March 28, 2015

Spring Home & Garden We got the latest on composting, kid-friendly crafts, We’ve far farmers markets and decorating in our special section C1 ENTERTAINMENT: Shocking revelations from

former Scientologists on documentary

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Teens escape murder charges in plea deals 5 suspects get lesser charges in killing of 2 Bishopville men

BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com BISHOPVILLE — Five of the seven suspects charged with murder in connection with a pair of Lee County shooting deaths last year en-

tered pleas to lesser charges Thursday during a hearing at Lee County Courthouse in Bishopville.

The teen suspects’ charges stemmed from the killings of Dontrell Fortune and Shakez Bracey, who were shot dead in

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the midst of a sordid street saga involving drug debts and vengeful retaliation in September. News of their slayings rocked the tight-knit Bishopville community as details of

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the shooting deaths unfolded and they proved to be interconnected, pitting friends and family members against one another.

Murder charges for each of

the five defendants in Thursday’s proceedings were dismissed as part of the plea deals, court records indicated.

According to court documents, Oszhane Simon, Darron Fortune, Davon McFadden and Kevin White pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder. McFadden also entered a plea to seconddegree assault and battery.

SEE CHARGES, PAGE A6

Senator: Veto threat no reason to give up

Bear with me

Highway funding bill is on back burner after vote fails

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Pastor Dan Barber, of First Baptist Church, talks about seeing God’s power every time he goes fishing. Barber was speaking to the crowd during Wild Game Night on Friday night at the church. More than 700 men were expected to eat good food, attend hunting and fishing seminars and hear the word of God.

USC Sumter could soon add new state-of-the-art science lab equipment

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com University of South Carolina Sumter has begun making plans to renovate its science building with state-of-the-art equipment that would keep students’ educations in line with current science, technology, engineering and mathematics (or STEM) trends.

Earlier this week, Dean Michael Sonntag invited leaders

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from the college, county government and school partners to the college to announce that the college is planning to renovate its science building.

He said the renovations will only include the addition of new equipment.

Sonntag said when he arrived at the school last year, a new science building was a part of the long-range plan, but after speaking with faculty,

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

USC Sumter students Marissa Green, a pre-med junior, and Shannon Strickler, a junior studying bio-chem, conSEE SCIENCE, PAGE A6 duct tests in the university’s chemistry lab Thursday.

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Edward Saleeby Jr. Virgil Wayne Ray Louis O. Grant Louise Y. Roberson Hermean R. Johnson Charlie Brunson

A veto threat from Gov. Nikki Haley shouldn’t prevent the South Carolina Senate from passing a bill to fund the state’s crumbling highways, state Sen. Kevin Johnson said Friday.

“We can’t let that stop us,” Johnson said. “We have to do what we think is in the best interests of the state, and if she decides to veto, that’s on her.”

Proponents of the Senate’s version of a highway funding bill brought it up JOHNSON for a special order vote Thursday but failed. That vote would have put the bill on the floor for immediate debate. Instead, the bill will have to wait in line behind other legislation.

“We had an opportunity to prioritize that and couldn’t get enough people to vote for it,” Johnson said.

The Senate’s version of a highway funding bill, S-523, includes a 12-cent increase in the gasoline tax phased in during three years as well as an adjustment for inflation. The bill would increase the maximum sales tax on a vehicle from $300 to $600, increase other fees for vehicles and licenses and create a mechanism for the state to transfer some roads to county control.

The bill also lowers some income tax rates.

Haley has threatened to veto any bill that doesn’t include a significant tax reduction.

The Multimodal Transportation Plan produced by South Carolina Department of Transportation says the state is facing a more than $1.4 billion annual funding gap between now and 2040 if

SEE FUNDING, PAGE A6

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LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Brief cold snap could nip area tonight Spring gardeners may want to keep a close eye on temperatures tonight.

Josh Lynton, a meteorologist with National Weather Service in Columbia, said the thermometer could drop to 30 degrees or lower.

Amanda McNulty, County Agent for Clemson Extension in Sumter, said she doesn’t think tonight’s cold temperatures will be a major event but still said gardeners may want to take precautions, since recent warm temperatures have made it tempting to start moving plants outdoors.

“If you put your houseplants out, you might want to bring them back in,” she said.

Lynton said warmth is on the way, with a low of 39 Sunday night and high Monday near 70.

Woman facing multiple charges after robbery A Manning woman faces charges after reports of a robbery at gunpoint early Monday morning at a Sumter motel.

LeBrenta Dunn, 25, of 52 W. End St., was charged with armed robbery and attempted murder in connection with the incident. Records show she remained behind bars Friday afternoon at SumterDUNN Lee Regional Detention Center, where a judge set her bond at $20,000 earlier this week.

According to Sumter County court filings, Dunn was tied to reports of a stick-up that included gunfire just before 2:45 a.m. Monday at the Traveler’s Inn and Suites motel in the 1200 block of Camden Highway. It was not clear exactly what role she might have played in the robbery.

Sumter man arrested for domestic violence A Sumter man was arrested Wednesday after reports he assaulted a woman and her son.

David Brooks, 62, of 1032 Porter St., was charged with criminal domestic violence and cruelty to children in connection with the incident.

According to a release from Sumter Police Department, just BROOKS before 7 p.m.

Wednesday in the block on which the suspect resides, police arrived to the scene and determined that an argument between Brooks and the 42-yearold female victim had grown physical. During the dispute, officers allege the suspect also became physically aggressive with an 8-year-old at the home.

No one reported any injuries.

Officers arrested Brooks at the scene and transported him to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. Court records indicate he was released on a $3,227 surety bond Friday.

Markette construction to begin Development could soon spur growth of ‘southern gateway’

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com The construction of a Markette convenience store, gas station and wholesale alcohol store on the corner of Manning and Pocalla Roads will be underway in about a month after Sumter City and County Planning Commission approved the major site plans for the project this week.

The three structures are part of one construction project that will be completed in two phases. The first phase consists of the construction of the 2,250-square-foot convenience store and gas station, which will include fuelling centers for gasoline and diesel. The first phase also includes landscaping and im-

provements to street access on the site.

The second phase, the construction of the 12,600-square-foot wholesale alcohol store and warehouse, will immediately follow the completion of the convenience store.

Greg Walker, designer and builder for the project, said the construction of the gas station and convenience store is expected take about five months while the construction of the much larger alcohol store could take about nine months to complete.

Walker said the $3 million construction project is expected to begin in the next 30 days. He said he hopes to start the project immediately, but construction has been put on hold until his team receives a Department of Health and Environmental Control land disturbance permit and a South Carolina Department of Transportation encroachment permit.

The land disturbance permit is needed before the clearing, grading or excavation of property can take place.

Walker said he is waiting on the encroachment permit because some of

the site work will cross onto the state highway system.

He said the road work for the site will not interfere with traffic on Manning and Pocalla roads or the intersection of Manning Avenue and Lafayette Drive.

The only roadway that will be affected by the construction is Maxwell Avenue because a portion of the dirt road that is part of the site is going to be paved.

Mayor Joe McElveen said the development of the Markette establishment will flow with the future development of the area which he referred to as the “southern gateway” to the city.

He said that although there has been concern about the development of a wholesale alcohol store in the area, the project will be commercially significant for the south side of Sumter.

The mayor also said Manning Avenue is on the Penny Sales Tax projects list and the streetscape will be changed to improve the south entrance to the city.

He said the new developments will help the South Sumter community to grow commercially.

Alcolu man brought back to life Clinically D.O.A., Ricky Lee was revived by Clarendon doctors

BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Ricky Lee, in medical terms, was deceased when he arrived at Clarendon Memorial Hospital on April 21, 2014.

Earlier that day — the Monday after Easter Sunday — he was having chest pains and feeling lethargic and nauseous. His wife, Debbie, suggested they go to the hospital. He remembers putting on his jacket and going outside, stopping during the car ride to throw up outside, and then nothing after that.

On their way to the hospital on U.S. 521, they met his nephew, Tommy Lee. “I was at our farm on the other side of the interstate when I got a call from Debbie saying that she needed my help and that we needed to get to the hospital fast,” Tommy Lee said.

A few minutes after they got back into the car, Ricky passed out and his heart stopped beating. They were still a few miles from the hospital. Tommy said that he performed chest compressions on him to try to get his heart going again.

“When Ricky arrived at our emergency department, clinically he was deceased,” said Dr. Robert Rhame, Clarendon Health System’s emergency room physician. “He had no pulse and was not breathing.”

Rhame said emergency room staff immediately began to perform CPR. Rhame said that Lee’s heart had an abnormal rhythm, or what is called ventricular fibrillation, a heart rhythm problem that occurs when the heart beats with rapid, erratic electrical impulses. The condition causes pumping chambers in the heart to quiver uselessly, instead of pumping blood. Ventricular fibrillation causes blood pressure to plummet, cutting off blood supply to vital organs. Lee was shocked with a defibrillator to terminate the abnormal rhythm.

“Fortunately, he responded well to that,” Rhame said. “He had a very

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY/THE SUMTER ITEM

Ricky Lee, left, a heart attack survivor who was clinically deceased, thanks Dr. Robert Rhame, Clarendon Health System emergency department physician, for saving his life. weak pulse, however, and we started to raise that with different medications.”

Lee was then transported by helicopter to Providence Hospital in Columbia. Lee said that he was unconscious for about four days.

“I don’t remember anything from that Sunday through Thursday,” he said.

Rhame said that Lee was very fortunate in getting to the hospital at the right time.

“If it was a few minutes later, the outcome may have been very different,” he said.

Since his heart attack almost a year ago, Lee said that he has looked at life differently.

“I think about it every day,” he said.

“If any step was out of place that day, I know that I would not be here today.”

Lee has gone through Clarendon Health System’s Cardiac Rehab Services program, which helps patients who have had heart attacks or heart-related issued to recover through monitored ex-

ercise sessions several times a week.

He said that he now watches what he eats on a daily basis and has his heart examined regularly.

“It’s a gift just to be alive every day,” he said.

Rhame said that he would like to encourage people to take life support classes and have defibrillators present in their work or home.

“If you can shock a person early whose heart stopped beating, there’s a much higher rate of survival,” Rhame said. “I think the compressions that Ricky’s nephew, Tommy did, definitely saved his life.”

Lee has made it a point to speak at different churches since his incident to try and encourage other people to have their hearts checked out.

“Prevention is the best medicine,” he said. “I thank God every day for saving my life and the medical teams at both Clarendon Health System and Providence Hospital.”

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

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

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Air authority recommends 2 always be in cockpit COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Europe’s aviation safety agency recommended Friday that airlines always have two people in the cockpit of a flying aircraft after it emerged that the co-pilot of Germanwings Flight 9525 had apparently locked himself in the cockpit to crash the plane.

European airlines, including the Lufthansa Group that includes Germanwings, were already committing to impose the measure as soon as possible.

EASA Executive Director Patrick

Ky said that “while we are still mourning the victims, all our efforts focus on improving the safety and security of passengers and crews.”

Before the official recommendation, Lufthansa said it would move to the two-person rule “as soon as possible” across its airlines, which besides Germanwings also includes Austrian Airlines and Swiss Air. German airline Germania, Hungary-based low-cost airline Wizz Air and Belgian tour operator Thomas Cook said Friday they had adopted

the policy.

On Thursday, EasyJet and Europe’s third-largest budget airline, Norwegian Air Shuttle, had said they would adopt the rule. Air Canada said the same.

After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, U.S. airlines revamped their policies regarding staffing in the cockpit.

But the procedure is not standard in Europe or Canada.

The president of the German pilots union Cockpit told AP that his organization would support measures re-

quiring airlines to have two people in the cockpit at all times during the flight but cautioned that such a move wouldn’t necessarily solve all security problems.

“We would appreciate a swift decision in order to restore confidence in air travel,” Ilja Schulz said. “It’s fine as an intermediate measure, but once this investigation has been completed, all sides need to sit down and examine what measures can improve security without causing new problems.”

Prosecutors: Co-pilot may have hidden illness MONTABAUR, Germany (AP) — Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz appears to have hidden evidence of an illness from his employers, including having been excused by a doctor from work the day he crashed a passenger plane into a mountain, prosecutors said Friday.

The evidence came from the search of Lubitz’s LUBITZ homes in two German cities for an explanation of why he crashed the Airbus A320 into the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board.

Prosecutors didn’t say what type of illness — mental or physical — Lubitz may have been suffering from. German media reported Friday that the 27-year-old had received treatment for depression.

Duesseldorf prosecutors’ office spokesman Ralf Herrenbrueck said in a written statement that torn-up sick notes for the day of the crash “support the current preliminary THE ASSOCIATED PRESS assessment that the deceased Family members of a victim kneel Friday in Le Vernet, France, by a me- hid his illness from his emmorial to the victims of the Germanwings jetliner crash in the French ployer and colleagues.”

Such sick notes from doctors Alps. The Airbus A320 crash killed all 150 people on board Tuesday.

excusing employees from work are common in Germany and issued even for minor illnesses.

Herrenbrueck said other medical documents found indicated “an existing illness and appropriate medical treatment” but that no suicide note was found. He added there was no indication of any political or religious motivation for Lubitz’s actions.

Investigators had removed multiple boxes of items from Lubitz’s apartment in Duesseldorf and his parents’ house in Montabaur near Frankfurt.

A German aviation official told The Associated Press that Lubitz’s file at the country’s Federal Aviation Office contained an “SIC” note, meaning

that he needed “specific regular medical examination.”

Such a note could refer to either a physical or mental condition, but the official — who spoke only on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information — said the note does not specify which.

However, neighbors described a man whose physical health was superb.

“He definitely did not smoke.

He really took care of himself.

He always went jogging. I am not sure whether he did marathons, but he was very healthy,” said Johannes Rossmann, who lived a few doors down from Lubitz’s home in Montabaur.

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Shocking revelations from former Scientologists

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH “Jaw-dropping” doesn’t adequately express the reaction many will have to the explosive film “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief” (8 p.m.

Sunday, HBO).

Most of its allegations have been documented in the book it’s based on

by Lawrence Wright. Both the book and this film, directed by Alex Gibney, draw upon the revelations of former insiders, followers and officials high up in the church.

The life story and layers of self-embroidered mythology surrounding Scientology’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, would be sufficient for a very bizarre film. But they are only the beginning of this tale of an organization with an alleged history of viciously attacking and silencing its critics; waging a protracted legal battle with the United States government; and keeping members in virtual servitude and isolation for years and decades at a time.

The film makes ample use of collage and other graphic elements to illustrate Scientology’s principles and its once highly classified cosmology. This set of truths and creation myths was made available only to those who had undergone rigorous, expensive training. Former members seen here now dismiss this mythology as sheer nonsense, if not downright insanity.

At the heart of the organization are “audits,” therapy-like sessions where members confess their innermost fears and secrets in hopes of ridding themselves of negativity. The makers of this film allege that the organization has catalogued these sessions and uses their contents to blackmail and control those who might leave the flock.

Scientology’s impact on the careers and private lives of actors, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta, is explored in shocking detail. But the film raises far more profound questions than mere celebrity gossip. This film and Wright’s book question “the Prison of Belief” and examine the extremes people will go to when they feel their faith justifies, encourages or demands it. The film is replete with embarrassed former members wondering aloud how they could have fallen for something so absurd, so controlling and so vile for so long.

This tale of a secretive organization with Hollywood connections that is defended by true believers while exposed and renounced by former members offers parallels to the film community’s relationship to communism in the 1930s to the ‘50s. Some may argue that “Going Clear” is part of a witch-hunt and a smear — perhaps even an attack on faith itself. The Church of Scientology has already attacked the documentary with its customary vigor. It will be interesting to

the 2014 thriller “Apocalypse Pompeii” (9 p.m., Syfy).

• Flint gets help from an unexpected source on the season finale of “Black Sails” (9 p.m., Starz, TV-MA).

• Julianne Moore and Cuba Gooding Jr. appear on “The Graham Norton Show” (10 p.m., BBC America, TV-PG).

• Dwayne Johnson hosts “Saturday Night Live” (11:30 p.m., NBC, TV-14), featuring musical guest George Ezra.

SUNDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

COURTESY OF HBO

The documentary “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief” airs at 8 p.m. on Sunday on HBO. The Scientology building in Los Angeles, California, is shown. see if any other religious groups rise to Scientology’s defense.

The film also looks at a controversy hardly unique to Scientology — the use of tax exemptions, religious protection and heavy-handed fundraising to turn an aggressive organization into a moneymaking racket with outsized political power.

• News flash: Jesus may not have looked like Brad Pitt or Tab Hunter.

The three-hour epic “Killing Jesus” (8 p.m. Sunday, National Geographic, TV-14) deviates from Bill O’Reilly’s best-selling “Killing” franchise. His books (and movies) about the murders of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy focused on the days and weeks leading up to the assassinations, and examined complex conspiracy theories in an entertaining, if pulpy, fashion.

“Jesus” proceeds to tell the entire life of its subject and more. That’s rather audacious, even for O’Reilly. To Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, let us add the Book of Bill.

But “Jesus” is a noteworthy effort.

Professionally made, it hardly sets out to revolutionize the telling of the New Testament. But its casting of decidedly dark-skinned actors to play Jesus (Haaz Sleiman) and his disciples will certainly generate conversation and controversy. “Jesus” may spark the conversation about race that Starbucks failed to percolate.

I’ve always been a sucker for holy week biblical movies and specials, which tend to reflect their eras. In the Hollywood classics of the Charlton Heston era, the Roman or Egyptian heavies often spoke in British or proper American accents while Moses, Jesus and their followers often sounded like regular guys. In “Jesus,” the Savior, his family and followers are decidedly dark, and the “bad guys” tend to be lighter in skin tone. Pontius Pilate (Stephen Moyer) is the whitest

guy in the movie.

Don’t miss “Frasier” himself, Kelsey Grammer, as King Herod!

• Nick Jonas hosts the 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards (8 p.m. Saturday, Nickelodeon). The annual event offers a hard sell for upcoming movies and shows as well as a chance for Nickelodeon to celebrate itself. It could use the pick-me-up. Nickelodeon’s ratings have been on a downward trend for some time, a decline that does not so much reflect its programming as its young audience. After all, these viewers are least likely to be tied to traditional television habits and are the most receptive to new platforms and media.

Jonas joins a line of presenters dating back to the first show in 1988. That was hosted by a tag team including Tony Danza, Debbie Gibson, and Brian Robbins and Dan Schneider of “Head of the Class” fame.

Will Smith remains the most honored recipient of the Kids Choice Awards, having won 10 times. Selena Gomez trails in second with eight.

• “Katy Perry: The Prismatic World Tour” (8 p.m. Saturday, Epix, TV-PG) captures the effervescent pop star with a two-hour concert special. In other concert news, Ne-Yo performs on “HelloBeautiful.com Interludes Live” (10 p.m.

Saturday, TV One).

• Scheduled on “60 Minutes” (7 p.m., CBS): new treatments for glioblastoma patients.

• A Bolivian cult must be handled delicately on “Madam Secretary” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• The iHeartRadio Music Awards (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• The partners express different visions for the firm on “The Good Wife” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Jeremy Piven returns in the third season of “Mr. Selfridge” on “Masterpiece Classic” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings).

• Daryl runs into trouble on the season finale of “The Walking Dead” (9 p.m., AMC, TV-MA).

• An arson case gets complicated on “Battle Creek” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).

• A grief-stricken Emily takes stock on “Revenge” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

CULT CHOICE A troubled teen (Sissy Spacek) with special powers endures the ridicule of her peers in the 1976 shocker “Carrie” (7:45 p.m. Sunday, Sundance, TV-MA).

SATURDAY SERIES A Navy SEAL becomes a victim on “NCIS: New Orleans” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TVPG) * A fortune-teller doesn’t see it coming on “Backstrom” (8 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * Montana murders seem random on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * Chefs compete on “Hell’s Kitchen” (9 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * “48 Hours” (10 p.m., CBS) * A vintage helping of “Saturday Night Live” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

SUNDAY SERIES SATURDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS • The ISU World Figure Skating Championships from Shanghai, China (8 p.m., NBC).

• Ben scrambles to clear his name on “Secrets and Lies” (8 p.m., ABC, r, TV-14).

• Abigail stirs things up on “Good Witch” (8 p.m., Hallmark, TV-PG).

• Appliance store bandits hold hostages on “In an Instant” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

• A commando takes on a volcano in

Homer joins a cover band with other dads on “The Simpsons” (8 p.m., Fox, r, TV-PG) * Snow and Charming make plans on “Once Upon a Time” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * Brian fails a test on “Family Guy” (8:30 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * Phil feels pressured on “The Last Man on Earth” (9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Fox, TV14) * Ben is pursued on “Secrets and Lies” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

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SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

REVIEWS Call: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

Morrison shines on new duets release

BY GREGORY KATZ The Associated Press The duets format can be a lazy way to go, a predictable romp that showcases familiar old songs. Not so with Van Morrison’s new collection “Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue� which skips obvious hits such as “Moondance� and “Brown-Eyed Girl� for overlooked, sometimes eccentric tracks from memorable albums such as “The Healing Game� and “A Period of Transition.�

The result is a warm, refreshing look at the stunning breadth of Morrison’s poetic compositions, dating back nearly five decades. It’s all here: the devotion to American rhythm and blues roots, the moody introspection, the search for transcendence. There is no particular concept, no chronological tale, but the music is unified by his fierce vision and set off by his magnificent voice (untrammeled by time) and some tasty horn work.

The choice of collaborators is revealing: Mavis Staples, with her golden voice and long family history; jazz singer Gregory Porter (who finally makes some of the mumbled lyrics to the exuberant “The Eternal Kansas City� intelligible); and Taj Mahal, who seems to nail “How Can A Poor Boy� on the very first take. Their easy camaraderie makes one miss the late John Lee Hooker, who teamed with Morrison for some of the finest duets of their respective careers.

Morrison also includes some of the early English rockers who were on the way up when he first surfaced in the mid’60s. Chris Farlowe, who has joined Morrison on stage at times, teams up with him on “Born To Sing,� and former bandmate Georgie Fame duets on “Get On With the Show.�

P.J. Proby makes a surprise, slightly self-mocking appearance in “Whatever Happened to P.J. Proby,� a nostalgic homage to the early days.

Some of the songs may send fans back to the original albums, particularly “Streets of Arklow,� a cut from Morrison’s brilliant, Irish-tinged “Veedon Fleece� presented here in tandem with Mick Hucknall.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Bradley Cooper appears in a scene from “Serena.� Though the movie boasts two of the biggest stars in Hollywood with Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, “Serena� comes off as a well-intended but unsuccessful drama.

‘Serena’ has stars but no spark

BY JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer The arithmetic on “Serena� is fascinating. Two of the biggest movie stars in the world plus an Oscar-winning director and a best-selling novel somehow add up to a forgettable, under-theradar video-on-demand release.

But movies work by strange, illogical mathematics. Despite its prestigious pedigree, “Serena,� starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, is likely to be remembered as another example of the curious, inexplicable science of moviemaking.

The film, which opened in limited theaters Friday but has been an available video-on-demand release for much of the month, has long been a subject of intrigue since it was shot in 2012 and more or less hidden under a rock since.

The light of day finally crashing down in “Serena� reveals not so much the disaster one might expect but a well-intended, handsomely shot but altogether unsuccessful drama. It comes as almost a disappointment. After all this time, one almost hopes for a Titanic-sized catastrophe, not merely a wayward mediocrity. “Serena,� directed by the Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier (“In a Better World�), is based on Ron Rash’s 2008

novel about a Depression-era timber baron named George Pemberton (Cooper) who’s immediately infatuated by a more common woman with a dark past, Serena (Lawrence).

She’s “practically an aboriginal,� a woman hisses of Serena, explaining that her family died tragically in a fire when she was 12. But Pemberton’s gaze is fixed on her, riding on horseback. He rides to her and proposes. They promptly marry and return to his North Carolina land, a rugged outpost of lumberjacks and steam locomotives where the threat of conservationism lurks. That dreaded villain, the National Park system, is coming.

The setting is evocative. The Czech Republic countryside doubles attractively but unconvincingly for the Smoky Mountains. Here is the Kentucky-born Lawrence, who broke through in the Ozarks drama “Winter’s Bone,� back in the backwoods, with the crimped blonde hair of a ’20s flapper.

Serena is “a pistol,� as her husband says, quickly making her presence felt around Pemberton’s business, much to the disgruntlement of his right-hand man, Buchanan (David Dencik).

Tension doesn’t boil so much as make occasional jabs at entering the film, which seems, as its characters pace back and forth in the mud, to be await-

ing instructions. A purpose is elusive and instead, scenes awkwardly assemble the clichĂŠd moments of a frontier drama: Serena is awkwardly positioned as a kind of Lady Macbeth; lawmen lurk; a hunting expedition turns fatal.

I suspect the story that doesn’t come through in “Serena� is about the impossibility of a relationship divorcing itself from the past. When Serena steps off the train in North Carolina, a pregnant woman (Ana Ularu), who apparently shares a history with Pemberton, is staring at her. Pemberton stutters an excuse. Serena interrupts him: Everything that came before their love doesn’t matter. What follows bleakly and tragically proves that it does.

That that version of “Serena� never comes through with any force or feeling can be attributed to a number of things: the imprecise script by Christopher Kyle; Cooper’s bland, inscrutable performance; the film’s uncertain pacing.

The period costumes (by Signe Sejlund) and Morten Soborg’s smoky widescreen cinematography help paper over the problems, as does the excellent Lawrence.

Sensual and strong, she commands every frame she’s in. You can’t make a boring film with her, but “Serena� seems to be trying awfully hard to prove you can.

Morrell’s ‘Inspector of the Dead’ is masterful work

BY WAKA TSUNODA The Associated Press

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

“Duets: Re-Working the Catalogue� is the latest release by Van Morrison.

David Morrell’s “Inspector of the Dead,� a sequel to “Murder as a Fine Art,� tells the riveting story of a man determined to exact revenge for injustices done to him and his family. The people he intends to murder range from a shop-

keeper to Queen Victoria.

His brutal — and often theatrical — killings take place in mid-Victorian London but have the immediacy of something happening today. Morrell has researched the era thoroughly to bring it vividly to life.

The drama begins in February 1855, with Eng-

land in the doldrums. The government has collapsed because of the public’s dissatisfaction with its handling of the Crimean War. Life in London gets more unsettling because the killer, who has already murdered people within easy reach, is now ready to go after more prominent victims.

Thomas De Quincey, a real-life writer of the era, is a fictitious sleuth in the story, but the novel’s real star is “the revenger.� The ingenious ways he plans and executes his killings are mesmerizing. Morrell makes him an unforgettable character, and “Inspector of the Dead� is a masterful work.

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LOCAL

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FUNDING

CHARGES

FROM PAGE A1

FROM PAGE A1

it wants to maintain and expand its highway system, or at least $600 million for maintenance and preservation.

None of the bills moving through the Legislature are anticipated to raise more than $500 million a year.

“It is going to take a lot of money, money we currently don’t have,” Johnson said. “We are going to have to find a funding source; that’s just the bottom line.”

Johnson said repairing the roads is the most common topic brought up by his constituents when he returns home.

“People I talk to are willing to pay more for roads,” he said.

Johnson said he deals with the problem every day.

“When I go to Columbia every day for session, I am dodging potholes the whole way from Sumter,” he said.

“People are traveling, and they are dodging potholes and going to other lanes with other cars. It is a dangerous situation.”

It is also an economic development issue, he said.

“A lot of our top business people in the state are saying we have to do something if we are expecting to expand,” he said.

He said he thinks there will have to be a compromise.

“In this case, nobody is going to get everything they want, but we have to get a bill passed,” he said. “We can’t let the threat of a veto deter us.”

Johnson said he is concerned about the amount of time remaining to work on the issue.

“In a couple of weeks we are going to be on the state budget in the Senate and once we get on the budget that is all we are going to be dealing with,” he said. “If we can’t get on this quickly, I’m concerned we will run up against our mandatory adjournment.”

The South Carolina General Assembly will adjourn June 4.

Meanwhile, Kelvon Goodman, the purported shooter in Dontrell Fortune’s death, pleaded guilty to indictments of voluntary manslaughter, possession of a pistol with obliterated serial numbers and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Circuit Court Judge Howard P. King, who presided over the hearings, issued Goodman a 15-year prison sentence and ordered White and McFadden to serve two years of probation. The judge accepted pleas from Simon and Fortune but decided to take their sentences under further advisement and will issue a ruling later.

Sunallah Liles and

THE SUMTER ITEM

Markell Fortune are now the lone defendants remaining in the two cases.

Authorities LILES found the two teen victims dead within the span of little more than 72 hours. Lee County depuM. FORTUNE ties found Dontrell Fortune, 18, dead inside an SUV parked along Azalea Road on the outskirts of Bishopville late during the morning of Sept. 27. He had been shot once in the head.

That was the first in an unexpected sequence of events that culminated with officers discovering Bracey’s body three days later in a field about a mile

SCIENCE FROM PAGE A1 it was decided that the school would not need a new building but rather updated equipment.

Sonntag said criteria for the science courses taught at USC Sumter change very fast and the classrooms need equipment to reflect those changes. The new equipment would prepare students to perform well in STEM fields, he said.

The renovation plans are in the preliminary stages, and suggestions from the faculty in the science building are being taken into consideration.

“The new technology would be an extension of the good work that is already happening,” Sonntag said.

Organic chemistry professor James Privett said students can learn modern methods of science techniques that are performed in industry with

off English Road in Bishopville. Family members reported Bracey, 17, missing Sept. 26 when he did not return home from school.

Search parties took to the backwoods to look for him for days to no avail.

As it turned out, according to investigators, Bracey owed Dontrell Fortune money for drugs. When he was unable to repay the debt, Dontrell Fortune collaborated with Markell Fortune and Darron Fortune — who were both 16 at the time — to lure Bracey to the aforementioned field.

Authorities say that is where he shot Bracey once in the head. Simon, who was identified as Dontrell Fortune’s girlfriend, drove the group to the shooting scene, according to deputies. Authorities indicated Simon and the two Fortune

updated technology in the classrooms.

Privett said he would also like to see modern glassware and equipment that can be used to run basic physics experiments in the laboratories.

Specifically, he said he would like the organic chemistry lab to be equipped with spectrophotometers to allow organic chemistry students to conduct chemical analyses of substances and mixtures to identify organic and inorganic substances.

“What is really important here is that students can learn analytical methods that are used in modern businesses and manufacturing,” Privett said.

During the information meeting, Sumter County Administrator Gary Mixon said Sonntag proposed the county provide about $500,000 for new equipment. Mixon said the college also plans to seek money from other sources which would make the proj-

suspects told officers where they could find the body.

Testimony at previous hearings involving the case indicated Goodman, White and McFadden were present when Dontrell Fortune, their friend, informed them about killing Bracey. Investigators allege Liles was in the room during that discussion as well, and the four decided to kill Fortune in retaliation as well as to protect themselves since at least one of them owed him money for drugs as well.

While driving along a dirt road in Fortune’s SUV the next morning in the Green Acres neighborhood, Goodman shot him in the head from the back seat, and the four teens fled, investigators said.

Prosecutors could not be reached Friday to comment on the plea agreements.

ect easier for the county to support because it would not have to shoulder all of the cost.

Sonntag also proposed the county increase the college’s millage by one mill to support costs for maintenance of the campus grounds and the possible addition of academic success center personnel to assist students on campus.

Although Mixon said he is in support of the county providing money for USC Sumter’s science building, he said possible cuts to the county’s local government fund could put a damper on that plan.

“The needs are definitely there,” he said.

Mixon also said money for the renovations are a priority because of the benefit for the community but the project will have to be considered along with other items during Sumter County’s budget process for fiscal year 2016.

OBITUARIES EDWARD SALEEBY JR. HARTSVILLE — Edward Saleeby Jr., 61, died on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at The Shepherd’s Center in Atlanta.

Arrangements will be announced by Young & Young Funeral Home of Hartsville.

VIRGIL WAYNE RAY Virgil Wayne Ray, age 71, passed away on March 26, 2015.

Funeral plans will be announced by Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville.

LOUIS O. GRANT Louis Odell Grant, 55, entered eternal peace on Monday, March 23, 2015, at his residence.

He was born on April 19, 1959, to Sarah Grant and the late Bennie G. Grant. He was a member of Jehovah Baptist Church. He attended the public schools of Sumter. He worked for many years at Sumter Builders. His passion was carpentry and he was known for his painting skills and building miscellaneous items. He was married to Glory Rich Grant and they have one daughter, Lolita (Robert) Sanders, and one grandson, C.J. He leaves to cherish loving memories: his wife, Glory Rich Grant of the home; a daughter, Lolita (Robert) Sanders; a grandson C.J.; four siblings, William (Loria) Grant, Bennie l. Grant, Lucile Grant and Karen (Har-

old) McFadden; three sistersin-law, Rosa Rich, Michelle (Reggie) Anderson; and one brother-in-law, Ricky Brunson; six uncles; six aunts; 10 nieces; three nephews; five great-nephews; and three great-nieces that he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bennie G. Grant; grandparents, Rubin and Thelma Berry, and Ferdinand and Camillia Witherspoon; and his baby brother, Robert L. Grant.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Marion H. Newton, pastor, and the Rev. Ricky S. Simmons, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Bradford and Minister Estell V. Brunson.

The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

Public viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The funeral cortege will leave at 10:20 a.m. from the home, 18 E. Patricia Drive.

Sumter Funeral Service Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

LOUISE Y. ROBERSON Louise Young Roberson, 85, widow of Marion Roberson, died on Friday, March 27, 2015, at her home in Columbia.

Born on Feb. 17, 1930, in Greensboro, North Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Vance Young and Elise

Gardener Williams.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at the home of her daughter, Brenda Roberson Hunter, 1708 Marley Drive, Columbia.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

HERMEAN R. JOHNSON Hermean Robinson Johnson, 95, widow of Frank Johnson, died on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Brian Center, Columbia.

Born on Jan. 13, 1920, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Harry Sr. and Julia Cole Robinson.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at the home, 545 Louella Lane, Sumter.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as an usher.

He was employed with Tuomey Hospital until his health failed.

Survivors are two sons, Leo Brunson of the home and Ernest (Dianna) Watson of Jamaica Queens, New York; one sister-in-law, Celestine James of Sumter; a daughter-in-law, Willie Mae Brunson of Washington, D.C.; a special nephew, Will R. Williams of Sumter; a special daughter/caregiver, Marie (Leverne) Wells of Sumter; a host of grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Salem Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Lei Fergunson-Washington, pastor, and the Rev. Darrell Washington assisting. Burial will follow in Bradford Cemetery, Sumter.

He can be viewed from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home.

Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com.

Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.

CHARLIE BRUNSON Charlie Brunson, 87, widower of Maggie Sanders Brunson, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at his home, 1870 Roche Road, Sumter.

He was born on Jan. 22, 1928, in Lee County, a son of the late Jese and Irene Williams Brunson. He spent his early years in New York and retired from Linden Packing Co. He was a member of St. Luke Baptist Church. After he retired, he moved back to Sumter and joined Salem

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A8

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SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

AROUND TOWN 4162 Rev JW Carter Road, The Good Samaritans Easter Summerton.

Giveaway will be held 8 a.m.-noon today at the old The Lincoln High School PresGoodHigh Samaritans Easter giveaway Bishopville School to hold ervation Alumni Association football field. Items to be will hold a flapjack fundraiser given away include food, breakfast 8-10 a.m. on Satclothing, toys and other urday, April 4, at Appleitems. For more informabee’s, 2497 Broad St. Cost tion, call the Rev. Eddie C. is $7 per person. Call Thomas at (803) 428-4448 James L. Green at (803) or (803) 459-4989 or the 968-4173, Hayes baker at Rev. Raymond Cook at (803) 316-7695 or Essie (803) 469-6294.

Richardson at (803) 7752999.

The Sumter High School Athletic Booster Club will hold its The Lincoln High School Presannual fundraising barbecue ervation Alumni Association from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Class Competition Victory today. The meal includes Celebration will be held at 6 barbecue pork, rice, hash, p.m. on Saturday, April 4, coleslaw and potato salad. at the Lincoln High School Tickets are $7 each and gym, Council Street. Entermay be purchased from tainment and refreshany student athlete or ments will be provided.

Booster Club member, or The winning “Bulldogs” for by calling the school at 2015 will be announced.

(803) 481-4480, extension Donation is $10 per person.

6273. Ticket holders may Call James L. Green at enter through gate 5 to (803) 968-4173 or Hayes pick up meals.

Baker at (803) 316-7695.

Clarendon School District One The Clarendon Section of Nawill conduct free vision, hear- tional Council of Negro ing, speech and developmen- Women will meet at 5 p.m. tal screenings as part of a on Monday, April 6, at the child find effort to identify Council of Aging, 206 S. students with special Church St., Manning. needs. Screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at The Sumter Stroke Support Group (Overcomers) will the Summerton Early meet at 6 p.m. on ThursChildhood Center on the day, April 9, in the Alice following Thursdays: April 9; and May 14. For more in- Drive Baptist Library. Don’t forget your useful gadget. formation, call Sadie Williams or Audrey Walters at The Sumter Chapter of the National Federation of the (803) 485-2325, extension Blind will meet at 7 p.m. on 221.

Tuesday, April 14, at ShiThe AARP Foundation Volunloh-Randolph Manor. teer Tax-Aide Program will Janae Stowe, Santeeoffer free income tax assisLynches ADRC, I&R/A Mantance for low-income or elager, will speak. Transporderly taxpayers. You will need: all tax forms and in- tation provided with the formation; government-is- mileage radius. Contact Debra Canty, chapter pressued ID; Social Security ident, at DebraCanC2@ card; all W-2’s, 1099s and 1098s; and supporting doc- frontier.com or at (803) uments if you plan to item- 775-5792.

Lee County EMS Community ize. Assistance will be Outreach will host a health available 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays fair 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Concord through April 13 at The United Methodist Church in Spectrum senior center, the Lucknow community.

1989 Durant Lane. Call (803) 316-0772.

St. Anne Catholic School’s sixth annual benefit auction Free income tax filing servicwill be held from 6 to 10 es and FAFSA application asp.m. on Friday, May 1, at sistance will be provided the O’Donnell House. This through April 15 as folevent will include heavy lows: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. hors d’oeuvres, music, a Wednesdays, SC Works — cash bar and silent aucSantee Lynches, 31 E. Caltion. Rafe, master of cerehoun St., (803) 774-1300; monies from J.R. Dixon 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, Auctions, will also conduct 3-8 p.m. Saturdays, apa live auction. Tickets are pointments only on Sun$25 per person. All prodays, Goodwill — Job Link ceeds will benefit St. Anne Center, 1028 Broad St., Catholic School and assist (803) 774-5006; and 9:30 in continuing its various a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays and 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, programs and funding scholarships. Call (803) Lee County Adult Educa775-3632 for tickets or tion, 123 E. College St., Bishopville, (803) 484-4040. more information.

For details and appointThe Post 10813 25th anniverments, call Ms. Samuels at sary banquet will be held at (803) 240-8355.

6 p.m. on Oct. 24 at VeterThe Clarendon County Demo- ans Hall, 610 Manning Ave. For further information, cratic Party will meet at 7 call (803) 773-5604, (803) p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 968-5219 or (803) 406-0748. at Bassard’s Pond House,

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Sunshine

Partly cloudy

Sunny and cool

Some sun with a shower; breezy

Partly sunny and pleasant

Partial sunshine

56°

30°

58° / 40°

67° / 45°

74° / 52°

78° / 58°

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 25%

NW 7-14 mph

NNE 6-12 mph

N 4-8 mph

WSW 10-20 mph

S 6-12 mph

SW 6-12 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 51/22 Spartanburg 53/24

Greenville 54/27

Columbia 57/33

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 56/30

Aiken 56/28

ON THE COAST

Charleston 59/35

Today: Mostly sunny; cooler in northern parts. High 55 to 60.

Sunday: Sunny and cool. High 56 to 60.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

67° 50° 70° 44° 87° in 1949 21° in 1955

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest.

Month to date Normal month to date Year to date Last year to date Normal year to date

Myrtle Beach 54/35

Manning 55/26

Today: Abundant sunshine. Winds westnorthwest 4-8 mph. Clear.

Sunday: Plenty of sun. Winds south-southwest 4-8 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 55/31

Bishopville 54/25

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

358.12 75.50 75.12 97.56

24-hr chg +0.02 +0.06 -0.01 +0.01

Sunrise 7:15 a.m.

Moonrise 1:54 p.m.

RIVER STAGES Flood 7 a.m. stage yest.

12 9.75 19 4.72 14 7.73 14 3.28 80 78.92 24 6.68

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

0.10" 3.63" 3.38" 14.69" 9.05" 10.80"

NATIONAL CITIES

REGIONAL CITIES

Today Sun. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Atlanta 53/32/pc 59/48/s Chicago 36/24/s 46/33/sh Dallas 81/54/s 82/60/s Detroit 37/20/s 46/34/sh Houston 80/58/s 81/64/s Los Angeles 82/60/s 79/58/pc New Orleans 71/58/s 77/64/s New York 41/25/sf 45/36/s Orlando 70/49/s 71/49/s Philadelphia 43/25/c 46/36/s Phoenix 95/65/s 95/67/pc San Francisco 70/51/pc 71/53/s Wash., DC 45/29/c 51/41/s

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 44/22/pc 56/28/pc 59/29/s 60/38/s 48/34/pc 59/35/s 52/26/s 57/30/s 57/33/s 53/29/pc 49/28/pc 52/30/pc 52/28/pc

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 55/38/s 60/43/s 60/41/s 60/44/s 47/40/s 59/41/s 56/42/s 59/45/s 59/43/s 56/40/s 50/37/s 55/39/s 55/39/s

Sunset Moonset

7:39 p.m.

3:05 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Apr. 4

Apr. 11

Apr. 18

Apr. 25

TIDES

24-hr chg -0.04 -0.12 -0.24 -0.25 -0.21 -0.01

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Sun.

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 55/31/pc Gainesville 66/39/s Gastonia 52/25/s Goldsboro 50/28/pc Goose Creek 58/34/s Greensboro 47/25/pc Greenville 54/27/s Hickory 49/25/pc Hilton Head 59/38/s Jacksonville, FL 63/39/s La Grange 56/30/pc Macon 56/30/pc Marietta 51/27/pc

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 57/41/s 67/42/s 56/41/s 53/38/s 59/40/s 53/40/s 58/42/s 54/39/s 58/46/s 62/42/s 62/48/s 61/42/s 59/46/s

High 4:27 a.m.

5:03 p.m.

5:25 a.m.

5:59 p.m.

Ht. 2.9 2.6 2.8 2.6

Low 11:35 a.m.

11:45 p.m.

12:31 p.m.

---

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 49/16/pc Mt. Pleasant 58/35/s Myrtle Beach 54/35/pc Orangeburg 57/32/s Port Royal 59/37/s Raleigh 48/26/pc Rock Hill 51/25/s Rockingham 51/22/pc Savannah 59/37/s Spartanburg 53/24/s Summerville 59/38/s Wilmington 54/30/pc Winston-Salem 47/25/pc

Ht. 0.6 0.5 0.6 ---

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 59/38/s 58/43/s 53/46/s 58/41/s 59/45/s 53/39/s 56/40/s 56/38/s 60/41/s 58/43/s 59/45/s 55/38/s 54/39/s

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

WITH WI T EQU EQUAL Q AL PAYMENTS S

NO INTEREST TILL JANUARY 2020 803-795-4257

See details a See at www.boykinacs.com ARIES (March 21-April 19): A change in EUGENIA LAST your living arrangements will be difficult at first. Do your best not to react emotionally. Take the time to adapt; try to put a positive spin to whatever unfolds, and you will ease existing stress and tension.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood. Participation will lead to new friendships and possibilities. Make an effort to stay within your budget, especially when it comes to home improvements.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Get involved in events that are geared toward bringing about positive changes in your community. You can make a difference and raise your profile if you are an active participant. Use intelligent solutions to get the best results.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t let moodiness lead to unwanted change. Use your energy wisely and work toward a goal you can achieve by yourself. Refuse to get into a debate with someone eager to make you look bad.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Travel may be your goal, but issues will arise if you don’t stick to the rules and regulations suggested at your destination. Do your best to engage in activities that lead to enlightenment and greater awareness.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Offer assistance to an organization you believe in, or check out an improvement you want to make to your image or overall appearance. Don’t limit what you can do because someone wants to curtail your freedom. Put your

own needs first.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take the safe route no matter what you are dealing with. Avoiding an emotional mishap will help you maintain your reputation. Use your intuition and insight into what others want to get your way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Get in the game. Idle time will drive you to distraction. You need to be where the action is, so make the arrangements and stay on top of your plans until they are safely executed. Romance is in the stars.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick to the truth. Double-check the facts and information you receive. Focus on making positive changes at home that will give you greater freedom to live life your way. Don’t commit too quickly to something that may not be in your favor.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Emotional matters will escalate if you aren’t willing to back down and regroup. A different strategy must be put into play where partnerships are concerned. Take time to relax and have fun with the people you love most.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take care of business. Having a responsible attitude will count when it comes to your advancement. You can make headway if you are dedicated, loyal and offer a workable plan. Love is in the stars.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t give in to pressure or demands.

Make an effort to do things your way instead of bending to everyone else’s needs. Put time aside for the ones you love, and you’ll improve your relationships.

Self-improvement projects will pay off.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 FRIDAY

POWERBALL WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

9-16-18-19-37 PowerUp: 2

7-19-23-50-54 Powerball: 14; Powerplay: 2

2-23-32-45-55 Megaball: 12; Megaplier: 2

PICK 3 FRIDAY

PICK 4 FRIDAY

5-9-9 and 4-0-3

0-5-7-6 and 0-9-8-2

LUCKY FOR LIFE THURSDAY 26-31-33-45-46; Lucky Ball: 15

SPCA CAT OF THE WEEK Joon, a housebroken, spayed 1-year-old gray tabby American short hair, is available for adoption at the Sumter SPCA. She is great with other cats. She is playful, affectionate, gentle and friendly.

She loves to be scratched and petted.

Joon has been waiting for a year to find her new family. The SPCA is located at 1140 S. Guignard Drive, (803) 773-9292, and is open 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Visit www.sumterscspca.com.

The SPCA relies heavily on community support and donations. Currently, the biggest needs are for dry puppy and kitten food; wet cat food; cat litter; and cleaning supplies. The following are also appreciated: Newspapers; stuffed animals; heavy duty trash bags (30 gallon or larger); dishwashing liquid; laundry detergent; bleach; paper towels; sheets and comforters; baby blankets; canned dog and cat food; dry dog, treats; leashes and collars; disinfectant spray; all-purpose cleaner; air freshener; no scratch scrubbers; two-sided sponges for dishes; litter freshener; monetary donations are also gratefully accepted.

SECTION

B

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

PREP SOFTBALL

PREP BASEBALL

TSA takes charge

Belk tosses 1-hit shutout as Barons top rival ’Cats

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER michaelc@theitem.com

proved to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in region play. “Wilson Hall prepares well, they’re a good team, 3A state champs the last couple of years, they’re well coached, and I called the wrong pitch. Sometimes it’s not the pitcher, it’s the pitch caller, and I called the

Chase Belk threw a 1-hit shutout against rival Laurence Manning Academy and the Wilson Hall varsity baseball team took advantage of several Swampcats errors in a 5-0 victory on Friday at Baron Field.

LMA head coach Barry Hatfield said the BELK game would come down to which team executed better, and his team did not despite starter J.T. Eppley just allowing four hits.

“He kept us in the game, threw well,” Hatfield said of Eppley. “I mean we can’t fault his outing, I think he had eight Ks (strikeouts) in seven innings and allowed five hits, maybe one or two walks and a hit batsmen, so he kept us in there.

“When we got runners in position to try to close the gap or tie the game it just didn’t happen,” Hatfield added. “(Belk) made big pitches at big times.”

Wilson Hall’s Edward McMillan had a sacrifice fly in the third inning and then belted a 2-run home run in the fifth to lead the Barons with three runs batted in.

“I just knew the situation with a runner at third and one out. I just knew I had to get the ball up in the air and get an RBI,” McMillan said of the sac fly. “(My second at-bat) it was just a good pitch. I took my swing and got lucky I guess.”

Dawson Price, Sam Watford and Brent Carraway each had a hit for WH. “Edward McMillan has probably gotten the big hits but hasn’t got the high batting average this year that we know he can do,” Wilson Hall head coach Tommy Jones said.

“He’s kind of a big-hit, RBItype guy and he’ll probably get his batting average up a little

SEE TSA, PAGE B4

SEE BARONS, PAGE B1

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Wilson Hall’s Amelia Weston, right, is tagged out by Thomas Sumter Academy shortstop Logan Morris, front center, during the Lady Generals’ 8-1 victory on Friday at the TSA softball field in Dalzell.

Lady Generals’ DeMonte flirts with no-no in 8-1 region victory over Wilson Hall in matchup of defending state champions

BY EDDIE LITAKER Special To The Sumter Item DALZELL — As the temperature continued to dip on Friday, Thomas Sumter Academy softball pitcher Emily DeMonte was just getting warmed up.

As she took the mound to start the seventh inning, De-

Monte was tossing a no-hitter. Hannah Jordan ended the bid with a double to open the frame and came around to score, breaking up DeMonte’s shutout bid as well, but that would be the Lady Barons’ only hit and run as the Lady Generals romped to an 8-1 SCISA Region II-3A victory at the TSA softball

field.

TSA head coach Lou DeMonte realized what was at stake for his daughter as she took the mound in the seventh “and I called the wrong pitch.

“We had the top of their order up in there, and they’re good hitters,” DeMonte said as his team im-

MEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Gamecocks hold off UNC 67-65 Gonzaga pulls away from Bruins 74-62

BY AARON BEARD The Associated Press

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Tiffany Mitchell drove to the basket and scored with 4.2 seconds left and South Carolina edged North Carolina 67-65 on Friday night in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 16.

Mitchell finished with 18 points for the No. 1-seeded Gamecocks (33-2), who had to fight the entire way to push past UNC in a rematch of last year’s Sweet 16 game and advance to the Greensboro Region final.

Alaina Coates also scored 18 points, including two key free throws for the lead with 46.1 seconds to go. Then Mitchell, the Southeastern Conference player of the year, answered a tying basket from Jessica Washington in the final minute by driving past Brittany Rountree for what turned out to be the winning score.

Fourth-seeded UNC (269) had one more chance, but freshman Jamie Cherry’s desperation runner hit all backboard as the horn sounded, sending the Gamecocks into an oncourt celebration.

SEE USC, PAGE B3

BY KRISTIE RIEKEN The Associated Press HOUSTON — Przemek Karnowski had 18 points and nine rebounds and second-seeded Gonzaga used a big run early in the second half to pull away for a 74-62 win over No. 11 UCLA on Friday night in the Houston Regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.

The victory puts Gonzaga (35-2) in the Elite Eight for the second time, its first regional final since 1999. The Bulldogs will play the

winner of the UtahDuke game on Sunday.

UCLA (22-14) opened the second half with a 6-0 run to get within 3534. Gonzaga got going after that, scoring the next 12 points, thanks to the powerful inside game of 7-foot-1, 288pound Karnowski to make it 47-34.

The Bruins, who lost in the Sweet 16 for the second straight year, were done in by a tough shooting night that included long stretches without scoring. They

SEE GONZAGA, PAGE B3 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina’s Alaina Coates (41) shoots over North Carolina’s Stephanie Mavunga (1) during the Gamecocks’ 67-65 victory on Friday in a regional semifinal game in Greensboro, N.C.

Gonzaga’s Domantas Sabonis (11) dunks past UCLA’s Isaac Hamilton (10) during the Bulldogs’ 74-62 victory on Friday in a regional semifinal in Houston.

B2

|

SPORTS

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

USCS BASEBALL

Fire Ants hit road for key weekend against Lancers FROM STAFF REPORTS The University of South Carolina Sumter baseball team holds the top spot in NJCAA Region X after three series thanks to an 8-2 mark.

This weekend’s 4-game matchup with USC Lancaster will go a long way to keeping that spot.

The Lancers sit a game behind the Fire Ants at 7-3 thanks to taking three out of four games against Spartanburg Methodist College last weekend. USCS took two games from USC Salkehatchie before rain cancelled the final two games.

The two teams will play a pair of doubleheaders beginning today at 1 p.m. in Lancaster with Sunday’s twinbill scheduled for 1 p.m. as well.

USCS is 23-10 overall while the Lancers are 20-9. USCL has both hit and pitched well thus far with a team batting average of .289 and a team earned run average of 4.06.

Sam Pruitt (3-1, 4.22 ERA), Daniel Willcutt (2-2, 4.88) and Gunner Deal (2-0, 4.56) have tossed the most in-

nings for the Lancers this season.

Jonathon Sabo leads the team with 24 runs batted in while Casey Parker is tops with a .353 average and tied for the team lead with two home runs.

Michael Carpin (4-1, 1.91) and Colie Bowers (5-0, 0.39) continue to provide the Fire Ants with a 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation.

Will Thomas’ torrid start hasn’t slowed down as he brings a .385 average and 27 RBI into this weekend’s play. Brett Auckland (.346) and Tee Dubose (.324) have combined to drive in 40 runs for USCS.

BOYS AREA ROUNDUP

TSA soccer edges Eagles 2-1 DALZELL – Thomas Sumter Academy outscored Florence Christian School 3-0 on penalty kicks to pick up a 2-1 varsity boys soccer win on Thursday at General Field.

Noah White scored TSA’s goal in regulation on an assist from David Crotts.

Crotts, John Bracewell and Jackson Gaulke each connected on PKs and goalie Ross Campbell shut out FCS.

VARSITY BASEBALL CLARENDON HALL 16 THE KING’S ACADEMY 9 SUMMERTON — Clarendon Hall improved to 5-3 with a 16-9 victory over The King’s Academy on Thursday at the CH field.

The Saints totaled 10 hits and took advantage of 17 walks issued

by TKA pitchers.

The Saints were led on offense by Daniel Pappas, who was 2- for-3 with three runs. McRae was 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, and Gavin Allan was 2-for-4 with a double and a run.

JUNIOR VARSITY BASEBALL LAKEWOOD 6 MARLBORO COUNTY 5 Dalton Browder drove in the game-winning run to lead Lakewood High School to a 6-5 victory over Marlboro County on Thursday at the LHS field.

Jeremy Norton got the win in relief for the Gators, who improved to 3-3.

GIRLS AREA ROUNDUP

Sumter blanks Conway 5-0

HARTSVILLE 4

3-hit shutout to lead East Clarendon High School to a 2-0 victory over Sumter on Thursday at the EC field.

Fort had eight strikeouts for the Lady Wolverines. Gracyn Watts had a hit and drove in both of the runs. Jessica Welch and Ellie Floyd both went 2-for-3.

Anna Copeland, Chae Hutchinson and Hannah Bettencourt each had a hit for the Lady Gamecocks.

CRESTWOOD 1

CLARENDON HALL 21

HARTSVILLE — Crestwood High School fell to 1-7 on the season with a 4-1 loss to Hartsville on Friday at the Hartsville field.

Meagyn Ferguson scored the goal for the Lady Knights on an assist from StarAsia Booker. Ashley Griffin had 13 saves in goal.

ORANGEBURG PREP 11

Izzy Sneider scored four goals to lead Sumter High School to a 5-0 varsity girls soccer victory over Conway on Thursday at the SHS field.

Emma Graham had the other goal for the Lady Gamecocks.

Mary Kate Shaffer had two assists, while Jessica Harris and Grace Belangia each had one.

Kate Walker had the shutout in goal.

VARSITY SOFTBALL EAST CLARENDON 2 SUMTER 0 TURBEVILLE — Brooklyn Fort tossed a

SUMMERTON — Shannon Corbett went 4-for-5 and drove in seven runs to lead Clarendon Hall to a 21-11 victory over Orangeburg Prep on Thursday at the CH field.

Corbett also had a double and a triple for the Lady Saints, who improved to 7-3.

Delaney Peeler was 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Jordan Carter was 3-for-5 with two double, while Gra-

cyn Royce, Devyn Royce and Emily Brunson each had two hits, including a double.

WILLIAMSBURG 10 LAURENCE MANNING 6

MANNING — Laurence Manning Academy lost to Williamsburg 10-6 on Wednesday at the LMA field.

Taylor Coursey had a hit and drove in two runs for the Lady Swampcats. Hannah Hodge was 3-for-4 with a double, Maggie Eppley was 2-for-4 with a double and Sarah Herbert had a double and scored twice.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER SOUTH FLORENCE 3 LAKEWOOD 0

FLORENCE — Lakewood High School lost to South Florence 3-0 on Thursday at the SF field.

Ivy Benenhaley and Jazzmen Green each had two saves in goal.

PRO FOOTBALL

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez and his fiancee traded expressionless glances Friday as she took the witness stand to testify in his murder trial.

Shayanna Jenkins was called by prosecutors after being granted immunity.

Jenkins, Hernandez’s high school sweetheart and the mother of his 2-year-old daughter, appeared to be a

SCOREBOARD

Oakland 6, San Francisco 4

FRIDAY’S GAMES

TV, RADIO TODAY

5 a.m. – Formula One Racing: Malaysian Grand Prix Pole Qualifying from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

6 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Philadelphia vs. New York Yankees from Clearwater, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

9 a.m. – Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Trophee Hassan II Third Round from Agadir, Morocco (GOLF).

9 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Toronto vs. Detroit from Dunedin, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

10 a.m. – College Hockey: NCAA Tournament West Regional Semifinal Match from Fargo, N.D. – St. Cloud State vs. Michigan Tech (ESPNU).

10 a.m. – NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series STP 500 Practice from Martinsville, Va. (FOX SPORTS 1).

11 a.m. – NASCAR Racing: Camping World Truck Series Kroger 250 Pole Qualifying from Martinsville, Va. (FOX SPORTS 1).

Noon – College Lacrosse: Boston University at Navy (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

Noon – College Lacrosse: Syracuse at Notre Dame (ESPNU).

Noon – College Softball: Louisiana State at Kentucky (SEC NETWORK).

12:30 p.m. – Horse Racing: Dubai World Cup from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (FOX SPORTS 1).

1 p.m. – NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series STP 500 Practice from Martinsville, Va. (FOX SPORTS 2).

1 p.m. – PGA Golf: Texas Open Third Round from San Antonio (GOLF).

1 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Baltimore vs. New York Yankees from Tampa, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

1:30 p.m. – NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series STP 500 Practice from Martinsville, Va. (FOX SPORTS 1).

2 p.m. – College Lacrosse: Rutgers at Johns Hopkins (ESPNU).

2 p.m. – College Baseball: Missouri at Texas A&M (SEC NETWORK).

2:30 p.m. – College Lacrosse: Colgate at Loyola (Md.) (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

2:30 p.m. – NASCAR Racing: Camping World Truck Series Kroger 250 from Martinsville, Va. (FOX SPORTS 1, WEGX-FM 92.9).

2:30 p.m. – College Baseball: Wake Forest at Clemson (WPUB-FM 102.7).

3 p.m. – PGA Golf: Texas Open Third Round from San Antonio (WIS 10).

3 p.m. – College Basketball: NCAA Division II Tournament Championship Game from Evansville, Ind. (WLTX 19).

3 p.m. – College Hockey: NCAA Tournament East Regional Semifinal Match from Providence, R.I. – Boston College vs. Denver (ESPN2).

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

3 p.m. – College Softball: Oklahoma State at Baylor (SPORTSOUTH).

3:30 p.m. – International Soccer: Euro 2016 Qualifying Match – Turkey vs. Netherlands (FOX SPORTS 2).

4 p.m. – College Hockey: NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Semifinal Match from South Bend, Ind. – Rochester Institute of Technology vs. Minnesota State (Mankato) (ESPNU).

4 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Oakland vs. Chicago White Sox from Glendale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

4 p.m. – College Baseball: Georgia at South Carolina (WNKT-FM 107.5).

5 p.m. – College Baseball: Tennessee at Vanderbilt (SEC NETWORK).

5:30 p.m. – College Hockey: NCAA Tournament Northeast Regional Final Match from Manchester, N.H. (ESPN2).

5:30 p.m. – College Lacrosse: Yale at Pennsylvania (FOX SPORTS 1).

6 p.m. – LPGA Golf: Kia Classic Third Round from Carlsbad, Calif. (GOLF).

6:15 p.m. – Professional Boxing: Kell Brook vs. Jo Jo Dan for the IBF Welterweight Title from Sheffield, England (SHOWTIME).

6:30 p.m. – College Hockey: NCAA Tournament East Regional Semifinal Match from Providence, R.I. – Providence vs. Miami (Ohio) (ESPNU).

7 p.m. – NHL Hockey: New Jersey at Carolina (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Atlanta at Charlotte (SPORTSOUTH).

8 p.m. – Figure Skating: World Championships from Shanghai – Women’s Finals and Ice Dancing Finals (WIS 10).

8 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: San Diego vs. Texas from Surprise, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

8 p.m. – College Softball: Auburn at Missouri (SEC NETWORK).

9 p.m. – College Hockey: NCAA Tournament West Regional Final Match from Fargo, N.D. (ESPNU).

9:30 p.m. – International Soccer: Mexico vs. Ecuador from Los Angeles (ESPN2).

10 p.m. – College Volleyball: California-Irvine at Brigham Young (BYUTV).

10 p.m. – Professional Boxing: Jhonny Gonzalez vs. Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC Featherweight Title and Jermell Charlo vs. Vanes Martirosyan in a Super Welterweight Bout from Las Vegas (SHOWTIME).

11 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Philadelphia vs. Minnesota from Fort Myers, Fla. (MLB NETWORK).

2 a.m. – International Soccer: Australian League Match – Adelaide vs. Newcastler (FOX SPORTS 2).

2 a.m. – NHL Hockey: Nashville at Washington (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

2 a.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Arizona vs. Kansas City from Scottsdale, Ariz.

(MLB NETWORK).

2:30 a.m. – Formula One Racing: Malaysian Grand Prix from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

PREP SCHEDULE TODAY

Junior Varsity Baseball Sumter at Dutch Fork, 2:30 p.m.

B Team Baseball Sumter at Dutch Fork, noon Varsity Sporting Clays Wilson Hall in Rocky Creek Tournament (at Richburg), TBA Varsity Track and Field Sumter in SCTCCA Classic (at Spring Valley High), 10 a.m.

Crestwood in West Florence Pee Dee Classic, TBA

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

reluctant and careful witness, pausing for long periods before answering and saying she couldn’t remember details of the time surrounding the June 17, 2013, killing of Odin Lloyd, who was dating her younger sister.

Lloyd’s bullet-riddled body was found in an industrial park near the home Hernandez and Jenkins shared.

But some of what Jenkins said could hurt Hernandez, including that minutes after she dropped him off at a police station to be questioned about Lloyd’s death he directed her to give money to one of his co-defendants.

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

TODAY’S GAMES

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

Houston vs. Miami at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

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

Baltimore vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

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

Toronto (ss) vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Atlanta vs. Toronto (ss) at Dunedin, Fla., 1:07 p.m.

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

Colorado vs. Chicago Cubs (ss) at Mesa, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Cleveland vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 4:05 p.m.

Oakland vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

San Francisco vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (ss) vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

San Diego vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 4:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 4:10 p.m.

Kansas City vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 4:10 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

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

W 42 31 30 18 14

L 30 40 40 54 58

Pct .583 .437 .429 .250 .194

GB – 10 1/2 11 24 28

W 54 40 33 30 22

L 17 32 38 40 51

Pct .761 .556 .465 .429 .301

GB – 14 1/2 21 23 1/2 33

W 47 44 36 31 27

L 26 29 36 41 44

Pct .644 .603 .500 .431 .380

GB – 3 10 1/2 15 1/2 19

WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION x-Memphis Houston San Antonio Dallas New Orleans NORTHWEST DIVISION Portland Oklahoma City Utah Denver Minnesota PACIFIC DIVISION

W 50 48 45 45 37

L 22 23 26 27 34

Pct .694 .676 .634 .625 .521

GB – 1 1/2 4 1/2 5 12 1/2

W 45 41 31 27 16

L 25 31 40 45 55

Pct .643 .569 .437 .375 .225

GB – 5 14 1/2 19 29 1/2

L 13 25 34 45 51

Pct .817 .653 .528 .366 .271

GB – 11 1/2 20 1/2 32 38 1/2

W y-Golden State 58 L.A. Clippers 47 Phoenix 38 Sacramento 26 L.A. Lakers 19 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division

THURSDAY’S GAME

Milwaukee 111, Indiana 107

FRIDAY’S GAMES

L.A. Clippers at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Charlotte at Washington, 7 p.m.

Detroit at Orlando, 7 p.m.

Miami at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

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

Sacramento at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Minnesota at Houston, 8 p.m.

Golden State at Memphis, 8 p.m.

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

Utah at Denver, 9 p.m.

Portland at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Atlanta at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

New York at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Golden State at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Utah, 9 p.m.

Denver at Portland, 10 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP Montreal 75 Tampa Bay 75 Detroit 73 Ottawa 73 Boston 74 Florida 74 Toronto 75 Buffalo 74 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP x-N.Y. Rangers 73 N.Y. Islanders 75 Pittsburgh 74 Washington 74 Philadelphia 75 New Jersey 74 Columbus 73 Carolina 73

W 46 46 39 37 36 34 27 20

L 21 22 22 25 25 26 42 46

OT Pts GF GA 8 100 197 167 7 99 244 194 12 90 212 201 11 85 213 195 13 85 195 193 14 82 184 202 6 60 194 241 8 48 141 249

W 47 44 40 40 30 31 34 27

L 19 26 23 24 29 31 35 36

OT Pts GF GA 7 101 224 168 5 93 228 208 11 91 204 186 10 90 215 182 16 76 196 216 12 74 166 189 4 72 198 228 10 64 170 201

L 21 21 23 25 24 28 28

OT Pts GF GA 8 100 214 180 7 99 226 182 6 94 207 167 7 91 211 183 12 90 212 197 10 82 232 236 12 80 200 206

WESTERN CONFERENCE

By The Associated Press

CENTRAL DIVISION W 16 15 14 13 14 10 11 11 10 9 10 9 8 9 9

L 9 9 9 9 11 8 9 10 12 12 14 13 13 15 16

Pct .640 .625 .609 .591 .560 .556 .550 .524 .455 .429 .417 .409 .381 .375 .360

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Hernandez’s fiancee discusses money, gun at murder trial

BY MICHELLE R. SMITH The Associated Press

THE SUMTER ITEM

W L Pct Los Angeles 13 6 .684 Arizona 14 10 .583 St. Louis 11 8 .579 Colorado 13 10 .565 New York 14 11 .560 Cincinnati 11 9 .550 Miami 12 10 .545 Pittsburgh 11 10 .524 San Diego 11 11 .500 Milwaukee 10 11 .476 Atlanta 11 13 .458 Philadelphia 11 13 .458 Washington 9 11 .450 Chicago 10 14 .417 San Francisco 6 19 .240 NOTE: Split-squad games count in standings; games against non-major league teams do not.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Detroit 6, Baltimore 4 Miami 5, St. Louis 3 Atlanta 7, Pittsburgh 5 Tampa Bay 6, N.Y. Yankees 5 Boston 5, Minnesota 4, 10 innings Toronto 4, Philadelphia 1 L.A. Dodgers 9, Chicago White Sox 6 Milwaukee 15, Seattle (ss) 1 Kansas City 3, Seattle (ss) 0 Cincinnati 13, Cleveland 2 Arizona 3, San Diego 3, tie, 10 innings N.Y. Mets 8, Washington 3 L.A. Angels 8, Chicago Cubs 4 Texas 6, Colorado 3

Nashville St. Louis Chicago Minnesota Winnipeg Dallas Colorado PACIFIC DIVISION

GP 75 74 73 74 75 74 74

W 46 46 44 42 39 36 34

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 76 47 22 7 101 222 213 Vancouver 74 43 27 4 90 212 199 Los Angeles 74 37 23 14 88 199 184 Calgary 74 40 27 7 87 217 195 San Jose 74 36 30 8 80 207 210 Edmonton 74 21 40 13 55 177 254 Arizona 75 23 44 8 54 158 249 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. x-clinched playoff spot

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Anaheim 3, Boston 2, OT Arizona 4, Buffalo 3, OT Los Angeles 3, N.Y. Islanders 2 Washington 3, New Jersey 2, OT Carolina 5, Pittsburgh 2 Florida 4, Toronto 1 N.Y. Rangers 5, Ottawa 1 San Jose 6, Detroit 4 Nashville 3, Tampa Bay 2 Winnipeg 5, Montreal 2 Colorado 4, Vancouver 1

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Calgary at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Columbus at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Dallas at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Nashville at Washington, 12:30 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Boston, 1 p.m.

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

San Jose at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Arizona at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Detroit, 2 p.m.

Ottawa at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Florida at Montreal, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Columbus at St. Louis, 8 p.m.

Los Angeles at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Buffalo at Colorado, 9 p.m.

Dallas at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

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B3

TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP

Louisville back in Elite 8 with 75-65 victory over N.C. State SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Montrezl Harrell scored 24 points, reserve Anton Gill keyed a late-game surge, and Louisville beat North Carolina State 75-65 on Friday night in the East Regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.

Louisville (27-8), the fourth seed in the East and seeking to make its third Final Four in four years, will play either No. 3 seed Oklahoma or seventh-seeded Michigan State in the East final on Sunday. The Sooners and Spartans played in Friday’s nightcap in the Carrier Dome.

After toppling top-seeded Villanova, North Carolina State (22-14), the eighth seed, saw its postseason run end against a team that refused to quit.

Louisville wasn’t given much chance of playing in late March after it lost two of three entering the NCAA Tournament, but gritty wins over UC Irvine and Northern Iowa had the Cardinals brimming with confidence.

Terry Rozier had 17 points and 14 rebounds and freshman guard Quentin Snider added 14 points for the Cardinals.

Trevor Lacey led the Wolfpack with 18 points, while Ralston Turner had 12 and Kyle Washington 11.

WOMEN BAYLOR 81

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina’s A’ja Wilson (22) drives against North Carolina’s Jamie Cherry (0) during the Gamecocks’ 67-65 victory on Friday in a regional semifinal game in Greensboro, N.C.

USC FROM PAGE B1 South Carolina had reached the Elite Eight only once before, losing to Duke in 2002. Now Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks are back to face the Arizona State-Florida State winner on Sunday to go to the Final Four.

Latifah Coleman scored 10 of her 15 after halftime for North Carolina, which led 63-60 with about 90 sec-

onds left but couldn’t quite close out the Gamecocks.

The teams met in nearly this exact situation last year, though on the opposite coast at Stanford. The Gamecocks entered as a No. 1 seed while the Tar Heels were a No. 4 then, too, but UNC won 65-58 behind star freshman Diamond DeShields to end the Gamecocks’ 29-win season.

This time, they were both much closer to home and DeShields was gone

BARONS FROM PAGE B1 bit later on.”

Belk took care of the rest on the mound, not allowing a ball to leave the infield until the final inning.

The Furman University signee struck out nine, walked two and hit two batters while allowing a 1-out single to Buddy Bleasdale in the top of the seventh.

“You got to take your hat off to Chase Belk,” Hatfield said. “He’s pitching against

his archrival and the kid gives up one single in the seventh inning so you’ve got to tip your hat to that.

We didn’t play clean. We made errors and gave extra outs.”

“All I do is try to go out there and make the pitches that are called and try to do the best I can to get the ball put in play and get out of the inning and let our offense get some hits,” Belk said.

after an abrupt transfer.

And while the game was in the Tar Heels’ home state roughly an hour from the Chapel Hill campus, the Gamecocks had a larger and louder group of fans in the building for this one.

They were treated to a tense finish, one that very nearly ended in a repeat of last year’s disappointment.

Olivia Gaines hit a contested 3-pointer that bounced around the rim

and dropped through to tie the game at 63 at the 1-minute mark.

Then, after a missed 3 from Washington led to a foul on Stephanie Mavunga while battling for a rebound, Coates hit two free throws with 46.1 seconds left to put the Gamecocks back ahead.

Washington answered with a tough drive to tie it again with 27.2 seconds left only to see Mitchell come up with the winner.

The Barons improved to 9-3 overall and moved to 4-0 in SCISA Region II-3A with the victory. It was the first loss of the season for the Swampcats, who came in winners of six straight.

They are 1-1 in region play.

WH took an early 2-0 lead in the third inning thanks to two LMA errors and the McMillan sac fly.

In the fifth, Robert James walked to lead off the inning, stole second and scored the Barons’ third run on an error.

The Swampcats had

their best chance to score in the fourth and fifth innings. In the fourth, Eppley reached on an error to start the inning and Josh Martin walked. After two strikeouts, Adam Lowder reached on catcher’s interference to load the bases.

Todd Larrimer grounded back to the mound to end the inning.

LMA got runners on second and third with two outs, but they were left stranded as Josh Martin grounded out to first to end the threat.

GONZAGA FROM PAGE B1 were led by Norman Powell’s 16 points.

They quieted doubters who questioned whether they should be in the tournament by winning their first two games, but couldn’t stay with the Bulldogs on a night when their shots weren’t falling.

Powell made just 8 of 19 shots and Bryce Alford was 3 of 11.

It’s Gonzaga’s second win over UCLA this season after also beating the Bruins in December. Gonzaga’s only loss to UCLA in the four-game his-

tory of the series came in a 73-71 defeat in the regional semifinal in 2006.

It will be the first trip to the round of eight for Gonzaga coach Mark Few, who took over the season after they last made it.

The Bruins couldn’t find any offense as Gonzaga built its lead early in the second half. A jump shot by Kevon Looney came after their big run to end a five-minute scoring drought and cut it to 47-36 with 13 minutes left.

Domantas Sabonis drew ooh’s and ahh’s from the crowd when the 6-10 Lithuanian grabbed a bounce pass from Karnowski and sailed over Isaac Hamilton for a one-handed dunk that made it 51-37 with 11 minutes remaining.

Karnowski found Sabonis again a few minutes later, when he passed it behind his back and Sabonis finished with a layup to push the lead to 57-43.

Gonzaga was up 13-10 with about 14 1/2 minutes left in the first half when the offenses of both teams went cold, combining to miss the next 19

IOWA 66 OKLAHOMA CITY — Sune Agbuke had a career-high 23 points and Baylor advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight for the fifth time in six years with an 81-66 win over Iowa on Friday night.

Nina Davis added 20 points and Niya Johnson had 16 assists for the No. 2-seed Lady Bears (33-3), who will face the Stanford-Notre Dame winner on Sunday.

Agbuke finished with 12 rebounds for Baylor, which outrebounded the Hawkeyes 45-35. The 6-foot-4 senior topped her previous career best of 16 points, set last season against Kansas State.

Kristy Wallace hit her first seven shots and finished with 17 points for Baylor.

Samantha Logic had a triple-double to lead third-seeded Iowa (26-8), finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. The Hawkeyes were making their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1996.

From wire reports

NCAA TOURNAMENT TV, RADIO SCHEDULE

WOMEN

TV Regional Semifinals Today ESPN Noon – Connecticut vs. Texas 2:30 p.m. – Dayton vs. Louisville 4:30 p.m. – Duke vs. Maryland 7 p.m. – Tennessee vs. Gonzaga Regional Finals Sunday ESPN Noon – South Carolina vs. Arizona State or Florida State 8:30 p.m. – Baylor vs. Notre Dame or Stanford

MEN

TV Regional Finals Today TBS 6 p.m. – Wisconsin vs. Arizona 8:30 p.m. – Notre Dame vs. Kentucky Sunday WLTX 19 2 p.m. -- North Carolina State or Louisville vs. Michigan State or Oklahoma 4:55 p.m. – UCLA or Gonzaga vs.

Duke or Utah RADIO Today and Sunday WWFN-FM 100.1

shots. The Bulldogs missed 11 times and UCLA missed the rest.

There were missed layups, shots from the outside that clanged off the rim and even a couple of air balls. For an almost 6 1/2-minute stretch no matter what either team tried, they simply could not make a basket.

Gonzaga extended the lead a bit by making three free throws in that span.

It was Powell who finally ended the field goal drought when he drove into the lane and his layup mercifully fell through the net to cut the lead

to 16-12 about eight minutes before halftime.

The Bulldogs got off the schneid a few seconds later on a jump shot by Przemek Karnowski.

Gonzaga was up by 6 soon after that before using a 9-4 run to make it 29-18 with three minutes left in the first half. Byron Wesley led the way in that stretch, scoring five points, including a 3-pointer from the top of the key.

UCLA cut the lead to 7 with an 8-4 run, and the teams made a basket each after that to leave Gonzaga up 35-28 at halftime.

B4

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SPORTS

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

SPORTS ITEMS

AUTO RACING

Thunder’s Durant to have surgery, out for rest of year

Logano wins pole at Martinsville; Elliott to start 27th

OKLAHOMA CITY — Reigning MVP Kevin Durant will have bone graft surgery next week to deal with a fractured bone in his right foot, and he will miss the rest of the season, the OklahoDURANT ma City Thunder announced Friday.

Durant had surgery on a broken bone in his right foot in October. He had been healing well, but in late February, he had a procedure to replace a screw that was rubbing up against another bone and causing discomfort.

At the time, the Thunder expected him to be able to return in one to two

weeks. Last week, the Thunder said he likely would be shut down for the season as they tried to figure out why his pain wasn’t subsiding.

The team expects Durant to return to basketball activities within the next four to six months.

WALKER TAKES LEAD IN TEXAS OPEN SAN ANTONIO — Jimmy Walker shot a 5-under 67 on Friday in the Texas Open to take a 1-stroke lead in his hometown event.

After a 35-minute drive from his suburban home, Walker enjoyed a neighborly stroll at TPC San Antonio to reach 6-under 138. He overtook firstround leader Charley Hoff-

man with three straight birdies late in his round.

Hoffman, 8 under at the turn, uncharacteristically let a good round get away on the Oaks Course with three bogeys on his second nine. He finished with a 72 to drop into a tie for second with Aaron Baddeley, who had a 71.

MONTGOMERIE, DURANT SHARE CHAMPIONS LEAD SAUCIER, Miss. — Colin Montgomerie and Joe Durant shared the lead at 5-under 67 on Friday after the first round of the Champions Tour’s Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic.

Gene Sauers, Kevin Sutherland, David Frost, Woody Austin and Brad Faxon shot 68.

TSA FROM PAGE B1 wrong pitch.

“Now give credit to a good hitter. She put the bat on the ball. You’re right around the plate, she was up there ready to go and she hit a nice double and then she got in.”

Wilson Hall head coach Teresa Alexander gave Emily DeMonte credit for a fine outing on the mound that included eight strikeouts and just two walks, with Emily Nevels throwing out both baserunners as they attempted to steal second base.

“She’s a very talented pitcher, no question about it,” Alexander, whose team dropped to 6-2 and 1-1, said of Emily DeMonte. “Very consistent, very smart, absolutely. She controlled our offense for most of the game.”

For three innings, Wilson Hall starter Holly Scott was right there with her TSA counterparte, limiting the Lady Generals to just one hit.

However, Josie Reed singled to open the fourth, took second on a wild pitch and advanced to third on a Carmen Silvester single after Scott had rebounded to record two strikeouts. Reed scored after Scott plunked Nevels in the back with the bases loaded.

The Lady Generals got insurance in the fifth inning, sending 12 batters to the plate and scoring six runs. Haley Hawkins and Silvester laced back-toback two-RBI doubles, then Jordan Morris singled home Silvester and Nevels doubled home Mor-

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Wilson Hall’s Hannah Jordan (9) catches a popup against Thomas Sumter Academy on Friday during the Lady Generals’ 8-1 victory at the TSA softball field in Dalzell. ris.

“In the fifth inning we made a couple of mistakes, and that’s OK,” Alexander said. “It’s so

early in the year right now, and we just really are trying to focus ourselves on every day being a learning experience and

WAKE FOREST 8 CLEMSON 2 CLEMSON — Wake Forest scored three 2-out runs, including the last two on bases-loaded walks, in the sixth inning and added four runs in the seventh inning in its 8-2 win over Clemson on Friday night.

The Demon Deacons improved to 18-10 overall and 5-5 in the ACC. The Tigers fell to 12-12 overall and 4-6 in ACC play.

Tiger starter Matthew Crownover (4-1) suffered his first loss of the year, as he yielded four hits, three runs and four walks with five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings pitched.

From staff, wire reports

just getting better every time we step on the field, and I think even in tonight’s game we did that.

By the time we got into the seventh inning we were able to improve our offense. We give Thomas Sumter credit for having a good game, but we felt like the score doesn’t indicate the fact that we had a good game, too. We just had a half inning that didn’t go our way.”

TSA’s final run came in the sixth as Scott walked the first batter she faced and reliever Amelia Weston had trouble finding the strike zone as well. Weston walked all four batters she faced, forcing home a run. The Lady Barons minimized the damage by throwing out two runners at the plate before Drake Ives induced a 4-3 grounder from pinch hitter Kayla Posten to end the inning.

“I’m very proud of our girls,” Coach DeMonte said. “To get through our lineup three times can be difficult. I thought Holly Scott did a really good job of locating the ball in and out.

And, of course, you’ve got to be careful here at TSA with that short fence. But I’ve got some really disciplined hitters that waited on their pitch and they were patient. We were putting the bat on the ball, but they were making good plays. They’ve got a strong defense, and they’re a scrappy group of young ladies. But I know eventually we are going to start getting the bat on it and once we do, we can hit.”

HANK KURZ JR. The Associated Press MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Daytona 500 champion Joey Logano won the pole for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway, and Chase Elliott earned the right to make his debut in the series by qualifying 27th.

Logano turned a fast lap at 98.461 mph in the third round of qualifying, edging Ryan Newman (98.328), to win the 10th pole of his career and his second this seaLOGANO son. It’s his first at Martinsville.

“You win anything at Martinsville, it’s a big deal,” Logano said, adding that having only run five laps to get through the first two rounds of qualifying gave him an advantage heading into the final round.

“Nothing but good things happen from starting first,” he said.

Newman was pleased, despite coming up short.

“I felt like we were super competitive and just got beat by a little bit,” he said.

Martin Truex Jr. (98.018), Jeff Gordon (97.613) and Jimmie Johnson (97.583) complete the top five.

Gordon and Johnson have each won eight times on the oldest, shortest oval in NASCAR’s top series.

Elliott, who will replace the retiring Gordon at Hendrick Motorsports in 2016, needed to finish in the top 36 of the first round of qualifying to assure himself a spot in the field.

“That was goal No. 1 for us. Big relief. We’re excited,” he said, adding “I don’t know how I feel about being excited being 27th, but at the same time I’m really excited to make our first Cup race. Just crazy how much different of a world this is on this side of things, being timed so close.”

STP 500 LINEUP

By The Associated Press After Friday qualifying; race Sunday At Martinsville Speedway Ridgeway, Va. Lap length: .526 miles (Car number in parentheses) 1. (22) Joey Logano, Ford, 98.461 mph.

2. (31) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 98.328.

3. (78) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 98.048.

4. (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 97.613.

5. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 97.583.

6. (14) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 97.468.

7. (42) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 97.463.

8. (20) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 97.392.

9. (5) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 97.282.

10. (47) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 97.262.

11. (19) Carl Edwards, Toyota, 97.177.

12. (2) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 97.038.

13. (27) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 97.387.

14. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 97.302.

15. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 97.267.

16. (10) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 97.267.

17. (4) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 97.257.

18. (43) Aric Almirola, Ford, 97.237.

19. (1) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 97.222.

20. (18) David Ragan, Toyota, 96.8.

21. (51) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 96.79.

22. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 96.76.

23. (17) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 96.558.

24. (13) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 97.312.

25. (16) Greg Biffle, Ford, 96.983.

26. (41) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 96.944.

27. (25) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 96.919.

28. (46) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 96.899.

29. (38) David Gilliland, Ford, 96.666.

30. (15) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 96.617.

31. (98) Josh Wise, Ford, 96.607.

32. (26) Jeb Burton, Toyota, 96.494.

33. (55) Brett Moffitt, Toyota, 96.357.

34. (40) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, 96.298.

35. (34) Chris Buescher, Ford, 96.259.

36. (6) Trevor Bayne, Ford, 96.254.

37. (35) Cole Whitt, Ford, Owner Points.

38. (9) Sam Hornish Jr., Ford, Owner Points.

39. (7) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, Owner Points.

40. (32) Mike Bliss, Ford, Owner Points.

41. (33) Alex Kennedy, Chevrolet, Owner Points.

42. (23) J.J. Yeley, Toyota, Owner Points.

43. (83) Matt DiBenedetto, Toyota, Owner Points.

Failed to Qualify 44. (62) Brendan Gaughan, Chevrolet, 95.632.

45. (30) Ron Hornaday Jr., Chevrolet, 95.395.

PRO BASEBALL

Hitting 30 homers is the new 40 as power numbers drop across MLB

BY JOSH DUBOW The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Whether it’s steroid testing, all those power arms in the bullpen or a lower strike zone, baseballs just aren’t flying out of the park like they did a decade or two ago.

Sluggers who came of age in the days of 50, 60 and 70 home-run seasons have been forced to recalibrate what’s a successful power season.

And 30 is the new 40.

“Oh yeah, absolutely,’’ said Cubs first baseman Kris Bryant, perhaps the best powerhitting prospect in the game.

“I mean I grew up watching Barry Bonds hit 73 home runs and now guys are talking about 30’s good.’’

Home runs have hit their lowest rate in more than two decades. Only 11 players reached the 30-homer mark last season, the fewest in a full season since 1992, when there

were four fewer teams, no interleague play and Fay Vincent was still commissioner.

The days of bulked-up sluggers like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa topping 60 home runs in a season like they did six times

from 1998-2001 are going, going, and gone.

“I remember when guys hit 50 and 60 a year,’’ said Houston first baseman Chris Carter, who tied for second in the majors last season with 37 homers. “Then they

stopped doing it, there were reasons for that. But I’d like to think it’s still attainable — look what Chris Davis did a couple of years ago. Why set the bar so low at 30? I’d like to think you could hit more than that.’’

There are plenty of reasons for baseball’s power outage, with testing for steroids getting the most attention. Testing was agreed to on a survey basis with no punishments in 2003 and penalties began the following year.

Testing has become more rigorous and penalties more harsh over the years. Amphetamines were also banned before the 2006 season, affecting every day hitters trying to get through the grind of a 162game season more than starting pitchers who go every five days.

Home runs have dropped in frequency in that same time and only Davis in 2013 and Jose Bautista in 2010 have

reached 50 in the past five seasons. Davis was suspended for amphetamine use last season.

But drug testing is far from the only reason that teams combined for just 0.86 home runs per game last season, the lowest rate in the big leagues since 1992. That’s down more than 25 percent from the peak of 1.17 homers per game back in 2000 when 16 players reached the 40-homer mark.

Umpires are calling more low strikes, contributing to players over the past two seasons hitting the highest percentage of grounders on record to at least 1987.

More power arms in the bullpen also contribute.

Teams regularly are stocked with relievers capable of throwing fastballs that approach, or even top, 100 mph.

With the stigma of striking out long gone, fewer balls than ever are being put into play. And those in play aren’t traveling quite as far.

COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

|

B5

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Teen’s friend is on path to self-destruction DEAR ABBY — I am a 14-year-old girl, and my friend “Leah” is out of control. She has been going down the Dear Abby wrong path since sixth ABIGAIL grade. She is VAN BUREN what people call “emo.”

She has attempted to end her life more than once. She has sex with lots of boys older than her and has issues with drugs and cutting. She was abused until she was 5 and then adopted. She doesn’t seem to have any morals.

She says she wants to become a serial killer and a prostitute when she grows up. She

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

also wants to have a baby in the near future. Leah has borderline personality disorder and probably some others. I have tried talking to her about what she’s doing to herself, but she sees nothing wrong with her destructive behavior.

I want Leah to get help before she winds up raped, in prison, or on death row, or becomes a teen mother on the streets. I don’t want her to become another number, another statistic. What should I do?

Who do I call -- the police, social services, a hotline?

Scared for Leah DEAR SCARED — Your friend appears to be a very troubled and angry girl. If she thinks that by becoming a prostitute or a killer she will be able to assert control in her life where she

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

has none, she’s sadly mistaken.

You say she has borderline personality disorder. If that’s true, it must have been diagnosed by a licensed psychotherapist. Frankly, I don’t think this is anything you can — or should — handle on your own.

If your mother doesn’t know what’s going on, please tell her so she can alert Leah’s mother and Leah can return to her therapist. However, if that’s not possible, tell a counselor at school what you have told me so Leah can receive more treatment before she hurts herself or someone else.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.

DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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 Discouraged 10 Father of Reuben, in Genesis 15 Spider producer 16 __ Bowl: Boston College won the last one in 2000 17 54-Down cause, in modern jargon 18 Samurai without a master 19 Sell the scene 20 __ Air 22 Have more than enough 23 Mtge. application datum 24 Hayek of “Frida” 26 Meld 27 Shafts, so to speak 30 Court pos.

31 Hillshire Brands owner 34 “Bad idea” 35 Skosh 36 High-protein grain 37 Great Plains tribe 39 Sch. whose marching band played on Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk”

40 Spray-making co.

42 Golden Globe nominee for “Tommy” 43 Secondmost populous Afr. country 44 What some authority figures wear?

46 God in 56-Across 48 Past 49 K.C. setting 52 Item on a carhop’s tray 53 Fox’s leg?

54 Reno-__ Intl. Airport 56 It concludes with Hector’s funeral 58 Little League game ender, perhaps 61 __ mentality 62 Yosemite attraction 63 “Blade Runner” actor Rutger __ 64 “Days,” for one DOWN 1 Gun holders 2 Bucks 3 River in a Burns poem 4 Great quantity 5 City with a

Penn State campus 6 Get into 7 Surprise letters 8 Ineffective 9 Court leader 10 Shake up 11 Hard to reach 12 Copper, notably 13 Jack Nicklaus Museum campus 14 Time to celebrate 21 Dream state?

24 Misfit ‘70s sitcom character 25 Power chaser?

27 Bolted 28 Up 29 Old will?

31 Easily appalled 32 Where billa-

bongs flow 33 “The Three Musketeers” antagonist 38 Ring concerns: Abbr.

41 Vilifies 42 Indian lentil dish 45 Asian citrus fruit 47 Part of a process 49 Drag racing safety feature 50 __ system 51 “Lovergirl” vocalist __ Marie 54 Paper slip 55 “What __!”: “I’ve been swindled!”

57 Aachen article 59 Onetime Hertz owner 60 Tube top

B6

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

803-774-1234

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

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES Beer & Wine License Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that 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 # 8228 located at 459 N. Guignard Dr., Sumter, SC 29150. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than March 30, 2015. 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.

Bid Notices BID NOTICE The County of Sumter is accepting separate sealed bids from qualified exterminating companies for the Sumter County Pest Control Contract to begin July 1, 2015 and end June 30, 2016.

Bids will be publicly opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Sumter County Administration Building, 13 East Canal Street, Sumter, SC at 3:00 pm on April 14, 2015. Any bids received after that time will not be accepted. The County of Sumter reserves the right to reject any and all bids and waive any and all technicalities. To request a copy of the bid package, please call 803-436-2110.

Summons & Notice

Summons & Notice

Devisees of Shirley O. King, and all persons entitled to claim under or through them; also, all other persons or corporations unknown claiming any right, title, interest in or lien upon the real estate described herein, any unknown adults, whose true names are unknown, being as a class designated as John Doe, and any unknown infants, persons under disability, or persons in the Military Service of the United States of America, whose true names are unknown, being as a class designated as Richard Roe, Defendant(s).

commenced in this Court upon complaint of the above-named Plaintiff against the above-named Defendant(s) for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage of real estate given

by Shirley O. King to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Amerigroup Mortgage Corporation, A Division of Mortgage Investors Corporation dated April 11, 2008 and recorded on April 30, 2008 in Book 1104 at Page 003656, in the Sumter County Registry (hereinafter, "Mortgage").

TO THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to appear and defend by answering the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is hereby served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer on the subscribers at their offices at 3800 Fernandina Road, Suite 110, Columbia, SC 29210, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; except that the United States of America, if named, shall have sixty (60) days to answer after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to do so, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

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

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that Plaintiff will move for an Order of Reference or the Court may issue a general Order of Reference of this action to a Master-in-Equity/Special Referee, pursuant to Rule 53 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.

YOU WILL ALSO TAKE NOTICE that under the provisions of S.C. Code Ann. § 29-3-100, effective June 16, 1993, any collateral assignment of rents contained in the referenced Mortgage is perfected and Attorney for Plaintiff hereby gives notice that all rents shall be payable directly to it by delivery to its undersigned attorneys from the date of default. In the alternative, Plaintiff will move before a judge of this Circuit on the 10th day after service hereof, or as soon thereafter as counsel may be heard, for an Order enforcing the assignment of rents, if any, and compelling payment of all rents covered by such assignment directly to the Plaintiff, which motion is to be based upon the original Note and Mortgage herein and the Complaint attached hereto.

Summons & Notice AMDENDED SUMMONS AND NOTICES (Non-Jury) FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO.: 2014-CP-43-02353 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.

The Estate of Shirley O. King, John Doe and Richard Roe, as Representatives of all Heirs and

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.

AMENDED LIS PENDENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT an action has been or will be

Thereafter the subject Mortgage was transferred to the Plaintiff herein by assignment and/or corporate merger.

The premises covered and affected by the said Mortgage and by the foreclosure thereof were, at the time of the making thereof and at the time of the filing of this notice, more particularly described in the said Mortgage and are more commonly described as: All that certain piece, parcel and lot of land, with the dwelling and improvements thereon, situate, lying and being in the Township and County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, designated as Lot No 3, as shown on a Plat recorded in Plat Book Z-9, at Page 88, and more recently and particularly shown on a Plat by D.D. Edmunds, R.L.S. dated June 26, 1991, recorded in Plat Book 91 at Page 848, Records of Sumter County. Said Lot No 3 being bounded and measuring as follows: on the Northwest by Lot No 5, said Plat and measuring thereon 100.08 feet; on the Northeast by Clifton Road, said Plat and measuring thereon 199.78 feet; on the Southeast by Oswego Road (US Hwy No 401), said Plat, measuring thereon 99.71 feet; and on the Southwest by Lot No 4, said Plat, measuring thereon 198.12 feet. Be all dimensions a little more or less and according to said Plat.

[See also a later recorded Plat in Book 95, Page 813] This being the same property conveyed to James E. King and Shirley O. King as joint tenants with rights of survivorship by deed of Randall J. Scott and Mary M. Scott, dated 8/18/1995 and recorded 8/22/1995 in book 629 at page 486 in the office of RMC for Sumter County.

Subsequently, James E King passed away on 8/5/2001, making Shirley O. King the sole property owner.

Summons & Notice SERVICE It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court, upon reading the filed Petition for Appointment of Kelley Woody, Esquire as Guardian ad Litem for known and unknown minors, and for all persons who may be under a disability, and it appearing that Kelley Woody, Esquire has consented to said appointment, it is FURTHER upon reading the Petition filed by Plaintiff for the appointment of an attorney to represent any unknown Defendants who may be in the Military Service of the United States of America, and may be, as such, entitled to the benefits of the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act, and any amendments thereto, and it appearing that Kelley Woody, Esquire has consented to act for and represent said Defendants, it is ORDERED that Kelley Woody, Esquire of P.O. Box 6432, Columbia, SC 29260 phone (803) 787-9678, be and hereby is appointed Guardian ad Litem on behalf of all known and unknown minors and all unknown persons who may be under a disability, all of whom may have or claim to have some interest or claim to the real property commonly known as 1120 Oswego Highway, Sumter, South Carolina 29153; that he is empowered and directed to appear on behalf of and represent said Defendants, unless said Defendants, or someone on their behalf, shall within thirty (30) days after service of a copy hereof as directed, procure the appointment of Guardian or Guardians ad Litem for said Defendants.

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Kelley Woody, Esquire of P.O. Box 6432, Columbia, SC 29260 phone (803) 787-9678, be and hereby is appointed Attorney for any unknown Defendants who are, or may be, in the Military Service of the United States of America and as such are entitled to the benefits of the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act aka

Summons & Notice

Home Improvements

Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, and any amendments thereto, to represent and protect the interest of said Defendants, AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED That a copy of this Order shall be forth with served upon said Defendants by publication in the Item, a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, together with the Summons and Notice of Filing of Complaint in the above entitled action.

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

JW Lawn Service Mowing, pruning, pinestraw, mulch, pressure washing & edging. 15 years exp. Call 803-406-1818.

Newman's Lawn & Tree Service Mowing, Landscaping, Irrigation, Spring Clean-up, Tree removal.

Call 803-316-0128

BUSINESS SERVICES

J.F. Landscaping Lawn maintenance services, bedding design, etc. License & insured.

Call 774-8269 or cell 883-1066.

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

Tender Care Home Health of SC Immediately Hiring RN's LPN's 888-669-0104 Email resume to: tchhemployment@att.net

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

Lawn Service

Sarah O. Leonard, SC Bar No. 080165 Brock & Scott, PLLC 3800 Fernandina Road, Suite 110 Columbia, SC 29210 Phone 888-726-9953 Fax 866-676-7658 Attorneys for Plaintiff

Health Service/ Medical

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

We Do It For Less Commercial & Residential lawn care.

Removal of branches & leaves. Call 803-565-6693.

Daniel's Lawn Care • Tree removal • Lawn Service • Mulch / Pine straw • Debris removal 803-968-4185 Professional Grass Cutting Rates start at $30. Call 803-406-5075

Legal Service Attorney Timothy L. Griffith 803-607-9087, 360 W. Wesmark.

Criminal, Family, Accident, Injury

TMS No. 247-13-02-005 Property Address: 1120 Oswego Highway, Sumter, SC 29153 NOTICE OF FILING COMPLAINT TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the original Complaint, Cover Sheet for Civil Actions and Certificate of Exemption from ADR in the above entitled action was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for SUMTER County on November 6, 2014.

I Found it in the

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JOBS HOMES APARTMENTS PETS Puppies CARS BOATS for sale...

MOTORCYCLES BIKES FURNITURE PETS GARAGE SALES & MORE

ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY FOR UNKNOWN DEFENDANTS IN MILITARY

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AD

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE 24/7.

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Non-Discrimination Statement Farmers Telephone Cooperative Inc. and FTC Communications LLC are the recipients of Federal ďŹ nancial assistance from the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To ďŹ le a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, OfďŹ ce of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S. W., Washington, D. C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). “USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lenderâ€?.

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

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

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SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

THE ITEM

B7

SPRING HAS SPRUNG AT MAYOS “It s’ Easter Time�

Linen, Seersucker, Bow Ties - An Explosion of Color BUY 1 SUIT REG. PRICE - 2ND SUIT OF EQUAL VALUE FREE If your suits aren’t becoming to you, It’s a good time to be coming to Mayo’s! yo’s!

Wesmark Plaza • 773-2262 • Mon-Sat 10-7 • www.MayosDiscountSuits.com com Roofing

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

For Sale or Trade

Help Wanted Full-Time

Help Wanted Part-Time

Mobile Home Rentals

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

Sumter United Ministries Support us by donating New or Used items from your yard sale or business for our future yard sales or auctions. Call: 803-464-7643

6 Bee Hives 1- 45ft trailer for storage 803-481-0445

Full/Part time Chef Or Sous Chef, Experience a must. Call T&N 481-2421. J & L Diner

Housekeeper needed, must have exp. and references avail. Call 803-236-3603

STATEBURG COURTYARD

38 Glenwood Dr. Sat. 7:30am-? furn. clothes, washer, misc everything must go!!

Tires, Michelin 4 Used LT265/70R17 load E -Ok tread.

Today $250 Call 803-481-3502

4005 Bethel Church Rd Sat 7-2 Exer. Equip, clothes, misc...lots of everything!

Collectible figurine marked " made in Japan" 7" tall $4.00 803-469-2689

Maintenance Supervisor Maintenance Supervisor needed for community in Sumter. Candidates must possess at least 5 years previous apartment maintenance & supervisory experience. Ability to troubleshoot & repair electrical & mechanical systems, appliances, structural, plumbing systems and HVAC certification req. Must respond to rotating after hours emergency calls. Submit resumes and salary requirements to P-407 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677, Sumter SC 29151

Trucking Opportunities

510 Mallard Dr. Sat. 7 am - 12 noon. Baby items, home decor, furniture, kitchenware, clothes.

Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600.

Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364

Septic Tank Cleaning

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

2785 Hwy. 15 S. Browns Outdoor, Sat. 8 am - 1 pm. Multi-family. Lots of stuff!

Tree Service

3160 Widman Dr. Moving Sale! Fri. 7 am - 5 pm & Sat., 7 am - 12. Tools, furniture, household items, full size carousel horse. Rain or shine.

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

LARGE GARAGE SALE Every Weekend Tables $2

803-316-0128

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242 or 494-5500

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

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

108 Gertrude Street Sat. 8am-?

Multi family- moving yard sale everything must go First Southern Methodist Church 521 Miller Rd Sat 8am-12 Big Sale!

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

For Sale or Trade Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves.

Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311

MERCHANDISE

Queen cherry sleigh bed, cherry DR table & 4 chairs; pullout sofa bed in muted colors. Reasonable prices.

464-6669

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales 3020 Joyce St.Sat. 8:30-1:30.

Men XL & hand tools Solomon Upholstery W 76 Hwy Lynchburg inside yard sale 803 464-7555 Saltwood Rd Sat 7-? sofa table, rollaway bed, door, girls clothing sz 7-12 & misc

Recycled & Repurposed furniture, Upcycled decor, farm fresh eggs @ Bessie's Barn 5235 E Brewington Rd Sat 9am-4pm 803-972-0435 1997 Vermeer 222 Stump Grinder, 800 hrs, $4000 obo. Contact Allen 803-229-5453 or Trish at Mcknighttrish@yahoo.com.

EMPLOYMENT

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

Help Wanted Part-Time

Help Wanted Full-Time Full-time HVAC Tech & HVAC Duct Installer wanted for busy Heating & Cooling Co. in Sumter. Minimum 5 yrs exp. & strong job references required. Paid holidays vacations.

Please call 803-968-2272 Exp. Brick Masons, starting $18 hrly. & Laborers $11 per hour , needed for Shaw AFB Project. Must be able to obtain badge for base access. Contact: sharon.colaconstructors@gmail.com Auto Technician needed at busy car lot. Min. 5 yrs experience. Apply in person, at 1282 N. Lafayette Dr. NO PHONE CALLS!!! Valid Driver's License Req. Must have own tools.

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

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

Shaw AFB Golf Course looking for a full time mechanic. Call Thad at 803-968-0047.

$$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555 Now hiring position working with animals. Must not have allergies to animals & be able to do heavy lifting.

Must be dependable, honest & hard working, able to work wknds, & must work well with others. Job consists of cleaning & caring for animals. Send ref. & resume to P 405 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151.

Serious inquiries only

Class A CDL Drivers with a tanker endorsement / TWIC card that can stay out at least a week dispatch are needed. There is also an opening for local/part-time work.

Company based in Summerton, SC. Call 803-488-0100 for further information and to apply.

Church Musician Needed for Church in Bishopville. Send resumes to onestepministries891@gmail.com or call Pastor Neal at 803-586-9924.

Modern Turf is hiring for Seasonal & Part Time Positions. Opportunities are available now through September. Tractor Operators and sod stackers. Come to the Rembert Office, 8840 Camden Hwy, to fill out an application.

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

Local/Regional Drivers Immediate openings for experienced Van, Tanker & Rolloff drivers. Class A CDL with Hazmat & Tank endorsements required with 2 years verifiable experience. Mileage starts as high as .41 per mile along with stop pay, hourly pay and per diem on overnight trips. Medical, Dental, Prescription & Life Ins. plans along with 401K and profit sharing. Paid Holidays, Earned PTO time and .03 per mile yearly Safty/Performance Bonus plan. Applicants can apply in person at FCI 132 Myrtle Beach Hwy, Sumter SC 29153 or call 1-888-249-2651 ext 24

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale

Work Wanted I'm Available to clean your home.

Affordable, reliable ,18 yrs exp ref's.

Call Melissa 803-938-5204

Live in Aide needed in Manning SC Thurs 9am- Sun 9am References Required.

Non Smoker Call 803-478-7434 Church Pianist needed. Wednesday nights & Sunday Mornings. Call Crosswell Baptist Church. Call 775-2489 for details

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

RENTALS Rooms for Rent

A good investment or starter .

2BR 1BA master/ walk in closet. $70,000. Call 912-980-4386 Lake House 2 Bd/ 2 Ba deep water, dock, boat ramp, on Tawcaw Creek, $220,000 obo, call 803-928-6326

HUNTINGTON PLACE APARTMENTS

FROM $600 PER MONTH

Rooms for rent in spacious home.

Call 803-404-4662 for details

1 MONTH FREE

Mobile Home Rentals

THIRTEEN (13) MONTH LEASE REQUIRED

(803) 773-3600

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

POWERS PROPERTIES

DW 3BR/2BA shady lot behind Shaw Gate Pawn Shop on 378 by Shaw AFB. 803-491-7604

395 Coachman Drive Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5

803-773-3600

EDUCATION/TRAINING

WORK AT HOME Train for a career in Healthcare Documentation!

Medical Coding & Billing Specialist Be a

FREE ONE HOUR SEMINAR Train At Home An In-Demand Career

THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND 7PM

No Commuting Or Selling Nationally Accredited

Sumter Econo Lodge 226 N. Washington St., Sumter, SC 'HSW 67,$ $ ‡ www.at-homeprofessions.edu

At-Home Professions

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An Industry Leader in Home-Based Career Training for 30 Years! /RZH 6WUHHW )RUW &ROOLQV &2 ‡

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

National Pet Day

CLASS LINER SPECIAL!

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

33

$

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Special includes one week in The Item Newspaper and on our website www.theitem.com

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SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

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2015

Home & Garden

Inside our special section ...

• Learn the secrets to make sure your bulbs look their best. C2

• Composting will help make your garden even more beautiful. C7

• Thinking about keeping chickens?

Here’s what you need to know. C3

• Use this season’s hottest colors in your home décor. C8

• Spiff up your outdoor furniture. C4

• Keep safety in mind this season. C13

• Perfect spring projects for your kids. C5

• No-soil gardening could be for you. C14

• Keep your garden environmentally friendly this year. C6

• Get creative with these easy Easter centerpiece projects. C15

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HOME & GARDEN 2015

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Farmers markets offer fresh food, convenience

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com Now that spring has sprung, people are yearning for the taste of fresh fruits right off the tree and vegetables fresh from the fields. Often, the best place to shop for such things is at your local farmers market. Farmers markets also provide a good opportunity to get some fresh air, enjoy the sights and sounds of spring and visit with neighbors. Farmers markets are found in most communities, and they are more convenient than ever, with many of them now offering technology that allows credit cards, debit cards and EBT.

Sumter Downtown Market Contact: Leigh Newman at (803) 436-2535 Location: Near Rotary Centennial Plaza When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 2 through Sept. 26 (No market May 23)

Cypress Center Farmers Market at Clarendon Health System Contact: Travis Pruden at (803) 435-5200 Location: Clarendon Health System Campus, Manning When: Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 5 p.m.

Manning Farmers Market Contact: Carrie Trebil at (803) 435-8477, extension 132 Location: Corner of Boyce and Church streets, Manning When: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, June 13 — Oct. 31

Florence Downtown Farmers Market Contact: Allene Glapion-Tellis at (843) 678-5912 Location: 160 W. Evans St., Florence When: Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., April 1 through Aug. 26

Lake City Farmers Market MELANIE SMITH / THE SUMTER ITEM

A bee collects nectar from a hyacinth plant at Moore Farms Botanical Garden in Lake City last March.

Secrets for growing plants from bulbs

BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com It’s digging season again in the Midlands, which means the pride of area gardeners will soon be in full bloom.

Spring fever is in the air, and that means plants are in blossom mode. Many gardeners will spend the next few weeks trying to sow roots of all kinds into their backyard patches. Those roots include bulbs.

Bulbs are the round, dried organs of a plant which can be rooted at various depths underground to produce ornamental flowers such as tulips and Irises. Local gardening experts say some of the favorite bulbs to emerge from Sumter County soils include Elephant Ears, palladiums and gladiolus plants.

There are two types of bulbs: summer and winter bulbs.

Summer incarnates of the radish-looking roots must not be planted until the danger of frost has passed. According to local horticulturalist Susan Timmons, that mark can vary from year to year, but the rule of thumb is that frost season has ended by April 15.

Timmons is a local cropgrowing guru on hand regularly at Simpson Hardware in Sumter, 40 W. Wesmark Blvd., where she offers shoppers advice and gardening tips. The store offers special fertilizers of all kinds to help

sprout plants from bulbs.

“A lot of bulbs will live for many years,” Timmons said.

“Not all of them, but there are a lot of bulbs that’ll continue on year after year. And they just keep growing bigger.”

She noted that most bulbs flourish best in well-draining soils and said “bone meal” is a special fertilizer that many gardeners use on their bulbs.

One of the drawbacks of bone meal is that it sometimes draws animals who dig into the soil. Alternate fertilizers are offered on shelves at most hardware shops. Timmons said gardeners should look for the compost that fits their particular needs.

Gardeners ought to dig up their bulb plants and store them in conducive conditions, such as their garage, during the winter season. When the spring re-emerges, it’s time to re-plant the bulbs back into the soil.

The bulb will grow bigger each year, and the plant will, in turn, blossom more and more every passing spring. As the bulbs grow, it can lead to a clustering of the roots in the soil. Timmons said gardeners must dig up clumps of bulbs and re-plant them into smaller groupings when they begin to cluster. Otherwise, the bulbs will become too crowded and their plants won’t blossom.

The biggest thing a gardener can do is to read up on the

plants he or she plans to grow before the grow season.

“It is always a good rule of thumb with anything you plant to find out a little bit of information before you plant it,” Timmons said. “Because you can’t tell just by looking at the bulb how big it’s going to be. So you want to know how big it’s going to grow so you know what size space to put it in, especially with something like an Elephant Ear, which can be 6-feet tall and 6-feet wide. You want to make sure you have enough space to put it in.”

Contact: Stan McKenzie at (843) 373-8547 Location: 111 Henry St., Lake City When: Thursdays 1 to 6 p.m., mid-May through December

Kershaw County Farmers Market Contact: Renea Eignor at (803) 729-7146 Location: 222 Broad St, Camden When: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, April 4 through Nov. 21

City of Lexington Farmers Market Contact: (803) 356-8238 Location: 206 N. Church St. When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, June through October

Right Choice, Fresh Start Farmers’ Market Contact: Sylvia Ellis at (803) 534-4548 Location: Family Health Centers Inc. at 3300 Magnolia St., Orangeburg When: Fridays from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m., June through midOctober

Sandhill Farmers Market Contact: Stan Perry at (803) 788-5700, (803) 699-3190 Location: 900 Clemson Road, Columbia When: Tuesdays, 2 to 7 p.m. or dusk (whichever occurs earlier), May through November

for the love of

Spring Colors

Elephant ears grow in a clump at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens last summer. Bulbs for these plants will grow for years in warm climates.

MELANIE SMITH / THE SUMTER ITEM

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HOME & GARDEN 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

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C3

Selling your home this spring? Keep these tips in mind

BY HAMLET FORT hamlet@theitem.com It’s no secret that selling your home is a more difficult proposition these days. Sellers are in a tough spot as the market for home buying has shifted heavily toward the buyers.

While significant renovations and home work can go a long way toward increasing the value and attraction to buyers, it’s an unrealistic option for many homeowners because of heavy costs.

There are a number of inexpensive tricks that real estate agents say can increase your home’s value and attractiveness. Debbie Bowen, a broker with Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors on

Alice Drive in Sumter, said the biggest and the easiest move to make is removing the “clutter” from your home.

“Have it sparkling clean,” Bowen said. “The No. 1 thing you can do is declutter.”

Bowen also tells her sellers to have the front door as attractive as possible.

According to a study from the National Association of Realtors, red or yellow flowers by the door are especially appealing to the eyes of buyers.

Bowen suggests painting the door or placing some hardware on it such as a brass knocker.

Attractiveness extends around the home, too.

“The yard needs to be trimmed and manicured nicely,” Bowen said.

She said anything and everything,

big or small, is worth doing if it makes the home more “visually appealing.”

Colors inside the house go a long way with anyone viewing it.

Bowen said colorful rooms are fine, but she suggested having neutral colors elsewhere to balance them out.

That’s because you want anyone potentially buying the home to be able to picture themselves there as they walk through, and vibrant colors can sometimes detract from that goal.

“Neutral colors will work with anybody’s color scheme,” Bowen said. “I try to get my sellers to neutralize the paint so people can see themselves in that house without a lot of distractions.”

Bowen even suggested making your home appear like a hotel to really

drive that point home.

If you have pets, make sure to eliminate the smells that give away a dog or cat’s presence, and when a potential buyer is coming to view the home, the pets need to be removed from the house.

“Do whatever you can to eliminate those smells,” Bowen said.

Small things such as flowers on the kitchen table and the well-known trick of baking cookies before a visit can increase the appeal of the home, giving it a cozy feel. Bowen said it’s all part of being attractive to the buyer’s eye while remaining within a realistic price range.

“It’s a price and beauty contest in this market,” she said. “You want to have the best-looking house at the lowest price possible.”

Help revive an old tradition: Consider backyard chickens

BY TREVOR BAUKNIGHT trevor@theitem.com

I

n the last three years, I have come to the same inescapable conclusion

that Atlanta philosopher and musical guru Col. Bruce Hampton had when he said, “I know that Earth is the only planet with chickens.” Few species seem so well-suited for human domestication and consumption, and the numbers seem to bear this out, particularly since the advent of industrial chicken production.

Well into the 20th century, chicken constituted a relatively minor portion of the diet of average Americans, but by 2014, annual consumption in the U.S. had risen to about 9 billion birds, or roughly 80 pounds of chicken per wing-sauced mouth.

The “breakthrough” that allowed this growth was the fortification of feed with antibiotics and vitamins that allowed chickens to be raised indoors, rather than pecking around the barnyard for food and soaking up sunlight that allows them to synthesize Vitamin D on their own.

Health and ethical concerns have made millions of Americans uncomfortable with factory chicken farms, in which birds are sometimes confined to cages smaller than half a square foot, unable to spread their wings and pumped up to their slaughter weight in a fraction of the time it takes “freerange” birds to reach it.

This concern has spurred a revival in an old tradition — keeping a few yardbirds around for their eggs and occasional meat. The process is easy, inexpensive, healthy and endlessly entertaining — there is nothing funnier than watching a chicken running across the yard for some kitchen scraps.

After a friend gifted a fancy, double-walled portable chicken coop from UK-based Omlet (www.omlet.us) to my wife and me, we lost no time in putting our Eglu Classic into use. After a quick call to the city of Sumter assured us that, with a few caveats, it was lawful in our yard, which is smack downtown adjacent to Memorial Park, and after some research into the heritage breeds we wanted to raise, we purchased our first group of chicks at Palmetto Farm Supply on Broad Street in Sumter, along with a bag of starter feed and a few galvanized trinkets that made it seem more official.

Chicks arrive with spring but require artificial warmth until they feather out, which in Sumter occurs about the same time the weather turns hot. Our first task was to raise our brood under a light until the chicks feathered out, five to seven weeks of tortu-

CITY OF SUMTER’S CHICKEN CODES • It is unlawful to keep chickens or other domestic fowl that will, because of noise, odors or flies, or otherwise, tend to impair the health or disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of nearby residents or occupants of places of business. S.C. DHEC has the right to inspect the premises and to ensure compliance.

• It is unlawful to construct any poultry yard or house within a distance of 30 feet from any dwelling house in the corporate limits of the city.

• It is unlawful to permit your chickens to run at large upon public places or streets, or on the land of another without the consent of such landowner.

• It is unlawful to confine fowl in coops or other enclosures less than 18 inches in height. Coops shall not be so filled that fowl therein will not be able to move around freely within the enclosure. All coops shall be provided at all times with clean food and pure water placed in containers outside the coop, protected from contamination and accessible to the fowl at all times. Coops shall be provided with clean litter and crossventilation at all times.

• It is unlawful for any person to slaughter or butcher any animal within the corporate limits of the city except at an abattoir.

ous noise and mess unless you’re blessed with a garage or someplace outside your living area to house their box.

We repurposed a wire dog kennel for this purpose and enjoyed watching the chicks develop into proud young hens.

For a while.

When the nights turned warm in May, we couldn’t get the chicks outside fast enough, and our lives began to return to normal. Soon enough, however, we learned our second lesson: Determining the sex of chicks seems to be an arcane science that not even those who sell them can guarantee.

About June, one of our feathered friends took an interest in learning to crow, and after a week or so of his comical initial efforts, “Rupert” soon found a considerable voice and began to use it, early and often. Gone were our childish ideas that roosters crow helpfully at sunrise and sunset and gained was an understanding that they don’t know or care what time it is when they crank it up.

We felt sorry for our neighbors, who were good sports about it, and we made arrangements to have our big boy go live on a real farm, but only after a stop by the Sumter County Fair netted him a big purple ribbon for being

the largest cock in show.

One of the initial three hens were “gotten” by some predator — consumed on the spot, because foxes, hawks and other wild animals love chicken too — with only a pile of bones and some feathers to mark the place of her final stand. Our sadness quickly turned to resolve, and we purchased two more chicks the second year, a feisty Buff Orpington, our most reliable layer, and another rooster.

We collected two to three eggs per day from our three hens, giving away most of them to foodie friends who appreciated the better baking results and increased nutritional value of our free-range eggs, which, according to motherearthnews.com, contain much higher amounts of Vitamins A, D and E, beta carotene and omega-3 fatty acids as commercial eggs while delivering one-third less cholesterol and a quarter less saturated fat than the pale, sad eggs in the grocery store cabinet.

We lost Buffy recently, but our two remaining hens, Henrietta and Gertrude, are still kicking, although they are no longer laying eggs. Feeding them costs us about $15 per month in supplemental layer crumble, but we couldn’t bear to kill and dress the old girls, years beyond their eating prime, so we enjoy having them continue to process our kitchen scraps and give us the best fertilizer on the planet.

Although we have a very nice coop, designed for three to six hens, spending a lot on housing for your birds is not necessary. Check backyardchickens.com or pinterest.com for ideas on repurposing sheds, dog houses and other structures into coops, or build one from the bewildering variety of plans available online.

We have never worried about supplemental heating for our birds, even during recent cold snaps, but we are concerned about keeping them cool and watered in our oppressively hot summers, and we ran a bubbler from our drip irrigation setup to a fountain that gives them fresh, cool water automatically while we water our garden.

The backyardchickens.com website is probably the foremost resource for figuring out whether keeping a few chickens is right for you. City codes allow backyard chickens with a few common-sense restrictions, and in the county, some homeowners’ associations may restrict you as well.

If you can, however, you should give it a try.

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Henrietta and Gertrude forage for food in a backyard along North Salem Avenue with the tennis courts at Memorial Park visible just yards away in the background.

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HOME & GARDEN 2015

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Here’s what you need to know about raised beds

BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com There are many benefits to making a raised bed. You don’t have to have acres of land, and you can still feed your family with the fruits and vegetables that the garden provides. Or you may just want to have fresh flowers during spring time. You may be a beginner who knows nothing about gardening. Whatever your reasons are, making a raised bed can be an enjoyable experience.

Just ask 12-year-old Bryson Woodard, a seventh-grader at Laurence Manning Academy. Unlike many teenagers, Woodard isn’t interested in video games. Instead, he would rather be outside working on his garden.

Bryson has four raised beds in his backyard at his home in Manning. He has had an interest in planting and growing ever since he could remember.

“My grandmother, Sylvia Woodard, inspired me to build a raised bed,” he said. “She had a giant raised bed in her garden, and I would come to visit for the holidays and help her harvest her vegetables.”

Bryson said that his parents, Justin and Nikki Woodard, were instrumental in helping him start his garden and have been supportive in whatever he needed. Also, his neighbor, Cathy Cramer, a local Master Gardener, has helped him every step of the way, he said.

Bryson said that it is not difficult to build a raised bed and not too expensive, compared to the benefits that one receives from its harvest. Estimated cost for a raised bed, including materials, soil, fertilizer and starter plants, is somewhere between $50 to $100, he said.

“Every year we harvest not only enough vegetables from the beds to provide for my family, but also have enough to give out to our friends and neighbors,” he said.

Bryson has grown tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, squash, peppers and beans of various sorts.

“This is something that I thoroughly enjoy doing,” he said.

To begin a raised bed, first, you need to buy some plywood, which can range in size depending on how large you want your bed to be. You need to nail these boards together to create a square or rectangular-shaped bed.

Then you need to lay down some wheat cloth underneath the bed. You need to

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Bryson Woodard, 12, a seventh-grader at Laurence Manning Academy, plants a starter plant in one of his raised beds.

Bryson, left, is seen several years ago with plants from his raised beds. prevent the hose from dragging across plants.

Work the beds as deeply as possible.

If the soil is compact, wait until it is dry enough to break into small chunks. Work in a two- to three-inch layer of organic material such as compost, ground bark, leaves or manure.

Woodard likes to use chicken litter as fertilizer, but there are many other options.

Shape the bed with a shovel and rake. The finished raised beds should be four to 12 inches above the paths bePHOTO PROVIDED tween them. Either mound or enclose the bed. If the beds are enclosed, use insect and decay-resistant wood such get some top soil and fertilizer, which as cypress, redwood or cedar. Once the can be bought at a home and garden section of a commercial outlet or hard- enclosure is made, rake the soil flat.

When all of that is done, you are ware store.

Carefully plan the layout of the beds. ready to plant. Bryson said that he typically waits to plant until the last frost.

Place the beds in a well-drained site “If you plant too early, and your beds that receives a minimum of six hours are not covered, there’s a chance that of sunlight per day, preferably near a what you plant will freeze,” he said. water source. Bryson uses an irrigaBryson typically buys starter plants tion system which involves PVC pipes, from a commercial outlet or hardware however, a hose can work just as well. store, as they grow faster, but seeds Raised beds will dry out more quickly than flat beds and will require more ir- can be used as well.

Clemson University Cooperative Exrigation during dry periods. Place tension Service recommends planting stakes at the corners of the beds to

the vegetables in blocks instead of rows.

Organic material is constantly decomposing, so replenish your raised beds with compost regularly. Cover the beds with two inches of leaves, compost or a cover crop such as crimson clover or fava beans each autumn or early spring.

“I like to use mushroom compost for my beds,” Bryson said.

Raised beds warm up faster in the spring, so the growing season begins earlier. They are easier to take care of, as only the area of production must be weeded, irrigated, mulched and harvested. Raised bed gardening saves space, prevents soil compaction and produces better-quality vegetables, according to Clemson Extension.

For more information on raised beds, visit Clemson Extension’s website at http://www.clemson.edu/extension/ and type in raised beds in the search box or enter the direct link, http://www.clemson.edu/extension/ hgic/plants/vegetables/gardening/ hgic1257.html. The website also has the local listings of all extension offices in the 46 counties.

It’s time to bring your patio furniture back to life soft to medium-bristled brush with a mild soap and water. If your furniture is made of a softwood such as cedar or pine, scrub with the grain.

To protect your furniture and keep your wood healthy you can apply an outdoor varnish, stain or water repellent.

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com It’s that time again to clean and repair your patio furniture. If you’re like me and everyone in my circle of friends, you’ve left your furniture uncovered and in the hands of Mother Nature. No worries!

You can bring your furniture back to life just in time for the first cookout of the season.

FABRICS Avoid machine washing cushions or umbrella fabrics, unless instructed to do so by the care tag on the furniture.

Most cushions and umbrellas can be cleaned with a mild soap, warm water and a soft to medium-bristled brush. Rinse off the soap and set in the sun to dry.

METAL FURNITURE You can remove rust with store-bought rust removing chemicals or sprays at your local home and hardware store. You may also need a steel-bristle brush, a metal scraper, a metal file and/or sandpaper to remove the rust and chipping paint while also leaving your furniture smooth.

When the rust is gone, remove dust, grease and other debris with a mild soap and water.

Rinse and let dry.

Add an even coat of protective enamel spray paint to

Now that your furniture is clean, remember: You can always revitalize and upgrade your furniture with a new coat of paint or finish. And be sure to cover or store patio furniture and cushions in a dry place away from the outside elements when not in use.

PLASTIC Start by rinsing the furniture with water. Use a mild soap, warm water and a sponge or cloth to clean off remaining dirt. Let the furniture dry.

GLASS Clean with a mild soap, warm water and a sponge.

Rinse with water and towel dry.

For tough grime and dirt buildup, you may need to use a pressure washer which you can rent from a home and hardware store. Use the proper cleaning solution as instructed and adjust the pressure setting to the right objects. Be sure to follow the operating instructions.

PHOTO PROVIDED

WICKER

A dry soft-bristled paint brush Use a dry soft-bristled paint will help get debris off wicker fur- brush to remove stubborn deniture. bris. Avoid washing with a bring life back to your furniture. Some paints have a primer already in the formula.

Paint outside to avoid breathing in the fumes and make sure the wind is not blowing.

WOOD If your furniture has nicks, chips or splinters, use sandpaper to smooth the area.

Scrub the furniture with a

hard-bristled brush and using too much force because you could fray the material or alter the woven pattern. Rinse with water and let it dry.

If your wicker is dry and brittle, brush on boiled linseed oil to the furniture until the wicker stops absorbing the oil and let dry for about 24 hours.

Purchase already boiled linseed oil. Linseed oil is highly flammable so do not try to boil it yourself.

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HOME & GARDEN 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

|

C5

Create a mini herb garden with your kids

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com

plant inside. *Allow time for the paint to dry in between layers.

Step 2: When all painting is finished, clean your brushes and hands with warm water and soap while your masterpieces dry.

Step 3: After the paint has dried, protect your designs with a clear, waterproof sealant spray.

(Optional) Once everything is completely dry, use outdoor or waterproof adhesive to stick plastic gems or other decorations to your flower pot.

This is a great starter project for children, no matter their age, who are interested in gardening, especially if you do not have a yard big enough for garden work. Children can learn the basics of gardening by caring for potted plants.

And they will also have fun customizing the flower pots to truly make this mini herb garden their own.

Be prepared for messy hands because, as you know, you can’t do any gardening without getting a little dirty.

Plus, this PHOTOS BY KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM project in- Painting a flower pot is a fun activivolves ty for kids. paint!

DECORATING Supplies: flower pots (terracotta or plastic); size depends on the herb flower pot saucer (if pots are kept indoors) acrylic paint paintbrushes a disposable plate a disposable cup water a can of clear, multi-surface waterproof sealant spray sandpaper or a sanding block (if you have terracotta pots) newspaper Supplies for terracotta pots: white acrylic paint a cloth (one that you don’t mind getting messy) If you have terracotta pots: Use the sandpaper or sanding block to rub smooth any rough or sharp pieces. Wipe off the dust with a damp cloth and let the pots dry.

Preparation: Before starting, make sure you and your little painters are wearing clothes designated for messy crafts. (Optional): It may be best to paint the entire pot white to make sure that all other colors are vibrant.

Step 1: Make sure you’re working on a covered, flat surface. Put some paint onto the plate, and let your brushes fly. You may want to paint about one-third of the way inside the pot because it will be visible even with soil and a

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PLANTING Supplies: seeds or starter plants potting soil glass rocks, gravel or pebbles flower pot Preparation: If you are using seeds, soak them in water for a few hours before planting. Most seeds can soak for 12 hours or more. Be sure to check your packaging for instructions specific to your seeds.

Step 1: Put about one inch of stones in the bottom of the pot for drainage.

Step 2: Pour in the planter’s soil, leaving space for the starter plant. If you are using seeds, pour in more potting soil and pat down the soil to make sure there are no air pockets. Do not fill the pot to the brim with soil.

Step 3: Gently remove the starter plant from of its container. Gently loosen the roots of the plant to encourage the roots to spread out in its new home. Move soil away from the center of the pot and place the starter plant into the soil. Pour in more soil to fill in the space around the plant. Or, drop a pinch of seeds into the pot and cover them with a little bit of soil. For very small seeds, simply press them into the soil. * Reference the seed package or plant label for sun and watering instructions.

Decorate several flower pots and plant different herbs to create a mini garden. Arrange the pots in the house or outside and watch your little herbs grow. And when it’s time, you and your kids can use the homegrown herbs in the kitchen while cooking together. Have fun!

Brenna Bateman, 6, places a sunflower plant into a newly painted pot.

Aubrey Bateman,10, and Abby Brice,11, paint a flower pot with colorful garden scenes.

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HOME & GARDEN 2015

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THE SUMTER ITEM

How does your garden grow? Earth friendly?

Make sure you choose native plants, your soil is healthy

BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com While Sumter County has a more than adequate aquifer, which means we shouldn’t run out of water any time soon, it’s always a good idea not to waste — or pollute — the water supply.

“We’re very water rich here in comparison to the West Coast, where they have serious drought issues, and they don’t have any choice about how much water they use,” said Claudia Rainey, a landscape architect and a senior planner with the city’s planning department.

While gardeners there and in other drought-stricken states often

plants, which are aclook at xeriscaping — climated to this enviplanting to reduce or LEARN MORE ABOUT ronment; (however, eliminate the need ENVIRONMENTALLY even) they need plenfor watering with FRIENDLY GARDENING ty of water to get essuch things as cactus Claudia Rainey recommends tablished. I think the and rock gardens — consulting literature from the U.S. idea of xeriscaping is that’s not necessary Department of Agriculture and a good idea in terms here, she said. That Clemson Cooperative Extension, of maybe not using doesn’t mean she which has printed materials to irrigation systems, thinks it’s OK to pick up or to read via the website which run year after waste water. www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic. year after year, and “If you want to do just to do an aboveenvironmentally conground system that scious landscaping can be removed after those plants here,” Rainey said, “you have to are established. keep in mind what kind of climate “My watering system is a handyou’re in. It’s pretty naïve to think held hose,” she said. you can get away without any kind She recommends a drip system of watering because of the heat we such as a sprinkler hose used unhave. Nobody wants to buy a lot of derneath mulch, which is another expensive plants for their yard and way to reduce the amount of water have them die, which is what would needed to keep a lawn healthy. happen.”

Rainey also advises to “use good She recommends using “native

plant selections, make sure your soils are healthy — those are the two things I would say are just as important.”

She said, “Anything native to the Southeast is going to be a better performer here.”

Invasive plants can be problematic, although some “have proven themselves fine to use over time,” Rainey said. “Chinese privet is a huge problem, as are Russian olive, eleagnus, mimosa, bamboo, kudzu and others, too.”

To sum up the steps to having an environmentally friendly landscape, Rainey said: • Make sure your soils are healthy; • Plant selection — native plants are best; and • Water sparingly but enough to be sure they’re healthy until established.

KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY / THE SUMTER ITEM

Local gardener Marie Land cuts a camellia using a pruner. Land’s favorite tool is a soil knife, which she said is a good multipurpose tool for every gardener to own.

Choose your tools with your tasks in mind

BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com

I

f you’re an avid gardener, you know there are many tools that one needs to be

successful.

Every gardener has his or her favorite tool. Local gardener Marie Land’s favorite is the soil knife. A soil knife, or weeding knife, is a heavy serrated multipurpose steel blade for gardening jobs such as digging or cutting.

The blade is sharp on both sides and comes to a semi-sharp point at the end.

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“This is a multipurpose tool,” Land said. “It is good for digging up weeds, it will cut into tough spots. It is also good for other uses such as cutting roots, transplanting, removing plants, sod cutting and splitting perennials.”

The hand tools used by gardeners today originated with the earliest agricultural implements. Examples include the hoe, pitchfork, fork, rake, hand cultivator, spade, shovel and hand trowel. In some places, the machete may be used as a garden tool.

Another tool that Land likes to use is the lopper. Loppers are a type of scissors with very long handles used for pruning twigs and small branches. They are the

largest type of manual garden cutting tool.

“I like to use the lopper for pruning and cutting out vines,” she said. “It is also good for cutting branches.”

The earliest tools were made of wood, flint, metal, tin and bone.

However, the development of metal working, first in copper and later in iron and steel, enabled the manufacture of more durable tools. Industrial metalworking enabled the manufacture of efficient cutting tools, including pruning shears and grass shears and larger, more efficient powered tools such as the trencher.

Modern tool design includes ergonomic considerations. Tools are

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being designed that reduce stress on the human body when used.

The most efficient tools keep the body in a neutral position while being used. This helps to lessen the stress on joints and muscles. An advantage of this approach is that it requires gardeners to exert less energy while using the tools.

The first power tool to become popular with gardeners was the lawn mower. This has been followed by a very wide range of power tools, including cultivators, string trimmers, irrigation sprinklers, hedge trimmers, lawn aerators, leaf sweepers, trenchers, leaf blowers, chainsaws and minitractors.

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Turn your trash into gardening treasure

BY MELANIE SMITH melanie@theitem.com Old, dried leaves. Banana peels. Coffee grounds. Carrot tops and cardboard. Pine straw.

These things we throw away can have new life as compost, which will make your garden more beautiful and our landfills last longer.

Austin Jenkins, a naturalist and biology instructor at University of South Carolina Sumter, said kitchen waste in a landfill will create methane.

That gas “can add to the already present carbon dioxide that’s all too prevalent,” he said. “If we can keep that out of there and use (kitchen waste) in our gardens, all the better. It kind of helps the bigger picture.”

Jenkins tells people who throw away grass clippings and leaves that they’re giving away free carbon and nitrogen that can be used instead as nutrients for their gardens.

Backyard composting is a small-scale version of what nature does — break down organic matter into rich soil. A variety of “critters,” as Clemson Extension calls them — fungi and bacteria — help with MELANIE SMITH / THE SUMTER ITEM decomposing everything.

Your compost bin can be simple like mine, just a large black plastic bin with holes drilled all around it, or If you have a bucket, a drill, fancier. There are many varieties of bins available commercially. some organic waste (think things that once grew, and you’re golden) and just a little time, why not start your own pile?

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post bins are available commercially, including ones that pivot in order to “turn” your pile easily.

The only other tools you’ll need are a good shovel and time.

‘BROWNS’ VS. ‘GREENS’ If there’s a tricky part about composting, this is it. You’ll need to think about “browns,” or ingredients high in carbon, and “greens,” ingredients high in nitrogen. You need both in your pile.

Chris Field with www.goorganicgardening.com wrote that carbon/nitrogen ratio numbers are thrown around, but “a good rule of thumb is to add a bit more brown material than green.”

This will keep any strong odors away. If your pile smells, add more browns, and mix them in.

Jenkins said some people layer their ingredients in “lasagna” fashion — a layer of browns, then a layer of greens.

After awhile, you’ll need to mix the ingredients together, or “turn” the pile. This helps aerate the pile and allows the microorganisms to do their thing because they’ll be well distributed.

If the pile becomes dry, add a little water to get it going again.

Don’t use pet or human wastes, dairy, meat or fat in your pile. These can attract pests and spread disease.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

USING YOUR COMPOST

First, you’ll need a bin large enough for the amount of compost “ingredients” you tend to produce. My husband and I simply use a black, plastic bin with a lid that he drilled holes into and set atop a few bricks for airflow and drainage. The black plastic traps heat inside the bin, helping to decompose everything faster.

Some folks set up a three-sided structure from old pallets or other materials to stash the waste, leaving one side open for easy access.

Jenkins said at USC Sumter, faculty and students use a three-bin system with coarse materials in the first bin that get moved over as they decompose, so the third bin is the one with the finished compost.

“It’s nothing fancy by any means, but it’s definitely a start” to composting on campus, Jenkins said.

If you want to get fancy, com-

Once your compost looks like rich, dark soil and you can’t identify any of the original ingredients, it’s ready to use.

Jenkins suggested mixing it into your garden and also using some in the holes you dig for various plants.

Clemson Extension cautioned against using compost as a fertilizer and to think of it instead as a soil amendment.

“When added to soil, compost breaks up heavy clay soils, helps sandy soils retain water and nutrients and releases essential nutrients,” according to the extension’s website.

The extension also recommended adding a little compost to your houseplants’ potting mix. It suggested removing the larger pieces, and the volume of your potting mix should be no more than about one quarter to one third compost.

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PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sherwin-Williams shows this kitchen painted in the colors of Hubbard Squash and Coral Reef. Coral is one of this spring’s ‘it’ colors, and Sherwin-Williams has picked Coral Reef as its color of the year. Lighthearted yet sophisticated, it’s got a tropical vibe. Pair with soft neutrals or pastels such as pale green and butter for a peaceful look.

From pastels to ‘Noir,’ the colors of 2015 decor

BY KIM COOK The Associated Press For 2015, the hot colors in home decor range from yummy ice cream pastels to a few deep, saturated hues.

The pastels include blush, sky blue, vanilla, lilac and pale peach, hues traditionally associated with tropical or desert climes. But they work in northern light, too — just ground them with darker shades such as charcoal, chocolate or navy.

Mint and shell pink might seem lightweight or juvenile at first glance, but the way they’re being used gives them some gravitas. A task lamp; a midcentury-style chair; a bookcase — rendered in one of these hues, a room instantly looks Right Now. Mints to consider include Behr’s Mountain Mint and Pratt and Lambert’s Glacial Green; check out Pratt and Lambert’s Coral Pink and Behr’s Secret Blush for a gentle yet sophisticated soft pink.

Each year, paint companies and color trend gurus assess which hues will be hot in fashion and décor. Many choose a “color of the year.”

Coral Reef, a vibrant pinkorange, is Sherwin-Williams’ pick. Debra Kling, a New York-based color consultant, thinks it’s a region-specific hue.

“It feels more suitable for South Beach, the Southwest or the South Pacific,” she says.

Jackie Jordan, color marketing director for SherwinWilliams, says the color embodies a cheerful approach to design that’s a hallmark of 2015. “From our research, we know people do seek colors and décor that bring back memories of a destination vacation,” she says. “Coral Reef evokes that for people; others just love the color.”

She suggests pairing it with white, black, or floral hues such as lush green or deep violet to make it really sing. To calm things down, consider complementary shades of soft gray, driftwood or butter yellow. Patinated brass and medium wood tones would also be pretty accompaniments.

Benjamin Moore has gone with Guilford Green, a soft hue that some decorators and designers see as too pale while others tout its versatility as a “standard, go-to green.”

Framed with crisp white, Guilford Green gives off a pretty, garden-room vibe; add deeper floral tones like peony, daffodil and iris to enhance the botanical feel. Undertones of gray and brown make it a perfect color against just about any wood, creating a restful backdrop for a kitchen, nursery or sunroom, and it’s a good exterior hue, too. Check out Farrow & Ball’s Breakfast Room Green, a similar shade.

Blues will also be strong this spring in decorative elements and room color, evoking locations as diverse as the South Pacific and the Pacific Northwest. There’s global influence with indigos, while the navies have a preppy complexion. Behr’s Solitude and Vintage Velvet, and Benjamin Moore’s Blue Danube and Harbor Fog are all attractive. Glidden’s top color

for 2015 is a beachy, intense Caribbean Blue.

Another blue getting buzz is Pittsburgh Paint’s color of the year, Blue Paisley. Some designers think it’s pretty but not especially “new,” since it’s been punctuating the popular gray palette for a couple of years now. Nonetheless, it’s a color with legs. You’ll see it and a deeper teal in accessories and textiles, and as accents on smaller furniture pieces. It can lend a mid-century aesthetic to trim upholstery and woods like pecan and walnut that speak to retro style but also reference classic taste.

Color giant Pantone has deemed Marsala its color of the year. New York designer

ABOVE: Sherwin-Williams shows this dining room painted with Coral Reef and paired with black and white for a touch of drama.

BELOW: The Calantha mirror from Overstock.com is a rich deep red, one of the major color trends for 2015.

Elaine Griffin is delighted: “I think it’s a winner. Red is a color that we haven’t seen in a while. In this interpretation as a deep-ish wine hue, it’s both fresh-looking and sophisticated, and pairs stylishly with the new neutrals of gray, smoky teal and black.”

Kling said some colors have a mysterious quality “one can’t quite identify — and Marsala is one of them. It draws us in. Not quite brown and not quite burgundy, Marsala lends sophistication and

warmth.”

She says it’s well-suited to textures, and as a saturated hue it’s something special; she just did a velvet chaise for a client in Marsala velvet.

While it’s already emerging in some furnishings, appliances and cabinetry, Marsala will likely turn up in much more from retailers come fall; it projects coziness, warmth and luxury.

Watch in the fall, too, for olive green, deep teal, burnt orange and mustard, all punctuating midcentury modern style. Fruity acid versions of lemon, lime and

grape will nod to mod, ’70’sera décor.

Pratt & Lambert’s color of the year is Noir, a bold, inky blue-black. Kling calls it sultry and forbidding. A tray ceiling in a master bedroom, painted like a night sky, comes to mind.

“I can imagine a lacquered Noir library, dining room or other cozy space used primarily at nighttime,” she says.

Griffin loves the bold choice. “Black and deep navy were once seen as the most theatrical colors, the exclusive domains of the uber-stylish and certainly not for the faint of heart,” she says. “But 2015 officially heralds their establishment as neutrals.”

HOME & GARDEN 2015

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SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015

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MELANIE SMITH / THE SUMTER ITEM

It’s

Springtime in Sumter These are just a few seasonal scenes around Sumter recently. Spring began on March 20 this year, and folks are getting ready to begin their gardens.

MELANIE SMITH / THE SUMTER ITEM

PHOTOS BY KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

TREVOR BAUKNIGHT / THE SUMTER ITEM

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HOME & GARDEN 2015

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Signs of spring PHOTOS BY KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

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Don’t forget to clean the window treatments

BY LISA A. FLAM The Associated Press If you’re like some people (ahem) who put up window treatments and never give them a second thought, even as dust accumulates, this might just be the season to pay them a little respect.

No need to stress out about adding another task to your spring-cleaning to-do list: You don’t have to clean curtains, shades and the windows themselves THAT often. And many times, it’s not that difficult.

“In our experience, the windows and window treatments are something that people avoid cleaning because they’re not entirely sure the best way to do it,” says Betsy Goldberg, home director of Real Simple magazine.

“It’s not hard,” she adds. “It just takes a little bit of time.”

If simply removing dirt isn’t reason enough to clean, consider that dust can dull the fabric of curtains and shades.

Household odors can linger.

And washing helps preserve the fabric, especially for window treatments that get a daily dose of sunshine, says Tammy Kupernik of retailer Country Curtains.

“If you don’t wash them, the sun will break down the threads,” she says.

“Washing them keeps the colors bright, it keeps the threads soft and it does add to the life of the curtain.”

CURTAINS AND DRAPES Window treatments should be cleaned once or twice a year, experts say, and the best method varies by material.

Some can be refreshed in the washer or cleaned with a vacuum, while others may require a pro.

Start by reading the care tag or directions that came with the product: Some items are dry clean only. If the instructions are unavailable, experts offer general guidelines:

Fabric curtains and shades, except silk ones, can usually be spot cleaned with warm water and a mild laundry detergent like Woolite, Kupernik says.

OTHER BLINDS AND SHADES Clean Roman shades with a vacuum or roller brush, Kupernik says. Vinyl shades can be cleaned as needed with a sponge.

Goldberg suggests vacuuming wood blinds and wiping each slat with a cloth dampened with a mix of water and a few drops of dish soap, wiping off excess moisture with a dry cloth. First, angle the slats down and wipe each one; then angle them up and repeat. To clean the cord, pull the shade all the way up and run the damp cloth up and down it, followed by the dry cloth. If you have a wand, follow the same steps with the cloth.

WINDOWS

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

This photo provided by Country Curtains shows Cordless Cellular Shades. Window treatments should be cleaned once or twice a year and the best method varies by material.

Most curtains that are lined or made of silk likely require dry cleaning, Kupernik says.

Curtains that are not lined or insulated usually can be washed by machine, in a short, gentle cycle with cool water, she says. Those made of a poly-cotton blend can usually go in a medium-heat dryer, but 100 percent cotton curtains should be line-dried to prevent shrinkage.

Curtains and roller shades that are insulated with a bonded layer that keeps out the cold can be machine washed in a short, gentle cycle in cool water and line dried, Kupernik says. If the

insulated sides touch each other while drying, they can peel off and ruin the curtain.

Sheer and lace curtains should be washed by machine in a short, gentle cycle with cold water and line dried, Kupernik said, adding that both can be touched up with light ironing. Once sheers get in the high heat of a dryer, wrinkles become permanent, she said.

After curtains come down for cleaning, dust the rod before hanging them back up.

If you don’t want to take them down, Goldberg offers this method for cleaning unlined curtains made from

lightweight, sheer or semisheer fabric: Close the windows and the curtains and spray the curtains with a wrinkle releaser/odor eliminator product. Use a handheld fabric steamer, working from bottom to top in 1-foot sections, holding the steamer nozzle about an inch from the fabric.

For drapes, which are generally made of heavier fabrics like brocade, suede or velvet and are often lined and pleated, vacuum each panel on a low setting with the brush attachment, holding the vacuum about an inch away from the fabric, Goldberg says.

For window panes, if the glass gets dirty enough, you may want to clean them every few weeks. “Realistically, if people get around to it every few months, that’s fine,” Goldberg says.

Before cleaning, sweep dirt from the screen and window frame with a brush like the one that comes with your dustpan, or the vacuum with the dusting attachment. Spray glass cleaner or a mix of water and a squirt of dishwashing soap and wipe with a microfiber cloth, starting with the outside and then the inside the panes and moving in an “S’’ motion rather than back and forth to avoid redepositing dirt.

Goldberg suggests wiping in a horizontal motion on the inside, vertically on the outside so you can more easily find streaks and wipe those areas again. Clean on a cloudy day because direct sun makes the glass cleaner dry too quickly and leaves streaks.

6 design trends to heighten your home’s style in 2015

BY BRANDPOINT As the new year kicks off, it’s the premier time to refresh and refocus on certain aspects of your life ... and the home is no exception. Say goodbye to lackluster interiors as renowned interior designer and DIY television personality, Taniya Nayak, has forecasted the top trends for 2015 that will be sure to enhance and revive any home.

DEEP, RICH HUES Be bold with shadowy and opulent tones; there are many ways to infuse a rich color scheme into your space. “Don’t be intimidated by dark hues,” Nayak says. “Incorporate shades from the same color family throughout a room with a coordinating accent wall, rug and decorative pieces — such as pillows and blankets. This creates a bold, yet harmonizing visual.”

“The concept of a ‘pop’ of color is blown up in 2015,” Nayak adds. “We’re seeing deep, rich hues adorning walls, lavishly upholstered furniture pieces, window treatments and area rugs. This year, we like to say ‘go bold or go home.’”

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GALLERY WALLS Create a room that’s uniquely yours by making a gallery wall with items of your choice. Display an array of mirrors, framed family photos, sketches or even postcards the key is to be creative and be yourself !

“2015 is all about you,” Nayak explains.

“Hanging a variety of frames or objects in a well thought-out cluster on the wall provides the perfect place to showcase pieces that are important and meaningful. When people walk into your home, they’ll know exactly what you love.”

BOLD PATTERNS IN NEUTRAL COLORS Although neutrals provide a calm palette, it’s possible to infuse bold statements into these rooms, as well, with the use of patterns. Revitalize your room with a geometric rug in an earth tone, and also add window treatments with a daring floral design in a complementary, yet understated, color.

When mixing prints, pair structured, linear patterns with organic ones for a look that’s polished and not too “matchy.”

“This is a beautiful way to add drama and what appears to be ‘texture’ to a space,” Nayak adds.

‘60S MOD The retro panache of mid-century modern decor will perk up rooms with its soft, sculptural lines, woven upholstery and bright accessories in geometric shapes.

Search for vintage furniture pieces such as rounded chairs and button-cushion couches with short, tapered legs to add a sense of authenticity.

“We are going retro mod — way back to the ’60s where design was about curvy forms, vibrant colors and eccentric patterns,” Nayak says. “Be prepared to leave your design fears at the door, and go full throttle with the bright and loud elements found in the mod movement. “

ORGANIC ELEMENTS This year, mount antlers above your mantel, or create centerpieces with shells, metallic leaves or branches for a rustic vibe.

With these earthy components juxtaposed against woodsy furniture and ivory tones, you’ll create an impressive, outdoorsy aesthetic.

“It’s easy to bring nature and organic structures into your home,” Nayak assures.

“Leave linear styles out of the equation. Instead, think of free- flowing shapes, colors found in nature and the peaceful serenity associated with the outdoors. The goal is to evoke the same emotional responses throughout your home.”

COPPER “Each year we see a particular metal rise to the top of every designer’s list; and this year, it’s all about copper,” Nayak says.

Copper is a captivating metallic that adds a modern edge to even the simplest scheme.

Small pieces make a big statement, so subtly pepper in copper pieces to your decor, like light fixtures, planters or table settings.

Display copper cookware in your kitchen — it’s a great way to add a touch of glamour without being gaudy.

2015 is full of impressive design trends.

Use Nayak’s expertise, and this year, your home will serve as a canvas for self-expression, creativity and style.

PHOTO BY BRANDPOINT

Replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR windows has numerous advantages.

Energy-efficient windows lower bills, increase comfort

BY BRANDPOINT One of the largest contributors to a home’s energy efficiency is its windows. Energyefficient windows can lower your energy costs and increase your home’s comfort while reducing your carbon footprint and increasing your home’s value.

For example, replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR windows can save between 1,106 to 6,072 pounds of carbon dioxide a year from entering the atmosphere. According to ENERGY STAR that is equivalent to saving 51 to 310 gallons of gasoline. Plus, replacing old windows with new energy-efficient designs can return more than 78 percent of the project cost back to you upon resale, the National Association of Realtors reports. To learn more, visit www.pella.com.

So what factors should you consider when shopping for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly windows?

• The ENERGY STAR logo You’ve probably seen the blue ENERGY STAR logo on a variety of products including your washer or refrigerator. That logo designates products that meet strict energy-saving guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Windows and doors with an ENERGY STAR designation lower household energy use which saves you money and helps protect the environment.

• Low U-values — In addition to ENERGY STAR ratings,

look for windows and doors with low U-values, which means they resist the transfer of heat — the lower the U-value, the better. Double-pane insulating glass windows, with a gas-filled space between the glass, can insulate more than two times better than singlepane windows based on a comparison of U-values.

• Recycled materials — Evaluate the amount of recycled content used, either post-consumer or post-industrial. The roll formed aluminum cladding, the metal exterior that protects the wood from the weather, on Pella’s wood windows and doors is made from more than 95 percent recycled aluminum material.

• Product material — Wood windows utilize renewable resources. When shopping for wood, look for certified wood.

There are several wood certification systems available, the most well-known being the Forest Stewardship Council or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Most of the well-known certification systems are developed and used with the same key purpose in mind; to practice sustainable forestry.

• Your location — Windows allow for natural daylighting, which reduces or eliminates the need for artificial lighting saving on your electrical use.

Plus, your climate or area within the United States has specific requirements to qualify for ENERGY STAR certification. To learn more, visit ENERGY STAR.

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THE SUMTER ITEM Pratt & Lambert’s two trend palettes, Elemental and Terra, are ideal for the bedroom, a place for rest. Interior designer and Pratt & Lambert Style & Design Guild member Laura Kirar recommends shades Tobacco and Feather Gray.

PHOTO BY BRANDPOINT

Timeless or trendy? Achieve both in your home décor

BY BRANDPOINT Are you looking for ways to update your home this new year? With so many fresh interior ideas available, it can be difficult to balance current design trends with classic styles for a look that is both of-the-moment and everlasting. Follow these guidelines to find a way to blend now and forever for a look you will love today and tomorrow.

FOCUS ON THE FOUNDATION As you are laying the groundwork in your kitchen, bath or bedroom, the key is to keep it timeless. Flooring, cabinetry, lighting and fixtures should possess clean, traditional lines and classic finishes.

If it’s time to do a complete overhaul of your home, you may be tempted to invest in the latest and greatest in materials and furniture offerings, but sometimes the simplest of tweaks can bring your existing pieces up to date.

For example, your sofa may have great structure but could use a bit of reupholstering. Or perhaps your oak kitchen cabinets are an ageless shape but

could be transformed by painting them a fresh color and swapping out the hardware.

Much like a smart wardrobe, as long as you have the basics, minor updates can be made throughout the years by adding small touches in the form of accessories, paint, new hardware and other alterations.

INCORPORATE COLOR Taking a classic space and transforming it when you have an itch to try something new is done easily with paint. For 165 years, Pratt & Lambert Paints has been synonymous with recognizing the shifts and nuances of home style and design. In the true fashion of merging timeless with trendy, the brand has recently released its 2015 Color Trends Forecast, called Origins, which goes full circle from essential neutrals to progressive pops of color.

Consider spicing up your kitchen with colors from the Cadence palette.

The collection focuses on co-mingling of cultures, and what better place to feature these hues than the room

where flavors from all over the world are literally coming together on a daily basis? Pratt & Lambert colors Baby Carrot (8-11) and Vibrant Red (4-12) can make a statement throughout the entire space or just on an accent wall near a breakfast nook.

Many people seek to transform their current bath into a soothing, spa-like retreat. To capture that feeling, paint walls and even ceilings the cool or deep bold colors of water — much like those included in the Chronicles trend that speak to hues straight from the depths of the ocean. Look to the Pratt & Lambert shades Blue Zircon (23-13), Glacial (27-2) and the Color of the Year, Noir (24-16).

A bedroom is a place for rest — a calm, down-to-earth haven. Pratt & Lambert’s two trend palettes, Elemental and Terra, are the perfect pick for the place in which you recharge. Interior designer and Pratt & Lambert Style & Design Guild member Laura Kirar recommends shades Tobacco (3319) and Feather Gray (32-37) from the Elemental palette. They are sure to provide many nights of peaceful slum-

ber. Include the harmonious hues of the Terra palette, Rye (12-26) and Zinc (14-20), for a natural, relaxed vibe.

A DASH OF DETAIL Now with a solid foundation and freshly painted walls, move to the decorations that will truly transform your home. Remember — small pieces can make a grand statement, so pick and choose how you will incorporate trendy accessories such as table lamps, hand towels, planters, window coverings, pillows, throws or table settings.

If you want to go bold with hues or graphic prints, now is your chance to infuse colors in small doses. That’ll make it easy and more cost effective to swap out or mix and match accessories in the future.

Whether you want to take small steps to refresh the look of your home or want to tackle larger renovation projects, by following these steadfast ideas, it’s easy to stay on trend while paying tribute to classic design. You can have the best of both worlds for timeless decor that can easily transition with you through the years.

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Remember safety 1st when using lawn equipment FROM OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT INSTITUTE With warmer weather urging people to brings out lawn mowers, string trimmers, and other lawn and garden equipment, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute reminds consumers that equipment care, maintenance and safety is a yearround activity. To operate machines safely, it’s important that equipment operators understand safety procedures and set expectations with others who use this equipment or are nearby.

“Many people are eager to pull out lawn and garden equipment right now. Who wouldn’t be desperate to kick start spring this year?

This winter generated colossal respect for snow throwers, and we urge people to put these prized possessions away safely so they’ll be there for them next year,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “You want to ready your spring equipment for the same reasons: you want the equipment available when you need it.”

Below are key tips for safe operation of mowers, chain saws, trimmers and edgers, generators and other outdoor power equipment for lawn and landscape management.

SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE TIPS: • Use the right equipment for the task. Mowers, hedge trimmers and more are designed to help you manage a landscape as efficiently and productively as possible. Select a “rightsized” product for the job. Ask your retailer/dealer for assistance in size, capabilities, power sources and features that fit your needs.

• Assign the right person to use the equipment. Only allow responsible adults who are familiar with the instructions to operate the machine. Do not let children use outdoor power equipment. These machines should not be operated by young people who are not physically or developmentally ready to assume the responsibility of operating a powerful machine. For more on children and mower safety, access the OPEI Children & Mowers Safety Fact Sheet.

• Alert nearby people of work to be done. Confirm the locations of pets and children, and ask that they be kept out of the area and supervised. · Read the operator’s manual to understand the controls of your equipment. Know how to stop the machine quickly. Do not remove or disable guards or safety devices.

• Regularly inspect your equipment.

Check for loose belts and missing or

damaged parts. Drain and responsibly dispose of old oil and put in fresh oil before starting equipment that has been in long-time storage. Install clean air filters so your engine and equipment will run optimally.

• Have your lawn mower’s cutting blades sharpened so your mower will operate more efficiently, cutting your lawn cleaner and making it healthier.

For key mowing safety tips, access the OPEI Lawn Mower Safety Fact Sheet.

• Know your terrain. When operating on slopes, select the appropriate machine. Keep away from drop-offs and other hazards (water). Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.

For key safe operation on slopes and uneven terrain, access the OPEI Slopes Safety Fact Sheet.

• Clear the area being managed. Remove debris, wires, branches, nails, rocks or metal that may become projectiles if thrown by lawn mower blades and other equipment.

• Dress properly. Wear substantial shoes, long pants and close-fitting clothes. You may want eye or hearing protection.

• Observe safe fueling procedures.

Fill your gasoline tank only when the engine is cool. If you need to refuel before completing a job, turn off the

machine and allow the engine to cool.

Never light a match or smoke around gasoline.

• Do not use gas with more than 10 percent ethanol (E10) in your mower.

Some gasoline filling stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or other fuel blends, but this higher ethanol fuel is dangerous—and is in fact illegal—to use in your mower or in any small engine equipment. Get more information on safe fueling at www.LookBeforeYouPump.com • When putting away last season’s equipment, clean it and be sure to drain and responsibly dispose of fuel.

Don’t leave fuel sitting in the tank for more than thirty days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) left in the system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system.

“One challenge is that most fuel contains some level of ethanol, which contains corrosive alcohol. If that fuel is left in the tank over the winter months, it may damage your equipment. You need to drain it,” advises Kiser. “Unless otherwise specified by your manufacturer, don’t forget to only use new fuel that is E10 or less to keep your machines in proper, working order.”

Concrete gains ground as decorative material

BY KIM COOK The Associated Press The Pantheon. The Panama Canal.

The Hoover Dam. When you think of concrete, you might imagine great feats of engineering, or at least highway overpasses and other sturdy, stolid structures.

But concrete has become a stylish medium in the home, thanks to interior designers and artisans.

“Concrete is such an amazing and cheap material. I can get an 80-pound bag from Home Depot and turn it into tables, vases and planters without using power tools,” says Boston-based designer Ben Oyeda, who offers instructions for several projects on his website, www.homemademodern.com.

Oyeda uses LEGO blocks to make the molds for his tables; his pendant fixtures start with plastic bottles.

“Working with concrete has changed the way I see waste,” he says.

“Every plastic bottle or box has the potential to be used as a mold for making a concrete object.”

Eric Boyd of Charlotte makes creative countertops by mixing concrete

with other materials. Aggregate additions such as recycled glass or semiprecious stones give the concrete a terrazzo look, and he hones the slabs to emphasize their geologic characteristics. He has used shells, mother of pearl, tiger’s eye or bands of copper to create one-of-a-kind slabs for homes and stores.

PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

AllModern.com’s Concrete Chic coffee table’s top is finished with a lacquer to protect it and give it a weathered metal look.

For one client, his team took inspiration from the home’s location: “The (kitchen) island has a topographic feature which was taken from a map of their property. There are also various pebbles from the property, and a few fossils that were inlaid as well,” he says. (www.reachingquiet.com ) Danish designer Doreen Westphal uses fine Belgian lace to make patterns and molds for concrete cur-

tains, vases and tables.

There’s a yin-yang tension that emerges from the interplay of the delicate lace motifs and the sturdy concrete. (www.menschmadedesign.com ) AllModern’s got an affordable collection of rustic, modern, concrete side and coffee tables with wooden bases.

Also here is Montreal-based CDI International’s collection of midcentury modernstyle coffee table and stools with oak legs. (www.allmodern.com ) West Elm has the little Mesa side table cast in a composite concrete that relieves some of the weight of the solid mateAllModern.com’s Nico concrete rial. Brass-finished steel stool is a useful piece on a patio legs hold a cantilevered or in an urban indoor living space. concrete top in an industrial-chic console. (www. dining table above, it would work westelm.com ) indoors or out.

Crate & Barrel’s Mason Parson’sA concrete game table would style coffee, side and console tables make a substantial permanent fixare made of concrete embedded ture for outdoor entertaining. Add with an aggregate that adds interthe Laguna fiber-cast concrete fire est. The retailer has introduced the pit, a sleek coffee table-size piece curvy new Morocco concrete dining with glass panels and a contempotable this spring, for indoors or out. rary vibe. (www.restorationhard(www.crateandbarrel.com ) ware.com ) Restoration Hardware’s got a If the look of concrete intrigues honed concrete table top on a wood you but you’re not prepared to deal base crafted from British timbers; with the material itself, consider the juxtaposition of materials wallpaper photoprinted to look like makes for a striking piece. raw concrete slabs; some even come And the retailer’s Malay cast-concrete coffee table resembles a chunk with graffiti, if you’re after an edgier look. (www.concretewall.no ) of sun-bleached driftwood; like the

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THE SUMTER ITEM

Here’s how midcentury modern classics adapted

BY KATHERINE ROTH The Associated Press NEW CANAAN, Conn. — In the years after World War II, when suburban towns were still “the country,” this unassuming village an hour north of Manhattan became an epicenter of modernist architecture and a birthplace of thenradical concepts such as family rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan living.

Since then, the surviving homes have continued to evolve, a transformation explored in a new book that looks at 16 of New Canaan’s 91 remaining homes from this influential era.

“These homes were meant to be truly modern, to adapt.

Preservation is about keeping the character while allowing these homes to move on,” said architect Cristina A. Ross, who with architect Jeffrey Matz, photographer Michael Biondo and graphic designer Lorenzo Ottaviani produced the book “Midcentury Houses Today” (Monacelli Press, 2014).

In New Canaan, she said, “the concentration of homes and the number of surviving houses to this day is incredibly unique.”

Through photos, detailed floor plans and time lines and the voices of architects, builders and occupants, the book traces the original structures and subsequent additions, devoting a full chapter to each home.

Unlike the modernist architecture of the Midwest, New Canaan’s modernist homes directly reflect the principles of the Bauhaus school of design in Germany, established by architect Walter Gropius. When the Nazi regime closed down the Bauhaus in the 1930s, Gropius became chairman of the architecture department at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard. He was later joined

by Marcel Breuer. Together, the two passed on their aesthetic — emphasizing volume; large areas of glass juxtaposed by blank walls; flat roofs; freedom from architectural ornamentation — to students and associates.

Breuer, Eliot Noyes, Landis Gores, Philip Johnson and John Johansen, all early promulgators of modernism in New Canaan, became known as the Harvard Five. They moved to New Canaan, near the last stop on a spur of the commuter rail line and near the newly constructed Merritt Parkway. Land was cheap and plentiful enough to allow for new experiments in architecture. They were soon joined there by architects Victor Christ-Janer, John Black Lee and others.

“They were experimenting,

This living room, above, opens out from the kitchen in Celanese House by architect Edward Durell Stone (1957). This photo and others from homes in New Canaan, Connecticut, can be found in the book “Midcentury Houses Today.” New Canaan became the epicenter of modernist architecture after World War II. The exterior of the Breuer 2 House Pavilion, left, by architect Marcel Breuer (1951), is seen with additions by architect Toshiko Mori (2005-07), in the book “Midcentury Houses Today.”

PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

and they were fast and furiously creating the way they felt people should be living,” said Ross. “They were designing the offices for IBM, for big corporations, and people became so enamored of the work environment that many CEOs wanted to bring that streamlining and flow to their home life.”

Although these architects’ work is well known, the ways their structures have been transformed through time is not. The book offers ideas and a rough road map for those looking to adapt modernist-inspired homes throughout the U.S. “Some of these homes now have a second story, and some were expanded in other ways,

while others were restored and updated and not expanded at all. There are many different approaches that allow the original house to continue to shine while moving on,” Ross said.

Both Johnson and Black Lee, when invited to see changes made to homes they had designed, said they thought the character of their works had been preserved, the authors say.

In fact, the evolution of homes of this era seems crucial to their survival. The original homes tended to be modest by contemporary standards, with interior areas of about 2,000 square feet. Their designs reflected European sensibilities

and so tended to have small bedrooms and minimal closet space.

To adapt to changing expectations of comfort in affluent New Canaan, many of the homes were expanded, with larger bedrooms, en suite bathrooms, media rooms and wine cellars. Also, higher energy costs meant that glassedin areas had to be upgraded and homes refitted with stateof-the-art mechanical systems.

At the same time, additions demanded a creative approach so as to retain the aesthetics of movement, simplicity, openness and sensitivity to site and nature, while respecting zoning regulations limiting the structures’ footprint.

One of the more striking additions is a glassed-in staircase and cantilevered master suite

by Toshiko Mori, a sort of transparent floating tree house that extends out into the woods behind a 1951 Breuer house.

“Additions to midcentury modern buildings do not necessarily harmonize with existing construction. Instead, they may introduce a different, more contemporary interpretation of modernism,” writes John Morris Dixon.

Adds Ross: “Preservation doesn’t mean stagnation.

These houses were meant to live and breathe with families, and not end up like museums or time capsules.”

Look ma, no soil: Gardening with air, water, fish fertilizer

BY DEAN FOSDICK The Associated Press

round garden. I’ve worked with people who are growing in basements, garages, laundry rooms, warehouses and Who needs soil to sow a classrooms,” she said. sustainable garden? You can The systems are easy to cultivate plants in mid-air, learn and maintain, Bernfloat them in mineral-enstein said. riched water or add nutrients “First, there is no weeding for an organic harvest by involved. And because you can using your own fish for the set your grow beds at whatevfertilizer. er height works best for you, All of these methods can be stooping and bending can also done indoors and year-round. be minimized,” she said.

Hydroponics may be the Watering also is easier, esmost familiar soil-less garpecially with aquaponics. dening technology. It involves “You simply top off your growing plants by floating tanks once every week to 10 their roots in chemically endays, versus the nearly daily hanced water. The operation watering that an outdoor garcan be automated with a den requires,” Bernstein said. timer. Some systems are porHydroponics is an uncomtable. plicated way to raise vegetaAquaponics blends aquables, said Richard Tyson, Orculture (feeding fish in tanks) ange County (Florida) Extenwith hydroponics. Water sion director. heavy in organic animal THE ASSOCIATED PRESS “The floating system is one waste is pumped from a fish Here is an AquaUrban Sleek Aquaponics System on the deck of a priof the most inexpensive, lowtank into grow beds where tech systems around, and as plants filter out the nutrients. vate home in Boulder, Colorado, that is attractive, easy to assemble long as you stick with leafy The purified water is then re- and designed to take a second growing bed. Nearly all fresh fish that salad crops and herbs, it is cycled back into the fish tank, thrive in captivity can be used for aquaponic gardening. Along with one of the best for beginners,” where the nitrate-production fertilizing your plants, the fish can be used for food or for fun.

Tyson said. sequence is renewed.

As for aeroponic gardens, said Sylvia Bernstein, owner “The technology that is acAeroponics uses no growing they need little space, making celerating this (soil-less) trend of The Aquaponic Source in medium. Instead, plants are them popular with apartment is the proliferation of extreme- Longmont, Colorado. strung above containers and dwellers. Their moist environ“With today’s grow lights, ly effective and increasingly their roots are misted with a any space can become a year- ment is vulnerable to bacteria energy-efficient grow lights,” nutrient-heavy solution.

growth and disease, though, so they must be kept clean.

Nearly any freshwater fish that thrives in captivity can be used for aquaponic gardening, from goldfish to catfish, trout to crayfish. The fish can be purchased from licensed hatcheries, while aquaponic, hydroponic and aeroponic kits are available at specialized supply stores and online.

“The best fish to grow in aquaponics are the fish that best suit your needs, whether those be for food or fun or both, and that are conducive to growing the plants you are interested in growing,” Bernstein said.

Fast-growing tilapia are the most commonly used. Bernstein has trained her tilapia to eat from a baby bottle, which provides a degree of entertainment. And, she noted, “You always can eat the fullgrown fish.”

“In the not-so-distant future, I believe that indoor, aquaponic gardens will become more the norm than the exception,” Bernstein said.

“Homeowners will start to think of them as a part of their food preparation environment, much like a living pantry.”

HOME & GARDEN 2015

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DIY ideas for your Easter brunch table

“Egg chicks,” created by adding facial features and personality to traditional deviled eggs, are seen. The project appears in the April issue of Woman’s Day magazine.

little tube (available at florists or crafts stores).

“The fresh-cut flowers look like they are growing out of Make the most of your Easthe grass,” says Mohrman. “I ter celebration by preparing a just love that it’s a shrunkenbrunch table with a few easy, down garden.” handcrafted items.

Make one of these center“A couple of special touches pieces or line several down will make it feel like a more special gathering,” says Taryn the center of the table.

Another option: The website Mohrman, senior lifestyle ediHometalk sugtor at Woman’s gests creating Day magazine. pretty vases by She recomwrapping clean mends keeping glass jars with things simple, various colors adding only one and patterns of or two decorative washi tape and items to the table then filling them — for example, a with flowers. centerpiece and Or fill Mason place cards. And jars with green pick projects craft Easter you’ll enjoy. grass, and add “As long as Easter chocolates you’re having A candy caddy made from and two marshfun doing them, then they’re a 32-ounce yogurt contain- mallow chicks. going to be worth er is seen in the April issue Decorate the lids with washi tape it,” says of FamilyFun Magazine. and craft paper Mohrman. before screwing them back CENTERPIECES onto the jars. Glue a plastic or crafted egg on top, and wrap One suggestion in the April Easter- or spring-themed ribissue of Woman’s Day is that bon around the jar at its neck. kids place wheat grass (bought at a garden center) in PLACE CARDS a shallow dish and decorate it with spring flowers, such as For a simple project, Womtulips and grape hyacinth, an’s Day suggests painting along with dyed Easter eggs. small rabbit figurines in gold.

The magazine used several For each place card, cut two medium-size, square vessels 1¾-inch circles from card from The Container Store and stock; write a guest’s name on ensured that the cut flowers one circle. Glue a 4-inch would last longer by sticking length of thin gold wire beeach stem in a water pick, or tween the two circles. Attach

thirds and following one’s own deviled-eggs recipe. To assemble the chicks: Slice a thin piece from the bottom of each egg white to help it stand upright. Then, using a 1-inch cookie scoop, scoop the yolk mixture into each egg white and cap it with the reserved top third of the egg, like a hat.

Use thinly sliced carrots as feet, wings and beak. Use capers for eyes, and herbs for beards, hair and eyebrows — gently placing each in the yolk mixture to make silly faces.

“I think (children will) have a lot of fun giving each egg their own personality,” says Mohrman.

PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BY JENNIFER FORKER The Associated Press

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the other end of the wire around the rabbit like a collar.

“It looks like a floating balloon, which is playful and cute,” says Mohrman. “You can swap out names next year or reuse the same ones.”

EDIBLES One simple project from FamilyFun’s April issue: Use

an oiled chopstick to pierce lengthwise through a marshmallow bunny, and then insert a straw for serving with milk.

Woman’s Day suggests turning deviled eggs into cute chicks; a plateful helps decorate the buffet table.

Cut off the top third of each hard-boiled egg, removing the yolk from the bottom two-

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