March 22, 2014

New year, new outlook Defending SCISA 3A state softball champion WH focuses on ’14 season B1 LOCAL: Workshops teach skills to

manage chronic conditions

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All aboard the tiger cruise

5 Sumter candidates officially on ballots One contested race locally; filing ends at noon March 30

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272

PHOTOS BY MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Commander of the USS Simpson Chris Follin, right, hugs his friend and brother-in-law Joey Duggan on Wednesday in Charleston before the tiger cruise. Jeff Booker, Duggan and family and friends of the ship’s crew were invited to sail to Mayport, Fla., on Wednesday. Booker scattered the ashes of his father, Navy veteran Robert David Booker, into the ocean during the trip.

Frigate crew’s family, friends from Sumter invited to sail to Florida on USS Simpson

SEE FILING, PAGE A3

Gas explosion sends man, 66, to burn center

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272

C

HARLESTON — Robert David Booker only served four years as a Navy seaman, but his time in the service left him with a deep appreciation for the water, a love he passed on to his son.

“He really loved the sea,” said Jeff Booker. “Something always had to do with the ocean. As children, we would vacation at the ocean. He used to say if we spent what we do on space on the ocean, there’s no telling what we would have found.”

When Seaman Booker passed away in 2007, his last wish was to be buried at sea. But his son kept his father’s ashes until this week, when the younger Booker learned his brother-in-law Joey Duggan was headed on a civilian cruise aboard a naval frigate.

“I asked Joey if he would take the ashes with him, and he said, ‘Why don’t you just go?’”

That was how the late sailor came to be scattered across the Atlantic waves Wednesday, when Booker, Duggan and other friends and family of the crew were invited aboard the USS Simpson by the frigate’s commander, Sumter native Chris Follin.

“It’s a high honor to be able to do this for someone who dedicated a portion of his life to serve his country,” Follin said in his quarters aboard the Simpson, where he welcomed the visitors before the frigate left port from Charleston on Wednesday. “This is something very special.”

Halfway through the filing period for November’s election, some candidates seem eager to head out on the campaign trail, while others are taking their time putting their names on the ballot.

Five Sumter candidates filed their papers with the county elecINSIDE tion commission MonTurn to page day, the first day proA3 for a list of spective officeholders those who could file for local, have so far state and federal officannounced es across South Carolicampaigns for na. All candidates November’s must file by noon on elections.

March 30 to receive a party nomination.

Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, is seeking re-election in State House District 67, as are Sumter County Council incumbents Artie Baker and Charles Edens, both Republicans, in council districts 2 and 4, respectively.

The only competitive race on Sumter

BY ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com (803) 774-1225 A Sumter man was rushed to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga., on Friday after an explosion left severe burns on his face.

According to reports, David Booth, 66, was working on an older truck at his residence on Stamey Livestock Road about 10:30 a.m. Thursday when gasoline ignited and exploded in his face. He suffered second-degree burns to the right side of his face, which prompted emergency workers to request a LifeNet airlift.

“Any time you have someone with severe burns to their face, so close to their airways, we go ahead and call in for an airlift,” said Capt. Joey Duggan of Sumter Fire Department. “You have to be sure their airways aren’t obstructed by the burns.”

Emergency workers responded within minutes of receiving the call, and the LifeNet helicopter arrived shortly thereafter, landing in a field adjacent to Booth’s property.

According to Tony Jumper, who was present at the time of the incident, Booth was attempting to start the vehicle by pouring gas into the truck’s carburetor.

When Jumper’s co-worker turned the key, a spark ignited the gas, sending flames and gasoline all over Booth and Jumper.

“It happened so quickly,” Jumper said.

Jeff Booker, above, carries his father’s ashes on board the USS Simpson on Wednesday morning in Charleston to be buried at sea.

Richard Follin, left, admires the USS Simpson, the ship his son, Chris, now commands.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

First Steps OKs tentative budget

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250

Join Girl Scouts at spring registration Any girl in kindergarten through 12th grade interested in joining Girl Scouts is invited to learn more at the Spring Troop Registration on Sunday.

The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the main branch of the Sumter County Library, 111 N. Harvin St. For more information, contact Mandy Kinlaw at (803) 840-6112 or mkinlaw@gsscmm.org.

Lee superintendent recognized by group The South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association recently selected Lee County School District’s Dr. Wanda Andrews as one of two outstanding superintendents of the year. The SCAAA gives the award each year to a superintendent who shows outstanding leadership and support of athletics on the local and state level.

Andrews, along with Lee County School District board members, recognized an exceptional student athlete during Monday’s board meeting at Lee Central High School. Kinard Lisbon received recognition for his participation with the football team while also playing other school sports, keeping up his GPA and singing in gospel choir.

Lisbon recently signed to play football at Newberry College.

The SCAAA presented the award to Andrews during an awards breakfast Wednesday at the Spring Conference for Athletics in Charleston.

Judge mulls Harrell’s investigation request COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s chief prosecutor used a state police investigation into an ethics complaint against House Speaker Bobby Harrell to try to intimidate the powerful Charleston Republican into supporting legislation that would create a public integrity unit, an employee of the speaker testified Friday.

During his own time on the stand, Attorney General Alan Wilson said he didn’t threaten Harrell and was only trying to get the bill passed.

The testimony came during a hearing connected to the State Grand Jury’s consideration of ethics allegations against Harrell.

Myrtle Beach eases military funeral rules MYRTLE BEACH — Myrtle Beach families whose loved ones were in the military will find it easier to give them 21gun salutes at military funerals.

The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports that city council has decided families no longer need to get special events permits to shoot rifles at funerals.

It’s illegal to fire a gun in the city, and getting a special events permit meant getting the item on the city council agenda and getting a council vote.

Sumter County First Steps’ Tuesday meeting was all about looking to the future.

The dozen or so board members unanimously approved a plan to reallocate $34,060 for a carry-forward fund and an initial budget spending plan of $403,110 based on the previous fiscal year, as state funding is still being authorized.

“Once we have the final numbers, we’ll adjust, and the executive board will vote,” said Chairman Walter “Sonny” Newman. “No big moves will be made without consulting the whole board.”

First Steps is a statewide, nonprofit organization that “leverages state, local and private resources to increase the quality of and number of children participating in developmentally appropriate pre-kindergarten programs in both the public and private sectors.” The goal is to increase the likelihood that all children will be ready for school once they enter 5-year-

old kindergarten, according to www.scfirststeps.org.

Newman also asked Executive Director Julia Nelson for an update on the board’s directive to hire a part-time assistant to begin training to manage the clerical functions of the office when she is on medical leave. Nelson said she had NELSON one woman lined up to start this week for $9 an hour and had talked to a second woman who might serve as backup.

“Everything will be in good hands,” she said. “If I’m not able to come back, it will be up to the board to hire someone for a full-time job.”

Nelson announced in December last year that polycystic kidney disease had left her kidneys functioning at only 10 percent, and she is in need of a transplant.

“We’ll do it if we have to, but we’re not planning on that,” Newman said.

As for the budget, Nelson said she hopes to work on a “more detailed resource plan.”

CARRY-FORWARD BREAKDOWN • $9,660 — Parents As Teachers recertification training • $6,200 — for OAE Instrument for hearing assessment • $14,700 — creative curriculum materials • $3,500 — laptop and software for First Steps office

BUDGET SPENDING PLAN SUMMARY BREAKDOWN • $31,268 — administrative functions • $62,966 — programmatic functions • $214,216 — Parents as Teachers program with Sumter School District • $13,456 — the Imagination Library program • $43,204 — for child care and professional development • $38,000 — for scholarship initiatives

“We’re supposed to be raising money locally,” she said.

“It’s a challenge we need to accept.”

At the Jan. 4 meeting, the board approached the idea of the First Steps office moving into Sumter School District’s annex at Patriot Hall. Should that occur, they will not have to pay rental fees for the office space, Nelson said, and that figure will then go toward in-kind service match.

The nonprofit is required to have at least 15 percent in-

kind donations, she said.

The board also unanimously approved a conflict of interest policy, an annual move. In short, it means a board member can participate in discussions but cannot vote on matters that might directly or indirectly benefit the board member or a board member’s relative, Nelson said. A new clause requires the organization to keep a roster of any family members associated with the nonprofit’s vendors as well.

Workshops teach skills to manage chronic conditions

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 Sumter will soon have a new program to help people with ongoing health concerns.

Phoenix Health Education and Wellness Center will begin offering free Better Choices, Better Health workshops on Monday. Also known as Self-Management Program, the information does not clash with, but enhances, existing programs and treatments, according to patienteducation.stanford.edu.

WANT TO GO? “Better WHAT: Better Choices, Better Choice, Health workshop Better WHEN: from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Health is supported WHERE: North HOPE Center, by grants 904 N. Main St. to increase COST: Free access and FYI: Call (803) 774-2085 or use, espevisit Phoenix Health cially to the Education and Wellness vulnerable Center, 455 Rast St. and the uninsured, to achieve health equality,” said Joseph Whiting, executive director of the center.

“I’ve talked to a lot people who have chronic conditions, (and) we saw a need in the community. As we get older, we often accept our conditions and discomforts as part of life.”

Supported by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, the program features two-and-a-half-hour sessions once a week for six weeks. Topics include managing symptoms, exercising safely, eating healthily, reading nutrition labels, using medication appropriately and communicating effectively with family and health care providers, among others, Whiting said. Besides the training, one of the two leaders has a chronic condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease or lung disease.

“The benefits in published clinical trials show the program can improve physical and psychological outcomes, quality of life and health outcomes,” Whiting

JADE REYNOLDS / THE SUMTER ITEM

Joseph Whiting, executive director of the Phoenix Health Education and Wellness Center, is offering free workshops to people with chronic conditions. He recently earned a master of science degree in health education from Kaplan University. said. “People often had more energy, increased confidence, decreased pain and fatigue and decreased anxiety and depression.”

The first meeting will be for introductions and registration. Although this is the kickoff, the plan is to have ongoing sessions, he said, and times can be adjusted by consensus of the group.

“I’m passionate about health and vibrancy,” Whiting said. “We don’t want them to rely only on their health care

provider. We want them to be more selfreliant. What can we do proactively to stem the tide of aging? If it means we need to seek resources to achieve it, let’s truly seize the day. Nothing about this is a diet or fad. It’s about self-management. How can we instill in them certain tools to manage their condition now?”

For more information, call (803) 7742085 or visit Phoenix Health Education and Wellness Center, 455 Rast St.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ARE YOU GOING ON VACATION? 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher Jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Braden Bunch Senior News Editor bbunch@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 Waverly Williams Sales Manager wwilliams@theitem.com (803) 774-1237

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LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

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Sumter native Chris Follin, above left, talks Wednesday to family and friends of crew members aboard the USS Simpson during the final leg of the ship’s trip home to Florida.

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

‘It’s a good thing this was able to happen. God works out plans for you.’

FRIGATE FROM PAGE A1 The burial ceremony was only one highlight of the “tiger cruise” aboard the Simpson as it sailed overnight between Charleston and the ship’s home port in Mayport, Fla., after a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean. It’s customary after a long mission for a ship to welcome aboard “tigers” — a sailor’s loved ones — for the final leg of the trip home. Family of the Simpson’s 240 crew members also got a chance to fire the ship’s battery and watch a movie on the flight deck before the frigate reached Florida.

JEFF BOOKER Describing being able to scatter the ashes of his father, Robert David Booker, into the ocean The two brothers-in-law — Duggan and Follin have been friends since the fourth grade — were joined on the cruise by the com-

mander’s father, Richard Follin.

“It’s hard to picture him going from building bonfires in my backyard with this one (motioning to Duggan) to here,” said the elder Follin, who served in the Navy himself in the ’60s and sent two other sons into the service.

The family’s service history has even entered the third generation.

Richard Follin was joined on the tiger cruise by his 15-year-old grandson Brandon, who has two older brothers already serving in the Navy.

“My brothers are coming back soon,” the teen said, “so I’ll probably go on one of these again.”

Inviting his family on board for the tiger cruise ended up being one of Follin’s last acts with the Simpson. He relinquishes his command on April 4 to take a posting at the Pentagon.

“I don’t have much time left, so I’m glad I was able to get to do this,” Cmdr. Follin said. “I’ve always stressed that the family is as important to the mission as the sailors.”

Part of that recognition of the role families play was allowing the son of an old sailor to make his dad’s last wish come true.

“It’s a good thing this was able to happen,” Booker said. “God works out plans for you.”

FILING FROM PAGE A1 ballots so far is in County Council District 6, where two Democrats have filed to replace retiring Council Chairman Larry Blanding.

Charlie Jones is a recording artist and songwriter originally from Tallahassee, Fla., who toured with gospel musicians until he settled in Sumter in 1985. Jimmy McCain is a Sumter native who worked in UPS management in Atlanta for 35 years. Before he left, he was one of the first students to integrate McLaurin Junior High School in 1966, and since he moved back to Sumter in 2007, he has served on the County Planning Commission and as president of the Westside Neighborhood Association.

Jones wants to focus his campaign on cutting taxes and bringing new business development into the district, which covers downtown Sumter south along U.S. 15 and U.S. 521.

“I want to see the southside get something as fancy as Broad Street, where they

have all the restaurants,” he said. “I want to see that kind of thing on Manning Avenue from the bridge almost out to Continental.”

For his part, McCain is running on a “One Sumter” slogan to serve the district’s city and county residents.

He plans to campaign for increasing school funding, improving infrastructure and reviving the area’s neighborhoods through a beautification drive.

“As president of the Westside Neighborhood Association, I’ve worked with codes enforcement to tear down 10 to 15 houses,” McCain said.

“I want that to be extended throughout Sumter County.”

Two offices had no candidates file by week’s end, House District 61 and Sumter County probate judge, although both Rep. David Weeks, D-Sumter, and Probate Judge Dale Atkinson previously announced plans to seek re-election.

In the area’s other House seats, Reps. Grady Brown,

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THE CANDIDATES These candidates have filed to run in November’s election. Filing closes at noon March 30.

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 5: Mick Mulvaney (R) Tom Adams (D) U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 6: Jim Clyburn (D) SOLICITOR CIRCUIT 3: Ernest “Chip” Finney III (D) S.C. HOUSE DISTRICT 50: Grady Brown (D) S.C. HOUSE DISTRICT 64: Willie Bethune (D) Robert L. Ridgeway III (D) Robert A. McFadden Sr. (R) S.C. HOUSE DISTRICT 67: Murrell Smith (R) S.C. HOUSE DISTRICT 70: Joe Neal (D)

D-Bishopville, and Joe Neal, D-Richland, are also running for another term. In Clarendon County, Dr. Robert Ridgeway will defend his House District 64 in a Demo-

SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL: Artie Baker (R-District 2) Charles Edens (R-District 4) Charlie Jones (D-District 6) James T. McCain (D-District 6) CLARENDON COUNTY COUNCIL: W.J. Frierson (D-District 2) Benton Blakely (D-District 3) CLARENDON COUNTY TREASURER: Matt Evans (D) LEE COUNTY COUNCIL: Gordon W. Eckley (D-District 4) Charles Arthur Beasley (D-District 6) Sheila Johnson Moses (D-District 7) LEE COUNTY TREASURER: H. Wayne Capell (D) LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD: Robert Don Bowman (D-District 4)

cratic primary against Willie Bethune, who filed Friday. The winner of that race will face Republican challenger Robert McFadden for the seat.

Statewide, neither of the main parties’ expected candidates for governor — Republican incumbent Nikki Haley and Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Camden — had filed by week’s end. In the Fifth Congressional District, Rep. Mick Mulvaney, R-S.C., will face Democratic challenger Tom Adams of Fort Mill, while Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., is still the only candidate in the Sixth District.

Ernest “Chip” Finney III has filed as a Democrat for another term as solicitor in the Third Judicial Circuit, which contains Sumter, Clarendon, Lee and Williamsburg counties.

Finney said he wants to focus on expanding the circuit’s drug court, which can move non-violent drug defendants from the criminal court system into pre-trial intervention, as well as speeding up the scheduling of court cases, especially in cases where the defendant is accused of multiple offenses. He is the only candidate to file so far in the solicitor’s race.

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STATE | NATION

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Black preschoolers more likely to face suspension WASHINGTON (AP) — Black students are more likely to be suspended from U.S. public schools — even as tiny preschoolers.

The racial disparities in American education, from access to high-level classes and experienced teachers to discipline, were highlighted in a report released Friday by the Education Department’s civil rights arm.

The suspensions — and disparities — begin at the earliest grades.

Black children represent about 18 percent of children in preschool programs in schools, but they make up almost half of the preschoolers suspended more than once, the report said. Six percent of the nation’s districts with preschools reported suspending at least one preschool child.

Advocates long have said get-tough suspension and arrest policies in schools have contributed to a “school-to-prison” pipeline that snags minority students, but much of the em-

Preschool suspensions Black students are suspended from preschool at a rate disproportionate to their numbers.

Percentage of preschool population

Percentage of suspensions

50 percent 40

43

42

30

29

28

25

20

18 10

4 0 White

Black/ Hispanic/ AfricanLatino American

1

Asian

2

1

1 0.1

4

3

American Native Two or Indian/ Hawaiian/ more Alaska Pacific races Native Islander

NOTE: Figures are for one-time, out-of-school suspensions. Numbers do not total 100 due to rounding.

SOURCE: Department of Education

phasis has been on middle school and high school policies. This was the first time the department reported

AP

data on preschool discipline.

Earlier this year, the Obama administration issued guidance encouraging

schools to abandon what it described as overly zealous discipline policies that send students to court instead of the principal’s office. But even before the announcement, school districts have been adjusting policies that disproportionately affect minority students.

Overall, the data show that black students of all ages are suspended and expelled at a rate that’s three times higher than that of white children.

Even as boys receive more than two-thirds of suspensions, black girls are suspended at higher rates than girls of any other race or most boys.

The data doesn’t explain why the disparities exist or why the students were suspended.

“It is clear that the United States has a great distance to go to meet our goal of providing opportunities for every student to succeed,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a statement.

“This critical report shows that racial disparities

Law lets police have sex with prostitutes

David Longstreet, father of 6-year-old Emma Longstreet, promotes Emma’s Law during a recent visit with The Sumter Item. The law would change the state’s DUI laws to require certain first-time offenders attach a breathalyzer to their car’s ignition system.

On Thursday, a legislative subcommittee approved the bill, which now moves on to the full committee. On Friday, the Longstreet family filed a lawsuit saying that two bars negligently over-served the man who drunkenly plowed his car into their minivan, killing Emma.

BY SAM EIFLING The Associated Press HONOLULU — Honolulu police officers are urging lawmakers to keep an exemption in state law that lets undercover officers have sex with prostitutes during investigations, but they won’t say how often — or even if — they use the provision.

The idea has shocked advocates and law enforcement experts in the sex trade, who note that many prostitutes have been forced into that line of work.

“I don’t know of any state or federal law that allows any law enforcement officer undercover to ... do what this law is allowing,” said Roger Young, a retired special agent who for more than 20 years worked sex crimes for the FBI from Las Vegas and who has trained vice squads across the country. “Once we agree on the price and the sex act, that’s all that you need.

That breaks the law.”

Honolulu police say they need the legal protection to catch lawbreakers in the act. Otherwise, they argue, prostitutes will insist on sex to identify undercover officers.

This year legislators moved to revamp Hawaii’s decades-old law against prostitution. They toughened penalties on pimps and those who use prostitutes.

They also proposed scrapping the sex exemption for officers on duty. The legislation was amended to restore that protection after police testimony.

Selling sex would remain a petty misdemeanor under the proposal.

During recent testimony, Honolulu police said the sex exemption protects investigations and should remain in place.

“The procedures and conduct of the undercover officers are regulated by department rules, which by nature have to be confidential,” Honolulu Police Maj. Jerry Inouye told the House Judiciary Committee. “Because if prostitution suspects, pimps and other people are privy to that information, they’re going to know exactly how far the undercover officer can and cannot go.”

They also assured lawmakers that internal policies and procedures are in place to prevent officers from taking advantage of it.

in school discipline policies are not only well documented among older students, but actually begin during preschool,” Attorney General Eric Holder said. “Every data point represents a life impacted and a future potentially diverted or derailed. This administration is moving aggressively to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline in order to ensure that all of our young people have equal educational opportunities.”

Nationally, 1 million children were served in public preschool programs, with about 60 percent of districts offering preschool during the 2011-12 school year, according to the data. The data show nearly 5,000 preschoolers were suspended once. At least 2,500 were suspended more than once.

Hispanic children made up nearly one-third of all preschoolers, but they made up 25 percent of the preschoolers suspended once and 20 percent of preschoolers suspended more than once.

BRADEN BUNCH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Family of DUI victim suing 2 S.C. bars COLUMBIA (AP) — The family of a South Carolina girl killed by a drunken driver filed a lawsuit Friday saying that two bars negligently over-served a man who drunkenly plowed his car into their minivan.

The lawsuit obtained by The Associated Press accuses the owners of Columbia nightspots The Big Ugly and The Loose Cockaboose of negligence in the death of 6-year-old Emma Longstreet.

The girl died New Year’s Day 2012 when her family’s minivan was struck by a drunken driver as they drove to church about 11 a.m. Several family members and another nearby driver were injured.

Billy Patrick Hutto Jr., 29, is serving 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to assault and felony DUI. The Longstreet family’s lawsuit quotes extensively from a Nov. 22, 2013, sworn statement in which Hutto detailed the drinks he was served until nearly 6 a.m. the day of the crash. When he was tested after the crash, authorities said Hutto’s blood alcohol content was nearly three

times the legal limit for driving, even hours after he said he last drank alcohol.

According to state police records, Hutto was first arrested for DUI in 2009.

The bar owners didn’t immediately return messages Friday seeking comment.

According to his affidavit, Hutto started drinking at 10:40 p.m. New Year’s Eve 2011, partaking in liquor, champagne and beer heavily throughout the night. Hutto described servers pushing alcohol on him and others, saying they needed to “get rid of this stuff.”

The bar where Hutto started his evening is mentioned in the lawsuit but not named as a defendant. Walking to a second bar, The Big Ugly, Hutto said he remembered having two beers there before getting in his car about 3 a.m. to drive to a third bar.

At that last bar, The Loose Cockaboose, Hutto said he understood the bar had actually already closed but then opened for after-hours customers. There, Hutto said, he had at least three more drinks before going with friends, who

drove his car, to sleep for a few hours.

“At this point I could barely stand and was exhausted,” Hutto said.

After sleeping for a few hours, Hutto said he woke up and wanted to get home to get ready for church. Because of his “severe intoxication,” Hutto said he didn’t realize he was speeding and didn’t see the red traffic light that he ran before colliding with the Longstreets’ van.

“My actions and those of the various bars in continuing the serve me after I was plainly drunk and out of control, resulted in my crushing a 6-year-old child on her way to church,” Hutto said. “If someone had cut me off, refused to serve me in such an intoxicated state or refused to serve me after the bar had closed, it would have made a difference.”

The lawsuit accuses the bars of negligence for serving a patron they should have known was intoxicated and of operating after hours. The family seeks unspecified damages to pay for ongoing medical expenses, as well as consideration for emotional pain and suffering.

WORLD

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A woman reads messages for passengers aboard a missing Malaysia Airlines plane at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday.

Families, friends share stories of those aboard missing jet

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS There were 12 crew members and 227 passengers on the Malaysia Airlines jet that disappeared about 40 minutes into a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8.

They were from far-flung parts of the world: 14 nationalities that included New Zealanders, Iranians, Americans and Indonesians. Two-thirds of the passengers were from China. These are the stories of some of those on board.

EXPERIENCED CAPTAIN The flight’s pilot, Zaharie Ahmad Shah, 53, joined Malaysia Airlines in 1981 and had more than 18,000 hours of flight experience. People who knew Zaharie from his involvement in opposition political circles in Malaysia and other areas of his life described him as sociable, humble, caring and dedicated to his job.

His Facebook page showed an aviation enthusiast who built his own flight simulator at home and flew remote-controlled aircraft, posting pictures of his collection, which included a lightweight twinengine helicopter and an amphibious aircraft.

Born in northern Penang state, the captain and grandfather was an enthusiastic handyman and proud home cook.

COCKPIT CONTROVERSY Described by the imam of his local mosque as a “good boy� and by neighbors as pious, co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid was dubbed a playboy by foreign media after the revelation he and another pilot invited two women boarding their aircraft to sit in the cockpit for an international flight in 2011. During the journey, the pilots smoked and flirted, one of the women, South African Jonti Roos, said in an interview broadcast by Australia’s Nine Network.

Fariq, 27, was filmed recently by a crew from “CNN Busi-

ness Traveler,� and reporter Richard Quest described the experience as a perfect landing of a Boeing 777-200, the same model as the plane that vanished. An online tribute page to the pilots shows a photo of Fariq in the cockpit with Quest, both smiling.

DESTINATION NORTH KOREA Chemistry lecturer Kranti Shirsath was on her way to North Korea via Beijing to visit her husband, Prahlad, who was close to completing a three-year contract with nonprofit group Concern Worldwide. She was planning to help him pack for the move home to India, where she lived with the couple’s two sons in the western city of Pune.

During the past 17 years, the couple lived in many countries, including Afghanistan and Tajikistan, as Prahlad took assignments with different NGOs. But she stayed behind with the children when he took up the post in North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang.

Prahlad was among family members who traveled to Kuala Lumpur after hearing that the plane had gone missing. After spending four fruitless days in Kuala Lumpur, Prahlad has returned to Pune to be with his sons.

FETED CALLIGRAPHER Prize-winning calligrapher Meng Gaosheng, 64, was leading a delegation of two dozen artists to Malaysia for a threeday exhibition titled “The China Dream, An Ode to Colors.�

Meng’s works are among the collections on display in major tourist spots in Beijing such as Mao Zedong’s memorial hall and mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People.

In Kuala Lumpur, Meng spent most of his time with the artists at the exhibition.

According to Xu Lipu, an artist who was on the trip but took another flight back to China, Meng was a knowledgeable artist and was happy

to share his thoughts on artistic theory with the others.

Meng was always encouraging the other artists by praising them and their work, Xu said.

“Our faith isn’t that he’s going to come back home safe, even though that’s what we’re hoping for,� James Wood said. “Our faith is everything is going to be OK.�

RETIRED CIVIL SERVANT, PASSIONATE ARTIST

FIRST TRIP ABROAD

Wang Linshi, 69, worked for the Chinese government in the eastern city of Nanjing until he retired, but his passion was painting, in particular chickens and roosters, according to son Wang Zhen.

The elder Wang was traveling with Meng Gaosheng’s group. “I remember that when I was a child, my father raised chickens to watch how they behave in order to draw them,� Wang Zhen said.

Wang Linshi’s wife, Xiong Deming, 63, also traveled with the group. Wang Zhen described his mother as sweet and thoughtful, someone who was always looking out for him and was also kind to his new wife.

Maimaitijiang Abula, a 34-year-old art teacher from China’s far west Xinjiang region, home to China’s Turkicspeaking Uighur ethnic minority, was abroad for the first time and part of the group of painters and calligraphers in Malaysia for an exhibition.

Maimaitijiang was overjoyed by the accolades he received in Malaysia: He won an award, was interviewed by a Malaysian TV station and had one of his paintings curated by a gallery, a friend said.

Friend Aiyin Abudu said Maimaitijiang began drawing at age 6 and wishes that “the whole world can know about Xinjiang through his works.�

LAST WORK TRIP TO CHINA

NEW JOB IN MONGOLIA

Philip Wood’s family saw him in Texas before what was meant to be his last work trip to China as an executive for IBM. The 50-year-old Wood had recently earned his certification for scuba diving, one of the ways in which he satisfied his craving for adventure.

Wood’s family continues to track the twists and turns of the investigation at home in Keller, Texas, a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth. His youngest brother, James, said on Monday that the family continues to pray, though they are realistic about Philip’s chances.

Paul Weeks, a 39-year-old mechanical engineer and New Zealand national, was on his way to a new job in Mongolia.

He planned to return as often as possible to his home in the western Australia city of Perth, where he left his wife and two young sons.

Before he left, he handed his wedding ring and watch to his wife, Danica, for safekeeping, and told her to pass it down to his two sons, 3-year-old Lincoln and 11-month-old Jack, should anything happen to him.

Danica Weeks said Tuesday

that she was “surviving� but was too upset to say anything further.

AVIATION ENGINEER Mohamad Khairul Amri Selamat, 29, an aviation engineer with a private jet charter company and father of a 15-month-old daughter, was traveling to Beijing for work.

His presence on the flight has drawn scrutiny after Malaysian authorities said they thought the plane’s course change and the severing of automated communications were deliberate.

Mohamed Khairul had recently moved into a new house in a suburb outside Kuala Lumpur, and his family was planning to visit him this month when he returned from Beijing, said his father, Selamat Omar.

ALWAYS CALLED TWICE Chandrika Sharma always called her mother twice before traveling.

The first call is to tell her about the trip and to ask if she needed anything. The second call is to say she was at the airport and getting ready to fly.

She is married with a daughter, a university student studying in the Indian capital.

Chandrika’s husband, K.S. Narendran, a management consultant in Chennai, puzzled over how the plane could have simply vanished. “One is left with a creeping suspicion that there is more to it than what is being shared.

And if that is the case, whose interests are being served?�

Leave your old tires with your tire retailer for recycling when you buy new ones.

You pay a $2 disposal fee for every new tire you purchase.

Tires also are accepted at any Sumter County Recycling Center as ZHOO DV WKH 6XPWHU &RXQW\ /DQGÀOO $OWKRXJK WKH &LW\ RI 6XPWHU provides a comprehensive and convenient curbside recycling SURJUDP IRU UHVLGHQWV 7,5(6 $5( 127 $&&(37(' LQ WKLV SURJUDP Items $&&(37(' LQ WKH &LW\ RI 6XPWHU¡V FXUEVLGH UHF\FOLQJ SURJUDP include: aluminum and steel cans; glass bottles and jars EURZQ FOHDU JUHHQ paper; plastic bottles, jars and jugs; and cardboard )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW UHF\FOLQJ LQ WKH &LW\ RI 6XPWHU FDOO 803-436-2558 or visit www.sumtersc.gov/recycling.aspx 3URYLGHG LQ SDUW WKURXJK IXQGV DQG RU VHUYLFHV IURP WKH 6 & 'HSDUWPHQW RI +HDOWK DQG (QYLURQPHQWDO &RQWURO¡V 2IÀFH RI 6ROLG :DVWH 5HGXFWLRQ DQG 5HF\FOLQJ '+(& &5

A6

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NATION

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

With health law, workers ponder the I-Quit option

BY CARLA K. JOHNSON AP Medical Writer CHICAGO — For uninsured people, the nation’s new health care law may offer an escape from worry about unexpected, astronomical medical bills. But for Stephanie Payne of St. Louis, who already had good insurance, the law could offer another kind of escape: the chance to quit her job.

At 62, Payne has worked for three decades as a nurse, most recently traveling house to house caring for 30 elderly and disabled patients. But she’s ready to leave that behind, including the job-based health benefits, to move to Oregon and promote her selfpublished book. She envisions herself blogging, doing radio interviews and speaking to seniors groups.

“I want the freedom to fit that into my day without squeezing it into my day,” she said.

One of the selling points of the new health care plan, which has a March 31 enrollment deadline, is that it breaks the link between affordable health insurance and having a job with benefits. Payne thinks she’ll be able to replace her current coverage with a $400- to $500-a-month plan on Oregon’s version of the new insurance exchange system set up under the law.

Federal experts think the new insurance option will be a powerful temptation for a lot of job-weary workers ready to bail out. Last month, congressional budget analysts estimated that within 10 years, the equivalent of 2.5 million full-time workers could be working less because of the expanded coverage.

But is the new option a gamble? That’s a matter of debate, not only among the politicians who are still arguing furiously about the law’s merits, but also among economists and industry experts.

“We don’t know what the future of exchange insurance will be,” said economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum, a center-right public policy institute. Premiums should remain stable if enrollment picks up and broadens to include younger, healthier people. But if older, sicker people are the vast majority of customers, prices eventually could spike.

For Mike Morucci, 50, the idea of leaving his in-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Stephanie Payne, seen Monday in St. Louis, plans to retire early from her nursing career and take advantage of health care coverage offered through the Affordable Care Act, allowing her to spend more time pursuing other interests while not being tied to employer-sponsored coverage. formation technology job and its health benefits is “terrifying,” he said.

But he decided to take the plunge after reviewing the range of coverage available at different price points. Tax credits will help those with moderate incomes pay their insurance premiums. And coverage is guaranteed, even for those with pre-existing conditions. Twenty-five states also agreed to expand their Medicaid programs, providing health care for more low-income people.

“It definitely freed up my thinking when I thought, ‘Do I want to give this a go?’” Morucci, of Ellicott City, Md. Morucci has been writing scripts at night and on weekends for four years and is on a team of writers for a web-based comedy series titled “Click!” launching this spring. Before giving notice at the job he had held for 18 years, he made a spreadsheet of health plans available on the Maryland exchange and found one for $650 a month to cover him and his 23-year-old daughter.

“I turned 50, so for me it’s time to focus on my passion instead of my paycheck,” he said.

The United States has been unique among industrialized nations in tying insurance and employment closely, said labor economist Craig Garthwaite of Northwestern University, who co-authored a frequently cited study on how the health law may break what’s known as “job lock.” Even in Germany and Japan, where insurance remains private, people who can’t afford it get public assistance and coverage is guaranteed.

Job lock “forces people to work at jobs that are not suited to their talents just to get benefits,” Garthwaite said. “Economists tend to think that’s a bad thing.”

In congressional testimony this month, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that “people will have some choices that they don’t have today” including farm families who “will have the choice of not having to have an off-farm job to get health insurance for the family.”

Am I stuck in my job’s costly health insurance plan?

BY CALVIN WOODWARD The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The new health care law helps some people, hurts others and confuses almost everyone. Hoping to simplify things a bit, The Associated Press asked its Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus followers for their real-life questions about the program and the problems they’re running into as the March 31 deadline approaches to sign up for coverage in new insurance markets.

Here are two of their questions and our answers:

CAN THEY FINE ME? “I’m currently unemployed and without health insurance.

How does this affect me at this time? ... I’ll be fined because I can’t afford coverage?”

— Cat Moncure, Harrisonburg, Va. As long as you don’t have income, the government doesn’t require you to get health coverage and won’t fine you. Specifically, if you don’t make enough money so that you have to file a federal tax form, you’re in the clear from the law’s insurance mandate. The tax-filing threshold is $10,000 for an individual, $20,000 for a family.

But let’s say you get a job this year and earn enough so that you have to file a 2014 tax form. Then you’ll have to do some math to see whether you have come under the requirement to get health insurance.

If the cheapest policy you can get costs more than 8 percent of your income, you still don’t need health insurance.

In that case, you’ll get an exemption from the coverage requirement when you file your taxes. If you make more than that, then you will need coverage or face an IRS penalty.

Of course, none of this helps you get health care if you need to see a doctor while you are jobless.

In some states, Medicaid is the answer because they’ve expanded the program to low-income adults without children, not just

families, children or certain disabled or elderly adults.

But Virginia did not expand its program. The new Virginia governor, Terry McAuliffe, has made Medicaid expansion a priority. But there’s no telling how long that might take or whether he’ll succeed.

It’s probably worthwhile to go to HealthCare.gov, click on “see plans before I apply” and follow the steps to find out what plans are available in your area, what they cost and what kind of subsidy you might get if you purchase one in that marketplace. You don’t lose anything by window shopping.

Whatever you do, know that if you get a job during 2014, your new income may require you to get insurance at that time. You’ll want to keep an eye on that, so you don’t find yourself facing a penalty when you file 2014 taxes.

TRAPPED IN WORKPLACE PLAN? “My insurance went up.

Now, I have no money left to actually afford the co-pays or the much-needed eyeglasses for my daughter. I think I’m what Obamacare considers the working poor. I work, therefore I don’t get free health care. Like everything

else offered to help struggling people, I make less than $200 over the minimum, so I get zilch.”

— Laura Carter, suburbs of Savannah, Ga. Her story: Carter supports an 18-year-old daughter and herself with a $27,000 salary from her job as a mitigation specialist and collector in Savannah, 45 minutes from her home. When her company changed insurers in October, her premiums for family coverage soared by about $150 a month, to $285.

People such as Carter, who feels stuck in a workplace plan she can’t afford, may qualify for subsidized coverage in the new insurance markets, called exchanges, under certain conditions.

The exchanges are mostly for people who do not get insurance at work. But they are also open to those who get workbased insurance that costs too much. The rule is this: If you are paying more than 9.5 percent of your income for your employer’s insurance, you should be able to switch to a plan in the exchange, and if your income is low enough, you should qualify for subsidized premiums in that plan.

It gets a bit more complicated when your work coverage extends to a family member. In Carter’s case, she has to ask

her employer how much insurance would cost her if only she were covered. If it’s more than 9.5 percent of her income, she meets the test. Then she and her daughter should be able to move to a plan in the exchange. Based on her income, she should be able to find considerably cheaper coverage there.

In a family with adult children under 26, it may also be worth seeing how much separate policies would cost for par-

ent and child, and whether the child might qualify for Medicaid coverage. These options are much more promising when the child is no longer a dependent on the parent’s taxes.

Also, Medicaid might only be an option in states that expanded the program. Georgia, for one, didn’t.

Under the law, children up to 26 can stay on their family’s coverage, so there’s no need to split it up if it doesn’t save money.

OBITUARIES

THE SUMTER ITEM

CHARLES NELSON LYNCHBURG — Funeral services for Charles Nelson will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Gethsemane Apostolic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery, directed by Bacote-Eaddy Funeral Home of Timmonsville.

He died Tuesday, March 18, 2014, in New NELSON York, N.Y. He was born in Lynchburg, a son of the late Walter Nelson and Mary Lue Jefferson.

He attended the public schools of Lee County and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School Class of 1968. He retired from New York Telephone after 33 years of service. After retiring, he fulfilled his lifelong dreams of owning his own business, “Mr. C’s” nightclub.

Survivors include a son, Charles Nelson Jr. of Lynchburg; two sisters, Natasha Nelson of Columbia and Destiny Nelson of Elizabeth, N.J.; his stepmother, Icysbell Nelson of Lynchburg; eight sisters; four brothers; four grandchildren; and two

great-grandchildren.

The family is receiving friends at 399 Church St., Lynchburg.

DAVID B. ENGLISH Sr. David B. English Sr., 74, husband of Evelena Floyd English, died Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at Sumter Valley Health and Rehabilitation.

He was a son of the late John Henry Sr. and Sarah Dawson English. He was educated in the public schools of ENGLISH Sumter County.

He was a member of High Hills Baptist Church. He was employed by Becker Sand and Gravel and other construction companies.

In addition to his parents, Mr. English was preceded in death by one sister, Rosa English Roach; and four brothers, Boyd, Sam, John Jr. and James.

Surviving are his loving wife, Evelena Floyd English of the home; two daughters, Renee English Durant (Maurice) of Hopkins and Gwendo-

lyn C. Floyd of Sumter; one son, David B. English Jr. (Brender) of McDonough, Ga.; four grandchildren; three brothers, Isaac English of Florence, Stephen English (Julia) of Columbia and Haskins English of Newark, N.J.; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today at High Hills Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, with the Rev. Ellie W. Palmer, pastor, and the Rev. Donald Amis officiating. Interment will follow in High Hills Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home, 6985 Evelyn Drive, Dalzell.

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

Please leave a condolence on their website found at palmermorialchapel.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

He was born Sept. 4, 1960, in Manning, a son of Rosa Ann Witherspoon Garrett and the late Willie Albert Dixon.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his mother, 9 Harvin St., Manning.

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

BETTY H. JOHNSON Betty Jean Hitchcock Johnson, age 84, beloved wife of the late Gordon Henry Johnson, died on Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter.

GREGORY A. WITHERSPOON Manning City Councilman Gregory A. Witherspoon, 53, died Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Agape Hospice House, 14 W. South St., Columbia.

L.W. MARSH BISHOPVILLE — Lawrence Woodrow “L.W.” Marsh, 76, husband of Mary Olene

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A7

Farmer Marsh, died Thursday, March 20, 2014, at KershawHealth Medical Center at Camden.

Born in Lee County, he was a son of the late Manes and Ella Croft Hall Marsh. He was a member of Mizpah Baptist Church and was a self-employed watch maker.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Janice Marsh Atkinson (Lavan) of Camden; two sons, Kirk Marsh (Tiffany) of Sumter and Chris Marsh of Florence; and two grandsons, Joshua Marsh and Evan Atkinson.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Mizpah Baptist Church with the Rev. Will Cline officiating.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday in the Mizpah Baptist Church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to the Mizpah Baptist Church Building Fund, 3659 Jamestown Road, Camden, SC 29020.

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

NATION

Early gain fades on Wall Street

Foreign adoptions decline sharply NEW YORK (AP) — The number of foreign children adopted by U.S. parents plunged by 18 percent last year to the lowest level since 1992, in part because of Russia’s ban on adoptions by Americans. Adoptions from South Korea and Ethiopia also dropped sharply.

Figures released Friday by the U.S. State Department for the 2013 fiscal year showed 7,094 adoptions from abroad, down from 8,668 in 2012 and down about 69 percent from the high of 22,884 in 2004. The number has dropped every year since then.

As usual, China accounted for the most children adopted in the U.S. But its total of 2,306 was far below the peak of 7,903 in 2005.

Ethiopia was second at 993, a marked decline from 1,568 adoptions in 2012. Ethiopian authorities have been trying to place more abandoned children with relatives or foster families and have intensified scrutiny of orphanages to ensure that children placed for adoption are not part of any improper scheme.

Russia had been No. 3 on the list in 2012, with 748 of its children adopted by Americans. But that number dropped to 250 for 2013, representing adoptions completed before Russia’s ban took effect.

The ban served as retaliation for a U.S. law targeting alleged Russian human-rights violators. It also reflected resentment regarding the 60,000 Russian children adopted by Americans in the past two decades, about 20 of whom died from abuse, neglect or other causes while in the care of their adoptive parents.

Moving into the No. 3 spot for 2013 was Ukraine, currently engaged in political conflict with Russia.

Ukraine accounted for 438 adoptions, followed by Haiti with 388, Congo with 313 and Uganda with 276.

Despite the relatively high num-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Renee Thomas holds Nikolai in 2009 at an orphanage in Kursk, Russia. Renee was featured on Russia’s top independent station a day before the opening of the Olympics in Sochi. She broke into tears as she explained her family’s determination to adopt Nikolai, their adopted son’s biological brother. At the time the Russian ban on adoptions by Americans was imposed in 2013, the family was trying to adopt Nikolai. bers of adoptions from the Congo, that African country has been the cause of heartache from some American families trying to adopt Congolese children. In several instances, U.S. parents have obtained court approval for adoptions and taken custody of the children, only to be denied exit permits that would enable them to bring the children to the United States. They face a choice of living in the Congo with their children or returning to the U.S. without them.

“It’s a terrible shame,” said Susan Jacobs, the State Department’s special adviser on children’s issues.

Along with Russia and Ethiopia, the biggest contributor to the oneyear drop was South Korea, which accounted for 627 U.S. adoptions in 2012 but only 138 last year. Jacobs said this decline was primarily because of new adoption procedures implemented by South Korea.

The last time there were fewer foreign adoptions to the U.S. was in

1992, when there were 6,472, and the downward trend has dismayed many advocates of international adoption.

Chuck Johnson, CEO of the National Council of Adoption, contended that the decline stems in part from the way the State Department has applied the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoption, which establishes ethical standards for international adoptions.

The U.S. entered into the agreement in 2008 with strong support from adoption advocates who hoped it would curtail fraud and corruption and then lead to a boom in legitimate adoptions. Instead, the decrease has continued.

“The U.S. has encouraged and in some cases strong-armed impoverished countries to sign the Hague Convention and then cites their inability to comply with strict Hague standards as a reason for not doing intercountry adoption with them,” Johnson said.

NEW YORK (AP) — An early surge on the stock market evaporated Friday, as health care stocks tugged major indexes down.

Biotech companies were especially hard hit after U.S. lawmakers questioned the pricing of a Hepatitis C drug made by Gilead Sciences.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 index raced past an all-time high in early trading, then lost steam in the afternoon. It still finished with a solid weekly gain, up 1.4 percent.

It might sound surprising that the stock market is trading near an alltime high with all the uncertainty surrounding China’s slowing growth and simmering tensions between Russia and the West. Last week, those concerns were credited with knocking the S&P 500 index down 1.9 percent, its worst weekly loss in nearly two months.

This week investors seemed to return their focus to the basics.

“There are always bad things going on in the world, but they don’t all matter to the ultimate direction of markets,” said Douglas Coté, chief market strategist at ING U.S. Investment Management. “The only thing that matters is the following: corporate earnings, manufacturing and the consumer. And they’ve all been solid.”

The S&P 500 slipped 5.61 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 1,866.40 Friday.

It traded as high as 1,882 earlier in the day, four points above its record high reached March 7.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 28.35 points, or 0.2 percent, to 16,302.70. The Nasdaq composite dropped 42.50 points, or 1 percent, to 4,276.79.

Health care stocks fell the most in the S&P 500 index. Gilead lost $3.46, or 5 percent, to $72.07. Biogen Idec fell $28.51, or 8 percent, to $318.53.

Nike fell after warning that a stronger U.S. dollar will dampen its results this quarter. Still, strong demand for its shoes and apparel ahead of the World Cup in June helped it beat analysts’ earnings expectations in the previous quarter, the company said late Thursday.

As military sex cases end, more calls for change to system FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — At nearly the same time Thursday, sexual assault cases against an Army general and a former Naval Academy football player came to a close, and neither produced a conviction on that charge.

Some members in Congress and advocates for women said the results were more proof the military justice system needs an overhaul.

On the other side of the debate, people say the system worked like it was supposed

to because, they say, neither case should have gone to trial in the first place.

Still, no one disagreed the military has a pervasive problem of sexual assaults within its ranks, and the cases served as a reminder that politics was never far away from any decision.

Eugene R. Fidell, who teaches military law at Yale, said military commanders who forged ahead with the trials were mindful of the political climate.

“They are aware, trust me

on this. They are aware the Senate will not confirm people to higher pay grade if they are believed to be soft on sexual offenses,” Fidell said.

Just last week, Congress debated ways to curb the assaults, and the Senate approved a measure to protect victims and bar the “good soldier defense” to ensure evidence alone determines a defendant’s fate, but the debate is far from over.

Sexual assault charges were at the center of both cases, but they were far from

the same.

In Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair’s case, he had a threeyear affair with a female captain who accused him of twice forcing her to perform oral sex on him.

The case started to crumble as Sinclair’s lawyers hammered away at the woman’s credibility and raised questions about whether Sinclair’s commander improperly pressed ahead with a trial because of political considerations — namely, a desire to show the Army’s resolve to

combat sexual misconduct.

Ultimately, Sinclair pleaded guilty to lesser charges of adultery and conducting inappropriate relationships with two others by asking them for nude pictures and exchanging sexually explicit email.

Despite facing more than 20 years in prison, he was spared any time behind bars Thursday and sentenced to a reprimand and a $20,000 fine — a punishment some members of Congress decried as shockingly light.

A8

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DAILY PLANNER

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

EXPLOSION FROM PAGE A1 “Most of my coat was on fire. I was so busy trying to put out my own flames that I didn’t even realize Booth was on fire, too.”

Thankfully, the actions of Jumper’s co-worker, Bruce Ridgeway, prevented even further damage.

“I ran over and rolled Mr. Booth in the dirt to put out the flames,” Ridgeway said. “It was all over him.”

Jumper said Booth was conscious and speaking be-

fore he was loaded into the helicopter and taken to the burn center.

Thomas Peña, a close friend of Booth, said the retired forestry commission worker is known for his kindness and civic efforts.

“He’s a good man,” Peña said. “He’s a dedicated Christian man who does a lot of service work around the community. He’s a great friend.”

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Mostly cloudy and warm

Clear to partly cloudy

Not as warm with spotty showers

Mostly cloudy and cool

Mostly cloudy with rain possible

Mostly sunny and cool

78°

52°

68° / 37°

58° / 37°

48° / 36°

50° / 35°

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 65%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 35%

Chance of rain: 0%

Winds: SW 7-14 mph

Winds: W 4-8 mph

Winds: WNW 6-12 mph

Winds: NE 8-16 mph

Winds: N 8-16 mph

Winds: NW 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 76/51 Spartanburg 76/50

Greenville 76/50

Columbia 79/52

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 78/52

Aiken 78/49

ON THE COAST

RAYTEVIA EVANS / THE SUMTER ITEM

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

NATION

Breakfast foods getting pricier NEW YORK (AP) — Breakfast is now being served with a side of sticker shock.

The price of bacon is surging, and the cost of other morning staples, such as coffee and orange juice, is set to rise because of global supply problems, from drought in Brazil to disease on U.S. pig farms.

And it’s not just the first meal of the day that’s being affected. The cost of meats, fish and eggs led the biggest increase in U.S. food prices in nearly 2½ years last month, according to government data.

An index that tracks those foods rose 1.2 percent in February and has climbed 4 percent during the last 12 months.

While overall inflation remains low, the increases in food prices are forcing shoppers to search out deals and cut back.

Denise Gauthier, 54, a screenwriter in North Hollywood, Calif., calls the rising prices “shocking and outrageous.” To cope, she has become more frugal, hunting for discounts and buying less food overall.

“I will look for things that are on sale and adjust my menu for that,” said Gunthier, who now stocks up on her favorite coffee when it goes on sale for $4.99.

Even though food companies use a range of cost-cutting methods to limit the effect of higher food costs, consumers will likely feel the “ripple effects” of rising commodity prices, according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, a trade organization for more than 300 food, beverage and consumer product companies.

Charleston 79/56

Today: Mainly cloudy with a brief shower or two. High 71 to 77.

Sunday: A couple of afternoon showers and a thunderstorm. High 70 to 77.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Today Hi/Lo/W 74/53/pc 39/20/pc 63/44/t 42/16/pc 78/63/t 65/53/sh 74/64/sh 62/34/sh 84/61/pc 65/35/pc 81/60/s 66/51/pc 71/41/pc

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

358.13 75.55 74.34 97.71

24-hr chg +0.10 -0.02 -0.04 -0.65

Sunrise 7:23 a.m.

Moonrise 12:41 a.m.

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

0.00" 3.18" 2.69" 8.97" 7.70" 10.11"

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

69° 40° 68° 42° 90° in 1982 26° in 1960

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

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 61/36/sh 32/20/pc 57/41/c 30/14/c 68/52/r 71/55/pc 73/51/r 45/24/pc 83/66/pc 47/28/pc 82/60/s 65/50/pc 49/29/c

Myrtle Beach 73/56

Manning 79/52

Today: Warm with variable clouds. Winds west-southwest 6-12 mph.

Sunday: Rain. Winds north-northeast becoming north 6-12 mph.

Members of Sumter Fire Department help get David Booth into a helicopter to be airlifted to Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga., after an accident Friday morning in the Dalzell area.

Florence 78/52

Bishopville 79/52

Sunset 7:35 p.m.

Moonset 11:19 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Mar. 23

Mar. 30

Apr. 7

Apr. 15

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 9.92 -0.11 19 6.20 -0.78 14 8.39 -0.54 14 5.70 -2.16 80 80.95 +0.52 24 10.92 -3.89

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Sun.

High 1:24 a.m.

1:42 p.m.

2:22 a.m.

2:43 p.m.

Ht. 3.1 2.7 3.1 2.7

Low 8:38 a.m.

8:40 p.m.

9:37 a.m.

9:42 p.m.

Ht. 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.1

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 70/44/c 77/51/pc 79/50/c 77/56/pc 67/52/sh 79/56/sh 76/50/c 76/52/c 79/52/c 78/52/c 76/47/c 78/52/c 78/53/c

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 47/28/r 64/35/r 71/38/sh 77/49/t 55/39/r 76/46/t 60/30/r 54/37/r 70/37/sh 67/35/r 52/29/r 64/34/r 62/35/r

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 78/52/c Gainesville 80/53/t Gastonia 78/52/c Goldsboro 79/50/pc Goose Creek 79/56/sh Greensboro 74/46/pc Greenville 76/50/c Hickory 73/47/c Hilton Head 71/58/sh Jacksonville, FL 79/55/t La Grange 75/53/pc Macon 78/53/pc Marietta 74/50/pc

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 69/34/sh 80/59/t 60/32/r 60/32/r 76/45/t 48/29/r 55/32/r 50/31/r 72/48/t 79/56/t 65/36/r 69/42/r 62/35/sh

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 72/49/c Mt. Pleasant 77/56/c Myrtle Beach 73/56/sh Orangeburg 78/52/c Port Royal 75/56/c Raleigh 78/48/pc Rock Hill 76/50/c Rockingham 78/51/c Savannah 78/55/c Spartanburg 76/50/c Summerville 73/56/c Wilmington 76/53/c Winston-Salem 73/46/pc

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 50/32/r 75/46/t 71/41/sh 73/40/sh 75/49/t 53/32/r 60/31/r 64/31/r 78/49/t 58/32/r 73/48/t 71/38/sh 49/28/r

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

LOTTERY NUMBERS The last word in astrology

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make EUGENIA LAST alterations to personal papers and research medical issues that concern you. The knowledge you pick up will help you make an important decision that is timesensitive.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Back away from organizations asking for money. Remember, a good investment is one that brings you solid and consistent returns. Use your intuition to guide you when dealing with persuasive individuals.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Spend time nurturing an important relationship. You can make positive changes to your personal life that will ensure greater security in the future. A promise you make and deliver on will be well received.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Try to look past the downside of a change that comes your way. Turn a negative into a positive and you will advance. A short trip will help you get past a disadvantage. A responsible decision will pay off.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do something you enjoy. Focus on fun, family and exploring new avenues.

Participating in activities that challenge you mentally and physically will boost your morale and enhance your personal life.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep information out in the open. The less you leave to chance, the better.

Focus on detail and doing a good job and you’ll avoid criticism. Take care of responsibilities and keep

moving.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Make time for entertainment and enjoying the things you love to do.

Shopping, having a spa day or just spending time with someone you love will be rejuvenating.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Focus on home improvements, creativity and trying something new. Sharing your thoughts will lead to interesting ideas that can help you parlay a skill or talent you have into a prosperous service.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your energetic approach to finding solutions and fixing whatever needs an adjustment will make you look good and encourage new friendships. Listen carefully to what’s offered and ask for a written copy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take a realistic look at your situation and consider what you can do to improve your relationships with peers, friends and family. Don’t feel the need to change your plans because someone else does.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Prepare to follow through with financial plans that will help you improve your lifestyle and standard of living. Focus on budget, investments and pending situations that can bring in cash.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put your current situation in perspective. You can’t move forward if you are surrounded by unfinished business. Don’t allow an emotional connection you have with someone to hold you hostage.

PALMETTO CASH 5 FRIDAY

POWERBALL WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS FRIDAY

8-10-13-19-33 PowerUp: 2

2-19-23-34-43 Powerball: 14; Powerplay: 2

Unavailable at press time

PICK 3 FRIDAY 0-0-6 and 6-9-1

PICK 4 FRIDAY 4-5-1-1 and 1-8-2-2

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC LOCATION: Barco de Avila, Spain SUBMITTED BY: Harry Burchstead COMMENT: “A rainbow made the already picturesque countryside outside the village of Barco de Avila, Spain, breathtaking.”

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

B

Kenseth edges Keselowski for Fontana pole

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

B4

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

MEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT: MIDWEST REGION

Mercer me! Bears stun Duke 78-71

BY JOEDY MCCREARY The Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. — Dunk City is long gone. Make way for the next bunch of bracket busters from the little-known Atlantic Sun Conference: Mercer.

The 8,300-student school from Macon, Ga., delivered the biggest shocker in an already topsy-turvy NCAA tournament on Friday, going into Duke’s backyard and knocking off the No. 3 seed Blue Devils 78-71.

“This,’’ Atlantic Sun player of the year Langston Hall said, “is what March Madness is all about.’’

The 14th-seeded Bears — with a starting lineup of five seniors — came back from five points down in the last 4:52 as Duke’s offense collapsed.

They sent home one of the true blue-blood programs, coached by Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski and starring

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Duke forward Jabari Parker (1) is defended by Mercer forward Daniel Coursey during the Bears’ 78-71 upset victory on Friday in Raleigh, N.C., in the second round of the NCAA tournament. freshman Jabari Parker, sure to be one of the top NBA picks this year. Mercer is coached

by former Oklahoma Baptist player Bob Hoffman, who has banged around the coaching

ranks from women’s teams to the American Basketball Association to the Rio Grande

Valley Vipers of the NBA Developmental League.

Jakob Gollon scored 20 points and Daniel Coursey scored 17, helping the Bears overcome a season-high 15 3-pointers from Duke.

Mercer qualified for its first NCAA tournament since 1985 by winning the Atlantic Sun conference championship over Florida Gulf Coast, nicknamed “Dunk City’’ for the team’s above-the-rim offense.

A year earlier, the Bears lost that game and watched FGCU advance to the Sweet 16.

“When they were going on their run, we were sitting at home thinking, `Man, that could have been us,’’’ Anthony White Jr. said.

Now it is.

Mercer scored 11 straight points during the late 20-5 run that clinched the biggest victory in school history and sent the Blue Devils to their second first-game exit in three

SEE MERCER, PAGE B3

PREP SOFTBALL

USC SUMTER BASEBALL

Don’t look back

Fire Ants face Lancers with Region X lead up for grabs

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS jdriggers@theitem.com University of South Carolina Sumter head baseball coach Tim Medlin jokingly wondered on Friday when the next weather front was scheduled to arrive.

It’s been that kind of year with six games already canceled, and Medlin knows the Fire Ants desperately need a full 4-game Region X series under their belts.

“It comes down to winning percentage,” Medlin said.

MEDLIN “And the concern is that if you stumble late in the season, you won’t have enough games to make up the difference.”

USCS has played just four Region X games thanks to inclement weather, but the Fire Ants have a golden opportunity this weekend to take control.

At 3-1, USC Sumter (17-3 overall) boasts a .750 winning percentage that places it second in the overall region standings behind the team it will face starting today — USC Lancaster. The Lancers (19-8) have a 5-1 mark in the region and a .833 winning percentage.

SEE FIRE ANTS, PAGE B4

CLEMSON BASEBALL

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Wilson Hall’s Danielle deHoll (2) and Haley Hawkins (7) are congratulated by head coach Teresa Alexander, left, after scoring during the SCISA 3A state championship series against Orangeburg Prep last year. Despite earning the school’s first fastpitch title last season, the Lady Barons aren’t focusing on defending their crown, just on a successful year.

Wilson Hall’s varsity softball team made history last season, winning the school its first fast-pitch SCISA 3A state title. While most teams would have their focus on defending the title, Wilson Hall head coach Teresa Alexander said her team is not taking that approach.

“I don’t have the same 12 people that I did last year trying to do the same thing,” Alexander said. “In no way, shape or form is (this season) about defending; it’s totally a new pursuit. One of the things we said from Day 1 is, ‘What have we done

in the year 2014 to be proud of ?’

And the answer is nothing.

“We’re trying to do something to be proud of in 2014,” she added. “We certainly don’t want to ever live in the past; we’ll celebrate the past and history, but we make sure we don’t compare ALEXANDER things to the past.”

The Lady Barons, who are 8-3 on the season after finishing second in the SCISA tournament at Patriot Park SportsPlex last weekend, graduated two players off last year’s squad, but re-

BY AARON BRENNER Post and Courier

turns six starters.

“We’re definitely a new team with a new goal and determined to do whatever we can to have the most success we can,” Alexander said.

WH has a dozen players on the team with three new eighth-graders. Junior Holly Scott returns to the mound and eighth-grader Drake Ives will do most of the catching. The rest of the infield are returning players in sophomore Haley Hawkins at first base, sophomore second baseman Betsy Cunningham, junior shortstop Hannah

CLEMSON — Five months of frustration were unleashed from the grandstand into the nighttime air, all because a not-so-anonymous visiting left fielder finally was less than flawless on Clemson’s campus.

Nearly half a year after Jameis Winston and Florida State torched Clemson on the biggest stage in college football, starter Daniel Gossett GOSSETT and the No. 13 Tigers’ baseball team exacted some small dose of revenge on the Seminoles, trouncing the nation’s second-ranked squad 9-3 to open a critical 3-game series Friday night at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

“Goose was good, he was in charge; I thought we swung the bats well, and we played good defense,” Clemson coach Jack Leggett said. “The combination of those three things allow you to play well

SEE WH, PAGE B4

SEE TIGERS, PAGE B2

Despite coming off first fast-pitch softball state crown, Lady Barons’ focus is on new season, not title defense

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com

Tigers top Winston, No. 2 Seminoles 9-3

B2

|

SPORTS

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

AREA ROUNDUP

LHS baseball routs Darlington Lakewood High School’s varsity baseball team defeated Darlington 17-7 on Friday at the Gators field.

Austin Griswold led the Gator offense with two hits.

Josh Whitley and Jay Tolson each went 1-for-2 in the victory.

Tolson also had a run batted in.

scored the lone goal for the Knights in a 7-1 Region VI-3A loss to Hartsville on Friday at the Knights field.

Ray scored on a penalty kick as CHS fell to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in region play.

SUMTER 7

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER

BLYTHEWOOD 2

LAKEWOOD 4

Sumter High School remained unbeaten on the season with a 7-2 victory over Blythewood on Thursday at Gamecock Field.

Jacob Watcher, Phillip Watcher and Charlie Barnes split time on the mound in the win for SHS, which improved to 6-0-1. Jacob Watcher started and pitched three scoreless innings. Phillip Watcher gave up two runs in two innings, but got the save. Barnes pitched two scoreless innings and got a save.

Jacob Watcher led the offense, going 3-for-4 with a double and three runs batted in. River Soles was 3-for-4 with two runs and Tee Dubose had a hit and a RBI.

THE KING’S ACADEMY 3 FLORENCE — Christian McDonald scored four goals to lead Lakewood to a 4-3 victory over The King’s Academy on Thursday at the TKA field.

Greg McLeod and Mick Thurman each had an assist for the Gators, who improved to 1-1 on the season.

FLORENCE CHRISTIAN 17 CLARENDON HALL 16

FLORENCE — Clarendon Hall fell to 2-4 on the season with a 17-16 loss to Florence Christian on Thursday at the Florence Christian field.

Tilton McRae led the Saints, who went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two runs batted in. Kee Evans was 3-for-5 with two runs and three RBI while Dustin Way was 2-for-3 with two runs and a RBI.

VARSITY SOCCER HARTSVILLE 7 CRESTWOOD 1 Crestwood’s Johnathan Ray

WILSON HALL 10 HARTSVILLE 0

HARTSVILLE — Wilson Hall improved to 3-2 on the season with a 10-0 victory over Hartsville Middle School on Friday at the Red Foxes field.

Andrew McCaffrey and Drew Reynolds each scored two goals to lead the JV Barons. Blake Alderson, Mills Herlong, Langston Cooper, Davis Kellogg, Luke Reuwer and James Munford scored a goal apiece. Herlong also had three assists.

Haley Roone McCaffrey, Taylor Heath, Cooper, Blake Richardson, James Munford and Noah Tavarez each had an assist.

WH’s next game is Tuesday against the Palmetto Athletic Club in Columbia at 4 p.m.

SUMTER 4 THOMAS SUMTER 0

Sumter improved to 4-1 on the season with a 4-0 shutout over Thomas Sumter Academy

on Friday at the SHS soccer field.

Blake Drown had two goals to lead SHS while Chase Hayes and Chris Reyes scored a goal apiece.

Cooper, Talyor Heath, Haley Roone McCaffrey, Blake Richardson, Munford and Noah Tavarez each had an assist.

Goalie Ryan Missildine had two saves.

The JV Gamecocks will host Camden on Monday at 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER HARTSVILLE 3 CRESTWOOD 2

Crestwood High School came up short in its Region VI-3A opener against Hartsville, losing 3-2 at the Knights field on Friday.

Shayanna Maynard scored a goal and Angelica Manzo had a goal and an assist for the Lady Knights. Crestwood goalie Kayla Rdesinski had 12 saves in the loss.

Crestwood’s next game will be Tuesday against Lake City.

ROBERT E. LEE 6 BISHOPVILLE — Liz Hussey struck out 15 batters as Laurence Manning Academy defeated Robert E. Lee Academy 14-6 on Thursday at the REL field.

Keeley Hulse led the LMA offense going 3-for-4 while Trinity Harrington and Olivia Coker both went 2-for-3. Carlie Tsukalas had two hits including a triple.

RAIDERS ACQUIRE QB SCHAUB FROM TEXANS

PHOENIX — Mirim Lee remained atop the JTBC Founders Cup leaderboard in her third LPGA Tour start.

Lee shot a 5-under 67 on Friday to take a 2-stroke advantage over 16-year-old Lydia Ko into the weekend at Desert Ridge’s Wildfire Golf Club.

Ko shot 66. Sun Young Yoo was third at 10 under after a 65.

FROM PAGE B1 against a good team.”

Winston didn’t even start; he entered the game in the fourth inning to replace Ben DeLuzio, who was injured after crashing into the wall going after Clemson catcher Garrett Boulware’s second home run of the season.

Haunted by the Heisman winner’s heroics for a day short of 22 weeks, 4,948 fans in attendance reserved their loudest cheers for any Winston-related plays benefitting the Tigers.

Those would be Winston’s inning-ending tapout in the sixth stranding two baserunners, plus a freaky coincidence: Clemson shortstop Tyler Krieger’s multiple RBI doubles to left which a diving Winston couldn’t haul in – one in the fifth and one in the eighth.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER GOLF CLASSIC

GOLFERS BIBLE STUDY

signing unrestricted free agent quarterback Joe Webb and cornerback Antoine Cason to one-year contracts and wide receiver Tiquan Underwood to a 2-year deal.

The moves come after the Panthers signed free agents safety Roman Harper and wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery earlier this week.

TIGERS

GOLF

LAURENCE MANNING 14

LEXINGTON, K.Y. – The University of Kentucky scored nine runs in the first two innings off former Sumter High and Sumter P-15’s standout Jordan Montgomery on the way to a 13-5, series-opening rout over top-ranked South Carolina on Friday at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

Montgomery, who suffered the loss and is now 3-2 on the year, allowed nine runs, seven earned, on 10 hits in two innings of work. He struck out two and walked a batter.

MONTGOMERY The Gamecocks, who fell to 18-2 overall and 2-2 in Southeastern Conference play, were led by Joey Pankake’s 2-for-4 night. Pankake had two runs scored and two runs batted in. Kyle Martin was also 2-for-4 with a run scored.

USC scored a pair of runs in the sixth and eight innings but the deficit proved to be too much to overcome.

The series continues today at 2 p.m. The game can be seen on Fox Sports South heard on 107.5 FM.

CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers are finally getting active in free agency.

The Panthers bolstered three areas of need on Friday,

A bass fishing tournament hosted by the Sumter chapter of Delta Waterfowl will be held on Saturday, May 3, at Pack’s Landing in Rimini.

The entry fee for the 2-man team tournament is $50 per boat and the fee to compete for the big fish is $10 per boat. Those who register by April 18 will receive a free barbecue chicken plate. Plates will be sold for $5 each on the day of the event.

Registration will be taken at Williams Sporting Goods on Broad Street, Dubose Bait & Tackle on U.S. Highway 15 South or online at Facebook/SumterChapterDeltaWaterfowl.

Registration will also be taken beginning at 4:30 a.m. on the day of the event with blast off set for safe light in the order of registration. Weigh-in will be at 3 p.m.

For more information, call (803) 464-9741 or (803) 720-4269.

B TEAM SOFTBALL

Wildcats rough up Montgomery, USC 13-5

PANTHERS SIGN QB WEBB, CB CASON, WR UNDERWOOD

FISHING BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT

The 19th Annual St. Francis Xavier Golf Classic will be held on Friday, May 9, at Sunset Country Club.

The tournament format will be a 4-man Captain’s Choice and there will be a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost is $65 per person and the minimum team handicap is 60.

The cost includes dinner as well. The cost for dinner for guests is $15.

For more information or to register, call St. Francis Xavier High School at (803) 7730210 or Steve Capanis at (803) 775-2676.

SPORTS ITEMS

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Matt Schaub and the Oakland Raiders are both hoping to put the mistakes of 2013 in the past.

The Raiders acquired Schaub from Houston on Friday for a sixth-round draft pick, giving the quarterback a second chance after he lost his starting job with the Texans last season.

Schaub was Houston’s starter from 2007 until last season, when he was benched in favor of Case Keenum after a terrible start to the year. The Texans went 2-14, which tied the worst record in franchise history.

AREA SCOREBOARD

SCOTT BUILDS A 7-SHOT LEAD AT BAY HILL

ORLANDO, Fla. — Adam Scott matched the lowest 36-hole score at the Arnold Palmer Invitational to take a record 7-shot lead into the weekend.

Scott ran off five birdies in an 8-hole stretch late in the second round Friday. Even with a 3-putt bogey on his last hole, Scott had a 4-under 68.

He was at 14-under 130, tying the 36-hole record at Bay Hill shared by Tom Watson and Andy Bean in 1981. His s-shot lead over J.B. Holmes, Chesson Hadley and Francesco Molinari shattered the mark for the largest lead at this event.

LEE LEADS FOUNDERS CUP

The Sumter chapter of the Christian Golfer’s Association holds a golfers Bible study each Tuesday at its offices at Crystal Lakes Golf Course.

The study begins at 8 a.m. and is followed by a round of golf.

SOFTBALL SPRING REGISTRATION

Registration for the Sumter County Recreation Department’s spring girls softball leagues for players between the ages of 13-18 runs through Friday.

A player’s age will be based on her age as of Dec. 31, 2013. The cost is $45 per player. A birth certificate is required if one is not on file at the recreation department.

For more information call the recreation department at (803) 436-2248 or visit the website at www.sumtercountysc.org.

NBA ROUNDUP

Pacers top Bulls 91-79 INDIANAPOLIS — Luis Scola had 19 points and Lance Stephenson finished with 15 to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 91-79 win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.

The Pacers (51-18), who took a 13-game lead on the Bulls (38-31) in the Central Division, went on a 19-0 run in the third quarter.

Carlos Boozer was called for a Flagrant 1 foul with 7:31 left in the third, Roy Hibbert made two free throws and Stephenson made a basket to give the Pacers a 63-45 lead.

DJ Augustin and Jimmy Butler each scored 17 points for the Bulls, who have lost two of their last three games.

The win also gives Indiana a 2-1 series lead over the Bulls. The Pacers will visit Chicago on Monday.

KNICKS 93 76ERS 92

SAUCIER, Miss. — Fred Couples shot a 6-under 66 to take a 2-shot lead after the first round of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic at Fallen Oak on Friday.

Jeff Maggert shot a 68 in his Champions Tour debut, joining Kenny Perry, David Frost, Jay Haas and last year’s tournament champion Michael Allen in second place.

PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers have fumbled their way toward the wrong kind of NBA history.

Amare Stoudemire had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Carmelo Anthony scored 21 and the New York Knicks won their eighth straight game, 93-92 over Philadelphia, sending the Sixers to their 23rd straight loss.

The Cleveland Cavaliers set the record of 26 consecutive losses in the 2010-11 season.

From staff, wire reports

From wire reports

COUPLES FIRES 6-UNDER 66, TAKES LEAD AT FALLEN OAK

Actually, there were three even bigger ovations bringing the audience to its feet, beginning with the conclusion of Clemson’s three-run fifth (with a string of five consecutive base hits.)

“Once you get used to the velocity, hopefully you’ve seen his offspeed deliveries and you’re paying attention to all your teammates hitting before,” said first baseman Shane Kennedy, “the second time around, you’ve gotta get it going.”

Then there was the sendoff for Gossett from the mound (7 1/3 innings for his second victory) and the game’s ending, shoving Clemson (14-7, 6-1 ACC) ahead of FSU (17-4, 5-2) into first place in the ACC Atlantic Division standings.

Winston did get FSU on the scoreboard with a single up the middle in the fifth, but that was all the Seminoles could muster against Gossett, who gave up one run on four

hits and four walks while striking out eight in outdueling FSU ace pitcher Luke Weaver.

“It’s just another game,” Gossett said. “I try to stay in that mindset, and not put extra pressure on myself by doing things I wouldn’t normally do.”

Of course, Winston was far more successful in his last visit to town on Oct. 19, as the quarterback for the eventual BCS national champions: 22for-34, 444 yards and four total touchdowns in FSU’s 51-14 romp at Death Valley over the eventual Orange Bowl champions.

While Winston was the Tigers’ top target in October, it was Weaver who served as Clemson’s prime opposition Friday. This time, the Tigers took care of business.

A preseason first-team AllAmerican, Weaver was tagged for a career-high 11 hits and six runs (all earned), tying the

second-highest total in his three years at FSU. Krieger drove in three runs, and was one of five different Tigers banged out two hits: Krieger, Kennedy, catcher Garrett Boulware, right fielder Steven Duggar and designated hitter Chris Okey.

Kennedy, the Tigers’ 2013 batting champ, is in his first week of action this season, returning from a torn ACL last fall. He admitted he’s not quite back to 100 percent, though he could get there by the postseason in June.

“There’s still elements I’m working towards,” Kennedy said. “I’m cleared to play, obviously, but I’m still working out kinks, I’m still getting stronger and faster and trying to get my game back.”

This was Clemson’s biggest win of the year, as the Tigers continue to shine brighter in ACC play than against nonconference opponents. Clemson has losses to Eastern Mich-

igan, Western Carolina and Georgia Southern, plus getting swept by South Carolina.

“We’re got over our little error ‘hiccup’ at the beginning of the year; now we’re playing fantastic defense,” Gossett said. Clemson has seven errors in its last nine games, after committing 17 miscues in its previous five outings.

“We’re hitting the ball fantastic, too. When you’ve got confidence in hitting, fielding, your starters and your bullpen, what else can you ask for?”

Florida State and Clemson will finish up with a doubleheader played today, due to the threat of inclement weather Sunday.

Tickets for Sunday’s previously-scheduled 2 p.m. start will be honored at 2 p.m. today, following by the regular game two starting at 6:30 p.m. Doug Kingsmore Stadium will be cleared in between games.

MEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT

THE SUMTER ITEM Tuesday

First Round

16 Cal Poly 81

11 Iowa 65

16 Mt. St. Mary’s 64

12 Xavier 59

March 18-19 Dayton, Ohio

16 Texas Southern 69

11 Tennessee 78

Orlando • Thurs.

San Diego • Fri. Buffalo • Thurs.

St. Louis • Fri.

1 Florida 67

Florida

Sweet 16

Sweet 16

March 27-28

March 27-28

Third Round March 22-23

March 20-21 1 Arizona 68

Arizona 16 Weber State 59

16 Albany (N.Y.) 55 Mar. 22

Elite Eight

Elite Eight

Pittsburgh

March 29-30

March 29-30

8 Colorado 48

Mar. 23

Gonzaga

9 Pittsburgh 77

8 Gonzaga 85 9 Oklahoma St. 77

Mar. 27

5 VCU (26-8)

Mar. 27

N. Dakota St.

7:27 p.m.

12 Steph.F. Austin

San Diego St.

April 5

SOUTH

6 Ohio State 59

Mar. 22

Arlington, Texas

9:57 p.m.

13 Tulsa

12 N. Dakota St. 80

Final Four

Mar. 23

4 UCLA

Anaheim, Calif.

Mar. 29

Mar. 29

4 San Diego St. 73 13 New Mexico St. 69

WEST

Memphis, Tenn.

Dayton

5 Oklahoma 75

6 Baylor 74 Baylor

11 Dayton 60

11 Nebraska 60 Mar. 23

Mar. 22

3 Syracuse 77

Creighton

Syracuse

3 Creighton 76 14 La-Lafayette 66

14 Western Mich. 53 Mar. 27

Stanford

National Championship

Mar. 23

April 7

7 New Mexico 53 10 Stanford 58 2 Kansas 80

Mar. 27

7 Oregon 87

Milwaukee • Thurs.

Oregon 10 BYU 68 Mar. 22

Wisconsin

Kansas

2 Wisconsin 75

15 Eastern Kent. 69

15 American 35

1 Virginia

1 Wichita State

St. Louis • Fri.

Raleigh • Fri.

March 22-23

7:10 p.m.

9:25 p.m.

16 Cal Poly

16 Coastal Car. Mar. 23

Mar. 23

8 Memphis

8 Kentucky 9:40 p.m.

6:55 p.m.

9 G. Washington

9 Kansas State Mar. 28

Harvard

St. Louis

Mar. 22

Mar. 22

5 St. Louis 83

Orlando • Thurs.

Mar. 28

5 Cincinnati 57

12 N.C. State 80

12 Harvard 61 4 Michigan St. 93

Louisville

Michigan St. 13 Delaware 78 6 North Carolina

EAST

MIDWEST

New York

Indianapolis Mar. 30

11 Providence

13 Manhattan 64 Tennessee Mar. 23

Mar. 23

3 Iowa State

Mercer

9:50 p.m.

14 N.C. Central

6 UMass 67 11 Tennessee 86 3 Duke 71 14 Mercer 78

Mar. 28

7 Texas 87 Texas

UConn 10 St. Joseph’s 81

10 Arizona St. 85

All times EDT Mar. 22

Mar. 22

Villanova

Michigan

15 Milwaukee 53

2 Michigan 57 15 Wofford 40 AP

Milwaukee • Thurs.

Mar. 28

7 UConn 89

2 Villanova 73

4 Louisville 71

Raleigh • Fri.

Mar. 30

7:20 p.m.

NCAA TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP

Wichita State moves to 35-0 ed Wildcats hope of a monumental upset.

The desert Wildcats tried to squash the dream quickly with two big second-half runs, but Weber State fought its way back from a 21-point deficit to make it close in the second half.

Arizona blocked 12 shots, held Weber State to 30 percent shooting and made 55 percent of its shots.

Davion Berry had 24 points to lead Weber State (19-12).

ST. LOUIS — Cleananthony Early had 23 points and unbeaten Wichita State faced no resistance from Cal Poly, going to 35-0 for the best start in NCAA history with a 64-37 rout of Cal Poly in the Midwest Region on Friday night.

The Shockers (35-0) dominated from the tip-off against the only team with a sub-.500 record in the tournament.

With the exception of Early, most of the glaring numbers were on defense. The losers managed 13 points in the first half and shot 21 percent.

Malik Love had nine points for Cal Poly (14-20). Chris Eversley, the Big West tourney MVP and coming off a 19-point game, was held to six points on 2-for-14 shooting.

Fred VanVleet had eight assists, Ron Baker had seven points and nine rebounds and Kadeem Coleby had four of the team’s six blocks in the Shockers’ 10th consecutive double-digit victory.

(3) CREIGHTON 76 (14) LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE 66

(11) TENNESSEE 86 (6) MASSACHUSETTS 67

Jarnell Stokes scored a career-high 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead Tennessee.

Jordan McRae added 21 points for the Volunteers (23-12), the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Regional. Tennessee had little trouble with the sixth-seeded Minutemen (24-9), shooting 54 percent from the field and handling UMass’ fullcourt pressure in a surprisingly one-sided performance that included another solid defensive showing.

Chaz Williams and Maxie Esho scored 12 points each for UMass in its first NCAA appearance since 1998.

EAST REGIONAL (6) NORTH CAROLINA 79 (11) PROVIDENCE 77 SAN ANTONIO — James Michael McAdoo sank two free throws in the final 3.5 seconds, and No. 6 seed North Carolina rallied to beat 11thseeded Providence.

Providence’s Bryce Cotton scored a career-high 36 points and made one dazzling shot after another down the stretch. But he also fumbled a long rebound in the final moments, robbing the Friars of a chance for a last-second miracle.

Marcus Paige led North Carolina (24-9) with 19 points.

(8) MEMPHIS 71 (9) GEORGE WASHINGTON 66

RALEIGH, N.C. — Michael Dixon Jr. scored 19 points and

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Wichita State forward Cleanthony Early (11) shoots as Cal Poly forward Brian Bennett (34) defends during the Shockers’ 64-37 victory on Friday in the second round of the NCAA tournament in St. Louis. hit four free throws in the final 10 seconds to help Memphis hold off George Washington.

Joe Jackson added 15 points for the eighth-seeded Tigers (24-9). They shot 49 percent, but struggled to put the ninth-seeded Colonials away until the final seconds.

Isaiah Armwood scored a season-high 21 points after playing the final 12 minutes with four fouls for ninth-seeded GW (24-9), which was just 2 of 12 from 3-point range.

SOUTH REGIONAL (10) STANFORD 58 (7) NEW MEXICO 53 ST. LOUIS — Chasson Randle scored 23 points and Stanford made an impression in its first NCAA appearance since 2008.

The 10th-seeded Cardinal (22-12) built an early 16-point lead then held on after No. 7 seed New Mexico rallied to tie it midway through the second half. They got four crucial free throws from reserve Robbie Lemons and Randle in the final half-minute after New Mexico had cut the deficit to two points.

Cameron Bairstow had 24 points and eight rebounds but the Lobos (27-7) got off-days

from their other top threats.

Kendall Williams and Alex Kirk, who together average 30 points, combined for just six.

(2) KANSAS 80 (15) EASTERN KENTUCKY 69

ST. LOUIS — Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points, Jamari Traylor and Perry Ellis had double-doubles and second-seeded Kansas pulled away down the stretch to beat pesky Eastern Kentucky.

Traylor finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds, and Ellis had 14 points and 13 boards for the Jayhawks (259), who trailed 56-53 with 9 minutes to go before their game-ending charge.

Glenn Cosey hit five 3-pointers and had 17 points for the 15th-seeded Colonels (24-10).

WEST REGIONAL (1) ARIZONA 68 (16) WEBER ST. 59 SAN DIEGO — Nick Johnson scored 18 points and Aaron Gordon added 16 as top-seeded Arizona overcame a shaky start and a late run

by Weber State.

Arizona (31-4) fell into an 8-point deficit in the opening minutes to give the 16th-seed-

B3

FROM PAGE B1 Second Round

San Antonio • Fri.

Spokane • Thurs.

Third Round

Men’s Division I Basketball Championship

|

MERCER

Spokane • Thurs.

San Antonio • Fri.

Wednesday

12 N.C. State 74

San Diego • Fri.

Buffalo • Thurs.

Wednesday

16 Albany (N.Y.) 71

Second Round March 20-21

Tuesday

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

SAN ANTONIO — Doug McDermott scored 30 points and third-seeded Creighton got three huge 3-pointers in the second half from Ethan Wragge to beat Louisiana-Lafayette.

McDermott had a doubledouble by halftime but went scoreless for nearly 14 minutes of the second half, leaving it to Wragge’s long shots to bail out the Bluejays from a potential upset by the Ragin’ Cajuns, who attacked Creighton (27-7) with fearless defense and rebounding.

Elfrid Payton scored 24 points for Sun Belt tournament champion LouisianaLafayette (23-12), which led 50-48 before Wragge struck from long range to turn the momentum.

(6) BAYLOR 74 (11) NEBRASKA 60

SAN ANTONIO — Cory Jefferson scored 16 points and sixth-seeded Baylor kept 11th-seeded Nebraska winless in its NCAA tournament history.

The Bears (25-11) have won 11 of 13 after a dismal start in the Big 12.

Terran Petteway scored 18 points for Nebraska (19-13), which fell to 0-7 in tournament history.

(8) GONZAGA 85 (9) OKLAHOMA ST. 77

SAN DIEGO — Kevin Pangos scored 26 points and Gary Bell Jr. added 17 for eighthseeded Gonzaga, which beat Marcus Smart and ninthseeded Oklahoma State.

The Bulldogs (29-6) are in their 16th straight NCAA tournament.

The refs called 61 fouls, and five players fouled out. Pangos made 12 of 14 free throws, most of them in the closing minutes.

Smart had 23 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and six steals for Oklahoma State (2113).

From wire reports

years.

Quinn Cook scored 23 points and Rasheed Sulaimon added 20 for Duke.

But their defense — an uncharacteristic weakness all season — did them in again while all those Mercer seniors simply got any shot they wanted. The Bears shot 56 percent — 58 percent in the second half.

“They’re a team that’s been together a long time,’’ Duke forward Rodney Hood said. “They sliced us up. There’s no other way to put it.’’

Duke went up 63-58 with 4:52 left after Parker converted a three-point play and Tyler Thornton hit three free throws.

The Blue Devils didn’t score again until the final minute.

“I don’t know if we panicked,’’ senior Andre Dawkins said, “but we didn’t do the things we needed to do.’’

Like score. Or defend.

Coursey countered by rattling in a jumper in the lane, and after two empty possessions for Duke, some slick ball rotation by Mercer set up White’s open 3 that tied it at 63.

Hood picked up his fourth foul on the Bears’ next possession and Gollon hit two free throws to put Mercer ahead for good.

By that point, Duke could do nothing right.

Parker missed a 3-pointer in traffic before Hood was called for walking, leading White to give a fist-pump to those noisy Mercer fans who stood all day.

The Bears hit 12 of 14 free throws in the final 2 minutes to seal it.

White finished with 13 points, and A-Sun player of the year Langston Hall and Ike Nwamu added 11 apiece for Mercer.

Mercer has 1,176 wins as a program — only 191 more than Krzyzewski has all by himself.

Parker, one of a long list of high school All-Americans on Coach K’s roster, finished what might have been his final college game with 14 points. Hood — a redshirt sophomore who also could be headed to the pros — had just six points.

Duke has been to 11 Final Fours and has four national titles under Krzyzewski, but his Blue Devils have lost their first tournament game five times.

Parker said he doesn’t know what his future plans are. Hood said he also was undecided because “I thought I’d be playing after today.’’

NCAA TOURNAMENT TV SCHEDULE TODAY MEN Third-Round Games WLTX 19 Noon -- Florida vs. Pittsburgh 2:30 p.m. -- Louisville vs.

Saint Louis 5 p.m. -- Michigan vs.

Texas 7:30 p.m. -- Wisconsin vs.

Oregon TBS 7 p.m. -- Syracuse vs. Dayton 9:30 p.m. -- Villanova vs.

Connecticut TNT 6 p.m. -- San Diego State vs. North Dakota State 8:30 p.m. -- Michigan State vs. Harvard WOMEN First-Round Games ESPN 1:30 p.m. -- Robert Morris vs. Notre Dame ESPN2 11 a.m. -- Winthrop vs.

Duke, Wright State vs.

Kentucky, Arizona State vs. Vanderbilt and Florida Gulf Coast vs. Oklahoma State.

1:30 p.m. -- Oklahoma vs.

DePaul, Chattanooga vs.

Syracuse and Akron vs.

Purdue.

4 p.m. -- Florida State vs.

Iowa State, Northwestern State vs. Tennessee, Fresno State vs. Nebraska and Fordham vs. California.

6:30 p.m. -- South Dakota vs. Stanford, Southern California vs. St. John’s, Brigham Young vs. N.C. State and Western Kentucky vs. Baylor.

B4

|

SPORTS

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

NASCAR

Kenseth claims Fontana pole FONTANA, Calif. (AP) — Although Matt Kenseth thinks track position is less important on Fontana’s well-aged asphalt than on other NASCAR ovals, he is still excited to start up front Sunday.

Kenseth won the pole Friday, edging Brad Keselowski in another knockout qualifying session highlighted by now-familiar faces.

Kenseth won his first pole of the seaKENSETH son, turning a lap in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at 187.315 mph. He beat Keselowski’s 187.105 to earn the 12th pole of his NASCAR career.

Five-time Fontana champion Jimmie Johnson was third at 38.516, followed by fellow California native Kevin Harvick. Clint Bowyer came in fifth.

The drivers emerged from the fourth edition of NASCAR’s new knockout qualifying format — and the first on a 2-mile oval — with more praise for the fanfriendly style. The 43-car field was trimmed to 24 for the 10-minute second round, followed by a five-minute final round for the top 12 cars.

FIRE ANTS FROM PAGE B1 The top two teams will square off in a pair of doubleheaders beginning at 1 p.m. today at Riley Park.

Sunday’s twinbill is also slated for 1 p.m.

“They’re a team that’s fully capable of going anywhere and sweeping anybody four games,” Medlin said. “Add that to the fact that we still have to travel to Pitt (Community College), Spartanburg Methodist (College) and Florence-Darlington Tech and anything’s possible in this region.”

USCS has been perfect at home thus far with a 10-0 mark at Riley. That record will be tested against a balanced USCL squad.

The Lancers are batting .324 as a team and have a 2.99 staff earned run average.

Zach Callahan and Bryan Dye have provided a potent 1-2 punch for USC Lancaster’s offense. Callahan is batting .429 with five home runs, 27 runs batted in and a .701 slugging percentage — tops on the team in all four categories. Dye is batting .378 with three homers and 24 RBI. The Lancers have five other regulars batting .300 or better, and the team has amassed 16 home runs and driven in 177 runs in 27 games.

“They’ve got a num-

Kenseth his400 team weren’t AUTOand CLUB LINEUP the swiftest to figure out the new The Associated Press qualifying format, butrace their speed After Friday qualifying; Sunday Autoproblems.

Club Speedway overcameAtany Kenseth Fontana, Calif. finished second in the second Lap length: 2 miles (Car number in parentheses) round of qualifying before leading 1. (20) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 187.315 mph. the final 2. (2) Bradsession.

Keselowski, Ford, 187.105.

3. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 186.935.

4. (4) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 186.901. has won three times at 5.Kenseth (15) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 186.461.

6. (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 186.384.

Fontana, most recently in 2009, but 7. (22) Joey Logano, Ford, 186.273.

8. (9)never Marcos Ambrose, Ford,in 186.013. had won the pole 21 previ9. (99) Carl Edwards, Ford, 185.878. ous races.

10. (14) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 185.792.

11. (42) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 185.773.

12. (78) Martin Truex Jr., Chevy, 185.725.

“We andToyota, had some re13.

(11)unloaded Denny Hamlin, 185.323.

14. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 185.314. ally good speed,” Kenseth said.

15. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevy, 185.29.

“We worked on raceChevrolet, trim a little 16. (31) Ryan Newman, 185.209.

17. (41) Kurt driving Busch, Chevrolet, 185.166. bit.

Wasn’t quite like we 18. (47) A J Allmendinger, Chevy, 184.715. hoped, but we did have some good 19. (55) Brian Vickers, Toyota, 184.521.

20. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 183.96. speed, and that translated to quali21. (43) Aric Almirola, Ford, 183.955. fying trim.”

22. (17) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 183.861.

23. (7) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 183.491.

24. (16) Greg Biffle, Ford, 185.095.

Keselowski has started front 25.

(1) Jamie McMurray, Chevy,up 184.525.

(5)four Kaseyraces Kahne, Chevrolet, in26.all under the 184.322. new 27. (10) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 184.299. qualifying format, 28. (51) Justin Allgaier,winning Chevrolet,the 183.983.

29. (38) David Gilliland, 183.922.secpole at Phoenix andFord, finishing 30. (27) Matt Crafton, Chevrolet, 183.641. ond three times.

His Penske183.58.

Ford 31. (13) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 32. (30) Parker Kligerman, Toyota, teammate, Joey Logano, won182.918. the 33. (35) David Reutimann, Ford, 182.219. pole at Las VegasToyota, and came in 34. (26) Cole Whitt, 181.525.

35. (32) last Travis Kvapil, 181.507. fourth week atFord, Bristol before 36. (36) Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet, 181.365. finishing seventh at Fontana.

37. (33) Brian Scott, Chevy, Owner Points.

38. (98) Josh Wise, Chevy, Owner Points.

39. (83) Ryan Truex, Toyota, Owner Points.

Keselowski doesn’t claim any 40.

(23) Alex Bowman, Toyota, Owner Points.

41. (34) David Ragan,about Ford, Owner Points. special expertise the format, 42. (66) Joe Nemechek, Toyota, Owner Points. even after improving hisOwner timePoints. in 43. (40) Landon Cassill, Chevy,

ber of young men who have swung the bats well,” Medlin said.

“They’re going to be a test for us and it’s going to be a battle.”

USCS’ pitching staff continues to be the backbone of the team with a sparkling 2.00 staff ERA prior to Thursday’s doubleheader against the Newberry College junior varsity team.

The weekend rotation may be a bit different this weekend, though, with today’s opening-game starter, Victor Gonzalez, dealing with lingering effects from an illness.

“If he can’t go, David Sauer and Dylan Miller have pitched very well for us this year, so we’re comfortable with whoever is on the mound,” Medlin said.

Sauer was the winning pitcher in a 9-6 win in the first game against Newberry, working 2 1/3 innings of relief. Miller earned a save in the 5-4 nightcap win, helping Zach Bridgeman pick up the W. The offense is a different matter, though.

The Fire Ants managed just two hits in the 3-0 loss to USC Salkehatchie last Saturday, and through four Region X games have hit .193.

“You’re lucky if you win a game like that, but we’ve managed to win three,” Medlin said. “So we decided to shake things up with the lineup this

WH FROM PAGE B1 Jordan and senior captain Bailey Connor at third base.

“She takes her role as a captain very seriously,” the Lady Barons coach said of Connor, the team’s lone senior. “I know that the team is in good hands whenever I need to hand it over to her during games. She’s a really good role model and makes sure it’s all about the success of the team.”

First-year starter and freshman Danielle deHoll is in left field with returning sophomore Katherine Kelley in centerfield and eighthgrader Amelia Weston patrolling right field. Eighth-grader Becca Noyes is the team’s designated player. Junior Allison Owens sees time in the outfield and sophomore Hannah Grace Calvert sees action in the infield.

Although most of the team appears intact from last year, Alexander said that’s not quite the case as several key pieces are missing defensively.

“I think it’s misleading to say we only graduated two, so we’re pretty much the same team again; that’s not true,” she said.

“We’ve got two new people in the

week.”

USCS has not hit well with runners in scoring position and less than two outs, Medlin said. So Anthony Paulsen has been moved to the leadoff position in front of Ryan Perkins and Brett Auckland, who was batting a robust .394 prior to Thursday’s games, will take over the No. 3 hole.

Freshman Connor Collins will also see more at bats and time at first base.

“Hopefully that will allow us to drive in some more runs and take some of the (offensive) pressure off guys like Will Thompson, Trevor Bradley and Taylor Kellner,” Medlin said.

Thompson led Sumter in its sweep over Newberry, going 2-for3 and driving in three runs in both games.

Perkins also had two hits in each game.

It will not be easy; however, as USCL’s top four pitchers are a combined 13-4 with 94 strikeouts.

“USC Lancaster (head) coach Steve Williams is one of the best when it comes to pitching,” Medlin said. “You know his guys are going to be around the plate and you know his guys in the field can catch it.

“We have to do the same and we have to change speeds and we just have to execute offensively in order to win.”

outfield and a new catcher behind the plate.”

The team’s focus is to be playing its best when Region II-3A play begins.

“I think our biggest goal is not necessarily where we want to end up at the end of the year so much as making sure we do everything we can to try to always perform our best,” Alexander explained.

“And understanding that, the reality is and we know it, in our region anyone can beat each other. That goes right into the state tournament too, and it’s likely we’ll see each other again.”

Wilson Hall plays two region games next week, both on the road, against Orangeburg Prep on Tuesday and Laurence Manning Academy on Friday.

“No, I don’t think we’re the favorites going in,” Alexander said.

“I think we’re considered one of the top teams, and that’s a nice compliment. I don’t know that we’ve been in that company in a long time or maybe even ever, I don’t know. You already stop and look at what Laurence Manning’s done and there’s no question Laurence Manning is the favorite team.”

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD

Cleveland 14, Colorado 3 Pittsburgh vs. N.Y. Yankees (late) Oakland vs. San Francisco (late) San Diego vs. Seattle (late)

TV, RADIO

TODAY’S GAMES

TODAY

7:30 a.m. -- Major League Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona from Sydney (MLB NETWORK).

8:40 a.m. -- International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match -- Chelsea vs. Arsenal (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

10:30 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Washington vs. St. Louis from Jupiter, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

10:55 a.m. -- International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match -- Fulham vs. Manchester City (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

11 a.m. -- College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament Second-Round Game -- Louisiana Tech at Georgia (ESPN).

11 a.m. -- College Wrestling: NCAA Tournament Medal-Round Matches from Oklahoma City (ESPNU).

11:30 a.m. -- NASCAR Racing: K&N Pro Series East PittLite 125 from Bristol, Tenn. (FOX SPORTS 1).

12:30 p.m. -- NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 Practice from Fontana, Calif. (FOX SPORTS 1).

12:30 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Arnold Palmer Invitational Third Round from Orlando, Fla. (GOLF).

1 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Yankees vs. Minnesota from Fort Myers, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

1 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Boston vs. Atlanta from Kissimmee, Fla. (SPORTSOUTH).

1:25 p.m. -- International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match -- West Ham vs. Manchester United (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

1:30 p.m. -- NASCAR Racing: Nationwide Series Treatmyclot.com 300 Pole Qualifying from Fontana, Calif. (FOX SPORTS 1).

2 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Arnold Palmer Invitational Third Round from Orlando, Fla. (WIS 10, GOLF).

2 p.m. -- College Lacrosse: Maryland at North Carolina (ESPNU).

2 p.m. -- College Baseball: South Carolina at Kentucky (FOX SPORTSOUTH, WNKT-FM 107.5).

3:30 p.m. -- NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 Practice from Fontana, Calif. (FOX SPORTS 1).

4 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Kansas City vs. Texas from Surprise, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

4 p.m. -- Major League Soccer: Los Angeles at Salt Lake (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

4 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati from Mesa, Ariz. (WGN).

4:30 p.m. -- College Lacrosse: Johns Hopkins at Virginia (ESPNU).

5 p.m. -- NASCAR Racing: Nationwide Series Treatmyclot.300 from Fontana, Calif. (ESPN, WEGX-FM 92.9).

5 p.m. -- Senior PGA Golf: Champions Tour Mississippi Gulf Classic Resort Second Round from Biloxi, Miss. (GOLF).

5:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: NCAA Division III Tournament Championship Game from Salem, Va. (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

6:30 p.m. -- College Track and Field: NCAA Indoor Championships from Albuquerque (ESPNU).

6:30 p.m. -- College Baseball: Florida State at Clemson (WPUB-FM 102.7).

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

7 p.m. -- LPGA Golf: JTBC Founders Cup Third Round from Phoenix (GOLF).

7 p.m. -- College Hockey: Hockey East Tournament Championship Game from Minnesota (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Portland at Charlotte (SPORTSOUTH).

8 p.m. -- College Wrestling: NCAA Team Championships Final Match from Oklahoma City (ESPN).

8 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Philadelphia at Chicago (WGN).

8:30 p.m. -- College Hockey: National Collegiate Hockey Conference Tournament Championship Match from Minneapolis (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

8:30 p.m. -- College Baseball: Vanderbilt at Mississippi State (ESPNU).

10 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona from Sydney (MLB NETWORK).

10:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: San Antonio at Golden State (NBA TV).

11 p.m. -- College Baseball: Florida Atlantic at Rice (SPORTSOUTH).

1 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Toronto vs. Detroit from Lakeland, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

4 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: San Francisco vs. Chicago White Sox from Glendale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

Baltimore vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Detroit vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

St. Louis vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Miami (ss) vs. Washington at Viera, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Boston vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

N.Y. Mets vs. Miami (ss) at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Colorado (ss) vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

L.A. Angels vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m.

Seattle (ss) vs. Oakland at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox (ss) vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

San Francisco vs. Chicago White Sox (ss) at Glendale, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Texas vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Cincinnati vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Seattle (ss) vs. Colorado (ss) at Scottsdale, Ariz., 4:10 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION Toronto Brooklyn New York Boston Philadelphia SOUTHEAST DIVISION x-Miami Washington Charlotte Atlanta Orlando CENTRAL DIVISION x-Indiana Chicago Cleveland Detroit Milwaukee

W 38 35 28 23 15

L 29 31 40 46 53

Pct .567 .530 .412 .333 .221

GB – 2½ 10½ 16 23½

W 46 35 33 31 19

L 20 33 36 35 50

Pct .697 .515 .478 .470 .275

GB – 12 14½ 15 28½

W 50 38 26 25 13

L 18 30 43 42 56

Pct .735 .559 .377 .373 .188

GB – 12 24½ 24½ 37½

L 16 22 27 28 40

Pct .761 .676 .597 .594 .403

GB – 5½ 11 11 24

L 18 24 33 37 47

Pct .735 .652 .507 .456 .319

GB – 5½ 15½ 19 28½

L 21 26 29 44 45

Pct .696 .629 .574 .353 .328

GB – 4½ 8½ 23½ 25

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W San Antonio 51 Houston 46 Memphis 40 Dallas 41 New Orleans 27 NORTHWEST DIVISION W Oklahoma City 50 Portland 45 Minnesota 34 Denver 31 Utah 22 PACIFIC DIVISION W L.A. Clippers 48 Golden State 44 Phoenix 39 Sacramento 24 L.A. Lakers 22 x-clinched playoff spot

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Oklahoma City 102, Cleveland 95 Houston 129, Minnesota 106 Portland 116, Washington 103 Golden State 115, Milwaukee 110

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Chicago at Indiana, 7 p.m.

New York at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Boston at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Memphis at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

New Orleans at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Denver at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Detroit at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

San Antonio at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

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

TODAY’S GAMES

PREP SCHEDULE

Portland at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Houston at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Indiana at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Miami at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Orlando at Utah, 9 p.m.

San Antonio at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

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

TODAY

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Varsity Baseball East Clarendon at Chesterfield (DH), 2 p.m.

Wilson Hall at High Point Christian (DH), noon Junior Varsity Baseball West Florence at Sumter (DH), noon Lakewood at Wilson (DH), noon East Clarendon at Chesterfield, 11 a.m.

Varsity Sporting Clays Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning at Backwoods Quail Club (in Nesbitt), TBA B Team Softball Williamsburg at Laurence Manning (DH), 11 a.m.

Varsity Track and Field Sumter in Silver Fox Invitational (at Dutch Fork High), 9:30 a.m.

GOLF The Associated Press BAY HILL PAR SCORES

Friday At Bay Hill Club and Lodge Course Orlando, Fla. Purse: $6.2 million Yardage: 7,419; Par: 72 Second Round Adam Scott 62-68—130 J.B. Holmes 68-69—137 Chesson Hadley 69-68—137 Francesco Molinari 67-70—137 Keegan Bradley 71-67—138 Jamie Donaldson 67-71—138 Jason Kokrak 67-71—138 Brandt Snedeker 67-71—138 Morgan Hoffmann 67-71—138

-14 -7 -7 -7 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6

MISSISSIPPI GULF RESORT CLASSIC PAR SCORES

Friday At Fallen Oak Biloxi, Miss.

Purse: $1.6 million Yardage: 7,088; Par 72 (36-36) First Round Fred Couples 34-32—66 Jeff Maggert 34-34—68 Kenny Perry 34-34—68 David Frost 36-32—68 Jay Haas 35-33—68 Michael Allen 35-33—68

Atlanta at Toronto, 1 p.m.

Phoenix at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.

Washington at Denver, 5 p.m.

Milwaukee at Sacramento, 6 p.m.

Brooklyn at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Orlando at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Boston 69 47 Tampa Bay 70 39 Montreal 71 38 Toronto 71 36 Detroit 69 32 Ottawa 69 28 Florida 70 26 Buffalo 70 20 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W Pittsburgh 69 45 Philadelphia 69 37 Columbus 69 36 N.Y. Rangers 70 37 Washington 71 33 New Jersey 70 30 Carolina 69 30 N.Y. Islanders 70 26

OT 5 7 7 8 13 13 8 8

Pts 99 85 83 80 77 69 60 48

GF 223 208 182 208 183 198 173 136

GA 149 185 180 219 194 234 225 206

L 19 25 27 29 27 27 30 35

OT 5 7 6 4 11 13 9 9

Pts 95 81 78 78 77 73 69 61

GF 218 199 199 185 205 172 172 195

GA 173 197 189 174 211 183 195 239

L 15 15 20 23 26 30 31

OT 7 15 6 11 11 9 10

Pts 101 95 94 83 75 73 68

GF 226 237 216 174 196 199 165

GA 156 182 192 172 201 208 208

L 18 18 25 25 30 34 37 win,

OT 7 7 6 11 10 7 9 one

Pts GF GA 99 219 170 97 222 178 84 170 149 79 194 197 74 172 194 63 168 203 59 177 228 point for over-

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

GP 69 70 70 70 69 71 70

W 47 40 44 36 32 32 29

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GP W San Jose 71 46 Anaheim 70 45 Los Angeles 70 39 Phoenix 70 34 Vancouver 72 32 Calgary 69 28 Edmonton 71 25 NOTE: Two points for a time loss.

-4

THURSDAY’S GAMES

-6

L 17 24 26 27 24 28 36 42

MLB SPRING TRAINING

Los Angeles 2, Washington 1, SO New Jersey 4, Minnesota 3, OT Philadelphia 4, Dallas 2 Columbus 3, Montreal 2 Tampa Bay 5, Ottawa 4 Detroit 5, Pittsburgh 4, OT Buffalo 3, Edmonton 1 Phoenix 2, Florida 1 San Jose 3, Anaheim 2

THURSDAY’S GAMES

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Philadelphia (ss) 6, Houston 3 Miami 4, St. Louis 3 Washington 8, Detroit 1 Toronto 3, Philadelphia (ss) 1 N.Y. Mets 7, Atlanta 6 Cincinnati 5, Texas 4, 10 innings Seattle 3, Chicago Cubs 0 L.A. Angels 3, Kansas City 2 Milwaukee 4, Colorado 3 N.Y. Yankees 3, Boston 2 Baltimore 4, Pittsburgh 2 Tampa Bay 5, Minnesota 4 San Francisco 11, San Diego 3

FRIDAY’S GAMES

St. Louis 2, Washington 0 Miami 7, Houston 2 Philadelphia 2, Boston 2, tie, 10 innings Baltimore 8, Atlanta (ss) 0 Detroit 3, Atlanta (ss) 0 Toronto 5, Tampa Bay 0 N.Y. Mets 9, Minnesota 1 Chicago Cubs 7, Chicago White Sox 0 Texas 7, Milwaukee 5 Cincinnati 9, Kansas City (ss) 3 L.A. Angels 7, Kansas City (ss) 3

-4 -4 -4

N.Y. Rangers at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Carolina at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Boston at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Nashville at Calgary, 9 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

St. Louis at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Detroit at Minnesota, 2 p.m.

Ottawa at Dallas, 3 p.m.

Florida at Los Angeles, 4 p.m.

Montreal at Toronto, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Carolina at Winnipeg, 7 p.m.

Boston at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Calgary at Edmonton, 10 p.m.

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

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Columbus at N.Y. Islanders, 1 p.m.

St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Toronto at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Nashville at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

Buffalo at Vancouver, 8 p.m.

Florida at Anaheim, 8 p.m.

TELEVISION

THE SUMTER ITEM TW FT

7 PM

7:30

Entertainment Tonight (N) (HD)

8 PM

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

Dateline Saturday Night Mystery (N) (HD)

2014 NCAA Bas- 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: Third Round z{| (HD) ketball Tournament (HD) Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (HD) Marvel Studios: Assembling a Nightline Prime (HD) Word puzzles.

Universe Marvel Cinematic Universe (HD) documentary. (HD) Moone Boy: Spy: Codename: Father Brown: The Blue Cross Thief Doc Martin: The Practice Around the Godfellas Altar Blood (HD) threatens to steal prized relic. (HD) Corner Tension between Sally and boy. (HD) Jennifer. (N) Modern Family: Modern Family: Almost Human: Disrupt Hologram The Following: Unmasked The trio The Butler’s Es- Open House of controls “smart home.” (HD) dig deeper to find the mole. (HD) cape (HD) Horrors (HD) Community: Ba- Community: Be- The First Family The First Family Mr. Box Office Mr. Box Office ginner Pottery President’s family. President’s family. Star must teach. Star must teach. sic Genealogy (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD)

10 PM

10:30

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014 11 PM

Crisis: Pilot The children of the na- WIS News 10 at tion’s elite leaders are kidnapped by a 11:00pm News mastermind. (HD) and weather.

48 Hours: AKA Rockefeller A report News 19 @ 11pm on a con man who kidnapped his The news of the 7-year-old daughter in 2008. day.

20/20 (N) (HD) ABC Columbia News at 11 (HD) Jammin Paul Sun Studio SesOlsen and Mike sions: J.D. Mattison.

McPherson (N) WACH FOX News The Middle: The at 10 Nightly Diaper Incident news report.

(HD) Access Hollywood (N) (HD)

11:30

12 AM

(:29) Saturday Night Live Actor Jonah Hill hosts; musical guest Bastille performs. (HD) (:35) CSI: Miami: Bang, Bang, Your Debt A college student dies in a car fire. (HD) White Collar: Forging Bonds Neal and Peter explore their pasts. (HD)

Austin City Limits: Esperanza Spalding Songs from “Radio Music Society” album. (HD) (:15) Golan The (:45) High School Insatiable (HD) USA!: The Early ‘90s (HD) The Arsenio Hall Show Late night variety/talk show. (HD)

Nature: Frogs: The Thin Green Line (HD) Ring of Honor Wrestling (N) (HD) Futurama: Futurestock Fry supports the CEO

CABLE CHANNELS Storage Wars Storage Wars Flipping Vegas: Fire House Flipping Vegas: Renters from Hell Flipping Vegas: Flip Gone Wrong (:01) Flipping Vegas: Class Action (:01) Flipping Ve(HD) (HD) Fire-damaged house. (HD) Pesky inhabitants. (HD) Amateur flipper. (N) (HD) House Lawsuit funds. (HD) gas (HD) (4:00) Braveheart (‘95, Drama) Mel John Q (‘02, Drama) aac Denzel Washington. A desperate dad takes an emergency room Mission: Impossible III (‘06, Thriller) aaa Tom Cruise. A former secret Gibson. Fight for freedom. (HD) hostage in order to save his son’s life. (HD) agent’s peaceful life is interrupted by a friend’s kidnapping. (HD) Too Cute! (HD) Too Cute! Baby animals. (N) (HD) Too Cute! (HD) My Cat From Hell: Tracks (N) Too Cute! (HD) Cat Hell (HD) (6:00) This Christmas (‘07, Holiday) aac Delroy Just Wright (‘10, Comedy) aa Queen Latifah. A tough physical therapist becomes romanti- According to Sugar Hill (‘94, Drama) aa Wesley Lindo. Estranged family’s Christmas reunion. cally involved with an NBA star.

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(6:00) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (‘03, Comedy) The Princess Diaries (‘01, Comedy) aac Anne Hathaway. A bumbling, The Princess Diaries (‘01, Comedy) aac Anne Hathaway. A bumbling, aac Kate Hudson. Betting on love. (HD) young girl discovers that she is a member of a royal family. young girl discovers that she is a member of a royal family.

Debt Debt Debt Credit.

Debt The Suze Orman Show (N) 60 Minutes: Computer Giants 60 Minutes: Deadly Secrets Suze Orman CNN CNN Spotlight Chicagoland: Fireworks Death Row: Edward Lee Elmore Death Row: Gloria Killian Chicagoland: Fireworks Death Row Tosh.0 (HD) Tosh.0 Tosh.0 (HD) Tosh.0 (HD) Tosh.0 Nice guy. Tosh.0 Tosh.0 New Tosh.0 Weirdoes Tosh.0 Daniel’s Tosh.0 Daniel on Tosh.0 Public Thanksgiving.

(HD) Thanksgiving. games. (HD) of year. (HD) father. (HD) date. (HD) restroom. (HD) Jessie Act of kind- Jessie: Snack At- The Muppets (‘11, Entertainment) aaa Jason Segel. Mickey Mouse: Mighty Med: All Kickin’ It: Glove Dog Blog: Stan Dog Blog: Stan Dog Blog: The ness. (HD) tack (HD) Saving their theater from a tycoon.

Potatoland That Kaz Hurts (HD) Talks to Gran Stops Talking Bone Identity Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) Timber Kings (HD) Timber Kings (N) (HD) Epic Log Homes Log Mahal.

Kings (HD) NASCAR (HD) SportsCenter College Wrestling: NCAA Championships: Final: from Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City SportsCenter (HD) SportsCenter (6:30) NCAA Women’s Tournament: First Round NCAA Update Fab Five (HD) 30 for 30 (HD) Jumanji (‘95, Fantasy) aac Robin Williams. An ancient, terrifying board The Goonies (‘85, Adventure) aaa Sean Astin. A group of playmates tries to stop ruthless Space Jam (‘96, Comedy) Michael game traps a boy and releases him 26 years later. (HD) developers and finds a treasure map. (HD) Jordan. Bugs Bunny & Jordan.

Chopped (HD) Chopped Round 3 of finale. (HD) Chopped Pork for dessert. (HD) Chopped The final round. (HD) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Chopped (HD) FOX Report Saturday (HD) Huckabee (N) (HD) Justice with Judge Jeanine (N) Geraldo at Large (HD) Red Eye (HD) Huckabee NHL Hockey: Carolina Hurricanes at Winnipeg Jets from MTS Centre z{| (HD) Postgame Golden Boy Live: from Indio, Calif. no} (HD) NHL Hockey Straight from the Heart (‘03, Drama) aac Teri Polo. A 33-year-old pho- When Calls the Heart: Rules of En- How to Fall in Love (‘12, Comedy) aaa Eric Mabius. A man hires a popu- Golden: Three on tographer from New York discovers love out in Wyoming. (HD) gagement (N) (HD) lar girl he knew in high school to be his dating coach. (HD) a Couch Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) House Hunters (N) (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Prop Bro (HD) American (HD) Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Sex Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Ex Law & Order: Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Col- Law & Order: Criminal Intent: lective “Crypt club” ball. (HD) Stress Position (HD) Club Little black book. (HD) Death Roe Chef disappears. (HD) Stasis Odd organ donor. (HD) Criminal (HD) The Preacher’s Mistress (‘13, Sorority Surrogate (‘14, Thriller) Cassie Steele. A student finds her life Status: Unknown (‘14, Thriller) Stacey Oristano. Pals stay in touch through Sorority SurroDrama) Sarah Lancaster. (HD) turned upside-down after she agrees to be a surrogate. (HD) social media until one of them seemingly disappears. (HD) gate (‘14) (HD) Sam & Cat Sam & Cat Sam & Cat (N) Haunted (N) Thunderman Sam & Cat Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Auction (N) Auction (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Auction (HD) Piranhaconda (‘12, Science Fiction) a Michael Madsen. A hybrid Piranha (‘10, Horror) aac Elisabeth Shue. A group of strangers tries to Mega Piranha (‘10, Science Fiction) a Paul Logan. A snake-fish creature stalks prey in the Amazon jungles. (HD) survive a swarm of ancient, man-eating fish. prehistoric species of piranha. (HD) 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: Third Round z{| 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: Third Round z{| Inside March Madness (6:00) Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison The Pink Panther (‘63, Comedy) aaa David Niven. A bumbling inspector The Mouse that Roared (‘59, Comedy) aaa Peter I Love You, Alice B. Toklas (‘68, (‘57, Drama) Robert Mitchum. becomes obsessed with capturing a jewel thief.

Sellers. A tiny country invades the U.S. Comedy) aac Peter Sellers.

Real Life Mysteries (HD) Real Life Mysteries (N) (HD) Real Life Mysteries (N) (HD) Obsession: Dark Desires (HD) Real Life Mysteries (HD) Mysteries (6:00) 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: Third 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: Third Round z{| Men in Black II (‘02, Action) aa Tommy Lee Jones.

Round z{| Kay and Jay foil devious alien plot. (HD) Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Deal With It Jokers Jokers (:02) Jokers Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) He’s Just Not That Into You (‘09, Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Sirens Computer He’s Just Not That Into You (‘09, Comedy) aac Ben Affleck. (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) history. (HD) Comedy) aac Ben Affleck. (HD) Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Home Vid Bulls Eye (N) NBA Basketball: Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls from United Center (HD) Home Vid Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD)

What a girl will do to avoid college loans

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH You can dress up some stories with newfangled angles, but many melodramas still cling to the rudiments of ancient soap operas, even fairy tales. The brave new world of fertility clinics and reproductive politics becomes the backdrop for “Sorority Surrogate” (8 p.m. Saturday, Lifetime, TV-14), an old-fashioned “woman’s picture” that can’t make up its mind whether it’s 2014 or 1952 — or a remake of Rumpelstiltskin.

Studious scholar and sorority sister Valerie (Cassie Steele, “DeGrassi: The Next Generation”) finds her life overturned when her university scholarship is revoked.

Apparently, her deadbeat dad claimed her as a deduction on his taxes and that fouled things up with financial aid.

We later meet him passed out in a fleabag hotel. You’d think that one look at this loser’s 1040 would probably result in a boost in Valerie’s aid package. But why interject realism into a modern-day fable?

Faced with expulsion, Valerie decides to become a surrogate parent for an infertile couple who are so nice that they’re called the Darlingtons. The tragedy of their childlessness is compounded by the Darlington matriarch, Maureen (Mimi Kuzyk), a wicked stepmother-type who lords over her barren daughter-in-law like Joan Crawford on a rampage.

The imperious Maureen becomes Valerie’s nightmare after the doting Darlingtons die in a car crash. Maureen holds the purse strings to Valerie’s surrogacy agreement. As Valerie grows closer to term, she becomes increasingly attached to the unborn baby and loath to let it fall into Maureen’s cold clutches!

Don’t go confusing “Sorority Surrogate” with a good movie. But it’s a surefire refutation of the notion that they don’t make ‘em like they used to.

• “American Dream Builders” (8 p.m. Sunday, NBC, TV-PG) is the same old nightmare.

You know, the kind where you subconsciously endure the same thing over and over again with the same horrible results. Reality television has been serving up competitions like this for more than a decade and recycling the same

stereotyped contestants even longer. “The Joe Schmo Show” reality spoof lampooned many variations on the cookie-cutter personalities you see here. And it first aired in 2003.

“Builders” pits teams of noted designers and builders against each other to renovate two slightly shabby houses in a single neighborhood. They also compete against the clock. At the end, they are judged by a panel of experts who shout quite frequently, as if recapping an NFL game at halftime. Their work is also subject to the criticism of a neighborhood counsel, the people who will have to live with the contestants’ “creations.” This is the only doughnut hole of originality in this bankrupt bakery of stale ideas.

Ultimately, the renovateagainst-the-clock idea dates back to the old BBC garden show “Ground Force.” But there the emphasis was on teamwork and cooperation.

And brief moments of wit managed to bubble to the surface. Here it’s all fake competition all the time and the most contrived personal tiffs between cliche-spewing rivals drowning in a fetid leech pool of product placement.

• A hardscrabble bank robber falls in with a loving family in the 2014 uplift movie “The Redemption of Henry Myers” (9 p.m. Sunday, Hallmark Movie Channel, TVPG).

Onetime presidential aspirant Rick Santorum is the executive producer of “Redemption,” which is distributed by EchoLight Studios, the Christian film company the former senator took over last year.

• “Drop Dead Diva” (9 p.m.

Sunday, Lifetime, TV-PG), the dramedy about a bimbo and a lawyer who come back from the dead in a single, plus-sized body, has itself come back from the dead (TV cancellation) for a fifth and now a sixth and final season.

This time, I assume, they mean it. Tonight’s season premiere is a two-hour special.

SATURDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS • The 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament (7:30 p.m., CBS) continues.

• “Marvel Studios: Assem-

|

B5

SUPPORT GROUPS AA, AL-ANON, ALATEEN: AA — Monday-Friday, noon and 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852.

AA Women’s Meeting — Wednesday, 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852.

AA Spanish Speaking — Sunday, 4:30 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 775-1852.

AA “How it Works” Group — Monday and Friday, 8 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call (803) 494-5180.

Al-Anon “Courage to Change” Support Group — Tuesday, 7 p.m., Alice Drive Baptist Church, Room 204, 1305 Loring Mill Road. Call Dian at (803) 316-0775 or Crystal at (803) 775-3587.

441 AA Support Group — Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 p.m., Hair Force, 2090-D S.C. 441.

AA Summerton Group — Wednesday, 8 p.m., town hall.

Manning Al-Anon Family Group — Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Behavioral Health Building, 14 Church St., Manning. Call Angie Johnson at (803) 435-8085.

C/A “Drop the Rock” Group — Thursday, 9:30 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call Elizabeth Owens at (803) 6074543.

HIV/AIDS: Positive Outlook, through Wateree AIDS Task Force, will meet at 11:30 a.m. third Friday of each month.

Support group for those living with HIV / AIDS as well as their friends and family. For meeting location, contact Kevin, peer educator and advocate, at (803) 778-0303 or via email at watereeaids@sc.rr.com.

MONDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Vitiligo Support Group — Meets on asneeded basis. Call Tiffany at (803) 316-6763 or email TiffanyWJefferson08@ gmail.com.

TUESDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Connective Tissue Support Group — 1st Tuesday of Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov., 7 p.m., 180 Tiller Circle. Call (803) 773-0869.

Mothers of Angels (for mothers who have lost a child) — Every Tuesday, 6 p.m., Wise Drive Baptist Church.

Call Betty at (803) 469-2616 or Carol at (803) 469-9426.

HALLMARK MOVIE CHANNEL / CROWN MEDIA

Outlaw Henry Myers’ life takes an unpredictable turn when he finds kindness and compassion from a widow and her children in “The Redemption of Henry Myers” airing at 9 p.m. Sunday on the Hallmark Movie Channel. bling a Universe” (8 p.m., ABC, r, TV-14) promotes loud movies made from old comic books.

• The special-effects fantasy “Da Vinci’s Demons” (9 p.m.

Saturday, Starz, TV-MA) turns the famous Renaissance artist/inventor into an action hero. Season two starts tonight.

• An actor mines his past for standup material in the 2014 special “John Leguizamo’s Ghetto Klown” (10 p.m., HBO, TV-MA).

• Jonah Hill hosts “Saturday Night Live” (11:30 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14), with musical guest Bastille.

SUNDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS • Scheduled on “60 Minutes” (7 p.m., CBS): The hunt for the Boston Marathon bombers; how The New Yorker chooses cartoons; Europe’s brazen jewel thieves.

• Alicia asks Cary to represent her in the Dubeck deposition on “The Good Wife” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Tate and Bo bide their time counseling a griefstricken woman on “Believe” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-PG) recalls the collaboration of Isaac Newton and Edmond Halley.

• Jacob’s gravesite yields more mysteries than clues on “Resurrection” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

• Survival strategies vary on “The Walking Dead” (9 p.m., AMC, TV-MA).

• Meg collects ransom

funds on “Crisis” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• Pascal drops by on “Revenge” (10 p.m., ABC, TVPG).

• Hannah hears some news as the third season of “Girls” (10 p.m., HBO, TVMA) concludes.

CULT CHOICE Sean Connery shed his suave Bond image for a futuristic Speedo in the 1974 fantasy “Zardoz” (2 a.m.

Sunday, TCM), co-starring Charlotte Rampling.

SATURDAY SERIES “Dateline NBC” (8 p.m.) * “Smart” appliances turn deadly on “Almost Human” (8 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * Evidence mounts against an FBI mole on “The Following” (9 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14)* A class trip ends with a “Crisis” (10 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14).

SUNDAY SERIES Fishing for clues in Sri Lanka on “The Amazing Race” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Zelena has tricks up her sleeves on “Once Upon a Time” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * The great Springfield art heist on “The Simpsons” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG) * A family inheritance denied on “Family Guy” (8:30 p.m., Fox, TV14) * A killer kidnaps Grace on “The Mentalist” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

EFMP Parent Exchange Group — Last Tuesday each month, 11 a.m.-noon, Airman and Family Readiness Center. Support to service members who have a dependent with a disability or illness. Call Dorcus Haney at (803) 8951252/1253 or Sue Zimmerman at (803) 847-2377.

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

THURSDAY MEETINGS: TOPS S.C. No. 236 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) — Thursdays, 9 a.m., Spectrum Senior Center,1989 Durant Lane. Call Diane at (803) 775-3926 or Nancy at (803) 469-4789.

Asthma Support Group — Every 1st Thursday, 6 p.m., Clarendon County School District 3 Parenting Center, 2358 Walker Gamble Road, New Zion. Call Mary Howard at (843) 659-2102.

Alzheimer’s Support Group through S.C. Alzheimer’s Association — Every 1st Thursday, 6-8 p.m., McElveen Manor, 2065 McCrays Mill Road. Call Cheryl Fluharty at (803) 9057720 or the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 636-3346.

Journey of Hope (for families members of the mentally ill), Journey to Recovery (for the mentally ill) and Survivors of Suicide Support Group — Each group meets every 1st Thursday, 7 p.m., St. John United Methodist Church, 136 Poinsett Drive.

Call Fred Harmon at (803) 905-5620.

FRIDAY MEETINGS: Celebrate Recovery — Every Friday, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. program, Salt & Light Church, Miller Road (across from Food Lion).

For help with struggles of alcohol, drugs, family problems, smoking, etc.

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

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COMICS

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Teen fights depression despite his good grades DEAR ABBY — I’m a 15-yearold boy in ninth grade. I have depression, and I don’t know what to do. I always feel Dear Abby like I’m not good enough ABIGAIL for anything, VAN BUREN even though I have had a 4.0 GPA since seventh grade. I have repeatedly cut myself, but I wear a bracelet so no one can see it.

I don’t want my family to find out because I’m afraid they will treat me like a poor little kid who is too easily offended. I don’t know what to do or who I can go to for help.

Drowning in despair

DEAR DROWNING — It’s time to get professional help.

Ideally, you should be able to talk to your parents about the depth and duration of your depression. But because you feel you can’t, talk with a trusted teacher or counselor at school about it, or an adult relative you feel close enough to confide it to. Cutting is not the answer because it only brings temporary relief from the issues you have that need resolving. I care about you, and I’m glad you asked me this question. Please don’t postpone following my advice.

DEAR ABBY — I am a server in an upscale restaurant. Part of my job is refilling water goblets, which shouldn’t be stressful except that almost all of our customers place their smartphones right next

DEAR CAREFUL SERVER — I’m glad to ask, but many readers regard their smartphones as extensions of themselves.

Convincing them to cooperate would be like selling them on amputating a finger. Of course, the lesson would be learned if the diner accidentally tipped over a water or wine glass because there would be no one else to blame. But in the meantime, it’s important that when you pour, you do it VERY CAREFULLY.

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

DOTSO ©2014 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

FETHT

THAWCS

ECIAPE

Jumble puzzle magazines available at pennydellpuzzles.com/jumblemags

JUMBLE

Unscramble these four Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

Yesterday’s

’ (Answers Monday) Jumbles: AROSE OFTEN STIGMA UNSAID Answer: The former male model’s calendar photos were — OUT-OF-DATE

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

to their glasses. If I should make a slight mistake and accidentally drip water on these expensive devices, you know what would happen next.

Please ask your readers to keep their smartphones off the table!

Careful server

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

A:

THE SUMTER ITEM

ACROSS 1 1953 comeback hero?

6 Blood __ 10 Stare 14 China from America 15 Mishmash 16 Historic act signed by Pres. Nixon 17 Gut feeling 18 Gardner with plots 19 Peterhof Palace resident 20 Whistle-accompanying words 23 Marble counter feature 24 Bearish?

26 Yet, poetically 27 Woodworking tool 29 ÒSolarisÓ author Stanislaw __ 30 Create norms for 34 Strengthen, in a way 35 Window component 36 ItÕs at eye level 37 A deadly sin 38 Tedious 39 TheyÕre undeveloped 43 ÒKing KongÓ studio 44 ÒSymphonie espagnoleÓ composer 45 Experiences 46 Chocolate-

covered candy 48 Assigned work 52 1998 Coen brothers comedy 55 __ Southwest Grill: restaurant chain 56 ÒMovies You Grew Up WithÓ channel 57 Get behind, as a desk 58 Fix 59 Top-notch 60 Where to find Independence Hall?

61 Wee 62 Medicare Advantage gps.

63 KeatsÕ ÒThe Eve of St. __Ó DOWN 1 Converts into metallic waste 2 German idealism pioneer 3 Baker with Grammys 4 ÒPay attention,Ó in legal papers 5 Lofty 6 For peanuts 7 Pastry makerÕs ingredient 8 Munch Museum city

9 GangstersÕ foes, in old films 10 Fourth-century Germanic invaders 11 CopÕs quarry 12 ÒOf all the gall!Ó 13 Course number 21 OÕNeillÕs daughter 22 One leaving in spring?

25 Woman-holding-an-atom statuettes 27 Hersey bell town 28 Clive Cussler hero Pitt 30 FoonÕs cousin 31 Chat to settle a spat 32 Inclusive

phrase 33 Utter 37 White House theater location 39 Yak 40 Queen born Dana Owens 41 Cowboy singer Wooley 42 Play that inspired Puccini 47 Nurse Ratched creator 48 Classifies, as kittens 49 __ Martin 50 Blade holder, maybe 51 Wingless fliers 53 Latch (onto) 54 Start to type?

55 2006 Verizon acquisition

CLASSIFIEDS

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

THE ITEM

B7

803-774-1234

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

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES 11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition.

9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturday’s edition 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sunday’s edition.

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES Beer & Wine License Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that Ambelal Hotels Group, Inc. DBA Springhill Suites intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale ON premises consumption of Beer, Wine and Liquor at 2645 Broad St. Sumter, SC 29150. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2014. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110.

Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that M & M Enterprises of Sumter DBA J & L Stop & Go intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale ON premises consumption of Liquor at 2114 Hwy 521 S., Sumter, SC 29153. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2014. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110.

Summons & Notice SUMMONS AND NOTICES IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO: 14-CP-43-0164 (NON-JURY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE) STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER James B. Nutter & Company, PLAINTIFF, vs.

The Estate of Clarence Reames, deceased; Rosa Johnson Reames; Orlando R. Reames; Clinton M. Reames; Sharon Reames; Delores Brown and any other Heirs, Personal Representatives, Successors, Assigns, Spouses, Creditors, and all others claiming any right, title or interest in the real estate known as 28 Byrd Street, Sumter, SC 29153, any adults or persons in the Military Service of the United States of America, being a class designated as John Doe, and any minors or persons under legal disability, being a class designated as Richard Roe ; The United States of America by and through its agency the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and CitiFinancial, DEFENDANT(S).

TO THE NAMED:

DEFENDANTS

ABOVE

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, or to otherwise appear and defend, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the subscribers at their office, P.O. Box 71727, North Charleston, South Carolina, 29415, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; except that the United States of America, if named, shall have sixty (60) days to answer after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the

Summons & Notice

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.

Summons & Notice

time aforesaid, or otherwise appear and defend, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for relief demanded therein, and judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

TO THE MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND/OR TO MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDES AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY: YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a guardian ad litem within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by the Plaintiff.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that should you fail to answer the foregoing Summons, the Plaintiff will move for a general Order of Reference to the Master in Equity for Sumter, which Order shall, pursuant to Rule 53(b) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically provide that the said Master in Equity is authorized and empowered to enter a final judgment in this action.

NOTICE OF FILING COMPLAINT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in the above entitled action, together with the Summons, was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on January 24, 2014 at 1:44 p.m.

ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM NISI It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court, upon reading and filing of the Petition of the Plaintiff for the appointment of Kelley Woody, attorney in Columbia, South Carolina, as Guardian ad Litem Nisi for all unknown minors, and for all persons who may be under a legal disability, it is ORDERED that Kelley Woody, Attorney at Law, be and she is hereby appointed Guardian ad Litem Nisi on behalf of unknown minors or persons under a legal disability, all of whom may have an interest in or claim to have some interest in the real property known as 28 Byrd Street, Sumter, SC 29153; that she is empowered and directed to appear on behalf of and represent said Defendants, unless the said Defendants, or someone on their behalf, shall within thirty (30) days after service of a copy hereof as directed, procure the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem for the said Defendants; AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order shall forthwith be served upon the said Defendants by publication thereof in the The Item, a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, once a week for three consecutive weeks, together with the Summons in the above entitled action.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT pursuant to the Supreme Court of South Carolina Administrative Order 2011-05-02-01, you may be eligible for foreclosure intervention programs for the purpose of resolving the above-referenced foreclosure action.

If you wish to be considered for a foreclosure intervention program, you must contact Finkel Law Firm LLC, 4000 Faber Place Drive, Suite 450 (29405), P.O. Box 71727 (29415), North Charleston, SC 29405, or call (843) 577-5460 within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. Finkel Law Firm LLC represents the Plaintiff in this action. Our law firm does not represent you and is not authorized to provide you any legal advice.

IF YOU FAIL, REFUSE, OR VOLUNTARILY ELECT NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION PROCESS, THE FORECLOSURE MAY PROCEED.

Clerk of Court for Sumter County Sumter, South Carolina February 27, 2014 FINKEL LAW FIRM LLC Thomas A. Shook P.O. Box 71727 North Charleston, SC 29415 (843) 577-5460 Attorney for Plaintiff

t 53*..*/( t 53&& 3&.07"t 456.1 3&.07"Po Boy’s Rex Prescott Tommy Thompson

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 105 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.6 million readers. Call Jimmie Haynes at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.

Computers & Equipment

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CIVIL ACTION NO. 2013-CP-43-2082

My Computer Works. Computer problems?

Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1-888-269-7891

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, Plaintiff / Petitioner, v.

Michelle Hunter, Odessa Hunter, Markita Wright and Tina Brooke, Defendants/Respondents.

NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT DECLARATORY JUDGMENT NON− JURY NOTICE that the Complaint, Declaratory Judgment, Non-Jury in the above captioned matter was filed in the office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on the 25th day of November, 2013.

SUMMONS TO THE DEFENDANTS HEREIN: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, of which a copy is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Complaint on the undersigned attorneys at their offices, 935 Broad Street, P. 0.

Drawer 39, Camden, SC 29020, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

DuBose - Robinson, PC Jonathan M. Robinson, Esquire John K. DuBose, III, Esquire H. Thomas Morgan, Jr. ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF P.O. Drawer 39 (935 Broad St.) Camden, SC 29021-0039 (803) 432-1992-telephone (803) 432-0784-facsimile

Public Hearing NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE #14-809 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County Council for Sumter County, South Carolina, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at 6:00 O'clock P.M., or as soon thereafter as practicable, as said hearing can be convened, in connection with: AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE BY AUCTION OF LAND GIVEN TO SUMTER COUNTY. This public hearing will be held in the Chambers of the said County Council on the third floor of the Sumter County Administration Building, 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, South Carolina, or at such other location within the said County as proper notice might specify. The said ordinance can be reviewed or a copy obtained from the Clerk to Council at the Offices of County Council on the third floor of the said County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend and participate in the public hearing.

Dated this 20th day of March, 2014.

The County Council for Sumter, S. C. By: Larry Blanding, Chairman Mary W. Blanding, Clerk to Council

Farm Products Nicole "Buffie" Ray 07/12/1970 - 03/22/2013 Remembering you is Easy, I do it everyday. But there's an ache within our hearts that will never go away. Your Daughter, Niya, Sisters, Brothers, Nieces & Nephews

James C. Campbell

Lakeside Market 2100 Wedgefield Rd Vegetable Plants

Honey Beehives for sale.

Fresh Honey and Bee Pollen for sale for allergy season. Call F.L. Newman @ 468-3700 or come by Newman's Furn Mart 1426 Camden Hwy

Cash For Junk Cars, used Cars, junk Batteries & unwanted gift cards. Call Gene 803-934-6734 DirectTV. 2 Year Savings Event!

Over 140 channels only $29.99 a month. Only DirecTV gives you 2 YEARS of savings and a FREE Genie upgrade!

Call 1-800-908-5974 Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves.

Special front end load washer $399 Guarantee 464-5439/469-7311 REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL!* Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo.

FREE HD/DVR Upgrade to new callers, SO CALL NOW 1-866-981-7319 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

BUSINESS SERVICES

DISH TV Retailer - Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.)

SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation!

CALL Now! 1-800-635-0278

Business Opportunities A SODA/SNACK VENDING ROUTE Locations Available in Your Local Area Investment Required Guarantee Cash Flow 10 Year Warrantee 1-800-367-6709 Ext 16 Reg#333 www.unitedvend group.com

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

Free est. 494-9169/468-4008 Kaz's Lawn Care Spring Cleanup Specials. Free Est. & Military Disc .803-565-1910 Daniel's Lawn Care • Tree removal • Lawn Service • Mulch / Pine straw • Debris removal 803-968-4185

HAY for your special animal.

Approx 40 Round bales.

775-4391, 464-5960

Oxendine & Son Lawn Care All your lawn care needs & pressure washing. Call Jonathan 803-565-2160 or Kerry 316-8726.

Tree Service

Beautiful Above Ground 28 ft round , 22, 000 gallon pool. 12x20 deck included. Pump and all accessories $1,500. You move.

Call 803-316-0685

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales 1152 Pointer Dr. Manning, Moving Sale. Sat. 8 am - 12 noon.

Some furniture, lots of dishes, clothes, lamps, etc.

1202 Main St.. Fri. 8AM 6PM,Sat. 7AM - 3PM. Tools, furn., bicycles and lots of good stuff!

390 Planters Dr. Sat 7-1. Dryer, furn., boys & adult clothes. Lots of good stuff.

Sumter Christian School yard sale. 420 S. Pike West, Sat 7AM-1PM

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time Experienced Property Mgr. for 100 Unit Apt. Complex in Sumter.

Competitive Salary + Benefits.

Fax Resume to: 803-775-2236 or email to sherrillnhmsmacon.com Experienced carpenter needed with their own vehicle.

803-473-4246. Please lv. msg.

ROSE'S SUMTER MALL SUMTER, SC We have an immediate opening for Retail Assistant Store Manager. 1yr Retail Management experience req'd. F/T position with benefits. (Major medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k, paid vacation).

Submit resume to Jerry Kotula District Manager, KotulaJerry@gmail.com

Church Yard Sale Sat., March 22nd Wise Drive Baptist Church 2751 South Wise Drive 7am-11am.

Moving Sale Sat 7AM-12. 2264 Stanley Rd. Hshld items, decorations, light fixtures, garage items, and supplies and more.

Huge Sale! Gold Warehouse, Dorsey Dr. Cherryvale area. Sat 9am-Until.

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721 NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal , trimming & stump grinding. Lic & Ins.

803-316-0128

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

PETS & ANIMALS

NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT (15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.): This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information you provide will be used for that purpose. However, if you have previously received a discharge from bankruptcy, this message is not and should be construed as an attempt to collect a debt, but only as a requirement pursuant to the administrative order.

MERCHANDISE Auctions

Card of Thanks

NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT DECLARATORY JUDGMENT NON-JURY

’S TREE SERVICE PO BOYFREE ESTIMATES TREE CARE

For Sale or Trade

2805 & 2811 DBar Cir Fri & Sat 8-? Small Kit. Appli. Misc Items, crib, toys, golf clubs Moving Sale: 1908 Polaris Dr. Sat. 7am. Trailer, Above ground pool, lawn mower, kids clothes/items and much more.

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

Indoor Sale: 1944 Pinewood Rd. Fri. & Sat. 7am until. Lots of Furn., Misc. items. Rain or shine.

Springhill Suites Marriott will be taking applications in person for Front Desk Position at Candlewood Suites 2541 Broad Street.

Real Estate Office is seeking Administrative Assistant to perform functions as office receptionist. Able to handle multi line phone system. Pleasant personality and phone voice. General office knowledge. Microsoft word, Excel and computer skills. Email resumes to: officemanager@advantagesumter.com

Assistant Aquatics Manager The City of Sumter is seeking qualified applicants. If interested, see details at www.sumtersc.gov

Cats

958 Cherryvale Dr. Fri. 10-7, Sat 8-1. Old stuff, what-nots, dishes, glassware, Coke.

Exp A/C Service Tech/Installer Must have valid driver license, tools and own transportation. Pay based on experience up $16/hr.

Call 803-825-9075 Mike

Free to good home 1 YR old F Cat. Gray & white. Spayed and litter trained. Call 968-2763

Last Saturday in March Neighborhood Sale (Idlewild) Sat., 7AM. All streets. Lots of good stuff!!

Exp. Auto Tech needed IMMEDIATELY. Must have tools, driver's license & work experience.

Apply in person 601 Broad St.

place my

PETS Puppies for sale...

AD

TREE REMOVAL t 5011*/( t 413":*/( t 136/*/( t '&35*-*;*/( t #64) )0((*/(

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE LICENSED & INSURED

469-7606 or 499-4413

FIREWOOD DELIVERY

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE 24/7.

WWW.THEITEM.COM

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014

Help Wanted Part-Time

Statewide Employment

Mobile Home Rentals

Land & Lots for Sale

Autos For Sale

Psychotherapist-responsible for individual, group, family therapy, psychosocial assessments and case management. Masters in social work, psychology, or counseling required with current LISW, PC, or LPC. Fax resume to 803-774-2633 or email : lefford.fate@tuomey.com

GRADING/UTILITY SUPERINTENDENT Site Development Contractor has immediate Superintendent opportunity available.

Must have experience in grading, installation of sanitary, storm and water sewers. Must be able to communicate with subcontractors.

We are a Georgia based company, and employment requires relocation. Excellent salary and benefits.

Fax resume to 404-522-1539 or email: clewis@lewiscontractingservices.co m.

Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water/sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd.

RV parking avail. Call 494-8350

3 Lots in City limits (Bishopville).

Asking $20,000 or possible trade.

Call 803-459-4773

A Guaranteed Credit Approval AUTO LOANS

Mobile Homes @ Santee/ 25 miles from Sumter. 3BR/2BA $750/mo. + dep. 2BR/1BA $525/mo + dep. 803-773-6655 & 803-983-9035

Resort Property

Mature person needed to clean house, yard & vehicle once a week & run errands. Must have own transportation. Must be able to work anytime. (803) 469-0318 must call after 3pm.

Chauffeurs needed for Limousine Co. Must have excellent people skills. Schedule includes days, nights & weekends. Exc wages. Fax resume & 10 year driving record to 803-494-5779 or Call 803-983-5247.

Active Day, a Medical Adult Day Ctr, in Sumter is hiring a driver to transport elderly/special needs individuals to/from home. Mon. Fri. To apply, complete application at: 930 Oswego Hwy Sumter EOE Local Baptist Church seeking Mature Christian for Church Secretary position. Applicant should possess excellent communication skills and Word Processing ability.

Current hours 9-3 M-Thur. 9-1 Friday. Send resumes to P- Box 354 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Part time truck driver with 5 yrs exp. to work local. Must have clean driving record & CDL. Great for retired person. Send Resume to SMH PO BOX 104 Sumter SC 29151 $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

Trucking Opportunities CDL drivers needed 21 & older, two years exp. Call 843-659-8254 or 843-659-2268 Best Logistics Group is seeking local 1st & 2nd shift class A CDL drivers in the Bishopville, SC area.

You must have 2 years' experience with 53' dry van within the past 5 years to qualify. Drivers will average between 2000-2300 miles per week at .40 cpm. Medical, dental, vision, long/short term disability, life and 401K. Apply online at www.shipwithbest.com or call 800-849-1818 ext. 1400 or 1460 Truck Driver Trainees Needed Now at H.O. Wolding Earn $800/wk Local CDL Training NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Be trained & based locally!

1-888-263-7364

Schools / Instructional AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-367-2513 Healthcare CAREERS - Looking for caring people to train for work in hospitals, clinics, health. Financial aid if qualified. Call Centura College Charleston 888-242-3623 / Columbia 888-891-1658.

HVAC Careers Start here - Heat things up with hands on training in months not years. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Centura College 888-891-1658.

Work Wanted I'm Available to clean your home.

Affordable, reliable 16 yrs exp ref's. Melissa 803-938-5204

Statewide Employment Superior Transportation New Careers for OTR Drivers Class A CDL 2yrs Exp Flatbed. Get paid for your Experience! Weekly Salary & Extra pay for weekends! Call 800-736-9486 Ext266 Train to be a PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER through Prime's Student Driver Program. Obtain your Commercial Driver's License, then get paid while training!

1-800-277-0212 driveforprime.com

Drivers: Need Contract Drivers, CDL A or B to transfer commercial vehicles to and from various locations throughout U.S. - OTR No forced dispatch - Drivers choice - Apply online at www.ma motransportation.com under Careers or call 1-800-501-3783 to speak with a recruiter.

NOW HIRING! Property inspectors needed, no experience necessary. Will train. Full-time & part-time. 877-207-6716 www.aar onspa.biz/nowhiring ATTN: DRIVERS - 24/7 Support! $$$ Up to 50 cpm $$$ Full Benefits + Pet & Rider CDL-A Req 877-258-8782 www.ad-drivers.co m ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 105 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.6 million readers. Call Jimmie Haynes at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.

SPECIAL OPS U.S. Navy. Elite training. Daring missions. Generous pay/benefits. HS grads ages 17-30. Do you have what it takes?

Call Mon-Fri 800-662-7419 Experienced OTR Flatbed Drivers earn 50 up to 55 cpm loaded. $1000 sign on to Qualified drivers.

Home most weekends. Call: 843-266-3731 / www.bulldoghiwa y.com EOE

3BR Mobile Home in Cresent MHP. 1st mo + security dep. Call 803-720-1600

MTNS of NC Charming and affordable 1328 sf new log cabin on 1.39 pvt wooded acres $135,900 hdwd floors, stone fpl, spacious deck, level driveway.

828-286-1666 Won't last!

STATEBURG COURTYARD

TRANSPORTATION

REGIONAL DRIVERS! Excellent Benefits & Weekly Hometime.

CDL-A req. 888-362-8608 Apply online at AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer - Females, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

3BR 2BA Double Wide in the country. $450 mo. +$300 Sec dep. Call 481-0086

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

Vacation Rentals ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.6 million South Carolina newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 105 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Jimmie Haynes at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.

Rooms for rent in spacious home. Many amenities included.

Call 803-404-4662 for details

Brick 3BR 1BA Recently renovated. Mayesville Area $450 Mo. +Dep Call 843-374-3555

1998 Ford Ranger XLT Super cab, 109K mi. Exc. cond. $5500 OBO. Call 803-447-5453

95' Dodge Ram 1500 Leer Cap, Rhinoliner, 175K mi. Tow pkg., new Thruout $4,000 FIRM. 803-435-8075 Auto Choice Sales & Rentals Buy Here, Pay Here. No Credit, No Problem. Cash Rentals. 494-8827

DISH TV Retailer - Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.)

SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation!

CALL Now! 1-800-635-0278

Need Cash?

Classifieds - your best deal for making a few bucks on things you no longer need!

Call 774-1234 today!

Classified

I Found it in the

CLASSIFIEDS

For Sale 411 N. Magnolia, Hardwood floors, C/H/A. Garage, workshop & shed. Commercial lot on Lafayette also available.

Fin Available.

775-4391/ 464-5960 INVESTORS DREAM DEAL Buy three houses get one free.

Anxious to sell. 803-773-4391, 803-464-5960

For Sale 1387 Raccoon Rd. (Lee Cty) 3BR/1BA. C/H/A Lrg building inside yard. 1 ac lot. Fin avail. 775-4391 464-5960.

HOLLY COURT APARTMENTS located in Manning, currently have spacious two bedroom apartments for rent. Fully carpeted with central air and heat, water and sewer included. Please call to inquire about our Move in Special.

Ph:( 803) 435-8786

Unfurnished Homes

Vans / Trucks / Buses

Homes for Sale

Unfurnished Apartments

Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette.

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Reconditioned batteries $35. We buy OLD battery cores. Golf cart chargers for sale. Auto Electric Co 803-773-4381

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS Rooms for Rent

We will arrange financing even if you have been turned down before.

Loans available for no credit, bad credit, 1st Time Buyers & Bankruptcy buyers. No co-signers needed. Call Mr. Ashley Brown at 803-926-3235

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

WE NEED DRIVERS!! Immediate openings. OTR drivers, minimum 1yr. OTR experience. Late model conventional tractors/48' flatbed trailers. Top pay, insurance. Home most weekends. Senn Freight 1-800-477-0792 New Pay-For-Experience program pays up to $0.41/mile. Class A Professional Drivers Call 866-501-0946 for more details or visit SuperServiceLLC.com

Miscellaneous

For Sale 3600 Dallas: Dalzell, 3BR, 2BA. Workshop. 1/2 ac lot.

Financing Available. 775-4391, 464-5960

Manufactured Housing

JOBS HOMES APARTMENTS CARS BOATS MOTORCYCLES BIKES FURNITURE PETS GARAGE SALES & MORE GET THE CLASSIFIEDS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR. 803-774-1258

Tax Time is Here... Low Credit Score? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing. We have 3-4-5 bedroom homes. Layaway program available. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

Mobile Home with Lots

Nicely Updated 2BR home.

New carpet, appl's, water, dumspter, sec. lights inc'd.

Conv. Shaw. No H/A or PETS! $485/mo + $350/dep.

803-983-0043

Mobile Homes with acreage.

Ready to move in. Seller Financing (subject to credit approval). Lots of room for the price, 3Br 2Ba. No renters.

803-454-2433, VMFhomes.com DL35711

For Rent -1425 Morris Way 3BR/2BA, 1,900 sq ft. fenced yard. sprinkler system, new roof, new carpet. washer/dryer incl. Very spacious. $1100 Mo. Call 803-310-8745

Land & Lots for Sale Lot for sale in Deerfield Courtyard next to Wilson Hall School.

Call 469-9667 for information

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