January 6, 2015

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!: Tune in to PBS for profile on Robert Ripley A9 LOCAL NEWS

Family feud TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

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Attempted murder charge after man dragged by truck in U.S. 15 South scrap A2

Colder temps coming Expect lows in the lower 20s

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Nancy Eppling wipes a tear from her eye as she talks about the murder of her son, Kyle “Big Kountry” Eppling, as her husband, Donny, listens. Kyle Eppling, died in a hail of gunfire on Aug. 26, 2012, and his murderer has yet to be found.

‘There has to be justice’ Parents still looking for answers in son’s 2012 murder

BY MATT BRUCE matthewb@theitem.com

W

ith 2015 freshly upon us, many people are clinging to their ready-made

goals for the burgeoning year. But Dalzell residents Nancy and Donny Eppling hold out hope for a much deeper resolution. It’s the same wish they’ve yearned desperately to receive each of the past three New Years Days: Answers.

More than 860 days have passed since a gunman shot and killed the couple’s only son in the parking lot of a Sumter apartment complex in the summer of 2012. And despite the fact that investigators have yet to identify a suspect in the two-plus years since, the Epplings remain faithful that someone will come forward with a tip that will lead to the arrest of their son’s killer.

“There has to be justice,” Donny Eppling said matter of factly, his voice splintering with grief. “Someday we’ll have it. Hopefully, it will be this year.”

Donny and his wife have lived in a purgatory of anguish and unanswered questions since their 25-yearold son, Kyle Eppling, died in a hail

This flier urges anyone with information about the murder of Kyle Eppling to contact Sumter County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers. of gunfire on Aug. 26, 2012. According to a bulletin from Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, a masked gunman described as a “black male dressed in dark clothing” approached Kyle as he stood outside with friends in a parking lot at Oakland Plantation Apartments, 5501 Edgehill Road. The gunman opened fire without saying anything and shot Eppling multiple times moments before the gunman was

seen running to a parked vehicle on Edgehill Road and peeling away from the scene.

Now investigators are bolstering the efforts to find Eppling’s murderer by issuing a possible $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. So far, detectives have identified persons of interest in the case but have been unable to develop any suspects or determine a solid motive as to why anyone would want to kill Eppling.

The victim, a popular former baseball player at Crestwood High School, was often called “Big Kountry” by friends. He was a part-time student at Central Carolina Technical College and worked at Eaton at the time of his death. Investigator Wayne DuBose said deputies will begin re-interviewing witnesses and hanging bulletins across town seeking new information about the shooting.

“Right now, we’ve got the pieces to the puzzle. It’s just a matter of putting these pieces together,” DuBose said.

“It’s hard to talk to the Eppling family and to have to meet with them and have to tell them we don’t have any new information at this time or that we don’t have that piece to put the puzzle together.”

Deputies have successfully turned to the community for information in several other murder investigations after

SEE EPPLING, PAGE A7

If you haven’t located your heavy coat yet this winter, now is the time to dig in the closet and pull it out.

It is going to get cold this week.

“We are now looking for a cold front to filter in Wednesday night,” said Meteorologist Bruce Cherry of the National Weather Service in Columbia.

“We expect lows (Wednesday night) in the lower 20s. On Wednesday we will struggle to get to the low 30s.”

Lows Thursday night will be in the low 20s, he said, before temperatures start to climb on Friday into the 40s.

“Wednesday through Thursday it will be pretty chilly,” he said.

Little if any precipitation is expected with the cold front.

Cherry said this type of cold snap is not surprising this time of year.

“It is January and close to the middle of winter, so these temperatures are not unusual at all,” he said.

Sumter County Emergency Management Director Erik Hayes said area residents should take precautions to avoid problems during the cold weather.

“Be prepared, have a supply kit. Don’t get out and over exert yourself,” he said. “It is just as easy to over exert yourself in

SEE COLD, PAGE A7

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

A male cardinal was fighting off rain and wind Sunday in Sumter, but he’s going to face bitter cold temperatures in the next few days.

Kerosene still in demand as temperatures plummet “It’s supposed to get so cold this week starting Wednesday or Thursday. We’re tryAs the temperatures drop, so ing to get everybody in before then.” have donations.

The high is predicted to be This week, the Fireside in the mid-30s Thursday.

Fund collected just short of A partnership between The $3,000, which is desperately needed, said Christy Lamb, so- Sumter Item and The Salvacial worker with The Salvation tion, Fireside Fund has raised close to $1.42 million Army. since 1969. The newspaper “We’ve been so busy this takes in financial contribumorning,” she said Monday.

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com

DEATHS, B7

VISIT US ONLINE AT

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tions from the community and gives the money to the nonprofit to distribute to those in need of help heating their homes.

The 2014-15 season is dedi-

cated to the late retired Maj. Gen. Tom Olsen.

“It’s an awesome program that helps so many people, and the need is there,” Lamb said.

“So many people are coming in for kerosene, and it’s just now getting cold.”

Elderly residents are the ones coming in for this fuel, she said. The heating initiative also provides vouchers for wood, electric and gas heating.

Harry A. Haselden Wilford J. Hoff Jr. Frederick M. Houghtling Levalle R. Anthony Dorcas Hinckle Allen L. Bristol

Bruce O. Burkett Ernestine S. Bell Almeta Benjamin Gail Kennedy Dorothy Huggins Antonia H. Bradley

Hattie B. White Rhunette M. Woods Bennie Turner John E. Bennett Blagoja Kuzevski Harry M. Mixon Jr.

If you need help, call The Salvation Army office at (803) 775-9336.

Checks may be mailed to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151. Financial contributions also may be dropped off at the office, 20 N. Magnolia St. Names will be printed as given, so please check that

SEE FIRESIDE, PAGE A7

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

Feud leads to pistols, pipes and pepper spray

BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com More details emerged Monday about a family dispute that spilled onto U.S. Highway 15 South on Sunday night and ended with a father and son behind bars and another man in critical condition in the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia, after being hit and dragged by a pickup truck.

Sumter County deputies filed charges against Joseph Lloyd Henderson Jr., 20, and Joseph Lloyd HENDERSON JR. HENDERSON SR. Henderson Sr., 43, on Sunday night. Henderson Jr. faces a count of attempted murder stemming from the vehicle incident, while the elder suspect was booked on a charge of third-degree assault and battery. Both men remained at SumterLee Regional Detention Center as of Monday morning, awaiting bond hearings.

Authorities said the incident involved two families embroiled in an ongoing feud with one another for several years. Braden Bunch, a spokesman for

the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, indicated the feud seemingly stems from multiple reasons and noted the families apparently had restraining orders filed against one another at some point.

Sunday’s incident came from an encounter between the parties at a grocery store in the 1700 block of U.S. 15 South. A frenetic street melee reportedly involved gunfire, pepper spray and a metal pipe, and a 41-year-old Sumter man was airlifted to Augusta after a pickup truck ran him over and dragged him about 30 feet.

Bunch said both suspects were tentatively expected to appear for bond hearings at the Detention Center later Monday or today. Investigators said more charges likely will be brought forth in the case.

“Whenever you have an incident like this, where individuals on both sides have such a deep dislike for one another, there are going to be discrepancies in the stories,” Bunch said. “We are continuing to investigate all of the statements made to us and examine those discrepancies to determine if more charges need to be made.”

According to a sheriff’s office incident report, the fracas started at the grocery store on U.S. 15 South. Henderson Jr. and his brother, who had been shopping at the store, were in the parking lot outside when they spotted two females and a male from the rival fami-

ly sitting in vehicles parked near their 1993 Chevrolet pickup truck. Henderson’s brother told deputies one of the women approached them and tried to use pepper spray on them. The two brothers then ran to their pickup and fled the grocery store parking lot, with the rival family following behind in another vehicle.

More family members on both sides became involved by the time the chase reached the convenience store in the 3100 block of U.S. 15 South, the report indicated. That’s when the victim and the elder suspect entered the fray, and chaos broke out in the parking lot of the store as the chase came to a stop.

At one point, Henderson Sr. approached one of the women trailing his sons and said, “It’s been over a year and a half ago; let it go,” the report stated. One of the women then pepper sprayed Henderson Sr., and he punched her in the face, Henderson’s son told officers. The woman’s husband then began swinging a PVC pipe at the elder suspect, and a fight ensued between the two males.

Henderson Jr. said the woman brandishing the mace then approached him as he was sitting in his vehicle and fired a small handgun in his direction.

The two other Hendersons pushed the victim to the ground and jumped back into the pickup when they heard the shot. As the men sped off attempting to

Nessie, is that you?

flee the scene, they told officers the woman continued to fire shots at them.

They indicated Henderson Jr. ran over the victim, who was still lying on the ground, as they made their getaway.

The father said he told his son to stop the truck once they realized they’d run the victim over, and the trio began fleeing down U.S. 15 on foot. The men said the victim’s father-in-law fired several more shots at them as they ran down the highway.

Deputies also questioned one of the men in the crew pitted against the Hendersons. He admitted that he, his girlfriend and his girlfriend’s mother sat outside the grocery store waiting for the brothers to emerge from the store, and his girlfriend’s mother tried to spray them with pepper spray when they came out. He also admitted that they followed the brothers to the convenience store but told officers the victim was already lying on the ground by the time he arrived there. The man and the victim’s father-in-law then chased the three Henderson men to a nearby church, at which point officers descended upon the scene. Deputies had to detain the man, who threatened to kill the Henderson trio and tried to attack them with a metal pipe even after the officers’ arrival. Deputies recovered a .22-gauge pistol from the victim’s father-in-law when they encountered him at the church.

Block Grant Entitlement Budget to receive final reading today

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com Sumter City Council will hold its first regular meeting of the year at 5:30 p.m. today in City Council Chambers, Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. A public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. for comments on a request to rezone residential land at the corner of Bultman Drive and Kilgo Street to limited commercial land. Polestar Development LLC proposes to rezone 2.21 acres in the middle of the entire 13.26-acre area to develop a grocery store along with a fuel center.

Council will consider final reading of the Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Budget awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development for fiscal year

LOCAL BRIEF FROM STAFF REPORTS

Stabbing suspect sought

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

The roof of a car submerged in Second Mill Pond breaks the surface on Saturday as water levels are lowered to help control aquatic weeds. The car went into the pond in 2014 and had not been recovered.

Sumter police are looking for a suspect involved in a stabbing incident. Romeo Daniels, 31, of 123 Highland Ave., is wanted for attempted murder after allegedly stabbing his 33-year- DANIELS old male cousin during a dispute at a residence in the 100 block of Carolina Avenue at approximately 12:15 a.m.

Sunday.

2015-16. It has already approved first and second reading of the budget that will provide the city with $298,862 in funds to be used for community services such as YMCA Youth Services, United Ministries and housing repair.

In other news, council will: • consider first reading of an ordinance to close a portion of Maxwell Avenue between Pocalla Road and Manning Avenue; • review a resolution to accept a State Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to finance water system improvements within the city; • consider appointments and other vacancies that are set to expire Dec. 31; and • receive Sumter Police Department’s 2014 annual report.

The victim was stabbed in the shoulder and was treated at Tuomey Regional Medical Center and later transported to Palmetto Health Hospital in Richland, where he is listed in good condition.

Police are asking for assistance in locating Daniels, a black male approximately 5 foot 9 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds.

Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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

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HEALTH

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

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A3

Power to persevere comes from within

BY MISSY CORRIGAN Special to The Sumter Item

“Y

ear after year it was always the same,” said James Richter, 42. “I made my New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. I would be motivated and even excited to prepare for the new me. With my fail-proof plan in place, I was ready for a successful start. But two weeks into it I would have lost focus and slipped back into my old ways. Frustrated and disappointed in myself, I would shrug it off and just try

again the next year.”

Maybe you make it more than two weeks, but if this sounds at all like you, you must have more than an effective plan to prevent this from happening.

More important than Missy having a great plan is Corrigan the internal desire and willingness to change.

Your doctor may want you to lose weight or your significant other might be pressuring you to drop a few pounds, but if

you don’t see the true value in it and if it is not a priority to you, you are more likely to fall off track.

This year Richter has a New Year’s resolution, but it is not to lose weight.

Richter said, “I put an end to this cycle in 2014 when I enrolled in a local health education class. The educational information was exactly what I needed to keep me from falling into those quick-fix products, fad diets and so-called healthy foods.

“When I was on a diet, I could always justify why I could eat a food I had restricted for so long, because it had been

so long. But now that I understand the damage that the particular food does to my body, I am less likely to give in to it or even crave it. My initial desire to lose weight was a superficial one, but the staying power came from the knowledge I gained through the education of adopting a healthy lifestyle,” Richter said.

Knowledge is power, and education leads to change. It’s not enough to just want to change; you must be willing and able to change. The information is out there for you, but only you are responsible for applying it to your life and making the change happen.

Fake bar part of drug research

BY LAURAN NEERGAARD The Associated Press WASHINGTON — There’s no skunky bar odor amid the beer taps. Instead of booze, colored water fills the bottles.

The real alcohol is locked away but still close enough for the extra temptation of smell — and to test the safety of a new drug designed to help heavy drinkers say “when” sooner than usual.

The replica of a fully stocked bar inside the hospital at the National Institutes of Health is an important part of the experiment. Researchers think that sitting in the dimly lit bar-laboratory should cue the volunteers’ brains to crave a drink and help determine if the pill they’re testing counters that urge.

“The goal is to create almost a real-world environment but to control it very strictly,” said lead researcher Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, who is testing how a hormone named ghrelin that sparks people’s appetite for food also affects their desire for alcohol and if blocking it helps.

Amid all the yearly resolutions to quit, alcohol use disorders affect about 17 million Americans, and only a small fraction receives treatment.

There’s no one-size-fits-all therapy, and the NIH is spurring a hunt for new medications that target the brain’s addiction cycle in different ways — and to find out which options work best in which drinkers.

“Alcoholics come in many forms,” said Dr. George Koob, director of NIH’s National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which has published new online guides, at www.niaaa.nih.gov, explaining who’s at risk and what can help.

What’s the limit? NIAAA says “low-risk” drinking means no more than four drinks in any single day and no more than 14 in a week for men, and no more than three drinks a day and seven a week for women.

Genes play a role in who’s vulnerable to crossing the line into alcohol abuse. So do environmental factors, such as getting used to drinking a certain

amount, not to mention how your own brain’s circuitry adapts.

Treatment can range from in-patient rehab and 12-step programs to behavioral therapy and the few medications available today. Koob, who specializes in the neurobiology of alcohol, said it usually takes a combination and ultimately, “you have to change your life.”

Yet a recent review for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimated that less than a third of people who need treatment get it, and of those, less than 10 percent receive medications.

Three drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat alcohol abuse.

One, naltrexone, blocks alcohol’s feel-good sensation by targeting receptors in the brain’s reward system — if people harbor a particular gene. The anti-craving pill acamprosate appears to calm stress-related brain chemicals in certain people. The older Antabuse works differently, triggering nausea and other aversive symptoms if people drink while taking it.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dr. George Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, left, and NIAAA scientist Dr. Lorenzo Leggio are seen in a research laboratory designed as a bar inside the National Institutes of Health’s hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, on Dec. 19. Leggio uses the lab to test how research volunteers react to a possible new way to curb heavy drinking, part of a broader hunt for more medications to help fight alcohol abuse.

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NATION

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

Markets plunge as oil dips below $50

7-year-old plane crash survivor may help probe

BY TIMOTHY D. EASLEY The Associated Press

THE SUMTER ITEM

‘She told me that her mom and dad were dead, and she had been in a plane crash, and the plane was upside down.’

NEW YORK (AP) — The ongoing slump in the price of oil is starting to become a headache for the stock market.

On Monday, oil plunged, dipping below $50 for the first time in more than five years. The sharp drop prompted a big sell-off, not just in the energy sector, but across the entire stock market.

Stocks had already endured a weak open amid concerns that Greece could exit the euro, adding to worries about the poor outlook for growth in that region. As oil continued to slide, the losses deepened and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index ended the day with its biggest loss in three months.

The price of oil has been falling since last summer amid mounting evidence that the world is oversupplied with the commodity after a surge in U.S. production. After six months of falling prices, investors are now getting jittery that the slump is attributable to more than just the supply glut; it could also be signaling a weakening global economy.

“The lower that oil prices go, the more it reinforces into the market’s mind that perhaps this is more of a demand issue than a supply issue,” said Burt White, Chief Investment Officer at LPL Financial. That raises questions “about the robustness of this recovery.”

The S&P 500 index dropped 37.62 points, or 1.8 percent, to 2,020.58. That was the biggest one-day slump

EDDYVILLE, Ky. — Sailor Gutzler, the 7-year-old girl who survived a plane crash, walked a mile through the cold, dark woods to safety and then helped authorities locate the wreckage and remains of her family, may not be done helping investigators.

National Transportation LARRY WILKINS Safety Board investigator Heidi Moats said Sunday Homeowner who answered that Sailor is “one remarkknock at his door by able young lady,” and she might be able to assist them 7-year-old crash victim in determining what brought the plane down. It is rare for someone to survive a small plane crash and commercial pilot and flight Moats said they want to talk instructor, according to the FAA website. to Sailor about it.

A woman who answered “Having someone that is a witness (is) always helpful in the telephone at Campagna Funeral Home the inin Nashville vestigasaid Sunday tion, it SAILOR GUTZLER FUND that arrangegives us A fund has been set up for the ments for kind of a 7-year-old survivor at: Marty Gutzler, story https://www.sailorgutzlerfund.com/ his wife and line,” their 9-year-old Moats daughter were said. pending.

It’s not Sailor’s family members clear when investigators might talk to Sailor, who de- said through a spokesman spite being bloodied and suf- that they do not want to do fering a broken wrist, pulled any interviews at this time because they need time to herself from the wreckage grieve. and walked to the nearest home.

She was dressed for Florida, where her family had been visiting, and was wearing shorts, a short-sleeve shirt and only one sock when she found a home about a mile from the crash site. Authorities said she walked through thick woods and briar patches in nearfreezing temperatures.

“She absolutely went to the nearest house that she could have,” Kentucky State Police Lt. Brent White said.

“But it was still a considerable feat for her to do that.”

The remains of the Piper PA-34 plane were moved Sunday so officials with the NTSB can inspect it. They haven’t discussed any possiLUNCH BUFFET BAR bilities of what brought the 7 DAYS A WEEK • 11 AM - 2 PM plane down or how Sailor survived the crash.

EVENING BUFFET • 5 PM - 8 PM The agency will issue a TUESDAY, THURSDAY, & SATURDAY preliminary report in about 10 days, Moats said at a news conference in Eddyville.

Sailor was treated at a hosRemember pital and released to a relative Saturday.

After the Friday night at 7:00 pm • 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place Prizes! crash, Sailor trekked to the home of 71-year-old Larry Wilkins, who answered her knock at the door and called police. Wilkins said the girl Open 7 Days a Week • 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM was crying and covered in blood.

“She told me that her mom and dad were dead, and she had been in a plane crash, and the plane was upside down,” Wilkins said.

Sailor was alert and able to point emergency workers looking for the plane in the right direction, said Lyon County Judge executive Wade White, who arrived at the crash site.

The crash killed Sailor’s parents, Marty Gutzler, 48; and his wife, Kimberly Gutzler, 46; Sailor’s sister, Piper Gutzler, 9; and a cousin, Sierra Wilder, 14. All were from Nashville, Illinois.

White said the father’s body was “the last one they pulled out because of how deep he was buried.”

Marty Gutzler was flying the plane, which reported engine trouble and lost contact with air traffic controllers about 5:55 p.m. CST, authorities said. Controllers tried to direct the pilot to an airport 5 to 7 miles from the crash scene.

About 40 minutes later, 911 dispatchers received the call from Wilkins.

The Gutzlers had been visiting family in Key West, Florida, and stopped in Tallahassee, Florida, on the way back to Mount Vernon, Illinois.

Gutzler was a licensed

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Trader Sal Suarino works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Monday. for the index since Oct. 9.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 331.34 points, or 1.9 percent, to 17,501.65. The Nasdaq composite fell 74.24 points, or 1.6 percent.

Energy stocks led the drop, plunging 4 percent, as the price of oil closed down $2.65 at $50.04 a barrel, after dipping below $50 during trading. But the declines were broad, and even airline stocks, usually a beneficiary of lower oil prices, ended the day lower.

Most analysts and economists say that, on balance, a decline in oil prices is a boon for the broader economy because it reduces energy costs for industrial companies. Lower gas prices also put more money in the pockets of consumers.

But there are downsides as well. As the price of oil slumps, some companies in the energy industry will go out of business. Not only will that cost jobs in the sec-

tor, but it will also cut spending on things like plants and equipment.

Transocean, a company that provides offshore drilling services to oil companies, was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500 index on Monday. The company’s stock slumped $1.28, or 7.1 percent, to $16.84.

Another area for concern is Europe.

Investors were already worried about the poor growth prospects in the euro region, and the impact that it would have on global growth. Now, they also have to contend with renewed speculation that Greece may exit the euro.

European stock markets slumped and the euro plunged against the dollar on reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel no longer believes it would be too risky for the 19-member eurozone if Greece dropped out of the currency bloc.

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WORLD

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

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What to know about sanctions on North Korea

BY FOSTER KLUG The Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea — Here are three things to know about new U.S. sanctions against North Korea over a cyberattack on Sony Pictures, whose movie depicting the fictional assassination of North Korea’s leader has infuriated Pyongyang, which denies responsibility for the cyberattack: Pyongyang’s rhetoric during the weekend, which included a vow that the new sanctions and America’s “inveterate repugnancy and hostility” would not weaken the North’s 1.2-millionstrong military, is probably directed as much at a domestic audience as it is at Washington.

Some North Korea watchers think that sanctions help to insulate Pyongyang from taking responsibility for its failures, and allow Kim Jong Un, the 30-something leader who took power in late 2011 after his father’s death, to better solidify

his power and bolster his domestic image as a strong leader.

Pyongyang, the argument goes, uses tension with the outside world, in general, and sanctions, in particular, to whip up always high anti-U.S. sentiment.

This, in turn, allows the leadership to justify its inability to feed many of its people and the continuing push to develop nuclear bombs it says are needed to defend against Washington.

••• The new measures are unlikely to make much of a difference in North Korea, which has been bombarded by sanctions for decades and which has woven an obsession with self-reliance into its national psyche.

Some analysts say Washington and others have the ability, should they choose, to apply more severe financial measures to hurt the North’s leadership.

But many others point out that a raft of multilateral penalties from the United Nations, as well as national sanctions from

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

People walk past a TV screen showing a poster of Sony Picture’s “The Interview” in a news report at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 22. North Korea dislikes the Hollywood film that revolves around the assassination of its beloved leader. The Korean letters on the screen read “Hollywood”.

Washington, Tokyo and others meant to punish the government and sidetrack its nuclear ambitions, have done nothing to derail Pyongyang’s pursuit of a nuclear tipped missile that could reach America’s mainland.

The most recent sanctions, which target 10 North Korean government officials and three organizations, including Pyongyang’s primary intelligence agency and state-run arms dealer, will have a limited impact

because North Korea will likely assign other people or organizations to take over the work of those targeted, analysts say.

••• The measures probably won’t hurt recent efforts to improve ties between the rival Koreas.

North and South Korea have been at each other’s throats, both figuratively and literally, since the Korean Peninsula was divided at the end of World War II into a U.S. backed capi-

talist south and a Sovietbacked communist north.

In the decades since they were founded in 1948, the Koreas have established elaborate patterns of communicating their intentions toward each other, even as they trade bombastic rhetoric and threats.

The North’s comments during the weekend have been largely viewed in Seoul as leaving the door open for warming ties as they didn’t specifically criticize South Korea.

Yemen’s al-Qaida thrives on Sunni backlash to Shiite rebels CAIRO (AP) — Al-Qaida’s branch in Yemen is surging in strength, finding new support and recruits among the country’s Sunni tribesmen, in a backlash to drone strikes and the rise to power of Shiite rebels who have taken over the capital and other parts of the country, tribal leaders and Yemeni officials warn.

The militants’ rise comes after months of being squeezed by multiple challenges. Early last year, U.S. drone strikes followed by Yemeni ground troops helped Yemen destroy a key alQaida base in the remote mountains of the impoverished, unstable nation. The past year, al-Qaida has also faced fierce competition from the Middle East’s new militant powerhouse, the Islamic State group, which has sought to make inroads into Yemen.

But the expansion of the Shiite rebels known as Houthis has been a godsend for al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, as the branch of the terror network in Yemen is called. The turmoil in Yemen has taken on

a sharply sectarian tone, pitting Sunnis against Shiites, to the benefit of Sunni al-Qaida.

And while the group has lost some prominent figures in drone strikes over past years, deaths of members of prominent tribes in the strikes have pushed tribesmen toward the militants.

Over the long term, the United States’ year-long campaign to put down the al-Qaida branch is likely to suffer, warns Bill Roggio from Long War Journal, which chronicles militant activities.

As al-Qaida gains ground locally in Yemen, that strengthens its ability to carry out attacks abroad against the United States, its main priority.

“The local fuels the external.

They will become more dangerous the more they draw local support,” Roggio told The Associated Press. As Washington’s ally in Yemen, President Abed Rabbo Hadi Mansour, gets weaker, U.S. ability to strike alQaida “will diminish over time after losing its partner,” he said.

Backed by deposed President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Houthis pushed out of their enclaves in northern Yemen and took over the capital Sanaa in September.

Hadi’s government has been virtually under its thumb since.

Houthi forces have since spread over eight of Yemen’s 21 provinces, taking over security powers in many cities and towns, with government officials and forces split in loyalties, either stepping aside or grudgingly cooperating with them.

At first the fight between Houthis and their opponents was largely a split along political and tribal lines. But now as the Shiite rebels push into largely Sunni regions of central Yemen on a declared campaign to fight al-Qaida, the conflict has taken on a sharply sectarian nature of Sunni vs Shiite, to the benefit of Sunni alQaida. The militants and their allies have responded with a guerrilla campaign of suicide bombings and other attacks against the Houthis.

Houthi power “is only increasing al-Qaida member-

ship,” an al-Qaida member in Yemen told The Associated Press in an online interview.

He said the group’s strategy is to exploit the Houthis’ overextension from their base in the

north, “drag them into a long war, and force them to retreat.”

The member spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized by the group to brief media.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

BUSINESS

THE SUMTER ITEM

Piano stores closing as fewer children taking up instrument

BY DAVID PITT The Associated Press BETTENDORF, Iowa — When Jim Foster opened his piano store 30 years ago, he had 10 competitors selling just pianos.

When he closed Foster Family Music in late December, not one was still selling pianos in the Quad-Cities area of Iowa and Illinois.

“We did try hard to find a buyer,” Foster said. There were no takers.

Stores dedicated to selling pianos like Foster’s are dwindling across the country as fewer people take up the instrument and those who do often opt for a less expensive electronic keyboard or a used piano. Some blame computers and others note the high cost of new pianos, but what’s clear is that a long-term decline in sales has accelerated.

The best year for new piano sales in the U.S. was 1909, when more than 364,500 were sold.

But after gently falling during the years, sales have plunged more recently to between 30,000 and 40,000 annually.

Larry Fine, a Boston-based piano technician, consultant

and author, said it is an indication of a changing society.

“Computer technology has just changed everything about what kids are interested in,” said Fine, who also publishes a website offering consumer information on new and used pianos. “People are interested in things that don’t take much effort, so the idea of sitting and playing an hour a day to learn piano is not what kids want to do.”

Youth sports demands also compete with music studies.

“Children these days are being recruited for so many other activities, whether it’s soccer, gymnastics or swimming,” said Robin Walenta, CEO of West Music, a music retailer with a chain of stores in Iowa and Illinois.

To succeed now, Walenta said retailers must engage families in music education. Her company offers an early childhood music program that starts with 3-month-old babies.

A keyboard exploration program is available for youngsters until they’re ready to begin individual lessons at age 7 or 8.

Foster Family Music survived because it took a similar

Carmakers finish strong in 2014 DETROIT (AP) — Buoyed by a resurgent economy, holiday sales, cheap gasoline and a love affair with pickup trucks, Americans headed to car dealers in droves last month, pushing full-year sales to what’s likely to be the highest level since 2006.

Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, Nissan, Honda and General Motors all reported strong December and annual U.S. sales early Monday, with Nissan and Honda hitting record numbers for the year.

Ford faltered but remained the top-selling brand in the U.S. last year.

The figures pointed to a strong finish for 2014. Analysts are predicting sales of 16.5 million vehicles, up 6 percent from last year and a return to pre-recession levels. And Americans are expected to continue buying cars in big numbers this year.

Sales are forecast to reach 17 million for the first time since 2005, close to the record of 17.3 million set in 2000.

Kelley Blue Book expected December sales to be up nearly 10 percent over the previous year to 1.5 million, thanks to holiday promotions and milder-

than-usual weather.

Fiat Chrysler led the way with a 16 percent increase over 2013. Fiat Chrysler was led by the Ram pickup truck, with sales up 24 percent for the year.

Pickup truck sales rebounded for nearly all automakers through 2014.

Toyota’s sales rose 5 percent last year to more than 2 million. Toyota ended the year on a high note, with December sales up 12 percent. Nissan’s sales grew 11 percent for the year to 1.39 million to set an annual record for the company.

At General Motors, a 19 percent sales gain in December helped drive annual sales up 5 percent to 2.94 million cars and trucks. In December, the Buick brand posted a 32 percent sales gain, while GMC was up 23 percent. GM’s full-size pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, each posted gains of more than 30 percent for the month. The company sold over 81,000 big pickups.

Honda said its sales last year rose 1 percent to 1.54 million cars and trucks. That was enough to post the second-best results in company history.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A sold sign is taped to a piano at the Foster Family Music Center piano store in Bettendorf, Iowa. The number of stores dedicated to selling pianos is dwindling across the country. approach, offering digital pianos and acoustic pianos with built-in electronics for student lessons and hosting thousands of students in large performance events, Foster said, sitting at a Wi-Fi and fiber opticequipped Yamaha Disklavier grand piano.

Walenta said those types of features on pianos help ensure the instrument continues to be a mainstay for children learning music.

“On a digital piano they can practice with a harpsichord sound or a trumpet sound. It makes it more fun,” she said.

“Kids these days need that kind of interaction to be interested.”

When Dennis Saphir recently closed his piano store in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette, it was the end of a business his family started six generations ago in Vienna. He took it over

from his father who brought the business to the U.S. during World War II. Saphir said new piano sales are challenged by fewer parents requiring youngsters to take lessons as part of their upbringing and a glut of instruments already in homes.

“We actually found ourselves competing with our own pianos that came back on the market and, frankly, nothing was wrong with those pianos,” he said. “We had serviced them and made sure customers took care of those pianos. There were lots of really excellent pianos on the market for a fraction of what the new piano would cost.”

Well-maintained pianos can make music for 50 to 70 years, said Peter Stumpf, a piano technician for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and

Carnegie Mellon University, also in Pittsburgh.

Stumpf acknowledged new piano retailers are challenged by technicians like him who restore well-made used pianos and sell them at a fraction of the cost.

The piano’s design, durability and new flexibility brought by technology helps keep the instrument created by Italian Bartolomeo Cristofori more than 300 years ago relevant today, said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants, a music products industry trade association.

“Having all the notes laid out in front of you spatially is really an important way to learn music,” he said. “It’s why it’s one of the most important instruments for people to begin on. That’s not going to change.”

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FIRESIDE FROM PAGE A1 they are correct. Spell out acronyms.

Donations as of Monday included: Jimmy and Eunice Bradshaw, $100; In memory of Teensie Davis by her family, $200; In memory of James R. Curry and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Marye from Robert and Tracy Marye, $200; The Johnson-McIntosh Trust, $50; Charlie Pitts, $25; and In memory of Frank & Lucinda Bostick from Mr. and Mrs. W. Daniel Shelley, $100.

In memory of Ruben C. Avant from Nola C. and

COLD FROM PAGE A1 the cold as it is in the heat.”

Stay dressed warmly and wear loose layers, he recommended.

Hayes said without any precipitation forecast with the cold weather, power outages are unlikely, but that shouldn’t stop people from being ready for whatever happens.

“Have a back-up heat source, just in case,” he said. “If you use a kerosene heater be sure you have ventilation and fuel it outside for fire safety. We want you to be prepared all year long, so keep some non-perishable food and some water on hand.”

Residents should make sure their water pipes won’t freeze and burst, Hayes said.

“Pipes bursting can be a big thing so either insulate your

EPPLING FROM PAGE A1 the trail went cold. DuBose said he hopes the effort to gather new clues will refresh the shooting death in peoples’ minds and prompt the right person to call with the “one piece to put things together.

“We have the hope that whoever’s got that information, they’re going to step up and do the right thing and help us bring some closure for the Eppling family and bring justice to the person that did this,” he said. “We have got the evidence. The evidence was there that night. No matter what someone says on the street — whether it’s through the rumor mill or whatever — it’s not going to change the evidence that we have.”

Kyle’s life draped the hallways of his parents’ home Monday. A shrine of plaques and pictures from his baseball days hung on the walls and a Christmas tree stood in the living room, decorated with ornaments he crafted as a child.

Both his mom and dad reflected on his life and death Monday afternoon, sitting together in their Dalzell home.

For Donny Eppling, it was not his first brush with tragic loss.

He noted that his first wife

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

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A7

Alan D. Salisbury, $300; Martha D. Greenway, $100; Mike and Ginger Cox, $500; James and Frances McIntosh, $100; In memory of Sam Hunter from Mary and Charles Shaw, $200; In memory of George and Madelyn Waynick and Kenneth and Hummin Tobias from George and Genny Waynick, $50; and In memory of George Poole from Faith Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, $50.

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outside pipes or keep a steady drip indoors,” he said.

Hayes said the county was not expecting to open any shelters but the privately run Samaritan House on West Oakland Avenue will be available.

Mark Champagne, executive director of Sumter United Ministries, which operates the Samaritan House, 320 W. Oakland Ave., said the shelter will be open, and Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church will be available if there is overflow.

“We’re open, mostly helping people with their utility bills,” Champagne said. “We are low on electric heaters so if anybody has some to donate, we could use them.”

He said the shelter can always use donations to help people with their utility bills or other expenses.

died in a car crash weeks after he married her several decades ago. He said her loss was easier to absorb than the shooting death of his son.

“Time heals that because I know what happened. I know how it happened, and I know why it happened,” he said.

“But this has lingering questions. Like, who would my son know that would want to shoot him? Or was he just a victim at the wrong place at the wrong time? Was it a case of mistaken identity? All we know is that he’s gone, so you have all those questions with no answers.”

In October, Kyle’s mother and father traveled to a family burial spot in Clay County, West Virginia, to place his marker at his tombstone.

Nancy Eppling said she’s had a hard time enjoying Christmas since her son died and indicated the killer’s arrest would help her heal.

“The person who did this doesn’t realizes what they’ve put the family through,” she said. “When your child is your only child and he’s your pride and joy, you live for him. You lose a part of you when he’s taken, and it’s hard. When the person who did this is caught by the law, we’ll have a little peace of mind. But when God comes, we’ll know the real peace of mind.”

AP FILE PHOTO

President Obama addresses the Climate Summit at United Nations headquarters on Sept. 23.

Obama’s ambitious efforts to combat global warming face their biggest trial yet as Republicans take full control of Congress in 2015. Republicans have promised to start fast and forceful, sending Obama a barrage of bills to roll back his environmental rules and force his hand on energy development. It’s the first order of business for GOP leaders, who will be able to send bills to Obama’s desk unimpeded by Senate Democrats for the first time in Obama’s presidency.

GOP-run Congress sure to threaten Obama’s global warming efforts

BY JOSH LEDERMAN The Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Obama’s determined efforts to combat global warming face their biggest trial yet as Republicans take full control of Congress this week. The GOP vows to move fast and forcefully to roll back his environmental rules and force his hand on energy development.

The GOP’s first order of business: the Keystone XL pipeline. The Republican-led House has repeatedly passed legislation to approve the pipeline, which would carry tar sands oil from Canada deep into the United States. The bills died in the Senate when Democrats were in control, but that will change Wednesday when a Republican-led Senate committee holds a Keystone hearing.

“The president is going to see the Keystone XL pipeline on his desk and it’s going to be a bellwether decision by the president whether to go with jobs and the economy,” Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said Sunday.

Success for Republicans on the climate front would jeopardize a key component of Obama’s legacy. And the ramifications would likely ricochet far beyond the United States.

Later this year, nations are supposed to sign a major global climate treaty in Paris.

Aggressive action by the U.S. under Obama has upped the pressure on other governments to get serious about climate change,

too. But if Obama can’t make good on his commitments at home, it’s unclear whether poorer nations will still feel compelled to act.

“The American government has been responsible for sending very strong political and economic signals with what they have announced so far,” former Mexican President Felipe Calderon, now a global climate leader, said in an Associated Press interview. “I know that there is a risk that those will be overcome by the new political reality in the U.S.” Obama has made clear he will use his veto power if Republicans succeed in getting hostile bills to his desk — especially on climate change. “I’m going to defend gains that we’ve made on environment and clean air and clean water,” he has said.

And Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, says the Republicans aren’t likely to overturn his veto. That would require a number of Democrats to vote against the president.

“There’s reason to be concerned, but I don’t think there’s reason to be panicked,” Schatz said.

By design, Obama’s biggest steps on climate rely on existing laws and don’t explicitly require Congress to act. But Republicans can try to undercut them before they take effect. Republicans argue that Obama’s coal plant emissions limits, for example, would devastate local economies and hamper job-creation.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

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

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COMMENTARY

The senator to watch in 2015 W

ASHINGTON — Standing at the intersection of three foreign policy crises and a perennial constitutional tension, Bob Corker, R-Tenn., incoming chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, may be the senator who matters most in 2015. Without an authorization for use of military force (AUMF) tailored to novel circumstances, America is waging war against an entity without precedent (the Islamic State). Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons during negotiations that should involve congressional duties. And Russia is revising European borders by force and, like Iran, is the object of a U.S. experiment testing the power of economic sanctions to modify a dicGeorge tator’s behavWill ior. As Congress weighs its foreign policy role regarding these three matters, Corker treads the contested terrain between deference to presidential primacy in foreign policy and the need for collective wisdom and shared responsibility.

Were Barack Obama more prudent than vain, he would want congressional collaborators in problematic foreign ventures. He has, however, ignored the historical norm whereby presidents specify the authority they need. He has offered no substitute for the 60-word AUMF from Sept.

18, 2001, which authorized force against “those nations, organizations, or persons” complicit in 9/11. This was a decade before the Islamic State — which is not a nation and has no clear borders or regime with which to deal — existed.

Remember the “Khorasan group”? On Sept. 23, when announcing the beginning of airstrikes against the Islamic State, Obama cited this hitherto unmentioned menace in connection with the U.S. military action. It has hardly been mentioned since. Should an AUMF mention it?

Corker believes that congressional action legalizing Obama’s current military actions would be akin to responding to a teenager who habitually drives too fast by raising the speed limit. Nevertheless, many legislators, including some who are indignant about Obama unilaterally setting environmental and immigration policies, seem reluctant to leash him regarding war. Others want an AUMF that would place geographic and time limits on U.S. military action, and would bar use of U.S. ground troops. Corker hopes an AUMF debate will, for the administration, lay out a plausible path to stated goals regarding Syria.

Meanwhile, the training of Syrian moderates remains as chimerical as the Bashar al-

Assad regime’s barrel bombs are real, and Congress continues, Corker notes disapprovingly, to fund America’s wars off budget. Making a mockery of supposed budget targets, there was another $73 billion “OCO” — overseas contingency operations — expenditure in the recent $1.1 trillion spending bill in the 14th year of an “emergency.”

The Banking Committee, on which Corker sits, has jurisdiction over Iranian sanctions, and has passed new ones. Tip-toeing through a diplomatic minefield, Corker is working on ways for Congress to affect the negotiations positively without jeopardizing them. Corker and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have drafted legislation requiring the president to submit to Congress, within three days, any comprehensive agreement reached with Iran, and would have Congress hold hearings on it in 15 days.

Congress would have an additional 15 days to introduce a joint resolution of disapproval. If the president does not submit any agreement, or if a resolution of disapproval is enacted, then prior sanction relief is ended. Iran might stymie this process by prolonging the negotiations until it reaches what Corker thinks Iran considers “the sweet spot”: At least for now, getting to “a screwdriver turn” away from possessing a weapon, then pausing.

Regarding Russia, too, Corker and his committee are relevant to U.S. efforts at behavior modification. Vladimir Putin, says Corker, cannot be allowed to succeed in his aggression, and must pay a heavy price until he changes course. But he should not be forced to fail so calamitously that a destabilized Russia destabilizes the region. Banking and other sanctions, coinciding with a roughly 50 percent decline in the price of oil, have convulsed this ramshackle country. In what may be a harbinger of an enlarged congressional role in foreign policy, Obama has signed legislation, co-introduced by Corker, that increases sanctions on Russia and provides $350 million in military aid to Ukraine.

Corker says he is a former builder of shopping centers, real estate entrepreneur and former mayor (of Chattanooga) who had — he forms a zero with his thumb and forefinger — “this much” foreign policy experience before becoming a senator in 2007.

Never mind. He has now visited 64 countries, some of them multiple times, and his mind is unclouded by long immersion in the conventional thinking of the foreign policy clerisy, with its inclination to disparage strong congressional initiatives in foreign policy.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR THANKS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR KEEPING US SAFE In light of all of the issues that law enforcement officers are receiving because of recent events, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and

COMMENTARY

Is war in the cards this year?

“I

f you see 10 troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine will run into the ditch before they reach you,” said Calvin Coolidge, whose portrait hung in the Cabinet Room of the Reagan White House.

Among the dispositions shared by the two conservatives was a determination to stay out of other people’s wars.

Peering into 2015, there are wars into which our interventionists are eager to plunge that represent no immediate or grave threat to us.

One is the war the Islamic State group is waging in Syria and Iraq, a menace so great, we are told, it may require U.S. ground troops.

But why? Syria and Iraq are 5,000 miles away. And because of its barbarism and incompetence, the Islamic State is losing support in the Sunni lands it now occupies.

The Kurds have halted the group’s advance toward Irbil, Iraq. Shiite militias, no friends of ours, have halted its advance toward Baghdad. The Islamic State is under steady drone and air attack by the U.S. and Arab allies. Iran is providing men and materiel to Pat Damascus and Baghdad in Buchanan their battle against the group.

Now the Turks and Gulf Arabs, including the Saudis, appear to have awakened to the threat and are weighing in against the Islamic State.

Why not let them do the fighting?

By staying out of the two world wars of the 20th century until the other great powers were fully engaged and horribly bled, America emerged triumphant with the fewest casualties and least damage.

That used to be called statesmanship.

Moreover, compared with Nazi Germany, imperial Japan, Stalin’s USSR and Mao’s China, the Islamic State doesn’t even make the “JV,” to use Barack Obama’s term.

Last month, the drums were beating for an attack on North Korea for what Sen. John McCain called a “new form of warfare” and what Sen. Lindsey Graham called “cyberterrorism” aided by China.

In “A Reply to Kim’s Cyberterrorism,” The Wall Street Journal urged a “forceful response” to deter “future attacks.” Swiftly, there followed the crashing of North Korea’s Internet system.

Query: If reports are true that Sony Pictures was hacked by ticked-off ex-employees yet North Korea’s Internet was brought down by a U.S. cyberattack, who is the cyberterrorist now?

Perhaps some of those Iranian technicians in Natanz who watched their centrifuges breaking down and blowing up from the Stuxnet virus have some thoughts on this.

But the most determined push for war in 2015 will come from neocons and interventionists who want a U.S.-Putin confrontation and regime change in Russia. And as

praises to our local law enforcement officials. Sheriff Anthony Dennis and Chief Russell Roark and their staffs are doing an outstanding job of supporting, protecting and serving us.

Each day these brave men and women unselfishly put their lives on the line for the citizens’ safety and wellbeing. Words alone cannot express

Russia has a nuclear arsenal to match our own, this is a matter of real gravity.

Because of U.S.-EU sanctions on Russia for its role in Ukraine and the collapse in the price of oil, Russia’s principal export, the ruble has lost half its value, and the economy faces a contraction of 5 percent in 2015.

Real hardships lie ahead for the Russian people. But it seems they are not blaming Vladimir Putin for their troubles. They are blaming us.

“According to the respected Moscow ‘Levada Center,’ which measures political sentiment in Russian society,” the New York Observer reports, “74 percent of Russians have negative feelings towards the USA. ... In the 1990s, 80 percent had positive attitude toward America.

“Currently, 76 percent of Russians hate Obama personally and only a meager 2 percent like him. ... These are the maximum peaks of anti-American feelings in Russia in years. ... Just last week Visa and MasterCard completely stopped their operations in Crimea, leaving more than 2 million people there without access to their money.”

One Moscow supermarket is using American flags as doormats, and customers are wiping their feet on them.

Before going home, Congress voted to levy new sanctions on Russia and authorized U.S. lethal weapons to be sent to Kiev to enable Ukraine to retake Luhansk and Donetsk and perhaps Crimea.

Obama signed the bill.

With Republican hawks taking over all congressional committees dealing with foreign and defense policy, peace and war, in the new year, there will be a competitive clamor that Obama send the guns to Kiev.

And what happens then?

Will Putin abandon the rebels and face the rage of the Russian people for backing down? Will Putin wait for the U.S. anti-tank weapons and ammunition to arrive and be sent to eastern Ukraine?

Or will Putin, a decisive sort, send in the Russian army before the U.S. weapons arrive, hive off a land bridge to Crimea — and maybe more for bartering purposes — and call Obama’s bluff ?

In his New Year’s message to the Russian people, Putin hailed the annexation of Crimea as an achievement that will “forever remain a landmark in the national history.”

Doesn’t sound as if he’ll be giving Crimea up any time soon.

“It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future,” said the wise Yogi Berra.

But one prediction seems not too risky.

Either Obama and Putin enter negotiations over Ukraine or the war in Ukraine, with 4,700 dead since April, gets bigger and wider.

Patrick J. Buchanan is the author of the new book “The Greatest Comeback: How Richard Nixon Rose From Defeat to Create the New Majority.” © 2015 creators.com

the gratitude for the risks and inconveniences these officers do daily in order to protect, secure and ensure our safety. Many of these officers have families who have to endure the possibilities of their loved one being injured or even killed in the line of duty.

Law enforcement is one of the most honorable and selfless occupations.

Thank you Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Sumter Police Department for making a difference and enabling us the opportunity to feel safe and protected. Please keep up the good work.

PASTOR JAMES BLASSINGAME Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Sumter

TELEVISION

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Chicago Fire: Let Him Die Two mem- WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show Starring bers of the firehouse are missing af- 11:00pm News Jimmy Fallon Comedic skits and ceter a routine call. (N) (HD) and weather. lebrity interviews. (HD) (:01) Person of Interest: If-Then-Else News 19 @ 11pm (:35) Late Show with David LetterSamaritan attacks the stock exThe news of the man Popular celebrities are interchange. (N) (HD) day. viewed. (HD) Marvel’s Agent Carter: Bridge and Forever: The Wolves of Deep Brook- ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Celebrities Tunnel A foe gets one of Howard’s lyn Financial investor found dead. (N) News at 11 (HD) and human-interest subjects. (HD) weapons. (N) (HD) (HD) BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) American Experience: Ripley: Be- Frontline: Gunned Down: The Power Tavis Smiley (HD) International lieve It or Not Robert Ripley and his of the NRA The political power of the (HD) news.

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38 55

USA

25

WE WGN

68 8

Believe it or not, PBS offers profile of Ripley

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Be prepared to be amazed!

The “American Experience” presentation “Ripley: Believe it or Not!” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) profiles a sports cartoonist who bedazzled Americans between the World Wars with tales of human achievements, natural wonders and exotic oddities.

“Ripley” dutifully profiles its subject, LeRoy Robert Ripley (he later switched his first and middle names), from his humble beginnings as a shy, bucktoothed boy from Santa Rosa, California, to his work as a sports cartoonist for San Francisco and New York newspapers; how he happened on the oddity angle during a slow sports day; how Ripley’s stutter and ungainly looks helped his “everyman” appeal and how “Believe it or Not!” caught on in newsprint, books, radio, newsreels and eventually television.

Ripley would die only days after suffering a heart attack on a live TV broadcast in 1949.

Syracuse University professor of popular culture Robert Thompson compares Ripley’s 20th-century blend of museumlike “education” and freak show exploitation with 21stcentury YouTube culture and its promiscuous commingling of the high and the low, the odd and the exalted.

Oddly, “Ripley” completely dispenses with any discussion of his talent as an illustrator or graphic designer. We hear about his gnomish library researcher, but nothing about his influence on cartoonists and illustrators.

Despite many imitators, “Believe it or Not!” had a unique look. The combination of text and heavily inked drawings and the juxtaposition of mundane and exotic images are what made it so strange and alluring. Long before underground comics or punk graphics, the Ripley panel had a peculiar edge that made it stand out on the newspaper page.

Few people, never mind artists, have “branded” themselves quite like Ripley, whose very signature became a logo.

While the authors and experts featured here are informative, it would be a whole lot more fun to hear from cartoonists like R. Crumb, Roz Chast or Art Spiegelman. A whole lot hipper, too.

• A tycoon’s murder intrigues Henry on “Forever” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

• Seven strangers share space in Chicago on “Real World: Skeletons” (11 p.m., MTV, TV-14).

CULT CHOICE An evil scheme to dominate through telepathy yields grim results in director David Cronenberg’s 1981 shocker “Scanners” (9:45 p.m., Flix).

SERIES NOTES

COURTESY OF © RIPLEY ENTERTAINMENT INC. / PBS

Robert Ripley stands with an illustration of the Horned Man of South Africa.

• The “Frontline” presentation “Gunned Down” (10 p.m., PBS, check local listings) discusses the ability of the National Rifle Association to influence the gun control debate on both a state and national level.

“Frontline” also recalls a time when the NRA was not politically active, or even terribly conservative. A generation ago, the organization was known more as a sportsman’s group, promoting hunting culture, marksmanship and gun safety.

The experts on hand here agree that the NRA does not have a huge membership, but that its members are a passionate lot, held together by a belief — make that fear — that even the most arcane technical regulation of the sales of assault rifles is an attack on freedom itself by a tyrannical government.

This “Frontline” emphasizes the NRA’s efforts to thwart gun control legislation in the wake of massacres at Columbine in 1999 and Newtown in 2012.

Not discussed here are studies showing the precipitous decline of American gun culture.

For all of the talk of gun sales, or even gun hoarding, the percentage of homes in America

with guns has dwindled by nearly a third — from 50 percent to 35 percent in the last 40 years.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • “MasterChef Junior” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG) enters season three.

• The 1940s period-piece prequel “Marvel’s Agent Carter” (8 p.m. and 9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) was unavailable for review.

• A cyber attack roils Wall St. on “Person of Interest” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Two firefighters are kidnapped on “Chicago Fire” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

2014-15

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF TOM OLSEN

Plagiarism on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Leslie mulls her future on “Parks and Recreation” (8 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14) * New superheroes arrive on “The Flash” (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * A bombing breaks up a party on “NCIS: New Orleans” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Forget-me-nots on “Marry Me” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Winston graduates on “New Girl” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14) * Jody returns on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * A happy anniversary on “About a Boy” (9:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Stanford-bound on “The Mindy Project” (9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT Cass Sunstein is booked on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Ethan Hawke, Allison Williams and Parquet Courts appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS).

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

FYI Zumba classes will be held at The Rembert Area Community Coalition along with the Sumter 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Parks County Ring Communities is Plenty oftochances to volunteer, participate and Recreation building on seeking volunteers assist Haynsworth Street. Classes with the planning of Rembert’s Third Annual Spring Parade and are $5 each. No registration required. Contact Deanne events scheduled for April Lewis at zumbadeanne@ 11. Deadline to volunteer is gmail.com.

Monday, Jan. 12. Call (803) 432-2001 or (803) 420-1255.

The Palmetto Singles Club holds a dance from 7 to 10 The International Festival Committee is seeking participants to p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at the showcase their culture. Deadline for participants is March VFW on Gion Street. Call 14. Call Recreation and Parks Sarah Shorter at (803) 8473288. at (803) 436-2248.

Sumter Area Toastmasters The Rembert Area Community meets at 7 p.m. each TuesCoalition (RACC) is accepting day at the Sumter Mall comapplications for the 2014-15 after school program. Applica- munity room, 1057 Broad St. The group helps in developtions can be obtained at the ing speaking and leadership main office, 8455 Camden Highway, Rembert, SC 29128. skills. Call Douglas Wilson at (803) 778-0197 or Rebecca Call (803) 432-2001.

Gonzalez at (803) 565-9271.

Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn’t be. Free help for Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS cancer patients from the Columbus CA-74/CG-12 from American Cancer Society.

Transportation to treatment, 1944 through 1976 and the USS Columbus (SSN-762) past and help for appearance related side effects of treatment, nu- present, to share memories and camaraderie with old trition help, one-on-one friends and make new ones, breast cancer support, free contact Allen R. Hope, presihousing away from home dent, 3828 Hobson Road, Fort during treatment, help findWayne, IN 46815-4505; (260) ing clinical trials, someone 486-2221 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; fax to talk to — all free. Call (260) 492-9771; or email at (800) 227-2345. hope4391@verizon.net.

The Rembert Area Community Coalition (RACC) offers a senior Hospice Care of Sumter LLC is citizens program 10 a.m.-noon in need of volunteers in Sumter and surrounding couneach Monday and Wednesties. Opportunities available day at 6785 Bradley St. (befor you to use your time and hind community car wash), Rembert, SC 29128. Transpor- talents to be of assistance include reading, musical taltation is available. Call (803) ents, companionship, light 432-2001. housekeeping, etc. Contact Sumter High School Class of 1975 will hold a 40-year class Joyce Blanding at (803) 8835606 or hospicecareofsumreunion celebration May 2931. Send all addresses to cin- ter@yahoo.com.

Agape Hospice is in need of voldyd27@juno.com. unteers. Whether your pasAre you a breast cancer survision is baking, knitting, readvor? Maggie L. Richardson is ing, singing, etc., Agape Hosseeking other survivors to form a music group and give pice can find a place for you.

Contact Thandi Blanding at back to the community. If you are interested in joining, (803) 774-1075, (803) 260-3876 or tblanding@agapsenior. contact her at mlrminstry2012@gmail.com or (803) com.

Hospice Care of South Carolina 236-9086. is in need of volunteers in SumBelly dancing classes are held ter County. Do you have one at 6 p.m. every Monday at the Parks and Recreation De- extra hour a week? Opportunities are available for papartment, 155 Haynsworth tient/family companionship, St. Only $20 per month. administrative support, meal The Second (Indianhead) Divipreparation, light household sion Association is searching projects, student education for anyone/everyone who and various other tasks. served in the 2nd Infantry Di- Contact Whitney Rogers, revision. Visit www.2ida.org or gional volunteer coordinator, contact Mike Davino at MDa- at (843) 409-7991 or whitney. vino@yahoo.com or (919) rogers@hospicecare.net.

498-1910.

PUBLIC AGENDA SUMTER CITY COUNCIL Today, 5:30 p.m., Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. BISHOPVILLE CITY COUNCIL Today, 6:30 p.m., Colclough Building

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

Some clouds, then sunshine

Partly cloudy

Partly sunny and windy

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Colder with plenty Warmer with plenty of sunshine of sun

Intervals of clouds and sunshine

57°

32°

48° / 17°

31° / 19°

45° / 22°

44° / 29°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 20%

SW 7-14 mph

W 4-8 mph

NW 10-20 mph

NE 7-14 mph

WSW 7-14 mph

ENE 6-12 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 53/30 Spartanburg 55/31

Greenville 54/31

Columbia 59/32

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 57/32

Aiken 58/30

ON THE COAST

Charleston 61/36

Today: Some clouds, then sunshine. High 58 to 63.

Wednesday: Windy with clouds and sun; cooler in southern parts. High 50 to 57.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 52/27/s 13/-5/c 52/30/pc 21/6/sn 60/43/pc 81/52/s 59/42/pc 26/20/sn 77/51/pc 28/23/sn 73/47/s 65/47/s 38/27/sn

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

358.12 74.28 73.35 96.29

24-hr chg +0.06 +0.06 none +0.33

Sunrise 7:28 a.m.

Moonrise 7:10 p.m.

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

trace 1.15" 0.63" 1.15" 0.34" 0.63"

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

56° 42° 54° 32° 75° in 2007 11° in 1981

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 40/16/pc 2/-11/pc 37/19/pc 13/3/sf 54/29/pc 79/54/pc 53/28/pc 28/10/sf 69/41/pc 29/10/sf 75/53/pc 66/47/pc 32/16/pc

Myrtle Beach 60/36

Manning 58/31

Today: Partly sunny. Winds west-southwest 8-16 mph. Mostly cloudy.

Wednesday: Increasing amounts of sunshine. Winds northwest 12-25 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 59/32

Bishopville 57/29

Sunset Moonset

5:27 p.m.

8:09 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Jan. 13

Jan. 20

Jan. 26

Feb. 3

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 9.24 -0.02 19 5.60 +0.46 14 9.52 -0.81 14 5.92 +0.98 80 79.13 -0.36 24 10.04 +0.26

AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 9:37 a.m.

10:00 p.m.

10:14 a.m.

10:40 p.m.

Today Wed.

Ht. 3.2 2.7 3.1 2.7

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 49/27/pc 53/31/s 59/31/s 63/37/s 53/38/s 61/36/s 54/30/pc 56/31/s 59/32/s 56/31/pc 53/35/s 56/33/pc 55/30/pc

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 31/10/pc 43/15/pc 52/16/pc 56/21/pc 43/21/pc 54/20/pc 42/14/pc 45/19/pc 51/19/pc 47/16/pc 43/18/pc 46/18/pc 45/16/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 59/32/s Gainesville 70/39/pc Gastonia 53/28/pc Goldsboro 54/30/pc Goose Creek 61/35/s Greensboro 48/29/pc Greenville 54/31/pc Hickory 50/29/pc Hilton Head 61/38/s Jacksonville, FL 69/37/s La Grange 56/32/s Macon 57/31/s Marietta 50/29/s

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 50/17/pc 64/27/pc 43/15/pc 43/16/pc 54/20/pc 37/13/pc 43/15/pc 35/12/pc 54/21/pc 62/28/pc 46/19/pc 49/19/pc 38/14/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 51/28/pc Mt. Pleasant 62/37/s Myrtle Beach 60/36/pc Orangeburg 59/33/s Port Royal 62/38/s Raleigh 51/30/pc Rock Hill 53/27/pc Rockingham 55/26/pc Savannah 64/37/s Spartanburg 55/31/pc Summerville 61/38/s Wilmington 59/32/pc Winston-Salem 47/29/pc

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

COMMISSION Wednesday, 4 p.m., town hall SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Thursday, 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, 141 N. Main St.

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

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Being helpful EUGENIA LAST will lead to an opportunity that can prove prosperous. Socialize with people who work in the same industry as you. Love and romance is on the rise and sharing your feelings will result in a positive lifestyle change.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Learn by being observant. Practicality will make a difference to the way situations unfold around you.

Communication problems will escalate if you disagree or let emotions take over. Focus on accomplishments.

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 35/11/pc 54/21/pc 52/19/pc 52/19/pc 56/23/pc 40/14/pc 43/14/pc 44/15/pc 58/23/pc 43/16/pc 54/19/pc 50/18/pc 37/12/pc

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

TOWN OF LYNCHBURG PLANNING

The last word in astrology

Low Ht. 4:00 a.m. -0.3 4:38 p.m. -0.1 4:40 a.m. -0.2 5:15 p.m. 0.0

quickly.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Diplomacy will help you maneuver your way through a sticky situation and bring the change required to achieve a happier personal life. Put extra time and energy into a project and it will ensure you are pleased with the outcome.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t be enticed by an empty promise.

Show resilience and resourcefulness and you will get your way. An interesting business move based on a unique concept will position you for success. You have more to offer than you realize.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Travel, excitement and sharing your feelings will improve your relationships with the people you care about the most. Express your ideas and plans and put them into motion. Actions speak louder than words, and romance is highlighted.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You can play the game of life and win, but don’t boast. Showing gratitude will add to your popularity and bring you future prospects. Use your charm, intelligence and discipline to bring about positive change. Romance is in the stars.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep an open mind, but don’t make impulsive changes based on what others do or say. Be creative and opt to do your own thing.

Originality will play in your favor as the day comes to a close. Emotional decisions will end up being costly.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Know your limitations and strategize to get around any setbacks that might deter you from completing what needs to be done before you make any big changes.

Partnerships will play an important role in your life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Think about the people in your life and the things you enjoy doing most. It’s OK to work hard, but playing hard will also help you maintain a healthy attitude, balance and a better chance to achieve your goals.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take advantage of a chance to improve your life and your current position.

Increased responsibility will lead to a higher standard of living and an opportunity to impress someone you want to form a closer relationship with.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Listen to what’s being asked of you.

Someone may try to take advantage of you. Take care of your responsibilities, but don’t give in to unrealistic demands. Socialize, but set a budget and stick to it. An emotional matter will escalate

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A change will surprise you, but don’t let it dictate your next move. Follow your heart and you’ll achieve peace of mind. Consider how you can help others in order to get something that will be beneficial to you in return.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 MONDAY

1-3-8-8 and 0-7-1-8

2-6-18-29-35 PowerUp: 4

POWERBALL SATURDAY

PICK 3 MONDAY

4-18-43-46-55 Powerball: 25 Powerplay: 3

8-7-6 and 5-2-4

PICK 4 MONDAY

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Glen Clinch shares some photos he took at the Sumter County Museum’s Backcountry Christmas.

MEGAMILLIONS FRIDAY 13-15-35-62-74 Megaball: 12 Megaplier: 4

SECTION

Martin, USC looking ahead to Florida B4

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

B

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Georgia State next challenge for McGee

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com Alonzo McGee thought he had found his football home when he signed with Alabama-Birmingham in February of 2014. However, UAB chose to shut down its program after the completion of the season and McGee was in search of another football home.

McGee, the former Crestwood High

School linebacker, found it over the holidays. He has signed to play with Georgia State, a Football Bowl Subdivision school in Atlanta. He has two years of MCGEE eligibility remaining.

“I’m really buying into the coaches (at Georgia State),” said McGee, who will leave for Atlanta on Wednesday with classes starting on

Monday. “They’re trying to build this into a winning program, and they really showed they wanted me.”

Wins have been hard to come by for the Panthers, who are 1-23 in the past two seasons, going 1-11 in the just completed season. The program is only five years old, having played at the Football Championship Subdivision level its first three years.

The 6-foot-1-inch, 225-pound McGee

said he had offers to go to Appalachian State and Georgia Southern.

They are former FCS powers who just moved up to the FBS level and are members of the Sun Belt Conference like Georgia State. However, McGee felt there was more he could accomplish with the Panthers. “(Georgia Southern and Appalachian

SEE MCGEE, PAGE B5

PREP BASKETBALL

Facing off with the finest SHS, WH boys square off against top players in state

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com The Sumter High School and Wilson Hall boys basketball teams will return to the court today after the holiday break facing two of the top players in the country.

The Gamecocks will play host to Spring Valley and University of South Carolina signee PJ Dozier of Spring Valley, while the Barons will travel to Columbia to face Hammond and its junior point guard Seventh Woods.

SHS, which is 7-2 on the season, suffered one of its losses to the Vikings in Columbia last month, falling 58-57. Dozier was limited to seven points in that contest.

Spring Valley is 6-6.

Wilson Hall, which hasn’t played since Dec. 13, is 2-6. One of those losses came at the hands of Hammond, 66-46.

Woods had 28 points for the 11-4 Skyhawks.

The teams from Crestwood, Lakewood and Manning will be playing their final non-region contests before beginning Region VI-3A play on Friday, all against local teams. Crestwood will play host to Lee Central, while Lakewood will SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO visit Scott’s Branch and ManSumter High’s Brandon Parker, left, prepares to take a shot during a recent game.

Parker and the 7-2 Gamecocks will host Spring Valley and ning will be at home against

South Carolina signee PJ Dozier. The Wilson Hall Barons are in a similar spot as they travel to Columbia to face Hammond and highly-touted SEE FINEST, PAGE B5 national recruit Seventh Woods.

PRO FOOTBALL

PRO BASEBALL

Why are there different officiating crews in playoffs?

Versatile Smoltz finds out Hall of Fame fate today

Fourth-quarter play is hot topic of discussion in Dallas-Detroit game

ATLANTA — John Smoltz could do it all on the mound.

Looking for a starting pitcher?

He was your man.

How about a closer?

Yep, he could handle that, too.

Smoltz’s amazing versatility could send him to baseball’s Hall of Fame on his first try when voting SMOLTZ results are announced today, a year after former Braves manager Bobby Cox and longtime Atlanta teammates Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine were inducted into Cooperstown.

“I was not the strongest, and I was not the fastest,” Smoltz said in 2012, after the Braves announced they were retiring his number. “But I was the most determined and the most

BY BARRY WILNER The Associated Press A flag flies. Dallas fans groan. Detroit fans rejoice.

Then the yellow cloth thrown for defensive pass interference is picked up by the game officials. No penalty is marked off.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell and quarterback Matthew Stafford are ticked. Game broadcasters are puzzled.

Fans are befuddled.

And that one call/non-call becomes the focal point of wild-card weekend.

Unfortunately, NFL officiating crews have been in the spotlight far too often this season. The latest incident brings up two significant questions: —Was there a lack of com-

munication with a public that clamors for information — and deserves it?

—Why would the NFL use “all-star” crews in its most important games, virtually eliminating the cohesion that helps officials during the regular season?

Dean Blandino, the NFL’s officiating chief, has some answers. They’re not likely to placate many.

Blandino told The Associated Press on Monday that referee Pete Morelli erred in originally announcing an interference call on Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens before discussing it with the back judge who made the call, and with other members of the crew. The

SEE NFL, PAGE B5

BY PAUL NEWBERRY The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dallas outside linebacker Anthony Hitchens (59) gets hit in the back by a pass intended for Detroit tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) during the Cowboys’ 24-20 victory on Sunday in Arlington, Texas. The play was the topic of much discussion as to how it may have affected the game.

SEE SMOLTZ, PAGE B4

B2

|

SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

11 a.m. -- Major League Baseball: Baseball Hall of Fame Announcement from Cooperstown, N.Y. (MLB NETWORK).

2:30 p.m. -- International Soccer: FA Cup Match -- Everton vs. West Ham (FOX SPORTS 1).

5:45 p.m. -- Girls and Boys High School Basketball: Camden at A.C. Flora (WPUB-FM 102.7).

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

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

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Arkansas at Georgia (ESPN).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Central Florida at Houston (ESPNEWS).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Connecticut at South Florida (ESPN2).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: East Carolina at Cincinnati (ESPNU).

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

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Virginia Tech at Florida State (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Mississippi at Kentucky (SEC NETWORK).

7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Carolina at Nashville (SPORTSOUTH).

8 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: San Jose at Minnesota (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Teams To Be Announced (NBA TV).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Providence at Butler (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

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

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Oklahoma State at Iowa State (ESPN2).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Auburn at Vanderbilt (ESPNU).

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

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Pittsburgh at Boston College (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

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

11 p.m. -- College Basketball: New Mexico at San Diego State (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

PREP SCHEDULE Varsity Basketball Spring Valley at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Scott’s Branch, 6 p.m.

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

Varsity and JV Basketball Lee Central at Crestwood (No JV Girls), 6 p.m.

East Clarendon at Manning, 4 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Hammond, 4 p.m.

Carolina at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Heathwood Hall, 4 p.m.

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

Holly Hill at Clarendon Hall, 4 p.m.

Emmanuel Christian at Sumter Christian, 4 p.m.

B Team Basketball Wilson Hall at Hammond, 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter, Fort Dorchester, Rock Hill at Lexington, TBA

WEDNESDAY

Varsity and JV Basketball Cardinal Newman at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

B Team Basketball Orangeburg Prep at Wilson Hall, 5 p.m.

Calhoun at Thomas Sumter, 6 p.m.

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

Varsity Bowling Wilson Hall at Orangeburg Prep (JC Lanes), 5 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Conway, Carolina Forest, Socastee at Sumter, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY

Varsity Basketball East Clarendon at Lake View, 6 p.m.

Dorchester Academy at St. Francis Xavier (Boys Only), 6 p.m.

Junior Varsity Basketball Manning at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Darlington at Lakewood, 6 p.m.

B Team Basketball Marlboro County at Sumter (Boys Only), 5:30 p.m.

Heathwood Hall at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m.

Emmanuel Christian at Robert E. Lee, 5 p.m.

Middle School Basketball Alice Drive at Mayewood, 5 p.m.

Hillcrest at Bates, 5 p.m.

Lugoff-Elgin at Chestnut Oaks, 5:30 p.m.

Furman at Ebenezer, 5 p.m.

Kingstree at Scott’s Branch, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

Varsity Basketball Crestwood at Manning, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Darlington, 6 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier at East Clarendon (Boys Only), 6 p.m.

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

Heathwood Hall at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

Florence Christian at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Carolina, 4 p.m.

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

Clarendon Hall at Patrick Henry, 4 p.m.

Sumter Christian at Maranatha Christian (No JV Girls), 4 p.m.

B Team Basketball Hammond at Laurence Manning, 4:30 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Blue Devil Invitational (at Dreher High), TBA

SATURDAY

Varsity Basketball Sumter at Lower Richland, 3 p.m.

B Team Basketball Wilson Hall at Thomas Sumter, 3 p.m.

Varsity Sporting Clays Wilson Hall in Hermitage Tournament (in Camden), TBA Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Blue Devil Invitational (at Dreher High), TBA

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press

.500 .412 .353 .156

9 12 14 20

L 5 11 16 20 23

Pct GB .839 – .676 41/2 .556 81/2 .412 131/2 .324 161/2

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Dallas 109, Cleveland 90 Miami 88, Brooklyn 84 Detroit 114, Sacramento 95 Milwaukee 95, New York 82 Phoenix 125, Toronto 109 L.A. Lakers 88, Indiana 87

MONDAY’S GAMES

Cleveland at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Charlotte at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Dallas at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Washington at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Houston at Chicago, 8 p.m.

New York at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Denver at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Indiana at Utah, 9 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Portland, 10 p.m.

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

Oklahoma City at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Phoenix at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

Detroit at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Milwaukee at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

New York at Washington, 7 p.m.

New Orleans at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Houston at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Memphis at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Utah at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Detroit at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Orlando at Denver, 9 p.m.

Phoenix at Minnesota, 9:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

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

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

LEE CENTRAL 33 KINGSTREE 5

BISHOVPVILLE – Lee Central improved to 6-0 with a 33-5 victory over Kingstree on Monday at the Lee Central gymnasium.

Rovianne Myers led the Lady Stallions with 16 points. Mya Gokey pulled down 10 rebounds.

Hillcrest fell to 1-5 as it suffered a 29-20 loss to Chestnut Oaks on Monday at the Chestnut Oaks gymnasium.

WILD-CARD PLAYOFFS

Saturday, Jan. 10 Baltimore at New England, 4:35 p.m.

(NBC) Carolina at Seattle, 8:15 p.m. (FOX) Sunday, Jan. 11 Dallas at Green Bay, 1:05 p.m. (FOX) Indianapolis at Denver, 4:40 p.m.

(CBS)

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sunday, Jan. 18 NFC, 3:05 p.m. (FOX) AFC, 6:40 p.m. (CBS)

PRO BOWL

Sunday, Jan. 25 At Glendale, Ariz.

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

(ESPN)

SUPER BOWL

Sunday, Feb. 1 At Glendale, Ariz.

AFC champion vs. NFC champion, 6:30 p.m. (NBC)

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION L OT Pts GF GA 11 2 54 108 89 12 4 54 134 108 10 9 49 109 99 16 3 45 130 122 15 6 44 104 108 11 9 43 87 97 15 7 39 102 105 23 3 31 77 136 L OT Pts GF GA 10 5 53 118 94 12 1 53 121 109 11 7 47 112 99 11 4 46 113 90 17 3 37 96 119 18 7 35 106 120 20 7 35 90 117 23 4 28 77 102

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION

Anaheim Vancouver Los Angeles San Jose Calgary Arizona Edmonton

Furman Middle School’s basketball team remained undefeated on the season with a 27-11 victory over Mayewood on Monday at the Mayewood gymnasium.

Kiari Cain led the Lady Indians, who improved to 11-0 on the season, with 13 points.

Furman won the Chestnut Oaks Middle School Tournament last week, going 5-0.

The Lady Indians defeated Chestnut Oaks 38-17 in the title game.

Cain scored 79 points to lead the Lady Indians. Myla Wilson had 33 and Rahteshia Burgess had 21.

HILLCREST 20

Saturday, Jan. 3 Carolina 27, Arizona 16 Baltimore 30, Pittsburgh 17 Sunday, Jan. 4 Indianapolis 26, Cincinnati 10 Dallas 24, Detroit 20

Nashville Chicago St. Louis Winnipeg Dallas Minnesota Colorado PACIFIC DIVISION

Furman Middle girls move to 11-0 on year

CHESTNUT OAKS 29

NFL PLAYOFFS

By The Associated Press

GP W Montreal 39 26 Tampa Bay 41 25 Detroit 39 20 Toronto 40 21 Boston 40 19 Florida 37 17 Ottawa 38 16 Buffalo 40 14 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W Pittsburgh 39 24 N.Y. Islanders 39 26 Washington 38 20 N.Y. Rangers 36 21 Columbus 37 17 Philadelphia 39 14 New Jersey 41 14 Carolina 39 12

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

GP W 38 25 39 26 39 23 39 20 38 18 37 18 39 15

L OT Pts GF GA 9 4 54 116 88 11 2 54 124 85 13 3 49 118 99 12 7 47 101 93 14 6 42 119 124 15 4 40 104 106 16 8 38 101 117

GP W 41 26 37 22 40 19 39 20 40 21 38 15 40 9

L OT Pts GF GA 9 6 58 115 110 12 3 47 109 98 12 9 47 112 103 14 5 45 106 103 16 3 45 115 105 19 4 34 92 124 22 9 27 88 135

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

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Carolina 2, Boston 1, SO Anaheim 4, Nashville 3, SO Washington 4, Florida 3 Tampa Bay 4, Ottawa 2 Chicago 5, Dallas 4, OT Columbus 4, Colorado 3 Edmonton 5, N.Y. Islanders 2

BISHOPVILLE – Rashien Lyde and Deablo Halley both had double-doubles to lead Lee Central Middle School’s basketball team to a 73-40 victory over Kingstree on Monday at the Lee Central gymnasium.

Lyde had 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Stallions, who improved to 5-1 on the season. Halley had 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Javonte McCloud had 14 points. Deondre Moses had eight steals, seven assists and six points.

TUESDAY’S GAMES

L 10 17 20 31 28

Pct GB .706 – .485 71/2 .355 111/2 .139 20 .125 19

L 8 11 20 24 24

Pct .758 .667 .429 .351 .314

L 10 15 17 22 23

Pct GB .706 – .559 5 .514 61/2 .371 111/2 .303 131/2

GB – 3 11 14 15

WESTERN CONFERENCE

BATES 50 ALICE DRIVE 45

Alice Drive fell to 7-3

Pct .727 .714 .697 .600 .515

GB – – 1 4 7

L 8

Pct .765

GB –

ORANGEBURG PREP 6 MANNING – Laurence Manning Academy defeated Orangeburg Prep 25-6 on Monday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium.

Sarah Turner led LMA, which was playing its season opener, with eight points.

Elizabeth hicks had six.

SUMTER CHRISTIAN 45 LAKE POINT CHRISTIAN 40 Sumter Christian School defeated Lake Point Christian 45-40 on Saturday to win the Sumter Christian New Year Tournament at the SCS gymnasium.

Grayson Dennis led the Bears, 8-2, with 17 points.

B TEAM BASKETBALL LAURENCE MANNING 40 ORANGEBURG PREP 6 MANNING – Laurence Manning Academy opened its season with a 40-6 victory over Orangeburg Prep on Monday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium.

Chase Lee led the Swampcats with 14 points.

J. Godwin added eight.

Notre Dame holds off North Carolina 71-70 CHAPEL HILL, N.C.— Zach Auguste’s basket off an offensive rebound with 1:07 left helped No. 13 Notre Dame hold off No. 18 North Carolina 71-70 on Monday night.

Auguste’s basket got the lead back for the Fighting Irish (15-1, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who had led by 11 points in the second half only to see the Tar Heels (11-4, 1-1) briefly push ahead late. Then AUGUSTE Notre Dame survived two shots by preseason all-American Marcus Paige in the final seconds, the last a desperate 3-point heave that wasn’t close as the horn sounded.

STATE WESTERN CAROLINA 72 FURMAN 53 CULLOWHEE, N.C. — James Sinclair scored 20 points, Rhett Harrelson had 16 and Western Carolina used hot shooting to

race past Furman 72-53 on Monday.

JAMES MADISON 61 CHARLESTON 50

CHARLESTON — Ron Curry scored 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting to lead James Madison over College of Charleston 61-50 on Monday.

NBA 76ERS 95 CAVALIERS 92 PHILADELPHIA — Tony Wroten scored 20 points and hit the go-ahead layup with 9.1 seconds left to lift the Philadelphia 76ers to a 95-92 win over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.

Kevin Love had 28 points and 19 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who didn’t have LeBron James and Kyrie Irving with them on the trip because of injuries. They lost Dion Waiters and two reserves shortly before tipoff because of a trade.

A person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press the Cavaliers will acquire guards J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert from the New York Knicks in a 3-team trade that also includes the Thunder.

From wire reports

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Desmond Sigler added 11 and TJ Barron had 10.

In the first round of the tournament on Friday, SCS beat Maranatha Christian 74-55. Barron led the Bears with 25 while Sigler had 24.

Lamel Sanders added 12.

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Valid Sundays only. Not vaild at Orangeburg. Exp. 01/31/15 L 9 10 10 14 16

B TEAM BASKETBALL LAURENCE MANNING 25

VARSITY BASKETBALL

LUBBOCK, Texas — Juwan Staten scored 16 points and Devin Williams added 14 to lead No. 14 West Virginia over Texas Tech 78-67 on Monday.

Buffalo at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Ottawa at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

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

Carolina at Nashville, 8 p.m.

San Jose at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Colorado at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Columbus at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

St. Louis at Arizona, 9 p.m.

Detroit at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

LAKE POINT CHRISTIAN 46 Sumter Christian School defeated Lake Point Christian 50-46 on Saturday to win the Sumter Christian New Year’s Tournament at the SCS gymnasium.

Susanna Hutson led the Lady Bears, 6-4, with 23 points. Dixie Jones added 12.

On Friday in the first round of the tournament, Sumter Christian beat Maranatha Christian 50-46 in overtime. Jones led the Lady Bears with 22 points and Sarah Fraser had 14.

with a 50-45 overtime loss to Bates on Monday at the Bates gymnasium.

Naqwan Mickens led the Hawks with 13 points, while Kwaleek Jones had eight points and 10 rebounds. Carldrelle Cooper also had eight points.

TEXAS TECH 67

MONDAY’S GAMES

VARSITY BASKETBALL SUMTER CHRISTIAN 50

Double-doubles by Lyde, Halley lift LC

(14) WEST VIRGINIA 78

San Jose at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.

Sedajah Rembert led the Lady Falcons with 18 points.

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

FRANK’S

EASTERN CONFERENCE

SOUTHWEST DIVISION W Memphis 24 Dallas 25 Houston 23 San Antonio 21 New Orleans 17 NORTHWEST DIVISION W Portland 26

17 20 22 27

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS

TODAY

ATLANTIC DIVISION W Toronto 24 Brooklyn 16 Boston 11 New York 5 Philadelphia 4 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W Atlanta 25 Washington 22 Miami 15 Orlando 13 Charlotte 11 CENTRAL DIVISION W Chicago 24 Cleveland 19 Milwaukee 18 Indiana 13 Detroit 10

Oklahoma City 17 Denver 14 Utah 12 Minnesota 5 PACIFIC DIVISION W Golden State 26 L.A. Clippers 23 Phoenix 20 Sacramento 14 L.A. Lakers 11

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SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

|

B3

SPORTS ITEMS

USC women remain No. 1 in AP poll skied out of the slide and escaped unhurt.

South Carolina remains No. 1 in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll while Western Kentucky enters the Top 25 for the first time in nearly 17 years.

The Gamecocks opened SEC play with convincing victories over Auburn and LSU to stay unbeaten. Connecticut, Texas, Notre Dame and Baylor follow South Carolina.

Western Kentucky leads three new teams in the Top 25.

The No. 25 Lady Toppers are 12-2, their two losses coming to No. 6 Louisville and No. 14 Mississippi State. Western Kentucky last was in the poll on March 9, 1998.

Joining them this week are No. 22 Princeton and No. 23 Minnesota. The Tigers are one of four unbeaten teams left in women’s basketball, along with South Carolina, Texas and Mississippi State.

Minnesota enters the rankings for the first time since March 13, 2006.

Seton Hall, Michigan State and DePaul dropped out.

RAMS OWNER PLANS NFL STADIUM IN L.A. COUNTY

KENTUCKY STAYS AT NO. 1 IN AP TOP 25; ODU MAKES POLL DEBUT

For the fifth straight week, Kentucky is the unanimous No. 1 team in the AP Top 25.

The Wildcats (13-0) got all 64 first-place votes cast Monday after having the week off, and have been atop the rankings all season. Kentucky hasn’t played since beating Louisville on Dec. 27 and returns Tuesday against Mississippi.

The top five remained unchanged, with Duke, Virginia, Wisconsin and Louisville behind Kentucky.

Seton Hall, VCU, Arkansas and Old Dominion were new arrivals to the Top 25, with the No. 19 Pirates (12-2) the highest of that group after upsetting then-unbeaten Villanova over the weekend. For the No. 25 Monarchs (12-1), it marked their first appearance in program history.

Washington, Colorado State, Northern Iowa and Georgetown dropped out of the poll.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LSU guard DaShawn Harden (24) shoots over South Carolina center A’ja Wilson (22) during the Gamecocks’ 75-51 victory on Sunday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, La. USC remained at the top of The Associated Press Top 25 poll released on Monday. of a group of six skiers who were descending from the 3,056-meter Gaislachkogel

when they left the prepared slope and apparently set off the avalanche. The other four

2 U.S. SKI TEAM PROSPECTS DIE IN AVALANCHE IN AUSTRIA

Two prospects from the U.S. Ski Team were killed in an avalanche Monday while skiing near their European training base in the Austrian Alps.

The team said Ronnie Berlack, 20, and Bryce Astle, 19, died in the incident near the Rettenbach glacier in the mountains over Soelden, the venue for the annual seasonopening World Cup races.

Berlack, from Franconia, New Hampshire, and Astle, from Sandy, Utah, were part

BRAVES, PIERZYNSKI AGREE TO 1-YEAR DEAL

ATLANTA — A person with direct knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press the

WHITE SOX AGREE TO $4M DEAL WITH BONIFACIO

CHICAGO — A person familiar with the situation says the Chicago White Sox have agreed to a $4 million, oneyear contract with veteran utility player Emilio Bonifacio that includes a club option for 2016.

The person spoke Monday on the condition of anonymity because the deal is pending a physical.

PHILLIES SIGN PITCHER HARANG TO $5 MILLION, 1-YEAR DEAL

PHILADELPHIA — Aaron Harang’s latest stop in the NL East is Philadelphia.

The Phillies signed the welltraveled pitcher to a $5 million, one-year contract on Monday. Harang joins his eighth major league team and third in the same division in three years.

From wire reports

Keeping Sumter Beautiful

By Amanda McNulty, County Extension Agent Master Gardener Training – Camp for Grownups Make new friends, but keep the old.

One is silver and the other’s gold.

PANTHERS COACH RIVERA, FAMILY NOT INJURED IN HOUSE FIRE

CHARLOTTE — Panthers coach Ron Rivera has more to worry about this week than his team’s upcoming NFC playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks after an overnight fire at his home left his family displaced on Monday.

The Rivera family’s 7,000-square-foot, two-story Charlotte home sustained “significant” damage from an early morning blaze that spewed heavy smoke and fire from the attic two days after Carolina’s 27-16 playoff victory over Arizona.

No one was injured in the two-alarm blaze, which took about an hour to extinguish.

Rivera and his wife, Stephanie, along with his two brothers and their wives were in the house sleeping at the time of the fire. All made it out safely along with two family pets.

Rivera suspects the fire might have started in a gas fireplace, located on the opposite side of the master bedroom wall where he and Stephanie were sleeping. He repeatedly stressed at his news conference the importance of having a home security system or smoke alarms, saying it probably saved his family’s life.

Rivera said the master bedroom, family room and living room are “pretty close to being destroyed” and the insurance company estimates it will take six to eight months before they’ll be able to return to the home.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The owner of the St. Louis Rams plans to build an NFL stadium in Los Angeles County, boosting the chances that pro football could return to the region, according to a newspaper report.

Stan Kroenke has partnered with Stockbridge Capital Group, owners of the 238-acre Hollywood Park site in Inglewood, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday (http://lat. ms/1BA13Ye ).

Kroenke and Stockbridge say they plan to add an 80,000seat NFL stadium and 6,000seat performance venue to a massive development of retail, office, hotel and residential space.

It is the latest of numerous Los Angeles-area NFL stadium proposals over two decades. But Kroenke’s move marks the first time an existing team owner has controlled a local site large enough for a stadium and parking, according to the Times.

The plan will add to pressure on St. Louis to either strike a deal for a new stadium or watch the team return to Southern California, where it played from 1946 to 1994.

Atlanta Braves have reached an agreement on a one-year contract with catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal would not become official until after Pierzynski successfully completes a physical exam, scheduled for this week.

Pierzynski hit .259 with five homers and 37 RBIs for the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox in 2014. He was released by the Red Sox on July 16 and signed as a free agent

by St. Louis.

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How many smoke-filled nights of summer camp sing-alongs did I endure and truthfully never did make a life-long friend, not even of the potmetal variety. Maybe it was due to youth and superficial values (on their part!! no doubt) or perhaps my nerdish personality. But I have an opportunity for you that I can about guarantee will result in 24 carat results in both friendships and your relationship with the soil.

The Clemson Extension Master Gardener program, part of an international group of those dedicated to a researched-based, sustainable approach to growing trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables and fruits, has three basic components.

First, interns take classes one day a week for several months (in Sumter we meet on Mondays from 11 to 4, mid-February through mid-May) and learn the basics of soils (oh, what a fascinating world awaits those willing to explore those underground complexities), fertility requirements, physiology, botany, and insects. Researchbased – you betcha! – you’ll understand the results/consequences of your actions; no more powerful tool can you possess than to know what to do and when to do it.

While in the internship phase of the

training, you’ll join your fellow students doing thirty hours of hand-on, leader-directed, actual “yard work” in the three specialty displays (sensory, butterfly, and chocolate) maintained by the Sumter County Master Gardener Association at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Nothing makes booklearning have more meaning than putting it into practice.

At the conclusion, you’ll be invited to join the Sumter County Master Association and attend its monthly meeting, participate in further work in the Iris Gardens and other project sites, and travel to spots of gardening delight.

How do you do this? Why, you simply call the Clemson Extension Office at 656-7731 and talk to Pat McDaniel (pmcdani@clemson.edu) (a master gardener herself). The cost (which is set by Clemson administration, not locally) is $300 but we do have scholarships for which you can apply (thank you, Friends of Swan Lake for your support in this area). We limit the class to fifteen – we want those friendships to be deep and true – so don’t delay!

Clemson Extension offers its programs to people of all ages regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national original, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. If you need special accommodations because of a disability, please let us know three days before the program.

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B4

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SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

USC BASKETBALL

Gamecocks showing progress after 64-60 upset of Iowa State

BY WILLIE T. SMITH III Greenville News COLUMBIA— Frank Martin was brought back to reality when his team returned home from Brooklyn on Saturday night.

Following his University of South Carolina basketball team’s upset win over Iowa State many celebrated the Gamecocks seventh consecutive victory.

One thought of the start of the Southeastern Conference seaMARTIN son with the opener a home encounter against defending league champion Florida, was enough to bring Martin back to earth.

“I haven’t slept much since we got home from New York because I got wrapped up with conference play,” said Martin.

“While we had a real good win, we have a real hard week coming up and there is going to be another hard week after this. That is what conference play does to you.”

While SEC play signals the real start of the season, the Gamecocks pre-conference schedule has to be deemed a success.

With wins over Oklahoma State, Clemson and Iowa State, USC has recorded some of the SEC’s best out of conference victories of any team not named Kentucky.

That has Martin feeling more confident of his team’s SEC fate this season.

“We’re excited about these 18 games that are staring us down the face and we’re ready to go,” said Martin.

Although the Gators enter with a 7-6 record, Martin understands the potential of coach Billy Donovan’s squad.

“It is a Billy Donovan coached team,” said Martin.

“They are going to fight you tooth and nail. They are going to take good shots. They are not going to make mistakes.

They’ve played real well their last few games and have not been rewarded with wins.

“He’s got some new parts, some new guys. … With the schedule they’ve played, they should be commended rather

‘While we had a real good win, we have a real hard week coming up and there is going to be another hard week after this.

That is what conference play does to you.’

FRANK MARTIN On entering SEC play than being looked at as not as good. Florida, as we move forward, is going to continue to become one of the powers in this country.”

The Gamecocks have become one of the nation’s top defensive teams, holding opponents to 32.7 percent from the field.

Donovan says that has been a hallmark of all Martin coached teams.

“We’ve got a plan how we want to defend,” said Martin.

“You don’t learn that overnight. It takes time. Our guys are a year older, a year stronger, a year more understanding of the sense of urgency of how to practice, how to prepare and have a better view of how it works when you connect all the parts together.

“We’re doing a better job.

We’re not fouling as much, at least prior to the Iowa State game, and we’re protecting the rim a little better. We’ve made progress.”

Following two years of transition under Martin, the players believe they finally understand what their coach expects.

“Everybody is just confident,” said sophomore forward Demetrius Henry. “Everyone has a better relationship with the coaches. Everyone has put in the extra work during the offseason so we definitely expected to get those wins.

“We don’t care who is ranked or who isn’t. We just take every game seriously, one by one.”

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THE SUMTER ITEM

SMOLTZ FROM PAGE B1 dedicated. I always thought of myself as the most competitive guy on the field.”

Smoltzie — as just about everyone called him during his 20-plus years with the Braves — is the only pitcher in major league history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves. Yet he was always proudest of the way he pitched in the biggest games, going 15-4 with a 2.67 ERA in the postseason to rank only behind Andy Pettitte for most playoff and World Series wins.

And Smoltz will long be remembered for one he didn’t win, the classic duel with Minnesota’s Jack Morris in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.

“I always wanted to be clutch,” Smoltz said.

He began his career as a starter, posting double-digit wins in 10 of 11 seasons, highlighted by a 24-8 mark that earned him the 1996 NL Cy Young Award. After the most serious in a string of injuries kept him out for the entire 2000 season, the right-hander shifted to the bullpen in hopes of lessening strain on his arm.

Smoltz thrived in that

role, as well, posting a franchise-record 55 saves in his first full season as the Atlanta closer. He followed with two more seasons of 40-plus saves before making another jarring career change. Approaching his 38th birthday, Smoltz moved back to the starting rotation and won 44 games over the next three years, twice making the All-Star game, before one final injury essentially ended his career.

He split his final season between Boston and St. Louis before retiring at age 42. He was an eight-time All-Star with a career record of 213-155, 154 saves and a 3.33 ERA. Smoltz was once described as “the biggest of the big-game pitchers” by Cox, who was Atlanta’s general manager when he pulled off a 1987 trade that sent veteran pitcher Doyle Alexander to the Detroit Tigers for the 20-year-old minor-leaguer.

A Michigan native, Smoltz was heartbroken about being dealt by his favorite team. That was long forgotten when he joined Maddux and Glavine to form one of the best rotations in baseball history.

“So many things hap-

pened for me that turned out for the best, but I didn’t know it at the time,” Smoltz said. “That trade was devastating in my life.

At the time, there was nothing worse that could’ve happened to me.

Obviously, it was just a blip in my life. But when you’re 20 and you’re getting traded for the first time, you can’t imagine what goes through your mind when you feel like you’re not wanted by someone.”

Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine were the driving force behind Atlanta’s record run of 14 straight division titles, which included a World Series title in 1995. The trio pitched together for a full decade and became so closely intertwined that it was hard to think of one without the other two.

“We had such an incredible run and relationship,” Smoltz said. “They knew how to win baseball games.

I learned a whole heck of a lot from them and just had a great time playing with them. I can’t think of what life would’ve been like without those two.”

Now, they have a chance to be together again.

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10

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

PRO FOOTBALL

Romo, Witten enjoy happy ending, but will Cowboys have more?

BY SCHUYLER DIXON The Associated Press IRVING, Texas — Tony Romo and Jason Witten have seen plenty of bad endings in Dallas.

So it was quite a change when they combined for a critical fourth-down conversion after a surprising reversal from officials set up the decisive drive in a 24-20 wildcard win over Detroit.

The two-touchdown rally Sunday wasn’t new to this year’s Cowboys (13-4), but it was by far the most significant.

And it begs the question of whether that means something more for Romo considering his history of gutwrenching postseason failures.

“Let’s not take a global view of this,” coach Jason Garrett said Monday, clearly suggesting otherwise. “It was a good day for our organization. It

NFL FROM PAGE B1 head linesman, who was closer to the play, then “gave more information, and that from his perspective it was not enough contact (for pass interference) and that there was not enough contact that restricted the receiver (Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew).”

“The mechanics we would prefer are that the conversation occurs before the initial announcement,” Blandino said, “so there is one announcement and no confusion if a foul was committed or not.”

Morelli made a second announcement saying there would be no penalty. Blandino believes Fox TV viewers missed that call because, at the time Morelli was speak-

was a good day for Tony Romo. To play as well as he did down the stretch and make the plays, I thought that was huge. Having said that, we’re going to watch the tape tomorrow.”

That’s another way of saying it’s on to Sunday’s game against Green Bay (12-4) in the division round, where Romo is 0-2.

But it’s hard to dismiss the significance of the 21-yard toss to Witten on fourth-and-6 from near midfield with 6 minutes to go and the Cowboys down 20-17.

Outside their locker room, that play was lost in the hubbub over a pass interference penalty against Dallas that

was reversed, forcing Detroit to punt and giving Romo the opportunity he seized.

“Our careers, I mean, the last seven or eight years together, we’ve been through everything together,” Witten said. “To be able to complete that pass, convert there, that was big for our team.”

Dallas came from 21-0 down to win at St. Louis 34-31 early in the season, the first of a career-high five comebacks in fourth quarter or overtime for Romo this season.

One of them was at Super Bowl champion Seattle, and Romo had a winning play similar to the one against the Lions in a regular-season win at the New York Giants.

He stayed in the pocket for several seconds before finding Dez Bryant in the end zone to beat the Giants. Terrance Williams was the one who found open space against the Lions as the Cowboys won their first playoff game in five years.

ing, announcers Joe Buck and Troy Aikman were talking to Fox officiating commentator and former NFL director of officials Mike Pereira.

“I don’t think there was any idea what was happening on the field, and the second announcement just got lost,” Blandino said.

Morelli’s announcement could be heard on an audio review of Fox’s broadcast, but the announcers also were discussing the play. So the viewing audience couldn’t be sure what happened, only that flag had been picked up.

Even more of an issue, though, is the process for selecting officials for postseason games.

As part of the labor agreement between the league and the officials’ union in 2012, the officials bargained for and re-

ceived an individual-based assignment system. It will remain in effect until after next season, when Blandino believes it will be revisited.

The evaluation system has changed through the years.

For many seasons, until 2004, full crews with the highest ratings for the regular season would earn playoff assignments. That changed to a hybrid system in ‘04 that allowed for eliminating lower-rated officials on some crews from working the playoffs.

Moving to the current “allstar” approach allows for officials rated highest at each position by supervisors to get the premium assignments.

But it robs the crews working the critical January/February games of the continuity developed through a full preseason and regular season.

ROMO

WITTEN

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

MCGEE FROM PAGE B1 State) were looking at me as an add-on,” McGee said.

“Georgia State is looking for big things from me.”

McGee played in all 12 games for UAB, which went 6-6 in its final season, starting three of them. He split time at linebacker and tied for sixth in tackles with 42 and fifth in solo stops with 30. He had five tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, two hurries, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one pass broken up and one defended.

There should be plenty of opportunity for McGee. The Panthers were dead last in points allowed out of 128 FBS team, allowing 43.3 points a contest. Oddly, the fewest points they allowed in one game came in a 28-0 loss to Clemson.

Georgia State’s only win last season came in the season opener, a 38-37 victory over FCS school Abilene Christian. However, it suffered three 3-point losses — 34-31 to both New Mexico State and Louisiana-Lafayette and 30-27 to South Alabama — and a 48-38 loss to Air Force.

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B5

‘It was pretty rough having to go through the recruiting again.’

ALONZO MCGEE On process of choosing to sign with Georgia State This was the third time McGee has had to go through the recruiting process, doing so after graduating from Crestwood and after two years at Georgia Military College, when he moved on to UAB. “It was pretty rough having to go through the recruiting again,” McGee said. “I’m happy with the way it has worked out though. It probably came out the best for me.”

McGee said he is excited to have the opportunity to play at Georgia Dome, the home of Georgia State. He will also have the chance to play with one of his UAB teammates and roommate safety Bobby Baker. Like McGee, Baker was in his first year at UAB, coming from a junior college in California.

FINEST FROM PAGE B1 East Clarendon.

Crestwood will play at Manning on Friday, while Lakewood will go on the road against Darlington in their region openers.

The Clarendon Hall boys and girls teams and St.

Francis Xavier High’s boys team will play SCISA Region III-1A contests today.

Clarendon Hall will be at home against Holly Hill, while the Padres will travel to Walterboro to face Colleton Prep.

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B6

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COMICS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Husband shows warning signs of an abuser DEAR ABBY — I was single for four years and recently remarried. I didn’t intend to marry again, but then I met “Bob.” He proposed to Dear Abby me every day, ABIGAIL several times VAN BUREN a day, and eight months later I married him.

Bob moved here from out of state and hasn’t been able to find work. It has been challenging. My daughter lives with us and is in college.

Bob’s mood swings have been drastic lately. He doesn’t want me to talk to anyone else, do anything without him. I have a great job and work part-time in the evenings to make ends meet. I try to stay calm, but he yells, uses profanity and is high-

THE SUMTER ITEM

ly manipulative.

I am at a loss. I would like to help him, but his depression is tearing us apart. I also believe he is addicted to marijuana. He has threatened suicide, but I don’t know if he would actually go through with it.

I know I need to take care of myself and my daughter, but I don’t want to just throw this away, either. Help!

Torn in 2 in Texas DEAR TORN IN TWO — Without more information, it’s hard to tell whether your husband’s depression makes him act the way he does, or whether you have been seduced by an abuser.

Among the warning signs of an abuser are: • Pushes for quick involvement; • Isolation: tries to isolate you from friends or family members; • Makes others responsible for his/her feelings: The abuser

says, “YOU make me angry” instead of “I am angry,” or, “You’re hurting me by not doing what I tell you”; • Hypersensitivity: is easily insulted, claiming hurt feelings when he or she is really mad.

Rants about the injustice of things that are just a part of life; • Verbal abuse: constantly criticizes or says blatantly cruel things -- degrades, curses, calls you ugly names. May also involve sleep deprivation, waking you with relentless verbal abuse; • Sudden mood swings: switches from sweet to violent within minutes.

Urge your husband to get counseling for his depression. If he refuses, then be smart and contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or online at thehotline.org for help in safely separating from him before your husband’s behavior escalates.

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 Six-footer at a Super Bowl party?

5 Leveling wedge 9 Trojan War epic 14 Sailed through 15 Oompah instrument 16 For the __: temporarily 17 Storage structure 18 Requiring a two-day trip, say 19 Ultrasound image, perhaps 20 Guideline for standard operating procedures 23 Go one better than 24 Old Mideast org.

25 “Papa __ a Rollin’ Stone” 26 Weightlifter’s practice 32 Log-splitting tool 33 Houston player, informally 34 Common rental restriction 38 Plumbing problem 40 Toward the tiller 42 “College GameDay” number 43 Still making payments 46 __ mater

49 “Little Women” woman 50 Frequent feeling of culpability 53 Kwik-E-Mart owner on “The Simpsons” 56 Assenting vote 57 Ratio involving ht. and wt.

58 Box of Lego bricks, e.g., or a hint to the last words of 20-, 26- and 50-Across 65 Designer Nina 66 Retro phone feature 67 “Do __ others ...”

68 Sunni’s faith 69 Simplify 70 Falafel holder 71 Mower handle?

72 Mates for bucks 73 Small earring DOWN 1 Hinged fastener 2 Sound on the rebound 3 Rod attachment 4 Quirk 5 “Don’t budge!”

6 Peeved mood 7 Letter-shaped support piece 8 Plunder 9 Hot spot for

Dante 10 Big name in movie theaters 11 On its way to the body shop 12 Legend automaker 13 Newsroom furniture 21 Corn cores 22 Most important 26 Vacation island south of Borneo 27 Farm team 28 Word before tired or heat 29 Fund for the golden yrs.

30 Lite 31 Navig. aid 35 Catchall abbr.

36 Domesticate 37 Mythological underworld boundary river 39 Tapped vessel

41 Treatment for a broken heart, briefly 44 Postpone the inevitable 45 Stadium section 47 Delicately balanced sculptures 48 Gun filler 51 Praised 52 Man cave hangings 53 Bitterly pungent 54 Self-assurance 55 Cry of concession 59 Surgery reminder 60 “So long,” on the Lido 61 Shock, in a way 62 Peeved mood 63 “__, Brute?”

64 Warty hopper

OBITUARIES

THE SUMTER ITEM

HARRY A. HASELDEN Harry Austin Haselden, 65, husband of Judy Brown Haselden, died on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at his home with his wife and family by his side.

Born on Aug. 4, 1949, in Andrews, he was a son of the late Austin ONeal Haselden and HASELDEN May Dee Tilton Haselden. He was of the Pentecostal faith and was a truck driver for 45 years.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years; three sons, Harry Matthew Haselden of California, and James Amerson and Calvin Ardis, both of Sumter; five daughters, Kimberly Welch (Daniel), Rachel Rodriguez, Wanda Yvonne Banda (Pedro), Connie Clark (Kenny) and Gina Nasworthy (Randy), all of Sumter; a brother, Wayne Haselden (Annette) of Manning; four sisters, Ardell Lane (Jay) of Sumter, and Audrey Broadway (Jimmy), Vera Randolph (Dallas) and Diane Hodge (Don), all of Manning; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. today in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Nat Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation was held Monday at Stephens Funeral Home and will be held at other times at the residence, 5234 Christine Drive, Sumter.

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

WILFORD J. HOFF JR. MANNING — Retired Brig.

Gen. Wilford Joseph Hoff Jr., 86, husband of Carolyn Cousar Hoff, died on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at his residence.

Born on Oct. 3, 1928, in Walterboro, he was a son of the late Wilford Joseph Sr. and Dorothy Padgett Hoff. He was a 1950 graduate of The Citadel, where he was a member of the Summerall Guards and he graduated third in his class academically. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, where he received two Purple Hearts. He retired from the Army as a brigadier general.

He is survived by his wife of Manning; two sons, Professor Richard Hoff (Anne) of Cornwall, New York, and Gregory Hoff (Christine) of Westchester, Pennsylvania; a sister, Dottie Migala of Katy, Texas; and three grandchildren, Kimberley Hoff, Skyler Hoff and Dylan Hoff.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Presbyterian Church at Manning with the Rev. Dr. George Wilkes officiating.

Burial with full military honors will follow in Sardinia-Gable Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home and at other times at the residence, 1051 Canterberry Drive, Manning.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject. org).

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

FREDERICK M. HOUGHTLING Frederick McGuire Houghtling, age 77, beloved husband of 57 years to Lois Mae Hopkins Houghtling, died on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Tuomey Regional

Medical Center.

Born in New York, he was a son of the late Terrance and Amy S. Houghtling. After high school, Mr. Houghtling entered the United States Air Force, where he served his country in both Korea and Vietnam, retiring after 20 proud years of service. He later went to work at Cooper Tools in Sumter, where he also retired after 20 years of loyal service. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends, but his true joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Royce Neal Houghtling of Ohio and Ronald Lee Houghtling of Sumter; one daughter, Lisa Ann Wicks and her husband, Larry, of North Carolina; one brother, Claire Houghtling and his wife, Peggy, of Florida; one sister, Eloise Nolan and her husband, Bill, of New York; one granddaughter, Tammy Boland and her husband, Erin; and six great-grandchildren, Brittany, Darby, Alison, Erin Jr., Holly and Joey, all of Sumter.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Houghtling was preceded in death by two sisters, Nathela Pitts and Lucina Stoneham; and one brother, Francis Houghtling.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 2 p.m. today in the Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

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

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

behind is one nephew, Scott Drew Reynolds (Nancy) of Marion. Dorcas leaves behind eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held on Sunday, Jan. 4, in the Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

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

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

ALLEN L. BRISTOL Allen Lovell Bristol, 33, died on Jan. 1, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

He was a son of Terrecenia Morice Bristol and Frank Dickerson and stepson of Lloyd Bristol.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Grace Cathedral Church, Sumter, with Pastor Anthony Gibson officiating.

The family is receiving friends at 820 Mathis St., Sumter.

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

BRUCE O. BURKETT Bruce Olen Burkett, 57, died on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at Providence Hospital.

Services will be announced

by Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, (803) 7759386.

Levalle R. Anthony, 46, departed his earthly journey on Dec. 29, 2014, in Conway, Arkansas.

He was a son of the late Andrew and Catherine Smalls Service.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his sister, Christian Brunson, 125 Duck St., Sumter.

Arrangements will be announced by Sumter Funeral Service Inc.

DORCAS HINCKLE Dorcas Hinckle entered eternal rest on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at McLeod Hospice Hospital in Florence.

Dorcas was born on March 21, 1923, to John Duke Reynolds and Edith Ann Hoy Reynolds of Marion, Illinois. She was to married to the late Stanley Laverne Hinckle. Dorcas will be remembered as an honorable and virtuous woman. She was politically active both locally and nationally. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi. Dorcas worked at Marion Memorial Hospital for 20 years. She and her husband retired and moved to South Carolina in 1988.

Dorcas leaves behind two daughters, Michele Hinckle Stritzel and her husband, Wendell, of Marion, Illinois, and Judith Hinckle DuCom of Sumter; five grandchildren, Kimberlee Ann Warner (Doug) of Franklin, Tennessee, Kellee Laverne Chapman (Timothy) of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Wendee Gabby (Chad) of Marion, Mark Stritzel (Lisa) of Fresno, California, and Rett DuCom (Natalie) of Sumter. Also left

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gional Medical Center.

Born on June 12, 1952, she was a daughter of Beatrice “Doll” Green Harris and Harbe “BO” Harvin and the adopted daughter of to the late Blease and Mary Jane Bogier Conyers.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 195 Pack Road, Sumter.

Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

GAIL KENNEDY ALCOLU — Gail Helen Singleton Kennedy, 58, died on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Palmetto Health Baptist, Columbia.

She was born on March 7, 1956, in Manning, a daughter of the late Delbert Harold Singleton Sr. and Olivet Galloway Singleton.

The family is receiving friends at her residence, 1162 Cardinal Drive, Alcolu.

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

DOROTHY HUGGINS MANNING — Dorothy Ann Pugh Huggins, 68, widow of Jonathan Huggins Sr., died on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence.

She was born on May 8, 1946, in the Silver community of Clarendon County, a daughter of the late Willie “Punch” Tindal and Hannah Pugh Conyers and stepdaughter of James Conyers.

The family is receiving friends at her residence, 9881 Silver Road, Manning.

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

ANTONIA H. BRADLEY

ERNESTINE S. BELL

LEVALLE R. ANTHONY

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

Ernestine “Teeny” Spann Bell, 52, entered eternal rest on Jan. 1, 2015.

Born on Sept. 18, 1962, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Ernest and Annie Tomlin Spann. She was a 1980 graduate of Sumter High School and a life member of Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors are her husband, Herbert L. Bell Jr.; three daughters, Crystal (Alvin) Manigault, and twins, Kionne and Kionna Spann, all of Washington, District of Columbia; two granddaughters reared by her in the home, Zakiyah Wilson and Zacaria Manigault; six sisters, Diane Tiller, Celesia Spann, Loretta Spann, Vanessa Spann, Cheryl (Bernard) Williams and Sara Spann; four brothers, Raymond (Linda) Spann, Ernest (Savannah) Spann Jr., Randolph (Rose) Spann and Robert (Shauna) Span; a special sister, Sharon (Kirk) Johnson; a special son, Steven De’Andre Tiller; four stepchildren, Doretha Renee, Herbert Lee II, Reshecca Bell and Lutisha (Reginald) Williams; a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at noon today at Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Nate Brock assisted by the Revs. Williams Dukes, Ricky Simmons and William J. Frierson and Elder Emerald Glover. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com.

Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.

ALMETA BENJAMIN Almeta Delores Green Benjamin, wife of Johnnie Benjamin, entered eternal rest on Jan. 4, 2015, at Tuomey Re-

Antonia “Tony” Hutchinson Bradley, 95, widow of William Harvey Bradley Sr., died on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Services will be announced

by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

HATTIE B. WHITE Hattie B. White, 94, widow of Jimmie S. White, died on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at her residence in Sumter.

Born in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late William and Lena Canty Brown.

The family will receive friends at the home, 1850 Stamey Livestock Road, Sumter.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc. of Sumter.

RHUNETTE M. WOODS Rhunette McKnight Woods, 61, wife of Alexander Woods, died on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born on March 19, 1953, in Lee County, she was a daughter of Archie Vaughn and Willie Mae McKnight.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at the home, 1045 Manning Road,

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Sumter.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc.

BENNIE TURNER Bennie Turner, 74, husband of Evelyn Billups Turner, died on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born on May 3, 1940, in Kershaw County, he was a son of Frank and Addie Blair Turner.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at the home, 2302 Harper St., Sumter.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

JOHN E. BENNETT John “JB” Ervin Bennett, 62, husband of Dasiy Bennett, died on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at Charlie Northwood VAMC in Augusta, Georgia.

Born on Nov. 30, 1952, in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late Joesphus and Queen E. Bennett.

The family will receive friends at the home, 2790 Dingle Pond Road, Summerton.

Funeral arrangement are incomplete and will be announced by Summerton Funeral Home LLC, (803) 4853755.

BLAGOJA KUZEVSKI DALZELL — Blagoja “Bill” Kuzevski, age 53, beloved husband of 12 years to Jeanette Carrol Kuzevski, died on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015.

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

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

HARRY M. MIXON JR. Harry M. “Hal” Mixon Jr., 66, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at McCoy Memorial Nursing Center in Bishopville.

Born on April 29, 1948, he was a son of the late Harry M. Sr. and Travis Jeanette Phillips Mixon.

He is survived by a son, Harry M. “Trey” Mixon III; a sister, Sandy Treaster (Stan); three brothers, Phillip L. Mixon (Linda), Michael Mixon and Gary M. Mixon (Robin); four nieces, April, Mona, Jennie and Crystal; four nephews, Junior, Eddie, Brandon and Johnathon; great-nieces, Kensley, Breelyn, Mariah, Clowie and Courtney; and great-nephews, Alexander, Quinn, Clay, Jaiden, Kale, Greyson, Alexander, Evan, Max, Bradley and Cameron.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens chapel. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements. www.ecsfuneralhome.com

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Bath Sheets $5.00 each

Shop with us and . . .

SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!

Bath Towels $4.00 each

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

Tub Mats $2.00 each

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

Hand Towels $1.25 each

Help Wanted Full-Time

Unfurnished Homes

Wait Staff. Must be responsible and good with people. Apply in person at China Palace 459 Broad St.

101 Jasmine St. 3Br 1.5Ba, LR, DR, Den. $725 mo+dep.

Call 803-481-4013 or 803-775-3364.

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

Free est. 494-9169/468-4008

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 NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal, trimming & stump grinding. Lic & Ins.

803-316-0128

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

Call Warren 843-319-1884

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $2 FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

For Sale or Trade Metal Car Port 12x20 $300, 14' John Boat and Trailer e™ $275 Call 803-983-5364

Meter Reader/Utility Maintenance worker.Small utility company seeks full time meter reader/maintenance worker. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to monthly meter reading, disconnects for delinquent accounts, repair and maintenance of water distribution lines and services.

Certification and licensing is a plus but not required. Training will be provided as needed. Company provides paid employee benefits, holidays. Experience in utility maintenance is preferred but not required, with proper aptitude. Selected candidate subject to background check and drug testing. Send resume and past salary history to Box 382 Meter Reader c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Utility Billing Clerk Small working office seeks full time billing clerk.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to entry of monthly billing data, processing of customer invoices, answering customer billing inquires, preparing daily bank deposits, answering telephones. Company provides paid employee benefits, holidays. Minimum 1 year experience, with a preference in utility billing experience. Selected candidate subject to background check and drug testing. Send resume and past salary history to Box 383 Utility Billing c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Ding Dong Avon Calling Avon by Vi, ISR. $15 to start. Let's talk 803-934-6292 or join online today! www.startavon.com Ref: Viola

Help Wanted Part-Time Housekeeper needed, must have exp. and references avail. Call 803-236-3603 $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

RENTALS

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

Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

Rooms for Rent

Split Oak Firewood $70/dumped, $75/stacked.

Newman's Tree Service 803-316-0128.

ROOM For Rent Bi-weekly or monthly. Near Morris College. Kit. privileges, all utilities incl 469-4668

Unfurnished Apartments

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Established Loan Office in Sumter is seeking Asst Mgr. Ideal candidate should have at least 2 yrs experience in the lending industry. Must possess excellent customer service skills as well as have experience in collections. This is a full-time position which offers a competitive salary, 401K, health benefits, and many opportunities to grow. Email resume to resumesumter@gmail.com

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. Now has openings. 2Bd 1Ba remodeled apts. in quiet, scenic neighborhood. $445 mo+dep 803-775-4641.

Autos For Sale

3 & 4 Br Mobile homes & houses, located in Manning & Sumter. 3 - 4 Br houses in Wedgefield / Paxville.

No Sect. 8. Rent + dep. req. Call 803-225-0389.

3BR 2BA No pets $1000 Mo+ Deposit. Call 919-223-7733

For Rent: 3BR/1BA, 5075 Peach Orchard Rd. $300/mo + dep. Call 803-305-8657 Nice 3Br/2Ba dble carport, w appliances 10 mins from Shaw military discount. $850/mo (Diggs), 803-968-4192.

LEGAL NOTICES

Mobile Home Rentals Near Shaw: 3BR/2BA MH, Lg Lot # 46. Previous rental reference required. $550/mo + dep. Mark 803-494-3573, 803-840-3371 2BR 2BA SW $400+ Dep White Oak area No calls after 8pm. No Sect 8.

Fenced Backyard 803-468-1768 2, 3 & 4 Br, all appliances, Section 8 accepted. 469-6978 or 499-1500

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

REAL ESTATE

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

Land & Lots for Sale 399 Rogers Ave., City water & city sewer hookup. $1995 Call Lee 803-983-6965.

Twin Full

$5.00 per set

Queen King

$8.00 per set

6 Pack $3.00 per package Washcloths Estate Notice Sumter County

Estate Notice Sumter County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

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

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

Estate:

Mark A. Newton #2014ES4300696

Personal Representative

Estate Notice Sumter County

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

Estate:

Manufactured Housing

Microfiber Sheet Sets

Tallis Yates #2014ES4300709

Personal Representative

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

Estate:

Francis L. Copeland #2014ES4300704

Personal Representative

Virginia S. Copeland C/O Kenneth Hamilton PO Box 52359 Sumter, SC 29152

Michelle Ramos 283 Winchester Court West Columbia, SC 29170 Estate: Jonnie Mae Harrison A/K/A: Jonnie E. Harrison #2014ES4300716

Estate:Marion Eugene Ardis Sr. #2014ES4300713 Personal Representative

Betty Ardis 6 Edgewater Drive Sumter, SC 29150

Personal Representative

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

Estate:

Lillie B. Benenhaley #2014ES4300697

Personal Representative

Estate:

Jeannie Hawkins 3470 Green View Parkway Sumter, SC 29154

Anne S. Lynch #2014ES4300707

Personal Representative

Ellen L. Taylor 1254 Tanglewood Drive Manning, SC 29102 Estate:

Linda Nelson Canty #2014ES4300693

Personal Representative

Genesis Bristol Johnson 2430 Alston Ave. Apt. 612 N. Charleston, SC 29406 Estate: Helen Montague James. #2014ES43007143 Personal Representative

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

Abandon Vehicle / Boat Abandoned Boat Notice To all persons claiming an interest in: 1969 14' Hustler, Joseph Brunson 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: 20140708950520

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Call Brian for details 843-230-7165.

TRANSPORTATION

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