March 11, 2015 by The Sumter Item

IN SPORTS: 4 locals named to All State basketball team

Silhouette artist Clay Rice brings portraits to museum Saturday program is free; commissions available C1

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75 CENTS

Viper Team lifts off at Shaw

County may get full ice storm funding 1st BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com During the Sumter County Public Works and Solid Waste Committee meeting on Tuesday, it was announced that Sumter County may be the first county in the state to receive full reimbursement from FEMA after the ice storm of February 2014. The county is expecting a near $2 million reimbursement, meaning the county will have only paid $113,744 out of pocket for storm cleanup. Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon said the county made sure to have “its I’s dotted and T’s crossed” during the entire process to ensure that the county would be reimbursed quickly. The public works committee put forward a motion to end city yard debris pickup in some neighborhoods in the county, and Sumter County Council voted to approve the motion during its regular meeting later that evening. Mixon said the county pays $55,000 per year to have the city provide services for county residents. He said ending the yard debris pickup is about fairness for everyone in the county because other county residents do not receive the city service and all county residents end up paying for it. Mixon said he is not aware why the city service has been provided to residents of the county since more than a decade ago. As per the motion, county residents will receive notification from the county government stating that the city yard debris pickup will end in advance of the elimination of the service. Karen Hyatt, assistant director at the county public works department, said the county has decided to accept the bid offer of $436,225.13

JIM HILLEY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Crew members prep an F-16 for the Viper Demonstration Team on Tuesday at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter.

F-16 Fighting Falcon unit bounces back from sequestration BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com After being grounded in 2012 because of budget cuts mandated by sequestration, the Air Force’s F-16 Viper Demonstration Team is again set to tour the country to show the capabilities of one of America’s most dependable multi-role combat fighters. Soaring over the runway at Shaw Air Force Base on Tuesday, Capt. Craig “Rocket” Baker put an F-16 through a number of daz-

SEE COUNTY, PAGE A8

zling maneuvers in front of local media and military veterans, base personnel and their families to publicize the resurrection of the team. Before 2012, the Air Force had six demonstration teams, including two F-16 teams, two A-10 teams, one BAKER F-10 unit and one F-22 team. The Viper team and one F-22 team have now returned to the skies.

According to materials provided by the Air Force, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft which has proven itself in air-to-air and air-to-surface combat. The F-16 reportedly provides a relatively low-cost, highperformance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. The first F-16s saw operational duty in 1979. They are capable of flying up to 1,500 mph at an altitude of 50,000 feet, powered by one Pratt and Whitney or Gen-

eral Electric engine providing 27,000 pounds of thrust. The planes have a wingspan of 32 feet, 8 inches, and they are 49 feet, 5 inches from nose to tail and are 16 feet tall. Without fuel, the jets weigh in at 19,700 pounds. Tech Sgt. John Crow, a member of the four-man support crew for the team, said his job is to take care of the planes’ avionics — the sophisticated computer control system that allows the

SEE VIPER, PAGE A8

Survey: Number of gun-owning households is declining BY EMILY SWANSON The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The number of Americans who live in a household with at least one gun is lower than it’s ever been, according to a major American trend survey that finds the decline in gun ownership is paralleled by a reduction in the number of Americans who hunt. According to the latest General Social Survey, 32 percent of Americans either own a firearm themselves or live with someone who does, which ties a record low set in 2010. That’s a significant decline since the late 1970s and early 1980s, when about half of Americans told researchers there was a gun in their household. The General Social Survey is conducted by NORC, an independent research organization based at the Uni-

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A dealer arranges handguns recently in a display case in advance of a show at Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock, Arkansas. A major U.S. trend survey finds that the number of Americans who live in a household with at least one gun is lower than it’s ever been. versity of Chicago, with money from the National Science Foundation. Because of its long-running and com-

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prehensive set of questions about the demographics, behaviors and attitudes of the American public, it is a

DEATHS, B6 William Eli Hickson Edward Hicks Gilda Ashley Joyce Bazmore

Ruth Coker Glenn E. Hamlin Michelle Johnson Robert W. Evans

highly regarded source of data about social trends. Data from the 2014 survey was released last week, and an analysis of its findings on gun ownership and attitudes toward gun permits was conducted by General Social Survey staff. The drop in the number of Americans who own a gun or live in a household with one is probably linked to a decline in the popularity of hunting, from 32 percent who said they lived in a household with at least one hunter in 1977 to less than half that number saying so now. That the number of households with at least one gun is declining doesn’t necessarily mean that the number being purchased is on the decline. Data from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background

SEE GUNS, PAGE A8

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Tornado warning drill coming

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Enjoy Lenten Lunch, message at noon today Church of the Holy Comforter, 213 N. Main St., continues its Lenten Lunches series at noon today with featured speaker the Rev. Dr. Clay Smith, senior pastor at Alice Drive Baptist Church. The theme for this year’s Wednesday lunch programs is “Peter’s Way,” and all are based on the life of St. Peter. Smith’s topic is based on Matthew 17:1-8, “High up on the mountain.” A soup and sandwich luncheon will be provided in the church’s parish hall, where the program is presented. Admission is free, and the public is invited. A suggested donation to cover costs of the luncheon is $4. Future Lenten Lunches: • March 18: The Rev. Marion Newton Sr., pastor at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, Sumter, will speak on Matthew 18:21-35, “How often should I forgive?;” and • March 15: The Very Rev. Dr. John Barr III, rector emeritus, Church of the Holy Comforter, Sumter, speaking on Matthew 26:3135, “I will not deny you.” For more information, call (803) 773-3823.

National Guard will conduct routine jet exercises today South Carolina Air National Guard will conduct air defense exercises in the area of Aiken, Bishopville, Camden, Columbia, Eastover, Manning, Orangeburg, Sumter and Summerton today. As part of this routine exercise, fighter jets assigned to the guard’s 169th Fighter Wing might be seen escorting a single-engine aircraft belonging to South Carolina Civil Air Patrol from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Carefully planned and closely controlled, this exercise has been coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure the rapid response capability associated with the guard’s Aerospace Control Alert mission. Most of the flying activity will not be visible from the ground. The McEntire unit is a component of the strategic force that is poised to respond to airborne threats over the United States and is part of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Operation Noble Eagle, which was initiated after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Today’s practice alarm will be part of awareness week

SCHOOL TORNADO SAFETY PROCEDURES Here’s what public schools do to take immediate safety precautions when a school appears to be in the path of a tornado. First, in the event of a tornado warning or drill, all classes should follow the directions posted in classrooms. The signals to activate movement to shelter are as follows: • Three consecutive, short rings and one long ring of the emergency alarm bells; and • Alternate signal — continuous blowing of whistles or ringing of the bells by designated persons in each building, halls and outlying areas. Second, teachers need to take the following immediate action: • Teachers direct all students to move to a designated area. Teachers should account for students in their supervision; • Instruct students to sit on the floor with their backs to the corridors or walls, away from windows, with knees drawn to chest, with

FROM STAFF REPORTS Here’s a weather prediction that you can bet on: There will be a tornado warning issued at 9 a.m. today. That’s because there will be a statewide drill as part of South Carolina Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 8 through March 14. The National Weather Service is asking those who plan to participate to begin the drill at 9:10 a.m. if they haven’t heard a weather radio alarm. According to NWS, the purpose of the drill is for schools and the public to test their tornado safety plans and communications systems. “With several deadly tornado events in Georgia and South Carolina during the past few years, it’s imperative for everyone to have tornado safety procedures in place and to ensure they have a safe location to go to in the event of a tornado occurring,” NWS said on its website. Shelly Galloway, public information and strategic partnerships coordinator for Sumter School District, sent guidelines for schools during tornado watch and warning situations. If you haven’t been hiding under your desk for a few years, you might not know that each school has a weather radio that should be on at all times including during after-school programs. Tornado watches are issued to alert persons to the possibility of tornado development in specified areas for a

heads down, with the protection of a book on back of their head and neck; • Protect students who are nearest external doors from debris with cover. Use wraps to cover arms and legs; • Administrators will inform teachers to clear portable buildings if time permits; • Teachers and other staff should instruct students to leave the mini gym, main gym and buildings with high ceilings; • Students who are in the gym should take shelter in the gym corridor; • Teachers should instruct students that are in schools that have outside cafeterias, band rooms, shops, etc. to report to the hallways of the main buildings; • All other students and teachers take shelter in areas as posted; and • All teachers with planning periods during this time should remain available to assist the staff.

specified period of time. Until a tornado warning is issued, persons in watch areas should not interrupt their normal routines except to watch for threatening weather. But tornado warnings are issued when a tornado has actually been sighted in the area or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate the location of the tornado at the time of detection, the area through which it is expected to move and the time period during which the tornado will move through the area warned. There were only seven tornadoes in South Carolina last year, but the weather service said that is down

from the average. Last year, tornadoes were in Charleston County on May 31; Bamberg County on June 6; Orangeburg County on June 9; Beaufort County on June 23; Orangeburg County on Sept. 7; Oconee County on Oct. 14; and Greenville County on Oct. 14. Tornadoes are categorized by their strength according to the Enhanced Fujita scale or EF, ranging from EF0, the weakest with 65 to 85 mph winds, to EF5, the strongest with wind speeds greater than 200 mph. All seven tornadoes in South Carolina last year were EF0s. There were no injuries or deaths reported from them.

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Exemption request for plat will be focus of meeting The Sumter Board of Zoning Appeals will meet today at 3 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. to consider a request to exempt a plat of land from the county’s agricultural conservation zoning district development standards so the applicant can divide the land into three lots for lifetime conveyance. The development standards state that a plat must be a minimum of one acre to be subdivided.

CORRECTION If you see a statement in error, contact the City Desk at 774-1226 or pressrelease@ theitem.com.

Van Johnson Farms and Jess Easterling, Monsanto representative, present Lakewood High School FFA with a $2,500 check.

Sumter farmers donate money to Lakewood FFA FROM STAFF REPORTS Lakewood High School’s FFA, formerly Future Farmers of America, recently received a $2,500 donation from Sumter County’s Van Johnson Farms and America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by Monsanto Fund. The donation will help cover the costs for 20 students traveling to S.C. FFA Leadership Camp this summer and four students going to the National FFA convention in the fall. “The students were honored to be receiving the grant. It is nice for the program and students to be recog-

nized for positive activities in the community,” said FFA adviser Jillian Lash. This year, farmers will direct more than $500,000 in donations to FFA chapters across the country as part of the Grow Communities program. For five years, America’s Farmers Grow Communities has collaborated with farmers to donate more than $16.5 million to more than 7,300 community organizations across rural America. This year, winning farmers will direct an additional $3.3 million to nonprofits to help fight rural hun-

ger, purchase lifesaving fire and EMS equipment, support ag youth leadership programs, buy classroom resources and more. Farmers interested in supporting math and science education in their communities can visit www. GrowRuralEducation.com through April 1 to learn how. The America’s Farmers initiative celebrates U.S. farmers and highlights the importance of agriculture through communications and community outreach programs. To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.americasfarmers. com.

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Wilson Hall juniors Robert James and Katie Scannella participate in the high ropes course during the annual class retreat at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The three-day retreat included group activities, structured discussions and opportunities for enjoying the facilities of the conference center located in the mountains. Activities included an obstacle course operated by Mountain Trail Outdoor School, team-building exercises and cooperation games.

Laughs fill Opera House at comedy evening BY JANE G. COLLINS Special to The Sumter Item

REVIEW

If all entertainment venues in Sumter disappear, don’t blame a dedicated band of individuals who try to secure art, music, theater and other forms of entertainment for our town. The Sumter Opera House series is an excellent example of opportunities available for our community. Last month, the programs included the very enjoyable James Gregory, whose comedy centered on common human foibles. This month’s comedians, headliner Julie Scoggins and opening act Roger Keiss, provided another, less erudite, but also funny evening’s entertainment. Keiss got off to a difficult start — three bad microphones. When his routine became more audible, he was pacing and sometimes inconsistent in his presentation. However, his material, which centered on his own problems — “I just celebrated my 39th birthday and my 10th high school reunion” — allowed him to poke fun at himself — “I was in trouble for not paying for my washer and dryer, but the

salesman said they would pay for themselves” — and standard topics such as pot, smoking, drinking and sex. The act was worth the wait for his final salvos about state acronyms. Starting with some of his pre-planned states, Keiss asked for suggestions from the audience, providing clever words and interpretations for states such as Ohio, Montana, Wisconsin and finally South Carolina. This section alone was worth the price of admission: clever, quick witted and all too often stereotypically and hysterically “right on target.” Scoggins, described as a “former trucker, pooper scooper and charm school graduate from Charlotte, North Carolina,” rode onto the stage on a shiny red motorcycle — the “Vibrator”— unwrapped her slim, tight-jeans-clad legs and cowboy boots and began a routine largely centered on herself and her husband. A self-confessed tomboy, she focused on her arm flab which, when she rode the bike, “flapped like a pterodactyl.” Many of her jokes are not repeatable for the paper, but

she did describe her trip to the North, saying when she got off the plane, it was so cold “her nipple cracked.” I immediately identified with that remark having been to New York in January when the 10-degree weather prompted a young man in Times Square to comment to his date, “It is so cold my nipples could cut diamonds.” Admittedly adult material, her confession of fixing the turkey with some special hot KY gel her husband brought home, only to have difficulty eating it because it kept sliding off the plate, kept the fun on her own mishaps, rather than poking fun at others. Potty mouthed —NO! Fun — YES! Adult only — DEFINITELY! Entertaining — a matter of individual taste. More than just a run-of-themill comedian, Scoggins announced she will appear on “The Last Comic Standing.” The adage “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink” is all too true. There are many chances to spend money on your mind and heart instead of burgers and fries. It would be a shame to limit our community’s entertainment choices.

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Cairo’s ‘Mother Theresa’ serves children in Egyptian slums

Obama wants more rights for struggling student borrowers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

BY MERRIT KENNEDY The Associated Press CAIRO — In a slum inhabited by Cairo’s legions of informal garbage collectors, children in tattered sandals walk down muddy, trashstrewn alleys to get to Mama Maggie’s community center, where their feet are washed, their wounds are dressed and they are encouraged to learn and play. On a recent day “Mama” Maggie Gobran herself, dressed all in white, washed the face and feet of a young girl who had lost her right arm in a machinery accident before giving her a fresh pair of sandals and sending her off to play with the others. “I want each child to know how much I love them. I appreciate them, I respect them,” she said. Her organization, called Stephen’s Children after Christianity’s first martyr, has started nearly 90 such centers, and she estimates they have helped more than 30,000 low-income Egyptian families. They focus on Coptic Christians, a minority that has long complained of discrimination, though Gobran says they help Muslim children as well. These days there are more people in need of her services than ever before. The 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak led to years of unrest that have taken a heavy toll on the economy. The informal areas she targets, where impoverished residents string up their own power lines and rig their own water taps, are steadily expanding. Gobran, a 65-year-old Copt, has worked in such areas for more than three decades and has been compared to Mother Theresa, but she comes from an upper middle-class background. She previously worked as a marketing executive and as a computer science professor at the elite American University in Cairo. “At the American University, they were very good, but they had other people to go to serve them. But these people, they don’t have any,” she said. The Manshiyet Nasr slum is home to the city’s trash collectors, who run a vast grass-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Maggie Gobran, known as “Mama Maggie” and who is often compared to Mother Theresa, washes a young girl’s feet at a community development center she founded in the Manshiet Nasr neighborhood of Cairo, Egypt. roots recycling program there. Children in threadbare clothes wander the muddy streets while their parents sift through giant mounds of garbage, much of it hauled by donkey cart from across the city of 18 million. A different world beckons from inside the community center. In the courtyard, a teacher and a group of giggling kids play with a parachute. Another group draws pictures. Upstairs, a doctor examines a sore on a little girl’s foot, and teenage boys who dropped out of school learn to make leather shoes. Stephen’s Children has long provided early childhood education programs, which Gobran says are crucial to breaking the generational cycle of poverty, but after the age of seven the children had to rely on the state.

In Egypt’s decrepit public schools, poorly paid teachers often rely on private tutoring, and families must pay out of pocket for one-on-one attention. An estimated $2.4 billion is spent every year on private tuition in Egypt, according to the United Nations, with the extra expense widely seen as essential for passing exams. “Teachers need better pay — they’ll extort. Students need better instruction — they’ll go buy it,” says education researcher Motaz Attalla. “These things are really major structural challenges.” This year, the World Economic Forum ranked Egypt 141 out of 144 countries for quality of education. Despite major advances in recent decades, nearly 30 percent of Egyptian adults are illiterate, according to the United Nations.

ATLANTA (AP) — Issuing a clarion call to Americans saddled by student debt, President Obama urged student borrowers Tuesday to stand up for their rights and announced a medley of modest steps to bring some order to a notoriously chaotic system. Obama unveiled his “student aid bill of rights” before a gymnasium packed with nearly 10,000 students at Georgia Tech, where he said the nation must mobilize to bring about deeper changes to student loans. Not only should every American be able to afford college, Obama said, but they also should be able to afford the loan payments that kick in with a vengeance once they graduate. “We want to make this experience more affordable because you’re not just investing in yourselves, you’re investing in your nation,” he said. In the Oval Office ahead of his brief visit to Atlanta, Obama signed a presidential memorandum with policy tweaks that don’t require new legislation from Congress — a plus as far as the White House is concerned. The memo targets third parties such as Navient — formerly Sallie Mae — that contract with the government to collect on loans. Those companies will be required to better inform borrowers about repayment options and notify them when they are delinquent, the White House said. Obama also called for a single website where students can see all their federal loans in one place — a major problem for students with multiple loans or debt that’s been sold from lender to lender. He also called for a website where borrowers can file complaints.

The presidential steps aim to crack down on a student loan system known for being complex and confusing to navigate. In recent years, lawsuits and critical government reports have cast a light on industry abuses and the difficulties facing borrowers. A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau study last year found borrowers were getting little help when they ran into trouble and had few affordable repayment options. And in May, Sallie Mae reached a $60 million settlement with the Justice Department to resolve allegations it charged military members excessive interest rates and improperly sought default judgments. When Vickie Kight of Houston couldn’t afford to pay the interest accruing on her loans, she turned to her loan servicer for help — and said she didn’t get it. Her wages being garnished, Kight dropped out of Louisiana’s Southern University, returning to school only years later once her finances were under control. “They were very aggressive with me,” Kight said. Her student loan servicer eventually passed her loan on to a collection agency. “That’s when it got really hectic,” Kight said. “They weren’t providing much information. They just said you owe this much to the bank.” Obama also floated the possibility of proposing legal changes to how student loans are affected by bankruptcy. Currently, student loans cannot typically be discharged even in bankruptcy. His memo also requires servicers to apply early payments to loans with the highest interest rates, helping students pay off debt faster.

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POLICE BLOTTER CHARGE William Bramlet, 21, of Sumter, was arrested Sunday afternoon and charged with his second criminal domestic violence offense after he reportedly assaulted a woman at a Wedgefield home in the 4100 block of Livingwood Drive. STOLEN PROPERTY A rope bracelet valued at $180, a rope necklace valued at $200, a remote control car valued at $400 and other items valued at $43 were reported stolen from a Wedgefield home in the 4100 block of Muriel Street at 10:50 p.m. Saturday. A 9mm Ruger handgun of an undetermined value was reported stolen from a vehicle parked in a Wedgefield yard in the 6000 block of Orange Hill Road at 1:50 p.m. Saturday. A buffer valued at $50, tools valued at $100 and a 2003 Chevrolet pick-up truck of an undetermined value were reported stolen from a business in the 300 block of Neeley Street at 9:15 a.m. Friday. The business sustained $1,500 in damage to a fence that suspects re-

portedly busted out when leaving the scene. A 12-gauge shotgun, an Xbox and controllers, all of undetermined values, were reported stolen from a Dalzell home in the 4800 block of Cannery Road just after 9:20 p.m. Sunday. A Taurus .38 Special handgun of an undetermined value was reported stolen from the glove box of a 2004 Ford F150 in the 3100 block of Daufaski Road about 12:15 p.m. Saturday. A 50-inch TV valued at $200, a 32-inch TV valued at $200, a PlayStation 3 valued at $200 and $200 in cash were reportedly stolen from a home in the 800 block of Jessamine Trail between March 4 and 1:45 p.m. Sunday. Two toolboxes each containing $3,000 worth of tools, an air wrench valued at $70, an electric wrench valued at $170, a new Honda Accord radiator valued at $150 and nine jack stands valued at $243 were reportedly stolen from a service station/garage in the 1000 block of North Main Street between 8 p.m. Saturday and 11:40 a.m. Sunday. About $800 in cash was reported stolen from a purse in a grocery store parking lot in the 800 block of Broad Street before 2 p.m. on March 5.

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CCTC choir celebrates Black History Month

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Central Carolina Technical College’s Sounds of Inspiration student gospel choir performs during the “Honoring a Dark Past. Bringing Forth a Bright Future: A Celebration of Black History” event on March 2.

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NATION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A care worker brushes Charla Nash’s teeth, which were provided by an organ donor along with her face, at her apartment in Boston on Feb. 20. Nash lost her face, eyes and hands after being mauled by a chimpanzee in 2009. The Department of Defense is following Nash’s progress after funding her transplant surgery in 2011. The military is hoping the information it learns from Nash’s rehabilitation can help young, seriously disfigured soldiers returning from war. Nash sits in her favorite chair, right, at her second-story apartment in Boston on Feb. 20.

Military hopes to learn from victim of chimp attack BY SUSAN HAIGH The Associated Press BOSTON — Charla Nash never served in the military. She was horribly disfigured, not in combat but in a 2009 attack by a rampaging chimpanzee. The Pentagon, though, is watching her recovery closely. The U.S. military paid for Nash’s full face transplant in 2011 and is underwriting her follow-up treatment at a combined cost estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars in the hope that some of the things it learns can help young, seriously disfigured soldiers returning from war. In the coming weeks, for example, Nash will take part in a military-funded experiment in which doctors at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital will try to wean her off the anti-rejection drugs she has been taking since the transplant. Nash jokes about sometimes feeling like a science project. But the 61-yearold daughter of an Air Force veteran

said she gets real satisfaction out of letting the doctors use her for research and sees it as an opportunity to help wounded soldiers and “do something good out of all of this bad.” “They asked me, could they? I said, ‘Yeah, I’d be thrilled to help out in any way I could,’” said Nash, a former Connecticut resident who now lives on her own in Boston with the help of part-time aides. Nash lost her nose, lips, eyelids and hands when she was mauled by her employer’s 200-pound pet chimpanzee in Stamford, Connecticut. Doctors also had to remove her eyes because of a disease transmitted by the chimp. She later received new facial features taken from a dead woman. She also underwent a double hand transplant, but it failed when her body rejected the tissue. Now blind, Nash spends most of her days listening to AM radio and books on tape — lately, “War and Peace” — in her modest, second-story apartment. She also exercises a couple of days a week with a trainer at a gym to

build her strength and stay healthy. A GoFundMe account is being set up to help raise money for prosthetic hands. Her life today is a stark contrast to her younger years, when she was a barrel racer on the rodeo circuit from the 1970s through the mid-1990s. Through the years, she also did some horse-jumping, worked on a farm and manned a computer help desk. She was working as a dispatcher for a towing company at the time of the attack. About every six weeks, Nash undergoes lab tests for the military at Brigham and Women’s. She is also subjected to MRIs and CT scans to determine how well her brain is sending signals to her new face. In addition, doctors examine how well the arteries are delivering blood to the transplant. The military is also interested in such things as any scarring around the mouth and how well her eyelids work. “It makes sense for us to look at the civilian community and the experiences that are gained through the involvement of non-uniformed people to as-

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sess if this is a good solution for the military,” said Dr. Brian Pfister, a portfolio manager for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine research program. About 35 full or partial face transplants have been performed worldwide since the first one was done in France in 2005. The Defense Department estimates 560 soldiers have suffered severe facial wounds in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of those, about 50 or 60 might be candidates for a face transplant, Pfister said. The Pentagon is providing grants to 14 medical facilities across the U.S. through its hand and face transplantation program. The face and the extremities are the two most frequently injured parts of the body in war. The new experiment, involving the suspension of anti-rejection drugs, will eventually include other patients, and its findings could potentially affect hundreds of thousands of people, military and civilian alike, doctors said.

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NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

Credit-reporting changes may affect you BY MICHELLE CHAPMAN AND ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers The three big credit reporting agencies are making changes that could help steer some consumers clear of the credit dog house. Data collected by the agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion on hundreds of millions of people are used to create credit scores. Those scores can determine who gets a loan and how much interest is paid on it. The move stems from months of negotiations between the companies and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, one of several state attorneys general who have placed the credit reporting industry under increased scrutiny. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood sued Experian last June, claiming the firm has knowingly included error-rid-

dled data in consumer credit files. In Ohio, Attorney General Mike DeWine is leading more than 30 states in an investigation into the credit firms. That suggests more changes by the industry could be coming. So how will these latest changes affect you? Q: WHAT’S CHANGING HERE? A: The credit bureaus have agreed to make several changes. Two of them have the potential to affect consumers the most: changes to how people go about disputing errors in their credit files and in the type of credit data that will appear in their files. Q: WILL IT BE EASIER TO DISPUTE ERRORS IN MY CREDIT REPORT? A: In theory. Let’s say you’ve made a timely payment on your credit card but it mistakenly shows up in your credit file as a late payment, potentially weighing down your credit score. Right now, consumers who want to

fix that error can file a dispute with the credit reporting agencies, but it falls on the consumer to get the mistake fixed with their credit card company. In addition, the credit agencies basically defer to the creditor. To address this, the firms have agreed to hire employees tasked with reviewing consumer credit disputes independently and not merely rubber-stamping what credit card issuers and lenders say. Q: WHAT ARE THE CHANGES TO MEDICAL DEBT? A: In a bid to increase accuracy, medical debts won’t be reported until after a 180-day waiting period to allow time for insurance payments to be applied. The agencies agreed to remove from credit reports previously reported medical collections that have been or are being paid by insurance companies. Medical debts often arise from insurance coverage delays

or disputes. More than half of all collection items on credit reports are medical debts and those debts may not accurately reflect consumers’ creditworthiness, according to a statement from Schneiderman. Q: WHAT ABOUT PARKING TICKETS? A: The credit agencies have agreed that parking tickets, library late fees and similar fines won’t appear on consumers’ credit reports, sort of. The idea is to exclude debts that don’t arise from an agreement by the consumer to pay back money, as in a loan or credit card. Still, if any of those debts gets sold to a collection agency, it’s possible the unpaid debt record could end up on your credit report anyway. Q: WHO WILL MONITOR THE CHANGES? A: A working group will be formed under the agreement to regularly review consistency and to ensure that collected

data is applied to consumers uniformly. Q: WHEN WILL THE CHANGES TAKE PLACE? A: The changes will start to be implemented during the next several months. Discussions with other attorneys general are ongoing and there remains the possibility for more agreements ahead. Q: AM I ELIGIBLE FOR MORE THAN ONE FREE CREDIT REPORT A YEAR? A: Yes. Right now, consumers are entitled to get one free credit report a year from each credit reporting agency. The attorney general’s agreement requires that the firms provide a second free report to consumers who experience a change in their report after they dispute something in their file. This will let consumers verify that the credit agencies corrected the error. To get a free report, visit AnnualCreditReport.com.

Secret Service testing drones, countermeasures WASHINGTON (AP) — Mysterious, middle-of-thenight drone flights by the U.S. Secret Service during the next several weeks over parts of Washington — usually offlimits as a strict no-fly zone — are part of secret government testing intended to find ways to interfere with rogue drones or knock them out of the sky, The Associated Press has learned. A U.S. official briefed on the plans said the Secret Service was testing drones for law enforcement or protection efforts and to look for ways, such as signal jamming, to thwart threats from civilian drones. The drones were being flown between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because this person was not authorized to discuss the plans publicly. The Secret Service has said details were classified. Some consumer-level drones, which commonly carry video cameras, are powerful enough to carry small amounts of explosives or a grenade. The challenge for the Secret Service is quickly detecting a rogue drone flying near the White House or the president’s location, then within moments either hacking it to seize control over its flight or

jamming its signal to send it off course or make it crash. The Secret Service has said only that it will openly test drones over Washington, but it declined to provide details such as when it will fly, how many drones, over what parts of the city, for how long and for what purposes. It decided to tell the public in advance about the tests out of concern that people who saw the drones might be alarmed, particularly in the wake of the drones spotted recently over Paris at night. Flying overnight also diminishes the chances that radio jamming would accidentally affect nearby businesses, drivers, pedestrians and tourists. It is illegal under the U.S. Communications Act to sell or use signal jammers except for narrow purposes by government agencies. Depending on a drone’s manufacturer and capabilities, its flight-control and video-broadcasting systems commonly use the same common radio frequencies as popular Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. Jamming by the Secret Service — depending on how powerfully or precisely it works — could disrupt nearby Internet networks or phone conversations until it’s turned off. Testing in the real-world

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environment around the White House would reveal unexpected effects on jamming efforts from nearby buildings, monuments or tall trees. Signals emanating from an inbound drone — such as coming from a video stream back to its pilot — could allow the Secret Service to detect and track it. Federal agencies generally need approval to jam signals from the U.S. telecommunications advisory agency, the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. That agency declined to tell the AP whether the Secret Service sought permission because it said such requests are not routinely made public. The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed it formally authorized the Secret Service to fly the drones and granted it a special waiver to fly them over Washington. The agency declined to provide specifics about the secret program. In January, a wayward quadcopter drone, piloted by an off-duty U.S. intelligence employee, landed on the White House lawn. At the time, the Secret Service said the errant landing appeared to be accidental and was not considered a security threat.

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AP FILE PHOTO

Secret Service officers search the south grounds of the White House in Washington after an unmanned aerial drone was found there in the middle of the night on Jan. 26.

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Iraqis see success against Islamic State near Tikrit

VIPER FROM PAGE A1 jet to be such a force in combat. “My job is to diagnose and troubleshoot issues,” he said. “We have the team here to show off the capabilities of the F-16, the most utilized in the Air Force,” he said. “It will outmaneuver almost any plane out there.” The pilot said he enjoys showing off the plane’s capabilities. Baker said he loves his job. “My favorite part of being a demonstration pilot is I get to go all over the country and demonstrate this fine aircraft and my fine team,” said Baker. Crow said among the goals of the demonstration team is to inspire young people to become interested in the Air Force. “We want young people and young adults to want to fly or maintain a plane such as this,” he said. The team will be touring the country this year, including a show April 11-12 at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort.

BY QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA AND VIVIAN SALAMA The Associated Press BAGHDAD — Iraqi soldiers and Shiite militiamen captured a town Tuesday on the outskirts of the Islamic State-held city of Tikrit, sealing off Saddam Hussein’s hometown in preparation to confront the extremists in one of their biggest strongholds, officials said. Seizing Alam puts the offensive on course to attempt to liberate Tikrit in the coming days, the ultimate battlereadiness test for Iraqi forces now advancing there without the support of U.S.led airstrikes. Their operation likely will set the stage for how Iraq attempts to retake the more-densely populated cities of Mosul and

Fallujah from the militants. Iraqi forces entered Alam early Tuesday morning, their armored convoys roaring past the empty arid fields and occasional palm tree before gaining full control hours later, two Iraqi officials said. By nightfall, the military sealed off Tikrit on all sides, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to journalists. Tikrit, the capital of Salahuddin province, lies about 80 miles north of Baghdad. Sniper fire and roadside bombs initially hampered the advance into Alam, said Ahmed al-Karim, the Salahuddin provincial council chief. Extremists also blew up the Alam bridge to slow the Iraqi force, military officials said.

COUNTY FROM PAGE A1 from Palmetto Paving Corp. to resurface nearly three miles of road in the Kel-Sam, Hidden Haven and Beech Creek subdivisions. Palmetto Paving Corp. provided the lowest bid for the project, which is expected to be completed by the first of June. Roads on the Penny for Progress road project list might need to meet a different set of criteria for improvements based on newly proposed grading scales. It is proposed that roads be graded on a point system, and roads with the highest points will be considered the most in need of improvements. Roads that are in need of resurfacing will be graded on a 100-point scale, and roads needing paving improvements will be graded on a 130-point scale. The grading is based on the length of the

GUNS FROM PAGE A1 Check system shows that in recent years there’s actually been an increase in the number of background checks being run, suggesting the total number of firearms being purchased is going up. But those are concentrated in fewer hands than they were in the 1980s, the General Social Survey finds. The 2014 poll finds that 22 percent of Americans own a firearm, down from a high of 31 percent who said so in 1985. The survey also finds a shrinking gender gap in personal firearm ownership as a result of a decline in the percentage of men who own one, from 50 percent in 1980 to 35 percent in 2014. Fewer women than men own guns, but the percentage among women has held fairly steady since 1980, with 12 percent now saying they personally own a gun.

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Members of an Iraqi Shiite militant group called Badr Brigades carry the coffin of Shiite fighter Mohammed Fuad and a poster with his picture during his funeral procession in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, 100 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday. Fuad was killed in Tikrit fighting Islamic State militants, his comrades said. Their involvement has been key in the Iraqi offensive, as has the involvement of Iranian military advisers guiding them.

After seizing Alam, Shiite militiamen held assault rifles over their heads, chanting that the Islamic State group was “unable to conquer us.”

road in miles, the number of homes per mile on the road, if there are drainage issues on the road and the annual cost for the county to maintain the road. In other news, the committee discussed: • Putting a streetlight at an intersection on Illery Road and decided that no motion would be proposed because the section of road in question does not meet any of the six criteria for a streetlight to be placed. A streetlight can be placed on a road if: there is any record of vehicle collisions at night; the road has a fast speed limit; there is a curve in the road at the intersection; if the road is on a valley or hill; a school bus stop is near the intersection; and if the school district requests the streetlight. Although the committee did not make a motion to erect a streetlight on the road, it will look into adding signage to indicate the

intersection; • Further possible actions the county could take in regard to the paving of Bolden Drive in Dalzell. Some residents whose homes are adjacent to the road want the road to remain unpaved. Sumter County does not have responsibility of the road because it is a dirt road. Public Works Director Eddie Newman said if residents would like to have the road paved by the county, they would need to get a petition signed by other residents in favor of the action; and • The possibility of the state transferring roads into the county’s responsibility. Mixon said he does not think the transference is something the state plans to do, but it is still an option. Both Mixon and Newman commented the county has enough roads to spend money on without added responsibility from the state.

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COMMENTARY

Global warming

“B

ut the debate is settled. Climate change is a fact,” said President Obama in his 2014 State of the Union address. Saying the debate is settled is nonsense, but the president is right about climate change. GlobalChange.gov gives the definition of climate change: “Changes in average weather conditions that persist over multiple decades or longer. Climate change encompasses both increases and decreases in temperature, as well as shifts in precipitation, changing risk of certain types of severe weather events, and changes to other features Walter of the climate Williams system.” That definition covers all weather phenomena throughout all 4.54 billion years of Earth’s existence. You say, “Williams, that’s not what the warmers are talking about. It’s the high CO2 levels caused by mankind’s industrial activities that are causing the climate change!” There’s a problem with that reasoning. Today, CO2 concentrations worldwide average about 380 parts per million. This level of CO2 concentration is trivial compared with the concentrations during earlier geologic periods. For example, 460 million years ago, during the Ordovician Period, CO2 concentrations were 4,400 ppm, and temperatures then were about the same as they are today. With such high levels of CO2, at least according to the warmers, the Earth should have been boiling. Then there are warmer predictions. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, warmers, such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, made all manner of doomsday predictions about global warming and the increased frequency of hurricanes. According to the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow, “no Category 3-5 hurricane has struck the United States for a record nine years, and Earth’s temperature has not budged for 18 years.” Climate change predictions have been wrong for decades. Let’s look at some. At the first Earth Day celebration, in 1969, environmentalist Nigel Calder

warned, “The threat of a new ice age must now stand alongside nuclear war as a likely source of wholesale death and misery for mankind.” C.C. Wallen of the World Meteorological Organization said, “The cooling since 1940 has been large enough and consistent enough that it will not soon be reversed.” In 1968, Professor Paul Ehrlich predicted that there would be a major food shortage in the U.S. and that “in the 1970s and 1980s hundreds of millions of people (would) starve to death.” Ehrlich forecasted that 65 million Americans would die of starvation between 1980 and 1989 and that by 1999, the U.S. population would have declined to 22.6 million. Ehrlich’s predictions about England were gloomier. He said, “If I were a gambler, I would take even money that England will not exist in the year 2000.” In 1970, Harvard University biologist George Wald predicted, “Civilization will end within 15 or 30 years unless immediate action is taken against problems facing mankind.” Sen. Gaylord Nelson, in Look magazine in April 1970, said that by 1995, “somewhere between 75 and 85 percent of all the species of living animals (would) be extinct.” Climate change propaganda is simply a ruse for a socialist agenda. Consider the statements of some environmentalist leaders. Christiana Figueres, the U.N.’s chief climate change official, said that her unelected bureaucrats are undertaking “probably the most difficult task” they have ever given themselves, “which is to intentionally transform the (global) economic development model.” The most disgusting aspect of the climate change debate is the statements by many that it’s settled science. There is nothing more anti-scientific than the idea that any science is settled. Very often we find that the half-life of many scientific ideas is about 50 years. For academics to not criticize their colleagues and politicians for suggesting that scientific ideas are not subject to challenge is the height of academic dishonesty. Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2015 creators.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR NEW ADMINISTRATION AT MILLWOOD COULD CREATE LONG-TERM DAMAGE I’m a Millwood parent, and I want to express my frustrations with this year under our new administration. Here is what I’ve seen, and frankly, I don’t like the way it’s going. We’ve lost programs and traditions, parental involvement has dropped, and we’ve had issues with the PTA (sure, we’re led to believe it’s “all fixed”, for the short term maybe, but I venture to guess similar issues may resurface next year). If you weren’t aware, Millwood’s PTA president stepped down this year (mid-year) and removed her three kids from the school. What’s next? Are we now going to see scores of teachers leave or transfer? Where did my Millwood go? What happened to our Millwood family? Whoever decided to put this new administration here should take a very long and hard look at the long-term damage possible. It could take years to repair. We need a change — NOW. Please help us get our Millwood back before it’s gone. JEFF WITHERSPOON Sumter

MILLWOOD PUTS PRIORITIES ON AESTHETICS INSTEAD OF EDUCATION How should money be handled in our public schools? That’s a good question. We’ve had a chance to see how our district has spent money at Millwood this year. So, let’s recap for those who might not know (dollar amounts noted were obtained through a FOIA request). Millwood had a front office face-lift at the start of this school year. We’ve had a new concrete bus lane added (cost $26,000). We’ve had a new shelter built (cost $67,000) for car riders (it’s used for 20-30 minutes out of the day when after-school car riders are picked up; there are three other covered areas at the school already and a picnic shelter). We’ve even had plantation shutters put in the front office and cafeteria (cost $7,000). That’s a total

of $100,000 for these three things alone. So, wouldn’t you think Millwood has what it needs? After all, some may consider a few of these “extras”; so what could be left? What we don’t have is operational playground equipment. What we don’t have is a fence separating children from the moving buses. What we don’t have is new technology for our children (such as iPads, like other districts). Supposedly all this money was spent in the name of safety. I wonder if that’s really the entire story. Safety wasn’t an issue before; there were policies and procedures in place that worked well and didn’t require this kind of spending. To me, it seems we’ve put a priority on aesthetics (over educational value) and used precious tax money to do it. STEVEN MILLER Sumter

WE SHOULDN’T IGNORE RED FLAGS AT MILLWOOD I have real concerns with how Millwood Elementary School is running this year. It’s been nearly three quarters of the year so I feel I’ve had adequate time to assess things. I’m concerned that a once warm and lively school is struggling — really struggling. I’m concerned when I see teachers jump when certain individuals enter their room. I’m concerned that once empowered teachers cower when disagreements arise. Perhaps the biggest message that something is wrong isn’t the words of reassurance but the non-verbal hesitant cues in teachers’ facial expressions, eyes and body language. What could this all mean? Are these red flags we shouldn’t ignore? Could bullying, intimidation and retaliation be going on behind closed doors? How could behavior of teachers who’ve been at Millwood for years change so drastically in one school year? Isn’t it worth our time to pay attention and ask tougher questions on what’s going on at Millwood? AMY MAREI Sumter

Does Iran really want to build a bomb and create a war?

merica, we have a problem. In the bloodsoaked chaotic Middle East, with few exceptions like the Kurds, our friends either can’t or won’t fight. The Free Syrian Army folded. The U.S.-armed Hazm force in Syria has just collapsed after being routed by the al-Nusra Front. The Iraqi army we trained and equipped fled Mosul and ran all the way to Baghdad. The Turks could annihilate ISIS in Syria, but they won’t fight. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Arabs have sent zero troops to fight ISIS. A handful of air strikes is it. Now consider what our old enemies have done and are doing. Hezbollah and Iran have sustained Bashar Assad’s Syrian army for four years and have ISIS and the al-Nusra Front on the defensive around Aleppo. Iran and its allied Shiite militia in Iraq are battling ISIS for Tikrit. Backed by Hezbollah, Houthi

COMMENTARY rebels have seized Yemen’s capital and are battling al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. AQAP is the No. 1 terrorist threat to the U.S. homeland. While Iran and its allies are fighting al-Qaida and ISIS, Turkey and our Arab allies are malingerers at best and collaborators at Pat worst. Buchanan How explain this? Not difficult. The Shiites, a religious minority in the Muslim world — Hezbollah, Assad’s regime, Baghdad, Tehran — see ISIS as a mortal threat and are willing to fight to kill the monster. Our Sunni allies won’t go out and fight ISIS, because that would make them allies of Iran and the Shiites, whom they fear even more. Our Sunni friends want

America to crush ISIS and alQaida, then to crush Hezbollah, Syria and Iran. But why is it in our interest to send U.S. troops back into any of these wars? Is America more threatened than our Arab allies? The Republicans want to give a blank check to Obama and any future president to fight ISIS and al-Qaida everywhere and forever. And they want the United States to treat Iran as we should have treated Nazi Germany had Hitler been about to get the bomb. Americans don’t want another war. And if John Kerry comes home with a deal on Iran’s nuclear program, Americans are likely to reject a party that is seen as trying to torpedo that deal, when the alternative is war with Iran. Though Israel has 200 atomic bombs, Iran has not produced a single ounce of uranium enriched to bomb-grade 90 percent. Since talks began, Iran has diluted all of its 20-percent enriched uranium and halted pro-

duction. Tehran is willing to cut her operating centrifuges by a third. Inspectors and cameras are now in all of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The heavy-water plant at Arak, which would produce plutonium, has been halted. The reprocessing plant that would be needed to extract bomb-grade material has not even been started. U.S. intelligence agencies in 2007 and 2011 declared, with high confidence, that Iran has no active bomb program. We cannot trust Iran, we are told. Correct. Nor should we, as history has proven. Moscow cheated on Nixon’s SALT I agreement by replacing its light single-warhead SS-11 missiles with heavy SS-19s with multiple warheads. But as Meir Dagan, ex-head of Mossad points out, if Iran cheats at any of its facilities, we will know it, and it would take a year before Tehran could produce enough highly enriched uranium even to test a bomb. Another question, too rarely raised, is this:

Why would Iran test and build a nuclear bomb when this would set off a nuclear arms race across the Middle East and put Iran in mortal peril of being smashed by the United States or by Israel with a preemptive strike? Right now, Hezbollah dominates Lebanon. Assad is gaining ground in Syria. Iraq, thanks to “W,” is Iran’s ally, not the mortal enemy of Saddam’s day. The Houthi have Sanaa. The Shiite majority in Bahrain, where the U.S. Fifth Fleet is berthed, will one day dominate that Gulf state. And the Shiites in oil-rich northeast Saudi Arabia will one day rise up against Riyadh. Why build a bomb, why get into a war with a nucleararmed superpower, when everything’s going your way? Patrick J. Buchanan is the author of the new book “The Greatest Comeback: How Richard Nixon Rose From Defeat to Create the New Majority.” © 2015 creators.com

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

SUPPORT GROUPS AA, AL-ANON, ALATEEN: AA — Monday-Friday, noon and 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852. AA Women’s Meeting — Wednesday, 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852. AA Spanish Speaking — Sunday, 4:30 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852. AA “How it Works” Group — Monday and Friday, 8 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call (803) 494-5180. Al-Anon “Courage to Change” Support Group — Tuesday, 7 p.m., Alice Drive Baptist Church, Room 204, 1305 Loring Mill Road. Call Dian at (803) 316-0775 or Crystal at (803) 775-3587. 441 AA Support Group — Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 p.m., Hair Force, 2090-D S.C. 441. AA Summerton Group — Wednesday, 8 p.m., town hall. Manning Al-Anon Family Group — Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Behavioral Health Building, 14 Church St., Manning. Call Angie Johnson at (803) 4358085. C/A “Drop the Rock” Group — Thursday, 9:30 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call Elizabeth Owens at (803) 607-4543.

MONDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Vitiligo Support Group — second Monday of each month, 5:45-6:45 p.m., North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. Call Tiffany at (803) 3166763. Find us on Facebook at Sumter Vitiligo Support.

TUESDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Connective Tissue Support Group — 1st Tuesday of Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov., 7 p.m., 180 Tiller Circle. Call (803) 773-0869. Mothers of Angels (for mothers who have lost a child) — Every Tuesday, 6 p.m., Wise Drive Baptist Church. Call Betty at (803) 469-2616 or Carol at (803) 469-9426. EFMP Parent Exchange Group — Last Tuesday each month, 11 a.m.-noon, Airman and Family Readiness Center. Support to service members who have a dependent with a disability or illness. Call Dorcus Haney at

(803) 895-1252/1253 or Sue Zimmerman at (803) 8472377.

WEDNESDAY MEETINGS: Sickle Cell Support Group — last Wednesday each month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., South Sumter Resource Center, 337 Manning Ave. Call Bertha Willis at (803) 774-6181.

THURSDAY MEETINGS: TOPS S.C. No. 236 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) — Thursdays, 9 a.m., Spectrum Senior Center,1989 Durant Lane. Call Diane at (803) 775-3926 or Nancy at (803) 469-4789. Asthma Support Group — Every 1st Thursday, 6 p.m., Clarendon County School District 3 Parenting Center, 2358 Walker Gamble Road, New Zion. Call Mary Howard at (843) 659-2102. Alzheimer’s Support Group through S.C. Alzheimer’s Association — Every 1st Thursday, 6-8 p.m., McElveen Manor, 2065 McCrays Mill Road. Call Cheryl Fluharty at (803) 905-7720 or the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 636-3346. Journey of Hope (for families members of the mentally ill), Journey to Recovery (for the mentally ill) and Survivors of Suicide Support Group — Each group meets every 1st Thursday, 7 p.m., St. John United Methodist Church, 136 Poinsett Drive. Call Fred Harmon at (803) 905-5620.

FRIDAY MEETINGS: Celebrate Recovery — Every Friday, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. program, Salt & Light Church, Miller Road (across from Food Lion). For help with struggles of alcohol, drugs, family problems, smoking, etc. Wateree AIDS Task Force Support Group — Every third Friday, 11:30 a.m. Contact Kevin Johnson at (803) 7780303.

SATURDAY MEETINGS: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/ Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Support Group — 1:30 p.m. every third Saturday, 3785 Blackberry Lane, Lot 7. Call Donna Parker at (803) 481-7521.

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Variable cloudiness

Cloudy, showers around; warm

Cooler; a little afternoon rain

Periods of rain

Warmer with a couple of t-storms

Partly sunny

83°

58°

67° / 50°

67° / 58°

76° / 59°

77° / 46°

Chance of rain: 45%

Chance of rain: 70%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 65%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 15%

SW 7-14 mph

NNE 4-8 mph

ENE 10-20 mph

NE 8-16 mph

SSW 7-14 mph

NNE 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 75/55 Spartanburg 76/56

Greenville 76/55

Columbia 83/60

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 83/58

Aiken 79/59

ON THE COAST

Charleston 80/59

Today: An afternoon shower in the area. High 75 to 79. Thursday: Cloudy; a little morning rain in northern parts. High 62 to 70.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 76/59/t 48/31/s 70/48/s 51/31/pc 69/55/c 73/54/c 73/64/t 61/35/pc 83/68/t 63/35/pc 88/64/pc 65/51/c 68/39/sh

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 358.09 75.30 74.76 97.83

24-hr chg none -0.09 +0.02 -0.27

Sunrise 7:38 a.m. Moonrise 12:02 a.m.

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

trace 0.77" 1.31" 11.83" 8.00" 8.73"

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

81° 50° 65° 39° 89° in 1974 21° in 1996

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. Month to date Normal month to date Year to date Last year to date Normal year to date

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 70/53/r 54/37/s 68/45/pc 47/32/s 68/51/r 82/60/s 74/63/r 49/35/s 84/66/pc 52/33/s 87/62/s 69/52/pc 57/38/pc

Myrtle Beach 75/58

Manning 81/60

Today: A couple of thunderstorms. Winds west-southwest 6-12 mph. Thursday: Cooler; a little afternoon rain. Winds northeast 8-16 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 84/59

Bishopville 81/58

Sunset 7:26 p.m. Moonset 10:59 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Mar. 13

Mar. 20

Mar. 27

Apr. 4

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 10.33 -0.27 19 4.17 -0.41 14 9.82 -0.61 14 3.67 -0.01 80 78.28 -0.54 24 11.51 +3.43

AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 12:59 a.m. 1:14 p.m. 1:44 a.m. 2:02 p.m.

Today Thu.

Ht. 2.9 2.6 2.9 2.6

Low 8:08 a.m. 8:07 p.m. 8:58 a.m. 8:58 p.m.

Ht. 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.3

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 70/49/t 77/58/t 82/59/c 78/59/pc 63/45/c 80/59/c 76/54/t 77/58/t 83/60/c 82/58/c 72/43/t 82/59/c 82/58/c

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 55/44/r 67/50/r 75/51/r 70/56/c 50/44/r 68/54/c 59/46/r 63/50/r 69/51/r 65/49/c 53/38/pc 64/49/pc 63/45/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 84/59/c Gainesville 82/64/t Gastonia 76/56/t Goldsboro 80/54/t Goose Creek 81/60/c Greensboro 71/49/t Greenville 76/55/t Hickory 72/52/t Hilton Head 72/60/c Jacksonville, FL 81/63/pc La Grange 79/62/t Macon 78/58/c Marietta 74/58/t

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 65/51/c 82/62/t 60/46/r 62/45/pc 67/55/c 59/43/c 61/48/r 57/45/r 66/57/c 78/62/t 77/59/r 75/54/r 70/51/r

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 68/47/sh Mt. Pleasant 77/60/c Myrtle Beach 75/58/c Orangeburg 82/61/c Port Royal 75/61/pc Raleigh 76/50/t Rock Hill 78/57/t Rockingham 79/55/c Savannah 80/60/pc Spartanburg 76/56/t Summerville 73/60/c Wilmington 78/57/c Winston-Salem 73/50/t

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 55/43/r 65/55/c 62/52/c 70/52/r 67/57/c 61/43/pc 61/46/r 61/46/c 73/57/r 58/46/r 68/58/c 63/49/r 60/42/c

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

PUBLIC AGENDA SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Today, 2 p.m., 1345 Wilson Hall Road, for AdvancEd

DAILY PLANNER

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

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

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

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Greater EUGENIA LAST opportunity surrounds you. Get involved in networking functions that can provide you with new contacts and a better position. Add to your resume and you will impress someone influential. A new contract will be offered.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Do your best to get ahead. Take the initiative to go above and beyond the call of duty, and you will prove you have what it takes to be a leader in your field. Don’t rely on others; do the work yourself. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t leave anything to chance or believe everything you hear. Focus on your ability to adapt to whatever change comes your way and outsmart anyone who challenges you. Romance will enhance your personal life and improve your living arrangements. CANCER (June 21-July 22): You’ll have to do things differently if you want to avoid being accused of copying someone. Focus on your own ideas and look for ways to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Don’t let personal matters stop you from taking care of your work responsibilities. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep your emotions under control and focus on what you can do to make selfimprovements while also adding to your skills. Someone will try to take money or possessions from you. Protect your assets physically and legally. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Mingle, network and communicate directly with the person you want to influence. You have plenty to contribute, so don’t be afraid to share. Striving for perfection and putting additional detail into your work will pay off as long as you

finish what you start. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take initiative and be the one to instigate anything you want to see happen. Don’t let a difference of opinion ruin your day or spoil an important relationship. Love is highlighted and getting along will lead to greater happiness. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t get uptight; get moving. It’s what you do that will count. Stop reworking the same old thing over and over. Make your move and make it count. You need to be creative, not a perfectionist who is never satisfied. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Expect the unexpected and prepare to deal with whatever comes your way. Hidden secrets may surface that could lead to a situation you have been avoiding. Put the past behind you and enjoy your life. Explore what excites you the most.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

10-14-24-26-35 PowerUp: 3

34-36-38-42-50 Powerball: 33; Powerplay: 4

numbers not available at press time

PICK 3 TUESDAY

PICK 4 TUESDAY

LUCKY FOR LIFE MONDAY

9-9-0 and 8-1-3

2-0-7-4 and 9-8-6-7

6-18-23-31-43; Lucky Ball; 6

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Barbara McElveen shares a photo of her beautiful African violets.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Offer what you can, but don’t expect instant results. Someone is likely to oppose you no matter what you do. Rely on your knowledge, expertise and practical way of handling situations, and you will come out on top. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t let an emotional situation ruin a perfectly good day. Make personal changes that will enhance your outlook as well as update your appearance. Romance will help you stabilize your love life. An open attitude will be well-received. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get involved in a discussion with someone who has a different outlook or opinion than yours. Your creative and compassionate approach to what you do will attract the help and support you need to follow through with your plans.

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

SECTION

Pair of ACC teams eke out 1-point wins B4

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

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

PREP BASKETBALL

Amid the best 4 local players selected for all-state teams BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com The Sumter High School varsity girls basketball team found tremendous success under firstyear head coach Jason Loudenslager and finished the year 24-3 after winning the Region VI-4A title and rolling off a 22game winning streak. That success led to some individual honors for some players as well. while junior Jessica Harris was named to the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association’s 4A girls all-state team. Three other local players were named to all-state teams as well. Crestwood’s Ja Morant was selected to the 3A boys all-state

SEE BEST, PAGE B3 CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS You can find photos from the SHS boys basketball 4A state title game on www.theitem.com. Click on Photos then the gallery entitled SHS State Title. Photos from the 3A girls title game will be uploaded later this week.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Sumter High School junior Jessica Harris was one of four local players selected to their respective all-state teams by the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association. Harris was chosen to the 4A girls squad, while Lakewood’s Sonora Dengokl and Crestwood’s Shaquanda Miller-McCray were named to the 3A girls team. Crestwood’s Ja Morant was picked for the 3A boys team.

USC MEN’S BASKETBALL

AUTO RACING

Plenty to play for at SEC tourney Carolina could secure 1st winning season in six years, extend postseason run BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s Frank Martin says his team is in a good place after finishing the season strong, and the coach believes the Gamecocks can keep the momentum going in the Southeastern Conference tournament. South Carolina (15-15) is the 11th seed and begins play Wednesday against lastplace Missouri (9-22). The Gamecocks will be looking to clinch their first winning season in six years and the chance to continue in the postseason. “We’re in a very, very good mental place with our basketball team,” Martin said Tuesday. After struggling through the first half of the SEC season at 2-8, the Gamecocks finished 4-4 a run that included winning two of their

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tennessee forward Derek Reese shoots over South Carolina defenders Michael Carrera (24) and Laimonas Chatkevicius (14) during the Gamecocks’ 60-49 victory on Saturday in Knoxville, Tenn. USC snapped a 15-game losing streak to Tennessee and hopes to build off that momentum heading into today’s SEC tournament opener against Missouri. past three games. South Carolina closed the regular season with a 60-49 win at Ten-

nessee Saturday to end a a 15-game losing streak to the Vols that stretched to 2008.

“Our guys are excited,” Martin said. “Our guys are playing well.” Perhaps well enough to bring the third-year coach a couple of important mileposts. Martin hadn’t had a losing season in his college head coaching career before coming to South Carolina after the 2012 season. However, the Gamecocks have gone 28-38 overall and 9-27 in SEC play under Martin. South Carolina looked like an SEC team on the rise early in the year with a seven-game pre-conference play win streak that included wins over Oklahoma State, Clemson and No. 13 Iowa State. Instead, the Gamecocks crumbled the first month against SEC competition — South Carolina shot less than 40 percent 10 times in an 11-game stretch — and

BY BARRY WILNER The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New Orleans traded tight end Jimmy Graham (80) to Seattle on Tuesday while the Saints got center Max Unger along with some draft picks. This was one of many trades that overshadowed the start of free agency.

NEW YORK — As free agency began Tuesday, the NFL looked more like fantasy football. Trades, anyone? Monster deals sending Jimmy Graham to Seattle and Sam Bradford to Philadelphia stole the spotlight from free agent signings. New Orleans agreed to send its star tight end to the Seahawks for center Max Unger, with draft picks

BY JENNA FRYER The Associated Press

changing hands. The Saints are to get a first-round pick, while Seattle receives a fourth-rounder. That stunner was followed by Bradford, the injuryprone quarterback who barely has played the past two years (knee), going to Philadelphia for Nick Foles, who also comes off an injury-shortened season (collarbone). Bradford was the top overall draft pick in 2010. Foles is the latest starter

CHARLOTTE — Two races is just too early to form a definitive opinion about NASCAR’s new rules package, which was tweaked as part of a concerted effort to improve the racing. Has the 2015 rules package made things any better? No, not really. Especially if it’s being compared with the highstakes racing that punctuated the end of last season, when the 10-race Chase displayed some of the strongest competition in years. NASCAR wants bumper-tobumper racing every week, with aggressive passing all through the field. So the rules are an evolving process, and the 2015 package was a compromise between what the drivers wanted vs. how many changes tire provider Goodyear could immediately accommodate. The result was a reduction in downforce — not nearly enough to satisfy the majority of the drivers — and less horsepower. It’s yet to be seen if the changes will lead to significant improvements because races at Atlanta and Las Vegas the last two weeks didn’t look much different from past events on 1.5-mile speedways.

SEE NFL, PAGE B5

SEE NASCAR, PAGE B6

SEE CAROLINA, PAGE B4

Trades steal spotlight from NFL free agency

PRO FOOTBALL

Too early to tell if NASCAR set for better racing in future

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

6 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland from Goodyear, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 9 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore from Sarasota, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 1 p.m. – Women’s International Soccer: Algarve Cup from Faro, Portugal – United States vs. France (FOX SPORTS 1). 1 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Yankees vs. Boston from Tampa, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 3:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 Second Leg Match – Paris Saint-Germain vs. Chelsea (FOX SPORTS 1). 3:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 Second Leg Match – Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Bayern Munich (FOX SPORTS 2). 4 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers from Mesa, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 5 p.m. – PGA Golf: Valspar Championship Pro-Am from Palm Harbor, Fla. (GOLF). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – International Soccer: CONCACAF Under-17 Match from San Pedro Sula, Honduras – United States vs. Jamaica (FOX SPORTS 2, UNIVISION). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Sacramento at Charlotte (SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. – High School Softball: LugoffElgin at Camden (WPUB-FM 102.7). 8 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City (ESPN). 8 p.m. – NHL Hockey: New York Rangers at Washington (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 9 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Colorado vs. Seattle from Peoria, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 10:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Houston at Portland (ESPN). Midnight – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Angels vs. Arizona from Scottsdale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 4:30 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Tshawne Open First Round from Centurion, South Africa (GOLF).

MLB SPRING TRAINING By The Associated Press AMERICAN LEAGUE Kansas City New York Boston Oakland Houston Detroit Seattle Texas Minnesota Chicago Los Angeles Toronto Cleveland Baltimore Tampa Bay

W 6 5 4 4 3 4 4 4 2 2 2 3 2 2 1

L 0 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 5 4 6 3

Pct 1.000 .714 .667 .667 .600 .571 .571 .571 .500 .400 .400 .375 .333 .250 .250

NATIONAL LEAGUE

W L Pct Arizona 5 1 .833 Los Angeles 4 1 .800 Miami 3 2 .600 Pittsburgh 3 2 .600 St. Louis 3 2 .600 Washington 3 2 .600 Cincinnati 4 3 .571 Philadelphia 3 3 .500 San Diego 3 3 .500 New York 3 4 .429 Colorado 2 3 .400 Atlanta 2 4 .333 San Francisco 2 5 .286 Chicago 0 5 .000 Milwaukee 0 5 .000 NOTE: Split-squad games count in the standings; games against non-major league teams do not.

MONDAY’S GAMES

Detroit 6, Toronto (ss) 4 Boston 3, St. Louis 0 Philadelphia 1, Baltimore 0 N.Y. Yankees 4, Tampa Bay 3 Pittsburgh 1, Minnesota 1, tie Atlanta 2, Washington 1 Houston 1, Toronto (ss) 0 Miami 13, N.Y. Mets 2 San Diego 6, Chicago Cubs 3 Cincinnati (ss) 7, L.A. Angels 5 Texas 4, Oakland 1 Chicago White Sox 3, Arizona 3, tie Kansas City 5, Milwaukee 4 San Francisco 5, L.A. Dodgers 5, tie Seattle 4, Cleveland 3 Colorado 2, Cincinnati (ss) 2, tie

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Tampa Bay (ss) vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m. St. Louis vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay (ss) at Port Charlotte, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Washington vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Detroit vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Minnesota vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 1:07 p.m. San Francisco vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Colorado (ss) vs. L.A. Dodgers at Glendale, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Cincinnati vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m. Arizona vs. Oakland at Mesa, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Texas vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 4:10 p.m. Seattle vs. Colorado (ss) at Scottsdale, Ariz., 4:10 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Boston vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Tampa Bay vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Detroit vs. Washington at Viera, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Toronto vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 1:05 p.m. St. Louis vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee,

Fla., 1:05 p.m. Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Milwaukee vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Kansas City (ss) vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. L.A. Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Colorado vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Cleveland vs. Oakland at Mesa, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Texas vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. San Diego vs. Kansas City (ss) at Surprise, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. L.A. Angels vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 4:10 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION W Toronto 38 Boston 26 Brooklyn 25 Philadelphia 14 New York 12 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W x-Atlanta 50 Washington 36 Charlotte 28 Miami 28 Orlando 21 CENTRAL DIVISION W Cleveland 40 Chicago 39 Milwaukee 33 Indiana 28 Detroit 23

L 25 36 36 49 50

Pct .603 .419 .410 .222 .194

GB – 111/2 12 24 251/2

L 13 28 34 35 43

Pct .794 .563 .452 .444 .328

GB – 141/2 211/2 22 291/2

L 25 26 30 34 39

Pct .615 .600 .524 .452 .371

GB – 1 6 101/2 151/2

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W L Pct GB Memphis 45 18 .714 – Houston 43 20 .683 2 Dallas 41 24 .631 5 San Antonio 39 23 .629 51/2 New Orleans 35 29 .547 101/2 NORTHWEST DIVISION W L Pct GB Portland 41 20 .672 – Oklahoma City 35 28 .556 7 Utah 26 36 .419 151/2 Denver 23 41 .359 191/2 Minnesota 14 48 .226 271/2 PACIFIC DIVISION W L Pct GB Golden State 50 12 .806 – L.A. Clippers 41 23 .641 10 Phoenix 33 32 .508 181/2 Sacramento 21 41 .339 29 L.A. Lakers 16 46 .258 34 x-clinched playoff spot Monday’s Games Washington 95, Charlotte 69 Atlanta 130, Sacramento 105 Boston 100, Miami 90 Memphis 101, Chicago 91 New Orleans 114, Milwaukee 103 Denver 106, New York 78 Golden State 98, Phoenix 80 L.A. Clippers 89, Minnesota 76

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Orlando at Indiana, 7 p.m. New Orleans at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m. Cleveland at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Toronto at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. New York at Utah, 9 p.m. Detroit at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Chicago at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Sacramento at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Brooklyn at Miami, 7:30 p.m. Memphis at Boston, 7:30 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Orlando at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Atlanta at Denver, 9 p.m. Minnesota at Phoenix, 10 p.m. Detroit at Golden State, 10:30 p.m. Houston at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W L OTPts GF GA Montreal 66 42 18 6 90 177 146 Tampa Bay 67 41 20 6 88 222 177 Detroit 65 37 17 11 85 192 172 Boston 65 33 22 10 76 176 170 Florida 66 29 23 14 72 163 188 Ottawa 64 30 23 11 71 184 173 Toronto 67 26 35 6 58 179 209 Buffalo 66 19 42 5 43 126 224 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W L OTPts GF GA N.Y. Islanders 68 43 21 4 90 218 192 N.Y. Rangers 64 40 17 7 87 198 155 Pittsburgh 66 38 18 10 86 189 162 Washington 67 36 21 10 82 200 165 Philadelphia 67 28 26 13 69 177 195 New Jersey 66 28 28 10 66 151 170 Columbus 65 27 34 4 58 166 207 Carolina 64 25 32 7 57 152 174

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

GP 68 65 66 66 66 66 66

W L OTPts GF GA 42 19 7 91 199 166 41 19 5 87 204 163 39 21 6 84 190 154 36 23 7 79 186 168 33 21 12 78 183 176 30 25 11 71 177 185 29 27 10 68 207 220

GP W L OTPts GF GA Anaheim 68 42 19 7 91 199 186 Vancouver 66 38 24 4 80 189 179 Calgary 66 36 25 5 77 191 172 Los Angeles 65 31 21 13 75 175 168 San Jose 67 33 26 8 74 189 187 Arizona 67 21 38 8 50 143 224 Edmonton 67 18 38 11 47 152 227 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

MONDAY’S GAMES

San Jose 2, Pittsburgh 1, SO N.Y. Islanders 4, Toronto 3, OT Detroit 5, Edmonton 2 Vancouver 2, Anaheim 1 Nashville 2, Arizona 1, OT

TUESDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Rangers at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m. Dallas at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. Columbus at Carolina, 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. Boston at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. Winnipeg at St. Louis, 8 p.m. New Jersey at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Colorado, 9 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Buffalo at Toronto, 7 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Washington, 8 p.m. Anaheim at Calgary, 9:30 p.m.

THE SUMTER ITEM

AREA ROUNDUP

McDonald scores 5 goals in Lakewood’s 11-0 win Christian McDonald scored five goals to lead Lakewood High School’s varsity boys soccer team to an 11-0 victory over Lower Richland on Monday at J. Frank Baker Stadium. Greg McLeod scored two goals and had three assists for the Gators, who improved to 4-0 on the season. Connor Lambert and CJ McEachin each scored a goal and had an assist. Nick Thurman and Ben Busque each scored a goal and Blake Carraher had two assists.

VARSITY BASEBALL DUTCH FORK 7 SUMTER 5 Sumter High School committed five errors as it dropped a 7-5 decision to Dutch Fork on Monday at Gamecock Field. Jordan Holladay was 4-for-4 with a double for SHS, which fell to 2-3 on the season.

B TEAM BASEBALL

bleheader from Cardinal Newman on Monday at Patriot Park SportsPlex, winning the opener 10-0 and the nightcap 15-0. In the first game, Holly Scott tossed a shutout in the 5-inning contest, striking out nine. She led the offense as well with three hits, including a double, and scored two runs. Catherine Kelley had two hits, including a triple, drove in a run and scored twice. Hannah Jordan had two RBI and Betsy Cunningham scored two runs. In Game 2, Scott and Drake Ives combined on the shutout in the 4-inning contest. Scott pitched the first innings, striking out two. Ives pitched the rest of the game, striking out six. Scott and Kelly finished with two hits apiece. Scott also had two RBI and a double. Jordan scored three runs and Cunningham and Liza Lowder scored two. Ives, Danielle deHoll, Madison Reaves and Becka Noyes each had an RBI.

LAURENCE MANNING 14 HAMMOND 2 MANNING – Laurence Manning Academy improved to 3-0 with a 14-2 victory over Hammond on Tuesday at Tucker Belangia Diamond. Chandler Evans was the winning pitcher.

GIRLS VARSITY SOFTBALL WILSON HALL 10-15 CARDINAL NEWMAN 0-0

VARSITY SOCCER GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL 7 CRESTWOOD 1 HARTSVILLE – Crestwood High School fell to 1-3 on the season with a 7-1 loss to the Governor’s School of Math and Science on Tuesday at the Governor’s School field. Cassidy Smalls scored the goal for the Lady Knights on an assist from Starasia Booker. LOWER RICHLAND 2 LAKEWOOD 1

Wilson Hall swept a dou-

Lakewood High School

suffered its first loss on Monday, falling to Lower Richland 2-1 at J. Frank Baker Stadium. Vannia Moreno scored the lone goal for the Lady Gators, who fell to 2-1.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL WILSON HALL 24-17 CARDINAL NEWMAN 0-2

COLUMBIA – Wilson Hall swept a doubleheader from Cardinal Newman on Monday at the CN field, winning the opener 24-0 and the nightcap 17-2. In the first game, Madison Sliwonik was the winning pitcher with seven strikeouts and one hit allowed. She was also 3-for-4 with three runs batted in and four stolen bases. The Lady Barons had 18 hits. Kathryn Sistare was 3-for-3 with three runs scored and four RBI. Carly Allred was 3-for- with four runs and seven stolen bases. Addy Carraway was 2-for2 with four stolen bases, Anne Land Welch was -2for-2 with three runs and three RBI and Becca Cromer was 2-for-2 with three runs. Wilson Hall had 15 hits in the second game. Sliwonick, Sistare and Kinsley Waynick each went 3-for-3. Sistare had two triples, a double, three runs and three RBI, Waynick had two runs and four RBI and Sliwonik homered. Allred had two hits, including a homer, three runs and five stolen bases. Sliwonik was the winning pitcher.

SPORTS ITEMS

San Francisco’s Willis retiring after injury-shortened season SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis will retire after his 2014 season was cut short by a toe injury that required surgery. The 49ers made the announcement WILLIS Tuesday, the first day of the NFL’s new season. San Francisco is losing its defensive captain and locker room leader, the player who often addressed the team before games with inspirational pep talks. Willis and friend NaVorro Bowman had made up one of the best 1-2 linebacker punches in the NFL until both missed time last year, the entire season for Bowman as he recovered from reconstructive knee surgery. The 30-year-old Willis was sidelined with a strained muscle in his left big toe. He was placed on the season-ending injured reserve Nov. 11 after getting hurt in the third quarter at St. Louis on Oct. 13.

PETERSON MEETS WITH VIKINGS OWNERS

MINNEAPOLIS — Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings are still working on their relationship. Three people with knowledge of the visit, speaking Tuesday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, confirmed that Peterson met Monday with Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf and general manager Rick Spielman in the New York area. That was a sequel of sorts to a trip that Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer took last Wednesday to Peterson’s home outside of Houston, a four-hour meeting that by all accounts was cordial but still left Peterson with some concerns about the organization. MLB COMMISSIONER INTERESTED IN PLAYING IN CUBA

JUPITER, Fla. — Rob Manfred says Major League Baseball is talking with the U.S. government about playing exhibition games in Cuba. President Barack Obama said in December the U.S.

was re-establishing relations with the communist island nation. There were 25 Cubanborn players in the major leagues last season, including stars Yasiel Puig, Yeonis Cespedes and Jose Abreu, up from eight in 2007 and the most since 1970, according to STATS. COWBOYS OWNER TESTIFIES IN SUPER BOWL LAWSUIT

DALLAS — Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday he regretted the fact that some fans ended up without seats during the 2011 Super Bowl at his billion-dollar showplace stadium as he testified in a lawsuit by fans who sued the NFL. About 1,250 temporary seats were deemed unsafe hours before the game in which Green Bay beat Pittsburgh, forcing about 850 ticket holders to move to new seats and 400 others to standing-room locations. Seven fans sued, saying they didn’t have seats or their seats had obstructed views. From wire reports

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Robert Morris denies St. Francis first NCAA bid in NEC final NEW YORK — Rodney Pryor scored 17 points and Robert Morris denied St. Francis, Brooklyn, its first NCAA Tournament bid, beating the Terriers 66-63 in the Northeast Conference tournament championship on Tuesday. The top-seeded Terriers (23-11) had a chance to tie with 2.4 seconds left when Tyreek Jewell, who scored 19 points and was their best player on this night, went to the line after being fouled shooting a desperation 3-pointer. Jewell missed the first, back-ending

the shot and then the second. He intentionally missed the last one, but Robert Morris got the ball back and was quickly fouled. Second-seeded Robert Morris (19-15) is going back to the tournament for the first time since 2010.

ship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Valparaiso (28-5), which earned the conference’s regular season championship, won its second conference tournament title in the past three years.

VALPARAISO 54

COPPIN STATE 64

GREEN BAY 44

BETHUNE-COOKMAN 60

VALPARAISO, Ind. — David Skara scored 12 points, E. Victor Nickerson had 11 and Valparaiso beat Green Bay 54-44 on Tuesday night to win the Horizon League tournament champion-

NORFOLK, Va. — Sterling Smith had 14 points, Daquan Brickhouse made two game-clinching free throws with two seconds left and ninth-seeded Coppin State beat No. 8 seed Bethune-

Cookman 64-60 on Tuesday in the first round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament. NBA PACERS 118 MAGIC 86 INDIANAPOLIS — Reserve Rodney Stuckey had 34 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and the Indiana Pacers beat the Orlando Magic 118-86 on Tuesday night for their sixth straight victory.

From wire reports

PREP BASKETBALL

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS You can find photos from the SHS boys basketball 4A state title game on www.theitem.com. Click on Photos then the gallery entitled SHS State Title. Photos from the 3A girls title game will be uploaded later this week.

BEST FROM PAGE B1 team, while Lakewood’s Sonora Dengokl and Crestwood’s Shaquanda Miller-McCray were named to the 3A girls all-state team. “We had a really good season and this is one of the best teams I’ve ever been on, especially our (winning streak) at the end,” Harris said. “It was a great achievement for me and a surprise. “We were playing together as a team and it wasn’t an “I” thing, and the girls weren’t trying to be a ball hog or superstars. We just played together and we really wanted to win.” Harris led the Gamecocks at 12.1 points per game, 5.5 assists and 3.5 steals, while pulling down 3.0 rebounds. She shot 70 percent from the free throw line and hit a team-high 24 3-point baskets. “It seemed a lot of times when she was making dribble penetration or doing things offensively, she was literally thinking about all of her teammates first and wasn’t even putting herself in that mindset, as far as what happens if they don’t come out and get me or should I pull up for the shot,” Loudenslager said. “I really thought once region play started we saw a little bit different Jessica Harris than what we saw in November or December because she was a 50-50 player. Half the time she would shoot and the other time she would dish it.” Dengokl, a senior who led Lakewood to the 3A state championship game, and junior Miller-McCray, who led Crestwood to its third straight appearance in the 3A lower state game, were selected to the all-state team for the second straight season. Miller-McCray, who was also named an All-Region VI player along with Dengokl, averaged nearly a triple-double of 11.0 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocked shots. The Lady Knights’ 6-foot-4-inch post player is getting looks from NCAA Division I schools such as Clemson, Arizona, Charlotte, Furman, Jacksonville and Auburn. “Our season could’ve been better,” said Miller-McCray, whose team played for the state title last season. “I’m proud and glad that I made the all-state team. Dengokl averaged 16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.1 steals for the Lady Gators, who finished 22-5 and lost to Lancaster 44-42 on Saturday in the state championship contest. Morant, a sophomore, led the Knights to a second-round playoff appearance and a 17-6 record after splitting the Region VI title with Darlington. Morant averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 assists.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Lakewood senior Sonora Dengokl (15) and Crestwood junior Shaquanda Miller-McCray (30) were both named to the 3A girls all-state team. Dengokl led the Lady Gators to the first state title appearance in school history, while Miller-McCray guided the Lady Knights to their third straight 3A lower state title game.

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Crestwood sophomore Ja Morant (12) led the Knights to the second round of the 3A state playoffs and a 17-6 record after the Knights shared the Region VI title with Darlington. He averaged 18 points, four rebounds, two steals and four assists per game. SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

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COLLEGE BASKETBALL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

COLLEGE BASKETBALL TV, RADIO SCHEDULE ACC CONFERENCE

Second-Round Games ESPN Noon – Clemson vs. Florida State (WWBD-FM 94.7, WPUB-FM 102.7) 2 p.m. – North Carolina vs. Boston College ESPN2 7 p.m. – North Carolina State vs. Pittsburgh 9 p.m. – Miami vs. Virginia Tech

SEC CONFERENCE

First-Round Games SEC NETWORK 7 p.m. – Auburn vs. Mississippi State 9:30 p.m. – South Carolina vs. Missouri (WDXY-FM 105.9, WNKT-FM 107.5, WDXY-AM 1240).

MEN’S CONFERENCE TOURNAMENTS ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kentucky’s Willie Cauley-Stein, third from left, addresses the crowd during a ceremony marking the team’s undefeated regular season on Saturday in Lexington, Ky. The Wildcats are 31-0 and just 10 wins shy of a national title, but a loss in the SEC tournament could take some pressure off the team before entering the NCAA tournament.

A loss not all bad for top-ranked Kentucky BY GARY B. GRAVES The Associated Press LEXINGTON, Ky. — These Kentucky Wildcats have the chance to reach heights no team in the program’s history has ever achieved — become undefeated national champions. Losing seems unthinkable. On the other hand, a loss in this week’s Southeastern Conference tournament might not be the worst thing in the world for the top-ranked Wildcats. Kentucky coach John Calipari seems unfazed by the prospect of a conference tournament loss — as long as it’s the last one his team suffers in pursuit of national championship No. 9. “This week has no bearing on where we’re going to be seeded,” Calipari said during Monday’s SEC coaches teleconference, “and the most important thing for us is to be the best and the last team standing. “Now, if that includes one loss or no losses. ... You know what? I’d rather have none, but one’s OK, too.” Kentucky (31-0, 18-0 SEC) has recently shown its resiliency after a conference tournament loss. The program’s last national title in 2012 followed a loss in the conference championship

game to Vanderbilt; losing to Florida in last year’s SEC final ended up spurring the Wildcats’ run to the NCAA final. Kentucky likely will be No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament regardless of what happens in the SEC tournament that begins Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee. The Wildcats open on Friday afternoon against the FloridaAlabama winner at Bridgestone Arena, which might seem like a home game with Big Blue Nation expected to pack the place. “We’re not really worried about the SEC tournament,” junior post player Willie Cauley-Stein said. “It’s more like we’re playing for the fans there. They’re going to travel everywhere anyway, but especially there.” But the attention, scrutiny and pressure figure to increase substantially as the nation watches to see if Kentucky has the fortitude to win three tournament games in three days. Murray State had the nation’s second-longest winning streak at 25 games until Belmont knocked off the Racers Saturday night in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship. “It’s hard to keep winning and winning and win-

ning ...,” Belmont coach Rick Byrd said. “It wears on you. It’s tough to do. And you hear the talk, ‘Is it better to lose one like Kentucky this year? Is it better to lose one before the tournament or not?’ It’s difficult.” Byrd said he told his Belmont players that Murray State was the one with the most to lose. The Wildcats can appreciate that, and expect to face motivated opponents that will be getting a second or third crack at them. But freshman forward Trey Lyles said the Wildcats are not fretting about possibly losing a game. “I don’t think it would have an effect,” Trey Lyles said. “Everybody going into March is 0-0, undefeated in March. We’ve just got to go out there and just play hard.” Former Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall would like to see the Wildcats run the table, but believes a loss could help a squad that has had its way this season. “This team hasn’t had that hurt that you get when you go home at night and get a bowl of antacids and a big spoon and start eating. It’s something that you have to experience,” said Hall, who led Kentucky to the 1978 NCAA title and two other Final Fours.

ACC TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP

Hudson, Hanlan lift Hokies, Eagles to next round of ACC tournament GREENSBORO, N.C. — Jalen Hudson is playing hard — and that earned Virginia Tech at least one more day at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. The freshman hit a jumper with 11.7 seconds left and the Hokies followed that with a defensive stop to seal an 81-80 victory over Wake Forest on Tuesday in the first round. Hudson finished with a season-best 32 points — the most by a Virginia Tech player in an ACC tournament game — for the 14thseeded and freshman-dominated Hokies (11-21). They shot 48 percent, committed a season-best four turnovers and withstood a final-seconds flurry from Wake Forest to snap a sevengame losing streak and earn their first ACC tournament win in three years. Codi Miller-McIntyre had 23 points and 11 assists, and Devin Thomas added 22 points for the 11th-seeded Demon Deacons (13-19). They went up 80-79 on Dinos Mitoglou’s 3-pointer with 23.7 seconds left. Virginia Tech called timeout and got the ball to Hudson, who drove the lane and banked in the go-ahead jumper in traffic. Miller-McIntyre raced

with 54.9 seconds remaining started that rally. BOSTON COLLEGE 66 GEORGIA TECH 65 HUDSON

HANLAN

downcourt but lost the ball out of bounds as he was stripped by Hudson with 6.1 seconds left, and Wake Forest kept the ball after the officials reviewed the play. Mitchell Wilbekin inbounded it to Mitoglou, whose jumper went off the rim. Thomas’ putback attempt caromed off the iron and so did Miller-McIntyre’s tip-in attempt as the horn sounded. Ahmed Hill added 12 points for the Hokies, who let an 11-point lead slip away in the second half before recovering. They will play sixth-seeded Miami (20-11) on Wednesday night in the second round, with that winner drawing third-seeded Notre Dame (26-5) in the quarterfinals Thursday night. Cornelius Hudson had 14 points and hit four 3s while Mitoglou finished with 11 points and three 3s for Wake Forest, which trailed by five with less than a minute to play. Hudson’s 3

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Olivier Hanlan came through with another big moment at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, keeping Boston College alive for one more game while giving Georgia Tech another painfully familiar finish. Hanlan hit a jumper with 10.9 seconds left to help the Eagles beat the Yellow Jackets 66-65 on Tuesday in the tournament’s opening game. Hanlan scored 25 points for the 12th-seeded Eagles (13-18), the last coming when he drove on Robert Sampson then stepped back to bury the go-ahead shot on the right side. BC survived a strong showing from Georgia Tech on the boards and its own 36-percent shooting after halftime, advancing to face No. 19 North Carolina. It was two years ago that Hanlan put on a 41-point show to set a tournament freshman scoring record in a first-round win against Georgia Tech. From wire reports

At Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, N.C. First Round Tuesday Boston College 66, Georgia Tech 65 Wake Forest vs. Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m. Second Round Today Clemson vs. Florida State, Noon North Carolina vs. Boston College, 2:30 p.m. N.C. State vs. Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Miami vs. Virginia Tech, 9:30 p.m. Quarterfinals Thursday Virginia vs. Clemson-Florida State winner, Noon Louisville vs. North Carolina-Boston College winner, 2:30 p.m. Duke vs. N.C. State-Pittsburgh winner, 7 p.m. Notre Dame vs. Miami-Virginia Tech winner, 9:30 p.m. Semifinals FridayVirginia_Clemson-Florida State winner vs. Louisville_North Carolina_Boston College winner, 7 p.m. Duke_N.C. State-Pittsburgh winner vs. Notre Dame_Miami-Virginia Tech winner, 9:30 p.m. Championship Saturday, March 14 Semifinal winners, 8:30 p.m.

MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

At Norfolk Scope Norfolk, Va. First Round Monday Delaware State 64, Savannah State 58 Hampton 91, Morgan State 71 Tuesday Coppin State 64, Bethune-Cookman 60 S.C. State vs. N.C. A&T, late Quarterfinals Today N.C. Central vs. Coppin State, 6 p.m. Norfolk State vs. S.C. State-N.C. A&T winner, 8:30 p.m. Thursday

Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. Hampton, 6 p.m. Howard vs. Delaware State, 8:30 p.m. Semifinals Friday N.C. Central_Bethune-CookmanCoppin State winner vs. HowardDelaware State winner, 6 p.m. Norfolk State_S.C. State-N.C. A&T winner vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore_Hampton winner, 8:30 p.m. Championship Saturday, March 14 Semifinal winners, 1 p.m.

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE

At Bridgestone Arena Nashville, Tenn. First Round Today Mississippi State vs. Auburn, 7 p.m. South Carolina vs. Missouri, 9:30 p.m. Second Round Thursday Florida vs. Alabama, 1 p.m. Texas A&M vs. Mississippi StateAuburn winner, 3:30 p.m. Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee, 7 p.m. Mississippi vs. South Carolina-Missouri winner, 9:30 p.m. Quarterfinals Friday Kentucky vs. Florida-Alabama winner, 1 p.m. LSU vs. Texas A&M_Mississippi State-Auburn winner, 3:30 p.m. Arkansas vs. Vanderbilt-Tennessee winner, 7 p.m. Georgia vs. Mississippi_South Carolina-Missouri winner, 9:30 p.m. Semifinals Saturday Kentucky_Florida-Alabama winner vs. LSU_Texas A&M_Mississippi State-Auburn winner, 1 p.m. Arkansas_Vanderbilt-Tennessee winner vs. Georgia_Mississippi_ South Carolina-Missouri winner, 3:30 p.m. Championship Sunday Semifinal winners, 1 p.m.

CAROLINA FROM PAGE B1 seemed headed for another season to forget. Martin and his staff kept preaching a return to solid, fundamental play and insisted the shots that had most clanged out would eventually go in. That’s happened the past three games in which South Carolina has shot 46 percent, 51 percent and 51 percent from the field. “When we make shots, when we play well and do what we’re supposed to do,” South Carolina guard Tyrone Johnson said. “We can play with anyone in this conference.” They get that chance against Missouri. Defeating the Tigers in the opener would guarantee no worse than a .500 mark plus give NIT selectors something to think about when they put together their 32team field. Martin said he’s spoken with South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner about other postseason opportunities like the College Insider. com event and College Basketball Invitational. They’ll talk again, Martin said, once South Carolina’s SEC tournament ends. “If you ask our players, I think they’d say they want to play,” Martin said.

Any event past the SEC tournament would be South Carolina’s first invite since losing to Davidson and thenWildcats star Stephen Curry in the 2009 NIT. Johnson said the Gamecocks haven’t gotten bogged down in postseason projections, putting their focus on another SEC tournament run. A year ago, South Carolina entered the tournament with little chance of advancing. But the 13th-seeded Gamecocks ousted Auburn and Arkansas (a fifth seed) before falling in the quarterfinals to Tennessee. “We did it once, we can do it again,” forward Mindaugas Kacinas said. No matter what happens at the SEC tourney, Martin believes his team is making progress toward that top SEC tier. He said the Gamecocks rank of 96 in the RPI is the team’s highest in five years and they played their highest strength of schedule since 2003. The wins will come, Martin said, as the Gamecocks keep putting in the work. “Improvement is, ‘Are we in a place now where we can strongly believe we can win the next game,’” Martin said. “My answer is yes. I couldn’t say that a year ago.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tennessee guard Josh Richardson, left, battles for a loose ball with South Carolina guard Marcus Stroman during the Gamecocks’ 60-49 victory on Saturday in Knoxville, Tenn. South Carolina will face Missouri at 9:30 p.m. today in the Southeastern Conference tournament. USC has a chance to finish the season with a winning record for the first time in six years.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

OL Simpson puts Tigers at top of his list O ffensive lineman John Simpson of Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston won his first 4A heavyweight wrestling championship last month and is now moving forward with his football recruiting. After visiting Clemson’s junior day on Saturday, he has the Tigers at the top of his list. Simpson went to South Carolina’s junior day the end of January, and he also plans to visit Georgia on March 21. He is supposed to visit Mississippi State and Alabama in the coming weeks as well. “I’ve only been to South Carolina and Clemson and I want to visit some others,” Simpson said. “I’ve pretty much seen a lot at Clemson. I was up there for the South Carolina game. It was crazy. My mom was like Carolina this and Carolina that. She got in that Clemson atmosphere and it all changed.” Simpson recently added offers from Louisiana State and Tennessee. Those go along with offers from Clemson, USC, UGA, Wake Forest, Maryland, Louisville, Mississippi State, Alabama and Georgia Southern. OL Luke Elder of LaGrange, Ga., holds offers from about 15 schools, including USC and Clemson. Some of his other offers are Mississippi, California, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Missouri, Florida State and Vanderbilt. He doesn’t yet have favorites, but he plans to formulate a top 10 in the near future, and he feels like the Gamecocks and Tigers will be on it. Elder attended USC’s junior day in January and on his way back home he stopped by Clemson. And he was back at Clemson on Saturday. “I really liked it at South Carolina,” Elder said. “It’s a good program. I sat down with (OL) Coach (Shawn) Elliott and I talked a little bit with the Old Ball Coach (head coach Steve Spurrier). We just went around and saw the whole campus. “Clemson was more of a 1-on-1 type deal. They were making sure I was interested in them and figuring out what type person I was. We just got to know each other. That was great, and then we went for a tour.” Elder also has visited UNC, Duke, GT, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Auburn and Alabama. OL Tyler Pritchett of Auburn, Ala., was offered by Clemson a couple of weeks ago and since then the Tigers have kept up the interest in him. “I really like Clemson,” Pritchett said. “I have a great relationship with (OL) Coach (Robbie) Caldwell. They really want me up there. It’s a waitand-see game. I’m going to try to get there for a visit.” Pritchett also has an offer from USC, but he hasn’t heard from USC in several weeks. He did attend its junior day in late January. He also holds offers from Mississippi State, UNC, Indiana, Cincinnati, Mizzou, Louisville, Arizona, Florida, Syracuse, North Carolina State and several non-

NFL FROM PAGE B1 to depart Philadelphia. He joins two-time All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy, now in Buffalo, and Pro Bowl wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, headed for Kansas City, in going elsewhere. Philadelphia also added Seahawks starting cornerback Byron Maxwell as a free agent with a six-year deal. Baltimore dealt nose tackle Haloti Ngata to Detroit, which is about to lose All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in free agency. Ngata, 31 and a five-time Pro Bowler, is due $8.5 million next season and has a $16 million salary cap figure. The Bills confirmed acquiring McCoy for linebacker Kiko Alonso; McCoy also signed a contract extension for $40 million over five years.

Power 5 conference teams. Pritchett said he’s been talking the most recently with ClemPhil Kornblut son, NCSU, UNC and RECRUITING Syracuse. CORNER He doesn’t have any future visits planned because he’s more concerned about his future as a player. “I’m focused on trying to be the best player I can be for my senior year,” he said. Defensive lineman Nyles Pinckney of Whale Branch High School in Beaufort attended USC’s junior day at the end of January, but didn’t make it to Clemson’s second junior day for the 2016 recruiting class held on Saturday. He does plan to ride up to Clemson for a spring practice. He also plans to visit GT during his spring break, and he wants to get to UGA at some point. Pinckney’s only visit thus far was to USC for that junior day and that turned out to be a good experience for him. “It was good just visiting and seeing the academics for the first time,” he said. “I got a tour of the new condos for the football players and the new practice fields. (DL) Coach (Deke) Adams showed us film of the schemes they run and he wants us to come back.” Pinckney plans to revisit USC this summer. Pinckney said he does not have favorites yet, but he wants to make a decision before his season. He said USC, Clemson and UGA are the three recruiting him with the most effort. He’s not sure yet if he’ll graduate early. Last season, Pinckney had 98 tackles with 22 tackles for loss and five quarterback sacks. He also forced 10 fumbles and recovered eight. Defensive end Javon Kinlaw of Goose Creek High made it to Columbia on Friday to watch the Goose Creek girls basketball team play for the 4A state championship against Spring Valley High of Columbia. Kinlaw said he did not make it over to the football offices, but he did visit with his Gamecock recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. at Colonial Life Arena. “I didn’t know he wanted me to go over there,” Kinlaw said. “I’ll probably come back up here in a couple of weeks. We just talked about basic stuff like how I’ve been doing, stuff like that.” Kinlaw said he’s not been anywhere for junior days or visits this spring and doesn’t have anything scheduled. His most recent offer was from Auburn. He also has offers from USC, Clemson, East Carolina, Louisville, Alabama, Auburn, UF and FSU. Kinlaw said he’s still favoring USC with UF next on the list. “It’s 70-30,” Kinlaw said of the percentage edge the Gamecocks have over the Gators right now. Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School sophomore defensive back Savalas Cann, the brother of former USC OL AJ Cann, was at USC’s junior day in January and Clemson’s on

The Jets also confirmed a previously agreed upon trade, getting receiver Brandon Marshall from Chicago for a fifth-round draft pick. The Jets released WR-KR Percy Harvin, whom they acquired last season from Seattle. Carolina released DeAngelo Williams, its career rushing leader. Two retirements also drew attention away from the chase for free agents. Fivetime All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, the heart of San Francisco’s defense for eight seasons, called it quits. The 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year is leaving because of recurrent toe and feet injuries. “In my head, I’m already a Hall of Famer,” Willis said. “I am leaving this with closure, saying that I am happy today, more happy today than I was the day I was drafted. That

Saturday. UGA and Virginia Tech are also strong with Cann in the early going. OL Clary Yarbrough of Woodberry Forest, Va., visited USC on Friday and Clemson on Saturday. USC

Running back CJ Freeman of Greensboro, N.C., rushed for 2,000 yards and 28 touchdowns in a championship season in ‘14. Freeman has offers from USC, VT, West Virginia, Washington State and WF. At one time, he had USC and VT together at the top of his list, but right now he has no single favorite though he views USC, VT, Auburn, WVU and Washington State as his top five from the schools showing him the most interest. Freeman attended USC’s junior day in January and he will be back in Columbia for another junior day and spring practice on March 28. “South Carolina has definitely showed me they want me,” Freeman said. “(RB) Coach (Everette) Sands told me I’m a top priority back, a game changer as a running back. We talk daily. He’s one of my favorite recruiters as of right now. I feel comfortable at South Carolina. It’s a really good place. I like how they are on me, on me hard.” Freeman has also visited VT, Duke, WF, Auburn and GT. He plans to visit WVU and Vandy soon and will go out to Washington State this summer. Freeman said he will be joined on his next visit to USC by his cousin, Simeon Gatling, who is a junior cornerback from Greensboro and who is also getting strong interest from the Gamecocks. Gatling also has a Clemson offer. Freeman said he will graduate early so he will make his decision during the football season. USC offered wide receiver Binjimen Victor of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and WR Isaiah Johnson of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., who is committed to Miami. USC commitment WR Kyle Davis of Atlanta was at UGA last Tuesday for the Kentucky basketball game and he visited Tennessee on Saturday. CLEMSON

OL Parker Boudreaux of Orlando, Fla., reports an amazing total of over 70 offers at this point. About 15 of those programs have separated from the pack and Clemson is firmly in that group. Boudreaux visited Clemson last season for the UNC game and was back on Saturday for a junior day along with his parents and his two sisters. “Clemson is very strong on my list,” he said. “There’s a lot of schools. Clemson, Penn State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Iowa, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, I mean there’s a lot. I think I’m going to wait until I can take all five of my official visits and make my decision then. Give my parents a chance to check out everything also.” UF also is a factor with Boudreaux. He visited there a few weeks ago and spent about four to five hours there, meet-

ing part of that time with new head coach Jim McIlwain. FSU and Miami are not factors in his recruiting. Last season, Boudreaux also went to games at PSU and Miami and he’s been to Auburn twice. He is also going to take visits this spring to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn and possibly Mississippi State. A bonus for Clemson in this recruiting case is Boudreaux’s trainer is Brian Stamper, a 4-year OL starter at Vandy where he was coached by Clemson OL coach Caldwell, who is recruiting Boudreaux for Clemson. “I’m really comfortable with Clemson,” Boudreaux said. “Coach Caldwell, that’s a good thing with my trainer. He knows all the techniques and how he coaches, so he coaches me now and teaches me his way since he taught him at Vandy.” USC also has offered Boudreaux and the family stopped by to check out the school on Sunday on their way back home. OL Jack DeFoor of Calhoun, Ga., has been strong on Clemson since attending the Tigers’ first junior day in January. He’s added a lot of offers since then and has seen other places, but Clemson remains at the top of his list. “I really like Clemson; they are still at the top of my list, the leader for right now,” DeFoor said. “They haven’t put any pressure on me. They’ve let me know they want me. They are interested in me and I’m really interested in them.” DeFoor also attended Auburn’s junior day and is going to Ole Miss March 28. He didn’t make it to Clemson’s junior day on Saturday, but he does plan to come in for a spring practice and the spring game. DeFoor said Ole Miss and Vandy are second and third on his list. He also has offers from Nebraska, Mizzou, Michigan, Louisville, VT, Colorado State, Cincinnati, Middle Tennessee State, Georgia Southern and Appalachian State. Bamberg-Ehrhardt High OL Drew Wilson (6-feet-4-inches, 290 pounds) attended Clemson’s junior day on Saturday. Wilson has offers from NCSU, UNC, VT, UGA, Kansas State, Charlotte and Louisville. Wilson also plans to visit VT and UNC this spring. USC has tape on Wilson, but hasn’t done much yet toward recruiting him. Clemson commitment tight end JC Chalk of Argyle, Texas, was offered last week by Texas A&M. Clemson offered ‘17 DB Isaiah Pryor Lawrenceville, Ga. FSU also offered Pryor. QB Jason Brown, a ‘17 recruit from Fredericksburg, Va., visited Clemson on Saturday. DE Shavar Manuel of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., regarded as the top DE prospect in the ‘16 class, plans to visit Clemson this spring. OTHERS

B-E High sophomores RB Jamari Dunbar and DB Dajohn Bamberg have multiple offers. Dunbar has been offered by

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St. Louis quarterback Sam Bradford, left, and Philadelphia quarterback Nick Foles swapped teams after being traded for one another on Tuesday. says something to me.” Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker, his four-year pro career ravaged by injuries, also retired, saying he has no “burning desire” to keep playing. The 49ers lost another mainstay when running back Frank Gore, their career rushing leader, joined the Colts.

Linebacker A.J. Hawk, who grew up in Ohio and attended Ohio State, agreed to terms with Cincinnati on a two-year deal. Hawk spent his first nine seasons in Green Bay. Jacksonville, with lots of salary cap room, grabbed tight end Julius Thomas away from Denver among a slew of moves. The Jaguars agreed to deals with defen-

Louisville, VT, Charlotte, Georgia Southern, UNC and KSU and Bamberg by Louisville, Georgia Southern and Charlotte. Notre Dame offered Heathwood Hall LB Brandon Hill last week. DL David Marshall of Thomaston, Ga., committed to Auburn over the weekend. He also has a Clemson offer. BASKETBALL

Jaren Sina, a 6-2 point guard, decided last month to transfer from Seton Hall after nearly two seasons with the Pirates. It won’t take Sina long to find a new home because several major programs have already moved in on him, including USC. “I’m just figuring things out; lots of schools are getting involved every day,” Sina said. “I’m building relationships with the coaches.” One of those coaches is USC head coach Frank Martin. “The program is headed in the right direction and he’s doing a great job there,” Sina said of Martin and USC. “They’re getting big recruits and there’s a lot of attention drawn to the place. It’s in a great conference (Southeastern Conference) and is a high level of basketball.” Sina said Michigan, Boston College and several other Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 10 Conference and SEC schools have reached out to him. He’s far from a decision and has no early favorite. “The moment I find a place I feel the most comfortable and find an opportunity to help the team win, I’ll make the decision at that time,” he said. Sina’s not concerned about having to sit out next season wherever he goes. “It’s just another year to work on my game and get better,” he said. Sina is a business and journalism major and is interested in a career in broadcasting. He was averaging seven points and three assists per game this season when he left the team. “I’m a knockdown shooter and can shoot off the bounce,” Sina said. “I’m a high IQ guy, team leader and a good passer.” Sina is a native of Jefferson, N.J. Levi Cook, a 6-10 center from Huntington Prep, W.Va., has some down time until his team plays in the national tournament in April and plans to take his official visits later this month. USC is one of the offers for Cook and the Gamecocks remain strongly involved. “Yes, we’re still highly interested in each other,” said Cook. USC saw Cook a couple of weeks ago, according to his head coach. He’s also focusing on VT, Western Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Mizzou and Michigan. The interest in Cook has accelerated as the season has worn on. “He’s playing real well,” said Huntington Prep head coach Arkell Bruce. Cook has been averaging just under a double-double at nine points and eight rebounds per game. Cook does not yet have a favorite. Clemson offered 6-10 C Micah Potter of Mentor, Ohio, last week.

sive end Jared Odrick, right tackle Jermey Parnell, cornerback Davon House, linebacker Dan Skuta and safety Sergio Brown. Thomas agreed on a fiveyear deal worth $46 million, with $24 million guaranteed. Arizona got probably the best run blocker in this year’s group, guard Mike Iupati, who agreed on a fiveyear, $40 million contract with $22.5 million guaranteed. The 6-foot-5, 331-pound lineman played five seasons with San Francisco, is a three-time Pro Bowl player and made the All-Pro team in 2012. Arizona also re-signed linebacker LaMarr Woodley. The Falcons fortified the middle of new coach Dan Quinn’s defense by signing free-agent linebackers Brooks Reed and Justin Durant.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

NASCAR FROM PAGE B1 Three drivers combined to lead 292 of the 325 laps at Atlanta, where the 28 lead changes weren’t all that dramatic. Jimmie Johnson went on to the win, beating Kevin Harvick by 1.802 seconds. Harvick, Johnson and Joey Logano again dominated Sunday in Las Vegas, where the trio led 234 of the 267 laps. Harvick sort of made it look easy in the end, with a vibration in his car the only thing that kept him from trouncing the field as he took the victory. The new package was supposed to excite fans and please the drivers, but threetime NASCAR champion Tony Stewart was fuming on his in-car radio about his car. He seemed to suggest the cars were more fit to compete on Saturday, when NASCAR’s second-tier series races. One vocal driver does not make or break a case against

the new rules package, but two races into the season and NASCAR has got to be hoping the on-track action picks up a tick or two very soon. Some other things learned over the first month of the season: SOFT WALLS NEED TO BE A PRIORITY

Jeff Gordon has a Tuesday meeting scheduled with NASCAR executive vice president Steve O’Donnell, and the four-time series champion has said he wants a timeline on when energyabsorbing SAFER barriers will be fully installed at all tracks. Almost all facilities that host national NASCAR events have the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction Barrier in certain walls, but there’s been an outcry for total coverage since Kyle Busch broke his right leg and left foot last month when

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he crashed into an unprotected wall at Daytona. Gordon hit an unprotected wall the next week at Atlanta, and Erik Jones hit a portion of wall just past the SAFER barrier in the Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas on Saturday. Gordon and Jones both walked away, but Gordon gave vivid detail in how much harder the impact is when a driver hits a concrete wall vs. a SAFER barrier. NASCAR and its tracks are doing the right thing in reviewing the safety standards at all facilities, but they must act with urgency in getting soft walls on every inch of a race track that can safely accommodate the barriers. Even though Daytona International Speedway president Joie Chitwood said after Busch’s accident he would cover “every inch” of the track, it’s not always the smartest route: There are some areas on some tracks where a car could hit a SAFER barrier and ricochet

back into traffic, creating another dangerous scenario. Whatever the safest routes are, it must be done as soon as possible. Every additional hit into an unprotected wall is a very bad look for NASCAR.

al Home. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today.

KURT BUSCH UPDATE

Kurt Busch is currently participating in a process that is expected to lead to his eventual reinstatement to NASCAR. He was suspended indefinitely Feb. 20 for an alleged domestic assault against an ex-girlfriend and has missed three races. There’s been no timetable given for his return, but after Delaware authorities last week declined to charge Busch, it would seem that his reinstatement could come as soon as this week. NASCAR has not detailed the steps Busch must take to return to competition. One interesting aspect about the situation was raised on Sunday by Gene Haas, the Stewart-Haas Rac-

ing co-owner who handpicked Busch to drive for the organization and pays for Busch’s car out of pocket. Haas seemed to indicate he wants Busch back in the No. 41, but also said he’s curious about the drivers’ eligibility in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. The current rules say a driver must at minimum attempt to qualify, or race, in every event. A waiver can be granted by NASCAR in certain situations: Tony Stewart received one after missing three races last year following the fatal accident of a sprint car driver, and Brian Vickers received one after missing the first two races of this year after offseason heart surgery. It’s not clear where NASCAR stands on the waiver for Busch. At a time when NASCAR is trying hard to be transparent, and trying hard to make rules very black and white, the issue of waivers pertaining to Chase eligibility should by crystal clear.

OBITUARIES WILLIAM ELI HICKSON COLUMBIA — William Eli Hickson, age 8, passed away on March 9, 2015. William is survived by his parents, Stan and Alice-Lyle Hickson; his brother, Davis; his sister, Julia; his paternal grandparents, Ed Hickson and HICKSON Agnes Edwards of Sumter; and his maternal grandparents, Nancy Dorrier of Charlotte, Phillip and Pam Hazel of Statesville, North Carolina, and Mervil Paylor of Davidson, North Carolina. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Kornegay & Moseley. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Northeast Presbyterian Church in Columbia followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any of the following: United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (www.umdf.org), S.C. Hands of Hope Hospice (www. handsofhopesc.net) or Carolina Sunshine for Children (www.carolinasunshine.org). Please sign the online guest book at www.kornegayandmoseley.com.

EDWARD HICKS ALCOLU — Edward “Buck” Hicks, 84, widower of Shirley Elizabeth Gamble Hicks, died on Friday, March 6, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning. He was born on Aug. 22, 1930, in Alcolu, a son of the late Rev. HICKS Eddie and Maggie Abraham Hicks. The celebratory services for Mr. Hicks will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Cypress Fork AME Church, Alcolu, with the Rev. Oddie Smalls, pastor, officiating. Mr. Hicks will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time. Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery. The family is receiving friends at the home of his daughter, Shirley Hicks Blanding, 1078 Ficus St., Alcolu. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

GILDA ASHLEY Gilda Denise Clark Ashley, 61, wife of Jimmy Ashley, died on Monday, March 9, 2015, at Agape Hospice House in Columbia. Services will be announced by Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter.

JOYCE BAZMORE Joyce Ann Dwyer Bazmore, 49, departed this life on Monday, March 9, 2015, at Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia. She was born on Aug. 6, 1965, in Lee County, a daughter of Betty Clavon Dwyer. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 214 Brown St., Sumter, SC 29150. Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced

later by Job’s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.

RUTH COKER WEDGEFIELD — Ruth Elizabeth “Libby” Alger Coker, age 70, beloved wife of 51 years to Jethroe Mathew Coker, died on Monday, March 9, 2015, at her residence. Born in Charleston, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd Ellis Alger Sr. and Ruth Elease Drawdy Alger. Libby enjoyed going to the flea market and auctions with her husband. She loved to do crafts, painting, fishing, reading and cross stitching. Her true love and passion in life was spending time with her family. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was a member of Pinewood Baptist Church. Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Dwight “Bobo” Coker and his wife, Lisa, of Dalzell and Colon E. Coker and his wife, Jennie, of Pinewood; two daughters, Felecia Johnson and her husband, Danny Ray “Cat” of Florence and Tammy Schwabenbauer and her husband, Bobby, of Wedgefield; one brother, Tex Alger and his wife, Janet, of Summerville; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Libby was preceded in death by a son, Mathew Luke Coker; one brother, Terry Alger; and one sister, Peggy Mixon. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday in Bullock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Porter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday at Bullock Funer-

GLENN E. HAMLIN Glenn Elroy “Hop” Hamlin, 58, entered eternal rest on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at his home. He was born on Oct. 14, 1956, in Smithfield, Virginia, a son of the late James and Violet Mae Hamlin Harvin. He attended the public schools of Sumter County and graduated from Sumter High School. He was a member of First Baptist Church. Survivors are his wife, Diane Bailey Hamlin; one son, Adrian A. Hill; one daughter, Alexis Hamlin; two brothers, Edward (Bessie) Hamlin and George Spratley; four sisters, Rose Spraltley, Sonya Harvin (Willie McGee), Veronica (Roosevelt) Vaughn and Andrea Linthicum (Charles Golden); a host of other relatives and friends. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 108 Albert Spears Drive. Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com by Community Funeral Home of Sumter. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at First Baptist Church with Pastor George Windley Jr. Burial will follow in Bradford Cemetery. Viewing for Mr. Hamlin will

MICHELLE JOHNSON Michelle Johnson, 48, entered eternal rest on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at her home. Born on Aug. 16, 1966, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Willie and Gussie Greene Johnson. She was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. Survivors are two children, Marshall Denise Johnson of Sumter and Veronica Yvette Johnson of Winston-Salem; three brothers, Sammie Lee Bowman, Melvin Leroy Bowman and Israel (Vanessa) Bowman; five sisters, Essie M. Session and Mattie Washington, both of Winston-Salem, and Joyce Woods, Nellie (Joseph) Ramirez and Janie Johnson, all of Sumter; two grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She can be viewed from 2:30 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Reid Chapel AME Church with Pastor Theodora Black, the Rev. Racheal Sinclair, eulogist, Pastor Eliza Black, Pastor Michael Sinclair and the Rev. Roger Hayes. Burial will follow in Bradford Cemetery. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 780 Brand St. Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com, Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

ROBERT W. EVANS Robert William “Bill” Evans, husband of Mary Alice Evans, died on Saturday, March 7, 2015. Born on Sept. 28, 1941, he was a son of the late Sire Osteen Evans and Ruth Thig-

pen Evans. He was a field service consultant for Leggett & Platt Inc., where he traveled all over the world. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and loved the outdoors. He loved his work, shagging, sports, traveling and gardening. He was a huge Gamecocks fan and was the master of the barbecue. He was a veteran who served in the S.C. Army National Guard; a Mason; a member of the S.C. Needle Trade Association; and various other textile organizations. Mr. Evans won numerous awards for outstanding performance in sales; Man of the Year Million Dollar Club; 100 Percent Club; Award of Merit for Outstanding Performance; and salesman of the year. Married to his wife of 53 years, when not traveling, he enjoyed time with his family. Mr. Evans is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Evans; and two daughters, Pamela Evans of Manning; and Carla Evans Lovi, her husband, Rob, and son Evan of Fort Mill. He was preceded in death by Stonewall Jackson Evans of Camden, Paul Evans of Augusta, Georgia, R.B. Evans of New Zion, Corrine Pettis of Camden and Clarabell Evans Tedder of Sumter. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday in Bullock Funeral Home Chapel. The visitation and a celebration of life will follow immediately after the ceremony. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

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

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H.L. Boone, Contractor: Remodel paint roofs gutters drywall blown ceilings ect. 773-9904 Professional Remodelers Home maintenance, ceramic tile, roofing, siding & windows doors, etc. Lic. & Ins. (Cell) 803-459-4773 Land Clearing avail. includes: Digging ponds, excavation, and bulldozer work. Call T & N Septic Tank Co. at 803-481-2428 or 803-481-2421

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EMPLOYMENT MERCHANDISE Garage, Yard & Estate Sales Solomon Upholstery W 76 Hwy Moving Sale inside Big Cotton Warehouse Starting March 18th Wed,Thur, Fri, & Sat 8AM Furniture, glassware, truck & car 803 464-7555

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Help Wanted Full-Time Auto Technician needed at busy car lot. Min. 5 yrs experience. Apply in person, at 1282 N. Lafayette Dr. NO PHONE CALLS!!! Valid Driver's License Req. Must have own tools. F/T & P/T cab drivers needed. Call Yellow Cab at 773-3333. Construction Laborer and Trackhoe Operator Apply at 1947 Idlewood Dr Pinewood, SC Accepting applications for child care giver. With at least 6 mo. exp. Must be able to work between the hours of 5:30 am - 6 pm. Apply in person at 1921 Camden Hwy between the hours of 10 am - 4 pm. No phone calls accepted. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT WANTED I am looking for a responsible Administrative assistant. Position is flexible, so students and others can apply. Computer literacy is a plus. Send resume to andersonjohn150@gmail.com

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Trucking Opportunities P/T Class-A CDL drivers needed to haul poultry. Night Shift. Must have 2yrs verifiable exp & good MVR. Call 804-784-6166

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20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC

BID NOTICE

Sumter County Airport Site Work for Airport Hangar Project Sumter, South Carolina 29150 Separate, sealed bids will be received by Sumter County for the construction of a pre-engineered Airport Hangar. Bids will be received in the conference room of the Sumter County Airport, 2945 Airport Road, Sumter, South Carolina 29150 until 3:30 pm on March 31, 2015, local prevailing time, at which time and place the Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after that time will not be accepted. Project Description: Site work and building pad construction for the Aircraft Storage Hangar for Sumter County, South Carolina. Project location is Sumter County Airport, 2945 Airport Road, Sumter, SC 29150. It is the intent of Sumter County to award this contract to the bidder competent to perform and complete the work in a satisfactory manner. The apparent lowest and responsible bidder and any other bidder so requested shall, within three days after the request, submit to Sumter County an experience statement with pertinent information as to similar projects and other evidence of qualification for each subcontractor, person, and organization. Bidders must possess the proper license classification to perform the work elements contained in the specifications in accordance with the Code of Laws of South Carolina and, if selected, provide a copy of their active license to the Owner. A mandatory pre-bid conference to answer questions will be held on March 18, 2015, at 3:30 pm in the conference room at the Sumter County Airport, 2945 Airport Road, Sumter, South Carolina 29150. The bidding documents may be examined at the following location: Sumter County Purchasing Dept., 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150. A bid bond of 5% shall accompany the bidder’s bid. The bond shall be 5% of the amount of the base bid. The successful bidder will also be required to obtain a 100% Performance and Payment Bond within 10 days after award of the contract. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive formalities, and to reject nonconforming, non-responsive, or conditional bids. The Bidder to whom a contract may be awarded shall fully comply with the requirement of all the Code of Laws of South Carolina governing the practice of general contracting. No Bidder may withdraw his Bid within 30 calendar days after the actual date of the opening thereof. The project is conditioned upon the receipt of federal funding under provisions of the Airport and Airways Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1987 and most recently Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for 21st Century (AIR-21). Certain mandatory federal requirements apply to this solicitation and will be made part of any contract awarded. 1. Buy American Preference (Title 49 United States Code, Chap 501); 2. Foreign Trade Restriction (49 CFR Part 30); 3. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (49 CFR Part 26); 4. Davis-Bacon Act (29 CFR Part 5); 5. Equal Employment Opportunity (Executive Order 11246 and 41 CFR Part 60); 6. Goals for Minority and Female Participation (41 CFR Part 60-4.2); 7. Certification of Non-Segregated Facilities (41 CFR Part 60-1.8); 8. Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and voluntary Exclusion (49 CFR Part 29). NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE: The requirements of 49 CFR Part 26, Regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, apply to this contract. It is the policy of the County of Sumter to practice nondiscrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin in the award or performance of this contract. All firms qualifying under this solicitation are encouraged to submit bids/proposals. Award of this contract will be considered upon satisfying the requirements of this bid specification. These requirements apply to all bidders/offerors, including those who qualify as DBE. A DBE contract goal of 20% has been established for this contract. The bidder/offeror shall make good faith efforts, as defined in Appendix A, 49 CFR Part 26 (Attachment 1), to meet the contract goal by utilizing DBEs in the performance of this contract. The apparent successful bidder will be required to submit in the “Proposal” section of his bid the information concerning the DBE that will participate in the contract. This information will include: 1) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of South Carolina licensed DBE firms that will participate in the contract; 2) a description of the work that each DBE firm will perform; 3) the dollar amount of the participation of each DBE firm participating; 4) written documentation of the bidder/offeror’s commitment to use a DBE subcontractor whose participation it submits to meet the contract goal; and 5) written confirmation from the DBE that it is participating in the contract as provided in the commitment made under 4).

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If the bidder fails to achieve the contract goal stated herein, he will be required to provide documentation demonstrating that he made a good faith effort. The bidder’s documentation shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Proposal. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities and minor irregularities.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

MARCH INTO MAYO’S

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RENTALS Unfurnished Homes Studio Apt Fridge, stove, water & Elect. included $550 Mo +$275 Sec Dept. 803-847-1069

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Sumter County Airport Airport Hangar Project Sumter, South Carolina 29150 Separate, sealed bids will be received by Sumter County for the construction of a pre-engineered Airport Hangar. Bids will be received in the conference room of the Sumter County Airport, 2945 Airport Road, Sumter, South Carolina 29150 until 3:00 pm, March 31, 2015, local prevailing time, at which time and place the Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after that time will not be accepted.

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Project Description: New construction of Aircraft Storage Hangar for Sumter County, South Carolina. Construct new 120’ x 100’ (12,000 sq. ft.) x 28’ pre-engineered metal building with two sets of 90’ x 24’ bi-parting metal doors. Project includes foundation, building, electrical, fire alarm, lightning protection and an add alternate for an additional 25’ pre-engineered bay (adds 3,000 sq. ft.). Site work and building pad construction provided under a separate contract. Project location is Sumter County Airport, 2945 Airport Road, Sumter, SC 29150. It is the intent of Sumter County to award this contract to the bidder competent to perform and complete the work in a satisfactory manner. The apparent lowest and responsible bidder and any other bidder so requested shall, within three days after the request, submit to Sumter County an experience statement with pertinent information as to similar projects and other evidence of qualification for each subcontractor, person, and organization. Bidders must possess the proper license classification to perform the work elements contained in the specifications in accordance with the Code of Laws of South Carolina and, if selected, provide a copy of their active license to the Owner. A mandatory pre-bid conference to answer questions will be held March 18, 2015, at 3:00 pm in the conference room at the Sumter County Airport, 2945 Airport Road, Sumter, South Carolina 29150. The bidding documents may be examined at the following location: Sumter County Purchasing Dept., 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150. A bid bond of 5% shall accompany the bidder’s bid. The bond shall be 5% of the amount of the base bid. The successful bidder will also be required to obtain a 100% Performance and Payment Bond within 10 days after award of the contract. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive formalities, and to reject nonconforming, non-responsive, or conditional bids. The Bidder to whom a contract may be awarded shall fully comply with the requirement of all the Code of Laws of South Carolina governing the practice of general contracting. No Bidder may withdraw his Bid within 30 calendar days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

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20 N. Magnolia St. | Sumter, SC 803.774.1200 www.theitem.com

SECTION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

Museum features celebrated silhouettist Hand-cut portraits, music, storytelling on program BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

he art of silhouette cutting began in France in the 18th century before the advent of photography. Despite the growth of photography — even cell phone photography — silhouettes remain popular for their uniqueness, whimsy and value as art. Named for Etienne de Silhouette, France’s minister of finance in the mid-1700s, they are an art form, with framed portraits and cut out landscapes hanging in homes around the world. In Clay Rice’s hands, the generally black paper cuts are elevated to fine art. He creates a silhouette of a person of any age — but mostly young children — during a brief sitting, using only his hands, scissors and special paper. But like his famous grandfather Carew Rice, whom Carl Sandburg hailed as “America’s Greatest Silhouettist,” Clay does much more than the profiles. He creates landscapes — many of them scenes of the South Carolina Lowcountry — he’s a singer and a storyteller, and he writes children’s books and illustrates them with his silhouettes. Pat Conroy described Clay Rice as a “great talent who combines soul and passion.” The Sumter County Museum has an exhibition of Rice’s works in its Heritage Education Center through March 28, and on Saturday, the artist will be there from 10 a.m.

until 4:30 p.m. talking about his art and creating silhouettes for visitors. At 1:30 p.m., he’ll entertain with stories and songs, accompanying himself on the guitar. “We had to extend the original hours of the event,” said museum director Annie Rivers, “because so many people want silhouettes made.” With more than 900,000 silhouettes under his belt in his more than 30 years of creating them, Rice’s artistry only gets better: He is in constant demand to create keepsake silhouettes and to sign copies of his children’s books, among them the award-winning “The Lonely Shadow.” Rivers said Rice will have available copies of his books, including the newest, “Mama Let’s Make a Moon,” which is the subject of the traveling exhibit at the museum. Included in the exhibit are “original hand-cut silhouettes that artfully weave their way through the mountains of the Appalachia to bring the characters toward core family values such as love of family, making something from nothing and just plain having fun,” according to a press release from the S.C. State Museum, where

PHOTOS PROVIDED

ABOVE: The traveling exhibit of silhouettes used in Rice’s newest book can be viewed in the Heritage Education Center at the Sumter County Museum, where he will appear from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. LEFT: Rice’s silhouettes of children are very popular. Those who make appointments can have silhouettes cut for a fee on Saturday. the exhibit originated. Several of Rice’s other works are on permanent display at the State Museum. Rivers said, “There is a copy of ‘Mama Let’s Make a Moon’ included in the exhibit, so visitors can follow along in the book as they view it.” In addition, Rice and his work have been featured in numerous publications, including Country Living, the Washington Times, The Atlanta Constitution and Cookie Magazine; the work has also appeared in the CBS-TV series Army Wives. The recipient of the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and

SILHOUETTIST CLAY RICE WHERE: Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday ADMISSION: Free SILHOUETTES: $42 or $60 PHONE: (864) 430-4540 for appointment; 775-0908 for information

the IPPY Award for Children’s Book of the Year, Rice’s landscape scenes and children’s illustrations are sought after by collectors worldwide. To have a silhouette made by Rice on Saturday, Rivers said, an appointment is necessary. For $42, you can get two copies of a silhouette; each additional copy will be $10. A special package that includes two silhouettes and a book with your extra silhouette mounted in it is available for $60. Admission to the museum’s Williams-Brice House, Carolina Backcountry and Heritage Education Center will be free all day on Saturday. For more information, call the Sumter County Museum, (803) 7750908. To schedule an appointment for a silhouette, contact Bronwyn McElveen at (864) 430-4540 or bronwynkelson@ yahoo.com.

Famed silhouettist Clay Rice will present a program of music and storytelling at the Sumter County Museum on Saturday. He will also hand cut silhouettes for those who make appointments.

As spring nears, entertainment remains abundant in Sumter Sumter’s late winter has been filled with entertaining and enlightening events so far, and there are many more to come into the spring and beyond. We’ve had opportunities to view several art exhibitions, Out & About including the Sumter School District’s A guide to arts & leisure student art show. In fact, you can still IVY MOORE see it in the Umpteenth Gallery at the University of South Carolina Sumter through the end of March. Uncommon Folk, a fabulous exhibition of work by S.C. folk artists, is on display at the Sumter County Gallery of Art through April 12, and Gallery 135/Patriot Hall has two intriguing exhibitions by up-andcoming artists in its Emerging Artists Series. That’s just a few of the events we’ve had to choose from. There are many more events this month and throughout the spring season. USC Sumter will offer two next Friday. At noon in Classroom 127 in the Schwartz Building, biology instructor Dan Kiernan will present a seminar ti-

tled Inquiry-based Teaching in the College Classroom: The Non-Traditional Student. According to a USC Sumter press release, “Inquiry-based learning is primarily a pedagogical method, developed during the discovery learning movement of the 1960s as a response to traditional forms of instruction — where people were required to memorize information from instructional materials. “Inquiry-based learning, on the other hand, is based on testing various questions with experiments, comprehending science based on personal or experimental evidence. Learning through experiences involves the learner in active participation in personal or authentic experiences to make meaning of science, and to question, investigate and collaborate in order to make this meaning.” Kiernan will discuss the results of his own inquiry into the question “Does a science curriculum that is inquiry-based versus a science curriculum that is more traditional-based, produce more positive academic results in non-traditional, non-science major, college students?” Admission is free, the public is invit-

ed, and refreshments will be served. That evening, Artist Stephen Chesley will give an artist talk during the 5:30 to 7 p.m. opening reception for his exhibition in the University Gallery. Of the exhibition titled “Near the Ocean,” Chesley wrote: “That water has nurtured biodiversity beyond the odds of the creative universe is reason enough to accept the honor of its stewardship. In this year, 2015, population density is increasingly impacting the gift of water. Nature will always respond. “All that we are, and all that we have, flows in our rivers, streams, lakes and oceans. A rich legacy worthy of chronicling with brush and color from its most complex currents to its simplest reflection, and by this the beauty of the ordinary is infused with meaning. That which is considered everything in civilization is nothing, and that which is considered nothing, is everything.” The University Gallery is located in the Anderson Library on the USC Sumter Campus. The exhibit is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.uscsumter.edu for more infor-

mation on current and upcoming displays or contact Laura Cardello, USC Sumter’s curator of exhibits, at (803) 938-3858. The Shepherd’s Center of Sumter is having its annual one-pot cook-off on Friday at its home in The Trinity Lincoln Center on Council Street. As a veteran of these events – tasting, not cooking! – I can attest to the quality of the food cooked by many of the members. For $10 you can have some of everything and vote for your favorite. Proceeds benefit the center that serves those 50 and over with educational and entertaining programs. Call Jeanette Roveri Smith for more information at 773-9144. And don’t forget the concert by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band from New Orleans at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Sumter Opera House. City Cultural Director Seth Reimer is doing a wonderful job getting talented national and international performers here, and DDBB is among the best. Call 436-2616 or visit www.sumteroperahouse.com to get tickets or more information. Many other events are also on the calendar. Watch The Sumter Item for schedules.

Genealogical society guest addresses story of Revolutionary war heroine BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com The story of Emily Geiger, believed by many to have been a Revolutionary War heroine, will be the topic at the next membership meeting of the Sumter County Genealogical Society at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, as the society observes Women’s His- ULMER tory Month. Many accounts state that Geiger was a messenger for Gen. Nathanael Greene, the commander of the continental armies, who bravely traveled through Tory territory to reach Gen.

Thomas Sumter with the critical message. Speaker Becky Ulmer has titled her talk “Emily Geiger – Fact or Fiction” and will examine the information surrounding Geiger’s life and alleged act of heroism. A resident of St. Matthews, Ulmer is a retired librarian, whose interest in history led her to membership on the committee to establish the Elloree Heritage Museum, for which she is still a docent and docent trainer. She is also a past board chairwoman. Co-author of “Cotton Fields to Golf Courses: a pictorial history of Elloree and Santee,” Ulmer continues to study history, especially the history of her family, which traces

back to Geiger, a South Carolina native. Ulmer grew up in Calhoun County, graduated Columbia College with majors in history and library science and the University of South Carolina with a master of library science degree. She served as Orangeburg County Librarian for 21 years. The Sumter County Genealogical Society meets monthly from September through May. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend. Admission is free to the public, and refreshments will be served following the presentation. Readers can call the Society’s Research Center for additional information at (803) 774-3901.

PHOTO PROVIDED

This DAR medal shows Emily Geiger delivering a secret, vital message from Gen. Nathanael Greene to Gen. Thomas Sumter.

FOOD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Buttery Scallion Champ is a plate of simple, but filling, goodness.

Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day with Buttery Scallion Champ BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press With St. Patrick’s Day looming, let’s whip up some champ, a rich and rustic Irish dish of mashed potatoes flecked with scallions and topped with butter. It couldn’t be simpler, but as always, the devil is in the details. Let’s start with a champ primer. The dish is a relative of the better known colcannon, and both dishes — served as sides to a variety of meat dishes — date back at least several hundred years. But while colcannon adds kale — or sometimes cabbage — to the mashed potatoes, champ uses scallions or leeks. The classic potato to use in this dish is the russet, also called the baking potato. Here in the U.S., the most famous russet is the Idaho. High-starch and thick-skinned, russets cook up fluffy and light. If, however, you’re looking for creamier texture and a more intense potato taste, you ought to go with Yukon Golds. Whichever potatoes you choose, don’t peel and cut them before cooking. You want to boil them whole in their skins. Otherwise you end up with water-logged potatoes. And don’t

worry about needing to peel a hot potato. You won’t burn yourself if you hold the potato with a clean kitchen towel and peel it with your other hand. Now, on to the flavorings. It’s not enough to simply mash scallions into the potatoes. You want to draw out as much flavor from those oniony greens as possible. To do that, we steep them in milk for a bit. Start by adding the chopped scallions to a saucepan of cold milk, then bring the whole thing to a boil. Once the milk boils, you pull it off the heat and let the scallions steep while the potatoes cook. Half a cup of milk brought my champ to the degree of firmness I liked, but you’re welcome to add more if you want a looser texture. Likewise, you can make the dish richer by using cream instead of milk. Make sure the butter is at room temperature, not cold, when you mix it in. You don’t want it to cool down the potatoes. And by all means, finish your champ the proper Irish way with an extra little pat of butter right in the middle of the mound of potatoes. This allows you to dip each bite of the potato into the butter.

BUTTERY SCALLION CHAMP Start to finish: 1 hour (25 minutes active) Servings: 4 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed but not peeled 1/2 cup whole milk 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (white and green parts) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature, plus extra Place the whole potatoes in a medium saucepan. Add enough cold salted water to cover by 2 inches. Set the pan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are very tender, about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on their size. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over high heat, combine the milk, scallions and salt. Bring just to a boil, then immediately remove the pan from the heat and set aside to steep. When the potatoes are tender, drain them and let them cool briefly until you can peel them. To do this, hold each potato in a kitchen towel while peeling. Peel the potatoes, then place them in a medium bowl. Using a potato masher or large fork, mash them to the desired consistency and stir in the milk mixture and 4 tablespoons butter. Mix well, then season with salt and pepper. Spoon some of the champ into to each serving plate and top each portion with a pat of butter. Nutrition information per serving: 320 calories; 110 calories from fat (34 percent of total calories); 13 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 35 mg cholesterol; 48 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 5 g protein; 510 mg sodium.

Whiskey for St. Patrick’s Day? Sure, even if it is bourbon BY ELIZABETH KARMEL The Associated Press

ere’s a cocktail in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. But

you’re going to have to cut me some slack. Why? Because I know what you’re expecting. Any cocktail for this holiday should include either Guinness beer or Irish whiskey, right? Logically, that makes sense. But my whiskey of choice is always bourbon, so I tend to gravitate to cocktails built on that. The good news is that if you want to stay true to the spirit of the holiday, you could substitute Irish whiskey. Because Irish whiskey is triple distilled, it’s smoother and lighter than other vari-

eties, such as Scotch whisky. And that means it mixes well. So why did I go with bourbon? To me, the major difference between an Irish whiskey like Jameson and a good bourbon is that bourbon has more flavor (think rich round vanilla and brown sugar notes) and complexity (toasted oak, smooth and soft), often with a hint of sweetness. And those flavors mix well in cocktails without being lost to the other ingredients (which I think a lighter whiskey would). And so I give you the bourbon slush! Never heard of it? Not surprising. It’s from Northern Kentucky and I had never heard of it until I was introduced to it by my friend, Kat, who grew up in the region. Just beware: It is

a potent cocktail. You will want to drink many of them, but try to show restraint or you will be regretting it in the morning. Or as Kat, says, “It goes down so smoothly that it can sneak up on you!” This drink is great for parties because it is made in advance and is easily doubled, tripled, or whatever you need. I think it screams, “Bring out the punch bowl!” And, if you feel the need to add a little green for the Irish in you, some fresh mint would be just the thing. There is no need to splurge on a rare bottle of bourbon — or Irish whiskey — for this. Because you are adding so many ingredients and freezing it, your favorite reasonably priced bottle of brown “water” will do the trick.

KAT’S BOURBON SLUSH

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kat’s Bourbon Slush is great for parties because it is made in advance and is easily doubled, tripled, or whatever you need.

Start to finish: 10 minutes, plus freezing Servings: 24 2 cups strong black tea, hot 2 cups sugar 12-ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate 6 ounces (half a 12-ounce can) frozen orange juice concentrate 750-milliliter bottle bourbon 5 cups cool water Ginger ale, to taste In a freezer-safe pitcher, stir together the tea and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the lemonade and orange juice concentrates, as well as the bourbon, then stir until dissolved. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap, then freeze overnight, or at least 6 hours. The slush is ready when it is firm throughout; it won’t freeze solid. When ready to serve, scoop 1/2 cup of the slush into julep cups or tumblers, then top with ginger ale. Store the slush in the freezer between servings.

FOOD

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

Learn how to get it right when trying to get it al dente BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press What’s the one ingredient you should always have in your cupboard? Dried pasta, of course. It’s the base of a zillion easy-to-make weeknight meals and the friendly playmate of 2 zillion ingredients, including leftovers. Pasta comes in all sizes and shapes, all of them designed with a purpose. Pastas in long strands — including spaghetti and linguine — are best paired with smoother sauces. Tubeshaped pastas — such as penne, rigatoni and macaroni — team up well with chunky sauces. And pasta boasting nooks and crannies — like fusilli — are perfect for sauces with bits of meat and vegetables. Whichever type you’re cooking, you want to make sure you cook your pasta properly. Undercook it and the pasta is chalky and tough. Overcook it and you get mush. What you’re aiming for is al dente, Italian for “to the tooth.” It’s just a way of saying that properly cooked pasta is tender all the way through, but still ever so slightly firm to the bite. Of course, since pasta shapes, sizes and thicknesses vary widely, the proper cooking time for each pasta variety also varies. So let’s cover the basics of pasta cooking, regardless of variety. Plenty of water is important. This prevents the pasta from sticking and mostly eliminates the need to stir during cooking. For 1 pound of pasta, you’ll want to boil 6 quarts of water (though 4 quarts will do if you don’t have a pot large enough). The water also needs to be well salted. For every 3 quarts of water, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. After adding the pasta to the boiling water, give it a stir or two (and that should be enough). If you’re boiling long strands, push them down gently in the middle to make sure the ends are submerged, too. And by the way, do not add oil to the water. The pasta will end up oily, and the sauce will just slide off. Pasta should never wait for the sauce (once cooked, it doesn’t improve with age), so don’t start cooking it until your sauce is either well along or finished. For cooking times, read the packaging and follow the suggested times. But don’t follow them blindly. It’s also important to check the tenderness of the pasta while it is cooking. All you have to do is spear a single piece and bite into it. If it’s very chewy or tough, keep cooking it. If there’s just a tiny bit of chewiness, it’s ready to be drained. But before you drain it, scoop out and set aside a little of the cooking liquid. And don’t rinse your pasta after draining it. That washes away the starch, which is what helps your sauce stick to the pasta. Now just add your pasta to the sauce, where it will finish cooking. And if your sauce is too thick, a few tablespoons of the cooking water you scooped out are just the thing. The beauty of a pasta dish is that it rarely takes longer to throw together than the time it takes to boil the water and cook the pasta. And a hearty pasta dish is just the thing to warm up a cold and wintry night.

FUSILLI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE, PEAS AND CREAMY TOMATO SAUCE Start to finish: 1 hour (30 minutes active) Servings: 4 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion 1 tablespoon minced garlic 3/4 pound loose sweet or hot Italian sausage 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted) 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 2/3 cup heavy cream 12 ounces fusilli pasta 2 cups frozen peas, thawed 3 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Shredded fresh basil, to garnish In a large saucepan or stockpot, bring 6 quarts of water to a boil. While the water is heating, in a large skillet over medium, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon and stirring, until the sausage is just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add the cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, add the 2 tablespoons of salt and the pasta to the pot of

water. Stir well and boil the pasta, following the instructions on the back on the package, until almost but not quite al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and add it to the skillet, along with the peas and half of the cheese. Simmer until the pasta is al dente, adding some of the pasta cooking water if necessary to thin the sauce to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, then divide between 4 serving bowls. Top each portion with some of the remaining cheese and the basil. Nutrition information per serving: 1,040 calories; 510 calories from fat (49 percent of total calories); 56 g fat (24 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 140 mg cholesterol; 96 g carbohydrate; 12 g fiber; 18 g sugar; 40 g protein; 2,360 mg sodium.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Fusilli with Italian Sausage, Peas and Creamy Tomato Sauce is a great dish to warm up with.

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COMICS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Mother-in-law’s prayer is one of many ‘keepers’

Dear Abby ABIGAIL VAN BUREN

THE SUMTER ITEM

DEAR ABBY — I recently lost my address book in which I kept a copy of your “Keepers” booklet that I had sent away for a few years ago. I love the memorable poems and

essays in it. I’d like to replace the booklet if it is available. I read through it so many times and now feel lost without it. I have read your advice for many years. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. Penny in Eureka, Mo. DEAR PENNY — I’m glad you enjoyed my “Keepers” booklet,

and yes, it is available. It is light reading and contains poems and essays collected by my mother that have appeared in this column. So many readers requested reprints on humorous and inspirational items that hold special meaning for them that Mom decided to compile them into a booklet. To order a replacement for yours, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price. Allow me to share one of the gems that always makes me smile:

A MOTHER-IN-LAW’S PRAYER “O, Lord, help me to be glad when my son (or daughter) picks a mate. If he brings home

a girl with two heads, let me love both of them equally. And when my son says, ‘Mom, I want to get married,’ forbid that I should blurt out, ‘How far along is she?’ “And please, Lord, help me to get through the wedding preparations without a squabble with the ‘other side.’ And drive from my mind the belief that had my child waited awhile, he or she could have done better. “Dear Lord, remind me daily that when I become a grandmother, my children don’t want advice on how to raise their children any more than I did when I was raising mine. “If you will help me to do these things, perhaps my children will find me a joy to be around, and maybe I won’t have to write a ‘Dear Abby’ letter complaining about my children neglecting me. Amen.”

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 See the 67-Across clue 5 Suitor’s purchase 10 Geological age 14 Major follower? 15 Like the accent on “passŽ” 16 Proofer’s catch 17 Sandwich option 20 Good-humored banter 21 Superstore division 22 Mandela’s org. 23 Wrath 24 Very, in music 26 Rats, gnats and brats 28 Loads 29 E. Berlin’s land 32 13-mile race 36 Prefix with European 39 Words on Alice’s cake 40 ChichŽn __: pyramid site 41 Equine sprinter 44 Home of the NFL’s Rams 45 High spot 46 Indian region known for its tea 50 Goldman’s son-in-law

and partner 52 Share of the profits 54 Poke one’s nose (into) 55 What we have here 57 Borax-transporting driver 59 It prohibits cruel and unusual punishment 62 Coastal bird of prey 63 Met event 64 More: Abbr. 65 Sign that stands out 66 Old West trackers 67 It can follow the starts of 17-, 32-, 41and 59-Across DOWN 1 Bundle up again 2 Natural gas component 3 Unemotional types 4 Spill the beans 5 Less experienced, as a recruit 6 Natural earth shade 7 Chop __ 8 DFW posting 9 Arrange dishes and utensils on 10 Skylit lobbies 11 Ophthalmologist’s concern

12 Australian gem 13 Botanical junction 18 Woman in a “Paint Your Wagon” song 19 Enzo’s “Enough!” 24 San Antonio mission 25 More achy 27 Hammer-toting god 28 The Beatles’ “I __ Walrus” 30 Donut box qty. 31 Genetic letters 33 One who won’t let go 34 Produces produce 35 Associations 36 Educ. testing data 37 Bolt partner 38 Repeat sym-

bol, in scores 42 “Be silent,” in music 43 Filled to the limit 47 Maker of brief briefs 48 Political philosopher Hannah 49 South Carolina’s __ Beach 51 Sickly looking 52 Offstage aides 53 Forearm bones 55 Babysitter, often 56 Charter, as a bus 57 Fr. wives 58 Eliot Ness, e.g. 60 Bounce 61 GI’s address

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Fox’s ‘Empire,’ ABC’s ‘Nashville’ share parallel plots BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH OK, class, time for a quiz: What Wednesday night primetime soap am I describing? A record label that all but defines a music genre finds itself under financial siege. A largerthan-life musical powerhouse can’t move on to new relationships because a love interest from the past looms too large. A character thinks he has found new love only to discover his love interest is a pawn in his enemy’s game. A major character hides a life-threatening illness from the public. Faced with unending taunts and disrespect, another character flirts with suicide. A hugely talented potential superstar wrestles with his gay identity and its effect on his career and his relationship with a culture that seems all but defined by macho homophobia. If you think those plot points describe “Nashville” (not airing tonight), you would be correct. Interestingly enough, they apply to “Empire” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14) as well. Both shows were created by directors with reputations for audacity. Callie Khouri (“Thelma & Louise) is behind “Nashville.” Lee Daniels (“Precious”) developed “Empire” with Danny Strong. Both shows blend high melodrama with engaging musical performances. And both seem determined to win fans over with musical genres that some love, but many love to hate. “Empire” reminds those who have grown tired of hip-hop, or who never liked it, of its roots in R&B. The performances on “Nashville,” particularly those at The Bluebird Cafe, may remind rock fans that for all of the genre’s boring power ballads and pickup-truck bravado, country music still has a place for acoustic guitars and quiet harmonies. “Nashville” has never achieved hit status. I would not have been surprised if ABC had canceled it after last season. In stark contrast, “Empire” has defied media trends by growing in popularity and buzz with each successive week. Many have compared “Empire” to former prime-time soap sensations like “Dynasty” and “Melrose Place.” In some ways “Empire” is even more over-the-top than those series. It reflects their soapiness as

P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14). • The prospect of a trial may be too much to endure on “Broadchurch” (10 p.m., BBC America, TV-14).

SERIES NOTES “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS, TVPG) * On two episodes of “The Goldbergs” (ABC, r, TV-PG): showbiz kids (8 p.m.), boy bands (8:30 p.m.) * The top 12 singers on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG) * Oliver remains MIA on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * Badger State butchers on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A bloopersand-outtakes edition of “blackish” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT

CHUCK HODES / FOX

In a flashback scene, Lucious (Terrence Howard) and Angie (guest star Mary J. Blige) perform together in the “Sins of the Father” episode of “Empire” airing at 9 p.m. today on FOX. well as the campy antics of the divas on “The Real Housewives” franchise. For years, programmers and viewers have wondered how network TV would draw audiences back from reality shows, YouTube and other diversions. “Empire” may not be to everyone’s liking, but, for the time being, it is network television’s biggest success story in years. • If there was ever any doubt that the safest way to reach kids and families is through animals, consider this lineup of the Discovery Family Channel: “Dogs vs. Cats” (7 p.m., TV-PG), followed by “World’s Richest Dogs” (8 p.m., TV-G). • Dave Holmes hosts “American Canvas” (10 p.m., Ovation), a three-part series traveling to San Francisco, Austin and Miami, putting the focus on art galleries, creative communities and quirky locales.

CULT CHOICE Following a car wreck, a writer’s (James Caan) savior (Kathy Bates) becomes his captor in the 1990 thriller “Misery” (7:45 p.m. and 10 p.m., Sundance).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Murder stalks a prep school

playground on “The Mysteries of Laura” (8 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14). • An abuse victim won’t fight back on “Law & Order: SVU” (9 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14). • Cramped quarters on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, r, TVPG). • Lincoln seeks revenge on the season finale of “The 100” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14). • Hackers may have compromised a roller coaster’s safety

on “CSI: Cyber” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14). • Worlds collide during a murder investigation on the repeat of the pilot episode of “American Crime” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14), airing instead of “Nashville.” • Caught between a family rock and a KGB hard place on “The Americans” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA). • Teens vanish on “Chicago

2014-15

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF TOM OLSEN

Common is scheduled on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * The cast of “Sons of Anarchy” and First Aid Kit appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS, r) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Ellen DeGeneres, Neil Young and Doc Severinsen on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC, r) * Mary J. Blige, Stephen Amell and MisterWives visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC, r) * Sean Hayes guest-hosts Marion Cotillard, Dame Edna and Darrin Rose on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS, r). Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

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BY ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press

atmeal is the vanilla ice cream of the breakfast world. Some of us like it plain and straight up, appreciating its clean, oaty flavor, its firm yet giving texture, the way it cloyingly stays in your mouth just a second longer than you think

it should. And then there is the rest of humanity, those folks who — as with vanilla ice cream — treat oatmeal as a carrier for whatever you care to pile on and mix in. This list is for those folks, the people who like to dress their breakfasts to impress —

Raspberry lime oatmeal

or at least to taste awesome. Start with your favorite way to prepare a bowl of oatmeal, whether it’s cooked steel-cut oats, slow-cooked extra-thick oats, or a packet of instant. Jazz it up by adding any of these toppings: Tropical Stir in 1 tablespoon of cream of coconut, then top with a spoonful of crushed pineapple and chopped toasted macadamia nuts.

Caramel mocha oatmeal

Bacon and Gouda Stir in a handful of shredded aged Gouda cheese, then top with crumbled crispcooked bacon.

Pumpkin pie Stir in 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, then top with crumbled shortbread cookies. Brulee Spoon into an oven-safe ramekin. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top, then broil until golden and caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes. Morning glory Stir in 1/2 cup finely grated carrot, 1 teaspoon orange zest and a handful of golden raisins. Top with toasted sunflower seeds.

Caramel mocha Stir together 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons half-and-half. Stir into the oatmeal, then drizzle the top with caramel sauce. Top with whipped cream, if desired. Spinach, tomato and feta Stir in 1/4 cup chopped, cooked, well-drained spinach and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Top with roasted marinated tomatoes (often available where fine olives are sold) or jarred sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.

Banana bread Mash a very ripe banana and stir into the oatmeal along with a pinch of nutmeg. Sprinkle with cinnamonsugar and toasted walnuts. Raspberry-lime Stir in the zest and juice of 1/2 lime and a spoonful of brown sugar. Top with a handful of fresh raspberries and a drizzle of fresh cream. Honey-pear Stir in a chopped ripe pear, drizzle with honey and top with a few slices of a brie cheese. Add shredded panfried prosciutto, if desired.

Overnight oat pudding makes a healthy breakfast easy BY MELISSA D’ARABIAN The Associated Press The trick to making a nutritious breakfast a daily habit is never being more than 60 seconds away from something healthy. Because in the morning rush, it’s too easy to grab something unhealthy. Lately, my go-to quick and healthy choice has been oat pudding, mostly because my kids love it. But I also like the staying power the complex carbs and fiber have to keep us feeling full. Oats or oatmeal (plain, not the flavored quickie pouches), are on just about every list of heart healthy foods, as it has a nice dose of both soluble and insoluble fibers. Oats also bring a few grams of protein to the party, while having less than a gram of sugar. Even non-instant rolled oats are really only a few minutes away from being cooked into the iconic breakfast porridge I grew up eating (at the insistence of my grandma). But

sometimes 5 minutes feels about 4 minutes too long, at least at our house. And more to the point, my family doesn’t all love oatmeal as much as I learned to. Oat pudding solves these problems. And more. Oat pudding is made the night before (and only takes a few minutes), and can be customized to your tastes. It’s easy to add almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, berries, cinnamon, applesauce, fresh or frozen fruit, shaved coconut, or whatever else you enjoy. The key is to mix about equal parts oats and liquid, add the flavorings, then let the pudding rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour and up to 48 hours. Pull the pudding out of the fridge, top with any extras (like fruit, nuts, honey or maple syrup) and enjoy. Or pop in the microwave for a minute for a warm pudding. Easy. And so much better than grandma’s big pot of sticky porridge.

OVERNIGHT CHERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL PUDDING

Nutrition information per serving: 250 calories; 70 calories from fat (28 percent of total calories); 8 g fat (2.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 10 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 18 g sugar; 11 g protein; 50 mg sodium.

Start to finish: 10 minutes, plus chilling Servings: 2 1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt 1/2 cup low-fat milk 1 1/2 tablespoons cherry jam 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional) 1/8 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips 1/2 cup rolled oats or oatmeal (not instant) 2 tablespoons slivered or sliced almonds, toasted In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk and jam until smooth. Add the chia seeds, vanilla, chocolate chips and oats and mix until well blended. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days. To serve, top with toasted almonds.