March 24, 2015 by The Sumter Item

BASKETBALL: USC women rout Syracuse behind home crowd B1 MONEY

Protect yourself from high fees, fraud on taxes A5 TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

75 cents

I-95 Megasite needs counties’ support More industry could come to tri-county area if railroad access added to proposed site BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com Sumter, Clarendon, Lee and Williamsburg counties can expect to see more industrial growth within the next few years if all goes well with the

development of railroad access on a proposed I-95 Megasite in Clarendon County. The megasite is a shared project of Sumter, Lee, Clarendon and Williamsburg counties and has been in the works since 2006.

The construction of a railroad line is the final step in order for the industrial site to officially qualify as a megasite. In order for a tract of land to qualify as an industrial site, it must have access to water, sewage, natural gas and

electrical utilities. But if a site is intended to be a megasite, it must have all of those components as well as railroad access. The 1,400-acre property will be a

SEE MEGASITE, PAGE A8

SUMTER COUNTY’S CHAPTER OF PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN

‘On the road to healing’ Support group for families of victims of violence will celebrate its anniversary BY MATTHEW BRUCE matthew@theitem.com

“T

ropicana or Minute Maid?” Those were the last words Patricia Holiday ever heard her son utter. Kemper Holiday said those words as he left the house the morning of Dec. 9, 2009, to buy his mother a carton of juice. He never made it back. Less than 12 hours after leaving his mother, the 23-year-old aspiring musician was found dead inside a trailer less than three miles from his Rembert home. Kemper Holiday was one of five people shot during a home invasion at a single-wide mobile home near the Kershaw County line. Investigators said more than 20 shots rang out during a botched robbery as two gunmen stormed into the residence demanding money. The two thieves — one of which was wounded during the robbery — made off with more than $5,000. One of the gunmen shot Kemper Holiday at close range as he was bound and duct taped on the floor. The devastation of having her youngest child snatched away so suddenly and in such a violent way is something that Patricia Holiday concedes she will never get over. But it’s a constant battle she grapples to get a grasp on every day. “I thought I was going to lose my mind … I really did,” she said tearfully while recently recalling the days and weeks following the fateful shooting. “You literally have to have something stronger than you, and that’s where my faith became a whole lot stronger. Because I knew that I needed God. Man could not do it.”

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Patricia Holiday wipes away a tear as she talks about her son Kemper, who was murdered in 2009. Holiday joined a support group called Parents of Murdered Children, which has put her in touch with other parents in similar situations and helped her heal. It’s been more than five years since Patricia Holiday lost her son, who she remembers as her best friend and favorite singing partner. And during the past several months, she’s had more than her faith to lean on in reconciling the pain of his murder. Holiday began attending group sessions of a local organization last year. The support group — Parents of Murdered Children — serves as a na-

tional fraternity for family members and friends impacted by one of the thousands of homicides in the U.S. each year. The Sumter County chapter of Parents of Murdered Children will celebrate its first anniversary Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Birnie Hope Center, 210 S. Purdy St. The event, which is themed “A Time to Embrace,” will feature entertainment, games and food

and is open to those grieving the loss of a murder or homicide victim. It will be held in the same building where members of the burgeoning community group meet once a month to help each other grieve. The group is geared toward parents who have lost their children to violence and bills itself as a place where members “embrace

SEE PARENTS, PAGE A8

Officials urge caution after online ISIS threat ‘Islamic State Hacking Division’ called for assassination of 100 military members online BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com On Saturday, a group calling itself “Islamic State Hacking Division” posted names and other personal information on-

VISIT US ONLINE AT

the

.com

line, such as street addresses, of 100 people the group says are U.S. military personnel and called for their assassination. U.S. military spokesmen have said they are taking the threats seriously and are ad-

vising personnel to be cautious in their use of social media and websites. Lt. Col. Donald Corpi, deputy chief of Public Affairs Army Central Command at Shaw Air Force Base, said

DEATHS, B5 Kathryn Von Cannon Robert J. Shaughnessy Brenda S. Bragg Ed J. Davis Jr. Muldrow J. Burgess Otto Griffin William J. Russell Sr.

Marian G. Wright Dorothy Baird Delmar O. Johnson Sr. Elizabeth N. Hilton Sally Brunson Louis Odell Grant

Monday there were no U.S. Army Central Command personnel on the posted list. An Air Force spokesperson said it would not release any information and referred reporters to the Department of Defense.

“The safety of our service members is always a concern,” said a defense department official. “We encourage our personnel to exercise

SEE THREAT, PAGE A3

WEATHER, A10

INSIDE

A WARMER DAY

2 SECTIONS, 24 PAGES VOL. 120, NO. 134

Some sun today; mainly cloudy with a shower this evening HIGH 70, LOW 54

Classifieds B7 Comics B6 Lotteries A10

Opinion A9 Television A7

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

SHS 1st in state to use ScholarChip

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Commission to review site plan for gas station Sumter City and County Planning Commission will meet Wednesday at 3 p.m. in city council chambers, Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., to consider: • An ordinance allowing ice vending units to be placed on property as principal use instead of conditional use; • A request for a major site plan and highway corridor approval for a two-phase development: the construction of a 2,250-square-foot Markette convenience store with two fuel pump centers, one for cars and another for semi trucks, and the construction of a 12,600-square-foot wholesale liquor, beer and wine store at 1018 Manning Road and 1025 Pocalla Road, respectively; and • A request to amend the city’s zoning and development standards ordinance to better define planning department staff approvals and historic preservation board approvals.

BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Sumter High School is the first school in the state to use an automated attendance program. The school was selected for the $60,000 statewide pilot program through Bridgeway Solutions Inc., which provides identification management solutions. The system tracks students’ attendance by requiring them to scan their ID cards at machines set up at the entrances upon arrival. “We instantly know who is present in the building, and if they’re not present in the classroom, we know that they are skipping class,” said Dana Fall, the school’s principal. “It’s more of an efficient way to keep a tab on all of the students.” Since the implementation of the system roughly two weeks ago, 95 percent of students have had their ID cards with them, compared to about 50 per-

‘It’s all about safety and responsibility on the part of the student.’ DANA FALL Sumter High School principal cent in the past, Fall said. If students do not have their IDs, the machine prints out temporary ID stickers which they have to wear throughout the day. He said with about 2,400 students at the school, this is the best way to keep track of all of them. The next step is to equip hall monitors with tablets. The hall monitors could request a student who is wandering in the hall, for example, to scan his or her ID with the tablet. The monitor will then be able to see the student’s class schedule and

know exactly where that student is supposed to be at that time. Teachers will also have a tablet in each class, requiring the students to scan their IDs upon arrival. “It’s all about safety and responsibility on the part of the student,” Fall said. He said the system would also be vital in an emergency situation and that it has many other functions. The next phase would be to set up the machines to keep track of the school’s tardy students and to automatically create referrals, saving teachers time on disciplinary actions. Fall said it could also be used on school buses, with students scanning their IDs when they get on and off the bus. “As we develop the system at the school, we’ll see how all of the pieces fit together,” he said. The school has five of these machines, four of which are operated at the student entrances and one at the guidance office for late arrivals.

Looking toward the future

Fire hydrant tests Wednesday, Thursday The City of Sumter will perform fire hydrant flow tests from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday on Maxwell Avenue, Roosevelt Road, Old Pocalla Road, West Patricia Drive, North Main Street, Hurley Drive, Dollard Drive and Pulpit Street. Water customers in the surrounding area may experience temporary discolored water. Direct any questions or concerns to the City of Sumter Public Services Department at (803) 436-2558.

Clemson opens first Crop Shop on S.C. coast JOHNS ISLAND — Clemson has opened what’s called a Crop Shop on James Island — the first farm kitchen of its kind in the state. For $6 an hour, growers can use the kitchen to package and preserve produce to sell to schools, grocery stores and restaurants. The building on Johns Island was designed by Clemson architecture students and is being managed by a nonprofit that provides food to the hungry. To use the kitchen, growers must receive instruction in safe food handling and take a 10-week business-planning course through the Clemson Extension. The Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development says in a release that organizations in other parts of the country are interested in also creating such kitchens. Clemson plans to open a second Crop Shop in Greenville County in June.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Soon-to-be graduates picked up their caps and gowns, had portraits taken and learned about job searching during Central Carolina Technical College’s 2015 Graduation Fair on March 17. Engineering graphics technology student Gary White chooses his favorite photo taken by Charlie Mathis of Mathis Photography Studio.

Spartanburg coroner determines 6 died in fiery wreck ENOREE (AP) — Six people died in a wreck on Interstate 26 last week in Spartanburg County that was so fiery and chaotic that the Spartanburg County coroner said it took his office four days to determine the exact death toll. Investigators used DNA testing and interviews to figure out who all was involved in the wreck Thursday night near mile marker 41 on I-26 about 20 miles south of Spartanburg, Coroner Rusty Clevenger said in a news release Monday. Clevenger said more DNA testing will be needed to confirm the identities of

those killed, so he isn’t releasing any names or other identifying information. The Spartanburg County wreck took place two days before five people died in another fiery wreck on Interstate 95 in Florence County. Officials have not determined the cause of either wreck. A special team of state troopers is trying to untangle exactly what happened in the Spartanburg County wreck. The incident involved at least two separate crashes and included an 18-wheeler, an SUV, two automobiles and a pedestrian, Highway Patrol Cpl. Bill Rhyne said.

“Until we know the exact chain of events, I’m not going to be able to release anything else,” Rhyne said. “I don’t want to have to come back and correct something.” Johnathan Bass drove by the wreck just as fire trucks were starting to battle the flames. He told WYFF-TV that it appeared the two cars crashed, then someone got out to check on them when the 18-wheeler and SUV wrecked. “I could have been the guy who jumped over that rail to help that wreck,” Bass told the Greenville television station.

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ANNOUNCEMENT ARE YOU GOING ON Birth, Engagement, Wedding, VACATION? Anniversary, Obituary 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Rick Carpenter Managing Editor rick@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 Waverly Williams Sales Manager waverly@theitem.com (803) 774-1237

Earle Woodward Customer Service Manager earle@theitem.com (803) 774-1259 Michele Barr Business Manager michele@theitem.com (803) 774-1249 Gail Mathis Clarendon Bureau Manager gail@theitem-clarendonsun.com (803) 435-4716

Member, Verified Audit Circulation

$40.80; three months - $20.40; one month, $6.80; EZPay, $6.80

Rural Route Home Delivery

Call (803) 774-1258

Call (803) 774-1226

TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One year - $174.25; six months $91; three months - $47.50; two months, $33; one month $16.50. EZPay, $14.50/month

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD:

TO BUY A SUBSCRIPTION Call (803) 774-1258 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Standard Home Delivery

Mail Delivery

TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

One year - $276; six months - $138; three months - $69; one month - $23 Printed on recycled paper with environmentally safe soy inks to reduce ruboff. The Item is recyclable.

Call (803) 774-1234 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TO PLACE A NONCLASSIFIED AD: Call (803) 774-1237 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TO PLACE AN

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

One year - $84; six months - $43; three months - $22; one month $7.50; EZPay, $7.50

One year - $166; Six months - $87; three months - $45.25; two months - $31.50; one month - $15.75; EZPay - $14/month SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

One year - $81.60; six months -

The Sumter Item is published six days a week except for July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day (unless it falls on a Sunday) by Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, SC 29150. Periodical postage paid at Sumter, SC 29150. Postmaster: Send address changes to Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, SC 29150 Publication No. USPS 525-900

LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

REVIEW

String quartet with artist makes for ‘fabulous’ evening Final concert of group’s season had excellent stage scenery, lighting BY LAUREN DECKER Special to The Sumter Item On Friday, the Sumter community was privileged to see the final program of the Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Association titled Galleria Seasons — and it was fabulous. The Vega Quartet consisting of violinists Domenic Salerni and Jessica Shuang Wu, violist Yinzi Kong and cellist Guang Wang, Quartet in Residence at Emory University since 2006, has toured throughout Asia, Europe and North America performing in major cities such as London, New York and Seoul and major venues such as Carnegie Hall and Duke Hall at the Royal Academy of Music, London. The group is creating and cultivating a new generation of passionate and educated chamber music lovers in addition to developing innovative programs in collaboration with other art forms including dance, painting, poetry and theatre. In addition to beautiful string music, we enjoyed the collaboration and performance art of abstract painter Susan Ruth, whose works appear in numerous galleries globally selling typically for $500 to $6,500. She is well known in the Nashville art community where she lives. The Vega Quartet opened with Haydn’s Largo from Op. 76, no. 5, which calmed the audience and prepared us for what was to come. Beginning with a slow movement — though unusual, I thought — the intensity and communication between the musicians was palpable. They pulled us right in, and as the New York Times raved, their “playing ... had a kind of clean intoxication to it, pulling the listener along ... .” Next came Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concertos and the collaboration with Ruth. Using state-of-the-art technology — a camera mounted above her head and a projector — the audience was able to watch Ruth’s canvas come to life as she kneeled on the stage painting what she heard in the music. The first

THREAT FROM PAGE A1 appropriate procedures.” He said there was no indication of a data breach that would compromise the safety of Defense Department personnel. “Services are conducting appropriate notifications in accordance with their servicespecific procedures,” he said. The official said the department would not identify any specific service members on the list or where they are stationed, and he would not discuss any specific force protection measures. “The threat is real, and we take the threat very seriously,”

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Vega Quartet, performing with abstract artist Susan Ruth, presented the final concert of the season for the Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Association. Reviewer Lauren Decker said of their performance of Vivaldi’s Concerto no. 4 in F minor, “It was so beautiful I wanted to hear it again.” two concertos, each with three movements in a fast-slow-fast format, Concerto no. 1 in E Major “Spring” and Concerto no. 2 in G minor “Summer,” were painted using the warm hues of yellow, red, blue and green to represent the vibrancy of spring and the furious intensity of summer. The smooth, long legato notes of the first violin in the slow movement of the “Summer” concerto was in direct contrast to the fast and furious third movement that allowed all the strings to show off their mastery and skill. It truly was a summer storm. After intermission and a costume change, the Vega Quartet followed the same format as in the first half, beginning with the first movement of Mo-

Corpi said. “We take service members’ safety very seriously, but we feel maintaining a social media presence is important. If we take down our social media presence we are letting those adversaries win.” Corpi said base personnel were working with U.S. Central Command and the Department of the Army to make sure protections are in place. “We do have a policy in place that requires us to change passwords and change profiles and do other things,” he said. “We do the best we can to stay on top of it, and we adjust, and we learn as we go just like everybody else.” Corpi said messages have been sent to official and private accounts to make sure families are aware of the situa-

zart’s Quartet no. 15 in D minor. Ruth returned to complete Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by creating another canvas of cooler tones during the performance of Concerto no. 3 in F Major “Autumn” and Concerto no. 4 in F minor “Winter.” I especially enjoyed the peaceful Largo movement of the “Winter” concerto expertly played by first violinist Salerni carrying the melody but supported by the gentle pizzicato plucking of the second violin and viola, while the cello kept up a pattern of running eighth notes. It was so beautiful I wanted to hear it again. Galleria Seasons was excellent, from the stage scenery, which consisted of oversized artist palettes standing behind each member of the quartet,

tion and to offer assistance to help them safeguard their information. “If they suspect someone has hacked into their accounts or is posting on their behalf, let us know immediately so we can help them with that as well,” he said. Maj. Gen. Michael Garrett, chief of staff of U.S. Central Command, recommended that staff and families stay alert. “We are operating in a ‘new norm’ in which cyber threats are real and constant; any CENTCOM teammate or family member could be targeted,” Garrett said. “To that end, we all should maintain a heightened sense of vigilance, whether dealing with work or home computer usage, specifically as it relates to social media.”

each seated on lighted boxes to the picture frame where we could watch the artist work, to the lighting which changed colors according to the musical seasons to the collaboration between musicians and artist. My only concern was that for this concert the collaboration was almost too much. I enjoyed the music so much that I didn’t want to direct my attention to the artist. I felt her work was not as important because it had to be done quickly, yet it was that collaboration that might have kept the interest for others. Thank you to Sumter-Shaw Concert Association for bringing a variety of fine, musical entertainment to our community for the past 68 years.

Spring

OPEN HOUSE

ONE DAY EVENT SATURDAY, MARCH 28 10AM-5PM

bridal registry

“Your Great Day Begins With Us!” SUMTER’S NEW DINING EXPERIENCE

Kathleen en n Jones Welch & Mendal Burns Shaw Elizabeth Stubbs & Ryan Gaughf Margaret Stafford & Michael Manders

135 W. Wesmark Blvd. 803.77-LIGHT

MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. SATURDAY 10:00 A.M.- 3:00 P.M. WWW.SUMTERLIGHTINGANDHOME.COM

TRADITIONAL AMERICAN BREAKFAST SPECIAL 2 Eggs, Bacon or Sausage, Grits or Home Fries & Toast

5.95

We Serve Breakfast & Lunch All Day 7 AM - 2:30 PM • 7 Days A Week

10% Senior & Military Discounts

1779 Hwy 15 South | Sumter, SC

803.506.2220

warm, friendly atmosphere • painless experience • family oriented

5635 Broad Street Ext. • Sumter, SC 29150 on the corner of 378 & 441

803.494.8466

www.DentalTeamofSumter.com

-MEMBER-

WORLD

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Japan opts for costly sea wall to fend off tsunamis BY ELAINE KURTENBACH AP Business Writer SENDAI, Japan — Four years after a towering tsunami ravaged much of Japan’s northeastern coast, efforts to fend off future disasters are focusing on a nearly 250-mile chain of cement sea walls, at places nearly five stories high. Opponents of the $6.8 billion plan argue that the massive concrete barriers will damage marine ecology and scenery, hinder vital fisheries and actually do little to protect residents who are mostly supposed to relocate to higher ground. Those in favor say the sea walls are a necessary evil, and one that will provide some jobs, at least for a time. In the northern fishing port of Osabe, Kazutoshi Musashi chafes at the 41-foot-high concrete barrier blocking his view of the sea. “The reality is that it looks like the wall of a jail,” said Musashi, 46, who lived on the seaside before the tsunami struck Osabe and has moved inland since. Pouring concrete for public works is a staple strategy for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its backers in big business and construction, and local officials tend to go along with such plans. The paradox of such projects, experts say, is that while they may reduce some damage, they can foster complacency. That can be a grave risk along coastlines vulnerable to tsunamis, storm surges and other natural disasters. At least some of the 18,500 people who died or went missing in the 2011 disasters failed to heed warnings to escape in time. Tsuneaki Iguchi was mayor

of Iwanuma, a town just south of the region’s biggest city, Sendai, when the tsunami triggered by a magnitude-9 earthquake just off the coast inundated half of its area. A 24-foot-high sea wall built years earlier to help stave off erosion of Iwanuma’s beaches slowed the wall of water, as did stands of tall, thin pine trees planted along the coast. But the tsunami still swept up to 3 miles inland. Passengers and staff watched from the upper floors and roof of the airport as the waves carried off cars, buildings and aircraft, smashing most homes in densely populated suburbs not far from the beach. The city repaired the broken sea walls but doesn’t plan to make them any taller. Instead, Iguchi was one of the first local officials to back a plan championed by former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa to plant mixed forests along the coasts on tall mounds of soil or rubble, to help create a living “green wall” that would persist long after the concrete of the bigger, man-made structures has crumbled. “We don’t need the sea wall to be higher. What we do need is for everyone to evacuate,” Iguchi said. “The safest thing is for people to live on higher ground and for people’s homes and their workplaces to be in separate locations. If we do that, we don’t need to have a ‘Great Wall,’” he said. While the lack of basic infrastructure can be catastrophic in developing countries, too heavy a reliance on such safeguards can lead communities to be too complacent at times, says Margareta Wahlstrom, head of the U.N.’s Office for Disaster Risk

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A 23-foot, 7-inch-high concrete sea wall spans the shore at Millennium Hope Hills park in Iwanuma, Miyagi prefecture, northeastern Japan. Four years after a towering tsunami ravaged much of Japan’s northeastern coast, efforts to fend off future disasters are focusing on a nearly 250-mile chain of cement sea walls, at places nearly five stories high. Reduction. “There’s a bit of an overbelief in technology as a solution, even though everything we have learned demonstrates that people’s own insights and instincts are really what makes a difference, and technology in fact makes us a bit more vulnerable,” Wahlstrom said in an interview ahead of a recent conference in Sendai convened to draft a new framework for reducing disaster risks. In the steelmaking town of Kamaishi, more than 1,000 people died in the 2011 tsunami, but most school students fled to safety zones immediately after the earthquake, thanks to training by a civil engineering professor, Toshi-

PEPSI PRODUCTS AAQUAFINA QUAFFIN WATER

$ 50

24PK. 12 OZ. CANS

$ 99

taka Katada. The risk is not confined to Japan, said Maarten van Aalst, director of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Center, who sees this in the attitudes of fellow Dutch people who trust in their low-lying country’s defenses against the sea. “The public impression of safety is so high, they would have no idea what to do in case of a catastrophe,” he said. Despite pockets of opposition, getting people to agree to forego the sea walls and opt instead for Hosokawa’s “Great Forest Wall” plan is a tough sell, says Tomoaki Takahashi, whose job is to win support for the forest

project in local communities. “Actually, many people are in favor of the sea walls, because they will create jobs,” said Takahashi. “But even people who really don’t like the idea also feel as if they would be shunned if they don’t go along with those who support the plan,” he said. While the “Great Forest Wall” being planted in some areas would not stave off flooding, it would slow tsunamis and weaken the force of their waves. As waters recede, the vegetation would help prevent buildings and other debris from flowing back out to sea. Such projects would also allow rain water to flow back into the sea, a vital element of marine ecology.

Spring Specials MICROWAVE

224 PK. 16.9OZ. BOTTLES

• 1.7 Cu. Ft. • Sensor Cooking Controls • Auto and Time Defrost • Removable 2-Position Oven Rack • 2-Speed, 300-CFM Venting System

• Self-Cleaning Electric Range • 6 in./9 in. Power Boil Element JVM6175DFWW JB630DFWW

DISHWASHER • GE’s Most Advanced Wash System • Piranha Hard Food Disposer w/Removable Filter • Steam Prewash • Sanitize Cycle (NSF Residential) • SpaceMaker Silverware Basket

REFRIGERATOR • Energy Star Qualiﬁed • Factory-Installed Icemaker • Up-Front Temperature Controls • Adjustable Spill-Proof Glass Shelves • Gallon Door Storage GDF520PGOWW

GIE18GTHWW

If you are building or remodeling, we have special contractor pricing. Like Us On

APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE 674 WEST LIBERTY ST • SUMTER, SC 29150 • 803-775-7278 • HOURS: 8AM TO 9PM DAILY

773-2737 • 21 W. Wesmark Blvd., Sumter

NATION

THE SUMTER ITEM

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Tax refund advances appeal to more cash-strapped Americans BY HOPE YEN The Associated Press

CONSUMER TIPS FOR USING PAID TAX PREPARERS

WASHINGTON — Cashstrapped Americans anxious for tax refunds are increasingly turning to payment advances, prepaid cards or other costly services when getting tax preparation help, according to new federal data raising concerns among regulators about whether consumers are fully informed about the fees. Regulators are looking to increase oversight of preparers amid the rise in “refund anticipation checks,” a type of cash advance especially popular among low-income families who receive the Earned Income Tax Credit, the government’s $65 billion cash benefit program. The advances are being marketed as a way to get fast refunds or defer payment of tax preparation costs. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says some consumers have complaints about refund anticipation checks centered on advertising, quality of service or fees. The bureau is finalizing the first rules on prepaid debit cards, including those for tax refunds, that would require “easy to understand” disclosures upfront about costs and risks. Refund anticipation checks rose to roughly 21.6 million in 2014, up 17 percent from 2011, according to IRS data provided to The Associated Press. About half the purchasers are EITC recipients; roughly 84 percent are lowincome, according to the data. Industry analysts proj-

Some consumer tips to help avoid excessive fees or potential fraud when using paid tax preparers, according to the Justice Department, Internal Revenue Service and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: • Make sure any tax refund due is sent to you or deposited into your bank account, not deposited into a preparer’s bank account. • Do not use a preparer willing to electronically file your return using your last pay stub rather than a W-2. • Do not use a preparer who fabricates business expenses or claims bogus tax credits you may not be entitled to. • Ask about service fees upfront. Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of your refund or say they can get a larger refund for you than others can. • Never sign a blank return. • Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS, using forms 14157 and 14157-A. • Get help with taxes for free, if possible. If your income is $53,000 or less, if you have a disability or are a limited English speaker, you are eligible for free tax preparation services at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance location: http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ or call 800-9069887. Persons 60 or older can get free assistance through Tax Counseling for the Elderly: http://www.aarp.org/applications/ VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action or call 888-227-7669.

ect the payment advances and their fees will become more widespread as tax preparers seek to boost revenue. Currently, refund anticipation checks and prepaid cards make up 10 percent of industry giant H&R Block’s revenue and more than 20 percent of Liberty Tax Service’s, according to earnings reports. Both companies said they are committed to providing consumers with the information they need to make taxfiling decisions, including use of refund anticipation checks. They said the payment advances offer added value, such as convenience.

The Internal Revenue Service has been pushing Congress for new authority to regulate the $10.1 billion tax preparation industry after an appeals court last year barred it from requiring tax preparers to undergo background checks and testing. “It’s the wild, wild West,” said Nina Olson, the IRS’ national taxpayer advocate, describing the current state of the industry. She called the level of risk for abuse in pricing and quality of service unprecedented. The National Association of Tax Professionals supports certification of providers to ensure a minimum

level of competency. But the Institute for Justice, which filed the lawsuit against IRS, says new licensing requirements and other oversight aren’t the answer. “We should do more to increase competition, not drive independent tax preparers out of the market,” said Dan Alban, an attorney for the group. The average tax-preparation fee for 2014 returns is $273, up 11 percent from two years ago, according to a survey by the National Society of Accountants. But there’s wide variation, with fees of $400 or more, according to the National Consumer Law Center. Netran Washington, 40, a materials handler in Cleveland, says he’s been going to a neighborhood tax preparer for four years, eager for a fast refund. Washington readily agreed when asked if he preferred to pay for the tax preparation later. Washington says he was later surprised by a $500 fee that included the cost of a cash advance. Still, he kept going each year until a friend suggested the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, an IRS program providing free tax preparation services to lowincome families. The IRS-certified tax preparer found a filing error that had cost Washington $1,000 in unused tax credits and helped him file an amended return. “It was very upsetting,” Washington said. Four states — California, Maryland, New York and Oregon — require preparers to

undergo training. The California attorney general’s office recently requested information from H&R Block about its refund anticipation checks, which range in cost from $34.95 to $59.95; at issue may be whether the fees may be subject to strict truth-inlending laws, the company said in financial filings. H&R Block emphasized that it was a request for information, not a lawsuit. Consumer groups in Colorado and Ohio are pushing proposals to require greater disclosure. In Ohio, a federal court two years ago barred the owner of Dayton-based Instant Tax Service from doing business after finding various abuses, including defrauding mostly low-income customers. “Taxpayers should have the ability to research and compare prices,” says David Rothstein of Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland. In his budget proposal, President Obama asked Congress to give IRS and the Treasury Department explicit regulatory authority and to increase penalties for certain tax filing errors due to willful or reckless conduct. Legislation has been introduced in the Senate, but prospects remain uncertain in a GOP-controlled Congress unhappy with the agency’s investigations of the tea party and also its role in implementing Obama’s health care law. Associated Press writer Stephen Ohlemacher contributed to this report.

NEED WATER?

INSTALLATION AND REPAIRS OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Smoak Irrigation Company ompany 803-773-3400

JOEY SMOAK

BILLY CARLISLE

Serving Sumter and Surrounding Communities Since 1986

Don’t Sell Your Gold... Get a Loan Instead!

Bring your gold to either of our locations for a

Cash Loan on the Spot!

If a loan isn’t for you, then we will still give you Top Dollar for your gold! 33 West Liberty Street • Downtown Sumter 18 N. Brooks Street • Downtown Manning

Sumter & Manning’s Oldest & Largest Pawn Shop

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

theitem.com WITH MORE THAN

ONE MILLION

PAGE VIEWS A MONTH

YOU CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T AFFORD NOT TO BE HERE.

these businesses know!

For more information about online advertising please contact your sales representative or 803.774.1237

TELEVISION

THE SUMTER ITEM TW

WIS

E10

WLTX E19 WOLO E25 WRJA E27 WACH E57 WKTC E63

7 PM

7:30

8 PM

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 10 PM

10:30

11 PM

11:30

12 AM

Undateable Jerk One Big Happy: The Night Shift: The Fog of War Im- WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show Starring boyfriend. (N) Out of the Closet provising in the field due to fog. (N) 11:00pm News Jimmy Fallon Elizabeth Banks from (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) and weather. “Pitch Perfect 2.” (N) (HD) NCIS: New Orleans: The List Three (:01) Person of Interest: Skip Reese News 19 @ 11pm (:35) Late Show with David Lettervictims’ names appear on a mural. protects a hellbent bounty hunter. The news of the man Bill O’Reilly; Aubrey Plaza. (N) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) day. (HD) Fresh Off the Fresh Off the Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Forever: Dead Men Tell Long Tales ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Celebrities Boat: License to Boat (HD) Love in the Time of Hydra True alle- Owner of salvage company is mur- News at 11 (HD) and human-interest subjects. (HD) Sell (N) (HD) giance. (N) (HD) dered. (N) (HD) BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) PBS Previews: James Baker: The Man Who Made Washington Work Frontline: The Vaccine War Parents Tavis Smiley 11 14 (HD) and activists use social media. (HD) (HD) International Told is the story of a diplomat, power-player & The Best of news. dealmaker at the highest levels. (N) (HD) Drama (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang Hell’s Kitchen: 15 Chefs Compete New Girl: Teach- The Mindy Pro- WACH FOX News at 10 Local news TMZ (N) Mike & Molly: Modern Family 6 6 Theory Raj’s anxi- Theory Rebound All-American challenge and famers Teacher con- ject: Best Man (N) report and weather forecast. Bachelor/ Claire negotiates. ety. (HD) dates. (HD) ily-style dinner service. (N) (HD) ference. (HD) (HD) Bachelorette (HD) (HD) How I Met Your Anger Manage- The Flash: Rogue Time Captain Cold iZombie: Brother, Can You Spare a Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Phan- Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Yes- Hot in Cleveland: 4 22 Mother (HD) ment (HD) and Heat Wave return. (N) (HD) Brain? Liv, Ravi try to solve painter’s tom Detectives investigate slain rob- terday Body of woman killed 20 years Lost Loves (HD) death. (N) (HD) ber. (HD) ago found. (HD) WIS News 10 at Entertainment Tonight (N) (HD) news update. News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) 9 9 Evening news up- (HD) date. Wheel of ForJeopardy! (N) 5 12 tune: Desert (HD) Oasis (N) (HD) Making It Grow (N) 3 10 7:00pm Local

The Voice: The Knockouts Premiere, Part 2 The knockout rounds continue. (N) (HD) NCIS: Status Update A murder links to a terror group. (N) (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS Married at First Sight: The Wed(:01) Surviving Marriage: Cleburn Neighbors with Benefits: Welcome Married at First tinues as a new group of single meet and get married. (HD) dings Blind weddings. (N) (HD) and April (N) (HD) to the Neighborhood (HD) Sight (HD) Jurassic Park (‘93, Science Fiction) aaac Sam Neill. A billionaire invites scientists to inspect his island park Jurassic Park (‘93, Science Fiction) aaac Sam Neill. 180 The Green Mile (‘99, Drama) Tom Hanks. A special convict. (HD) filled with living dinosaurs, but the trip turns deadly when the dinosaurs escape captivity. (HD) Living dinosaurs escape captivity. (HD) 100 To Be Announced North Woods Law (HD) Rugged Justice (HD) Rocky Mountain Bounty (HD) North Woods Law (HD) Rugged (HD) Keyshia Cole: Being Mary Jane: One is the Loneli- Being Mary Jane: One is the Loneli- Wendy Williams 162 (6:30) For Colored Girls (‘10, Drama) aa Janet Jackson. Eight African-American women deal with personal conflicts. All In (N) (HD) est Number (N) (HD) est Number (HD) Show (N) The Real House wives of Beverly Real House wives Beverly: Con fes The Real House wives of Beverly New ly weds: The First Year: Weight What Hap pens The Real House wives of Beverly 181 Hills: Amster-damn Slap sions of a Housewife Hills: The Party’s Over (N) of the World A getaway. (N) (N) Hills: The Party’s Over 62 Cocaine Cowboys II (‘08) aaa Shark Tank (HD) Shark Tank New ideas. (HD) Super Rich (N) Super Rich (N) Shark Tank Shark pitches. (HD) Shark (HD) 64 Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) CNN Special Report (N) CNN Tonight Anderson Cooper 360° (HD) CNN Spc. Tosh.0 Twitter Tosh.0: Prom Girl Tosh.0 Internet Tosh.0 Song Tosh.0 (N) (HD) Kroll Show (N) Daily Show (N) Nightly Show w/ (:01) @midnight 136 South Park: The Tosh.0: SkateList (HD) board Girl (HD) questions. (HD) (HD) artist. (HD) remix. (HD) (HD) (HD) Wilmore (N) (N) (HD) Austin & Ally Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (‘10, Musical) ac Alyson Mickey Mouse: Jessie Birthday Blog Squad mem- I Didn’t Lindy’s A.N.T. Farm Lost Good Luck Char80 I Didn’t Case study. New band. (HD) Stoner. Camps fight. (HD) Potatoland party. (HD) bership. letter. phone. (HD) lie (HD) 103 Amish Mafia (HD) Amish Mafia: The Devil’s (N) Amish Mafia (N) (HD) Amish Mafia: The First (N) (HD) Amish Mafia (HD) Amish (HD) 35 2015 NIT Basketball Tournament: Quarterfinal z{| (HD) 2015 NIT Basketball Tournament: Quarterfinal z{| (HD) SportsCenter (HD) Sports (HD) 39 E:60: WWE (HD) Fab Five (HD) 30 for 30: I Hate Christian Laettner (HD) 30 for 30: Without Bias (HD) Pretty Little Liars: Welcome to the The 700 Club Boy World: Fish131 Pretty Little Liars: I’m a Good Girl, I Pretty Little Liars: Welcome to the The Fosters: End of the Beginning Am Surprise witness. (HD) Dollhouse (N) (HD) Lies test bonds. (HD) Dollhouse (HD) ing for Virna 109 Chopped (HD) Chopped (HD) Chopped: Brunch Boxes (HD) Chopped (N) (HD) Chopped (HD) Chopped (HD) 74 On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates. Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File 42 World Poker Tour no} (HD) UFC Unleashed (HD) Driven (HD) West Coast Customs Atlanta Braves Preview (HD) NHL Hockey Golden Blanche’s Golden Girls: 183 The Waltons: The Wing Walker Se- The Waltons: The Competition For- The Middle (HD) The Middle (HD) The Middle: The The Middle (HD) Golden: Isn’t It cret admirer. estry student. Smell (HD) Romantic stepmom. Family Affair 112 Upper Missionary parents. Fixer Upper Fixer Upper (N) Hunters (N) Hunters (N) Upper Diamond in rough. Upper 110 Counting Cars ‘73 Riviera. (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (HD) Counting (N) Counting (N) Gangland Undercover (N) (HD) Gangland Undercover (HD) Counting (HD) Criminal Minds: The Fight Homeless The Listener: The Bank Job Toby is Listener: Cold 160 Criminal Minds: Public Enemy Killer Criminal Minds: Mosley Lane Child Criminal Minds: Solitary Man Kidstirs panic. (HD) abductor. (HD) napping trucker. (HD) murders. (HD) held hostage in a bank heist. Case Blues Dance Moms: Nia’s Last Chance Dance Moms: Abby’s Trash, Cathy’s Dance Mums UK: It’s All Kicking Off (:02) Dance Moms: Abby’s Trash, (:02) Dance 145 Dance Moms: The New Maddie? (HD) Risky routine. (HD) Treasure (N) (HD) Carol loses temper. (N) (HD) Cathy’s Treasure (HD) Moms (HD) 76 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) Lawrence O’Donnell (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) Maddow (HD) 91 Nicky (N) Nicky Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Prince Prince Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Raymond (HD) 154 2 Fast aa (HD) I Am Number Four (‘11, Science Fiction) aac Alex Pettyfer. Teenage aliens. Never Back Down (‘08, Action) aaa Sean Faris. Teen fighter trains. (HD) Face Off: Super Selfies Superhero Face Off: Imaginary Friends Imagi- Haunting: Australia: Woodford Face Off: Imaginary Friends Imagi- Haunting 152 Face Off: Miss Intergalactic Alien beauty queens. (HD) makeup. (HD) nary friends. (N) (HD) Academy Woodford Academy. nary friends come to life. (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Cougar Town (N) Conan Kevin Hart; Roman Reigns; In- Cougar Town 156 Seinfeld: The Pool Seinfeld: The Guy (HD) Sponge (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) cubus performs. (N) (HD) (HD) The In-Laws (‘79, Comedy) aaa Peter Falk. A dentist becomes emAlan Arkin: Live from the TCM Heart Is a Lonely 186 High Society (‘56, Musical) aaa Alan Arkin: Live from the TCM Bing Crosby. An ex makes trouble. Classic Film Festival (N) broiled in the intrigues of a nutty CIA agent. Classic Film Festival Hunter aaa 157 19 Kids and Counting (N) (HD) 19 Kids and Counting (N) (HD) 19 Kids and Counting (N) (HD) (:01) 7 Little Johnstons (N) (HD) (:01) 19 Kids and Counting (HD) 7 Little (HD) 158 Rizzoli & Isles: Family Matters Dou- NBA Basketball: San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks from American Airlines Center z{| NBA Basketball: Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers from Moda ble life. (HD) (HD) Center z{| (HD) 102 Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Hack My (N) Hack My (:01) Hack My (:31) Hack My (:02) Jokers 161 Walker: Whitewater, Part 2 Fam. Feud Fam. Feud Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Cleveland Soul Man (HD) Friends (HD) Mod ern Fam ily: Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Mod ern Fam ily Si rens: Balls (N) Mod ern Fam ily: (:01) Mod ern (:31) Mod ern (:01) Sirens: Balls 132 Pilot (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Chirp (HD) Family (HD) Family (HD) (HD) Law & Order: Navy Blues (HD) Law & Order: Harvest (HD) Law & Order: Nullification (HD) Law & Order (HD) Law & Order: Blood (HD) Law (HD) 172 Funniest Home Videos (HD) Three Kings (‘99, Action) aaa George Clooney. Soldiers take sides. Outlaw Country (N) (HD) Outlaw Country (HD) Outlaw (HD)

A&E

46 130 Married at First Sight: Wedding Preparations The social experiment con-

AMC

ANPL

BET

BRAVO

CNBC CNN

35 33

COM

DISN

DSC ESPN ESPN2

42 26 27

FAM

FOOD FOXN FSS

40 37 31

HALL

HGTV HIST

39 45

ION

LIFE

MSNBC NICK SPIKE

36 16 64

SYFY

TBS

TCM

TLC

TNT

TRUTV TVLAND

38 55

USA

WE WGN

68 8

Documentary looks back at James Baker’s statecraft Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. And make sure they all show up in your official documentary. As the title makes clear, “James Baker: The Man Who Made Washington Work” (8:30 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) is all but an authorized biography of the former secretary of state and consummate Washington insider. Tom Brokaw’s narration also anoints it with insider approval. At the same time, you can’t say it doesn’t cover Baker’s varied career, warts and all. Voices take him to task for sweeping the savings-and-loan financial crisis of the mid-1980s under the rug. Curiously, it essentially begins with the Florida recount saga of 2000. Former President Bill Clinton offers Baker, who oversaw strategy for George W. Bush, begrudging admiration for his hardknuckled handling of the situation. Some may see that as a gesture of bipartisan respect. Others may resent Clinton’s tip of the hat as Washington at its worst, a glaring example of politics as a fixed game between cynical operatives. All the same, history buffs and political junkies should not miss this. Friends, opponents and adversaries-turned-colleagues are on hand. Look for former secretaries of state Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger, former Vice President Dick Cheney and former presidents George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Clinton to join Baker’s wife and close friends in recalling his remarkable rise from Houston lawyer to political strategist to diplomat and architect of the post-Cold War era. “Baker” celebrates the art of compromise and his ability to work with congressional Democrats, including former representatives Tip O’Neill and Dan Rostenkowski. The filmmakers clearly admire their subject and mourn the loss of comity in Washington. A more cynical mind might see this as “James Baker: The Man Who Made Washington Work * for the Oil Companies.”

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • A dead painter offers food for thought on “iZombie” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14). • Serious second thoughts on

the season finale of “The Mindy Project” (9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14). • A bounty hunter goes too far on “Person of Interest” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14). • Lost in the fog on “The Night Shift” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • Henry revisits the site of his first demise on “Forever” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • Boyd sees his chance on “Justified” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA). • “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (10 p.m., HBO, TV-PG) examines abusive college coaches. • Couples rebuild their relationships on a remote desert island on “Surviving Marriage” (10 p.m., A&E, TV-PG). • “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” (10 p.m., AXS) returns for a fourth season, featuring Gary Anthony as Frank Sinatra.

nanigans on “New Girl” (9 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * Coulson pleads for unity on “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (9 p.m., ABC, TVPG) * Prudence has serious baggage on “One Big Happy” (9:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT

COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE / PBS

James Baker, left, meets with President Ronald Reagan aboard Air Force One in 1982. Falk) in the madcap 1979 comedy “The In-Laws” (9 p.m., TCM).

SERIES NOTES CULT CHOICE A dentist (Alan Arkin) discovers that his daughter is due to marry the son of an international man of mystery (Peter

A Marine finds a corpse in his house on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * On two episodes of “Fresh Off the Boat” (ABC, TV14), Jessica’s crisis of confi-

Wedding, Prom and Pageant dresses are too important to not fit properly.

Have it done right the first time! Customized fittings. Crinoline rentals. Gown steaming. Expert Alterations For Men, Women & Children. Full Service Wedding Alterations Wedding Gown Cleaning and Preservation Formal Wear • Beaded & Sequined • Leather Zippers and Patches

dence (8 p.m.), a difference of opinion (8:30 p.m., r) * Heat and Cold clash on “The Flash” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * The weapon behind a sailor’s death has history on “NCIS: New Orleans” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Candace’s boyfriend can’t measure up on “Undateable” (9 p.m., NBC, TV14) * Teacher conference she-

803.775.5096 Alice Van Allen - Owner

Bedroom Sets

Includes: Headboard, Dresser, Mirror & Chest

SOFA & LOVESEATS Per $ Starting at 399 Set TWIN SET

129

FULL SET

199 169 PILLOW

QUEEN SET

TOP

399

KING SET

FINANCING AVAILABLE • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

FREEDOM FURNITURE 493 N. GUIGNARD • SUMTER, SC 499-2002

Over 25 years experience! 577-5 Bultman Drive • Sumter, SC 29150

Jon Ronson is scheduled on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Kevin Hart, Roman Reigns and Incubus appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Bill O’Reilly and Aubrey Plaza appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Elizabeth Banks, Ronda Rousey and Little Big Town on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Ben Stiller, Elisha Cuthbert and Chris Hayes visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Kerry Washington appears on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Spring in for Great Savings! QUEEN SIZE $299

Odom Auction South Mill St. Hwy. 260

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH

Freedom Furniture All About Pools & Spas

539 A S. MILL ST., • MANNING, SC 803-433-2300 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am-7:00pm •Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm • Sunday Closed

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK.COM

LOCAL

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

Patricia Holiday holds a picture of her murdered son, Kemper Holiday, who was killed during a home invasion in 2009.

THE SUMTER ITEM

PARENTS FROM PAGE A1 each other through tears, silence, hugs, laughter and encouragement.” “I know a lot of people don’t want to talk, don’t want to share their feelings,” said Maggie Richardson. “But the more you hold it in, sometimes the more bitter you become with the whole situation because you have not vented to anybody that has been or walked in those shoes.” Richardson has walked in them for close to 15 years. Her 20-year-old son, Michael Ray Richardson, was killed during a shooting in 2000. There are nearly 60 chapters

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

MEGASITE FROM PAGE A1 single-user industrial megasite which will be used for manufacturing, distribution or both. Sumter Economic Development President and CEO Jay Schwedler said the site is described as very competitive because of its logistical location. The site is next to I-95, 60 miles away from the Port of Charleston and has access to multiple airports and surrounding railroads. The partnership of counties has already purchased about 120 acres of land at the front of the property to construct

interstate access for the site. The rest of the property is privately owned, but when a company proposes to construct its facility on the land, Schwedler said the counties will acquire the remainder of the property. According to Schwedler, the plan is to have the railroad built within a two-year time frame, the same amount of time it would take a company to build its manufacturing or distribution center on the site. He said the company would construct its facility on the site at the same time the railroad would be constructed. The railroad is expected to cost as much as $30 million. Schwedler said the exact cost is not yet known because the

We’ve Moved!!!

.............T Think hi k............

Lafayette f yettte G Gold olld & S Silver ilv ver er E Exchange x h ng Inside Vestco Properties We Buy: Gold, Silver, .925 Jewelry, Diamonds, Coin Collections, Pocket Watches & Wrist Watches Flatware & Estates

of Parents of Murdered Children in cities and towns across the nation. Richardson founded the Sumter chapter last year to give bereaved parents a place to go to grieve confidentially with others who have or are experiencing the one-of-a-kind pain of losing a child to violence. Ann Mack lost her 26-year-old son to gun violence at a birthday party in November 2012. She and Holiday serve as two of the three co-leaders for the group, which meets every third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the center. Mack said she gets more gratification these days through helping other grieving parents. “I’ve gotten to the point now where I like reaching out to other people because I know how I felt,” she said. “Before we start-

rail access point has not been determined and the cost will fluctuate depending on the route and length of the tracks. A resolution of financial support will go before Sumter County Council during its regular meeting today to ensure the county will continue to back the project.

Resolutions will also go before Williamsburg, Lee and Clarendon county councils. Once the four county councils approve the resolutions of support, the counties will consult engineering experts and begin studies for railroad access. Sumter County Administra-

(inside Coca-Cola Building))

803-773-8022

tor Gary Mixon said the resolution that will go before county council today is to reemphasize the importance of the industrial site for the county. “It’s one of our major tools in our tool belt for the recruitment of industries,” Mixon said.

Tuesday is Senior Day! SENIOR BREAKFAST BAR Visit with your old friends and enjoy our world famous Breakfast bar for the incredible price of

$4.54

Tuesdays only for our friends 60+

...AND ALSO TRY Breakfast For Dinner ON THURSDAY ust J $ NIGHTS

8.25

480 E. Liberty St. Sumter, SC 29150 Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 5:30 PM • Sat: 8 - 2 PM

ed this group in Sumter, I didn’t have anybody to turn to. And this type of situation will split up a family if you let it. If you’re not strong in your faith and strong in God, it will tear your family up.” For Holiday, she’s witnessed the group grow from its first meeting and said the special link is the fact that each of the members share the common experience of losing a child, noting there’s no judgment in the emotions shared during the sessions as a result. “I’m looking forward to us sharing what we’re sharing on the road to healing,” she said. “Even though I said I don’t think we’ll ever completely heal, I think there’s a step that you make toward it.”

226 S. Pike West • 378 Bypass • Sumter, SC • 803-773-3321 Proudly Sumter Great Food & Friendly Smiles For Over 35 Years! Visit Serving us at Shoneys.com & facebook.com/shoneys

* OFF MSRP

$10,000

ALL REMAINING 2014 FORD F-150 CREWCABS EXAMPLE: $39,5 1 5 00 – $ 10,000 00* $29,5 1 5 00

GOOD CREDIT, NO CREDIT, BAD CREDIT–NO PROBLEM!

773-1481

950 N. Main Street • Sumter, SC • 1-800-948-7764

www.mclaughlinford.com ALL PRICES PLUS TAX & TAGS AND INCLUDES DEALER $249 CLOSING FEE - EXCLUDES STX & XL MODELS - SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS. * ALL REBATES AND DEALER INCENTIVES TO DEALER. ALL PRICES PLUS TAX AND TAG. (REMEMBER MCLAUGHLIN FORD HAS NO ADDITIONAL ADD ON ADENDUMS LIKE SOME OTHER DEALERS.)

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

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

COMMENTARY

Godspeed, NASA — you’ll probably need it

tatistics and common sense tell us newspaper readers trend older demographically, and our papers prove those expectations, which is why I’m jealous of a number of you dear readers. You, my slightly older friends, got to live the excitement of the “Space Race.” You looked on in intrigue (and in horror) in 1957, when the USSR launched Sputnik, the first manmade satellite to orbit the Earth. Could America catch up, or were we headed for a Soviet domination of outer space? Five years later, in 1962, with a parting of “Godspeed John Glenn,” Glenn orbited the Earth aboard Friendship 7, the first American to do so. We were, apparently, catching up. The fledgling National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with its scores of engineers, physicists and other scientists from around the country, collaborated to create some of the most amazing achievements man has seen, to not only eclipse the Soviet program, but also to land a man on the moon. And so they did, with Neil Armstrong treading where no one had tread before. At one time, NASA spending affected every state in our union — and we all worked together so that our nation could both prosper and “win” the race. There were subsequent Apollo missions and several others that came after them, but the public didn’t seem

to take much note any more. Oh sure, if something went horribly wrong, we all noticed (Apollo 13, the Challenger disaster), but, by and large, space had lost its allure. We’d been to the moon, we’d won the race; what more did we need to learn from space? By the time I came around in 1986 (the same year as the Challenger disaster), space wasn’t cool. Most kids wanted to be a doctor or a vet, while some held out hopes to be able to “explore strange new worlds, to seek Cliff out new life and new civilizations, to boldly McCollum go where no man has gone before.” I was one of those kids, with a telescope and star maps, gazing toward the heavens in search of something more. At Opelika Middle School, I was blessed to be a part of the “Radio Jupiter” project and got to listen as sound waves bounced back and forth between our world and the Great Planet. I was even prouder to learn that we had an Opelikan astronaut — Jim Voss, Class of ’68. Someone from here had done it before, so why couldn’t we? NASA kept sending rockets and astronauts into “the final frontier,” but space was no longer alluring, and deficit hawks across the nation began to question why so much

money was needed. Now, we have no more space shuttles, and our astronauts have to hitch rides into space with other nations, even with the Russians we feared for so long. Programs are seeing their funding cut, and we’re seeing severe job losses and economic depression come to towns who built themselves up with aerospace jobs. If there are no more space shuttles to build parts for, why keep all those people on the payroll? Educational programs and opportunities to help inspire our youth have also declined, and we see the younger generation slip further away from having interest in, or even awareness of, space. I worry that if funding cuts and program cancellations continue, this nation could dig itself into a hole it will not be able to leap from. We could be sowing the seeds now for a loss of American dominance in outer space. After all, we’re already losing this generation. We have always been spurred by a belief in American exceptionalism, that this nation is not only among the best and brightest, but also the actual best. By not continuing to invest in our nation’s space program, we run the risk of finding ourselves lacking the tools to inspire the next generation of engineers, astrophysicists and even astronauts themselves, to say nothing of the scores of other children who simply gain a spirit of exploration that could translate into innovations

and developments in hundreds of other fields. By investing in a renewed spirit of discovery, we could see untold dividends in our children’s generation. By exploring and cataloging other planets, we learn more about our own planet — the whats, whys and hows of the Earth itself. By venturing out further into our universe, we find an ever-expanding cosmos of stars and other celestial bodies that we never knew existed, and we hold out the hope that, perhaps, we are not alone. An investment in our space program is not just throwing money into outer space; it is a commitment to continuing to support the ideals of exploration and creativity that helped make this nation what it is today. NASA and its programs represent the best American ideals, our belief that through knowledge, education and hard work, we can do anything we can set our minds to — whether it’s putting a man on the moon or even kicking off to Mars. So, again, I’m jealous of a number of you. You got to grow up when space was cool, when knowledge and creativity were celebrated. You don’t know how lucky you were. You really don’t. Cliff McCollum is managing editor of Gulf Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at cmccollum@gulfcoastnewspapers.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WE SHOULD TEACH OTHERS TO LOVE INSTEAD OF HATE I attended the 2nd Annual Morris College Community Day today. President Luns C. Richardson informed us that the college is accredited and is in the black financially. He seems to be doing everything right as the school only makes the news in a positive way. I mention that to say that I have been unable to forget the (Ferdinand Burns) letter to the editor back on March 6. The writer said that 94 percent of blacks are being murdered by other blacks. He talks about the need for children to stay in school until graduation, and that early childhood education is a preventive measure for all the black-on-black crime. I agree with him. However, I wonder how many other conclusions can be made about the events that seem to be happening every day. We all now know that “hands up, don’t shoot” is the new mantra for the black community. To me that means that when confronted by police, the person should put his or her hands up so that the police won’t shoot. I think that is a great idea for anyone who didn’t know it already. Then I open the paper today, and on the front page I see a story, “Officials nab 2 in high-speed chase.” Two black males reached speeds as high as 110 mph. One was apprehended near the vehicle, and the other one was a quarter mile from where the vehicle was ditched. I had to ask myself, did they want to die either in a wreck or from gunshots from the police, so Sumter would turn into another Ferguson?

I can’t be the only one who knows that when you teach someone to hate other people, no one knows how that hate will materialize. Hate also manifests in unwanted ways in the person who hates. We can’t turn hate on and off like a light switch. Can’t we teach others to love and do what is right so life will be better for that person, our city, county, state, country and the world? Read about the two greatest commandments, Matthew 22:36-39. JACQUELINE K. HUGHES Sumter

PARENTS SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT TE-21 In my previous letter, “Students Are Being Tested On What They Haven’t Been Taught,” erroneous assumptions are being made. I was not accusing teach-

ers of being derelict in their duties. My letter was and is about the Common Core benchmark test, TE-21 (Training & Education in the 21st century) and the absence of information given to parents about this benchmark test. Since it is Sumter’s first benchmark test to be included as a test grade along with tests made by teachers, notification via a printed handout, newsletter or website should have been done but wasn’t. Again, parents discovered this only by logging in on Parent Portal then to Powerschools. net. Next, click on the grade for each class. That will list classwork, homework, quizzes, tests, project grades and extra credit. Some teachers identified this new benchmark test simply as “benchmark.” Others titled it appropriately: TE-21. Printed interims and printed report cards

will not list or denote anything about the TE-21. No printed test results were given about the TE-21. Parents have to go to the Internet to find out about it. I have been in earshot of several students and teachers who complained that the TE-21 covered more than what they expected — things yet to be taught. Is it an aptitude and achievement test? That simply means that there is some tweaking to do between schools and the district office for this Common Core benchmark test purchased with taxpayers’ money. Since it is a new test, why is it hastily being included as a test grade on students’ report cards before all the kinks can be removed? Parents (taxpayers, stakeholders) need to know. How can an outside company’s test (TE-21) measure what was learned when

schools have different academic levels? A Common Core Benchmark test measures a Common Core curriculum. Common Core books don’t come in academic levels. Our schools still have academic levels. Let’s examine the possibilities. Possibility #1: the same TE-21 for each subject (ELA, Math, Science, & Social Studies) 6th grade- one TE-21 Math test for all students, one TE-21 ELA test for all students, one TE-21 Science test for all students, and one TE-21 for all Social Studies students. PEARL WATSON Sumter Editor’s note: Because this letter exceeded the350-word length as stated in our Editorial Page Policies which appears regularly on this page, it can be read in its entirety under Opinion on The Sumter Item’s website, www.theitem.com.

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES EDITORIALS represent the views of the owners of this newspaper. COLUMNS AND COMMENTARY are the personal opinion of the writer whose byline appears. Columns from readers should be

typed, double-spaced and no more than 850 words. Send them to The Sumter Item, Opinion Pages, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, or email to hubert@theitem.com or graham@theitem.com. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are written by

readers of the newspaper. They should be no more than 350 words and sent via e-mail to letters@theitem.com, dropped off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St. or mailed to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, along with the full name

of the writer, plus an address and telephone number for verification purposes only. Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety at www.theitem.com/ opinion/letters_to_editor.

A10

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

AROUND TOWN School football field. Items The AARP Foundation Volunto be given away include teer Tax-Aide Program will food, clothing, toys and offer free income tax assisDolow-income you need income tax other assistance? items. Call the Rev. tance for or elderly Eddie C. Thomas at (803) taxpayers. You will need: all 428-4448 or (803) 459-4989 or tax forms and information; the Rev. Raymond Cook at government-issued ID; So(803) 469-6294. cial Security card; all W-2’s, 1099s and 1098s; and supThe Sumter High School Athletporting documents if you ic Booster Club will hold its anplan to itemize. Assistance nual fundraising barbecue will be available 9 a.m.-2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on p.m. on Mondays and Saturday, March 28. The Wednesdays through April meal includes barbecue 13 at The Spectrum senior pork, rice, hash, coleslaw center, 1989 Durant Lane. and potato salad. Tickets Call (803) 316-0772. are $7 each and may be purchased from any student Free income tax filing services and FAFSA applications will be athlete or Booster Club provided through April 15 as member, or by calling the school at (803) 481-4480, exfollows: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. tension 6273. Ticket holders Wednesdays, SC Works — may enter through gate 5 to Santee Lynches, 31 E. Calhoun St., (803) 774-1300; 9:30 pick up meals. a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, 3-8 p.m. The Clarendon County DemoSaturdays, appointments cratic Party will meet at 7 only on Sundays, Goodwill p.m. on Thursday, April 2, at — Job Link Center, 1028 Bassard’s Pond House, 4162 Broad St., (803) 774-5006; Rev JW Carter Road, Sumand 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursmerton. days and 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Lee County Adult The Lincoln High School PreserEducation, 123 E. College St., vation Alumni Association will hold a flapjack fundraiser Bishopville, (803) 484-4040. breakfast 8-10 a.m. on SaturCall Ms. Samuels at (803) day, April 4, at Applebee’s, 240-8355. 2497 Broad St. Cost is $7 per The Sumter County Developperson. Call James L. Green mental Disabilities Foundation at (803) 968-4173, Hayes is proud to announce its inaubaker at (803) 316-7695 or gural Sumter Disabilities BeneEssie Richardson at (803) fit Gala, in celebration of Dis- 775-2999. abilities Awareness Month (March 2015). This event will The Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Class Competition Victory Celeon Thursday, March 26, at bration will be held at 6 p.m. The O’Donnell House. The on Saturday, April 4, at the attire for the evening is cocktail / black tie optional. Lincoln High School gym, Event will offer a fare of fine Council Street. Entertainment and refreshments will food, a wine tasting experience and silent auction. Pur- be provided. The winning “Bulldogs” for 2015 will be chase advance tickets at http://tinyurl.com/m9duzgq. announced. Donation is $10 per person. Call James L. A fundraiser barbecue for the Green at (803) 968-4173 or Lee County Fire Department Hayes Baker at (803) 316will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 7695. on Friday, March 27, at The Clarendon Section of NaCountry Boys Grocery, 2671 tional Council of Negro Women Woodrow Road. will meet at 5 p.m. on MonThe Sumter Chapter of the Par- day, April 6, at the Council of ents of Murdered Children Inc. Aging, 206 S. Church St., will mark its one year anniManning. versary from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Sumter Chapter of the Naon Friday, March 27, at the tional Federation of the Blind Birnie HOPE Center, 210 S. will meet at 7 p.m. on TuesPurdy St. For information, day, April 14, at Shiloh-Rancontact Maggie Richardson, dolph Manor. Janae Stowe, chapter leader, at sumterSantee-Lynches ADRC, I&R/A pomc2014@gmail.com or Manager, will speak. Trans(803) 236-9086. portation provided with the The Good Samaritans Easter mileage radius. Contact Giveaway will be held 8 a.m.- Debra Canty, chapter presinoon on Saturday, March 28, dent, at DebraCanC2@fronat the old Bishopville High tier.com or at (803) 775-5792.

PUBLIC AGENDA

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Some sunshine

Mainly cloudy with a shower

An afternoon shower in spots

Clouds break for sun, a t-storm

Cloudy, showers around; cooler

Sunshine and patchy clouds

70°

54°

74° / 61°

79° / 58°

66° / 40°

57° / 35°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 40%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 70%

Chance of rain: 25%

NE 6-12 mph

ENE 6-12 mph

E 7-14 mph

WSW 8-16 mph

NE 8-16 mph

E 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 70/51 Spartanburg 70/53

Greenville 71/54

Columbia 72/56

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 70/54

Aiken 71/53

ON THE COAST

Charleston 69/57

Today: An afternoon shower in spots. High 66 to 70. Wednesday: Partial sunshine. High 71 to 75.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 70/57/pc 40/37/pc 82/60/s 43/30/s 78/58/s 74/59/s 77/63/pc 43/32/pc 83/67/pc 45/31/pc 87/61/s 66/54/c 46/36/c

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 358.27 75.33 75.19 97.27

24-hr chg +0.03 +0.06 +0.15 -0.23

RIVER STAGES

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 73/60/pc 58/36/pc 80/53/s 60/41/r 79/60/pc 79/62/s 80/62/pc 48/44/pc 87/68/pc 50/46/pc 86/62/pc 71/53/s 56/50/c

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 9.59 -0.01 19 4.85 +0.39 14 7.92 -0.43 14 3.71 -0.06 80 78.10 -0.59 24 6.73 -0.09

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

0.40" 3.52" 2.92" 14.58" 8.97" 10.34"

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

67° 51° 69° 43° 85° in 1991 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

Myrtle Beach 64/56

Manning 70/52

Today: Partly sunny. Winds southeast 4-8 mph. Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. Winds eastnortheast 4-8 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 71/54

Bishopville 70/52

Sunrise 7:21 a.m. Moonrise 10:29 a.m.

Sunset Moonset

7:36 p.m. none

First

Full

Last

New

Mar. 27

Apr. 4

Apr. 11

Apr. 18

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Wed.

High 12:43 a.m. 1:14 p.m. 1:35 a.m. 2:08 p.m.

Ht. 3.5 3.0 3.3 2.8

Low 7:45 a.m. 7:55 p.m. 8:40 a.m. 8:48 p.m.

Ht. -0.4 -0.4 -0.1 -0.1

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 67/50/c 71/55/pc 73/54/pc 70/58/c 56/48/s 69/57/c 70/51/pc 71/55/c 72/56/pc 70/52/pc 52/41/pc 68/50/s 68/48/s

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 63/53/sh 70/57/pc 76/58/pc 75/61/pc 64/58/pc 75/61/pc 68/59/c 68/59/pc 75/62/pc 73/61/pc 65/55/pc 74/61/pc 73/60/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 71/54/pc Gainesville 79/61/pc Gastonia 70/51/pc Goldsboro 66/46/s Goose Creek 70/56/c Greensboro 64/45/pc Greenville 71/54/pc Hickory 68/48/pc Hilton Head 67/58/c Jacksonville, FL 74/60/c La Grange 73/57/pc Macon 71/55/pc Marietta 70/55/pc

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 76/62/pc 84/59/pc 68/58/c 74/60/pc 75/62/pc 65/57/c 68/58/c 62/55/c 72/59/pc 81/62/pc 79/58/pc 77/56/pc 74/58/pc

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 67/48/pc Mt. Pleasant 68/57/c Myrtle Beach 64/56/c Orangeburg 72/55/pc Port Royal 69/58/c Raleigh 62/43/pc Rock Hill 71/51/s Rockingham 68/49/pc Savannah 71/58/c Spartanburg 70/53/pc Summerville 68/58/c Wilmington 66/51/pc Winston-Salem 64/46/pc

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 65/51/sh 74/62/pc 69/62/pc 75/61/sh 74/61/pc 69/57/c 71/59/c 72/58/c 77/60/pc 70/58/c 73/60/pc 72/60/pc 63/56/c

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

CLARENDON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES Today, 6 p.m., hospital board room

Wednesday, 3 p.m., fourth floor, Sumter Opera House, Council Chambers

SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL Today, 6 p.m., Sumter County Council Chambers

SUMTER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 32 E. Calhoun St.

SUMTER CITY-COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

DAILY PLANNER

WITH WI T EQU EQUAL Q AL PAYMENTS S

NO INTEREST TILL JANUARY 2020 803-795-4257

The last word ARIES (March 21-April 19): in astrology Look over EUGENIA LAST your financial situation and you’ll find a way to cut corners or earn more. Contracts can be negotiated and deals put into place if you are persistent. Business functions will help you connect with someone who can influence your future. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Make love, not war. Use your intuition, charm and compassion to find the right way to deal with anyone or any situation you face. Keep your response simple and mindful. Once you establish a solution, take action. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You will be determined to complete what you start, but be realistic or you’ll face disappointment. You can make changes, but don’t sacrifice when it comes to hard work and precision. Emotions will be hard to control. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t make an impulsive offer that you will end up regretting. Spend your time doing things that make you happy or that will enhance your skills and lead to greater earning power. Romance can improve your day and your personal life. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Get involved in activities that will allow you to show off your talents and leadership ability. Make professional changes that will encourage you to use your social skills. Learn from experience and be persistent, and you will reach your goal. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take time to do something you enjoy. Shopping for something that will make you feel or look good will encourage you to be more social. Romance is in the stars and will lead to personal improvements

See details a See at www.boykinacs.com

with someone you think is special. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You’ll have lots of options to choose from. Partnerships will take a turn, but if handled properly, will put you in a much better position. Size up whatever situation you face at home and make adjustments that will bring you peace of mind. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t be tempted by a deal someone offers. Joint ventures will be costly and will require insight, but if you choose to proceed alone, you will find the road to victory. Love is in the stars. Put time aside for romance. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your ability to get things done will put you in a good position. Don’t let anyone slow you down or mislead you. A lack of honesty can be expected when dealing with others. Don’t share personal information.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 LUCKY FOR LIFE MONDAY THURSDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

MEGAMILLIONS FRIDAY

1-8-10-21-24 PowerUp: 2

11-16-30-38-42 Powerball: 7 Powerplay: 4

7-50-54-61-75 Megaball: 7 Megaplier: 4

3-7-22-43-47 Lucky Ball: 10

PICK 3 MONDAY

PICK 4 MONDAY

4-7-8 and 8-4-2

0-8-3-5 and 5-3-2-4

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take one step at a time. Refuse to let anyone push you into something that makes you feel uncertain. Stick close to home and nurture your relationships with the people in your life who count. Make special plans for two. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Consider what brings you the most happiness. Focus on reviving an old skill or looking for a position that allows you the freedom to do what you enjoy most. Don’t let anyone discourage you from following your dreams. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get together with someone you haven’t seen in a long time. The more you get to share your thoughts with someone with whom you have a history, the closer you will come to finding the perfect solution to help you advance.

Larry Parker shares a photo he took of two turtles sunbathing.

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

USC women will meet UNC in Sweet 16

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

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

PRO BASEBALL

Managing well McMillon finding success in Red Sox’s minor league system BY BARBARA BOXLEITNER Special to The Sumter Item FORT MYERS, Fla. — Billy McMillon didn’t disappoint in his first year as a Double-A manager. He was recognized accordingly. The Bishopville High School graduate was named the 2014 Eastern League Manager of the Year after leading the Boston Red Sox’s Double-A affiliate in Portland, Maine, to 88 wins, BARBARA BOXLEITNER /SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM the most in franchise history. Bishopville High School graduate and Clemson baseball standout Billy McMillon led the The Sea Dogs finished first in the Boston Red Sox’s Double-A affiliate in Portland, Maine, to the most wins in franchise his- Eastern League’s Eastern Division tory, earning 2014 Eastern League Manager of the Year honors. McMillon has been and reached the playoffs for the first

working his way up through the Boston minor league system.

time since 2008. Their .620 winning percentage based on an 88-54 record was the league’s best. The managerial award was the first for the 43-year-old McMillon, who managed Boston’s high Single-A affiliate in Salem, Va., to the 2013 Carolina League championship. “I had no idea,” McMillon said when asked if he thought he would be honored in such a way during a break at the Red Sox’s spring camp. “That took me totally off guard. I think it had more to do with how good the team

SEE MANAGING, PAGE B3

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

NASCAR

Business as usual

Keselowski holds off Harvick late, wins at Fontana

Carolina routs Syracuse 97-68 with focus on bigger goals

BY GREG BEACHAM The Associated Press

BY WILLIE T. SMITH III Greenville News COLUMBIA— There was very little celebrating following the University of South Carolina’s dominating 97-68 victory over Syracuse on Sunday in front of 10,485 at Colonial Life Arena in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. There was no cutting down of the nets or dancing around the court. About the closest thing to emotion was the team walking to the end of the court to high-five pep band members and fans. Other than that, it was business as usual as the team advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with their next game to be played Friday in Greensboro, North Carolina, against the winner of Monday night’s North Carolina-Ohio State game. “Although this is the first time we’ve played an NCAA Tournament game at home, celebrating (about a secondround win) is not what we do,” said USC senior Aleighsa Welch. “We’re happy to get a chance to share this with our fans, but we’ve been to the Sweet Sixteen before “This year, we have bigger goals.” The Gamecocks have not been shy about professing their goal of winning the first national championship in proTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS gram history. USC coach South Carolina’s Olivia Gaines (2) shoots a jump shot while being defended by Syracuse’s Alexis PeDawn Staley has even promotterson during the Gamecocks’ 97-68 victory in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament ed the team expressing its

on Sunday in Columbia. USC will face North Carolina, an 86-84 winner over Ohio State on Monday, SEE BUSINESS, PAGE B4 in a Sweet 16 matchup on Friday in Greensboro, N.C.

FONTANA, Calif. — While Kevin Harvick chased Kurt Busch down the stretch in a battle of the best cars in the Fontana field, Brad Keselowski was buried in 17th place — until the yellow flags started flying. A caution for debris allowed Keselowski to move up to sixth. When a second flag went up, he took four new tires while Harvick and Busch got only two. Keselowski burned that extra KESELOWSKI rubber all the way to Victory Lane. Keselowski roared past Busch on the final lap and held off the streaking Harvick to win at HARVICK Fontana on Sunday, earning his first NASCAR victory of the season in a wild finish. “I knew (Harvick) and (Busch) had been the class of the weekend and deserved to win on speed,” Keselowski said after his 17th career Sprint Cup victory. “Maybe we kind of stole one today.” Although their Team Penske Ford led only one lap, Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe concocted a strategy to capitalize on the green-whitecheckered finish after a caution for debris prevented Busch from cruising to a probable win. They made up track position under the first yellow flag, and Wolfe then made the winning decision after Kyle

SEE FONTANA, PAGE B3

MEN’S NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Three No. 1 seeds still in hunt in NCAA tournament Sweet 16 BY JIM O’CONNELL The Associated Press When the NCAA Tournament reaches the Sweet 16, that means there are only 15 games left to decide a national champion. Kentucky needs to win four of those games to become the first undefeated champion since Indiana in 1976. The Wildcats improved to 36-0 — the best start to a season for any team — with a workmanlike win over Cincinnati. Next up in the Midwest Regional semifinal is West Virginia, an-

other team that will come right at Kentucky and try to force turnovers, the Mountaineers’ trademark this season. The East Region changed dramatically entering the Sweet 16 with top seeds Villanova and Virginia ousted. It’s the first time since 2004 — and eighth time ever — that the top two teams from one region failed to advance to the second week. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Pac-12 entered the round of 32 as the only leagues with three or more

teams not to lose a game. The ACC is 11-1 with Virginia’s loss to Michigan State the only blemish. The Pac-12 is 7-1 following Oregon’s loss to topseeded Wisconsin. Here are some story lines to watch as the Sweet 16 approaches: REMATCH REPLAYS

Two of the eight games in the regional semifinals will be rematches from the regular season. UCLA and Gonzaga met on

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gonzaga’s Byron Wesley puts up a shot against Iowa during the Zags’ 87-68 victory on Sunday in Seattle. Gonzaga will meet UCLA in a SEE SWEET 16, PAGE B3 South regional semifinal on Friday in Houston.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

6 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Houston vs. Atlanta from Kissimmee, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 9 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Seattle vs. Los Angeles Angels from Tempe, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 11 a.m. – Professional Golf: Sunshine Tour Investec Cup Third Round from Johannesburg (GOLF). 1 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Philadelphia vs. Atlanta from Kissimmee, Fla. (ESPN). 4 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas from Surprise, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 6 p.m. – College Baseball: South Carolina at Coastal Carolina (WNKT-FM 107.5). 6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament Quarterfinal Game – Miami at Richmond (ESPN). 7 p.m. – College Gymnastics: Southeastern Conference Women’s Championship from Duluth, Ga. (ESPNU). 7 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Detroit vs. New York Yankees from Tampa, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 7 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Los Angeles at New York Rangers (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 7 p.m. – College Softball: South Alabama at Louisiana State (SEC NETWORK). 7:30 p.m. – College BasebalL: Oklahoma at Texas Christian (SPORTSOUTH). 8 p.m. – NBA Basketball: San Antonio at Dallas (TNT). 9 p.m. – College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament Quarterfinal Game – Vanderbilt at Stanford (ESPN). 10:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Golden State at Portland (TNT).

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

Varsity Baseball Sumter at Socastee, 6:30 p.m. Crestwood at Manning, 6:30 p.m. Lakewood at Hartsville, 6:30 p.m. Lake Marion at Lee Central (DH), 6 p.m. Wilson Hall at Orangeburg Prep, 7 p.m. Calhoun at Thomas Sumter, 6 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Thomas Sumter, 6:30 p.m. Junior Varsity Baseball Camden at Sumter, 6 p.m. Hannah-Pamplico at East Clarendon, 6 p.m. Wilson Hall at Orangeburg Prep, 4 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Thomas Sumter, 4 p.m. Varsity Golf Hartsville at Manning, 4:30 p.m. Wilson Hall, Thomas Sumter, Laurence Manning in SCISA Region II-3A Match (at Sunset Country Club), 3:30 p.m. Lee Central, North Central at Camden Military, 4:30 p.m. Robert E. Lee in SCISA Region II-2A Match (at Bishopville Country Club), 3:30 p.m. Varsity Boys Soccer Socastee at Sumter, 7:30 p.m. Crestwood at Marlboro County, 7:30 p.m. Darlington at Lakewood, 7:30 p.m. Hartsville at Manning, 7:30 p.m. First Baptist at Wilson Hall, 6 p.m. Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Hartsville at Manning, 6 p.m. Hartsville Middle at Wilson Hall, 5 p.m. Varsity Girls Soccer Socastee at Sumter, 6 p.m. Crestwood at Marlboro County, 6 p.m. Darlington at Lakewood, 6 p.m. Varsity Softball Sumter at Socastee, 6:30 p.m. Crestwood at Manning, 7 p.m. Lakewood at Hartsville, 7:30 p.m. Lake Marion at Lee Central (DH), 6 p.m. Wilson Hall at Calhoun Academy, 5 p.m. Gray Collegiate Academy at Thomas Sumter, 7 p.m. Orangeburg Prep at Laurence Manning, 4 p.m. Carolina Academy at Robert E. Lee, 6 p.m. Sumter Christian at North Walterboro Christian, 4 .m. Junior Varsity Softball Crestwood at Manning, 5:30 p.m. Lakewood at Hartsville, 5:30 p.m. Wilson Hall at Calhoun Academy, 4 p.m. Carolina Academy at Robert E. Lee, 4 p.m. Varsity Boys Tennis Socastee at Sumter, 4:30 p.m. Manning at Hartsville, 5 p.m. Wilson Hall, Thomas Sumter, Laurence Manning, Robert E. Lee in SCISA Open State Tournament (at Palmetto Tennis Center), TBA Varsity Track and Field Lee Central at Cheraw, 5 p.m.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL The Associated Press

Men’s NCAA Tournament Glance EAST REGIONAL Sunday Michigan State 60, Virginia 54 Oklahoma 72, Dayton 66 Louisville 66, Northern Iowa 53 SOUTH REGIONAL Sunday Duke 68, San Diego State 49 Gonzaga 87, Iowa 68 MIDWEST REGIONAL Sunday West Virginia 69, Maryland 59 Wichita State 78, Kansas 65 Cleveland WEST REGIONAL Sunday Wisconsin 72, Oregon 65 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Glance ALBANY REGIONAL Second Round Sunday Texas 73, California 70 Dayton 99, Kentucky 94 Monday At Storrs, Conn. Rutgers (23-9) vs. UConn (33-1), late At Tampa, Fla. Louisville (26-6) vs. South Florida (27-7), late SPOKANE REGIONAL Second Round Sunday Gonzaga 76, Oregon State 64 Duke 64, Mississippi State 56 Monday At College Park, Md. Princeton (31-0) vs. Maryland (31-2), 6:30 p.m. At Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee (28-5) vs. Pittsburgh (20-11), 6:30 p.m. OKLAHOMA CITY REGIONAL Second Round Sunday Notre Dame 79, DePaul 67 Iowa 88, Miami 70 Baylor 73, Arkansas 44 Monday At Stanford, Calif. Oklahoma (21-11) vs. Stanford (25-9), 6:30 p.m. GREENSBORO REGIONAL Second Round Sunday South Carolina 97, Syracuse 68 Monday At Chapel Hill, N.C. Ohio State (24-10) vs. North Carolina (25-8), 6:30 p.m. At Tempe, Ariz. UALR (29-4) vs. Arizona State (28-5), late At Tallahassee, Fla. Florida Gulf Coast (31-2) vs. Florida State (30-4), 6 p.m.

Atlanta 5, Detroit (ss) 3 Boston 7, Philadelphia 6 St. Louis 8, Baltimore 6 N.Y. Mets 6, N.Y. Yankees 0 Cincinnati 4, Oakland 3 Milwaukee 13, Chicago White Sox 4 San Diego 6, Chicago Cubs 1 L.A. Angels 3, San Francisco (ss) 2 Cleveland 4, L.A. Dodgers 2 Seattle 8, Texas 0 Kansas City 4, San Francisco (ss) 2 Colorado 6, Arizona 0

TODAY’S GAMES

Philadelphia vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Toronto vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Boston vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Houston vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m. Chicago Cubs vs. Oakland at Mesa, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Colorado vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. L.A. Angels vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Seattle vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 4:05 p.m. Detroit vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 7:05 p.m. Milwaukee vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 9:40 p.m. San Francisco vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 10:05 p.m. at Peoria, Ariz., 10:05 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION W Toronto 42 Boston 30 Brooklyn 29 Philadelphia 17 New York 14 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W y-Atlanta 53 Washington 40 Miami 32 Charlotte 30 Orlando 22 CENTRAL DIVISION W x-Cleveland 46 Chicago 42 Milwaukee 34 Indiana 30 Detroit 26

L 28 39 39 53 56

Pct .600 .435 .426 .243 .200

GB – 111/2 12 25 28

L 17 30 37 38 50

Pct .757 .571 .464 .441 .306

GB – 13 201/2 22 32

L 26 29 36 39 44

Pct .639 .592 .486 .435 .371

GB – 31/2 11 141/2 19

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W L Memphis 49 21 Houston 46 23 San Antonio 44 25 Dallas 44 27 New Orleans 37 33 NORTHWEST DIVISION W L Portland 44 24 Oklahoma City 40 30 Utah 31 38 Denver 27 44 Minnesota 15 54 PACIFIC DIVISION W L x-Golden State 56 13 L.A. Clippers 46 25 Phoenix 38 33 Sacramento 24 45 L.A. Lakers 18 50 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division

Pct .700 .667 .638 .620 .529

GB – 21/2 41/2 51/2 12

Pct .647 .571 .449 .380 .217

GB – 5 131/2 181/2 291/2

Pct .812 .648 .535 .348 .265

GB – 11 19 32 371/2

TODAY’S GAMES

Toronto at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. San Antonio at Dallas, 8 p.m. Miami at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Philadelphia at Sacramento, 10 p.m. Golden State at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION

L OT 18 7 25 4 22 10 24 10 29 16 30 11 35 4 35 10

Pts GF 99 193 97 238 89 204 84 193 83 207 80 177 60 192 47 135

GA 159 188 190 190 188 197 235 241

Pts GF 99 217 92 225 90 200 88 212 74 192 73 163 70 193 62 164

GA 163 203 178 180 215 183 225 196

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION St. Louis Nashville Chicago Minnesota Winnipeg Colorado Dallas PACIFIC DIVISION Anaheim Vancouver Calgary Los Angeles San Jose Edmonton Arizona

GP 73 73 71 72 72 71 72

W 45 44 43 40 37 33 34

L OT 21 7 21 8 22 6 25 7 23 12 26 12 28 10

Pts GF 97 223 96 208 92 203 87 207 86 201 78 191 78 224

GA 180 176 162 181 189 198 230

GP 74 72 72 71 72 72 73

W 46 42 39 34 35 20 21

L OT 21 7 26 4 27 6 23 14 29 8 39 13 44 8

Pts GF 99 216 88 206 84 211 82 189 78 199 53 172 50 149

GA 206 193 189 179 201 247 242

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Detroit 2, St. Louis 1, OT Tampa Bay 5, Boston 3 N.Y. Rangers 7, Anaheim 2 Vancouver 3, Arizona 1

TODAY’S GAMES

SOFTBALL ADULT LEAGUES REGISTRATION

Today is the final day for team registration for the Sumter County Recreation Department’s adult softball leagues. Leagues that will be offered are men open, women open, corporate, church men, church women and co-ed. The entry fee is $300 per team. Open men and women softball teams will play on Monday, corporate softball on Tuesday, co-ed softball on Wednesday and church men and women softball on Thursday and Friday. League play begins the week of April 13. All leagues will play eight regular-season games with a double-elimination tournament at the end of the regular season. Registration is being taken at the recreation department located at 155 Haynsworth Street between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, call (803) 436-2248.

Minnesota at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m. Los Angeles at N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m. St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Anaheim at Columbus, 7 p.m. Arizona at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Florida at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Montreal at Nashville, 8 p.m. Winnipeg at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

There will be eight regularseason games with a doubleelimination tournament at the end of the regular season. Registration is being taken at the recreation department located at 155 Haynsworth Street between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, call (803) 436-2248.

ETC. SUMTER GAMECOCK CLUB MEETING

University of South Carolina football head coach Steve Spurrier will be the featured speaker at the Sumter County Gamecock Club’s spring banquet on Wednesday at the Nettles-Schwartz Building gymnasium. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with the program scheduled to start at 7. Other speakers will be announced at a later date. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased from Vernon Geddings at Danny’s Trophy Shop at 713 Bultman Drive. Information on sponsorships will also be available from Geddings. For more information, contact Geddings at (803) 775-7002.

BASEBALL LMA 100-INNING SCRIMMAGE

ADULT LEAGUE REGISTRATION

Today is the final day for team registration for the Sumter County Recreation Department’s adult kickball league. The entry fee is $300 per team. Games will be played on Wednesdays. League play begins the week of April 13.

The Laurence Manning Academy baseball program will hold a 100-inning scrimmage on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at LMA’s Tucker Belangia Diamond. For more information about sponsorship, contact LMA varsity head coach Barry Hatfield at (803) 236-4768.

AREA ROUNDUP

Generals’ Jarvis wins twice in Silver Fox Invitational

SUNDAY’S GAMES

L OT 20 7 21 7 21 11 25 12 24 11 25 14 40 6 45 7

AREA SCOREBOARD

KICKBALL

Oklahoma City 93, Miami 75 Cleveland 108, Milwaukee 90 San Antonio 114, Atlanta 95 L.A. Clippers 107, New Orleans 100 Toronto 106, New York 89 Sacramento 109, Washington 86 Denver 119, Orlando 100 Detroit 105, Boston 97, OT Charlotte 109, Minnesota 98 Phoenix 98, Dallas 92 L.A. Lakers 101, Philadelphia 87

GP W Montreal 73 46 Tampa Bay 73 45 Detroit 71 39 Boston 73 36 Ottawa 71 36 Florida 72 33 Toronto 73 27 Buffalo 72 20 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W N.Y. Rangers 71 46 N.Y. Islanders 73 44 Pittsburgh 72 40 Washington 73 39 Philadelphia 74 29 New Jersey 72 31 Columbus 72 33 Carolina 71 26

THE SUMTER ITEM

IRMO – Thomas Sumter Academy’s Hunter Jarvis won both the boys 800- and 1,600-meter runs and was named the co-MVP in the Silver Fox Invitational on Saturday at the Dutch Fork High School track. Jarvis set a personal best and a school record in both events. He won the 800 in a time of 2 minutes, 3.14 seconds, and the 1,600 in 4:39.70.

VARSITY SPEED AND STRENGTH ETLING, CRESSIONE, WHITE WIN TITLES ORANGEBURG – Thomas Sumter Academy’s Jonathan Etling, Ty Cressione and Chris White won their respective weight classes in the SCISA Speed and Strength Championships on Saturday at Orangeburg Prep. Etling won the 130-and-under class for TSA, which finished second to Pinewood Prep in the team competition. Etling won the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump, bench press and power clean, while finishing second in the broad jump and third in the shuttle run. Cressione won the 151-160 class, winning the 40, the broad jump and vertical jump and was second in the shuttle, bench and power clean. White won the 161-170 class, finishing first in the 40 and vertical jump and second in the shuttle, broad jump, bench and power clean. Four TSA athletes finished

as runner-ups – Dre Litsey (131-140), Cody Segura (141150), Paul James (171-180) and James Rabon (206-220).

VARSITY TENNIS WILSON HALL 5 WEST FLORENCE 1 Wilson Hall remained undefeated on the season with a 5-1 victory over West Florence on Monday at Palmetto Tennis Center. The Barons are 6-0 on the season.

SINGLES 1 – Brown (WH) defeated Halus 6-0, 6-2. 2 – Davis (WH) defeated Grich 6-3, 6-2. 3 – Hendrix (WH) defeated Hiller 6-2, 6-1. 4 – Stover (WH) defeated King 6-2, 6-2. 5 – McLamb (WF) defeated Thompson 6-4, 3-6, 10-8. DOUBLES 1 – Did not play. 2 – Stone/Coulter (WH) defeated Lu/Player 6-2, 6-2.

GIRLS JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL CLARENDON HALL 14 JEFFERSON DAVIS 3

BLACKVILLE – Clarendon Hall improved to 2-3 in a 14-3 victory over Jefferson Davis Academy on Monday at the JDA field. Summer Barnes led the Lady Saints, going 3-for-3 with four runs batted in. Sydney Wells and Madison Kidd both had three hits and one RBI. Brystal Shuler had two hits and two RBI, while Kidd was the winning pitcher.

GOLF

By The Associated Press Bay Hill Par Scores Sunday At Bay Hill Club and Lodge Orlando, Fla. Purse: $6.2 million Yardage: 7,419; Par: 72 Final Matt Every (500), $1,134,000 68-66-69-66–269 -19 Henrik Stenson (300), $680,400 68-66-66-70–270 -18 Matt Jones (190), $428,400 71-65-67-68–271 - 1

Good Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

TBC Founders Cup Par Scores Sunday At JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Wildfire Golf Club Course Phoenix Purse: $1.5 million Yardage: 6,601; Par: 72 Final Hyo Joo Kim, $225,000 65-69-66-67–267 -21 Stacy Lewis, $135,414 64-71-67-68–270 -18 Ilhee Lee, $78,463 69-67-70-66–272 -16

MLB SPRING TRAINING By The Associated Press SUNDAY’S GAMES

Toronto 3, Tampa Bay 0 Detroit (ss) 7, Washington 7, tie Houston 14, Pittsburgh 2 Minnesota 5, Miami 3

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

SPORTS ITEMS

Gamecocks avoid sweep COLUMBIA, Mo. -- South Carolina fought back from an early 3-run deficit and, behind a 14-hit attack, defeated Missouri 7-5 on Sunday at Taylor Field. The Gamecocks improved to 18-6 overall and 4-2 in the Southeastern Conference. The loss dropped Missouri to 18-6 and 5-1. Freshman right-handed pitcher Brandon Murray gave the Gamecocks a quality relief outing, allowing just one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings of work with a pair of walks and two strikeouts. He is 2-0 on the year. South Carolina’s 14-hit effort featured a 4-for-5 day at the plate by Kyle Martin. Gene Cone, Max Schrock and DC Arendas added two hits apiece, and Jordan Gore reached base four times on a hit and three walks while scoring two runs. VIRGINIA TECH 4 CLEMSON 3

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Rahiem Cooper’s 1-out fielder’s choice in the 12th inning scored Kyle Wernicki for the walkoff run in Virginia Tech’s 4-3 victory over Clemson Tech on Sunday at English Field. The Hokies improved to 12-12 overall and 5-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tigers, who won the series 2-1, fell to 11-11 and 4-5. EVERY WINS BAY HILL FOR 2ND STRAIGHT YEAR

ORLANDO, Fla. — Matt

policy for the preseason and regular season.

Every made an 18-foot birdie putt for a 6-under 66 that allowed him to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational for a second straight year with a 1-shot victory over Henrik Stenson.

SHARPER TO DO NINE YEARS IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES

LOS ANGELES — Former NFL star Darren Sharper removed all doubt Monday that he drugged and raped women, taking the first of several steps to own up to sex assaults in four states that will send him to federal prison for about nine years. In two separate court cases, Sharper pleaded guilty to sexual assault in Arizona and no contest in California to raping two women he knocked out with a potent sedative mixed with booze.

KIM WINS LPGA’S FOUNDERS CUP

PHOENIX — Hyo Joo Kim overcame hit back to the fairway, wedged to 10 feet and two-putted for a bogey to drop into a tie for first with Ilhee Lee with eight holes left at Desert Ridge. The long-hitting Kim birdied the next three holes — making putts of 5, 50 and 3 feet — and finished with a 5-under 67 to beat Lewis by three strokes for her second LPGA Tour title in 13 career starts.

MISSISSIPPI STATE HIRES FORMER UCLA COACH HOWLAND

DAWSON WINS TUCSON CONQUISTADORES CLASSIC

Mississippi State has hired former UCLA coach Ben Howland to lead its basketball program. The university announced Howland’s hiring on Monday. He’ll be introduced in a news conference on campus Tuesday. The 57-year-old Howland coached at UCLA for 10 years, leading the program to three straight Final Fours from 2006 to 2008. But the Bruins never made it past the second round of the NCAA Tournament during the next five seasons and he was fired in 2013 despite winning the Pac-12.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Marco Dawson won the Tucson Conquistadores Classic on Sunday for his first Champions Tour’s title, breaking a tie with a 20-foot birdie putt on the par-4 16th hole and closing with two pars for a two-stroke victory. NFL SUSPENDING TV BLACKOUTS FOR 2015 SEASON

PHOENIX — The NFL is saying bye-bye to blackouts. At least for 2015. No NFL games will be blocked from local television next season, the league said Monday at the owners’ meetings. The teams voted for a one-year suspension of the long-standing blackout

From staff, wire reports

SWEET 16 FROM PAGE B1 Dec. 13 in Los Angeles, and the then-No. 9 Zags came away with an 87-74 victory. Kyle Wiltjer scored 24 points and Byron Wesley added 20 points for Gonzaga. Bryce Alford scored 23 points and Isaac Hamilton added 18 for UCLA. Louisville and North Carolina State met in an ACC game on Feb. 14 and the visiting Wolfpack prevailed 7465. Cat Barber had 21 points for N.C. State, which held Louisville to 33 percent shooting and outscored the Cardinals 32-16 in the paint. “We got dominated at all

will play No. 4 North Carolina and second-seeded Arizona will face No. 6 Xavier in Los Angeles, a total of 13 when the seedings are added. The Midwest is second with 16 (No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 5 West Virginia and No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 7 Wichita State), while the South is next with 19 (No. 1 Duke vs. No. 5 Utah and No. 2 Gonzaga vs. No. 11 UCLA). The last of the regionals is the East where third-seeded Oklahoma meets No. 7 Michigan State and No. 4 Louisville faces eighth-seeded North Carolina State, a total of 22.

five positions tonight,” Louisville coach Rick Pitino said then. Chris Jones, who was dismissed from the program last month, scored 20 points and Wayne Blackshear added 19 for then-No. 9 Louisville. Terry Rozier and Montrezl Harrell, Louisville’s leading scorers, combined for 14 points. SWEET SEEDS

The West Regional will be the toughest of the four in the Sweet 16 if you believe the seeds. Top-seeded Wisconsin

MANAGING FROM PAGE B1 wound up being. “In all honesty, I think most of the managers do a fairly good job,” he said. “We just happened to win more games, and with that came the award.” He received a plaque during a presentation before a Portland game. “I think I’m moving in the right direction,” he said. “I’m ever hopeful that I’ll get a call and things will turn out really well. That I’ll get a bigleague coaching job or a bigleague position sooner rather than later.” Although Portland lost in the division championship series, the team had plenty of talent. Fourteen players were promoted to Triple-A, according to the team’s official online site. Two, including outfielder Mookie Betts, were called up to Boston. “It was different because the players were better,” McMillon said. “It was a longer season because of a lot of travel on buses,” he said. “We were the furthest north team, so most of our trips were long. That’s really tiring.” McMillon reported to spring training the third week of February. Early in camp he spent time in the batting cages working with the major leaguers and then helped the minor leaguers invited to mini camp. He stood on the outfield grass near second base to hit flies and grounders to the outfielders. Once all the major leaguers reported, he started assisting them. He helped Boston first base coach Arnie Beyeler and minor league

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

AUTO CLUB 400 RESULTS The Associated Press Sunday At Auto Club Speedway Fontana, Calif. Lap length: 2 miles (Start position in parentheses) 1. (8) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 209 laps, 114.6 rating, 47 points, $357,781. 2. (2) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 209, 129.3, 43, $260,130. 3. (1) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 209, 135.4, 43, $205,055. 4. (11) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 209, 100.6, 40, $158,505. 5. (9) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 209, 92.8, 39, $156,305. 6. (17) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 209, 104.6, 38, $132,045. 7. (13) Joey Logano, Ford, 209, 102.3, 37, $155,803. 8. (12) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 209, 96.1, 37, $136,240. 9. (14) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 209, 107.9, 35, $150,831. 10. (7) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 209, 90.8, 35, $149,406. 11. (23) Aric Almirola, Ford, 209, 81, 33, $141,546. 12. (31) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 209, 65.1, 32, $135,168. 13. (15) Carl Edwards, Toyota, 209, 84.6, 32, $98,110. 14. (20) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 209, 80.8, 30, $128,474. 15. (27) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 209, 64.4, 29, $109,560. 16. (21) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 209, 70.6, 28, $136,696. 17. (19) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 209, 76.5, 27, $113,160. 18. (4) David Ragan, Toyota, 209, 77.7, 26, $145,051. 19. (22) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 209, 71.1, 25, $105,760. 20. (33) Chris Buescher, Ford, 209, 59.4, 0, $93,860.

21. (26) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 209, 64.4, 23, $126,451. 22. (30) Brett Moffitt, Toyota, 209, 53.5, 22, $122,974. 23. (37) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 209, 65, 21, $119,218. 24. (32) Cole Whitt, Ford, 209, 54.9, 20, $108,493. 25. (40) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, 209, 48.2, 0, $93,610. 26. (5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 209, 82.7, 18, $120,793. 27. (25) Brian Scott, Chevrolet, 209, 74.1, 0, $103,843. 28. (6) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 209, 104.6, 17, $106,485. 29. (36) Trevor Bayne, Ford, 209, 50.3, 15, $132,835. 30. (10) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 209, 67.6, 14, $125,668. 31. (3) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 209, 104.2, 14, $128,746. 32. (29) Greg Biffle, Ford, 209, 58.7, 12, $121,143. 33. (28) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 208, 40.2, 12, $96,932. 34. (18) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 208, 46.4, 10, $105,185. 35. (43) David Gilliland, Ford, 208, 39.7, 9, $94,960. 36. (35) Josh Wise, Ford, 207, 35.1, 8, $86,820. 37. (41) J.J. Yeley, Toyota, 206, 34.5, 0, $86,549. 38. (24) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 206, 33.8, 6, $80,803. 39. (34) Jeb Burton, Toyota, 205, 27.9, 5, $78,240. 40. (39) Mike Bliss, Ford, 205, 29.5, 0, $72,740. 41. (38) Brendan Gaughan, Chevrolet, 205, 26.3, 0, $68,740. 42. (42) Matt DiBenedetto, Toyota, 203, 23.9, 2, $64,740. 43. (16) Sam Hornish Jr., Ford, 155, 39.8, 1, $87,585.

FONTANA FROM PAGE B1 Larson’s bumper flew off to cause another caution. “Paul made the call to come down pit road and put four tires on, and I said, ‘Well, this could either go really good or really bad,’” Keselowski said. “I didn’t know which one it was going to be. Some guys stayed out, some guys took two tires, all kinds of different strategies.” “On the restart, we were just able to find our way through the lanes and get to the front there and somehow end up in Victory Lane leading the last lap there,” he added. “That’s kind of a race car driver’s dream. This is one we’re going to sit back and go, ‘Wow,’ for a while.” Keselowski slipped underneath Busch for the decisive pass, taking full advantage of the California speedway’s wide racing surface. He had never finished better than 18th on this track, which he thinks is the best in NASCAR. Although Greg Biffle crashed behind them during that final lap, NASCAR let the field keep racing while Biffle got his car off the track, and Keselowski finished strong. “At the end, we caught some breaks and made the most of the breaks we caught,” Keselowski said. Harvick fell just short of a

three-race West Coast sweep, but finished second to extend his remarkable streak of top-two Sprint Cup finishes to eight races dating to last season. Only Richard Petty ever did it better, setting the NASCAR record with 11 straight in 1975. “I hate that (Busch) wasn’t able to hold on for the win there,” said defending series champion Harvick, who leads Joey Logano by 28 points in the overall standings. “I would have loved to see those guys get their first win.” Busch and Harvick made the most of their superior Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolets, and they likely would have cruised to a 1-2 finish before the first late caution led to another chapter in the thrilling races that have recently characterized the well-aged asphalt at Fontana. Team owner Roger Penske praised Wolfe’s decisive call on the tires as “perfect.” Penske’s team hadn’t won a NASCAR race since 2002 on the track he built one hour east of Los Angeles two decades ago. “Tires are worth a lot here,” Wolfe said. “And once you put one lap or one heat cycle on them, you’re pretty much looking to put new tires on and pick up quite a bit of grip.”

other day he assisted the big league outfielders doing drills in the main stadium before a game. He said he will work with the Triple-A players once all the minor leaguers have reported. “The Triple-A staff stays up with the big club until almost the last day of spring training,” he said. “So on the minor side, everybody moves up a level.”

outfield and baserunning coordinator George Lombard with drills for the outfielders on the back fields at the facility. He tossed balls beyond reach of outfielders to improve their retreats on deep flies. He dropped balls on the turf for them to master their pick-ups of grounders. An-

Got a Job? GET A CAR!

(803) 778-2942 www.loweryair.com

NO CREDIT CHECK

NO CREDIT - NO PROBLEM! BANKRUPTCY - NO PROBLEM! BAD CREDIT - NO PROBLEM! DIVORCE - NO PROBLEM! REALLY BAD CREDIT - NO PROBLEM!

ALL VEHICLES COME WITH A LIMITED WARRANTY!

2005 Chevy Impala 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser “They were fast and I was well taken care of!” David Kelly Apply For Credit Online At: www.boylebhph.com

We Finance in House

BOYLE Buy Here Pay Here 773-2474 • 347 Broad Street

Stay comfortable inside, no matter what happens outside.

The state-of-the-art Bryant® Evolution® System provides quiet, even heating to keep your home warm in even the harshest of temperatures. And with a 10-year parts limited warranty and high-efﬁciency performance, the Evolution System delivers the long-lasting comfort you depend on and the energy savings you deserve. Plus, you can save even more with Bryant Bonus. For a limited time, purchase qualifying Bryant products and receive a rebate of up to $1,250.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

WOMEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP

UNC holds off Ohio State CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Jamie Cherry hit a jumper with 0.6 seconds left and North Carolina beat Ohio State 86-84 on Monday night in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Stephanie CHERRY Mavunga had a career-high 27 points and 14 rebounds, Allisha Gray added 20 points and Brittany Rountree had 15 for the fourth-seeded Tar Heels (26-8). They blew a 23-point lead before Cherry’s latest big shot sent them into a Greensboro Regional semifinal matchup against topseeded South Carolina (32-2) on Friday.

STANFORD 86

TENNESSEE 77

OKLAHOMA 76 STANFORD, Calif. — Amber Orrange scored 24 points and Lili Thompson added 19 as Stanford’s backcourt mates took the game over in the second half Monday to lead the fourth-seeded Cardinal to an 86-76 victory over fifth-seeded Oklahoma in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

PITTSBURGH 67 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Bashaara Graves scored 21 points and had 14 rebounds as Tennessee withstood a late rally to defeat Pittsburgh 77-67 in an NCAA Tournament second-round game Monday.

MARYLAND 85

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Shakayla Thomas scored 12 points and Leticia Romero added 11 to help No. 2 Florida State end seventh-seeded Florida Gulf Coast’s 26game winning streak with a 65-47 victory Monday night and advance to the Sweet 16.

PRINCETON 70

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Laurin Mincy scored 27 points, and top-seeded Maryland used a second-half blitz to knock off previously unbeaten Princeton 85-70 Monday night and advance to the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament.

FLORIDA STATE 65 FLORIDA GULF COAST 47

From wire reports

THE SUMTER ITEM

BUSINESS FROM PAGE B1 lofty goals. South Carolina looked like a contender to reach the top against Syracuse, a team it fought to defeat 67-63 in a Thanksgiving week tournament in the Bahamas after trailing by 12 points in the second half. The Gamecocks made sure the rematch against the Orange, led by its confident coach Quentin Hillsman, would not be so close. They scored their secondmost points in the first half of a game this season, taking a 53-25 advantage. The only time USC scored more points in the opening 20 minutes of a game came in a 60-point explosion in an early season contest against Savannah State, which it also defeated Friday in the first round of the NCAA tournament. What Hillsman watched was enough to convince him that

the Gamecocks are a viable contender for the title. “There is no question,” Hillsman said. “They have been from Day One. Dawn has done a very good job with this program.” The Gamecocks may have played their most complete game of the season in defeating a Syracuse team intent on stopping their powerful inside attack. When the second half started, junior guard Tiffany Mitchell, freshman forward A’ja Wilson and freshman point guard Bianca Cuevas took over, and the Gamecocks placed six players in double figures. They outscored Syracuse 42-18 in the paint, and the bench topped the Orange’s 5111. When the Gamecocks’ journey begins its next step, count Hillsman among those who will be rooting.

during his life. Surviving Robert are his loving wife, Katie Shaughnessy; stepsons, Doc and Waylon Stone of Valdosta; grandmother, Agnes M. Walter of Louisville, Kentucky; stepfather and mother, Phil and Mary Jo Ardis of Pinewood; brother and sister-inlaw, John Patrick and Becki Shaughnessy of Manning; sister, Mary Ellen Keller; nephew, John Walker Keller of Douglas, Georgia; parents-in-law, Tom and Nancy Rockenbach of Gray, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph M. Walter and Robert J. and Joanne Shaughnessy. Floral tributes are welcome or a memorial donation to “The Georgia Sea Turtle Center,” 214 Stable Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home of Valdosta is in charge of arrangements.

OBITUARIES KATHRYN VON CANNON Kathryn “Dianne” Von Cannon, age 56, beloved wife of Lanny Michael Von Cannon, died on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at her residence. Born in Galax, Virginia, she was a daughter of the late Ernest Ray and Dora Dean Hayes Farmer. Over the years, Dianne worked VON CANNON for AAFES, the base theater, as a teacher’s aide and as a crossing guard. Her joys in life were traveling and dancing, especially square dancing. She was a member of Bethesda Church of God of Sumter, where she was active in the church choir. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, James Michael Von Cannon of Anderson and Samuel Ray Von Cannon of Columbia; two brothers, Jeffery Paul Farmer of Asheboro, North Carolina, and Terry Farmer of Sophia, North Carolina; and one sister, Michelle Robbins of Asheboro. A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel, 1190 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. at Bullock Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

vorite pastimes were scuba diving, teaching dive classes, motorcycle riding, golfing and fishing. Individuals who knew Robert would describe him as humble, caring, selfless, loving and smart. Through his actions, he touched many lives by acting as a father and a mentor, assisting loved ones and friends through difficult and dark times, and participating in charitable events, such as Toys for Tots motorcycle runs. He will never be forgotten because of all the individual lives he touched

Georgia Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today at St. John the Evangelist CathoSHAUGHlic Church with NESSY burial to follow in McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he was a son of Mary Jo Ardis and he was raised in the Catholic faith. Robert was a very unique individual and was affectionately known as “Captain.” His fa-

Keeping Sumter Beautiful WITH E EQUAL PAYM PAYMENTS

NO INTEREST UNTIL JANUARY 2020 OR choose h a ttrade-in d i allowance of up to

1,150

Bundle dl your air conditioning d andd hheating system purchase rchase and get rewarded with year-round peace of mind and a ss up! p super hot financing deal that's too cool to pass

803.795.4257

www.boykinacs.com ROBERT J. SHAUGHNESSY VALDOSTA, Georgia — Robert Joseph Shaughnessy, 36, of Valdosta, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday afternoon, March 19, 2015, at South

License #M4217

*The Home Projects® Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For newly opened accounts, the APR for Purchases is 27.99%. This APR may vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 01/01/2015. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5.00% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Offer expires 05/31/2015. **See your independent Trane dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,150 valid on qualifying systems only. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited.

• NEEDLEPUNCH • RIBBED • RUBBER BACKED

NEEDLEPUNCH & GRASS VARIETY OF COLORS

By Amanda McNulty, County Extension Agent When You Can’t See the Forest for the Litter

the forest in its prime condition. If you can spend a whole Something out of place, something that is so obviously Saturday and want a chance to earn a beautification award, not supposed to be there, you can participate in the makes your eye focus on it to the exclusion of the rest of the cleanup at Manchester State scene. A broken garbage bag -- Forest on Saturday, March 28. Your state anti-litter organizawith cans, diapers, and paper tion, Palmetto Pride/Keep spewing out -- is all it takes to South Carolina Beautiful, has ruin a beautiful woodland given us $1,200 to split among glade that otherwise would several categories of groups encourage your eye to rest upon foliage, flowers, and wild- who bring the most volunteers. Sumter County Public Works life. and the fine staff at Manchester Sumter County is blessed State Forest help make this a with outdoor spaces we can visit to refresh our bodies and rewarding experience for all by keeping us supplied with cold spirits. Although the natural water and fresh gloves and bags forces can cause leaves to sprout, blossoms to unfurl, and from 8-12 and then serving a delicious picnic lunch. birds to fly, it takes human For more information, please intervention to correct the call us at Sumter County flawed behavior of some memClemson Extension, 773-5561. bers of our species who spoil Pat, Amanda, or Breann will be these havens by leaving them happy to answer any questions covered with litter. and give more information. Clemson Extension and its partners have an opportunity Clemson University Cooperative Extension for you to enjoy several hours Service offers its programs to people of all ages, in the outdoors before heading regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national disability, political beliefs, sexual orienhome with a feeling of accom- origin, tation, marital or family status and is an equal plishment and pride, knowing opportunity employer. that you made it possible to see XEROX SOLID INK PRINTER

Sumter County Public Works 436-2241

Many Standard Features 40 prints per minute black & white and FULL COLOR

Xerox Color Qube® 8870MFP For more information contact your local rep. Call Thomas Cuttino @ 778-2330

OUTDOOR CARPET FULL ROLLS & CARPET GRASS AVAILABLE! NG SPRI ! SALE

SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE B5

55¢ SQ/F

GREAT FOR • WALKWAYS • PORCHES • PATIOS STEPS • BOATS • PONTOONS • & MUCH MORE!

IN STOCK!

XDOS, Inc.

Xerox® and Phaser® registered trademarks of Xerox Corporation.

To advertise here call 803-774-1234

Murrell’s

Cleaning Service We Now Offer Tile & Grout Cleaning 25 Years In The Fiber Care Business

773-5233

Outdoor Stewart Recycling Appearance Company 499-9312 P. O. Box 41 Dalzell, S.C. 29040

1255 N. Lafayette • Sumter • 775-4391

8:30am - 5:30pm M-F • 8:30am - 12:30pm Sat

Since 1975

523 E. Liberty St. Sumter

773-9316

To advertise here call 803-774-1234

John Hayes Debbie Hayes Spraying Services Lawns and Shrubs

Keeping Promises. Prompt, Dependable & Competitive Services Commercial, Residential, Construction, Industrial.

Serving Sumter Since 1984.

Call today for a free estimate.

495-8039 • 800 848-4252

OBITUARIES

THE SUMTER ITEM

BRENDA S. BRAGG Brenda Starr Bragg, 65, wife of Freddie Lee Bragg, died on Friday, March 20, 2015, at local nursing center. Born in Michigan, she was a daughter of the late Austin Ritchie and Ann Gore Starr. Mrs. Bragg was a reBRAGG tired nurse. Surviving are her husband of Clay County, West Virginia; two daughters, Peaches Robinson Bragg of Orangeburg and Marie Elizabeth Heaton of Sumter; one brother, Austin Z. Ritchie of Sumter; and two grandchildren, Brandon and Brittany Heaton. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday at 330 Church St. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

ED J. DAVIS JR. Ed J. Davis Jr., age 88, died on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born on Feb. 8, 1927, in Pace, Florida, he was a son of the late Ed J. Sr. and Gladys C. McBride Davis. He was preceded in death by DAVIS his wife, Maxine Kaesewurm Davis. Survivors include his daughter, Katherine Dianne Davis Taylor of Corsina, Texas; two brothers, John T. Davis of Sumter and Buford Edwin Davis of Milton, Florida; a sister, Geneva Ann Davis Jordan of Milton; and many other relatives and grandchildren. Brother Ed was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, having served in the infantry, the Army Air Corps, and later retired from the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of many veteran and fraternal organizations. He also served on the church and cemetery boards of Beulah Primitive Baptist Church in Troy, Alabama. Brother Davis was a Freemason and a member of Hillcrest Masonic Lodge No. 397 and a past master of Springhill Masonic Lodge No. 188. He was a Christian York Rite Mason, a Knight Templar, a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Knight of Pythias. Brother Ed was a believing Christian in the forefront for peace and divine truth; a defender of the poor, the widow, the helpless orphan and the Christian religion. He will be

dearly missed by many. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Troy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beulah Primitive Baptist Church, 523 S. Three North St., Troy, AL 36801. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

MULDROW J. BURGESS Muldrow James Burgess, affectionately known as “Tubby,” husband of Emily Pack Burgess, was born on Aug. 6, 1938, in Kingstree, to the late James Oliver Burgess and the Rev. Sallie McFadden Burgess. He departed this life on BURGESS Friday, March 20, 2015. He was a member of St. Michael Baptist Church, New Zion. Muldrow was educated beginning first through second grades at St. Michael’s School. Upon moving to Sumter, he attended Stone Hill Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1960 and served a tour of duty in Korea with an honorable discharge. He later attended and graduated from Morris College with a bachelor of science degree. He taught biology and chemistry at Hillcrest High School and then Lakewood High School. He retired from Lakewood High School because of declining health. Muldrow taught the adult Sunday school class at St. Michael Baptist Church, where he also served as chairman of the trustee board. He was dedicated to working on various church projects. He occasionally taught Sunday school in the Black River Union and assisted with many projects for the First Baptist Church, Sardinia. Muldrow married Emily Pack Burgess on Aug. 28, 1960. To this union, two sons were born, Bernard (Gardenia) Burgess of Sumter and Ronnie (Valerie) Burgess of Myrtle Beach; six grandchildren, Kemily Burgess, Shakena Burgess, Kelsey Burgess, Kayla Bradley, Lakeisha Shad and Chantay (Anthony) Scarborough; and seven great-grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his memories: one brother, Deacon Robert (Rebecca) Burgess; one adopted brother / nephew, Alfred Burgess; two sisters, Paralee McDowell and Christine (John) Whigham, all of Sumter; mother-in-law, Fannie Pack of Sumter; three brothersin-law, Joshua Pack Jr., Zebedee (Evelyn) Pack and Leroy (Elease) Pack; six sisters-in-law, Joann Burgess, Windella Pinkney, Charlotte Johnson, Deloris (Hydrick) Pugh, Octavia Williams and Georgia Charles; and a host of nieces, nephews, other

relatives and friends. Public viewing will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Michael Baptist Church, 2612 Corner Road, New Zion, SC 29111, with Pastor Phillip Boyd Sr., assisted by the Rev. John Wilson. Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park, Sumter. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 1011 Booker St., Sumter. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.

OTTO GRIFFIN Otto “Son” Griffin, 81, husband of Cathy Anderson Griffin, died on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at his home. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late George Washington Griffin and Sally Emma Turner Griffin. Mr. Griffin was a member of Green Acres Assembly of God, a U.S. Army Korean War veteran and was a retired carpenter. Surviving are his wife of Sumter; two stepsons, Jamie Hill (Kim) and William Hill (Melissa); two grandchildren, Zachary and Christopher Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Green Acres Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Michael Bowman officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church and other times at the home. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015 (Karen) of Sumter and James S. Russell of Sumter. He was preceded in death by a brother, David B. Russell; and a sister, Maryann Cooksey. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. today in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. John Patrick officiating. Burial will be in Sumter Cemetery. Pallbearers will be William Russell Jr., Harry Russell, William Russell III, Ryan Russell, Ryan Buckner and Brent Nelsen. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, Anthony Nelsen, Joey Buckner, Noah Buckner and Ethan Russell. The family received friends Monday at ElmoreCannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Graham Baptist Church, 4000 U.S. 521 South, Sumter, SC 29153. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Tri-County Hospice for all of their care and compassion. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements. www. ecsfuneralhome.com

MARIAN G. WRIGHT Marian Green Wright, 94, widow of Glen Wright Sr., departed this life on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Palmetto Health Richland hospital, Columbia. She was born on June 20, 1920, in Sumter, a daughter of the late Elliot and Nettie Green. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 4810 McQuiller St., Wedgefield, SC 29154. Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.

one daughter, Merri Elizabeth Johnson Shively; three brothers, Paul Johnson, Donnie Johnson and Thomas Johnson; three sisters, Barbara Ann Geddings, Miriam Windham and Kathy Johnson; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Gene Johnson and Clarence Harvin Johnson. Graveside services will be held at 5 p.m. today at Green Acres Cemetery with the Rev. Tyrone Mitchum officiating. The family will receive friends at the home, 40 Jed Court. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

ELIZABETH N. HILTON Elizabeth “Lib” Newman Hilton, 90, widow of John Bingley “J.B.” Hilton, died on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at her home. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m. on Thursday at Grace Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday at Grace Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery. Additional information will be announced by Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, (803) 7759386.

DOROTHY BAIRD Dorothy Carolyn Mitchum Baird, age 77, beloved wife of the late Jerome Henry Baird, died on Sunday, March 22, 2015. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Bullock Funeral Home.

WILLIAM J. RUSSELL SR. William J. Russell Sr., 72, widower of Cary Jones Russell, died on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at his home. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Harry and Janie Worsham Russell. He was a member of Graham Baptist Church and the men’s Sunday school class of Graham Baptist Church. He retired from Boyle Motor Co. Survivors include four children, William J. Russell Jr. (Jennifer) of Sumter, Cary Catherine Nelsen (Brent) of Bluffton, Harry A. Russell (Shannon) of Sumter and Jane Buckner (Ryan) of Sumter; nine grandchildren; and three brothers, H. Roland Russell of Orlando, Florida, Francis W. Russell

DELMAR O. JOHNSON SR. Delmar Olin Johnson Sr., 73, husband of Ella Pearl Morris Johnson, died on Friday, March 20, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late James Olin and Mattie Irene Tolson Johnson. Mr. Johnson was of the Baptist faith and was a retired carpenter. Surviving are his wife of Sumter; three sons, Delmar Olin Johnson Jr., Hoyt Ervin Johnson and Kevin Boyd Johnson Sr. (Angie Marie);

SALLY BRUNSON Sally Jane Cooper Brunson, 110, widow of Willie Cooper, died on Friday, March 20, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. She was born on Aug. 15, 1904, in New Zion, a daughter of the late Samson and Easter McFadden Redden. The family is receiving friends at 961 Utah Circle, Sumter. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

LOUIS ODELL GRANT Louis Odell Grant, husband of Glory Rich Grant, of 18 E. Patricia Drive, Sumter, died on Monday, March 23, 2015, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Sumter Funeral Service Inc. The family will receive friends at his residence.

Position your business to grow by advertising with us! Call (803) 774-1200 and get started today.

spring

GET READY FOR

with our unique floral designs and plants Made to Order and Premade Wreaths. Centerpieces and Arrangements Available.

just in time for easter

A Ring Around The Roses

Local Delivery & We wire worldwide

95B MARKET STREET | SUMTER 934-8000 | www.aringaroundtheroses.com

We Care Every Day in Every Way® Visi ng Angels provides seniors and adults with the needed assistance to con nue living at home. With our local agency in your community and hundreds of Visi ng Angels agencies across America, our mission is to maintain the independance and familiar surroundings for those in need of care.

144 Garre Street, Suite D • Sumter, SC

803-418-5441

www.visi ngangels.com

COMICS

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Mom with cancer does not need shielding from life DEAR ABBY — My wife has stage 4 breast cancer. She is only 51, and our most optimistic prognosis is three Dear Abby to four more years. Our ABIGAIL children, 15 VAN BUREN and 16, understand her disease, but don’t really have a sense of how much longer we all have together. Recently we went out to dinner, and the kids started talking about my retirement plans and their college plans. Later that night, my wife told me how sad it was hearing the kids talk about things she knows she will never see.

THE SUMTER ITEM

I have been debating whether I should have a talk with the kids and perhaps suggest they avoid subjects that make their mother sad. What do you think? Not talking about the future DEAR NOT TALKING — Before talking to your children, I think you should talk to your wife. Although your instinct is to protect her, I don’t think you can. Sadness in her situation is normal. I’m sure if you were to ask her if she’d prefer the kids censor their remarks in front of her, she would tell you she wants to hear everything she can about what they are thinking. When people have a terminal illness, they have a right to be sad when contemplat-

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ing the things they will be missing -- in your wife’s case it will be seeing her children get married, her grandchildren and more. Let your children express themselves fully with their mother, and if she’s having a bad/sad day, listen and let her unburden herself. A joy shared is twice a joy, and a burden shared is half a burden. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable -- and most frequently requested - poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby -- Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

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

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

ACROSS 1 Mythical bird 4 Spanish hero played by Heston 9 Bush successor 14 Oktoberfest gripe 15 Protest sign word 16 Purple Heart, e.g. 17 *One harvesting honey 19 Freezing cold 20 Count in music 21 Nothing, in Normandy 23 Floor cleaner scent 24 MIT part: Abbr. 25 *One planning a job 27 Words before grip or life 29 Pub offering 30 Mom-andpop org. 32 Havens 36 Exorcism target 40 *One calling strikes 43 Cara or Castle 44 Pursue 45 Pop 46 Westminster show org. 48 Wraps up 50 *One working at a low level 56 Dench of “The Best Exotic Marigold

Hotel” 59 Biceps exercise 60 Genesis brother 61 Surround 62 Bird that lays blue eggs 64 Lone Ranger epithet, or what each answer to a starred clue often is 66 Muscat resident 67 Not as happy 68 Yale Bowl rooter 69 Class-ending sounds 70 River to the Rhone 71 Fish eggs DOWN 1 Synagogue official 2 It has a floor but no ceiling 3 Competition with knights 4 Olympian’s blade 5 Novelist Harper 6 “It’s a Wonderful Life” director 7 Strand during a blizzard, say 8 Yankee shortstop Jeter 9 Online “Wow!” 10 “Hey, the light is green!” 11 Wing it at the

lectern 12 Augusta’s home 13 Birch family tree 18 Flier usually shorter than its tail 22 Gun lobby gp. 25 False idol 26 “Grumpy” movie heroes 28 Sunflower State capital 30 __ Beta Kappa 31 A.L. East team 33 Cul-de-__ 34 Biblical suffix 35 50-Across milieu 37 Season in a Shakespeare title 38 “Chopsticks __ fork?” 39 “Game of Thrones” pa-

triarch Stark 41 Making possible 42 __-friendly 47 Epidemicfighting agcy. 49 Kept the party hopping, briefly 50 Cape Cod catch 51 New York governor Andrew 52 Like city folk 53 Poetic feet 54 Lab containers 55 Follow 57 Way to get info, on retro phones 58 Kind of navel 61 “Present!” 63 Grafton’s “__ for Noose” 65 Lead-in for plunk or flooey

CLASSIFIEDS

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

THE ITEM

803-774-1234

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

CLASSIFIEDS NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal, trimming & stump grinding. Lic & Ins.

803-316-0128

Brick Work MJ Masonry Specializing in concrete, brick & stone. Contact Matt Johnson 803-460-0596 for more info.

Home Improvements

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

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

Vinyl Siding, vinyl windows install for $189 and seamless gutters by David Brown. 803-236-9296

H.L. Boone, Contractor: Remodel paint roofs gutters drywall blown ceilings ect. 773-9904 Professional Remodelers Home maintenance, ceramic tile, roofing, siding & windows doors, etc. Lic. & Ins. (Cell) 803-459-4773

Land & Lots for Sale

Now hiring position working with animals. Must not have allergies to animals & be able to do heavy lifting. Must be dependable, honest & hard working, able to work wknds, & must work well with others. Job consists of cleaning & caring for animals. Send ref. & resume to P 405 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151. Serious inquiries only

MIN SHAW AFB, 16 + acres. $1750 per acre paved rd. Water, elec. 888-774-5720

Land Clearing avail. includes: Digging ponds, excavation, and bulldozer work. Call T & N Septic Tank Co. at 803-481-2428 or 803-481-2421

Church Pianist needed. Wednesday nights & Sunday Mornings. Call Crosswell Baptist Church. Call 775-2489 for details

LARGE GARAGE SALE Every Weekend Tables $2 FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. 905-4242 or 494-5500

Newman's Lawn & Tree Service Mowing, Landscaping, Irrigation, Spring Clean-up, Tree removal. Call 803-316-0128 Lifestyles Lawn Service New Year Clean-up Specials! Mil.-Sen. Disc.! Erik 968-8655 J.F. Landscaping Lawn maintenance services, bedding design, etc. License & insured. Call 774-8269 or cell 883-1066. We Do It For Less Commercial & Residential lawn care. Removal of branches & leaves. Call 803-565-6693. Daniel's Lawn Care • Tree removal • Lawn Service • Mulch / Pine straw • Debris removal 803-968-4185

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

Roofing Robert's Metal Roofing 35 Years Experience. 45 year warranty. Financing available. Expert installation. Long list of satisfied customers. Call 803-837-1549.

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Help Wanted Full-Time

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Kitchen Manager/Cook Needed at local restaurant. Management/cooking experience a must. Please fax resumes 803-774-4822

Resort Rentals

Septic Tank Cleaning

Legal Notice Public Storage/ PS Orangeco, Inc. LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

Purchase must be made with cash only and paid for at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of the sale. Sale is subject to adjournment.

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell to satisfy the lien of owner at public sale by competitive bidding on April 9, 2015 personal and/or business property including but not limited to furniture, clothing, tools and other household/business items located at the properties listed.

PUBLIC NOTICE State of South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of Water 2600 Bull Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 803-898-4300

The sale will begin at 2:00 pm at 1277 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153.

Public Notice No. 15-048-P Date: March 23, 2015

1143 N.Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150 120 - Washington, Tijuanna 326 - Benjamin, Ashleigh 332 - Clyburn, Terentia 433 - Washington, Renee 543 - Davis, Harry 549 - Forthman, Gary 604 - Jones, Sylvia 1277 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153 C044 - Fulwood, Marilyn D037 - Jones, Richard E006 - Orr, Ellen F005 - Leonard, Joyce F019 - Williams, Sandra G016 - Mettetal, Rebecca G031 - Rubin, Gary G036 - HOLLAND, DONNA

Going on

NOTICE OF APPROVAL OF A LOCAL PRETREATMENT PROGRAM In accordance with Federal Regulation 40 CFR 403.11, paragraph(e), notice is hereby given of approval by the Bureau of Water of the following pretreatment program: SUMTER/POCOTALIGO RIVER PLANT PO BOX 1449 SUMTER, SC 29151-1449 SUMTER COUNTY The Pretreatment Program provides for the administration and enforcement of national pretreatment standards for non-domestic dischargers to

Don’t Miss A Thing!

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

Cert. Pharmacy Technician Recent photo. Please send resumes to Box 406 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151.

3 to 5 bedroom pre-owned mobile homes for sale Please call 803-614-1165

Need OTR Truck Drivers. 1-1/2 yrs exp. Good driving records. Dependable & willing to work. Paid weekly. Paid Vacations. Call 888-991-1005

Manufactured Housing

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

Locally established Heating & Air condition Co. looking for Exp. Service Tech. Needs to have good driving record. Pay range from $33k-$46k a year plus health insurance, retirement, bonus and commission available. Apply in person at 1640 Suber Street.

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

Tree Service

Help Wanted Part-Time

Mobile Home with Lots

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

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

2003 DW 4BR & Bonus Room, 2BA C/H/A on 1 Acre $29,900 OBO Call 803-528-4351

place my

3785 Broad St, Sumter, SC 29154 0124 - Jones, Melvin Leroy 0154 - Howland, Neala 0737 - Green, Kiana 0831 - Hendrix, Linzer

vacation?

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

Exp. Brick Masons, starting $18 hrly. & Laborers $11 per hour , needed for Shaw AFB Project. Must be able to obtain badge for base access. Contact: sharon.colaconstructors@gmail.com

Legal Notice

LEGAL NOTICES

The personal goods stored therein by below named occupant(s);

Ernest Baker Auto Sales & Equip. Located 3349 N. Main St 5.5 miles from 378 overpass at N. Main., on Hwy 15 N. next to Baker Mini Warehouse. Remember Cars are like Eggs, Cheaper in the Country!!! 803-469-9294

Taking applications for 2 BR MH $350 Mo.Large Rms, Clean, quiet areas. No pets. Call 803 840-5734

EMPLOYMENT

Auto Technician needed at busy car lot. Min. 5 yrs experience. Apply in person, at 1282 N. Lafayette Dr. NO PHONE CALLS!!! Valid Driver's License Req. Must have own tools.

Autos For Sale

OPEN

Mobile Home Rentals

Full-time HVAC Tech & HVAC Duct Installer wanted for busy Heating & Cooling Co. in Sumter. Minimum 5 yrs exp. & strong job references required. Paid holidays vacations. Please call 803-968-2272

Legal Service

Minutes WALMART. Acre $4,900. Utilities! 713-870-0216.

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

RENTALS

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

Call

Buy Wholesale In Sumter $100 min- Sell our home & body oil fragrances in your beauty/barber shop, conv. store, kiosk, or at Flea markets & triple your $$$!! Call 803-774-7823 We Stock America

For Sale or Trade

Lawn Service

Multiple lots for sale: 803-773-8022 ask for Bruce.

Work Wanted

MERCHANDISE Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

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. Help Wanted Part-Time

Tree Service

BUSINESS SERVICES

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.

Let your carrier save your paper for you while you are on vacation!

Call 803-774-1258 Customer Service Dept. Hours Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm

PETS Puppies for sale...

20 N. Magnolia Street

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE 24/7.

803-774-1258

WWW.THEITEM.COM

COMFORTER SETS

Twin.....................$25 per set Full......................$35 per set Queen..................$40 per set 29 Progress St. - Sumter King.....................$45 per set

775-8366 Ext. 37

Store Hours Mon. - Sat. • 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

Hand Towels........$1.25 ea. Bath Towels.........$4.00 ea. Bath Sheets.........$5.00 ea.

SAVE THE DATE!!! FAMOUS WAREHOUSE SALE!!! SAT., APRIL 4, 2015 8AM - 5PM

200 COUNT SHEET SETS

Twin.................$8 per set Full..................$10 per set Queen..............$11 per set King.................$12 per set Assorted Shower Curtains $10 each

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015

SPRING HAS SPRUNG AT MAYOS â&#x20AC;&#x153;It sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Easter Timeâ&#x20AC;?

Linen, Seersucker, Bow Ties - An Explosion of Color BUY 1 SUIT REG. PRICE - 2ND SUIT OF EQUAL VALUE FREE If your suits arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t becoming to you, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good time to be coming to Mayoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s! yoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s! Wesmark Plaza â&#x20AC;˘ 773-2262 â&#x20AC;˘ Mon-Sat 10-7 â&#x20AC;˘ www.MayosDiscountSuits.com com Summons & Notice

Summons & Notice

Estate of Ronald Eugene Webber, Kayla Taylor, Brian Hall and any other Heirs at Law or Devisees of Ronald Eugene Webber, Deceased, their heirs, Personal Representatives, Administrators, Successors and Assigns, and all other Persons entitled to claim through them; all unknown persons with any right, title or interest in the real estate described herein; also any persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America, being a class designated as John Doe; and any unknown minors or persons under a disability being a class designated as Richard Roe, DEFENDANTS

W. Welsh dated and recorded September 26, 2013, in the public records of Lee County in Book 502 at page 26; the premises affected by this action at the time of the filing of this notice are described in the Complaint, as follows:

Legal Notice publically owned treatment works. NPDES Permit No. SC0027707 shall be modified to incorporate the approved Pretreatment Program subject to the conditions below. Persons wishing to comment on or object to the pretreatment program approval are invited to submit same in writing within thirty (30) days of the date of this notice to the attention of: Craig Marriner, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Water Facilities Permitting Division, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201, Telephone: 803-898-4164. The permit number should be placed at the top of the first page of comments. When there is a significant degree of public interest in a pretreatment program approval, the Department of Health and Environmental Control Commissioner may hold a public hearing. All comments received within the 30-day period will be considered in the formulation of final determination regarding the pretreatment program approval. At the end of the 30-day comment period, the Department shall approve or deny the Pretreatment Program submission taking into consideration comments submitted during the comment period and the record of the public hearing, if held. Where the Department makes a determination to deny the request, the Department shall so notify the POTW and each person who has requested individual notice. The notification shall include suggested modifications and the Department may allow the requestor additional time to bring the submission into compliance with applicable requirements. All persons submitting written comments will be notified of the final determination. Requests for an adjudicatory hearing may be filed after the above-described determinations have been made. Additional information regarding adjudicatory hearings is available from the Legal Office at the above Department address or by calling 803-898-3350. Additional information on proposed pretreatment program approval and on hearing procedures is available by writing or calling the Department at the above address or telephone number. Copies of the specific pretreatment program or draft permit modification of interest to an individual, organization, or company must be requested in writing. A fee schedule has been established for processing these requests: Reproduction of documents - $0.25 per page. Requests must be mailed to the Freedom of Information Office at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, phone number: 803-898-3882; or requests may be faxed to the Freedom of Information Office at 803-898-3816. Arrangements can be made to review all the permit information at the Freedom of Information Office on the third floor of the Sims Building across from Peeples Auditorium. Please bring the foregoing to the attention of persons you know will be interested in this matter.

Summons & Notice IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT 15-CP-31-XXXXX STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF LEE Steven W. Welsh, PLAINTIFF -vsChelsea Johnson, individually and as Personal Representative of the

SUMMONS AND NOTICE TO THE NAMED:

DEFENDANTS

ABOVE

You are hereby summoned and required to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon subscriber at 115 E. Church Street, P.O. Box 568, Bishopville, S.C. 29010, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service. If you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, Plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the Complaint. If you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, not less than ten (10) days after the time for answering has elapsed, Plaintiff will apply for an order referring all issues in this action, whether matters of fact or law, or both, to a Special Referee for Lee County and for a hearing before him, who shall enter final judgment. TO ALL OF THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS, inclusive of all persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest in or lien upon the real estate described in the complaint, inclusive of such persons whether infants or under other legal disability, and in the case of infants under the age of fourteen (14) years or persons mentally incompetent, to their parents or the persons with whom they reside or their conservator if they have one. TAKE NOTICE, that William W. Wheeler, III, P.O. Box 106, Bishopville, SC 29010, has, by Order filed in the office of the Clerk of Court for Lee County on March XX, 2015, along with the Order of Publication, been appointed as Guardian ad Litem Nisi for all Defendants impleaded herein who may be infants or under legal disability; that unless you apply for the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem to represent your interest in said action within thirty (30) days after the service of this notice upon you, exclusive of the date of service, the Order appointing William W. Wheeler, III, as Guardian ad Litem Nisi will become absolute. THE ORIGINAL SUMMONS, COMPLAINT, AND NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION, were filed in the office of the Clerk of Court for Lee County on the of March, 2015. This is an action for foreclosure of the property described in the Complaint. The Complaint is available for inspection in the Clerk of Court's office.

NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action has been commenced and is pending in this Court upon the Complaint of the above named Plaintiff against the above named Defendants for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage of real estate given by Ronald Eugene Webber to Steven

All that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, with improvements thereon, containing Ninety-Six One Hundredths (0.96) of an acre, more or less, situate, lying and being in the Stokes Bridge Township, Lee County, State of South Carolina, fronting on State Road S-31-26 known as Stokes Bridge Road West, and being bounded and described as follows: NORTHEAST by lands now or formerly of Gainey; SOUTHEAST by lands of A.L. McCaskill, Jr.; SOUTHWEST by lands said to belong to McCathern; and NORTHWEST by said State Road S-31-26. Said lot of land being more particularly represented and delineated according to a plat prepared by Allen-Makela Land Surveyor, Inc., dated October 1, 1999 and recorded in Plat Book G-1 at Page 86 in the office of the Register of Deeds for Lee County, S.C.

TAX MAP NUMBER: 016-00-00-014 STUCKEY, FATA AND SEGARS, LLC JAMES R. SEGARS, JR. ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF 115 E. CHURCH STREET POST OFFICE DRAWER 568 BISHOPVILLE, S. C. 29010 (803) 484-5409 FAX: (803) 484-9239 Email: jsegars@sfslawfirm.com

Public Hearing NOTICE OF SUMTER BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING The Sumter City-County Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located on the Fourth Floor of the Opera House (21 North Main Street, Sumter, South Carolina). The following requests are scheduled for public hearing:

Public Hearing 502 W. Oakland Ave., represented by Tax Map# 227-03-04-016 and is zoned Residential-6. BOA-15-04, 431 E. Liberty St. (City) Mr. Jeffrey Davis ("Applicant") is requesting Special Exception approval to allow for a Liquor Store (SIC 592) as required per Article 3; S e c t i o n K L i g h t Industrial-Warehouse (LI-W) District; 3.k.4.h Special Exceptions.Liquor Stores; Exhibit 3-5 and Article 5; Section B; 5.b.1 and 5.b.3.m of the City of Sumter Zoning Ordinance. The property is located at 431 E. Liberty St., represented by Tax Map #'s 249-10-02-003 & 249-10-02-009 and is zoned LI-W (Light Industrial Warehouse). Documents pertaining to the proposed request(s) are on file in the Office of the Sumter City-County Planning Department and are available to be inspected and studied by interested citizens.

BOA-15-03, 502 W. Oakland Ave. (City) Mr. Marion Newton ("Applicant") is requesting multiple variances for this property in order to convert an existing single family dwelling into a 2 story duplex dwelling: (1) reduction in required minimum lot size from 10,000 sq.ft. to 6,577 sq.ft. (2) reduction in minimum lot width requirement from 80 feet wide to 50 feet wide (3) exterior side setback reduction from 17.5 to 12.75 feet and (4) interior side setback reduction from required 10 feet to 4 feet These requirements are per Article 3, Exhibit 3-1, Development Standards for uses in Residential 6 Zoning District. The property is located at

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

Persons having claim against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these estates, and to file their claims on Form #371PC with the Probate Court of Sumter County Courthouse, N. Main Street, Sumter, SC, 29150, on or before the date that is eight months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors, (unless previously barred by operation of Section 62-3-803), or such persons shall be forever barred as to heir claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements, indicating the name and the address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the amount claimed and the date when due, and a description of any security as to the claim.

Estate:

George Green #2015ES4300134 Latisha Conyers 75 Delta Lane Pinewood, SC 29125

Estate Notice Sumter County

Estate:

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

Teresa Maxwell 500 Carlen Avenue Apt. #1113 Lexington, SC 29072 Estate:

Larry Davis 1920 GionStreet Apt. E Sumter, SC 29150

Manning L. Brisbane 650 Birkdale Circle Apt. 14 Sumter, SC 29154 Estate:

Carl E. Willis #2015ES4300174

Personal Representative

Mary Jane Schultz 2660 Indigo Drive Sumter, SC 29154 Estate: Johnnie Preston Arnold, Jr. #2015ES4300142 Personal Representative

Mary H. Arnold 5426 Meadow Drive Sumter, SC 29154 Estate:

Theron Edward Ard #2015ES4300148

Personal Representative

Helen H. Geddings 11 Huntington Court Sumter, SC 29154

Mary Ellen Francis #2015ES4300159

Personal Representative

Patricia F. Breznay 6 Valhalla Court Columbia, SC 29229

Bruce Olen Burkett #2015ES4300135

Rebecca Juanita Davis #2015ES4300169

Personal Representative

Jerald A. Tindal C/O Thomas E. Player Jr. 84 James Haskell Road Wedgefield, SC 29168 Herbert Lee China #2015ES4300151

Personal Representative

Carrie Bell China 202 Plowden Mill Road Sumter, SC 29153 Robert Wesley Burkett #2015ES4300138

Personal Representative

Heidi A. Burkett 35 Mason Croft Sumter, SC 29150 Estate: Christine Dayle Fersner #2015ES4300155 Personal Representative

Cynthia Sue Cook C/O Thomas E. Player, Jr. PO Box 3690 Sumter, SC 29151 Estate:

Estate:

Gloria Shaw Brisbane #2015ES4300136

Estate:

Sharonlyn R. Moses C/O Dwight C. Moore Attorney at Law 26 North Main Street Sumter, SC 29150

Kristi L. Hooper C/O Attorney Kenneth R. Young Jr. 23 West Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150

Jack Harold McLean III 3035 Old Spring Road Sumter, SC 29154 Estate:

R.O'Neil Rabon, Jr. C/O Ashmore Leaphart Rabon Hinds Attorney at Law PO Box 10766 Greenville, SC 29603

Personal Representative

Estate: Sarah Jeannette Barkley #2015ES4300149

Mary Craig Kramer #2015ES4300088

Personal Representative

Estate: Betty Carraway Stringer #2015ES4300144 Cynthia Snider Marshall 895 Holiday Drive Sumter, SC 29153

Patterson Clarke Jr. #2015ES4300137

Personal Representative

Estate:

Mary Geddings #2015ES4300139

Personal Representative

Sherry G. Elliott 2131 Balmoral Court Sumter, SC 29154

Personal Representative

Michael Wayne Barkley and Kathy L. Ward 3545 Cox Road Sumter, SC 29154 Estate:

Estate:

Darleen A. Mader #2015ES4300172

Personal Representative

Joseph M. Mader 2149 Kingsbury Road Sumter, SC 29154

Ronald B. Posey #2015ES4300130

Personal Representative

Glenn S. Posey 490 Bendale Road Sumter, SC 29153 Estate:

Rosella G. Toney #2015ES4300170

Personal Representative

Ivorie G. Lowe C/O Dwight C. Moore Attorney at Law 26 North Main Street Sumter, SC 29150

Russell R. Potts Sr. #2015ES4300167

Personal Representative

Estate:

Ada Moses #2015ES4300175

Monica Ann Burkett 1295 Hubcap Lane Sumter, SC 29154

Estate:

Rubin Lewis Stuckey C/O Ruben L. Gray Attorney at Law PO Box 2636 Sumter, SC 29151

Personal Representative

Estate:

Helen Cucille Lewis #2015ES4300140

Personal Representative

Emma Davis #2015ES4300132

Personal Representative

Estate:

James Richard Allen #2015ES4300150

Personal Representative

Estate: BOA-15-02, 1005 Golfcrest Rd. (City) Mr. Jonathan Teseniar ("Applicant") is requesting Special Exception approval for a 200 ft. monopole communication tower (SIC Code 48) as required per Article 3; Section B R-15 and R-9 Large and Medium Single-Family Lot Residential Districts; 3.b.4.a Special ExceptionsCommunication Towers, SIC Code 48; Exhibit 3-4 and Article 5; Section B; 5.b.4 of the City of Sumter Zoning Ordinance. The property is located at 1005 Golfcrest Rd., represented by Tax Map #207-00-04-003 and zoned Residential-15.

Estate Notice Sumter County

Personal Representative

Joseph T. McElveen, Jr. Mayor

Estate:

Estate Notice Sumter County

FIND OUT ABOUT THE

POWER OF ADVERTISING!

Estate: Amiel Douglas Willams #2015ES4300157

&ODVVLĂ&#x20AC;HGV

Personal Representative

Barbara Ann Williams 1310 Crowdale Drive Sumter, SC 29150

1 0DJQROLD 6W Â&#x2021; 6XPWHU 6&

803-774-1234

National Pet Day On April 11th let everyone know how much you love your pet by placing an ad in the Friday, April 11th issue of The Sumter Item.

BUY IT. SELL IT. FIND IT.

(Please send your picture in with a self-return stamped envelope so that we can get your pictures back to you.)

Bear

I am so blessed to have such a sweet and loving dog. Owner: Sarah Williams

Only

Deadline: Thursday, April 2 â&#x20AC;˘ 12pm Name ______________________________________ Phone ________________ Classified ads make finding a car easy.

Classified ads are great for finding those purrfect pets.

Address ___________________________________________________________ Classified ads put home-seekers on solid ground.

City ____________________________ State ____________ Zip _____________ Petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name _________________________________________________________

Classified ads can get you antiques for your home.

Classified ads make finding a job practically no work at all.

No matter what it is, you can always buy it, sell it or find it with The Item Classified ads. For information, or to place an ad. Call 774-1234.

The News You Can Use.

Ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Name _____________________________________________________ Message (limit 12 words) ___________________________________________________ Payment must accompany order: Total $ ______________ â?? Check â?? Visa â?? Mastercard If paying with credit card: Card No.______________________ Exp. date_________________ Signature _______________________________________________________________________

20 N. Magnolia Street â&#x20AC;˘ Sumter, SC

803-774-1212 www.theitem.com