January 9, 2014

INTO THE HALL Pair of Braves pitchers, slugger enter Cooperstown B1

VOL. 119, NO. 72 WWW.THEITEM.COM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

FOUNDED OCTOBER 15, 1894

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Prosecutors tell Tuomey it can afford to pay more

BY BRADEN BUNCH bbunch@theitem.com Arguing Tuomey Healthcare System can pay far more than it’s admitting, U.S. district attorneys on Wednesday requested the judge overseeing the federal lawsuit between the government and the local hospital order Tuomey

place at least $70 million in escrow if the hospital wants to continue appealing its case.

Responding to Tuomey’s request last month to Senior U.S. District Judge Margaret B. Seymour, in which the hospital’s lawyers said the Sumter hospital faced the distinct possibility of having to close if it had to place about $300 million in

escrow while it pursued an appeal, federal prosecutors painted a different financial picture for the local hospital. “ … objective evidence of Tuomey’s financial condition demonstrates that Tuomey can set aside at least $70 million of security for the taxpayers’ judgment SEE TUOMEY, PAGE A8

State Supreme Court to hear suit against coroner

Safety Kleen funding drying up

Impact on FOIA will be determined in February

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com The South Carolina Supreme Court will hear the appeal of The Item’s parent company regarding the release of the autopsy of a man gunned down by BULLOCK officers with the Sumter Police Department back in September 2010.

Lawyers for Osteen Publishing Co. and

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

ABOVE: DHEC is accepting bids for long-term cleanup and maintenance of the Pinewood Site Custodial Trust, the former Safety Kleen site on Camp Mac Boykin Road near Rimini.

Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock will present their sides to the state’s highest court at 10 a.m. on Feb. 5. At question is whether autopsy records should be made available as part of the state’s Freedom of Information Act. Back in July 2012, Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman ruled against Osteen Publishing Co. and plaintiff Joe Perry, a former Item reporter, stating Bullock was not SEE APPEAL, PAGE A10

DHEC director wants to restore landfill’s Pinewood Trust Fund

BY JADE ANDERSON janderson@theitem.com In terms of the environment, the Laidlaw/Safety Kleen landfill near Rimini is doing fine.

Its financial situation, however, is not so fine, said Catherine Templeton, director of South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control.

She announced a two-fold plan Wednesday that in-

cludes a bid for assessing the site and a line of funding in the general assembly budget.

“There is no imminent threat to the environment,” Templeton said. “There is nothing moving on site or off site. But there is not any question that the money is going to run out. We have enough time — two-and-ahalf to three years — to prevent an emergency.”

SEE FUNDING, PAGE A8

The release of autopsy records, such as those in the death of Aaron Leon Jacobs, is at stake in an appeal by Osteen Publishing Co. A Third Judicial Circuit Court judge ruled in July 2012 that Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock was not required to release the records of Jacobs, who was shot and killed by Sumter Police Department officers in 2010.

JADE ANDERSON / THE ITEM

Catherine Templeton, director of South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control, calls for a change in the funding plan for the Laidlaw/Safety Kleen landfill Wednesday in Columbia.

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Information: 774-1200 Advertising: 774-1237 Classifieds: 774-1234 Delivery: 774-1258 News, Sports: 774-1226

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or e-mail news@theitem.com

Man, 32, reportedly exposes himself

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com Sumter Police Department arrested a 32-yearold Sumter man Wednesday who reportedly exposed himself to a female.

James Lamont Brown, 32, of 840 Murray St., was charged with indecent exposure after a worker at a Main Street business reported to police that he exposed himself in front of her Friday. He is being held at SumterLee Regional Detention Center BROWN awaiting a bond hearing.

According to a news release, Brown, a registered sex offender, was recently released from a state Department of Corrections facility after serving more than four months for another exposure charge and violated the terms of his probation by exposing himself. Sumter police were assisted by state Probation, Pardon and Parole officers in making the arrest.

Brown has an extensive criminal history including convictions for burglary, resisting arrest, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, pointing and presenting a firearm and possession of cocaine, first offense.

Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

STATE BRIEFS

|

From Associated Press reports

Man with face covered in duct tape robs store CHARLESTON — Deputies said a man who tried to hide his face with duct tape robbed a Dollar General store in Charleston County.

Investigators said witnesses told them the man entered the store about 10 p.m. Tuesday, pointed a gun at employees and demanded money. He took more than $1,000 from registers and the store’s safe.

Witnesses said the man was wearing a hoodie and gloves, and most of his face was covered with duct tape.

Viers gets 60 days for harassment CONWAY — A former state lawmaker will spend 60 days in jail on the weekends for harassing an ex-girlfriend.

Thad Viers pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree harassment.

Prosecutors dropped a stalking charge as part of a plea deal.

Fire destroys Lynchburg home

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com LYNCHBURG — A fire fully engulfed a home in Lynchburg on Wednesday, morning causing approximately $70,000 in damage to the property.

According to reports, Sumter Fire Department responded to a call from a power com-

pany worker working the telephone lines in the 2000 block of Shiloh Raccoon Road saying that a house had caught fire. By the time firefighters arrived at 2 a.m., the fire had already spread through the entire house and was brought under control about an hour and a half later, according to Sumter Fire Department Capt.

Joey Duggan.

“By the time the firefighters arrived, the scaffolding had collapsed, and the entire house was destroyed,” Duggan said. “They managed to contain the fire an hour and a half after arriving but couldn’t put it completely out until the three hours they were at the scene.”

Nobody was occupying the house at the time of the fire.

The report described the house as a 1,700-squarefoot single-family residence.

Because of the extensive damage from the fire, the house is considered a total loss. The cause of the fire and where the fire started is unknown.

Reach Tyler Simpson at (803) 774-1295.

Near-record lows overnight froze the water in midstream at the fountain wall on the corner of Main and Liberty streets early Wednesday.

Despite the cold, local organizations say they’ve been able to handle the extreme weather without resorting to emergency measures.

BRISTOW MARCHANT / THE ITEM

Sumter weathers cold minus major problems

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com So far, the “polar vortex” of 2014 has not required any emergency measures to handle the Arctic-level chill in Sumter, and the director of the local shelter said beds have stayed below capacity on the coldest nights this week.

The Samaritan House on West Oakland Avenue was worried about reaching capacity during the nights when temperatures dropped well below freezing because of a weather pattern that’s produced record lows across the nation.

But instead, the shelter had seven beds open Monday night and five beds open Tuesday, both nights when temperatures dropped into the teens. Plans to direct overflow from the Samaritan House, which can normally house about 30 people, to a site at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church have not had to be used.

The low-occupancy level itself caused some concern for the Rev. Walter Robertson, director of the United Ministriessupported shelter, since some regulars haven’t appeared at the Samaritan House during the coldest nights.

“The group I know is pretty self-sufficient,” he said. “There’s a group of four or five who go around together. They probably found somewhere dry and

warm to spend the night.”

Emergency officials and relief agencies have kept the lines of communication open as the polar vortex approached in case a coordinated response was needed to open an emergency shelter on short notice. Erik Hayes, the emergency management director for Sumter County, said a county shelter would likely open only if severe weather knocked out power to a large number of people for an extended period of time. The shelter would then be staffed by community volunteers.

“The Red Cross can do a shelter, and The Salvation Army can house people, too,” Hayes said, “so I’ve been in contact with them in case something specific happens.”

The Sandhills chapter of the Red Cross received a handful of calls from people having trouble heating their homes Tuesday, when the high only reached 30 degrees. The emergency organization provided what help it could, but chapter director Nancy Cataldo said the Red Cross statewide hasn’t had much call for emergency housing. “(The Red Cross) has opened a couple shelters in Orangeburg, Rock Hill and Florence, but people didn’t come,” she said.

Police officers on patrol during the

night shift have been told to be on the lookout for anyone who may be wandering the streets in the cold, and if possible transport them somewhere to stay for the night.

“But we do that daily,” said Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark. “It doesn’t necessarily have to do with the weather.”

The last time an emergency shelter had to be opened in Sumter County was during an ice storm in 2004 when a freezing rain knocked out power to several residents.

“It hasn’t been the same (this time) because we haven’t had rain along with it,” Cataldo said.

After some minor outages in the Sumter area Tuesday, Duke Energy released a statement asking customers to conserve energy to reduce strain on the system, but otherwise power generators have held up well at the coldest times locally.

Napoleon Bradford, director of Christian mission at Jehovah Missionary Baptist, sees a hopeful sign in the fact the church’s overflow shelter hasn’t needed to be used so far.

“Maybe everybody’s hearts have been moved because of the chill,” he said, “and they’ve just been able to go home.”

Reach Bristow Marchant at (803) 7741272.

Haley’s reform plan would spend more on poor kids WEST COLUMBIA (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley on Wednesday announced an education plan that spends more money on poor children, focuses on reading in the early grades and improves technology in schools.

Haley’s proposal would spend more than $160 million extra in the next fiscal year on public schools. The Republican governor said this

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must be the first of a multiyear effort to transform South Carolina’s schools within the next decade.

Her proposal includes spending an additional $97 million on children who live in poverty, $30 million to hire additional reading coaches in elementary schools and $29 million to improve Internet and wireless capabilities in schools.

The state would fully cover the

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

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

cost of a reading coach for several hundred elementary schools where a substantial number of students score poorly on standardized reading tests. The coaches would be partially funded at others.

Technology money would be distributed to districts based on their poverty rating.

The plan also puts more money toward summer reading camps, teacher training in

reading and technology, charter schools and adult education classes. A detailed breakdown is expected as part of her executive budget proposal for 2014-15.

The bulk of the money would come from projected increases in state tax collections. Haley said no tax increase is needed and no district would get less money under the proposal.

SC 29150.

Periodical postage paid at Sumter, SC 29150.

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

Publishing Co. as agent. No responsibility for advance payments is assumed by the company until the money is received at this office.

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: All carriers and dealers of The Item are independent contractors. Advance payment for subscriptions may be made directly to Osteen

RECYCLING: This newspaper is printed on recycled paper and uses environmentally safe soy inks to reduce ruboff. It is recyclable.

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

LOCAL / NATION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

THE ITEM

STATE BRIEF

A3

|

From Associated Press reports

Campaign aims to increase organ, tissue donations

PASSING THE COLORS

COLUMBIA — South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and several state organizations announced a campaign Wednesday to double the number of potential organ and tissue donors in the state and erase its 1,000-person waiting list for lifesaving transplants.

“There is nothing better that we can do,” Haley said at the Statehouse in Columbia. “It’s one way we can step South Carolina forward.”

Haley said she is a donor and

Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commanding general U.S. Army Central, passes the USARCENT colors to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Ronnie R. Kelley.

Kelley receiving the colors symbolizes Terry delegating authority and entrusting him with the responsibility and care of USARCENT soldiers, families and civilians.

became aware of its importance when her husband’s relative needed a donation.

South Carolina ranks 45th in the nation with its donor designation rate of about 20 percent, said Department of Motor Vehicles Executive Director Kevin Shwedo, whose organization has signed up 98 percent of the 1.3 million people on the state’s donor list.

The campaign is being organized by the nonprofit registry group known as Donate Life South Carolina, the state Department of Motor Vehicles and LifePoint, an organ and donation services group.

STAFF SGT. TAIKEILA CHANCEY / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

Reversals in hard-won Iraqi city vex veterans SAN DIEGO (AP) — Shirley Parrello knows that her youngest boy believed in his mission in Iraq. But as she watches Iraqi government forces try to retake the hard-won city of Fallujah from al-Qaidalinked fighters, she can’t help wondering if it was worth Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Parrello’s sacrifice.

“I’m starting to feel that his death was in vain,” the West Milford, N.J., woman said of her 19-year-old son, who died in an explosion there on Jan. 1, 2005.

“I’m hoping that I’m wrong. But things aren’t looking good over there right now.”

The 2004 image of two charred American bodies hanging from a bridge as a jubilant crowd pelted them with shoes seared the city’s name into the American psyche. The brutal house-to-house battle to tame the Iraqi insurgent stronghold west of Baghdad cemented its place in U.S. military history.

But while many are disheartened at Fallujah’s recent fall to Islamist forces, others try to place it in the context

of Iraq’s history of internal struggle since the ouster of dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

And they don’t see the reversal as permanent.

“I’m very disappointed right now, very frustrated,” said retired Marine Col. Mike Shupp, who commanded the regimental combat team that secured the city in late 2004. “But this is part of this long war, and this is just another fight, another battle in this long struggle against terrorism and oppression.”

Former scout sniper Earl J. Catagnus Jr. fought and bled in the taking of that ancient city on the banks of the

Euphrates River. Now a military historian, Catagnus feels the battle has taken on an almost disproportionate importance in the American mind.

“If you watch ‘NCIS’ or anything that has a Marine ... they always say, ‘Oh, I was in Fallujah,’” said the Purple Heart recipient, who left the military as a staff sergeant in 2006 and is now an assistant professor of history at Valley Forge Military Academy & College in Wayne, Pa. “For the new generation, it’s because everybody keeps mentioning it. And that is the battle that really made a warrior a warrior.”

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A4

LOCAL

THE ITEM

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS COME DOWN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES:

Carlos Gonzales, 48, of Green Acres, Fla., was charged as a fugitive from justice at 10:40 a.m.

Monday along Interstate 95. According to the report, an officer observed a 2013 silver Toyota traveling south on I-95 cross the fog line twice and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, identified as Gonzales, was found to have a suspended Florida license and was wanted for failure to appear on a trafficking marijuana charge.

Gonzales was arrested and transported to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.

STOLEN PROPERTY:

BRISTOW MARCHANT / THE ITEM

City workers remove Christmas lights from a tree in Centennial Plaza on Wednesday afternoon. The removal of holiday decorations downtown during the first week of January marks the unofficial end of the holiday season.

Church Directory Adventist

A black Motorola X cellphone valued at $750 was reportedly stolen from an individual in the 1000 block of Broad Street between 8:30 a.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. Friday.

A 12-gauge Benelli Nova Pump shotgun valued at $500 was reportedly stolen from a vehicle in the 300 block of North Pike West between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Saturday.

An Apple iPad2, an Apple iPad3, an Acer Android tablet, a 42-inch Sony flat-screen TV, a SonyPlaystation 4, two PlayStation 4

Anglican

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games and a jewelry box containing $2,000 worth of jewelry were reported stolen at 9:26 p.m. Sunday from a residence in the 2000 block of October Circle in Dalzell. The items are valued at $5,660.

A 46-inch Samsung TV, a 32inch Panasonic TV, a 16-inch TV and an Emerson Blu-ray DVD player were reported stolen at 6:18 a.m. Monday from a residence in the 200 block of S.C. 261 South in Wedgefield. The items are valued at $760.

Two-carat diamond earring studs, a one-carat diamond solitaire ring, a two-carat diamond engagement ring, a one-and-ahalf carat three-diamond male ring, a platinum diamond band ring, a white gold wedding band, a diamond bracelet, a yellow gold necklace and bracelet set and a set of rings were reported stolen at 8 a.m. Monday from a residence in the 500 block of Pearson Road. The items are valued at $31,819.

A black .32-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver valued at $200 was reported stolen at 9:06 a.m.

Monday from a residence in the 4000 block of Narrow Paved Road in Lynchburg.

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RELIGION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

CHURCH NEWS Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina, Columbia, announces: * Tuesday-Wednesday — The Annual Mid-Winter Board Meeting will be held at Lovely Hill Baptist Church Association Convention Center in St. George. Speakers will be Pastors Johnny Brown of Gastonia, N.C., Johnny Johnson of Laurens, Ronnie Williams of Anderson, Ricky Ray Ezell of Columbia and J. Thomas Barber of Rock Hill. A workshop on caregiving will be presented by Wallace B. Cunningham of AARP South Carolina.

The Rev. James Blassingame is convention president.

Chapel Hill Baptist Church, 8749 Old Highway Six, Santee, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 19 — Martin Luther King observance will be held at 10 a.m. followed by the Lord’s Supper.

Fellowship Baptist Church, 705 W. Huggins St., Manning, announces: * Sunday — Missionaries Annual Tea will be held at 4 p.m. Pastor Ethel Sweat of Macedonia FBH Church will speak. * Wednesday — Noonday prayer will be held.

First Baptist Missionary Church, 219 S. Washington St., announces: * Sunday, Jan. 19 — The 5th Anniversary Celebration of Pastor George P. Windley Jr. will be held at 10:45 a.m.

Golden Gate Fellowship Ministry, 705 Oswego Road, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 19 — The celebration of the 8th anniversary of the church is set for 3 p.m.

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

High Hills AME Church, 6780 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Wednesday-Friday, Jan. 15-17 — Revival with the Rev. Willie Duggan of Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church, Columbia, will be held. * Sunday, Jan. 26 — 200 Men in Black program will be held at 5 p.m. The Rev. Calvin Hastie of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church will speak.

Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be honored during morning worship. * Sunday, Jan. 19 — Deacon and wives anniversary celebration will be held during morning worship.

Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday — Knitting Hearts Café will be held 10 a.m.-noon. Devon Coker will share “Hosea’s Story.” Special music and praise dance presentation. Visit www.knittingheartsministry.org.

Manning New Start Community Church of the Nazarene, 4686 JW Rhames Road, Manning, announces: * Sunday-Wednesday — Revival will be held at

| 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 nightly Monday-Wednesday. Evangelist Billy Huddleson will speak.

Mount Sinai AME Church, 5985 Mt. Sinai Church Road, Lynchburg, announces: * Sunday — Gospel fest will be held at 3 p.m. featuring the Singing Cousins of Dalzell and many others.

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Saturday-Sunday — The 30th pastoral anniversary celebration of the Rev. and Mrs. James Blassingame and family will be as follows: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, drop-in at Mt. Zion Enrichment Center; and 10:45 a.m.

Sunday, worship celebration, Pastor Rondey Bolden, of Richland Baptist Church, Seneca, and cochairman of registration/ finance for the Baptist E&M Convention of South Carolina, will speak.

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

New Israel Missionary Baptist Church, 5330 Old Camden Highway, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday, Jan. 19 — The Martin Luther King Jr. observance will be held at 1 p.m. followed by The Lord’s Supper.

Orangehill AME Church, 3035 S. King Highway, Wedgefield, announces: * Sunday — The 37th anniversary celebration of the Good Samaritans will be held at 10 a.m.

Brother Marvis L. Stewart will speak.

Pine Grove AME Church, 41 Pine Grove Road, Rembert, announces: * Sunday — The Recommitment Service for steward, trustees and class leaders will be held at 11 a.m. Music will be provided by the adult choir. * Saturday, Jan. 18 — Laymen Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Singout Program featuring all church choirs will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Pinewood Baptist Church, S.C. 261, Pinewood, announces: * Sunday — A special worship service will be held to honor retiring pastor, the Rev. Bennie T. Barwick Jr., and retiring music director, Claudia L. Barwick. Sunday school will begin at 10 a.m. followed by 11 a.m. worship.

Lunch will be provided following the service.

Sheppard Ministries, 8490 Two Mile Road, Lynchburg, announces: * Friday, Jan. 17 — A gospel singing by The Lewis’s, The Singing Sheppards, Todd Sims, Julie Mahoney and Carla Stone will be held at 7 p.m.

St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 2928 St. John Church Road, Manning, announces: * Sunday — Fourth pastoral anniversary celebration will be held at 2 p.m. The Rev. George P. Windley Jr., pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, will speak.

Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., announces: * Saturday —The Health and Wellness Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to noon.

THE ITEM

A5

The One who really knows you

BY JAMIE H. WILSON Special to The Item One of the most reassuring aspects of faith is that we profess a trust in an entity that truly knows us: every bump, wrinkle, regret, hope, thought and idiosyncrasy.

King David is recorded in Psalms 139 as praising the One who knew him so intimately: “… you are familiar with all my ways” (Psalm 139:3b). The journey of our life is no surprise to God, even the pitfalls. He is well acquainted with our phobias as well as our indulgences. Simply, God knows the person you are.

There are others who profess to know who you are but not for the same reason as our Creator.

This has never been more evident to me than when I shop for clothes for myself or my family. Racks upon racks of clothiers whose branding statements encourage me to “express my individuality” or to “just be me,” which are ironic declarations considering that there would be a dozen or more women in the vicinity wearing the same scoop-neck wool sweater as me. We’ll all be individuals collectively, I guess.

Then there was the salesmen who told me right off the bat that he had the perfect refriger-

ator for me. This stranger showed me a stainless-steel model with a high-capacity ice maker and a drawer just for my deli tray. It was the perfect machine for a woman on the go like me, he said.

I work from home. I hate processed meat.

There are online dating sites, which, full disclosure, I’ve never used as I met my husband the old-fashioned way — him complimenting my “horse blanket” poncho, my witty response of “you’re tall.” Some of these sites promise to find your match based on a questionnaire.

While I’m sure all potential dating prospects are very honest about their personality, there are still some aspects of our personality unacknowledged even by us.

Online advertisements have so evolved that now the websites you visit communicate with various advertising companies. That’s why your onetime visit to a purveyor of hairloss solutions has resulted in

months of embarrassing popups for toupees.

Businesses and organizations have put in a lot of effort trying to convince consumers that they know what they need because they know who they are. No Facebook profile, no Twitter handle or any other social-media site can pinpoint the myriad quirks that make up the blueprint of an individual personality.

That is why it is amazing that we look to those who pretend to know us for what we truly need.

There is One who does know you. He knows where you have been. And, unlike those advertising companies that profess to know you so well, He knows where you could go.

The end-game for these companies is to get one more dollar out of our pockets, to pad the bottom line. God wants only to build a relationship with you.

The most gracious part about this system is that He already knows everything about you.

You can begin with Him without embarrassment because He’s already seen what you’ve done. You can rest in Him because He has set out a path for you.

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

RELIGION BRIEFS

|

From Associated Press reports

Creation Museum in Kentucky to host Bill Nye debate LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bill Nye “The Science Guy” is set to visit Kentucky next month for a debate on science and creation with the man who founded the Creation Museum.

Founder Ken Ham wrote on his Facebook page that the museum will host Nye, the former host of a popular youth science show, on Feb. 4.

Nye has been critical of creationists for their opposition to evolution and asserting that the Old Testament is a literal account of the earth’s beginnings. Last year in an online video that drew nearly 6 million views, Nye said teaching creationism was bad for children.

The video prompted a response video from the Creation Museum, and Ham later challenged him to a debate.

The event will be titled “Is Creation A Viable Model of Origins?” The museum is planning to charge admission.

White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters he wouldn’t dignify Rodman’s outburst.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the U.S. remains very committed to securing Bae’s release and is gravely concerned about his health. She said those listening to Rodman’s comments should remember that he’s not representing the U.S.

Missouri school holds prayer sessions despite complaint FAYETTE, Mo. — A Missouri high school is holding prayer sessions on school grounds despite a legal complaint that claims the sessions are unconstitutional.

Fayette Schools Superintendent Tamara Kimball said district administrators haven’t considered ending the Friday morning sessions since the American Humanist Association filed a complaint in November. The district doesn’t think it has done anything wrong by allowing the Fellowship of Christian Students to conduct the sessions, she said.

The complaint was filed by the humanist association, a student and a parent of a former Fayette student, The Columbia Daily Tribune reported. It seeks to end the prayer sessions and “any similar illegal activity,” as well as damages from the defendants.

Police investigating Nazi graffiti on Stockholm mosque STOCKHOLM — Swedish police have opened a hate-crime investigation after swastikas were spray-painted on the entrance of a mosque in downtown Stockholm.

Omar Mustafa, the head of Sweden’s Islamic federation, said employees discovered the vandalism as they arrived to open the mosque Thursday morning. He posted pictures of the graffiti on Twitter.

Mustafa said the mosque is targeted by hate mail or vandalism about twice a month, but this is the first time the entrance was defaced with swastikas since the mosque was built in 2000.

Former NBA star lashes out about missionary held by North Korea WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is denouncing an angry outburst by former NBA star Dennis Rodman in North Korea.

Rodman is in North Korea for a basketball exhibition honoring the regime’s leader, Kim Jong Un. The former Chicago Bull didn’t like being asked during a CNN satellite interview if he would bring up the detention of American Kenneth Bae. The missionary, who is in poor health, is being held on charges of “anti-state” crimes.

Bae has been held for more than a year.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Monsignor William Lynn walks from the criminal justice center after a bail hearing Monday in Philadelphia.

Lynn, a Roman Catholic priest who recently won an appeal of his landmark conviction in the priest-abuse scandal, was released from prison last week but must remain on electronic monitoring while prosecutors ask the state Supreme Court to restore the conviction.

Freed Philadelphia monsignor instructed to report weekly PHILADELPHIA — A judge in Philadelphia has told a Roman Catholic church official convicted in a sex-abuse scandal that she already has signed an arrest warrant that she would issue if he violates the term of his release.

Monsignor William Lynn’s conviction was overturned last week, and he was released from prison on Friday after serving 18 months of a three- to six-year prison term for felony child endangerment.

Lynn was the first U.S. church official ever convicted in the handling of abuse complaints.

But a state appeals court ruled Dec. 26 that the state’s child-endangerment law in the late 1990s did not apply to supervisors such as Lynn.

Lynn’s attorney Thomas Bergstrom said Lynn is restricted to the two floors of a rectory at St. William Parish in northeast Philadelphia. Lynn has to get permission to leave for appointments with his doctor, lawyer or to attend to anything else. There is no school at the parish.

Pope strikes ‘monsignor’ title for most priests in keeping with humble aims VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has done away with the honorific title “monsignor” for all but a few priests, further evidence of his desire for priests to be simple, humble servants.

The Vatican’s Secretary of State sent a letter to its embassies asking them to inform bishops’ conferences of the change.

From now on, the Vatican says only diocesan priests who are “chaplains of the Holy Father,” can use the honorific and then only after they turn 65.

Bishops, vicars and archbishops still get to be called “monsignor,” and Holy See officials will have the title if their office warrants it.

A6

NATION

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a gunshot to the head in 2011 during a mass shooting in Tucson, Ariz., sits ready with her husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington to discuss legislation to curb gun violence on Jan. 30. Three years after being severely injured in the shooting, Giffords will mark the anniversary by skydiving.

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Giffords will skydive to mark shooting anniversary TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — In the three years since she was severely injured in a mass shooting at a political event, Gabrielle Giffords has made an impressive recovery, learned to walk again and founded a national political organization. On Wednesday, while others gathered for bell-ringing and flag-raising ceremonies, she will mark the anniversary by skydiving.

The former congresswoman’s jump will be broadcast on NBC’s “Today” show today.

In Tucson, about 100 residents attended a ceremony Wednesday morning outside the University of Arizona Medical Center, where the injured were treated. A bell was rung once for each of the six killed and the

12 wounded. A pastor also read a prayer and then a moment of silence followed at the event, one of several planned in the city.

“The wounds are still there. Time helps, but it doesn’t heal all the wounds,” Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said. “I think the commemorations are, in large part, recognition of our community’s collective care and compassion and grit to go on.”

According to a post Giffords wrote Wednesday morning on her Facebook page, she plans to skydive in southern Arizona with her friend, former Navy SEAL Jimmy Hatch. Giffords also mentions regaining movement in her right arm.

Giffords still struggles to speak and

walk but has become a leader of Americans for Responsible Solutions, a national organization she founded with her husband, Mark Kelly, to rival the powerful pro-gun lobby.

The group struggled to bring about any major change at the federal and state level in its first year of existence, but the couple is confident they laid the groundwork for success in future election cycles.

“The legacy of any day where there’s a mass shooting and loss of life is, I think, a chance to reflect on who these people were and what they did, particularly the people who died,” Kelly, a former astronaut, said in an interview with The Associated Press on the eve of the anniversary.

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Messages link Christie aide to lane closures TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Emails and text messages released Wednesday link a top aide to Gov. Chris Christie to traffic jams in a New Jersey town in September that appear to have been engineered as political payback against its mayor.

“Time for some traffic

problems in Fort Lee,” Christie aide Bridget Anne Kelly wrote in August to David Wildstein, a top appointee of the governor to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

“Got it,” replied Wildstein. About a month later, he ordered closed

POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY STATUS he County of Clarendon does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission, or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs or activities.

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two of three traffic lanes connecting Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge between New Jersey and New York City, one of the world’s busiest spans.

The message was among a series of emails and texts obtained by

The Associated Press and other news outlets Wednesday that are the clearest sign yet that Christie aides were involved in the lane closures. They contradict Christie’s earlier assertions on the closures, when he denied that they

were punitive and said his staff was not involved.

At a news conference in December, Christie described the episode as “not that big a deal.”

He said partisan politics were at play and blamed the media for being obsessed with the story.

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TELEVISION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

AROUND TOWN The Mary McLeod Bethune Branch of the National Council of Negro Women will meet at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at Morris College, North Main Street.

Lincoln High School Class of 1964 will hold a class reunion meeting at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Lincoln High School, Council Street. Call (803) 7733804, (803) 775-9088 or (803) 775-9660.

The Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind will hold its 2014 membership meeting at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Shiloh-Randolph Manor, 125 W. Bartlette St. Associate member Judy L. Simon will accept annual membership dues. Martha Gaither, of Blind Awareness, will speak. The spotlight will shine on George Gibbons and the associate member is Rosa Gibbons.

Transportation provided within the mileage radius. Contact Debra Canty at (803) 775-5792 or DebraCanC2@frontier.com. Call the 24hour recorded message line at (206) 3765992.

The National Association for Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) will meet Thursday, Jan 16, at Sunset Country Club. Continuing Education course will be held 11 a.m.-noon. Lunch and the quarterly meeting will be held noon-12:45 p.m. followed by Continuing Education course 1-2 p.m. Call Tammy Kelly at (803) 7738322.

The Pinedale Neighborhood Association will meet at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. Call Ferdinand Burns at (803) 968-4464.

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

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

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

Lincoln High School Class of 1963 will meet at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18, at American Legion Post 202, 310 Palmetto St. Plans will be discussed for the class reunion. Call Ferdinand Burns at (803) 968-4464.

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These Glamour Now Playing: Grand Hotel (‘32, Drama) aaac Greta Garbo. The lives of various Rain (‘32, Drama) aaa Joan Crawford. A prostitute (:45) Dancing Lady (‘33, Musical) Girls (‘39) aa January 2014 guests at Berlin’s Grand Hotel become intertwined. decides to seek redemption. aac Joan Crawford.

Gypsy Sisters Labor. (HD) Gypsy Sisters Road trip. (HD) Gypsy Sisters (N) (HD) Gypsy Sisters (N) (HD) Gypsy Sisters Trip’s end. (HD) Sisters (HD) Castle: The Squab and the Quail Jeal- NBA Basketball: Miami Heat at New York Knicks from Madison Square Garden z{| (HD) NBA Basketball: Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets from Pepsi ous Castle. (HD) Center z{| (HD) Guinness World: It’s A Smash Guinness World Records (N) Jokers Jokers Impractical (N) Panic (N) (:01) Top 20: TV’s Funniest Flubs (:02) Guinness Griffith (HD) Griffith (HD) Griffith (HD) Griffith (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: White Collar: Live Feed (N) (HD) (:01) Law & Order: Special Victims Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: White Collar: Live Official Story (HD) Her Negotiation (HD) Unit: Vanity’s Bonfire (HD) Delinquent (HD) Feed (HD) Law & Order: Progeny (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (N) (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton Family Values (HD) Braxton (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met WGN News at Nine (HD) How I Met Rules (HD) Rules (HD)

IFC presents miniseries spoof ‘The Spoils of Babylon’

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH With appropriate hype, IFC presents “The Spoils of Babylon” (10 p.m., TV-14). This multipart parody sends up overblown, lavishly produced and frenetically promoted miniseries of the 1970s and ’80s like “Rich Man, Poor Man,” “The Thorn Birds,” “Shogun” and “The Winds of War.” “Babylon” sports an impressive cast of performers. Almost unrecognizable under a fake beard, Will Ferrell plays Eric Jonrosh, the delusional and pompous author and director of “Babylon,” a TV movie said to have taken three years (1976-79) to make; it was cut from its original 22-hour running time.

The story touches all bases.

There is forbidden love, sudden riches, dynastic intrigue and betrayal set against a decade-by-decade sweep of 20thcentury history.

Look for Tim Robbins as Jonas, the oil patch patriarch; Tobey Maquire as his adopted son, Devon; and Kristen Wiig as Jonas’ daughter, Cynthia, who has semi-incestuous feelings for her brother. Val Kilmer, Michael Sheen, Jessica Alba, Haley Joel Osment and others round out what they used to call “an all-star cast” for this effort, produced by the people behind the “Funny Or Die” comedy website. Steve Lawrence even croons the absurd, spot-on theme song.

“Babylon” is sporadically amusing. But a little ridiculous dialogue and overwrought acting goes a long way. “The Carol Burnett Show” used to send up old movies. But her curtain-rod take on “Gone With the Wind” was an affectionate sight gag, not a belabored three-hour recreation.

The funniest part of “Babylon” is the mock documentary about the making of the fake movie. It’s perfect in every detail. And mercifully short.

“Babylon” would probably be best appreciated in three-minute installments. That’s something the folks at “Funny or Die” should know about.

• There’s gold in them thar hills! Or is it yellow? Apparently, it’s ginseng. The new series “Appalachian Outlaws” (10 p.m., History, TV-PG) invites viewers into the secretive world of ginseng harvesting.

Highly prized in Asia, the medicinal root can fetch upward of $600 a pound. Ginseng can only grow in the right conditions, and it seems the Appalachians offer the right combination of elevation, rainfall and soil. But finding the root is another matter. No wonder the knowledge of the location of ginseng roots can remain a family secret for generations and inspire jealousy and theft.

Tonight’s Other Highlights • Leslie surveys new prospects on “Parks and Recreation” (8:30 p.m., NBC, TVPG).

• A colonial mansion hides unspeakable evil on a twohour episode of “Sleepy Hollow” (8 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14).

• A winner emerges on the finale of “Project Runway All Stars” (9 p.m., Lifetime, TVPG), held at U.N. headquarters in New York.

• A corpse in a barrel may have mob ties on “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Sarah hears good news on “Parenthood” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• A defector may reveal Ames’ treachery on “The Assets” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

Cult Choice A dancing girl (Lana Turner) teaches a college snob (Lew Ayres) a lesson in the 1939 comedy “These Glamour Girls” (6 p.m., TCM).

Series Notes Sheldon can’t sit still on “The Big Bang Theory” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * A confession confuses Jeff on “Community” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Plate settings on “The Taste” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14) * Damon’s past returns on “The Vampire Diaries” (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * Carol inspires Nathan on “The Millers” (8:30 p.m., CBS,

TV-PG) * Flu descends on “The Crazy Ones” (9 p.m., CBS, TV14) * Max’s father returns on “Sean Saves the World” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) * Mary and Francis bond on “Reign” (9 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * Baseball appreciation on “Two and a Half Men” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV14) * Mike is scooped on “The Michael J. Fox Show” (9:30 p.m., NBC, TV-PG).

Late Night Scarlett Johansson is scheduled on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Mark Wahlberg, Kathryn Hahn and Chad Daniels appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Zosia Mamet, Heather McDonald, Julian McCullough and Gary Valentine are booked on “Chelsea Late-

ly” (11 p.m., E!) * Jeff Skoll sits down on “The Colbert Report” (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Ken Jeong and Nancy Grace are booked on “The Arsenio Hall Show” (syndicated, check local listings) * Anderson Cooper and Will Hoge appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jay Leno welcomes Leslie Mann and David Koechner on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Kristen Wiig, Nick Kroll and Lord Huron appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Wanda Sykes, F. Murray Abraham, Parquet Courts and Sharon Jones visit “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts Patton Oswalt and Hannah New on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Dick Wolf delivers in ‘The Execution’

BY JEFF AYERS Associated Press Writer

BOOK REVIEW |

“The Execution: a Jeremy Fisk Novel” (William Morrow), by Dick Wolf Dick Wolf, creator of television’s “Law & Order,” follows his thriller “The Intercept” with “The Execution,” a page-turning novel that reads like a compelling episode of the best television has to offer. And like his stories from “Law & Order,” the novel feels like it could be ripped from the headlines.

Commandante Cecilia Garza of the Mexican intelligence agency has been hunting an elusive assassin known as The Hummingbird (Chuparosa). Twentythree bodies are found near the U.S. border, and she knows this killer is responsible. A tip leads her to another massacre, but her adversary is nowhere to be found. Then she learns he’s headed to Manhattan for

United Nations week, a time when the world’s most powerful leaders are in the city.

NYPD Detective Jeremy Fisk, hero of “The Intercept,” is still reeling from events that almost killed him, but even a devastating loss cannot keep him from his duties, and Fisk and his Joint Terrorism Task Force team are on high alert for the week.

Garza immediately rubs Fisk the wrong way. But they are going to have to put aside their differences to stop a plot that could destroy the city and eliminate leaders from several foreign countries.

Wolf takes the time to explore what makes people in law enforcement strive to be the best they can be while keeping the pace of the story frenetic.

A8

LOCAL

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

TUOMEY from Page A1 Sparkleberry Swamp, seen Wednesday, was threatened by potential leakage from the former Safety Kleen site.

While environmental impacts are under control, DHEC director Catherine Templeton said the money for maintenance and cleanup of the site will run out and called for the restoration of the Pinewood Trust Fund.

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

FUNDING from Page A1 Located at 8430 Camp Mac Boykin Road, about 1,200 feet from Lake Marion, the 534-acre site originally started as a cat litter mining facility in the early 1970s. By the end of that decade, it became a landfill accepting hazardous waste from across the state and nation and had a string of owners until it was closed in 2000 when its then-owner, Safety-Kleen Inc., filed for bankruptcy. In 2003, Kestrel Horizons became the trustee of the closed landfill and has worked with DHEC for waste removal and maintenance of the site.

The bankruptcy settlement itself created an impairment fund that was intended for capital improvement projects. Out of the $35 million in that fund, about $7 million is left.

Another fund is based on an annuity that provides the trustee about $1 million a year for operation and maintenance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A million has never been enough,â&#x20AC;? Templeton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maintenance has always been more than the annuity, and the operating fund has been raiding the capital fund since the beginning. Kestrel estimates it will take between $3 million and $4 million each year to continue operating over the next five years. And that is just status quo. That does not include adding sand blankets or wells or any other capital improvements.â&#x20AC;?

Another â&#x20AC;&#x153;emergency accountâ&#x20AC;? was created by disposal fees and was originally about $14 million. It has grown to $21 million in compounded interest, but Templeton considers that one off the table. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used for re-

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TIMELINE OF THE SITE â&#x20AC;˘ Early 1970s â&#x20AC;&#x201D; cat litter mine, but by end of the decade, began serving as a landfill â&#x20AC;˘ 1988 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; assessment and cleaning of the site began â&#x20AC;˘ 2000 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; closed when Safety Kleen filed for bankruptcy â&#x20AC;˘ 2003 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kestrel Horizons of Greenville was appointed trustee of the site following the settlement between Safety Kleen Inc. and DHEC. This is what resulted in the Pinewood Site Custodial Trust. â&#x20AC;˘ 2005 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; groundwater remediation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the removal of pollutants from the water â&#x20AC;&#x201D; began â&#x20AC;˘ 2007 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; soil remediation complete

sponse, for when and if something happens and there needs to be a quick cleanup,â&#x20AC;? she said.

So, when she saw the 2014 budget proposed

by Kestrel and took into consideration the shrinking resources and the complexity of the landfillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situation, Templeton said she knew something had to be done.

First, DHEC put out a nationwide request for proposals for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;complete and comprehensive assessmentâ&#x20AC;? of the site. Tackling this project would include creating a database out of the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manifests to track what went into the landfill, who put it there and the fee paid when it was dumped.

While Templeton conceded this could lead to trying to gain money from private industries that used the landfill back in the day, it is more about knowing what is in the landfill to create a better plan for how to clean it up and manage it safely for the environment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before I can go and say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;this is how much

we need for the next 90 years,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; somebody has to tell us that,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to clean up a nuclear site or SRS (Savannah River Site) than Pinewood. We know the SOP (standard operating procedure) for those. We may know that the first cell (at landfill) had four drums of substance A. Everybody knows how to clean that. But then substance Q was brought in by truck.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all mixed together now, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just liquid. How do you treat that stew?â&#x20AC;?

And the biggest players would be the federal and state governments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a responsible party,â&#x20AC;? Templeton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The waste dumped in Sumter came from other federal clean-up sites. It also came from around the state, so the state is a responsible party. Even if there are other private entities that are responsible, the state and the federal government have a responsibility here for funding.â&#x20AC;?

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lion on lawyers and legal advice on the current case. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although Tuomey claims that its resources are extremely limited and that it is too cash-strapped to provide even the substantially reduced security that the United States seeks, it continues to spend money with no apparent restraint,â&#x20AC;? the prosecution argues.

To further its argument of Tuomeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frivolous nature, the federal government also included in its brief the separation agreement payments Tuomey provided both Cox and former vice president Gregg Martin. However, these portions of the documents were redacted from public view.

It also has no desire to lead to the demise of Tuomey, the federal government argues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The government has no intention whatsoever to close Tuomey Hospital or to deprive the community of necessary hospital services,â&#x20AC;? the federal government says, adding that threats of the local hospital having to be sold to another hospital system have nothing to do with the current case but more with the national trends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tuomeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own consultant, Mr. (Scott) Phillips, has acknowledged that even in the absence of the judgment in this case, Tuomey likely would need to sell itself or affiliate with another hospital system,â&#x20AC;? the government writes, later pointing out that Phillips recognized market forces would likely force this to happen â&#x20AC;&#x153;within the next three to five years.â&#x20AC;?

Phillips was the analyst Tuomey cited last month in determining it could only afford $30 million.

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She added there was nothing illegal in the dumping at the time. A disposal fee would have been paid, and credit may be given for that, Templeton said.

The process could take six to nine months or more, Templeton said, but she hopes to have a proposal ready for the next budget session.

Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, has announced in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislative session he would ask for a restricted and recurring line item to help fund the continued safe operation of the landfill. And Smith is receiving local bipartisan support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Director Templeton has identified a need that affects millions of South Carolinians,â&#x20AC;? said Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The safety of drinking water from Lake Marion is fundamentally critical to over a third of our state. I am encouraged to see the director commit to prioritizing the long term viability, continued safety and reliability of the Pinewood Trust.â&#x20AC;?

For more information, visit bit. ly/1febQkw. Reach Jade Anderson at (803) 774-1250.

without harming its delivery of health care services,â&#x20AC;? prosecutors argue.

Tuomey currently faces a $239 million judgment against it as the result of a nineyear-old federal case, in which prosecutors successfully argued last year that the local hospital violated several laws with several of its doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contracts, creating a system of illegal kickbacks and therefore committing Medicare fraud.

Tuomey has since appealed the judgment, and as it currently stands, if Tuomey wants to attempt to see the verdict against it overturned in the U.S. Court of Appeals, it must post a bond of 125 percent of the current outstanding judgment against it.

Currently the local hospital has $50 million in escrow in relation to the case, and last month Tuomey said the most it could afford to remain committed in escrow was $30 million.

If Seymour sides with the prosecuting attorneys, Tuomey will not have to meet the near-$300 million figure but will have to deposit at least an additional $20 million.

In its filing Wednesday, the federal government says Tuomeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent financial statements and business practices have illustrated the hospital can afford the additional escrow amount, arguing if Tuomey were facing such difficult financial hardship, the hospital administration has not reflected this by making any cost-cutting measures to deal with its tighter budget.

Not only did Tuomey spend $5 million on construction in 2011 and pay its CEO Jay Cox more than $840,000 that same year, but prosecutors also point out the local hospital has spent about $18 mil-

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

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Liberalism by gesture

W

ASHINGTON — The era of Gesture Liberalism is at hand. It may be more amusing than consequential.

Americans who exercise consumer sovereignty wherever Barack Obama still tolerates it are constantly disappointing him.

For generations they persisted in buying what he calls “substandard” policies from what he calls “bad apple” health insurers.

They stopped only when he forced them to stop — when he rescued them from their ignorance by banning their benighted preferences.

Have consumers thanked him for trying to wean them away from their desire to drive large, useful, comfortable, safe vehicles that he George thinks WILL threaten their habitat, Earth? The 2013 numbers tell the tale of their ingratitude. In 2013, for the 32nd consecutive year, the best-selling vehicle was Ford’s F-Series pickups. This supremacy began, fittingly, in the first year of Ronald Reagan’s deregulatory presidency.

Today’s consumers, who cannot get it through their thick heads that they are supposed to want wee vehicles such as Chevrolet’s Volt, bought 763,402 F-Series trucks. That is 740,308 more than the number of Volts General Motors sold.

In 2010, a GM official carefully said “more than 120,000 potential Volt customers have already signaled interest in the car.”

Signaled? How? Not by buying. At the 2013 rate of sales, by 2046 GM will have sold as many Volts as Ford sold F-Series trucks this year. Obama, our Nostradamus, prophesied a million electric cars on U.S. roads by 2015. If so, they will have to outsell F-Series trucks this year.

The sort-of-electric Volt — it is a hybrid — probably is one of those great ideas Joe Biden celebrated in 2010: “Every single great idea that has marked the 21st century, the 20th century and the 19th century has required government vision and government incentive.” Government’s incentive for Volt buyers is a tax credit up to $7,500. A 2011 study showed that taxpayer-subsidized Volt or Nissan LEAF buyers had average annual incomes of $150,000, and more than half of them owned at least two other vehicles.

In 2009, the Obama administration disapprovingly said: “GM earns a large share of its profits from high-margin trucks and SUVs, which are vulnerable to a continuing shift in consumer preferences to smaller vehicles.” Continuing? A 2011 Wall Street Journal headline: “Americans Embrace SUVs Again.”

A Wall Street Journal subhead last week: “U.S. Sales Cruise Back to 2007 Levels, Driven by Fondness for Pickups, SUVs.” Building the Volt was bankrupt-and-bailed-out GM’s gesture of obeisance to its Washington masters.

And causing the Volt to be built was a gesture by those masters to demonstrate how much they worry about the climate. The climate may not understand the importance of gestures.

Today, Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged v. Sebelius may be the second-most serendipitously named court case in U.S. history, second to Loving v. Virginia (wherein Richard Loving, who was white, and his wife Mildred, who was black, in 1967 overturned Virginia’s law against interracial marriages). The Little Sisters are challenging the Obamacare mandate that makes them complicit in providing, through their health insurance, contraception, something that offends their faith.

This mandate illustrates Gesture Liberalism: It is unimportant to the structure of Obamacare. It has nothing to do with real insurance, which protects against unexpected developments — car insurance does not pay for oil changes. The mandate covers a minor expense: Target sells a month of birth control pills for $9.00. The mandate is, however, a gesture affirming liberalism’s belief that any institution of civil society can be properly broken to the saddle of the state.

The next item on Gesture Liberalism’s agenda is to raise the minimum wage for the 23rd time. Less than 3 percent of the workforce earns the minimum; more than 60 percent of those who do earn it get a raise within a year; more than half of minimum-wage earners are students or other part-time workers from households with average incomes of $53,000.

Never mind. Raising the minimum is a gesture of devotion to “equality.”

As is Obama’s support for universal preschool, the centerpiece of the agenda of New York City’s new mayor, Bill de Blasio.

When, in Obama’s first Inaugural address, he vowed to “restore science to its rightful place,” he evidently meant to exclude social science: There is much discouraging data about the efficacy of universal preschool.

It will, however, mean billions for hiring more members of teachers unions, whose dues will help elect the likes of Obama and de Blasio. So this component of Gesture Liberalism is more than just a gesture.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Common sense doesn’t kick in for Burns, Baten RE Ferdinand Burns’ letter dated Thursday, Jan. 2, 2013 titled “Send non-violent criminals to college instead of prison.”

Do what?

Let me make sure I get this right. Instead of “if you do the crime, you do the time,” you

get rewarded with a college education. Huh? Let’s see, I need to go to college so I’ll go out and steal a car or break in a house and steal something or maybe sell some drugs so when I get caught. I’m on my way to college. That would be a good location for my drug business.

Wow, what a country.

Where in the world do you

Recent editorials from South Carolina newspapers: JAN. 5

The Herald of Rock Hill on Americans using less electricity: As of Jan. 1, production of 40- and 60-watt light bulbs was banned as part of efficiency standards signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2007. While some will miss the old incandescent bulbs, the move is part of a successful effort to make the nation more energy efficient.

The government phased out 75- and 100-watt incandescent bulbs over the past few years. But the latest ban will have a bigger impact on consumers because 40- and 60-watt bulbs are the most popular on the market.

When the first practical incandescent bulb was devised

by Thomas A. Edison, it was a scientific and engineering marvel, cutting edge technology for its time. But by the time its production came to an end last Wednesday, it had become obsolete, an energy hog compared to compact fluorescent bulbs — CFLs — and light emitting diode bulbs — LEDs. Both of those more efficient bulbs are initially more expensive that an incandescent bulb.

But with much longer lifespans, sometimes lasting years, the new bulbs save considerable money over the long run.

The new light bulbs are just part of a growing array of more energy efficient products that have allowed Americans to significantly cut the amount of electricity consumed in homes and businesses. The Energy Information Administration recently announced that in 2013, the average amount of electricity consumed in U.S. homes fell to levels last seen more than a decade ago.

Big appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners also have become more efficient, thanks in large part to federal energy standards that grow stricter every few years as technology evolves. Even new

George Will’s email address is georgewill@washpost.com. © 2014, Washington Post Writers Group

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

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

and your counterpart, Eugene Baten, come up with such good ideas? For two proclaimed well-educated people (and I believe you both are), does common sense ever kick in? Or, do you two take your heads out of the sand long enough for this to occur?

GENE BRADLEY Sumter

EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

H.D. OSTEEN 1904-1987 The Item

|

TVs are far more efficient than the old cathode ray tube sets.

And desktop computers, once cutting edge, gobble much more energy than a portable tablet or smart phone, which are designed to use battery power sparingly. It costs $1.36 to power an iPad for a year, compared with $28.21 for a desktop, according to the Electric Power Research Institute.

Some may complain about a “nanny government” that sets insulation standards and takes away our incandescent bulbs. But increasing efficiency remains the most effective way to reduce energy usage.

That not only saves consumers money, it also plays a key strategic role in reducing the nation’s reliance on foreign oil. And more efficient electronic devices also have the benefit of reducing consumption of carbon fuels, consequently reducing damage to the environment.

JAN. 6

The Post and Courier of Charleston on Obama’s entitlement opportunity: Most Americans breathed a sigh of relief last month when Congress finally averted another shutdown of the U.S. government. But that limited, short-term victory for bipartisan compromise can’t erase the defining, long-term challenge of stemming the still-onrushing tide of federal red ink.

Since 2011, our elected leaders in Washington — including President Barack Obama — have been lurching from one budget crisis to another. As a result, the underlying danger of rising entitlement spending has still not been effectively addressed.

Certainly, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which is a new de facto entitlement, is getting a lot of attention. And it’s a train wreck no longer waiting to happen.

Yet the repeated postponements of hard-but-necessary changes to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security have

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

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been going on for years.

Without substantive changes, 25 years from now the government will be running annual deficits of roughly $1 trillion a year, and rising.

President Obama’s solution to the fiscal problem has been to demand higher taxes on the wealthy. That could presumably raise another $100 billion a year — though as past tax hikes have shown, they don’t always yield their anticipated returns.

The major tasks facing Congress are to find ways to curb the growth of entitlement spending and to reform taxes to encourage greater economic growth. Based on its recent performance, it’s too much to expect Congress to address those issues in a timely manner.

Meanwhile, as long as the president stands in the way of real entitlement changes, instead demanding largely symbolic tax increases on the wealthy, nothing will happen in the way of a solution.

Then again, the president still has the option of showing real leadership on a difficult issue.

In 1972, President Richard Nixon made a visit to communist China, setting in motion a new relationship between the United States and a nation that had been a declared enemy since 1949. Only Nixon, with his staunch anti-communist reputation, could have pulled off this transformation.

As a strong advocate of the social welfare safety net, President Obama is similarly situated to lead the nation to accepting gradual, cost reducing changes in their terms.

As Obama enters his final three years in the White House, he should take the opportunity to save the nation from more destructive brinkmanship and gridlock.

He could — and should — forge a positive presidential legacy by helping our nation make the overdue, difficult decisions needed to transform, and thus save, the endangered entitlement systems.

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

H. GRAHAM OSTEEN II Co-President

KYLE BROWN OSTEEN Co-President

JOHN DUVALL OSTEEN Vice President and Publisher

LARRY MILLER CEO

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DAILY PLANNER

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APPEAL from Page A1 required under FOIA to release the autopsy report of 25-year-old Aaron Leon Jacobs, who was shot in the back multiple times by SPD officers investigating reports of a carjacking.

The S.C. Press Association’s Freedom of Information Fund will help with the court costs for the appeal, and SCPA attorBENDER ney Jay Bender will represent Osteen Publishing Co. Andrew Lindemann of Davidson & Lindemann, P.A. in Columbia will represent Bullock.

Bender said on Wednesday that while FOIA is an important tool for journalists, it’s designed to serve the public, making it important to appeal the ruling for the case considering the court has wrongly interpreted state law.

“I think FOIA is not designed for journalists.

It’s designed for the public,” Bender said. “To have that kind of information, in this case where a public agency killed a young man, not open to the public makes it even more skeptical.”

The Item requested Jacobs’ autopsy report in December 2010, but Bullock declined the request, stating that the report was considered medical records and thus protected from public release because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The autopsy was later released to The Item by the State Law Enforcement Division

along with other documents that were part of its investigation.

Bender said he thinks when they go before the Supreme Court, Bullock and the opposing counsel will say the autopsy was “performed by a physician, and this makes the report part of medical records.”

Attempts to contact Lindemann regarding the upcoming court date were unsuccessful.

SCPA Executive Director Bill Rogers said the nature of Jacobs’ death makes it even more important for the public to have access to the records. The goal of the appeal, Bender explained, is to get the supreme court to reverse the ruling about the autopsy report being a part of medical records.

“We can’t second guess the court, but we definitely look forward to hearing the opposing arguments,” Rogers said.

Osteen Publishing Co. Chairman Hubert Osteen said in the past, autopsy reports have always been considered public record, and the company hopes to be successful in its appeal.

“We’re definitely looking forward to our day in court. I believe Bender is a great representative, and we’re confident we’ll prevail this time,” Osteen said. “In my experience, autopsies have always been public record, so this whole thing is ludicrous.”

Bender said typically a ruling would be made about three to four months after the Supreme Court hears the case.

Reach Raytevia Evans at (803) 774-1214.

NATION

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Administration says most school discipline needn’t involve police WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration on Wednesday pressed the nation’s schools to abandon what it described as overly zealous discipline policies that send students to court instead of the principal’s office. Even before the announcement, school districts across the country have been taking action to adjust the policies that disproportionately affect minority students.

Attorney General Eric Holder said problems often stem from well-intentioned “zero-tolerance” policies that can inject the criminal justice system into school matters.

“A routine school disciplinary infraction should land a student in the principal’s office, not in a police precinct,” Holder said.

But it’s about race, too, the government said in a letter accompanying the new guidelines it issued Wednesday.

“In our investigations, we have found cases where AfricanAmerican students were disciplined more harshly and more frequently because of their race than similarly situated white students,” the Justice Department and Education Department said in the letter to school districts. “In short, racial discrimination in school discipline is a real problem.”

The guidelines are not the first administration action regarding tough-on-crime laws or policies of the 1980s and ’90s that have lost support more broadly since then.

Holder announced last summer that he was instructing federal prosecutors to stop charging nonviolent drug offenders with crimes that carry mandatory minimum sentences, a change affecting crack cocaine sentences that have disproportionately affected minorities.

PUBLIC AGENDA SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Today, 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, 141 N. Main St.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

QUIZ 795-4257

TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 74°

54° 48°

MONDAY 63°

38° 48°

Mostly cloudy with a shower in places Winds: NE 7-14 mph Chance of rain: 40%

47°

38°

Drizzle

Cloudy with a brief shower or two

Breezy and warmer with periods of rain

Partly sunny and cooler

Partial sunshine

Winds: NNE 6-12 mph

Winds: NNE 6-12 mph

Winds: S 10-20 mph

Winds: W 8-16 mph

Winds: SW 8-16 mph

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 70%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 20%

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday

Temperature High ............................................... 45° Low ................................................ 15° Normal high ................................... 54° Normal low ..................................... 32° Record high ....................... 78° in 1967 Record low ......................... 14° in 1970

Greenville 40/35

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Full 7 a.m. 24-hr pool yest. chg 360 353.47 -0.65 76.8 75.00 -0.43 75.5 73.37 -0.15 100 94.85 -0.08

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

Today Hi/Lo/W 44/37/c 40/31/c 42/34/c 44/38/c 56/47/c 53/48/pc 58/47/c 42/35/c 41/37/c 44/38/c

7 a.m. yest.

8.16 7.90 8.81 7.91 79.77 15.50

24-hr chg +0.04 -2.50 +0.17 -0.09 +0.33 +7.90

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 50/48/sh 48/39/r 47/46/sh 52/48/sh 64/57/sh 63/58/sh 67/56/sh 45/44/r 50/46/sh 50/50/sh

Columbia 44/38 Today: Rather cloudy.

Friday: Drizzle.

Sumter 48/38

Aiken 44/37

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 47/47/sh 57/52/sh 58/50/sh 52/49/sh 56/52/sh 76/61/pc 45/43/r 55/50/sh 66/54/sh 40/40/r

Last

Jan. 15 New

Jan. 24 First

Jan. 30

Feb. 6

Shown is today’s weather.

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

Charleston 58/47 The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

Thu.

Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014 Today Hi/Lo/W 45/37/c 50/38/pc 48/39/pc 46/38/pc 45/40/c 67/53/c 41/34/c 47/37/pc 56/46/c 40/34/pc

Myrtle Beach 54/46

Manning 46/40

Today: Mostly cloudy; a shower or two.

High 54 to 59.

Friday: Mostly cloudy with brief showers; warmer. High 63 to 67.

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

Full

Florence 45/40

Bishopville 45/38

24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.00" Month to date .............................. 0.38" Normal month to date .................. 1.04" Year to date ................................. 0.38" Normal year to date ..................... 1.04"

36°

Sunrise today .......................... 7:27 a.m.

Sunset tonight ......................... 5:30 p.m.

Moonrise today ..................... 12:50 p.m.

Moonset today ........................ 1:40 a.m.

Gaffney 43/35 Spartanburg 40/35

Precipitation

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

SUNDAY

64°

Fri.

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 40/35/c 42/32/c 56/52/c 63/54/c 50/35/c 45/38/c 46/36/c 42/32/c 58/48/c 54/46/c

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 44/43/r 45/41/r 63/58/sh 71/59/pc 54/49/c 55/51/c 48/48/c 48/42/r 67/56/sh 67/53/sh

High Ht. Low Ht. 3:30 a.m.....2.9 10:28 a.m.....0.3 3:53 p.m.....2.6 10:40 p.m....-0.1 4:28 a.m.....2.9 11:29 a.m.....0.3 4:49 p.m.....2.6 11:35 p.m....-0.1

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 49/41/c 56/48/c 44/37/pc 40/34/c 41/35/pc 58/48/c 40/35/c 56/51/c 53/44/pc 40/33/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 57/52/sh 63/57/sh 46/44/r 46/44/r 45/45/r 65/58/sh 47/44/r 62/57/sh 67/52/sh 42/41/r

Shown are today’s noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.

-10s -0s 0s 10s 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 100s 110s Stationary front

Cold front Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

Ice

Warm front

Today Fri. Today Fri. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 48/30/c 45/28/pc Las Vegas 60/41/pc 58/37/s Anchorage 26/21/sf 26/15/sf Los Angeles 66/48/pc 73/50/s Atlanta 44/36/c 49/48/c Miami 81/71/sh 83/74/pc Baltimore 36/27/pc 40/36/c Minneapolis 16/14/pc 32/15/sn Boston 30/22/s 39/31/c New Orleans 63/49/pc 69/61/t Charleston, WV 45/31/pc 51/43/c New York 32/29/s 40/38/c Charlotte 42/35/c 45/44/r Oklahoma City 43/37/c 53/31/r Chicago 26/24/sn 37/34/r Omaha 25/21/c 34/20/i Cincinnati 36/32/c 48/45/c Philadelphia 33/27/pc 40/36/sn Dallas 54/49/c 65/39/r Phoenix 66/44/c 64/43/s Denver 44/23/pc 44/25/pc Pittsburgh 33/27/pc 46/41/c Des Moines 24/21/c 37/21/i St. Louis 36/32/sn 47/35/r Detroit 24/21/sn 35/34/c Salt Lake City 34/24/sn 37/30/sf Helena 41/25/c 39/25/c San Francisco 57/45/pc 61/48/s Honolulu 79/64/s 81/66/pc Seattle 47/43/r 49/45/r Indianapolis 32/28/sn 42/40/c Topeka 33/27/c 42/23/r Kansas City 32/27/i 43/27/r Washington, DC 40/32/pc 42/40/sh Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

ARIES (March 21-April you are dealing with a the last word in astrology 19): Don’t let impulse partnership problem. Try lead to a mistake you’ll to concentrate on making eugenia LAST regret. Take it easy and your residence more bide your time. Refrain comfortable or your from judging when financial situation easier observation is what’s required. Moderation to handle. and patience will be crucial.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Check out TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take your position alternative ideas and you’ll find unique ways and make this day count. You have to market your talent, skills and expertise. Set everything going for you and mustn’t let up meetings and discuss your plans. Travel what others do or say deter you from may cause some conflict. reaching your set destination.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): An interesting idea will grab your attention. Discover the ins GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put your time and and outs of whatever you want to pursue effort into something that will help a cause and give it your all. A change at home will or someone who means a lot to you. Your improve your domestic situation but may ability to act quickly and effectively will make end up costing more than you expect. an impression. Criticism will be due to jealousy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make an effort at home and it will make a difference to the CANCER (June 21-July 22): Stand your ground. people who care about you. Don’t limit what Don’t let anyone coerce you into something you can do; just find a different way to you don’t want to do. Follow your heart and approach whatever situation you face in the path you feel fits you the best. order to reach your destination.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Expect to face opposition. Listen carefully and proceed to AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep your make the changes you feel best suit your personal thoughts, habits and situations a needs. Hard work will help you advance, but secret. The less you let others know about first you should tend to your responsibilities. you, the easier it will be to go about your business. Don’t go over budget.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Mingle, make plans to have fun, and engage in activities that PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The contributions allow you to use your intelligence and agility. you make to a cause, project or partnership Mental and physical stimulation will make that interests you will make a difference. You you feel good and boost your confidence. will gain respect and the confidence of the people you deal with.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Anger will mount if

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY: 8-1-5 AND 2-1-0 PICK 4 WEDNESDAY: 8-5-4-4 AND 0-4-9-8 PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY: 2-5-20-26-31 POWERUP: 2 MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY: 13-34-56-62-64 MEGABALL: 6 MEGAPLIER: 5

POWERBALL NUMBERS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

pictures from the public

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Amanda Hitchcock shares a photo she took of Kensington Mansion in Eastover.

Have you visited someplace interesting, exciting, beautiful or historical that you’ve taken some pictures of? Would you like to share those images with your fellow Item readers? E-mail your hi-resolution jpegs to sandrah@theitem.com, or mail to Sandra Holbert c/o The Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29150. Include clearly printed or typed name of photographer and photo details. Include selfaddressed, stamped envelope for return of your photo. Amateur photographers only please.

SPORTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

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

Maddux, Glavine, Thomas elected to Hall of Fame

BY RONALD BLUM The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former Chicago White Sox’s designated hitter Frank Thomas (35) along with former Atlanta pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday on their first times on the ballot.

NEW YORK— Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas were elected to base- MADDUX ball’s Hall of Fame on Wednesday, while Craig Biggio fell two votes short and tainted stars of the Steroids Era remained far behind.

GLAVINE Maddux was picked on 555 of 571 ballots by senior members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. His 97.2

percentage was the eighth-highest in the history of voting.

Glavine, Maddux’s longtime teammate in the Atlanta rotation, appeared on 525 ballots and received 91.9 percent. Thomas, the first Hall of Famer who spent the majority of his career as a designated hitter, was at 483.

The trio will be inducted in Cooperstown on July 27 along with managers Bobby Cox, Joe Torre and Tony La Russa, elected last month by the expansion-era committee. Maddux and Glavine played under Cox for most of their SEE BASEBALL, PAGE B5

Making their move SHS wrestlers look to gain momentum prior to region meet

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS jdriggers@theitem.com January is usually a time of year when wrestling teams start to take off – in one direction or the other.

Sumter High School head coach Cody Slaughter is hoping his young Gamecocks can turn the corner with less than month a remaining before the Region VI-4A meet in Conway.

“We’ve had a little lull here around the Christmas break,” Slaughter said on Wednesday prior to his 5-8 squad’s match with Lugoff-Elgin at the SHS gymnasium.

“We’ve got everybody back and ready to go, so hopefully we can turn a corner here and finish the season strong.”

Slaughter is in his second season with the Gamecocks and also in his second year of a rebuilding process that started with nine freshmen seeing starting time on the mats last season.

“We had a lot of very inexperienced guys last year, some of them SEE WRESTLING, PAGE B2

MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

Sumter junior Mac Mota, left, takes down Irmo’s Michael Hartley during the Gamecocks’ 51-21 victory on Wednesday at the SHS gymnasium. SHS also defeated Lugoff-Elgin 42-30. The Gamecocks are hoping to gain valuable experience before the Region VI-4A meet takes place less than a month away as Sumter looks to finish strong in the second half of the season under second-year head coach Cody Slaughter.

PREP SCHEDULE

Balance gives LMA options

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com Laurence Manning Academy varsity boys basketball head coach Will Epps knows the players he’ll have show up for each game; he’s just not sure which team it will be.

“Every day’s a new adventure,” said the longtime Swampcats head coach of his team,

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

Lakewood at Darlington, 6 p.m.

JV and B Team Basketball Sumter at Dutch Fork (No B Team Girls), 5:30 p.m.

B Team Basketball Holly Hill at Clarendon Hall (Girls), 6 p.m.

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

Bates at Hillcrest, 5 p.m.

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

Ebenezer at Furman, 5 p.m.

Holly Hill at Manning, 6 p.m.

Friday Varsity Basketball Dutch Fork at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Manning at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Darlington at Lakewood, 6 p.m.

Marlboro County at Manning, 6 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier at Andrew Jackson Academy (Boys), 7 p.m.

Varsity and JV Basketball

which is 9-7 on the season. “We were playing pretty good right before Christmas, then we didn’t play very well over the Christmas break. Then we had several good practices and played pretty well last night (an 81-47 victory over Holly Hill on Tuesday).”

Epps is hoping for more of the same from LMA when it opens its

Wilson Hall at Augusta Christian, 4 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Orangeburg Prep, 4 p.m.

Thomas Sumter at Dorchester, 4 p.m.

Pee Dee at Robert E. Lee, 4 p.m.

Jefferson Davis at Clarendon Hall, 4 p.m.

Sumter Christian at Conway Christian, 4 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Greenwood Invitational, TBA Saturday Varsity Basketball Lower Richland at Sumter, 6 p.m.

B Team Basketball Calhoun Academy at Thomas Sumter, 3 p.m.

Dillon Christian at Robert E. Lee (Girls), 11 a.m.

The King’s Academy at Robert E. Lee (Boys), noon Clarendon Hall at St. John’s Christian (Girls), 3 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling Sumter in Greenwood Invitational, TBA

SCISA Region II-3A schedule on Friday when it travels to Orangeburg Prep.

“When we struggle it’s usually with our shot selection and we fail to protect and take care of the ball the way we should,” Epps said.

“We’ll have three or four bad possessions in a row that will really SEE LMA, PAGE B2

B1

No doubt about this great trio

T

hey got it right — not that it was that hard.

Three new members were elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday — Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and Frank Thomas.

All three, who each made an individual impact on the game, went in on their first time on the ballot. The duo of Glavine and Maddux were a part of the “Team of the ‘90s” in the Atlanta Braves, which won 14 straight division titles — a record for any sports franchise and one not likely to be broken. Both pitchers won more than 300 games in their careers, Michael while CHRISTOPHER Thomas had more than 500 home runs primarily as a designated hitter with the Chicago White Sox. Maddux won 15 games or more in 17 straight season seasons, was an 8-time all-star and 4-time Cy Young Award winner. He currently ranks 10th all-time in baseball history in wins and strikeouts. He holds the record for most Gold Gloves with 18 and he wasn’t a bad hitter either. He had a career .171 batting average with five home runs and 84 runs batted in. In summary, not only was he a crafty pitcher on the mound who was known for moving the ball and putting it where he wanted at any time in any count, but he could hurt you at the plate as well.

Glavine was a 5-time 20-game winner, won the Cy Young twice, was a 10-time all-star, a World Series most valuable player in 1995 and is the fourth winningest left-handed pitcher in baseball history. He is SEE CHRISTOPHER, PAGE B5

Gators top Gamecocks in SEC opener

BY MARK LONG The Associated Press GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Scottie Wilbekin scored 17 points before getting helped to the locker room with a sprained right ankle, and No. 10 Florida opened Southeastern Conference play with a 74-58 victory against South Carolina on Wednesday night.

Casey Prather and Patric Young added 13 points apiece for the Gators, (12-2, 1-0) who won their sixth straight and tied a school record by winning their 24th consecutive home game.

A fast start and strong finish were keys to the latest victory in the O’Connell Center.

But Wilbekin’s injury was all that mattered afterward. The senior point guard badly sprained the same ankle Dec. 2 against Connecticut. He entered the game averaging 11.8 points and 4.0 assists.

He was driving up for a layup with

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Florida’s Patric Young (4) shoots over South Carolina’s Desmond Ringer (32) during the Gators’ 74-58 victory on Wednesday in Gainesville, Fla.

just under 3 minutes to play — coach Billy Donovan still had most of his starters on the floor — and came down awkwardly on his right foot. Trainers carried him off the SEE GAMECOCKS, PAGE B3

B2

SPORTS

THE ITEM

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY 11 a.m. -- Professional Golf: Volvo European PGA Tour Golf Champions First Round from Durban, South Africa (GOLF).

1 p.m. -- NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series Preseason Testing from Daytona Beach, Fla. (FOX SPORTS 1).

1 p.m. -- Professional Basketball: NBA Development League Game -- Texas at Delaware (NBA TV).

3:40 p.m. -- Professional Basketball: NBA Development League Game -- Rio Grande Valley vs. Santa Cruz (NBA TV).

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

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

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

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Auburn at Mississippi (ESPN2).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: South Florida at Temple (ESPNU).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: DePaul at Butler (FOX SPORTS 1).

7 p.m. -- College Basketball: Florida State at Clemson (FOX SPORTSOUTH, WWBD-FM 94.7, WPUB-FM 102.7).

7 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Sony Open First Round from Honolulu (GOLF).

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

7 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Kentucky at South Carolina (WNKT-FM 107.5).

8 p.m. -- Professional Basketball: NBA Development League Game -- Los Angeles vs.

Tulsa (NBA TV).

8 p.m. -- College Basketball: George Washington at La Salle (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Miami at New York (TNT).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Pepperdine at Brigham Young (BYUTV).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Charlotte at Texas-El Paso (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Arizona at UCLA (ESPN).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Michigan at Nebraska (ESPN2).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Northwestern at Iowa (ESPNU).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: Marquette at Xavier (FOX SPORTS 1).

9 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: Tulane at Marshall (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

9 p.m. -- NFL Football: Pro Football Hall of Fame 15 Finalists (NFL NETWORK).

10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Oklahoma City at Denver (TNT).

11 p.m. -- College Basketball: Gonzaga at Portland (ESPNU).

11 p.m. -- College Basketball: California at Oregon (FOX SPORTS 1).

11 p.m. -- Professional Basketball: NBA Development League Game -- Iowa vs. Springfield (NBA TV).

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

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

By The Associated Press TODAY EAST New Hampshire at Binghamton, 7 p.m.

St. Francis (Pa.) at Bryant, 7 p.m.

Wagner at CCSU, 7 p.m.

Mount St. Mary’s at Fairleigh Dickinson, 7 p.m.

Maine at Hartford, 7 p.m.

Manhattan at Quinnipiac, 7 p.m.

Robert Morris at Sacred Heart, 7 p.m.

LIU Brooklyn at St. Francis (NY), 7 p.m.

South Florida at Temple, 7 p.m.

George Washington at La Salle, 8 p.m.

SOUTH UNC Greensboro at Appalachian St., 7 p.m.

Samford at Chattanooga, 7 p.m.

Florida St. at Clemson, 7 p.m.

Lipscomb at ETSU, 7 p.m.

Davidson at Furman, 7 p.m.

Stetson at Jacksonville, 7 p.m.

Memphis at Louisville, 7 p.m.

Auburn at Mississippi, 7 p.m.

Florida Gulf Coast at North Florida, 7 p.m.

N. Kentucky at SC-Upstate, 7 p.m.

George Mason at VCU, 7 p.m.

The Citadel at Wofford, 7 p.m.

FAU at Louisiana Tech, 7:30 p.m.

SIU-Edwardsville at Jacksonville St., 8 p.m.

E. Illinois at Tennessee Tech, 8 p.m.

Georgia St. at W. Kentucky, 8 p.m.

Incarnate Word at SE Louisiana, 8:30 p.m.

Abilene Christian at New Orleans, 8:45 p.m.

MIDWEST DePaul at Butler, 7 p.m.

N. Dakota St. at IPFW, 7 p.m.

S. Dakota St. at IUPUI, 7 p.m.

Idaho St. at North Dakota, 8 p.m.

Belmont at SE Missouri, 8 p.m.

Northwestern at Iowa, 9 p.m.

Michigan at Nebraska, 9 p.m.

Marquette at Xavier, 9 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Louisiana-Monroe at Texas-Arlington, 1 p.m.

Southern Miss. at North Texas, 8 p.m.

FIU at Rice, 8 p.m.

Idaho at Texas-Pan American, 8 p.m.

South Alabama at UALR, 8 p.m.

Marshall at UTSA, 8 p.m.

Troy at Arkansas St., 8:05 p.m.

Stephen F. Austin at Houston Baptist, 8:30 p.m.

Nicholls St. at Lamar, 8:30 p.m.

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

McNeese St. at Sam Houston St., 8:45 p.m.

Tulane at Tulsa, 9 p.m.

Charlotte at UTEP, 9:05 p.m.

FAR WEST Sacramento St. at N. Arizona, 8:30 p.m.

Pepperdine at BYU, 9 p.m.

Seattle at New Mexico St., 9 p.m.

Arizona at UCLA, 9 p.m.

Montana at E. Washington, 9:05 p.m.

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

Grand Canyon at CS Bakersfield, 10 p.m.

UC Davis at CS Northridge, 10 p.m.

Hawaii at Cal Poly, 10 p.m.

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

Stanford at Oregon St., 10 p.m.

San Francisco at Pacific, 10 p.m.

Santa Clara at Saint Mary’s (Cal), 10 p.m.

Loyola Marymount at San Diego, 10 p.m.

Arizona St. at Southern Cal, 10 p.m.

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

UC Irvine at Long Beach St., 11 p.m.

California at Oregon, 11 p.m.

Gonzaga at Portland, 11 p.m.

Friday EAST Rider at Canisius, 7 p.m.

Fairfield at Iona, 7 p.m.

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

Marist at Siena, 7 p.m.

SOUTH Radford at High Point, 7 p.m.

Kennesaw St. at Mercer, 7 p.m.

MIDWEST Wright St. at Valparaiso, 9 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Toronto 16 17 .485 – Brooklyn 13 21 .382 31/2 Boston 13 22 .371 4 New York 12 22 .353 41/2 Philadelphia 12 23 .343 5 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Miami 27 8 .771 – Atlanta 18 17 .514 9 Washington 15 17 .469 101/2 Charlotte 15 21 .417 121/2 Orlando 10 24 .294 161/2 Central Division

| W L Pct GB Indiana 28 6 .824 – Chicago 15 18 .455 121/2 Detroit 14 21 .400 141/2 Cleveland 12 23 .343 161/2 Milwaukee 7 27 .206 21 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 27 8 .771 – Houston 22 13 .629 5 Dallas 20 15 .571 7 New Orleans 15 18 .455 11 Memphis 15 19 .441 111/2 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Oklahoma City 27 8 .771 – Portland 26 9 .743 1 Denver 17 17 .500 91/2 Minnesota 17 17 .500 91/2 Utah 12 25 .324 16 Pacific Division W L Pct GB Golden State 24 13 .649 – L.A. Clippers 24 13 .649 – Phoenix 20 13 .606 2 L.A. Lakers 14 21 .400 9 Sacramento 11 22 .333 11 Tuesday’s Games Indiana 86, Toronto 79 Cleveland 111, Philadelphia 93 Washington 97, Charlotte 83 Miami 107, New Orleans 88 New York 89, Detroit 85 Chicago 92, Phoenix 87 Golden State 101, Milwaukee 80 San Antonio 110, Memphis 108, OT Dallas 110, L.A. Lakers 97 Denver 129, Boston 98 Utah 112, Oklahoma City 101 Sacramento 123, Portland 119 Wednesday’s Games Dallas at San Antonio, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Golden State at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Indiana at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Houston, late Washington at New Orleans, late Phoenix at Minnesota, late Orlando at Portland, late Boston at L.A. Clippers, late Today’s Games Miami at New York, 8 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

Friday’s Games Washington at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Houston at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Dallas at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Miami at Brooklyn, 8 p.m.

Chicago at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.

Cleveland at Utah, 9 p.m.

Orlando at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

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

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

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 43 28 13 2 58 126 94 Tampa Bay 43 26 13 4 56 123 102 Montreal 44 25 14 5 55 114 103 Detroit 43 19 14 10 48 114 121 Toronto 44 21 18 5 47 122 132 Ottawa 44 19 18 7 45 126 141 Florida 43 16 21 6 38 102 136 Buffalo 42 12 26 4 28 74 118 Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 45 32 12 1 65 147 107 Philadelphia 43 22 17 4 48 114 118 Washington 42 20 16 6 46 128 128 Carolina 43 18 16 9 45 105 124 N.Y. Rangers 44 21 20 3 45 108 119 New Jersey 44 17 18 9 43 103 113 Columbus 43 19 20 4 42 117 126 N.Y. Islanders 45 16 22 7 39 124 149 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 45 29 7 9 67 167 124 St. Louis 42 30 7 5 65 155 97 Colorado 42 26 12 4 56 123 108 Minnesota 45 23 17 5 51 108 114 Dallas 42 20 15 7 47 123 131 Nashville 44 19 19 6 44 105 131 Winnipeg 46 19 22 5 43 125 139 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 45 32 8 5 69 151 113 San Jose 44 27 11 6 60 144 114 Los Angeles 44 26 13 5 57 114 91 Vancouver 45 23 13 9 55 121 113 Phoenix 42 21 12 9 51 129 127 Calgary 43 15 22 6 36 100 137 Edmonton 46 14 27 5 33 119 161 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Tuesday’s Games Pittsburgh 5, Vancouver 4, SO Minnesota 2, Los Angeles 1, SO N.Y. Islanders 5, Toronto 3 Philadelphia 3, New Jersey 2, OT Nashville 3, San Jose 2 Tampa Bay 4, Winnipeg 2 Phoenix 6, Calgary 0 St. Louis 5, Edmonton 2 Anaheim 5, Boston 2 Carolina at Buffalo, ppd., inclement weather Wednesday’s Games Montreal at Philadelphia, late N.Y. Rangers at Chicago, late Ottawa at Colorado, late Today’s Games Florida at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Dallas at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Carolina, 7 p.m.

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

Anaheim at Nashville, 8 p.m.

St. Louis at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Minnesota at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Boston at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Detroit at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Friday’s Games Dallas at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Washington, 7 p.m.

Carolina at Columbus, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Edmonton, 10 p.m.

St. Louis at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

TRANSACTIONS The Associated Press BASEBALL MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION — Named Kevin McGuiness chief operating officer.

American League DETROIT TIGERS — Agreed to terms with SS Jose Iglesias on a one-year contract.

TEXAS RANGERS — Named Steve Buechele manager and Justin Mashore hitting coach of Round Rock (PCL); Jason Wood manager of Frisco (TL); Joe Milulik manager of Myrtle Beach (Carolina); Bobby Rose coach and Oscar Marin pitching coach of Hickory (SAL); Jose James pitching coach of Spokane (NWL); Joey Seaver pitching coach and Kenny Hook hitting coach of the AZL Rangers; Aaron Levin manager and Humberto Miranda coach of the DSL Rangers; Scott Coolbaugh minor league hitting coordinator; Brook Jacoby assistant minor league hitting coordinator; and Ryley Westman assistant minor league catching coordinator.

National League LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Signed manager Don Mattingly to a three-year contract.

NEW YORK METS — Named Frank Viola pitching coach of Las Vegas (PCL).

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES — Named Mickey Morandini coach of Lehigh Valley (IL); Rob Ducey coach of Reading (EL); Greg Legg manager, Lino Connell coach and Les Lancaster pitching coach of Lakewood (SAL); Shawn Williams coach and Aaron Fultz pitching coach of Williamsport (NYP);

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

White leads TSA B team to big victory DALZELL – Ellie White scored seven points to help lead the Thomas Sumter Academy girls B basketball team to a 21-4 victory over Dorchester Academy on Wednesday at Edens Gymnasium.

WILSON HALL HEATHWOOD HALL

50 6

Eleven of its 13 players scored as Wilson Hall defeated Heathwood Hall 50-6 on Tuesday at Nash Student Center.

Haley McCaffrey and Becca

AREA ROUNDUP

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Noyes both scored eight points to lead the Lady Barons, who improved to 6-0 on the season.

Maddie Elmore, Liza Segars and DuBose Alderman each scored six points.

BOYS B TEAM BASKETBALL THOMAS SUMTER DORCHESTER

34 13

DALZELL – Thomas Sumter Academy earned a 34-13 victo-

LMA from Page B1 hurt us.”

Laurence Manning is a team with depth, playing nine to 10 players a game. Epps is still trying to find the right mix, and a lot of that is based on who the opponent is and who it puts on the floor.

“We face some teams that start five guards, then others that are really big,” he said. “You wish you had a regular five, but then it’s good to be able to do what we do.”

Handling play in the post for LMA is Shakei Green, Mark Pipkin, Melquan House and Drake Hutson. Maliq Green and Rashae Bey run the point, while Vaughnte Anderson, J.T. Eppley, Cagney Brunson and Charlie Walker fill the wing spots.

Shakei Green and Anderson are averaging around 12 points a game, while Pipkin, who saw significant time on LMA’s 2012 state championship team, is averaging 10 a game.

With only four teams in Region II — the others are Wilson Hall and Florence Christian — the teams play just six region games that determine if they make the playoffs and their seeding.

“Some people think that playing so few games is better, but to me it doesn’t leave any room for a bad day,” Epps said. “Our goal is to win the region and be playing our best basketball in the

ry over Dorchester Academy on Wednesday at Edens Gymnasium.

KEENAN CRESTWOOD

34 31

COLUMBIA – Tylus Green scored 13 points in a losing effort as Crestwood fell to Keenan 34-31 on Wednesday at the Keenan gymnasium.

A.J. Wilson led the Raiders with 13 points as well.

region heading into the playoffs.”

The LMA girls will take a 7-7 record into their region opener against OP. It will be a good test for the Lady Swampcats as Orangeburg Prep is 9-2.

LMA head coach Kendra Rowland likes where her team is at this point.

“I think we’ve had a couple of losses that could have been victories, but some of that comes from us playing such tough competition,” Rowland said. “Because of that, I can live with that. I feel good about it.”

Laurence Manning returns three starters from last year in Perrin Jackson, Haley Hatfield and Maddie Reyes. Also, Emily McElveen is back after missing a good part of last season with a knee injury. The fifth starter is Maggie Eppley, who got a lot of playing time last year at point guard after McElveen went down.

LMA only has a 9-player roster so Olivia Wilson, Courtney Beatson, Breanna Bradham and Rebecca Morthew see their share of playing time as well.

The Lady Swampcats have a balanced attack with several of the players capable of scoring double digits on any given night. Rowland is happy with that.

“Teams aren’t able to focus on one player,” Rowland said. “If you’re depending on one player to score your points and they have an off night, you have problems. This way it’s more of a team effort.”

WRESTLING from Page B1 first-time wrestlers, but they’ve gotten some matches under their belts and they’re a lot of the guys we rely on to help us win matches now.

“They’re going to wrestle a lot the next few years, and if they continue to improve, that’s really going to go a long way in getting the program back to a high level.”

Among the key returners are heavyweights Nathan O’Connor, Demarcus Harris and David Pringle. Harris and Pringle are ranked among the top five in their weight classes, according to www.scmat.com.

O’Connor wrestled in the individual state meet last year and finished third in the heavyweight division. O’Connor and Harris are the two seniors in the starting lineup for Sumter while Pringle is a junior.

Junior Mac Mota and sophomore Trevor Keffer have also been top contributors this year, Slaughter said. Mota is around the 27-5 mark in the 145-pound weight class, while Keffer has grown since coming on as a freshman last season.

Among the newcomers having an impact are freshmen Steven Little and Richburg Canty along with junior Reese Hankins. Little competes at 113 pounds while Canty is at 182.

Hankins has performed well despite being a first-year wrestler, Slaughter said.

“I think the biggest thing we’ve had to work on this season has just been the mental aspect,” Slaughter said. “We’ve been stressing to our guys to just keep battling no matter the situation. Even when they’re down in the match or in an unfavorable position, they have to keep fighting.

“It’s tough when you’re wrestling hard and think you’re doing well and you find out you’re not. It’s discouraging for a lot of young guys, but we’re working to instill a never-giveup attitude.”

The SHS coach saw improvement in the early matches before

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE ITEM

TOP: Sumter’s Michael Spurling, top, tries to pin Irmo’s Mac Eason on Wednesday during the Gamecocks’ 51-21 victory at the SHS gymnasium.

BOTTOM: Sumter’s Steven Littles, top, wrestles Irmo’s DJ Leonardi on Wednesday.

the Gamecocks plateaued a little prior to the Christmas break.

“Hopefully we can just keep working and seeing improvement every match,” Slaughter said. “That’s the main thing, to

just work hard and get better each time out.”

Sumter’s next match will be at the Greenwood Invitational at Greenwood High School on Friday and Saturday.

BASKETBALL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

TOP 25 ROUNDUP

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THE ITEM

Strong finish in ACC could lead Tigers to postseason bid

BY AARON BRENNER Post and Courier

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kansas guard Andrew Wiggins, right, drives past Oklahoma guard Isaiah Cousins during the Jayhawks’ 90-83 victory on Wednesday in Norman, Okla.

B3

CLEMSON – There are many hurdles before Clemson can work itself into the NCAA or NIT tournament conversation.

But for a change, it isn’t a ridiculous conversation in the first place.

With a 10-3 start, its finest in three years, Clemson is at least positioning itself to play through to mid-March. After garnering its first road victory in more than a year’s time Saturday (62-60 at Boston College), Clemson faces a critical two-homegames-in-three-days stretch hosting Florida State on Thursday night and No. 16 Duke on Saturday afternoon.

BROWNELL The Tigers have the No. 101 RPI in RealTimeRPI’s simulation of the NCAA measuring stick, with losses to No. 19 Massachusetts, Arkansas and Auburn and no victories over a team listed on any AP ballot.

But Clemson is No. 35 in the Ken Pomeroy (KenPom.com) ratings, which place high emphasis on offensive and defensive efficiency. KenPom projects Clemson, boasting the nation’s lowest scoring defensive average at 53.3 points allowed per game, as having the No. 7 most efficient defense against an average Division I offense.

“We’re all still trying to figure out how good can we be? Are we good? How good are we?” Clemson coach Brad Brownell said. “We’re playing well at times, we’re blowing some people out, but ... we’re all still trying to figure out, can we put it all together?”

Particularly in matchups like the last one (BC) or next one (FSU), Clemson can’t exactly make or break its tournament chances in one night.

“We take it one game at a time, but we know certain losses and wins can hurt us and help us,” sophomore guard Jordan Roper said. “We don’t think about it in terms of tournament time, I don’t think.

We expect to win every game, and we take it seriously each game.”

Selden’s 24 points Allen mulling ‘He Got Game’ sequel lead Kansas past Sooners 90-83

BY TIM REYNOLDS The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — Wayne Selden Jr. shot 5 for 10 from 3-point range and finished with a career-high 24 points as No. 18 Kansas started Big 12 Conference play with a 90-83 win over Oklahoma on Wednesday night.

Kansas (10-4, 1-0) won its conference opener for the 23rd straight year, a streak that began with the 1991-92 season. Oklahoma, in January 1991, was the last team to beat the Jayhawks in a conference opener.

After a 5-0 start, Kansas lost four of its next eight and was coming off a 61-57 loss to San Diego State on Sunday that ended the Jayhawks’ 68game home winning streak against nonconference foes. Perry Ellis had 22 points on 6-for-8 shooting and 11 rebounds, helping the Jayhawks shoot 55 percent from the field.

Cameron Clark had a career high-tying 32 points for Oklahoma (123, 1-1), which lost for the second time in three games.

(8) VILLANOVA SETON HALL

83 67

NEWARK, N.J. — Darrun Hilliard scored 19 points and No. 8 Villanova hit a dozen 3-pointers in an 83-67 victory over undermanned Seton Hall on Wednesday night.

JayVaughn Pinkston added 17 points, Ryan Arcidiacono had 14 and the Wildcats (14-1, 3-0 Big East) shot 52 percent from the field and 3-point range in beating Seton Hall (10-6, 1-2) for the 11th time in the last 12 games.

Villanova has shot at least 50 percent from the field in its last three games, and four of five.

Brian Oliver had 20 points to lead Seton Hall, which has lost two straight for the first time this sea-

son.

Sterling Gibbs had 13 points, eight assists and six rebounds for Seton Hall. Patrik Auda added 13 points.

After Oliver hit a 3-pointer in the opening seconds to give Seton Hall its only lead, Villanova went on a 14-3 spurt to take an eightpoint lead. Arcidiacono started the run with two 3s, Pinkston added a three-point play and Hilliard made a layup after James Bell hit another 3.

Villanova didn’t pull away until the midway point of the second half when Josh Hart scored seven straight points in a run that stretched the lead to double digits.

Seton Hall never cut the lead below 10 points and the final margin was the Wildcats’ biggest.

(19) UMASS SAINT JOSEPH’S

66 62

AMHERST, Mass. — Chaz Williams scored eight of his 22 points in the closing six minutes Wednesday night, leading No. 19 Massachusetts to a 66-62 comeback win over Saint Joseph’s in the conference openers for both teams.

Maxie Esho scored 12 points and Raphiael Putney had 11 for the Minutemen (13-1 overall, 1-0 Atlantic-10).

Halil Kanacevic led Saint Joseph’s (9-5, 0-1) with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Langston Galloway had 18 points and DeAndre Bembry 16 for the Hawks, who had their five-game winning streak snapped.

UMass pulled out the win despite an off night by center and secondleading scorer Cady Lalanne, who picked up two early fouls. He finished with four points.

From wire reports

MIAMI — Jesus Shuttlesworth returns to the court this week.

Jesus Shuttlesworth may return to the big screen in the future.

Miami Heat guard Ray Allen, who played the Shuttlesworth role in the 1998 movie “He Got Game,” says he and filmmaker Spike Lee have spent time over the last couple months discussing a sequel and are currently throwing ALLEN ideas back and forth about the project.

“Sequels to most movies are always fluff and not as good as the first,” Allen said Tuesday night before the Heat played the New Orleans Pelicans. “But it’s something we’ve been talking about for the last couple months. If we get a really good story line and are able to bring everybody back, then it would be something worth doing.”

Lee posted a photo of himself

of upcoming Heat games figures to only add to that.

And it’s probably not coincidental that Allen said he and Lee started their sequel discussions shortly after that Heat title run.

“Not one day goes by where I walk in here and guys don’t say that they didn’t watch it last night or it wasn’t on,” Allen said. “I don’t know who’s in charge of delegating what gets on TV, but it seems like that movie’s been on a lot the last two or three months.”

The first time Allen will wear his character’s name on his NBA jersey is Friday, when the Heat visit the Brooklyn Nets.

All players in that game will be donning what are called “Name Collection” jerseys, with LeBron James sporting “King James,” Paul Pierce wearing “Truth” and Shane Battier going by “Battle,” his family’s original surname.

“We’ve got to get Denzel and we’ve got to get Rosario,” Allen said. “Obviously, it’s been 15 or 20 years, so there’s so many new story lines to talk about.”

NBA ROUNDUP

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Parker has 25 in Spurs’ 112-90 win over Mavericks SAN ANTONIO — Tony Parker scored 25 points and Tim Duncan had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs never trailed, cruising past the Dallas Mavericks 11290 Wednesday night.

Marco Belinelli had 17 points, Kawhi Leonard added 12 points and Patty Mills scored 11 for San Antonio (28-8), which recaptured the Western Conference’s best record ahead of Oklahoma City (27-8).

Monta Ellis had 21 points and Vince Carter added 14 points. No other player scored in double figures as the Mavericks lost their seventh straight to the Spurs.

Dirk Nowitzki was limited to eight points, shooting 3 for 14 and making his only two free throws attempts.

RAPTORS PISTONS

112 91

TORONTO — Kyle Lowry had 21 points and nine assists, Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points and 11 rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors beat Detroit 112-91 Wednesday night to hand the slumping Pistons their sixth consecutive loss.

DeMar DeRozan shook off a slow start to finish with 19 points and Terrence Ross had 17 for the Raptors, who went 31 for 34 from the free throw line to snap a two-game skid and win for the sixth time in eight games.

GAMECOCKS from Page B1 floor and to the locker room for X-rays.

Donovan immediately pulled the rest of his starters at that point.

Tyrone Johnson led South Carolina (7-7, 0-1) with 12 points. Sindarius Thornwell and Brenton Williams chipped in 10 points each.

Florida made six of its first

and Allen to a social media account last summer, saying then that they were engaging in sequel talk. It wasn’t clear then how serious those conversations were.

Allen — who still gets called “Jesus” by teammates — said he’s committed to making it happen.

“Hopefully it works out,” said Allen, whose character in the film was a highly recruited high school basketball star.

Denzel Washington played his father, a prisoner who was paroled for one week to persuade his son to sign with the governor’s alma mater, and Rosario Dawson played his girlfriend in the film.

Allen played a vital role in Miami’s march to a second straight championship last season, most notably making a 3-pointer that tied Game 6 of the NBA Finals with 5.2 seconds left in regulation and with the Heat on the cusp of losing the title series to San Antonio. The film seems to have enjoyed an uptick in popularity since, and wearing “J. Shuttlesworth” on his jersey for a number

seven shots and led 14-1 before the players barely broke a sweat. The Gamecocks went more than 9 minutes without a basket and trailed 16-4 before Mindaugas Kacinas’ jumper.

Things got worse for South Carolina, too. The Gamecocks had as many turnovers (12) as field goal attempts with 6 minutes to play in the first half and

were down 18.

Coach Frank Martin’s team woke up early in the second half, cutting the lead to 40-32 on Michael Carrera’s jumper.

But the Gators responded with a flurry of shots. Prather converted a three-point play, Wilbekin sank a deep 3-pointer and Young hit a hook shot in the paint. Prather found Dorian Finney-Smith on the scoring end of an alley-oop that made it 52-37.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

San Antonio’s Tony Parker, left, works against Dallas’ Jose Calderon during the Spurs’ 112-94 victory on Wednesday in San Antonio.

HAWKS PACERS

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ATLANTA — Kyle Korver scored 17 points, Pero Antic added 16 and the Atlanta Hawks raced to a big lead before holding off the team with the NBA’s best record, beating the weary Indiana Pacers 97-87 Wednesday night.

A few minutes later, Michael Frazier II and Wilbekin hit treys that pushed the lead back to 18, 60-42.

Florida coasted from there, winning for the 11th time in 12 games. The only loss was a buzzer-beater at then-No. 12 Connecticut.

The Gators haven’t lost at home since March 4, 2012, against Kentucky. The previous 24-game, home-winning streak came between March

From wire reports

2006 and November 2007.

Two-time defending national champions Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, Al Horford and Joakim Noah did most of the heavy lifting in that one.

Florida’s four seniors — Wilbekin, Prather, Young and Will Yeguete — can take credit for a big chunk of this one.

Only Missouri (26 games), Duke (25) and Stephen F. Austin (25) have longer winning streaks at home.

B4

NFL

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Newton on Kaepernick: ‘Two different players’

BY STEVE REED The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Cam Newton doesn’t like being compared to Colin Kaepernick.

“Two different players,” Newton said.

Yet the Panthers’ third-year quarterback certainly understands the parallels with his 49ers counterpart.

They both entered the NFL in 2011.

They’re KAEPERNICK both big, strong-armed guys who can shred a secondary with their arms and terrorize a front seven with their feet.

“Being a big guy, being fast and being agile and having the art of throwing like only God has blessed a few people with — and Kaepernick has it (too),” Newton said.

Newton and Kaepernick go head-to-head Sunday with a trip to the NFC championship game on the line.

It’s their second meeting this season.

Carolina beat San Francisco 10-9 in a defensive struggle Nov. 10 at Candlestick Park, a game in which neither quarterback played particularly well.

Both are out to change that in the divisional

NFL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

By The Associated Press Wild-card Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 4 Indianapolis 45, Kansas City 44 New Orleans 26, Philadelphia 24 Sunday, Jan. 5 San Diego 27, Cincinnati 10 San Francisco 23, Green Bay 20 Divisional Playoffs Saturday New Orleans at Seattle, 4:35 p.m. (FOX) Indianapolis at New England, 8:15 p.m.

(CBS) Sunday San Francisco at Carolina, 1:05 p.m.

playoffs.

“We didn’t execute the way we should have and I didn’t play well,” Kaepernick said the first game, where he was limited to 91 yards passing and 16 yards rushing and sacked six times.

Newton and Kaepernick shared a room at the scouting combine in Indianapolis leading up the 2011 NFL draft.

Both were kept busy by the onslaught of interview requests from teams and barely had a chance to interact. A few months later, Newton was drafted first overall by the Panthers, while Kaepernick fell to the 49ers in the second round and was selected 36th overall.

Kaepernick was the first to get his team to the Super Bowl, leading the 49ers there last year in his first season as a starter before ultimately losing to the Baltimore Ravens.

Newton started right away in Carolina, but was just 13-19 in his first two seasons.

(FOX) San Diego at Denver, 4:40 p.m. (CBS) Conference Championships Sunday, Jan. 19 AFC, 3 p.m. (CBS) NFC, 6:30 p.m. (FOX) Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 26 At Honolulu TBD, 7:30 p.m. (NBC) Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 2 At East Rutherford, N.J. AFC champion vs. NFC champion, 6:30 p.m. (FOX)

However, after a 1-3 start the Panthers have turned things around winning 11 of their last 12 games to capture the NFC South and secure a first-round bye.

Along the way, Newton threw a career-high 24 touchdown passes and was selected to the Pro Bowl ahead of Kaepernick.

But all of that means little to Newton.

“I feel as if I haven’t achieved anything worth mentioning yet,” Newton said.

In Newton’s eyes there’s only one goal at the end of this season: bringing home Carolina’s first Super Bowl.

“Nothing is worth mentioning unless we have something that we can all share with each other for years and years to come,” Newton said.

Coach Ron Rivera said Newton’s maturity this season has been evident with his ability to handle pressure on and off the field.

“We’re seeing a guy

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

As Carolina quarterback Cam Newton (1) readies for his first playoff game on Sunday in Charlotte, he says it’s not all about himself and San Francisco QB Colin Kaepernick, but rather the Panthers against the 49ers.

that has grown the last three seasons,” Rivera said. “He’s done a lot of good things. He’s developed a lot of who he is in terms of our offense. He’s also learned a lot of things in helping him cope and deal with the media and his public image. Those are the things you need to do as a football player.”

Newton jokingly compared his growth over the past three seasons to getting a software update on a Smartphone.

He said all people need one eventually.

“When you go to the

general settings and hit update, it just updates the whole software,” Newton said. “When I hit software update, I just hit the install button. I don’t hit cancel or remind me tomorrow. I hit install and hopefully that will take care of me.”

Newton version 3.0 is doing just fine.

But he knows to get where he wants to go he has to get by Kaepernick and the 49ers.

“I’m not preparing for Colin Kaepernick,” Newton said. “What he does on Sunday will not make

any difference to me — other than if he does score I will have to respond. And if I score he will have to respond.”

Rivera said it should be a great matchup between two quarterbacks with similar qualities.

“People talk about this is the future of quarterbacking and yet you turn around and see Johnny Manziel is coming out,” Rivera said. “So they’re going to come in all shapes and sizes. Your quarterback, his skill set has got to fit what you do offensively.

Rooney II saw progress in ‘13 Steelers

Saints see ground game thriving at right time

BY WILL GRAVES The Associated Press

METAIRIE, La. — When Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman started studying video for this Saturday’s rematch with the Saints in the NFC playoffs, he noticed something different about New Orleans’ offense.

“They are running the ball extremely well and that is different from the game we played against them previously,” Sherman said, alluding to the Seahawks’ 34-7 demolition of the Saints on Dec. 2. “They are a confident bunch.”

The Saints, whose offense has been defined

by Drew Brees’ prolific passing the past eight years, rushed for 185 yards in an openinground playoff victory at Philadelphia last weekend.

Coach Sean Payton’s confidence in the ground game was never more obvious than when he called eight runs on New Orleans’ 10-play game-winning drive that chewed up the last 4:54 on the clock. The last seven plays consisted of six meaningful runs, followed by Brees’ keeper to the middle to set up Shayne Graham’s 32yard field goal as time expired.

Mark Ingram, who has largely struggled to live up to the expectations that came with being a Heisman Trophy winner and first round draft choice, led the running game in the absence of Pierre Thomas

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II knows there are issues his team needs to address coming off a second straight 8-8 season.

He’s not convinced the contract status of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is one of them.

Rooney said Wednesday the Steelers may hold off on reworking Roethlisberger’s contract this spring, a break from the team’s standard operating procedure. Roethlisberger has two years remaining on his current deal, a time when Pittsburgh typically reaches out to work on a new agreement.

It might not happen this year, though Rooney insists any decision to hold off will have nothing to do with Pittsburgh’s intention to lock up the two-time Super Bowl winner for the remainder of his career.

“We look at Ben as somebody who is going to be here for the long-term, hopefully five or more years,” Rooney said. “We’ve got to have Ben retire as a Steeler, no doubt about that.”

The 31-year-old Roethlisberger is coming off one of his best statistical seasons. He set franchise records for attempts (584), completions (375) and had the second-highest total in club history with 4,261 yards passing.

Even better, Roethlisberger took every snap for an offense that developed an identity when it used the nohuddle extensively over the final eight weeks.

Given more freedom to call the plays, Roethlisberger helped guide Pittsburgh to a 6-2 record over the second half of the year. He also became more adept at getting the ball out of his hands. Roethlisberger was sacked just seven times over the final seven games, compared to 36 sacks over the season’s first nine weeks.

The performance left Rooney encouraged by what he saw as the relationship between Roethlisberger and

BY BRETT MARTEL The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pittsburgh president Art Rooney II said Wednesday he saw progress in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) and the Steelers despite their 8-8 record.

offensive coordinator Todd Haley deepened.

“I think the second year of a new offense you would hope for progress and I think that’s what we got,” Rooney said.

The Steelers averaged 23.7 points, nearly a field goal better than they averaged in 2012 and went over 20 points in each of their final nine games, the team’s longest such streak in over a decade.

Though Rooney declined to comment specifically on the status of individual coaches he said “we feel good about the coaching staff in general.” Pittsburgh has already made one move, parting ways with offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. last week.

Haley has one year remaining on his contract, and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau said at the end of the regular season he plans to be back in 2014 as his unit looks to rebound from its worst statistical season since 1992. The Steelers finished 13th in yards allowed, the first time they’ve been outside the top 10 in that category in 14 years.

Pittsburgh tied for 25th with just 34 sacks and produced only 20 turnovers.

Rooney downplayed the advancing age of safeties Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark and defensive end Brett Keisel — all of whom are in their 30s — as factors in the slide.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New Orleans running back Mark Ingram (22) and the Saints are coming off their first road postseason victory and feel like their running game is coming along at the right time.

— the Saints’ leading rusher this season but sidelined with a chest injury. Ingram rushed 18 times for 97 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

“He’s been running real well,” Payton said. “I liked his ball security the other night. Those aren’t always easy yards. I am pleased with how he is playing and I think he’s had a handful of games now toward the latter part of the season where he’s been exceptional.”

Indeed, though Ingram’s 386 total yards rushing during the regular season did nothing to distinguish him, he overcame early season injuries and appeared to get stronger as the season wore on, finishing with a respectable average of 4.9 yards per carry for the season.

“I’ve always been confident in myself. I know what I can do. I’m

confident in my abilities.

It’s just having the opportunity to get those touches and show what I could do and it was great to do it in a playoff game on the road,” Ingram said. “I just wanted to take complete advantage of the opportunity and it felt good to be able to show what I could do and show my worth to my teammates — and all the hard work that I’ve been putting in, for it to pay off.”

In addition to Ingram, the Saints have been getting run production from pleasant surprise Khiry Robinson, a rookie who made the team as a free agent. He added 45 yards on eight carries in Philadelphia, an average of 5.6 yards. And while Darren Sproles often plays larger roles in the return game and short passing game, he averaged 7.3 yards on four carries against the Eagles.

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

THE ITEM

B5

For Thomas, election to Manziel leaving Hall of Fame is ‘gigantic’ Aggies for NFL SPORTS ITEMS

|

Johnny Football is heading to the NFL. Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel declared for the NFL draft on Wednesday following two spectacular seasons in which he became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy and helped MANZIEL the Aggies make a splash in their first two years in the Southeastern Conference.

Some NFL draft analysts have Manziel ranked as high as third among quarterbacks expected to be available in the draft.

ton Redskins’ coaching job Wednesday, making the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator the sixth known candidate to meet with general manager Bruce Allen.

Gruden has ties with several people within the Redskins’ organization.

He worked under Allen as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett in the UFL. Haslett was retained when Mike Shanahan was fired last week after a 3-13 season, although the new head coach will decide whether Haslett stays or goes.

PETRINO ACCEPTS LOUISVILLE JOB

MATTINGLY GETS 3-YEAR DEAL

A member of the Louisville board of trustees says Western Kentucky’s Bobby Petrino has accepted an offer to be the Cardinals next head football coach.

Jonathan Blue told The Associated Press Wednesday evening that it’s a “done deal.” Blue says the University of Louisville Athletic Association will meet Thursday morning and barring any unforeseen issues is expected to approve athletic director Tom Jurich’s recommendation to have Petrino replace Charlie Strong, who accepted the Texas job over the weekend.

Petrino, 52, returns to the school he led to a 41-9 record from 2003-06 as a first-time head coach. He has an 83-30 career record as a college head coach, including an 8-4 mark last season with the Hilltoppers, his first position since his April 2012 firing

by Arkansas amid scandal.

LOS ANGELES— Don Mattingly will be back as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers next season with a new threeyear contract that takes him through 2016.

Mattingly has a 260225 record in his first three seasons with the Dodgers, who reached the NL championship series, which automatically triggered an extension of his contract that was set to expire at the end of last season.

GRUDEN INTERVIEWS FOR ‘SKINS

WASHINGTON — Jay Gruden completed his interview for the Washing-

ALLEN RETURNS FOR 3RD SEASON

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Coach Dennis Allen will be part of the reconstruction of the Oakland Raiders after spending his first two years overseeing the deconstruction.

Allen is scheduled to meet Wednesday with owner Mark Davis and general manager Reggie McKenzie to map out plans for how to rebuild the struggling franchise after consecutive fourwin seasons to begin his tenure.

From wire reports

CHRISTOPHER from Page B1 also the only pitcher to throw two shutouts at Coors Field in Colorado and holds the record for most career starts (682) without making a relief appearance.

Thomas had a career .301 batting average with 521 home runs, 1,704 runs batted in and a career .419 on-base percentage. He won back-to-back MVPs in ‘93 and 94, was a 5-time all-star, a 4-time Silver Slugger and won the ‘97 batting title.

Of the three new members, for me, Thomas was the biggest superstar because his face quickly appeared on cereal boxes, video games and cartoons. He even had his own pair of shoes, which at one time I owned. Of course, they were black and white with zebra-like stripes, which I thought were the coolest.

For a kid growing up in the ‘90s, I relished the opportunity to watch these upand-coming players because I was a fan of the game. While I’ll admit I am first and foremost a Braves fan, and will be until I die, my interest quickly turned to baseball because of these players. It consumed my daily life, and I can’t tell you how many times I emulated and worshiped all three of these players in some form or capacity. Whether it was trading for their baseball cards, wearing the same gear they had or pretending to be like them while playing whiffle ball in the backyard, I longed to be like these superstars.

As I grew older and started to understand more about the game, I appreciated Glavine and Maddux for their contributions to the game. I appreciated the duo for their accomplishments with the Braves. In fact, while living in Greenville, I would go and watch the up and com-

BY ANDREW SELIGMAN The Associated Press

CHICAGO — It was more than just a big day for The Big Hurt.

Former Chicago White Sox slugger Frank Thomas called it a “gigantic moment” and wore a grin wide enough to connect the foul poles at U.S. Cellular Field after he was elected Wednesday to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He was picked on 478 of 571 ballots by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, more than enough to get in and ease any fears he had of being overlooked.

“I never really paid attention to how much is said about the Hall of Fame over this month of January and December,” Thomas said. “That

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former White Sox slugger Frank Thomas holds up a baseball he signed ‘Frank Thomas HOF’ during Wednesday’s news conference after being selected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Thomas joins Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine as first-ballot inductees who will be enshrined in Cooperstown on July 27.

makes everyone nervous. The only person that couldn’t be nervous was Greg Maddux because the only problem he had was it going to be 100 percent for him.”

“The rest of us, we lost a lot of sleep I’m

sure. I’m just proud and happy this moment.

What a career that has turned to something that you don’t dream of.

Kids dream about playing pro sports, but to go into the Baseball Hall of Fame, it’s a gigantic mo-

ment for me,” he said.

A two-time AL MVP and five-time All-Star, he was concerned he might get passed over because he spent a big part of his career as a designated hitter. Instead, he’s going in with pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine.

Thomas hit .301 with 524 homers and 1,704 runs batted in during a sparkling 19year career spent mostly with the White Sox. He also frequently spoke out against the use of performanceenhancing drugs in an era defined by it, and he’s now headed to Cooperstown while tainted stars such as Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa remain shut out.

All-ACC DT Whitlock aiming to raise draft stock

BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press CHARLESTON — All-Atlantic Coast Conference Wake Forest defensive tackle Nikita Whitlock understands too well that at 5-foot-11, he’s not at the top of too many NFL draft boards. So Whitlock hopes a strong showing this week at the inaugural Medal of Honor Bowl will open a few eyes.

Whitlock is among 98 players at the Citadel looking for the same thing.

Scouts for all 32 WHITLOCK NFL teams and most CFL clubs have attended practices, all looking for difference-makers on the field. Whitlock knows his impact probably won’t be in the middle of the defensive line, where the 250pound nose tackle made 82 stops — 19 of those coming behind the line of scrimmage his senior sea-

ing stars like Chipper Jones, Javy Lopez, Steve Avery and others. Today, I think back and realize how lucky I was to have watched so many all all-stars go through their professional progressions.

Some might remember Glavine’s stint here in Sumter in ‘85. A second-round pick of the Braves, he pitched for the Sumter Braves in the South Atlantic League, going 9-6 with a 2.35 earned run average in 26 starts.

Perhaps my favorite thing about the duo of “The Professor” Maddux and “Mad Dog” Glavine was their blue collar attitude. They often made fun of themselves as their fame grew. Some baseball fans will remember the famous commercial they were in called “Chicks Dig The Long Ball”: starring Glavine, Maddux, Mark McGwire and gorgeous actress Heather Locklear. If you haven’t seen it, give it a YouTube view and you’ll understand what I mean.

Although the duo of Maddux and Glavine could only manage to bring one World Series title to Atlanta, it was incredible to watch their journey year after year of winning the division only to suffer such heart break. Still, it made you proud to be a Braves fan who could say no other sports team will ever break their 14 consecutive division titles which spans from ‘91 to ‘05. Since that time both players have had their numbers retired by the franchise and deservedly so.

Cooperstown wouldn’t be the same without this trio of players, who no doubt paved the way for superstars of today. You seldom see the dedication and loyalty today like you did from these players. While none of them played for the same teams throughout their careers, there is no doubt which teams with which they are associated..

Maddux, Glavine and Thomas will be inducted on July 27 along with managers Bobby Cox, Joe Torre and Tony La Russa, elected last month by the expansion-era committee.

son.

Whitlock’s practiced at defensive end as well as fullback and tight end this week.

“It’s all about getting a chance to show what you can do,” said Whitlock, voted first-team ACC by league media and second team by league coaches for the 4-8 Demon Deacons.

On Wednesday, Whitlock appeared to do that, continually getting the backfield when lined up with the defense and leading the charge for tailbacks Rajion Neal of Tennessee and D.J. Adams of Portland State.

As Whitlock left the field for practice, he had a lengthy interview with an NFL scout. One of the Medal of Honor Bowl officials saw him afterward and said, “You looked like you had a good day.”

“I think I did,” Whitlock said with a grin.

The Medal of Honor Bowl takes place Saturday at Citadel’s Johnson-Hagood Stadi-

um. The bowl, which costs about $650,000 to put on, has a five-year agreement with the school and officials have worked hard to make a quick impact with NFL evaluators seeking out talent.

Scouts lined the practice field Wednesday with personnel in team clothing from at least 14 clubs watching the action.

That was intent when area leaders discussed bringing an all-star game to one of the East Coast’s top tourist destinations, said bowl chairman Tom McQueeney.

“Hopefully, a lot of people will recognize that and come out and see it,” he said.

Proceeds from the game will go to help the Medal of Honor Museum on the USS Yorktown Aircraft carrier in Charleston Harbor and the Wounded Warriors Project among other organizations.

BASEBALL from Page B1 careers.

“It’s exciting for me to go in with my teammate,” Maddux said.

Writers had not elected three players in one vote since Nolan Ryan, George Brett and Robin Yount in 1999.

Biggio received 427 votes and 74.8 percent, matching Nellie Fox in 1985 and Pie Traynor in 1947 for the smallest margin to just miss.

Biggio appeared on 388 ballots in his initial appearance last year and appears to be on track to gain election next year.

Mike Piazza was next was 62.2 percent followed by Jack Morris, who was 78 votes short at 61.5 percent in his 15th and final appearance on the writers’ ballot. Jeff Bagwell got 54.3 percent.

Controversy over how to evaluate stars tainted by the Steroids Era continued to impact the vote totals of players with stellar statistics. In their second appearances on the ballot, Roger Clemens dropped from 37.6 percent to 35.4, Barry Bonds from 36.2 to 34.7 and Sammy Sosa from 12.5 to 7.2.

Appearing for the

eighth time, Mark McGwire fell from 16.9 to 11.0. Rafael Palmeiro will be dropped from future ballots after falling to 25 votes and 4.4 percent — below the 5 percent threshold necessary to remain eligible for next year’s vote.

Deadspin.com announced Miami Herald columnist Dan Le Batard had turned his ballot over to the website, which allowed readers to vote on how it should be cast.

“I hate all the moralizing we do in sports in general, but I especially hate the hypocrisy in this,” Le Batard said in remarks posted

by Deadspin. “’I always like a little anarchy inside the cathedral we’ve made of sports.”

BBWAA SecretaryTreasurer Jack O’Connell declined comment.

Eighth on the wins list with a 355-227 record and a 3.16 ERA over 23 seasons, Maddux won four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992-95 and a record 18 Gold Gloves with the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego. An eighttime All-Star, he won

at least 13 games in 20 straight seasons.

Among pitchers with 3,000 innings whose careers began in 1921 or later — after the Dead Ball Era — Maddux’s 1.80 walks per nine innings is second only to Robin Roberts’ 1.73, according to STATS. Glavine, a 10-time All-Star and a twotime Cy Young winner, was 305-203 over 22 seasons.

A two-time AL MVP, Thomas hit .301 with 521 homers and 1,704 RBIs in 19 seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Toronto and Oakland.

“This has been a stressful 48 hours,” Thomas said in a statement. “This is something that I will have to sit back in the next three or four days and figure it out because you can only dream so big, as this is as big as it gets for me.”

Writers who have been members of the BBWAA for 10 consecutive years at any point were eligible to consider the 36-player ballot.

Next year’s vote could be even more crowded when Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, Carlos Delgado and Gary Sheffield become eligible, five years after their retirements.

B6

OBITUARIES

THE ITEM

JoANN C. McCASKILL-HILL BISHOPVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JoAnn Chamblee McCaskill-Hill died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, following a traumatic head injury.

She was the wife of the late Alva Laverne McCaskill Jr. of McCASKILLBishopville HILL and currently of F. Leverne Hill of Sumter.

She is survived by her three children: Lee McCaskill-Watson of Fort Pierce, Fla., A.L. McCaskill III (Karen) of Bishopville and Ann McCaskill McIlhenny (Tim) of Fort Walton Beach, Fla. She was predeceased by an infant son, Roger Shelton McCaskill. She was also survived by six grandchildren: Major Joshua T. Watson, MD, Laura McIlhenny Winningham, Micah McIlhenny, Alva L. McCaskill IV, Kristy McCaskill Hutson and Amber McCaskill, as well as seven great-grandchildren.

The Hill family graciously welcomed her with opened arms, and Mr. Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren added much joy to the last few years of her life.

An interment and memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mathew United Methodist Church in Bishopville with the Rev. Kimberly N. Evans officiating.

Memorials may be made to the JoAnn Chamblee-McCaskill Scholarship Fund of Clemson University, Barr Hall, Clemson, SC, 29631, or to the charity of your choice.

Hancock-ElmoreHill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arrangements.

ALMENIA RICHARDSON Almenia Benbow Richardson, wife of the late Leon Norman Richardson, passed on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Sumter Health and Rehabilitation Center of Sumter.

Born in Williamsburg Coun- RICHARDSON ty, she was a daughter of the late James Benbow and Bertha Filmore Benbow.

She was educated in Williamsburg County public schools and was a graduate of Tomlinson High School in Kingstree. She earned a bachelor of science degree from Allen University of Columbia and in 1976 a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from the University of South Carolina. She did further studies with the University of Iowa and South Carolina State College in Orangeburg.

Almenia began her teaching career at Liberty Street Elementary School and in later years at Alice Drive Elementary School, where she remained and retired after 42 years of service. After retirement, her love for teaching continued with both Head Start of Sumter and Shaw Air Force Base Head Start program.

Almeniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional affiliations were numerous and includ-

ed: South Carolina National and American Education and Parent Teachers Associations (PTA) and the International Reading Association. She was a Golden Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; a founding member of Eta Zeta Omega Chapter of Sumter and Camden, coordinator of Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Services and adviser instrumental in the chartering of Nu Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. of Morris College of Sumter.

Almenia attended Mount Pisgah AME Church and later joined Emmanuel United Methodist and served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and with the United Methodist Women.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Mozella Bristow and three brothers-in-law.

Surviving are: three sisters, Mable Davis of Wilton, Conn., Theresa Smalls of Georgetown and Inez Washington of Sumter; a brother, Franklin (Geneva) Benbow of Philadelphia; three sisters-in-law, Edna Richardson and Azalee Richardson of Sumter and special caretaker, Berthenia R. Willis of Tallulah, La.; Elizabeth White, a dedicated caretaker of the home; a special niece, Deborah Coleman Calhoun, who is like a daughter; and a host of other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, South Main and Bee streets, Sumter, with the Rev. Doris R. Bright, officiating, and the Rev. Willie F. Dicks Jr., eulogist. The public may view on Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St., Sumter.

The sororityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ivy Beyond the Wall Service will be from 7 to 8 p.m. on Friday.

Mrs. Richardson will be placed in the church at noon for viewing until the hour of service. Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the residences of her sister, Inez Washington, 509 Dicks St., and Deborah Coleman Calhoun, 819 Club Lane, Sumter.

Memorial tributes may be made to: Education Advancement Foundation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., PO Box 1444, Sumter, SC 29151.

Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.

Please leave condolences for the family on the website: www.palmermemorialchapel.com.

JAMES G. HUDSON James G. Hudson, 84, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Services will be announced by ElmoreCannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

DAVID HANKERSON III David Hankerson III, 54, son of the late David Hankerson II and Helen Green Eagling, was born Oct. 15, 1959, in Sumter. He departed this life on Tues-

day, Jan. 7, 2014, at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter.

PAUL B. SCHMIDT Paul B. Schmidt, 44, husband of Lori Ash Schmidt, died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born Jan. 7, 1970, in Sumter, he was a son of Richard J. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smittyâ&#x20AC;?

Schmidt and the late Chong Cha â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leeâ&#x20AC;?

Schmidt. He was employed as a customer service supervisor at Sumter Packaging.

Survivors include his wife of Sumter; father and stepmother, Irene Schmidt of Sumter; a daughter, Amber Schmidt of Myrtle Beach; a brother, Tony Schmidt of Newport News, Va.; a sister, Cheryl Schmidt of Sumter; two stepbrothers, Rick Nelson of Sumter and Andrew Hansel of Pinehurst, N.C.; and a stepsister, Angela Timmons of Sumter.

He was preceded in death by a son, Christian Schmidt; and stepmother, Glenna Schmidt.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Mendel Baker officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Bates Middle School Band in memory of Christian Schmidt, 715 Estate St., Sumter, SC 29150.

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

LUCIOUS DAVIS Lucious Davis, 56, departed this life after a brief illness on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, Sumter. Born on March 24, 1957, he was the son of Jasper Davis Sr. and Dessie Harris Davis. He was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and graduated from Mayewood High School.

At an early age, he

joined Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed going and singing gospel music. Two of his favorite songs were: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Are Marching Up To Zionâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;On My Way Home.â&#x20AC;? Lucious was known for his bright smile, humble personality and humorous gestures. To know him was to love him.

He was very inspirational and inspiring to everyone he met. He was employed at Georgia Pacific for many years and later for several years with New York High Styles.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his father, Jasper Davis Sr., and his devoted loving mother, Dessie Harris Davis; eight sisters, Lillie (Eugene) Faulk of Conway, Mamie Davis of Newark, N.J., Betty (Larry) LaGrant of Columbia, Josephine (Eberdease) Thomas of Blythewood, Bernice Davis of Homestead, Fla., Cheryl (James) Woods of Irmo and Linda Davis and Vivian Davis, both of Atlanta, Ga.; three uncles, Edward (Shirley) Davis of Bishopville and Offey (Charlie Mae) Davis and Lucious Davis, both of Newark, N.J.; a friend who was like a brother, Jerome Tention; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held at noon Friday at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 184 Lake Ashwood Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Kenneth N. Carter, pastor, eulogist, assisted by Pastor Eddie W. Davis, the Rev. Sarah Martin and the Rev. A.L. Downing.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at the family home at 352 Ferrell Road, Sumter.

The remains will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. The funeral procession will leave from the family home at 11:20 a.m.

Floral bearers will be nieces and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Thomas Jennings, Jerome LaGrant, cousins and friends.

Burial will be in Mechanicsville United Methodist Church Cemetery, Sumter.

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

Visit Williams Funer-

Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

al Home on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.

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

DOLCENA BLACKWELL MANNING â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Dolcena Robison Blackwell, 95, widow of Luke â&#x20AC;&#x153;Busterâ&#x20AC;? Blackwell, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning. She was born Jan. 10, 1918, in Manning, a daughter of the late Zoler and Vinnie Johnson Robinson.

Family is receiving friends at her residence, 5631 Raccoon Road, Manning.

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

MINNIE BELL BURGESS Minnie Bell Burgess, 76, departed this earthly life peacefully at her home in Miami on Dec. 23, 2013. She was born on Nov. 19, 1937, in Clarendon County to the late Clyde and Rebecca James Burgess.

She grew up in Gable and attended Walker Gamble High School.

At the age of 18, she moved to Miami, where she was a Certified Nurse Assistant.

She was an active member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church of Miami.

She is survived by a sister, Juanita (Thomas) Joyner; a half-sister and brother, Claudia and Albert Burgess; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Rest Holiness Church, 360 E. Sumter St., Mayesville, with Bishop Tommy Lee Doe, Overseer Stephen James and Elder Lillie Witherspoon. Burial will follow in Bradsford Cemetery.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home of her sister, Thomas and Juanita Joyner, 911 Flora Ave., Sumter.

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

Community Funeral of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.

LILLIE B. DAVIS Lillie B. Davis was born on Feb. 23, 1923, to the late Gillon and Emma Burgess in New

Zion. She departed this life on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at Palmetto Richland Hospital after an extended illness.

She was joined in holy matrimony to the late John Davis, and to this union one child was born, the late Patricia Davis.

Lillie earned a bachelor of science degree from Morris College and furthered her studies at the University of Pittsburgh, S.C. State University and the University of South Carolina. She began teaching in 1947 in Williamsburg County. She also taught in Florence and Clarendon counties before joining Sumter School District 17 in 1953. Mrs. Davis retired in 1978 after 31 years of teaching.

She was a member of the S.C. Education Association, Eastern Star, Catchall No. 315, Royal Degree Circle and other organizations.

Those who remain to cherish the loving memories of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lillieâ&#x20AC;? are six nieces: Nancy Sweat, Ramona Bradley, Deborah (Darryl) Dees and Emma Fleming, all of Sumter, Dinah Finley of Harrisburg, Pa., and Dorothy Ellis of Philadelphia; and a host of other relatives, family and friends to mourn her passing.

Public viewing will be held on Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. at Jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mortuary.

The body will be placed in the church on Friday at 10 a.m. for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., Sumter, with Pastor Larry C. Western, officiating. Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.

The family is receiving friends at 520 Alpine St., Sumter.

Jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to jobsmortuary.net.

SHIRLEY McDUFFIE BISHOPVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ms. Shirley McDuffie of Moseley Street died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at McLeod Regional Medical Center after an illness.

Arrangements will be announced by Boatwright Funeral Home of Bishopville.

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B7

Eager grandmas must defer to new family’s wishes

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SUDOKU

EAR ABBY — In MOM IN OMAHA response to the letter from DEAR MOM — I’m “Family First in Florida” pleased everything (Nov. 3), it’s no wonder worked out well for you. her son and daughterThat woman’s letter hit in-law want some peace a nerve with my readand quiet when their ers. A sampling of their new baby arrives. comments: Grandma-to-be appears controlling, entiDEAR ABBY tled and some— I had the one who will be same vision of more of an enbeing there durance test than when my granda helping preskids were born. ence. They are However, my right to set kind, kids have not inyet firm, bound- Abigail volved me the aries with her. way I imagined.

VAN BUREN I wanted pri“Family vacy during and First’s” son is after childbirth, and I’m putting HIS family first, grateful my mom and as he should. He and MIL respected our his wife have chosen wishes. I needed time what they feel will make to establish a nursing the smoothest, leastroutine, heal and get to stressful launch for know my baby before I their new family, and was ready to host overhe is protecting that night guests. plan. If she doesn’t reMy kids’ grandmas spect her son’s right to both have strong, loving make that decision, she relationships with their risks jeopardizing her grandkids, so please re- future relationship with mind “Family First” him, his wife AND the she’s not missing out on grandkids. anything. She’ll still get The essence of a to be a doting granny, mother’s love is sacribut for now she should fice. It’s time to put back off and remember aside her dreams and the arrival of the child help her son fulfill his. is not about HER. SUZIE IN OLYMPIA, EXPERIENCED WASH. dear abby

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

B8

Classified lassified CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 09, 2014 DEADLINES 11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday.

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

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

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

803-774-1234 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.THEITEM.COM EM.COM Help Wanted Full-Time

Unfurnished Homes

Seeking PT Certified Pool Operator to check pools daily. Apply in person at Candlewood Suites, 2541 Broad St Sumter or call 803-316-4444.

Manning Area, House in exc. cond. w/ good neighbors. Centrally located schools, businesses & shopping. 1 yr. lease preferred.

Sec. dep. req. Good credit a must. 803-968-4630 or 934-1126..

Carolina Healthcare Hospice is seeking Full time & PRN RN's in the Sumter, Clarendon & Florence Counties. Forward resumes to PO Box 464, Sumter SC 29151 or call 803-774-4377.

HOUSE FOR RENT Patriot Parkway 2BR/1BA, LR, den, dining room, C/H/A, gas stove.

803-607-9276.

803.774.1234 LEGAL NOTICES

Beer & Wine License

Roofing

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

Financing avail, 803-837-1549.

Tree Service

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

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721 The Tree Doctor Any size tree removal & stump grinding. Trimming & clearing. No job too big or small. Call 775-8560 or 468-1946. We accept credit cards and offer senior discounts

PETS & ANIMALS Dogs Teacup Chihuahua: 9 wks old, 3 males, 1 female. $300 ea. 1st shots, CKC registered. Call Tina @ 803-305-7287.

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

Some of the requirements are: preparing balance sheet and income statements on a monthly basis, reconciling bank accounts, creating and maintaining budget figures, maintaining the financial aid account, and being responsible for all accounts receivable collections and other related duties. Please contact/send resume to Susan Hux, Administrative Assistant, at tsa.generals@thomassumter.org or call 803.499.3378.

Summons & Notice NOTICE OF FILING IN THE FAMILY COURT Case No.: 2013-DR-43-1502 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER Ruby Kay Garcia, Plaintiff, vs.

Jose Luis Garcia Mata, Defendant.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Summons and Complaint in the above-entitled action were filed in the Family Court for Sumter County on December 17, 2013, the object and prayer for which is divorce and other relief as set forth in the Complaint.

SUMMONS TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT, JOSE LUIS GARCIA MATA YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, or otherwise appear and defend, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the subscriber at his office, 28 North Main Street, Sumter, South Carolina, 29150, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, or otherwise appear and defend, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded therein, and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

MCGOWAN, HOOD & FELDER, LLC Patrick M. Killen 28 North Main Street Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-5026 (803) 774-5026 Facsimile pkillen@mcgowanhood.com Attorney for Plaintiff

Public Hearing Public Notice The Housing Authority of the City of Sumter has an open application for the the Public Housing Waiting List general applications for all bedroom sizes. Applications may be obtained in person and can be picked up Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Housing Authority's Office located at 17 Caldwell Street Sumter, SC 29150.

The Authority would like to acknowledge that based on the current waiting list as of this date, applications for three, four and five bedroom apartments have a faster response time than one or two bedroom units.

The Housing Authority is a Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Housing Provider. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, disability status, familial status, or national or ethnic origin is prohibited.

TDD # 1-800-545-1833 Ext. 100

ANNOUNCEMENTS Lost & Found FOUND: Young female dog.

Corner of Liberty and Lafayette.

Tan with some black. Call Sumter SCPA

BUSINESS SERVICES Business Services Electrical work. New & Repair Call 803-499-4127

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales Sumter County Flea Mkt Hwy 378 E. 803-495-2281 500 tables. Sat. $8 free return Sun.

Driver Trainees Needed Now! Learn to drive for US Xpress! Earn $800+ per week! No experience needed!

CDL -Trained and Job-Ready in 15 days! 1-888-263-7364

EJ's Convenience and Variety Reopens at 522 W Liberty St. (On Corner of purdy and liberty) Mon-Sat 9-5. New clothes & shoes at thrift store prices. New things every week.

RENTALS

BIG Bizarre Sale, Solomon Upholstery (Lake City Hwy). Thur, Fri, & Sat 8AM Oak table with 12 chairs, Oak mantle, Oak Armoir Call 803-464-7555 Purchased from Going out of Bus. Sale Handbags, tons of jewelry, scarves, nice rings & more at low low prices. Small vendors welcome. Cash sale Fri 10-4 PalmettoTowers(inside) behind Kmart.

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

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

New carpet, water, dumpster, sec. lights inc'd. Conv. Shaw.

No H/A or PETS! $485/mo + $350/dep. 803-968-5329

2BR/2BA very nice large Apt. located in town.

Call 803-236-5953

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

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

3 & 4BR Doublewides in Dalzell.

Owner Financing with large down payments. 803-983-8084

Farms & Acreage

OPEN Ernest Baker Auto Sales & Equip. Located 3349 N. Main St 5.5 miles from 378 overpass at N. Main., on Hwy 15 N. next to Baker Mini Warehouse. Remember Cars are like Eggs, Cheaper in the Country!!! 803-469-9294 93' Nissan truck 215k Mi .$3500 Well maintained Call 469-3152 after 5pm Lv msg

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

FSBO: Land, Small & Large acreage.

Owner financing.

803-427-3888.

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

Call

RECREATION

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015 Convenient to Sumter & Shaw. 2 Bedroom DW, stove, refrigerator, washer & dryer. Lg. sundeck, private lot. No pets. $550 mo. + dep. Call 983-8152

Boats / Motors 2007 Triton TR-21X HP Bassmaster Classic Edit. with 250 Mercury XS Call for details 803 968-2459

Campers / RV's/ Motorhomes 2011 Ultra-lite 32' camper. Elec slideout, AC, heat, sleeps 8. Exc cond. $17,500. 803-481-8301

TRANSPORTATION

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

Commercial Rentals

Autos For Sale

B-N-T has commercial space for rent to a Licensed Mechanic with own tools. Call 803-774-4450

2004 Mercury Marquis LS 4Dr 58K Mi. $5, 495 Call 803 481-2894

Guignard Storage: 57 Neal St. Personal storage units.

No deposits. Call 803-491-4914

2000 Jeep Wrangler 140k mi. blue canvas top, 5 Speed manual, 1 owner, Asking $4200 Call 803-968-3318

2014 CHEVY IMPALA LT 4CYL

2014 CHEVY MALIBU LT

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Holiday Special 150 cars $5,000 or less $$$ CASH $$$ Price is Right Auto Sales 3210 Broad St 803-494-4275

STATEBURG COURTYARD

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

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Autos For Sale

Manning - Hwy 260, Excellent location for Church rental. Across from Santee Electric Co. Call 803-473-0321

Mobile Home Rentals

Scenic Lake 2Br, 2Ba. No pets.

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

Unfurnished Apartments

317 Burns Dr. Thurs & Fri daylight til dark. Moving sale.

Furn., house decor, sterling, misc.

Several Singlewides, doublewides and brick homes for rent.

Manning and Home Branch area.

Security deposit req. 225-0389.

American MHP, 2 & 3/BRs, lot rentals, water/sewer/garbage pkup inc'd. Sec. 8 ok. 803-494-4300.

Trucking Opportunities

MERCHANDISE

4269 Confederate Rd. 2 br, 1 ba, C/H/A, appliances, $500 mo. + $500 dep. 916 Furman Dr. 3 Br, 2 Ba, C/H/A, appliances, $600 mo. + $600 dep. 983-3337.

Commercial Rentals

Open every weekend.

905-4242

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

Antique Cherry drop leaf table, 4 Cane bottom chairs. Over 150 yrs old Call 481-2894 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

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2014 CHEVY EQUINOX LS FWD

Glass top dining table with 6 iron framed chairs $350 OBO Call 775-0536 Hickory & Oak firewood. Seasoned/Green $65 Delivered. Notch Above Tree Service. 983-9721 Steel Building Allocated Bargains. 40x60 on up.

We do deals. www.gosteelbuildin gs.com.

Source #18X 803-335-2030

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2014

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2014 DOUBLE CAB 2WD SILVERADO

2014 CREW 2WD SILVERADO 1LT

Softball Equipment- Pitching machine, Backstop, Balls, Bats ETC. Call for details 803-968-2459 Wheelchair for sale. Like new condition. $125.00.

Call 803-481-8227 or 491-5255 Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves. Also new Gas stoves.

Guaranteed. 803-464-5439

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Established Heating and Air Conditioning Company looking for an experienced HVAC service technician. Must have experience, a valid driver's license, people skills, good personality. Great benefits offered and top pay!

Send responses to PO Box 2378 Sumter SC 29151 B-N-T is seeking experienced Drivers & EMT's. Please fax resumes to 803-774-4452 or apply in person.

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PROTHRO CHEVROLET, INC. BUICK - GMC 452 N. BROOKS STREET | MANNING | 803-433-2535 OR 1-800-968-9934

WWW . PROT HRO C HE V Y. CO M

MAYOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUIT CITY

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Winter Clearance Sale */ 130(3&44 /08

If your suits arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t becoming to you, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good time to be coming to Mayoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!

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