL Today, 6 p.m., Sumter County Council Chambers

MID-CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m., Bultman Conference Room (201), second floor, USC Sumter, Administration Building, 200 Miller Road

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Intervals of clouds and sun

Mainly clear

Plenty of sunshine

Times of clouds and sun

Partly sunny

Mostly cloudy

51°

27°

49° / 28°

55° / 42°

61° / 30°

52° / 34°

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 25%

NW 7-14 mph

NNW 6-12 mph

NNW 6-12 mph

SSW 7-14 mph

N 8-16 mph

E 6-12 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 48/24 Spartanburg 49/25

Greenville 49/25

Columbia 53/28

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 51/27

Aiken 53/28

ON THE COAST

Charleston 52/30

Today: Mostly sunny, but some clouds in northern parts. High 48 to 52.

Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine. High 47 to 51.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 49/30/s 32/20/pc 72/47/s 25/10/pc 74/46/s 74/54/pc 66/44/s 26/17/sn 65/42/pc 31/16/sn 73/54/c 64/50/c 41/24/sf

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

357.74 74.21 73.76 96.28

24-hr chg +0.01 none +0.33 +0.22

Sunrise 7:22 a.m.

Moonrise 12:08 p.m.

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

trace 4.80" 3.33" 4.80" 2.50" 3.33"

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

58° 36° 55° 33° 78° in 1952 17° in 1963

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 52/34/s 36/31/pc 76/53/s 26/20/pc 72/53/s 74/54/c 61/46/s 29/15/s 61/41/s 32/12/s 75/54/pc 63/49/c 37/24/s

Myrtle Beach 48/30

Manning 51/29

Today: Clouds and sun. Winds north-northwest 4-8 mph. Mainly clear.

Wednesday: Plenty of sun. Winds west-southwest 3-6 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 51/28

Bishopville 51/27

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest.

12 9.35 19 5.84 14 8.44 14 4.11 80 78.53 24 12.24

Sunset 5:47 p.m.

Moonset 12:53 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Feb. 3

Feb. 11

Feb. 18

Feb. 25

TIDES

24-hr chg +0.26 +1.07 -0.17 -0.14 +0.04 +1.37

AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 2:26 a.m.

2:55 p.m.

3:29 a.m.

3:56 p.m.

Today Wed.

Ht. 3.0 2.7 3.0 2.6

Low Ht. 9:25 a.m. 0.0 9:42 p.m. -0.3 10:30 a.m. 0.2 10:42 p.m. -0.2

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 38/21/pc 52/27/s 54/27/s 54/32/s 41/30/c 52/30/s 48/24/pc 53/28/s 53/28/pc 50/27/pc 44/28/c 47/27/c 48/27/c

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 45/24/s 52/29/s 52/25/s 51/33/s 39/31/s 49/29/s 48/26/s 53/32/s 52/29/s 47/27/s 42/26/s 47/27/s 47/26/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 51/28/pc Gainesville 62/35/s Gastonia 48/24/pc Goldsboro 45/27/c Goose Creek 52/30/s Greensboro 45/24/c Greenville 49/25/pc Hickory 46/24/pc Hilton Head 53/36/s Jacksonville, FL 59/35/s La Grange 55/31/s Macon 53/29/s Marietta 48/28/s

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 49/27/s 57/31/s 49/27/s 46/25/s 49/29/s 45/26/s 51/29/s 48/27/s 50/38/s 54/32/s 58/33/s 54/29/s 50/31/s

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 44/22/pc Mt. Pleasant 52/32/s Myrtle Beach 48/30/pc Orangeburg 52/29/pc Port Royal 54/35/s Raleigh 45/26/c Rock Hill 48/23/pc Rockingham 49/24/c Savannah 56/32/s Spartanburg 49/25/pc Summerville 54/36/s Wilmington 47/27/c Winston-Salem 45/24/c

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 49/22/s 50/33/s 47/31/s 50/29/s 51/35/s 46/25/s 48/26/s 48/22/s 52/30/s 51/29/s 51/37/s 47/26/s 45/25/s

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!

SUMTER CITY-COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, Jan. 28, 3 p.m., Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., fourth floor, City Council Chambers

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

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Think big, but EUGENIA LAST budget wisely.

Keeping things in perspective will make any gains you accomplish sweeter. Romance is on the rise, and a positive change in your current living arrangement is apparent. A commitment can be made.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Share your thoughts and do your best to help others. Keep a close watch on the changes going on around you, but don’t let the temptation to follow suit get the better of you.

Too much of anything will set you back.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Romantic relationships will suffer if you don’t address your concerns honestly. Sorrow will result if you let anyone limit your freedom.

Think twice before you make a promise you will live to regret. A personal move will be beneficial.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Get into something that you have wanted to pursue for some time. A creative venture that allows you to use your imagination will turn out well.

Romance is on the upswing, and sharing your feelings will bring you closer to someone special.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Travel will open up new possibilities through the experiences you have or the people you encounter. Consider signing up for a seminar that will help you expand an interest or skill you’d like to learn to enhance your marketability.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Use your attributes wisely. Don’t let anyone put demands on you that will infringe on your ability to be and do your best, allowing you to reach your set goals. Put yourself first.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep your conversations with others light and playful. You will face difficulties if you address issues that you know aren’t favored by others. Use your intelligence to identify those you would like to work with.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Say little and do a lot. It’s how you handle situations that will count in the end. If you pontificate without following through, your reputation will be jeopardized. Take an innovative but serious approach and you will advance.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Focus on what you have accomplished in the past and you will bring about positive changes at home and at work. Expect someone to challenge you, and be ready to question the facts being offered to make you appear incompetent.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 MONDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

MEGAMILLIONS FRIDAY

1-2-15-34-37 PowerUp: 2

16-19-20-29-33 Powerball: 10 Powerplay: 2

14-15-32-68-72 Megaball: 8 Megaplier: 2

PICK 3 MONDAY

PICK 4 MONDAY

6-9-8 and 3-4-5

4-2-7-4 and 0-0-9-0

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Go over unexpected alterations being made by others. Look for obscure solutions and implement what you feel will protect you, your family and your current lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to take action even if you are forced to do so alone.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You will get the push you need to make self-improvements. Added discipline and greater opportunity are heading in your direction. Keep emotions steady and refrain from getting into conversations with anyone who appears unstable.

Love is highlighted.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Make an honest assessment regarding who you are and what you have to offer. Look back at past experiences and correct the mistakes you’ve made before you move forward.

Get the credentials you need to reach your goals.

George Tschorn shares a photo he took of the Nacoochee Indian Mound, which is located two miles south of Helen, Georgia.

HAVE YOU TAKEN PICTURES OF INTERESTING, EXCITING, BEAUTIFUL OR HISTORICAL PLACES? Would you like to share those images with your fellow Sumter Item readers? E-mail your hi-resolution jpegs to sandrah@theitem.com, or mail to Sandra Holbert c/o The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29150. Include clearly printed or typed name of photographer and photo details. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your photo. Amateur photographers only please.

SECTION

Kobe to have surgery, likely done for ’15 B5

B

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

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

PREP BASKETBALL

USC BASKETBALL

Flo-town showdown

Wilson, Carolina women top Aggies

Top spot in Region VI-4A up for grabs as No. 2 Sumter girls meet top-ranked WF

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com

BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press

The top two varsity girls basketball teams in 4A in the state of South Carolina will square off today. However, you wouldn’t know it by the way their coaches are approaching the game.

“For what polls are worth, we don’t even talk about the polls,” said West Florence head coach Kevin Allen, whose No. 1 team will play host to secondranked Sumter.

“A lot of people do and they think it’s imLOUDENSLAGER portant. Our kids don’t worry about that; they worry about where we’re going to be after we get to the playoffs.

“We’re not preaching that this is ‘the game,’ but ‘the game’ is if you would be fortunate enough to get to the state championship,” Allen added. “So I think you’ve got to treat this as any other game.”

Lady Gamecocks head coach Jason Loudenslager sees a lot of similarities between the two.

“They are very athletic like we are, and I feel like they do a great job of doing passing lanes, they do a great job of things in transition, but they’ve got the same flaw that we’ve got,” Loudenslager said. “Their weakness is probably the same weakness that we’ve got, which is being able to rebound the ball and occasionally being able to pound the ball inside and get big buckets when you’ve got to get them. I think we’re still trying to figure that out and they’re trying to do the same thing.”

Both squads bring a 4-0 record in Region VI-4A into the contest and are on double-digit win streaks. WF, which is ranked No. 1 in the South Carolina Basketball

SEE SHOWDOWN, PAGE B6

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter’s Tiarra Abram (4) and the rest of the second-ranked Lady Gamecocks head to West Florence tonight for a showdown with the No. 1 Lady Knights in a matchup for Region VI-4A supremacy.

PREP BASEBALL

COLUMBIA — Freshman A’ja Wilson scored 18 points, defending Southeastern Conference player of the year Tiffany Mitchell added 16 points and Alaina Coates had 12 points and 11 rebounds as No. 1 South Carolina remained unbeaten with a 79-61 victory over 12th-ranked Texas A&M on Monday night.

The Gamecocks (19-0, 7-0 SEC), WILSON who remained on top of the rankings for a 10th straight poll earlier Monday, put away the Aggies with a 27-8 run in the second half after seeing their double-digit lead shrink to 4038. That’s when Mitchell made four consecutive free throws to start the run. She added four more points and Coates scored six points as South Carolina took control.

Texas A&M (16-5, 4-3) had been the last time to beat the Gamecocks at Colonial Life Arena in 2013. But the Aggies struggled shooting as 14-pointa-game scorer Courtney Williams was 3 of 21 from the field.

Achiri Ade led Texas A&M with 15 points. Courtney Walker, the SEC’s fifth-leading scorer, had 10 points, nearly five fewer than her average.

Aleighsa Welch was South Carolina’s fourth player in double figures, the senior starter scoring 12 before fouling out in the second half.

Coates, last year’s SEC freshman of the year, had her eighth game this season with double figure points and rebounds. Wilson, the 6-foot-5 forward, had nine rebounds and two blocks for the Gamecocks.

South Carolina hasn’t had too many problems in SEC play, winning its six previous games by an average of 21 points and just once letting the

SEE CAROLINA, PAGE B2

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

SHS’ Martin Duke rallies to give Coach K 1,000th victory picks FDTC

BY MIKE FITZPATRICK The Associated Press

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com Javon Martin is ready for something different. That’s why he has decided to play junior college baseball with Florence-Darlington Technical College.

“I just wanted to get out of town,” said Martin, who is about to begin his MARTIN senior season at Sumter High School. “I want to get out on my own a bit and experience some stuff.”

While Martin may be going about 40 miles down U.S. Highway 76, there will still be a Sumter connection for him. The head coach of FDTC is former Lakewood High School and Sumter P-15’s player Preston McDonald, and his assistant is former Lakewood assistant Doug Gammell.

Martin was a key performer on Sumter High’s 2014 4A state championship team and the P-15’s American Legion state runner-up squad. His ability go play all over the field gives his

SEE MARTIN, PAGE B2

NEW YORK — Make no mistake: Mike Krzyzewski is proud of his 1,000 wins.

Just don’t expect him to keep chasing milestones much longer.

“There’s an end in sight.

I’m going to be 68 next month. It’ll end sooner than later,’’ he said.

Krzyzewski became the first NCAA Division I men’s coach to get 1,000 wins when No. 5 Duke surged past St. John’s late in the second half Sunday for a 77-68 victory at Madison Square Garden.

Tyus Jones scored 22 points and the Blue Devils (17-2) went on an 18-2 run down the stretch to put Coach K in four figures on his first try.

“There will be others that win more, but it is kind of neat to be the first one to 1,000,’’ he said.

Coach 1K. How grand, indeed.

Krzyzewski shared the moment with his family, pointing out that two of his three daughters and seven of his nine grandchildren were in attendance as he

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, center, celebrates with his players after his 1,000th career victory on Sunday against St. John’s at Madison Square Garden in New York. Krzyzewski became the first men’s coach in Division I history with 1,000 wins. spoke in the postgame interview room.

But he could do without all the recent hoopla and individual adulation.

“I’m glad it’s over,’’ Krzyzewski said. “There have been so many articles written. There were things

written that I didn’t even know about me.

“Now, no more stories about my past or whatever,’’ he pleaded. “Enough is enough.’’

Jahlil Okafor had 17 points and 10 rebounds, combining with Jones and

Quinn Cook (17 points) to fuel the decisive spurt after Duke trailed by 10 with 8:15 remaining.

That’s when the Blue Devils finally began to look like a Krzyzewski-coached

SEE COACH K, PAGE B5

B2

|

SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

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

5:45 p.m. -- Girls and Boys High School Basketball: Buford at North Central (WPUB-FM 102.

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

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: George Washington at Virginia Commonwealth (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Nebraska at Michigan (ESPN).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Tulsa at Tulane (ESPNEWS).

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

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech (ESPNU).

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

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Vanderbilt at Georgia (SEC NETWORK).

7:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Cleveland at Detroit (NBA TV).

7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Tampa Bay at Carolina (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Florida at Alabama (ESPN).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Baylor at Oklahoma State (ESPNEWS).

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

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Tennessee at Arkansas (ESPNU).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: DePaul at Providence (FOX SPORTS 1).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Texas A&M at Auburn (SEC NEWORK).

10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Chicago at Golden State (NBA TV).

11 p.m. -- College Basketball: Colorado State at Boise State (ESPNU).

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

3:30 a.m. -- Professional Tennis: Australian Open Men’s and Women’s Quarterfinal Matches from Melbourne, Australia (ESPN2).

L 12 14 15 17 21

Pct .721 .689 .667 .630 .523

GB – 1 2 3 1/2 8 1/2

L 13 22 26 28 36

Pct .711 .500 .409 .364 .163

GB – 91/2 13 1/2 15 1/2 24

L 6 14 20 27 33

Pct .857 .682 .565 .372 .267

GB – 7 12 20 1/2 25 1/2

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

Epps’ 27 points power Furman past Hillcrest Trevious Epps had a game-high 27 points to lead Furman Middle School to a 65-34 victory over Hillcrest on Monday.

Juwan Perdue had 10 points.

Allen Clark added seven points and 10 rebounds for Furman.

The Indians will take on Mayewood next Monday.

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Miami 96, Chicago 84 Cleveland 108, Oklahoma City 98 L.A. Clippers 120, Phoenix 100 New Orleans 109, Dallas 106 Atlanta 112, Minnesota 100 Indiana 106, Orlando 99 San Antonio 101, Milwaukee 95 Toronto 114, Detroit 110 Golden State 114, Boston 111 Washington 117, Denver 115, OT Houston 99, L.A. Lakers 87

LEE CENTRAL 65 SCOTT’S BRANCH 47

BISHOPVILLE — Lee Central improved to 7-0 in region play with a 65-47 victory over Scott’s Branch on Monday.

Rashien Lyde led Lee Central with 22 points. Deablo Halley contributed a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. Javonte McCloud and Derrick Joye each added 10 points.

LC, which improved to 8-2 on the season, will travel to Kingstree on Wednesday.

MONDAY’S GAMES

Portland at Brooklyn, ppd, snow Sacramento at New York, ppd, snow Philadelphia at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Minnesota at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

Orlando at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Boston at Utah, 9 p.m.

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

TODAY’S GAMES

Toronto at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Milwaukee at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Memphis at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

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

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

NFL PLAYOFFS The Associated Press

ALICE DRIVE 73

PRO BOWL

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

Varsity Basketball Sumter at West Florence, 6 p.m.

Crestwood at Marlboro County, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Hartsville, 6 p.m.

Manning at Darlington, 6 p.m.

Colleton Prep at St. Francis Xavier (Boys Only), 6 p.m.

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

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

Wilson Hall at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Trinity-Byrnes, 4 p.m.

Dorchester at Clarendon Hall, 4 p.m.

Sumter Christian at Orangeburg Christian (No JV Girls), 5 p.m.

B Team Basketball Camden Military at Wilson Hall (Boys Only), 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter, Conway, Carolina Forest at Socastee, TBA

WEDNESDAY

B Team Basketball Laurence Manning at Thomas Sumter, 6 p.m.

Thomas Hart at Robert E. Lee, 4 p.m.

THURSDAY

Varsity Basketball Andrew Jackson Academy at St. Francis Xavier (Boys Only), 6 p.m.

Varsity and JV Basketball The King’s Academy at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

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

Crestwood at Manning, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Darlington, 6 p.m.

B Team Basketball Timmerman at Robert E. Lee, 5 p.m.

Middle School Basketball Chestnut Oaks at Alice Drive, 5 p.m.

Bates at Ebenezer, 5 p.m.

Mayewood at Hillcrest, 5 p.m.

Hannah-Pamplico at Scott’s Branch, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Varsity Basketball Conway at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Manning at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Darlington at Lakewood, 6 p.m.

Timmonsville at East Clarendon, 6 p.m.

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

Palmetto Scholar’s Academy at Scott’s Branch (No JV Girls), 5 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Orangeburg Prep, 4 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

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

Clarendon Hall at Colleton Prep, 4 p.m.

Sumter Christian at Grace Christian, 4 p.m.

Varsity Bowling Wilson Hall, Thomas Sumter, Laurence Manning in SCISA Individual State Championship, TBA

EBENEZER 50

Jan. 25 At Glendale, Ariz.

Team Irvin 32, Team Carter 28

Alice Drive Middle School defeated Ebenezer Middle School 73-50 on Monday.

Kwaleek Jones led the Hawks with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Keonte Gregg and O’Donnell Fortune added 10 points apiece.

The Hawks will host Chestnut Oaks on Thursday.

SUPER BOWL XLIX

Sunday At Glendale, Ariz.

New England vs. Seattle, 6:30 p.m. (NBC)

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Tampa Bay 48 30 Detroit 47 27 Montreal 45 29 Boston 48 25 Florida 44 20 Ottawa 46 19 Toronto 48 22 Buffalo 47 14 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W N.Y. Islanders 46 31 Pittsburgh 46 26 N.Y. Rangers 44 27 Washington 46 24 Philadelphia 48 19 Columbus 45 20 New Jersey 47 17 Carolina 46 16

L 14 11 13 16 14 18 23 30

OT 4 9 3 7 10 9 3 3

Pts 64 63 61 57 50 47 47 31

GF 156 139 123 126 107 126 142 89

GA 127 119 106 121 122 128 150 167

L 14 12 13 13 22 22 22 25

OT 1 8 4 9 7 3 8 5

Pts 63 60 58 57 45 43 42 37

GF 151 138 134 137 130 113 107 98

GA 129 117 106 120 146 142 134 120

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION Nashville St. Louis Chicago Winnipeg Colorado Dallas Minnesota PACIFIC DIVISION

GP 45 46 47 48 48 46 46

GP Anaheim 47 San Jose 48 Vancouver 45 Calgary 47 Los Angeles 47 Arizona 46 Edmonton 47 NOTE: Two points time loss.

W 30 29 30 26 20 21 20 W 31 25 26 25 20 16 12 for

L 10 13 15 14 18 18 20

OT 5 4 2 8 10 7 6

PTS 65 62 62 60 50 49 46

GF 137 148 148 135 125 144 128

GA 104 111 108 117 137 151 137

L OT Pts GF GA 10 6 68 139 124 17 6 56 131 132 16 3 55 124 114 19 3 53 136 125 15 12 52 129 126 25 5 37 105 156 26 9 33 109 158 a win, one point for over-

SUNDAY’S GAME

All-Star Game: Team Toews 17, Team Foligno 12

MONDAY’S GAMES

No games scheduled

TODAY’S GAMES

SATURDAY

Varsity Basketball St. Francis Xavier vs. Covenant Classical Christian (at Glenforest School in Columbia), 5:30 p.m.

B Team Basketball Thomas Sumter at Calhoun, 10 a.m.

Middle School Basketball Lee Central at Mayewood, noon Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Region VI-4A Individual Tournament (at Sumter High), 11 a.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

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

Arizona at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Winnipeg at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

Washington at Columbus, 7 p.m.

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

Dallas at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

Detroit at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Colorado at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Buffalo at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Minnesota at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m.

Anaheim at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

BATES 59 CHESTNUT OAKS 51

Bates Middle School defeated Chestnut Oaks 59-51 on Monday.

Dimone McKnight led Bates with 18 points. Calvin Felder had

a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Kareem Burson Wells added 14 points and nine assists.

The Bantams will travel to face Ebenezer on Thursday.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL THOMAS SUMTER 44 TRINITY-BYRNES 34 FLORENCE — Thomas Sumter Academy defeated Trinity-Byrnes 44-34 on Monday to improve to 8-5 on the season.

Ryan Dixon and Josh Fugate each led TSA with nine points.

Eric Lisenby and Ross Campbell added seven.

The JV Generals will host Laurence Manning on Friday.

SUMTER 50 WEST FLORENCE 34

Sumter High improved to 10-1 overall and 5-0 in conference play with a 50-34 victory over West Florence on Monday.

Jalen Corbett led the JV Gamecocks with 22 points while Darius Williams added 11. SHS will travel to Conway on Thursday.

LAKEWOOD 42 HARTSVILLE 34

Lakewood improved to 10-4 on the season with a 42-34 victory over Hartsville on Monday.

Latheron Rogers-Anderson led the JV Gators with 17 points.

Malik Wilson added 10 points and Wayne Ragin pitched in eight.

LHS will travel to Darlington on Thursday.

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

Lee Central Middle improves to 10-0 BISHOPVILLE— Lee Central Middle School improved to 10-0 on season with a 39-10 over Scott’s Branch Middle School on Monday.

Tashanna Harris led LC with 14 points.

ALICE DRIVE 32 EBENEZER 14

Alice Drive Middle School defeated Ebenezer 32-14 on Monday.

Taneisha Taylor led the team with 11 points. Amani and Tamerah Brown each contributed eight points. Fatima Abarca had three points and Jardaisha McGee added two.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL CRESTWOOD 34 MARLBORO COUNTY 11

Crestwood High School defeated Marlboro County 34-11 to improve to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in region play on Monday.

Alexandria Dukes led Crestwood with 11 points. Keonna McElveen and Azariah Dixon each chimed in with eight points.

Crestwood will travel to face Manning on Thursday.

WILSON HALL 38 ORANGEBURG PREP 8

ORANGEBURG — Wilson Hall defeated Orangeburg Prep 38-8 on Monday.

Haley McCaffrey and Madison Elmore each had eight points to lead WH. The Lady Barons will host Laurence Manning Academy on Monday.

FURMAN 50 HILLCREST 25

Furman Middle School defeated Hillcrest 50-25 on Monday.

Sedajah Rembert had 16 points to lead Hillcrest, which fell to 2-8 on the season.

TENNIS

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE

AUSTRALIAN OPEN RESULTS

ATLANTIC DIVISION W Toronto 29 Brooklyn 18 Boston 15 Philadelphia 8 New York 8 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W Atlanta 37 Washington 30 Miami 20 Charlotte 19 Orlando 15 CENTRAL DIVISION W Chicago 29 Cleveland 25 Milwaukee 22 Detroit 17 Indiana 16

W Memphis 31 Houston 31 Dallas 30 San Antonio 29 New Orleans 23 NORTHWEST DIVISION W Portland 32 Oklahoma City 22 Denver 18 Utah 16 Minnesota 7 PACIFIC DIVISION W Golden State 36 L.A. Clippers 30 Phoenix 26 Sacramento 16 L.A. Lakers 12

THE SUMTER ITEM

L 15 26 27 36 37

Pct .659 .409 .357 .182 .178

GB – 11 13 21 21 1/2

L 8 15 24 26 32

Pct .822 .667 .455 .422 .319

GB – 7 16 1/2 18 23

L 17 20 22 28 30

Pct .630 .556 .500 .378 .348

GB – 3 1/2 6 11 1/2 13

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION

CAROLINA

Monday At Melbourne Park Melbourne, Australia Purse: $32.9 million (Grand Slam) Surface: Hard-Outdoor Singles Men Fourth Round Stan Wawrinka (4), Switzerland, def. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, Spain, 7-6 (2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (8).

Kei Nishikori (5), Japan, def. David Ferrer (9), Spain, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Milos Raonic (8), Canada, def. Feliciano Lopez (12), Spain, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (7), 6-3.

Novak Djokovic (1), Serbia, def. Gilles Muller, Luxembourg, 6-4, 7-5, 7-5.

Women Fourth Round Dominika Cibulkova (11), Slovakia, def. Victoria Azarenka, Belarus, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Serena Williams (1), United States, def. Garbine Muguruza (24), Spain, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Madison Keys, United States, def. Madison Brengle, United States, 6-2, 6-4.

Venus Williams (18), United States, def. Agnieszka Radwanska (6), Poland, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.

FRANK’S

FROM PAGE B1 opponent reach 60 points.

Texas A&M, with the league’s fifth and sixth highest scorers in Walker and Williams, figured to test that threshold. And when Williams hit a basket with 7:48 left in the opening half, the Aggies were up 24-20.

That’s when the Gamecocks used their size to go a 14-0 run to wrest away control from Texas A&M. The 6-foot-5 Wilson began the surge with a basket before Tina Roy tied things with a driving layup and 6-4 Alaina Coates add another inside bucket to move in front. When Elem Ibiam, another 6-4 forward for South Carolina, hit a layup, the Gamecocks were up 34-24 and cruising.

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973

tines Valen ial!

Spec A Sweet Deal For Your Sweetheart

Everybody L ves Frank’s!

Book Of 5 Full Service Washes Now Only $70 - Save $30 exp.2/15/15 Book Of 10 Full Service Washes Now Only $120 - Save $80 exp.2/15/15 Book Of 5 Turtle Wax Ice Deluxe Washes Now Only $120-Save $40 exp.2/15/15

S UMTER ● 1008 Broad St

COLUMBIA ● 601 Bush River Rd COLUMBIA ● 4741 Forest Dr LEXINGTON ● 516 Columbia Ave

IRMO ● 1113 Lake Murray Blvd Orangeburg ● 976 John C. Calhoun

www.frankscarwash.com w ww.frankscarwash.com

MARTIN FROM PAGE B1 coaches different options. The only position he didn’t play for the P-15’s this past season was catcher.

“Javon is the type of player who can help you in so many ways,” said Sumter High head coach Brooks Shumake. “He makes all of the players, no matter where you put him. He’s just very versatile. He finds ways to get on base for you as well.”

Martin batted .300 for the Gamecocks, getting 15 hits in 50 at-bats. However, he had an on-

Wax Special

Good Everyday

Express Handwax

FRANK’S

Good Monday, Tuesday Good Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday or Wednesday

Normally

FRANK’S

$ 00 Turtle Wax Ice Deluxe Wash

32

(No machine buffing)

● Exterior Wash ● Complete Exterior Wax With

Top Quality Wax

● Full Service Wash, Vacuum

● ArmorAll Tires

and Windows Cleaned

Good At All Full Service Locations

Now Only

40

$

base percentage of .436. That’s because the right-hander drew 15 walks and was hit by four pitches.

He also had 10 stolen bases and nine sacrifice bunts.

Martin said McDonald is wanting him to play as a middle infielder.

Martin said Newberry College showed interest in him, but never did offer. He decided to go the JUCO route, hoping that will lead him to a 4-year school in a couple of years.

“I want to make good use of the next two years,” Martin said. “I want to be a better person and a better player.”

00

Save $10

MUST SURRENDER COUPON. Good at all full service locations.

Not valid with any other offer. Coupon expires 02/28/15

● Turtle Wax Ice ● Rainbow Wax

● Wheel Cleaner ● Air Freshener

● ArmorAll Tires

Only

$

Save $7 00

25

MUST SURRENDER COUPON. Good at all full service locations.

Not valid with any other offer. Coupon expires 02/28/15

SUPER BOWL XLIX

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

|

B3

Injured ’Hawks Sherman, Thomas expect to play

BY BARRY WILNER The Associated Press PHOENIX — The two AllPros in the Legion of Boom promise they’ll be ready and “fearless’’ for the Super Bowl.

Seattle safety Earl Thomas (separated left shoulder) and cornerback Richard Sherman (left elbow) are damaged goods, suffering injuries in the NFC championship overtime victory against Green Bay. On Sunday, they showed little to no concern about how they will feel — and perform — against the New England Patriots.

“If my mental is right, my body just mirrors that,’’ said Thomas, who returned to practice Friday. “It’s a lot to deal with, my first major injury. I got the big picture.

“When I come alive nothing is limited. I can still play fearless and throw my body around and whatever happens, happens.’’

Pretty much what Sherman had to say, too, when the Seahawks arrived in Phoenix.

“It’s getting better,’’ Sherman said of the elbow. “I had a good week of practice so it should be good. I’ve been able to move it a lot better than I did earlier.’’

Seattle’s superb secondary is aggressive, deep and versatile, with strong safety Kam Chancellor a perfect complement to the All-Pros, and Byron Maxwell solid on the corner opposite Sherman.

Brady proposal tops list of zany media day moments

BY ROB MAADDI The Associated Press PHOENIX — Tom Brady already had a child with actress Bridget Moynahan and was dating supermodel Gisele Bundchen when a Mexican television personality created one of the wildest moments in Media Day history here in Arizona before the 2008 Super Bowl.

Ines Gomez Mont, a reporter for TV Azteca, showed up wearing a white wedding dress and veil and proposed to Brady.

“Tom, I’m in love with you!

Will you marry me please?’’ the immodest brunette shouted from the crowd. “I’m the real Miss Brady.’’

Brady politely declined her proposal, saying: “I’ve got a few Miss Bradys in my life. I’m a one-woman man. But you’re beautiful. Anybody who would have the opportunity to marry you would be a lucky man.’’

Here are some of the wildest moments in Super Bowl Media Day history:

VOODOO St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner was outspoken about his Christian faith, but that didn’t stop someone from making an unusual request in Atlanta in 2000.

“Do you believe in voodoo, and can I have a lock of your hair?’’ Warner was asked. His response was a simple, polite “No.’’

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Seattle free safety Earl Thomas (29) and cornerback Richard Sherman, foreground, aren’t concerned over injuries they suffered in the NFC championship and both expect to play agianst New England in Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz.

That unit often gives the Seahawks an edge against opponents, and this opponent, particularly Tom Brady throwing to Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, is as dangerous as they come.

“They are the only team in our way. They are definitely dangerous,’’ Thomas said.

“Tom is a general. He under-

BOOMER MONTANA A Japanese reporter confused Joe Montana with Boomer Esiason before the San Francisco 49ers played the Cincinnati Bengals in Miami in 1989.

Montana was asked: “Why do they call you Boomer?’’

stands the game so well. His pocket presence is smooth. He doesn’t predetermine too much. He kind of flows with the game and that is why he has been so great.’’

Sherman and Thomas have been that, too, in the past two seasons. Perhaps only New England’s Darrelle Revis can match Sherman as a cover

cornerback, and Thomas is, by far, the most well-rounded safety in the league.

Of course, that’s when they are at or near full-strength.

Will they be on Sunday?

Coach Pete Carroll is confident they will be, well, boomers.

“Richard practiced in all the practices and he looks to be

Patriots owner makes strong defense of team

BY BARRY WILNER The Associated Press CHANDLER, Ariz. — New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft demanded an apology from the league once the Patriots are found to be not guilty of breaking any rules regarding using under-inflated footballs in the AFC championship game.

A conclusion Kraft is certain will occur.

In an unscheduled statement, Kraft strongly defended his team’s actions and integrity Monday night.

“I believe unconditionally that the New England Patriots did nothing wrong in this process that was in violation of NFL rules,” Kraft said at the team’s first media availability in Arizona.

“If the (Ted) Wells investigation is not able to definitively determine that our organization tampered with the air pressure in the footballs, I would expect and hope the league would apologize to our entire team, and in particular to coach (Bill) Belichick and Tom Brady, for what they’ve had to endure this week,” Kraft added, at times sounding angry.

“I’m disappointed in the way this entire matter has been handled and reported

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New England owner Robert Kraft addresses the media during a news conference in Chandler, Ariz. The Patriots play Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz. upon. We expect hard facts rather than circumstantial leaked evidence to drive the conclusion of this investigation.”

The NFL has said evidence shows the Patriots used underinflated footballs during the first half of the AFC title game victory over Indianapolis.

The league is still determining why the balls were underinflated.

NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Pash and Ted Wells of the law firm of Paul Weiss are leading

Got a Job? GET A CAR!

the probe. Wells was the investigator in the Miami Dolphins bullying scandal and has said the current investi-

gation could last a while.

Belichick and Brady followed Kraft to the podium, but basically left any comments on the investigation to their boss.

When asked if he was upset by the accusations and jokes of which he was the subject, Brady said: “I’ve moved past those initial feelings and I want to move forward.”

But moving away from the deflated footballs theme will be particularly difficult on Tuesday, which is media day, when just about any question has been fair game in the past.

So Kraft came out swinging before then with a speech tinged with emotion — and fire.

“Tom, Bill and I have been together for 15 years. They are my guys,” said Kraft, who has three Super Bowl titles.

(803) 778-2942 www.loweryair.com

NO CREDIT CHECK

NO CREDIT - NO PROBLEM! BANKRUPTCY - NO PROBLEM! BAD CREDIT - NO PROBLEM! DIVORCE - NO PROBLEM! REALLY BAD CREDIT - NO PROBLEM!

ALL VEHICLES COME WITH A LIMITED WARRANTY!

2000 Chevy Malibu

NO KISS FOR YOU MTV star “Downtown’’ Julie Brown had a memorable exchange with Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson in Los Angeles in 1993.

Brown started with questions about fashion and Johnson’s game-day attire. Then she told Johnson she was rooting for the Cowboys because they have young players who know her.

When Brown asked Johnson if he had any special rules for his players, he replied: “Yeah, don’t kiss Julie Brown.’’

fine,’’ Carroll said. “He still has an elbow to take care of, but he’s practiced well. Earl practiced (Saturday), the day before and got the last day of practice in and looked fine.

Both those guys are scheduled to play and should be OK. They have to deal with their issues, but they’ll be playing in the football game.’’

Thomas is certain they will be playing as effectively as ever.

“We can do whatever we want to do if we are all together,’’ Thomas said. “We haven’t lost sight of the same mindset that got us here. No matter what misdirection we may give off. We still know who we are.’’

The Seahawks also know the Patriots are no slouches in the secondary, either. Revis is an All-Pro, Devin McCourty is solid, and former Seahawk Brandon Browner starts at cornerback opposite Revis.

Jermaine Kearse, who caught the winning touchdown passes from Russell Wilson in the last two NFC title games, knows just what he and the Seattle receivers will face.

“It’s going to be exciting to go against BB, especially in a game like this,’’ Kearse said.

“Going against him last year in practice with stuff, he’s a real competitive guy and I feel like our guys are extremely competitive as well, so I think we will be looking forward to the matchup.

2003 Chevy Impala “I was approved and got my car the same day!”

Zackary Wright Apply For Credit Online At: www.boylebhph.com

We Finance in House

BOYLE Buy Here Pay Here 773-2474 • 347 Broad Street

Stay comfortable inside, no matter what happens outside.

The state-of-the-art Bryant® Evolution® System provides quiet, even heating to keep your home warm in even the harshest of temperatures.

And with a 10-year parts limited warranty and high-efficiency performance, the Evolution System delivers the long-lasting comfort you depend on and the energy savings you deserve.

Plus, you can save even more with Bryant Bonus. For a limited time, purchase qualifying Bryant products and receive a rebate of up to $1,250.

B4

|

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

RECRUITING

THE SUMTER ITEM

Wake Forest transfer OL Helms commits to USC O

ffensive lineman Cory Helms (6-feet-4-inches, 305 pounds) of Alpharetta, Ga., who is a Wake Forest transfer, made his official visit to the University of South Carolina over the weekend and needed a little bit of time on the drive home to realize what he saw in the rearview mirror is where he wanted to be.

After talking with his family, Helms called USC on Sunday afternoon and committed to the Gamecocks. “I had a really good feeling today and wanted to talk to my family and stuff before I made it official,” Helms said. “I have a really good relationship with the players I was around and the recruits who were there.

And it’s the closest school to my home.”

Helms also considered Mississippi State, Texas A&M and Penn State after deciding to transfer from WF, where he was a freshman All American center in 2013. Last season he played some guard along with C, but the Gamecocks like him as a C. Ordinarily as a transfer, Helms would have to sit out the ‘15 season. That might still be the case, though he says he and USC will make an appeal to the NCAA for immediate eligibility.

“I’m moving back closer to home because I live with a sick grandmother,” he said.

“That’s a big reason I’m coming here to be able to come back and help my grandmother.”

Helms said he’s planning to enroll at USC for the Maymester academic session. He gives the Gamecocks 30 newcomers for ‘15 and he’s the fourth offensive lineman for the class.

OL Trey Derouen of Lilburn, Ga., made his official visit to USC over the weekend and while he did not make a commitment, he appears to be the Gamecocks to lose at this point.

“Great place to be at and I can see myself playing there,” Derouen said. As for what stood out the most to him, Derouen said, “(OL) Coach (Sean) Elliott and the players, commits.”

Derouen has also visited Louisville and will visit Kansas State on Wednesday and Florida this weekend. Asked if he had a leader after the USC visit, Derouen said “Gamecocks” and confirmed that it was a large lead. The Gamecocks are recruiting Derouen as a G. USC commitment OL Christian Pellage made his official visit over the weekend and said he enjoyed it, but he did not leave with a 100 percent decision, at least publicly. He said he is deciding between the Gamecocks and Florida and may not have a final decision until National Signing Day on Feb. 4. He has also visited UF. Defensive end Arden Key of Atlanta, twice a USC commitment, but currently uncommitted, made his official visit over the weekend. He left Columbia uncommitted and apparently no closer to a final decision.

“I enjoyed the visit, but it wasn’t anything I hadn’t seen before,” Key said. “I got some questions answered. We were told no coaches are leaving and they are going to add coaches.”

Key said he will visit Auburn this weekend. He has also been to Louisiana State and Miami. He plans to announce a final decision on Monday on the Next Level show on Fox Sports South.

USC commitment DE Quandeski Whitlow of Opelika, Ala., said after his official visit with the Gamecocks over the weekend he is 100 percengt committed and is shutting down his recruiting. He was scheduled to visit UF this weekend, but won’t make that visit. He also visited Louisville.

“Everything went great,” Whitlow said. “My mom, dad and brother had fun with all the coaches. The coaches love my family. I’m still firm, 100 percent. It’s over with me. The relationship I built with (defensive line) Coach (Deke) Adams and (head) Coach (Steve) Spurrier, it felt com-

fortable for me and my family.”

USC commitment defensive back Damon Arnette of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., made his official visit over the weekend and remains committed. He has also visited Michigan and plans to visit Ohio State this weekend before finalizing a decision.

DB Rashad Fenton of Miami made an official visit to USC over the weekend. He’s also been to UF and will go to Auburn this weekend. Fenton has had interest in the Gamecocks for some time.

“They gave me an offer during the spring so there’s a lot of interest between me and (assistant) Coach (Grady) Brown,” Fenton said. He doesn’t have a favorite and will wait until signing day to announce a decision.

USC’s Elliott met with California commitment OL Nick Buchanan of Dunwoody, Ga., last week, trying to land an official visit. Buchanan said he is interested in the Gamecocks, but he’s not sure yet about a visit.

“Main thing I got from Coach Elliot was a really genuine feel,” Buchanan said.

“That left a very good impression on me.”

Buchanan also picked up a recent offer from PSU. He visited Georgia over the weekend. Cal has been the only other official visit he’s taken thus far, and he has said his commitment to the Golden Bears remains in place.

OL Sam Madden of Barnegat, N.J., committed to UGA on Sunday at the conclusion of his official visit. Madden is a former Wisconsin commitment. USC also made a strong play for him, and he was scheduled to make an official visit with USC this weekend.

His father said they are finished and will not make the visit.

OL Blake Camper of Virginia Beach, Va., committed to USC last week after de-committing from Rutgers. Camper made an official visit to USC and that was all he needed to see.

“I really loved it down there,” Camper said. “It’s really cool what’s going on down there. The new facilities and everything that’s going on, you can see it’s on the rise.

It has been for awhile. And playing for Coach Spurrier, I just couldn’t say no.”

The Spurrier influence over camper was not the presiding factor in his decision, but he admits it played a role. “I think it was just too cool,” he said. “He’s definitely a great man, very godly. I just like him a lot. I liked all the coaches down there and I just felt like that’s where I wanted to be. I think it will be pretty cool to play for the Ole Ball Coach.”

Camper is 6-7, 280, and is penciled in as a tackle. He thinks he has the skills to eventually earn a spot on the line, skills he had to develop as a smallish 230-pound OL two years ago.

“I feel like I have pretty good technique and I have good strength now,” Camper said. “My junior year I was 230 pounds and basically all I had to depend on was my technique because I couldn’t out-strength anybody. I’ve got power now and pretty quick feet I feel.”

Shrine Bowl OL Dennis Daley (6-6, 290) of Ridge View High School in Columbia announced a commitment to USC last week, but won’t be part of the Gamecocks’ program before January of ‘17.

Daley intends to play the next two seasons at Georgia Military College before joining USC. USC has mined GMC head coach Bert Williams’ program for years and have one ‘15 commitment from GMC in DE Devante Covington and one for ‘16 in DE/tight end Kalan Ritchie. Williams said he started scouting Daley at the Shrine Bowl and knew he was a player he wanted in his program.

“Saw exactly what we expected to see; a tall, athletic offensive lineman that I felt had tremendous upside,” Williams said. “A tall, athletic offensive lineman I felt has tremendous upside. Already a

very good player who looks like he could be a difference maker-type (NCAA) Division I offensive tackle Phil Kornblut with a little bit more RECRUITING training and CORNER development.”

As for Daley eventually moving on to USC, Williams said that’s no surprise to him.

“We’ve actually had more of our graduates go to South Carolina than any other single school,” Williams said “We’ve had a ton of guys go there over the years. I know many members of their staff and know Coach Elliott very well. It was simply a situation they had interest, we had interest and we’ll work this like a placement, which it is. We will get him ready physically and academically to go make an impact there at South Carolina.”

And Williams said there’s little doubt he’ll get Daley in a position to move on to USC in January of ‘17. “We do a great job getting that back to the institutions,” he said. “We get them ready to be successful in the classroom at the institutions. Our guys, they graduate, they stay eligible, and they are well prepared for the challenges of the SEC (Southeastern Conference), the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) or the Big 12 (Conference).”

As for Covington, Williams said he’s put on a little more weight and is pushing 240 pounds. He is on track to get out in the spring. And he said Ritchie remains firmly committed to the Gamecocks for the ‘16 class and is on track to come out in December.

Williams said the Gamecocks are also showing interest in rising sophomore OL Akeem Cooperwood (6-7, 325) of Knoxville, Tenn. He was a JUCO second team All American last season.

“Good player, started at left tackle for us,” Williams said.

“They have an interest in him. He may get out (this spring) and go to a couple of places. South Carolina is one of them.”

GMC annually is one of the top JC programs in the country and won the ‘13 national championship.

DB Gerald Robinson Jr. of Hialeah, Fla., talked USC about an official visit this past weekend, but it was not scheduled and he might visit this weekend. Robinson remains committed to Florida Atlantic at this point and is only talking with the Owls and the Gamecocks. Shrine Bowl linebacker Hassan Belton of Blythewood High has picked up recent interest from USC. Belton said USC started talking with him after the Shrine Bowl. It hasn’t offered, but USC has invited him to visit for its junior day on Saturday, and Belton said he will go.

Belton has been talking to Adams from USC. Belton’s brother currently plays for USC. East Carolina was at Blthewood last week and he’s taken a visit to Towson. This past season, Belton had 115 tackles and eight quarterback sacks.

CLEMSON Clemson’s only official visits over the weekend were from committed players wide receiver Deon Cain of Tampa, Fla., and DL Gage Cervenka of Emerald High in Greenwood.

Committed WR Ray Ray McCloud also was in for an unofficial visit.

CLEMSON AND USC Despite suffering a broken leg in a basketball game last Tuesday and undergoing surgery on Wednesday, the recruiting of DE Tega Wanogho Jr. of Elmore, Ala., continues at full blast, according to his head coach Bobby Carr. The best news, however, is that Wanogho should be completely recovered by the spring.

“The doctor said it was a clean break and the surgery went excellent and he should be good to go by May,” said Carr.

Every school that had offered Wanogho, including

USC, has been in touch to affirm that the offer remains in place. And coaches haven’t stopped coming by either.

USC recruiter Kirk Botkin met with Wanogho last week, according to Carr, and he plans to make another visit.

Wanogho was scheduled to visit Tennessee this past weekend, but he was still in the hospital. He is scheduled to visit Auburn this weekend.

He went to LSU two weekends ago.

Wanogho will not sign on Feb. 4 and is expected to take some of his visits after National Signing Day. USC is under consideration for one of his remaining visits.

OTHERS Former USC commitment running back Joe Blue of Dillon High made an official visit to Newberry over the weekend.

Shrine Bowl QB Marquane Goodman of West Florence High committed to South Carolina State over the weekend while on his official visit. He had been committed to North Carolina Central.

The Bulldogs also picked up a commitment from WR Kanyon Tuttle of Charlotte, the son of former Clemson All American WR Perry Tuttle.

Also, LB Johnell Brown of Timberland High in St. Stephen committed to the Bulldogs.

Shrine Bowlers WR Er’Ieon Hayes of Dillon and OL Shaq Crouch of Johnsonville High took official visits to SCSU over the weekend.

WR/DB Denzel Johnson of A.C. Flora High in Columbia made an official visit to SCSU over the weekend. Johnson visited Clemson last weekend and had planned to commit to the Tigers, but they backed off of that because of some academic concerns Johnson still has to address. Johnson also has visited Towson and is scheduled to visit North Carolina State this weekend.

DE Rasool Clemons of South Aiken High committed to Ole Miss at the conclusion of his official visit on Sunday. Clemons was a Virginia commitment until breaking ties with the Cavaliers earlier this month. He had 110 tackles and nine sacks this past season.

WR Tavin Richardson of Byrnes High in Duncan was on his official visit to Kentucky through Monday. He didn’t arrive until Saturday. He also has visited Nebraska and Central Florida. Richardson plans to announce his deci-

sion on Friday.

Presbyterian picked up a commitment from LB Logan Petty of St. Augustine, Fla. He was an all-state selection.

JUNIORS USC DB James Valdez of Lake Marion High in Santee made a surprising announcement on Twitter on Sunday. He has committed to NCSU. Valdez is considered one of the top prospects in South Carolina for next season. He also holds offers from USC, Tennessee, North Carolina, WF and SCSU. Clemson has also shown interest, but hasn’t offered.

USC has turned up its interest in LB TJ Brunson (6-1, 220) of Richland Northeast High in Columbia. Brunson said he’s expecting USC to come by RNE on Friday and he will attend its junior day on Jan. 31.

Brunson has one offer thus far, from NCSU. and he’s happy to have that.

Brunson’s cousin, Sterling Lucas, is a former NCSU LB and is a graduate assistant with NCSU. Brunson visited the school last summer.

This past season, Brunson went to games at Clemson, UVa, UF and Tennessee. He did not make it to USC for a game.

Last season, Brunson had 134 tackles and four sacks.

CLEMSON AND USC WR Larry Collins Jr. (6-3, 190) of Lower Richland High in Hopkins continues to see his star rise. Collins attended the U.S. Army All American Combine in December and continues to attract interest from across the country. His offer list includes Clemson, USC, WF, UVa, UNC, Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee, Louisville and App State. Collins added that Notre Dame is showing interest, but hasn’t offered.

Collins last talked with Clemson when he was Death Valley for the USC game, and he talked with USC recruiter Lorenzo Ward earlier this month.

Collins said right now he’s getting more interest from the Gamecocks than Clemson, and he feels Tennessee and UNC are the two schools recruiting him the hardest.

BASEBALL Left-handed pitcher Johnathan Jahn of Martinez, Ga., committed to USC for the ‘16 class.

EXPERT SERVICE FROM RELIABLE PEOPLE. HOME COMFORT FROM RELIABLE PRODUCTS. Home comfort doesn’t happen by accident.

Fortunately, Boykin Air Conditioning Services knows how to keep you comfortable year round.

We’re an independent Trane Comfort Specialist™ dealer, offering the world’s most efficient, dependable heating and cooling equipment.

Experience the reliable people and products that make Boykin Sumter County’s most trusted air conditioning company.

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

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

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

|

B5

PRO TENNIS

Williams sisters advance to quarterfinals

BY JOHN PYE The Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia — The Williams sisters are back in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, and neither one is there just to watch.

Venus Williams continued her impressive career resurgence at the Australian Open with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 win over sixthseeded Agnieszka Radwanska on Monday V. WILLIAMS night, reaching the last eight at a major for the first time since the 2010 U.S. Open.

Younger sister, Serena Williams, was supporting her and cheering for her from the stands at Rod Laver Arena, just hours after she had to dig deep for a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 comeback win over Garbine Muguruza on the same court.

The sisters haven’t both advanced this far at a major since Serena won Wimbledon in 2010, their careers seemingly veering off at opposite trajectories.

Serena has won five Grand Slam titles in the interim, lifting her tally to 18, while seven-time major winner Venus has labored for years since being diagnosed in 2011 with Sjogren’s syndrome, which causes fatigue and inflammation. She’d only been beyond the third round once at a Grand Slam event since the start of 2011, and many thought she’d never return to the last eight. Even so, she’s not getting too excited four

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Serena Williams makes a backhand return to Garbine Muguruza during her 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 fourth-round victory on Monday at the Australian Open tournament in Melbourne, Australia. wins into a tournament.

“I guess from the outside looking in, I guess it could look like that,’’ the seven-time major winner said. “But for me I’m just really focused and poised right now. I feel like I’ve been here before, so it’s not like I’m jumping up and down for joy, `Oh, shoot, what is this? I’ve never done this.’

“Yes, I’ve done this. This is what I’m always going into each tournament thinking I want to do. Now is my moment and I want to keep this moment going.’’

The 34-year-old Venus next face Madison Keys, a 19-year-

old American who was inspired to play tennis by watching the Williams sisters.

Serena was motivated by a Grand Slam loss that stung her more than any last year in her match against No. 24-seeded Muguruza, who had conceded only four games to her in a second-round upset at the 2014 French Open.

“She made me play a lot better,’’ Serena Williams said.

“I had to play the best match of the tournament or else I was going to be out.’’

The five-time Australian Open winner next faces Dominika Cibulkova, who re-

SPORTS ITEMS

Bryant to have surgery, likely out for year EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Kobe Bryant will have surgery Wednesday on his torn right rotator cuff, likely ending his 19th season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The team announced Bryant’s surgery Monday. He inBRYANT jured his shoulder last week in New Orleans.

The Lakers say they’ll announce a timetable for Bryant’s recovery after surgery, but coach Byron Scott says Kobe “is probably not going to play’’ again this season.

NASCAR’S CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT TO STAY SAME IN ‘15 CHARLOTTE — NASCAR won’t change its new championship format, which chairman Brian France said Monday is “overwhelmingly popular’’ with fans.

The Chase was revamped last year into an eliminationstyle system that created a winner-take-all final race

COACH K FROM PAGE B1 team, picking up their defense and hustling to loose balls as he urged them on from one knee in front of the bench.

Duke outworked the Red Storm (13-6) on the glass and held them without a field goal for 6 pivotal minutes.

“It just, boom! It was great,’’ Krzyzewski said. “It was beautiful, really, to see them fight today and win.’’

When the final horn sounded, Blue Devils players engulfed Krzyzewski and he received a bear hug from top assistant Jeff Capel. Photographers swarmed the coach on the court, and players were given T-shirts that read “1,000 Wins And Kounting.’’

“It’s a great feeling. Winning in the fashion that we did for Coach’s big game, it’s really special,’’ junior guard Rasheed Sulaimon said.

A public-address announcement offered congratulations to Krzyzewski, and Duke fans at a packed Garden chanted his name.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever been a part of a game like that.

That’s kind of nuts, huh?’’

among four drivers. Kevin Harvick won the season finale at Homestead in November to claim his first Sprint Cup title.

The final four drivers then went to Homestead even in the standings, with the highest finisher guaranteed the championship.

HAAS PULLS AWAY TO WIN HUMANA CHALLENGE LA QUINTA, Calif. — Bill Haas pulled ahead with a 20foot birdie putt on the par-4 16th and parred the final two holes for a one-stroke victory Sunday in the Humana Challenge.

Haas closed with a 5-under 67 for his sixth PGA Tour title and first since the 2013 AT&T National.

Matt Kuchar, Charley Hoffman, Brendan Steele, Steve Wheatcroft and Sung Joon Park tied for second.

PRO BOWL TEAM IRVIN 32 TEAM CARTER 28 GLENDALE, Ariz. — Some of the best played football on

Krzyzewski said. “It just seemed like three different games.’’

NEW YORK, NEW YORK No. 1,000 came about 500 miles from the cramped and cozy confines of Cameron Indoor Stadium, but Coach K was hardly on unfamiliar soil.

Madison Square Garden, after all, was where he notched victory No. 903 against Michigan State in November 2011, breaking the Division I record previously held by his college coach and mentor, Bob Knight.

BIG PICTURE Krzyzewski improved to 1,000-308 in a 40-year coaching career that began in 1975 at his alma mater, Army. He is 927-249 in 35 seasons at Duke, guiding the Blue Devils to four NCAA titles and 11 trips to the Final Four.

PRIME TICKET The vocal crowd of 19,812, mixed with fans of both schools, included about 15-20 former Duke players as well as Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson from the New York Knicks; St. John’s greats Chris Mullin, Lou Carnesecca

Sunday came during a gentler, friendlier version of the game.

Few moved very fast, no one flattened a quarterback and there were no bone-jarring hits in Team Irvin’s 32-28 victory over Team Carter.

J.J. Watt intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble and danced for the crowd. Odell Beckham Jr.’s diving grab at midfield might have been the day’s most impressive play.

NHL ALL-STAR GAME TEAM TOEWS 17 TEAM FOLIGNO 12 COLUMBUS, Ohio — John Tavares of the New York Islanders matched a record with four goals, and Team Toews beat Team Foligno 17-12 on Sunday night in the highest-scoring NHL All-Star game.

Ryan Johansen, of the hometown Columbus Blue Jackets, had two goals for the losing team but still won the MVP award in voting by fans on Twitter.

From wire reports

and Felipe Lopez; and Nike boss Phil Knight. Around 30 minutes before the opening tip, rising ticket prices ranged from $225 to $888 on stubhub. com.

EARLY STRUGGLES Midway through an entertaining first half, Krzyzewski was on his feet as St. John’s erased an 11-point deficit.

Wearing a blue suit and white sneakers to support Coaches vs. Cancer, Krzyzewski stalked after the officials at the end of the half to argue that D’Angelo Harrison’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer came after the shot clock expired. Coach K didn’t get the call, and the Red Storm went into the locker room leading 43-39.

WHAT’S NEXT? Two tough road tests for Duke in the Atlantic Coast Conference — at No. 8 Notre Dame on Wednesday night, followed by a trip to No. 2 Virginia on Saturday. Krzyzewski has 421 wins in ACC regularseason and tournament play.

He needs two to pass old rival and North Carolina great Dean Smith for the most in league history.

produced the kind of tennis that took her to the final here last year as she beat two-time champion Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. Keys advanced to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal with a 6-2, 6-4 win over good friend and fellow American Madison Brengle.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me. I’m going to make the most of it,’’ she said. “I want Io be at the end of the tournament holding the trophy up. That’s my goal in the long run.’’

Serena had difficulty breathing at times Monday, and coughed throughout the match, later saying she’d been

sick for a couple of days.

There were times when she defended, times when she attacked, and times when she got lucky — like when Muguruza made a mess of an easy volley on breakpoint. But when she needed to assert some authority, she found something special — like her ace, ace, ace, service winner sequence to close the second set, and her crucial hold at the start of the third set when she saved six break points in an almost 13-minute game.

She’ll need every bit of confidence against the 1.61-meter (5-foot-3) Cibulkova, who pounded 44 winners and broke former No. 1-ranked Azarenka’s serve seven times.

The No. 10-ranked Cibulkova lost the final here last year to the now-retired Li Na, and is back in that kind of form.

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic had a 6-4, 7-5, 7-5 win over Gilles Muller to reach the quarterfinals at a 23rd consecutive major. Next up, he faces No. 8 Milos Raonic, who moved into the last eight in Australia for the first time with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (7), 6-3 win over No. 12 Feliciano Lopez.

Defending champion Stan Wawrinka beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-6 (2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (8) and will next take on U.S. Open finalist Kei Nishikori.

Spurred on by hundreds of flag-waving Japanese supporters at Rod Laver Arena, No. 5-ranked Nishikori had little trouble in a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 9 David Ferrer, who reached the French Open final and Australian Open semis in 2013.

Keeping Sumter Beautiful

By Amanda McNulty, County Extension Agent Following Rain Drops I’m trying to hurry through this article so Willie and I can get a walk in before it starts raining again.

We’ve been blessed with a very wet month; the rain we’ve gotten recharges aquifers we rely on for irrigation when Nature doesn’t give us the blessing of water from the skies.

When driving or walking, we see where water moves out of landscaped areas and onto roadsides; water which then enters our stormwater drain systems and eventually ends up being dumped back into a stream, lake, or river -- along with all the debris it picks up along the way.

On busy commercial streets, that debris includes plastic bottles, cigarette butts, and fast food packaging along with other detritus. Few of us worry about the rainwater that leaves our own yards or businesses, but I’ll bet you a nickel that if you were to stand under an umbrella during a heavy rain you could track the runoff that leaves your personal bit of earth.

Of course, you don’t have bottles and trash in your yard, but in that runoff water there are potential pollutants. Just plain particles of soil are probably the worst – erosion is what we are talking about on the grand scale, and every bit of sand, clay, or silt that leaves your property ends up as fill in the recipient waterway. If bits of grass clippings g pp g or leaves are

carried off site, they contain nutrients that can lead to overly-stimulated algal growth in those (don’t we wish were) pristine bodies of surface water. And since the rain drops are imminent and the dog is waiting at the door, I won’t even go into fertilizer, pesticides, and animal excrement that could be also be present.

Imagine your yard with a protective barrier along the perimeters where water leaves your property.

Shoreline buffers are what these broad planting zones are called when they’re installed by ponds, lakes, or streams. But the same principle works in a city setting. The expanses of mulched areas with ornamental grasses, shrubs, and trees slow down runoff water and allow it to percolate through the soil where millions of microbes breakdown unpleasant accompaniments into harmless, basic components. A side benefit is that these areas can act as a beautiful frame for your house and more formally landscaped front yard. Just put “shoreline buffers site:edu” into your favorite search engine and get some ideas of what to do when the ground dries out.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. If, due to a disability, you need special accommodations in order to participate in an Extension program, please notify office three days prior to event.

XEROX SOLID INK PRINTER

Sumter County Public Works 436-2241

Many Standard Features 40 prints per minute black & white and FULL COLOR

Xerox Color Qube® 8870MFP For more information contact your local rep.

Call Thomas Cuttino @ 778-2330

XDOS, Inc.

Xerox® and Phaser® registered trademarks of Xerox Corporation.

To advertise here call 803-774-1234

Murrell’s

Cleaning Service We Now Offer Tile & Grout Cleaning 25 Years In The Fiber Care Business

773-5233

Outdoor Stewart Appearance Recycling Company 499-9312 P. O. Box 41 Dalzell, S.C. 29040

523 E. Liberty St. Sumter

773-9316

To advertise here call 803-774-1234

John Hayes Debbie Hayes Spraying Services Lawns and Shrubs

Keeping Promises.

Prompt, Dependable & Competitive Services Commercial, Residential, Construction, Industrial.

Serving Sumter Since 1984.

Call today for a free estimate.

495-8039 • 800 848-4252

B6

|

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

SHOWDOWN FROM PAGE B1 Coaches Association poll released on Monday, is 17-1 on the year and has won 11 straight. Sumter, which moved from third to second, is 16-2 and has won a dozen in a row.

“The key has been not just the fact we had one transfer (Kortni Simmons) in, but the rest of the kids have bought into the system like last year’s crowd,” said Allen, who said 11 of his 15 players see regular action. “They’ve worked hard to become a better defensive team. For the most part, I think we’ve been giving up

about 39 points a game and the way we play defense leads to scores a lot of times.

“I think that’s the key right now, that they’re playing really well together,” he said. “If one or two goes out, somebody has been stepping up and that’s been a key so far for us this year.”

The Gamecocks offense has been getting a lot of attention with its big, high-scoring victories, but it’s been the change to man-to-man principles that gives senior Nijah Davis and her teammates con-

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

fidence to succeed. Sumter is led in scoring by juniors Jessica Harris and Cy Cooper, who average around 11 points per game.

“I feel like he believes in us a lot more and the way he places us and on the defensive end he teaches us man-to-man principles and we do a lot of our defense off of man-toman principles and I think that gives us a lot of success,” Davis said of Loudenslager. “I think our full court defense is probably one of the best in the state and I think we really know how to jump out on teams early.”

The Lady Knights are led by

seniors Destinee Walker and Simmons, both of which have committed to Division I schools. Walker, last year’s Region Player of the Year and an all-state player, leads the team with 16.7 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Simmons, a Wake Forest signee, is averaging 13.6 points, eight rebounds and 5.5 steals a contest.

“Our stars won’t necessarily be individual; it’s about that group we’re putting on the floor and I really feel that’s our edge,” Loudenslager said. “There are two girls from West Florence that they have to count on for the majority of their stuff. I really

don’t feel like we’re in the same situation as they are, but we’ll see how those cards fall.

“We have to make sure we’re not giving up easy buckets in transition,” he said. “If they’re hitting more jump shots, more power to them, but certainly we as coaches, more than anything, are going to look for how to stop the dribble-penetration.”

In the boys game, Sumter can continue to control its destiny. It is tied with South Florence for first place in the region at 3-1 and is 9-5. West Florence is 13-7 overall and 2-2 in the region.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

ous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, James Geddings and Wesley Wilson Geddings; and three sisters, Frances Boykin, Alice Holland and Delores Singleton.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today in the chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. today at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and other times at the home of his sister, 2040 Greenville Circle.

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) 775-9386.

neral Home of Sumter.

OBITUARIES CHARLIE H. HOLLOMAN III CAMDEN — Funeral service for Charlie Haynesworth Holloman III, 79, will be held at 2 p.m. today at St. Andrew Church of God with burial to follow in the St. John United Methodist Church Cemetery, Spring Hill.

The family received friends HOLLOMAN Monday at Powers Funeral Home, Lugoff.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrew Church of God, 4238 Red hill Road, Camden, SC 29020.

Mr. Holloman passed away on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015.

Born in Lee County, he was a son of the late Charlie H. Jr. and Lillie Robertson Holloman. He served in the United States Coast Guard and was the former owner of Holloman’s Grocery. He most recently worked for Food Lion in Bishopville and was a member of St. Andrews Church of God. Surviving are his sisters, LeRhea H. Newton of Charlotte and Erin Bryson of Gaston; brother, Gerald B. Holloman of Camden; nieces and nephews, Delly Newsome, Donald Drenning, Brenda Holloman Bradley, Jenny Holloman Dailey, Rhonda Holloman Hall, Bryan Holloman, William Colbourne, George Colbourne, Jim Davis, Tim Davis and Tammy Davis; and many great-nieces and nephews.

Sign the online register at www.powersfuneralhome.net.

SARAH D. BRADSHAW MANNING — Sarah Duggans Bradshaw, 61, wife of Louis Bradshaw, died on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, at Palmetto Health Baptist hospital, Columbia.

She was born on Jan. 31, 1952, in Jacksonville, Florida, a daughter of Wilhelmenia Kinsey Jones BRADSHAW and the late Willie Lee Duggans.

She was preceded in death two brothers, Joseph Jones Jr. and Willie Lee Duggans.

She received her formal education at Richard Arnold High School, Savannah, Georgia, and received her bachelor of science in sociology from Savannah State College.

Sarah was an active member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church.

Survivors are her husband, Louis Bradshaw of the home; one son, Louis Michael Bradshaw of Yokota, Japan; one daughter, Kayana (Vincent) Rosa of Manning; and four grandchildren, Tatiana Ruiz, Ariana Ruiz, Keanu Ruiz and Ron-Kanai Rosa.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bradshaw will be held at 10 a.m. today at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 2529 Raccoon Road, Manning, with Father Samuel Olyoede officiating. Burial will follow in Junky Yard Cemetery, Foreston section of Manning.

The family is receiving friends at the residence, 9380 S. Brewington Road, Manning.

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

MAY SHARP May Clarke Bynum Sharp, 87, widow of Robert Glenmore Sharp, died on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at Covenant Place.

She was born on Nov. 9, 1927, at Tuomey Hospital, Sumter, the only daughter of

the late Esther Clarke and William Edwards Bynum. The second of four Bynum children, she adored her SHARP brothers, Billy, Henry and Alvis and their families, with whom she gathered around the major holidays and as often as possible her entire life.

She graduated from Edmunds High School in 1944 and Converse College, Spartanburg, in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in child psychology. Returning to Sumter from college, she taught school in Sumter County until 1949 when she married Robert Glenmore Sharp, who predeceased her in 2013. In the early part of her 63-year marriage, she had two daughters, Esther Bynum Sharp and Elise Brown Sharp (Moore).

In addition to her jobs as teacher and mother, Mrs. Sharp was a compassionate and active volunteer in the civic and cultural life of her home town. Over the years, she donated her time to the Sumter Art Association; the Junior Welfare League; the Red Cross; as a Sunday school teacher at Trinity United Methodist, her church home; and Tuomey Hospital, where she visited patients and worked in the canteen. She was a member of the Colonial Dames, Daughters Book Club and Women’s Literary Club.

As an alumna of Converse College, she served as class representative, class agent and Sumter area representative. In 1998, she received the Mae Elizabeth Kilgo Spirit Award for her service to the college. She was nominated for the award by a classmate who said, “It is May who keeps the Class of 1948 a united body. Her enthusiasm for her school and her interest in each and every classmate makes us all excited about Converse. All of us come back to Converse because of May.” Mrs. Sharp is survived by her daughters, Esther Bynum Sharp and Elise Brown Sharp (Moore) and son-in-law, Wayne Moore, all of Pawley’s Island; two brothers, Henry Bynum and Alvis Bynum, both of Sumter; grandsons, Chad and Ford Moore, Galen Haggerty and Tommy Hearn; and her beloved extended family members and close friends. Bettie Lue Burch maintained the Sharp home and watched over the children for many years.

She was predeceased by a brother, William “Billy” Bynum.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Trinity United Methodist Church with Dr. Stephen Holler and the Rev. Phil Jones officiating.

A reception will follow at the home, 211 Wactor St. Private burial will be held at Sumter Cemetery.

Mrs. Sharp recently lived at Covenant Place, where she was lovingly cared for by Angela Cooper, Eve Mack, Mary Martin, Sara Perry, Ebony Singleton, Minnie Thomas, Juanita Weston and Melissa Wheeler.

Her family also wishes to thank the staff at Covenant Place as well as Shelly Hopkins and Kim Griffin with TRI-County Hospice for their dedicated care of Mrs. Sharp.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Converse College, 580 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302-1931. http:// www.converse.edu/ Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com.

WILLIAM J. BRUNSON MANNING — William Jerry Brunson, 63, died on Jan. 25, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital.

Born on Oct. 8, 1951, he was a son of the late William Harry and Mary Anna Thames Brunson.

Surviving are his sisters, June B. Willson, Gloria B. Holladay, Jesna Gayle Brunson, Ruby B. Livingston, Rose B. Drose, Lois B. Weeks, Billie B. McLeod, Alice B. Coleman and Virginia B. Vaughan; and his brother, Henry S. Brunson. Also surviving are his brothers-in-law, Kenneth T. Holladay, William H. Livingston, Harold J. Willson Sr., Richard F. Drose, Charles J. Weeks, Dr. Gillis B. Coleman and James P. Vaughan; a sister-in-law, Cindy H. Brunson; 19 nieces and nephews; and 27 greatnieces and great-nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Jerome Nelson McLeod Jr. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Bethlehem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Reginald Thackston and the Rev. William Wallace Culp III officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem United Methodist Church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, Jerome Nelson McLeod III, Dr. William Byrns Coleman, Patrick Allen Coleman, Charles James Weeks Jr., Richard Francis Drose Jr., Harold Joe Willson Jr., James Donald Willson and Kenneth Hunter Holladay.

The family will receive friends at the home of Ken and Gloria Holladay, 1120 Bancroff Drive, Manning.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, c/o Gayle Boykin, 1119 Newman Circle, Summerton, SC 29148 or Clarendon County Disabilities Board.

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

MARTHA S. WILLIS Martha Sumpter Willis, 92, widow of James Willis Jr., died on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born on June 29, 1922, in Dalzell, Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Moses and Florence Deas Sumpter.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at the home of Helen Carter, 103 Wallace St., Sumter.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

JIMMY D. GEDDINGS Jimmy D. Geddings, 73, died on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at a local nursing center.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Altmont Moses Geddings and Gracie Osteen Geddings. Mr. Geddings was retired from Boyle Motor Co. Surviving are a brother, Manning “Toogie” Geddings of Sumter; two sisters, Gladys Avins and Helen Geddings, both of Sumter; and numer-

SANFORD H. WEAVER SR. Sanford H. Weaver Sr., age 86, beloved husband of Virginia Weaver, died on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, at his residence.

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

ITLY WILSON BAKER

Winfred Bernard Nathaniel, 57, departed this life on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at 2015 N. Main St. He was born on June 23, 1957, in Sumter, a son of Bertie Lou McFadden Nathaniel Thomas and Jimmie Nathaniel.

The family will be receiving friends at 204 S. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.

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

Itly Wilson Baker, age 64, died on Jan. 25, 2015, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Mount Pleasant, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on Jan. 27, 1950, in Sumter, to Frederick Rutledge Baker Jr. and Martha Shannon Wilson Baker, Wilson graduated from Edmunds High School in Sumter and the University of South Carolina.

Wilson was blessed with a family that loved him dearly.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Edwards Baker; his brother, Frederick Rutledge Baker III and his wife, Beth, of Sumter; and his sister, Louise Shannon Baker Cromer and her husband, Jimmy, of Sumter. He was father to Heathly Wilson Baker of James Island, Rutledge Carr Baker of Charleston and Thomas Ballew Wilson Baker of Mount Pleasant. He was grandfather to Mitchell Evelyn Baker and James Wilson Baker of H. Wilson and wife, Caroline.

Wilson was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, John Snowden Baker.

A professional photographer for more than 40 years, Wilson saw the beauty in the world and showed it to us through his photographs. In 2011, he and Dawn became owners of SERVPRO of South and West Charleston. He was an avid fly fisherman with a passion and talent for tying exquisite flies. He found joy on the flats in pursuit of red fish and tarpon.

His life will be celebrated at a graveside service at 2 p.m. today at Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Ave., Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SEWEE Association Friends Group, 5821 N. U.S. 17, Awendaw, SC 29429.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

SUSIE MAY P. MOORE

CLIFTON PRINCE

Susie May Pompey Moore, 88, departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at McCoy Memorial Nursing Center, Bishopville.

She was born on April 27, 1926, in Johnston, a daughter of the late Louis J. and Viola Simpkins Pompey.

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

COLUMBIA — On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, Deacon Clifton Prince heard his master’s call in Columbia.

Born on July 31,1938, in Manning, he was a son of the late Deacon Creighton and Lucille Brown Prince.

Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced

by Fleming & Delaine Funeral Home & Chapel.

EMILY H. CANTEY

Hedrick Galloway Jr., 49, husband of Karyn Galloway, died on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015.

Born in Manning, he was a son of the Rev. Hedrick Sr. and Sarah Dupree Galloway.

The family will receive friends at 4049 Williamsburg Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.

Plans will be announced by Palmer Memorial Chapel of Columbia.

THOMAS SWEAT SR. Thomas Sweat Sr., widower of Annie Cecil Smith Sweat, departed this life on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at the VA Hospital in Buffalo, New York.

He was born on April 26, 1928, in Clarendon County, a son of the late Priestly and Pauline Way Sweat.

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

WILLIE BUDDEN JR. Willie Budden Jr., widower of Kimmie Mae Johnson, departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, at his residence.

He was born on Feb. 20, 1927, in Sumter, a son of the late Willie Sr. and Daisy Johnson Budden.

The family will be receiving friends at 1285 Lewis Road, Sumter, SC 29154.

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

WINFRED B. NATHANIEL

Emily Hickmon Cantey entered eternal rest on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at Sumter Health and Rehab.

Born on Nov. 18, 1920, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Benjamin and Vermell Brunson Hickmon.

Funeral plans will be announced by Community Fu-

HEDRICK GALLOWAY JR.

COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

|

B7

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Woman isn’t attracted to the man of her dreams DEAR ABBY — I am considered to be a quite attractive — easily a nine or a 10 — professional dancer here in Dear Abby Las Vegas. I recently met ABIGAIL a guy who VAN BUREN has literally met almost all my dream qualities for a life partner, husband and father of my future children.

The problem is, I’m not attracted to him. He’s not ugly; he has symmetrical features, straight teeth, nice skin and is in pretty good shape, if a little on the skinny side. I have always dated muscular, very fit men who get me ex-

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

cited at the sight of them, and I’m wondering if there’s something wrong with me because after nine months I’m still struggling with his looks.

I feel like there is no sexual chemistry. But we have another kind of chemistry because we get along great, and he motivates me to be a better person.

Am I shallow, or is the lack of sexual chemistry a sign that maintaining a successful long-term relationship won’t happen?

Miss Picky in Las Vegas

From what you have told me, looks are a primary factor in what draws you to men. (It would be interesting to know how long the relationships you described lasted.)

Bear in mind that men who are Adonises can lose their looks if they don’t consistently work at it -- just as women do. Much as we might wish it, looks don’t always last forever. That’s why, if you’re looking for a longterm relationship, it’s extremely important to take into consideration qualities that will last.

DEAR MISS PICKY — I’m not going to call you shallow.

Whether lack of sexual chemistry is a deal-breaker for you depends upon how important sex is to you.

Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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 Many an Amman man 5 Grab, as ice cubes 9 Seuss character who “speaks for the trees” 14 Ship bottom 15 Auth. unknown 16 Fit to be tied 17 Opposed to 18 Flat-topped elevation 19 Consumerist Ralph 20 Rock used for hammering, e.g.

23 Mousse kin 24 NBC skit show 25 Neighbor of Can. 28 Seasoned veteran 31 Sneaker brand 34 Sharper, as vision 36 One that falls in the fall 38 Shari Lewis’ Lamb Chop, memorably 40 Media workers’ org.

42 Mentalist Geller 43 Home of baseball’s Marlins 44 First piece moved in chess, often 47 Takes a load off 48 “Incredible!”

49 __ Piper 51 Half a colon 52 Blog VIPs 53 Bubble bath spot 55 Arctic sea bird 57 Classic comedy team, with “The” ... and what the last words of 20-, 38- and 44-Across comprise 63 Mexican mom 66 Wrap for a sprain 67 Agatha Christie’s title 68 Universal principle 69 Letter-named thoroughfares in Bklyn.

70 Soprano Gluck 71 Gossipmonger 72 Religious offshoot 73 Ringful on a belt DOWN 1 Triumphant cries 2 Littlest of a litter 3 Voice below soprano 4 Showy jewelry 5 Fare steamed in corn husks 6 Ten C-notes 7 Wine quality 8 Annoying swarm 9 Kitchen floor-

ing 10 Like much early history 11 “Cool!”

12 Had a bite 13 Gen-__: boomer’s kid, usually 21 Surprised scream 22 Cleaning up after the mess?

25 Still owed 26 Appear that way 27 Palette user 28 Inscribed award 29 Check from the IRS 30 Films featuring chaps in chaps 32 Fasten, as buttons 33 Junkyard metal 35 Protestant denom.

37 Let loose

39 Fuzzy fruit 41 Detested thing 45 Insult 46 Most shipshape 50 Lovebirds, e.g.

54 Software test versions 56 George Eastman’s camera 57 Easy race pace 58 Whence icicles hang 59 Building detail, briefly 60 Big windstorm 61 Award for a sitcom 62 Red and Coral 63 Mother’s Day month 64 Bough breaker 65 Racket

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

803-774-1234

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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

9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturday’s edition 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sunday’s edition.

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

MERCHANDISE

Home Improvements

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

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

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

Lawn Service

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs!

Free est. 494-9169/468-4008

For Sale or Trade

Lifestyles Lawn Service New Year Clean-up Specials!

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

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

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

Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

Septic Tank Cleaning

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

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

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time

Tree Service 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.

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

For Sale or Trade

75

%

OFF

This Saturday Is Your Last Chance To Save

STORE CLOSING All remaining gift items 75% off Some fixtures also available

McDuffie’s Unique Gifts

In the Sumter Mall

by Belk Hours: 10 - 6PM Victorian Mahogany Furniture 4 pc. set. flowers etched in frames $1200 (downsizing) Call 696-4294

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.

Welders! Welders! Welders!

Must have HS Diploma or GED Work Keys - Math, Observation & Locating. Clean background check and drug screening. Please email your resume to staffing@olsten.com or call 803-773-2700. No walk ins please!

Senior Teller Sumter, SC SAFE Federal Credit Union For details, please visit our website at: http:/www.safefed.org

Help Wanted Part-Time $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555 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.

Medical Help Wanted Job Fair Tues. Feb 3rd 10am-2pm 1761 Pinewood Rd Sumter. Needed RN's, LPN's, CNA's. Only serious applicants need to apply.

FT RN (Days) To work in Local County Jail Medical Unit. Excellent 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 by sending resume to: nurseswanted@rocketmail.com

Work Wanted I am a reliable CNA looking to sit with your elderly loved ones day or night.

Ref. provided.

Call 803-225-0924 or 803-225-0543

Autos For Sale

Autos For Sale 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

HARTT

Transprtation Systems, Inc. Setting the Service Standard Since 1948 Parts/Counter Person

LEGAL NOTICES

Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc. has an immediate opening for an experienced, hardworking, energetic individual to join our growing parts department at our Sumter, SC Terminal. This person must be experienced in parts and distribution, detail oriented, a problem solver with superior customer service skills.

This ideal candidate should be capable of working in an active environment and be able to implement new systems to better distribute parts to our employees.

Requirements • Qualifications for this position requires candidate to have three years related truck parts experience.

• Motivated and fast paced personality with serious work ethic.

• Industrial experience is a must (parts sales).

• Excellent computer skills required.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Excellent phone manners, the ability to multi task and make good decisions.

• Clean background screening required.

• Ability to lift and move up to 100 pounds.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Hartt Transportation offers a competitive benefit package including: medical and dental package, paid holidays, paid vacations, sick time, short term disability, vision, life insurance and a 401 (K) program.

If you are looking for a career challenge and want to work for a great company, we encourage you to submit your resume and salary requirements either by fax, mail, email to: Todd Cotier; Maintenance Director Hartt Transportation Systems Inc 262 Bomarc Road Bangor, ME 04401 Phone: (207) 852-3882 Fax: (207) 941-0095 Email: tcotier@hartt-trans.com

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO Swan Lake Apts. Apply now.

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

No section 8. 803-775-4641.

Abandon Vehicle / Boat

2, 3 & 4 Br, all appliances, Section 8 accepted. 469-6978 or 499-1500 Beautiful 3 bedroom/1 bathroom mobile home for rent. Only $599.00 per month.Located in Sumter, SC. Available for immediate occupancy, act now this home won't last! Call 803-469-8515 for additional details.

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

3BR 1 1/2BA MH partially furnished on N. Brewington in Clarendon Co. Call 803-473-3100 or 803-410-1241.

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

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale

2 - 3Bd 2Ba Brick Homes for rent good subdivisions $1350 $1250 mo.+dep. Call 803-469-8147 3 Bd 1Ba, all laminate floors, country living, $650 mo.+ dep. Call 803-469-3713 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

Nice 3Br/2Ba dble carport, w appliances 10 mins from Shaw military discount. $800/mo (Diggs), 803-968-4192.

Nice Area 2BR 1.5BA C/H/A, Appliances. New carpet, paint. No Pets/Smoking $625mo. & dep.

803-983-8463.

Mobile Home Rentals 2BR 1 BA MH partially furnished on N. Brewington in Clarendon Co. Call 803-473-3100 or 803-410-1241.

2 & 3 Bd houses for rent ( la casa para alquilar) Call 803-406-0113.

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.

Estate:

Manufactured Housing

Estate:

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.

For Sale Nice 4Br 2Ba DW w/ lg. lot 803-983-0408

RECREATION

2011 Ultra-lite 32' camper. Elec slideout, AC, heat, sleeps 8. Exc cdtn $14,500. 803-481-8301

Estate:

Concepcion Dobato De Cook 300 Freedom Blvd.

Sumter, SC 29154

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

Junior L. Jones #2015ES4300030

Personal Representative

Rhonda Tomlin C/O Garryl Deas Attorney at Law Sumter, SC 29151 Estate:

Rose F. Metz #2015ES4300044

Personal Representative

Richard S. Metz 106 Mason Croft Drive Sumter, SC 29150 Estate:

Martha McElveen #2014ES4300717

Personal Representative

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

Elvera Foecking #2015ES430004

Personal Representative

Claudia Miles 3313 Allen Road Effingham, SC 29541 Estate:

Joshua Ronald Lane #2014ES4300025

Personal Representative

Megan Lynn Lane 5695 Hugh Ryan Lane Dalzell, SC 29040

George E. Gaymon #2015ES4300019

Personal Representative

Willie G. Moore 6465 Panola Road Pinewood, SC 29125

Leroy Smith #2015ES430006

Personal Representative

Bruce Wyland Cook #2015ES4300035

Estate:

John Parker #2015ES4300041

Personal Representative

Estate:

Mary D. Parker 8005 Osborne Road Rembert, SC 29128

Eugene C. Brown #2015ES4300011

Personal Representative

Mary Ann Knight 2358 Stevenson Dr. Charleston, SC 29414

Estate:

Margaret W. Cain #2014ES4300013

Personal Representative

Estate:

Marion M. Bowman #2015ES4300031

Personal Representative

Patricia Weaver 4715 Cayman Street Sumter, SC 29154 Dorothy Mae Morant #2015ES430001

Richard Scott Cain and Robert Maynard Cain 21854 US Highway 76 Newberry, SC 29108 Estate:

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

Nicholas M. Morant 3680 Bolden Lane Dalzell, SC 29040 Estate:

Roy Laverne Osteen #2015ES4300014

Estate:

Estate:

Charles T. Geddings #2015ES4300023

Personal Representative

Mary Kaye Rickenbaker PO Box 1796 Sumter, SC 29151 Estate:

Estate:

Roseanne Nebblett #2015ES4300018

Personal Representative

Morenike Prescott 1425 A Airport Road Sumter, SC 29153

Jerry Harrison #2014ES4300212-2

Personal Representative

Pamela Harrison 1255 N. Kings Hwy. Sumter, SC 29154

Melissa Gibbons 2465 Highview Street Sumter, SC 29154

Autos For Sale

D. Gene Rickenbaker #2015ES4300038

Personal Representative

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

TRANSPORTATION

Marion A. Jefferson #2015ES4300024

Personal Representative

Personal Representative

Personal Representative

2010 Chevy 2500 HD Z71, crew cab, excellent condition, 60,000 miles, $25,500 2002 Isuzu Axiom SUV, clean, fully loaded, 171,230 miles, $4000 Call 803-469-4442 or 803-905-7760

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.

Personal Representative

Estate:

Campers / RV's/ Motorhomes

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

Estate Notice Sumter County

2 Br, 2Ba New windows, new wiring and fuse box, well insulted, gas furnace, c/a, fire place, tax appr. $46000 sell $29000.

Call 803-883-2877

2BR/2BA, Close to Sumter Mall. All appl incl., W/D hookup. $625/mo + dep. (803) 491-5618. Avail now.

Unfurnished Homes

Abandoned Boat Notice To all persons claiming an interest in: 1987 17 foot Cobalt, 17 BR, James Herron will apply to SCDNR for title on watercraft/outboard motor. If you have any claims to the watercraft/outboard motor, contact SCDNR at (803) 734-3858. Upon thirty days after the date of the last advertisement if no claim of interest is made and the watercraft/outboard motor has not been reported stolen, SCDNR shall issue clear title. Case No: 20140808110685

Estate Notice Sumter County

Estate:

Jean M. Thames #2015ES4300020

Personal Representative

Leslie B. McIntosh 1685 Reynolds Road Pinewood, SC 29125

Look in Sunday’s paper for...

Stocks Please call

774-1200

MAYO’S SUIT CITY

TUXEDOS AVAILABLE for rental or purchase

Winter Clearance Sale IN PROGRESS NOW!

If your suits aren’t becoming to you, It’s a good time to be coming to Mayo’s!

Wesmark Plaza • 773-2262 • Mon-Sat 10-7 • www.MayosDiscountSuits.com