March 12, 2015 by The Sumter Item

IN SPORTS: USC head football coach Spurrier to visit Sumter Gamecock Club B1 CLARENDON SUN

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

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Summerton native is named 2015 health director in North Carolina A8

Prosecutor grills former school head Testimony concludes in embezzlement case BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Joei Jordan, of Sumter, a suspect in the fatal shooting of University of Michigan student Paul DeWolf, enters the courtroom ahead of his sentencing in Washtenaw County Trial Court in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Wednesday. Jordan apologized to the family of DeWolf before getting a no-parole, life sentence for murder.

Sumter man gets life in medical student’s death FROM STAFF REPORTS ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A 21-year-old Sumter man apologized to the family of a slain University of Michigan medical student before getting a no-parole sentence for murder. Joei Jordan appeared in Washtenaw County court on Wednesday, the last of three young men to be sentenced in the fatal shooting of Paul DeWolf in 2013. In a detailed description of the sentencing, The Ann Arbor News reported Wednesday that before hearing his sentence, Jordan turned to DeWolf’s parents, looked them in the eye and apologized. “I apologize from the bottom of my heart,” Jordan said. “I did not mean to harm Paul DeWolf.” He then turned to Judge Archie Brown and said, “Have mercy on me,” The Ann Arbor News reported. A jury in January convicted Jordan of first-degree felony murder, home invasion and conspiracy. Jordan’s life sentence

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Jordan, a University of South Carolina Sumter student at the time, decorates a tree at the Sumter Feed the Hungry on Christmas Day event in 2012. He attended Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. with no chance for parole was mandatory. The 25-year-old DeWolf

was attending medical school on an Air Force scholarship when he was

shot during a robbery at a medical fraternity. In details reported by news agencies there during the trial, Jordan; Dajeon Franklin, 22; and Shaquille Jones, 22, reportedly broke into a medical fraternity house. DeWolf awoke during the break-in and struggled with Franklin when a gun went off, killing DeWolf. Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church Youth Pastor Ricky Simmons, who has known Jordan since he was in middle school, emphasized that injuring someone is just “not in his character.” “He wouldn’t have gone if he knew there was a possibility of something like this going on,” Simmons said. “He’s not a violent man.” Jordan’s situation illustrates what can happen when you’re with the wrong people and don’t consider what can happen, he said. He said Jordan had been active in his church

Testimony in a multi-million-dollar embezzlement trial culminated Wednesday with former Lee County charter school head Benita DinkinsRobinson facing off against her main accuser and attorneys on both sides delivering their closing arguments. Dinkins-Robinson served nearly 10 years as executive director of Mary L. Dinkins Higher Learning Academy, a Bishopville charter school that served pre-K through high school students at the height of its operations. She took the stand for three hours Tuesday and spent an additional two hours there being questioned by her attorney Eleazer Carter as the trial reconvened Wednesday morning. Dinkins-Robinson stands accused of two federal felony counts stemming from allegations she diverted more than $2.2 million from a pair of federal agencies between 2007 and 2012, while she was the school’s main administrator. Federal prosecutors allege during that period she used various “shell companies” to embezzle U.S. Department of Agriculture dollars as well as Title I, Title II and IDEA money from the U.S. Department of Education — funds earmarked for food services and educational purposes at her school. She faces as many as 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 if a jury finds her guilty. The 40-year-old Bishopville defendant testified that no federal funds meant for food services ever touched the Mary L. Dinkins accounts because those USDA dollars always came as reimbursements after the school had already provided the services. She described the process as “money in, money out,” citing the school’s accountant Bill Moser, who testified Tuesday. Her direct testimony set the stage for a tense, albeit compelling, 45-minute cross examination as Dinkins-Robinson went toe to toe with Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday, who has served as the primary prosecutor on the trial. He re-characterized her description of the federal funding process as “garbage in, garbage out,” during one point in the questioning, apparently alluding to allegations that she was siphoning the federal dollars into shell companies for her own benefit. Holliday has contended that Dinkins-Robinson diverted funds from the school’s account into accounts for four such companies and used the money

SEE TRIAL PAGE, A6 SEE JORDAN PAGE, A6

School district earns 5-year-term accreditation BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com Sumter School District received accreditation for a new five-year term during the district’s external review exit conference on Wednesday. The school district earned the certification after undergoing a four-day interview, survey, observation and evaluative review process by AdvancED, the nonprofit accreditation organization.

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The district office conference room was packed with administrators and education leaders of the district while Edlow Barker, one member of the six-person AdvancED review team, explained the standards and observations that he and his team members made during their time visiting six of the district’s schools. The team, consisting of six former and current educators and administrators from

South Carolina, Florida and Virginia, visited Lemira Elementary School, Kingsbury Elementary School, Shaw Heights Elementary School, Ebenezer Middle School, Bates Middle School and Crestwood High School. The teams spent 20 minutes visiting different classrooms throughout the schools to observe teacher instructions and student learning environments. They visited old and new schools and said they no-

DEATHS, B5 Joyce Ann D. Bazmore Margaret R. Witt Alphonso Laws Ivy Wheeler Gilda Ashley

Jeanette R. Medows Naomi R. Aaron Levi W. Dawson Wayne Bell Ruby Brown

ticed that they were exceedingly clean and in excellent repair. Barker said he was also impressed with the amount of organization and kindness that he and his team members experienced when entering the schools. Barker said after speaking with Sumter School District Superintendent Frank Baker, he could not believe some of the things he heard, especially that the superintendent

provides his personal cellphone number to students and parents. Barker, a retired assistant superintendent from Virginia, said Baker shows great value, accessibility and commitment as superintendent. He said he even saw the same dedication in the schools and district administration building. One negative issue Barker mentioned was the lack of

SEE DISTRICT PAGE, A6

WEATHER, A12

INSIDE

TEMPERATURES DROP

2 SECTIONS, 20 PAGES VOL. 120, NO. 124

Cloudy, breezy and cooler during the day. At night, cooler and possibility of a little rain. HIGH 65, LOW 47

Classifieds B7 Comics B6 Lotteries A12

Opinion A11 Religion A4 Television A7

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

Bill could reduce county’s funding

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Man charged with abuse of vulnerable adult Terry Kent Smith, 40, was charged Monday with abuse of a vulnerable adult after being located by Sumter police. Sumter Police Department was notified Feb. 24 by a social worker at Palmetto Health Richland after a 56-year-old woman was brought to the hospital. The woman, according to the report, had suffered a head injury. The woman, who was unable to care for herself because of a medical condition, said the injury happened when she was dropped by the suspect as he carried her to the bathroom. The woman subsequently died of natural causes. An autopsy determined the head injury was not a factor in her death. Smith was said to be the woman’s live-in boyfriend and caregiver. The poor hygiene of the woman and the condition of the house in the 300 block of South Guignard Drive led to the charges. Smith is being held at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center pending a $5,000 bond.

Easter giveaway will be held Saturday Good Samaritans for All People will hold its Easter giveaway starting at 8 a.m. Saturday at the old Bishopville High School gym, 600 N. Main St., Bishopville. Besides all types of Easter supplies, the event will feature food, furniture and other household goods. For more information, contact Good Samaritans’ founder, the Rev. Eddie Thomas, at (803) 459-4989.

Taxes could rise or services could be cut if Senate passes government fund proposal BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com Sumter County Council held a brief meeting during its regular time Tuesday evening during which County Administrator Gary Mixon expressed concerns about possible future reductions to the county’s Local Government Fund. Mixon presented a YouTube video showing The State newspaper Associate Editor Cindi Ross Scoppe making a comparison between the relationship of state and local governments and unkind parents and their children. Scoppe begins the video by saying cities and counties are sometimes referred to as the step-children of the state legislature because of the way the state treats local governments. She then described a situation where a high school student named Sally is told by her parents that she must pay rent and buy her own supplies. Sally has a part-time job and receives an allowance from her par-

ents, but her mother and father will not let her increase her work hours or get a higher-paying job. One day, Sally’s parents stopped giving her an allowance, and when the teen says she cannot afford to pay rent, her parents tell her she is horribly irresponsible to have counted on that money. “You might call them abusive parents,” Scoppe said, “but I call them ‘the South Carolina General Assembly.’” And Sally is our cities and counties, she said. Mixon said he thought the video serves as a nice analogy of what is taking place in the state. The S.C. House of Representatives recently passed a bill that could significantly reduce the amount of funding Sumter County receives from a portion of state revenues for the next two years. Mixon said the county is supposed to receive 4.5 percent of the previous year’s state general fund revenues, but that number has been slowly reduced since 2008. Along with the reduction in funding, Sumter County has to pay more than $19 million for the operation of the 30 state agencies in the county, and Mixon said that amount is expected to increase because of state mandates.

Later, Sumter County Finance Director Pamela Craven said if the bill passes the Senate, the county’s Local Government Fund will freeze at its current percentage rate. According to Craven, the county should receive 4.5 percent of the state’s expected $5.6 million in revenues for the upcoming fiscal year 2016 but expects that Sumter County will only receive about 72 percent of that amount if the bill passes. After the meeting, Mixon said if the fund is reduced by the expected amount of $1.5 million, county government would have to raise taxes or cut local services to make up for the loss. He said Sumter County’s county-wide millage of 81 mills, which is factored into the calculations of property taxes in the county and used to pay for county operations, would have to increase by about 5.5 mills to make up for the reduction. Each countywide mill amounts to $288,000 in county revenue. The bill, that would take effect July 1 this year, has not yet made it to the state Senate, which Mixon said is good news. “We’ll continue to have these conversations, and we’ll continue to work our delegation and particularly over the next couple of weeks, work our senators,” said Mixon.

Controlled burn spreads

Knights group donates to disabilities board Grand Knight Paul Burchell and Operation HOPE Chairman James Smith of Bishop Northrop Council 2207 of Knights of Columbus presented a check for $3,339 to Stephen Maglione, executive director of Sumter County Disability and Special Needs Board, on March 3. This money will help ensure some deserving community members are afforded new opportunities to participate more fully in community activities in their hometown. Operation H.O.P.E., or Helping Other People Everyday, has raised more than $7 million since its inception in 1976 to assist residents of South Carolina with intellectual disabilities. An additional $500 was donated to Alice Drive Middle School Special Education Class on Feb. 19. Founded in 1882 by Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization with more than 1.8 million members worldwide. Members of Sumter Council 2207 donated more than $9,000 and 3,300 hours of charitable service during 2014. The Sumter County Disability and Special Needs Board is a nonprofit agency that serves residents of Sumter County.

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter firefighter Blake Robinson sprays down a hot spot in a controlled burn that jumped Radical Road because of gusty winds and spread to nearby woods Wednesday afternoon.

Brazilian national champion swimmer will visit YMCA BY HAMLET FORT hamlet@theitem.com Brazilian national swimming champion Thiago Parravicini will visit Sumter YMCA today at 4 p.m. to teach a clinic and give a presentation. Parravicini is a Brazilian-Italian swimmer who has competed at a high level in North America and South America as well as Europe. He will offer a motivational lecture to the Sumter YMCA Swordfish Swim Team and anyone else who chooses to attend. Igor Iovanovich, aquatics director at the Y, said Parravicini will share with the swimmers how the

sport opened doors for him. Parravicini will talk about the “opportunities and lessons he learned from (swimming), such as respect, effort, focus and more,” Iovanovich said. He called the lecture by the record holder an “encouragement speech for the kids to motivate themselves to follow their dreams and set goals in life in order to achieve what they want, being in swimming or not.” In 2006, Parravicini won the 200-meter breaststroke at the Brazilian Open. He placed in the top three at many swim meets, making the Brazilian national team. He broke the NCAA Division II record for 200-meter breaststroke in

2012 at University of the Incarnate Word Invitational in San Antonio, Texas, with a time of 1:54.60. Parravicini is a graduate assistant coach of the men’s and women’s swimming teams at University of the Incarnate Word. “The Sumter Family YMCA is really excited for the opportunity to bring such a high-caliber athlete to our program,” said Iovanovich. “We know that meeting Thiago will not only inspire the swimmers from our community to progress in their current stage of swimming, but also help them understand where they can go with the sport.”

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LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

Home cooks will compete for votes

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Don’t miss student art show

Shepherd’s Center hosts One-Pot Cookoff on Friday BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

and third-place winners. Proceeds will help support the programs of Shepherd’s Center of Sumter. The center serves individuals 50 Those competitive cooks at Shepand older. It is part of Shepherd’s herd’s Center of Sumter will be atCenters of America, described as “a tempting to win your vote Friday network of interfaith communitywith their one-pot dishes. Center director Jeanette Roveri-Smith said the based organizations that provide meaning and purpose for adults One-Pot Cookoff is one of the events most highly anticipated by members. throughout their mature years.” Members teach and participate in “We’re all geared up for it,” she classes, enabling lifelong learning, said. “Around 10 people signed up in and in social activities, including advance, but a lot of them just show travel and other programs. The cenup with their dishes because they ter also offers a series of free public like to keep it a secret.” information classes on a variety of Jerry Domrese is one who will current topoften bring a ics on Thursnon-traditionday mornings al one-pot during its Addish, along ventures in with a soup or Learning sesstew. His ribs sions. Senior won a few volunteers years ago, and design and his soup is alrun these and ways a crowd other propleaser, Rovegrams at the ri-Smith said. center. Two others Shepherd’s who will be SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO Centers of back with America their popular Betty Langston, left, tastes manicotti prepared by offerings are Jerry Domrese, center, as L. Gene Davis looks on dur- states its vision as “all Janice Wiling a past cookoff at Shepherd’s Center of Sumter. individuals liams and will experience meaningful lives Madi Meeker. through every phase of their ma“Madi’s making her delicious poture years.” tato soup,” Roveri-Smith said. In the process of fulfilling that vi“She’s won with it before, and she’s sion, Roveri-Smith said, “We also also making another dish. Janice have a lot of fun, and many friendWilliams is also coming back with ships are made.” her collards soup. It’s a winner, too, Tickets for the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and people always ask for it.” Friday One-Pot Cookoff can be purTickets for the Shepherd’s Center chased at the door at Shepherd’s one-pot cookoff are $10 for all you Center in Trinity Lincoln Center, 24 can eat. Served with the main dishCouncil St. For more information es will be cornbread, soup crackers, about the cookoff or joining the desserts, beverages and usually Shepherd’s Center of Sumter, call some surprise side dishes. Prizes the center at (803) 773-1944. will be awarded to first-, second-

PHOTO PROVIDED

Tara Soles shows her mother, Susan Humphries, her self portrait during the opening of Sumter School District’s Student Art Show at University of South Carolina Sumter on March 4. The exhibit can be seen through the end of the month in the Umpteenth Gallery in the Arts and Letters Building.

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RELIGION

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Pastor caught in the act of practicing faith

caught my pastor last week practicing his faith. I don’t think he saw me as I watched from afar. He was encouraging a teenager in his spiritual journey as they both walked through the gym. The teen listened intently. I heard him invite the young man to church before he saw me. The whole experience took less than 30 seconds, but in that half of a minute, I found myself feeling shocked, convicted and motivated by this common interaction. At that moment, I wasn’t observing the man who commanded an audience on Sunday morning but a person sharing his faith during everyday life. I was initially taken

aback by this practical application of the faith. In the whole of my day, I had yet to seize a single minisopportuniFaith Matters try ty. JAMIE H. Yet here WILSON was a man who plied the trade of ministry every day, and still he found the motivation to reach one more on his time off. If someone who could easily tire of ministry work can do it, then what is my excuse? Ministers do a lot, most of which is done in the 38-to-39

CHURCH NEWS Allen Chapel AME Church, 471 Lynam Road, announces: * Sunday — Youth recognition for achievement and accomplishment at 10 a.m. * Sunday, March 22 — Sallie Evans Women’s Missionary Society annual missionary day at 10 a.m. Anna Monic Williams will speak. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 2571 Joseph Lemon-Dingle Road, Jordan community, Manning, announces: * Today-Friday — Revival at 7:30 nightly. The Rev. John Clairborne will speak. Antioch United Methodist Church, 4040 Dubose Siding Road, announces: * Sunday — United Methodist Women’s program “Hats off to Women of God, Growing in Grace” at 4 p.m. The Rev. Doris Bright will speak. Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1275 Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday — Missionary ministry’s red and white service at 4 p.m. Clark United Methodist Church, 2980 U.S. 401 N., Oswego Highway, announces: * Sunday — Women in the pulpit and 50 state rally programs during 11 a.m. service. Community Church of Praise, 565 S. Pike Road, announces: * Saturday, March 21 — Healing and deliverance service at 10 a.m. Bishop Sylvester Francis and Pastor Dorothy Maple will speak. Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, 25 Community St., announces: * Sunday, March 29 — Youth Sunday observance at 10:30 a.m. Dalzell United Methodist Church, 3330 Black River Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday-Friday, June 21-26 — Vacation Bible School 6-8 nightly. Free dinner each evening at 5:30. This year’s program is “EVEREST — Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.” Children age 2 and older are welcome. Faith Missionary Baptist Church No. 1, 115 Laurel St., announces: * Sunday — Morning worship will be held at 8 a.m. Dr. Otis Butler Jr. will speak. At 11:30 a.m., Dr. Butler will speak at the Church of God By Faith, Davis Station. * Sunday, March 22 — Fourth Sunday fellowship at 4 p.m. at God Is In the House Ministry. Dr. Otis Butler Jr. will speak. * Sunday, March 29 — Sumter Baptist M&E Association fifth Sunday service at 5 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 350 Red Bay Road. Dr. Otis Butler Jr. will speak.

Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 5405 Black River Road, Rembert, announces: * Saturday — D.L. Glover Singers anniversary celebration at 6 p.m. * Sunday — Ninth pastoral anniversary celebration during 10 a.m. worship. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. * Sunday, March 22 — Athletic ministry appreciation. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by 10 a.m. worship. High Hills AME Church, 6780 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Wednesday-Friday, March 25-27 — Women’s Revival at 7 nightly. Speakers will vary. High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Friday, March 20 — Musical at 7 p.m. in honor of Lenora Arnette. * Sunday, March 22 — Choir No. 2 anniversary program during 10:15 a.m. worship. Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., announces: * Friday and Sunday — The Blueprint 12th anniversary celebration at 8 p.m. Friday and on Sunday at 7:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at Marion H. Newton Family Life Center, 415 Manning Ave. On the program: Pastors Mark and Tracie Davis, Jeffrey Lampkin, and the Francis Marion University YGB Gospel Choir. * Friday, April 3 — Good Friday worship “The Last Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross” at noon. Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — YWA anniversary will be celebrated during morning worship. * Sunday, March 29 — Youth service. Church school begins at 9 a.m. followed by 10 a.m. worship. Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday — Knitting Hearts Café will meet 10 a.m.-noon. Joyce Russell-Sanders will speak. www.knittingheartsministry.org Lake Marion Christian Church, 1326 Morello Road, Manning, an-

plus hours they work unobserved by the majority of the congregation they serve. They endure an endless parade of parishioners who wrestle with inconsequential components of church. I knew one pastor who had to mediate between two ladies who were fighting about the placement of floral arrangements. Too many similar experiences have been known to erode a passion for ministry. Perhaps that was what was so shocking: Despite the often numbing effects of church ministry, this seasoned pastor felt compelled to share the love of God. It’s easy for a member of church staff to minister be-

cause that is his or her job, we might think. Pastors are professional Christians; they are paid to be pious. Having been tied to full-time ministry for nearly a decade, however, I’ve gotten an inside perspective of church logistics, or what comprises the other 39 hours ministers spend working during the week. You can tell a difference between the pastor who simply punches a clock and the pastor who maintains a passion for his faith. It’s a distinction that is hard to hide, and the health of their respective congregations reflects their chosen attitude. While I observed the interaction, a sense of conviction washed over my soul. It didn’t

require a seminary degree to humbly share my faith with another person. I may not possess the gifts and talents of preaching, but certainly I’m capable of a casual conversation in which I encourage another human being. That day, my pastor’s sermon wasn’t made of words but of actions. I think there is something incredible that happens in the life of a church or community when a pastor or church leader carries his or her faith beyond the church walls. They give legs to the faith. They mimic the behavior they advise. Thank God for those pastors who bring church outside of church walls. Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail.com.

nounces: * Saturday, April 4 — Third Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Age groups: 2-4; 5-7; and 8-10. Snacks, crafts, stories for the whole family.

One Step Christian Ministries, 125 S. Nettles St., Bishopville, announces: * Sunday, March 22 — Appreciation worship service for the deacons and trustees at 4 p.m. The Rev. Herbert Bracey will speak.

gospel singers and motivational speakers. Call (843) 325-9994 or (803) 464-1956. * Wednesday, March 18 — Youth Spring Revival at 7 p.m. * Sunday, March 29 — March birthday month program at 3 p.m. Wear your colors. * Sunday, April 5 — Easter program during 10 a.m. service.

Mount Pisgah AME Church, 215 W. Bartlette St., announces: * Sunday — Gospel singing at 5:30 p.m. featuring Voices of Deliverance of Charleston. Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Sunday — Pastor’s support ministry anniversary will be recognized at 10:45 a.m. * Sunday, March 29 — Palm Sunday / youth worship celebration at 10:45 a.m. Nehemiah Kingdom Builder’s Assembly, 845 Webb St., announces: * Saturday, March 21 — Healing and deliverance service at 10 a.m. at Community Church of Praise, 562 S. Pike. New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 3249 U.S. 15 S., announces: * Sunday, March 15 — Morris College Day recognition. The Rev. Dr. Luns C. Richardson will speak and the Morris College Choir will provide music. * Wednesday-Friday, April 1-3 — Holy Week services at 7 nightly. New Fellowship Covenant Ministries, 316 W. Liberty St., announces: * Saturday — Clothes giveaway 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free snacks will also be given out. New Hope AME Church, 18808 Panola Road, Pinewood, announces: * Sunday, March 22 — The 144th anniversary of the church will be celebrated at 3 p.m. The Rev. Malcolm Simpson will speak.

Friendship AME Church, 6156 Furse Road, Summerton, announces: * Saturday — Gospel singing at 4 p.m. featuring the Rock Hill AME Church choir. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 182 S. Pike East, announces: * Friday, March 20 — Prayer and deliverance worship at 7 p.m. * Sunday, March 22 — Trustee installation service for Sister Dorothy Moultrie at 3 p.m. * Sunday, April 5 — Gospel singing 20th anniversary of Cynthia Boykin. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the program begins at 5 p.m.

Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 320 W. Fulton St., announces: * Sunday — Music appreciation during 10 a.m. worship. * Sunday, March 22 — Youth Sunday during 10 a.m. worship. Sheppard Ministries announces: * Saturday, March 21 — Southern heritage concert choir at 6 p.m. at Wise Drive Nazarene Church, 302 N. Wise Drive. The special friends choir will be made up of 16 groups and soloists. There will be barbecue chicken plates available beginning at 4 p.m. Spring Hill AME Church, 4309 Bill Davis Road, Summerton, announces: * Sunday — Women’s day celebration at 11 a.m. St. Luke AME Church, 2355 St. Paul Church Road, announces: * Sunday, March 15 — Anniversary celebration at 4 p.m. featuring Sounds of Gospel. St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 7650 Summerton Highway, Silver community, Pinewood, announces: * Friday-Sunday — Women’s Empowerment Seminar at Manning Junior High School at 5 p.m. featuring Helen Miller and other

St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church, 1126 St. Matthew Lane, Manning, announces: * Sunday, March 15 — Annual Men’s Day at 2 p.m. The Rev. Jonathan Mouzon will speak. Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church, 1130 Granby Lane, Summerton, announces: * Sunday, March 22 — The 130th anniversary of the church will be celebrated. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m., followed by 9:45 a.m. devotional service and 10 a.m. worship. Tiverton Missionary Baptist Church, 2420 Old Charleston Road, Wedgefield, announces: * Sunday, March 22 — Church anniversary celebration at 3 p.m. The Rev. Larry Nathaniel will speak. Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., announces: * Sunday, March 22 — Pastor Larry C. Weston’s 26th pastoral anniversary celebration at 10 a.m. Walker Avenue Church of God, 100 Walker Ave., announces: * Wednesday-Friday, March 18-20 — Spring Revival at 7 nightly. The Rev. Curtis Murph will speak. Walker’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 99 Walter Ave., announces: * Saturday, March 21 — Gospel singing at 7 p.m. featuring Hope’s Journey Singers.

New Salem Baptist Church, 2500 W. Oakland Ave., announces: * Friday, March 27 — Free glow in the dark Easter egg grab and family movie showing of “Hop” at 7 p.m. Concessions available. Preregister at www.newsalemsumter.com. Olden Chapel UME, 189 Hoyt St., announces: * Sunday, March 29 — Building fundraiser at 3 p.m. Bishop Willie Green Jr. will speak.

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Providence Baptist Church, 2445 Old Manning Road, announces: * Monday, March 16 — Widow’s luncheon at 11 a.m. * Tuesday, March 17 — Wilma DuBose WMU meeting at 10 a.m. at the home of Carolyn Geddings.

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Fresh off a tour in Japan, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, a quintessential New Orleans musical institution, will stop at the Sumter Opera House for one night Friday (March 13). This is one of its ﬁnal tune-ups before it takes center stage at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival before thousands of people next month. Anchored by original members Roger Lewis, Kevin Harris, Gregory Davis, Efrem Towns and Kirk Joseph, Dirty Dozen is one of the few remaining brass bands from the 1970s. Its name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances, including jazz funerals and “second-line parades.” The Dirty Dozen Brass Band formed in New Orleans in 1977, but it is their willingness to look beyond the New Orleans songbook and ﬁnd connections amongst a wider range of music that has endeared them to critics, fellow musicians and a multi-generational, global audience.

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RELIGION

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

Russian priest feels closer to God in serenity of Antarctica KING GEORGE ISLAND, Antarctica (AP) — Sophrony Kirilov pulls hard on the strings of the heavy Russian bells from inside the world’s southernmost Eastern Orthodox church. The 38-year-old Russian priest is clad in a loose black robe and a vest dotted with patches of penguins and seals marking his four years of service at the bottom of the world. Although he often misses his family and the dark winters are hard, Kirilov says there is no place he feels closer to God than in this frigid land. “In the world there’s no tranquility and silence. But here, it’s quiet enough,” Kirilov said inside the Holy Trinity Church. The small wooden building is perched precariously on a rocky hill above a smattering of prefabricated houses for scientists and service workers who call this frozen continent home, at least part of the year. Kirilov, who also works as a carpenter and mason at the Russian Bellinghausen base, said his passion for Antarctica is deeply connected to his love for the lonely building. Russian priests here rotate in for year-long stints primarily to preside over the liturgy for the workers on the Russian base who number between 15 and 30 at a time, but the priests also welcome any of the island’s other inhabitants. The grayish clapboard church was first built in Russia from Siberian cedar planks treated to withstand the

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Russian Orthodox priest Sophrony Kirilov, 38, stands in front of the Holy Trinity Church on top of a rocky hill on King George Island, Antarctica. There is no place he feels closer to God than this church at the bottom of the world, he said. frosts and harsh wind. It was then disassembled and shipped log by log, “like LEGO blocks,” to Antarctica, said Alejo Contreras, a Chilean Antarctic explorer who witnessed the construction and consecration in 2004. To protect it from strong winds, it is bound to the nearby rocky mountain with chains. In the summer, tourists and the staff of the international stations brave strong winds to hike up to it and leave snowy, muddy boots at the en-

trance. Some pray in silence standing or kneeling because there are no pews in the boxy interior, while others marvel at the gold-leaf iconostasis screen of icons painted with bearded saints and winged angels in vivid colors. During Sunday service, Kirilov reads from the scriptures in Russian and sings in an angelic voice. “A Russian polar worker, as any other believer, wants spiritual support nearby, a church devoted to God,” Kirilov said.

Church Directory Adventist

PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION

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

Anglican Church of the Holy Comforter 213 N. Main Street 803-773-3823 The Rev. Marcus Adam Kaiser Sunday Services 8:30 am (Rite 1) & 11:00 am (Rite ll) in the Sanctuary www.holycomforter.net

ave you ever overheard a conversation between a boy and his dog? It seems that they understand each other perfectly. In Proverbs 4:1, the wise King Solomon said, “…pay attention and gain understanding.” In our hurried world do we really pay attention to what others say…and don’t say? Communication is a challenge in our increasingly impersonal surroundings. Yet, when God speaks, we must pay close attention, for our Creator speaks subtly… listen for the rush of the wind, watch for the gratitude in the eyes of others, and look for the sunrise of a new day. God speaks to us in His House. Visit Him each week and take note of His message.

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

Neh. 9:1-38

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

Daniel 9:1-19

Weekly Scripture Reading 1 Sam. 1 Sam. Psalm 1:1-28 2:1-11 4

Psalm 5

Psalm 11

Scriptures Selected by the American Bible Society

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

Assembly of God

Photo Credit Istockphoto.com/tatyana_tomsickova

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

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

Baptist - Southern Grace Baptist Church 219 W Calhoun St * 778-6417 Dr. Stephen Williams S.S. 9:45 am; Worship 11:00 am Evening Worship/Bible Study 6:30 pm Wed. Prayer Meeting 6:30 pm Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 pm

Hickory Road Baptist Church 1245 Cherryvale Dr 803-494-8281 Dr. Ron Taylor Pastor Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Long Branch Baptist Church 2535 Peach Orchard Rd. Dalzell 803-499-1838 Pastor Jonathan Bradshaw Sun School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Sun Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wed Mid Week Service 7:00 pm Shaw Heights Baptist Church 2030 Peach Orchard Rd 499-4997 Rev. Robert White Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 am Sunday Worship:11 am & 6 pm

Reaching the church’s pointed belfry requires climbing up a staircase and squeezing in through an attic-like, square hole. At most, three people, rubbing shoulders, can fit next to the heavy bells that pierce the snowy silence with a cacophonous and hypnotic sound similar to the clang of a railroad crossing. At night the church is lit from below and becomes a beacon for ships crossing the Southern Ocean. The church, nearly 10,000 miles from Kirilov’s monastery near Moscow, is just a few ice-covered steps from the red, bunker-like building that he calls home when he is in Antarctica. A pair of skis the priest uses to explore the island leans against a wall near the front door, where Kirilov painted flowers to remind him of nature during the dark winter months. A stuffed toy Emperor penguin is connected to one of the windows with a suction cup. Inside, the walls are covered with maps, pictures of Russian churches and a painting of London Bridge. Kirilov said his parents and four siblings, including an identical twin who also took monastic vows, are eagerly awaiting his return to Russia in April. While he will be happy to see his family, Kirilov said the moment he leaves he knows he will be pining for this forbidding land. “Here, you can calmly pray to God in peace and quiet,” the priest said. “Sure, you can do it anywhere in Russia, but here, it’s special.”

Catholic - Roman Lutheran - ELCA Non-Denominational The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Anne Site 216 E Liberty St • 803-773-3524 Fr. Thomas Burke, C.S.S.R. Weekend Masses: Sat Vigil 5 pm Sun. 9:00 and 11:30 am Mass

The Catholic Community of Sumter, St. Jude Site 611 W. Oakland Ave • 773-9244 www.stjudesumtersc.org Fr. Charles Michael Donovan, C.S.S.R. Saturday Vigil: 5:00 pm Sun. Euch.: 9:00, 11:30 am, 1 pm (Spanish)

St James Lutheran Church 1137 Alice Dr, Sumter 773-2260 / www.stjamessumter.org Pastor Keith Getz Sunday Worship: 10:00 am Sunday School: 9:00 am

Calvary Christian Outreach Ministry - “Multi-Cultural” 220 Hasel Street, Sumter, SC (Sumter School District Annex Building) Sunday Worship 11:00 am LaShonda McElveen, Pastor

Lutheran - NALC

Christ Community Church(CCC) 525 Oxford St, Sumter 803-934-9718 Sun. Worship 10:00 am (Patriot Hall)

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

Church of Christ Methodist - United

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bethel United Methodist Church 5575 Lodebar Rd • 469-2452 Rev. Jeremy Howell Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 11 am Sunday School: 10 am www.yourbethel.org BMethodist@ftc-i.net

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

St John United Methodist Church 136 Poinsett Dr * 803-773-8185 www.stjohnumcsumter.com Rev. J. Robert (Bob) Huggins Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 11:00 am Wed. Night Supper/Bible Study 6:30 pm

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

Presbyterian USA First Presbyterian Church of Sumter 9 W Calhoun St (at Main St.) (803) 773-3814 • info@fpcsumter.org Interim Pastor Rev. Ray Fancher Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. Hospitality/Fellowship 10:10 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Night Church Schedule: 4:45 p.m. Children & Youth 5:00 p.m. Adults 6:30 p.m. Supper (all ages)

Presbyterian Lemira Presbyterian Church 514 Boulevard Rd • 473-5024 Pastor Dan Rowton Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Bible Study 6:00 pm

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

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

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS (803) 774-1075 13 Caldwell Street Sumter, SC

Sumter Machinery Co. “Serving Sumter Since 1904” Mill Supplies • Steel Sales Machine Shop • Rewinding Shop

803-773-1441 103 Brooklyn St. • Sumter, SC

Carolina To Advertise Filters, Inc. On This Page 109 EAST NEWBERRY AVENUE Call 773-6842 MANAGEMENT AND STAFF 800-293-4709

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

“The Home Of Distinctively Finer Funeral Service’’

PRO GLO AUTO PAINT, BODY, GLASS & FRAME WORK, INC. 216 South Pike West •775-7434 “Join us after church for dinner’’

Norman Williams & Associates Employment Services

Ingram & TAXAssoFIRM ciates

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Discount Furniture Sumter Cut Rate Drugs Outlet 803-773-8432 2891 Broad St. • Sumter

Insurance Work Welcomed Don’t Fuss Call Us 2085 Jefferson Road, Sumter, S.C. 29153 Phone (803) 469-3895 • FAX (803) 469-2414 Billy Caples, Sr.

Seven Convenient Locations

773-5114 •773-3219 “Flowers For All Occasions’’

“Please worship at the Church of your choice’’

18 E. Liberty St. • 778-2330 1132 Broad Street 208 East Calhoun Bring your Church Bulletin in and receive a free small drink

To Advertise On This Page Call 800-293-4709

To view church information online go to www.theitem.com or www.sumterchurchesonline.com

LOCAL | STATE

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

sionary ideas?” “That’s what I’ve been doing since the school opened,” said Dinkins-Robinson, a self-proclaimed visionary. During closing arguments, Holliday told the jury the case was not a traditional embezzlement case because of the many routes through which Dinkins-Robinson reportedly funneled the money. He reiterated his allegation that the defendant used the school as a money conduit and seized on every opportunity she could to make sure funds passed through her hands. “What you have here is pervasive greed by someone who was running a charter school,” he said. “Money was coming in, and she grabbed hold of it in any way that she could.” Carter strode to the jury box for his closing arguments and told the panelists, “All crimes are ugly acts, but not every ugly act is a crime.” He maintained that prosecutors are trying to paint Dinkins-Robinson’s administrative tactics in a misleading way and told the jury she did nothing illegal. “This whole case is based on half truths,” he said. “What (Holliday’s) given you are ugly acts with half truths, and he’s asking you to find a crime. But he’s got to tell you the whole truth, not a half truth … or a government truth … or a police truth.” The jury is expected to begin deliberating on a verdict at 9:45 a.m. today.

TRIAL FROM A1 on things such as cruises, casino visits, vacations, gas and various other personal purchases. He calculated that she made at least $1 million from the school during the five-year window of the investigations, while her catering company raked in more than $500,000 in kickbacks. Dinkins-Robinson countered that the companies were not shells but rather had partnerships with the school that were recognized by the IRS. Some jurors chuckled as Holliday and Dinkins-Robinson exchanged barbs during the cross examination, while most sat keenly engaged in the verbal back and forth. One woman on the panel shook her head disgustedly as she listened. “It’s OK if we’re all helping for the same cause,” Dinkins-Robinson responded when Holliday asked why her son paid the school’s $4,100 rent from his personal account one month. “We were all working to make Lee County a better place, and we did.” “That cause was to make you rich, wasn’t it?” Holliday shot back. On another occasion, the federal prosecutor questioned Dinkins-Robinson’s reshuffling of funds, asking, “That’s another one of your vi-

DISTRICT FROM PAGE A1 technology used in classroom instruction in the schools. He said there was very little use by students and minimal use by teachers. Baker said he is aware that the technological infrastruc-

AdvancED network average, the average of the national and international school systems that have been reviewed by the organization. The point scale ranges from 100, the lowest score, to the highest score of 400.

ture of the schools is undesirable and the district is planning to turn that around. Sumter School District received a rounded overall review score of 286, which is three points higher than the

STATE COMMUNICATIONS Your Cell Phone Specialists 61 West Wesmark Blvd. • 803-778-0796

JORDAN

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FROM PAGE A1 and that he moved for a short time to Michigan, then returned a few years ago. Jordan was featured in The Sumter Item in 2012 helping decorate a Christmas tree. In November 2013, a year later, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested him on warrants for the crimes in Michigan. Darcie Moran, a reporter with The Ann Arbor News, wrote that Jordan may appeal the decision because he indicated to Brown that he wasn’t aware that a life sentence was a mandatory requirement for a murder conviction. Franklin also is serving a no-parole life sentence. Jones is serving at least 25 years in prison for second-degree murder. The Associated Press, the Ann Arbor News and Managing Editor Rick Carpenter of The Sumter Item contributed to this article.

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COLUMBIA (AP) — The South Carolina House refused Wednesday to distribute up to $10 million to 22 counties, including Sumter and Clarendon, to cover part of their cleanup costs from last winter’s ice storm. The February 2014 storm coated a wide swath of the state in up to an inch of ice. But reimbursements could still make it into the 2015-16 state budget. Opponents said the proposal threw the proposed budget out of balance and reflected estimated, rather than actual, costs. But Republican leaders offered to work with the amendment’s 28 sponsors

After the conference, Barker said the focus of AdvancED is to look at the schools and offer suggestions on how to improve and help students grow. Baker said he wants the schools to create a stronger

on a compromise, which could come later in the budget process. The White House approved Gov. Nikki Haley’s request for federal disaster relief allowing local governments to be partially refunded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It paid $55 million, leaving an estimated cost of $18.4 million to 22 counties, according to the state Emergency Management Division. Supporters said the state should help, too. After the state’s previous major ice storm of 2004, the state covered half of what FEMA didn’t fund, said Rep. Bill Taylor, RAiken.

curriculum that is appropriate to every child so that no student is left out. Baker said he is elated and appreciative of the work that district teachers, parents and students provided during the external review.

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420 S Pike West (803) 773-8339 Ron Davis, pastor

Sumter Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of national or ethnic origin.

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

803-773-8022

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Greed 64 Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Inside Man: Ranger Spurlock CNN Tonight Anderson Cooper 360° (HD) Inside Man Tosh.0 Creepy Broken Lizard’s Super Troopers (‘02, Comedy) aaa Jay Daily Show (N) Nightly Show w/ (:01) @midnight 136 (:56) South Park South Park Film Tosh.0 (HD) festival. (HD) Movember. (HD) critic. (HD) Chandrasekhar. State troopers play pranks on motorists. (HD) (HD) Wilmore (N) (N) (HD) I Didn’t Do It: Liv and Maddie Dog Blog: Avery’s Good Luck Char80 Liv and Maddie Undercover Try Cars 2 (‘11, Comedy) aac Jan Nilsson. Lightning McQueen puts his skills Austin & Ally (HD) out. to the test in the World Grand Prix. (HD) Twin It to Win It (HD) First Crush lie (HD) 103 Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska (HD) 35 College Basketball: Team TBA vs Duke Blue Devils z{| (HD) College Basketball: Team TBA vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish z{| (HD) College Basketball (HD) 39 College Basketball: Northwestern vs Indiana College Basketball: Team TBA vs Ohio State Buckeyes z{| (HD) SportsCenter (HD) Sports (HD) 131 (6:30) Big Daddy (‘99, Comedy) aac Adam Sandler. Hitch (‘05, Comedy) aaa Will Smith. A romance coach helps men lure in ladies, but he soon The 700 Club Kindness of stranger Boy World: DanA big kid plays at fatherhood. has his own problems. saves life. ger Boy 109 Chopped: Double Trouble (HD) Chopped: Bacon Baskets! (HD) Chopped Canada Eggrolls. (N) Beat Bobby Beat Bobby Cutthroat Finger tools. Chopped 74 On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates. Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File 42 NHL Hockey: Dallas Stars at Carolina Hurricanes from PNC Arena z{| (HD) Postgame Sports Unlimited (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) NHL Hockey The Waltons: The Conflict, Part 1 The Middle: The The Middle (HD) The Middle (HD) The Middle (HD) Golden Rose has Golden Marriage Golden Final 183 The Waltons: The Car John-Boy needs a car for college. Home in danger. Safe (HD) surgery. plans. goodbyes 112 Flop Flop Upper Ranch-style home. Addict (HD) Addict (HD) Now? (N) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Addict (HD) 110 Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Vikings: Scarred (N) (HD) Gangland Undercover (HD) Pawn Stars Blue Bloods: My Funny Valentine Blue Bloods: Dedication Frank’s as- Blue Bloods: Age of Innocence Deb- Blue Bloods: Silver Star Murdered Blue Bloods (HD) 160 Blue Bloods: Hall of Mirrors Counter-terrorism agent is shot. (HD) Kidnapped girl. (HD) sassination attempt. (HD) utante murder. (HD) Marine. (HD) Diary of a Mad Black Woman (‘05, Comedy) aac Kimberly Elise. A (:02) The Family That Preys (‘08, Drama) aa Kathy Bates. Scandal Mad Black 145 (6:00) Our Family Wedding (‘10, Comedy) America Ferrera. (HD) spurned wife turns to her grandmother. (HD) threatens lives of two families. (HD) Woman (‘05) (HD) 76 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) Lawrence O’Donnell (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) Maddow (HD) 91 Thunderman Haunted (HD) Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Prince Prince Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Raymond (HD) 154 Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Man on Fire (‘04, Drama) aaac Denzel Washington. Former assassin protects child. (HD) End Watch Wizard Wars: Walking On Water Close Up Kings: Vancouver Guys in Wizard War Fish152 (6:00) The Scorpion King (‘02, Ac- WWE SmackDown (HD) tion) aa Dwayne Johnson. Fishing pole and sandwich. (N) Vancouver. (HD) ing pole. Seinfeld: The Soul Family Guy Char- Family Guy: Run- Family Guy Chris’ Family Guy Real- The Big Bang The Big Bang Conan Sofia Vergara; J.B. Smoove; The Office: Diver156 Seinfeld (HD) Mate (HD) ity fraud. ning Mates paintings. ity guy. Theory (HD) Theory (HD) tUnE-yArDs performs. (HD) sity Day (HD) 186 (5:30) Little Big Man (‘70, Western) Requiem for a Heavyweight (‘62, Drama) aaa An- (:45) The Hustler (‘61, Drama) aaac Paul Newman. A small-time pool hustler decides to Don’t Drink the Dustin Hoffman. Ophan’s past. thony Quinn. A boxer at the end of his career. take on a notorious billiards player. Water (‘69) aa 157 American Gypsy Wedding (HD) American Gypsy Wedding (HD) American Gypsy Wedding (N) Trailer Park Myrtle Manor (N) American Gypsy Wedding (HD) Myrtle (HD) NBA Basketball: Cleveland Cavaliers at San Antonio Spurs from AT&T Center z{| (HD) Inside the NBA 158 NBA Basketball: Memphis Grizzlies at Washington Wizards from Verizon Center z{| (HD) (HD) 102 Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Impractical (N) Greenville (N) Greenville Greenville (:02) Jokers 161 Walker, Texas Ranger: Rookie Fam. Feud Fam. Feud Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Friends (HD) Law & Or der: Spe cial Vic tims Unit: Law & Or der: Spe cial Vic tims Unit: Law & Or der: Spe cial Vic tims Unit: Dig: Catch You Later Pe ter con tin ues (:01) Dig: Catch You Later Search for (:02) Dig: Pilot 132 Psycho/Therapist (HD) Wednesday’s Child (HD) Beast’s Obsession (HD) his search for killer. (N) (HD) killer. (HD) (HD) Mary Mary: Road Warriors (HD) Mary Mary (HD) Mary Mary: Solo Sisters (HD) Mary Mary (N) (HD) Match Made in Heaven (N) (HD) 172 Funniest Home Videos (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met How I Met Outlaw Country: Overdrive (HD) Outlaw Country: Overdrive (HD) Rules (HD)

Tension mounts regarding religion on ‘Vikings’ All hail Lagertha! Fans of “Vikings” (10 p.m., History, TV14) know what I’m talking about. Katheryn Winnick plays this powerful woman, Ragnar’s (Travis Fimmel) first wife and shield maiden who has become a political and diplomatic force in her own right. She’s recently been seen canoodling in a Roman bath with King Ecbert of Wessex (Linus Roache), who informs her that the splendors of his green isle have nothing on the charms of a former Roman city known as Paris. Look for “Vikings” to take its raiding party for a trip down the Seine sometime soon. Flirting with Ecbert doesn’t mean that Lagertha is falling for his Christian ways. She was recently seen drenched in blood while acting out a fertility rite in honor of the Norse goddess Freya. Religious tension is very much at the heart of this eighth-century melodrama. Ecbert’s ensigns are horrified to see him consorting with a pagan, just as Ragnar’s shipbuilding buddy, Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard), recoils at an alliance with the Christian Britons. A mystic, Floki sees no way that two cultures can be reconciled without the death of one or multiple gods. It’s no spoiler to reveal that Floki was proved correct. The Norse gods have been consigned to history and fable. But they still reign over four days of our weekly calendar: Tues-

day (Tyr), Wednesday (Woden), Thursday (Thor) and Friday (Freya). • NBC will air a special episode of “Dateline” (8 p.m.) entitled “The Real Blacklist,” covering the 2006 murder of Russian businessman and former spy Alexander Litvinenko. Some think he was poisoned by forces friendly to the Russian government.

woes on “Mom” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).

LATE NIGHT

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • An earthquake traps Maggie in an elevator on “Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • Red taps old contacts to help Keen on “The Blacklist” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • Both the White House and Pope and Associates are blindsided by a leak on “Scandal” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • A killer puts his victims on ice on “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14). • Connie’s reasons for her relationship with Hector are complicated on “The Slap” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

JONATHAN HESSION / HISTORY

Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) gets friendly with King Ecbert (Linus Roache) on “Vikings” airing at 10 p.m. on History. • Barb and Russ confront the suspects on “American Crime” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • Paul Reubens guest-stars on the season finale of “Portlandia” (10 p.m., IFC).

SERIES NOTES On two episodes of “The Big

WE NOW HAVE TWO LOCATIONS:

It’s Tax Time!

Bang Theory” (CBS, TV-PG): credit denied (8 p.m.), agree to disagree (9 p.m., r) * Damon receives bad news on “The Vampire Diaries” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * A high school reunion looms on “The Odd Couple” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Francis makes his move on “Reign” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * May-December

Rob Corddry is booked on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Sofia Vergara, J.B. Smoove and tUnE-yArDs are on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS, r) * Lena Dunham, Bobby Cannavale, Andy Kim and Kevin Drew appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Vin Diesel, Carl Reiner, Kobe Bryant, Iggy Azalea and Jennifer Hudson are on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC, r) * Sean Penn and Earth, Wind and Fire appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Christina Aguilera, Colin Quinn and Kurt Braunohler visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC, r) * Kat Dennings, Beth Behrs and Rhea Seehorn on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS, r). Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE CLARENDON SUN E-mail: konstantin@theitem.com

Summerton native is N.C. health director of year BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Summerton native Dr. Marilyn R. Pearson was chosen as the 2015 Health Director of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors. Pearson’s efforts in working with other health partners in Johnston County, North Carolina, to strengthen the medical safety net for the uninsured and underinsured was a key element in her being chosen for this year’s award, said Buck Wilson, president of the

association. In 2013, she led the expansion of the Johnston County Health Department in Smithfield, North Carolina. “We are pleased to recognize leaders like Dr. Pearson for their service to the people of North Carolina,” said Wilson. “They are the true heroes of the public health community.” PEARSON Pearson is a graduate of Clemson University and received her medical education at University of North Carolina

Spring crusade aims to bring community together in spirit BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Adrian Despres combines passion, intellect and wit as he urges audiences — especially high school, college and young adults — to pursue their highest calling: to know and follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. Despres, who is the chaplain for University of South Carolina’s football team, will be the keynote speaker at the 2015 Spring Crusade, to be held at Manning High School’s Ramsey Stadium on Sunday through Wednesday. He will deliver a different evangelical message each of the four nights of the event, which starts at 6:30 p.m. Despres is a part of an organization called Forge, a group of evangelists who travel to various churches and events and offer indepth equipping and coaching programs that prepare youth and adults for ministry. Despres’ ministry reaches thousands. Several church leaders in Clarendon County from

different denominations and ethnic backgrounds joined together to bring the community fellowship event to the county. “Our goal is to bring everyone together,” said Clarendon Baptist Church Pastor Mike DeCosta. “The responsibility should fall on us, too, not only as church leaders, but community leaders as well.” DeCosta said that the clergy have reached out to most of the churches in the county as well as various organizations. “We’ve sent out more than 2,000 invites,” he said. “We wanted to include everyone in the process, and it’s just been amazing how everything came together.” DeCosta said that Scott’s Branch High School’s gospel choir as well as several church choirs and youth groups will perform during the four-day event. The event will target teenagers and adults. A nursery will be provided during the event for infants through 5-year-olds at Manning First Baptist Church. A translator for the deaf will accompany the speaker.

School of Medicine. She completed her internship and residency in family medicine at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte and is a diplomat of American Board of Family Practice. Pearson became the health and medical director of Johnston County Health Department after working for seven years as a physician in its clinics. She leads a team of three physicians, five mid-level providers and other managerial support teams. She also oversees adult services, pediatrics, epidemiology, maternity

and family planning clinics and other programs. Pearson is a member of Community Care of North Carolina Board, and in 2011 she was appointed as Congressional District 2 Representative for the Division of Medical Assistance Medical Care Advisory Committee. The North Carolina Health Director of the Year Award is given to an individual for outstanding leadership in both public health in North Carolina and for leadership and involvement in local community and civic activities.

Moving into the shallows

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Jim Brown fishes for crappie at the railroad bridge near Pack’s Landing on Monday. Crappie usually begin moving to shallower depths to spawn between now and the end of April.

County may allow school districts to use penny sales tax funds for operations BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com TURBEVILLE — Clarendon County Council voted Monday to request the county’s legislative delegation to alter language in the penny sales tax referendum. The change would allow the county’s three school districts to use the money for operational expenses as well as capital improvements. With the change, the districts would be allowed to use as much as 25 percent of budgeted collections toward operations, according to Clarendon County Administrator David Epperson. Council has the right to bring that figure to 50 percent if it feels there is a need for the increase, Epperson said. The new language would have to pass the state Legislature and have the governor’s signature. By law, the referendum would not be able to take place until next year. A packed East Clarendon Middle-High School cafeteria of about 250 parents, faculty, administration and community members came to voice their concerns on the district’s funding at the meeting. “Clarendon School District 3 has been cut to the bones for years,” said county councilman Benton Blakely, who represents the District 3 area. “We live paycheck to paycheck over here; no frills, no benefits. Our students suffer. Our teachers have given up a week’s pay, two times, to save a fellow employee’s job.” In recent years the art and band programs have been cut

in the district to save money. Because of the district’s financial woes, this year they were not able to restore employees to the district salary scale or add back programs that were cut. “Our students are being discriminated against, and it’s got to stop,” Blakely said. “The only way to solve our problem is to divide the commercial property in our county equally. Our tax dollars in the east Clarendon area help support everything in this county, but we don’t see the result. Our county is three counties in one, and that’s got to change.” In December, District 3 asked county council about altering the language of the penny sales tax referendum passed in 2004. Proceeds would be used to pay the school district debt service, with any remaining funds used for capital expenditures. District 3 representatives also made a request to county council for the revenue of the penny sales tax to be inverted so that the lowest assessed value district would receive the highest percentage of the

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sales tax. Each school district was asked to provide its recommendation on the matter. District 1 and District 2 reported back and said that they would prefer not to invert the revenue stream, as it would hurt their school districts. District 3 Chairman Dr. George Green said that the district’s millage rate is one of the highest in the state. “Our excessive millage rate is due largely to our small tax base,” he said. Green said the school board approved a balanced 2013-14 budget, as in past years. “We did not seek any additional millage on our citizens at that time due to the fact that it would cause the state to withdraw funding in other areas throughout the district,” he said. “Clarendon School District 3 residents are already taxed more than any other resident in the county.” Green said the district receives about $250,000 less in total per-pupil funding than the other two districts in the county. Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart

said that after doing extensive research the county has found that it does not have the authority to change assessments or millage without state legislation. Stewart said council does not think that it is possible to have the same millage rate throughout the three areas without consolidating the school districts. “I want you to keep in mind that no one in county council is recommending that we have such a consolidation,” Stewart said. Stewart gave the millage rates from the three school districts for the 2013-14 school year. District 1 had 124 mills that were billed, District 2 had 127 mills and District 3 had 277 mills. “The reason for such a large disparity in the mills is because in Clarendon School District 3, we do not have an industrial base here,” said Stewart. Stewart said that several years ago council formed Clarendon School District 40, which covers the industrial park area, to try to equalize the money that comes from the park. “Each school district does get a portion of those funds,”

he said. “However, the industrial park is not full.” Stewart mentioned the benefits for consolidation. “If the districts were consolidated, your millage rate in District 3 would go down from 277 to 139,” he said. “The only way that we could do this if we had one consolidated school district. We have explored various options, and there is just no way around it.” Epperson explained that one of the reasons that District 1, in Summerton, has more funding is because it receives more money from state and federal sources. “Clarendon School District 1 received $2.8 million from the county in local sales tax. Their budget expense for last year was $6.2 million. They actually spent $5.7 million, according to their audit from last year,” Epperson said. “What makes up the difference is the state and federal money that CSD1 receives.” Stewart added that low to moderate school districts receive more money from state and federal sources and that county council had no control over that.

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CLARENDON SUN

THE SUMTER ITEM

Summerton to enforce leash law more strictly BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com The Town of Summerton will be enforcing the leash law more strictly. Stray and loose dogs continue to be a problem in the town, said Summerton Mayor Jay Bagnal at the town council meeting on Tuesday. “As politicians, we’re not supposed to have any personal agendas, but I have made it my personal agenda since taking office in an effort to clean up the town,” he said. Bagnal said Summerton Police Department has been working in conjunction with Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office to catch stray dogs. He said the police department could also start issuing citations to owners whose dogs are continuously loose and pose a threat to town residents. “We’re going to continue to address this issue,” he said. The town’s leash law states that a penalty of as much as $100 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days can be enforced on “any persons

being the owner, keeper or custodian of such dog running at large.” The penalty does not apply, however, in instances in which a dog temporarily escapes from a pen, house or enclosure without the knowledge of the escape or negligence on the part of the owner, keeper or custodian. Summerton Police Chief Ray Perdue said that if residents see a stray dog in the town, they should dial 9-1-1, instead of reporting it to the police department. “This is beneficial in several ways,” Perdue said. “We can dispatch one of our officers who may already be in that area quicker, making it easier to catch the dog. We can also document it through the county’s 9-1-1 system which will help us track the frequency of these calls.” In other business, the council also approved: • The hiring of a new police officer and sending that officer to the police academy; • The annual Briggs v. Elliott Parade and Festival to be held in the town May 16-17; and • The rezoning of a part of a property from residential to commercial.

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

ou don’t have to stop eating sweets or start running marathons to

improve your health. Making steady changes in your eating and physical activity habits over time will help you

Nancy Harrison

lose weight,

RETIRED CLEMSON EXTENSION AGENT

feel better and improve your overall

health. First, ask: Am I risking my health by being overweight? Being overweight or obese can be dangerous to your health. Overweight means having extra body weight, including muscle, bone, fat and water. Obesity includes only the extra body fat. If you are overweight or obese, you are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and/or certain forms of cancer. Other diseases and health problems related to being overweight are: Gallbladder disease and gallstones, osteoarthritis (wearing away of the tissue that protects the joints, possible as a result of placing too much weight on them), sleep apnea (a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods during sleep) and gout (another health problem causing joint pain).

Losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help improve your health. If you weigh 200 pounds, losing 10 to 20 pounds can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Secondly, ask: Do I need to change how I eat and exercise? You may need to if you are a man whose waist measures more than 40 inches, or a woman whose waist measures more than 35 inches. Men and women whose waist measurements are greater than these are at higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. You also may need to change how you eat and exercise if you are having health problems such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or diabetes or are at risk because your mom, dad, sister or brother is overweight and suffers from weightrelated health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Third: Why am I overweight? You may become overweight when you eat more calories than the amount of energy you use. Some other reasons include lack of physical activity; eating too many high-fat or high-calorie foods; genetic factors (if your mom, dad, sister or brother is overweight, you may be more likely to be overweight); health problems such as hypothyroidism (underactivity of the thyroid gland) and certain problems related to the nervous system; taking certain medicines that may cause weight gain such as steroids and some antidepressants; eating when bored, sad or angry; and eating large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control. Fourth: How do I start to lose

Ariana Ruiz, Miss Clarendon; Addison Hicks, Miss Clarendon Teen; and Eaddy Osteen, Miss Clarendon Preteen, visited two Pennies for Purpose winning classrooms in February. Miss Clarendon Teen princesses Chloe Anderson and Gracie Hicks were also in attendance. Top left, the winning class at Laurence Manning Academy was Kristin Rembert’s second-grade class, and they received a popcorn party. Bottom left, Ashley Davis’ class at Manning Primary School was the overall winner and received a pizza party. Pennies for Purpose was a fundraising drive for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the national charity of the Miss America Organization, and the participating schools raised approximately $1,140. To donate to Children’s Miracle Network, contact the Miss Clarendon Scholarship Committee at (803) 433-4333.

ST. MARK MISSIONARY EVENTS

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Fayz at the Lake

AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford

Come Join Us On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th For Your Choice of Corned Beef and Cabbage Reubens or Corned Beef and Swiss on Rye Don’t Forget to Wear Green For The Luck of the Irish!

RELAY FOR LIFE BAKE SALE A Relay for Life Bake Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the County Administration Building, 411 Sunset Drive (U.S. 301), Manning. For information, call (803) 435-4414.

Now available from your local independent agent!

2015 Area-wide Spring Crusade “Bringing Our Community Together”

March 15th - 18th 6:30 pm each night

Manning High School Football Field 2155 Paxville Hwy., Manning, SC

ANNUAL SURVIVOR DINNER

LIBRARY BOARD TO MEET The Harvin Clarendon County Library board meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, at Clarendon County Administration Building.

weight and improve my life? Here are some steps to help you begin to lose weight and improve your health: Talk to your doctor or health care provider before trying to lose weight; eat fewer high-calorie foods, and increase your physical activity (experts recommend that you do at least 30 minutes daily of physical activity); eat a variety of foods such as whole-grain products, vegetables, fruits, protein-rich plant foods (tofu and dry beans such as red beans, navy beans and soybeans) and protein-rich animal foods such as lean meat, poultry, fish and eggs; and use fats and oil (such as high-fat salad dressing) in small amounts (no more than 2 tablespoons). Fifth: Finally to improve your health, be more physically active. Some moderate activities to try: • Washing and waxing your car for 45 to 60 minutes; • Bicycling 5 miles in 30 minutes; • Dancing fast for 30 minutes; and • Pushing a stroller 1½ miles in 30 minutes. Some more vigorous activities to try: • Walking on stairs for 15 minutes; • Running 1½ miles in 15 minutes; • Walking 2 miles in 30 minutes; • Playing basketball (or another game) for 15 to 20 minutes; and • Jumping rope for 15 minutes. Nancy S. Harrison is a retired Food Safety and Nutrition Educator for Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.

Pennies for a Purpose classroom winners

The Junior Ambassadors of Clarendon County will hold its second Miss Clarendon Luncheon on Sunday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at Manning United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance from any Junior Ambassador or at the door. The luncheon will feature speaker Sherry Bradshaw of Back 9 Ministries. Her ministry targets men, women and children of all ages. Participants can also meet the Miss Clarendon queens: Miss Clarendon Ariana Ruiz, Miss Clarendon Teen Addison Hicks and Miss Clarendon Preteen Eaddy Osteen. For more information about the event, contact Shelley Jones at (803) 433-4966.

The Annual Survivor Dinner honoring all Clarendon County cancer survivors will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 27, at Manning First Baptist Church on Boyce Street.

It’s not too late to focus on your health

MISS CLARENDON LUNCHEON

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in the Silver community of Pinewood will have the following events: • March 13-15, 5 p.m. — Women Empowerment Seminar at Manning Junior High School ; • March 18-20, 7 p.m. — Youth Spring Revival; • March 29, 3 p.m. — March Birthday Month Program (wear your colors); • April 5 — Easter Day Program during 10 a.m. service; • April 11, 4 p.m. — Adult Choir “Taking It Back” Ole Time Gospel Program; • April 18, 4 p.m. — Adult Choir Program “Worst Dress Christian;” and • April 19 — St. Mark Window Rally during 10 a.m. service.

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A10

CLARENDON SUN

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

PETS OF THE WEEK

Chiquita is a 7-year, 7-month-old female Chihuahua mix who is about 16 pounds. She will yap when meeting new dogs but settles down quickly and is fine with cats. A home without small children would be best for her. She is not potty trained but will use a pee pad. A fenced yard is a must. She is up to date on her shots and has been spayed. She is a sweet dog, just older than most. Doodle, right, is a 2-year-old male Lab mix. He is up to date on his shots and has been neutered. He gets along with other dogs but not cats. He might not be good with small children because he likes to jump on you when he greets you. A fenced yard is required for him. The shelter is running a special during March for all dogs 2 years and older for half price. Stop by and see these beautiful dogs and cats at A Second Chance Animal Shelter, 5079 Alex Harvin Highway. Adoption hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

THE

Clarendon Sun CLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE 56&4DAY 11AM

LEGAL NOTICES

Estate Notice Clarendon County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on FORM #371ES with the Probate Court of Clarendon County, the address of which is 411 Sunset Dr. Manning, SC 29102, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Estate: Sadie Stack Richardson #2015ES1400039 Personal Representative: John W. Richardson, Jr. 417 Wood Willow Point Chapin, SC 29036 02/26/15 - 03/12/15 Estate: Mary Welch Dyson #2015ES1400055 Personal Representative: Sandra W. Knight Post Office Box 55 Turbeville, SC 29162 C/O Thomas E. Player, Jr. Attorney at Law Post Office Drawer 3690 Sumter, SC 29151 03/12/15 - 03/26/15 Estate: John Joseph Mastrangelo, Jr. #2015ES1400045 Personal Representative: Joyce L. Mastrangelo 97 Ridge Lake Drive Manning, SC 29102 C/O Nelson R. Parker Attorney at Law PO Box 138 Manning, SC 29102 03/05/15 - 03/19/15

Summons & Notice THIRD LIS PENDENS IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Case No. 2014-CP-14-440

Summons & Notice

Premises: 3476 Alex Harvin Highway Manning, Clarendon County, South Carolina

otherwise appear and defend, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Complaint upon the subscriber at his offices, 1201 Main Street, 22nd Floor (29201-3226), Post Office Box 11889, Columbia, South Carolina 29211-1889, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof (except as to the Defendant United States of America, if named, shall have sixty (60) days after the service hereof), exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time period aforesaid, or otherwise appear and defend, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded therein, and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

Parcel # 139-00-02-026-00 All that piece, parcel or lot of land being triangular in shape, lying, being and situate in the County of Clarendon, State of South Carolina according to a plat by W.B. Sykes, Surveyor, dated May 23, 1956 and recorded in Plat Book 31 at page 32 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Clarendon County. Said tract of land being bounded and measuring thereon 149.5 feet; on the Southeast by US Highway 301 and measuring thereon 153.8 fee; and on the Northeast by lands of Lawson McLeod and measuring thereon 121.2 feet. ALSO: All that piece, parcel or lot of land lying, being and situate in The County of Clarendon, State of South Carolina, containing three (3) acres according to plat by W.B. Sykes, Surveyor, dated January 12, 1955 recorded in Plat Book 31 at page 32 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Clarendon County. Said tract being bounded and measuring thereon as follows: On the Northwest by lands of E.F. McLeod and measuring thereon 418.3 feet; on the Northeast by other lands of E.F. McLeod and measuring thereon 285.7 feet, on the Southeast by US Highway 301 and measuring thereon 258.4 feet; and on the Southwest by lands of Lawson McLeod and Tract No. 1 described above.

Summons & Notice

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that should you fail to Answer the foregoing Complaint, the Plaintiff will move for a general Order of Reference of this cause to the Master-in-Equity or Special Referee for this county, which Order shall, pursuant to Rule 53 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically provide that the said Master-in-Equity or Special Referee is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this cause.

This being the identical property heretofore conveyed to Wanda K. McNeil by deed of Frank P. McKlveen dated April 23, 1999 and recorded May 3, 1999 in Book 374 at page 129 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Clarendon County.

SUMMONS Mortgage Foreclosure Deficiency Demanded Non-Jury YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, or

This communication is an attempt to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. HAYNSWORTH SINKLER BOYD, P.A. Stanley H. McGuffin 1201 Main Street, Suite 2200 Post Office Drawer 11889 (29211-1889) Columbia, South Carolina 29201 (803) 779.3080 Tel (803) 765.1243 Fax Attorneys for Plaintiff

Boats / Motors 2004 Chaparral 220 SSI, 305 eng. 260 hp 5ltr I/O, 208 HRS swim platform, bow rider, tandem trailer. Exc. cond. $18,000. Call 803-983-9226.

RENTALS

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City of Manning

803.433.RENT (7368) Ofﬁce 803.928.6095 Cell

Business License Renewals for the 2015 calendar year were due and payable beginning January 2, 2015 and are delinquent if not paid in full before April 15, 2015. From April 15, 2015 to May 15, 2015 the penalty is 5% of the unpaid fee for each month or portion thereof after the due date until such time the license fee is paid in full. Information given will be verified for accuracy, so please make sure the gross income and the license fee, including penalties have been properly reported and calculated. If you have any questions or need to obtain a business license application, please stop by our office at 29 W. Boyce Street or call the Business License Department at 803-435-8477 x 113.

Spotlight

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CLARENDON

RECREATION

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David Timmons

On Clarendon County Businesses

Amber Portfolio, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Wanda K. McNeil, Mona Y. Houghbty, Revocable Living Trust, The Bank of Clarendon, Larry Joe Sullivan, Federal Savings & Loan Association, Pat McKlveen, Stag Parkway, Atlantic Credit & Finance, Inc., L&W Supply Corp., d/b/a CK Supply, National Bank of South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Revenue, and Internal Revenue Service, Defendants. Notice is hereby given that an action has been or within twenty (20) days will be commenced by Plaintiff above-named against the Defendant above-named for the foreclosure of mortgage given to Wachovia Bank, National Association by Wanda K. McNeil dated May 16, 2006, which mortage was recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Clarendon County on June 1, 2006, in Book 689 at Page 23. The Lis Pendens was filed on August 18, 2014 and the Second Lis Pendens was filed on September 11, 2014. The property covered and affected by said mortgage is described as follows:

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

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F OR D ISPLAY A DVERTISING OR S TORY I DEAS C ALL 464-1157

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460-5573

(Hwy 260 to Raccoon Rd. Take right, first house on the right.)

Wednesday - Saturday 9am-6pm

F OR C IRCULATION LG Mathis

460-4905

C ALL 435-8511

The City of Manning Board of Appeals will meet on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at 6:00 p.m., City Hall, 29 W. Boyce Street, to hear the following appeal: Request No. E-2015-01 by Mary Major to be allowed a special exception to operate a daycare located at 212 Dinkins Street, Tax Map# 187-0205-018-00, zoned Light Industrial.

LG's Cut & Style Perms, Colors, Hair Cuts and Styles

NOTICE OF BOARD OF APPEALS HEARING

G AIL M ATHIS

Documents related to this appeal are available for public inspection during regular business hours at City Hall, 29 W. Boyce Street, Manning, SC 29102.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

A11

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

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

Clinton drama gives us much-needed relief

t’s the gift that keeps on giving. We are referring to the Clintons, of course, but more specifically, Hillary, the presumptive favorite to be the Democrat Party’s nominee for the presidency in 2016. Hillary has suddenly become a growing liability to her party after The Associated Press filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the State Department, where she served as secretary of state until she got the notion to make another run for the presidency after her failure in 2008 to upend “The Chosen One,” community organizer Barack Obama. The AP, which has carried water in recent years for Democrats, has sud-

most significant issues of our time,” according to the AP’s legal counsel. denly gotten religion and seeks to What got Hillary into the legal trouforce the release of email corresponble was after it came to light she was dence and government documents using a private email account run on from Hillary’s tenure as secretary of a server on her property outside New state. This dance between Hillary and York City while working at the state the AP has been going on for the past department. If those private account seven years as the news organization emails were used for government made repeated requests under the U.S. business, Hillary would be breaking Freedom of Information Act only to the law. The AP is alleging the state get stiffed by Hillary and her endepartment was not producing her ablers. Now the AP means business emails in accordance with a public reand is going to court to force disclocords request. sure of the documents, which the AP This is not the first time both Clinthinks will shed light on actions by tons have appeared to be ethically the state department and former Secchallenged as they have stonewalled retary Clinton “during some of the practically every document request

EDITORIAL

dating back to the Whitewater days in Arkansas. Drama always surrounds the Clintons. However, the upside of this latest drama may be a blessing for those Americans sick and tired of the other drama concerning Obama, Congress, Iran and Israel. There is a lot to be said for a welcome timeout from too much of the above. Therefore we should sit back and enjoy the show with both Clintons occupying space on the American political stage. In the words of the late Father Richard John Neuhaus, watching the Clintons is like watching “with fascinating disgust as an unstoppable toilet backs up into (your) living room.”

GUEST COLUMN

Reflections on Selma BY JIM CLYBURN

am home alone, reflecting on the remarkable and blessed experiences of the past three days. Yesterday I sat at the steps of the State House in Montgomery, Alabama, listening to some remarkable reflections from a spouse and daughter of the 1960s. Juanita Abernathy, the widow of Martin Luther King Jr.’s constant companion, Ralph David Abernathy, and Peggy Wallace Kennedy, the daughter of former Alabama Gov. George Wallace, gave moving testimonies of what it was Jim like on oppoClyburn site ends of the spectrum as wills were tested during the run up to the March 7, 1965, march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. I was particularly moved by Ms. Wallace Kennedy as she shared the experience of taking her son, Gov. Wallace’s grandson, to the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia. After taking in some of the sights and sounds of the Center, her son asked her, “Why did Pa Pa do those things to other people?” Ms. Wallace Kennedy said that she answered her son by telling him that her father “never told (her) why he did those things” but that they were wrong, and that it would be “up to (them) to help make things right.” My flight home was out of Birmingham. During the 90-minute automobile ride from Montgomery to Birmingham, the time I spent in the Birmingham airport waiting on my flight, and on the flights to Columbia through Charlotte, I did a lot of reflecting and projecting. My feelings were that there is much more hope than the despair that so many express for the future of our great country. Before leaving Montgomery, I had conversations with several current and former colleagues about what might flow from our weekend experiences. I shared my favorite passage from King’s letter from Birmingham City Jail. In that timeless document, King responded to those who felt that his cause was right but the timing was wrong. King admonished in that letter that time is never right and time is never wrong. Time is always what we make of it. He went on to intone that he was coming to the conclusion that “the people of ill will have used time much

‘We are hearing a great deal from those in our society who would like to turn the clock back on voting rights, civil rights and the right to peaceably assemble. The rights to judicial fairness and effective representation in our various legislative bodies are under siege.’ more effectively than have the people of good will,” and he concluded the thought by writing, “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.” We are hearing a great deal from those in our society who would like to turn the clock back on voting rights, civil rights and the right to peaceably assemble. The rights to judicial fairness and effective representation in our various legislative bodies are under siege. The allowance of unlimited and secret financing of political campaigns and the creation of political ghettos and barrios are disconcerting. The voices of those who toss around gratuitous insults are loud and clear. On Saturday morning I sat in the pews of Brown Chapel AMEC and listened to a panel of several people whose lives were significantly impacted by the events at Selma 50 years ago. One of them was Mary Liuzzo Lilleboe, the daughter of Viola Liuzzo, the white activist who was murdered while transporting some of the marchers back to Selma from Montgomery. Ms. Liuzzo Lilleboe said that she is often asked why her mother went to Selma. But she said that she believes the more appropriate question is “why more people didn’t go.” I believe there are many more people of good will among us than various news reports might lead us to believe. Hopefully, more of them will raise their voices in continuance of our search for “a more perfect Union.” Sumter native Jim Clyburn represents the 6th District of South Carolina.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SPENDING MUST BE REDUCED; DEBT MUST BE PAID DOWN

Graham and Tim Scott, to tell these people they are wrong. It’s time for our senators to We have over $18 trillion in debt, which is insist that these projects go forward despite what local folks think because Scott and greater than $58,000 for every man, woman Graham know what is best for them ... like and child in our country. And the debt continues to increase by more than $500 billion when they insist and continue to vote for the Keystone pipeline through the heart of each year. In other words, we continue to our country. spend $500 billion more each year than the I have called both Senate offices and taxes we take in. Currently, we are paying $300 billion in interest each year on the debt asked them about the pipeline, wind power and drilling off the coast of South Carolina. at very low interest rates. The interest payNeither will tell me anything. ments will go up significantly by more Truth is they are just playing petty, partispending and higher interest rates in the fusan politics on behalf of the extreme right ture. wing of our state by saying they will not let A vote or support for any politician must this president “win” anything and following ensure that he/she will reduce spending to Sen. McConnell like obedient little puppies. not only balance the budget, but use some I thought these men were supposed to be of the tax receipts to start to pay down the U.S. senators, not just Republican senators. debt. Any politician voting to spend more They can’t try to force the pipeline on othmoney than available through tax receipts ers, giving the power of eminent domain to should be fired (voted out of office). This is not an article to support higher taxes but to a private foreign company to take property from U.S. citizens, and also vote against rid us of politicians who obligate us, our children, grandchildren and even children wind power and oil drilling off South Caronot born yet for their excesses. lina because it doesn’t look good or it deSpending more money than you have is stroys the view. never good, and the result will greatly harm So it’s time for Scott and Graham to tell us all. In one word it is “madness.” us why they support bullying Mid-WesternDON DAMM ers into accepting a land grab from a CanaSumter dian company and if this means they will do the same to South Carolina residents S.C. SENATORS IGNORE PIPELINE, when it comes to wind power and oil drillWIND POWER, DRILLING ISSUES ing near South Carolina. And, why are these same senators not pushing for an oil I noticed in The Sumter Item that several communities on the coast have passed reso- refinery to be built in Charleston or Beaufort? It would be consistent with their nolutions against wind-generated electric tion that we need more oil but not just power being placed off our coast. Many are somewhere else but here. strongly opposing the proposed drilling for LOYD YOUNG oil off South Carolina as well. Sumter Well, it’s time for our senators, Lindsey

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES EDITORIALS represent the views of the owners of this newspaper. COLUMNS AND COMMENTARY are the personal opinion of the writer whose byline appears. Columns from readers should be typed, double-spaced and no more than 850 words. Send them to The Sumter Item, Opinion Pages, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, or email to hubert@theitem.com or graham@theitem.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are written by readers of the newspaper. They should be no more than 350 words and sent via e-mail to letters@theitem.com, dropped off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St. or mailed to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, along with the full name of the writer, plus an address and telephone number for verification purposes only. Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety at www.theitem.com/opinion/ letters_to_editor.

A12

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

AROUND TOWN offer New Volunteer OrientaThe Overcomers Stroke Suption / Disaster Services Overport Group will meet at 6 p.m. today in the Alice Drive view for new Red Cross volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon Baptist Church library on you a stroke on Saturday, March 14, at the cornerAre of Loring and survivor? 1155 N. Guignard Drive. This Wise. Call Wayne Hunter at class is for anyone who (803) 464-3003. would like to volunteer in Clarendon School District One any capacity with the Red will conduct free vision, hearing, speech and developmental Cross. Call (803) 775-2363 to register or find out more inscreenings as part of a child formation. find effort to identify stuThe Clarendon County Republic dents with special needs. Screenings will be held from Party will meet on Saturday, March 14, at Cornerstone 9 a.m. to noon at the SumFree Will Baptist Church, merton Early Childhood 2116 Greeleyville Highway, Center on the following Manning. Precinct reorganiThursdays: March 12; April zation will be from 10 a.m. 9; and May 14. For more inuntil 2 p.m. formation, call Sadie Williams or Audrey Walters at The Lincoln High School Pres(803) 485-2325, extension ervation Alumni Association 221. will meet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, at the LinThe AARP Foundation Voluncoln High School cafeteria, teer Tax-Aide Program will Council Street. Call James L. offer free income tax assistance for low-income or elderly Green at (803) 968-4173. taxpayers. You will need: all You can make a difference in tax forms and information; the life of an abused, abangovernment-issued ID; Sodoned or neglected child. The cial Security card; all W-2’s, South Carolina Department 1099s and 1098s; and supof Social Services is seeking porting documents if you families interested in beplan to itemize. Assistance coming adoptive or foster / will be available 9 a.m.-2 resource parents. The agenp.m. on Mondays and cy will host an Adoption Wednesdays through April and Foster Care Expo infor13 at The Spectrum senior mational meeting from 4 to center, 1989 Durant Lane. 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March Call (803) 316-0772. 17, at the North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. For more Free income tax filing services and FAFSA applications will be information, call (800) 763provided through April 15 as 6637. follows: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. VFW Post 11078, Summerton, Wednesdays, SC Works — will meet at 6 p.m. on TuesSantee Lynches, 31 E. Calday, March 17, at its quarhoun St., (803) 774-1300; 9:30 ters on Canty Street. All a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, 3-8 p.m. members and potential new Saturdays, appointments members are invited. only on Sundays, Goodwill South Carolina Legal Services — Job Link Center, 1028 will hold a free expungement Broad St., (803) 774-5006; workshop at 10 a.m. on and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. ThursWednesday, March 18, at days and 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Lee County Adult Clarendon School District Education, 123 E. College St., One Community Resource Center, 1154 Fourth St., Bishopville, (803) 484-4040. Summerton. This workshop For details and appointis designed to help you ments, call Ms. Samuels at begin the process of clear(803) 240-8355. ing your record so you can The Shepherd’s Center will be eligible for various cahold a one pot cook-off 11 reer opportunities. Call a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, March Kathleen L. Gibson at (803) 13, at Trinity Lincoln Center, 485-2043 or (803) 225-0832 24 Council St. Tickets are for details. $10 for all you can eat. Call The Sumter County Educator’s (803) 773-1944. Association-Retired will meet The National Council of Negro at noon on Wednesday, Women (NCNW) will meet at March 18, at the North HOPE 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13, Center, 904 N. Main St. New at the South HOPE Center, members are encouraged to 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. attend and join. Call Brenda Bethune at (803) 469-6588. The Harambee Breakfast, sponsored by the Mary The Pinedale Neighborhood AsMcLeod Bethune Chapter sociation will meet at 4 p.m. NCNW, will be held at 8:30 on Thursday, March 19, at a.m. on Saturday, March 14, the South HOPE Center, 1125 at the South HOPE Center, S. Lafayette Drive. Call Fer1125 S. Lafayette Drive. dinand Burns at (803) 9684464 for information. The American Red Cross will

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

Cloudy, breezy and cooler

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Cooler; a little late- Cooler with rain and Warmer with a night rain drizzle couple of t-storms

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Partly sunny and pleasant

Mostly sunny and pleasant

65°

47°

59° / 55°

75° / 61°

76° / 45°

72° / 48°

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 80%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 0%

ENE 10-20 mph

ENE 8-16 mph

NE 7-14 mph

SSW 8-16 mph

NW 8-16 mph

NE 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 62/44 Spartanburg 61/45

Greenville 63/45

Columbia 66/50

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 65/47

Aiken 65/48

ON THE COAST

Charleston 68/54

Today: Cloudy; a little morning rain in northern parts. High 63 to 70. Friday: Cloudy with a shower or two. High 63 to 67.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

84° 62° 65° 40° 85° in 2009 22° in 1998

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

Myrtle Beach 60/50

Manning 63/49

Today: Cloudy with a bit of rain. Winds east-northeast 8-16 mph. Friday: Cooler with rain and drizzle. Winds northeast 7-14 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 66/47

Bishopville 63/46

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 358.09 75.21 74.76 97.54

24-hr chg none -0.09 none -0.29

Sunrise 7:37 a.m. Moonrise 12:58 a.m.

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

0.00" 0.77" 1.44" 11.83" 8.00" 8.86"

NATIONAL CITIES

REGIONAL CITIES

Today Fri. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Atlanta 66/49/r 55/51/r Chicago 55/37/s 58/46/r Dallas 61/51/pc 65/51/pc Detroit 45/30/s 54/44/r Houston 64/54/r 72/53/c Los Angeles 86/61/s 90/62/s New Orleans 74/64/r 71/56/r New York 47/33/s 47/42/pc Orlando 85/65/pc 82/64/c Philadelphia 51/32/s 52/42/pc Phoenix 87/63/c 87/64/pc San Francisco 70/52/s 68/54/pc Wash., DC 58/37/s 49/46/c

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 60/42/r 64/47/r 71/50/r 70/55/c 50/42/r 68/54/c 64/45/c 65/48/r 66/50/r 65/45/c 55/36/pc 66/44/pc 65/43/pc

Last

New

First

Full

Mar. 13

Mar. 20

Mar. 27

Apr. 4

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 10.09 -0.24 19 4.83 +0.66 14 9.27 -0.55 14 3.61 -0.06 80 77.85 -0.43 24 11.67 +0.16

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 51/46/r 52/48/r 58/52/r 67/59/sh 53/52/c 68/60/r 48/47/r 55/50/r 57/52/r 58/54/r 54/50/sh 58/56/r 55/55/r

Sunset 7:27 p.m. Moonset 11:44 a.m.

AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 1:44 a.m. 2:02 p.m. 2:39 a.m. 2:59 p.m.

Today Fri.

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 66/47/c Gainesville 80/62/t Gastonia 63/46/c Goldsboro 64/41/pc Goose Creek 68/54/c Greensboro 64/41/pc Greenville 63/45/r Hickory 63/43/c Hilton Head 66/57/c Jacksonville, FL 77/62/t La Grange 74/55/r Macon 74/50/r Marietta 66/49/r

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 58/56/r 82/62/c 48/47/r 54/54/r 67/61/r 46/46/r 48/48/r 47/46/r 66/61/sh 79/63/c 65/58/sh 62/54/sh 55/49/r

Ht. 2.9 2.6 2.9 2.6

Low 8:58 a.m. 8:58 p.m. 9:56 a.m. 9:58 p.m.

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 61/41/r Mt. Pleasant 66/55/c Myrtle Beach 60/50/c Orangeburg 68/49/r Port Royal 67/56/c Raleigh 62/40/pc Rock Hill 64/45/c Rockingham 65/42/c Savannah 71/56/r Spartanburg 61/45/r Summerville 67/57/c Wilmington 65/45/r Winston-Salem 64/42/pc

Ht. 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 47/45/r 67/61/r 62/58/sh 61/55/r 66/61/sh 49/48/r 49/49/r 51/50/r 68/59/sh 47/46/r 67/61/sh 61/56/sh 45/44/r

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

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

PUBLIC AGENDA

803-795-4257

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

www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Set the stage EUGENIA LAST for a little adventure. Travel, entertainment or spending time with someone you love will lead to an emotional decision that will bring you benefits. Expand your options and make your move. Love is in the stars.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Offer suggestions and hands-on help, but don’t donate money that you cannot afford to part with. Emotional blackmail will be used to try to make you feel guilty for not making a contribution. Remember, charity begins at home. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take care of emotional matters that can stifle your productivity or advancement. Put common sense and your best efforts behind every move you make. Romance is on the rise. Celebrate with someone special and end your day on a positive note. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t give in to someone putting demands on you. Follow the path that you find inviting, even if no one else is heading in that direction. Explore, discover and enjoy the freedom that doing your own thing can offer. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take action and follow through with your plans, and you will come out a winner. Express your thoughts and enjoy the benefits that come with making a decision and following a path that excites you. Romance is highlighted and will lead to commitment. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Problems at home can be expected. Take care of business quickly and you will make positive gains. Hesitation will hold you back or lead to loss. An investment or real estate deal is worth checking

out. Trust your intuition. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Partnerships will pay off. Share information and contacts and you will find a way to expand your interests as well as your income. Romance is on the rise and celebrating your good fortune will end your day in a positive way. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take care of domestic chores. Improve your surroundings by moving things around to work more efficiently. A unique contribution you make will lead to an opportunity that can enhance your professional prospects. Negotiations will lean in your favor. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t believe everything you are told. Take the initiative and counteract any problems you face before they have a chance to grow. A change at home will brighten you day and your future. An investment will raise your profile.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

POWERBALL WEDNESDAY

1-3-4-33-35 PowerUp: 2

10-14-19-30-73 Megaball: 14; Megaplier: 5

Numbers unavailable at press time

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY

PICK 4 WEDNESDAY

LUCKY FOR LIFE MONDAY

4-1-9 and 8-4-3

5-1-0-0 and 6-4-0-6

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

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Jeff Byer shares a photo he took at Swan Lake. Byer calls the photo “Swan Dracula.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Work alongside others. Now is not the time to make waves or confront a situation that has the potential to make you look bad. Nurture partnerships and you will get the backing you need when the time is right. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your dedication and enthusiastic approach to whatever job you take on will improve your reputation and lead to bigger and better opportunities. A personal change you make will be noticed and appreciated by someone who means the world to you. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t take to heart what others say. Go about your business and concentrate on projects you enjoy doing. Give your creative imagination the go-ahead and see what transpires. Self-improvement should be your goal.

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

SECTION

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

SUMTER COUNTY GAMECOCK CLUB

AP FILE PHOTO

Spurrier to speak at spring banquet BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com University of South Carolina football head coach Steve Spurrier will be the featured speaker at the Sumter County Gamecock Club’s spring banquet

on Wednesday, March 25, at the NettlesSchwartz Building gymnasium. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with the program scheduled to start at 7. The Gamecocks are coming off a 7-6 sea-

South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier will be the featured guest speaker at the Sumter County Gamecock Club’s spring banquet on March 25 at the NettlesSchwartz Building gymnasium.

son after three straight 11-2 seasons. USC won the Independence Bowl over Miami for its fourth straight bowl victory. The win also gave USC its seventh

SEE SPURRIER, PAGE B3

CLEMSON BASKETBALL

Tigers come up short FSU holds on for 76-73 victory in ACC tourney, which might spell end of season for Clemson BY SCOTT KEEPFER Greenville News GREENSBORO, N.C. — Just short. That not only described the last-gasp shot by Clemson’s Gabe DeVoe against Florida State on Wednesday afternoon in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, but also summarized the Tigers’ season. DeVoe’s long-range 3-pointer from the left wing bounced off the front of the rim with four seconds left as the Seminoles survived a dramatic Clemson comeback, 76-73, in a secondround game at the Greensboro Coliseum. The Tigers fell to 2-5 in ACC games decided by five points or less this season. “We played great in the last four minutes when our backs were to the wall,” Clemson head coach Brad Brownell said. It was the other 36 minutes that were problematic for the Tigers. Clemson had no answer for Florida State’s Xavier RathanMayes, who scored 30 points, including 18 in the second half. The freshman guard made 5-of-9 shots from beyond the arc. “Tonight he made 3s, which he doesn’t always do,” Brownell said. “When he makes 3s, it makes it doubly tough. Some of those are guarded shots, but he’s a super player. He’s done that against a bunch of teams in

SEE TIGERS, PAGE B4 USC - MISSOURI The result of Wednesday night’s SEC tournament game between South Carolina and Missouri was not available at press time. For a recap, visit us at www.theitem.com.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Florida State’s Xavier Rathan-Mayes (22) drives past Clemson’s Sidy Djitte (50) during the first half of the Seminoles’ 76-73 victory on Wednesday in the second round of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Greensboro, N.C.

AUTO RACING

REC BASKETBALL

NASCAR clears Kurt Busch’s return

Sumter 17U all-star squad looks to bring home title

Driver also granted waiver for Chase field BY JENNA FRYER The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Kurt Busch was cleared Wednesday to get back in his race car and attempt to rebuild a career that was halted two days before the Daytona 500 when NASCAR suspended him for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend. “It’s been torture sitting out of the car,’’ Busch said in a conference call. He called the allegations against him “a complete

fabrication.’’ “I never did anything of the things I was accused of,’’ he added. “I never wavered in this KURT BUSCH whole process because of the confidence in the truth.’’ Busch missed the season’s first three races during the suspension, the third of his career. In reinstating the 2004 champion, NASCAR ruled he will be eligible for the title-deciding Chase should he qualify. He will return to competition this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway in the No. 41 Chevrolet

for Stewart-Haas Racing. He said he will replace his longtime nickname “The Outlaw’’ with his signature above the door of his car. Busch remains on indefinite probation. “We have made it very clear to Kurt Busch our expectations for him moving forward, which includes participation in a treatment program and full compliance with all judicial requirements as a result of his offtrack behavior,’’ NASCAR executive vice president Steve O’Donnell said.

SEE BUSCH, PAGE B5

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com Sumter County high school basketball teams saw their fair share of success in the just completed season and Carl Beard hopes that success translates into his Sumter County Recreation Department boys basketball team bringing a state championship to the Gamecock City. Beard, the head coach

of 17U all-star team, hopes it makes history this weekend in Bluffton. Sumter, which won the Eastern District title, will face the Western District champion at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Buckwalter Gymnasium in Bluffton. The Northern District champion will face the Southern District region champion and

SEE SUMTER, PAGE B3

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

WH tennis sweeps Pinewood SUMMERVILLE — Wilson Hall’s varsity tennis team defeated Pinewood Prep 9-0 on Wednesday at the Pinewood courts. The Barons improved to 2-0 on the season. SINGLES 1 -- Brown (WH) defeated Holouvek 6-0, 6-0. 2 -- Davis (WH) defeated Garcia 6-0, 6-1. 3 -- Hendrix (WH) defeated Baly 6-4, 6-0. 4 -- Stover (WH) defeated Diffley 6-2, 6-2. 5 -- Thompson (WH) defeated McConnell 6-0, 6-0. 6 -- Stone (WH) defeated Olaru 6-0, 6-0. DOUBLES 1 -- Brown/Davis (WH) defeated Holouvek/ Garcia 8-0. 2 -- Hendrix/Stover defeated Baly/Diffley 9-8. 3 -- Thompson/Stone defeated McConnell/ Olaru 8-1.

VARSITY BASEBALL CAMDEN 8 WILSON HALL 7

CAMDEN — Camden High School rallied for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat Wilson Hall 8-7 on Tuesday at the Camden field. Dawson Price led the Barons offensively, going 2-for-4 with a double and three runs batted in. McLendon Sears was 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBI, John Ballard had a hit, three walks and two runs and Robert James had a hit and a run. Edward McMillan pitched six innings for WH, striking out 11 while walking three and allowing three hits. He gave up four runs, three of them earned. LAMAR 9 CRESTWOOD 2

Crestwood High School fell to 2-3 with a 9-2 loss to Lamar on Tuesday at the Crestwood field. Cole Benenhaley was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI for the Knights. Colin Kremer was 2-for-4 with a run and Christian Buford had a double and scored a run.

by Mack Davis, who was 2-for-3 with three RBI. Dustin Way had two hits, including a double, and Trey Thomas had two hits and scored a run.

VARSITY SOCCER LAKEWOOD 6 MANNING 0 Lakewood High School opened its Region VI-3A scheduled with a 6-0 victory over Manning on Tuesday at J. Frank Baker Stadium. Christian McDonald had four goals and an assist for the Gators, who improved to 5-0. Greg McLeod had one goal and three assists, while Blake Carraher scored a goal and Nick Thurman had an assist.

VARSITY GOLF WILSON HALL WINS TRI-MATCH

SUMMERVILLE — Wilson Hall won a tri-match against James Island Charter School and Pinewood Prep on Tuesday at Pine Forest Country Club. The Barons, who improved to 3-0, won with a score of 156. James Island shot 177 and Pinewood Prep 183. Walker Jones and JI’s Drayton Stewart shared medalist honors with a score of 37. WH’s Christian Salzer shot a 38, Coker Lowder a 40 and Grier Schwartz a 41.

JUNIOR VARSITY GOLF SUMTER 223 CAMDEN 246 Sumter High School defeated Camden by 23 strokes in a match at Beech Creek Golf Club on Tuesday. Adrian McDaniel led the Gamecocks, who shot 223 to Camden’s 246, with a 52. Jeffrey Shirley shot a 55, Brandon Arnold 56 and Tradd Hayes 60.

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD

Oklahoma City Utah Denver Minnesota PACIFIC DIVISION

TV, RADIO TODAY

6 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Detroit vs. Washington from Viera, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 8:30 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Tshawne Open First Round from Centurion, South Africa (GOLF). 9 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia from Clearwater, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 1 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Miami vs. Minnesota from Fort Myers, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 2 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Match – Inter vs. Wolfsburg (FOX SPORTS 2). 3 p.m. – PGA Golf: Valspar Championship First Round from Tarpon Springs, Fla. (GOLF). 4 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Match – Dynamo Kyiv vs. Everton (FOX SPORTS 2). 4 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago Cubs from Tempe, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 4:30 p.m. – International Soccer: CONCACAF Sub-17 Match – Mexico vs. Costa Rica (UNIVISION). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105,.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Dallas at Carolina (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Memphis at Washington (TNT). 8 p.m. – College Baseball: Pepperdine at Brigham Young (BYUTV). 9 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego from Peoria, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 9:30 p.m. – International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Match – Roma vs. Fiorentina (FOX SPORTS 2). 9:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Cleveland at San Antonio (TNT). Midnight – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Atlanta vs. New York Yankees from Tampa, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 12:30 a.m. – Formula One Racing: Australian Grand Prix Practice from Melbourne, Australia (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 2 a.m. – NHL Hockey: Nashville at San Jose (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 3 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Cleveland vs. Kanas City from Goodyear, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

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

W 8 6 6 4 5 5 3 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 2

L 1 2 2 2 4 4 3 3 4 5 4 6 5 7 5

Pct .889 .750 .750 .667 .556 .556 .500 .500 .500 .444 .429 .400 .375 .300 .286

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER

CLARENDON HALL 5

LAKEWOOD 2

SUMMERTON — Clarendon Hall suffered its first loss on Tuesday, falling to Patrick Henry Academy 11-5 at the CH field. The Saints, who fell to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in SCISA Region III-1A, and PHA were tied 1-1 entering the fifth. Patrick Henry scored four runs in the fifth and six more in the sixth. The Clarendon Hall offense was led

MANNING 1 Lakewood High School defeated Manning 2-1 on penalty kicks on Tuesday at J. Frank Baker Stadium. Jack Turcio scored a late goal for the Gators to send the match to PKs. Nathan Costas had four saves on penalty kicks for LHS. Turcio and Sidney Agatitio had the PK goals for the Gators.

Sumter softball picks up 2nd victory MANNING — Sumter High School’s varsity softball team improved to 2-0 on the season with an 18-0 victory in five innings over Manning on Wednesday at the Lady Monarchs’ field. Sumter’s Hannah Bettencourt pitched three innings, allowing no runs or hits while striking out four. Chae Hutchinson pitched two innings and struck out two while allowing no earned runs. Offensively for the Lady Gamecocks, Anna Copeland, Bettencourt, Rachel Vise and Hutchinson led the team with three hits apiece. Brooke Gentele had two hits and a run batted in and Kaylee Posey had a 2-run home run and three RBI. Bettencourt and Vise each had two RBI while Copeland and Hutchinson contributed an RBI apiece. On Tuesday at SHS, Sumter picked up a 13-3, 6-inning victory over Lakewood. Vise and Chelsie Logan both had a hit and two runs batted in for the Lady Gamecocks. Bettencourt had an inside-the-park home run, while Posey, Katelyn Browder and Hutchinson all had a hit and an RBI. Bettencourt was the winning pitcher with eight strikeouts in four innings of work, allowing two runs and one hit. Hutchison pitched two innings, allowing one run. Stephanie Banar led the Lady Gators with two hits, including a double, and two RBI. Destiny Welch had a double and an RBI and Katelyn McPhail had two hits.

2-for-3 and Emily Nevels had a double. DeMonte tossed her second straight shutout for the 2-0 Lady Generals, striking out 12 while allowing just two hits. CLARENDON HALL 13 PATRICK HENRY 3

SUMMERTON — Clarendon Hall improved to 2-0 with a 13-3, 5-inning victory over Patrick Henry Academy on Tuesday at the CH field. Shannon Corbett led the offense with 4 hits, including a triple. Delaney Peeler had three hits, while Holly Carlisle, Jordan Carter, Brittany Pack and Aubrey Johnson each had two hits. Gracyn Royce picked up the win in the circle.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL SUMTER 19 LAKEWOOD 4 Sumter High School defeated Lakewood 19-4 in three innings on Tuesday at the SHS field. Raven Williams was 3-for-4 to lead the Lady Gamecocks. Gabby Kirkman was 2-for-3 with three RBI, Sarah Richardson and Taylor Miles both had a hit and two RBI and Katie Murray had a hit and an RBI. Murray was also the winning pitcher. Taylor McPhail had a double and two RBI to lead the Lady Gators. Madison Harris had a hit and an RBI.

THOMAS SUMTER 2

VARSITY SOCCER

THOMAS HEYWARD 0

LOWER RICHLAND 2

RIDGELAND — Logan Morris hit a 2-run home run in the top of the seventh inning to break a 0-0 tie and lift Thomas Sumter Academy to a 2-0 victory over Thomas Heyward Academy on Tuesday at the THA field. Victoria Bundy reached on an error in the seventh and Morris followed up with her home run. Morris was 3-for-4 while Emily DeMonte was

LAKEWOOD 1 Vannia Moreno scored the lone goal for Lakewood in a 2-1 loss to Lower Richland High School on Tuesday at J. Frank Baker Stadium. It was the first loss of the year for the Lady Gators, who fell to 2-1 on the season, and will host Lake Marion on Friday.

Look no further than your local newspaper for

The right advertising opportunity! Call (803) 774-1200 and get started today.

Baltimore 3, N.Y. Yankees 1 Miami 2, Washington 1 Atlanta 3, N.Y. Mets 2 Detroit 6, Philadelphia 0 Boston 5, Tampa Bay (ss) 1 Pittsburgh 4, Tampa Bay (ss) 3 Houston 7, St. Louis 6 Minnesota 5, Toronto 3 Milwaukee 5, Cincinnati 3 L.A. Dodgers 2, Colorado (ss) 2, tie Oakland 6, Arizona 5 San Diego 10, San Francisco 5 Chicago White Sox 6, Kansas City 2 Cleveland 10, Chicago Cubs 6 L.A. Angels 5, Texas 4 Colorado (ss) 9, Seattle 3

Indiana 118, Orlando 86 New Orleans 111, Brooklyn 91 Cleveland 127, Dallas 94 San Antonio 117, Toronto 107 Utah 87, New York 82 L.A. Lakers 93, Detroit 85

WEDNESDAY’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.

TODAY’S GAMES

Memphis at Washington, 7 p.m. Milwaukee at Indiana, 7 p.m. Houston at Utah, 9 p.m. Cleveland at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m. New York at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Montreal 67 42 Tampa Bay 68 42 Detroit 65 37 Boston 66 34 Florida 66 29 Ottawa 65 30 Toronto 67 26 Buffalo 66 19 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W N.Y. Islanders 69 43 N.Y. Rangers 65 41 Pittsburgh 66 38 Washington 67 36 Philadelphia 68 28 New Jersey 67 28 Columbus 66 28 Carolina 65 25

L 18 20 17 22 23 24 35 42

OT Pts GF GA 7 91 177 147 6 90 223 177 11 85 192 172 10 78 179 171 14 72 163 188 11 71 185 176 6 58 179 209 5 43 126 224

L 22 17 18 21 27 29 34 32

OT Pts GF GA 4 90 219 194 7 89 200 156 10 86 189 162 10 82 200 165 13 69 178 197 10 66 153 176 4 60 170 210 8 58 155 178

GP 68 66 66 67 67 67 67

W 42 42 39 37 33 30 30

GP W Anaheim 68 42 Vancouver 66 38 Calgary 66 36 Los Angeles 66 32 San Jose 67 33 Arizona 67 21 Edmonton 67 18 NOTE: Two points for overtime loss.

L 19 19 21 23 22 26 27

OT Pts GF GA 7 91 199 166 5 89 209 167 6 84 190 154 7 81 192 170 12 78 187 181 11 71 179 190 10 70 209 221

L OT Pts GF GA 19 7 91 199 186 24 4 80 189 179 25 5 77 191 172 21 13 77 180 170 26 8 74 189 187 38 8 50 143 224 38 11 47 152 227 a win, one point for

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Columbus 4, Carolina 3, SO N.Y. Rangers 2, N.Y. Islanders 1 Dallas 2, Philadelphia 1 Tampa Bay 1, Montreal 0, OT Boston 3, Ottawa 1 St. Louis 5, Winnipeg 4 Minnesota 6, New Jersey 2 Los Angeles 5, Colorado 2

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

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

BASEBALL

TODAY’S GAMES

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION W 38 26 25 14 12

L 26 36 37 49 51

Pct .594 .419 .403 .222 .190

GB – 11 12 23 1/2 25 1/2

W 50 36 28 28 21

L 13 28 34 35 44

Pct .794 .563 .452 .444 .323

GB – 14 1/2 21 1/2 22 30

W 41 39 33 29 23

L 25 26 30 34 40

Pct .621 .600 .524 .460 .365

GB – 1 1/2 6 1/2 10 1/2 16 1/2

W 45 43 40 41 36

L 18 20 23 25 29

Pct .714 .683 .635 .621 .554

GB – 2 5 5 1/2 10

W 41

L 20

Pct .672

GB –

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION

Portland

GB – 10 18 1/2 29 33 1/2

TRANSACTIONS By The Associated Press

Boston vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Philadelphia vs. Detroit (ss) at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Toronto vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Baltimore vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Miami vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Detroit (ss) vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Washington vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m. Seattle vs. Oakland at Mesa, Ariz., 3:00 p.m. Kansas City vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox (ss) vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Colorado vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 4:10 p.m. Cincinnati vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 5:10 p.m. San Francisco vs. Chicago White Sox (ss) at Glendale, Ariz., 7:05 p.m. Atlanta vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 7:05 p.m. L.A. Dodgers vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 9:15 p.m.

Memphis Houston San Antonio Dallas New Orleans NORTHWEST DIVISION

Pct .806 .641 .508 .339 .270

Tampa Bay at Boston, 7 p.m. Edmonton at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Dallas at Carolina, 7 p.m. Ottawa at Montreal, 7:30 p.m. Columbus at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Winnipeg at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at St. Louis, 8 p.m. New Jersey at Colorado, 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Vancouver, 10 p.m. Chicago at Arizona, 10 p.m. Nashville at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Boston 10, N.Y. Yankees 6 Miami 7, N.Y. Mets 4 Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 2 Washington 9, Detroit 2 St. Louis 6, Atlanta 2 Tampa Bay 5, Minnesota 2 Toronto 5, Baltimore 2 Colorado 4, Seattle 1 Chicago Cubs 4, L.A. Dodgers 3 Kansas City (ss) 4, San Diego 3 Chicago White Sox 4, Texas 4, tie Kansas City (ss) 5, Cincinnati 2 Oakland 3, Cleveland 2 Milwaukee 6, San Francisco 3 Arizona 6, L.A. Angels 5

Cleveland Chicago Milwaukee Indiana Detroit

L 12 23 32 41 46

TODAY’S GAMES

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

x-Atlanta Washington Charlotte Miami Orlando CENTRAL DIVISION

7 15 19 1/2 27 1/2

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Nashville St. Louis Chicago Minnesota Winnipeg Colorado Dallas PACIFIC DIVISION

W L Pct Arizona 6 2 .750 Miami 5 2 .714 Los Angeles 4 2 .667 Colorado 4 3 .571 Pittsburgh 4 3 .571 St. Louis 4 3 .571 Washington 4 3 .571 Philadelphia 4 4 .500 San Diego 4 4 .500 Cincinnati 4 5 .444 Atlanta 3 5 .375 New York 3 6 .333 Milwaukee 2 5 .286 San Francisco 2 7 .222 Chicago 1 6 .143 NOTE: Split-squad games count in the standings; games against non-major league teams do not.

Toronto Boston Brooklyn Philadelphia New York SOUTHEAST DIVISION

.556 .429 .359 .226

WESTERN CONFERENCE

TUESDAY’S GAMES

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

W Golden State 50 L.A. Clippers 41 Phoenix 33 Sacramento 21 L.A. Lakers 17 x-clinched playoff spot

28 36 41 48

CENTRAL DIVISION

NATIONAL LEAGUE

PATRICK HENRY 11

35 27 23 14

COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE _ Suspended N.Y. Yankees RHP Brayan Alcantara 72 games for a violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES _ Optioned RHP Eddie Gamboa to Norfolk (IL). CLEVELAND INDIANS _ Agreed to terms with RHP Corey Kluber on a one-year contract. TEXAS RANGERS _ Selected the contract of OF Antoan Richardson from Round Rock (PCL). Placed LHP Martin Perez on the 60-day DL. National League ATLANTA BRAVES _ Agreed to terms with RHP Peter Moylan on a minor league contract. MILWAUKEE BREWERS _ Optioned RHP Johnny Hellweg to Colorado Springs (PCL).

FOOTBALL

National Football League NFL _ CB Cortland Finnegan announced his retirement. ARIZONA CARDINALS _ Re-signed LS Mike Leach to a one-year contract. Agreed to terms with G Mike Iupati on a five-year contract, DT Corey Peters on a three-year contract and LB Sean Weatherspoon on a oneyear contract. ATLANTA FALCONS _ Signed WR Leonard Hankerson. BALTIMORE RAVENS _ Traded DT Haloti Ngata and a 2015 seventh-round draft pick to Detroit for 2015 fourth- and fifth-round draft picks. BUFFALO BILLS _ Signed FB Jerome Felton. Released TE Scott Chandler. CHICAGO BEARS _ Agreed to terms with LB Pernell McPhee on a five-year contract. CINCINNATI BENGALS _ Re-signed G Clint Boling, OT Eric Winston and CB Chris Lewis-Harris. CLEVELAND BROWNS _ Re-signed WR Marlon Moore. GREEN BAY PACKERS _ Re-signed OT Bryan Bulaga. HOUSTON TEXANS _ Traded QB Case Keenum to St. Louis for a 2016 seventh-round draft pick. Traded QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to the N.Y. Jets for a conditional late-round draft pick. Signed QB Brian Hoyer. Re-signed CB Kareem Jackson and OT Derek Newton. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS _ Signed WR Andre Johnson. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS _ Signed TE Julius Thomas to a five-year contract and OT Jermey Parnell, CB Davon House, LB Dan Skuta and S Sergio Brown. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS _ Signed WR Jeremy Maclin. MIAMI DOLPHINS _ Signed DT Ndamukong Suh. Released DT Randy Starks. MINNESOTA VIKINGS _ Signed DT Tom Johnson and QB Shaun Hill. Agreed to terms with OL Joe Berger and LS Cullen Loeffler. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS _ Re-signed WR Brian Tyms. Signed WRs Kevin Dorsey and Brandon Gibson. OAKLAND RAIDERS _ Agreed to terms with LB Curtis Lofton. Signed DT Dan Williams, C Rodney Hudson and TE Lee Smith. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES _ Agreed to terms with CB Walter Thurmond III on a one-year contract. Re-signed QB Mark Sanchez to a two-year contract. PITTSBURGH STEELERS _ Announced the retirement of LB Jason Worilds. ST. LOUIS RAMS _ Agreed to terms with TE Lance Kendricks. Terminated the contracts of C Scott Wells and OT Jake Long. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS _ Signed WR Torrey Smith to a five-year contract. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS _ Signed LB Bruce Carter. Released DE Michael Johnson. TENNESSEE TITANS _ Agreed to terms with WR Harry Douglas. Signed S Da’Norris Searcy. WASHINGTON REDSKINS _ Signed DL Stephen Paea.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Sumter Recreation Department’s 17U all-star basketball team won the Eastern District tournament last weekend and will play in the state tournament this weekend. Members of the team are, first row, left to right: Cameron Thompson, Raymond Pringle, Likeem Bradley, Waynai Washington, Shyheem Anderson and Trevonte Wright. Second row: Assistant coach Caleb Kershaw, assistant coach Tyrone Nixon, Markel Cocklin, Asiatic Samuel, Shykim Mellette, James Caldwell, Khalil Graham and head coach Carl Beard.

SUMTER FROM PAGE B1 the winners of each semifinal will meet for the state title at 3:45. “We’re a championship city,” Beard said. “Our (4A Sumter High School) boys just won state on the high school level. I believe we’ve won some state championships in track and field, football in the past has won some state championships here, and we’ve just never been able to get over the hump in parks and rec(reational) basketball. “I think there are some really good young men on this

team who shouldn’t be playing parks and rec basketball, but should be starting on the varsity level at their respective high schools,” he said. “I believe that wholeheartedly, and they’re good kids.” Beard, who is making his fourth state tournament appearance as a head coach, hopes his team of 11 players will win Sumter’s first parks and rec basketball title at any level. “I believe our kids are hungry,” Beard said. “I think we’re in better condition than anybody we’re going to play against. Our kids play together as a team, and defensively I just don’t see any team in the

state tournament that is going to be hold up against our constant pressure defense and the way we play.” Beard coached a team that played for a state title last year, but came up short. It had a 2- to 3-hour wait before playing and went out to eat. Two of the team’s top players got sick and weren’t able to perform. That won’t happen this year, according to Beard. “We’re not going to feed them a heavy meal, but we’ll hydrate them with Gatorade and water and maybe a Snickers bar or something like that for energy, and we’ll see what the outcome will be this year.”

Sumter won the Eastern District tournament this past weekend in Quinby, beating Georgetown 110-41 then holding off Marlboro County 80-71 to earn the region title. Beard was chosen as the head coach of the all-star team because his team, the Sumter Crusaders, went undefeated in the regular season. The starting five of the Crusaders -- Cameron Thompson, Waynai Washington, Markel Cocklin, James Caldwell and Khalil Graham -- along with Raymond Pringle, Likeem Bradley, Shyheem Anderson, Trevonte Wright, Asiatic Samuel and Shykim Mellette make up the Sumter

all-star squad. “I’m honored to be coaching this group of young men,” Beard said. “It’s just a joy coaching this group of kids and I want nothing but the best for them, and I believe we have a strong chance to win the state championship this year. “We press and deny nonstop the entire time our kids are on the floor,” Beard explained. “We’re probably about nine or 10 deep in terms of ability on this team. but the kids are very interchangeable, and the big thing is the kids really enjoy playing together. They play for one another; they play for each other.”

NBA ROUNDUP

SPORTS ITEMS

Sacramento tops Hornets 113-106

Suh to Miami, Bulaga to Packers in NFL free agency

CHARLOTTE — Ben McLemore scored 27 points, Rudy Gay added 26, and the Sacramento Kings snapped a four-game losing streak with a 113-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. DeMarcus Cousins chipped in with 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Kings. Kemba Walker had six points in 16 minutes off the bench after missing 18 games following knee surgery, but Charlotte lost center Al Jefferson to a strained right calf late in the third quarter. BULLS 104 76ERS 95

PHILADELPHIA — Aaron Brooks scored seven of his season-high 31 points in overtime to help the short-handed Chicago Bulls beat the Philadelphia 76ers 104-95. From wire reports

SPURRIER FROM PAGE B1 straight winning season and its ninth in Spurrier’s 10 seasons at Carolina. Spurrier has the most wins of any coach in South Carolina history, owning an 84-45 record. The Gamecocks will be in the middle of spring practice when Spurrier makes his visit to Sumter. USC will begin its spring practice on Tuesday and it will conclude on Saturday, April 11, with the Garnet & Black Spring Game at Williams-Brice Stadium beginning at noon. Other speakers will be announced at a later date. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased from Vernon Geddings at Danny’s Trophy Shop at 713 Bultman Drive. Information on sponsorships will also be available from Geddings. For more information, contact Geddings at (803) 775-7002.

The free agency frenzy, trading outbreak and stunning retirements of the first day of the NFL’s business year gave way to one headliner Wednesday: Ndamukong Suh. Miami signed the All-Pro defensive tackle and top prize in SUH this year’s free agent crop to a $114 million, six-year contract. It made Suh the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, surpassing J.J. Watt’s $100 million, six-year deal with Houston. While Suh was leaving the NFC North, one of the prime offensive tackles on the market was staying there. Green Bay re-signed right tackle Bryan Bulaga, ensuring that the NFL’s highestscoring team will keep its entire offense intact for 2015. The deal is believed to be for five years and $34 million, with an $8 million signing bonus. Days before Bulaga came back, the Packers re-signed receiver Randall Cobb. The Jets acquired Ryan Fitzpatrick from Houston,

and he was replaced there by Brian Hoyer. Fitzpatrick, 32, is expected to push Geno Smith for the starting job with New York. Hoyer, formerly of the Browns, will compete with Ryan Mallett with the Texans. Mallett was re-signed earlier this week. COLLEGE BASEBALL MICHIGAN STATE 8 CLEMSON 6 GREENVILLE — Blaise Salter hit a 3-run homer in the fifth inning to give Michigan State the lead for good in its 8-6 win over Clemson at Fluor Field on Wednesday night. The Spartans improved to 7-7 while the Tigers dropped to 8-7. Tyler Slaton scored each of Clemson’s first three runs, including one after a triple to lead off the third inning. But with the Spartans trailing 3-2 in the fifth inning, Salter, who was 4-for-4 with a double and four RBI in the game, lined a 3-run homer to left field to give Michigan State a 5-3 lead. The Spartans added one insurance run in the sixth inning and two

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more in the seventh inning. Tiger starter and former Sumter High and Sumter P-15’s standout Charlie Barnes (1-2) suffered the loss, as he yielded four runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings pitched. TUESDAY SOUTH CAROLINA 3 PENN STATE 0 COLUMBIA — Sophomore left-hander Josh Reagan worked 6 2/3 scoreless inning allowing just one hit as seventh-ranked South Carolina defeated Penn State 3-0 on Tuesday night at Carolina Stadium. The Gamecocks improved to 13-3 on the year while the loss dropped the Nittany Lions to 1-9. The Gamecocks capitalized

on a pair of throwing errors by Penn State catcher Nick Graham in the bottom of the second to take a 1-0 lead. Elliott Caldwell reached base after being hit by a pitch to open the frame, stole second and would advance to third and score on the errors. Back-to-back RBI doubles from Max Schrock and Kyle Martin drove in two more runs for the Gamecocks in the bottom of third. Freshman Brandon Murray added 1 1/3 scoreless innings of work allowing just one hit while striking out three batters. Cody Mincey closed out the game with a scoreless frame giving up one hit and one walk to earn his first save of the season. From staff, wire reports

Spring

2015

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

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COLLEGE BASKETBALL

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

NCAA MEN’S CONFERENCE TOURNAMENTS ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE

Greensboro, N.C. First Round Tuesday Boston College 66, Georgia Tech 65 Virginia Tech 81, Wake Forest 80 Second Round Wednesday Florida State 76, Clemson 73 North Carolina 81, Boston College 63 N.C. State 81, Pittsburgh 70 Miami vs. Virginia Tech, 9:30 p.m. Quarterfinals Today Virginia vs. Florida State, Noon Louisville vs. North Carolina, 2:30 p.m. Duke vs. N.C. State, 7 p.m. Notre Dame vs. Miami-Virginia Tech winner, 9:30 p.m. Semifinals Friday Virginia-Florida State winner vs. Louisville-North Carolina winner, 7 p.m. Duke-N.C. State winner vs. Notre Dame-Miami-Virginia Tech winner, 9:30 p.m. Championship Saturday Semifinal winners, 8:30 p.m.

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE

Nashville, Tenn. First Round Wednesday Mississippi State vs. Auburn, 7 p.m. South Carolina vs. Missouri, 9:30 p.m. Second Round Today 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-MississippiSouth Carolina-Missouri winner, 3:30 p.m. Championship Sunday Semifinal winners, 1 p.m.

AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE

At Higher-Seeded Team Championship Saturday Stony Brook at Albany, 11 a.m.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Hartford, Conn. First Round Today East Carolina vs. UCF, 3:30 p.m. Tulane vs. Houston, 6 p.m. UConn vs. South Florida, 8:30 p.m. Quarterfinals Friday SMU vs. East Carolina-UCF winner, Noon Temple vs. Memphis, 2:30 p.m. Tulsa vs. Tulane-Houston winner, 7 p.m. Cincinnati vs. UConn-South Florida winner, 9:30 p.m. Semifinals Saturday SMU_East Carolina-UCF winner vs. Temple-Memphis winner, 3 p.m. Tulsa_Tulane-Houston winner vs. Cincinnati_UConn-South Florida winner, 5:30 p.m. Championship Sunday Semifinal winners, 3:15 p.m.

ATLANTIC 10 CONFERENCE

Brooklyn, N.Y. First Round Wednesday Fordham vs. George Mason, 6:30 p.m. Duquesne vs. Saint Louis, 9 p.m. Second Round Today UMass vs. La Salle, Noon VCU vs. Fordham-George Mason winner, 2:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure vs. Saint Joseph’s, 6:30 p.m. George Washington vs. DuquesneSaint Louis winner, 9 p.m. Quarterfinals Friday Davidson vs. UMass-La Salle winner, Noon Richmond vs. VCU-Fordham-George Mason winner, 2:30 p.m. Dayton vs. St. Bonaventure-Saint Joseph’s winner, 6:30 p.m. Rhode Island vs. George WashingtonDuquesne-Saint Louis winner, 9 p.m. Semifinals Saturday Davidson-UMass-La Salle winner vs. Richmond-VCU-Fordham-George Mason winner, 1:30 p.m. Dayton-St. Bonaventure-Saint Joseph’s winner vs. Rhode IslandGeorge Washington-DuquesneSaint Louis winner, 4 p.m. Championship Sunday Semifinal winners, 1 p.m.

ATLANTIC SUN CONFERENCE

At Campus Sites Sunday8 North Florida 63, South CarolinaUpstate 57

BIG EAST CONFERENCE

New York First Round Wednesday Seton Hall vs. Marquette, 7 p.m. DePaul vs. Creighton, 9:30 p.m. Quarterfinals Today Villanova vs. Seton Hall-Marquette winner, Noon Providence vs. St. John’s, 2:30 p.m. Georgetown vs. DePaul-Creighton winner, 7 p.m. Butler vs. Xavier, 9:30 p.m. Semifinals Friday Villanova-Seton Hall-Marquette winner vs. Providence-St. John’s winner, 7 p.m. Georgetown-DePaul-Creighton winner vs. Butler-Xavier winner, 9:30 p.m. Championship Saturday Semifinal winners, 8 p.m.

BIG SKY CONFERENCE

Missoula, Mont. Today Eastern Washington vs. Idaho, 1 p.m. Sacramento State vs. Portland State, 3:30 p.m. Northern Arizona vs. Northern Colorado, 7:30 p.m. Montana vs. Weber State, 10 p.m. Semifinals Friday Second-remaining seed vs. thirdhighest remaining seed, TBA Highest-remaining seed vs. lowestremaining seed, TBA Championship Saturday Semifinal winners, 9 p.m.

BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE

Conway Championship Sunday Coastal Carolina 81, Winthrop 70

BIG TEN CONFERENCE

Chicago First Round Wednesday Penn State 68, Nebraska 65 Minnesota 80, Rutgers 68 Second Round Today Illinois vs. Michigan, Noon

Iowa vs. Penn StateS, 2:25 p.m. Indiana vs. Northwestern, 6:30 p.m. Ohio State vs. Minnesota, 8:55 p.m. Quarterfinals Friday Wisconsin vs. Illinois-Michigan winner, Noon Purdue vs. Iowa-Nebraska-Penn State winner, 2:25 p.m. Maryland vs. Indiana-Northwestern winner, 6:30 p.m. Michigan State vs. Ohio State-Minnesota-Rutgers winner, 8:55 p.m. Semifinals Saturday Wisconsin-Illinois-Michigan winner vs. Purdue-Iowa-Nebraska-Penn State winner, 1 p.m. Maryland-Indiana-Northwestern winner vs. Michigan State-Ohio State-Minnesota-Rutgers winner, 3:25 p.m. Championship Sunday Semifinal winners, 3:30 p.m.

BIG 12 CONFERENCE

Kansas City, Mo. First Round Wednesday TCU 67, Kansas State 65 Texas vs. Texas Tech, 9:30 p.m. Quarterfinals Today Baylor vs. West Virginia, 12:30 p.m. Kansas vs. TCU, 3 p.m. Iowa State vs. Texas-Texas Tech winner, 7 p.m. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State, 9:30 p.m. Semifinals Friday Baylor-West Virginia winner vs. Kansas-Kansas State-TCU winner, 7 p.m. Iowa State-Texas-Texas Tech winner vs. Oklahoma-Oklahoma State, 9:30 p.m. Championship Saturday Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.

BIG WEST CONFERENCE

Anaheim, Calif. First Round Today UC Davis vs. Cal State Northridge, 3 p.m. Long Beach State vs. Hawaii, 5:30 p.m. UC Irvine vs. UC Riverside, 9 p.m. UC Santa Barbara vs. Cal Poly, 11:30 p.m. Semifinals Friday Highest-remaining seed vs. lowest remaining seed, 9:30 p.m. Middle-remaining seeds, Mid Championship Saturday Semifinal winners, 11:30 p.m.

COLONIAL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

Baltimore Championship March 9 Northeastern 72, William & Mary 61

CONFERENCE USA

Birmingham, Ala. First Round Wednesday FIU 57, UTSA 54 Middle Tennessee 63, Charlotte 60 Western Kentucky 59, Marshall 45 North Texas vs. Rice, 9:30 p.m. Quarterfinals Today UTEP vs. FIU, 1 p.m. Old Dominion vs. Middle Tennessee, 3:30 p.m. UAB vs. Western Kentucky, 7 p.m. Louisiana Tech vs. North Texas-Rice winner, 9:30 p.m. Semifinals Friday UTEP-FIU winner vs. Old DominionMiddle Tennessee winner, 4 p.m. UAB-Western Kentucky winner vs. Louisiana Tech-North Texas-Rice winner, 6:30 p.m. Championship Saturday Semifinal winners, 3:30 p.m.

IVY LEAGUE

One-game playoff Philadelphia Saturday Harvard vs. Yale, 4 p.m.

MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

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 63, N.C. A&T 54 Quarterfinals Wednesday N.C. Central 91, Coppin State 43 Norfolk State vs. S.C. State, 8:30 p.m. Today Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. Hampton, 6 p.m. Howard vs. Delaware State, 8:30 p.m. Semifinals Friday N.C. Central vs. Howard-Delaware State winner, 6 p.m. Norfolk State-S.C. State winner vs. Maryland-Hampton winner, 8:30 p.m. Championship Saturday Semifinal winners, 1 p.m.

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE

Las Vegas First Round Wednesday Air Force 68, New Mexico 61 UNLV 67, Nevada 46 Quarterfinals Today Boise State vs. Air Force, 3 p.m. Wyoming vs. Utah State, 5:30 p.m. San Diego State vs. UNLV, 9 p.m. Colorado State vs. Fresno State, 11:30 p.m. Semifinals Friday Boise State-New Mexico-Air Force winner vs. Wyoming-Utah State winner, 9 p.m. San Diego State-UNLV winner vs. Colorado State-Fresno State winner, 11:30 p.m. Championship Saturday Semifinal winners, 6 p.m.

PACIFIC-12 CONFERENCE

Las Vegas First Round Wednesday California 84, Washington State 59 Southern Cal 67, Arizona State 64 Oregon State vs. Colorado, 9:10 p.m. Stanford vs. Washington, 11:40 p.m. Quarterfinals Today Arizona vs. California, 3:10 p.m. UCLA vs. Southern Cal, 5:40 p.m. Oregon vs. Oregon State-Colorado winner, 9:10 p.m. Utah vs. Stanford-Washington winner, 11:40 p.m. Semifinals Friday Arizona-California-Washington State winner vs. UCLA-Southern Cal winner, 9:10 p.m. Oregon-Oregon State-Colorado winner vs. Utah_Stanford-Washington winner, 11:45 p.m. Championship Saturday Semifinal winners, 11:05 p.m.

PATRIOT LEAGUE

Championship Wednesday American at Lafayette, 7:30 p.m.

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

Asheville, N.C. Championship Monday Wofford 67, Furman 64

THE SUMTER ITEM

CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP

Johnson, UNC knock off Eagles 81-63 GREENSBORO, N.C. — Brice Johnson scored 17 points to help No. 19 North Carolina beat Boston College 81-63 on Wednesday in the second round of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. Marcus Paige also scored 17 JOHNSON for the fifthseeded Tar Heels (22-10). North Carolina played without starting forward Kennedy Meeks and had trouble putting away the 12th-seeded Eagles (13-19) for much of the second half, but pulled away late and won its seventh straight meeting to set up a matchup with No. 14 Louisville. Aaron Brown scored 20 points to lead BC, while allACC guard Olivier Hanlan scored 18. But Hanlan shot 5 for 19 from the field and had missed 12 of his 14 shots entering the final 8 minutes. N.C. STATE 81 PITTSBURGH 70

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Anthony “Cat” Barber scored a career-high 34

win over Washington State in the opening game of the Pac-12 tournament.

points to help North Carolina State beat Pittsburgh 81-70 in the second round of the ACC tournament. Trevor Lacey added 21 points for the seventh-seeded Wolfpack (20-12), who reached the 20-win mark for the fourth time in as many seasons under Mark Gottfried.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 67 ARIZONA ST. 64

LAS VEGAS — Elijah Stewart scored 27 points and hit two free throws with 3.4 seconds left after a big block by Nikola Jovanovic, helping Southern California rally for a 67-64 win over Arizona State in the Pac-12 tournament.

SEC AUBURN 74 MISSISSIPPI STATE 68 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — K.C. Ross-Miller scored 21 points, and the Auburn Tigers beat Mississippi State 74-68 in the opener of the SEC tournament, snapping a couple different skids. The 13th-seeded Tigers (13-19) had lost six straight coming into the postseason, and they hadn’t won in the SEC tournament since 2009. Now they will play No. 5 seed Texas A&M today.

LATE TUESDAY S.C. STATE 63 NORTH CAROLINA A&T 54 NORFOLK, Va. — Edward Stephens and Jalen White scored 16 points apiece and South Carolina State outscored North Carolina A&T 11-2 to close the game for a 63-54 win on Tuesday night in the first round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament. Stephens, a freshman, hit a contested 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down for a 58-54 lead with 1:33 left and White scored the final five points to seal it.

PAC-12 CALIFORNIA 84 WASHINGTON ST. 59 LAS VEGAS — David Kravish had 25 points and eight rebounds, lifting California to a dominating 84-59

From wire reports

TODAY’S CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT TV SCHEDULE ACC

Quarterfinals ESPN Noon – Virginia vs. Florida State 2 p.m. – Louisville vs. North Carolina 7 p.m. – Duke vs. North Carolina State 9 p.m. – Notre Dame vs. Miami or Virginia Tech

SEC

Quarterfinals SEC NETWORK 1 p.m. – Alabama vs. Florida 3 p.m. – Texas A&M vs. Auburn 7 p.m. – Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt 9 p.m. – Mississippi vs. South Carolina or Missouri

BIG 12

Quarterfinals ESPN2 12:30 p.m. – Baylor vs. West Virginia 2:30 p.m. – Kansas vs. Texas Christian ESPNU 7 p.m. – Iowa State vs. Texas or Texas Tech 9 p.m. – Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State

BIG 10

Second-Round Games ESPN2 6:30 p.m. – Indiana vs. Northwestern 9 p.m. – Ohio State vs. Minnesota

BIG EAST

Quarterfinals FOX SPORTS 1

TIGERS FROM PAGE B1 our league, and I guess it was our turn today.” Clemson trailed by 20 points with just 9:07 remaining, but finished with a flourish, outscoring the Seminoles 21-10 and forcing seven turnovers over the final four minutes. The Tigers had two chances to tie the game in the final 12 seconds – the first when Rod Hall’s short jumper hung on the rim with 12 seconds left and finally when DeVoe launched his long shot. “Basketball turns on a possession,” said Hall, who finished with a career-high 25 points. “Any possession anything can happen. It was just tough trying to keep everybody going, but in the end my teammates didn’t give up and kept fighting. I’m proud of them for that.” The Tigers, seeded eighth in the tournament, dropped to 16-15 with the loss that could mean the end of the Clemson careers for senior guards Hall and Damarcus Harrison. The defeat also extended Clemson’s futility at the

Noon – Villanova vs. Seton Hall or Marquette 2:30 p.m. – Providence vs. St. John’s 7 p.m. – Georgetown vs. DePaul or Creighton 9:30 p.m. – Butler vs. Xavier

ATLANTIC 10

Second-Round Games NBC SPORTS NETWORK Noon – La Salle vs. Massachusetts 2:30 p.m. – Virginia Commonwealth vs. Fordham 6:30 p.m. – St. Joseph’s vs. St. Bonaventure 9 p.m. – George Washington vs. Duquesne or Saint Louis

PAC-12

Quarterfinals ESPN 11:30 p.m. – Utah vs. Stanford or Washington

MOUNTAIN WEST

Quarterfinals CBS SPORTS NETWORK 3 p.m. – Boise State vs. Air Force 5:30 p.m. – Wyoming vs. Utah State 9 p.m. – San Diego State vs. UNLV 11:30 p.m. – Colorado State vs. Fresno State

AMERICAN ATHLETIC

First-Round Games ESPNU 3:30 p.m. – East Carolina vs. Central Florida ESPNEWS 6 p.m. – Tulane vs. Houston 8 p.m. – Connecticut vs. South Florida

Greensboro Coliseum, where the Tigers are 7-34 all-time in ACC Tournament play, and was the latest punch in the gut courtesy of Florida State, which has won five consecutive ACC Tournament games against the Tigers. It was Clemson’s 46th opening-game defeat in 62 ACC Tournament appearances. The Seminoles (17-15), seeded ninth, advance to play top-seed Virginia (28-2) on Thursday at noon. Clemson led 16-15 midway through the first half, but Florida State went on a 10-0 run to take the lead for good. The Seminoles led 33-26 at the half, then quickly extended that advantage behind the hot shooting of Rathan-Mayes and Montay Brandon, a Greensboro native who added 17 points. The Seminoles pulled ahead by 20 with nine minutes remaining, but the Tigers began to claw back, getting 10 consecutive points from Hall to cut the deficit to 12 with 5:23 left and setting the stage for a frantic final four minutes that saw Clemson’s full-court pressure defense cause major problems

for coach Leonard Hamilton’s squad. “We thought the crowd would get bored, so we thought we’d allow the game to be interesting so people would stay in their seats,” Hamilton said. “And I can sell you some swamp land if you believe that.” Sophomore forward Jaron Blossomgame added 14 points and DeVoe, a freshman, had 10 for the Tigers. “In the second half I didn’t think our competitive spirit was where it needed to be,” Brownell said. “But I’m certainly proud of the way our guys fought at the end. Our guys did a great job of fighting. We were active, aggressive. But give Florida State credit. They outplayed us today.” Barring an invitation to the College Basketball Invitational — a 16-team tournament played at on-campus arenas — the Tigers would appear to be a longshot for postseason play. “I haven’t thought about it,” Brownell said. “I’m just going to wait and see.” With an RPI of 96 and a 16-15 record, the Tigers may find themselves in a familiar predicament — just short.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

BUSCH FROM PAGE B1 Busch was suspended Feb. 20 when a Delaware judge ruled he likely assaulted exgirlfriend Patricia Driscoll in his motorhome in September at Dover International Speedway. He lost two rounds of appeals on the eve of the seasonopening Daytona 500. Last week, the Delaware attorney general declined to charge Busch for the incident with Driscoll — a move O’Donnell said “removed a significant impediment’’ to reinstatement. Busch said he had been led to believe that criminal charges would be the determining factor in NASCAR taking action, and was surprised when he was suspended before the attorney general made its decision. “The way that NASCAR re-

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

acted, it was different than what we had been told,’’ Busch said. “They were more focused on the criminal side, as were we. But the commissioner’s ruling was not necessarily what was the important factor here. The important factor is that what I was accused of was a complete fabrication.’’ Busch has also complied with NASCAR’s reinstatement requirements, the terms of which have not been disclosed. O’Donnell said a health care expert recommended Busch’s immediate return. Driscoll questioned NASCAR’s decision to make Busch championship-eligible this season. “I’m deeply concerned about the message NASCAR is sending by letting him compete for the championship after he was found by a judge to have committed an act of domestic violence,’’ Driscoll

said in a statement. “But I am gratified, at least, that NASCAR’s decision comes with the mandatory condition that he follow through on the treatment he so clearly needs.’’ Busch did not reveal what he did to satisfy NASCAR, but indicated he wished he had participated in such a program earlier in his career. He also said he had been encouraged by NASCAR chairman Brian France, who urged him not to change as a driver. “It’s a road map that they laid out that I am respecting, and it’s created such a good foundation to utilize that I wish I had done it sooner,’’ Busch said. “Talking with Brian France and going through this road, he told me, `Don’t change. Don’t be the person that is different in the car. Be a person that’s different outside the car.’ “So Brian said, ‘Go be yourself in that car, that’s what we

really love. We love Kurt Busch behind the wheel.’ That’s my focus, to be humble throughout this whole process and let actions speak louder than words.’’ Busch’s return was also cleared by Chevrolet, which had suspended its relationship with Busch. SHR is a Chevrolet team. The new Chase for the Sprint Cup championship format introduced last season gives drivers an automatic berth into the 16-driver field with a victory during the regular season. But, a driver must be ranked inside the top 30 in points to use that automatic berth. Busch currently has no points in the No. 41 Chevrolet, a car Haas pays for out of pocket specifically for Busch. It was Haas who gave Busch the opportunity to resurrect his career as one of the most talented drivers in NASCAR. The 36-year-old has a history

of blowups on and off the track that date back to his rookie season. He was suspended in 2012 by NASCAR for threatening a reporter, and parked for the final two races of the 2005 season by Roush-Fenway Racing after he was pulled over by police in Arizona. Haas, wanting a driver who could take his machine tool manufacturing company to victory lane, offered Busch a ride in a new fourth car at SHR when Busch found himself driving for low-budget teams. Busch was fired at the end of 2011 by Roger Penske for a series of on- and off-track incidents, and he spent two seasons driving for low-budget teams before Haas extended the olive branch. Busch has 25 career wins, but only one since 2011. It came last year, his first season with SHR, and qualified him for the Chase.

a son, David Witt (Rhonda) of Manning; two granddaughters, Tiffani Witt of Vermont and Hope Witt Mathis (Chris) of Manning; a grandson, David Louis Witt Jr. of Manning; and a special cousin, Miriam Burgess of Kingstree. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Midway Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Mike Lowder officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jamie Burgess, Kyle Welch, James Reardon, Jonathan Reardon, Adam Lee and Michael Ramirez. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 633 Robson St., Manning. Memorials may be made to Midway Presbyterian Church, c/o Wendell Robinson, 1215 Evans Road, New Zion, SC 29111. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org

daughter-in-law, Kimberly Daves Ashley; siblings, Cathy Clark Hilbert, Eddie Clark, Wendy Clark Chapman and Linda Clark Johnson; and stepfather, Warren Vining. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Megan and Jacob McDaniel and Ellis, Piersen and Emmersen Ashley. She was affectionately known as “Squaw” to many of her friends. She was loved for her caring nature and sense of humor. The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home. Please join her family as they celebrate her life. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements. www.ecsfuneralhome.com

Rosa Cunningham. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 184 Lake Ashwood Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Kenneth Carter, pastor, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. McKinley Washington, the Rev. Archie Temoney and the Rev. Darren P. Dixon. The family is receiving family and friends at the home of her daughter, Tamika Aaron, 50 Wilder St., Sumter. The remains will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. The procession will leave at 1:20 p.m. from the home of her daughter. Floral bearers will be nieces and friends. Pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Burial will be in Broad Branch Cemetery, Bishopville. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com. Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

in the church at 1:30 p.m. for viewing until the hour of service. The procession will leave at 2 p.m. from the home. Floral bearers and pallbearers will be family and friends. Burial will be in Hopewell Baptist Churchyard cemetery. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web. Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

OBITUARIES JOYCE ANN D. BAZMORE Joyce Ann Dwyer Bazmore, wife of Timothy Bazmore, was born on Aug. 6, 1965, in Clarendon County, a daughter of Betty C. Dwyer. She departed this life on Monday, March 9, 2015, at Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia. Joyce was eduBAZMORE cated in the public schools of Sumter County. She was a graduate of Morris College and later received her master’s from Lesley University. Joyce was employed with both Richland School District 1 and Sumter School District as a technology specialist and at Turbeville Correctional Institution as a correctional officer. Joyce was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She loved reading, working with technology, watching football and laughing. She was a faithful member of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. Joyce’s favorite scripture was Romans 8:28, and her favorite song was “When I Get Home.” She leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Betty C. Dwyer of the home; two children, Dontae (Sharease) Dwyer of Sumter and Crystal (Trayrene) Lloyd of Orangeburg; three brothers, Hallie (Teresa) Dwyer of Quincy, Florida, Leroy Dwyer of Pinewood and Toney Dwyer of Sumter; two sisters, Loretta (Willie) Shaw of Columbia and Gail (Lee) Wilson of Sumter; three aunts, Mary Ann Green and Wilbur Davis, both of Sumter, and Annie Mae James of Burlington, North Carolina; and a host of other relatives and friends. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Mrs. Bazmore will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. on Friday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., Sumter, with Pastor Marion H. Newton officiating. Interment will follow in Mayesville Community Cemetery, Mayesville. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 214 Brown St., Sumter, SC 29150. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary. net.

MARGARET R. WITT MANNING — Margaret Roshelle Smith Witt, 72, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, with her family by her side. Born on Oct. 7, 1942, in New Zion, she was a daughter of the late Eady David Smith WITT and Margaret Loree Reardon Smith. She was a retired school teacher for Manning High School and a member of Midway Presbyterian Church. She is survived by a daughter, Sandra Witt of Manning;

ALPHONSO LAWS NORFOLK, Va. — Alphonso “Tommy” Laws was born on Dec. 26, 1955, in Florence County, to Mary Lewis and the late Frazier Laws Sr. He transitioned on Feb. 27, 2015, at his home in Chesapeake, Virginia. Tom grew up in Lynchburg and was a 1975 graduate of Mayewood High School in Sumter. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Christine Laws; mother, Mary J. Laws, formally of Lynchburg; sisters, brothers and a host of family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at St. John United Methodist Church, 4640 Narrow Paved Road, Lynchburg. The family will receive guests on Friday at 4740 Trinity Road, Lynchburg. Condolences may be offered at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.

IVY WHEELER HEMINGWAY — Funeral services for Ivy Wheeler will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Goodwill Presbyterian Church USA in Mayesville. Burial will follow in the Wheeler Family Cemetery in Gable. Mr. Wheeler died on Friday, March 6, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Bartell Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charges of these arrangements. The family is receiving friends at the home of his sister, Sarah D. Wheeler, 3420 Farmington Road, Gable.

GILDA ASHLEY Gilda Denise Clark Ashley, 61, wife of Jimmy Ashley, died on Monday, March 9, 2015, at Agape Hospice House in Columbia. Denise is now reunited with her parents, Martin Clark and Juanita Clark Vining; and her oldest son, Bobby “Catfish” McDaniel. Left to cherish loving memories of her life are her husband of 38 years; sons, Bradley McDaniel, Timothy Ashley, Jonathan Ashley and

JEANETTE R. MEDOWS Jeanette R. Medows, 80, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Richard Shaw and the late Kenneth and Edmonia Garner McNeil. The family will receive friends at the home, 943 Bailey St., Sumter. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc. of Sumter.

NAOMI R. AARON Naomi Reames Aaron, 68, departed this earthly life on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. Born on Nov. 5, 1946, in Lee County, she was a daughter of Williemae Capers Reames and the late Britton Reames Sr. She was married to James Aaron Sr. She was educated in the public schools of Lee County. Naomi moved to New York at an early age, where her career began as a beautician. In 1979, she relocated to South Carolina and continued her career at Star Barber Shop, Sumter. Naomi later took a turn in her career and decided she wanted to open a restaurant since cooking was her passion. She was known in her community for spreading love and helping the sick and elderly. Left to cherish her precious memories are her mother, Willie Mae Capers Reames of Bishopville; three daughters, Vivian Reames Johnson of Bishopville, Plezzett Aaron of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Timaka Aaron of Sumter; four sisters, Lorine Aaron, Evelyn (Levi) Reames and Carolyn Reames of Bishopville and Betty (Lucious) Fortune of Mayesville; two brothers, James (Shirley) Reames and Hosea (Carrie) Pearson of Bishopville; one adopted daughter, Millie Reames Dixon; one adopted sister, Mamie Lee Small; eight grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tabith Aaron; three brothers, Britton, Joseph and Toney Reames; and two adopted sisters, Elouse Copeland and

LEVI W. DAWSON Levi W. “Brother” Dawson, 72, departed this life on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at his earthly home. Born on April 14, 1942, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Leget and Rebecca Waiters Dawson. He received his education in the public schools of Sumter County. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and joined Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member until his passing. He was employed by the former Sumter School District 2 as a school bus maintenance worker and retired after 30 years of dedicated service. On September 23, 1967, he was joined in holy matrimony to Carrie Dinkins Dawson. Precious memories will be cherished by his devoted wife of 47 years, Carrie Dinkins Dawson of the home; a son, Jerry (Cindy) Livingston of Sumter; a stepdaughter, Jean A. Kirven of New York; two brothers, Timothy (Cleo) Dawson and Silas J. (Doris) Dawson of Dalzell; four sisters, Virginia Richardson and Earline Crocket of Newark, New Jersey, Lillie Mae Edwards of Baltimore, Maryland, and Bernice (Edward) Williams of Steelton, Pennsylvania; one aunt, Beronest Dawson of Jacksonville, Florida; a sister-in-law, Sally Savage of Sumter; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Janie McMiller; and two brothers, Marion and George Dawson. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday at Hopewell Baptist Church, 3285 Peach Orchard Road, Dalzell, with Pastor Richard Addison officiating, eulogist. The family is receiving family and friends at the home, 5859 Catchall Road, Dalzell. The remains will be placed

WAYNE BELL Wayne Bell, 44, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Born on Nov. 10, 1970, in Clarendon County, he was a son of William and Geneva Conyers Bell. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home of his mother, 9314 Paxville Highway, Manning. Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

RUBY BROWN Ruby Marie Kyzer Hornsby Brown, 95, widow of Boykin Lewis Hornsby Sr. and Leon Marion Brown, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at the home of her granddaughter in Manning. Born in Lexington County, she was a daughter of the late Paul F. and Lila Rickard Kyzer. She was a member of St. John United Methodist Church and retired from Alderman Drug Co. Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Nancy H. Hornsby of Sumter; three grandchildren, Elizabeth “Betsy” Hornsby Brown (Stan) of Manning, Rhonda Hornsby Molina of Sumter and Boykin Lewis Hornsby III of Flower Mound, Texas; four great-grandchildren, Brittany Molina Baker (Dustin), Alexis Sonny Hornsby, Blake Lewis Hornsby and Cameron Alexander Molina; and a great-great-grandchild, Harley Jayde Baker. She was preceded in death by her son, Boykin Lewis “Sonny” Hornsby Jr.; sisters, Lillie Idelle Price, Cleo K. Smith, Thelma K. Smith and Isabell Kyzer; and brothers, Lonnie Carl Kyzer, Julian Cromer Kyzer and Leon Paul Kyzer. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Bob Huggins officiating. Burial will be in Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home of Rhonda Molina, 961 Rockdale Blvd. Memorials may be made to St. John United Methodist Church, 136 Poinsett Drive, Sumter, SC 29150; the Alzheimer’s Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd., Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621; or to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements. www.ecsfuneralhome.com

COMICS

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Dad’s choice of movies is inappropriate for kids DEAR ABBY — Recently, my father has begun to watch films with graphic sexual scenes when he gets home from Dear Abby work. When I ask him to ABIGAIL please watch VAN BUREN them on his own time, when my three younger siblings aren’t in the house, he tells me that because he pays the bills he has the right to do what he wants. Abby, not only do these graphic movies make me uncomfortable, I’m worried my siblings will begin asking questions. Uncomfortable in Oregon DEAR UNCOMFORTABLE — If there are adult relatives who

THE SUMTER ITEM

can convince your dad that what he’s doing is unwise — an aunt, uncle, grandparent — talk to them about what’s going on right away. If there aren’t, then a trusted teacher or counselor at school should be informed because what your father is doing is extremely inappropriate. Exposing children to graphic images can give them unrealistic expectations about what sex is really all about. DEAR ABBY — My girlfriend and I have talked about becoming engaged. The subject of the wedding dress came up. She broke off a past engagement last year, and she has asked me whether it would be OK for her to use the dress she chose for the wedding that didn’t happen. She says only her mother and the seamstress have seen it. She doesn’t want

to be out $1,000 and says she does not associate the gown with her ex-fiance. I feel we should try to sell the dress, although it was tailored for her, and pick a new one. I don’t like the idea of looking back at the wedding photos and thinking the dress was meant for another man. Future husband in Southern California DEAR HUSBAND — Actually, the dress was meant for your fiancee and not another man. There are specialists who can redesign an existing wedding dress. However, because you have negative associations with this gown, offer to sweeten the pot by chipping in if she can’t get $1,000 for the one she has. I think the most “appropriate” thing on your wedding day should be that you are both comfortable, happy and, above all, in sync.

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 Atkins no-no 5 “__ bad idea” 9 Brothers Grimm creature 14 Old apple spray 15 Pinnacle 16 Painful turning point? 17 Elizabeth of “Lone Star” 18 Nothing 19 Experimental blast 20 Russian composer and piano virtuoso 23 Related compounds 24 Gap 28 Italian roads 29 CafŽ breakfast order 31 Birdbrain 33 Arrived just in time for 34 Reservoir creator 37 TV fantasy about three magical sisters 40 Delivery person? 41 Some Persians 43 Absolute ruler 45 Den piece 48 Arrival announcement 52 Deduce 53 Manned the helm 54 Annual sports event

that begins with Selection Sunday on 3/15 ... or, cryptically, a hint to the scrambled word found at the starts of 20-, 29-, 37- and 45-Across 57 Provide a spread for 60 Script “Q” feature 61 In the past 62 Scenic route, perhaps 63 Curvature 64 Stax Records genre 65 Sleep soundly? 66 Milk sources for some Tibetan cheese 67 Milk sources for some Greek cheese DOWN 1 Crop pants 2 Orioles’ div. 3 Venom 4 Hindu priest 5 Childhood home of Jesus 6 Makes the first move 7 Actress Hatcher 8 Nerve cell transmitter 9 Story you might find on MuggleNet.

com, briefly 10 Myrmecologist’s subject 11 ‘50s political nickname 12 Jekyll creator’s monogram 13 However 21 Doc 22 Resistance unit 25 Lions, Tigers or Bears 26 Fancy coif 27 Come off as 29 Personnel employee 30 Dough dispensers, for short 32 Dry riverbed 34 Pull with effort 35 Special something 36 Co. runners 38 Dorothy Parker’s “Excuse my

dust” and others 39 Like the Taj Mahal 42 Bagel topping 44 Precisely, after “on” 46 Town crier’s cry 47 JFK info 49 Prior to today, poetically 50 Save 51 Fords that never got going 53 Usually stained work garb 55 French Open surface 56 Bat mitzvah dance 57 “The Big Bang Theory” network 58 Author Rand 59 Seesaw need

CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

THE ITEM

803-774-1234

OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted Full-Time

MERCHANDISE

Home Improvements

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

H.L. Boone, Contractor: Remodel paint roofs gutters drywall blown ceilings ect. 773-9904

Land Clearing avail. includes: Digging ponds, excavation, and bulldozer work. Call T & N Septic Tank Co. at 803-481-2428 or 803-481-2421 Vinyl Siding, vinyl windows and seamless gutters by David Brown. 803-236-9296

Lawn Service Lifestyles Lawn Service New Year Clean-up Specials! Mil.-Sen. Disc.! Erik 968-8655 We Do It For Less Commercial & Residential lawn care. Removal of branches & leaves. Call 803-565-6693.

Legal Service

Septic tank pumping & services. Call Ray Tobias & Company (803) 340-1155.

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

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $2

Tree Service Call Carolina Tree Care today to speak to one of our ISA certified arborist. Free est. 1-800-411-1495.

EMPLOYMENT

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.

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.

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. 905-4242

Construction Laborer and Trackhoe Operator Apply at 1947 Idlewood Dr Pinewood, SC

Seeking Executive Director for non-profit organization. Responsibilities include but not limited to: *Leadership & Management *Fundraising & Communications *Strategic Planning & New Business *Policies & Procedures *Community Involvement *Financial background a must Only qualified need apply. Send resume and salary requirements to P-403 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

Help Wanted Full-Time The #1 Furniture Retail Company in the U.S. is seeking highly motivated individuals with outgoing personalities to join our Sales Team. Candidates must have a working knowledge of computers. They will be required to build sales volume by providing superior customer service and knowledge of product and finance options. This full time position is based on a flexible work schedule that includes evenings, Saturdays and some holidays. Offering unlimited income potential based on commission and bonuses. Guaranteed salary during training process. Send resume to 2850 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150.

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

For Sale or Trade

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net

Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

The County of Sumter Ordinance regulating licenses for County businesses states that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession within the limits of the County of Sumter, South Carolina is required to pay an annual license fee and obtain a business license.â&#x20AC;?

Musical Instruments

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The required license fee shall be paid for each business subject thereto according to the applicable rate classiďŹ cation on or before the 15th day of March each year.â&#x20AC;?

A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721

Attorney Timothy L. Griffith 803-607-9087, 360 W. Wesmark. Criminal, Family, Accident, Injury

YOUR AD HERE

We will be happy to change your ad if an error is made; however we are not responsible for errors after the first run day. We shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the printing or omission of an advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, refuse or cancel any ad at any time.

Septic Tank Cleaning

BUSINESS SERVICES

Professional Remodelers Home maintenance, ceramic tile, roofing, siding & windows doors, etc. Lic. & Ins. (Cell) 803-459-4773

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES 11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition. 9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition.

A 5% PENALTY WILL BE ASSESSED ON ALL LICENSE FEES WHICH ARE NOT PAID BY THE 15TH OF MARCH, AND AN ADDITIONAL 5% PENALTY WILL BE ASSESSED ON THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH THAT THE LICENSE FEE REMAINS UNPAID.

PETS & ANIMALS

If any license fee shall remain unpaid for sixty (60) days after its due date, the Business License Department shall issue an execution which shall constitute a lien upon the property of the licensee for the tax, penalties and costs of collection.â&#x20AC;?

Dogs German Shepherd Pups.3 M 1 F. Black/Tan, 2nd shots & wormed. 8 wks. $200. Call 803-406-0064.

COUNTY OF SUMTER BUSINESS LICENSES

1969 Kawai Console Piano w/bench. In working condition. 1 owner $450 778-2258

If you do not receive an application in the mail, please stop by our ofďŹ ce at 12 W. Liberty Street in the Liberty Center (the old Brody bldg) or give us a call at 774-1601. We will be available to assist you with your application or answer any questions you might have.

BID NOTICE Sumter County Airport Site Work for Airport Hangar Project Sumter, South Carolina 29150

I Found it in the

CLASSIFIEDS

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.

JOBS HOMES APARTMENTS CARS BOATS MOTORCYCLES BIKES FURNITURE PETS GARAGE SALES & MORE

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 bidderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

GET THE CLASSIFIEDS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR. 803-774-1258

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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proposalâ&#x20AC;? 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/offerorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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).

/ .BHOPMJB 4USFFU t 4VNUFS 4$ XXX UIFJUFN DPN

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 bidderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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THE ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

WHERE $1.00 CAN BUY YOU A SUIT!

MARCH INTO MAYO’S

Choose ONE suit at our REGULAR PRICE Get SECOND suit of equal or less value for ONLY $1.00! If your suits aren’t becoming to you, It’s a good time to be coming to Mayo’s!

Wesmark Plaza • 773-2262 • Mon-Sat 10-7 • www.MayosDiscountSuits.com Help Wanted Part-Time

Mobile Home Rentals

Land & Lots for Sale

$$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

4BR/2BA in Paxville, Living Rm, Dinning Rm, Family Rm, eat in kitchen, central A-C, 980-215-3260 or 704-900-7041

Land For Sale

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lee County

In Memory

Resort Rentals

+ 340A recreational land with

RN/LPN's- Full-Time, Part-Time,and PRN positions for 3p-11a Shifts and PRN positions for 7a-3p shifts. CNA's- Full-Time, Part-Time and PRN positions for 3p-11p and 11p-7a shifts. Please apply in person to NHC Health Care Sumter, 1018 N. Guignard Dr., Sumter, SC 29150 (EOE)

Ocean Lakes 2BR/2BA C/H/A Sleeps 8, near ocean. Call 803-773-2438

REAL ESTATE

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

Ortho Assistant needed for busy orthodontic practice. Dental exp. necessary. Please send resume to: Sumterorthoresume@yahoo.com

Work Wanted

Unfurnished Apartments Downtown apartments 1bd/1 bath $850, 2bd/2 bath $975, rent incl.water & electricity. 803-775-1204 Mon. Fri., 8 am - 5 pm.

Water front house & lot. 4bd/ 2 bath, front deck, boat house w/ track, c/h/a, most furniture can go w/ house .26 acres 1050 sq/ft. 1159 Lakeview Dr Manning SC, White Oak Creek in Wyboo Call 843-659-4332

Manufactured Housing Turn your Tax Refund into your dream home! Low credit score? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing.We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215 AND also visit our Face Book page (M & M Mobile Homes).

Mobile Home with Lots FSBO: 5 Br, 3 ba DW, 3.5 ac. Close to Lake Marion & public boat ramp. Call 803-460-0315 for more details.

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

1985 mobile home 14x 70, 2 bd/ 2 ba, c/h/a, appliances and lot. 1043 Dibert st. $14,000 cash. Call 469-6978

Country Living, 2 br, 1 ba, all appliances, $550 mo. + dep. Call 803-491-5042

Mobile Home Rentals 3 Br, 2 ba, appliances, C/H/A, $450 mo. + $450 dep. Call 803-495-2290. No pets.

_ +

Lake House 2 Bd/ 2 Ba deep water, dock, boat ramp, on Tawcaw Creek, $220,000 obo, call 803-928-6326

Unfurnished Homes

3 & 4 Br Mobile homes & houses, located in Manning & Sumter. No Sect. 8. Rent + dep. req. Call 803-460-6216.

Housekeeping Low rates, Good References . Some laundry. Call 803-565-9546

RENTALS

_ Sumter County

Homes for Sale

Land & Lots for Sale Multiple lots for sale: 803-773-8022 ask for Bruce.

Call

Minutes WALMART. Acre $4,900. Utilities! 713-870-0216. MIN SHAW AFB, 16 + acres. $1750 per acre paved rd. Water, elec. 888-774-5720

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

CONTRACTOR WANTED!

In Loving Memory

1.2 miles on Scape Ore Creek, $1,600/A

Trucking Opportunities

Medical Help Wanted

Autos For Sale

_ +

42A on Pinewood Rd, $2,000/A 69A on Pinewood Rd, $2,000/A 18A on Deschamps Rd, $2,000/A 2A on Deschamps Rd, $6,000/A 2A on Deschamps Rd, $6,000/A 23A on Cimmaron Rd, $2,500/A 38A on Hwy 441 near Shaw, $3,000/A

Ta'Kenya Demetress Smith 3/11/2005 - 3/14/2006 Gone but not forgotten. Love, Delmedtris (mom) & Ta'Kella (sister)

1347 Camden Hwy. 803-469-6758 Office 803-491-7180 Cell Rowland Alston

BID NOTICE

Specializing in ag, timber, and recreational property. Accepting listings for property.

Sumter County Airport Airport Hangar Project Sumter, South Carolina 29150

RECREATION

Boats / Motors 78 Baby Blue Galaxy I/O,4 cyl. Chevy engine. 18-foot. new floor, seats, cushions, & bimini top. CD player & marine speakers installed. Spare tire & trailer incl. Sold as complete package not separately. Asking $3,500 or Reasonable offer. Leave message at 983-0732.

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. 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.

PINEWOOD PANOLA & RIMINI If you have good, dependable transportation, a phone in your home, and a desire to earn extra income Call Harry Pringle at 774-1257 or Apply in Person at

Pick Up Your Copy Today!

Volume 7, No.

Sumter Locations 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC

CONTRACTOR WANTED! For Routes In The

WYBOO PLANTATION WHITE OAK II AREA.

Earn Extra Income If you have good dependable transportation and a phone in your home and a desire to supplement your income,

COME BY & APPLY AT

FRIDAY, FEBRU ARY

DeMaras Italian Restaurant Hwy 441 D & L Diner 441 back gate at Shaw Duncan Dogs 5641 Broad Street El Cheapo Gas Station Hwy 76 Across from Shaw Gamecock Bowling Lanes Broad Street Georgios 5500 Sycamore at 5000 area of Shaw Kwik Mart Hwy 441 McDonalds 76/441 at Shaw MRMA #441 Midlands Retirement Military Association Parkway Shell Station Hwy 441 at Shaw SHAW AAFES Gas Station & Shoppette SHAW Base Exchange SHAW Commissary Sumter Cut Rate Drug Store 32 S. Main Street TWO Main Entrances at Patton Hall 3rd Army YMCA Miller Road

Columbia Locations BI-LO 4711 Forest Drive at Fort Jackson Chic Fil A Forest Dr at Fort Jackson

9 ©SS 2015

ANCHORMAN SUSPENDED IRAQ WAR STOR Y DISCREPANC IES UNCOVERE BY STARS AND D STRIPE CREDIBILITY OF S CAST DOUBT ON WILLIAMS AND NBC

Courte sy of NBC Unive rsal

Brian Willia ms Maj. Tim T poses with Comman erpack d Sgt. from an “NB in a video screen grab C Nightly New broadcast s” report on Jan. 30 .

Grouchos Deli 47817 Forest Drive at Fort Jackson Kangaroo Express 5425 Forest Dr. at Fort Jackson McENTIRE Air National Guard Base Mr Bunkys Hwy76 Ponchos Restaurant 5400 Forest Dr at Fort Jackson Shell/Corner Pantry Forest Drive at Fort Jackson Wal-Mart 5240 Forest Drive at Fort Jackson

PUBLISHES EVERY THURSDAY ad deadline: EVERY FRIDAY AT 11AM FOR NEXT WEEK’S PUBLICATION

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

20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC or Call Harry at (803) 774-1257

13, 20

CONTACT YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL 803.774.1237