March 27, 2014 by The Sumter Item

Man killed over brandy 26-year-old dead, 50-year-old arrested in shooting incident BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

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It started over a bottle of alcohol, brandy to be precise. It ended with one man dead and another in custody. Shamarr Howell, 26, was pronounced dead on scene in the first block of Murphy Street about 10:48 p.m. Tuesday, said Sumter County

Coroner Harvin Bullock. An autopsy was being conducted Wednesday morning, but the suspected cause of death is a single shot to the head, he said. ANDREWS Jeffrey Dana Andrews, 50, of 12 Murphy St., was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

When Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene, they found the deceased on the porch and the suspect on scene. The suspect admitted to shooting Howell, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. The incident report also states the suspect saying the victim started pushing and hitting him.

SEE ANDREWS, PAGE A10

Elderly woman dies in blaze

New face, same goals LMA has a new coach, but maintains expectations B1 IN NEWS

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Sumter coroner speaks at hearings for DSS handling of child abuse A8

DEATHS, B4 Jean P. Cummins Johnny Lee Rufus Grady M. Johnson Ann G. Jones Cleo T. Dickey

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Family members of Earthy L. McRae console each other outside the home on Goins Place in Summerton. Fire struck the family home around 9 a.m. Wednesday, killing McRae.

House fire claims Alzheimer’s sufferer, 83 BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com (803) 774-1211 SUMMERTON — Earthy L. McCray, 83, of 1098 Goins Road in Summerton, died Wednesday morning in a fire at her residence in Clarendon County. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, reports on the scene indicated the blaze could have started with an electrical problem. Willie Starks, the victim’s brother, said McCray was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. He said he was concerned his sister may have been unable to escape the fire if she was unable to get past any locked doors. “I warned them about it many a time that this could happen,” Starks said, although he did not say who was acting as a caregiver for McCray at the time of her death. Clarendon County Deputy Coroner Bucky Mock said the victim was found laying next to a door in one of the rooms in the house but could not confirm whether any doors

Officials with the Clarendon County Coroner’s office arrive at the scene of a fatal house fire on Goins Place in Summerton on Wednesday afternoon. were locked or not. He said it appeared she was already dead when firefighters found her. The cause of death will be released pending an autopsy. Unconfirmed reports indicated that McCray was not found when firefighters made their initial sweep of the house, but she was found on the second sweep. Kenneth Clark, an investigator with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Department, said early Wednesday evening the county’s fire investigator, Sean Briley, was at the scene and that an arson

investigator from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Department would also investigate the case. “That is not unusual. They always get involved,” Clark said. Clark said there were no criminal charges pending, but the situation was still under investigation. A spokesperson for the Clarendon County Fire Department said Fire Chief Frances Richbourg was also at the scene Wednesday evening. A call center representative for the Alzheimer’s Association said caregiv-

ers who need help with the burden of caring for disabled family members can contact the association at 1-800-272-3900. Many programs are available to assist caregivers, the representative said, but the amount of help available can vary depending on the state. She also advised caregivers to contact their local agency on aging. Caregivers in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties can call Santee-Lynches Area Agency on Aging at (803) 775-7381, or visit the agency at 36 W. Liberty St. in Sumter.

South Carolina’s Military Task Force address coming concerns at meeting BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272 COLUMBIA — Federal financial struggles in recent years have put the military in a tough position. The Pentagon plans to reduce the number of servicemen and women BRISTOW MARCHANT / THE SUMTER ITEM after winding down the wars Col. Bill Lieblein with the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort updates in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sethe state Military Task Force on pilot training for the new F-35 aircraft. questration cuts — now temThe task force for assessing and meeting the needs of the state’s mili- porarily delayed — fell disprotary community met in Columbia on Wednesday to discuss looming portionately on the armed forces. And in the next few military cutbacks.

years, a new round of base closures is possible. All those issues confronted South Carolina’s Military Task Force — the body tasked with representing Shaw Air Force Base and other military communities around the state — when it met Wednesday. Col. Dan Beatty, Fort Jackson’s chief of staff, warned the task force of the effect falling troop numbers envisioned by the current federal budget could have on the Midlands area.

When the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, the Army is supposed to go to “active component only,” or 490,000 troops, Beatty said. In 2015, troop strength is set to go down further to 450,000. But the budget compromise that alleviated sequestration cuts only lasts two years, at which point, the military could face further cuts. “When the two-year bipartisan budget act expires in ’16,

SEE TASK FORCE, PAGE A10

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

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

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Some penny tax projects continue, others fade

Tour Santee by kayak, stay overnight

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

LOCAL BRIEFS Santee State Park’s upcoming program, Weekdays on the Water, offers a kayak tour and two nights in a park cabin April 1-3. For $200 for single occupancy and $150 for double or triple occupancy, participants will have kayaks provided, and a guide will lead them from Spiers Landing to Church Island, where they will visit a Confederate graveyard. They will also paddle through a cypress swamp. Space is limited. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Santee State Park at (803) 854-2408 or santeesp@scprt.com.

Lee County Relay for Life to hold annual yard sale Lee County Relay For Life will have its annual yard sale Saturday, March 29, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Old Bishopville High School Gym. All proceeds and donations will go to Lee County Relay For Life. Survivors are welcome to come and register.

Pizza man robbed at gunpoint BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com (803) 774-1295 A 46-year-old pizza delivery man told officers that he was robbed at gunpoint while making a delivery Tuesday night. According to reports, the victim said he was delivering to a residence in the 200 block of North Washington Street when an unknown suspect came up from behind at 9:29 p.m. and “racked a round” from a small, silver semi-automatic handgun. The suspect forced the victim to drive him to the corner of Brent Street and White Horse Road in the victim’s silver 2000 Volvo with the gun pointed at him. Once they arrived on Brent Street, the suspect told the victim to give him the pizza, his white Nokia Windows phone and the $38 in cash he had. After the suspect left, the victim drove back to the business and reported what happened to the manager, who called law enforcement. The victim described the suspect as a black male about 20 years old, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds and wearing a camouflage jacket, dark pants, a red bandanna over his face and mechanic-style gloves. Officers checked the North Washington Street residence, but it appeared to be abandoned. The manager said that they had delivered to the residence in the past, but it was the first time they received the phone number that ordered.

After three weeks of discussion, some penny tax projects are certain to move forward, while others are likely to get cut. Members of the stakeholders’ steering committee are now reportedly focused on the projects that could go either way. “I like to call this the middle group,” said Sumter County attorney Johnathan Bryan, who is advising committee members on selecting projects for November’s referendum. The committee, selected to represent a cross-section of the community, has been meeting in closed executive session to whittle down the list of 76 proposals to something both affordable and appealing to voters. Speaking after the latest meeting of the 20-member committee Wednesday, Bryan said about 12 projects are in the top group committee members intend to recommend going to the voters. At the other end of the list, a consensus has developed that some of the proposals are “less meritorious,” in Bryan’s phrase, and would send the estimated price tag on the list past the $75 million conservatively projected to be raised from a renewed, seven-year penny sales tax. “If we had $150 million, we could do them all,” the attorney said. “But we’ve just got to prioritize.” Approximately 40 proposals are in the middle group that committee members need to sort through to determine which ones will or won’t get their stamp of approval. After last week’s meeting, each stakeholder was given a grading sheet to evaluate the proposed projects, assigning each project on a one to five scale based on “community need” and the

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

As part of a penny sales tax project, workers finish repairing the sidewalks at the intersection of Liberty and Harvin streets recently. number of people it will affect. Members were also asked to evaluate each project’s “marketability” in an election campaign, and even whether a project’s inclusion could sink the whole list. While the committee hasn’t released a list of the proposals, Bryan said many of the proposals will involve improvements or repairs to public buildings or recreation centers and providing infrastructure needs for future economic development projects. Others are broadly classed as “public safety projects” (previous discussion focused on replacing the county’s communications network for emergency responders) or transportation work on the area’s main roadways. But officials want potential projects to stay under wraps because the county may have to purchase property for some of them. Bryan estimated 14 of the middle group would involve

property acquisitions, including adding right-of-ways along thoroughfares for roadwork. Officials responded to public comments about the process at Tuesday’s county council meeting. “Some of these are property sensitive,” said County Administrator Gary Mixon. “The final list probably won’t be released until the later part of April.” By then, the steering committee’s recommendations should go to a special sixmember commission for final approval. That group will include three county council members, two representatives from the city of Sumter and one from Mayesville. In turn, their recommendation will go to county council for an up-or-down vote on the whole package. “They may decide to fund it for only three or five years. We won’t fund it for the full seven if we don’t have the projects to justify it,” said Councilman Charles

Mayesville man arrested after argument results in gunshots BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com (803) 774-1295 MAYESVILLE — An argument over a pit bull ended in gunplay with a Mayesville man accused of firing into an occupied home. Malik Raheim Matthew, 32, of 204 Davis St., Mayesville, was charged with discharging a firearm into a dwelling just MATTHEW before 8 a.m. Tuesday after he allegedly fired two shots from a black .22-caliber rifle into a 32-year-old Mayesville man’s home in the 10 block of Liberty Street. The victim told officers that Matthew accused him of stealing his pit bull before he presented the rifle from the driver’s side of a white Chevrolet Cavalier.

According to a report, officers found two .22-caliber rifle shell casings and one round of rifle ammunition in the roadway of the home. A single bullet hole was located in the carport door of the residence. Officers later received a call from dispatch saying Matthew had contacted law enforcement, complaining someone shot at him. An officer responded to the 2000 block of Avenue A where he met with Matthew, who said that he had already left the residence when he heard gunshots. Matthew was placed under arrest and transported to SumterLee Regional Detention Center after the victim identified him as the person who shot into his house. Officers searched Matthew’s vehicle but were unable to locate any firearms.

Edens. “And the council can’t decide at that point they’d rather do seven.” For now, the steering committee is reportedly reaching a consensus on which projects will ultimately move forward. “We’ve had some candid discussions, and some members have said ‘this is my project, but I realize it may not be as important as this other one,’” Bryan said. The committee was set to meet again today at noon, but that meeting was postponed until 8 a.m. next Wednesday, April 2. Stakeholders could then produce a final list stakeholders could recommend to the next round. Voters will ultimately have the final say on the project. The whole list will be presented to the public for approval on the ballot in November’s election. If voters approve, the new tax will come into effect in 2016, when the current Penny for Progress tax expires.

STATE BRIEF FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS

Mother who adopted teen says DSS needs to do more COLUMBIA — A Greenville woman told lawmakers Wednesday that Department of Social Services officials misinformed her family about the difficulties of adopting a teenage boy out of foster care, a situation she said has caused them immeasurable strain. “Families are being pushed to adopt older children without being fully informed about the extent of the social needs and brokenness of these older children,” Winton Swanson testified before a special Senate subcommittee. “This has been a game changer for our family and has just about torn us apart.” Swanson spoke to members of a Senate panel holding a series of hearings on the Department of Social Services. Chairman Tom Young, R-Aiken, said Wednesday that DSS director Lillian Koller would testify at a hearing April 16. Swanson said one of her two biological children is hyperactive and has learning disabilities.

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

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‘Jersey Boys’ more than a mere musical BY JANE G. COLLINS Special to The Item “Jersey Boys” may be a musical, but it is so much more. Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the play, which Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio conceived as a musical biography in mid 2000s, leads the audience through four major stages of Valli’s musical career and his connection to the Four Seasons. The play becomes an evening of fast-paced action, witty and often biting dialogue, harsh and poignant scenes, excellent acting (especially several scenes in Act II), and tremendous music. Biographically, the content focuses on the early life of Francis Castellucio — whose name eventually becomes Frankie Valli — his brief criminal activities for breaking and entering, and his connection to the mob. In fact, Anne Marie Cruz credits Valli as observing about his Jersey background, “You got a job on an assembly line or got mobbed up.” The play reinforces the mob connections and runs rampant with the “f” word, not as profanity as much as the accepted attitude of Valli’s experiences. Historically, the play defines the band’s growth from the Four Lovers to the Four Seasons when they took the name of a bowling alley during a failed audition at the alley in 1960. Complex but clear, the action emphasizes the often complicated relationships of Valli, Bob Gaudio (introduced to Valli by Joe Pesci and still a partner), Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi from the start of The Four Seasons in 1960 to their break up in 1979. Symbolically, the number of microphones represents the ever changing members of the group, especially the later years when Valli goes single with songs like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Grease.” The intensity of Valli’s reaction to the death of his daughter, Francine, from a drug overdose — his stepdaughter had died six months earlier in a car wreck — his propensity for women, his respect of the mob and his desire to sing are made clear. Music does not overshadow the play but enriches the characters and content of the group’s development. Gaudio’s “Sherry,” commissioned by Bob Crewe and the group’s first number one song, “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Walk Like a Man” are just a few of the tunes that reflect the Four Seasons’ close harmonies and Valli’s trademark falsetto. Vo-

cally, the actors/singers are exceptional. They execute the choreography with a slick, understated sense of style that seems natural and convincing. Even more importantly, they become the people they represent. Another great aspect of the play is its strong technical content. The two-level framework is minimalist and flexible, the backdrop serves as a billboard, introducing the four seasons — spring, summer, fall and winter — to coincide with the passage of time on the stage and the group’s rise and fall. It enables the cast and crew to change the tone and setting at a split second, morphing from prisons to hotels, to offices, to skylines, to backstage looking out over the crowd without disturbing the flow of the story line. Roy Lichtenstein Pop Art-inspired drawings remind the audience of the 1960s and the dramatic content in the dialog and music. “Jersey Boys” may not tell the whole story, but it comes close. The effective recreation of the film clips of the Four Seasons on the Ed Sullivan Show, complete with sequined suit lapels, adds credibility to

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Hayden Milanes plays Frankie Valli of the Four Seasons in “Jersey Boys” at the Koger Center in Columbia through Sunday. the style and vocal similarities. The Four Seasons managed to survive the British Invasion by the Beatles, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continue to delight audiences with great songs

when harmony was applauded, refined showmanship expected, and music could make you think of “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night.)” “Jersey Boys” can be seen at the Koger Center for the Arts

through Sunday, with performances at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Friday; at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets begin at $40 at capitoltickets.com or the Koger Center Box office (803) 251-2222.

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Grim reality: Some slide victims may not be found DARRINGTON, Wash. (AP) — Becky Bach watches and waits, hoping that search crews find her brother and three other relatives who are missing in Washington state’s deadly mudslide. Doug Massingale waits too, for word about his 4-monthold granddaughter. Searchers were able to identify carpet from the infant’s bedroom, but a log jam stood in the way of a more thorough effort to find little Sanoah Huestis, known as “Snowy.” With little hope to cling to, family members of the missing are beginning to confront a grim reality: Their loved ones might never be found, remaining entombed forever inside a mountain of mud that is thought to have claimed at least 24 lives. “It just generates so many questions if they don’t find them,” Bach said. “I’ve never known anybody to die in a natural disaster. Do they issue death certificates?” Search crews using dogs, bulldozers and their bare hands kept slogging through the mess of broken wood and mud again Wednesday, looking for more bodies or anyone who might still be alive nearly five days after a wall of fastmoving earth destroyed a small rural community. But

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Teresa Welter cries as she holds a candle Tuesday during a candlelight vigil in Arlington, Wash., for the victims of a massive mudslide that struck the nearby community of Oso, Wash., on Saturday. authorities have acknowledged they might have to leave some victims buried. Trying to recover every corpse would be impractical and dangerous. The debris field is about a square mile and 30 to 40 feet deep in places, with a moonlike surface that includes quicksand-like muck, rainslickened mud and ice. The terrain is difficult to navigate on foot and makes it treacherous or impossible to bring in heavy equipment. To make matters worse, the

pile is laced with other hazards that include fallen trees, propane and septic tanks, twisted vehicles and countless shards of shattered homes. “We have to get on with our lives at some point,” said Bach, who has spent the past several days in the area in hopes that searchers would find her brother, his wife, her 20-year-old great niece and the young girl’s fiance. Sixteen bodies have been recovered, but authorities think at least 24 people were killed. And scores of others are still

unaccounted for, although many of those names were thought to be duplicates or people who escaped safely. The knowledge that some victims could be abandoned to the earth is difficult to accept. “Realistically ... I honestly don’t think they’re going to find them alive,” Bach said, crying. “But as a family, we’re trying to figure out what to do if they find no bodies.” Bach spoke via phone about a wedding the family had planned for summer at the rural home that was de-

stroyed. And how, she wondered, do you plan a funeral without a body? “We’ll probably just have a memorial, and if they find the bodies eventually, then we’ll deal with that then.” In previous mudslides, many victims were left where they perished. Mudslides killed thousands in Venezuela in 1999, and about 1,500 bodies were found. But the death toll was estimated at 5,000 to 30,000, so the government declared entire neighborhoods “memorial grounds.”

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(HD) (HD) Project Runway: Under the Gunn: Project Runway: Under the Gunn: Project Runway: Under the Gunn (:01) Celebrity Wife Swap: Tracey Celebrity Home Celebrity Home (:02) Under the Trouble in the Lounge (HD) Crossing Teams (HD) (N) (HD) Gold; Carnie Wilson (HD) Raiders (N) Raiders (HD) Gunn (HD) iCarly: iPsycho (HD) iCarly: iStill Psycho (HD) Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Friends (HD) (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Impact Wrestling (N) (HD) Ink Master (HD) Warrior (HD) (4:30) Pirates of the Caribbean: At AVP: Alien vs. Predator (‘04, Science Fiction) aa Sanaa Lathan. Two Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Chal- Skyline (‘10, Science Fiction) ac Eric Balfour. Addicting World’s End (‘07) aaa (HD) deadly alien races renew a centuries-old battle in Antarctica. (HD) lenge: What Lies Beneath alien light vacuums up people. NCAA Basketball 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: Regional Semifinals: Baylor Bears vs Wisconsin Badgers 2014 NCAA Basketball Tournament: Regional Semifinals: San Diego State Aztecs vs Arizona Pre-game from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. z{| Wildcats from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. z{| (6:45) Flight from Glory (‘37, Drama) Bus Stop (‘56, Comedy) aac Marilyn Monroe. A naive cowboy decides A Hatful of Rain (‘57, Drama) aaa Anthony Franciosa. Man tries to keep Shake Hands aac Chester Morris. to marry a sexy saloon singer, despite her objections. heroin addiction secret from family and pregnant wife. with the Devil Honey Boo Honey Boo Here Comes (N) (HD) Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (N) (HD) Tattoos (N) Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (HD) Castle: Suicide Squeeze Baseball Castle: The Mistress Always Spanks (:01) Castle: Tick, Tick, Tick... Serial (:02) Castle: Boom! Serial killer taunts (:03) Save Our Business: Far Below (:03) Inside Job player. (HD) Twice (HD) killer. (HD) Castle & Beckett. (HD) Retail Brothers. (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Dumbest Gravy wrestling. Jokers Jokers Jokers Impractical (N) Jokers Jokers Killer Karaoke (N) (:02) Jokers Griffith (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Loves Raymond: Mozart (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Suits: Heartburn (N) (HD) (:01) Sirens (N) (:31) Modern (:01) psych: The Break-Up (:02) Suits: HeartBorn Psychopath (HD) Girl Dishonored (HD) (HD) Family (HD) burn (HD) Law & Order: Return (HD) Mary Mary (HD) Mary Mary (N) (HD) Mary Mary: Bahama Drama (HD) Marriage Funniest Home Videos (HD) Salem (HD) How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met Parks (HD)

Meloni returns to TV on ‘Surviving Jack’ BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH “Surviving Jack” (9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14) proves that even failed sitcoms can be “interesting” in their own miserable ways. “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star Christopher Meloni is no stranger to humor — even silly screen credits. He’s appeared in the goofy big-screen comedies “Wet Hot American Summer” and “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.” “Jack” takes place in 1991. Oncologist and military veteran Jack Dunleavy (Meloni) has decided to pull more of his weight as a father when his wife, Joanne (Rachael Harris), begins law school on a fulltime basis. Jack is gruff and taciturn with his naive 16-year-old son, Frankie (Connor Buckley), and his more worldly and academic daughter, Rachel (Claudia Lee). With some justification, Joanne worries that Jack’s “Great Santini” routine will backfire, and she’ll be called back into full-time parenting. Not that she’d half mind. Like a lot of comedy misfires, “Jack” sets up a situation and then forgets about the details. Jack’s work as a cancer doctor seems little more than a source of tumor jokes. For reasons unexplained, Frankie is just entering high school at 16. He looks at least 20, but is supposed to behave as if he’s 14. No wonder he’s unconvincing. Not unlike “The Goldbergs,” “Jack” is based on personal recollections and has a “you had to be there” quality, which an eclectic period soundtrack (from M.C. Hammer to Violent Femmes) cannot dispel. For all of his feigned indifference, Jack becomes embroiled and then overinvolved in the kids’ lives.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Kopus has business in Brooklyn on “The Red Road” (9 p.m., Sundance, TV-14). • Adam plans an adventure with Max on “Parenthood” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • The Grant children prepare for their interview on “Scandal” (10 p.m., ABC, TV14). • Lagertha wants to bury the hatchet with Ragnar on “Vikings” (10 p.m., History, TV-14).

FOX BROADCASTING CO.

Frankie (Connor Buckley), left, looks less than thrilled when his dad, Jack (Christopher Meloni), decides to have a man-to-man discussion with him on “Surviving Jack” premiering at 9:30 p.m. on FOX. • A creative garage sale on “Portlandia” (10 p.m., IFC, TV14).

SERIES NOTES Alice grows impatient with the Knave on “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Markos arrives on

“The Vampire Diaries” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Christina charts a new course on “Grey’s Anatomy” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14) * Bash saves Francis’ life on “Reign” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14).

LATE NIGHT Nate Silver visits “The Daily

Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * The cast of “The Walking Dead” and White Denim appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS, r) * Rick Ross, Chris Franjola, Sarah Tiana and Ian Karmel are booked on “Chelsea Lately” (11 p.m., E!) * Darren Aronofsky is on “The Colbert Report” (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Sage Kotsenburg, Kate Mara and Cole Swindell are on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS, r) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Russell Crowe, Joan Rivers and The National on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Jason Bateman and Katie Lowes appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Jennifer Connelly, James Van Der Beek and Joe Mande visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts Julia Stiles, Dave Itzkoff, Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS, r). Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

AROUND TOWN Free income tax filing services and FAFSA applications will be provided through April 15 as follows: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, 3-8 p.m. Saturdays, appointments only on Sundays, Goodwill Job-Link Center, 1028 Broad St., (803) 7745006; and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Lee County Adult Education, 123 E. College St., Bishopville, (803) 484-4040. For details or appointments, call Ms. Samuels at (803) 240-8355. The AARP Foundation TaxAide Program will offer free income tax assistance and electronic filing for taxpayers with low to middle incomes. All ages are welcome and you do not have to be an AARP member. You will need: picture ID; Social Security card for each dependent; all W-2’s, 1099s and 1098s; and supporting documents if you plan to itemize. Bring a canceled check if you wish to have your refund direct deposited. Assistance will be available 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through April 15 at the Shepherd’s Center, 24 Council St. Call Lynda at (803) 469-8322. The Shannon Town Community Association will meet at 6 p.m. today at the South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive. Call Mrs. Watson at (803) 316-9461 or Mrs. Witherspoon at (803) 773-4730. The Sumter Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at the Sumter School District building, 1345 Wilson Hall Road. Call Laura LeGrand at (803) 775-0830. The Sumter Chapter of POMC (Parents of Murdered Children) will hold its first meeting 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the Birnie HOPE Center. Call Maggie Richardson at (803) 2369086 for details. The Clarendon County Branch NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the F.E. DuBose Career Center, Manning. Lonnie Randolph, president of the South Carolina Conference Branch NAACP, will speak. For tickets, contact Mary Cooper at (843) 659-4472 or (803) 372-4117. Old McCaskill’s Farm will hold its 2014 Spring Farm Day and annual sheep shearing from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Events at the working farm will include: sheep shearing viewing; a border collie demonstration; working saw mill; spinner, weaver and quilters; and so much more. Farm fresh concessions also available. Admission is $4 per person. Children under age 2 are admitted free. The farm is located at 377 Cantey Lane, Rembert. Visit www.oldmccaskillfarm. com or call (803) 432-9537. Lincoln High School Class of 1964 will hold a reunion meeting at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, at the South Sumter Resource Center, 337 Manning Ave. The Clarendon County Democratic Party will meet Thursday, April 3, at the Manning Restaurant, 476 N. Brooks St., Manning. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

RELIGION

THE SUMTER ITEM

Faith-based movies make the struggle more relatable T

he low-budget, faithbased film “God’s Not Dead” burst into the box office this past week and, despite its limited release, finished fifth in its debut week, taking many in the film industry and media by surprise. Perhaps it should be surprising that a faith-based production would gain any success in a market dominated by secular plot lines. Certainly there are thousands of films that incorporate at least a modicum of spirituality, but the recent popularity of films produced in the name of faith is hard to ignore. The consensus among many believers is favorable. The film is a step in the right direction, they say. But why, I find myself asking. I mean no disrespect when I

‘Noah’ finds rough seas NEW YORK (AP) — In the beginning of their work together on “Noah,” director Darren Aronofsky made Russell Crowe a promise: “I’ll never shoot you on a houseboat in a robe and sandals with two giraffes popping up behind you.” Decades after Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Ten Commandments” and “Ben-Hur,” Aronofsky has renewed the tradition of the studio-made, mass-audience Bible epic, albeit as a distinctly darker parable about sin, justice and mercy. While much of his “Noah” is true to Scripture, it’s nothing like the picturebook version many encounter as children. “The first time I read it, I got scared,” the director said. “I thought, ‘What if I’m not good enough to get on the boat?’” It’s an altogether unlikely project: a $130 million Biblebased studio film made by a widely respected filmmaker (“Black Swan,” “Requiem for a Dream”) few would have pegged as a modern-day DeMille. In the lead-up to its March 28th release, “Noah” was flooded by controversy, with some religious conservatives claiming it isn’t literal enough to the Old Testament and that Noah has been inaccurately made, as Aronofsky has called him, “the first environmentalist.” “Noah” is a culmination of the shift brought on by Mel Gibson’s independently produced “The Passion of the Christ,” which awakened Hollywood with its unforeseen $612 million box office haul in 2004. In the time since, Hollywood has carefully developed closer ties to faith-based communities, (Sony and 20th Century Fox have set up faithbased studios targeting evangelicals). Yet the debate about “Noah” proves that it can be tricky to satisfy both believers and nonbelievers and that finding the right intersection of art, commerce and religion is a task loaded with as much risk as potential reward. On the heels of the recently released “Son of God,” the religious drama “God’s Not Dead” opened Friday and Sony is releasing the less straightforwardly Biblical “Heaven Is for Real” ahead of Easter next month. The studio is also developing a vampire twist on Cain and Able with Will Smith. In Lionsgate’s pipeline is a Mary Magdalene film, hyped as a prequel to “The Passion of the Christ” and co-produced by mega-church pastor Joel Osteen. When Jonathan Boch started his company Grace Hill Media in 2000 to consult Hollywood studios on reaching the faith community, the two “really didn’t know each other,” he says. Since then, films like “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and “The Blind Side” have benefited from outreach to churchgoers. “Over the course of those 15 years, you’ve seen the faith community go from almost pariah status or fly-over status to now being seen as an important market,” said Boch, who consulted on “Noah.”

say that faithbased films often suffer in ways that low-budget films struggle. The acting isn’t likely to catch the attention Faith Matters of the Acade- JAMIE H. my. Any spe- WILSON cial effects can sometimes seem cheesy. The dialogue is a bit contrived. So why, then, are people — assumedly those faith-minded — flocking to theaters to support such films? Much of the mentioned film’s success is probably because of social marketing and advertisement in houses of worship across the nation.

What’s more, it follows the trend popular among moviegoers. Just this year, films such as “Son of Man” or “Heaven is For Real” have shown with modest-but-significant takings during their release. All of a sudden, it seems believers have a clearly defined option at the cinema. But there is something more driving them to the movies. I think it’s because many believers feel like someone is finally representing the struggle many have with their beliefs rather than simply mocking their convictions. Whether the accusations are overt or implied, many Christians feel persecuted by some nonbelievers, especially those who take a public position on Christianity, labeling them hate-mongers, idiots and hypocrites.

These films paint Christians in a more positive light. And the film industry, as a whole, has taken notice and perhaps capitalized on this sentiment, paying attention to themes and subjects that many believers revere. A rough adaptation of the Biblical account of the flood is slated to hit theaters next week. Another focusing on the Israelites’ release from Egyptian enslavement is scheduled for release in December. The Bible is filled with fantastic stories, ones where the hero overcomes seemingly insurmountable circumstances; ones where the good guy gets the girl; where good triumphs over evil. It’s the stuff of blockbuster movies. What is most encouraging is that believers are attending

these events and, in a sort of passive fashion, voicing their support of their own beliefs. Believers want to see the tenets of their faith played out on the big screen. They like seeing the hero or heroine wrestling with his or her faith. It makes the struggle relatable, which is something every believer needs to see. We can place hope in the fact that there are people out there who put effort into such films, but I encourage you to take ultimate comfort from the Almighty. While faith-based films serve as encouragement, our hope should lie in the one who inspires such productions. Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail. com.

RELIGION

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

New leader hopes to grow church membership BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 Some men just can’t stay retired. Pastor Lynn Gardner is one such person. Thought he retired from ministry in 2006, he continued to do interim and “pulpit supply work.” After about three months sort of filling in at Calvary Bible Church, the former Baptist preacher agreed to become the full-time minister at

the Sumter place of worship. “I’ve always stayed fairly busy,” said the 75-year-old. “I’d pretty much stopped interim work when I came here. They took me as I am, and I’ve tried to be faithful.” This will be his first time at a church that isn’t Southern Baptist. “I looked over the doctrine, and I had no problem with it,” Gardner said. “There is not a whole lot of differences, just a little in the governance of the church.”

For example, the Bible church gives to missionaries on a case-by-case basis whereas he was used to the church going through a corporation. While at least 27 families are on the church’s roster, Sunday morning usually sees 35 to 40 people in the congregation. Specifics haven’t been discussed, but both the church’s leadership and Gardner hope to grow membership. “I’m just kind of getting my

feet wet,” he said. “We’ll be doing some things, but we don’t have the people or the resources for anything big.” His last full-time church was in Myrtle Beach and had 1,100 members. “I know there is a calling on me,” said the 75-year-old. “When I didn’t get to preach regularly, I was kind of miserable. I felt like I was not useful. I didn’t have fulfillment.” His wife, Willene, agreed. “I think it’s fine,” she said. “If he’s happy, I’m happy.”

JADE ANDERSON / THE SUMTER ITEM

Pastor Lynn Gardner stands in the pulpit area of Calvary Bible Church, where he is now the fulltime minister.

Church rallies to cause of Sumter family BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,” Romans 8:28 Charles Owens is used to seeing God move. But even he, senior pastor of Crosswell Baptist Church, was amazed at how the Lord moved recently for one of his congregation members. Marvin Larrimore was diagnosed with a kidney tumor last fall not long after he turned 50. The organ was removed, and things seemed to be going well until February of this year. That’s when the doctors found the cancer had returned as a tumor on his brain, a mass in his side and five tumors in his lungs. His oncologist told him his best hope is to go to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, an expensive proposition for this father of two whose wife, Diane, is a stay-at-home mom. “He has a 15-year-old and a 10-yearold boy he wants to see grow up,” Owens said. “He’s heard miraculous stories about fourth-stage cancers being turned around and people living for years.” The Larrimores’ church family rallied, though, and gave him donations for the trip in February to get the brain tumor removed.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Larrimores — from left, Andrew, Caleb, Marvin and Diane — smile for their church directory photo. Crosswell Baptist Church raised more than $4,000 Sunday to help this family as Marvin and Diane travel to Houston, Texas, for his cancer treatment. “You can see God’s hand at work,” Owens said. “It’s amazing. Last month, we gave them some assistance, and others gave because they wanted to. The money covered the plane tickets and hotel there almost to the penny.” His Sunday school class did something similar. The class members put

on a spaghetti dinner Sunday after church with the goal of raising $2,000. They raised $4,200. “I was (blown away),” said Edna Porter, officer manager and secretary for the church. “We would have been satisfied with $2,000, but the Lord took care of that and sent the people in.” This week, Marvin and Diane Larri-

more returned to Texas. The money will help pay for the apartment and food while they stay for his treatment. “There’s really not enough words to say how we’ve appreciated the love, support and prayers of our church family,” said Diane Larrimore, Marvin’s wife and caregiver during the stay in Houston. “The outpouring of love has been overwhelming. We’ve been blessed to have such a church family.” She, too, has seen the work of the Lord in the situation. “He will tell you, even though he’s really sick with cancer, ‘I do not feel as sick as I am. Could they possibly be wrong,’” Diane Larrimore said. “I’ve told him, ‘God has given you the strength and the ability to fight.’ No matter what, my husband wins. Whether physically here on Earth or in eternity with the Lord, he wins.” While they are out-of-state, her husband’s parents will be staying at their home with the two boys, Caleb, 15, and Andrew, 10. All this has been more amazing considering the church had also recently experienced three deaths in a 16-hour time period. “Everyone was shocked, but everyone pulled together,” Owens said. “This is God reassuring us He’s in control. I see the Lord working in this. Something good has already come out of something bad. It’s been inspirational.”

CHURCH NEWS Antioch United Methodist Church, 4040 Dubose Siding Road, announces: * Sunday — United Methodist Women program “Hats Off to Women Walking in Wholeness” at 4 p.m. at Shepherd United Methodist Church, 2210 N. Main St. The Rev. Pattie Gordon, pastor of Asbury and Saint John United Methodist churches / Shiloh Charge, Lynchburg, will speak. Bethel AME Church, 218 E. Calhoun St., currently meeting at Crosswell Elementary School, 301 Crosswell Drive, announces: * Sunday — Family and friends day celebration and pack-a-pew at 4 p.m. Briggs Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 7135 Wash Davis Road, Summerton, announces: * Sunday, April 13 — Gospel Explosion at 3 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church, 459 Calvary Church Road, Bishopville, announces: * Saturday, April 5 — Mid-Carolina singing at 6 p.m. featuring the Heritage Quartet and Cedar Creek Quartet. Canty Memorial Church of God In Christ Ministries, 873 Woodcrest St., announces: * Today-Friday — Revival and first Young Believers Conference at 7 nightly. Elect Lady Chantelle Hutchins and Minister Torey Fountain will speak.

* Tuesday-Thursday, April 1-3 — Rivers of Joy Jubilee with Dr. Dennis Benton at 7 nightly. Music provided by Squire Parsons, The Diplomats and The Achormen.

tickets 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursday at the church office. Dinners will need to be picked up from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on April 11 at the church fellowship hall.

Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, 25 Community St., announces:

Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 1260 Green Hill Church Road, Alcolu, announces:

* Sunday — Fifth Sunday Youth Day worship at 10:30 a.m. The young people will conduct a contemporary worship.

* Sunday, April 20 — Easter Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m.

* Monday-Wednesday, April 7-9 — Spring Revival at 7 nightly. The Rev. Willie Wright, pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, will speak.

New Fellowship Covenant Ministries, 316 W. Liberty St., announces:

Dalzell United Methodist Church, 3330 Black River Road, Dalzell, announces:

House of Judah Worship Center, 3890 White Oak Drive, Davis Station, announces:

* Saturday — Relay for Life yard sale 8 a.m.-noon. Low prices. Donations will be accepted until Wednesday, March 26, and can be dropped off at Dorcas’ Closet at the church or at 2422 Peach Orchard Road, Dalzell. Call (803) 4995190.

* Sunday, April 6 — One Accord of Manning’s 14th anniversary celebration at 4 p.m. On the program: Prayer House Mission; Sisters of Faith; House of Judah praise team; and many more.

* Sunday, April 6 — Holy Communion worship at 11 a.m. Wear white and/or black attire.

* Friday-Saturday, April 25-26 — The play “A Night in the Theatre” will be presented at 7 p.m. both days in the fellowship hall. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person or $18 per couple. Call (803) 499-5190. Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 421 S. Main St., announces: * Sunday — Fifth Sunday joint service at Mount Zion United Methodist Church. Worship service begins at 10 a.m.

* Sunday, April 27 — Pastor’s anniversary celebration for the Rev. James and Sister Ann Clark at 4 p.m. The Rev. Leroy Blanding, of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, will speak.

* Sunday — Youth Sunday services at 11 a.m. Brother Cedric Anderson will speak.

Joshua Baptist Church, 5200 Live Oak Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Youth service. Church school begins at 9 a.m. followed by 10 a.m. worship. Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday, April 12 — International Bible teacher Dr. Peter Wyns and his wife, Joy, will speak. The Wyns travel around the world and have ministered healing, deliverance, and freedom in more than 30 nations. Visit www.knittingheartsministry.org. LaGree AME Church, 2920 Kolb Road, announces:

* Sunday — Trial sermon of Charity Schamonia Boone at 3 p.m.

* Sunday — YAM worship at 11 a.m. The Usher Board ministry’s anniversary celebration will be held at 4 p.m. Rep. J. David Weeks, D-Sumter, will speak. The Hill Boys and Brooks Family will provide music.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 182 S. Pike East, announces:

* Sunday, April 6 — Holy communion. Church school begins at 10 a.m. with worship at 11 a.m.

Fellowship Outreach Ministries, 1981 Florence Highway, announces:

* Sunday — Sumter Baptist M&E Association fifth Sunday worship at 5 p.m.

Land Flowing with Milk & Honey Ministry, 1335 Peach Orchard Road, announces:

Full Proof Deliverance Ministry, 2758 S.C. 341 S., Olanta, announces:

* Sunday — Youth with Swag at 11 a.m. RaySean Mathis will speak.

* Today-Friday — Pre-Easter revival at 7:30 nightly. * Friday, April 4 — “A night with the king” worship at 7 p.m.

* Friday, April 11 — Prophetic Encounter “A Now Move of God” at 7 p.m. Prophet Jeremiah Merritt, of Darlington, will speak.

* Friday, April 18 — Good Friday service. Pastor Dorothy P. Maple will speak.

Grace Christian Fellowship Church, 2938 Raccoon Road, Manning, announces:

Liberty Hill AME Church, 2310 Liberty Hill Road, Summerton, announces:

Concord Baptist Church, 1885 Myrtle Beach Highway, announces:

* Friday, April 11 — Schoolhouse BBQ-Scranton dinner fundraiser. Dinners are $8 each. Purchase

* Saturday, April 5 — Pre-Easter banquet at 6 p.m. Admission is $10. Sister Debbie Cook will speak.

Community Church of Praise, 562 S. Pike Road, announces: * Sunday — Initial sermon of Sister Ella Wright at 3 p.m.

Mount Zion United Methodist Church, 130 Loring Mill Road, announces: * Sunday — Pack-a-pew program fundraiser at 4 p.m. The Rev. Doris R. Bright will speak.

Fellowship Baptist Church, 705 W. Huggins St., Manning, announces:

* Sunday-Wednesday, April 6-9 — 20/20 Vision Conference as follows: 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday, the Rev. Kirk Carlisle will speak; 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dr. Jim Palmer will speak; 7 p.m. Monday, Dr. Dale Roach will speak; 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, the Rev. Aidan McKenzie will speak.

* Sunday — Youth worship celebration at 10:45 a.m. Minister Darryl Cunningham, Morris College student, will speak.

* Sunday — Youth Day worship during morning service. Minister Jake Sanders III, of Grant Hill Baptist Church, Rembert, will speak.

Church of Christ, 313 Mooneyham Road, announces:

Clarendon Baptist Church, 1780 Main St., Alcolu, announces:

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces:

* Sunday — Annual Lay Day at 10 a.m. Sister Gloria Vaughn Evans will speak. St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 9 N. Duke St., Summerton, announces: * Wednesday, April 9 — Messiah in the Passover, showing how Jesus fulfilled the ancient feast of Passover, will be held at 6 p.m. The Rev. Dennis Karp, of Chosen People Ministries, will speak. A love offering will be received. Register by April 1 by calling Sandy Plance at (803) 485-2504.

* Saturday, April 12 — Clothes giveaway 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free snacks also.

Summerton Southern Methodist Church, 1107 Felton Road, Summerton, announces:

New Hope AME Church, 18808 Panola Road, Pinewood, announces:

* Saturday — Annual barbecue chicken supper from 4 to 7 p.m. Cost: $8 per plate. Cafeteria style or take out.

* Sunday — 143rd church anniversary celebration at 3 p.m. The Rev. Benjamin K. Sims will speak. Olden Chapel UME, 189 Hoyt St., announces: * Sunday, April 6 — 19th anniversary celebration of Sister Cynthia Boykin at 5 p.m. On the program: Deacon Robert Burgess and the Soul Searchers; Palmetto Gospel Singers; and the Holyaires of Florence.

Sumter Free Will Pentecostal Church, 971 Boulevard Road, announces: * Thursday-Saturday, April 3-5 — Yard sale at 7 a.m. daily. Hot dogs, drinks and sweets will also be available. Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church, 1130 Granby Lane, Summerton, announces:

Orangehill AME Church, 3035 S. King Highway, Wedgefield, announces:

* Sunday — Pastor’s Support Ministry will sponsor a mini concert and baby contest at 3 p.m.

* Saturday, April 5 — 50 states march at 6 p.m. featuring Sumter’s Justified.

Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 155 Wall St., announces:

Pinewood Baptist Church, S.C. 261, Pinewood, announces: * Sunday — Crestwood High School Chamber Choir will be in concert at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Nursery provided. Call (803) 4525373 or visit www.pinewoodbaptist.org. Providence Baptist Church, 2445 Old Manning Road, announces: * Monday, March 31 — Senior adult covered dish lunch at noon at the church. Keith and Kent Wilson will speak and provide music. * Saturday, April 5 — Russell Elmore prayer breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Travis Geddings will speak. Providence Christian Church, 1100 Dozier Mallett Road, Manning, announces: * Sunday — Master and Little Miss Providence Contest at 3 p.m. The Rev. Arkus Frierson will speak. St. Luke AME Church, 2355 St. Paul Church Road, announces: * Saturday — Allen University Choir in concert at 4 p.m.

* Friday — Anniversary concert at 7:30 p.m. featuring gospel recording artist Bishop Paul S. Morton. Concert tickets may be purchased at the church. * Saturday — God’s Girls Rock Cotillion will be held at 4 p.m. Call (803) 775-4041 for information. Victory Full Gospel Interdenominational Church, 601 Pitts Road, announces: * Sunday — Pastor’s Aide annual fellowship tea at 5 p.m. Walker’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 99 Walter Ave., announces: * Sunday, April 6 — Homecoming celebrating 40 years. Worship will begin at 10 a.m. followed by 11 a.m. singing. Royal Heirs Singers will present the music. Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2225 Conyers Road, Paxville community, Manning, announces: * Sunday, April 13 — 13th pastoral anniversary celebration of Pastor Clifford Gaymon and family during 11 a.m. service. Cedric Capps, pastor of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Wesson, Miss., will speak.

STATE

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter coroner speaks at hearings for DSS handling of child abuse BY TIM SMITH Associated Press Writer COLUMBIA — The state’s child welfare agency is once again facing questions after another Senate hearing in which witnesses testified about child deaths, child abuse and overwhelmed caseworkers. The hearings by a Senate oversight panel are examining how the state Department of Social Services is handling cases of child abuse and neglect but have also included testimony on the subjects of group care for children, inhome day care and adoption. Also Wednesday, the chairman of the panel, Sen. Tom Young of Aiken, announced that DSS Director Lillian Koller, who has been recovering from a stroke since December, would appear before the panel April 16. Wednesday’s testimony include a tearful plea from Kathryn Martin, the mother of a three-month-old girl who authorities have said suffocated last month at a Greenville County in-home day care, that lawmakers tighten the laws concerning such facilities. In-home centers aren’t required to be licensed or inspected by DSS but are limited to six children. Martin’s daughter died in a facility that had 23 children at the time, authorities have said. Martin said she’s not blaming DSS but wants parents to understand that just because they find the name of a day care on the DSS website doesn’t mean the facility is licensed. A Greenville woman was charged after Martin’s daughter died with unlawful neglect of a child, violation of child daycare licensing and obstructing justice, according to warrants. “I’m pushing for these laws to change,” Martin told senators. “As parents, we are fighting for stricter DSS laws for day care centers and after school programs.” Also testifying Wednesday was the Sumter County coroner. Last week two of the

state’s leading coroners told the panel that DSS is failing to adequately protect the children of the state, allegations that led Sen. Joel Lourie, a Columbia Democrat and member of the panel, then to ask that Koller to step down. Sumter County Coroner Harvin Bullock testified that a 7-month-old boy died of a fractured skull in 2012 while in the home of a mother and her boyfriend who weren’t supposed to be around the boy unless supervised. Bullock said the child six months earlier had been placed in protective custody with his grandparents because he had tested positive for marijuana. He said two other children had been removed from the home but believes they now live with the mother. In reviewing records which he said DSS was reluctant to release, he said he found that DSS had asked the mother at times to bring the child for an interview, even though she wasn’t supposed to be around the child. He said he also found that DSS called in advance when it went to visit the child. He said at the time of the child’s death, the house was in “deplorable” condition. A DSS official said the agency conducts scheduled and random visits of homes. Bullock said a DSS worker resigned after he began asking questions about the case. Lourie asked Bullock that given the family’s past, if he didn’t think the agency should have been focused on protecting the boy who died. “From everything I read, senator, I wouldn’t see why they wouldn’t,” he replied. Bullock said no one has been charged with the child’s death and there have been different stories as to how it happened. He said in another case, a twin under DSS supervision starved to death about four years ago. “Had DSS even gone in that neighborhood they would have known things weren’t right, so obviously they

weren’t paying attention,” he said. “It appears to me there is no accountability.” Lourie later read a letter from a Richland County guardian ad litem official who wrote to Gov. Nikki Haley last week about a case in which an elementary school girl was placed in foster care several years ago after she was sexually abused in her home. She was eventually returned after the perpetrators left the home, he said. In 2013, according to the letter, DSS received an allegation that one of the perpetrators was back in the home and the child had a bruise on the face. The allegation wasn’t investigated, according to the letter. Instead, it was referred back to communitybased prevention services, which sent the case back to DSS. The agency didn’t investigate, according to the letter, and the child was later placed in foster care after reporting sexual abuse by the same perpetrator who had been ordered not to be in the house. The official asked Haley to halt cases being referred to the third-party community based organizations until a review can be made of the process. DSS officials say they haven’t been asked about the letter by the governor’s office. Under Koller, the process for investigating child abuse and neglect cases changed when Haley hired her in 2011. Now allegations that aren’t considered imminent harm can be referred to two forms of lesser interventions, including the use of community-based services. DSS officials say under the new system, a smaller percentage of allegations result in no action and more services are provided to families. But critics have worried that some cases may be referred for services when they should be investigated. “How many children have to suffer like this little girl?” Lourie asked.

Jessica Hanak-Coulter, deputy state director at DSS for human services, said she wasn’t familiar with any of the specific cases mentioned by the coroner or Lourie on Wednesday. But she said the agency does look into cases of inappropriate referrals. “When we have particular cases that come to our attention, we do go and dive into those and figure out what went wrong and how do we need to coach and train our staff so that it doesn’t happen,” she said. “But on the whole, this service does prevent children from being harmed.” The panel also heard from a Greenville woman who told senators that the adoption of a 13-year-old boy through DSS has turned into a nightmare. She said because one of her two biological children is hyperactive and has learning disabilities, she felt she and her husband could offer a chance at life for another teenager, younger than her own children. When she and her husband had questions about his background, including two previously failed adoptions, she said DSS workers glossed over any issues and told them that the boy needed a loving and stable environment. But she said DSS never adequately prepared the parents for the child they adopted, who she said has been caught shoplifting, stolen from neighbors, abused the family’s dog and beaten one of their children. He was sent to a military school, she said, after being caught with drugs, and was kicked out of there.

“My husband and I believe families are being pushed to adopt older children without being fully informed about the extent of the special needs and brokenness of these older children,” she said. She said she knows of other parents who have gone through similar problems with children they have adopted. DSS, she said, urged the family to continue with the boy, telling them things would get better. Instead, she said, she feels wracked by guilt over the impact the boy has had on her family. “I’m a strong woman but this has thrown me for a loop,” she said. The boy is to move soon into a children’s home, she said, where he stayed for five years before being adopted. Hanak-Coulter said she wasn’t familiar with the case but the agency has an extensive process for checking families to be sure they are a good fit for the child. Out of 1,855 adoptions since 2011, she said, only four have failed and the children returned. “Yes, we do have children with difficulties,” she said. “And yes we have families who every day stay beside them and stick with them and we’re there to support them through the post legal services. “We want to be there to help these children and these families. Our children in foster care have been through a lot, so the desire to get them a forever family is what they need. So we do not rush into those decisions, ever.”

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

Margaret W. Osteen 1908-1996 The Item Hubert D. Osteen Jr. Chairman & Editor-in-Chief Graham Osteen Co-President Kyle Osteen Co-President Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher Larry Miller CEO Braden Bunch Senior News Editor

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

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE The more things change, the more they’re the same In “Millennials at Work: Young and Callow, Like Their Parents,” The New York Times offers perspective on an age-old complaint. Read it online at www. nytimes.com: The generation now entering the work force, people in their late teens and early 20s, are consistently panned by many employers as not ready for the workplace. But while there are real differences, their behavior on the job might not be so different from that of previous generations. In surveys, middle-aged business owners and hiring managers say the new workers lack the attitudes and behaviors needed for job success. They don’t have a strong work ethic, these reports say. They’re not motivated and don’t take the initiative. They’re undependable and not committed to their employers. They need constant affirmation and expect rapid advancement. But complaining about youth on the cusp of adulthood isn’t novel. In the Middle Ages, masters complained about their apprentices’ work habits. “You can find these complaints in ancient Greek literature, in the Bible,” said Peter Cappelli, director of the Center for Human Resources at the Wharton School. “It reflects the way old people see young people.” Professor Cappelli said that young peoples’ attitudes toward work and career had not changed significantly since the baby boomers came of age in the 1960s. “There’s no evidence millennials are different,” he said. “They’re just younger.”

‘Unless cruelty is tamed, poverty will persist’ In “The Republic of Fear,” David Brooks sheds light on worldwide poverty. Read it online at www. nytimes.com: If you’re reading this, you are probably not buffeted by daily waves of physical terror. You may fear job loss or emotional loss, but you probably don’t fear that somebody is going to slash your throat, or that a gang will invade your house come dinnertime, carrying away your kin and property. We take a basic level of order for granted. But billions of people live in a different emotional landscape, enveloped by hidden terror. Many of these people live in the developing world. When we send young people out to help these regions, we tell them they are there to tackle “poverty,” using the sort of economic designation we’re comfortable with. We usually assume that scarcity is the big challenge to be faced. We send them to dig wells or bring bed nets or distribute food or money, and, of course, that’s wonderful work. But as Gary A. Haugen and Victor Boutros point out in their gripping and perspective-altering book, “The Locust Effect,” these places are not just grappling with poverty. They are marked by disorder, violence and man-inflicted suffering. “The relentless threat of violence is part of the core subtext of their lives, but we are unlikely to see it, and they are unlikely to tell us about it. We would be wise, however, to not be fooled — because, like grief, the thing we cannot see may be the deepest part of their day.” People in many parts of the world simply live beyond the apparatus of law and order. The District of Columbia spends about $850 per person per year on police. In Bangladesh, the government spends less than $1.50 per person per year on police. The cops are just not there. In the United States, there is one prosecutor for every 12,000 citizens. In Malawi, there is one prosecutor for every 1.5 million citizens. The prosecutors are just not there.

‘If You Want to Dunk, Don’t Play in the NFL’ The NFL (No Fun League) has outlawed the always thrilling “goal post dunk.” For couch-potato football fans, this is bad news. Read it online at www.wsj.com: The NFL will block players from dunking the ball over the crossbar next season in the league’s latest crackdown on touchdown celebrations. Players will be penalized 15 yards if they dunk the ball over the goal posts next season, a league official said Tuesday. The league has previously banned players from using the ball as a prop during celebrations. Retired Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez was famous for dunking over the crossbar when he reached the end zone, while New Orleans Saints star Jimmy Graham knocked the goal posts askew when he celebrated by dunking over the uprights against the Falcons last season. But the dunk has hardly been a regular occurrence lately. According to a December Wall Street Journal audit of touchdown celebrations, the dunk was witnessed just 34 times to that point last season — just 3 percent of all touchdown celebrations. The Item’s “Notable & Quotable” column is compiled by Graham Osteen. Send comments or ideas to graham@theitem.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR It’s dangerous to sell alcohol at Opera House I learned last week that anyone enjoying a show at Sumter Opera House could, according to the article in The Sumter Item on March 20, soon be able to add a strong drink to the experience. To add to the good times, Mayor Joe McElveen reportedly said it was decided the sale of alcohol is inescapable if you have an entertainment center. My question is how can a small group of people make such a decision with no input from the people of Sumter? The following were listed as voting for this proposal or giving their approval: Downtown Devel-

opment Manager Howie Owens; City Cultural Manager Seth Reimer; Chief of Police Russell Roark; Mayor Joe McElveen; Mayor Pro Tem Robert Galiano Jr.; Councilman Thomas J. Lowery; Councilwoman Ione J. Dwyer; Councilman Charles Burns; and Councilman David Merchant. There was another review in The Sumter Item on Sunday, March 23, where Mr. Reimer commented the Opera House belongs to the community. I agree. The sale of beer and wine at this venue opens the door for the sale of even stronger beverages in the future. I would like to thank Councilman Calvin Hastie for voting against this resolution.

Before this plan is implemented, would someone named above let the citizens of Sumter know who was responsible for the proposal and how will our DUI laws be enforced. We know no one walks to the Opera House. Remember the slogan — buzzed driving is drunk driving. I am waiting for a response from pastors and concerned citizens of Sumter. No, we do not have to sell alcohol to enhance enjoying the Opera House — it is not an inescapable decision, but a very foolish, dangerous one — one that can have serious consequences. CAROLYN RILES Sumter

COMMENTARY

Dershowitz & Starr: A matter of principle

ASHINGTON — When it comes to tackling complicated legal issues, one would be hard-pressed to conjure a less likely partnership than Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz and Baylor University President Ken Starr. Well, OK, there was the David Boies and Ted Olson confederacy fighting for gay marriage rights after they took opposite sides during the 2000 Bush-Gore election dispute. Still, witnessing Dershowitz and Starr discuss and largely agree on religious liberty issues raised by the popularly known Hobby Lobby case was pleasantly jarring. The two convened at the Willard Hotel on Monday, the day before Hobby Lobby oral arguments were presented to the U.S. Supreme Court. In a delightful back-and-forth punctuated by yarns and anecdotes, the two legal luminaries affirmed at least two points of agreement: (1) separation of church and state is good for religion; (2) corporations are people and people are corporations (echo Mitt Romney?) and, therefore, Hobby Lobby should be permitted an exemption from the contraceptive mandate imposed by the Affordable Care Act. To back and fill a bit: Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., a familyowned arts and crafts chain of 500 stores and 13,000 employees, is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the federal government. Hobby Lobby President Steve Green, who told a dinner crowd Monday night that he has distributed Bibles to a billion people worldwide through his personal ministry, claims that he shouldn’t be forced to participate in what he views as life-terminating contraception, including IUDs and the so-called morningafter pill. The core of the argument is that Green’s business is protect-

ed by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), passed by Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. The RFRA basically requires that the government prove “compelling interest” when someone’s religious rights are “substantially burdened” by what the state wishes to do. Although individuals and religious groups are clearly covered by the RFRA, it isn’t clear whether the RFRA’s protections also extend to companies. Dershowitz and Starr kicked off an afternoon of discussions as part of a symposium Kathleen co-sponsored by Baylor UniversiParker ty and Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs. Starr, who pointed out that 84 amicus briefs have been filed in the case, described the lawsuit as a “conflict of vision” — big government versus a family that has devoted itself to Christian mission work. While Starr’s stewardship of a Baptist university made his views unsurprising, Dershowitz’s were pleasantly jarring. Proclaiming his love both for religion and the separation of church and state, he called the government’s brief “silly and trivial.” And though he thinks birth control is good for society — and he approves of the ACA — neither of those considerations matter. It’s the principle. Contrary to protestations from certain entities that subvert all issues for political gain, the case is not about birth control or women’s rights or even universal health care. It is, in Dershowitz’s summation, about “whether or not the statutes in the penumbra

of the Constitution require a religious exemption.” Period. As a final note of clarification, the Green family did not pick this battle. The federal government did when it imposed what could be considered a secular belief system on people who happen to be business owners with strong religious convictions about abortion and abortifacients. In a brief sidebar: Don’t you find it curious that the biological fact of life at conception is characterized as an article of faith (religious), while denial of that life vis-a-vis its involuntary termination is viewed as ultimately sacred? One of life’s little mysteries. Whatever one’s views on these matters, they are of no consequence. The fact that I personally favor birth control doesn’t alter the logic of what I’ve just written. It merely suits me to believe as I do in order to get through life as I find most convenient. It doesn’t make me right, except under secular law, which a great many people find less compelling than the higher laws of nature — or of God. Your choice. In any case, the first principle of religious freedom should be treated as paramount, as often and at every stage possible, agreed both Starr and Dershowitz. And both hope that the Supreme Court will find a way to accommodate Hobby Lobby. The court’s ruling is expected sometime in June. In the meantime, one wishes only to bottle the gracious, erudite and humorous civility of Dershowitz and Starr and infuse the water supply of the nation’s capital. Perhaps a dash or two of their significant brain power might also filter through. Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com. © 2014, Washington Post Writers Group

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your letter to letters@theitem.com, drop it off at The Sumter Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St., or mail it to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, SC 29151, along with the writer’s full name, address and telephone number (for verification purposes only). Letters that exceed 350 words will be cut accordingly in the print edition, but available in their entirety at www.theitem.com/opinion/letters_to_editor.

A10

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

ANDREWS FROM PAGE A1 “I told Shamarr to leave,” the suspect said, according to the report. “I told him several times to leave. When you tell a man to leave your home, and they don’t, then you have the right to protect yourself.” Witnesses said they were arguing over a bottle of liquor, and the report states the suspect accused the victim of stealing a bottle of brandy from him. “This could have been prevented,” Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. “When it started, before it escalated, they could have called, and maybe we could have responded. That was their decision. There was an altercation. It was a moment of anger that occurred. We responded pretty much after the fact.” Andrews will have his first appearance before a

judge Thursday, he said. The victim and suspect knew each other. “He’s the uncle of the victim’s girlfriend,” the sheriff said. “She was intoxicated and arrested, too.” But this wasn’t a home known for trouble. “We have never had a call of service at that house,” Dennis said. “I don’t think the suspect has an extensive record.” While not extensive, Andrews has been in trouble with the law for previous alcohol-related violations, including open container charges, public disorderly conduct and driving under the influence. Records indicate he had requested a jury trial earlier this month for his charge of DUI less than .10 first offense last month and was out on a personal recognizance bond.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Partly sunny and warmer

Some clouds

Showers, mainly later

A couple of thunderstorms

Sunny and not as warm

Times of sun and clouds

64°

48°

74° / 56°

81° / 49°

70° / 46°

70° / 50°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 5%

Winds: SSE 6-12 mph

Winds: S 8-16 mph

Winds: S 6-12 mph

Winds: NNW 8-16 mph

Winds: ESE 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 60/47 Spartanburg 61/48

Greenville 60/48

Florence 64/47

Bishopville 65/47 Columbia 67/50

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 64/48

Myrtle Beach 58/51

Manning 65/49

Today: Partly sunny. Winds south 6-12 mph. Friday: Storms, mainly later. Winds southsouthwest 4-8 mph.

Aiken 66/47

ON THE COAST

TASK FORCE FROM PAGE A1 it goes down to 420,000,” Beatty said. George Goldsmith, the retired major general who represents Columbia on the task force, told members Fort Jackson would not be affected if troop strength remains above 450,000, but the fort that handles many incoming Army recruits will be affected if it drops further. “We’re working with our congressional delegation to let them know sequestration is a real problem,” Goldsmith said. “The general public doesn’t understand the impact, and we want to make sure they know the impact of sequestration.” In preparing for the planned reductions, the Army has selected Fort Jackson as one of 30 sites to do a “programmatic environmental assessment” evaluating the effects of planned reductions. “This is one of the biggest socioeconomic PEAs to get feedback from the community in the greater Columbia area,” Beatty said. Speaking for Sumter, Steve Creech said the Shaw community, which welcomed U.S. Army Central from Georgia only a few years ago, is focused on how to strengthen the air base further under a new round of “base realignment and closure.” “If BRAC 2017 comes

down, we’re looking at what on the East Coast might move to Shaw,” Creech said. “If we spend our energy on growing, we’re not going away.” State legislators are also doing their part to give the state’s military population a hand. Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, recently sponsored a bill allowing deployed military personnel to continue paying a lower property tax assessment on their home. “It’s not just about moving from a four-percent to a six-percent ratio. There’s also a school operating cost added when it goes up,” Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, told the task force. Smith told task force members the Legislature needs to act this year to pass more legislation that will bolster South Carolina’s position when military cuts do take effect, like a bill to improve the chances military retirees can get South Carolina jobs. “(Commerce) Secretary (Bobby) Hitt testified on how we have a skilled workforce here ready-made for training,” he said. “This will give them an incentive to stay here when they do retire.” With the kind of stresses facing the military community, Smith said, “we need to concentrate more and more on being the most military-friendly state.”

Charleston 64/54

Today: Times of clouds and sun; warmer. High 58 to 64. Friday: Showers, mainly later; warmer in central parts. High 69 to 75.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

53° 29° 69° 43° 86° in 1950 26° in 1983

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

0.08" 3.26" 3.25" 9.05" 9.69" 10.67"

NATIONAL CITIES Today Hi/Lo/W 64/52/pc 49/35/r 85/51/t 42/40/i 78/66/t 69/55/pc 72/67/t 44/39/pc 75/62/c 48/36/pc 74/58/s 61/51/pc 52/40/s

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 358.35 75.70 74.78 97.61

24-hr chg +0.11 +0.02 +0.29 +0.23

Sunrise 7:16 a.m. Moonrise 4:58 a.m.

RIVER STAGES

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

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 68/56/t 44/28/pc 83/49/t 49/28/sh 84/60/pc 71/56/pc 81/65/t 58/43/sh 79/65/t 60/43/sh 79/60/s 63/54/pc 62/49/sh

Sunset Moonset

7:39 p.m. 4:33 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Mar. 30

Apr. 7

Apr. 15

Apr. 22

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 9.59 -0.04 19 5.70 +0.91 14 9.90 +0.56 14 3.83 -0.06 80 79.44 -0.48 24 8.18 -2.18

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Fri.

High 6:54 a.m. 7:13 p.m. 7:52 a.m. 8:10 p.m.

Ht. 3.3 3.2 3.3 3.4

Low 1:10 a.m. 1:47 p.m. 2:11 a.m. 2:40 p.m.

Ht. -0.2 -0.4 -0.5 -0.6

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 55/43/pc 64/49/pc 67/48/pc 64/55/c 51/47/pc 64/54/pc 61/47/pc 62/51/pc 67/50/pc 64/48/s 53/45/pc 61/47/pc 63/48/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 60/47/t 68/53/t 76/53/sh 74/59/sh 64/60/sh 75/59/sh 69/54/sh 65/55/t 75/55/sh 74/55/sh 70/56/sh 74/57/sh 74/58/sh

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 64/47/pc Gainesville 72/57/c Gastonia 60/47/pc Goldsboro 61/47/pc Goose Creek 64/54/pc Greensboro 58/46/pc Greenville 60/48/pc Hickory 58/46/pc Hilton Head 61/56/c Jacksonville, FL 68/57/c La Grange 68/51/pc Macon 68/52/pc Marietta 64/48/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 74/56/sh 74/60/t 69/54/sh 73/57/sh 75/59/sh 68/54/sh 65/54/t 65/51/sh 70/62/sh 76/60/t 70/54/t 73/54/t 66/56/t

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 58/46/pc Mt. Pleasant 63/54/pc Myrtle Beach 58/51/pc Orangeburg 65/50/pc Port Royal 63/55/c Raleigh 60/45/pc Rock Hill 61/47/pc Rockingham 63/46/pc Savannah 67/54/pc Spartanburg 61/48/pc Summerville 61/55/c Wilmington 59/49/pc Winston-Salem 58/46/pc

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 62/51/t 75/59/sh 71/61/sh 75/56/sh 73/59/sh 71/50/sh 69/54/t 72/56/sh 78/58/sh 66/54/t 72/61/sh 73/59/sh 68/54/sh

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

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

The last word in astrology

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Opening up to EUGENIA LAST new activities will do you a world of good. Getting to know someone through a different avenue will help you recognize where your relationship is heading and how to best prepare. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Make choices based on your intuitive insight. Someone may try to mislead you using charm or romantic gestures. Take the time to ask questions and run a background check to put your mind at ease.

LOTTERY NUMBERS LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Share your thoughts and plans for the future. Taking steps that will bring about an upgrade mentally, physically or financially will pay off and bring in compliments. Romance is in the stars. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take the road less traveled and you’ll find many interesting options. Being creative and in touch with your feelings will help you make wise, happy choices. Make changes to your living quarters to encourage originality. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Uncertainty and confusion is likely to set in when dealing with a friend or colleague offering vague, confusing information. Don’t make a decision until you feel satisfied with what’s being said.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Offering help might be misconstrued as meddling in other people’s affairs. Avoid getting too close or personal with someone you do business with. Pay more attention to what’s going on CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): An unexpected situation will arise. in your own life. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Sign up for Communication is likely to be misconstrued, leading to a poor activities that help you expand your choice or mishap. Get all the facts and friendships. Sharing your knowledge protect personal information that you and experience will attract someone feel may be used against you. who can open your mind to interesting people, cultures and AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Offer a pastimes. new twist to a service or skill you LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t let have, and you’ll find a way to bring in emotions lead to financial loss. A fast- extra cash. Working at selfcash scheme may tempt you, but the improvement will result in stress and cost involved aren’t worth compliments and bring a little love it. Put your effort into having fun with and romance into your life. the people you love. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take a look PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A group at new alternatives. Sometimes it pays effort will pay off. Look for people to take an unorthodox approach to a sharing your concerns, interests or thoughts regarding an investment or problem or issue you face. Don’t rule out any suggestion without giving it a service. Offer a strategy that will encourage others to join. fair chance.

PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

7-11-19-30-36 PowerUp: 2

19-26-51-57-73 Megaball: 15 Megaplier: 3

PICK 4 WEDNESDAY

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY

6-6-6-5 and 7-2-6-8

3-9-2 and 3-9-1

POWERBALL numbers were not available at press time.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC SUBMITTED BY: Betty Reese COMMENT: “I couldn’t resist this picture taken at the back gate of Stewart Recycling Center ... ‘Yard of the Month.’”

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

SECTION

Will madness continue in Sweet 16? B3

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

PREP BASEBALL

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Changing of the guard

McMillon moves up to manage Double-A BY BARBARA BOXLEITNER Special to The Sumter Item

coaches middle infield and I help with the middle infielders and do hitting. We get very position-specific and teach fundamentals, and in my experience that keeps the kids moving in practice and gives them mental reps as well as physical reps.” LMA is 6-3 on the year and 1-1 in SCISA Region II-3A after a 15-0 win over Florence Christian on Tuesday. The Swampcats played South Port High from Pennsylvania on Wednesday and will host Wilson Hall on Friday in a huge region contest. Hatfield said pitching and defense

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Billy McMillon is managing Boston Red Sox Double-A affiliate Portland this season. His promotion followed other movements among the minor league staff. The shuffling was prompted by Triple-A Pawtucket manager Gary DiSarcina’s decision to become third base coach for the Los Angeles Angels. DiSarcina played his entire career for the California and Los AnMCMILLON geles Angels. Kevin Boles, who managed Portland, filled the TripleA vacancy. Bishopville High School graduate McMillon said he signed a 2-year contract when he accepted the Portland post. “It’s probably easier being in Double A than it was in (Single-)A ball,” said McMillon, who has been on the Red Sox minor league staff since 2008. “It will be easier still once I get to Triple-A. “The ultimate goal is to get to the big leagues,” he said. “Hopefully, I can bide my time and be in a position to one day be a manager and kind of run the show up there.” During the off-season, McMillon said, he didn’t hear of other clubs’ interest in him. “They have to go through the front office,” he said. “My understanding is not just the Red Sox, but all organizations, they deny lateral moves. Any chance of moving up, they would let guys talk to another organization. That didn’t happen. And that’s cool. It will happen when it happens.” McMillon said he expects 85 percent to 90 percent of his Portland players to be guys he has coached or managed. “That would make the transition less because they would know my style,” he said, “and I would have a heads-up on what they need to work on.” Managing at a higher level will

SEE LMA, PAGE B4

SEE MCMILLON, PAGE B4

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Laurence Manning Academy’s Tripp Mason bats during a recent game at Tucker Belangia Diamond in Manning. The Swampcats have a new head coach in Barry Hatfield, but the expectations are still high as LMA prepares for a Region II-3A showdown with Wilson Hall on Friday.

Hatfield takes over LMA program, but outlook remains the same BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com The Laurence Manning Academy varsity baseball program has been one of the top ones in SCISA for several years and that won’t change under first-year head coach Barry Hatfield. “I think the expectations are very high at this school, and that’s always a good sign,” Hatfield said. “I feel like with the talent we have we should contend for a (3A) state championship. I relay that to the players — that’s what we expect to do — and it should be of a year-in, year-out dura-

tion.” Hatfield has been an assistant in the program for several years, taking over when Billy Sylvester left for Darlington High School. He has 18-plus years of experience, much of it as the head coach at Lakewood High. Alongside Hatfield are assistants Jack Martin, HATFIELD Al Nelson and Mark Campbell. “We do things very much like a football team would,” Hatfield said. “We’ve got Al coaching outfield, Mark coaches base running, Jack

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

CLEMSON BASKETBALL

Gamecocks anxious for UNC rematch

Tigers exceeding expectations with trip to NIT semis

BY TIM BOOTH The Associated Press SEATTLE — Gone were the jitters and apprehension from two days earlier when it was fair to question if South Carolina deserved a No. 1 seed. The Gamecocks left no doubt Tuesday night leaving Oregon State bruised and erasing all those memories of being upset in the second round a year ago. “We knew from the get go we wanted to be aggressive and not back down to their size,’’ South Carolina’s Aleighsa Welch said. “What we wanted to emphasize was to go right through them. Not try and go around them or try to go over the top but go right through them, through

their chest. I think it paid off.’’ Welch had 21 points and 11 rebounds, Tiffany Mitchell scored all 20 of her points in the second half and grabbed 10 rebounds, and topseeded South Carolina used its size and athleticism to overwhelm No. 9 seed Oregon State 78-69. A year after getting upset by a 12 seed in the secondround of the tournament, the Gamecocks are headed to the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years under coach Dawn Staley. South Carolina (294) will face No. 4 seed North Carolina in the Stanford Region semifinals on Sunday. The Gamecocks lost to the Tar Heels 74-66

SEE USC, PAGE B3

BY PETE IACOBELLI The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina’s Aleighsa Welch (24) shoots the ball over Oregon State’s Gabriella Hanson during the Gamecocks’ 78-69 victory on Tuesday in the second round of the NCAA women’s tournament in Seattle. USC advances to face North Carolina in the Sweet 16 on Sunday.

CLEMSON — Overachieving Clemson men’s basketball squad is headed to Madison Square Garden. Like all head coaches, the Tigers’ Brad Brownell would love for his team BROWNELL to be playing in the NCAA tournament. However, he’s gratified by the growth his players have made to exceed expectations and that they are continuing to advance in the NIT. “I’m very happy because I know how hard we all worked at it,” Brownell said. Clemson reached the NIT semis, which will be played in

New York, after rallying late against Belmont for a 73-68 win. Fans rushed the court in celebration Tuesday night, which seemed a little much for some observers. Then again, maybe it’s an appropriate “Thank You” from supporters of a team picked to finish 14th in the 15-team Atlantic Coast Conference before the season, but now among just three ACC teams still playing basketball. Brownell believed Clemson (23-12) was deserving of an NCAA bid with its 10 Atlantic Coast Conference wins for just the fourth time in program history and improvement from last year’s 13-18 record. When his hopes fell short on selection Sunday,

SEE TIGERS, PAGE B3

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

SHS baseball suffers 1st loss FLORENCE — The Sumter High School varsity baseball team suffered its first loss of the season on Wednesday, falling to West Florence 2-1 at the West Florence field. The final game of the 3-game series will be played today at Gamecock Field beginning at 6:30 p.m. after being rescheduled because of the threat of inclement weather. Phillip Watcher took the loss for SHS, allowing just one hit in six innings. The one hit, however, was 2-run home run by the Knights’ Logan McRae in the first inning. Watcher struck out five and walked two. Watcher was 2-for-3 at the plate with a double and a run batted in. Chris Crawford also doubled and Javon Martin scored Sumter’s lone run. WILSON HALL 7 CARDINAL NEWMAN 2

COLUMBIA — Wilson Hall improved to 10-0 on the season with 7-2 victory over Cardinal Newman. Britton Beatson threw 5 1/3 innings allowing two unearned runs on two hits. He walked one and struck out four. McLendon Sears pitched 1 2/3 innings and walked one while striking out two. Kemper Patton led the Barons going 3-for-4 with four RBI, two doubles and a run scored. Andrew Kinney had two hits including a double and a run scored. William Kinney had a hit, a run scored and a RBI. John Patrick Sears had a hit and two runs scored. William Creech had a hit and a RBI. The Barons host Ben Lippen today at 7 p.m. LAKEWOOD SPLITS

Austin Griswold hit a game-winning RBI in the top of the seventh to help Lakewood beat Wilson 7-6 on Wednesday in Florence at the Tigers field. Griswold led the Gator offense going 3-for-4 with two RBI. Kyle Chandler went 2-for-3 with a double and a RBI. LHS’ Daquan Ingram struck out three and walked one to pick up the win on the mound. On Tuesday, Lakewood lost to Marlboro County 3-2 at the Marlboro field. Dustin Frye pitched a complete game, striking out six while allowing four hits and one earned run. Jay Tolson had a double and Ryan Hughes also had a hit.

JUNIOR VARISTY BASEBALL WILSON HALL 15 CARDINAL NEWMAN 4 Wilson Hall improved to 6-1 on the season with a 15-4 victory in five innings over Cardinal Newman. Charlton Commander earned the victory throwing four innings while allowing two hits and striking out three. Daniel Reynolds pitched one inning and struck out a batter. WH was led at the plate by Dawson Price’s three hits including a double. Jett Wheeler added two hits. Sam Watford and Drew Talley along with Commander also had doubles in the victory. The JV Barons will play Ben Lippen today at 4 p.m.

VARSITY SOCCER TRINITY-BYRNES 3 WILSON HALL 2 Wilson Hall dropped a 3-2 extra-time decision to Trinity-Byrnes at Patriot Park. Dalton Miller had two goals to lead the Barons. Justin Schaare and Jake Croft each had an assist in the loss. The Barons fell to 1-4 on the season

with the loss. CRESTWOOD 4 DARLINGTON 2

DARLINGTON — Crestwood senior Jonathan Ray scored a hat trick to lead Crestwood to its first Region VI-3A victory of the season on Tuesday at the Falcons field. CJ Becker had the other goal for CHS. Renaldo Issac and Wesley Simpson each had an assist in the victory with Aaron Griffith in goal. The Knights improved to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in region play.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER SUMTER 1 HARTSVILLE 0 Blake Drown scored the games’ lone goal in the second period of extra time with a minute and 20 seconds remaining as Sumter High beat Hartsville at the Gamecock field. Finn McGregor had the assist for SHS. The JV Gamecocks improved to 6-1 on the season and will travel to Blythewood today.

VARSITY GOLF THOMAS SUMTER 168 BAMBERG-EHRARDT 169 CALHOUN ACADEMY 170 ORANGEBURG PREP 182 PATRICK HENRY 225 ORANGEBURG — Thomas Sumter Academy won a 5-team match at the Orangeburg Prep Country Club with a low score 168. TSA’s Walker Brooks was the match medalist with a low of 40. James Brinkswell shot a 41, Drake McCormick carded a 42 and Tyler Bray had a 45. The Generals will travel to Florence Christian on Tuesday for a match at The Crossings.

VARSITY TRACK & FIELD WILSON HALL WINS 6-TEAM MEET

Wilson Hall won a 6-team meet on Wednesday at Spencer Field. Thomas Sumter Academy finished second and Laurence Manning Academy took fifth. Charlie Walker won the 400 meter hurdles for Laurence Manning. Thomas Sumter Academy’s Jacob Crotts won the 3200. Wilson Hall swept all three relays winning the 4x100, 4x400 and 4x800. Devin Singleton won four individual events. Ken Ballard won both the discus and shot put, Evans Boyles won triple jump and Matthew Tavarez won the 1600. FIRST-PLACE FINISHERS Laurence Manning : Charlie Walker 400 meter hurdles; Thomas Sumter: Jacob Crotts 3200 Wilson Hall: Connor Curtis Brayden Fidler, Rhett Howell, Matthew Tavarez 4x800 relay; Devin Singleton 100m, 400m, 200m, long jump; Matthew Tavarez 1600; Josh Gentile, Michael Lowery, Brent Carraway, Evans Boyle 4x100 relay; Brayden Fidler 800m; Josh Gentile, Campbell Mims, Andrik Rivera-Nesala, Brayden Fidler 4x400 relay; Evans Boyle triple jump; Ken Ballard discus, shot put SECOND-PLACE FINISHERS Laurence Manning: Charlie Walker 110 meter hurdles; Thomas Sumter: Jacob Crotts, Patrick Kuzbary, Noah White, Liam Miller 4x800 relay; Chris Whtie, Noah White, Cody Segura, Taylor Roedl 4x100 relay; Taylor Roedl 200m Wilson Hall: Drew Reynolds 3200; Connor Curtis 1600; Hayes Goodson 400 meter hurdles; Andrik Rivera-Nesala 800m; Walker Ard discus; Tanner Carraway shot put THIRD-PLACE FINISHERS Thomas Sumter: Taylor Roedl 100m; Ty Cressione, Patrick Kuzbary, Dre Litsey, Frankie Folderman 4x100 relay; Patrick Kuzbary 400m; Chris White triple jump Wilson Hall: Hayes Goodson 110 meter hurdles; Rhett Howell 1600; Michael Lowery high jump; Tanner Carraway discus; Walker Ard shot put

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

Wilson Hall track wins 5-team meet Wilson Hall won a fiveteam varsity track and field meet at Spencer field on Wednesday. Laurence Manning finished fourth followed by Thomas Sumter Academy. The Lady Barons’ 4x800 relay and 4x400 relay took first place. Hayley Smoak won the 100 meter hurdles, Anna Lyles won the 800 and 1600, Julia Ladson won the 400 and McKenzie Smith won high jump. FIRST-PLACE FINISHERS Wilson Hall: Chandler Curtis, Nicolette Fisher, Julia Ladson, Anna Lyles 4x800 relay; Hayley Smoak 100 hurdles; Anna Lyles 1600; Cantey Jacocks, Cori Moore, Hayley Smoak, Elliott Kassam 4x100 relay; Julia Ladson 400m; Amy Banghart 400 meter hurdles; Anna Lyles 800m; Nicolette Fisher, Anna Lyles, Leah Barwick, Hayley Smoak 4x400 relay; McKenzie Smith high jump; SECOND-PLACE FINISHERS Wilson Hall: Chandler Curtis 3200; Amy Banghart 100 meter hurdles; Cantey Jacocks 400 meter hurdles; Aubrie

Yarbrough 800m; Cori Moore long jump, triple jump; Claire Estep discus; Mary Peyton Zilch shot put THIRD-PLACE FINISHERS Laurence Manning: Hannah Graham 100m, 400m; Thomas Sumter: Bella Crowe 1600; Wilson Hall: Chandler Patrick 100 meter hurdles; Leah Barwick 400 meter hurdles; Chandler Curtis 800m; Leah Barwick high jump; McKenzie Smith discus

VARSITY SOFTBALL

Payton Mickens, Cody Boytin and Desteny Welch each went 3-for-4 for the Lady Gators. Mickens had two runs scored while Boytin and Welch each scored a run apiece. Katelynn Barwick was the winning pitcher and struck out 10 batters in the victory.

WILSON-LMA RESCHEDULED

JV SOFTBALL

The game between Laurence Manning Academy and Wilson Hall originally scheduled for Friday has been moved to 5 p.m. today at LMA because of the threat of inclement weather.

LAKEWOOD 7

LAKEWOOD 11 LAKE CITY 8

KJ McPhail had four hits and three runs scored to lead Lakewood past Lake City 11-8 on Wednesday at the Gators field.

LAKE CITY 5 Lakewood improved to 4-2 on the season with a 7-5 victory over Lakewood at the Gators field on Wednesday. Haley Courtney struck out five in the win for the Lady Gators. Offensively Breanna Bell led the team with three hits including a home run, two runs scored and three runs batted in. Destiny Banar added two hits and two runs scored.

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

6 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Washington vs. St. Louis from Jupiter, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 9 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Yankees vs. Toronto from Dunedin, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 11 a.m. -- College Baseball: Coastal Carolina at South Carolina (FOX SPORTSOUTH). Noon -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Mets vs. Washington from Port St. Lucie, Fla. (ESPN). 1 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Sony Open Men’s Quarterfinal and Women’s Semifinal Matches from Key Biscayne, Fla. (ESPN2). 1 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Atlanta vs. Detroit from Lakeland, Fla. (SPORTSOUTH). 3 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Texas Open First Round from San Antonio (GOLF). 3 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Milwaukee vs. Cincinnati from Phoenix (MLB NETWORK). 3 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs from Mesa, Ariz. (WGN). 5:30 p.m. -- Women’s College Gymnastics: Southeastern Conference Championships from Birmingham, Ala. (ESPNU). 6 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: New York Yankees vs. Pittsburgh from Bradenton, Fla. (MLB NETWORK). 6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUBFM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 6:30 p.m. -- LPGA Golf: Kia Classic First Round from Carlsbad, Calif. (GOLF). 7 p.m. -- College Basketball: NCAA Division II Tournament Semifinal Game from Evansville, Ind. (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 7 p.m. -- Professional Tennis: Sony Open Men’s Quarterfinal and Women’s Semifinal Matches from Key Biscayne, Fla. (ESPN2). 7:30 p.m. -- College Baseball: Missouri at Auburn (ESPNU). 7:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Carolina at Florida (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 9:30 p.m. -- College Basketball: NCAA Division II Tournament Semifinal Game from Evansville, Ind. (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 10 p.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: San Francisco vs. Oakland from Scottsdale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). Midnight -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Eurasia Cup Second Round from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (GOLF). 1 a.m. -- Major League Exhibition Baseball: Los Angeles Angels vs. Los Angeles Dodgers from Glendale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK). 2 a.m. -- NHL Hockey: Buffalo at Nashville (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 2 a.m. -- Formula One Racing: Malaysian Grand Prix Practice from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

Varsity Baseball Lamar at Crestwood, 6 p.m. West Florence at Sumter, 6:30 p.m. Ben Lippen at Wilson Hall, 7 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Marlboro, 6:30 p.m. Andrew Jackson Academy at Clarendon Hall, 6:30 p.m. Junior Varsity Baseball Crestwood at Darlington, 6:30 p.m. Manning at Lakewood, 6:30 p.m. Ben Lippen at Wilson Hall, 4 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Florence Christian, 6 p.m. Varsity Boys Golf Manning at Darlington, 4 p.m. Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning in SCISA Region II-3A Match (at Shannon Greens in Manning), 3:30 a.m. Varsity Boys Soccer Sumter at Crestwood, 6:30 p.m. Laurence Manning at Covenant Central (at Patriot Park SportsPlex), 5:30 p.m. Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Sumter at Blythewood, 5:30 p.m. Hartsville Middle at Wilson Hall, 4:30 p.m. Brookland-Cayce at Thomas Sumter, 5 p.m. Varsity Girls Soccer Sumter at Crestwood, 5 p.m. Varsity Softball Wilson Hall at Laurence Manning, 5 p.m. Lugoff-Elgin at Sumter, 6 p.m. East Clarendon at South Florence, 6 p.m. Robert E. Lee at Marlboro, 4 p.m. Clarendon Hall at Dorchester, 7 p.m. Junior Varsity Softball Lugoff-Elgin at Sumter, 6 p.m. Pee Dee at Robert E. Lee, 5:30 p.m. Clarendon Hall at Dorchester, 5 p.m. Varsity Boys Tennis Wilson Hall at Ben Lippen, 4 p.m. Varsity Track and Field Lakewood, Hartsville at Crestwood, 5 p.m. Manning at Darlington, 5 p.m.

MLB SPRING TRAINING By The Associated Press TUESDAY’S GAMES

Boston 4, Tampa Bay 2 Atlanta 12, Detroit 3 Miami 6, St. Louis 5 Pittsburgh 22, Toronto 5 Washington 7, N.Y. Mets 3 Minnesota 4, Baltimore 1 Texas 5, Cleveland 0 San Francisco 5, Milwaukee 4 Oakland 8, Cincinnati 4 Colorado 4, Chicago White Sox 1 L.A. Angels 8, Chicago Cubs (ss) 4 Philadelphia 6, N.Y. Yankees 0

Seattle 9, Kansas City 6 San Diego 5, Chicago Cubs (ss) 5, tie

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Atlanta 9, Miami 2 Pittsburgh 2, Minnesota 1 Toronto 10, N.Y. Yankees 6 Detroit 1, Philadelphia 0 Baltimore (ss) 5, Boston 4 St. Louis 3, Washington 2 San Diego 9, Kansas City 5 L.A. Angels 6, Oakland 2 Texas 5, Seattle 3 Chicago White Sox 9, Cincinnati 5 Cleveland 10, Milwaukee 3 San Francisco 8, Colorado 6 Arizona 14, Chicago Cubs 4 N.Y. Mets vs. Houston (late) Baltimore (ss) vs. Tampa Bay (late)

TODAY’S GAMES

Washington vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 12:10 p.m. Atlanta vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Toronto vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Miami vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Arizona (ss) vs. Cincinnati (ss) at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Cincinnati (ss) vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 3:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Cleveland vs. Arizona (ss) at Scottsdale, Ariz., 4:10 p.m. Minnesota vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., 7:05 p.m. Tampa Bay vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 7:05 p.m. L.A. Angels at L.A. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m. Oakland at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION W Toronto 39 Brooklyn 37 New York 29 Boston 23 Philadelphia 15 SOUTHEAST DIVISION W x-Miami 48 Washington 36 Charlotte 34 Atlanta 31 Orlando 20 CENTRAL DIVISION W x-Indiana 51 Chicago 40 Cleveland 28 Detroit 26 Milwaukee 13

L 31 32 42 47 56

Pct .557 .536 .408 .329 .211

GB – 1½ 10½ 16 24½

L 21 34 37 38 52

Pct .696 .514 .479 .449 .278

GB – 12½ 15 17 29½

L 20 31 44 44 58

Pct .718 .563 .389 .371 .183

GB – 11 23½ 24½ 38

Pct .771 .686 .600 .597 .429

GB – 6 12 12 24

Pct .732 .625 .493 .451 .324

GB – 7½ 17 20 29

Pct .704 .620 .592 .357 .343

GB – 6 8 24½ 25½

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION W L x-San Antonio 54 16 Houston 48 22 Memphis 42 28 Dallas 43 29 New Orleans 30 40 NORTHWEST DIVISION W L Oklahoma City 52 19 Portland 45 27 Minnesota 34 35 Denver 32 39 Utah 23 48 PACIFIC DIVISION W L L.A. Clippers 50 21 Golden State 44 27 Phoenix 42 29 Sacramento 25 45 L.A. Lakers 24 46 x-clinched playoff spot

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Orlando 95, Portland 85 Cleveland 102, Toronto 100 Dallas 128, Oklahoma City 119, OT L.A. Lakers 127, New York 96

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Phoenix at Washington, 7 p.m. Brooklyn at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Toronto at Boston, 7:30 p.m. Cleveland at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Atlanta at Minnesota, 8 p.m. L.A. Clippers at New Orleans, 8 p.m. Miami at Indiana, 8 p.m. Denver at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. New York at Sacramento, 10 p.m. Memphis at Utah, 10:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Portland at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Houston, 8 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

NHL SCHEDULE By The Associated Press TODAY’S GAMES

Chicago at Boston, 7 p.m. Phoenix at New Jersey, 7 p.m. Los Angeles at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Montreal at Detroit, 7 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Carolina at Florida, 7:30 p.m. Minnesota at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Buffalo at Nashville, 8 p.m. Vancouver at Colorado, 9 p.m. Winnipeg at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

SPORTS ITEMS

USC baseball shuts out Coastal COLUMBIA — Four Gamecock pitchers accounted for a 1-hit shutout as second-ranked South Carolina tallied its 10th shutout of the season with a 4-0 victory over Coastal Carolina on Wednesday. The Gamecocks are now 21-3 on the year while the loss drops the Chanticleers to 10-15. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Curt Brit picked up his first win of the season after three scoreless innings of work. Britt allowed just one hit and two walks while striking out four batters. Junior righthander Evan Beal made his first appearance of the year in a start and hurled four hitless innings and struck out three batters. Coastal Carolina starter Dalton Moats (0-3) suffered the loss. He allowed three runs on five hits in three innings with four walks and a strikeout. USC’s 8-hit evening included a 2-for-4 game from DC Arendas. Both Vince Fiori and Reed Scott pitched scoreless innings to close out the victory for the Garnet & Black. The Gamecocks are back in action on Friday beginning a 3-game SEC series with Tennessee. First pitch for the series opener is set for 7 p.m. at Carolina Stadium. RULING: COLLEGE ATHLETES CAN UNIONIZE

CHICAGO — In a stunning rul-

ing that could revolutionize a college sports industry worth billions of dollars and have dramatic repercussions at schools coast to coast, a federal agency said Wednesday that football players at Northwestern University can create the nation’s first union of college athletes. The decision by a regional director of the National Labor Relations Board answered the question at the heart of the debate over the unionization bid: Are football players who receive full scholarships to the Big Ten school considered employees under federal law, thereby allowing them to unionize? Peter Sung Ohr, the NLRB regional director, said in a 24-page decision that the players “fall squarely’’ within the broad definition of employee. BOBCATS 116 NETS 111

CHARLOTTE — Al Jefferson scored 35 points, Kemba Walker had a double-double and the Charlotte Bobcats defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-111 in overtime Wednesday night for their 10th victory at home in the last 12 games. From staff, wire reports

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

THE SUMTER ITEM

NCAA MEN’S TOURNAMENT

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

TIGERS FROM PAGE B1

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Wisconsin’s Traevon Jackson dribbles past the NCAA logo during practice on Wednesday in Anaheim, Calif. Wisconsin plays Baylor in the Sweet 16 today.

More madness in Sweet 16? BY JOHN MARSHALL The Associated Press Just when you think the first weekend of the NCAA tournament couldn’t possibly top itself, it happened again. Last year’s ride was a wild one, filled with massive upsets that blew up brackets and spectacular performances that made it one of the most entertaining starts in tournament history. This year’s version was even better, the best weekend on the sports calendar starting with most of the brackets blown out on the first game of the first full day and including a 4-point play to send a game to overtime. Now that we’ve had time to catch our breath, it’s time to hold on tight again with the regional rounds up next. Here’s some of what to keep an eye on:

THE BIG BOYS Florida. Gators were the No. 1 overall seed and did nothing to diminish that.

NCAA TOURNAMENT TV SCHEDULE TODAY REGIONAL SEMIFINALS WLTX 19

7 p.m. -- Stanford vs. Dayton 9:30 p.m. -- Florida vs. UCLA TBS

7:30 p.m. -- Wisconsin vs. Baylor 10 p.m. -- San Diego State vs. Arizona

Arizona. That defensive performance against Gonzaga has to be causing some sweaty palms among the other 15 teams still left. Michigan State. Izzo and the Spartans Storm the Sweet 16, Part XII. Louisville. Defending national champs on another roll. Virginia. Cavaliers have proven the ACC sweep and No. 1 seeding were deserved.

THE UPSTARTS Dayton. Archie Miller has the Flyers flying high, just like big brother Sean’s Arizona Wildcats. Tennessee. Vols aren’t exactly a mid-major, but they are a bit of a surprise to get this deep after having to sweat

out Selection Sunday. Stanford. See above. San Diego State. Aztecs appear to be on the verge of a huge breakthrough. Kentucky. We know, the team with the second-most national titles in history is no upstart, but Coach Cal and his latest crop of NBAers-in-waiting had to claw their way into the bracket after some shaky moments during the regular season.

TOP MATCHUPS Kentucky-Louisville, Friday in Indianapolis. The Bluegrass rivals have had some great games in the past. This one could be epic. Florida-UCLA, today in Memphis. Two power programs at the top of their games. Baylor-Wisconsin, today in Anaheim, Calif. The clash of styles is going to be fun to watch. Arizona-San Diego State, Thursday in Anaheim. The Wildcats won an earlier meeting this season. Both teams may be better now.

MEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT The Associated Press EAST REGIONAL Semifinals At Madison Square Garden New York Friday UConn (28-8) vs. Iowa State (28-7), 7:27 p.m. Michigan State (28-8) vs. Virginia (30-6), 9:57 p.m. Championship Sunday Semifinal winners SOUTH REGIONAL Semifinals At FedExForum Memphis, Tenn. Today Dayton (25-10) vs. Stanford (23-12), 7:15 p.m. Florida (34-2) vs. UCLA (28-8), 9:45 p.m. Championship Saturday Semifinal winners MIDWEST REGIONAL Semifinals At Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis Friday

USC FROM PAGE B1 in December. “This is a matchup we wanted to see later on in the season,’’ Welch said. But that meeting against the Tar Heels will come on Stanford’s home court with a potential meeting coming against the Cardinal in the regional final. Staley didn’t hide her displeasure with possibly having to play Stanford on its home floor. “I think it (stinks). I do,’’ Staley said. “The people out at Stanford appreciate good basketball. I know that because we have played out there on a number of occasions but when it’s the Final Four at stake I think it should be at neutral sites.’’ South Carolina slogged through its first-round victory over Cal State Northridge, letting the No. 16 seed hang around for longer than anyone anticipated. That sluggishness was replaced with an aggressiveness that Oregon State couldn’t match. Welch’s quickness around the rim had the Beavers flustered. Whether she was following up misses or getting open for her own shot, Oregon State struggled to slow the junior forward. Welch made 8 of 11 shots and had six offensive rebounds. South Carolina also outscored Oregon State 34-9 at the free-throw line, many of those coming in the final two

Michigan (27-8) vs. Tennessee (24-12), 7:15 p.m. Kentucky (26-10) vs. Louisville (31-5), 9:45 p.m. Championship Sunday Semifinal winners WEST REGIONAL Semifinals At The Honda Center Anaheim, Calif. Today Wisconsin (28-7) vs. Baylor (26-11), 7:47 p.m. San Diego State (31-4) vs. Arizona (32-4), 10:17, p.m. Championship Saturday Semifinal winners FINAL FOUR At AT&T Stadium Arlington, Texas Semifinals April 5 East champion vs. South champion Midwest champion vs. West champion National Championship April 7 Semifinal winners

WOMEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT The Associated Press

LINCOLN REGIONAL

Semifinals At Lincoln, Neb. Saturday UConn (36-0) vs. BYU (28-6), 4:30 p.m. DePaul (29-6) vs. Texas A&M (26-8), 7 p.m. Monday Championship Semifinal winners, 9:30 p.m.

STANFORD REGIONAL

Semifinals At Stanford, Calif. Sunday Stanford (30-3) vs. Penn State (24-7), 4:30 p.m. South Carolina (29-4) vs. North Carolina (26-9), 7 p.m. Championship Tuesday Semifinal winners, 9 p.m.

NOTRE DAME REGIONAL

Semifinals At Notre Dame, Ind. Saturday Kentucky (26-8) vs. Baylor (31-4), Noon Notre Dame (34-0) vs. Oklahoma State (25-8), 2:30 p.m. Championship Monday Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m.

LOUISVILLE REGIONAL

Semifinals At Louisville, Ky. Sunday Tennessee (28-5) vs. Maryland (26-6), Noon Louisville (32-4) vs. LSU (21-12), 2:30 p.m. Championship Tuesday Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.

FINAL FOUR

At Nashville, Tenn. Semifinals April 6 Lincoln regional champion vs. Stanford regional champion, 6:30 or 8:30 p.m. Notre Dame regional champion vs. Louisville regional champion, 6:30 or 8:30 p.m. National Championship April 8 Semifinal winners, 8:30 p.m.

minutes. Mitchell was 10 of 11 at the line. “We’re not satisfied with making it to the Sweet 16,’’

Welch said. “We want to make a deeper run in this tournament. We can’t get caught up in the fact we’re here. This isn’t where we want our season to end.’’ Jamie Weisner led Oregon State (24-11) with 21 points, including five 3-pointers, before fouling out. Gabriella Hanson added 16 points. Leading scorer Sydney Wiese, coming off a career-high 26 in the first round win over Middle Tennessee, suffered through one of the worst nights in her freshman season. She missed her first 12 shots before hitting a 3-pointer with 1:30 left that cut the South Carolina lead to 66-57. Wiese finished with eight points. The Gamecocks ability to limit Wiese’s impact offensively was probably more successful than anticipated. Wiese was 0 of 7 shooting in the first half and rarely could get Oregon State’s offense started without harassment from Khadijah Sessions, Olivia Gaines or Mitchell. “That’s a hard feet. Sydney Wiese is a really good player. She really is,’’ Staley said. “She can stroke it, find other teammates, controls the tempo I thought we did a terrific job of controlling all those aspects of her game. The only reason why we win this game is we don’t allow her to get her average and allow her to play comfortably in the flow of their offense.’’

Brownell and the players refocused to what they could accomplish. “There’s nothing you can do about that so you look at the next task and the next task was to play well in this tournament,” he said. “And our guys have responded very well. “ Brownell saw the first seeds of that last August when Clemson played a four-game series in Italy. The Tigers had lost two of its three leading scorers from a year earlier in Devin Booker and Milton Jennings and faced an enormous amount of questions about who’d pick up the slack from the two seniors. Brownell said high-flying forward K.J. McDaniels and point guard Rod Hall, both juniors, discovered they had to take control of the team and not look to others — Clemson played this year without seniors in its regular rotation — to lead the way. “It was the first time for us to recognize that, ‘Hey, these guys aren’t around. We’ve got to do some other things,’” Brownell said. “K.J. and Rod, you guys are the leaders and we need you to play like it.” The two have done that. McDaniels, the ACC’s defensive player of the year, is the team’s top scorer (17.2 ppg), rebounder (7.1) and shot-blocker (97 this season). Hall was instrumental in Clemson’s second straight NIT comeback: he had a game-winning bucket Sunday to beat Illinois 50-49, then scored five points in the Tigers’ 12-2 surge the final four minutes to beat Belmont. Clemson had its share of hurdles to overcome this year. Brownell got a reprieve last spring from first-year athletic director Dan Radakovich with the understanding things had to improve. But the Tigers were considered one of the ACC’s worst last October, finishing ahead of only last-place Virginia Tech in the preseason poll. Clemson lost sophomore guard Devin Coleman to transfer before ACC play began, giving the Tigers one fewer offensive option on a team that struggled all season to score points. And there were sizeable blowouts at Pitt, North Carolina and Syracuse that looked like

NIT SCHEDULE The Associated Press First Round March 18 Robert Morris 89, St. John’s 78 Florida State 58, Florida Gulf Coast 53 Georgetown 77, West Virginia 65 Belmont 80, Green Bay 65 Minnesota 88, High Point 81 Clemson 78, Georgia State 66 Arkansas 91, Indiana State 71 Missouri 85, Davidson 77 Saint Mary’s (Calif.) 70, Utah 58 March 19 Illinois 66, Boston University 62 Louisiana Tech 89, Iona 88 Georgia 63, Vermont 56 Southern Miss 66, Toledo 59 SMU 68, UC Irvine 54 LSU 71, San Francisco 63 California 77, Utah Valley 64 Second Round March 21 Belmont 82, Robert Morris 71 Saturday, March 22 Louisiana Tech 79, Georgia 71 March 23 Clemson 50, Illinois 49 Minnesota 63, Saint Mary’s (Calif.) 55 Southern Miss 71, Missouri 63 Monday Florida State 101, Georgetown 90 SMU 80, LSU 67 California 75, Arkansas 64 Quarterfinals Tuesday Clemson 73, Belmont 68 Minnesota 81, Southern Miss 73 Wednesday Louisiana Tech at Florida State (late) California at SMU (late) At Madison Square Garden New York Semifinals April 1 Clemson (23-13) vs. CaliforniaSMU winner, 7 or 9:30 p.m. Minnesota (23-13) vs. Louisiana Tech-Florida State winner, 7 or 9:30 p.m. Championship April 3 Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.

might start a slide to the end like in 2012-13 when they lost 10 of their last 11. Clemson, though, built its success on defense and McDaniels’ emergence as a top-flight player and likely late first-round NBA draft pick should the junior choose to leave. Fans Tuesday night put in their two cents, shouting “One More Year” at McDaniels before and after the game. McDaniels said Clemson’s mission’s not over. “It’s a great feeling,” McDaniels said. “I’m proud of my teammates, proud of the coaches, proud of the fans, and we’re going to go up there and try to get the title.” In a letter to fans posted Wednesday, Radakovich said Brownell’s future was secure and that “Brad will use this NIT run to continue to improve our basketball program.” Sophomore Damarcus Harrison, who had 14 of his 16 points against Belmont in the second half, said Clemson players did define themselves by others’ thoughts of what they were. “We set a standard for us,” he said. “We’ve grinded, we play our hardest every time we step on the court, and we set a new standard. This has taken us this far.”

OBITUARIES | SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

JEAN P. CUMMINS MANNING — Jean Pritchett Cummins, 76, wife of William Simpson “Bill” Cummins, died Monday, March 24, 2014, at Palmetto Health Richland. Born Oct. 1, 1937, in Sturgis, Ky., she was a daughter of the late Harry Crawford Pritchett and Kathryn Omer Pritchett. She was a member of Manning United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband CUMMINS of Manning; two sons, James Cummins of Charleston and David Cummins (Paula) of Savannah, Ga.; six grandchildren, Melanie Davis (Bert) of Savannah, Lauren Cummins of Dallas, Texas, Stephanie Cummins and William Cummins, both of Charleston, and Sara Waters and Brad Garbett, both of Savannah; and three greatgrandchildren, William Davis, Emma Davis and Olivia Wrenn. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. James C. Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Clarendon Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Ace Casten, Tom Erickson, Larry Beemer, Hal Lowder, Cliff Cross and Scott Keisling. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 1703 Wyboo Ave., Manning. Memorials may be made to Manning United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Manning, SC 29102 or to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org

JOHNNY LEE RUFUS BISHOPVILLE — Johnny Lee Rufus entered eternal rest on March 23, 2014 at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. The family is receiving friends at 4455 Dawson Road, Rembert. Mr. Rufus is survived by a daughter, Kisha (Anthony) Montgomery; two granddaughters; six sisters; four brothers; and many other relatives and friends.

LMA FROM PAGE B1 are the team’s strengths. “I think we’re going to make the routine play, I think we have fairly good team speed and we can run the bases well,” he explained. “I’m a little concerned (with our offense) because we’ve been a little inconsistent with our hitting. In the two games prior to last night (Thursday’s 3-2 loss to Orangeburg Prep), we’ve had 34 hits and then last night we had six hits, three of which came in the bottom of the seventh.” Making up the infield are sophomore first-year starter Robby Pate at third base, junior returnee JT Eppley at shortstop. Taylor Finley and Cagney Brunson splitting time at second and The Citadel signee Mark Pipkin at first base when he’s not pitching. Splitting time behind the plate are junior Todd Larrimer and sophomore Tripp Mason. Brunson, senior Adam Forbes and junior Matthew Miles are all seeing time in center field, while senior Linc Powell plays left field when he isn’t on the mound. Junior Davis Martin is in right. Hatfield said the team will approach each game much like a basketball team running a fast-break type of offense. “We want to put pressure on people; we want to run the bases, make infield bunts and make them think,” the LMA coach explained. “We’re working on our short game, small ball, and trying to take advantage of our team speed.”

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Visitations will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. today at the mortuary. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at St. John AME Church, Bishopville, with the Rev. Dr. Friendly J. Gadson, eulogist, and the Rev. Don Robinson, worship leader. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Memorial Gardens, Woodrow. Online condolences may be sent to the family at wilsonfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Wilson Funeral Home, 403 S. Main St., Bishopville, is in charge of arrangements.

GRADY M. JOHNSON FLORENCE — Grady McNeil Johnson, husband of Minnie Walker Johnson, died Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Carolinas Hospital System, Florence. He was born in Clarendon County, a son of the late Alexander C. “AC” and Pearlie Davis Johnson. He received his formal education in the public schools of Clarendon County. He worked for the Agricultural and Stabilization Conservation Service, Clemson Extension, until he retired. He later worked as a security guard for several years. He was a member of Jordan Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, where he was an usher and served as a trustee for more than 50 years. Survivors are his wife, Minnie Walker Johnson of Florence; one daughter, Eva Latrell Johnson of Florence; and three sisters, Evelyn Anderson of Randallstown, Md., Dorothy Johnson of Reisterstown, Md., and Celestine Johnson of Florence. Celebratory services for Mr. Johnson will be held at noon Friday at Jordan Freewill Baptist Church, 703 N. Jones Road, Olanta, with Pastor Kenneth L. Gibson officiating and Elder Ronnie L. McFadden and Evangelist Stella McFadden assisting. Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery. Mr. Johnson will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time. Viewing will be for only one hour prior to funeral time. The family is receiving friends at the residence, 2105 Wilford Drive, Florence. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

Powell and Pipkin are the starting anchors for the LMA pitching staff, while Russell Thompson, a Presbyterian College signee, is the closer. “Russell is probably one of the best closers in SCISA, and he’s only gotten stronger,” Hatfield said. Hatfield said Miles, Brunson and Eppley could also see time as a starter. Cale Boyd is a left-handed specialist and Chase Lowder and Finley work out of the bullpen. The last several years LMA has been consistently in the semifinal round of the state playoffs, but has been unable to get over the hump. LMA lost to state champion Hammond 2-games-to-1 in the semifinal series last year. Hatfield is hoping to get the Swampcats to peak at the right time. “We’re right there at the cusp of it,” Hatfield said. “We’ve got to stick our nose to the grindstone and work harder. “We’ve always come out of the gates real quick and hit a lull around the middle to late of the season and kind of go into the playoffs, I wouldn’t say stumbling, but not carrying a lot of momentum. It’s going to be looking at tendencies and taking that mental part of the game to the next level. I think once you get to the playoffs and you’re talking about the last four to six teams, they’re going to be pretty evenly matched. It’s that team that can adapt and win that mental aspect of the game that’s eventually going to end up being in the right situations.”

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ANN G. JONES Ann Green Jones, 66, died Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia. Born March 13, 1948, in Lee County, she was a daughter of Willie Mayrant and Gertrude Green. The family will receive friends and relatives at the home of Susie Ritter, 3080 Homestead Road. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

CLEO T. DICKEY LYNCHBURG — Cleo Thomas Dickey, 67, widow of Leon Dickey, died Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at her residence. She was born Feb. 12, 1947, in Olanta, a daughter of the late Corey and Carrie Epps Thomas. The family is receiving friends at her residence, 4960 Narrow Paved Road, St. John community, Lynchburg. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

ELDER RICHARD JENKINS Jr. Elder Richard Jenkins Jr. was born Jan. 15, 1950, in Sumter, to the late Richard Sr. and Blanche Taylor Jenkins. He died March 19, 2014, at the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia. Educated in the public schools of Sumter County, he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959. Prior to entering the United States Army, he matriculated at Morris College. During the 18 years in the military, he was the recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star, two Army accommodation medals, the Air Medals, two Conduct Medals, and the National Defense Medal. He was medically retired from military service in 1975. He was ordained an elder in the Church of God in Christ and was recognized as a Bible scholar and lover of people. His ministry affiliations included Promise Keepers, Market Place Chaplains USA, and the Boy Scouts of America. He was a volunteer with area hospitals and prisons, conducted street and prison ministries, and was a teacher / trainer of Christian educators and ministry workers. He was also an associate servant and director of Christian educa-

THE SUMTER ITEM tion at Westend Community Church. Loving memories will remain with his wife of 40 years, Shirley Jenkins; a daughter, Crystal Jenkins of Sumter; a son, Kevin (Agnes) West of San Antonio, Texas; a granddaughter being reared in the home, Tsunami Jenkins-Freeman; two sisters-in-law, Bertha Jenkins of Sumter and Florence Jenkins of Muncie, Ind.; a brother-in-law, Jacky West of San Diego, Calif.; six other grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; a niece; five nephews; five spiritual sons; other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Westend Community Church with the Rev. Dr. Ralph W. Canty Sr. officiating, assisted by Minister Randolph Black and Chaplain Bill Bennett. Interment will follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home, 867 Whatley St., Sumter. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary. net.

BARBARA JOHNSON-PRESCOD Barbara Cecil JohnsonPrescod, wife of Keith Prescod, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at Sumter Health and Rehabilitation. Born Jan. 16, 1941, in Barbados, West Indies. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 3180 Raiswyn Road, Pinewood, SC 29125. Services are incomplete and will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

SAM HO CHOI Sam Ho Choi, 80, husband of Eul Seon Goo, died Monday, March 24, 2014, at his home. Born in South Korea, he was a son of Do Hong Choi and Cha Sun Lee Choi. Mr. Choi was a member of the Korean American Presbyterian Church. Surviving are his wife of Sumter; two sons, Du Seok Choi of South Korea and Wang Seok Choi of North Carolina; a daughter, Chong Ae Sims of Sumter; eight grandchildren; and five great-

MCMILLON FROM PAGE B1 require change, McMillon said. “I’m going to tweak how I go about my business because Double-A is kind of like a separator for players,” he said. “If you get to Double-A, it’s a really good chance that you have an opportunity to get to the big leagues. Whereas A ball is a little bit more molding, Double-A in my mind is polishing.” Players have the fundamentals, so it will be a matter of refining play. “Now it’s not just about catching

the ball,” he said. “It’s about making sure we’re in a position to catch the ball, and that we throw the ball strong to the right base, that our angles when we’re rounding bases are better so that we can cut down the distance.” McMillon will have familiar faces on his Portland staff. Hitting coach Rich Gedman, his roommate during spring training, was McMillon’s hitting coach at Salem in 2012. Pitching coach Bob Kipper held that

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grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at noon Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery with the Rev. Tae Su Cheong officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and other times at the home, 7 Valleybrook Court. 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.

VIRGINIA C. GEDDINGS Virginia Carolyn Geddings, 71, wife of Furman Pete Geddings, died Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at a local nursing center. Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Jim Henry and Virginia Hicks Compton. Mrs. Geddings attended Green Acres Assembly of God Church. Surviving are her husband of Sumter; a daughter, Arealia (J.D.) Norton; four sons, Furman (Jennifer) Geddings, Chris (Paige) Geddings, Stanley (Susan) Geddings and Russell (Ashleigh) Geddings, all of Sumter; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Green Acres Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Kenny Griffin, the Rev. Michael Bowman, the Rev. Sammy Geddings and the Rev. Cecil Browder Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and other times at the home, 330 Pearson Road. 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.

title at Greenville when McMillon was hitting coach there. They have been in mini-camp with him to observe how the Triple-A and Major League coaching staffs want plays executed. “The only thing that’s got me kind of worried, if you will, is as well as our team played last year and finished with the championship, I hope those same expectations don’t follow me,” McMillon said. “Because even though we won the championship, the goal for me is, and has always been, development. We sacrifice winning for development.”

COMICS

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Friends urge Grandma to let grandson be adopted DEAR ABBY — I’m 62 and own my own home. I have legal guardianship of my eldest grandson, who is 5. AnDear Abby other grandchild is 2 1/2 ABIGAIL and in foster VAN BUREN care. I would like to keep both children together because I have been told that in the long run it is better so they won’t lose contact with each other. Some friends of mine have been telling me I should let the little one get adopted through the state in a closed adoption. This is really traumatic for me and I’m not sure what to do. Please give me some advice.

THE SUMTER ITEM

I love both of my grandchildren and want the best for them. Quandrified in California DEAR QUANDRIFIED — If your health is good, and you have a high energy level and relatives who can provide respite when you need it, have both of your grandchildren live with you. If not, you must consider what could happen to them if something should happen to you. AARP can be a helpful resource. To find out more, go to www.aarp.org/grandparents. DEAR ABBY — I have been divorced for about 10 years and have dated far more since my divorce than I did before I married. The marriage ended because my wife was emotionally abusive. What disturbs me is that

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

somehow I either attract, or am attracted to, emotionally abusive women. They are usually successful, confident, good looking and controlling, and the results are always the same. The relationships don’t last long. How do I stop being attracted to the same type of partner? Repeating patterns DEAR REPEATING — In order to break any cycle, a person needs to understand how the pattern became established in the first place. People are usually attracted to the familiar, and it may have something to do with the dynamics of the family in which you grew up. Ask your doctor for a referral to a psychologist who can help you to understand, so you won’t make the same mistake again.

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

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

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

ACROSS 1 Gp. co-founded by Victor Herbert 6 Bonkers 10 Harbinger 14 Cheri of “Scary Movie” 15 “... __ the dreadful thunder / Doth rend the region”: “Hamlet” 16 Gossipy Barrett 17 Specific gravity 20 Vietnamese observance 21 Hitch 22 Vintage cars 23 Onetime Kenny G label 25 Play with robots 26 Linebacker Manti __, 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist 29 Publicly traded investment company with a limited number of shares 33 Wagner works 34 Do a hitch in the military 35 Put away 38 Dove competitor 40 Slangy turnarounds 41 Settings for Manet

43 Finished a flight-training requirement 45 Mad man? 48 Agnus __ 49 Auction ending? 50 Take out 53 1977 medical novel 55 Time of jour 57 Baa maid? 58 Classic children’s novel, and what to look for in this puzzle’s three other longest answers 62 __ of Sandwich 63 “This can’t be happening!” 64 Script parts 65 Additionally 66 E or G, e.g. 67 A bit daft DOWN 1 Angiogram image 2 Take the helm 3 Irish musical ensemble __ Woman 4 Altar constellation 5 Road trip refresher 6 __ lamp 7 Universal donor’s type, briefly 8 Food fish 9 Successful squeeze play result 10 “... __ they say”

11 What humidity measures 12 Forest friend of Frodo 13 Dissenting vote 18 “Hold your horses, I’m coming” 19 Unhip types 24 Like rightlane traffic, usually 25 Goodwill store transaction 27 Green condition? 28 Laudatory verses 30 Helpful tip for a puzzle solver? 31 “Behind the Candelabra” co-star 32 Like the Middle Ages 35 Large quantity 36 Account

37 Company bigwigs 39 “Get it, daddy-o?” 42 Note next to a red F, maybe 44 Green shade 46 Church VIP 47 “You __ worry” 51 “Rockin’ Robin” chorus word 52 Itty 54 Peace Prize city 55 On its way 56 Platte River tribe 58 Leaves in a bag 59 Kubrick’s out-of-control computer 60 Sigma preceder 61 2016 Olympics host

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

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CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES Beer & Wine License Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that Dolgencorp, LLC intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale OFF premises consumption of Beer & Wine at Store 13025, Pocalla Road, Sumter, SC 29150. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than April 12, 2014. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110.

Summons & Notice SUMMONS (Claim and Delivery) (Non-Jury)

Summons & Notice action will be commenced in this Court upon a Complaint of the above-named Plaintiff against the above-named Defendant to reform a deed in the chain of title and to quiet title to real property located in the County of Sumter, State of South Carolina. Said premises affected by this action are more particularly described as follows: ALL that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, together with the improvements thereon, if any, situate, lying and being in the Township of Privateer, County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, being shown and designates as Lot #70, Section 7 of Country Springs Subdivision, as shown on that certain plat prepared for Isah Wheeler, by Ben J. Makela, RLS, dated August 23, 2002, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Sumter County in Plat Book 2002 at Page 533, and having such metes and bounds as are shown on said plat, this description being in lieu of metes and bounds as permitted under Section 30-5-250 of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended.

This is the property known as: 252 Pioneer Drive. Parcel ID: 221-06-01-017 Maria Kiehling Brees S.C. Bar No. 76799 John W. Farrell S.C. Bar No. 72477 Buist, Byars & Taylor, LLC 652 Coleman Blvd., Suite 200 Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464 (843) 856-4488

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Case No. 2013-CP-43-1917 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER Green Tree Servicing LLC, as Successor Servicer for GreenPoint Credit as Servicer for BankAmerica Housing Services, A Division of Bank of America, FSB Plaintiff v. Percilla T. Buckman & Don L. Buckman and any Unknown Occupants being a class designated as John Doe Defendant(s)

NOTICE OF FILING COMPLAINT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in the above entitled action, together with the Summons, was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Sumter County on October 24, 2013 at 1:47 p.m.. B. Lindsay Crawford, III Theodore von Keller Sara C. Hutchins Crawford & von Keller, LLC P.O. Box 4216, Columbia, SC 29240 803-790-2626 Attorneys for Plaintiff

SUMMONS (Declaratory Judgment) (Non-Jury Matter) IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CASE NO.: 2013-CP-43-1024 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER

ANNOUNCEMENTS Happy Ads

BUSINESS SERVICES Home Improvements H.L. Boone, Contractor additions, painting, roofing, gutters, sheetrock, blown ceilings, decks. 773-9904

Investments 3 Rental Properties for sale. Take in $1,155/mthly. Asking $21,00 total. Owner financing. Serious Inquires ONLY. Call 803-464-5757

Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs! Free est. 494-9169/468-4008 Daniel's Lawn Care â&#x20AC;˘ Tree removal â&#x20AC;˘ Lawn Service â&#x20AC;˘ Mulch / Pine straw â&#x20AC;˘ Debris removal 803-968-4185

All Types of Roofing & Repairs All work guaranteed. 30 yrs exp. SC lic. Virgil Bickley 803-316-4734.

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.

MERCHANDISE

REWARD! Lost or stolen 6 mo. old male pitbull in the vicinity of American Grocery & Sharolyn Motel on Broad St. Call 803-565-5302 for any information. Lost: Nash/Phelps (Alice Dr school) area. Mini collie / Sheltie 5 yr old blue Merle (blk/white/red) female, long hair. Answers to Dolly. Call 931-310-1601 or bring home to 78 Nash St.

In Memory Josie M. Rattz

STC Now Hiring Diesel Mechanic â&#x20AC;˘Valid driver license â&#x20AC;˘High School Diploma or GED â&#x20AC;˘Three years or more of diesel mechanical experience â&#x20AC;˘Must provide tools / picture at interview STC offers competitive salary and benefits EOE and Drug Free Workplace Contact - Pat Joyner 803-775-1002 x107

Help Wanted Part-Time

Springhill Suites Marriott will be taking applications in person for Front Desk Position at Candlewood Suites 2541 Broad Street. Salon Owner is seeking License Stylists, Braider or Barbers. 803-316-6989, 803-883-4639. Exp Carpenter & Carpenter helper. Working on water. Must have valid driver's license. Drug test required. Call 803-473-4254 Exp. Auto Tech needed IMMEDIATELY. Must have tools, driver's license & work experience. Apply in person 601 Broad St.

Chauffeurs needed for Limousine Co. Must have excellent people skills. Schedule includes days, nights & weekends. Exc wages. Fax resume & 10 year driving record to 803-494-5779 or Call 803-983-5247. Part time truck driver with 5 yrs exp. to work local. Must have clean driving record & CDL. Great for retired person. Send Resume to SMH PO BOX 104 Sumter SC 29151

Help Wanted Part-Time

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

Psychotherapist-responsible for individual, group, family therapy, psychosocial assessments and case management. Masters in social work, psychology, or counseling required with current LISW, PC, or LPC. Fax resume to 803-774-2633 or email : lefford.fate@tuomey.com

Local Lawn Service Co. has immediate opening for Lawn Care helper. Must be 18 yrs of age with valid DL & transportation. Starting pay $7.50 - $9.50 depending on experience. Call 803-840-9534 for interview.

Roofing

803-316-0128

Lost & Found

ROSE'S SUMTER MALL SUMTER, SC We have an immediate opening for Retail Assistant Store Manager. 1yr Retail Management experience req'd. F/T position with benefits. (Major medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k, paid vacation). Submit resume to Jerry Kotula District Manager, KotulaJerry@gmail.com

Help Wanted Full-Time

Oxendine & Son Lawn Care All your lawn care needs & pressure washing. Call Jonathan 803-565-2160 or Kerry 316-8726.

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

Happy Birthday Robert E. Ragin The steps of a good man are ordered by God. Love Your Family

Help Wanted Full-Time

Qualified candidates must have:

Lawn Service

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

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Plaintiff vs. Matthew McClain, Defendant TO: THE DEFENDANT

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.

Tree Service

TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE-NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY required to Answer the Complaint in this action, of which a copy is herewith served upon you, to serve a copy of your answer to said Complaint on the persons whose names are subscribed below at Post Office Box 4216, Columbia, South Carolina 29240, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service hereof, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

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

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales The Trading Post 3550 Camden Hwy, Dalzell, open Fri. & Sat. 9 am - 3 pm. Aniques, furn. & collectibles. Buy, sell or trade. Call 803-847-1805 LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. 905-4242

For Sale or Trade

Cash For Junk Cars, used Cars, junk Batteries & unwanted gift cards. Call Gene 803-934-6734 Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves. Special front end load washer $399 Guarantee 464-5439/469-7311

I Found it in the

CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

ABOVE-NAMED

Help Wanted Full-Time

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys at 652 Coleman Boulevard, Suite 200, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464, within thirty (30) days from service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and, if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you, and the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded.

LIS PENDENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an

Receptionist needed full time. Computer skills a must. Send resume to: 2093 Alex Harvin Hwy. Manning, SC 29102. Plumber's Helper needed. Exp. req. & must have tools & transportation. Call 491-4616

(1981 Photo) Remembering you on our 51st Wedding Anniversary.

Law office seeks employee for Secretarial position requiring efficient typing, dictaphone, computer and office skills. Send resume to Box 338 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151

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CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Trucking Opportunities

Unfurnished Apartments

CDL drivers needed 21 & older, two years exp. Call 843-659-8254 or 843-659-2268

Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette. 775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

Best Logistics Group is seeking local 1st & 2nd shift class A CDL drivers in the Bishopville, SC area. You must have 2 years' experience with 53' dry van within the past 5 years to qualify. Drivers will average between 2000-2300 miles per week at .40 cpm. Medical, dental, vision, long/short term disability, life and 401K. Apply online at www.shipwithbest.com or call 800-849-1818 ext. 1400 or 1460 Truck Driver Trainees Needed Now at H.O. Wolding Earn $800/wk Local CDL Training NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Be trained & based locally! 1-888-263-7364

Medical Help Wanted Live-in CNA needed. Hrs: 9 am Fri - 9 am Sun. Non-smokers, must be strong & able to do stand/pivot transfers. Call 803-478-7434.

Work Wanted I'm Available to clean your home. Affordable, reliable 16 yrs exp ref's. Melissa 803-938-5204 Housekeeping, low rates, References, Mother sits with elderly. Call 983-3438 or 406-2418

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale

THE ITEM

Manufactured Housing

TRANSPORTATION

Tax Time is Here... Low Credit Score? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing. We have 3-4-5 bedroom homes. Layaway program available. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

Autos For Sale

Land & Lots for Sale

8C Ann Park Studio Apt. all utilities inc. cable, $650/mo + $400/ sec. dep. Call 774-2085.

3 Lots in City limits (Bishopville). Asking $20,000 or possible trade. Call 803-459-4773

2BR/1BA, Conv. to Sumter Mall. $530/mo + dep. 803-775-1281.

Unfurnished Homes MAYESVILLE; 3BR/1BA brick home, appl's included. $350/mo + dep. 469-8328 or 803-983-9711 For Rent -1425 Morris Way 3BR/2BA, 1,900 sq ft. fenced yard. sprinkler system, new roof, new carpet. washer/dryer incl. Very spacious. $1100 Mo. Call 803-310-8745

Nice 3BR/2BA SW on 1 acre. 5 min. to Shaw, all appl's, $600/ mo+dep. 803-983-0371

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

Reconditioned batteries $35. We buy OLD battery cores. Golf cart chargers for sale. Auto Electric Co 803-773-4381

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis $2500. 803-468-0060.

Campers / RV's/ Motorhomes 2006 Freedom Spirit tow camper, 25ft, sleeps 8w/pvt BR, gas/elect, Slideout living room & dining rm. Good condition, $6,000. Call 803-481-4389

New!

Mobile Home Rentals Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water/sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd. RV parking avail. Call 494-8350

A Guaranteed Credit Approval AUTO LOANS

Auto Choice Sales & Rentals Buy Here, Pay Here. No Credit, No Problem. Cash Rentals. 494-8827

RECREATION For Sale 411 N. Magnolia, Hardwood floors, C/H/A. Garage, workshop & shed. Commercial lot on Lafayette also available. Fin Available. 775-4391/ 464-5960

For Sale 1387 Raccoon Rd. (Lee Cty) 3BR/1BA. C/H/A Lrg building inside yard. 1 ac lot. Fin avail. 775-4391 464-5960.

Sell More PLACE AN AD

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STATEBURG COURTYARD

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments HOLLY COURT APARTMENTS located in Manning, currently have spacious two bedroom apartments for rent. Fully carpeted with central air and heat, water and sewer included. Please call to inquire about our Move in Special. Ph:( 803) 435-8786

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

2014 FORD EDGE SE

4BR/2BA (Paxville), LR, DR, Family Rm, eat in kitchen, C/H/A, all appl's. $775/Mo. 452-5544 or 704-615-5622.

Your price

$22,447

ASK US ABOUT OUR MILITARY REBATE

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

MSRP $28,350 FACTORY SALE PRICE $26,447 FACTORY REBATE $4000

For Sale 3600 Dallas: Dalzell, 3BR, 2BA. Workshop. 1/2 ac lot. Financing Available. 775-4391, 464-5960

Stokes Craven WAC. All rebates and incentives go to dealer. See dealer for details. Plus tax tag. Price includes trade in and $287 admin fee.

The Perfect Housewarming Gift The Sumter Item is locally owned and run. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re part of this community and we believe in Sumter.

2601 Paxville Hwy., Manning, SC

(803) 433-5400

StokesCraven.com

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

THE ITEM

CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014