January 7, 2016 by The Sumter Item

INSIDE: North Korea may have tested an H-bomb. What is that?

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Haley to give Republican response Speech after State of the Union won’t be governor’s 1st time on national stage COLUMBIA (AP) — After a year when a church massacre and catastrophic flooding put her in the spotlight, Gov. Nikki Haley will get further national exposure when she gives the

Republican response to the State of the Union address. But she’s not new to the national stage. In 2012, she spoke at the Republican National Convention and cam-

paigned for past GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney. She also promoted her 2012 memoir with a national book tour. On Tuesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell jointly announced that Haley will speak for Republicans after President Obama’s Jan. 12 speech.

Finally feels like winter

Haley has “demonstrated how bringing people together can bring real results,” McConnell said in a statement on her selection. “Gov. Haley knows the American dream and wants to see every American share in it.” The South Carolina-born daughter

SEE HALEY, PAGE A7

Smith, McElveen see big year for General Assembly BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Cold weather greeted Sumter residents on Haynsworth Street on Wednesday morning with temperatures in the 20s. The next several days will bring a slight warm up.

What will be the topic of discussion when the South Carolina General Assembly convenes Tuesday? Roads and infrastructure, according to two Sumter County legislators. “That’s the same response I would give you the last three years,” said Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter. “I would hope the Senate would have a meaningful discussion about what we are going to do long term about our infrastructure.” Rep. Murrell Smith, RSumter, says the infrastructure ball is in the Senate’s court. “The House has passed an infrastructure bill, and it’s over in the Senate,” he said. “It’s my understanding it’s going to be on the top of their agenda.” This will be an election year for the House and the Senate, as well as the second session of the 121st General Assembly, and Smith said he expects that to spur more urgency by legislators. “It is my experience you see a lot of action and pas-

sage of legislation that is important to the people of South Carolina in the last term prior to senators being elected,” he said. Beside that, any bills that are not passed this session must be reintroduced in 2017, he said. “You have to pass it before the end of the year or you have to wait to start the new cycle,” Smith said. McElveen said he hopes the Senate will move forward on infrastructure. “Until enough senators see that as a real pressing priority, it’s not going to happen,” he said. “I am hoping that it being an election year, folks will come around, and we will have the discussion we should have.” An important part of dealing with infrastructure is changing how money is distributed, McElveen said. “We have to make sure counties like Sumter, Kershaw and Lee, the more rural counties, get a fair shake in road funding; that is critical to me,” he said. Education funding will also be a high priority for legislators.

SEE ASSEMBLY, PAGE A7

‘Merk City?’ Sheriff says not anymore Obama measures wouldn’t have kept guns from shooters BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com

BY MICHAEL R. SISAK The Associated Press The gun control measures a tearful President Obama announced Tuesday would not have prevented the slaughters of 20 first-graders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, or 14 county workers at a holiday party in San Bernardino, California. Obama’s executive action expands mandatory background checks to gun shows, flea markets and online sales, adds more than 230 examiners and

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Each year, the U.S. president and state governors provide a state of the union and state of the state address, respectively, and on Wednesday, Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis presented a state of the community address during Sumter Vision in Progress’ first meeting of 2016. Sumter Vision in Progress is a local group consisting of community leaders who wish to unite residents of Sumter to provide positive change to all neighborhoods. During his presentation, Dennis discussed recent progress in the reduction of crime in Sumter County as well as how the sheriff’s office has taken proactive measures to protect the community and connect with residents.

staff to help process them and calls on states to submit accurate and updated criminal history data. Those measures are seen as crucial to stemming gun suicides — the cause of two-thirds of gun deaths — by blocking immediate access to weapons. But, an Associated Press review shows, they would have had no impact in keeping weapons from the hands of suspects in several of the deadliest recent mass shootings that have spurred calls for tighter

SEE GUNS, PAGE A6

DEATHS, B4 Katherine Jo Hendry Robert J. Longtemps Sr. Isiah E. Hicks Deloris J. Parker David Lee McGowan Bill Keith

James Alton Shelley Rodrigo O. Washington Farion Brown Jonelle C. Creer Roosevelt Horton Sr. Willie Mae Thomas

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sheriff Anthony Dennis talks to Sumter Vision in Progress at the James Clyburn Intermodal Transportation Hub on Wednesday morning about the assistance role his department played during the flood. He said when the agency’s crime report is released this year, only two fatalities will be listed. One of the deaths is considered a justified homicide committed in self-defense, and the

second casualty was a result of a true homicide, he said. He said several years ago, the sheriff’s office hoped for fewer than six homicides per

SEE PROGRESS, PAGE A6

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

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2 killed in separate wrecks on Wednesday A Sumter man and a Shaw Air Force Base Staff Sergeant were killed in separate wrecks on Sumter County highways Wednesday. The first fatality occurred at 1 a.m. on Old Camden Road near Charles Jackson Road in Dalzell. The victim, 41-year-old Farion Brown of Sumter, was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro eastbound on Old Camden Road, veered off the road and overturned several times, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. David Jones. The deceased was reportedly not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock said the cause of death is still under investigation. At about 7:10 a.m., a second fatality occurred near Broad Street Extension and St. Paul’s Church Road. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dallas Pauls, 31, was traveling east on Broad Street on a 2015 Yamaha motorcycle and attempted to turn left into a private driveway when he was struck by a 2004 Pontiac traveling westbound. The Pontiac then struck the rear of a 1997 GMC truck, also traveling westbound. Pauls, who was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base and lived in Columbia, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Bullock. Pauls was wearing a helmet, according to information from Highway Patrol. The driver of the Pontiac was transported to a hospital with minor injuries, Jones said, while the driver of the truck was not injured.

City approves annex for possible Dollar General During its meeting Tuesday, Sumter City Council approved final reading of an ordinance annexing land at 1745 U.S. 15 South for the development of a Dollar General. Council also approved: • Final reading of an ordinance regarding the lease purchase of a fire rescue truck, a front-loader garbage truck, a clam truck to pick up yard debris, a recycling truck and a can hauler used to transport large commercial garbage containers for a combined total of more than $1.26 million. City Attorney Eric Shytle said the bids for the vehicles will come in on Jan. 13, and the interest rate for the five-year contract will be favorable; and • The purchase of a $113,000 container handler truck used to move large containers. Assistant city manager of Public Services Al Harris said the city is getting the truck at a very good price because the municipality originally budgeted $150,000 for the purchase of the vehicle. And, council adopted an updated list of city residents eligible to serve jury duty. City Manager Deron McCormick said the names, stored on a CD, will be selected at random whenever jurors are need at the magistrate’s court.

Mayor requests more federal assistance for flood recovery

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen, left, and Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin prepare to enter the White House to discuss needs from the federal government after the October 2015 floods that devastated their cities.

McElveen joins Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin on D.C. trip FROM STAFF REPORTS Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen joined Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to request additional funding from the federal government to help their cities recover from the October 2015 flood. McElveen presented information to Housing and Urban Development Secre-

tary Julián Castro and community planning and development staff demonstrating the damage in Sumter done by the rainfall from Hurricane Joaquin and requested additional financial assistance with recovery needs from White House officials as well as from Congressman James Clyburn, a Sumter native. “I am here to let them know how devastating the

recent floods were to our area and how urgently we need federal assistance,” McElveen said. “The sooner communities like Sumter receive their share, the sooner we can reach maximum recovery.” In October 2015, rain from Hurricane Joaquin overwhelmed the South Carolina midlands area with 21.5 inches of rain in just two days. The storm caused more than

$6 million in damage to the City of Sumter’s facilities, including fire training grounds, water and sewer mains, streets and eight fully accessorized police cars and breached multiple dams. Federal Emergency Management Agency is reporting that 9,878 applications have been received from the residents of Sumter County, totaling an estimated $11.6 million in damage.

Judge makes no ruling in Bishopville election case BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Circuit Court Judge George James listened to arguments from attorneys Wednesday morning in a case concerning a May 2015 municipal election in Bishopville but made no immediate ruling according to an attorney for the appellants. During a hearing at the Lee County Courthouse, James allowed attorneys nearly an hour to present their arguments, said attorney Melvin Wayne Cockrell III, who represents appellants

Edward Byrd, Ennis Bryant, Mike Morrow, Willie Mae Muldrow and Ken Currie, who are seeking to have the election results certified. The election results were stayed by the Bishopville Municipal Election Commission after protests were filed by candidates Craig Nesbit and John Latimer, who failed to gain enough votes to be elected. Many of the complaints were dismissed, but the commission decided an allegation that closed doors prevented access to Ward 2 during ballot counting had merit and stayed the election results. The com-

mission also ordered a new election. If the election is certified, the top-six candidates receiving votes will be elected, meaning Byrd will join the council, replacing Nesbit, who has been able to retain a seat on the council during the stay. Incumbents re-elected in the 2015 election include Bryant, Currie, Murrow and Muldrow. Those incumbents remained on the council during the stay. Judge James gave no indication of when he would rule on the case, Cockrell said.

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More women take part in Palestian violence Ramiz Hassoneh holds a photo of his daughter, Maram, in the West Bank city of Nablus. Maram, a top English student at AnNajah University and a devout Muslim, was shot and killed when she tried to stab Israeli soldiers at a West Bank checkpoint on Dec. 1, 2015.

NABLUS, West Bank (AP) — When Palestinian youths began a wave of grassroots and often suicidal stabbing attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians several months ago, it wasn’t his three sons that Ramiz Hassoneh was worried about — it was his daughter. Ignoring her father’s warnings, 20-year-old Maram took a kitchen knife to an Israeli military checkpoint on Dec. 1 and was shot dead as she tried to attack the soldiers, according to the Israeli military. The deadly mission put her among some 20 young females who have been involved in attacks on Israelis in recent months — a new trend that has confounded both Palestinian families and Israeli security officials. While battling Israel was once a role restricted to Palestinian men and boys, the new wave of violence has seen an unprecedented spike in female involvement. And where the few women who did engage in attacks in the past were typically underprivileged females seeking redemption after being rejected by their families, the attackers are now largely ideological, educated women from supportive homes. Palestinians consider the trend to be a combination of rising Islamist zeal, the growing role of women in the conservative society and the brewing desperation of a younger generation with few prospects.

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In Maram’s case, her family said she had a burning drive to resist the Israeli occupation somehow. A top English student at An-Najah University and a devout Muslim, Maram was deeply troubled by TV images showing the death of young Palestinians killed in attacks and clashes with Israel. She had memorized the entire Quran and cited religious and nationalistic motives for her desire to strike at Israelis. Unlike her younger brothers, who busied themselves with daily life, her father said Maram was an independent thinker who couldn’t be swayed from her convictions, even after serving six months in prison for another unsuc-

North Korea’s bomb test further threatens relations with China

The stem of a hydrogen bomb moves upward through a heavy cloud and comes through the top after the bomb was detonated over Namu Island in the Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands, in May 1956.

H-bomb fits on missile Nagasaki University. But the H-bomb requires more technology in control and accuracy because of the greater amount of energy involved, he said. Both the A-bomb and Hbomb use radioactive material like uranium and plutonium for the explosive material. The hydrogen bomb is in fact already the global standard for the five nations with the greatest nuclear capabilities: the U.S., Russia, France, the U.K. and China. Other nations may also either have it or may be working on it, despite a worldwide effort to contain such proliferation.

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ing. “North Korea should stop taking any actions which would worsen the situation on the Korean Peninsula.” Despite its ally status, the North did not inform China of the test beforehand, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said. Lu said he expects China to strictly implement any new U.N. sanctions, as well as take a tougher line on economic cooperation projects in both the public and private sectors. He also expected Chinese companies to shy away from future business with the North. “That will have a huge impact on North Korea’s economy,” Lu said. At the same time, China has an aversion to any action that might contribute to the collapse of the regime in Pyongyang, on whose behalf China fought in the 1950-53 Korean War. China fears a collapse could bring a wave of refugees and violence surging across the border, along with a possible U.S. military presence in the North. China has signed on to previous rounds of U.N. sanctions, and Chinese officials and scholars have typically said that the country has limited additional leverage to wield against North Korea. “China’s attitude is tough, but the means at its disposal are limited,” said Jin Qiang, a professor at Yanbian University’s Institute of Northeast Asia Studies in Jilin province bordering North Korea.

BEIJING (AP) — China sees North Korea’s claim to have conducted its first hydrogen bomb test as yet another act of defiance and will likely retaliate by joining tougher United Nations sanctions and could possibly even impose its own trade restrictions. Wednesday’s test was staged close enough to the border to send palpable tremors into northeastern China, prompting schools to be evacuated. The political reverberations in Beijing will likely be just as dramatic, boding ill for a relationship already under strain. “Relations will become colder than ever,” said Lu Chao, director of the Border Studies Institute at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences in the northeastern province that borders North Korea. North Korea acted “willfully in disregard of the opposition of the international community, including China, and caused a real threat to the lives of the Chinese people living along the border,” Lu said. China’s Foreign Ministry said it would summon Pyongyang’s ambassador to Beijing to lodge a formal protest and said environmental officials were monitoring air quality near the border though they had found nothing abnormal so far. “China firmly opposes this nuclear bomb test by North Korea,” ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters at a daily brief-

AP FILE PHOTO FILE

TOKYO (AP) — The announcement Wednesday from North Korea that it had carried out a nuclear test brought to the front lines of global attention a phrase not often heard since the Cold War — “the Hbomb.” As opposed to the atomic bomb, the kind dropped on Japan in the closing days of World War II, the hydrogen bomb, or so-called “superbomb” can be far more powerful — experts say, by 1,000 times or more. North Korea’s first three nuclear tests, from 2006 to 2013, were A-bombs on roughly the same scale as the ones used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which together killed more than 200,000 people. Pyongyang announced Wednesday that it had detonated its first H-bomb; while seismic data supported the claim of a large explosion, there was no immediate way to confirm the type. Atomic bombs rely on fission, or atom-splitting, just as nuclear power plants do. The hydrogen bomb, also called the thermonuclear bomb, uses fusion, or atomic nuclei coming together, to produce explosive energy. “Think what’s going on inside the sun,” says Takao Takahara, professor of international politics and peace research at Meiji Gakuin University in Tokyo. “In theory, the process is potentially infinite. The amount of energy is huge.” The technology of the hydrogen bomb is more sophisticated, and once attained, it is a greater threat. They can be made small enough to fit on a head of an intercontinental missile. “That the bomb can become compact is the characteristic, and so this means North Korea has the U.S. in mind in making this H-bomb announcement,” says Tatsujiro Suzuki, professor at the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition at

cessful stabbing attempt on a soldier two years earlier. “Girls are more sensitive to the occupation. They are more emotional about these things,” said Hassoneh, sitting in his Nablus home under a large poster of his late daughter wearing a headscarf. “She believed that she would inspire the boys to do something ... She looked at me and said: ‘When our men who sit in coffee shop see (a girl) killed, they will move.’” His wife, Hanan, sitting next to him with a gold necklace featuring Maram’s image, said her sorrow was mixed with pride. “I’m happy she is a martyr, but I miss her a lot,” she said.

Since the violence erupted in midSeptember, 21 Israelis and an American Jews have been killed, mostly in stabbing attacks carried out by young Palestinians in their late teens or 20s. Many attackers were doomed to failure from the start, armed with only crude weapons such as knives, scissors and potato peelers. At least 132 Palestinians have been killed, of whom 11 were women. Israel has identified 91 of the Palestinians killed as attackers; the rest died in clashes with Israeli troops. Israel says the violence is the result of incitement by Palestinian leaders and on social media sites. The Palestinians say it stems from frustration for nearly 50 years of occupation, failed peace talks and continued Israeli settlement construction. In previous rounds of violence, women were expected to stay home while the boys fought. But women’s increased presence online, where most of the rallying cries to violence take place, and general advancement in society have emboldened many to partake in the “national struggle,” said Jihad Harb, a Palestinian researcher and commentator. “Social media has opened a new horizon for the new generation. They interact and build their thoughts in a new way that gives girls the same chances of boys,” he said.

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Tribe: Occupiers not welcome Congress passes Obamacare repeal BURNS, Ore. (AP) — The leader of an American Indian tribe that regards an Oregon nature preserve as sacred issued a rebuke Wednesday to the armed men who are occupying the property, saying they are not welcome at the snowy bird sanctuary and must leave. The Burns Paiute tribe was the latest group to speak out against the men, who have taken several buildings at the preserve to protest policies governing the use of federal land in the West. “The protesters have no right to this land. It belongs to the native people who live here,” tribal leader Charlotte Rodrique said. She spoke at a news conference at the tribe’s cultural center, about half-hour drive from Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, which is being occupied by some 20 men led by Ammon BUNDY Bundy, whose father Cliven was at the center of a standoff in Nevada with federal officials in 2014 over use of public lands. Ammon Bundy is demanding that the refuge be handed over to locals. Rodrique said she “had to laugh” at the demand, because she knew Bundy was not talking about giving the land to the tribe. The 13,700-acre Burns Paiute Reservation is north of this remote town in Oregon sagebrush country. The reservation is separate from the wildlife refuge, but tribal members consider it part of their ancestral land. As with other tribes, the Burns’ Paiute’s link to the land is marked by a history of conflict with white settlers and the U.S. government. In the late 1800s, they were forced off a sprawling reservation created by an 1872 treaty that was never ratified. Some later returned and pur-

Symbolic measure faces certain veto by president BY ERICA WERNER AP Congressional Correspondent WASHINGTON — The GOP-led Congress sent legislation to President Obama Wednesday repealing his signature health law, fulfilling a promise to Republican voters in a presidential election year but inviting a certain veto. The nearly party-line vote in the House was 240181. The legislation already passed the Senate last year under special rules protecting it from Democratic obstruction, so it goes straight to the White House. Republicans boasted of a signal achievement, saying they were forcing Obama to face up to the failures of his law while illustrating the stark political choices voters face. “We are confronting the president with the hard, honest truth,” said Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. “Obamacare doesn’t work.” Democrats called it pointless political theater that will have the same ultimate outcome as the 61 previous repeal votes that were blocked in the Senate, since Obama will veto the legislation. “A bill that is going to the White House, that will get the fastest veto we’ve ever seen happen in this country, is a monumental vote?” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. “This is just a waste of everyone’s time.” Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton has decried the repeal legislation while leading GOP candidates applauded it.

Ryan and other GOP leaders acknowledged it will take a Republican president to get rid of the law. But they said that is the point. “It is our opportunity as Republicans to lay out the choice for the American people,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California predicted that a Republican president will be in the White House next year and Congress will pass the repeal legislation again, “but we won’t have to worry about a veto from the White House.” For maximum visibility Republican leaders made the legislation, which also cuts federal funding for Planned Parenthood, their first major vote of 2016. Although they don’t command sufficient votes to override a presidential veto, they hope to schedule the override vote to coincide with the Jan. 22 March for Life in Washington commemorating the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Yet Ryan hedged when asked whether the House will ever vote on a GOP replacement to Obamacare. Ryan has pledged that the House will come up with its own plan this year, something the GOP has repeatedly promised but failed to do in the nearly six years since the law’s enactment. But he said details such as whether this plan will actually come to a vote have not been determined. “Nothing’s been decided

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Burns Paiute tribe chair Charlotte Rodrique addresses reporters during a press conference in response to the armed occupation of the nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Burns, Oregon, on Wednesday. A leader of the Oregon Indian tribe whose ancestral property is being occupied by an armed group opposed to federal land policy said Wednesday that the group is not welcome and needs to leave. chased property in the Burns area, where about 200 tribal members now live. Bundy’s group seized buildings Saturday at the nature preserve in eastern Oregon’s high desert country. Authorities have made no attempt to remove them. The standoff in rural Oregon is a continuation of a long-running dispute about federal policies covering the use of public lands, including grazing. The federal government controls about half of all land in the West. For example, it owns 53 percent of Oregon, 85 percent of Nevada and 66 percent of Utah, ac-

cording to the Congressional Research Service. The Bundy family is among many people in the West who contend local officials could do a better job of managing public lands than federal officials. “It is our goal to get the logger back to logging, the rancher back to ranching,” Ammon Bundy said Tuesday. The argument is rejected by those who say the U.S. government is better equipped to manage public lands for all those who want to make use of them. Among those groups are Native Americans.

Strongest El Niño storm so far this winter hits California LOS ANGELES (AP) — The hillside above the California home of Wayne Socha had held firm against thunderstorms the past three decades. But after a wildfire two years ago stripped away vegetation and loosened soil, he feared the strong El Niño storms pounding the state could bring it all down. So the 61-year-old corporate auditor grabbed a sledgehammer and waded through the muck in his Monrovia backyard to knock a hole in a cement wall and let a mud flow skirt his house and run into a street. “It looked like Niagara Falls,” Socha said. “It was quickly building up behind the house and I knew it could come right inside.” Socha is among uncounted Californians trying to protect their property after the first El Niño storms descended this week and brought wet, windy weather to an area stretching all the way to the Gulf Coast. Those storms dumped nearly 3 inches of rain Tuesday on Southern California, turning Socha’s terraced backyard into a raging torrent of mud and debris. He kept his sledgehammer and shovels close on Wednesday as the winter’s most powerful El Niño storm so far pushed into the state. Driving rain inundated the San Francisco Bay Area during the morning commute, causing nearly two dozen crashes, toppling trees and flooding streets and streams. Officials shut down the city’s iconic cable cars, and buses were used to serve riders. The system pushed south toward Los Angeles, stirring high waves in the ocean and causing extensive flooding in the San Fernando Valley that swamped cars in deep water. It packed colder temperatures, stronger winds and heavier rainfall than the previous storms that have lined up since the weekend and brought much-needed rain to

the drought-stricken state. In all, the storm was expected to dump as much as 3 more inches of rain in coastal and valley areas and up to 4 inches at higher elevations, National Weather Service meteorologist Curt Kaplan said. Another less-powerful El Niño storm was right behind and expected to hit land Thursday. Los Angeles authorities spent days getting homeless people from low-lying areas along the Los Angeles River and other waterways prone to flooding. Shuttles were available to shelters that had room for as many as 6,000 beds, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

“We’re not going to charge them with things,” Garcetti said. “But we will use the force of law — there is law on the books that they can’t be there.” Motorists in mountain areas were warned that blizzard conditions with wind gusts reaching 60 mph were possible above 4,000 feet. At the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, Monrovia officials dispatched crews with sandbags to help protect Socha’s neighborhood from landslides. That eased his mind somewhat, but he said he and his wife were vigilantly watching forecasts of several more inches of rain. “We’re amateur meteorolo-

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gists now,” he said. The National Weather Service said a record 1.42 inches of rain fell Tuesday at Los Angeles International Airport as a previous storm passed through the region. San Diego Fire-Rescue crews responded to 75 calls in three hours Tuesday. Most dealt with cars in flooded intersections, including instances in which a woman and her dog were pulled to safety and a family of four was rescued from their vehicle as waters swiftly rose. Northern Arizona residents woke up to a winter wonderland on Wednesday, and forecasters warned of a lot more snow in the coming days. Sev-

eral major roadways closed temporarily because of a rock slide, crashes and slippery conditions. Despite the potential for flooding and mudslides, the wet weather in California was welcome news for the state suffering from a severe drought. But officials warned residents against abandoning conservation efforts and reverting to wasteful water-use habits. California’s water deficit is so deep after four years of drought that a steady parade of storms will be needed for years to come, said Mike Anderson, climatologist for the state Department of Water Resources.

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WIS News 10 at Entertainment Tonight Chris news update. Pine. (N) (HD) News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) Evening news up- (HD) date. Wheel of ForJeopardy! (N) tune: Fun & Fit (N) (HD) (HD) Rick Steves’ Eu- Palmetto Scene rope: Central Tur- (HD) key The Big Bang The Big Bang Theory Amy gets Theory Penny’s sick. (HD) lie. (HD) Anger Manage- Anger Management Eccentric ment Eccentric therapist. (HD) therapist. (HD)

3 10 7:00pm Local

WLTX E19

WOLO E25

WRJA E27 11 14 WACH E57

WKTC E63

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A&E

46 130 The First 48: Senior Year Student

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 10 PM

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(:35) The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Mark Ruffalo visits the show. (N) (HD) (:35) The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Damian Lewis; America Ferrera. (N) (HD) (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Cate Blanchett from “Manifesto”; NBA player Kevin Durant. (N) (HD) Southern Lens: Looking for Ms. Tavis Smiley Mu- BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) A Chef’s Life: If Carolina Stories: The Baruchs of A Chef’s Life: (HD) Locklear sician James Tay- International Hobcaw Baruch family land grant Prickly Business You Can’t Beet news. lor. (HD) over the years. ‘Em ... (HD) (HD) American Idol: Auditions #2 The judges travel to Little Rock, Ark., and San WACH FOX News at 10 Local news TMZ (N) 2 Broke Girls: Mike & Molly Francisco to assess contestants, with some performers falling flat and oth- report and weather forecast. And the Zero Tol- Shot during robers advancing on to the next round. (N) (HD) erance (HD) bery. (HD) The Vampire Diaries: Cold As Ice The Originals: Savior Freya tries to The Mentalist: Bloodstream Doctor The Mentalist: The Red Mile CBI Hot in Cleveland Damon, Stefan search for Julian. (HD) find way to undo curse. (HD) found murdered at golf course. (HD) team searches for killer. (HD) Friends share home. (HD) Heroes Reborn: Send in the Clones Luke and Malina team up to save Tommy. (N) (HD) The Big Bang (:31) Life in Theory (N) (HD) Pieces Matt’s ex-wife. (N) (HD) Beyond the Tank Mark Cuban checks in on Simple Sugar. (N) (HD)

The Blacklist: The Director Red and Shades of Blue: Pilot Detective WIS News 10 at Aram ensure Liz’s safety. (N) (HD) forced to become informant. (N) (HD) 11:00pm News and weather. (:01) Mom: Angel From Hell: Elementary: Miss Taken Watson’s News 19 @ 11pm Kreplach and a Pilot (N) (HD) stepfather’s crime novel. (N) (HD) The news of the Tiny Tush (N) (HD) day. My Diet Is Better Than Yours: Let the Diets Begin; Cookiegate Contestants ABC Columbia are introduced to their coaches and begin their training programs. (N) (HD) News at 11 (HD)

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40 37 31

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Card Blues in the House topic. mishap. Pilot (HD) (HD) Show (N) The Real House wives of Beverly In side the Ac tors Stu dio: Jeff Top Chef: It’s a Dry Heat Chefs cook Top Chef: Big Gay Wed ding (N) (:15) What Hap (:45) Top Chef: Big Gay Wedding 181 Hills: Hamptons, 90210 Daniels (N) on a famous golf-course. pens (N) (HD) 62 Restaurant: Raising the Stakes Shark Tank (HD) Shark Tank Children’s idea. (HD) The Profit Custom lighting. Restaurant: Raising the Stakes Restaurant 64 Erin Burnett OutFront (N) To Be Announced To Be Announced CNN Tonight with Don Lemon To Be Announced TBA Key & Peele (HD) Key & Peele (HD) Key & Peele: MC Key & Peele (HD) Workaholics Old Workaholics Daily Show with Nightly Show w/ (:01) @midnight 136 Tosh.0 Pre-show Tosh.0 (HD) ritual. (HD) Mom (HD) rival. (HD) (HD) Trevor (N) Wilmore (N) (N) (HD) Liv and Maddie Austin & Ally K.C. Undercover K.C. Undercover Best Friends Austin & Ally Girl Meets World K.C. Undercover Jessie Dance 80 Liv and Maddie Austin & Ally (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Whenever (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) class. (HD) 103 Fast N’ Loud (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Fast N’ Loud Dart dragster. (HD) Diesel Brothers (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Fast Loud 35 College Basketball: Cincinnati Bearcats at SMU Mustangs (HD) College Basketball: Illinois vs Michigan State z{| (HD) SportsCenter (HD) Sports (HD) 39 College Basketball: Louisville vs North Carolina State (HD) College Basketball: Arizona Wildcats at UCLA Bruins z{| (HD) Basketball NFL Live (HD) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (‘05, Fantasy) aaac Daniel Radcliffe. A young wizard finds himself competing in a hazard- The 700 Club How to manage inThe Flintstones 131 Willy Wonka Chocolate (HD) ous tournament between rival schools of magic, but he is distracted by recurring nightmares. (HD) come and savings. 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(HD) (:02) Child Ge145 Project Runway: Junior: Race to the Child Genius: I’m The Fun Parent (N) Project Runway: Junior: Superstar (:02) Child Genius: I’m The Fun Par- (:02) Project Runway: Junior: SuRed Carpet (HD) (HD) Clients (N) (HD) ent (HD) perstar Clients (HD) nius (HD) 76 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) Lawrence O’Donnell (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) Maddow (HD) 91 Make Pop (N) Thunderman Scooby-Doo (‘02, Comedy) Freddie Prinze Jr. Gang reunites. (HD) Full House Full House Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Friends (HD) 154 G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (‘09, Action) aac Channing Tatum. (HD) Lip Sync Lip Sync (HD) Lip Sync Battle (N) Lip Sync (HD) Lip Sync G.I. Joe (HD) Insidious: Chapter 2 (‘13, Horror) 152 Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (‘09, Thriller) aaa Michael Sheen. The Insidious: Chapter 2 (‘13, Horror) aaa Patrick Wilson. Family haunted by supernatural origins of the Lycan-vampire feud. 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(HD) My 600-lb Life (N) (HD) Extreme Weight Loss: Jacquelyn McCoy (HD) Skin Tight (N) (HD) My 600-lb (HD) NBA Basketball: Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls from United Center z{| (HD) NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings from Sleep Train 158 NBA Tip-Off z{| Arena z{| (HD) 102 Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) Jokers (HD) 161 Facts Life Facts Life Facts Life Facts Life Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) (5:30) G.I. Joe: Re tal i a tion (‘13, Ac WWE SmackDown z{ | (HD) Col ony (HD) Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Law & Order: 132 tion) aac Dwayne Johnson. 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Lynch, Lopez each begin new year with new show BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Jane Lynch makes the most of her turn in “Angel From Hell” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14). That’s pretty much all you need to know about this new sitcom. Its thin premise involves pretty workaholic dermatologist Allison (Maggie Lawson, “Psych”), who encounters Amy (Lynch), a mysterious stranger who claims to be her celestial guardian. Amy knows things of a private, intimate and even scatological nature about Allison and shows up at the oddest times just to give her a push in the right direction. If she’s from heaven, then why does she act (and, presumably, smell) like an alcoholic street person? The notion of a mere mortal who’s a bit of a stiff with a supernatural secret friend is hardly new or original. It helps that Lynch plays her role as magical derelict to the hilt. She projects the off-kilter, say-anything anarchy of a young Bill Murray channeled by the sassy-old-broad spirit of the late Elaine Stritch. One almost expects CBS to create a blooper reel of the many times Lynch cracks up Lawson and other cast members, including Kevin Pollak. An improvisational legend, Lynch has made a career of stealing movies from betterknown talents (“The 40-YearOld Virgin,” “Best in Show,” “Walk Hard,” “Talladega Nights”). But in all of those movies, she burst out of relatively small parts. Is her role at the center of “Angel” just too much of a good thing? Probably not. • A game supporting cast and well-crafted plotting cannot distinguish “Shades of Blue” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14) from a glut of police procedurals. It doesn’t help that its notable star, Jennifer Lopez, is its weakest element. As “Blue” begins, detective Harlee Santos (Lopez) is already talking to her vanity, asking herself why and when it all went wrong. We meet her as a feisty cop who belongs to a tight-knit Brooklyn unit. They take care of their own, and they share when they shake down local criminals for protection. After an incident goes south, they concoct stories to get past the internal affairs investigation. Ray Liotta (“Goodfellas”)

CW, r, TV-14) * Questions of compatibility on “Life in Pieces” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Christy aims to please on “Mom” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Freya tries to reverse a curse on “The Originals” (9 p.m., CW, r, TV-14).

CULT CHOICE Kurt Russell and Ernest Borgnine star in the 1981 dystopian fantasy “Escape from New York” (10 p.m., This TV).

LATE NIGHT

PETER KRAMER / NBC

Jennifer Lopez stars as Detective Harlee Santos in NBC’s new police procedural “Shades of Blue” premiering at 10 p.m. today. plays the gang’s leader, Lt. Matt Wozniak, a man who takes a paternal interest in Santos and her daughter. Drea de Matteo (“The Sopranos”) also stars. Their presence cannot redeem the script from clunky, unnatural dialogue (e.g., “Just where do I go to get back my soul?”). It’s not enough that Santos’ daughter is bright. She has to be a brilliant, Juilliard-bound cellist. But the central problem here is that Lopez, famous for being a glamorous pop star, is woefully miscast as a mere civil servant. • The search for the least-interesting network show may be over. “My Diet Is Better Than Yours” (9 p.m., ABC) debuts tonight. • One would think that the gruesome reality TV exploitation of Bobbi Kristina Brown and her subsequent death would inspire some reflection about exposing the children of flamboyant pop stars. But thinking is not what “Growing Up Hip Hop” (10 p.m., WE, TV14) is all about. • Hideous stage mothers and helicopter parents of a more cerebral sort (rather than, say, “Dance Moms”) play a pivotal part in “Child Genius: Battle of the Brightest” (8 p.m., Lifetime, TV-PG). • The cable hit “Lip Sync Battle” (10 p.m., Spike, TV-PG) returns for a second season with

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Aram and Red go all out for Elizabeth’s safety on “The Blacklist” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • Watson’s work may have inspired a shadowy author on “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS, TV14). • Jack McBrayer joins the

cast of the absurd David Cross comedy “Todd Margaret” (10 p.m., IFC, TV-MA), entering its third season.

SERIES NOTES A subtle sales call on “The Big Bang Theory” (8 p.m., CBS, TVPG) * Human extinction is on the table on “Heroes Reborn” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Stefan and Damon continue their search on “The Vampire Diaries” (8 p.m.,

Dalia Mogahed is booked on “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Ricky Gervais, Marsai Martin and Rory Scovel appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Damian Lewis, America Ferrera and the Floyd-Little Double Dutch Team are booked on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Mark Ruffalo and Kendrick Lamar on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Cate Blanchett, Kevin Durant and Vance Joy appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Tim Roth, La La Anthony, Jillian Bell and Charlotte Newhouse visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Gael Garcia Bernal and Meghan Trainor appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS). Copyright 2016, United Feature Syndicate

2015-16

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF CHARLES R. “PAP” PROPST

Please Mail To: The Sumter Item/Fireside Fund PO Box 1677 • Sumter, SC 29150

Or Drop Off At The Item 20 N. Magnolia St.

LOCAL | NATION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

President Obama embraces Jennifer Pinckney, wife of the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, who was killed in the 2015 Charleston church shooting, after speaking in the East Room of the White House in Washington on Tuesday.

GUNS FROM PAGE A1 gun control. The shooters at Sandy Hook and San Bernardino used weapons bought by others, shielding them from background checks. In other cases, the shooters legally bought guns. In Aurora, Colorado, and at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., men undergoing mental health treatment were cleared to buy weapons because federal background checks looked to criminal histories and court-ordered commitments for signs of mental illness. The Obama administration is making changes in that realm by seeking to plug certain Social Security Administration data into the background check system and by helping states report more information about people barred from gun possession for mental health reasons. The suspect in a shooting at a church in Charleston should have been flagged at the time, but errors and delays cleared the way for his purchase. Though the moves probably wouldn’t have prevented recent mass shootings, Obama rejected the idea that undermines the changes. “We maybe can’t save everybody, but we could save some,” Obama said. A look at how some recent mass shooting suspects got their weapons:

THE SUMTER ITEM

PROGRESS FROM PAGE A1

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DEC. 2, 2015, SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, 14 KILLED Syed Farook and his wife used weapons that the FBI says his neighbor, Enrique Marquez, purchased legally from a federally licensed dealer in 2011 and 2012. Marquez, now facing conspiracy and other charges, told investigators that Farook asked him to purchase the weapons because he would draw less attention. At the time, the FBI says, the men were plotting to shoot up a community college and a highway.

JULY 16, 2015, CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE, 5 KILLED The FBI says some of the weapons Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez used in his attack on a pair of military facilities were purchased legally, and some were not. It is unclear when the purchases were made and whether he was subject to a background check.

Relatives say Abdulazeez had a history of mental illness, made a series of overseas trips and was arrested in April on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. In May 2013, he failed a background check for an engineering job at a nuclear power plant in Ohio.

JUNE 17, 2015, CHARLESTON 9 KILLED A February drug arrest should have prevented Dylann Roof from purchasing the pistol authorities say he used at Emanuel AME Church, but a record-keeping error and background check delay allowed the transaction to go through. The FBI says a background check examiner never saw the arrest report because the wrong arresting agency was listed in state criminal history records. After three days passed, the gun dealer was legally permitted to complete the transaction.

Church Directory Adventist

HOPE FOR the FUTURE

Sumter Seventh-Day Adventist 103 N Pike West 775-4455 Pastor Harry Robinson Sat. Sch: 9:15 am, Worship: 11:00 am Tues Bible Study 7 pm www.sumter22.adventistchurchconnect.org

Church of Christ

African Methodist Episcopal Wayman Chapel AME Church 160 N. Kings Hwy. • 803-494-3686 www.waymanchapelame.com Reverened Laddie N. Howard Church School 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am Wed. Bible Study 12:00 pm & 6:30 pm

Mon. - Thurs. Chapel 9 am Morning Prayer Wed. Chapel 11:00 qm - Bible Study 12 pm Mass

Photo Credit Istockphoto.com/18GGutenbergUKLtd

he Bible is a history of many families…their good times and bad times. Our earthly families experience both; as generations come and go we will always have occasions when we need reassurance and guidance. Don’t wait for the bad times. Be prepared. A relationship with our heavenly Father will help us through all kinds of times. Join the family of God and worship each week.

Anglican Church of the Holy Cross 335 North Kings Hwy (Hwy 261 N) 803-494-8101 Father Michael E. Ridgill, C.F.S.B. Sunday School 9:00 am Mass 10:00 am

The Catholic Community of SSumter, t St d Sit St. JJude Site 611 W. Oakland Ave • 773-9244 www.stjudesumtersc.org FPastor Rev. Frank Palmieri, CRM Vicar Rev. Noly Berjuega, CRM Saturday: 6:00 pm Sun. 9:15 - 12:00 Noon, 5:00 PM Confession: Sat. 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Romans 3:19-31

Romans 5:1-21

Weekly Scripture Reading Romans Isaiah John 6:1-23 60:1-22 5:1-29

John 6:1-24

John 6:25-59

Scriptures Selected by the American Bible Society

Salem Missionary Baptist Church 320 West Fulton Street 803-775-8054 Sun. School 9:00 am Praise Worship 9:55 am Worship 10:00 am

Assembly of God Baptist - Southern First Assembly of God 1151 Alice Drive * 773-3817 www.sumterﬁrstag.org Jason Banar, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship: 10:30 am

Baptist - Missionary Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church 803 S Harvin St. * 775-4032 Marion H Newton, Pastor Sunday Worship: 7:45 & 10:45 am Sunday Youth Service: 10:45 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm

Grace Baptist Church 219 W Calhoun St * 778-6417 Dr. Stephen Williams S.S. 9:45 am; Worship 11:00 am Evening Worship/Bible Study 6:30 pm Wed. Prayer Meeting 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 pm Hickory Road Baptist Church 1245 Cherryvale Dr 803-494-8281 Dr. Ron Taylor Pastor Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Evening Worship 6:00 pm

Long Branch Baptist Church 2535 Peach Orchard Rd. Dalzell 803-499-1838 Pastor Jonathan Bradshaw Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Sun Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wed Mid Week Service 7:00 pm Shaw Heights Baptist Church 2030 Peach Orchard Rd. • 499-4997 Rev. Robert White Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 am Sunday Worship:11 am & 6 pm

Plaza Church of Christ 1402 Camden Hwy. • 905-3163 Stewart Schnur cell 361-8449 Sunday School: 10 am Sunday Worship: 11 am & 6 pm Wed. Bible Class: 7 pm

Interdenominational City of Refuge Church 16 Carolina Ave 938-9066 Barbara & Johnny Davis Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:15 am Bible Study (Wed.) 7:00 pm www.cityofrefugeministry.com

Spiritual Life Christian Center 4672 Broad St. Ext • 968-5771 Pastors Randolph & Minerva Paige Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm Victory Full Gospel Interdenominational Church 601 Pitts Rd • 481-7003 Joann P. Murrill, Pastor Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm

Catholic - Roman

The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Anne Site 216 E Liberty St • 803-773-3524 Pastor Rev. Frank Palmieri, CRM Vicar Rev. Noly Berjuega, CRM Weekend Masses: Sat. 4:30 pm Sun. 8:00 and 12:00 Noon Confession: Sat. 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

year, and during recent years, the number of homicides in the county has decreased significantly. “One is too many,” he said before stating he hopes to report zero homicides for 2016. According to a letter Dennis provided during the meeting, Sumter County has seen an 80 percent reduction in homicides based on the agency’s statistics from 2012 to 2015. Dennis also commented that the sheriff’s office has one of the highest clearance rates, or percentage of cases solved, in its history. The agency has a 50 percent clearance rate, surpassing the national clearance rate average of 33 percent, according to the sheriff’s letter. The sheriff’s office patrols and monitors churches and clubs to deter those who wish to commit crime, he said. Dennis said officers have always provided security at churches but have increased their efforts after the June 2015 shooting at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. Dennis said although he does not have an issue with night clubs operating in the county, he will use all resources available to shut the doors of establishments that threaten the safety of the public. He said the agency’s efforts to reach out to Sumter County residents have increased trust between the community and law enforcement. He said a trusting relationship with the community will ultimately reduce the chances of incidents like what occurred in Ferguson, Missouri, in August 2014 from happening in Sumter. “Merk City? No more,” he said. The statistics Dennis used refer to the jurisdiction of Sumter County, which does not include the City of Sumter.

Lutheran - ELCA Non-Denominational Pentecostal St James Lutheran Church 1137 Alice Dr, Sumter 773-2260 / www.stjamessumter.org Pastor Keith Getz Sunday School: 9:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am Wed. Bible Study 10:30 am Holy Communion: 12:00 pm

Christ Community Church(CCC) 525 Oxford St, Sumter (Church Ofﬁce) www.cccsumter.com 803-934-9718 Sun. Worship 10:00 am (Patriot Hall) 135 Haynsworth Street

Lutheran - NALC Immanuel Lutheran Church 140 Poinsett Drive 803-883-1049 • 803-774-2380 Pastor Gary Blobaum Worship Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:30 am Wed Bible Class: 7:00 pm

Methodist - United Aldersgate United Methodist 211 Alice Dr • 775-1602 Dr. Webb Belangia, Reverend Traditional Service 9:00 am Sunday School 10:15 am Contemporary 11:15 am

First Church of God 1835 Camden Rd • 905-5234 www.sumterfcg.org Ron Bower, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 am Sunday Worship: 10:30 am

First United Penecostal Church 14 Plowden Mill Rd • 775-9493 Pastor Theron Smith Sunday Service: 10:00 am & 6:30 pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30 pm

Sumter First Pentecostal Holiness Church 2609 McCrays Mill Rd • 481-8887 S. Paul Howell, Pastor Sunday School: 10:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:45 am & 6:00 pm Wed. Bible Study/Youth Group: 7:00 pm

Greater St. Paul Church 200 Watkins Street • 803-778-1355 Founder Bishop W.T. English Sunday School - 10:30 am Worship - 11:30 am Evangelistic Service 6:30 pm Wed. Mid Week Service - 7:30 pm

Presbyterian USA

Sumter Bible Church 420 South Pike West, Sumter 803-773-8339 • Pastor Ron Davis Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am & 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study & Prayer 7:00 pm

The Rock Church of Sumter Bethel United Methodist Church 365 N. Saint Pauls Ch. Rd. • 803-494-7625 5575 Lodebar Rd • 469-2452 Pastor Gwendolyn Credle Rev. Jeremy Howell Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 am Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School: 10 am www.yourbethel.org The Salvation Army BMethodist@ftc-i.net 16 Kendrick St. • 803-775-9336 St John United Methodist Church Major Robbie Robbins 136 Poinsett Dr * 803-773-8185 Sunday School 9:45 am www.stjohnumcsumter.com Worship Service 11:00 am Rev. Larry Brown Monday Youth Night 6:30 pm Sunday School 9:45 am Wednesday Mid Week Lift 6:30 pm Worship 11:00 am Wednesday Men Fellowship & Wed. Bible Study 10:45 am Woman’s Home League 6:30 pm

First Presbyterian Church of Sumter 9 W Calhoun St (at Main St.) (803) 773-3814 • info@fpcsumter.org Interim Pastor Rev. Jim Burton Sunday School 9:30 a.m. (classes for all ages) Hospitality/Fellowship Hall 10:10 a.m. Children/Youth Gather 4:45 p.m. W. Bldg. Night Church 5:00 p.m. (classes for all ages) Supper 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall

Presbyterian - ARP Lemira Presbyterian Church 514 Boulevard Rd • 473-5024 Pastor Dan Rowton Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am

Trinity United Methodist Church 226 W Liberty St • 773-9393 Rev. Steve Holler Blended Service 8:45 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship Service 11:00 am trinityumcsumter.org

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Job’s Mortuary 312 S. Main St., Sumter (803) 773-3323

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PRO GLO AUTO PAINT, BODY, GLASS & FRAME WORK, INC.

RANDY BONNER Store Manager

FRASIER TIRE SERVICE INC 310 E. Liberty Street Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-1423 Fax (803) 778-1512

216 South Pike West •775-7434 “Join us after church for dinner’’

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LOCAL | STATE

THE SUMTER ITEM

FROM PAGE A1

AP FILE PHOTO

Gov. Nikki Haley speaks at the National Press Club in Washington in September 2015. Haley will give the Republican response to President Obama’s Jan. 12 State of the Union address. Since taking office in 2011, Haley has staunchly criticized Obama on everything from health care reform to immigration. But the two seemed to share a vision, if only partially, after the shooting. Haley, who attended funerals for all of the massacre’s victims, has said the event motived by “pure hate” will “forever change the way I live my life.” In calling for the flag’s removal, she acknowledged the differing views that for years prevented politicians, including herself, from even broaching the subject. “My hope is that by removing a symbol that divides us, we can move our state forward in harmony,” she said. The bipartisan crowd surrounding Haley during that emotional speech included Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus. Giving an impassioned eulogy at Pinckney’s funeral, Obama too called for the Confederate flag to be removed from places of honor. Within weeks of the

ASSEMBLY FROM PAGE A1 “The Supreme Court has spoken pretty loudly on the Abbeville case, and I think education is going to be another big focal point,” McElveen said. In the Abbeville case, the S.C. Supreme Court ruled the State of South Carolina had not been meeting its constitutional duty to educate children in poor and rural school districts, many of which are predominantly black, and ordered the General Assembly to

shooting, legislators approved removing the flag from its 30-foot perch outside the Statehouse and sending it to a museum. Obama also called for gun control in eulogizing Pinckney, and Pinckney’s widow stood with Obama on Tuesday as he unveiled his plan to use presidential powers to tighten control and enforcement of firearms in the U.S. He insisted it was possible to uphold the Second Amendment while doing something to tackle the frequency of mass shootings in the U.S. But Haley has defended gun rights and previously criticized Obama as overreaching his authority. She holds a concealed carry permit, and she posted a picture on social media in 2013 of the handgun her husband gave her for Christmas. Haley said she was honored to be asked to deliver the address. “This is a time of great challenges for our country but also of great opportunities. I intend to speak about both,” she said.

find a solution. “There are going to be big issues ahead of us in the House on education reform,” Smith said. Smith said the House will first tackle budget issues. “We are getting into the budget as soon as we start session in the House,” he said. A lot of issues are waiting for action in the Senate, Smith said, such as ethics reform and judicial merit selection. Legislation on dam safety will also be a priority, he said. “We are going to be dealing with a

Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 5405 Black River Road, Rembert, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 17 — Deacon ordination worship service at 3 p.m. Green Acres Assembly of God, 537 Lewis Road, announces: * Saturday, Jan. 16 — Gospel singing at 6 p.m. to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Heavenly Tones of Sumter. On the program: Heaven Sent; Armed & Ready; and the Heavenly Tones. High Hills AME Church, 6780 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Wednesday-Friday, Jan. 13-15 — Revival at 7 nightly. The Rev. Shawn Singleton will speak. * Sunday, Jan. 24 — 200 Men in Black at 4 p.m. The Rev. Donald Amos will speak. Theme: I am my brother’s keeper. Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday — Knitting Hearts Café will be held 10 a.m.noon. Dr. Peter and Joy Wyns will speak. Nursery provided for children age 5 and under. www.knittingheartsministry. org Mount Carmel Freewill Baptist Church, 207 Reardon St.,

Manning, announces: * Sunday — Musical extravaganza at 3 p.m. Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 7355 Camden Highway, Rembert, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 17 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. Lloyd Hunter will speak. Services begin at 9:30 a.m. * Saturday, Jan. 23 — The movie “War Room” will be presented at 4 p.m. Mount Sinai AME Church, 5895 Mt. Sinai Church Road, Lynchburg, announces: * Sunday — Annual gospel fest at 3 p.m. featuring the Singing Cousins. Event is open and free to the public. Mount Zero Missionary Baptist Church, 7827 S.C. 261, Manning, announces: * Sunday — Fourth pastoral anniversary celebration for Pastor Lucious Dixon at 3:30 p.m. Dr. Isaac Holt will speak. Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Sunday, Jan. 17 — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday worship celebration at 10:45 a.m. Special presentation by the youth of the church. * Sunday, Jan. 31 — Youth worship celebration at 10:45 a.m. Minister Patrick Outler, president of the Student Government Association, Morris College, will speak. New Testament Lighthouse Church, 1114 Boulevard Road, announces: * Saturday, Jan. 16 — Gospel

t’s a week into the new year, and most of us are battling the very things that would unseat those New Year’s resolutions implemented just a week ago. It was great in the beginning, fueled by a renewed desire toward self-improvement. The perennial resolution, of course, is losing weight or, the more vague designation, being healthier. I know this because of the sudden overcrowding in Faith Matters the fitness classes at the JAMIE H. YMCA and WILSON the run on sweet potatoes at the grocery store. Good for you if you’ve made it one week toward your goals. But now comes the tough part: endurance. Anyone can sprint for a couple of yards, but do you have what it takes to ignore the hunger for the pre-Jan. 1 routine? Can you dismiss the fatigue that accompanies the effort of changing your life? Can you quench the all but insatiable desire for immediate gratification? Or will you grab a fistful of individually-wrapped honey buns from the cash register shelf on your trip to the grocery store, where you hoped to grab a bag of salad? Temptation is the part of life that forces our hand; it forces an immediate decision, even if we don’t act on it at that moment. At the point of crisis — be it as small as the

dam bill, dealing with the responsibility of dam owners and increasing inspection of dams,” Smith said. McElveen said dealing with the education issue is long overdue. “It is something we are going to have to work out,” he said. “We have to make sure that education outcomes aren’t based on where you are born.” Both legislators agreed there are flood relief issues that should be a priority in the General Assembly. “I think the important thing, especially for farmers, is what we are going to do in the wake of the flood,”

singing at 7 p.m. featuring Hearts Song of North Carolina.

CHURCH NEWS Faith Missionary Baptist Church No. 1, 115 Laurel St., announces: * Today — Prayer service at 7 p.m. * Friday, Jan. 15 — Movie night featuring “War Room” at 7 p.m.

January, month of temptation

HALEY of Indian immigrants is the state’s first female and first minority governor. Haley, who will turn 44 a week after the address, is also the country’s youngest governor. The selection will likely fuel speculation that Haley would join a potential Republican administration in 2017, though she has repeatedly dismissed such questions. Haley, governor of a state that holds the first presidential primary in the South, becomes the first South Carolinian and third Republican woman ever to give the response. It’s a role typically reserved for a member of Congress. Last year, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa gave the response. In 2013, it was Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who’s now among a crowded Republican field running for president. It’s also an opportunity that can backfire: Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who abandoned his 2016 presidential bid, was widely panned for what critics said was a less-than-spectacular speech in 2009. Haley drew wide praise for her leadership after the June 17 slaying of nine black parishioners of historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston as she conveyed the state’s grief and successfully led calls to bring down a Confederate flag that had flown on Statehouse grounds for 54 years. The nine killed included the church’s pastor, state Sen. Clementa Pinckney. The white man charged with killing them could be seen in photos brandishing the rebel flag.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Orangehill AME Church, 3035 S. King Highway, Wedgefield, announces: * Sunday — The 39th anniversary of the Good Samaritans at 10 a.m. Pastor Harry Burns will speak. * Sunday, Jan. 24 — Men’s Day program at 10 a.m. The Rev. Marvis L. Stewart will speak. Pinewood Baptist Church, S.C. 261, Pinewood, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 31 — Former Miss South Carolina and Christian recording artist Dawn Smith Jordan will provide music and share her testimony at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow. A love offering will be received. Nursery provided. Call (803) 452-5373 or visit www.pinewoodbaptist.org. Providence Baptist Church, 2445 Old Manning Road, announces: * Monday, Jan. 18 — Widow’s luncheon at 11 a.m. at the church. * Tuesday, Jan. 19 — Wilma DuBose Mission Group at 10 a.m. at the home of Betty Steele.

impulse aisle at the store — we have to make a crucial decision: strength or weakness, resilience or indulgence. We can try and build our self-resolve beforehand, but at some point, every one of us will let ourselves down. We can’t help it; it’s a part of who we are. While temptation mounts around us, we know that our God is more powerful than any level of self-determination we can muster. He gives us the strength we need to endure our worst temptations if we only seek him first and not our immediate impulses. This perspective translates for our New Year’s diet, yes, but also for the myriad other temptations awaiting us during 2016. The intensity of temptation will never push us to our breaking point (I Cor. 10:13). God never allows more than we can handle, which should be an implied compliment for those of you experiencing immense pressure. Still, there is hope for those of us who have stumbled, regardless of the type of sin committed. Your failure does not define you to our Heavenly Father. We hold fast to God’s forgiveness, disregarding any naysayers or critics who would say different. Thank God it’s not about being good; it’s about accepting grace. Temptation may be strong, but God’s power is stronger. Anchor your life in that fact and watch this year’s temptations fade into the final sunset of 2016. Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail.com.

McElveen said. “I assume at some point we will have to approve some type of funding package. That could very well start in the House; that’s where funding packages have to start.” Ethics reform may not be a big priority in the Senate this session, McElveen said. “We seem to have gotten tied up in knots on ethics, and I think we can’t spend much time on it and be disappointed once again,” he said. “We have other issues out there that are more important.”

St. James United Methodist Church, 720 Broad St., announces: * Sunday, Jan. 17 — Male chorus anniversary celebration at 4 p.m. * Monday, Jan. 18 — Third Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 2 p.m. The Rev. Cheryl G. Johnson will speak. St. Luke AME Church, 2355 St. Paul Church Road, announces:

* Monday, Jan. 18 — Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at 10 a.m. The Rev. Dorothy Maple will speak. Triumph Ministries, 562 Pike Road, announces: * Friday-Saturday — Prophetic Encounter release the glory as follows: 7 p.m. Friday, Glory Night; and 10 a.m.2 p.m. Saturday, school of the prophets (interactive prophetic workshop). Bishop J. Donald Edwards will speak.

Happy New Year! from

Sumter Bible Church www.sumterbiblechurch.org Home to

Sumter Christian School 420 S. Pike West Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-8339 Ron Davis, Pastor

SUNDAY SERVICES

10:00 Sunday School for all ages 11:00 A.M. Worship hour 6:30 P.M. Worship hour

Reid Chapel AME Church, 1008 Dibert St., announces: * Monday, Jan. 18 — Martin Luther King Jr. annual program at 9 a.m. Dr. Christopher Hall will speak. St. James AME Church, 180 W. Fulton Manning Road, Pinewood, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 17 — The 130th anniversary of the church will be celebrated at 2 p.m. The Rev. Malcolm Simpkins will speak.

Call 773-1902 about enrollment

www.sumterchristian.org

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE CLARENDON SUN Call: (803) 774-1295 | E-mail: konstantin@theitem.com

Thrift stores help nonprofits, charities BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Two nonprofit thrift stores in Manning offer not only an affordable way to shop, but also a way to support local and national organizations and charities.

SECOND HAND ROSE THRIFT AND CONSIGNMENT Second Hand Rose Thrift and Consignment, 507 S. Mill St., makes a major donation every six months to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a pediatric treatment and research facility in Memphis, Tennessee, focused on children’s catastrophic diseases, according to the hospital’s website. Since opening its doors in January 2012, the store has donated more than $12,000 to St. Jude and more than $18,000 to more than 30 local charities, according to Linda Tansill, board secretary of the non-profit. Cofounder Pam Kline opened the store in 2012 to help raise money for St. Jude as well as local nonprofit organizations, Tansill said. Kline’s passion for St. Jude came from being acquainted with a family whose child had been treated at the facility, Tansill said. St. Jude is one of a few pediatric research organizations in the nation where families never pay for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay, according to its website, www. stjude.org. In addition to providing medical services to eligible patients, St. Jude also assists families with transportation, lodging and meals. The store’s success is attributable to support it has received from residents, churches and businesses in donations of items, said Lisa Sheppard, the nonprofit’s board president. The nonprofit has also given away more than $5,000 worth of items since 2012, Sheppard said. During the flood, the store provided free clothing, kitchen items and toys to affected families, she said. The store offers everything from clothes, shoes, kitchen items and furniture to tools, fishing rods, toys, video cassettes, DVDs and more. Every Friday, the store features a sale. Sheppard said the store is always looking for volunteers. The phone number for Second Hand Rose Thrift and Consignment is (803) 433-2220. Monetary donations can be sent to the store’s location. Donations of new or gently used items can be brought to the store during its hours of operation, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Items can also be arranged to be

PHOTOS BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Teresa Avant, above, far right, store manager at A Second Chance Animal Shelter Thrift Shop, at 537 S. Mill Street in Manning, and Maria Hutson, center, employee, ring up an item for customer George Mauss. The store donates 100 percent of its profits to A Second Chance Animal Shelter. At left, Lisa Sheppard, board president of Second Hand Rose Thrift and Consignment, 507 S. Mill Street in Manning, assists customer Emma Jackson, left, in selecting a purse. The store raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee and various local nonprofit organizations and charities. Various items for sale fill the cabinets and shelves at Second Hand Rose Thrift and Consignment. picked up by calling the store.

A SECOND CHANCE ANIMAL SHELTER THRIFT SHOP A Second Chance Animal Shelter Thrift Shop, 537 S. Mill St., supports the local A Second Chance Animal Shelter, donating 100 percent of its profits to the shelter, according to Teresa Avant, store manager. The store opened in 2006 as a fundraiser for the new animal shelter, which opened the same year. For the year 2015, the store made a profit of $100,000. After overhead costs, including rent, utilities and salaries for two full-time employees, 30 percent went back to the animal shelter. The shelter was started by a group of people who wanted to provide a home for homeless dogs and cats in the county, Avant said. A Second Chance is considered low-kill, but it has a

99.95 percent save rate, meaning animals are only euthanized if they are too severely injured to be treated or too aggressive to be suitable for adoption. The shelter houses 30 dogs and 31 cats at present. People can also bring in their dogs and cats for spay or neuter surgeries, which the shelter offers on set dates every month. The shelter is supported by donations, two major fundraisers and the store, which offers everything from clothes, shoes and bedding to furniture, various ceramics and books. “You never know what type of items will come through the door to be donated,” Avant said. The store has several hundred customers a week, and many of those are repeat clients.

SEE SHOPS, PAGE A9

Wine shop offers selections for all occasions BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Have you ever wanted to sit and enjoy a glass of wine right when you purchase it while checking out some contemporary artwork and pottery? At Santee Landing Fine Wine Company you can even bring your lunch with you when you try one of the store’s selections. The specialty wine shop carries an on-premise license. The store offers a selection of fine wines, gifts, home decorations, gourmet foods and pottery, all accompanied by custom gift wrapping. Dennis and Suzanne Reinhard were owners of a restaurant and bar in downtown Denver for about 30 years before deciding to retire and move to Santee. The Reinhards started the businesses in Santee in the mid-1990s after buying the plaza near the I-95 exit and opening a deli and convenience store. After a few years, they decided to convert the deli to a wine shop. The store features wines from all around the world, including California, South America and South KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM Africa, ranging in price from $9 to $300. Suzanne Reinhard said having an on-premise Suzanne Reinhard, co-owner of Santee Landing Fine Wine Company, license allows the store to host wine tastings checks her stock of wines.

often. Specialty wine shops are rare in rural areas, and Reinhard said they get customers from across the area. These include locals and those enjoying the lake area, such as golfers, fishermen and tourists. Alice Odom, who’s been a customer at the store for more than 15 years, said Reinhard is accommodating to all of her customers’ needs. Odom doesn’t have a particular kind of wine she enjoys, instead she said she goes with Reinhard’s recommendation. “If there’s a particular wine you would like to get, and Suzanne doesn’t have it, she will find a way to get it for you if at all possible,” she said. Odom said the store also has a collection of contemporary artwork and pottery. “It’s absolutely gorgeous,” she said. Melissa McNeill, a customer from Eutawville, described the store and its owners as being “awesome.” “It has a warm, friendly atmosphere and a great selection of wines and gift items,” said McNeill. The store offers a 5 percent discount for a purchase of six bottles and 10 percent discount for 12 bottles. Santee Landing Fine Wine Company is located at 9103 Old Highway 6 in Santee. For more information call (803) 854-9463.

THE CLARENDON SUN

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

First baby of the New Year arrives

Secrist named Manning Police Officer of the Year BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Manning Police Department Cpl. William B. Secrist II was recently named the department’s 2015 officer of the year. Secrist, 28, received the Medal of Valor in April of last year after a March incident in which he apprehended a suspect, despite being injured in a wreck after a high-speed chase. The chase occurred on March 13, after law enforcement officers and deputies responded to a fight in progress at a business outside of Manning on S.C. 261. When law enforcement arrived on the scene, three men and a woman took off in a vehicle. Secrist said Manning Police Department was called in to assist Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office that night. After he had made the traffic stop on the vehicle, which had four suspects inside, Secrist said he heard reports of a gun in the vehicle. He said he waited for backup to arrive. As soon as another police vehicle arrived, the suspects sped away, he said. Secrist pursued the vehicle, with police department and sheriff’s office vehicles behind him. A car chase ensued for several miles until the suspects veered off onto Meagan Lane with law enforcement vehicles in pursuit. As the police vehicles were about to make the turn, a three-car wreck occurred, in which a sheriff’s office vehicle ran into the back of a police vehicle, which in turn caused Secrist’s vehicle to be hit as well. Despite suffering a concussion and internal injuries, which he was not aware off at the time, Secrist jumped out of his vehicle and apprehended one of the suspects in the pursued car. The other three suspects ran on foot into the woods and were eventually caught.

SECRIST

Secrist said it wasn’t until everything had ended that he realize he had injuries. “I know I had a job to do and that any other law enforcement officer would have done the same thing in a similar situation,” he said. Secrist said he spent about three days in the hospital and went back to work shortly after being released. “I took this job knowing that I have to be prepared for any type of situation,” he said. Secrist said he’s always wanted to go into law enforcement. Shortly after graduating from Midland Trail High School in his native Fayette County, West Virginia, he joined Gauley Bridge Police Department as a 19-year-old. In 2009, Secrist and his family moved to Manning, where he joined the Manning Police Department. Secrist said law enforcement is a rewarding job and that his favorite part about it is doing something different everyday. “You never know what your next call is going to be,” he said. Secrist said he was surprised to receive the officer of the year award. “There are many people who I work with who are just as deserving to receive this honor,” he said. “We all work together as a team. I just try to do my job the best I can.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

The first baby of the New Year at Clarendon Memorial Hospital was Ayden Fitts. He was born Jan. 2 at 4:54 a.m. Fitts, center, is 6 pounds, 6 ounces and 19 inches long. He is the son of Apryl Frank and Jermaine Fitts of Summerton. Paul Schumacher, far left, interim CEO for Clarendon Health System, presents a gift basket to the family: Apryl Frank, center, Ayden Fitts and daughters Amiyrah, 3, and Aniya, 8. On the right are Mary Julia Cogdill, labor and delivery nurse, and Crystal Higbe, nursery nurse.

SHOPS FROM PAGE A8 “We have people come in from other counties and those who are passing by Manning,” she said. “We’re all about providing a friendly atmosphere so people would want to come back and shop here.” Deborah Montgomery comes in three times a week. “There’s always something new here and plenty of great clothing options to choose from,” Montgomery said. “They greet you as soon as you come in the door.” Eliza Marie Williams shops at the store every day, sometimes twice a day, she said. “You never know what items they may have that they haven’t had before,” Williams said. Every Wednesday, called “Wacky Wednesday,” the store features a sale. Hours of operation for A Second Chance Animal Shelter Thrift Shop are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information,

CLARENDON BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Library to close on Antioch will hold Martin Luther King Day Pack The Pews program Harvin Clarendon County Library, 215 N. Brooks St. in Manning, will close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 18 and reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The book drop will be available for return of unrestricted materials. For more information, call (803) 435-8633.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (Jordan Community), Manning, will hold a Pack the Pews Program at 3 p.m. Sunday Jan. 24. Alice Ridgill, pastor of New Faith Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, will be the guest preacher. The Rev. Sam Livingston Sr. is the host pastor. For more information, call (803) 478-4557.

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call (803) 433-2323. The store’s Facebook page is http://on. fb.me/1ZOg7yD. The animal shelter is raising money for a new cattery that will shelter between 20 and 25 cats, said shelter manager Sheree Meyer. The shelter still needs to raise as much as $8,000 to purchase the new building and fencing, she said. Donations to the shelter can be made through its website, www.asecondchanceanimalshelter.com or directly through PayPal, under “Animal Shelter of Clarendon County.” The shelter also has a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ascas.manning. Checks can be mailed to or dropped off at the shelter, 5079 Alex Harvin Highway, Manning. In addition to donations, the shelter is also seeking volunteers, especially for dog walking and bathing. Hours of operation for the shelter 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact the shelter at (803) 473-7075.

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A10

THE CLARENDON SUN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Calcium, vitamin D are essential for bone health C alcium and vitamin D are both essential nutrients when it comes to bone health. Although most people link calcium to strong bones, vitamin D sometimes gets overlooked. Research has shown that vitamin D plays an important role, along with calcium, when it comes to your bones. The stronger your bones are at age 30, the more you will have “invested” in your “calcium bank account” as you get older. To maintain strong bones and get enough calcium and viNancy Harrison tamin D in your diet, RETIRED stay active — CLEMSON exercise and EXTENSION get 15 minAGENT utes of sunlight several times a week. Building strong bones is a lot like building a healthy balance in your “calcium bank account.” Bones are living tissues and constantly in a state of turnover, making calcium deposits and withdrawals daily. Vitamin D is also essential for strong bones. Your body needs it for optimum bone strength and to help absorb calcium. However, most people are not getting enough of either of these nutrients. As you know, bones don’t come with a lifetime guarantee. They need continuing maintenance, or they can weaken and break. If your diet is low in calcium, your body will take calcium from your bones to keep blood calcium at normal levels. For a lifetime of

BAKED VEGETABLE CASSEROLE

This is an excellent dish for the winter days. ½ cup evaporated fat-free milk 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly 1 11-oz can reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon dill ½ cup dry bread crumbs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together except the bread crumbs and place in a 9-inch glass casserole dish. Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top, and bake for 30 minutes. healthy bones: • Consume 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free milk or other dairy products every day. • Supplement your diet with calcium-fortified foods and beverages, if you don’t or can’t consume milk. • Use your Food Guide Pyramid to help with your healthy eating. • Be physically active and get exercise such as walking, running or weight training. Focus on food first — it is the primary source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D. Dairy products, fortified cereals and calcium-fortified orange juice are good sources of calcium and vitamin D. Are all sources of calcium absorbed efficiently? Calcium is absorbed best

if your intake of calciumrich foods is spread out during the day. For all sources of calcium, adequate vitamin D from food or sunlight is necessary to help the absorption. The calcium in milk products is very well absorbed as is the calcium citrate malate. Because calcium citrate malate is a patented calcium source, it is found in only certain fruit juices. Keep in mind that calcium intake should not exceed 2,500 milligrams per day. Here are some more tips for bone health: • Do some exercises daily — such as walking, running, dancing and weight training. • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake. • Ask your physician if you need a bone-density test based on your risk factors for osteoporosis or if you are a woman over age 50. • Read food labels, and look for foods and beverages that provide calcium and vitamin D. • Choose a calcium supplement, and if you need it, vitamin D. Some sources of calcium and vitamin D are: low-fat or non-fat milk — 1 cup; calcium and vitamin D-fortified orange juice — 1 cup; low-fat fruit yogurt — 1 cup; low-fat cheddar cheese, 2 ounces; and canned pink salmon with bones, 3 ounces. The other best sources of calcium are milk, cheese, yogurt and other milk products. Fish with tiny bones you eat, such as sardines, are rich sources, too. Dark green vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, also provide some calcium. Nancy Harrison is a retired Clemson Extension agent.

THE SUMTER ITEM

Pets of the week

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Andrea is a 4-year-old Lab mix who is current on her shots and has been spayed. She is shy when she first meets you but comes around once she trusts you. She does get along with other dogs but is not recommended for homes with cats. Because of her shyness, we also don’t recommend her for families with small children. A fenced yard is a must.

Penny is a 2-year, 9-month-old female tricolor pointer mix. She is a sweet girl who is up to date on her shots and has been spayed. She is heartworm negative, likes other dogs and tolerates cats. Stop by and see her and Andrea on Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at A Second Chance Animal Shelter, 5079 Alex Harvin Highway (U.S. 301), which has numerous pets available for adoption. To drop off an animal, call (803) 473-7075 for an appointment. If you’ve lost a pet, check www.ccanimalcontrol.webs.com and www.ASecondChanceAnimalShelter.com.

THE

Clarendon Sun CLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE 56&4DAY 11AM

Purina Dealer©

E&E Feeds

Policy of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicapped Status The City of Manning does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment, or employment in its federally assisted programs or activities.

2236 Hwy. 301 • Manning, SC (803) 435-2797 or

Mary G. Adger and James Pringle City of Manning P.O. Box 546 Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-8477

SPECIAL

River Run Dog Food 18-40 $21.10

have been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) regulations implementing Section 504 (24 CFR Part 8. Dated June 2, 1988).

River Run Dog Food 24-20 $23.46

Policy of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Equal Employment Laws

River Run Dog Food 27% $21.00 River Run Dog Food 30-20 $25.50

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The City of Manning complies with Equal Employment Opportunity Laws for all applicants for employment without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Spotlight On Clarendon County Businesses

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3 BED, 2.5 BATH, BONUS ROOM, GOLF COURSE CUSTOM BUILT HOME SANTEE........................................$1450 2 BED, 2 BATH FURNISHED BRICK HOME, GARAGE, SUNROOM WYBOO PLANTATION, MANNING.........$1150 2 BED, 2 BATH WATERFRONT CONDO, POOL, BOAT SLIP SANTEE....................................................................$ 900 3 BED, 2 BATH WATERFRONT HOME, GARAGE, PIER, PORCH, DECK WYBOO PLANTATION, MANNING..$ 1275 3 BED, 3 BATH WATERFRONT CONDO, FURNISHED. SANTEE.........................................................................$1300 4 BED, 3 BATH WATERFRONT HOME, 4,000 SF, PIER & DOCK. WYBOO PLANTATION..................................$1800 2 BED, 2.5 BATH FURNISHED TOWNHOUSE, INCLUDES ELECTRIC & WATER/SEWER GOLF COURSE MANNING..$950

DEE’S LAKE RENTALS 326 S. Mill Street • Manning, SC 803-433-7355

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CALL 803.464.1157 SALES & SERVICE STUKES HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, LLC State MEC Licensed P.O. Box 293 Summerton, SC 29148

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RENTALS

316 S. Church St. 2 - 3 Bed, 1 bath older fixer upper. $400 1064 Golf Villa Way. 2 Bed, 2 bath villa at Foxboro Golf course. $600 Wyboo Villas. 3 & 4 bed, 3 & 4 bath villas. Completely furnished. Private pool. $600-700 1226 Brantley Ave. 2 bed, 2 bath DWMH at Potato Creek. Fenced yard. Possible pet friendly. $625 1390 Brantley Ave. 3 bed, 2 bath DWMH, garage, workshop, storage. $800

LG's Cut & Style 7647 Racoon Road Manning, SC 460-5573

774-1234

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287 Manchester Dr. 4 bed, 3 bath brick home near LMA. Storage/workshop, fenced yard. Call for Price. *View more homes and pictures on the website listed below.

All homes are plus utilities and require application approval and security deposit in addition to first month’s rent to move in!

323 S. Mill St., Manning, SC

F OR C IRCULATION

LG Mathis

460-4905

C ALL 435-8511

803-433-7368

G AIL M ATHIS Lisa Moore

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THE SUMTER ITEM N.G. Osteen 1843-1936 The Watchman and Southron

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

A11

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

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

COMMENTARY

Obsessed with guns

ASHINGTON — It is axiomatic that congressional Republicans will oppose anything smacking of “gun control,” which may as well be read as “Your mama.” Thus, it comes as no surprise that President Obama’s announcement of executive actions to clarify and enhance federal gun laws prompted reflexive, hyperbolic responses from the right. Marco Rubio said Obama is “obKathleen sessed with undermining Parker the Second Amendment,” while Ted Cruz averred, “We don’t beat the bad guys by taking away our guns; we beat the bad guys by using our guns.” Spoken like a true, Canadian-born Texan who has been busy burnishing his “outsider” Outdoor Guy image. What’s next? Cruz drinking the warm blood of a freshly slain (unarmed) beast? House Speaker Paul Ryan criticized the president for a “dangerous level of executive overreach” and for circumventing congressional opposition — as though Congress has been working feverishly to reduce gun violence. Rather, Republicans focus their laser beams on Obama’s and the Democratic Party’s political motivations, shocking to none, and remind us that we already have enough gun laws. This may well be true, but couldn’t we stand to tweak them a bit? Or, perhaps, enforce them? And, isn’t it possible to reduce the number of guns in the wrong hands without surrendering our Second Amendment rights or invoking the slippery slope of government confiscation? Of course it is — and we can. Obama made an artful and poignant counterargument to the usual objections Tuesday during a news conference from the White House. He reminded those gathered, including many who have lost family members to gun violence, that other people also have rights — the right to free assembly or the right to practice their religion without being shot. In fairness to the gun lobby, which may not deserve such charity, one can understand reservations about limiting access to guns. What is less easily understood is the refusal of Republicans to take the reins of any given issue and do something constructive rather than invariably waiting to be forced into the ignoble position of “no.” It is one thing to be in the pocket of the National Rifle Association. It is another to do

nothing and then assume a superior posture of purposeful neglect, as though do-nothingness were a policy and smug intransigence a philosophy. The steps Obama is trying to take won’t save every life, but they seem minimally intrusive and could have significant effects. Summarizing briefly, he’s clarifying existing law and more tightly defining “gun dealer” in order to impose broader background checks; upgrading technology for improved information-sharing and safer guns; increasing relevant work forces to speed up background checks; and closing loopholes that have allowed criminals to buy guns online and elsewhere with a separate set of rules. Or no rules. Giving the FBI more resources to modernize its system will help. So will giving $500 million to mental health services aimed at keeping guns away from people determined to hurt themselves or others. Requiring shippers to report stolen guns will also be helpful — and investing in smart technology could be a game changer. As Obama said, tearing up at mention of the Sandy Hook shooting that took the lives of 20 first-graders, if we can keep children from opening aspirin bottles, surely we can prevent their pulling the trigger on a gun. As to expanding background checks, only the criminal or the suicidal object to waiting a day or two before taking home a gun. And, if the government doesn’t complete the process within three days, seller and buyer can proceed, anyway. What concerns most people, meanwhile, are those weapons, especially semi-automatics with large magazines, whose only purpose is to kill people. Many argue that no current law could have prevented any of the mass shootings in recent years, but is this sufficient justification for doing nothing when doing something could make a difference we may never know about — the child who didn’t die because new technology prevented him from firing a pistol? The Islamic State-inspired terrorist who didn’t murder holiday revelers because he failed an online background check? Obama’s actions won’t go unchallenged, needless to say. And much political hay will be threshed, bundled and sold to Republican primary voters in the meantime. But GOP voters should be as skeptical of those ringing the gong of doom as they have been of Obama. In a civilized society, more guns can’t be better than fewer. Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com. © 2016, Washington Post Writers Group

LETTER TO THE EDITOR AMERICA HAS SEEN THE LIKES OF TRUMP BEFORE Without making comparisons or drawing wrong conclusions, we might consider the various criticisms being leveled against the current apparent front-runner among Republican candidates for the Presidency in the light of historical perspective. That is to say, in short, that what the American electorate sees today it has seen before. The following was once written by Rollo Ogden, an editor of the New York Evening Post, about a presidential candidate: “… at his front of bronze; at his shrieking unfitness mentally, for the office which he sets out to buy. All this goes without saying. There never has been a case of a man of such slender intel-

lectual equipment, absolutely without experience in office, impudently flaunting his wealth before the eyes of the people and saying ‘Make me President.’ This is folly. This is to degrade public life.... An agitator we can endure; an honest radical we can respect; a fanatic we can tolerate; but a low voluptuary trying to sting his jaded senses to a fresh thrill by turning from private to public corruption is a new horror in American politics.” (Page Smith, America Enters The World, Vol. VII; 1985.) The above was written in March 1904 about William Randolph Hearst, of newspaper fame, as he tried to defeat the re-election of Theodore Roosevelt. LEONARD D. GARNEAU Manning.

COMMENTARY

Will allies drag us into war?

he New Year’s execution by Saudi Arabia of the Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr was a deliberate provocation. Its first purpose: Signal the new ruthlessness and resolve of the Saudi monarchy, where the power behind the throne is the octogenarian King Salman’s son, the 30-year-old Defense Minister Pat MohamBuchanan med bin Salman. Second, crystallize, widen and deepen a national-religious divide between Sunni and Shiite, Arab and Persian, Riyadh and Tehran. Third, rupture the rapprochement between Iran and the United States and abort the Iranian nuclear deal. The provocation succeeded in its near-term goal. An Iranian mob gutted and burned the Saudi embassy, causing diplomats to flee, and Riyadh to sever diplomatic ties. From Baghdad to Bahrain, Shiites protested the execution of a cleric who, while a severe critic of Saudi despotism and a champion of Shiite rights, was not convicted of inciting revolution or terror. In America, the reaction has been divided. The Wall Street Journal rushed, sword in hand, to the side of the Saudi royals: “The U.S. should make clear to Iran and Russia that it will defend the Kingdom from Iranian attempts to destabilize or invade.” The Washington Post was disgusted. In an editorial, “A Reckless Regime,” it called the execution risky, ruthless and unjustified. Yet there is a lesson here. Like every regime in the Middle East, the Saudis look out for their own national interests first. And their goals here are to first force us to choose between them and Iran, and then to conscript U.S. power on their side in the coming wars of the Middle East. Thus, the Saudis went AWOL from the battle against ISIS and al-Qaida in Iraq and Syria. Yet they persuaded us to help them

crush the Houthi rebels in Yemen, though the Houthis never attacked us and would have exterminated alQaida. Now that a Saudi coalition has driven the Houthis back toward their northern base camp, ISIS and alQaida have moved into some of the vacated terrain. What kind of victory is that — for us? In the economic realm, also, the Saudis are doing us no favors. While Riyadh is keeping up oil production and steadily bringing down the world price on which Iranian and Russian prosperity hangs, the Saudis are also crippling the U.S. fracking industry they fear. The Turks, too, look out for number one. The Turkish shoot-down of that Russian fighter-bomber, which may have intruded into its airspace for 17 seconds, was both a case in point and a dangerous and provocative act. Had Vladimir Putin chosen to respond militarily against Turkey, a NATO ally, his justified retaliation could have produced demands from Ankara for the United States to come to its defense against Russia. A military clash with our former Cold War adversary, which half a dozen U.S. presidents skillfully avoided, might well have been at hand. These incidents raise some long-dormant but overdue questions. What exactly is our vital interest in a permanent military alliance that obligates us to go to war on behalf of an autocratic ally as erratic and rash as Turkey’s Tayyip Recep Erdogan? Do U.S.-Turkish interests really coincide today? While Turkey’s half-million-man army could easily seal the Syrian border and keep ISIS fighters from entering or leaving, it has failed to do so. Instead, Turkey is using its army to crush the Kurdish PKK and threaten

the Syrian Kurds who are helping us battle ISIS. In Syria’s civil war — with the army of Bashar Assad battling ISIS and al-Qaida — it is Russia and Iran and even Hezbollah that seem to be more allies of the moment than the Turks, Saudis or Gulf Arabs. ‘’We have no permanent allies … no permanent enemies … only permanent interests” is a loose translation of the dictum of the 19th century British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston. Turkey’s shoot-down of a Russian jet and the Saudi execution of a revered Shiite cleric, who threatened no one in prison, should cause the United States to undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the alliances and war guarantees we have outstanding, many of them dating back half a century. Do all, do any, still serve U.S. vital national interests? In the Middle East, where the crucial Western interest is oil, and every nation — Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Libya — has to sell it to survive, no nation should be able drag us into a war not of our own choosing. In cases where we share a common enemy, we should follow the wise counsel of the Founding Fathers and entrust our security, if need be, to “temporary,” but not “permanent” or “entangling alliances.” Moreover, given the myriad religious, national and tribal divisions between the nations of the Middle East, and within many of them, we should continue in the footsteps of our fathers, who kept us out of such wars when they bedeviled the European continent of the 19th century. This hubristic Saudi blunder should be a wake-up call for us all.

‘In the Middle East, where the crucial Western interest is oil, and every nation — Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Libya — has to sell it to survive, no nation should be able drag us into a war not of our own choosing.’

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your letter to letters@theitem.com, drop it off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St., or mail it to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151, along with the writer’s full name, address and telephone number (for verification purposes only). Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety at www.theitem.com/opinion/letters_to_editor.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

AROUND TOWN Friday, Jan. 15, at the Lincoln Ringling Bros. and Barnum & High School cafeteria, 22 Bailey Ambassador of LaughCouncil St. The cost is $8 per ter, Kelli Argott, will host story Mary McLeod Bethune Section andofmenu will consist time from 10:30 to 11 a.m. on plate NCNW of turkey wing or fried Friday, Jan. 8,to atmeet the Sumter chicken, seasoned rice, County Library, 111 N. Hargreen beans, roll, dessert vin St. The Mary McLeod Bethune Sec- and a drink. Dine in or take out. Call (803) 968-4173. tion National Council of Negro Lincoln High School Class of Women (NCNW) Sumter 1963 will meet at 2 p.m. on Branch will meet at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at South on Friday, Jan. 8, at Morris Sumter Resource Center, College. 337 Manning Ave. Call (803) Clarendon School District One 968-4464. will conduct free vision, hearing, speech and developmental Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association will screenings as part of a child meet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, find effort to identify stuJan. 17, at the Lincoln High dents with special needs. Screenings will be held from School cafeteria, 22 Council St. Lincolnites, friends and 9 a.m. to noon at the Sumcommunity members are inmerton Early Childhood Center, 8 South St., Summer- vited. Call (803) 968-4173. ton, on the following ThursThe Sumter Branch NAACP’s days: Jan. 14; Feb. 11; March Annual MLK Program will be 10; April 14; and May 12. Call held at 3 p.m. on Monday, Sadie Williams at (803) 485Jan. 18, at Jehovah Mission2325, extension 116. ary Baptist Church, 805 S. Harvin St. The Sumter Stroke Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. on The Pinedale Neighborhood AsThursday, Jan. 14, at the sociation will meet at 4 p.m. Alice Drive Baptist Church li- on Thursday, Jan. 21, at the brary on the corner of LorSouth HOPE Center, 1125 S. ing Mill and Wise Drive. Lafayette Drive. Call (803) 968-4464. The Sumter Combat Veterans Group will meet at 10 a.m. on The Ruach Bridal Show and Friday, Jan. 15, at the South Special Events, a day of eleHOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafaygance and romance, will be ette Drive. All area veterans held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunand active military are invit- day, Jan. 31, at 245 Oswego ed. Highway. Event will include door prizes, vendors, a bridLincoln High School Preservaal fashion show and more. tion Alumni Association will Call (803) 775-5416. sponsor a dinner fundraiser from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on

DAILY PLANNER

WEATHER

Make-A-Wish South Carolina is 774-1075, (803) 260-3876 or tblanding@agapsenior.com. seeking volunteers to help make wishes come true for Hospice Care of South Carolina children across the state. is in need of volunteers in Bilingual volunteers are es- Sumter County. Do you You can make a difference just byextra be- hour a pecially needed. Interest have one webinars area offered at 6:30 week? Opportunities are coming volunteer p.m. on the second available for patient/family Wednesday of each month. companionship, administraPreregistration is required. tive support, meal preparaContact Brennan Brown at tion, light household projbbrown@sc.wish.org or ects, student education and (864) 250-0702 extension 112 various other tasks. Conto register or begin the aptact Whitney Rogers, replication process. gional volunteer coordinaHospice Care of Sumter LLC is tor, at (843) 409-7991 or whitney.rogers@hospicecin need of volunteers in Sumare.net. ter and surrounding counties. Opportunities available Amedisys Hospice is in need of for you to use your time volunteers. Volunteer opporand talents to be of assistunities include 1) special tance include reading, muprojects of baking, sewing, sical talents, companionknitting, crafts, carpentry ship, light housekeeping, and yard work; 2) adminisetc. Contact Joyce Blanding trative/office duties of at (803) 883-5606 or hospicopying, light filing and ancecareofsumter@yahoo. swering phones; and 3) pacom. tient companionship — develop one-on-one relationAgape Hospice is in need of ships with hospice patients volunteers. Whether your (training provided). Contact passion is baking, knitting, Rhoda Keefe, volunteer coreading, singing, etc., ordinator, at (803) 469-3047 Agape Hospice can find a or rhonda.keefe@amedisys. place for you. Contact com. Thandi Blanding at (803)

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Mostly cloudy; breezy, milder

Overcast with a shower late

Mostly cloudy, a little rain

A couple of afternoon showers

Partly sunny

Mostly sunny

55°

43°

56° / 45°

65° / 54°

61° / 37°

53° / 33°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 75%

Chance of rain: 15%

NE 10-20 mph

ENE 4-8 mph

ESE 6-12 mph

W 8-16 mph

SW 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 53/38 Spartanburg 54/39

Greenville 55/39

Columbia 57/44

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 55/43

Aiken 54/42

ON THE COAST

Charleston 60/47

Today: Cloudy most of the time, windy and warmer. High 57 to 61. Friday: A little rain; only in the morning in southern parts. High 60 to 64.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 55/45/c 36/34/c 67/44/pc 40/27/pc 71/50/pc 58/45/t 67/53/r 43/30/s 75/59/pc 43/31/pc 57/43/r 55/44/c 41/33/pc

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

47° 22° 54° 32° 78° in 1956 13° in 1969

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 357.48 76.30 74.29 100.40

24-hr chg -0.69 -0.13 +0.12 -0.30

Sunrise 7:28 a.m. Moonrise 5:00 a.m.

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

0.00" 0.01" 0.77" 0.01" 1.15" 0.77"

NATIONAL CITIES Fri. Hi/Lo/W 55/49/pc 42/36/r 68/42/pc 41/37/r 70/51/t 59/48/pc 71/59/pc 44/38/pc 77/61/sh 45/36/pc 56/42/r 55/48/pc 47/37/r

Myrtle Beach 59/46

Manning 57/44

Today: Mostly cloudy and milder. Winds northeast 4-8 mph. Friday: Periods of rain. Winds light and variable.

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

Florence 55/43

Bishopville 54/42

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

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

FYI

THE SUMTER ITEM

Sunset Moonset

5:28 p.m. 3:41 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Jan. 9

Jan. 16

Jan. 23

Jan. 31

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 11.66 -0.18 19 12.10 +0.14 14 15.43 +2.28 14 7.62 +1.41 80 83.24 -1.44 24 21.90 -1.09

AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 6:57 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:42 a.m. 7:46 p.m.

Today Fri.

Ht. 3.1 2.6 3.2 2.7

Low Ht. 1:00 a.m. 0.0 1:49 p.m. 0.1 1:47 a.m. -0.2 2:34 p.m. -0.1

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 53/33/c 55/43/c 57/43/c 61/48/c 63/55/c 60/47/c 52/38/c 58/43/c 57/44/c 53/42/c 58/45/c 57/43/c 55/41/c

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 48/37/r 51/46/pc 56/45/c 64/51/pc 62/55/c 64/51/sh 51/39/r 53/46/r 56/46/r 55/45/r 57/44/c 58/46/r 56/45/r

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 55/43/c Gainesville 68/55/pc Gastonia 53/38/c Goldsboro 55/42/c Goose Creek 60/47/c Greensboro 49/33/c Greenville 55/39/c Hickory 52/35/c Hilton Head 59/49/c Jacksonville, FL 64/53/pc La Grange 59/47/c Macon 58/45/c Marietta 55/44/c

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 57/46/r 71/57/pc 50/42/r 57/45/r 62/50/sh 48/39/r 50/42/r 48/39/r 62/53/sh 70/57/pc 60/50/pc 58/48/pc 54/46/pc

City Marion Mt. Pleasant Myrtle Beach Orangeburg Port Royal Raleigh Rock Hill Rockingham Savannah Spartanburg Summerville Wilmington Winston-Salem

Today Hi/Lo/W 53/31/c 61/49/c 59/46/c 56/44/c 59/49/c 50/37/c 52/38/c 53/39/c 62/50/c 54/39/c 59/46/c 61/46/c 49/33/c

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 48/38/r 63/53/sh 62/51/r 58/47/r 63/52/pc 52/42/r 51/43/r 54/43/r 66/54/pc 49/41/r 61/49/r 63/47/r 46/39/r

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

For Comfort You Can Count On, Better Make It Boykin! 803-775-WARM (9276) www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Let go of the EUGENIA LAST past. Don’t dwell on what others are doing. Put greater importance on yourself and what you want to accomplish, and doors will open and gains will be made. Love is in the stars.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Put an end to any problems you have with peers or relatives. Speak up, but don’t argue or force your opinion on others. Clearing the air so that you can move forward is what counts, not what others think. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Sharing your feelings can be painful, especially if you or someone else is likely to get hurt. Try to keep your life simple and your conversations real. Overreacting will lead to greater problems and an uncertain future. CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you want something, find a way to make it happen. Be creative and use your imagination to turn a thought into a reality. A partnership will undergo some uncertainty or unexpected changes, but in the end, you’ll come out a winner. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make plans with friends or your lover, or plan a day of rest, relaxation and pampering. Don’t let the little things get to you when you should be focusing on your personal and professional dreams. Romance is encouraged. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll face problems at home if you get involved in emotional conversations. Turn the focus to changes you can make to your work space or living quarters. Avoid distractions. You’ll feel better if you are busy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Make personal changes that will boost your happiness. Booking a pleasure trip or getting together with someone you find inspiring will give you the incentive to stop procrastinating and start doing. Love is on the rise. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You can lend a helping hand, but don’t offer to pay for someone else’s mistakes or let anyone take advantage of your kindness. Your effort should be spent making alterations that are conducive to launching a new project or pursuit. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Surprise everyone instead of waiting to see who is going to oppose your decision. Don’t share what you are doing until after the fact. Personal changes will not please everyone, but it’s more important to please yourself. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Generosity will be your downfall. Don’t fall victim to a scam or someone’s hard-luck story. You’ll be disappointed if you make an impulsive move. Put your money and your skills to good use by doing something that will benefit others.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

POWERBALL WEDNESDAY

21-22-27-33-37 PowerUp: 4

1-4-36-48-57 Megaball: 13; Megaplier: 5

Numbers were unavailable at press time.

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY 0-6-2 and 6-2-8

PICK 4 WEDNESDAY 2-3-6-6 and 8-5-2-4

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Beverly Morris shares a photo she took of the beautiful fall leaves in the Caesars Head area.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A change in direction or vocation will turn out well. Set up interviews or send out your resume. Taking on a challenge that will help you expand your qualifications is encouraged. Update your appearance and skills, and you’ll boost your confidence as well. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Deal with past problems before moving forward. Make amends or rethink what’s happened in the past and learn from the mistakes you’ve made. Secrets are likely to be revealed. Problems with institutions and government agencies are likely.

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

SECTION

Thursday, January 7, 2016 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

PREP BASKETBALL

It’s time to get down to business Crestwood, Lakewood, Manning open region play Friday

Keith Gedamke / The Sumter

Crestwood’s Dakota Jennings and the rest of the Knights will play host to Manning on Friday at The Castle in the Region VI-3A opener for both teams.

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com All of the high school basketball games played in December and over the Christmas break are nice, helping teams develop and prepare. With the ringing in of the new year though

comes the reason those other games were played. Region play. Region VI-3A will crank up its 10game schedule to determine its four state playoff representatives on Friday. Half of the region involves local schools with Crestwood playing host

to Manning and Lakewood at home against Darlington. The boys side of the region promises to be strong with three teams ranked in the latest South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association poll.

Please see REGION, Page B3

PRO BASEBALL

Griffey gets record vote; Piazza also to join Hall By RONALD BLUM Associated Press NEW YORK — Ken Griffey Jr. was elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame on Wednesday with the highest voting percentage ever, and Mike Piazza will join him in Cooperstown this summer. A star slugger of the Steroids Era never tainted by accusations of drug use, Griffey was on 437 of 440 votes in his first appearance on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot. His 99.3 percentage topped the previous mark of GRIFFEY 98.84, set when Tom Seaver appeared on 425 of 430 ballots in 1992. There had been speculation Griffey could become the first unanimous sePIAZZA lection. “I can’t be upset. It’s just an honor to be elected and to have the highest percentage is definitely a shock,” Griffey said on a conference call. After falling 28 shy last year, Piazza received 365 votes in his fourth time on the ballot and will be inducted along with Griffey on July 24. “Incredibly special. Wow,” Piazza said on a call with MLB Network. “I sat here with my mouth on the floor,” he said. A player needs 75 percent to gain election, and Jeff Bagwell missed by 15 votes and Tim Raines by 23. Trevor Hoffman, on the ballot for the first time, was 34 short. The vote total dropped by 109 from last year because writers who have not been active for 10 years lost their votes under new rules. There were significant increases for a pair of stars accused of steroids use. Roger Clemens rose to 45 percent and Barry Bonds to 44 percent, both up from about 37 percent last year.

Please see BASEBALL, Page B4

CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Travels of a Tiger mom: It’s been a whirlwind with Orange Bowl win

Linebackers making a strong argument for Clemson defense

Mary Cockerill’s son, William Cockerill -- No. 61 -- is a walk-on senior offensive lineman for the Clemson Tigers. Mary and her other son, Max, went to the Orange Bowl last week in Miami to watch Clemson beat Oklahoma 37-17. They will be traveling to Glendale, Ariz., for Monday’s national championship game in which the Tigers will face Alabama. We asked her to chronicle her experience to share with our readers. She’ll provide a daily account of her experiences.

By PETE IACOBELLI Associated Press

By Mary Cockerill Special to The Sumter Item My son Max, and friends Lynn Brogdon and Joe Osborne got on the road at 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29., to head to Miami for the Orange Bowl. I was told by my husband and a few friends that we were “crazy” because the “traffic would be bumper to bumper.”

see CLEMSON, Page B3

Photo Provided

Clemson offensive lineman Willam Cockerill, left, stands with his mother, Mary, on the field following the Tigers’ 37-17 victory over Oklahoma on Thursday in the Orange Bowl.

CLEMSON — Clemson’s defense looked ready to take a big step backward after losing eight starters from its No. 1 unit. Coordinator Brent Venables knew, though, his few returnees like linebackers Ben Boulware and B.J. Goodson, would have a huge say in keeping the defense playing at a national championship level. Goodson leads the team with 146 tackles with Boulware right behind at 132. They’ve combined for nine sacks and four interceptions — and becoming the hard hitting soul of the nation’s No. 1 team. The Tigers (14-0) face No. 2 Alabama for the national championship on Monday night in Arizona. Safe to say, Clemson would not have come this far without the consistent play of its linebackers. “It has helped a lot,” Venables said. The Tigers led the country in defense last year, allowing 260 yards a game. They were

The Associated Press

Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, left, has seen its defense led by a veteran linebacking corps.

powered by a fiercesome front four led by defensive end and first-round NFL draft pick Vic Beasley. Clemson also lost linebacker Stephone Anthony, a first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints. “We knew had a good first group,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We knew we’d have to get some of the young guys to grow up.” That task fell to Boulware and Goodson.

Please see DEFENSE, Page B

sports

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Sports ITEMS

Spieth coming off a big year, looking to improve

KAPALUA, Hawaii — Jordan Spieth had an answer for anyone curious about what he will do for an encore. “Doesn’t an encore mean that the show is then over?” he said Tuesday. The 22-year-old Texan is well aware of the attention that will be heaped on him when he starts a new year at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. His hope is to get better in areas of the game that could improve, no matter how slight. That doesn’t mean it will translate into two majors and a shot at the Grand Slam, five PGA Tour titles, $12 million in earnings, a Vardon Trophy and a FedEx Cup title with its $10 million bonus, or even staying at No. 1 in the world. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are the only players in the last 20 years to win two majors and play consistently well enough to win the PGA Tour money title. (14) Duke 91 Wake Forest 75

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Grayson Allen scored 24 points and No. 14 Duke pulled away to beat Wake Forest 91-75 on

Wednesday night. Freshman Luke Kennard added 23 points, Marshall Plumlee finished with a career-high 18, and Brandon Ingram had 17 for the Blue Devils (132, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference). (24) Pittsburgh 89 Georgia 84

PITTSBURGH — James Robinson and Jamel Artis scored 18 points apiece and No. 24 Pittsburgh held off Georgia Tech 89-84 victory on Wednesday night. Robinson added eight assists for the Panthers (13-1, 2-0 ACC), who won their ninth straight behind a balanced attack even with second-leading scorer Michael Young limited early by foul trouble. Young finished with 17 points in just 18 minutes, one of five Pitt players in double figures. Adam Smith led the Yellow Jackets (105, 0-2) with a career-high 30 points, including eight 3-pointers that allowed Georgia Tech to hang around after Pitt built a 15-point lead with less than 7 minutes to go. Wire reports

AREA BOYS ROUNDUP

Morant, Crestwood beat Lee Central Crestwood High School had four players score in double figures in an 82-70 victory over Lee Central on Tuesday at The Castle. Ja Morant led the Knights with 27 points and Dakota Jennings had 24. Treyvon Webber added 17 and Kobe Thomas had 13. Heathwood Hall 54 Wilson Hall 44 Wilson Hall dropped to 4-5 with a 54-44 loss to Heathwood Hall on Tuesday at Nash Student Center. Brent Carraway led the Barons with 16 points. Sam Watford added 13 while Drew Talley had nine points and 11 rebounds. Josh Caldwell led HH with 23 points and Justice Hill had 10. HEATHWOOD HALL

Hill 10, Joseph 8, Caldwell 23, Lee 7, Vaughn 6. WILSON HALL Carraway 16, Watford 13, Talley 9, Schwartz 4, Stone 2.

Ben LippEN 45 Thomas Sumter 32 DALZELL -- Thomas Sumter Academy lost to Ben Lippen 45-32 on Tuesday at Edens Gymnasium. Ron York scored 11 points to pace TSA. Ryan McCray had 16 to lead BL. BEN LIPPEN

Burrett 8, Hester 2, McCary 16, Oelnafen 1, Thompson 8, Faautley 2, Moore 6, Yunana 2. THOMAS SUMTER Lyons 4, Dixon 8, Hudson 4, Lisenby 1, York 11, Campbell 2, Decker 2.

Jefferson Davis 62 Clarendon Hall 31

BLACKVILLE -- Clarendon Hall lost to Jefferson Davis Academy 62-31 on Tuesday at the JDA gymnasium. Matthew Corbett led the Saints with 15 points. East Clarendon 66 Manning 61

TURBEVILLE -- Manning High School lost to East Clarendon 66-61 on Tuesday at the EC gymnasium. Jalen White led the Monarchs with 20 points. Rayvon Witherspoon and Kahlad Lacking both had 14.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL Clarendon Hall 32 Jefferson Davis 16 BLAKCVILLE -- Clarendon Hall improved to 4-3 with a 32-16 victory over Jefferson Davis Academy on Tuesday at the JDA gymnasium. Wells Robinson led the Saints with 10 points and Josh Black had six.

B TEAM BASKETBALL Colleton Prep 22 Clarendon Hall 9 WALTERBORO -- Clarendon Hall lost to Colleton Prep 22-9 on Monday at the CP gymnasium. Jonathan McIntosh led the Saints with five points.

Laurence Manning 26

MANNING -- Laurence Manning Academy lost to Hammond 59-26 on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium. Courtney Beatson led LMA with 11 points. Clarendon Hall 47 Jefferson Davis 39

BLACKVILLE -- Clarendon Hall improved to 5-2 with a 47-39 victory over Jefferson Davis Academy on Tuesday at the JDA gymnasium. Shannon Corbett had a double-double for the Lady Saints, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Mallory McIntosh also scored 12 points, while Summer Barnes had nine and Sydney Wells pulled down 10 rebounds.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL Thomas Sumter 34 Ben Lippen 13 DALZELL -- Thomas Sumter Academy remained undefeated with a 34-13 victory over Ben Lippen on Tuesday at Edens Gymnasium. Aubrey Stoddard led 6-0 TSA with eight points. Sydney Daniel had six points, five rebounds and six steals, while Carmen Sil-

PREP SCHEDULE

TODAY Varsity Basketball Branchville at Scott’s Branch, 6:30 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball Trinity-Byrnes at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m. Sumter Christian at Maranatha Christian (No JV Girls), 4 p.m. Junior Varsity Basketball Crestwood at Manning, 6 p.m. Lakewood at Darlington, 6 p.m. The King’s Academy at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m. B Team Basketball Sumter at Spring Valley (Boys Only), 5 p.m. Thomas Sumter at Robert E. Lee, 5 p.m. Middle School Basketball Ebenezer at Alice Drive, 5 p.m. Hillcrest at Furman, 5 p.m. Chestnut Oaks at Bates, 5 p.m. Mayewood at Manning, 5 p.m. FRIDAY Varsity Basketball Manning at Crestwood, 6 p.m. Darlington at Lakewood, 6 p.m. Varsity and JV Basketball Wilson Hall at Palmetto Christian, 4 p.m. Laurence Manning at Carolina Academy, 4 p.m. Robert E. Lee and Trinity-Byrnes, 4 p.m. Clarendon Hall at Dorchester, 4 p.m. South Pointe Christian at Sumter Christian (No JV Girls), 4 p.m. Varsity and B Team Basketball Orangeburg-Wilkinson at Sumter (No B Team Girls), 5 p.m. B Team Basketball Laurence Manning at DP Cooper, 5:30 p.m. Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Region VI-4A Duals (at Conway High), 6 p.m. SATURDAY Varsity Basketball Wilson Hall at First Baptist, 3:30 p.m. Varsity Sporting Clays Wilson Hall at Palmetto Shooting Complex (in Edgefield), TBA

By The Associated Press

Robert E. Lee opens region with victory

Hammond 59

Scoreboard TODAY 7 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour South African Open Championship First Round from Johannesburg (GOLF). 1 p.m. – Professional Basketball: NBA Development League Game from Santa Cruz, Calif. – Fort Wayne vs. Rio Grande Valley (NBA TV). 3:30 p.m. – Professional Basketball: NBA Development League Game from Santa Cruz, Calif. – Bakersfield vs. Maine (NBA TV). 6 p.m. – PGA Golf: Hyundai Tournament of Champions First Round from Kapalua, Hawaii (GOLF). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Bryant at Wagner (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Cincinnati at Southern Methodist (ESPN). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Louisville at North Carolina State (ESPN2). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Michigan at Purdue (ESPNU). 7 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Louisiana Tech at Old Dominion (FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: Notre Dame at Boston College (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Teams To Be Announced (SEC NETWORK). 8 p.m. – Professional Basketball: NBA Development League Game from Santa Cruz, Calif. – Toronto vs. Sioux Falls (NBA TV). 8 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Philadelphia at Minnesota (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 8 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Boston at Chicago (TNT). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Old Dominion at Louisiana Tech (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Illinois at Michigan State (ESPN). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Arizona at UCLA (ESPN2). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: Alabama at Mississippi (ESPNU). 9 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: South Carolina at Vanderbilt (SEC NETWORK, WNKT-FM 107.5). 10:30 p.m. – Professional Basketball: NBA Development League Game from Santa Cruz, Calif. – Texas vs. Delaware (NBA TV). 10:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento (TNT). 11 p.m. – College Basketball: Santa Clara at Brigham Young (ESPNU). 1 a.m. – Professional Basketball: NBA Development League Game from Santa Cruz, Calif. -- Iowa vs. Austin (NBA TV). 5 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour South African Open Championship Second Round from Johannesburg (GOLF).

NFL Playoffs

AREA GIRLS ROUNDUP

LAKE CITY -- Robert E. Lee Academy opened its SCISA Region II-2A schedule with a 47-43 victory over Carolina Academy on Tuesday at the CA gymnasium. Reghann Griffin led the 3-8 Lady Cavaliers with 26 points. Ivy Watts had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds and Ellen Dinkins had five assists.

The SUMTER ITEM

vester had six points and six rebounds and Catelyn Martin had six points and five steals. Taja Hunley grabbed nine rebounds. Robert E. Lee 35 Carolina 14

Wild-card Playoffs Saturday

Kansas City (11-5) at Houston (9-7), 4:35 p.m. (ABC/ESPN) Pittsburgh (10-6) at Cincinnati (12-4), 8:15 p.m. (CBS)

Sunday

Seattle (10-6) at Minnesota (11-5), 1 p.m. (NBC) Green Bay (10-6) at Washington (9-7), 4:30 p.m. (FOX)

Divisional Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 16

LAKE CITY -- Robert E. Lee Academy improved to 5-2 with a 35-14 victory over Carolina Academy on Tuesday at the CA gymnasium. Rebecca Dinkins just missed a triple-double with 14 points, 10 steals and eight rebounds. Annalia Cook had 10 rebounds and six points.

Cincinnati, Houston or Kansas City at New England (12-4), 4:35 (CBS) Minnesota, Washington or Green Bay at Arizona (13-3), 8:15 p.m. (NBC)

Clarendon Hall 24

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

Jefferson Davis 16

BLACKVILLE -- Clarendon Hall improved to 3-4 with a 24-16 victory over Jefferson Davis Academy on Tuesday at the JDA gymnasium.\ Brynne Baxley had six points and eight rebounds. Sara James also had six points. Hammond 25 Laurence Manning 20

MANNING -- Laurence Manning Academy lost to Hammond 25-20 on Tuesday at Bubba Davis Gymnasium. Abbie Patrick had eight points and Sara Knight Nalley had six.

B TEAM BASKETBALL Clarendon Hall 13 Colleton Prep 6 Clarendon Hall opened its sesaon with a 13-6 victory over Colleton Prep on Monday at the CP gymnasium. Amberly Way and Mattie Zeigler had four points apiece to lead the Saints.

Sunday, Jan. 17

Seattle, Green Bay or Washington at Carolina (15-1), 1:05 p.m. (FOX) Pittsburgh, Kansas City or Houston at Denver (12-4), 4:30 p.m. (CBS) Conference Championships

Sunday, Jan. 24

Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 31

At Honolulu Team Rice vs. Team Irvin, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7

At Santa Clara, Calif. TBD, 6:30 p.m. (CBS)

NHL Standings

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Florida 40 24 12 4 52 111 86 Detroit 40 20 13 7 47 101 106 Montreal 41 22 16 3 47 119 103 Boston 38 20 14 4 44 118 105 Ottawa 40 19 15 6 44 114 120 Tampa Bay 40 19 17 4 42 101 98 Toronto 37 15 15 7 37 99 103 Buffalo 40 15 21 4 34 92 110 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Washington 39 29 7 3 61 124 85 N.Y. Islanders 40 22 13 5 49 113 99 N.Y. Rangers 40 22 14 4 48 118 105 New Jersey 40 20 15 5 45 93 95 Pittsburgh 39 19 15 5 43 93 96 Philadelphia 38 16 15 7 39 83 105 Carolina 40 16 17 7 39 92 111

Columbus

41 15 23 3 33 105 131

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Dallas 42 28 10 4 60 146 113 Chicago 41 24 13 4 52 114 99 St. Louis 42 23 14 5 51 103 103 Minnesota 39 21 11 7 49 105 92 Nashville 40 19 14 7 45 104 106 Colorado 40 19 18 3 41 113 111 Winnipeg 40 19 19 2 40 108 115 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles 39 25 12 2 52 105 87 Arizona 39 19 16 4 42 110 124 Calgary 39 19 18 2 40 104 122 Anaheim 38 16 15 7 39 73 90 Vancouver 40 15 16 9 39 97 113 San Jose 37 18 17 2 38 101 106 Edmonton 41 17 21 3 37 102 122 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Tuesday’s Games

Washington 3, Boston 2 Florida 5, Buffalo 1 N.Y. Rangers 6, Dallas 2 Chicago 3, Pittsburgh 2, OT Minnesota 4, Columbus 2 Philadelphia 4, Montreal 3 Winnipeg 4, Nashville 1 Calgary 3, Tampa Bay 1

Wednesday’s Games

New Jersey at Montreal, 7 p.m. Pittsburgh at Chicago, 8 p.m. St. Louis at Colorado, 10 p.m. Carolina at Vancouver, 10 p.m. Toronto at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Thursday’s Games

Washington at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m. Florida at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Winnipeg at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Arizona at Calgary, 9 p.m. Toronto at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. Detroit at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Friday’s Games

Boston at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Columbus at Carolina, 7 p.m. Buffalo at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Nashville at Colorado, 9 p.m. Tampa Bay at Edmonton, 9 p.m. St. Louis at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

NBA Standings

By The Associated Press

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division Toronto Boston New York Brooklyn Philadelphia Southeast Division Miami Atlanta Orlando Charlotte Washington Central Division Cleveland Chicago Indiana Detroit Milwaukee

W L Pct GB 21 15 .583 — 19 15 .559 1 17 19 .472 4 10 24 .294 10 4 33 .108 17½ W L Pct GB 21 13 .618 — 21 15 .583 1 19 16 .543 2½ 17 17 .500 4 15 17 .469 5 W L Pct GB 23 9 .719 — 21 12 .636 2½ 19 15 .559 5 19 16 .543 5½ 14 23 .378 11½

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division San Antonio Dallas Memphis Houston New Orleans Northwest Division Oklahoma City Utah Portland Denver Minnesota Pacific Division Golden State L.A. Clippers Sacramento Phoenix L.A. Lakers

W L Pct GB 30 6 .833 — 20 15 .571 9½ 19 17 .528 11 17 19 .472 13 11 22 .333 17½ W L Pct GB 24 11 .686 — 15 18 .455 8 15 22 .405 10 12 23 .343 12 12 23 .343 12 W L Pct GB 33 2 .943 — 22 13 .629 11 14 21 .400 19 12 25 .324 22 8 28 .222 25½

Tuesday’s Games

Chicago 117, Milwaukee 106 New York 107, Atlanta 101 Dallas 117, Sacramento 116,2OT Golden State 109, L.A. Lakers 88

Wednesday’s Games

New York at Miami, 7 p.m. Indiana at Orlando, 7 p.m. Cleveland at Washington, 7 p.m. Toronto at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m. Detroit at Boston, 7:30 p.m. Denver at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Dallas at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Utah at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Charlotte at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Memphis at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10 p.m.

Thursday’s Games

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Boston at Chicago, 8 p.m. Utah at Houston, 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Sacramento, 10:30 p.m.

Friday’s Games

Toronto at Washington, 7 p.m. Orlando at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m. Cleveland at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Indiana at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Dallas at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Denver at Memphis, 8 p.m. New York at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Miami at Phoenix, 9:30 p.m. Golden State at Portland, 10 p.m. Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

College Basketball

By The Associated Press

TUESDAY’S SCORES EAST Akron 75, Buffalo 71 Alfred 80, Utica 74 Baruch 70, John Jay 54 Brooklyn 80, York (NY) 46 CCNY 81, Staten Island 76 Clemson 74, Syracuse 73, OT Hartwick 98, colton 85 Marquette 65, Providence 64 Penn St. 86, Minnesota 77 Rhode Island 77, Richmond 65 Temple 55, UConn 53 VCU 85, Saint Joseph’s 82 Wentworth 75, W. New England 66 Williams 58, Castleton 45 SOUTH Barton 75, Erskine 66 Berry 84, Rust 63 Chattanooga 74, Mercer 62 Emory & Henry 86, Lynchburg 80 Florida A&M 61, Savannah St. 58 Florida Gulf Coast 104, Webber 59 Jacksonville 84, Trinity Baptist 45 LSU 85, Kentucky 67 Limestone 73, Lees-McRae 62 Memphis 82, Nicholls St. 46 Princeton 83, Norfolk St. 74 SC-Upstate 78, NC A&T 68 Samford 94, The Citadel 74 South Carolina 81, Auburn 69 UNC Greensboro 67, Furman 66 Wofford 65, VMI 61 SOUTHWEST Baylor 79, Oklahoma St. 62 Houston 63, Tulane 45 Houston Baptist 82, McNeese St. 73 Texas 60, Kansas St. 57 Texas A&M-CC 94, Cent. Arkansas 82 Tulsa 55, East Carolina 43 MIDWEST Butler 77, DePaul 72 Creighton 79, Georgetown 66 Indiana 59, Wisconsin 58 Iowa 77, Nebraska 66 Kent St. 87, W. Michigan 84, OT Taylor 80, Spring Arbor 76

sports

The SUMTER ITEM

REGION

Swamp with a 13-2 record. Brown is happy with the way his team has progressed and From Page B1 he is excited to open against the Falcons, who reached the Darlington, which shared the lower state championship region title with Crestwood game last season. last season, is ranked No. 2, “I think it’s a good thing,” Lakewood is fifth and MarlBrown said. “Playing them to boro County is eighth. begin with gives us the oppor“I really think we have the tunity to see where we stand. toughest region in the state,” If we go out here and get a said Gators head coach Bryan win it will give us a whole lot Brown, whose team brings a of confidence.” 12-3 record into region play. Lakewood has five players “We’re the only region with averaging double figures in three teams ranked in the top scoring. Davonte Pack and 10. Crestwood is very good, Grant Singleton are both avManning, I think, is pretty eraging 15 a game, Jarvis good. Hartsville is always Johnson 14 and Malik Wilson tough even though it might be 10. Injured Terrell Still is down a little.” scoring 12 a game. Darlington will come to The Crestwood will come into

its game against Manning with a 9-3 record. The Knights are led by Ja Morant, who is averaging around 26 points. “He (Morant) has stepped up his game, and I think the other kids are feeding off of him,” said Crestwood head coach Dwayne Edwards. “That makes us a better team.” Dakota Jennings, Kobe Thomas and Trevyon Webber are also averaging in double figures. The Monarchs are 8-5. They are led by 2015 McDonald’s All-American nominee Rayvon Witherspoon. He is averaging 16.5 points and 12.2 rebounds. Jalen White is averaging 15.8 points.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

CLEMSON Basketball

The Associated Press

DEFENSE

From Page B1

“We obviously lost a lot of guys on the front and the back end,” Boulware said. But “I knew the leadership and the maturity of the guys we have now. So I think it was more outside of Clemson who thought there was going to be a drop off. We knew from the get-go that we’d be fine.” Goodson is a 6-foot-1, 250pound fifth-year senior who showed his big play potential last year with three recovered fumbles as a parttime starter. He remained around the ball at his middle linebacker spot, collecting

CLEMSON

From Page B1

linebackers. He’s also usually around the ball, blitzing past opposing lineman to get near the quarterback. Boulware had 11 tackles and a sack in Clemson’s 37-17 win over No. 4 Oklahoma at the Orange Bowl to advance to the title game. “We just got to showcase our talents,” Goodson said. “That’s what we’re witnessing right now.” Alabama presents another challenge with Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry in the backfield and quarterback Jake Coker directing a potent passing attack. “We’ll be ready to compete,” Goodson said. “It’ll be fun.”

Saturday: Still can’t believe we are going to the national championship game in nine days. I have so much to do to get ready. Sunday: I spent the afternoon washing clothes and cooking meals for the week. I have so much energy I am trying to burn some of it off. Having family over for dinner so Max and I can talk about our trip to Florida. And all the fun stories we have. Monday: Took a bag of oranges to my meeting at work this morning. And, of course, I am wearing orange. I think everyone here thinks that’s the only color I wear. Everyone has been nice as they come into The Sumter Item and saying they are pulling for the Tigers. I can’t wait to get to Arizona. Tuesday: Had a girlfriend over for dinner who is also going to Arizona for the game with her family. We had fun talking about the Orange Bowl and how we are looking forward to going on the trip. William called us after practice so we all got to talk to him and that was fun. Wednesday: Can’t believe we are really going to Arizona in just a few days. A customer came in office and wanted to know who the Clemson fan was, and I said, “Me. My son goes to Clemson and is a football player,

Why?” He said, “I pull for (South) Carolina, but I want you to know that I think Clemson is going to win and I am pulling for them.” I thanked him and said, “We are going to win!!” After work we were to have dinner with some USC friends, and they are all so excited about Clemson and said they were going to be pulling for us all the way. This week has been a whirlwind, working and getting ready to fly to Arizona.

$20 per player

started a season 0-3 in league play since 1996-97 as SYRACUSE, N.Y. — a member of the Big East. Clemson coach Brad The loss marked the final Brownell was smiling at game for Syracuse interim the end but admitted he coach Mike Hopkins, who easily could have been in went 4-5 filling in for head tears. coach Jim Boeheim. Brownell’s Tigers esBoeheim returns from his caped the Carrier Dome NCAA-imposed suspension Tuesday night with a thrill- Saturday night when the ing 74-73 overtime win, but Orange host No. 6 North not before Syracuse’s Trev- Carolina. or Cooney stole an in“The kids played exbounds pass, took a subsetremely hard for me and I quent pass from Michael want to thank them,” HopGbinije, and missed a wide- kins said. “I felt like we’ve open, potential game-winbeen getting better. I felt ning 3 from the corner in like we’ve gotten better dethe final seconds of the fensively in areas. We’ve extra session. competed. We’re getting “It was a great play by close; we just haven’t been Cooney to deflect it,” able to close it. Brownell said. “They did Jaron Blossomgame and the right thing and found Landry Nnoko combined their best shooter. It was for 11 of Clemson’s 13 an open shot. If he hits it, points in overtime to lead they can send us home cry- the Tigers (9-6, 2-1). ing. Fortunately for us, he Blossomgame led the Timissed.” gers with 20 points. NnokoInstead, it was the Ormo equaled his career high ange who left the Carrier with 19 and snared 10 reDome disappointed. Syrabounds before fouling out cuse (10-6, 0-3) has not in the extra period.

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NEW YEAR NEW RIDE!

Well, there was no traffic and we got there in record time. When we got there it was too early to check into the hotel so we went to the hotel at which the Clemson football players were staying They were staying at a hotel that is on the ocean and the boys were walking around the beach having some fun free time. We sat down and had lunch with William and then he had to leave to go to meetings. We said our goodbyes and “Go Tigers, beat Oklahoma.” We were so tired when we finally got into our hotel. We changed clothes, had a great dinner and went to bed. On Dec. 31, we got up and headed to the stadium and met a few Oklahoma fans. They were all so nice and told us how friendly we were and how nice we were last year at the Russell Athletic Bowl. I made sure to tell them good luck. I said, “Hope it is a good game, but I can’t lie. I hope Clemson wins.” It has been so exciting being a part of the Clemson University football parents. This year has been so great; I had being saying that we will be national champions ever since we beat Oklahoma in December 2014. I hope I am correct. At the end of the Orange Bowl, I will never forget seeing the players’ faces so excited while jumping up and down wearing their new Orange Bowl champion hats and swinging their new T-shirts around that proclaimed, “Won, but not done.” They came up to the wall of the stands and waved to everyone while throwing oranges up in the stands. These boys have worked so hard to get to the national championship game and deserve this so much. After the game, my sister-inlaw, Johanna Shoemaker, called and told me she was calling and confirming our plane tickets to Arizona for the national championship game. Here’s what happened in the following days: Friday: We got up and packed to drive back to South Carolina. I think we are all still on cloud 9 from the win the previous night. The traffic was great coming home and I thought for sure it would have been bad since it was New Year’s Day and everyone would be going back home from the game. No traffic until we hit Interstate 95 in South Carolina. We got home at 6 p.m. and my wonderful husband had cooked the New Year’s meal for us. Family and friends were there to welcome us home.

two more fumbles this year to go with his two interceptions. Before defensive tackle Carlos Watkins stopped Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer on a twopoint conversion to preserve Clemson’s 24-22 win last October, Goodson had an interception and pounced on a fumble to halt two fourthquarter drives by the Fighting Irish. “I call him Mr. Everything because he does everything,” Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson said. If Goodson is poised and in position, Boulware is a frenetic player who’s volume always goes up to 11. He’s had seven pass breakups, the most of Clemson’s

Clemson’s Jason Blossomgame, right, passes the ball under pressure from Syracuse’s Tyler Lydon, left, on Tuesday in Syracuse, N.Y. Clemson won 74-73 in overtime.

B4 B4

THURSDAY, January JANUARY 7, 2016 Thursday,

BASEBALL

him in Seattle during 1990 and ‘91. The younger Griffey became a 13-time All-Star From Page B1 outfielder and finished with 630 homers, which is sixth on Mark McGwire, who the career list. After reaching admitted using steroids, the major leagues in 1989, he received 12 percent in his 10th was selected for 11 and final ballot appearance. consecutive All-Star Games in “They were Hall of Famers 1990. before all this stuff started,” Now, he’s headed to Griffey said on MLB Network. Cooperstown. Half of baseball’s top 10 “In case you don’t know, home run hitters are not in I’m really superstitious. I’ve the Hall: Bonds (762), Alex played in the Hall of Fame Rodriguez (654), Jim Thome game three times and I’ve (612), Sosa (609) and McGwire never set foot in the building. (583). Rodriguez, who served I’ve never even seen the front a yearlong drug suspension in of it,” Griffey said. “The one 2014, remains active. Thome’s time I wanted to go in there, I first appearance on the ballot wanted to be a member.” will be in 2018. Wanting to play closer to Curt Schilling rose from 39 his home in Florida, he percent to 52, Edgar Martinez pushed for a trade to from 27 percent to 43 and Cincinnati — his father’s old Mike Mussina from 25 team and the area he grew up percent to 43. in— after the 1999 season. Griffey was known simply But slowed by injuries, he as “Junior” by many as a never reached 100 RBIs again contrast to his father, threeafter his first season with the time All-Star outfielder Ken Reds, and he moved on to the Griffey, who played alongside Chicago White Sox in 2008

SPORTS sports

THE SUMTER ITEM The

league history, hitting better than .300 in nine straight seasons and finishing with 427 home runs, including a record 396 when he was in the game behind the plate. A 12-time All-Star with a .308 career batting average, After reaching the major leagues with the Dodgers in 1992, Piazza was dealt to Florida in May 1998 before he could become a free agent, then traded eight days later to the Mets. He remained with New York through 2005, hitting a memorable goThe Associated Press ahead home-run in the first Ken Griffey Jr. smiles from the bottom of a celebratory pile with his game in the city following the 2001 terrorist attacks, then Seattle Mariners teammates. Griffey was voted into the Baseball Hall finished with San Diego in of Fame on Wednesday. Griffey received the highest percentage of 2006 and Oakland the votes ever for selection to the hall. following year. before spending his last 1,390th pick on the 62nd Piazza and Bagwell were season-plus with the round in 1998. Since the draft drawn into the steroids Mariners. started in 1965, the lowest controversy by some who While Griffey was selected draft pick elected to the Hall pointed out their powerful first in the 1987 amateur was John Smoltz, taken with physiques, but both have draft and became the first selection 574 on the 22nd denied using performanceNo. 1 to make the Hall, Piazza round in 1985. enhancing drugs and no was selected by the Los Piazza became the top substantive accusations have Angeles Dodgers with the offensive catcher in big been made.

OBITUARIES KATHERINE JO HENDRY LAKE MARY, Florida — Katherine Jo Hendry, 94, of Lake Mary, passed away on the morning of Dec. 27, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Jan. 16, 1921, in Montgomery, Alabama, a HENDRY daughter of the late Henry Simpson Butler and Mae Thomas Butler. Jo grew up in Montgomery, graduating from Lanier High School in 1940. After graduation, she worked in civil service at Maxwell Army Airfield. On Sept. 19, 1942, she married 2nd Lt. Augustus Mallory Hendry Jr. at her family home on Garden Street. Jo traveled the world as a military wife, living in Turkey and Japan as well as in many places in the United States, until her husband retired as a major general from Shaw Air Force Base in March 1973. Jo was well known for her cooking, her entertaining, and her beautiful singing voice. She loved to fish and to be on the water. She enjoyed playing cards and was active in bridge and poker groups. Most of all, she was generous and loving to her family and friends. Jo was preceded in death by her husband, who died on March 8, 1998, and by all six of her brothers and sisters: Henry Thomas Butler, Clifford Isaac Butler, Billy Mae Butler Riley, Mac Sim Butler, Rachel Sealey Butler Henry and Jenny Elise Butler Moad. Jo is survived by her son, Stephen Hendry (Mary); daughter, Patricia Manley; two granddaughters, Tara Manley Villagracia (Van) and Katherine Hendry; and two great-granddaughters, Abigail and Ashlynn. The family will hold a private memorial service.

ROBERT J. LONGTEMPS SR. Robert J. Longtemps Sr., 70, husband of Judy Gilmore Longtemps, died on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at his home. Born on Feb. 27, 1945, in Miami, Florida, he was a son of the late Roger J. LONGTEMPS and Grace Ryan Longtemps. He was a member of Sumter First Church of God. He was employed with Fleming Foods for 18 years, Associated Grocers for nine years, and retired as a supervisor from Winn-Dixie after 28 years of service. He served in the National Guard during the Vietnam era. Survivors include his wife of Sumter; two children, Robert J. Longtemps Jr. of Tampa, Florida, and Rebecca A. Longtemps of Miami; a sister, Georgia Barnes of Miami; a sister-in-law, Mary Longtemps of Miami; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Roger A. Longtemps. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at First Church of God with the Rev. Ron Bower officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1848, Longmont, CO 80502. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

Jacquline Jackson and Pastor Myra Pearson assisting. Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery. The family is receiving friends at 2339 Ram Bay Road, Manning.

ISIAH E. HICKS

David Lee McGowan, 53, beloved husband of eight years to Kimberly Jones McGowan, died on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Born in Hidleburg, Germany, he was a son of Oliver “Mac” Wendell McGowan and the late Sandra Davidson McGowan. Mr. McGowan was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was employed by Kaydon Corp. and was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Surviving in addition to his wife and father are one daughter, Gray McGowan; two stepsons, Michael Belz and Craig Belz; stepmother, Laura McGowan; two sisters, Dana Maguire and Sharma Burk and her husband, Elliott; one grandchild, Jadyn Belz; one niece, Rachel Maguire; and two nephews, Schyler and Sawyer Burk. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church with the Revs. Allen Vaught and Johnny McLeod officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the Quality Department at Kaydon. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 27 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150 or to the Local Wounded Warrior - Crossroads Archery, 4899 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or 1152 Three Mile Road, Summerton, SC 29148. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

RIVERSIDE, California — U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Isiah Eugene Hicks, 19, died on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015. Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, he was a son of Ulysses S. Hicks II and Andrea Marie Reaves Hicks. Isiah was HICKS raised a military child and spent many years living in Germany before moving to Sumter and graduating from Sumter High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was currently serving on active duty in California. Isiah enjoyed working and tinkering with electronics and computers. His pastimes included playing video games, being creative with his hands, and spending time in the outdoors. He was of the Christian faith. He will be remembered as a loving son, brother and friend. Surviving in addition to his loving parents are two sisters, D. Ayschell Hicks of Sumter and Stephanie Salas of Ft. Myers, Florida. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Bullock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Brian Robinson officiating. Full military honors will follow the service. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday and one hour prior to service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Bullock Funeral Home. You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

DAVID LEE MCGOWAN

MANNING — The Rev. Deloris J. Parker, 59, wife of Frank Parker, died on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at Providence Hospital, Columbia. She was born on Jan. 16, 1956, in Summerton, a PARKER daughter of Claudia Dingle Jones Gaither and the late Samuel Jones and stepdaughter of Roosevelt Gaither. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today at New Light Missionary Baptist Church, Summerton, with the Rev. Johnnie Lawson, pastor, officiating, Evangelist Dollie Kinlaw, presiding, and the Rev. Ethel Spann, the Rev.

JAMES ALTON SHELLEY LEXINGTON — James Alton “Al” Shelley, 44, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia due to complications developed from a motorcycle accident on Oct. 30, 2015. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Heywood Shelley and Jan Shorter Buzze. Al had a passion for cars and motorcycles. He was a talented mechanic and businessman. Survivors include his twin sister, Ashley; and nieces, McKenzie, Presley and Payton. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel. The family will receive friends from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on Friday at Elmore-CannonStephens Funeral Home. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

RODRIGO O. WASHINGTON

BILL KEITH DELORIS J. PARKER

merous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Mabry Parker Jr.; a daughter, Kelly Christina Keith; and a granddaughter, Anastasia Noel Thornbury. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery with the Rev. Ellison Evans officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

William “Bill” Ralph Keith Jr., 56, died on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Born in Altus, Oklahoma, he was a son of the late Ralph and Elsie Joann Robertson Keith. Mr. Keith was formerly employed by World Finance, First Family Financial, and the Early Autism Project. He was an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan and enjoyed playing darts, hunting and fishing. Surviving are two daughters, Tamara Gault and fiancé, Carlos Cardona, of Kennesaw, Georgia, and Amanda Thornbury and husband, Zach, of Boston, Massachusetts; one brother, Larry Keith and wife, Angie, of Sumter; one sister, Diane Dungy and husband, John, of Sumter; two grandchildren, Elijah and Kassiani Thornbury; and nu-

Rodrigo O. Washington, 57, husband of Beverly Adger Washington, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at Providence Hospital in Columbia. He was born on Sept. 24, 1958, in Sumter, a son of Charles Washington and the late Ruth Charles Washington. The family is receiving visitors at the home, 4831 Rev. J.W. Carter Road, Manning. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

FARION BROWN Farion Brown, 41, husband of Yucari Carr Brown, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2016. He was born on Nov. 29, 1974, in Sumter, to Janie Heyward Brown and the late Henry Brown. The family is receiving visitors at the home, 5600 Ray Brown Drive, Sumter. Funeral services are incomplete and will be an-

nounced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

JONELLE C. CREER Jonelle Cheryl Creer, 27, of 3823 Barfield Road, Sumter, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. She was born on March 23, 1988, in Manhattan, New York, to Larry Guy and Kathy A. Creer. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

ROOSEVELT HORTON SR. COLUMBIA — Roosevelt “Brumma” “Fish” Horton Sr., 66, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, at Providence Hospital in Columbia. Born on July 12, 1949, in Summerton, he was a son of the late Sam Horton Sr. and Theola Ragin Horton. The family will receive friends at the home, 1129 Armour Hill Drive, Pinewood. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Summerton Funeral Home LLC.

WILLIE MAE THOMAS Willie Mae Thomas, 70, departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Born on Sept. 9, 1945, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late James Willie and Alberta Cook Spain. She was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. She was employed by Triple J. Farm and Manchester Farm, Hopkins. She leaves to cherish her memories: one brother, Henry Spain; two sisters, Virginia (Mack) Leonard and Maggie (Eddie) Glover, both of Rembert; three sisters-inlaw, Margaret Thomas of Tabor City, North Carolina, Lottie Mae Green and Naomi Thomas of Rembert; two brothers-in-law, John Henry Thomas of Tabor City and Jimmy Swanson of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends. Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, 9250 Camden Highway (U.S. 521 North), Rembert, with the Rev. Freddie Thomas, pastor, eulogist. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 7820 Edwards St., Rembert. The remains will be placed in the church for viewing at 10 a.m. The funeral procession will leave at 10:20 a.m. from the home. Floral bearers and pallbearers will be friends of the family. Burial will be in Mt. Bethel Baptist Churchyard cemetery, Rembert. Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com

COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTS

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY'S SHOE

It could be time for husband to hang up cleats DEAR ABBY — My husband, an avid soccer player, injured himself twice last year, which left him unable to work for Dear Abby months at a ABIGAIL time. He reVAN BUREN fuses to hang up his cleats because he says it’s his “one true passion.” I think he’s being selfish because his soccer injuries have caused a financial, emotional and physical strain on our family. I can’t be the only wife/mom who doesn’t want the additional risk. Any advice on how to get through to him? Sports wife in Cleveland DEAR SPORTS WIFE — I don’t

know how old your husband is, but two serious injuries in one year may be a hint from Father Time that his reflexes aren’t as acute as they once were, and he should channel his passion in another direction. (Coaching, perhaps?) Assuming you have insurance, contact your agent and ask if there is additional coverage your husband can take out in case he is seriously injured again. Of course, it won’t guarantee that he won’t hurt himself, but it might give you some peace of mind in case he does. DEAR ABBY — My neighbor often comes over to share some of her home cooking. Unfortunately, it tastes horrible. She invariably asks me the next day how I liked it, and I really don’t enjoy lying. How can I tell her I don’t like her

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

cooking and I don’t want her to bring me any more? Tender Tummy in Washington DEAR TENDER TUMMY — Use a variation on your signature and say that although you appreciate her generosity, for some time her cooking hasn’t agreed with you — you have a “tender tummy” — so please refrain from bringing over any more food. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Good advice for everyone -- teens to seniors -- is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME By David L Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

By Bruce Haight

ACROSS 1 Mrs. Garrett on "The Facts of Life" 5 Bring shame to 10 Twitter's bird, e.g. 14 Dire fate 15 "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" author 16 Poet's preposition 17 *Figure out, as someone's poker strategy 19 Brief moments 20 "Un Ballo in Maschera" aria 21 *Frighten off 23 Office suite door letters 25 "Hollywood Squares" immortal 26 Not surprisingly 30 Full of bubbles 33 *Disney film cry of discovery 36 Qatar's capital 37 Fifth of a dozen 38 Solar __ 39 Promise 40 "On the double!" 42 *Chinese, say 45 Place to follow politics 47 "Told ya!" 48 "__ Daughter": 1970 film

1/7/16 51 Match at the poker table 52 *Ride crosstown together, perhaps 56 Diary component 60 Go up and down 61 Group space, and a hint to the answers to starred clues 63 Seasonal refrain 64 Assembly line worker 65 Equipment 66 Key used in combinations 67 Films with many extras 68 "College GameDay" airer DOWN 1 Advantage 2 No couch potato 3 "It was someone else!" 4 Greenhorn 5 Brown __ 6 Feathery wraps 7 "High Voltage" band 8 "Bottoms up!" 9 "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speaker

10 "That fizzled out" 11 Considered carefully 12 Marine threat 13 Getting into the wrong business? 18 Charlotte __ 22 USN one-striper 24 5-Down, for one 26 Stockpile 27 Supplicate 28 "It was __ dream" 29 Letter-shaped supports 31 Vacation destination 32 Opening at an early-morning class? 33 1998 Apple debut

34 __ cookies 'n creme: Jell-O flavor 35 "Leda and the Swan" poet 41 Business expense 43 Radiance 44 Like high-school years 46 "Fat chance, laddie" 49 Abalone shell layer 50 Exclusive 52 Lip-__ 53 Knee-slapper 54 Prefix with valence 55 Class pres., say 57 Very French? 58 Bring in 59 Entertaining tale 62 Extra periods: Abbr.

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

1/7/16