March 26, 2013

PREP BASEBALL

INSIDE • Up-and-coming artists show off at Gallery 135

Gamecocks defend home turf against Region VI-4A rival Carolina Forest

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1 dead in 2 traffic collisions

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VOL. 118, NO. 133 WWW.THEITEM.COM

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013 | SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

Local schools win state honor Palmetto Golden/Silver Awards spread across tri-county area tee, evaluate schools using a series of factors, including graduation rates, attendance records and performance on the Palmetto Achievement of MORRIS State Standards (PASS) test.

The awards, first established in 1998, were

BY BRADEN BUNCH bbunch@theitem.com For their efforts in promoting and improving student achievement, 14 tri-county area schools were honored with either Palmetto Gold or Palmetto Silver awards, the South Carolina Department of Education announced Monday.

The annual awards, presented by the state education department as determined by guidelines established by the state’s Educational Oversight Commit-

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FOUNDED OCTOBER 15, 1894

60 CENTS

‘I’m still

alive’ Robert Johnson, who survived what he called a contract killing, said he wanted the world to know that he is alive and well

SEE AWARDS, PAGE A6

ROB COTTINGHAM / THE ITEM

Man calls on prayer to survive attack, sues cellphone companies

Cold stretch could hurt strawberry crop

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second of a twopart story detailing the gruesome shooting of corrections officer Robert Johnson, his recovery and his pending lawsuit against many cellphone companies in connection with the shooting.

BY ROBERT J. BAKER bbaker@theitem.com Robbie Stafford will have his nights and days mixed up this week.

The owner and operator of Stafford’s Strawberry Farm says it’s just something all strawberry farmers are having to do to keep up with colderthan-normal spring temperatures.

“We haven’t lost any berries and nothing has really been hurt,” Stafford said Monday. “I’ll be out here each night watching the crop. It looks good; it’s just going to be a bit later before it starts to ripen.”

And that delay in ripening means a delay in picking.

“We were hoping to have picking by Easter this year,” Stafford said.

“But now we’re looking more at the first week of April. Maybe the second.”

Jay Willard of Willard Farms, likewise, said he’d hoped the public would be coming out to pick buckets this week.

“These cool nights we’ve had lately have definitely delayed the ripening process,” he said. “Our early projections had been to start picking in the next couple of days, but it will likely be another week.”

During that week, farmers like Willard and Stafford will be busy warding off frost, what they say few farmers should have to worry about when it’s officially spring.

“The way we handle the frost at night is through irrigation,” Willard said. “We turn on our irrigation before it

BY ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

No weapon formed against you shall prosper ...

These are the words Robert Johnson repeated to himself over and over as he lay, bleeding out on his bathroom floor and squeezing his wife in his arms.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

“I just kept saying those words to myself,” Johnson said. “Isaiah 54:17 and Psalms 118. I’ve never prayed so hard in my life.”

THE POWER OF PIETY

Johnson had just suffered six gunshots to his midsection from a man he thinks was paid to kill him. The .38-caliber pistol had done its work.

Now Johnson was clinging to his fading lifeline.

When emergency responders arrived, Johnson and his wife, Mary, explained what happened and that they thought it was a contract killing ordered from Lee Correctional Institution, where Johnson was a captain in charge of the contraband unit.

“I just kept repeating the facts and the Scripture,” Johnson said. “From the time they arrived till I got to the hospital.”

Despite how terrified he was at the time, Johnson can look back and laugh a little about his inability to quiet himself.

“In the surgeon’s notes, he’d written, ‘. .. very talkative black male,’” he said, chuckling. “Hey, if something happened, I wanted them to know for sure that it came from the prison.”

Johnson was taken to Tuomey Regional Medical Center, where the surgeons quickly realized Johnson needed more than they could offer.

They stabilized Johnson and flew him to Palmetto Health Richland, where Johnson said two of the best doctors in South Carolina just so happened to be on duty and ready to help him.

“Dr. (Stephen) Fann and Dr. (Raymond) Bynoe,” Johnson recalled. “I’ll never forget those names.”

The expert doctors worked quickly, but Johnson’s condition was worsening as fast as they

ITEM FILE PHOTOS

TOP: Strawberry pickers walk down narrow paths during a past strawberry season at Willard Farms.

Owner Jay Willard said it may be a week or two before pickers can get ripe berries because of colder-than-normal spring temperatures.

RIGHT: Ayden Dean, 4, finds a ripe strawberry at Willard Farms during a past strawberry season.

SEE STRAWBERRIES, PAGE A8 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC 29150 (USPS 525-900)

www.theitem.com

SEE JOHNSON, PAGE A4

DEATHS Frances M. Waldron Ada Belle Morris Betty B. Hubbard George W. Graham Johnny Rembert Adriene S. McGee

Wardell Moore Sr. James E. Conyers Carlette W. Bartlette Bertha Jones Dwight A. Cochran Harvin G. Grant

OUTSIDE Patricia Major-Vaughn James Butler Julia Ann Cousar B5, B6

INSIDE 3 SECTIONS, 22 PAGES

BREEZY Brisk and partly sunny with slight winds throughout the day; patchy clouds and cold through the night.

HIGH: 57 LOW: 32 A8

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SECOND FRONT

THE ITEM

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Contact the newsroom at 803-774-1226 or e-mail news@theitem.com

1 killed in Sumter County wreck FROM STAFF REPORTS Two wrecks occurred Wednesday afternoon in Sumter County, one of which was fatal and the other requiring a helicopter to transport the victim to a Columbia hospital.

Army 1st Sgt. Bryant Keith Riley, 40, of Elgin, was pronounced dead at the scene after an 18-wheeler carrying logs collided with his vehicle, said Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock.

“It’s a tragic case,” he said. “The grill of the logging truck was in his truck.”

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS | From staff & wire reports

The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. at the intersection of Broad Street Extension and St. Pauls Church Road, according to emergency officials.

Mack Gallishaw Jr., 67, the driver of the 2000 International tractor trailer logging truck, was traveling east on U.S. 76 when he disregarded the traffic signal and struck the driver’s side of Riley’s 2007 Ford pickup, who was traveling north on St. Pauls Church Road, according to Lance Cpl. Brent Kelly of the South Caro-

line Highway Patrol.

Riley was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. He leaves behind a wife and three children, Bullock said.

The second wreck occurred at the intersection Camp Mac Boykin Road and Pinewood Road about 1:20 p.m.

The driver was the only occupant and was ejected from the 2002 GMC Yukon, Kelly said. The driver was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland.

Both wrecks remain under investigation by the S.C. Highway Patrol.

WILSON HALL JUNIORS ATTEND MOUNTAIN TRAIL OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Hydrant flow 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 Thomas Sumter Highway, Camden Highway, Moonlite Drive, Four Bridges Road, Stern Drive, Mason Road, Mark Place, Mossberg Drive, Musket Trail, Ruger Drive, Cabelas Place and Old Field Road.

Water customers in those areas may experience temporary discolored water.

Direct questions or concerns to the city of Sumter Public Services Department at (803) 436-2558.

FROM LAST WEEK • The gap in unemployment levels between South Carolina’s rural and urban counties is now thought to be greater than previously reported. An analysis revealed March 18 that the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce understated the unemployment levels in the state’s rural counties last year, while overestimating unemployment levels in most of the state’s metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, Sumter’s jobless figures increased slightly in January to 10.3 percent, as the labor force increased by more than 300 people in January.

• Mary L. Dinkins Higher Learning Academy is still open after a hearing last Tuesday at the Sumter County Courthouse. Dr. Gary Burgess will serve as the appointed State Charter School District’s liaison to the school. Burgess was approved Tuesday by 3rd Circuit Court Judge George James and will have full access to the school’s financial and inventory records and oversight on any academy expenditures of more than $2,500. The district had hoped to make a temporary restraining order against the school permanent. Last month, an administrative law judge upheld the decision to revoke the school’s charter, and questions remain as to whether it has a charter to operate.

• Bishopville officer Master Patrolman Josh Kelly is recovering after suffering a severe dog bite sustained while he was on a routine foot patrol of a residential area in the 800 block of North Main Street about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. Police Chief Sonny Ledda said a large dog attacked him and reportedly left a deep bite in Kelly’s groin area. The officer drove himself to a Hartsville hospital and was flown to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital for treatment. The animal has not been found.

• Dr. Connie Dennis, superintendent of Clarendon School District 3, said a hearing will be held March 27 for an East Clarendon Middle School student who was arrested after an unloaded .38 Special was found on the student in a classroom. Another student had notified a school resource officer after seeing the weapon. The hearing will determine what type of reprimand or sanctions the district will take against the student. The student’s name, age and grade were not released to protect his identity.

GET INVOLVED

SCETV expects layoffs after losing $600K COLUMBIA — South Carolina Educational Television officials said layoffs are likely as it loses nearly $600,000 in funding because of mandatory federal budget cuts.

The State of Columbia reports that SCETV President Linda O’Bryon told senators the loss of that money will mean layoffs, but she doesn’t know how many employees will be let go or what programs might be ended.

Reader Roundu Roundup p

PHOTO PROVIDED

Wilson Hall junior Furman Dabbs navigates the high ropes course at the Mountain Trail Outdoor School. As part of the curriculum, the Wilson Hall junior class attended the eighth annual junior class retreat at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, N.C., March 3-5.

The retreat included group activities, structured discussion and opportunities for enjoying the facilities of the conference center located in the mountains. Activities included an obstacle course operated by the Mountain Trail Outdoor School, team-building exercises and cooperation games.

• The Sumter Orphan Advocacy Team is holding a dinner and silent auction to benefit World Orphans, a nonprofit that has 50 projects in 17 countries, on April 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. Donations and table sponsors for $150 are welcome, and the money raised could be used to fund projects that don’t have church sponsors, areas the World Orphans group can’t send teams to or to start new programs. Tickets are $25 for individuals and $40 per couple. Childcare will be provided, and preregistration is required. Chief Complaint will be the featured band. Contact Nate Livesay, director of advocacy, at (803) 983-2076 or nate@worldorphans.org.

• If you’re a beginner at tennis, come to the Beginning Ladies’ Clinic on Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Palmetto Tennis Center, 400 Theatre Drive. Classes repeat weekly. Contact the Palmetto Tennis Center at palmettotennis@sumter-sc. com or (803) 774-3969 for more information or to register.

• Check out what Clarendon School District 2 students are involved in during the Fine Arts Extravaganza beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday at Weldon Auditorium and Art Gallery. Students’ artwork has been displayed at the auditorium and will be available for viewing through the extravaganza. The event will also include band and chorus performances. The event is free and open to the public, and the community is encouraged to show its support of the students.

JOHN LAWRENCE ‘JACK’ SHUFORD ✦ 1912 — 2013

Bishopville native will be remembered for his love of tennis BISHOPVILLE — Jack Shuford, known for his love of tennis, passed away Thursday night at the age of 100.

A Bishopville native and a 1930 graduate of Bishopville High School, Shuford was elected to the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame in 2003.

Shuford Park, Bishopville’s tennis courts, was named in his honor by the city of Bishopville.

Shuford played a critical role in the efforts to have the courts built in Bishopville in 1976, according to Gail Player, a former member of Bishopville City Council.

“Jack became one of my dearest friends,” Player said.

“And my first recollection was as a girl of 12 or 13 years old.

Jack would come to the tennis courts behind the First Baptist Church, and he would al-

ways be helpful. He encouraged us. He was the consummate tennis player. He loved the game so much.”

Shuford coached tennis at Bishopville High School and Robert E. Lee Academy. He also taught tennis to countless local children and adults for many years in SHUFORD private lessons.

He ended his coaching career at the age of 80, with his Robert E. Lee team winning the SCISA state title.

Shuford also distinguished himself for his military service in World War II. As a member of the Army 84th Infantry “Railsplitter” Division, Shuford fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

“Jack was not a big man

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but he cast a big shadow,” said Ronnie Williams of Bishopville. “I didn’t even know of his military background until one year we were building a Memorial Day exhibit at the Cotton Museum. He left and came back ... later and gave us a piece of shrapnel that he said had landed on the Jeep right where he was standing during a battle.”

Shuford worked for more than 30 years in the U.S. Postal Service in Bishopville.

Bishopville Administrator Gregg McCutchen worked at Willie Green DesChamps’ gas station in the early 1970s.

“When he was a rural mail carrier, Jack would come by the gas station about three times a week for gas,” McCutchen said. “And you could set your clock by him. He was always there about the same

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time. And he was always so kindly. He was somebody who truly cared about his fellow man.”

James “Smitty” Smith of Bishopville said Shuford set the bar high for a healthy and active lifestyle.

“He was never inside his house unless he had to be,” Smith said. “I’m 91 years old, and I’m pretty active myself, but I didn’t try to keep up with Jack Shuford. You could see him walking the sidewalks of Bishopville all the time. When he played tennis, he would walk from his home.”

He was often described as the consummate Southern gentleman.

“Jack Shuford was such a gentleman,” said Janie Mathis of Bishopville. “He loved God, family, friends, and he loved to read. Now, that’s a

recipe for a good man.”

Calbert Johnson said Shuford, a lifelong member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, went to church every Sunday until a few months ago.

“If you took part in a service in that church on a Sunday morning, he always had a kind word and compliment for you after the service,” Johnson said. I don’t think there are many people who looked forward to Sunday morning and attending church as much as he did.

And one thing that most people don’t know about Mr. Jack is that he was 2 years old when the present (Bethlehem) sanctuary was built.

That is what you call a lifelong dedication.”

— Randy Burns

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

LOCAL

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

THE ITEM

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Look beyond the surface at Gallery 135 A REVIEW BY JANE G. COLLINS Special to The Item If you like a breath of fresh air and the anticipation that spring brings, Adrian Rhodes’ exhibit Magpie is just what you need. Part of the Emerging Artists Series held at Gallery 135 in Patriot Hall, Rhodes and Eric Burress offer different perspectives on artistic creativity.

Like the magpie, Rhodes delights in collecting bits and pieces.

She fills her compositions with discovery — for herself and her audience. Intrigued by the “tactile remnants� of pieces that lie beneath the surface of things and suggest their history, she combines texture, color, form and design. She does not beIVY MOORE / THE ITEM lieve a composition has to mean something. Rather, Adrian Rhodes’ “Birds and the Bees� illustrates her ability to utilize actual objects in a it can be the glorious dis- natural rather than deliberately showy context. covery of assemblage. utilize actual objects in a structed and added to Rhodes’ materials reflect frame onto the walls with natural rather than delib- ribbon like black strips the three paintings bethe variety of her techerately showy context. extending the aura of the cause she felt they neednique and exploration: The framing of “The black, white and darker prismacolor, mylar, trans- ed something more.

Birds and Bees� adds toned textures. “Magpie They bring depth of defer, ink, graphite, MonIV� seems appropriate as tana marker — which she sign and movement. The great depth to the piece as a unit and to the real an opening or closing pins in “Jetsam� could swears will write on just entry for Rhodes’ exploserve as identi- and painted bee while about any surthe floating feathers rations: The constellafying elements face, screenprint REVIEW make their own subtle tions, Taurus, land, the of places and and found obstatement. sea and the Viking ship explorations. jects. Although “Magpie I� regales the — these move through Although she develops a there is a cohesiveness to viewer with layers of vithe space of the compocentral feeling of travel, her work, each element sual activity — the bees, sition but are comprise her collage techniques creates its own conversathe suggested honeyindividual intricate mini create individual focal tion. comb effect, the fragile revelations of pattern, points, visual vignettes “Flotsam,� “Lagan� form, texture and techand energy. In “Detritus,� material pulled forward (jettisoned objects conand the bright, radiating nique.

Rhodes evokes turmoil nected by a buoy so they orange, yellow, pink, maRhodes’ journey — and fluidity, leading the can be retrieved later), on some of the items she eye through intricate pat- genta and purple circles and “Jetsam� reflect the on the left side of the even forbade herself terns and textures. sky, sea and maps. The composition. They create from using her four fa“Obol,� named after a sculptural overlay in the a myriad of textural disvorite color combinasilver Greek coin, and collages comes from an tions because she felt almost-completed paint- “The Birds and the Bees� covery. “Magpie III� whimsically runs off the herself relying too heavily showcase her ability to ing which she decon-

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on them â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is well worth taking.

At first, Eric Burressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sculptures seem calm by comparison, yet they are developed for exploration â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the switches work, encouraging viewers to turn them off and on. Inspired by â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Poetics of Space,â&#x20AC;? by Gaston Bachelard, Burress plays with material and space and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;metaphysical potential of objects, materials, and environment.â&#x20AC;? While that part of his artistic statement may sound complex, he creates â&#x20AC;&#x153;canvascopesâ&#x20AC;? which can point a material object beyond itself,â&#x20AC;? rather like finding oneself in a setting and beginning to notice what actually is there, how it feels, and what could lie beyond the experience.

In the forward to Bachelardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book, John R. Stilgoe observes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every reader of it will never see ordinary spaces in ordinary ways. Instead, the reader will see with the soul of the eye.â&#x20AC;? In many ways, this feeling is what Burress works to create, a new way of noticing. In â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ponder: Influenceâ&#x20AC;? he places an open palm beneath the material, a hand reaching out to potential discovery. In â&#x20AC;&#x153;Escapeâ&#x20AC;? he contrasts the clenched fist in the lower left corner with the jutting forms on the right. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Influenceâ&#x20AC;? offers the viewer different switches (they all work) and raises the question of choices and their outcome. He tantalizes even further by

including a skull but obscuring it enough to give the viewer a challenge, like options and decision-making people do every day when responding to the incidents and environment around them.

Burress further teases perception in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Access,â&#x20AC;? creating stones which really are not stones at all.

Again, he includes the switch and light, challenging the viewer to relate and respond. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Passed: Pastâ&#x20AC;? displays his creative thinking â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a paper towel roller and the clever mounting on the tree section.

Both artists explore beyond the expected, hoping to elicit discovery. They do not lend themselves to a cursory passing thorough but reward the viewer who takes time to look beyond the surface.

See Adrian Rhodesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Magpie and Eric Burressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sculpture and collage at Gallery 135/Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St., through April 30. Admission is free and open to the public. Gallery 135 hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call (803) 4362260.

Sumter Collects II remains at the Sumter County Gallery of Art, adjacent to Patriot Hall, through April 14. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this opportunity to see fine art from the collections of Sumter residents. Call (803) 775-0543 for more information.

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LOCAL

THE ITEM

JOHNSON from Page A1 were operating. Mary Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes went cold recalling the surgeonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; words. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going the other way,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; they told me,â&#x20AC;? she remembered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a handle on the bleeding.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; They told me to fetch the chaplain.â&#x20AC;?

Mary said the chaplain explained to her that some of the best doctors in the world were doing all they could to save her husband, but there was a very real possibility that Robert was not going to make it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He told me, he told my children, that he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to make it,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was trying to prepare us ... for the worst.â&#x20AC;?

Urged on by her faith, Mary had grown sick of the bad news and decided to continue fighting for her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;God can get a handle on the bleeding,â&#x20AC;? she said, recalling her words to the surgeons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let me see him.â&#x20AC;?

After some convincing, the doctors agreed to let Mary into the operating room but warned her of what she was in for. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They told me it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to be a pretty site, that there was blood everywhere,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;But if you can stomach it, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll let you in here,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; they said.â&#x20AC;?

Without a gown or a mask, Mary walked into the operating room slowly. Though

she remained calm, she was shocked by what she saw. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was blood all over the floor, the wall,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to step over blood to get to him. His head was up, and he asked me to kiss him.â&#x20AC;?

Mary obliged, kissing her husband as she held him, praying for divine intervention, pleading to the Almighty to spare Robertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

A few hours later, the surgeons opened the operating room door. They had good news.

Robert would live. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The chaplain told me it was a miracle,â&#x20AC;?

Mary said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He said that in all his days at Richland Memorial (the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous name), heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never seen such a miraculous turnaround.â&#x20AC;?

Robert Johnson, according to the couple, had bled out three times, receiving numerous units of blood throughout the operation. Doctors told him he was miracle, that he should not have lived. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been saying that since the first surgery,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For two weeks, they were so nervous. They thought I was going to die, but the Lord had worked a miracle and blessed me. Six pointblank shots to my stomach and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still alive.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They thought I was going to die, but the Lord had worked a miracle and blessed me.

Six point-blank shots to my stomach and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still alive.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Robert Johnson

THE SUFFERING

The road to recov-

ery would be a long one. Johnson spent a month at Palmetto Health Richland, a month at McLeod Regional Medical Center and an additional four months at other medical facilities. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s endured more than 18 surgeries and racked up millions of dollars in medical bills. Johnson is thankful for the cooperation of prison officials in getting the facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compensation benefits in line. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One hospital bill from Richland was nearly $1 million,â&#x20AC;?

Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The prison had already settled in their minds that this was an inmate assault, so they pushed workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comp, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been paying for everything ever since.â&#x20AC;?

But even the financial relief provided by workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compensation falls far short of the pain Johnson endures on a daily basis.

His stomach muscles were destroyed, so doctors implanted a pig skin mesh to keep his organs from rubbing against his skin.

Johnson said he has to be slow and careful with his movements, as the mesh is very fragile. He uses a cane to help him move around.

One of the bullets severed a major vein in his leg, which causes severe pain and swelling in his left foot. His lungs and liver were also damaged, the former now infused with his diaphragm. Doctors equate Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s labored breathing to a patient that would have asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) at the same time. Inhalers have proven useless so far.

Other, more concerning injuries were not directly inflicted by the bullets, but the

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

trauma from the ordeal, itself. Johnson also suffers from atrial fibrillation, a condition in which his heart will sporadically begin to beat at an abnormal rhythm, making a heart attack or stroke much more likely to occur. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I often have to go to the hospital, they get so bad,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It takes intravenous drugs to calm it down.â&#x20AC;?

While he remains optimistic, Johnson knows the harsh truth about his injuries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to suffer the rest of my life,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to retire because of these injuries; I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go back. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t defend myself.

You need to be able to run, at least, and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even do that. I used to do push-ups, sit-ups and run miles a day. No more.â&#x20AC;?

Johnson shook his head as he saw irony in a decision he made long ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I retired from the Air Force, I was recruited by several police departments all over the country,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to get shot, so I chose corrections. Little did I know ...â&#x20AC;?

Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frustrating reflections of his injuries, his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suffering and the chaos caused by the shooting left him feeling helpless. That is,

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;All this happened because of a cellphone ... in the prison.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Robert Johnson

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THE RALLYING CALL

Understanding firsthand what kind of havoc could arise from something as seemingly trivial as a cellphone in the hands of an inmate, Johnson to realized something needed to be done. He took action.

Johnson recently filed a lawsuit against a slew of cellphone companies, claiming they were more than partially responsible for what happened to him and his family.

According to Johnson, there was once a piece of legislation proposed that would allow prisons to block cellphone reception within its confines.

Cellphone companies would not have it, he said.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cellphone companies didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want that,â&#x20AC;?

Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They want money; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about. They claimed it might interfere with signal strength across a larger area, but I know better. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen it.â&#x20AC;?

Johnson then explained that a company out of Charleston organized a demonstration in a state prison in which they set up a system that blocked cellphone reception within a room.

When the demonstrator entered the room, his cellphone would not work. When he exited the room, his phoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reception was normal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have the ability, the technology, to save lives, here,â&#x20AC;? Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter to (cellphone companies), they want money. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just too sure a thing for them.â&#x20AC;?

Had the legislation passed, Lee Correctional Institution (where Johnson worked), was in line to be the first to try out the system in South Carolina.

To help understand just how much money cellphone companies were concerned about, Johnson then provided some statistics about confiscated phones. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thousands of cellphones a year are confiscated by corrections officers in this state,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2011, California corrections officers collected 10,000 of them from inmates.

Last year, it was

until a coworker shared a disheartening fact about the day Johnson was shot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A coworker told me he was working when I was shot,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shortly after I was shot, he heard a cheer coming from the prisoners, some of them crying, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Now, we can eat!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Johnson then began to recognize the catalyst, the pivotal instrument that helped orchestrate his would-be demise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of this happened,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;because of a cellphone ... in the prison.â&#x20AC;?

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The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will offer free income tax assistance and electronic filing for taxpayers with low to middle incomes 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Mondays and Wednesdays through April 10 at the Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center, 24 Council St. Call Lynda at (803) 469-8322 or Sandra at (803) 4692052.

Goodwill of Sumter will offer free tax services 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 20 in the JobLink Center of Goodwill, 1028 Broad St. For after hours appointments or weekend appointments, call (803) 240-8355.

The Sumter County Library will hold eBook drop-ins 1:302:30 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: April 9 and May 7.

Stop by the library, 111 N. Harvin St., during one of the dropins to learn how to check out eBooks for eReaders, tablets, smartphones, or other devices. Be sure to take your device and library card.

The Sumter County Education Association-Retired will meet at noon Wednesday, March 27, at the North HOPE Center, North Main Street. All retired educators are invited to join. Call (803) 5062832.

The Fine Arts Department of Clarendon School District 2 will sponsor its Annual Fine Arts Extravaganza at 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 28, at Weldon Auditorium. The program will feature musical performances from each school and art work will be on display in the gallery and front lobby of the auditorium. Admission is free.

The Sumter Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) will meet at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 28, in the office of the Sumter County Historical Commission, 155 Haynsworth St. Dr. Paul Krohne, NAP / AIP, will present a PowerPoint on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Orderly Meetings Call for Knowing which Motions are in Order.â&#x20AC;?

Open to the public.

Contact Laura LeGrand at (803) 7750830 or lollie@ftc-i.net.

The Morris College Gospel Choirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Spring Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at the Neal-Jones Auditorium.

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Deen. (N) (HD) (:01)Golden Boy: Just Say No Wealthy News 19 @ 11pm (:35)Late Show with David LetterNCIS: Squall NCIS investigates a mur- NCIS: Los Angeles: Red: Part Two Both teams try to track down terrorist. philanthropist and former addict is der scene that happened during a A look at the news man Scheduled: news anchor Brian storm at sea. (N) (HD) (N) (HD) found murdered in her apartment. (N) events of the day. Williams; musical guest Pegi Young.

Splash The final five make their debut; Dancing with the Stars: The Results (:01)Body of Proof: Fallen Angel Kate ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Scheduled: one is sent home after a dive-off. (N) Show First elimination of season. (N) suspects the man she had a tryst with News at 11 Nightly from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Selfridge,â&#x20AC;? actor Jeremy news report. (HD) Piven. (N) (HD) is involved in a murder. (N) (HD) (HD) (HD) Tavis Smiley Reports: Education Un- 180 Days: A Year Inside an American High School Cameras follow educa- Tavis Smiley (HD) BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) International news (HD) der Arrest The teen dropout rate is dis- tors at a high school for one school year, revealing how they deal with the stufrom the BBC. dents and pressures on the administration. (N) (HD) cussed. (N) (HD) New Girl: Chicago The Mindy Pro- WACH FOX News at 10 News events Family Guy: Road Family Re-enact- Everybody Loves Hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen: 17 Chefs Compete to the North Pole ment â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Empire Raymond: Boob of the day, late breaking news and Olympians help during a foot race. (N) Going to Chicago ject: Dannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Job Strikes Back.â&#x20AC;?

Part 1 with Nick. (N) (HD) Friend (N) (HD) weather forecasts are presented.

(HD) Access HollyDish Nation (N) The King of How I Met Your Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Always Sunny House: Daddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boy A young manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House: Spin The staff is conflicted Queens: Flame Mother: Sandcas- in Philadelphia poor relationship with his father puts when a cycling champion admits he wood (N) (HD) Resistant (HD) tles in the Sand (HD) his life in jeopardy. (HD) has taken steroids. (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS Storage Wars 12 Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Jeff Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars: Storage Wars inch piano. (HD) Military; jewelry. Barry loses fight. Heavy rainstorm. (HD) sets record. (HD) (HD) (HD) King Tutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tomb. Operation Hobo Barry loses fight.

(6:00) The Cave (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;05, Drama) ac The Walking Dead: TS-19 Group al- The Walking Dead: What Lies Ahead Rick attempts to The Walking Dead: Bloodletting Rick The Walking Dead: Save the Last One lowed in CDC by strange doctor. (HD) lead the rest of the group out of a zombie-filled Atlanta. finds a safe hideout for the group. (HD) Shane in trouble. (HD) Cole Hauser. Cave creatures. (HD) Wild West Alaska (HD) Polar Bear Family and Me Adventure Life of polar bears in the arctic wild. (N)Frozen Planet Polar bears; orcas. (HD) Polar Bear Family and Me Adventure Bears in the arctic.

106 & Park Viewer Madeaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Reunion (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06, Comedy) a Tyler Perry. Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family reunion is interrupted The Game: The Blueprint (N) (HD) Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stay ToThe Game: The Blueprint (N) (HD) selections. (HD) by dramas and crises. gether (N) (HD) To Be Announced Program informa- To Be Announced Program informa- To Be Announced Program informa- Millionaire Matchmaker: The Watch What Happens: Live Cohen To Be Announced tion is unavailable at this time. tion is unavailable at this time. tion is unavailable at this time.

Olympian and the Rockstar Celebrities. chats with guest Kathy Griffin. (N) Info unavailable.

The Kudlow Report (N) Treasure Detectives: Violin/Warhol Treasure Detectives (N) The Car Chasers (N) Mad Money Investment advice.

Treasure Erin Burnett OutFront Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Piers Morgan LIVE (N) (HD) Anderson Cooper 360° (HD) Erin Burnett OutFront P. Morgan (HD) The Colbert Re- Daily Show with The Jeselnik Of- Tosh.0 Bad cliff Tosh.0 Olympics Tosh.0 The Illusion Tosh.0 (N) (HD) The Jeselnik Of- Daily Show with (:31)The Colbert (:01) Tosh.0 (HD) port (HD) Jon Stewart (HD) fensive (HD) jumper. (HD) coverage. (HD) intern. (HD) fensive (N) (HD) Jon Stewart (N) Report (N) (HD) A.N.T. Farm: Dog with a Blog: Beverly Hills Chihuahua (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08, Comedy) a Drew Gravity Falls: Bot- Jessie: Toy Con Good Luck Char- A.N.T. Farm: Jessie Carnivorous Wizards of ANTswers (HD) Stan Stops Talking Barrymore. A ritzy dog becomes stranded in Mexico. tomless Pit! (HD) The old toy. (HD) lie (HD) sciANTs fair (HD) rats. (HD) Waverly Place How We Invented: Cell Phones How We Invented: Skyscrapers How We Invented the World (N) How We Invented the World: Cars How We Invented the World: Planes How We: Cars Special (HD) 2013 NIT Basketball Tournament: Quarterfinal #1 z{| (HD) Mexico vs. US: Pre-Match World Cup Qualifiers: United States at Mexico z{| 2013 NCAA Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball Tournament: Second Round z{| (HD) 2013 NCAA Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball Tournament: Second Round z{| (HD) Champ. Update SportsCenter (6:00) The Wedding Planner (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;01, Romance) ac Mat- P.S. I Love You (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;07) Hilary Swank. A grieving woman begins receiving messages left by her late The 700 Club (N) Prince: The Ethnic thew McConaughey. Wedding planner falls in love. (HD) husband, who planned to help her overcome her sorrow and begin to find happiness again. (HD) Tip Chopped: Thyme Flies (HD) Chopped Breakfast sausage. (HD) Chopped Slices of pizza. (HD) Chopped Pink candy. (HD) Chopped: A Guts Reaction (HD) Chopped (HD) NHL Hockey: Winnipeg Jets at Carolina Hurricanes from PNC Arena z{| (HD) Postgame (HD) The Panel (HD) The Panel (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) NHL Hockey (HD) Frasier: Visions of Frasier: Shutout in Frasier: Shutout in Frasier: Momma The Golden Girls: Brady Bunch: Brady Bunch: Pe- Frasier: Taps at Frasier: IQ Child- Frasier: Dr. Nora Frasier Frasier hood scores.

Frasierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turf. must choose.

Daphne Seattle, Part 1 Seattle, Part 2 Mia The Way We Met Never Too Young ter and the Wolf the Montana Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Buying and Selling (HD) Income Property (N) (HD) Hunters (HD) International (N) Income Property (HD) Income (HD) Pawn Stars (HD) Pawn Stars (HD) Pawn Stars (HD) Pawn Stars (HD) Top Gear Automotive analysis. (N) Vikings: Trial Spy in crew.

Ultimate Soldier Challenge (N) (HD) Pawn Stars (HD) Criminal Minds: The Thirteenth Step Criminal Minds: Sense Memory Un- Criminal Minds: Today I Do BAU in- Criminal Minds: Coda Reid connects Flashpoint: We Take Care of Our Own Flashpoint: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Do Lovers on interstate murder spree. $2 million truck. (HD) Anything (HD) usual murders in Los Angeles. (HD) vestigates in upstate New York. (HD) with an autistic child. (HD) Dance Moms: Camouflaged Maneu- Dance Moms: The Apple of Her Eye Dance Moms: Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Maniac Abby Preachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Daughters: Tempted by (:01)The Client List: Cowboy Up (:02) Dance vers Military-inspired routine. (HD) Paying tribute to Rosa Parks. (HD) pulls Brooke; new choreography. (N) the Fruit of Another New guys. (N) Linette in auto accident; Evanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret. Moms (HD) Sponge Drake Drake Wendell Full Hse Full Hse Nanny Nanny Friends (:33) Friends (:06) Friends Tenants (HD) Tenants (HD) Tenants Fire. (HD) Tenants (HD) Tenants (HD) Tenants (HD) Tenants (N) (HD) Urban Tarzan (N) Tenants (HD) Tarzan (HD) Tenants (HD) Robot: The Next Robot Combat League: The Next Face Off: Living the Dream WaterFace Off: Mummy Mayhem â&#x20AC;&#x153;Evil Face Off: Alien Apocalypse Artists are Face Off: Living the Dream Waterproof makeups for Las Vegas show. Level of Carnage Quarterfinals begin. proof makeups for Las Vegas show. Level of Carnage Deadâ&#x20AC;? Egyptian God mummies. (HD) inspired to create aliens. (HD) Seinfeld: Male Seinfeld: The Pick The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Cougar Town (N) The Big Bang Conan Scheduled: Vanessa Hudgens. Cougar Town: Unbonding (HD) (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) Theory (HD) (N) (HD) This Old Town (6:30)Carol for Another Christmas Days of Wine and Roses (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;62, Drama) aaac Jack Lemmon. A San Fran- Dear Heart (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;64, Romance) aaa Glenn Ford. Gallant delegate falls for The Pink Panther (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;64, Holiday) aaac cisco coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social drinking quickly degenerates to alcoholism. quirky postmistress while attending a convention. (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;63) David Niven.

Little People, Big World (HD) Duggars Do Asia: Kyoto, Japan (HD) Duggars Do Asia Beijing leg. (N) (HD) Six Little McGhees (HD) Duggars Do Asia: Beijing, China (HD) Six Little (HD) NBA Basketball: New York Knicks at Boston Celtics from TD Garden z{| (HD) NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks from American Airlines Center z{| Inside the NBA (HD) (HD) Johny Test Gumball Looney T. Adventure King King American (HD) American (HD) Family: Peterotica Family (:15) Robot Pawn: Watch Out Hardcore Pawn Pawn Pawn Pawn (N) Storage (N) Pawn: Dirty Tape Pawn Dumbest Videos of fights.

Pawn Gold Girl Gold Girl Gold Girl Gold Girl Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Cleveland (HD) Cleveland (HD) Queens (HD) (:36) Queens (HD) (:12) Queens (HD) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Moment Father Dearest Biological search. (HD) Home Invasions Secret is revealed. Hunting Ground Missing prostitute. Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Welfare Brother returns. (HD) Learning Curve Hate crimes. (HD) Olympics sailor.

Charmed: Imaginary Friends (HD) CSI: Miami: Shattered CSI busted.

CSI: Miami: Payback (HD) CSI: Miami: The Score (HD) CSI: Miami: Silencer (HD) CSI: Miami (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met (HD) How I Met (HD) How I Met (HD) How I Met (HD) WGN News at Nine (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) Rules (HD)

Can â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Splashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; remain buoyant against â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Voice?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Much to my surprise, the celebrity diving series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Splashâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) debuted last week to decent ratings.

Nearly 9 million people tuned in to see Louie Anderson in a Speedo. So much for my prognostications. But any show that lends itself to words such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;dive,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;sinkâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;belly flopâ&#x20AC;? will bring out the negative in anyone.

It remains to be seen if the ratings for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Splashâ&#x20AC;? remain buoyant against the second round of blind auditions on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Voiceâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., NBC, TVPG). â&#x20AC;˘ The CW, a network geared to viewers barely out of kindergarten at the turn of the century, reaches back more than 40 years to broadcast â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here Comes Peter Cottontailâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., TV-G).

This animated special, produced by RankinBass (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeerâ&#x20AC;?), features the voices of Danny Kaye, Casey Kasem and Vincent Price.

For a more contemporary look at the Easter egg delivery business, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the 2011 animated comedy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopâ&#x20AC;? (8:45 p.m., HBO Family), featuring the voices of James Marsden, Russell Brand and Kaley Cuoco. â&#x20AC;˘ Ivy returns Sam to town on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smashâ&#x20AC;? (10

p.m., NBC, TV-14). This ambitious and largely ignored melodrama moves to Saturday nights beginning April 6. For an idea of just how unwatched â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smashâ&#x20AC;? has become among viewers ages 18 to 49, consider that it received a 0.7 rating in that demographic.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less than threequarters of the 18-to-49 audience for NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Betty Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Off Their Rockers,â&#x20AC;? a candid-camera show hosted by a genial nonagenarian.

Ouch! â&#x20AC;˘ Some actors are so esteemed that we always remember their good work and rarely dwell on their stinkers. When I think of Paul Giamatti, my mind turns to subtle performances in â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Splendor,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sidewaysâ&#x20AC;? and HBOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;John Adams.â&#x20AC;? Why is it I rarely recall his turn in the hilariously dreadful 2000 karaoke musical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Duetsâ&#x20AC;? or his appearance in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mega-bomb â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rock of Agesâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., HBO)? â&#x20AC;˘ Faced with an insidejob robbery, the Goulds redouble their security detail, only to discover that it crimps their business style, on the fourth season premiere of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hardcore Pawnâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., Tru, TV-14).

Cult Choice An ambitious publicist

(Jack Lemmon) drags his wife (Lee Remick) into his heavy drinking but cannot get her to join his recovery in the 1962 drama â&#x20AC;&#x153;Days of Wine and Rosesâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., TCM).

Tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Other Highlights â&#x20AC;˘ A track meet unfolds on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchenâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14). â&#x20AC;˘ Arctic cubs fight to survive in the documentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;Polar Bears: Edge of Existenceâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., Animal Planet). â&#x20AC;˘ Courteney Cox guest-stars on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go Onâ&#x20AC;?

(9 p.m., NBC, TV-PG). â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;180 Days: A Year Inside an American High Schoolâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., PBS, check local listings) takes a documentary look at a Washington, D.C., area high school. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;How We Invented the Worldâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., Discovery) looks at the seemingly random connections between a couple of frozen eyeballs, two nervous breakdowns, a bike shop and the invention of the flying machine. â&#x20AC;˘ The speculative biblical miniseries â&#x20AC;&#x153;Barabbasâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., Reelz), starring Billy Zane, concludes. â&#x20AC;˘ Mindy hits it off with Dannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pal on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Mindy Projectâ&#x20AC;?

(9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

StunningREFLECTIONS

â&#x20AC;˘ The death of an heiress on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Golden Boyâ&#x20AC;?

(10 p.m., CBS, TV-14). â&#x20AC;˘ Kate swoons for a mysterious stranger on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Body of Proofâ&#x20AC;? (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14). â&#x20AC;˘ The Thompson case unravels on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Justifiedâ&#x20AC;?

(10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).

Series Notes Murder in the Navy on â&#x20AC;&#x153;NCISâ&#x20AC;? (8 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * A terrorist proves elusive on â&#x20AC;&#x153;NCIS: Los Angelesâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Nick grieves on â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Girlâ&#x20AC;? (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14) * Cat and Vincent reboot on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty and the Beastâ&#x20AC;?

(9 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * Not entirely brave, clean and reverent on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The New Normalâ&#x20AC;? (9:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

Late Night Michael Moss is scheduled on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Daily Show With Jon

Stewartâ&#x20AC;? (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Vanessa Hudgens, Jerry Trainor and Emily Heller appear on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Conanâ&#x20AC;? (11 p.m., TBS) * Hayden Panettiere, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens are booked on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chelsea Latelyâ&#x20AC;? (11 p.m., E!, r) * Donald Trump appears on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Late Show With David Lettermanâ&#x20AC;? (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jay Leno welcomes Keith Urban, Paula Deen and Django Django on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tonight Showâ&#x20AC;? (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Jeremy Piven appears on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jimmy Kimmel Liveâ&#x20AC;? (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Ice-T, Chris Hardwick and Little Green Cars visit â&#x20AC;&#x153;Late Night With Jimmy Fallonâ&#x20AC;? (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts Sarah Chalke and Lawrence Block on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Late Late Showâ&#x20AC;? (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Copyright 2013, United Feature Syndicate

Get Ready for Prom

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AWARDS from Page A1 expanded with the 2008-09 school year into two categories, one for general excellence and another for a schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to close the achievement gap of students in historically underachieving groups. These underachieving groups are defined by the EOC as black or Hispanic students, students with non-speech disabilities and students participating in free or reduced-price lunch programs.

In Sumter, seven schools were selected by the state department, highlighted by Shaw Heights Elementary School, which was the only school in the tricounty area to receive Gold-level awards in both categories. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, we were really excited about that,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Melissa Morris, principal of Shaw Heights. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The teachers and the parents worked really hard to get the students ready for the test, as you can see in the test scores.â&#x20AC;?

While 662 schools were recognized statewide by the Department of Education by the Palmetto Gold and Silver award program, Shaw Heights was one of only 75 schools in South Carolina to receive double Gold-level recognitions.

This is the secondstraight year Shaw Heights has received Gold-level awards for general excellence, and Morris said she hopes this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award will be the continuation of rec-

ver-level general excellence awards; and Ebenezer Middle School, which received a Silverlevel award for closing the achievement gap.

Both Crestwood High and Millwood Elementary received Gold-level awards last year, as well.

Within the three school districts of Clarendon County, six schools received awards, with Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Branch High School and the high school portion of East Clarendon Middle/High School receiving Goldlevel awards for general excellence. Manning Junior High School, the middle school portion of East Clarendon Middle/High School and Walker-Gamble Elementary School received Silver in general excellence, while Manning Elementary School was awarded Silver-level recognition for closing the achievement gap.

In Lee County, Lower Lee Elementary School was the lone recipient, receiving a Gold-level award for general excellence.

ognitions for the school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you score high, you have to score high the next time,â&#x20AC;? Morris said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That bar keeps getting higher and higher.â&#x20AC;?

Located on Shaw Air Force Base, slightly more than one-third of the students at Shaw Heights are dependents of military personnel. It sits next to its sister school on the base, High Hills Elementary School. With High Hills being recognized with Silver-level awards in both general excellence and closing the achievement gap, these schools were two of three in the Sumter School District recognized in both categories.

Other schools honored within the Sumter School District were Millwood Elementary School, which received a Gold-level award for general excellence and a Silver-level award for closing the achievement gap; Crestwood High School, awarded Gold in general excellence; Chestnut Oaks Middle School and Manchester Elementary School, which each received Sil-

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WASHINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Supreme Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to hear a new case from Michigan on the politically charged issue of affirmative action offers an intriguing hint that the justices will not use a separate challenge already pending from Texas for a broad ruling bringing an end to the consideration of race in college admissions.

To be sure, the two cases involve different legal issues. The University of Texas dispute, with arguments already completed and a ruling possible soon, centers on the use of race to fill some slots in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freshman classes. The Michigan case asks whether a voter-approved ban on affirmative action in college admissions can itself violate the Constitution.

But the broadest possible outcome in the current Texas case â&#x20AC;&#x201D; overruling the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2003 decision that allows race as a factor in college admissions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; would mean an end to affirmative action in higher education and render the new Michigan lawsuit irrelevant.

If the justices are planning to overrule that earlier decision,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;then I would think they would hold this case,â&#x20AC;? the new one, and order lower courts to review it based on the Texas decision, said Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the law school at the University of California at Irvine. He is representing students and faculty members in the Michigan case.

At the October argument in Fisher v. University of Texas, the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conservative justices sounded as if they were ready to impose new limits on the use of race in college admissions. More than five months have passed without a decision, which is not unusual in the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most contentious cases.

The appeal in the Michigan case comes from state Attorney General Bill Schuette, following a ruling from the sharply divided 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. The appeals court, by an 8-7 vote, found fault with the 2006 constitutional amendment to outlaw â&#x20AC;&#x153;preferential treatmentâ&#x20AC;? on the basis of race and other factors in college admissions. The provision also applies to affirmative action in public employment and government contracting, but those issues are not being challenged.

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OPINION

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

THE ITEM

A7

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

|

Reasons for opposition to CWP legislation don’t fit the facts The Item’s Saturday front page had an article regarding the opposition to this bill (S308) which would allow concealed weapon permit holders (CWP) to enter places serving alcohol so long as they did not drink. Our two newest senators, Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter, and Kevin Johson, D-Manning, state they are opposed to this bill for reasons which don’t fit the facts. Sen. McElveen says “no one’s going to convince me that guns and alcohol mix.” I’m glad he is so open-minded. The bill clearly states that is not to happen. Sen. Johnson will have to explain how “someone drinking would have access to a weapon” when the CWP law requires it to be concealed. This is the mindset I expect in New York, not South Carolina.

Presently criminals know that anyone leaving or entering a licensed premise is unarmed and an easy target for crime. Police will confirm every car broken into has the glove box opened, hoping to put another gun in criminal hands. Forty-two states now permit concealed carry into licensed premises. Are those citizens different from South Carolinians? None of these states have rescinded their laws which would surely happen if there had been negative incidents. Additionally, do you think the criminals carrying guns illegally obey the law and leave their guns outside?

As a final point, both of these legislators have sworn to “uphold the Constitution of this state and the United States. So help me God.” It’s about time they took freedom seriously and followed the oath they took by supporting S308. If you are a CWP holder and want this bill passed I suggest you call Tuesday through Thursday and voice your opinion. Contact Sen. McElveen at (803) 212-6132 and Sen. Johnson at (803) 212-6108.

RALPH BAKER Sumter

S.C. family court system prejudiced against fathers Recently I had my first occasion to witness the family court system in Sumter. Disappointed doesn’t begin to describe my feelings about the prejudice against fathers in this state. If you are a father in South Carolina you do not have a chance or the right to be a parent to your children. On the other hand, if you are the mother of said children, no matter how unfit, you can do anything and have a family court judge award you full custody of said children and keep the children away from their father because of a temporary court order saying so. A mother can be caught in adultery, continue the affair while still married to the father of their children, be arrested for criminal domestic violence (CDV) with a handgun on her boyfriend, go to jail, party and drink, and still go to court and have the local magistrate drop all charges against her. If you are the mother you can pretty much do whatever you want whenever you want and have these family court judges award you full custody of said children and the father is left with standard visitation, which includes every other weekend from Friday 6 p.m. to Sunday at 6 p.m. There are some fathers out there that could care less about their children, but the good ones and the ones that want to be an active part of their children’s lives should not be punished for the ones that could care less.

Fathers, wake up. Your children are being raised by some mothers that look at the fathers as a cash cow. There should be an uprising against the mentality of mothers being given all the rights where your children’s welfare is concerned. These good fathers, it seems, are an afterthought to these judges and the system. And we wonder why our children are having such a difficult time. If our children are our future, you can bet our family court system is destroying our future.

RUNETTE E. LINVILLE Alcolu

Government-sponsored charity destroys value of hard work This is in reference to Mr. Holmes’ letter to the editor on March 22.

I have been waiting for someone to comment on the article back on March 13 in reference to “South Carolina House defeats Medicaid expansion.”

The way I read that article is that I see our Gov. Nikki Haley and the House GOP caucus oppose the expansion of Medicaid. They cite the costs as the reason. They don’t want to add people to an inefficient, bloated governmental program that already covers more than 22 percent of South Carolinians.

The expected cost is an additional $2.4 billion in state revenue through 2020.

That includes $156 million being debated in the House that week. Medicaid accounts for nearly a quarter of the general fund spending, after growing by 26 percent in the last five years.

(That sounds like the time frame of our President Obama’s reign). That is the fastest-growing section of the budget.

Now I know that a segment of our society doesn’t know about budgets or even what $156 million, ($156,000,000) dollars), and $2.4 billion, ($2,400,000,000,000), means. Does anyone know where we are going to get this money? Since the uninsured are using the benefits I think they should pay their “fair share.” The insured are paying their “fair share” when they make their payment each month. Government-sponsored charity (things that they get free) destroys the value of hard work and self reliance. This sets up the dependence on government for everything including food, shelter, health care, education, cellphones, etc. Does anyone know how many programs are out there to help the poor? It’s no wonder why some people don’t want to work when they can come out ahead by not working. Whose fault is this?

Time will tell who has no brains. I respect Rep. Smith for his decision to not let South Carolina be a slave to our federal government and for trying to fix the mess that some people are not capable of understanding. For those who like to call others hypocritical you need look no further than your mirror.

JACQUELINE K. HUGHES Sumter Editor’s note: Because this letter exceeded the 350-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 Item’s website, www.theitem. com.

Ackerman gives of herself to make others feel better I recently read an article in The Item about Kipper Edens Ackerman.

She is a wonderful and gifted young lady. I had the privilege of knowing her when she was in the sixth grade at Thomas Sumter Academy.

Actually, I was able to coach her

on our junior high and junior varsity basketball teams. She has always been a young lady that would do her best to be the best player possible, and I know, again, from first-hand knowledge, that she applies this to music and the harp, as well as basketball. My wife was in the hospital four different times from June of 2012 to October of 2012, and Kipper came and played for her the last time she was there. She played two songs for my wife, which cheered my wife up, especially since she had spent 40 days in the hospital. But it wasn’t the hospital’s fault she was so down, it was the having to go back all those times. The staff was wonderful and treated her very well; it was just the long stays (10 days each time). Kipper is an extraordinary young lady who gives of herself to make others feel better. I knew from the time she played basketball for me that she would become the great person she is today. If I was the hospital, I’d think about hiring Kipper as a fulltime employee.

THOMAS F. COPE Sumter

Laws pertaining to guns need to be used more effectively There is much debate about guns, gun control, violent crime and a need for better control of guns through tougher laws. There are enough laws codified pertaining to guns as it is. I believe we would all be better served if those laws were used more effectively. Case in point, sentencing of criminals. I read, almost daily, how a criminal that uses a weapon, such as a gun, to commit a crime receives sentences to run concurrent. If a law is to have teeth, it needs to be meaningful. As long as judges and prosecutors conspire to move cases by plea bargains designed to show progress versus effect, the laws we have now are neutered. Where there is a finding of guilt in the use of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and/or a stolen weapon, then sentence the guilty parties to consecutive sentences. I am aware that some studies suggest that crimes are spur of the moment as well as perpetrated under the influence of drugs, thus lessening the deterrent of imprisonment. I say give anyone a few minutes with a calculator, a few facts and an ax to grind, then stand back and watch the chips fly. What we are doing now is not working. A crime wave is a statistic, and so is a reduction in crime. Give it try, and see which way the figures go.

CHARLIE HALL Sumter

Contention that Medicaid expansion won’t cost S.C. is untrue I would like to point out some glaring errors and inconsistencies in Travis Holmes’ letter (Republican leaders can’t see forest before the trees, March 24, 2013) concerning Republi-

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cans and their view of the health care debate, especially in this state. To begin with, Mr. Holmes’ contention that the Medicaid expansion would not cost South Carolina “one penny” is completely untrue. The federal government would pay the costs for the first three years, but then South Carolina would have to pay 10 percent, which amounts to over $1 billion a year, which is absolutely unsustainable. Even the state’s preeminent Democrat, Vincent Sheheen, agrees with this, and has stated that he would support the expansion so long as the federal government can pay for it. And what services would you propose we cut to pay for that massive amount, which is roughly 20 percent of just our general funds? Education?

Job training? Law enforcement? Cuts would have to be made somewhere.

You don’t create that much revenue; you simply move it from one place to another.

As far as the health exchanges creating jobs, if the very large state of California proposes only 500 jobs in its exchange call centers statewide, where did you pull that 40,000 jobs figure from? That’s roughly the sum total of the whole labor force of Sumter County. By a quick comparison, Gov. Haley has pretty much done what she was elected to do: she has added roughly $5 billion in investment to the state and has brought 30,000 jobs to virtually every county of the state.

Finally, Rep. Murrell Smith is simply trying to help reduce the overwhelming costs of the health care debacle we currently have while seeking ways to improve health care in our state. And that won’t get solved when we add another $1 billion to the equation. I think where he is standing Rep. Smith is doing as good a job as anyone could possibly do when faced with the magnitude of an outrageous cost as that. We just can’t insure everyone. Not accepting more debt mandated by an overreaching federal government and continuing to provide more jobs will be our true “defining moment.”

STEVEN SCHUMPERT Sumter

Thanks to Outback staff for wonderful job during fundraiser Thanks to manager Richard Adams and his hard-working staff for the wonderful job they did on Tuesday, March 12.

The lunch fundraiser for Sumter’s Home Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, was a great success and was enjoyed by all that attended.

The funds raised will help with literacy projects in Sumter County.

Again, thanks to the Outback staff, and we appreciate their commitment to our community.

KATHERINE BARRETT Ways and Means chairman Sumter Home Chapter, DAR

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

H. GRAHAM OSTEEN II Co-President

KYLE BROWN OSTEEN Co-President

JOHN DUVALL OSTEEN Vice President and Publisher

LARRY MILLER CEO

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JOHNSON from Page A4 15,000. As soon as you take one, they’d get another one. It just keeps getting worse.”

If estimated at a low-ball figure of $30 a phone and $15 a plan, cellphone companies make about $675,000 a year off contraband cellphones in California alone, according to Johnson’s numbers.

The prominence of cellphones in prison is something he just can’t understand as far as why it’s tolerated.

“Inmates call victims or send them messages on Facebook from their phones, harassing them,” Johnson said. “They orchestrate escape attempts, deliveries or get young girls to toss items over the fence. What’s worse is they do it openly, flaunting their inmate uniforms in their Facebook profile pictures.

That’s how daring and bold they are.”

When the prison was experiencing a similar problem with “greendot” reloadable Mastercards, the card companies were much more cooperative, Johnson explained. If officers could provide an account or card number being used by an inmate, the company would close the account.

“The cellphone companies could have done the same thing,” Johnson argued. “But they decided to not comply, so now we’re going after them for their negligence.

There’s a lot of money and suffering that has come from prisons,

and cellphones have facilitated that.”

As he reached for his cane, he stared at it for a moment, summing up his thoughts of the issue into one final statement.

“If cellphone companies had not blocked legislation allowing Department of Corrections and other agencies to block cellphone usage within prisons, this would not have happened to me or my family, as it has to so many others,” Johnson said.

“That one phone has caused unbelievable torment for me and my family — pure torment.

Nobody should have to endure that.”

As far as the world at large, Johnson said he had two things he wants them to know.

“Let ’em know that I’m alive, and I’m not going anywhere,” Johnson said. “And that there was no corruption involved from me or any of my staff; there was no evil. We did not collaborate with the inmates. We were simply too good at our job and the inmates tried to stop us.”

And to victims of similar crimes, Johnson said he wants them to rise up.

“Hopefully, others who have been victimized by inmates, whether it’s through a phone or Facebook, maybe they’ll rise up,” Johnson said. “Congress never ignores a large group of angry citizens screaming for action.”

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TODAY

TONIGHT

57°

WEDNESDAY 59°

Reach Rob Cottingham at (803) 774-1225.

“I’ll pretty much be out here all night watching things,” he said.

But one thing both he and Willard said they have little worry about this year is mold.

“It hasn’t really been warm enough for it,” Stafford said. “It’s been cold and wet, but the cold doesn’t really let the mold grow. And by the time it gets warm again, most of the moisture will have dried out of the ground to the point that it won’t affect them. It’s when we have it hot and rainy that we have to worry about it.”

Both owners said they post updates about their picking seasons on their Facebook pages, which can be found by searching their names.

THURSDAY 58°

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 66°

61°

32° 31°

33°

33°

41°

Breezy and cool with partial sunshine

Patchy clouds and cold

Mostly sunny and cool

Cool in the morning; bright sunshine

Mostly sunny and cool

Partly sunny

Winds: WNW 10-20 mph

Winds: NW 6-12 mph

Winds: WNW 6-12 mph

Winds: NW 6-12 mph

Winds: NNW 4-8 mph

Winds: NNW 3-6 mph

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

Sumter through 4 p.m. yesterday High ............................................... 51° Low ................................................ 41° Normal high ................................... 69° Normal low ..................................... 43° Record high ....................... 89° in 2007 Record low ......................... 24° in 1956

Greenville 53/30

Precipitation

Bishopville 56/30

24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. ........... 0.00" Month to date ............................... 3.76" Normal month to date .................. 3.14" Year to date ................................. 9.69" Normal year to date ................... 10.56"

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

Full 7 a.m. 24-hr pool yest. chg 360 358.70 +0.55 76.8 75.59 +0.23 75.5 75.26 +0.28 100 96.90 -0.07

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

Full pool 12 19 14 14 80 24

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 55/29/pc 42/27/sn 52/28/pc 56/29/pc 56/36/pc 51/38/pc 56/35/pc 52/28/pc 54/33/pc 58/31/pc

7 a.m. yest.

7.58 7.21 6.85 7.98 78.48 14.16

24-hr chg +0.75 +2.55 +1.72 +3.79 -0.17 +2.75

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 58/29/s 45/26/pc 57/30/s 59/30/s 59/39/s 51/39/pc 59/36/s 55/28/pc 57/33/s 59/30/s

Sunrise today .......................... 7:17 a.m.

Sunset tonight ......................... 7:38 p.m.

Moonrise today ....................... 7:13 p.m.

Moonset today ........................ 6:32 a.m.

Gaffney 53/30 Spartanburg 54/31

Temperature

Columbia 58/31 Today: Breezy with clouds and sun; an afternoon shower in spots.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny.

Sumter 57/32

Mar. 27 New

Apr. 2 First

Apr. 10

Apr. 18

Myrtle Beach 55/34

Shown is today’s weather.

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

Charleston 56/35 The following tide table lists times for Myrtle Beach.

High Ht. 9:00 a.m.....3.1 9:29 p.m.....3.3 Wed. 9:42 a.m.....3.1 10:11 p.m.....3.4 Tue.

Forecasts and graphics provided

by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2013 Today Hi/Lo/W 55/30/pc 52/34/pc 55/32/pc 56/33/pc 55/31/pc 60/33/s 53/30/pc 55/33/pc 56/35/pc 51/30/pc

Last

Aiken 55/29

Today: Partly sunny, breezy and cool. High 53 to 57.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and cool. High 55 to 59.

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

Full

Florence 55/31

Manning 57/31

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 58/31/pc 54/34/pc 56/32/pc 57/33/pc 58/32/s 63/35/s 54/28/pc 55/32/pc 59/36/s 51/30/pc

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 53/30/pc 49/30/sh 54/38/s 58/34/s 51/28/s 54/27/s 48/28/pc 48/30/sn 56/36/pc 55/34/pc

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 55/31/s 49/29/pc 56/40/s 60/34/s 56/30/s 59/30/s 54/30/s 49/27/pc 59/38/s 56/35/s

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

Low Ht. 3:35 a.m....-0.3 3:50 p.m....-0.3 4:21 a.m....-0.4 4:32 p.m....-0.4

Today Hi/Lo/W 55/32/pc 55/37/pc 50/30/pc 54/28/pc 55/30/pc 56/34/s 54/31/pc 55/35/s 55/34/pc 50/30/pc

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 59/33/s 58/39/s 52/29/pc 54/28/pc 55/29/pc 59/37/s 55/32/pc 56/38/s 57/33/pc 51/31/pc

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

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

STRAWBERRIES from Page A1 gets to freezing. That will put a layer of ice over the plants which will act like insulation.”

Stafford calls this the “Igloo Effect.”

“You coat them with water to get them to lock the heat inside the berries,” he said.

“It sounds odd. You think of them being completely frozen, but that’s not what happens. The ice on the outside essentially traps the heat on the inside of it.”

Not having that layer means a strawberry freezes on the inside.

“And if it freezes on the inside, it’s just going to rot right there in the field,” Stafford said.

With temperatures predicted to be in the low 30s for the next few nights, Stafford said he plans to spend most nights in his field.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Stationary front

Cold front Showers Rain T-storms Snow Flurries

Ice

Warm front

Today Wed. Today Wed. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Albuquerque 64/42/s 70/43/pc Las Vegas 79/59/pc 78/60/pc Anchorage 21/1/pc 25/15/s Los Angeles 69/54/pc 69/54/pc Atlanta 48/31/pc 55/33/s Miami 71/48/pc 70/51/s Baltimore 48/32/pc 47/32/pc Minneapolis 36/19/pc 39/22/pc Boston 45/33/pc 47/35/pc New Orleans 56/41/s 61/43/s Charleston, WV 40/31/sf 41/30/sf New York 48/34/pc 46/36/pc Charlotte 52/28/pc 55/28/pc Oklahoma City 54/34/s 65/44/s Chicago 39/27/sf 42/29/pc Omaha 38/24/pc 49/35/pc Cincinnati 40/26/sf 42/27/pc Philadelphia 49/32/pc 47/34/pc Dallas 58/39/s 70/52/pc Phoenix 87/62/pc 86/60/pc Denver 42/29/s 50/31/pc Pittsburgh 40/28/sf 40/28/sf Des Moines 36/21/pc 46/28/pc St. Louis 39/26/pc 47/30/pc Detroit 40/29/sf 43/28/c Salt Lake City 58/38/pc 61/41/pc Helena 48/31/pc 56/34/pc San Francisco 60/49/pc 61/51/pc Honolulu 81/69/pc 80/69/c Seattle 57/42/c 61/44/c Indianapolis 40/27/sf 42/26/pc Topeka 40/24/pc 55/37/pc Kansas City 36/28/pc 48/36/pc Washington, DC 47/33/pc 49/35/pc Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice

communication will lead to ARIES (March 21-April 19): the last word in astrology stronger alliances and Recognize who’s on your opportunities as long as side and who isn’t before eugenia LAST you call the shots. Love is you put pressure on the on the rise, and a wrong person. It’s best to partnership should be do what you can on your handled with finesse. own so you can control the situation and outcome.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Size up your domestic situation and adjust your plans to suit TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Call in favors, and get your budget. An interest, hobby or talent you involved in events that keep you in touch with have should be where you invest your time, people who work in your field. Your intuition effort or cash. won’t let you down.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Honesty will GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep your emotions help you avoid prolonged problems. A love tucked away and under control. Focus on relationship will grow stronger if you’re willing helping others and setting a high standard. to confide and share your thoughts and Love and romance should be high on your list. intentions.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Listen to your inner CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Before agreeing to voice. Refuse to let the little problems bother any requests, check out how reasonable it is for you. Someone may try to pressure you, but if you to follow through. You may want to opt out you use intelligence and imagination, you’ll and follow your own path. Follow your intuition. come out the victor.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Reconnect with LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t sit still when there’s past partners and friends. The advantage you so much you can do to make life better. Focus have now will allow you to take control of your on location, learning and love. Traveling will situation and marry old ideas with your current enhance your attitude. plans.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): An investment may PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A serious money tempt you, but before taking part in something issue can be resolved if you’re creative in the that sounds too good to be true, do your due way you handle matters. An intuitive move can diligence. False information or exaggeration is spare you grief if you can manage to avoid apparent. someone trying to coerce you into spending.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Travel and

PICK 3 MONDAY: 9-5-0 AND 5-8-1 PICK 4 MONDAY: 7-7-7-5 AND 5-6-8-5 PALMETTO CASH 5 MONDAY: 4-5-9-15-33 POWERUP: 2 MEGAMILLIONS FRIDAY: 14-27-34-37-41 MEGABALL: 38 MEGAPLIER: 4

FOR SATURDAY: 17-29-31-52-53 POWERBALL: 31

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Reach Robert J. Baker at (803) 7741211.

PUBLIC AGENDA

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CLARENDON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES Today, 6 p.m., hospital board room SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL Today, 6 p.m., County Council Chambers SUMTER CITY-COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, 3 p.m., Opera House, City Council Chambers, 4th floor, 21 N. Main St. SUMTER COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 32 E. Calhoun St.

Don Ross shares a photo he took one morning of the range tower at Poinsett Bombing and Gunnery Range, where he works.

SPORTS TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

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

B1

Fight, wild finish at Fontana Stewart, Logano scuffle after Kyle Busch avoids wreck for win

BY GREG BEACHAM The Associated Press FONTANA, Calif.

— Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano raced side by side into the final lap, two bitter rivals unwilling to give even an inch — right up until they made contact with less than a mile to go.

The race ended with Hamlin in the hospital, Logano in a shoving match with Tony HAMLIN Stewart, and Kyle Busch celebrating a victory that seemed secondary to

all the fury at Fontana.

Hamlin was airlifted away from the track Sunday after a collision with LoSTEWART gano on the penultimate turn sent him nearly head-on into the in-

side wall, putting a spectacular finish on the fifth race of the NASCAR season.

HamLOGANO lin suffered a compression

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kyle Busch performs a burnout on Sunday after winning the Auto Club 400 race in Fontana, Calif.

SEE FONTANA, PAGE B3

Woods wins at Bay Hill, reclaims top ranking

BY DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press

DENNIS BRUNSON / THE ITEM

Sumter’s Will Smith connects on a base hit during Monday’s 5-3 win over Carolina Forest at Gamecock Field.

Sumter bounces back After tough loss to West, Gamecocks earn 5-3 victory against CFHS

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com Coming off a tough 5-4, 10-inning loss to West Florence High School on Friday, Sumter head baseball coach Joe Norris had some concern about how his team would respond with a quick turnaround against Carolina Forest on Monday.

“We talked a lot about how we would come back from that game,” Norris said. “We put so much into that game, and it was such a good game

between two great teams. We needed to get past it and be ready for tonight.”

The Gamecocks bounced back with a 5-3 victory over the Panthers, improving to 9-4 overall and 3-2 in Region VI-4A play. CF fell to 6-8 and 4-4, and the teams will play again on Wednesday in NORRIS Myrtle Beach.

SHS used a mixture of key 2-out hits and some suspect Carolina Forest defense to generate its runs.

Three of the runs were driven in on 2-out hits.

“We got those big 2-out hits tonight, and that’s something we’ve been struggling with,” Norris said.

“We’ve been able to get runners on, get them over, but couldn’t get them in. Tonight we were able to do that.”

The Gamecocks got a run in the bottom of the first off of Panthers starting pitcher Cullen Marcis. The run came without the benefit of a hit SEE SUMTER, PAGE B2

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY Varsity Baseball Crestwood at Manning, 7:30 p.m.

Hartsville at Lakewood, 7:30 p.m.

Lee Central at Kingstree, 6:30 p.m.

Carvers Bay at East Clarendon, 5:30 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Pee Dee, 5 p.m.

St. John’s Christian at Clarendon Hall, 7 p.m.

Junior Varsity Baseball Crestwood at Manning, 5:30 p.m.

Hartsville at Lakewood, 5:30 p.m.

St. John’s Christian at Clarendon Hall, 4:30 p.m.

B Team Baseball

Laurence Manning at Wilson Hall, 5 p.m.

Mars (Pa.) at Robert E. Lee, 4 p.m.

Varsity Boys Golf Sumter at West Florence (at Oakdale Country Club), 4 p.m.

Manning at Hartsville, 4 p.m.

Lee Central at North Central, 4:30 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Thomas Sumter (at Beech Creek Golf Club), 4 p.m.

Robert E. Lee at Williamsburg, 3:30 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Holly Hill, TBA Varsity Boys Soccer Sumter at West Florence, 7:30 p.m.

Lakewood at Crestwood, 7:30 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Laurence Manning, 5 p.m.

Thomas Sumter at Oakbrook Prep, 5 p.m.

Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Sumter at West Florence, 7:15 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Hartsville Middle, 5 p.m.

Varsity Girls Soccer Sumter at West Florence, 6 p.m.

Lakewood at Crestwood, 6 p.m.

Junior Varsity Girls Soccer West Florence at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Varsity Softball West Florence at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Crestwood at Manning, 7 p.m.

Hartsville at Lakewoood, 7:30 p.m.

Lee Central at Kingstree, 6:30 p.m.

Carvers Bay at East Clarendon, 7 p.m.

Laurence Manning at Holly Hill, 6 p.m.

Pee Dee at Robert E. Lee, 6 p.m.

St. John’s Christian at Clarendon Hall, 6:30 p.m.

Junior Varsity Softball West Florence at Sumter, 6 p.m.

Crestwood at Manning, 5 p.m.

Hartsville at Lakewoood, 5:30 p.m.

Carvers Bay at East Clarendon, 5 p.m.

Holly Hill at Laurence Manning, 5 p.m.

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

St. John’s Christian at Clarendon Hall, 4:30 p.m.

B Team Softball Robert E. Lee at Andrew Jackson Middle, 6 p.m.

Varsity Boys Tennis Sumter at West Florence, 5 p.m.

Manning at Darlington, 4:30 p.m.

Wilson Hall at Pinewood Prep, 4 p.m.

Varsity Track and Field Laurence Manning at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The moment was vintage Tiger Woods, and so was his reaction.

Seconds after Rickie Fowler made a 40-foot birdie putt on the 12th hole to pull within two shots of the lead, Woods posed over his 25foot birdie putt until he swept the putter upward in his left hand and marched toward the cup as it dropped for a birdie.

Fowler, standing on the edge of the green, turned with a slight smile as if to say, “What else can I do?’’

Woods won the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Monday and returned to No. 1 in the world for the first time since October 2010, the longest spell of his career. After all that time, after so much turmoil with his personal life and his health, Woods looks as good as ever.

Maybe better.

“It’s a byproduct of hard work, patience and getting back to winning golf tournaments,’’ Woods said.

He essentially wrapped up his eighth title at Bay Hill with an 8-iron out of a fairway bunker on the par-5 16th that easily cleared the water and landed safely on the green for a two-putt birdie. Woods dangled his tongue out of his mouth as the ball was in the air, another sign of his swagger.

Just like his other two wins this year, Woods never let anyone get closer than two shots in the final round. With a conservative bogey he could afford on the final hole, he closed with a 2-under 70 for a twoshot win over Justin Rose.

Woods walked off the 18th green waving his putter over his head — truly a magic wand at Bay Hill — to acknowledge the fans who have seen this act before. His eighth win SEE WOODS, PAGE B5

FGCU savors improbable Sweet 16 ride

BY TIM REYNOLDS The Associated Press FORT MYERS, Fla. — Sherwood Brown only wanted a bagel.

The Florida Gulf Coast star walked into a restaurant on campus Monday and was quickly surrounded. People wanted autographs. People wanted photos. People just wanted to yell words of encouragement.

A school that opened a mere 16 years ago finds itself front-and-center in March Madness, one of only 16 college basketball teams left from a field of 68, hoping to win the NCAA national championship.

“I had no idea it was

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Florida Gulf Coast players celebrate winning a third-round NCAA tournament game against San Diego State on Sunday in Philadelphia.

going to be like this, but I’m loving it,’’ Brown said as he made his escape from the shop. “I feel like we’re get-

ting a lot of America behind us. I guess you could say we’re a part of America’s team at this point.’’

And the Eagles spent the day savoring their moment.

Lines in the campus bookstore snaked from one side to the other, more than 100 people waiting for the chance to pay for their FGCU shirts and hats.

Phone lines were jammed by those seeking tickets for this weekend’s South Regional, and even the university president half-seriously wondered if he would be able to obtain what he needed. And as they arrived at classes, players were met with applause.

“It’s so brand new,’’ Eagles coach Andy Enfield said Monday, as emails SEE FGCU, PAGE B3

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tiger Woods holds the championship trophy after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Monday in Orlando, Fla. Woods finished 13-under-par for the victory and reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the golf rankings.

B2

SPORTS

THE ITEM

WH baseball tames Lions MARTINEZ, Ga. — Wilson Hall’s varsity baseball team improved to 12-1 overall on the season with a 5-2 victory over Augusta Christian on Monday at the Lions field.

Gordon Owens pitched three innings allowing no runs and one hit while striking out six. William Kinney worked 2 1/3 innings and allowed one earned run on three hits while striking out three. Chase Belk pitched 2 2/3 innings and allowed two hits while striking out three.

Offensively for the Barons ,Tyler Pannell led the team with three hits, including two doubles and two runs batted in. John Patrick Sears added two hits while Kemper Patton, McLendon Sears and John Wells Baker each had a RBI. The Barons will travel to Robert E. Lee Academy on Wednesday.

VARSITY BOYS TENNIS WILSON HALL TRINITY-BYRNES

7 0

The Barons varsity tennis team improved to 7-0 on the season with an 8-1 victory over Trinity-Byrnes at Palmetto Tennis Center on Monday.

WH will travel to face Pinewood Prep today.

SINGLES 1 -- Brown (WH) def. Harwell 6-0, 6-0 2 -- Davis (WH) def. McLean 6-0, 6-0 3 -- Stover (WH) def. Caruy 6-0, 6-1 4 -- Hendrix (WH) def. Burner 6-0, 6-0 5 -- Thompson (WH) def. Anderson 6-0, 6-0 6 -- Stone (WH) def. Pavy 6-0, 6-0 DOUBLES 1 -- Harwell/Caruy (TB) def. Stover/Hendrix 8-6 2 -- Thompson/Stone (WH) def. McLean/ Burner 8-4 3 -- Umbaugh/King def. Henderson/Pazy 8-2

B TEAM SOFTBALL LAUREN MANNING COLLETON PREP

19 8

as two errors and a passed ball hurt the submarining righthander.

Leadoff batter Jacob Watcher reached on a 2-base throwing error by third baseman Ryan Yurachek and went to third on a passed ball by catcher Robert Jolly.

Watcher scored when shortstop Cameron Cauble couldn’t handle a grounder to make it 1-0.

Sumter made it 2-0 in the second. River Soles led off with an infield single and scored when Ian McCaffrey followed with a double down the third base line, The Gamecocks plated two in the third after two were out with no one on base. Will Smith singled, Soles was hit by a pitch and McCaffrey doubled again, this time to right-center.

“That was just a huge hit by Ian there,” Norris

|

oline Robinson went 2-for-4 with eight RBI and two inside-the-park home runs including a grand slam.

Carley Tsukalas went 2-for-4 with three RBI including an inside-thepark home run. Sarah Knight Naley also had two hits in the win.

VARSITY SOFTBALL WILSON HALL SPLITS

Wilson Hall fell to 9-5 overall on Monday with a 9-3 loss to Thomas Sumter Academy.

Wilson Hall’s Holly Scott picked up the loss giving up nine hits and six walks while striking out nine.

Offensively for the Barons, Jordain Edmondson had two hits including a double. Bailey Connor had a triple while Betsy Cunningham and Haley Hawkins each had a doubled in the loss.

On Friday, the Barons picked up a 13-3 victory over Robert E. Lee Academy. Scott picked up the victory, striking out 11 while walking two and giving up three hits.

Cunningham led WH offensively with three hits including a double.

Edmondson and Scott each had two hits apiece. Danielle deHoll and Hannah Jordan each scored three runs.

The Barons will return to action after Spring Break.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOFTBALL WILSON HALL THOMAS SUMTER ACADEMY

MANNING — The Laurence Manning Academy B team softball finished its season a perfect 12-0 as they beat Colleton Prep at Julie Stoker field 19-8 on Monday.

Lundee Olsen pitched five innings and struck out four in the victory. Offensively, for LMA Ellen Dinkins went 3-for-3 with three runs batted in. Car-

SUMTER from Page B1

AREA ROUNDUP

14 13

Wilson Hall’s junior varsity softball team defeated Wilson Hall 14-13 Monday at Patriot Park.

Lindley Hodge took the loss for TSA. Chelsea Reed led the JV Generals offense with four hits including three runs batted in. Riley DeLavan went 3-for-3 with a double and three runs scored. Diamond Gibson and Carmen Sylvester each had two doubles and two RBI and Mary Catherine Walsh had two hits in the loss.

said of McCaffrey, who was 2-for-3 with three runs batted in.

Gamecock starting pitcher Phillip Watcher wasn’t sharp in the first three innings, but he kept the Panthers off the scoreboard. He stranded runners in scoring position in each of the the first three innings.

The Panthers broke through against him in the fourth, picking up three runs. Ryan Flynn led off with a single and moved to third on a Cauble double. Stephen Sampollo singled home Flynn and Cauble scored on Cameron Schildt’s infield single, making it 4-2 with no outs and runners on first and third after an error. CF got the other run in on a Hayden Rothenberg groundout.

“We thought we would eventually get to him,” Carolina Forest head coach Jack Jolly said of Phillip Watcher.

“We left some runners on early, so we thought we could put something together. To Watcher’s credit, he got us in order

the next inning.”

In fact, starting with the three outs he recorded in the fourth, Phillip Watcher set down the last 12 batters he faced. The right-hander finished with 10 strikeouts, including five in a row between the fifth and sixth innings. “”Phillip was really good those last three innings,” Norris said of Watcher, who allowed seven hits and didn’t walk a batter. “The difference was he was in control of his fastball.

Even in the inning they scored their runs, they hit some good pitches.”

Sumter got an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth, with Phillip Watcher helping his own cause. He drove in Taylor McFaddin, who reached after being hit by a pitch, on a 2-out single.

“Sumter came up with some big 2-out hits,” Coach Jolly said. “(Marcis) left some pitches up that they were able to handle.”

Sampollo had two hits to lead CF.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY 7 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco from Mesa, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

10 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: St. Louis vs. Minnesota from Fort Myers, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

11 a.m. -- Professional Golf: Tavistock Cup Final Round from Orlando, Fla. (GOLF).

1 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: St. Louis vs. New York Mets from Port St. Lucie, Fla. (ESPN).

3:55 p.m. -- International Soccer: World Cup Qualifying Match from Paris -- France vs.

Spain (ESPN2).

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

6 p.m. -- College Baseball: South Carolina at College of Charleston (WNKT-FM 107.5).

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

6:45 p.m. -- High School Baseball: Ridge View at Lugoff-Elgin (WPUB-FM 102.7).

7 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second-Round Games -- North Carolina vs. Delaware or Kentucky vs. Dayton (ESPN2).

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

7 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Houston vs. New York Yankees from Tampa, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: New York at Boston (TNT).

7:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament Quarterfinal Game -Maryland at Alabama (ESPN).

7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: New York Rangers at Philadelphia (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

9 p.m. -- College Basketball: National Invitation Tournament Quarterfinal Game (ESPNU).

9:30 p.m. -- Women’s College Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second-Round Games -- Florida State vs. Baylor; Michigan vs.

Stanford; Penn State vs. Louisiana State and Notre Dame vs. Iowa.(ESPN2).

9:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas (TNT).

10:15 p.m. -- International Soccer: World Cup Qualifying Match from Mexico City -United States vs. Mexico (ESPN).

2 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Angels vs. Arizona from Scottsdale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

MLB SPRING TRAINING

By The Associated Press AMERICAN LEAGUE W L Pct Kansas City 21 6 .778 Baltimore 18 7 .720 Seattle 19 10 .655 Detroit 18 11 .621 Cleveland 16 11 .593 Oakland 13 12 .520 Texas 15 14 .517 Boston 15 15 .500 Minnesota 14 14 .500 Tampa Bay 14 14 .500 Houston 12 14 .462 Chicago 11 13 .458 Toronto 12 16 .429 New York 12 17 .414 Los Angeles 8 17 .320 NATIONAL LEAGUE W L Pct Atlanta 18 14 .563 Colorado 14 12 .538 New York 13 12 .520 Arizona 14 14 .500 Chicago 16 16 .500 San Francisco 13 13 .500 San Diego 15 16 .484 St. Louis 13 14 .481 Philadelphia 13 15 .464 Washington 12 14 .462 Pittsburgh 12 15 .444 Miami 11 15 .423 Los Angeles 11 16 .407 Milwaukee 10 17 .370 Cincinnati 9 18 .333 NOTE: Split-squad games count in the standings; games against non-major league teams do not.

Sunday’s Games N.Y. Mets (ss) 10, St. Louis 7 Baltimore 12, Pittsburgh 10 Washington 9, Atlanta 3, 8 innings Minnesota 14, Toronto 5 N.Y. Yankees 7, Tampa Bay 6, 10 innings Houston 4, Miami 1, 5 innings Boston 7, Philadelphia 6 Detroit 9, N.Y. Mets (ss) 4 Milwaukee (ss) 7, Colorado 5 San Francisco 5, L.A. Angels 4 Oakland 7, L.A. Dodgers 4 Texas 7, Cincinnati 2 Chicago Cubs 4, Cleveland 3 San Diego 6, Milwaukee (ss) 4 Kansas City 8, Chicago White Sox 2 Arizona 8, Seattle 4 Monday’s Games Baltimore 12, Boston 9 Toronto 13, Philadelphia 4 N.Y. Mets 7, Atlanta 4 St. Louis 4, Minnesota 3 Detroit 6, Miami 3 L.A. Angels 11, Chicago White Sox 5 Seattle 16, Cincinnati 0 San Francisco 9, Chicago Cubs 3 San Diego 3, Texas 1 Oakland 9, Milwaukee 7 Washington vs. Houston, late Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay, late L.A. Dodgers vs. Kansas City, late Cleveland vs. Colorado, late Today’s Games Washington vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Baltimore vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Atlanta vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

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

St. Louis vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m.

Chicago White Sox vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Kansas City vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

San Diego vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Oakland vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

| Houston vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 7:05 p.m.

Colorado vs. L.A. Dodgers at Glendale, Ariz., 10:05 p.m.

Cincinnati vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 10:05 p.m.

L.A. Angels vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 10:10 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games Washington (ss) vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

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

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

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

Philadelphia vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Miami vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., 1:35 p.m.

Cleveland vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Texas vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Kansas City (ss) vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m.

Colorado vs. Oakland at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

San Diego vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Houston vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 6:10 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 7:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City (ss) at Surprise, Ariz., 9:10 p.m.

San Francisco vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 10:10 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB x-New York 42 26 .618 – x-Brooklyn 41 29 .586 2 Boston 36 33 .522 61/2 Philadelphia 27 42 .391 151/2 Toronto 26 44 .371 17 Southeast Division W L Pct GB y-Miami 55 14 .797 – Atlanta 39 31 .557 161/2 Washington 25 44 .362 30 Orlando 18 52 .257 371/2 Charlotte 16 54 .229 391/2 Central Division W L Pct GB x-Indiana 43 27 .614 – Chicago 38 31 .551 41/2 Milwaukee 34 35 .493 81/2 Detroit 24 47 .338 191/2 Cleveland 22 47 .319 201/2 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB x-San Antonio 53 17 .757 – x-Memphis 47 22 .681 51/2 Houston 39 31 .557 14 Dallas 34 36 .486 19 New Orleans 24 46 .343 29 Northwest Division W L Pct GB x-Oklahoma City 52 19 .732 – x-Denver 49 22 .690 3 Utah 34 36 .486 171/2 Portland 33 37 .471 181/2 Minnesota 24 44 .353 261/2 Pacific Division W L Pct GB x-L.A. Clippers 48 22 .686 – Golden State 40 31 .563 81/2 L.A. Lakers 36 34 .514 12 Sacramento 25 46 .352 231/2 Phoenix 23 48 .324 251/2 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division Sunday’s Games Atlanta 104, Milwaukee 99 Miami 109, Charlotte 77 Houston 96, San Antonio 95 Chicago 104, Minnesota 97 Oklahoma City 103, Portland 83 Dallas 113, Utah 108 Brooklyn 102, Phoenix 100 Philadelphia 117, Sacramento 103 Monday’s Games Atlanta at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Miami at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Memphis at Washington, 7 p.m.

Denver at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Utah, 9 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Today’s Games New York at Boston, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Dallas, 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games Boston at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Orlando at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Milwaukee at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Atlanta at Toronto, 7 p.m.

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

Miami at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Indiana at Houston, 8 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Washington at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

Denver at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Phoenix at Utah, 9 p.m.

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

Brooklyn at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Pittsburgh 33 25 8 0 50 116 84 New Jersey 32 15 11 6 36 80 86 N.Y. Rangers 31 15 13 3 33 73 76 N.Y. Islanders 32 14 15 3 31 93 105 Philadelphia 31 13 16 2 28 82 94 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Montreal 31 20 6 5 45 98 77 Boston 30 20 7 3 43 86 64 Ottawa 32 17 9 6 40 83 70 Toronto 32 17 12 3 37 97 92 Buffalo 32 13 15 4 30 86 100 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Winnipeg 33 17 14 2 36 84 98 Carolina 30 15 13 2 32 85 86 Washington 32 15 16 1 31 92 90 Tampa Bay 32 13 18 1 27 103 98 Florida 33 9 18 6 24 78 116 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago 30 24 3 3 51 102 66

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32 16 11 5 37 87 81 31 17 12 2 36 92 86 32 13 13 6 32 80 86 32 13 13 6 32 75 85 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Vancouver 32 17 9 6 40 87 85 Minnesota 30 18 10 2 38 79 71 Edmonton 30 11 12 7 29 72 88 Calgary 30 12 14 4 28 85 103 Colorado 31 11 16 4 26 79 100 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 31 22 5 4 48 101 78 Los Angeles 31 17 12 2 36 88 76 Dallas 31 15 13 3 33 83 90 San Jose 30 13 11 6 32 71 79 Phoenix 31 13 14 4 30 80 87 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Sunday’s Games Washington 3, N.Y. Rangers 2, SO N.Y. Islanders 3, Florida 0 Pittsburgh 2, Philadelphia 1, OT Winnipeg 3, Tampa Bay 2 Vancouver 3, Colorado 2 Calgary 3, St. Louis 2 Detroit 2, Anaheim 1 Monday’s Games Toronto at Boston, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Los Angeles at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Edmonton at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Minnesota at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Detroit at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

San Jose at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Today’s Games Florida at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Washington, 7 p.m.

Winnipeg at Carolina, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

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

Edmonton at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Calgary at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Columbus at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games Montreal at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Phoenix at Minnesota, 9 p.m.

Colorado at Calgary, 10 p.m.

Anaheim at San Jose, 10 p.m.

GOLF Arnold Palmer Invitational Par Scores The Associated Press Monday At Bay Hill Club and Lodge Orlando, Fla. Purse: $6.2 million Yardage: 7,419; Par: 72 Final Tiger Woods (500), $1,116,000 69-70-66-70—275 -13 Justin Rose (300), $669,600 65-70-72-70—277 -11 Keegan Bradley (134), $297,600 74-69-66-71—280 -8 Gonzalo Fdez-Castano, $297,600 69-71-68-72—280 -8 Rickie Fowler (134), $297,600 73-67-67-73—280 -8 Mark Wilson (134), $297,600 71-68-70-71—280 -8 Thorbjorn Olesen, $207,700 69-73-66-73—281 -7 Ken Duke (75), $167,400 70-68-70-74—282 -6 Bill Haas (75), $167,400 69-66-73-74—282 -6 William McGirt (75), $167,400 74-70-70-68—282 -6 Henrik Stenson (75), $167,400 71-71-69-71—282 -6 Jimmy Walker (75), $167,400 69-69-70-74—282 -6 Scott Brown (60), $130,200 74-71-69-69—283 -5 Kia Classic Par Scores The Associated Press Sunday At Aviara Golf Club Carlsbad, Calif.

Purse: $1.7 million Yardage: 6,593; Par: 72 Final (x-won second hole of playoff) x-Beatriz Recari, $255,000 69-67-69-74—279 -9 I.K. Kim, $156,616 71-67-70-71—279 -9 Pornanong Phatlum, $90,748 75-68-69-68—280 -8 Mo Martin, $90,748 69-71-71-69—280 -8 Cristie Kerr, $90,748 70-68-71-71—280 -8 Jane Park, $49,590 66-72-72-71—281 -7 Lizette Salas, $49,590 69-70-70-72—281 -7 Karrie Webb, $49,590 67-70-70-74—281 -7 Haeji Kang, $33,762 69-69-76-68—282 -6 Giulia Sergas, $33,762 68-74-72-68—282 -6 Azahara Munoz, $33,762 72-70-69-71—282 -6 Stacy Lewis, $33,762 70-70-69-73—282 -6 Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic Par Scores The Associated Press Sunday At Fallen Oak Saucier, Miss.

Purse: $1.6 million Yardage: 7,119; Par: 72 Final Michael Allen (240), $240,000 70-68-67—205 -11 Bernhard Langer (141), $140,800 71-65-70—206 -10 Russ Cochran (95), $95,467 74-67-67—208 -8 Gene Sauers (95), $95,467 71-66-71—208 -8 Tom Pernice Jr. (95), $95,467 72-65-71—208 -8 David Frost (54), $54,400 70-71-69—210 -6 Rocco Mediate (54), $54,400 73-70-67—210 -6 Mark O’Meara (54), $54,400 70-70-70—210 -6 Peter Senior (54), $54,400 71-67-72—210 -6 Roger Chapman (40), $40,000 69-67-75—211 -5 Steve Elkington (40), $40,000 69-71-71—211 -5

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SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

16 N.C. A&T 73

11 Middle Tenn. 54

First Round

16 LIU-Brooklyn 55

13 Boise State 71

16 Liberty 72

11 St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 67

March 19-20 Dayton, Ohio

16 James Madison 68

13 La Salle 80

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Division I Basketball Championship

Second Round March 21-22

Lexington

9 Missouri 72

Colo. St. 56

March 28-29 Kansas 70 Kansas

Elite Eight March 30-31

Oregon St. Louis 57

Final Four

Michigan

Memphis 48

13 S. Dakota St. 56

MIDWEST

SOUTH

Indianapolis

North Texas

3 Florida 79

Mich. St. 70

Florida 78

National Championship

14 NW State 47 7 San Diego St. 70

S.D. St. 71

10 Oklahoma 55

FGCU

April 8

2 Georgetown 68

FGCU 81

Duke 43

15 FGCU 78 1 Indiana 83

Indiana 58

Gonzaga 70

16 James Madison 62

Indiana

Wichita St.

8 N.C. State 72

Temple 52

Wichita St. 76

9 Temple 76

9 Wichita St. 73

12 Ole Miss 57 4 Kansas St. 61

Salt Lake

13 Montana 34

Arizona 74

WEST

EAST

Los Angeles

Washington, D.C.

11 Bucknell 56

Marquette

Arizona

6 Butler 68

Butler 72

3 Marquette 59

Marquette 74

Harvard 51

Lexington

3 New Mexico 62

4 Syracuse 81

Syracuse 66

La Salle 76

11 Belmont 64

14 Davidson 58

14 Harvard 68 7 Notre Dame 58

7 Illinois 57 Iowa State 75

10 Iowa State 76

Illinois 59 Miami

Ohio State

2 Ohio State 95

10 Colorado 49 2 Miami 78

Miami 63

Ohio State 78

Austin

Dayton

12 California 64

Syracuse

La Salle

13 La Salle 63 6 Arizona 81

5 UNLV 61

California 60

Ole Miss 74

San Jose

Kansas City

5 Wisconsin 46

Dayton

16 Southern 58 8 Pittsburgh 55

11 Minnesota 83

Philadelphia

1 Gonzaga 64

6 UCLA 63 Minnesota 64

Florida

Mich. St.

Creighton 32

4 Michigan 71

Michigan 78

April 6

Duke

15 Albany 61

5 VCU 88 12 Akron 42

Atlanta

10 Cincinnati 63 2 Duke 73

8 N. Carolina 78 9 Villanova 71

14 Valparaiso 54 7 Creighton 67

16 Western Ky. 57

VCU 53

11 St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 52 3 Michigan St. 65

1 Kansas 64

UNC 58

Oregon 74

4 Saint Louis 64

6 Memphis 54

Elite Eight March 30-31

March 21-22

March 23-24

Austin

Auburn Hills

Sweet 16

March 28-29

Louisville 82

8 Colorado St. 84

13 N.M. State 44

Philadelphia

Sweet 16 Louisville

5 Oklahoma St. 55

Salt Lake

March 23-24

Second Round Third Round

Auburn Hills

12 Oregon 68

Third Round

15 Pacific 49

15 Iona 70

AP

FONTANA from Page B1 fracture in his lower spine his racing team said Monday.

Joe Gibbs Racing disclosed the injury and said Hamlin was expected to be released soon from a Southern California hospital to return home. He has what is called an L1 compression fracture; essentially, the first vertebra in the lumbar section of his spine collapsed.

Logano managed to finish third despite wrecking into the outside wall after hitting Hamlin, who spun Logano last week at Bristol and sparked a bitter post-race confrontation that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cool off during the past week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He probably shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done what he did last week, so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what he gets,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Logano said.

Yet the 22-year-old Logano might have even bigger worries than his burgeoning feud with Hamlin, whose team expects him to be fine.

Stewart got into a postrace shoving match with Logano, with the threetime champion threatening to â&#x20AC;&#x153;whoop his (butt)â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; after Logano aggressively blocked Stew-

art out of a late restart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time he learns a lesson,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stewart said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s run his mouth long enough. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing but a little rich kid thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never had to work in his life, so heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to learn what us working guys who had to work our way up (know about) how it works.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Almost forgotten in the post-race frenzy was Busch, who led 125 of 200 laps in his Toyota and earned his first victory of the season when he sped past Hamlin and Logano on the final turn. Dale Earnhardt Jr. also ceded the spotlight, even though NASCARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular driver moved into the Sprint Cup Series points lead with his second-place finish.

Even without Busch and Junior, NASCARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closest race to Hollywood had an abundance of drama. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m tired of these guys doing that stuff, especially out of a kid thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been griping about everybody else, and then he does that the next week,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stewart said, referring to Loganoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complaints about other driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; similar moves.

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AUTO CLUB 400 RESULTS The Associated Press Sunday At Auto Club Speedway Fontana, Calif.

Lap length: 2 miles (Start position in parentheses) 1. (4) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 200 laps, 148 rating, 48 points, $334,233.

2. (15) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 200, 104.1, 42, $212,340.

3. (6) Joey Logano, Ford, 200, 127, 42, $189,210.

4. (24) Carl Edwards, Ford, 200, 98.2, 40, $176,965.

5. (10) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 200, 95.5, 39, $136,965.

6. (2) Greg Biffle, Ford, 200, 94.2, 38, $144,473.

7. (5) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 200, 108.6, 38, $146,631.

8. (27) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 200, 85.4, 36, $138,156.

9. (16) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 200, 97.1, 35, $119,365.

10. (20) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 200, 81.7, 34, $144,148.

11. (19) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 200, 75.2, 33, $145,616.

12. (18) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 200, 81.2, 32, $146,666.

13. (14) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 200, 110.4, 32, $143,816.

14. (23) Aric Almirola, Ford, 200, 70.2, 30, $136,516.

15. (11) Casey Mears, Ford, 200, 66.1, 29, $126,338.

16. (26) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 200, 75.7, 28, $122,488.

17. (22) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 200, 65.1, 27, $105,280.

18. (7) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota, 200, 85.7, 26, $128,655.

19. (17) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 200, 80.5, 25, $122,225.

20. (31) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 200, 66.1, 24, $142,816.

21. (29) Dave Blaney, Chevrolet, 200, 55.1, 23, $108,738.

22. (8) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 200, 95.3, 23, $137,405.

23. (3) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 200, 77.5, 21, $143,421.

24. (42) David Ragan, Ford, 200, 53.2, 21, $112,313.

25. (1) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, accident, 199, 101.6, 20, $120,080.

26. (40) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 199, 44.2, 18, $88,105.

27. (37) J.J. Yeley, Chevrolet, 199, 46.3, 17, $90,705.

28. (25) Bobby Labonte, Toyota, 198, 50.1, 16, $107,552.

29. (34) David Gilliland, Ford, 198, 46.4, 15, $89,705.

30. (36) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, 194, 36.5, 14, $90,955.

31. (32) David Stremme, Toyota, 193, 34.7, 13, $88,755.

32. (43) Joe Nemechek, Toyota, 193, 29.8, 0, $86,055.

33. (28) David Reutimann, Toyota, oil leak, 192, 51.4, 11, $85,830.

34. (33) Travis Kvapil, Toyota, 188, 42, 11, $93,630.

35. (13) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, engine, 184, 88.1, 9, $128,038.

36. (21) Marcos Ambrose, Ford, 182, 55.5, 8, $112,479.

37. (9) Mark Martin, Toyota, 179, 62.4, 7, $93,034.

38. (12) Juan Pablo Montoya, Chevrolet, 169, 59, 6, $106,524.

39. (39) Timmy Hill, Ford, rear gear, 108, 28.9, 5, $75,310.

40. (30) Josh Wise, Ford, overheating, 103, 40.1, 0, $71,310.

41. (38) Scott Riggs, Ford, vibration, 66, 27.1, 3, $67,310.

42. (35) Michael McDowell, Ford, vibration, 60, 33, 2, $63,310.

43. (41) Mike Bliss, Toyota, fuel pump, 44, 27.4, 0, $59,810.

B3

FGCU from Page B1 Kansas City

San Jose

1 Louisville 79 16 NC A&T 48

THE ITEM

popped into his mailbox at a fairly dizzying rate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one knows â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no one knew â&#x20AC;&#x201D; what FGCU stood for, the letters.

Now it puts our university in a national spotlight and rightly so, because this is a great place. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a young, vibrant university with just a lot of energy.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been trying to tell that story to a lot of people.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Eagles play Florida in the South Regional semifinals Friday night, two wins from a mostimprobable trip to the Final Four. Seeded 15th in their region, FGCU knocked off both No. 2 Georgetown and No. 7 San Diego State in Philadelphia over the weekend to keep their season going.

Enfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lone mistake so far in the NCAA tournament may have been what happened when he went to bed around 5:30 a.m. Monday, roughly two hours after the Eagles landed home in Fort Myers after punching their ticket to the regional semifinals.

Before Enfield went to sleep, he forgot to silence his ringer. Suffice to say, he was awakened long before he wanted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of the moment,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Enfield said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy to sacrifice a little sleep for the success of our program.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maybe the best way to explain whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening right now with FGCU: In a state where the Gators are back in the regional semifinals, where the Miami Hurricanes (who lost to FGCU early this season) are still alive in the field and look very much like a title contender, and as the Miami Heat took a 26-game winning streak into their game at Orlando on Monday, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Eagles who might be the best story.

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B4

SPORTS

THE ITEM

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Heat pull away from Magic for 27th straight win ORLANDO, Fla. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; LeBron James left one rebound shy of a triple-double, feigning a bit of frustration as he checked out of the game.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about all the Miami Heat could complain about these days.

James finished JAMES with 24 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, and the Heat won their 27th straight game by running away in the final minutes to beat the Orlando Magic 108-94 on Monday night.

NBA ROUNDUP

|

Mario Chalmers scored 17, and Chris Bosh and Ray Allen each added 12 for Miami, which broke open a tie game with a 13-0 run spanning the end of the third and start of the fourth quarters. Miami eventually pushed the lead to 20 before Heat coach Erik Spoelstra emptied the bench in what became his 250th win with the team.

The Heat now are within six games of matching the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers for the longest winning streak

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NCAA ROUNDUP

|

UConn rolls past Vandy STORRS, Conn. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis scored 22 points and top-seeded Connecticut advanced to the regional semifinals of the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NCAA tournament for the 20th consecutive season with a 77-44 win over Vanderbilt on Monday night.

Freshman Breanna Stewart added 14 points and Stefanie Dolson had 12 points and nine rebounds for the Huskies (31-4), who are seeking their sixth straight trip to the Final Four and eighth national championship.

Tiffany Clarke had 16 points for Vanderbilt, which finished 21-12 but lost three of its last six games.

TENNESSEE CREIGHTON

68 52

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kamiko Williams scored 15 points and Tennessee pulled away in the second half to beat Creighton 68-52 on Monday night, advancing to the Oklahoma Regional semifinals.

The second-seeded Lady Vols (26-7), who are 52-0 in NCAA tournament games on their home floor, will play Oklahoma on Sunday.

MARYLAND MICHIGAN STATE

74 49

COLLEGE PARK, Md. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alyssa Thomas scored 28 points and Maryland defeated Michigan State 74-49 Monday night to advance to the round of 16 in the NCAA womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament for a second straight year.

The fourth-seeded Terrapins (26-7) will face top seed Connecticut in the Bridgeport Regional semifinals. Maryland reached the round of eight a year ago.

OKLAHOMA UCLA

85 72

COLUMBUS, Ohio â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Aaryn Ellenberg scored 27 points and Joanna McFarland handled things inside with 20 points and 16 rebounds to lead Oklahoma past UCLA, 85-72 earning a trip back to the Soonersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home state for the regional semifinals.

Sixth-seeded Oklahoma (24-10) will face No. 2 seed Tennessee (26-7) in Oklahoma City on Sunday.

in NBA history.

A 20-2 run over 4 1/2 minutes spanning the third and fourth quarters was all it took for Miami to take control for good, and beat the Magic for the third time in three meetings this season â&#x20AC;&#x201D; after surviving a pair of earlier nail-biters.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now the second-longest winning streak in American major sports, behind only the Lakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; run. Baseballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New York Giants won 26 straight games in 1916, the New England Patriots took 21 consec-

utive NFL games in 2003 and 2004, and the NHLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pittsburgh Penguins won 17 consecutive times in 1993.

PACERS HAWKS

100 94

INDIANAPOLIS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Gerald Green scored 19 points and Roy Hibbert finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds Monday night, leading the shorthanded Indiana Pacers past the Atlanta Hawks, 100-94.

The Pacers (44-27) extended their Central Division lead to five games over second-

place Chicago with 11 games to play.

WIZARDS GRIZZLIES

107 94

Washington â&#x20AC;&#x201D; John Wall scored a career-high 47 points and added eight assists, Emeka Okafor had 21 points and nine rebounds, and the undermanned Washington Wizards beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 107-94 Monday night.

Wall shot 13 of 22 from the field and made a career-high 19 free throws on 24 attempts.

From wire reports

SPORTS ITEMS

|

USC women trail Kansas at half BOULDER, Co. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Twelfthseeded Kansas led fourth-seeded South Carolina 42-41 at halftime of Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secondround NCAA womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tournament game in the Norfolk Regional.

Kansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Monica Engelman led the Jayhawks with WALKER 18 points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal.

Ieasia Walker led USC with nine points, an assist and two steals at the first half break.

The final result was not available at press time. For a complete recap, visit our website at www.theitem.com.

UCLA FIRES HOWLAND

LOS ANGELES â&#x20AC;&#x201D; UCLA has fired Ben Howland as basketball coach after 10 seasons that included three Final Four appearances, but culminated with another early-round exit from the NCAA tournament.

Howland had a 233-107 record in Westwood, including three consecutive Final Four appearances from 2006-08 and four Pac-12 championships, in-

cluding this season. The Bruinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; season ended last Friday with an 83-63 loss to Minnesota in the NCAA tournament.

MINNESOTA FIRES SMITH

MINNEAPOLIS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Minnesota has fired Tubby Smith one day after the Golden Gophers lost to Florida in the NCAA tournament.

Smith was 124-81 (.610) in six seasons at Minnesota. He arrived in 2007 from Kentucky, immediately ramping up expectations for a team that was buried by an academic cheating scandal.

ond hole of a playoff with I.K. Kim to win the Kia Classic on Sunday.

After Recari and Kim threeputted No. 18 both in regulation and on the first playoff hole, Recari ended it for her first victory since her rookie season of 2010.

ALLEN WINS GULF RESORT CLASSIC

SAUCIER, Miss. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Michael Allen rallied to win the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic on Sunday for his fourth Champions Tour title, shooting a 5-under 67 to leapfrog a crowded leaderboard.

AP SOURCE: LOHSE, BREWERS REACH DEAL

APP. ST., GA. SOUTHERN JOINING SUN BELT

A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse and the Milwaukee Brewers have reached agreement on a three-year contract worth $33 million.

Lohse enjoyed his best season in the majors last year, going 16-3 with a 2.86 ERA and helping the St. Louis Cardinals earn an NL wild-card spot.

A person familiar with the situation says Georgia Southern and Appalachian State are leaving the Southern Conference for the Sun Belt Conference.

The two schools will join the Sun Belt in every sport except football beginning in 2014. The football programs will join in 2015, making the transition from the FCS to the FBS. An announcement is scheduled for later this week.

RECARI BEATS KIM ON 2ND PLAYOFF HOLE

CARLSBAD, Calif. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Beatrtiz Recari sank an 18-foot birdie putt from the fringe on the sec-

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WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NCAA TOURNAMENT OKLAHOMA CITY REGIONAL Second Round Monday Columbus, Ohio Oklahoma 85, UCLA 72 Knoxville, Tenn.

Tennessee 68, Creighton 52 Today Waco, Texas Florida State (23-9) vs. Baylor (33-1), 9:30 p.m.

Louisville, Ky. Purdue (25-8) vs. Louisville (25-8), 7:10 p.m.

SPOKANE REGIONAL Second Round Monday Spokane, Wash.

Iowa State (24-8) vs. Georgia (26-6), late Lubbock, Texas California (29-3) vs. South Florida (22-10), late Today Stanford, Calif.

Stanford (32-2) vs. Michigan (22-10), 9:30 p.m.

Baton Rouge, La. Penn State (26-5) vs. LSU (21-11), 9:30 p.m.

NORFOLK REGIONAL Second Round Monday Boulder, Colo.

South Carolina (25-7) vs. Kansas (19-13), late College Station, Texas Texas A&M (25-9) vs. Nebraska (24-8), late Today Iowa City Notre Dame (32-1) vs. Iowa (21-12), 9:30 p.m.

Durham, N.C. Duke (31-2) vs. Oklahoma State (22-10), 7:10 p.m.

BRIDGEPORT REGIONAL Second Round Monday Storrs, Conn.

Connecticut 77, Vanderbilt 44 College Park, Md. Maryland 74, Michigan State 49 Today Newark, Del. Delaware (31-3) vs. North Carolina (29-6), 7:05 p.m.

Queens, N.Y. Kentucky (28-5) vs. Dayton (28-2), 7:15 p.m.

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OBITUARIES

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

FRANCES M. WALDRON Frances M. Waldron, 84, widow of Joseph A. Waldron Sr., died Sunday, March 24, 2013, at NHC Healthcare in Sumter.

Born in Deerfield, N.H., she was a daughter of the late Samuel Sr. and Ruth Revere Roper.

She attended Sumter First Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include two sons, Joseph A. Waldron Jr. (Dorothy) and Timothy Waldron, both of Sumter; four grandchildren, Bryson James Dear, Jacqueline Hicks, Caitlin Waldron and Rachel Waldron; a greatgranddaughter, Aviana Hicks; a brother, Samuel Roper Jr. of Florida; and four sisters, Helen Rogers, Olive Bentley, Shirley Walker and Carol Chick, all of New Hampshire.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Gage.

Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday at Sumter First Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Greg Pressley officiating.

Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michael Bachel, Ken Alvis, Kenny Allen, Van Purvis, Ron Whetsel and Wallace Woodworth.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at ElmoreCannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home of her son.

Memorials may be

made to Sumter First Church of the Nazarene Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department, 3700 Patriot Parkway, Sumter, SC 29154.

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

ADA BELLE MORRIS Ada Belle Morris, age 89, died on Monday, March 25, 2013, at Sumter Health and Rehab.

Born in Turbeville, Ms. Morris was a daughter of the late Sidney Richard and Josephine Holliday Morris. Ms. Morris worked for Pioneer Dress and was a member of Pine Grove Methodist Church. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-greatgrandmother.

Surviving are one son, Thomas Mitchell â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mickeyâ&#x20AC;? Morris Sr. of Turbeville; two brothers, Ralph Morris and Richard Morris and his wife, Frances, all of Sumter; three grandchildren, Mitchell Morris, Greg Morris and his wife, Zanne, and Darren Morris and his wife, Amy; nine great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat-grandchild.

Ms. Morris was preceded in death by two brothers, David Morris and Ray Morris; and two sisters, Margie Howard and Faye Morris.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m.

Wednesday in the Bullock Funeral Home Cha-

pel with the Rev. Jamie McElveen officiating.

Interment will follow at the Pine Grove Methodist Church cemetery, 1090 Morgan St., Turbeville, SC 29162.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday one hour prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m. at Bullock Funeral Home.

You may sign the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

Bullock Funeral Home & Crematorium BETTY B. HUBBARD Betty Benton Hubbard, 81, devoted wife of William â&#x20AC;&#x153;Billâ&#x20AC;? Hubbard, died Sunday, March 24, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Services will be announced by Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, (803) 775-9386.

Elmore Hill McCreight

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in the Arnold Palmer Invitational tied a PGA Tour record that had not been touched in 48 years.

This win had extra significance.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back to No. 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I get healthy, I know I can play this game at a high level,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Woods said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know I can be where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m contending in every event, contending in major championships and being consistent day in and day out â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if I got healthy. That was the first step in the process. Once I got there, then my game turned.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; A year ago, he came to Bay Hill without having won in more than 2 1/2 years. He left this year having won six times in his last 20 starts on the PGA Tour.

Next up is the Masters, where Woods will try to end his five-year drought in the majors.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really excited about the rest of this year,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Woods said.

Like so many other victories, this one was never really close.

Fowler pulled to within two shots with a 25-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole, but after he and Woods made bogey on the 15th, Fowler went at the flag on the par-5 16th and came up a few yards short and into the water.

Fowler put another ball into the water and made triple bogey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was swinging it well. I made a few putts, and trying to put a little pressure on them, let them know I was there,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fowler said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just would like to have that 7-iron back on 16.

Just kind of a touch heavy.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Woods played it safe on the 18th, and nearly holed a 75-foot par putt that even drew a big smile from the tournament host.

Woods tied the tour record of eight wins in a single tournament.

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Rembert; one son, Norman Rembert; four sisters, Mary Adams, Lizzy Rembert, Roberta Rembert and Lucille Sumter; and six brothers, George Sr. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bossieâ&#x20AC;?, Harmon, Leland, Richard, Robert and William Rembert.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.

Wednesday at the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel, Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with the Rev. J. Elbert Williams, eulogist, and the Rev. Davie Brown presiding.

The family will receive friends at the home, 205 Woodlawn Ave., Sumter.

The funeral procession will leave at 12:30 p.m. from the home.

Floral bearers and pallbearers will be friends of the family.

Burial will be in Florence National Cemetery, Florence.

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

Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.

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

SEE OBITUARIES, PAGE B6

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JOHNNY REMBERT Johnny â&#x20AC;&#x153;Busterâ&#x20AC;? Rembert, 91, departed this earthly life on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at his residence.

Born Feb. 28, 1922, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Hampton and Susan Sumpter Rembert. He was educated in the public

schools of Sumter County. Mr. Rembert was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from Sumter Dairies Inc. as a manufacturing engineer, where he earned several awards and commendations for outstanding contributions during his time of employment.

He was married to the late Minnie Rembert.

From this union, two children were born, Yvonne Rembert Turner and Norman Rembert.

He had a devoted friend and companion of more than 40 years, the late Willie Mae Rogers.

He leaves to mourn his passing: three daughters, Yvonne (Leon) Rembert Turner of Washington, D.C., and Johnnie Mae White and Lillie (Larry) Wilson, both of Sumter; one sister, Annie Rembert of Cleveland, Ohio; an adopted son of the home, retired Staff Sgt. John Rogers Jr.; a granddaughter and personal caregiver, Patricia Robertson of Sumter; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie

By Amanda McNulty County Extension Agent

|

WOODS from Page B1

Wednesday at Trinity United Methodist Church cemetery near Lynchburg.

The family will speak to friends immediately following the service.

Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late John Wilson and Elvira Theresa Rose Graham. Mr. Graham was a retired farmer and a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II, where he attained the rank of staff sergeant.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Elbert Wilson Graham; and four sisters, Mildred Green, Miriam Stewart, Mattie James and Mavis White.

Surviving are a sister, Marion Paul of Chicopee, Mass.; and a special nephew, Calvin C. Green of Lake City.

Online condolences may be made at www. floydfuneral.com.

B5

Keeping Sumter Beautiful

GEORGE W. GRAHAM TURBEVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; George Wyatt Graham, age 92, died March 25, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, after an illness.

Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m.

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Thirty-three years ago I saw my first wild turkey footprint on a dirt road in Winnsboro. To this day, I remember the thrill of seeing a sign of a rare, endangered animal. Today, wild turkeys may be spotted all over South Carolina, gobbling their way across fields and meadows.

Sumter County has a wild stream, one still open to the sunlight and stars, not restricted to a culvert, in the form of Turkey Creek. Flowing from Highway 763 to the Pocotaligo River, it provides a glimpse of nature not common in many urban areas. Sadly, not only does it attract wildlife but litterers. The woods, surrounding ditches, and stream banks are filthy with trash.

Not only is this litter horrible to look at, but what we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see is the sediment and polluting chemicals, fertilizers, and other compounds that are in the water itself.

As rainwater falls, it washes pollutants into this waterway, compromising life for those stream critters. Dragonflies, tadpoles, turtles, fish, birds, raccoons and the occasional Homo sapien all depend on a clean water supply.

Carolina Clear/Sumter Stormwater Solutions, which is blessed to have our new Clemson Extension co-worker, Jolie Brown as one its members, has planned a cleanup to help this â&#x20AC;&#x153;turkeyâ&#x20AC;? get back on its feet. This coming Saturday, March 16th, volunteers are needed to give nature a hand. The plan is to meet at Lemira Elementary School, 952 Fulton Street, at the civilized hour of 10 am. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants (smilax and blackberries do grow in our SC woods!). If you have gloves bring them, but Carolina Clear/Sumter Stormwater Solutions, will have extra pairs along with bug spray, safety vests, and bags.

At noon, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll call it a day and stand back and take pride in the monstrous pile of bags, filled with trash, which the City of Sumter will carry away and put in the right place. Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you consider being a part of the solution? For more information, give Jolie Brown a call at 773-5561 or shoot her an email, jolie2@clemson.edu.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. If, due to a disability, you need special accommodations in order to participate in an Extension program, please notify office three days prior to event.

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OBITUARIES

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ADRIENE S. McGEE A woman of great grace, courage and strength, Adriene Shinelle McGee was born on April 6, 1983. The youngest child and only daughter born to David Jr. and Joan Simmons McGEE McGee, Adriene lived vibrantly and, after 29 years of life, she transitioned to her heavenly home on March 22, 2013.

A 2001 graduate of Crestwood High School, Adriene furthered her education at Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC). She graduated from CCTC in 2007 with a degree in business. She was employed

by Companion Property and Casualty, a subsidiary of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina. In addition to her civilian career, Spc. Adriene McGee was a dedicated soldier, who joined the United States Army Reserves in May of 2001. She attended basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Jackson.

Upon completion of her advanced individual training, she was assigned to the 360th Civil Affairs BDE, where she served as human resource specialist in the BDE Sustainment S1 Section. She worked diligently and made every effort to learn. Her selfless service and dedication did not go unnoticed as she answered the calling from the 2nd Psychological (Tactical) Operations Group to stand up the 338th Psychological Operations Company (TPU) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fort Jackson. Spc. McGee was an intricate part of the 2nd Psychological (Tactical) Operations Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Human Resource Team by helping stand up and welcome the new Psychological Operations Company to Fort Jackson. Her attention to detail made the process seamless. She was elated to return to the 360th, where she took the position of human resources sergeant. She did well in that position and did a stand-out job as a leader, training her team to top performance. When the call came in to serve abroad, she dutifully answered, showing dedication to the unit, Army and her country. While serving in Afghanistan, Adriene McGee quickly advanced through the ranks to specialist. At the time of her passing, she was awaiting her next promotion to sergeant.

Military awards and decorations for Adriene McGee include Joint Service Accommodation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserves Medal with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mâ&#x20AC;? Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Her military education included Army Basic Training, Administrative Specialist Course, Human Resources Specialist Certification, and Sere 100 Conduct of Conduct Training Course.

Adriene was reared in a Christian home and was nurtured through

the love of her closeknit family. As an adult, she made a faith decision and joined Saint Mark United Methodist Church under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Telley Lynnette Gadson. At Saint Mark, she was actively involved in the life of the church and served in the following areas of ministry: the young adult ministry, the Judah Prayze Chorale and Fellowship, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher, and coordinator for Native American Awareness.

Adriene had a great zeal for life and her personality was infectious!

She had a strong work ethic and integrity was the hallmark of her character. In all that she is applauded for, her greatest joy was her family.

Her memories will be forever cherished by her loving and devoted parents, David Jr. and Joan Simmons McGee, who unconditionally cared for her; two brothers who were her protectors, Kevin Dorel (Fonda) Simmons of Kannapolis, N.C., and David McGee III of Sumter; a very special friend, Isaiah Henry; her maternal grandmother, Loretta Simmons; her paternal grandmother, Viola McGee; her aunts and uncles, Robert and Maxine Jackson, Willie and Elizabeth Martin, John and Deborah McGee, Darrell and Elizabeth McGee, Vanessa and Joseph Simmons, George Earl and Joyce McGee, Dexter and Patricia McGee, Joyce and James McFedden, Carrie Mae Gadson, and Pam Taylor; three special nieces, Jaliyah Alexis Simmons, Tylaiyah Shinelle McGee and Jaira Auneese Simmons; her godparents, William Weston Gadson and Delores Brooks; one godson, Zachary Boldwin; three goddaughters, Destini Davis, Kay Stuckey and Karisma Dease; very special friends, Dawn and Charles Williams and Regina Moore-Dease; other special brothers and sisters known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Cousins;â&#x20AC;? and a host of other relatives, extended family and friends.

Adriene was proceded in death by her grandfathers, David McGee Sr. and Joe Simmons; and a cousin, Devin Terrell Taylor.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.

Wednesday at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 1093 Oswego Highway, Sumter, with the Rev. Telley Lynnette Gadson, master of divinity, pastor, eulogist; Bishop Elvin Mickens, master of business administration, pastor of Mount Calvary Holy Church FWC, Concord, N.C., and overseer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; N.C. State Mt. Calvary Holy Churches of America, presiding; assisted by the Rev. Eric Dent, pastor of Saint Paul AME Church, the Rev. Retha M. Nelson, pastor of New Covenant Presbyterian Church (USA), and Co-pastor Darlene Mickens, Mount Calvary HC FWC. The remains will be placed in the church at noon.

The family will receive friends and relatives at her home, 3227

W. Brewington Road, Sumter.

The funeral procession will leave at 12:20 p.m. from her home.

Floral bearers and pallbearers will be military personnel.

Burial will be in New Covenant Presbyterian Church cemetery, Martin Town Road, Sumter.

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

Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

WARDELL MOORE Sr. Wardell Moore Sr., 82, died Friday, March 22, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Mayesville, he was a son of the late Henry Sr. and Julia Moore. At an early age, he attended St. Mark United Methodist Church in Mayesville and later at- MOORE tended St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter. In addition to farming, he was employed at the Coca-Cola and New Ideal Plant companies in Sumter.

In addition to his wives and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Wardell Moore Jr.; a special grandson, Cedric Moore; and nine siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.

Wednesday at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St., Sumter, with the Rev. James Prothro presiding and Minister Wendell Moore, eulogist. Interment will follow in Mayesville Community Cemetery.

The public may view from 1 to 7 p.m. today at Palmer Memorial Chapel.

The family will receive friends at the residence of Franklin and Harriet Moore, 1215 Collingwood Drive, Sumter.

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

JAMES E. CONYERS SUMMERTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; James â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jayâ&#x20AC;? Edward Conyers, 83, husband of Lueleatha Singleton Conyers, died Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning.

He was born Aug. 19, 1929, in the Spring Hill section of Clarendon County, a son of the late Robert and Easter Gipson Conyers. At an early age, he joined Spring Hill AME Church in Summerton, where he served on the trustee board for many years.

He received his formal education in the public schools of Clarendon County. Jay was a farmer for CONYERS many years and was employed at Sunbeam/Aircap Industrial Plant, Manning.

Survivors are his wife, Lueleatha â&#x20AC;&#x153;Loxieâ&#x20AC;?

Conyers of the home; one daughter, Rebecca of Baltimore, Md.; two sons, James â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vanâ&#x20AC;?

(Daisy) of Summerton and the Rev. Harold (Sandra) of Irmo; five grandchildren, Marshall, Kimberly (Danta) and Britton, all of Atlanta, Shana of Charlotte, N.C., and Jayson of Irmo; and two greatgrandchildren, Kaeslyn and Asia of Atlanta.

Wake services will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at Hayes F. & LeNelle J. Samuels Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St., Manning.

The celebratory service for Mr. Conyers will be held at 3 p.m.

Wednesday at Spring Hill AME Church, 4309 Bill Davis Road, Summerton, with the Rev. Emma Mellerson, pastor, the Rev. Harold Conyers, son, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Franklin McCants and Presiding Elder Alonzo Middleton. Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery.

Mr. Conyers will lie in repose one hour prior to service.

The family is receiving friends at the home, 2689 Springhill Road, Summerton.

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

CARLETTE W. BARTLETTE BATESBURG â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Carlette Weatherly Bartlette, 91, widow of James Arrie Bartlette Sr., died Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Agape Hospice House in Columbia.

Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Erasmus A. and Susie Grey Weatherly.

Mrs. Bartlette was a member of Eastside Baptist Church and a past matron of the Iris Chapter Order of Eastern Star. She was retired

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Bartlette Jr. of Batesburg; three grandchildren, Ted Powell, Melissa Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell and Kelly Lybrand; and six greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Sylvia B. Powell; one brother, Walter Weatherly; and three sisters, Vivian W. Brannon, Susie W. Thames and Ruby W. Floyd.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today in the Chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with the Rev. Ron Davis officiating. Burial will be at 4 p.m. in the Ridge Crest Memorial Park Cemetery in Batesburg.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. today at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home.

The family of Carlette Bartlette would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the loving care that was provided by Agape Senior Care of Lexington and Agape Hospice.

Memorials may be made to Eastside Baptist Church, 321 Mill St., Batesburg, SC 29006 or to Agape Foundation, c/o Lisa Livingston, 1053 Center St., W. Columbia, SC 29169.

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.

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BERTHA JONES SUMMERTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bertha Jones, 80, widow of Levi Jones, died on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Linden Village, Lebanon, Pa. She was born Thursday, Sept. 15, 1932, in the Davis Crossroads community of Summerton, to the late Seth and Mary Brunson.

The family is receiving friends at the home of her sister-in-law, Geneva King, 21 Larry King Highway, Summerton.

Services have been entrusted in the professional care of KingFields Mortuary, Summerton.

DWIGHT A. COCHRAN BLYTHEWOOD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Dwight Ali Cochran, 51,

husband of Marlene Cochran, died Saturday, March 23, 2013, at his residence, 142 Elton Walker Road, Blythewood.

He was born April 29, 1961, in Norfolk, Va., a son of Raye Cochran Honore and stepson of Willie Pearson.

The family is receiving friends at the home of his mother, 1639 Alderman Camp Road, Alcolu.

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

HARVIN G. GRANT REMBERT â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Deacon Harvin Gilbert Grant, 60, of 4560 Borden Road, Borden community, Rembert, died Sunday, March 24, 2013.

Friends may call at the residence.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date.

Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funeral Home, Camden, is serving the Grant family.

PATRICIA MAJOR-VAUGHN Patricia MajorVaughn, 53, was born Feb. 9, 1960, in Sumter, a daughter of Mozel Major Ford. She departed this life on March 24, 2013, at Doctors Hospital of Augusta in Augusta, Ga. The family is receiving friends at the home, 1335 Morris Way, Sumter.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.

JAMES BUTLER James Butler, of 4351 Confederate Road, Sumter, entered eternal rest on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at his home.

Born Aug. 20, 1934, he was a son of the late Richard and Claudia Randolph Butler.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

JULIA ANN COUSAR MITCHELLVILLE, Md. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Julia Ann Cousar, 64, died Sunday, March 24, 2013, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning.

She was born Feb. 25, 1949, in Manning, a daughter of the late Rannie and Pearl Kennedy Cousar.

The family is receiving friends at the home of her sister, Patricia â&#x20AC;&#x153;Patâ&#x20AC;? C. Harrison, 13819 U.S. 301, Gable.

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

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803.774.1234

OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD LEGAL NOTICES Estate Notice Sumter County

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 ile 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 irst 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:

James Richardson

#2013ES4300146 Personal Representative: C/O Richard L. Booth Attorney at Law 17 East Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Pete B. Floyd

#2013ES4300142 Personal Representative Michelle Floyd C/O EJ Mercer Attorney At Law PO Box 1347 Sumter, SC 29151

Estate:

Thomas Pringels

#2013ES4300135 Personal Representative Elsie N. Pringels 205 Wilson Street Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Ervin H Hickman Jr

#2013ES4300124 Personal Representative: Mary R. Hickman 885 Oakbrook Blvd Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Jon F. Pillsbury Sr

#2013ES4300155 Personal Representative Jennifer L. Pillsbury 480 Pioneer Drive Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Estate Notice Sumter County

Estate Notice Sumter County

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

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 ile 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 irst 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.

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 ile 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 irst 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:

Mary Russell Sigmon

#2013ES4300159 Personal Representative James Sidney Sigmon 1577 Woodcroft Drive Fort Mill, SC 29708

Estate:

Horace L. Morris, Jr.

#2013ES4300131 Personal Representative: Malinda Avins 2285 Swallow Drive Sumter, SC 29154

Estate:

Alton Bordeaux

#2013ES4300143 Personal Representative Mark Alton Bordeaux 1030 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Richard S. Mcdonald

#2013ES4300125 Personal Representative: Ellen Valirie McDonald-Hayes C/O Glenn S. Givens Attorney At Law 107 North Main Street Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Robert C. McCoy

#2013ES4300138 Personal Representative Melissa M. Cromer 5 Maplewood Drive Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

#2013ES4300149 Personal Representative Sandra F. Elmore 652 Mattison Ave Sumter, SC 29150

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 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in the Planning Department's Conference Room located in the Liberty Center (12 W. Liberty Street, Sumter, South Carolina.

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.

Theodore H. Parker

Mary Lily Gamble

Kevin Roosevelt Evans

Ralph G. Macdonald, Sr.

#2013ES4300133 Personal Representative: Douglas P. Macdonald 2559 Kingston Drive Florence, SC 29505

Estate:

For Routes In The

ALCOLU & HWY 301

EARN EXTRA INCOME

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

COME BY & APPLY AT

John C. Warren

#2013ES4300140 Personal Representative Virginia A. Warren 2794 Porcher Drive Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

CONTRACTOR WANTED!

Helen G. Eaglin

#2013ES4300160 Personal Representative Mona G. Eaglin 2129 Sandy Run Drive Gaston, SC 29053

Estate:

Roofing

Home Improvements Concrete Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, etc. 803-934-6692 www.lgdirtbusters.com. Call today TW Painting, carpentry & all household needs.

Call 803-460-7629.

In Loving Memory of Spc. Emanual L. Blanding 02/27/1986 - 03/22/09 Please God forgive the silent tears, a constant wish that he was here. Others were taken, yes we know, but he was ours and we loved him so. He bid no one a last Farewell, nor even say good-bye he was gone before we knew it and only God know why. It's been four years since he left us, but if all the world were ours to give. We'd give it all and more to see that loving face of his just once again.

Love, Ebony, Tonya, Matthew, Matthew Jr., Carla, Grandma, Granddad, Aunts, Uncles & Cousins

Int/Ext Painting, Pressure washing. 30 yrs exp. Ref. Quality work/free est.

Call Bennie 468-7592

Professional Remodelers Home maintenance, room additions roofing, siding & windows doors, etc.

Lic. & Ins. (Office) 803-692-4084 or (Cell) 803-459-4773

Hodge Roofing Solutions, LLC, Lic.& Bonded. Free Estimates.

Also do Vinyl Siding & Seamless Gutters. 803-840-4542 Robert's Metal Roofing 29 years exp. 18 colors & 45 year warranty. Call 803-837-1549.

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

803-316-0128

Lawn Service JW PROFESSIONAL LAWN Seasonal lawn maintenance, leaf removal, roof/gutter cleaning, pressure washing, hedging, pine straw, fencing, decks, small additions, and mulch, haul off junk and much more. 20 yrs experience.

Call 803-406-1818

STATE TREE SERVICE Worker's Comp & General liability insurance. Top quality service, lowest prices. 803-494-5175 or 803-491-5154 www.statetree.net Ricky's Tree Service Tree removal, stump grinding, Lic & ins, free quote, 803-435-2223 or cell 803-460-8747.

CLASSIFIEDS

Addrana M. Jones

#2013ES4300153 Personal Representative Irene Reyes Evans C/O John S. Keffer Attorney At Law 23 West Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Fulton Town Electric, Service any electrical needs. Cert. Master Electrician, 938-3261/883-4607

Loman Brooks, Sr

#2013ES3200137 Personal Representative: Ann G. Geddings 507 Mimosa Drive Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

Painting

I Found it in the

William Anderson Ballard

#2013ES4300154 Personal Representative Alicia Parker Sweatt 145 Midland Drive Asheville, NC 28804

Estate:

Electrical Services

Charles Pearson

#2013ES4300134 Personal Representative: Carmen Jones Pack 2530 Brogden Circle Sumter, SC 29153

Estate:

NEED AN ERRAND RUN???

Call Gail at 803-464-8825. Very reasonable rates.

Gail's Go For Service

Daniel's Lawn Care •Tree removal/trim •Clean-up jobs •Mowing •Pinestraw Mulch 803-968-4185

SUMTER COUNTY COUNCIL Eugene Baten, Chairman Mary Blanding, Clerk

#2013ES4300161 Personal Representative Arthur Brooks C/O Larry C. Weston Attorney At Law 201 N Main Street Sumter, SC 29150

Estate:

In Memory

James A. Fickling, Sr

#2013ES4300083 Personal Representative: Alanda Ballard Harris 465 Newbern Avenue Asheboro, NC 27205

Estate:

Business Services

Lost & Found Found: small white dog on Brewington Rd. Owner call 469-3906 to identify.

Newman's Lawn & Tree Service Mowing, hedge trimming, Spring clean-up, pinestraw, mulch bedding, tree removal. 803-316-0128

Lucille P. Gipson

#2013ES4300136 Personal Representative Gloria L Pearson 2950 Forest Lake Drive Sumter, SC 29154

Estate:

Lawn Service

BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS SERVICES

#2013ES4300126 Personal Representative: Roosevelt M. Mitchell PO Box 1457 Summerton, SC 29148

William G. Jolly Jr

#2013ES4300148 Personal Representative Clara M. Touchberry 1051 E Sherwood Drive Sumter, SC 29153

Estate:

Estate:

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.

Ima Jean Langston

#2013ES4300157 Personal Representative Deborah Finkelstein 1350 Moss Street Orangeburg, SC 29115

JOBS HOMES APARTMENTS CARS BOATS MOTORCYCLES BIKES FURNITURE PETS GARAGE SALES & MORE GET THE CLASSIFIEDS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR. 803-774-1258

41 N. Mill St. Manning, SC or 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC

20 N. Magnolia Street • Sumter, SC www.theitem.com

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR FAMOUS WAREHOUSE SALE! SATURDAY, APRIL 6 8AM - 5PM

MATCHING

LARGE BATH TOWELS $4 Each

29 Progress St. - Sumter 775-8366 Ext. 37

HAND TOWELS

Store Hours 0RQ 6DW Â&#x2021; 9:30 - 5:00 Closed Sunday

WASHCLOTHS

$1.25 Each 50¢ Each

Tree Service

For Sale or Trade

Tree Doctor Call us for an appt. Free est. 7 days/week. Prune trees, remove trees, grind stumps, proper limbing & treatment. 803-773-8402.

Burgundy rug 7 1/2ft wide and 10ft long. In good condition.

Asking $40 for it.

Call 803-452-5758

PETS & ANIMALS EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time

Livestock Baby chicks www.barnyardconservation.com

Call 803-410-3815

MERCHANDISE Want to Buy Doulton photo album, 300 4x6, Roses on front.

UPC 837226003764. 573-644-3834 Wanted Appliances: Washers, Dryers, Stoves & Refrig. Working or not. 803-968-4907 Looking for a stump grinder in good condition.

Call (803) 468-1946

Farm Products

Established Heating and Air Conditioning Company looking for an experienced HVAC service technician. Must have a minimum of 2 years experience, a valid driver's license, people skills, good personality and personal tools on hand. Great benefits offered and top pay! Please send resumes to Hatfield Heating & Air, 1640 Suber St. Sumter, SC First Care Medical Transport has full/part time Emt positions available.

Contact Michelle 843-372-1656 Established Heating and Air Conditioning Company looking for an experienced sheet metal fabricator and installer. Employer needs to be experienced in sizing and installation for residential and light commercial work. Employer has to have a valid driver's license and personal tools on hand. Great benefits offered and top pay!

Please send responses to P-Box 302 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Fun Job Travel the US. Call today, start work today. 18 yrs & over. Will train. No exp. Company pays transportation. Earn $400 wkly, commission based. Cash advance while in training in sunny Florida.

Call Mr. Berry 678-768-7470

Help Wanted Part-Time Easter Bunny Special. 1-40 Round bales. Must sell, will talk about any reasonable offer..

775-4391, 464-5960

Trucking Opportunities

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

Driver Trainees Needed for McElroy Truck Lines Local CDL Training No Experience Needed Weekly Home Time Call Today 1-888-263-7364

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

Unfurnished Homes

Mobile Home Rentals Beautiful large 4BR 2 Ba DW On Flamingo Rd $625 Mo. Call 540-271-3353

Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves. Also new Gas stoves.

Guaranteed. 803-464-5439 Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

KITCHEN TOWELS 2 for $1.00

RECREATION

Homes for Sale

Campers / RV's/ Motorhomes

Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water/sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd.

RV parking avail. Call 494-8350 Scenic Lake. 2 Br/2Ba. & 3BR /2BA. No pets. Call between 9am 5pm: (803) 499-1500.

Manufactured Housing Tax Season is here! Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing.We have 2-3-4-5 bedroom homes. We have a layaway program. For more information call 843-389-4215.

1989 Fleetwood Terry Resort Camper. Exc cond. $4,000 OBO. Call between 8am-6pm.

803-840-6249

TRANSPORTATION

Blow Out Sale Pre-owned Manufactured Homes 2, 3, 4 Bedroom homes at wholesale prices. Call 803-614-1165

2BR 2Ba Mobile home off Panola Rd. between Pinewood & paxville $450 mo.843-884-0346

Autos For Sale

Very nice 3 br, 2 ba mobile home on Fish Rd. approx. monthly payments $290. Call 236-5953.

Recently renovated 2BR MH on 1/2 ac shady lot in Burgess Glen Park. C/H/A, 4643 Allene Dr. Close to Shaw Fin Avail. 775-4391 464-5960

STATEBURG COURTYARD

Farms & Acreage For Sale By Owner 5 ac near Paxville. $19,900. Owner Financing. 803-427-3888.

A Guaranteed Credit Approval AUTO LOANS We will arrange financing even if you have been turned down before.

Loans available for no credit, bad credit, 1st Time Buyers & Bankruptcy buyers. No co-signers needed. Call Mr. Ashley Brown at 803-926-3235

Land & Lots for Sale

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Mountain property with view on large lot - gated S/D. Brevard, NC. $48,000. 5.5 acres river/highway frontage. $98,000. Call Bobby Sisson 803-464-2730

2 Bd $350, Clean & in nice area.

Call 803-840-5734

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

3600 Dallas: Dalzell, 3BR, 2BA. Big Lot. Big storage & workshop. 1/2 ac lot. Financing Available. 775-4391, 464-5960

Waterfront Lot Live Oak Subdivision (Dalzell) 5 acres $24,900 OBO Call 843-957-4752 Multiple lots for sale: Bush Lane, Spanish Moss Circle, Watermark Drive, Hwy 15 North. Call (803) 774-7208 for details.

1989 Z71 Chevy Silverado. Runs Good. $3,500 OBO. Call 803-305-8136

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

Business Rentals 61 Commerce St. Storage units for rent. 2nd month half price.

Large storage area, car/boat. $300 month. Truck garage, $500 month. Call Bobby Sisson, 464-2730.

Will Go To Work For You! To Find Cash Buyers For Your Unused Items

Need X-Tra $$$ Buy Wholesale $100 Min. Home & Body Oils, Oil Warmers, Bottles, More! 774-7823

411 N. Magnolia, renovated.

C/H/A. Garage, workshop & shed. Commercial lot facing LaFayette.

Fin Available.

775-4391/ 464-5960

For details on these and additional jobs, both permanent and temporary, please visit our website......

SOUTH FORGE 1 BEDROOM APTS.

WILLIAMSTEMPORARY.COM Some of the following current job openings are Direct Hire and some are Temp to Hire.

Water, stove & refrig.

Call Linda at

DISPATCHER WAREHOUSEMAN AUTOCAD DRAFTER EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR MFG. ASSEMBLERS MFG. MAINTENANCE TECHS PRESS OPERATORS PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR

(803) 494-8443

Thomasville Table w/6 chairs, two leafs. Showroom condition, $4,000 FIRM. Call 803-494-5708

1102 Manning Rd. 3BR/1BA, C /H/A renovated.

Hardwood floors. Fenced Backyard. Easy Financing. 775-4391, 464-5960

Mobile Homes for rent.

Section 8 OK. Call 803-773-8022.

CLASSIFIED ADS

For Sale or Trade

$20 Per Set

Renovated 1387 Raccoon Rd. 3BR/1.5BA. C/H/A 1,200sqft. Also has approx 2,200sqft, 4rm bldg.

1-4.5 acres available. Fin avail.

775-4391 464-5960.

3Br 1.5 Ba Fenced Yard On Orange St $495 Mo. Call 540-271-3353.

803- 905-4242

Sumter County Flea Mkt Hwy 378 E. 803-495-2281 500 tables. Sat. $8 free return Sun.

KING SIZE 300 THREAD COUNT SHEET SETS

Homes for Sale

3200+ sq ft brick home on Sunset Dr. Manning. Available now, 3 BR, Appliance included, 2 months deposit and 1 month rent in advance. Reference required call 803-473-0321 for more info.

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Work Wanted

REAL ESTATE

RENTALS

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

TURKEY EGGS For Incubators or Setting. Call 803-468-7120

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Income Restricted Equal Housing Opportunity Co.

Bill Horne, BIC

Apply in person at:

Norman Williams and Associates, Inc. 344 West Liberty Street No Fees To Applicants.

CONTRACTOR WANTED! For Routes In The

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

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen so many cars and people!

What do you think is going on over there?

Well, I was told sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s having one of those â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Garage Sales.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Can you imagine?!

Minnie told me she made over $100 last time she had one... Just by placing a Classified Ad in Do you think we should 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC have one and place an ad?

803.774.1234 It sure would help with Spring Cleaning! www.theitem.com

Looking to find...

A NEW BEST FRIEND?

COME BY & APPLY AT

CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT 41 N. Mill St. Manning, SC or 20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC

#6: " 46*5 "5 3&(6-"3 13*$& "/% 5)& '3&& 45&3 #6//: 8*-- (*7& :06 " 4&$0/% 46*5

FREE

4*;&4 50 4)0354 "/% &953" -0/(4 */$-6%&%

Call, email or fax us today!

classified@theitem.com â&#x20AC;˘ (803) 775-1024 FAX

(803) 774-1234

MAYOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUIT CITY

The Free-ster bunny has arrived!

8&4."3, 1-";" t t .0/ 4"5 t 888 .":04%*4$06/546*54 $0. t 569&%04 #6: 03 3&/5

THE ITEM

COMICS

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

DOG EAT DOUG

GARFIELD

ZITS

BEETLE BAILEY

BLONDIE

ANDY CAPP

DILBERT

BORN LOSER

MOTHER GOOSE

Jeff MacNelly’s SHOE

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Man hesitates before making commitment to marriage

D

SUDOKU

EAR ABBY — — intact?

“Rita” and I have WHATEVER RITA WANTS been together three years and are getDEAR WHATEVER — ting ready to make the It appears your girlfriend final commitment of wants to continue living marriage. My problem is that she’s a slob. Rita isn’t exactly the way she is. Because she becomes dea “hoarder,” but she does things like take the plastic fensive at the suggestion that she make a off a package and better effort, accept drop it on the that you are not floor. (Don’t get going to change me started on her. She obviously the mess she has many good leaves in the qualities or your rebathroom.) lationship would I love her and not have made it would be willing Abigail this far. to have separate VAN BUREN There is help for bathrooms if people who are that’s what it disorganized and sloppy, takes. But I don’t want to but only if they are willing spend the rest of my life to accept that they need in a house that looks the it. Some people have sucway hers does right now. cessfully used a system The thought of raising kids in that kind of atmo- originated by Marla Cilley, aka the FlyLady. sphere chills me. (“Fly” stands for “Finally I’m no neat freak, but Loving Yourself.”) To find at least I put my trash in the wastebasket. Rita gets out more about her system, visit www.flylady.net offended if I raise the and click on “Get Startissue. I have offered to help her clean her house, ed.” but I don’t want to nag Dear Abby is written by because her mother alAbigail Van Buren, also ready does, and it makes known as Jeanne Phillips, Rita respond like a defiand was founded by her ant child. mother, Pauline Phillips.

Have you any ideas Write Dear Abby at www. about what I can do to DearAbby.com or P.O. Box keep our relationship — 69440, Los Angeles, CA and hopefully our future 90069. dear abby

C6