March 4, 2015

IN SPORTS: Sumter aims for 1st hoops title since 1985

B1

3 ways to dress up mac ‘n’ cheese Childhood favorite takes on exciting personalities C8

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

75 CENTS

City: Maintenance code amendments need fine tuning

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com After a public hearing for amendments to the city’s property maintenance code on Tuesday evening, Sumter City Council decided it would be best to hold a workshop to fine tune some of the proposed sections.

Sumter Planning Department director George McGregor estimates that

there are more than 1,500 vacant and abandoned structures in Sumter, and the amendments would help to reduce that number by requiring owners of vacant residential property to register the structures with the city and pay a registration fee.

According to the amendments, failure to register the vacant property with the city would result in a $250 fine every month the property re-

mains unregistered.

The amendments to the property maintenance code propose that any residential property that has been vacant for 60 days would have to be registered with City of Sumter for $10 for the first year, $100 for the second, $500 for the third year and $1,000 for the fourth and subsequent years.

The registration fees were the source of much concern. Councilwom-

Performance of healing

an Ione Dwyer said she agrees that the dilapidated houses and overgrown lots are eyesores and should be cleaned up, but she also thinks the city should take into consideration that some people may not be able to meet the criteria set forth by the amendments.

“You’ve got to have some fees there,

SEE COUNCIL, PAGE A8

Congress sends clean DHS bill to president

BY ERICA WERNER AND DAVID ESPO The Associated Press

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sonji, BaBa Joseph, Gail and Karim Anderson of the musical group Healing Force perform for the crowd at Sumter County Library on Saturday as part of its Black History Month celebration. The family band played traditional African music and taught the audience some phrases to sing along.

WASHINGTON — Bitterly admitting defeat, the Republican-controlled Congress sent legislation to President Obama on Tuesday that funds the Department of Homeland Security without any of the immigration-related concessions they demanded for months.

“Sanity is prevailing,” said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., a former chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, before the House voted 257-167 in favor of the $40 billion spending bill, which Obama was expected to sign promptly. All 182 Democrats present voted for the bill, while it received only 75 Republican “yea” votes.

“I am glad that House Republicans finally came to their senses,” said Rep. Loretta Sanchez of Califor-

nia, a top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee.

The outcome averted a partial agency shutdown, which would have begun Friday at midnight. It was a major victory for Obama and the Democrats, and a wholesale retreat for Republicans, who have spent months railing against an “unconstitutional overreach”

by Obama in extending deportation stays and work permits to millions of immigrants illegally in this country.

In the end, Republicans who’d tried to use the DHS spending bill to undo Obama’s actions had little to show but weeks of gridlock and chaotic spectacle on Capitol Hill in the wake of assuming full control of Congress in the November midterm elections. The turmoil brought the Homeland

SEE DHS, PAGE A8

Netanyahu addresses joint session of Congress Israeli PM uses opportunity to assail American policy on Iran

Opinions divided over Netanyahu’s address to Congress

BY ARON HELLER AND DEB RIECHMANN The Associated Press

BY HAMLET FORT hamlet@theitem.com

WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Congress on Tuesday that an emerging agreement between Iran and the United States would all but guarantee that Tehran gets nuclear weapons and would be a very bad deal, drawing an extraordinarily blunt rebuttal from President Obama.

In an appearance that has stirred political controversy in two countries, Netanyahu said “Iran has proven time and again that it cannot be trusted,” no matter what it says about permitting verification of the terms of any

SEE SPEECH, PAGE A8

VISIT US ONLINE AT

the

.com

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks before a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday. In a speech that stirred political intrigue in two countries, Netanyahu told Congress that negotiations underway between Iran and the U.S. would “all but guarantee” that Tehran will get nuclear weapons, a step that the world must avoid at all costs. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, left, and Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, listen.

DEATHS, B6 Darleen A. Mader Ida Lou M. Broughton Hazel W. Mack Richard P. Bradham Mary E. Williams Mary D. Francis

George Wells Jr. James E. Temoney Mary C. McCall Talmuch A. Burgess Paul Burroughs Jr.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress Tuesday amid debate on his perceived slight of President Obama and the White House’s efforts to strike a deal with Iran about its nuclear program.

Netanyahu urged Congress to oppose the deal being negotiated between the Obama administration and Iran to freeze its nuclear program. He disagrees with the notion that the deal would restrict Iran’s access to nuclear weapons and said an armed Iran poses a grave threat to Israel, saying it “could well threaten the survival of my country.”

SEE REACTION, PAGE A8

WEATHER, A10

INSIDE

CLOUDY AND WARM

3 SECTIONS, 26 PAGES VOL. 120, NO. 117

Chance of rain better than 50 percent early, lessening in the evening. Cloudy and warm.

HIGH 80, LOW 62

Panorama C1 Classifieds B7 Comics C6

Lotteries A10 Opinion A9 Television C7

A2

|

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

Senior apartments proposed for West Liberty Street spot

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com More downtown redevelopment could touch West Liberty Street with the development of a senior apartment building on the corner of West Liberty and Blanding streets.

The property, which is the site of the old Winn-Dixie, is what Senior Planner Helen Roodman called a lot of “wall-to-wall asphalt.”

Roodman said the property has sat vacant for about a decade and the proposed development project would certainly help increase the property value.

Charles Dibble, who has owned the land since the 1950s, said he was approached by a Realtor of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services who told him of a developer interested in constructing a senior apartment building on the property.

Dibble said the vacant property does not benefit himself or the city and he has received other offers to repurpose the land.

“I’m happy to see someone put it to use,” he said.

The developer, Steve Boone, is also president of Buckeye Community Hope Foundation with bases in Columbus, Ohio, and Charleston. Boone said the development company has completed close to 90 housing projects in seven states and about 40 percent of those projects have been for seniors.

After looking over many development sites across the state, Boone decided that the lot on the corner of Liberty and Blanding

streets would be a good site to develop an apartment building. Boone said he chose to develop a senior apartment because many of the other apartments in the area are for families.

“It’s close to amenities and right next to public transportation, which is great for seniors,” said Boone.

The development of the senior apartments depends on Sumter City Council’s decision to approve amendments to the City Zoning and Development Standards differentiating between suburban and urban multifamily apartments.

Currently, the standards specify that multi-family apartments must be at least 50 feet from the sidewalk and the number of apartments is limited to 16 units per gross acre.

The amendments would decrease the minimum setback from the sidewalk to 10 feet and allow for 38 units per gross acre for urban multi-family apartment projects.

Roodman said the current standards limit the amount of development sites across the city because a site must be at least two acres for a multi-family apartment.

Council approved first reading of the amendments during its regular meeting Tuesday, but second and third readings have to be approved before the changes can officially be accepted.

The amendments would create a new category of standards for urban multifamily apartments and leave the existing standards

to dictate the development of suburban multi-family apartments.

The development company plans to send the development project to the S.C. Housing Finance and Development Authority as part of an application to receive tax credits through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. The program is available for property owners who are developing new, rehabilitated or adaptive reused multi-family rental structures. The tax credits are used by the property owners to fund operations in order to keep the cost of rent at an affordable amount.

Roodman said projects are chosen based on the distance to amenities such as grocery stores, banks and medical services.

Boone estimates that the apartment building would take about 18 months to complete the project and estimates that it would cost close to $4.9 million.

Roodman said it may take two years of site designing and requesting approvals before any construction could begin.

If the development standards are amended and Boone receives the go ahead to begin the project, Dibble will sell the property on West Liberty Street to the developer’s foundation.

Dibble said he is confident in the developer’s plans and designs for the space.

“I’m glad to see activity on Liberty Street,” said Dibble. “It’s nice to see it brightened and spruced up.”

Dog’s owner honored twice

PHOTO PROVIDED

Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, left, presents Lois McCracken with a House Resolution on Monday morning congratulating her American Water Spaniel, Blew, with winning the 2015 Best in Breed Award at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City recently.

Blew is a Pet Therapy dog at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, a program that McCracken founded for the health care system.

Obama expect to talk youth initiatives Friday in Columbia

BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com

W

hen President Obama visits Benedict Col-

lege in Columbia on Friday, it will be his first visit since he won the South

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Body of missing man found Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office deputies think there is something suspicious about the death of a 24-year-old male whose body was discovered Tuesday morning near Manning.

“We have reason to believe that there was foul play, although we will not know the exact cause of death until (after) the autopsy,” said Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett.

The body of the victim, Emanuel Torres, was discovered by a farmer about 11 a.m. on Fawn Ridge Lane in Manning, about 2.5 miles from his house on Arlene Road, Garrett said.

Torres went missing Friday about 9 p.m., according to Garrett.

Clarendon County Deputy Coroner Charles Jackson said that the body will be sent to Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for an autopsy today.

Sumter woman dies in Lee wreck A Sumter woman died in a single-vehicle crash in Lee County late Monday night.

Lee County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Mary Ebenezer Williams, 45, of 104 Gates St., who died from blunt-force trauma.

According to preliminary reports from South Carolina Highway Patrol, Williams was traveling southbound along U.S. 401 near Will Road about 10:15 p.m. Monday.

The woman was driving a 2005 Ford Escape when she crossed the center line, veered off the right side of the roadway and overcorrected. Williams’ SUV then swerved off the right side of the road and overturned.

Williams, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was ejected from the vehicle. She died at the scene.

The wreck remains under investigation

by Highway Patrol.

Benefit concert will be held A gospel and praise benefit concert will be held in memory of Brittany Barber at 5 p.m. Saturday in Crestwood High School Auditorium, 2000 Oswego Road. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 at the door and $10 in advance. All proceeds will benefit the #WeChooseLife Foundation.

For more information, contact Javon Mack at Mackjd@email.sc.edu.

Carolina Democratic Primary Election in January 2008, said Jamie Harrison, chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

“I want to thank Congressman James Clyburn, a Sumter native, with making sure this was a priority with the White House about coming down,” he said. “The congressman knew how much folks here wanted to see the president and hear from the president — he was the ‘squeaky wheel,’ and it finally happened.”

Harrison said he is excited the president is making a stop in Columbia before visiting Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Montgomery in 1964.

A confrontation between marchers led by Martin Luther King Jr. and police at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in

Selma was a catalytic event that prompted President Lyndon Johnson to pursue the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964.

While no official itinerary for Obama’s visit to Columbia has been released, Harrison said he expects the president to speak about mid-morning or midday at the gymnasium on the Benedict College campus.

“Probably by (this) morning we will have some confirmation,” he said.

A spokesperson at Clyburn’s office said any official announcement of an itinerary will come from either the White House or Benedict College.

“The president will be speaking about service to a crowd of mostly young people,” Harrison said. “He is expected to reference initiatives that he is working on such as My Brother’s Keeper. We are excited to see him, hear him and enjoy the message that he has to deliver.”

Harrison said he thinks most South Carolinians will be proud to host the president.

“As Democrats, we are really excited, but I think many South Carolinians are excited that the president is coming to South Carolina, and I think we will roll out the red carpet and have our best manners,” he said.

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

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

Member, Verified Audit Circulation

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

Rural Route Home Delivery

Call (803) 774-1258

Call (803) 774-1226

TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

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

Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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

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

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD:

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

Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Standard Home Delivery

Mail Delivery

TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

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

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

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

TO PLACE AN

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

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

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

One year - $81.60; six months -

The Sumter Item is published six days a week except for July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day (unless it falls on a Sunday) by Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Periodical postage paid at Sumter, SC 29150.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Osteen Publishing Co., 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, SC 29150 Publication No. USPS 525-900

LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

POLICE BLOTTER CHARGES Anthony Wilson, 52, of 8 Garrett St., was arrested Saturday and charged with firstdegree harassment. The charge reportedly stemmed from allegations that the defendant called and sent text messages to the victim’s phone, called the victim’s job and followed the victim into Sumter County Sheriff’s Office between Thursday and Friday, all in violation of a restraining order issued earlier this month.

Montel Kennedy, 21, of 2735 Pajoe Lane, Lynchburg, was arrested Monday and charged with criminal domestic violence after reports that he punched a 22-year-old woman’s head and face, pulled her hair and tossed her to the ground during a Feb. 25 dispute near his home.

STOLEN PROPERTY An air-conditioning unit valued at $2,000 was reportedly stolen from the rear of a home in the 100 block of Highland Avenue between Feb. 20 and Friday.

A wallet containing $700 in cash was reportedly stolen from a patient’s hospital room at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, 129 N. Washington St., between 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Friday.

A 2008 Mercury Milan sedan valued at $7,500 was reportedly stolen from the front yard of a home in the 100 block of Henrietta Street between 7:05 and 7:15 a.m.

Saturday.

Several yard tools valued at $480 were reportedly stolen from a shed in the back of a home in the 300 block of Hampton Avenue between Feb. 23 and 11 p.m. Saturday.

DAMAGED PROPERTY A single-family residence in the 300 block of Reames Avenue sustained an estimated $15,000 in structural and property damage during a house fire just after 5:30 a.m. Monday. No one was injured in the blaze, which reportedly began in a bedroom and spread to a hallway inside the home. There was no determination as to what sparked the fire.

An abandoned residence in the 4300 block of Reona Avenue sustained an estimated $20,000 in structural damage during a fire about 12:20 a.m. Sunday. Fire crews responded and reportedly found the 1,700-square-foot building about 75 percent involved. Flames spread throughout the structure before crews were able to extinguish the blaze, which remains under investigation.

|

A3

Members of the Lemira Elementary School Golden Steppers perform a routine during practice Monday as they prepare for the Third Annual Step-Off on Saturday. From left are Ebony Parker, Cheyenne Hodge, Corren Wright and Kalayah White.

RICK CARPENTER / THE SUMTER ITEM

Stomp to SHS for annual step competition

BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com If you’re looking for something exciting to do this weekend, come out to Sumter High School for the Lemira Lions Golden Steppers’ Third Annual Step-Off. Watch and cheer as elementary, middle and high school step teams from Sumter, Columbia, Greenville and Charlotte stroll, step and stomp across the competition floor.

As the hosts of the competition, the Golden Steppers will not compete, but they will

perform their fierce routine that is chock full of flawless attitude.

Concessions will be operated by Lemira Parent-Teacher Organization members, and all proceeds will be given to the elementary school.

The competition starts at 2 p.m. and tickets are $5 at the door.

The Golden Steppers’ coaches — Mary Tuggle, Mario Birch and Brandi Watkins — encourage the Sumter community to come out and enjoy some great performances.

For more information, call Tuggle at (803) 464-7795.

Support local kids at Kiwanis ‘Pancake Day’ on Saturday FROM STAFF REPORTS On Saturday, the Kiwanis Club of Sumter will celebrate its 53rd year of flipping, serving and selling thousands of pancakes in the name of children across Sumter.

“Pancake Day” has been a means of raising money by Sumter Kiwanians for more than a half century. As many

as 2,000 people come out each year to participate in Pancake Day in Sumter.

“I want to call on all the people of Sumter to come out and support deserving children by supporting Pancake Day,” said Pancake Day co-director Kevin Conyers. “Our programs help children and young folks who otherwise might not be able to achieve the things in life they

should. We believe in helping children all over the world and especially here in Sumter.”

The local Kiwanis Club, through its foundation, sponsors numerous programs aimed at local youth, including the Key Clubs at area high schools, the Kiwanis Terrific Kids program and others. In addition, Pancake Day finances other charitable activities such

as the holiday season food and gift drive programs that supply Christmas gifts and meals to Sumter’s poorest residents and neediest children. Education is also a key focus, and the local Kiwanis Club sponsors scholarships to University of South Carolina Sumter, Central Carolina Technical College and Morris College.

Pancake Day will be held at

Alice Drive Middle School on Saturday in two shifts, from 7 to 10:30 a.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m.

Tickets for the all-you-caneat Pancake Day can be purchased from any Sumter Kiwanian or at the door. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children 4-12 years old. For advance tickets, call Glenn Givens at (803) 418-0800, extension 108.

* OFF MSRP

$10,000

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

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

773-1481

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

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

A4

|

NATION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Body-camera maker has ties to police chiefs Agreements raise concerns of possible conflicts of interest

BY RYAN J. FOLEY The Associated Press IOWA CITY, Iowa — Taser International, the stun-gun maker emerging as a leading supplier of body cameras for police, has cultivated financial ties to police chiefs whose departments have bought the recording devices, raising a host of conflict-of-interest questions.

A review of records and interviews

by The Associated Press show Taser is covering airfare and hotel stays for police chiefs who speak at promotional conferences. It is also hiring recently retired chiefs as consultants, sometimes just months after their cities signed contracts with Taser.

During the past 18 months, Taser has reached consulting agreements with two such chiefs weeks after they retired, and it is in talks with a third who also backed the purchase of its products, the AP has learned. Taser is planning to send two of them to speak at luxury hotels in Australia and the United Arab Emirates in March at events where they will address other law enforcement officers considering

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications for Taser International, demonstrates one of the company’s body cameras that can be attached to glasses on Feb. 19 at California Highway Patrol Headquarters in Sacramento, California. body cameras.

The relationships raise questions of whether chiefs are acting in the best interests of the taxpayers in their dealings with Scottsdale, Arizona-based Taser, whose contracts for cameras and storage systems for the video can run into the millions of dollars.

As the police chief in Fort Worth, Texas, successfully pushed for the signing of a major contract with Taser be-

fore a company quarterly sales deadline, he wrote a Taser representative in an email, “Someone should give me a raise.”

The market for wearable cameras that can record arrests, shootings and other encounters has been growing fast since the killing last August of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. President Obama has proposed a $75 million

program for departments to buy the cameras to reduce tensions between officers and the communities they serve.

City officials and rival companies are raising concerns about police chiefs’ ties to Taser, not only in Fort Worth, but also in such cities as Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Salt Lake City.

“Department heads need to be very careful to avoid that type of appearance of an endorsement in a for-profit setting,” said Charlie Luke, a Salt Lake City councilman. “It opens up the opportunity for competitors of these companies to essentially do what we’re seeing here — complaining about that public process.”

He said he was surprised when he learned last year that the city’s police department had purchased Taser cameras using surplus money, bypassing the standard bidding process and City Council approval. The department declined to say how much it has spent acquiring 295 body cameras and Taser’s Evidence.com video storage program and hasn’t responded to a month-old public records request.

The city’s police chief, Chris Burbank, said that his relationship with Taser, which includes company-paid travel to Taser-sponsored conferences, is appropriate.

U.S. considers banning type of popular rifle ammunition

BY ALICIA A. CALDWELL The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is considering banning a type of ammunition used in one of the most popular types of rifles because it says the bullets can pierce a police officer’s protective vest when fired from a handgun.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is proposing the ban of some types of 5.56 mm rounds — or .223-caliber — used in widely available and popular AR-15-style rifles because the bullets can also be used in some new types of handguns. Other types of 5.56

mm rounds would still be legal to buy, own and fire from guns.

The rule change would affect only “M855 green tip” or “SS109” rounds with certain types of metal cores. People who already own the ammunition would be allowed to continue to legally own it, but manufacturers would not be allowed to produce, sell, import or distribute it.

In a letter to ATF Director B. Todd Jones last month, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., objected to the rule change, saying it would “interfere with Second Amendment rights by disrupting the market for ammunition that

law-abiding Americans use for sporting and other legitimate purposes.”

Armor-piercing handgun ammunition has been banned since 1986 as a way to protect police officers under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act. The rifle bullets now facing a ban were long considered exempt because they were used for sporting purposes, such as target shooting.

An ATF spokeswoman, Ginger Colbrun, said Monday the agency is considering eliminating the exemption now because of the production of so-called AR pistols that can fire the same cartridge. The agency is accepting public comment

about the proposed change until March 16 at the email address APAComments@atf.gov, by fax or postal mail. Colbrun said it’s unclear when a final decision will be made.

At issue is the material in the core of the bullets. As long as the bullet’s core does

not contain particular types of metal, including steel, iron or brass, the bullet would still be legally available.

Colbrun said 32 manufacturers make roughly 168 types of ammunition that can be used in the rifles and would remain legal.

h t u e o r n S B y l p m i S Rotisserie & Grill istro Southern Cooking with a Cajun Kick

DELICIOUS EVERYDAY MENU ITEMS FRIED PORK CHOP $7.99 ROTISSERIE CHICKEN OR TURKEY $8.99 GRILLED HAMBURGER STEAK $9.99 SHRIMP AND GRITS $9.99

&YPXQER (V 7YQXIV

803-938-8200

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary.

GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2011. © 2011, 2014, 2015 GEICO.

Let’s be

Honest

GRILLED SALMON $9.99 SOUTHERN PIE (Shepard’s Pie) $9.99 SEAFOOD PLATTER $9.99 CATERING • GIFT CARDS • TAKE OUT

65 W. Wesmark Blvd (ACROSS FROM BILTON LINCOLN)

There is

Nothing Better than Unlimited Talk & Text with Rollover Data

$ for

45

/MO.

300 MB OF DATA TO SHARE Add 700 MB of data for only $5 more!

We’re excited to offer Rollover DataSM to our new and current Mobile Share Value® customers. If you’re on a Mobile Share Value plan, you automatically get Rollover Data.

Currently not on a Mobile Share Value plan? Sign up today!

www.ftcwireless.com | 888-218-5050 Rollover Data is only available with Mobile Share Value plans. Unused data from the monthly plan allowance rounds up to the nearest MB and carries over for one billing period. Unused Rollover Data automatically expires after one billing period or with any plan change. Rollover Data is always consumed last, after all other data allowances. Unused Rollover Data is not redeemable for cash or credit and is not transferable, including to other Mobile Share Value groups. Advertised monthly plan is subject to buying the phone non-contract. Other restrictions may apply.

803-469-8502

Sun., Mon., Tues. 11:00am-2:30pm Wed. and Thur. Lunch 11:00am-2:30pm • Dinner 5pm - 9pm Fri. and Sat. 11:00am-9:00pm

COOK’S PARTS CITY Auto Parts

Spring is just around the corner!

Set appointment for Free A/C check.

Cook’s is a local Family Owned Business serving Sumter, Dalzell, and Shaw for many years.

We guarantee our parts and our labor!

Come see Cary and the Guys today!

3170 Frierson Rd. • Dalzell, SC 29040 Phone: 803-499-9086 • Fax: 803-499-4388 HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 7AM-6PM • SATURDAY 8AM-5PM

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED FOR 27 YEARS!

THE SUMTER ITEM

49 S. Main Street 803-775-2331 1070 Broad Street 803-934-0266

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

|

A5

A6

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

|

STATE

THE SUMTER ITEM

Need for FOIA clear, definition of what it covers not

BY REBECCA JOHNSON USC School of Journalism

L

eonard Riley Jr. knows his First Amendment rights

and his rights to public information.

And he knows when they’ve been violated.

Dissatisfied with the management policies at the Medical University of South Carolina, Riley and other activists organized a silent protest of the university’s board of trustees meetings last fall with the intention to go to every meeting until their complaints were acknowledged.

But at their second appearance, the trustees abruptly decided that the previous protest had been unruly and distracting.

The protesters were provided just five seats and prohibited from displaying their signs, an action that Riley considered a violation of their freedom of speech.

“If a public meeting is happening, we have a right to be there,” he said this week.

“This was a violation of my rights under the Constitution of the United States.”

The restrictions didn’t last long, and Riley, chair of the Carolina Alliance for Fair Employment, said the protests will continue until the board gives them an audience.

Riley’s experience is just one example of an attempt to infringe upon South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act, which outlines citizens’ access to public information controlled by state agencies and legislators.

After three S.C. Supreme Court decisions last year weakened the FOI Act, state lawmakers have introduced five bills this session intended to strengthen and clarify state laws.

“We need to open up the secrets of agencies and local governments to public scrutiny,” said John Crangle, chairman of the state’s chapter of Common Cause, a citizen’s lobby for democracy reform. “That’s what we need in South Carolina.”

If passed, the bills would designate an office of FOI review; lift legislators’ exemption from FOI; require an agenda for public meetings; and disclose cause of death from autopsy reports.

Patricia O’Connor, chair of the South Carolina Press Association’s FOI committee and a journalism professor at Coastal Carolina University, said the bills could “set a tone for further strengthening of open government and the FOI bill in South Carolina.”

Although not as longstanding as FOI laws in other states, O’Connor said, South Carolina’s FOI Act is in the middle of the pack in ease and efficiency of obtaining public information.

Crangle, a retired attorney, lobbyist and political science professor at Limestone College, still speaks incredulously of charges he received after requesting information more than a decade ago.

In 1991, he was charged $580 for the time it took the athletic director at Lexington School District One to gather information, which he said amounted to $25 an hour.

Crangle recognizes the same holes in the law now as he did then.

He pointed out what he calls a “compliance problem” in government, in which citizens are overcharged for information and get their information too late to be of any use.

“Where do you go if the government agency doesn’t comply?” Crangle said.

“There’s this attitude that the less the public knows, the better.”

Rep. Weston Newton, R-

mation Act Review to settle Beaufort, and a sponsor of FOI disputes, allowing comthe bills in the House, said plainants to bypass a lengthithat in South Carolina, a culer suit in Circuit Court. ture has developed around The bill would also limit the idea that “decisions were request waiting periods and made by a select few, and evcosts. eryone else just heard about It was sent it after.” to the Senate The FOI on Feb. 19. bills, he said, She said the would “rebill includes duce and re“retaliatory move obstaand punitive cles to those measures seeking comagainst citipliance from zens” to disthe governsuade anyment.” one from “It’s meant JOHN CRANGLE, seeking into promote formation. the notion She also that the pub- Chairman of S.C. Chapter of pointed out lic’s busiCommon Cause, a citizen’s that the adness should ministrative be done in lobby for democracy reform review board public,” he is not an insaid. “There dependent shouldn’t be entity but another governa special set of rules for ment office. members of the General AsShe cites Section 30-4-100: sembly.” “… A public body may file a But not all of the proposed request for hearing with the legislation is supported by every watchdog organization. Office of Freedom of Information Act Review pursuant Ashley Landess, president to Section 1-23-665 to seek reof South Carolina Policy lief from unduly burdenCouncil, said the public some, overly broad, or othershould be wary of the wordwise improper requests.” ing in some of these laws.

She said the loosely defined Throughout the years of terms make room for legislafighting for government tors to justify many reasons transparency, Landess said, to not produce the requested the council has become atinformation, but also to tuned to how legislators “tin“punish” anyone who asks ker with language” in their for information by allowing laws. legislators to require the citiLandess cited House bill zen to show up for a hearing.

3191, which would create the “We can no longer afford to Office of Freedom of Infor-

‘We need to open up the secrets of agencies and local governments to public scrutiny.’

ignore legislation that keeps being introduced that hurts the public,” Landess said.

“Just the fact that they’re proposing this is worrisome.”

Not all legislators support all the bills, either.

House bill 3190, which would eliminate the legislative exemption from the FOI, has been sent back to the House Judiciary Subcommittee.

Newton said the bill raised questions about the extent of a legislator’s role as a public official.

Legislators said there needs to be a clear definition for the capacity in which they are considered a public official verses a public citizen.

When it was written, Newton said, the existing legislation couldn’t account for developing technology, such as emails and texts.

Landress said there should be no loophole for legislators.

“Whenever they start carving out exemptions from state law, we need to be suspicious,” she said. “There should be no exception to the FOIA.” Landess thinks the new legislation still doesn’t address the main issue.

“Nothing that we see addresses the fundamental problem in this state, that public information is hard to get and is not readily available,” she said. “Public information shouldn’t be something we have to search for.

There should be no need for us to FOIA anything.”

Price Slasher Sale

2008 GMC YUKON

RETAIL WAS

NOW 2007 CHEVY SUBURBAN

Only At

19,250

RETAIL WAS

NOW 2006 CHEVY MONTE CARLO

$

20,995

$

17,900

$

15,600

$

RETAIL WAS

NOW

Prices Good From March 1 - 4, 2015

6,900

$

5,500

$

Great Cars. Great Prices. Great People.

3277 Broad St • Sumter, SC • 494-2886 www.randrmotorsofsumter.com

The right size for you?

That’s FMU!

Come try us on Open House for Prospective Students March 7 • April 11 Register online at www.fmarion.edu or call 843-661-1231

THE SUMTER ITEM

WORLD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

|

A7

Police: Men built mystery tunnel to use as man cave

BY ROB GILLIES The Associated Press TORONTO — Two young men who built a mysterious tunnel in Toronto had no criminal intent, police said Monday. They just wanted a man cave.

Const. Victor Kwong said tips from the public helped them identify the two men in their 20s responsible for building the underground chamber near a Pan Am Games venue. News of the tunnel’s discovery set off a social media frenzy, with theories of its purpose ranging from zombie hideouts to affordable housing.

Kwong said the two men just wanted to have fun, and there was never any danger to public safety.

“It was a place for them to hang out. They started out as goal to make

a cool place, and that’s what they did,” Kwong said.

He said investigators checked out their explanation, and the case is now closed. He said the men will not be charged, though they could face a fine.

The bunker, discovered in January by a conservation officer in a densely wooded area, is 27 yards from the fence of the Rexall Centre, which is to host tennis events for the Pan Am Games.

Inside, police said they found beverage containers, plywood wall supports, a generator and a sump pump.

The chamber was almost 2 yards high, 34 inches wide and 33 feet long.

Toronto police announced the discovery of the tunnel on Feb. 24 after weeks of surveillance didn’t turn up anything.

Kwong said police are not releasing the men’s names or any further de-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A copy of a police photo of a tunnel found near York University in Toronto is seen during a press conference about the tunnel in Toronto on Feb. 24. tails since the case is not a criminal investigation.

Kwong said the men are not thought

to be survivalists, adding they just “wanted to dig a tunnel.” He said they were not ex-miners or engineers.

A8

|

LOCAL | NATION

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

COUNCIL FROM PAGE A1 yes,” she said, “But everybody can’t afford to do the same thing.”

Dwyer said some people may try to keep up with the registration fees and maintenance costs, but they may not have the financial means to do so.

Through the amended maintenance code, General Counsel Eric Shytle said city property code enforcement officers could allege that a property is unfit for human habitation and recommend that the property be demolished. The property owner would then have 20 days to ap-

DHS FROM PAGE A1 Security Department to within hours of a partial shutdown last Friday before Congress passed a one-week extension and raised questions about Republicans’ ability to govern responsibly.

On Tuesday morning, addressing an uncharacteristically subdued gathering of House Republicans, Speaker John Boehner indicated he was out of options.

“I am as outraged and frustrated as you at the lawless and unconstitutional actions of this president,” Boehner told his caucus. “I believe this decision — considering where we are — is the right one for this team, and the right one for this country.”

“Our Republican colleagues in the Senate never found a way to win this

peal the call for demolition in the circuit court.

Councilman Calvin Hastie asked if petitions against the demolition could be brought before the circuit court system within the proposed 20day time period.

“I’ve got a murder trial in the circuit court I’ve been waiting on for over a year,” he said. “How are we going to get these things in front of circuit court in 20 days?”

All council members agreed that the amendments needed more scrutiny to ensure fairness and the appropriate management and application of disciplinary actions for maintenance code violations.

fight,” he said, noting that the matter is now in the courts. A federal judge last month put Obama’s directives on hold, a ruling the White House is appealing.

Conservative lawmakers who humiliated Boehner last week by voting down a three-week spending bill he proposed did not speak up in the private meeting to dissent or ask questions, people present said.

Afterward, they said they were disappointed but had no more moves to make.

“I don’t know that there is one,” said Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa. “This is the signal of capitulation.”

In a statement, Homeland Secretary Jeh Johnson thanked Democrats and Republicans who voted for the bill and, “in particular, those in Congress who showed the leadership necessary to get the job done.”

SPEECH FROM PAGE A1 accord designed to prevent it from getting a nuclear bomb.

“The greatest danger facing our world is the marriage of militant Islam with nuclear weapons,” he said in remarks before a packed House chamber that drew loud applause from Republicans and a more restrained reaction from Democrats.

Obama saw it differently and said so from the White House.

He said that the Israeli leader offered no “viable alternatives” to the nuclear negotiations with Iran and that the prospect of an agreement had already resulted in a freeze and rolling back of Iran’s program.

Netanyahu spoke in English shortly after Secretary of State John Kerry met for more than two hours in Switzerland with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in hopes of completing an international framework agreement later this month to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

The Israeli leader’s appeal also came two weeks before tight

elections in which he is seeking a new term — and after the invitation to address Congress extended by House Speaker John Boehner, a Republican, triggered a political furor in the United States. More than four dozen House and Senate Democrats said in advance they would not attend the event, a highly unusual move given historically close ties between the two allies.

Many of Netanyahu’s comments were greeted by loud applause from U.S. lawmakers, but not everyone was persuaded by his rhetoric.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California conspicuously refrained from applauding on several occasions, and when the Israeli leader called for holding out for a better deal with Iran, she held her hands wide and shook her head in disagreement. Later, she issued a statement saying that she was “near tears throughout the prime minister’s speech — saddened by the insult to the intelligence of the United States” as part of the interna-

We’ve Moved!!!

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

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

THE SUMTER ITEM

REACTION FROM PAGE A1 The speech was the prime minister’s third before Congress, an act only previously done by Winston Churchill. John Boehner, R-Ohio and Speaker of the House, invited Netanyahu to deliver the speech without consulting the White House, an unusual breach of protocol. This perceived slight gave rise to debate about the politicization of Netanyahu’s remarks and helped widen the gap between Democrats and Republicans, though both Netanyahu and Obama declared it would have no negative effect on relations between the United States and Israel.

Roger Ackerman, a Sumter native and local Jewish community member greatly informed of the two countries’ relationship, says he regrets the prime minister came under such divisive circumstances.

“I think it was wrong, bypassing the administration,” said Ackerman.

“I don’t think any president, whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, would appreciate that. There’s a strain that didn’t have to happen.”

Ackerman said he understands Netanyahu’s position and agrees that Iran is a “dangerous country.” However, he said the United States should do anything it can to avoid war and that Netanyahu and Congress should not dismiss the proposed deal without knowing what it could do.

“I don’t think he offered an alternative to the Iran plan, and that’s disappointing,” Ackerman said. Netanyahu has advocated that Iran re-

tional coalition in talks with Tehran.

The White House expressed its displeasure with Netanyahu’s appearance by word and deed, dispatching Vice President Joe Biden on an overseas trip that meant he did not fill his customary seat behind the House rostrum during the speech. Nor did the Israeli leader meet at the White House with Obama on his trip to the United States.

The prime minister was greeted with a roaring welcome as he walked down the same center aisle of the House chamber that presidents tread before their annual State of the Union speeches.

He also sought to smooth over any political unpleasantness, thanking Obama lavishly for the help he has given Israel since he became president. In a grace note, he took a moment to mention Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, who is back at work after suffering an eye injury in an accident at home.

At the same time, Netanyahu was unrelenting in his condemnation of the negotia-

linquish its uranium enrichment entirely, instead of the country opening its nuclear program to international inspection and decreasing its number of centrifuges, effectively allowing the West sufficient time to respond should Iran break the agreement. Ackerman thinks that alternative is not realistic.

“Is that realistic?” asked Ackerman.

“The administration doesn’t think that’s realistic.” Ackerman went on to say that America’s allies in imposing economic sanctions on Iran, chief among them China and Russia, would “not buy that, either.”

Ackerman says he doesn’t think Netanyahu speaks for all Jews, or even all Israelis. Some view Netanyahu’s speech as extremely important politically as it precedes an upcoming election for prime minister in Israel. While he may have done himself favors at home, Ackerman said, he thinks there’s a split in Israel among people who view Netanyahu’s speech to Congress in a positive or negative light.

Either way, Ackerman thinks the speech may have had a divisive impact on relations between Israel and the United States. “He may have helped himself in his election, but didn’t help himself here,” he said.

“We’re Americans first,” Ackerman said, speaking of his commitment to the country and Netanyahu’s opposition to the Iran nuclear talks. “We’re American Jews. I understand where he’s coming from. I think there’s a real fear — we’re dealing with a terrible country. I think we need to try to do everything.”

yahu’s comments as well as the invitation that led to his speech.

“On the core issue, which is how do we prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, which would make it far more dangerous and would give it scope for even greater action in the region, the prime minister didn’t offer any viable alternatives,” he said.

Asked before a meeting with Defense Secretary Ash Carter about Netanyahu speaking before Congress, Obama said the U.S. has a system of government where “foreign policy runs through the executive branch and the president, not through other channels.”

At the Capitol, Netanyahu singled out Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, a world-renowned author.

“I wish I could promise you, Elie, that the lessons of history have been learned,” he said in a reference to the Nazis, who killed 6 million Jews.

A few moments later, he added, applause swelling, “The days when the Jewish people remained passive in the face of genocidal enemies are over.”

tions the administration is conducting with Tehran.

He said that with the concessions the United States was prepared to make Iran would not only gain nuclear weapons, but also eventually would become free of international economic sanctions. As a result, he said, it would be emboldened to finance even more terrorism across the Middle East and the world.

The result for Iran, he said, would be “aggression abroad and prosperity at home.”

Instead, he said that if Iran wants to be “treated like a normal country, it ought to behave like a normal country.”

“We’ve been told that no deal is better than a bad deal.

Well this is a bad deal, a very bad deal,” he said.

He said that the world needs to insist that no restrictions are lifted on Iran’s nuclear program until the country stops aggressive actions against its neighbors in the Mideast, stops supporting terrorism around the world and stops threatening to annihilate Israel.

Later, at the White House, Obama took issue with Netan-

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

“Compassionate dental care for the entire family”

OAK PARK

FAMILY & AESTHETIC DENTISTRY

Catherine M. Zybak, DMD

480 E. Liberty St. Sumter, SC 29150 (inside Coca-Cola Building))

Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 5:30 PM • Sat: 8 - 2 PM

803-773-8022

Available at The Item

$

20 QUALITY PUMPS & PUMP ACCESSORIES MADE IN THE USA NAME BRAND YOU CAN TRUST

PICTURES FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY.

Wally’s Hardware

1291 Broad St. Ext. • Sumter, SC Open: Mon-Fri. 8am - 5:30pm • Sat. 8am - 2pm

469-8531

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

|

A9

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

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

Longtime journalist fought for open government

O

ne of the champions of open government in South Carolina died Sunday. The general public is probably not familiar with the name John Shurr, but journalists in this state certainly were.

Shurr was The Associated Press’ bureau chief in South Carolina for 20 years. During that time he was in the forefront of demanding transparency in government, which not only benefited the press in South Carolina, but also all residents who expect accountability from those elected to public office, plus all public institutions that are funded by taxpayers. For too many years some office holders in our state

EDITORIAL

setting up meetings between judges, journalists and lawyers so they could seek common ground in finding ways have tended to forget they were emto keep the public informed without ployees of the aforementioned. Shurr disruptions to the judicial process. worked diligently as an advocate of Shurr was always helpful, encouragopen government as a long-time chairman of the ing and supportive of this newspaper in its efforts to open the doors to local S.C. Press Association’s government bodies and let the sunFreedom of Information shine in so the residents of our city Committee and was instrumental in persuading and county would be fully informed, which is what the First Amendment to the courts of this state to the U.S. Constitution is all about. allow cameras and tape SHURR Another aspect of Shurr’s producrecorders in courtrooms. tive and admirable life was as a memNow electronic equipment is common ber of the Cherokee tribe from his nain today’s courtrooms, thanks to the tive Oklahoma. He was extremely dedisoft-spoken Shurr, who led the way in

COMMENTARY

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

College campus update

AMERICA NEEDS TO KEEP AN EYE ON IRAN’S NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENTS

P

resident Obama wants Americans to dig deeper into our pockets to expand college education. Let’s update college indoctrination done in the name of education.

Cornell University assistant professor Russell Rickford, in a lecture titled “Ferguson: The Next Steps,” told a packed auditorium: “Let’s be very clear about what’s going on. It’s one every 28 hours. Dead black bodies in the street is a sacrifice America makes to the gods of white supremacy.”

He added: “The properWalter tied classes Williams leverage state violence to discipline, repress and contain them. America fears and despises all poor people.”

Blake Armstrong, a South Texas College psychology professor, equating the tea party to Nazis, told his class: “In 1931, which was really interesting, the Nazis — people are kind of tired of them. They’ve been around since 1920, 11 years now.

They’ve won seats. They’re like the tea party! That’s such a good example.” Armstrong continued, “Don’t tell anybody I said that, though.”

William Claggett, a professor at Florida State University, told his class, “I don’t read The Wall Street Journal — again, a rag of lies — unless I’m interested in who’s the CEO of some particular company.” As for news, he said, “So you know, when I’m at home clicking through the stations, oh, here comes Fox News, the Fox News Channel. Oh, I don’t stop there. I know they’re simply lying, and I keep on going.”

Students learn from their professors. The University of California Student Association recently voted to divest financially of the United States government and companies that do business with Israel. Both resolutions passed overwhelmingly. Reasons given for divestiture included U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen, as well as disproportionate imprisonment of racial minorities.

It’s early yet, but I’m wondering whether university trustees will instruct their fund managers to replace their U.S. equity holdings with those from the Middle East or Africa.

The University of Michigan spent $16,000 to launch a new “Inclusive Language Campaign” so as to not say hurtful things. Terms deemed unacceptable in-

clude crazy, insane, retarded, gay, tranny, gypped, illegal alien, fag, ghetto and raghead. Also banned are sentences such as “I want to die” and “That test raped me” because they diminish the experience of people who’ve attempted suicide or experienced sexual assault.

One wonders what advice University of Michigan students would give their brethren attending the University of Wisconsin. When College Republicans urged fellow students to keep an open mind about Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s planned cuts to the university’s budget, the College Republicans received responses such as, “You must have a big hairy pair of brass balls and a marginally functional brain to be recruiting for Republicans on the UW campus right now.” “F--- Scott Walker.” “Listen you c---s, Don’t email me this political bull---.”

Last month, Megan Andelloux, aka “The Sex Ed Warrior Queen,” encouraged Vanderbilt University students to put their cellphones on vibrate so as to masturbate in their seats as she spoke during an interactive sex workshop. (http://www. thecollegefix.com/ post/21124). I’m wondering whether Vanderbilt University recruiters inform parents of high-school seniors about such a “learning opportunity.”

Then there’s Bryn Mawr College, founded in 1885, a private women’s liberal arts college located in Philadelphia’s wealthy Main Line suburbs. This year, Bryn Mawr will accept men, but it will remain a women’s college. You might say, “Williams, that’s impossible!” You’d be wrong. Bryn Mawr College will accept applications from men who identify as women. It will challenge what’s become known as gender binarism as it transitions from a single-sex to a “single-gendered” college. Classification of sex into two distinct, opposite and disconnected forms of masculine and feminine is oppressive. I wonder whether Bryn Mawr biology professors will continue to teach the chromosomal distinction that males are 46,XY and females 46,XX. Could there be something in between?

There’s another issue: What will Bryn Mawr’s administrators do when brawny XY people dominate their sports teams? Maybe they will set quotas for XY and XX people.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2015 creators.com

We are facing a very dangerous situation if Iran is allowed to produce a nuclear weapon. This country, the United States of America, and countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and all other countries within that region will be jeopardized.

From news commentator Charles Krauthammer’s comments in The Sumter Item on Friday, Feb. 27: “The Iranians can start up their nuclear program and produce as much enriched uranium as they want.”

The country of Iran has never agreed

cated and loyal to his Native American heritage and held many positions of leadership among the Cherokees.

The best tribute we could think of to John Shurr would be if more residents of this state would strive to become as passionate as he was about freedom of information in South Carolina. A good start would be for people to study the Freedom of Information Act. It’s easily available on the South Carolina Press Association’s website, scpress.org.

Shurr had a lot to do with making it better, for the benefit of all the residents of this state, not just the press.

It’s good reading for those who pay the bills for politicians and public bodies.

with the United Nations on nuclear nonproliferation plans. Iran is a very dangerous threat to the world. As far as nuclear weapons are concerned, if Iran is not producing nuclear weapons, why do they want an abundant amount of enriched uranium and plutonium?

We, the United States of America, need to keep a very close eye on Iran’s nuclear development plans. “Nuclear weapons that get in the hands of the wrong person can destroy the whole world and everything in it,” according to Krauthammer.

MARION RICHBURG Paxville

COMMENTARY

Best of times or worst of times?

L

ast week, John Kerry seemed to be auditioning for the role of Dr. Pangloss.

Despite jihadi violence across the Middle East and ISIS terror in Iraq and Syria, Kerry told Congress, we live in “a period of less daily threat to Americans and to people in the world than normally — less deaths, less violent deaths today than through the last century.”

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper appeared to undercut Kerry the next day when he testified, “When the final accounting is done, 2014 will have been the most lethal year for global terrorism in the 45 years since such data has been complied.”

From January through September 2014, said Clapper, there were 13,000 terrorist attacks that killed 31,000 people. Afghanistan and Pakistan accounted for half of these attacks. And the Islamic State ranks first among terrorist organizations.

Yet, is Kerry wrong?

Despite our outrage about the barbarity of ISIS — beheadings of journalists and aid workers by Pat “Jihadi John,” and of Buchanan Christians on a beach — this century does not remotely rival in evil the bloodiest century of them all, the 20th.

From 1914 to 1918, nine million men died in the Great War. A comparable number of civilians perished.

At war’s end came the Russian Revolution and civil war, the Red Terror of Lenin, the genocide of the kulaks, the Holodomor in Ukraine and Stalin’s Great Purge of the ’30s.

Stalin’s butcher’s bill alone has been estimated at 30 million.

From World War II, 1939-45, European and Asian theaters together, the dead are estimated at another 50 million.

From 1945 to 1949, in the Chinese civil war between the Communists of Mao Zedong and the Nationalists of Chiang Kai-shek, millions more died. The 1947-48 war in the subcontinent that severed Pakistan from India also consumed millions of Hindu and Muslim lives.

Next came Korea and Vietnam, where the U.S. dead totaled more than 90,000, and the Korean and Vietnamese dead numbered in the millions. Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge produced a million dead Cambodians in their first year in power in 1975.

The Biafran War of secession from Nigeria from 1967 to 1970, the Derg coup in Ethiopia in 1974 and subsequent Marxist rule until 1991, Rwanda in the 1990s, were each responsible for more than a million deaths.

World War I gave us poison gas and starvation blockades; World War II provided ethnic cleansing, genocide, saturation bombing of cities and women and children, with the firestorms of Tokyo, Dresden, Hiroshima

and Nagasaki the grand finale.

Does not Kerry have a case?

We Americans lost more than 600,000 dead from 1861 to 1865, and another 600,000 died in World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam.

In this century, in Afghanistan and Iraq, the two longest wars in our history, the death toll is 7,000 — a terrible loss, but a tiny fraction of the number of Americans lost in wars during many of our lifetimes.

What Americans seem to lack today is a sense of perspective and what Mark Twain called “the calm confidence of a Christian with four aces.”

Jihadi John is a psycho, a sicko, a Charlie Manson who is loving all this publicity. He is not an “existential threat” to the United States.

Nor is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, or as he now calls himself, “Caliph Ibrahim,” who told his American captors who handed him over to Iraqi authorities in 2009, “I’ll see you guys in New York.” Not likely, Abu. This is not to say that America should dismiss the revolutionary forces roiling an Islamic world of dozens of nation states. If the Sunni regimes do not cope with this challenge, the epidemic could engulf them.

But as threats to the United States, ISIS, al-Qaida and Boko Haram are pathetic compared to Hitler’s Reich, Tojo’s Japan or the nuclear-armed “evil empire” of the Cold War. During the height of the Vietnam War in 1968, we were losing 200 a week. During World War II, it was 2,000 dead a week.

How many Americans are dying each week at the hands of ISIS? Make no mistake. These terrorists can bring down an airliner, shoot up malls, blow up buildings and kill a number of us. And they will behead any American who falls into their hands. But they cannot run a country. And they cannot defeat the United States.

Let us put this peril in perspective.

Each year, 33,000 American die in auto wrecks and tens of thousands die of the flu.

Last week, the Center for Disease Control reported that in 2011 alone, Clostridium difficile, or C. diff, a disease this writer had never heard of, caused 15,000 deaths in the USA. How many American deaths did ISIS cause?

As the Shiites are already engaged against ISIS, we should inform our Sunni friends — the Turks, Egyptians, Saudis, Gulf Arabs: As you are the most threatened here, you are the first responders to this blaze.

We will have your back, but we will not fight your war for you.

Patrick J. Buchanan is the author of the new book “The Greatest Comeback: How Richard Nixon Rose From Defeat to Create the New Majority.” © 2015 creators.com

A10

|

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C/A “Drop the Rock” Group — Thursday, 9:30 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call Elizabeth Owens at (803) 607-4543.

MONDAY MEETINGS: Sumter Vitiligo Support Group — second Monday of each month, 5:45-6:45 p.m., North HOPE Center, 904 N. Main St. Call Tiffany at (803) 316-6763. Find us on Facebook at Sumter Vitiligo Support.

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

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

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

EFMP Parent Exchange Group — Last Tuesday each month, 11 a.m.-noon, Airman and Family Readiness Center. Support to service members who have a dependent with a disability or illness. Call Dorcus

Haney at (803) 8951252/1253 or Sue Zimmerman at (803) 847-2377.

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

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

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

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

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

Call Fred Harmon at (803) 905-5620.

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

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

Wateree AIDS Task Force Support Group — Every third Friday, 11:30 a.m.

Contact Kevin Johnson at (803) 778-0303.

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

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Cloudy, a shower; breezy, warmer

Cloudy and warm; breezy late

Breezy with periods of rain

Much colder with clouds and sun

Cloudy

Clouds giving way to some sun

80°

62°

75° / 32°

47° / 31°

57° / 36°

63° / 41°

Chance of rain: 55%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 65%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 0%

SW 10-20 mph

SSW 8-16 mph

WSW 12-25 mph

ENE 8-16 mph

NNE 6-12 mph

ENE 4-8 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 73/60 Spartanburg 74/61

Greenville 75/61

Columbia 81/64

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

Sumter 80/62

IN THE MOUNTAINS Aiken 80/61

ON THE COAST

Charleston 78/61

Today: Mostly cloudy. Areas of fog; mist in northern parts. High 74 to 78.

Thursday: Occasional rain and a thunderstorm; not as warm. High 74 to 79.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

56° 41° 62° 38° 85° in 1951 11° in 1980

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

357.80 75.69 74.93 97.83

24-hr chg -0.23 +0.04 none +0.13

Sunrise 6:47 a.m.

Moonrise 5:39 p.m.

RIVER STAGES

Precipitation 24 hrs ending 4 p.m. yest. 0.02" Month to date 0.28" Normal month to date 0.39" Year to date 11.34" Last year to date 5.84" Normal year to date 7.81"

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

NATIONAL CITIES

REGIONAL CITIES

Today City Hi/Lo/W Atlanta 73/56/sh Chicago 20/1/pc Dallas 52/25/i Detroit 32/8/pc Houston 75/40/t Los Angeles 71/50/s New Orleans 81/54/r New York 44/28/r Orlando 86/66/s Philadelphia 46/31/r Phoenix 68/47/s San Francisco 65/48/s Wash., DC 49/34/r

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

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 57/30/r 15/3/s 38/21/s 21/4/s 43/29/c 76/52/s 55/36/r 29/14/sn 87/62/pc 32/12/sn 71/49/s 69/49/s 36/13/sn

Myrtle Beach 72/61

Manning 80/60

Today: A little rain; fog in the morning.

Winds southwest 8-16 mph.

Thursday: Rain tapering off. Winds northnorthwest 6-12 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 81/63

Bishopville 79/60

Today Hi/Lo/W 70/50/r 73/61/sh 81/63/c 77/59/pc 61/54/sh 78/61/c 76/61/sh 75/62/r 81/64/c 79/62/r 72/46/c 77/63/r 79/63/r

City Florence Gainesville Gastonia Goldsboro Goose Creek Greensboro Greenville Hickory Hilton Head Jacksonville, FL La Grange Macon Marietta

6:20 p.m.

5:59 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Mar. 5

Mar. 13

Mar. 20

Mar. 27

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 11.11 +0.08 19 4.22 +0.02 14 10.89 -0.20 14 5.05 -0.52 80 80.47 -0.19 24 9.05 +0.56

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 52/23/r 61/32/r 75/38/r 79/39/r 56/30/r 79/38/r 63/27/r 63/33/r 75/37/r 68/31/r 46/22/i 71/29/r 68/28/r

Sunset Moonset

AT MYRTLE BEACH

High 8:09 a.m.

8:33 p.m.

8:46 a.m.

9:11 p.m.

Today Thu.

Today Hi/Lo/W 81/63/r 85/60/pc 76/62/sh 78/62/r 78/62/c 73/50/sh 75/61/r 72/56/r 70/60/pc 84/60/pc 78/61/c 77/63/c 72/47/sh

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 77/32/r 83/54/r 64/28/r 65/27/r 79/38/r 51/22/i 64/29/r 57/23/sn 73/42/r 84/53/r 62/31/r 67/37/r 47/28/r

Ht. 3.0 2.9 3.0 3.0

Low Ht. 2:35 a.m. -0.2 3:03 p.m. 0.0 3:15 a.m. -0.2 3:38 p.m. 0.0

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 75/50/r Mt. Pleasant 76/61/pc Myrtle Beach 72/61/sh Orangeburg 81/62/c Port Royal 76/58/pc Raleigh 76/53/sh Rock Hill 75/61/sh Rockingham 79/62/c Savannah 81/60/pc Spartanburg 74/61/c Summerville 72/60/pc Wilmington 73/62/sh Winston-Salem 72/50/sh

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 52/16/i 78/39/r 70/35/r 76/36/r 76/44/r 55/24/i 63/27/r 65/27/r 81/41/r 63/28/r 75/42/r 72/31/r 52/23/i

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

For Comfort You Can Count On, Better Make It Boykin!

PUBLIC AGENDA TOWN OF LYNCHBURG PLANNING COMMISSION Today, 4 p.m., town hall

803-795-4257 www.boykinacs.com License #M4217

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be careful EUGENIA LAST what you reveal.

Someone will misinterpret you if you say too much. Emotional deception is apparent. Establish your position and you will gain the freedom you need to turn a situation in your favor. Don’t make any impulsive moves.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Connect with interesting people.

You will benefit from what you learn and the experience you get by taking part in projects or activities. A new outlook will lead to satisfaction. Communication with elders, children or peers will open your eyes.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): It’s what you do for others that will make a difference. Take the initiative to make your projects stand out. No matter what you want to accomplish, being proactive will be your ticket to getting positive results.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Speak up and you will command an audience. There is plenty to gain if you follow your heart and express your emotions and concerns. A change will benefit you if you don’t complain or make a fuss. Embrace the future.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You can make things happen. Jump into a leadership position and show everyone what you are capable of doing. A partnership will turn out to be gratifying and the perfect balance to help you hone your skills and execute them with finesse.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Face emotional issues head-on so that you can put the past behind you and move forward. Use any opportunity you get to express your likes and dislikes, and you’ll get a better idea where you stand

and what to do next.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Sharing with others will result in balance and equality. A new hobby or creative project will lead to new connections and new beginnings.

Romance is apparent, but emotional deception is likely to hinder the outcome.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Put your heart and soul into unusual projects that can improve your home environment and save you money. A home-based business will bring in extra cash. Someone older or with more experience will give you the push you need to excel.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take charge and get things underway. Plan an adventure, visit a friend or confess your feelings to someone you want to get to know better. Let your imagination run wild, and make changes that improve your surroundings.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put your finances in order. Make changes based on what you see and hear. Don’t give anyone a chance to take advantage of you. A lifestyle change will improve your health, but only if you maintain control of the situation.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

6-7-26-28-29 PowerUp: 2

11-17-25-28-46 Powerball: 12; Powerplay: 2

numbers unavailable at press time

PICK 3 TUESDAY

PICK 4 TUESDAY

LUCKY FOR LIFE MONDAY

3-7-9 and 2-6-5

3-4-2-3 and 1-9-7-8

2-16-20-25-39; Lucky Ball: 16

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Hal Tuttle comments on his photo submission, “I took this picture early in the morning at the boat dock at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Question your past work and professional choices, and make the changes that will help you utilize all the experience you have gathered along the way to find a moneymaking venture that suits your current situation. Romance is encouraged.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Mix business with pleasure. Take on a job that you find entertaining and easy. Don’t let the demands someone puts on you keep you from doing the things you want to do. Share your success and you will avoid interference.

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

SECTION

SHS’ Barnes, Tigers fall to Winthrop

B

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

B5

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

PREP BASKETBALL

AUTO RACING

Ready to go

NASCAR falls flat in Daytona 500 follow-up

Gamecocks set for 1st title shot since ’84-85; Rams look to go from runners-up to champs

BY JENNA FRYER The Associated Press

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com COLUMBIA — The contingent from the Sumter High School varsity boys basketball team looked bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on Tuesday morning at the South Carolina High School League office at the press conference for Friday’s 4A state championship game.

And, somewhat surprisingly, the gathering from Hillcrest High looked none the worse for wear considering it had punched its ticket to the title game just over 12 hours earlier.

“I had some after the game last night, but none this morning,” joked the Rams’ Tyler Hooker if he’d had any Gatorade when he got up on Tuesday morning after Hillcrest defeated Wade Hampton 80-76 in double overtime at Bons Secour Wellness Arena in Greenville on Monday to win the upper state crown. The game didn’t end until almost 11 p.m.

“We’re just happy to be here,” Hooker said.

The Rams, who are 26-2 on the

SEE READY, PAGE B3

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS ON SALE TODAY Advance tickets for the Sumter High School varsity boys’ 4A state championship contest and the Lakewood girls’ 3A state championship contest go on sale today at the respective schools.

Lakewood will have its tickets available for purchase by going to the school’s main office while Sumter will have its tickets on sale at the school’s athletic office. Athletic director Terrence Scriven and athletic secretary Shelly Richardson will be handling the sales.

Tickets are $10 per person. Children age 5 and under get in free.

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter High’s Brandon Parker (4) and the rest of the Gamecocks look to capture their first state championship since the 1984-85 season when they face Hillcrest on Friday in the 4A title game at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. The Rams finished as state runners-up last year.

Lady Gators, Bruins travel similar roads to Columbia

BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com COLUMBIA — The varsity girls basketball teams from Lakewood and Lancaster high schools have both followed similar paths this season.

It led them to the offices of the South Carolina High School League on Tuesday to talk about their next destination, the 3A state championship game at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

The Lady Bruins come into the game with a 26-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state. They won the upper state crown on Saturday, beating defending state champion Dreher 42-35.

Lancaster head coach Ronnie Robinson said he wasn’t sure of the last time Lancaster had a girls team play for a state title, but he was told it was sometime in the 1950s.

Lakewood is 22-4, ranked No. 6 and won the lower state crown by topping defending lower state champ Crestwood 49-29 on Saturday. This will be Lakewood’s first title game appearance.

“It’s starting to sink in a little bit,” said Lady Gators head coach Frances Fields of the idea Lakewood will be playing for a state title. “We’ve been thinking about it and this is really about making history for Sumter County. It’s been a long time

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Shanekia Jackson (23) and the rest of the Lady Gators will play in the program’s first state championship game on Saturday when they take on Lancaster at 5:30 p.m. at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. since a team from Sumter County has won a state title.”

Like Lakewood, Lancaster had a good season a year ago,

but had an early exit in the playoffs.

SEE ROADS, PAGE B3

CHARLOTTE — NASCAR did not have its finest weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where the follow-up to the Daytona 500 began with the theft of a race car and a parked SUV rolling into Denny Hamlin’s motorhome.

Qualifying was a debacle for the second week in a row, rain delayed the start of Sunday’s race and Jeff Gordon once again JOHNSON managed to crash into a concrete wall that lacked an energy-absorbing barrier.

By the time Jimmie Johnson took the checkered flag to close a cold and wet weekend, everyone was ready to get out of Atlanta.

It was a momentum-killing weekend for NASCAR, which had staged a strong seasonopener one week earlier only to fall flat at one of the more historic tracks on the circuit.

Things went awry early when a trailer carrying the Team XTREME race car for Travis Kvapil was stolen from a motel parking lot early Friday morning.

While the team scrambled to figure out what it would do — with no car, Kvapil was forced to withdrawal from the race — Hamlin received a jolt when his motorhome was struck by a rolling SUV that had mistakenly been left in gear.

After those two off-track distractions were dealt with, attention turned toward the debut of the 2015 rules package. Only that was marred by the second embarrassing qualifying session in as many weeks.

Four series champions were

SEE FOLLOW-UP, PAGE B5

USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Gamecocks, Lady Vols headline SEC tourney

BY KURT VOIGT The Associated Press NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For all that South Carolina has achieved under coach Dawn Staley, there’s a glaring absence on the school’s resume.

It’s an omission the No. 3 Gamecocks, who have risen from near the bottom to become one of the Southeastern Conference’s elite programs in seven seasons under Staley, hope to rectify at this week’s league tournament.

The tournament begins Wednesday night, featuring five ranked teams and the usual host of other NCAA Tournament hopefuls from one of the nation’s deepest leagues.

For South Carolina (27-2), which opens on Friday, this week is about more than just preparing to enter the NCAA Tournament on a high note after a setback at No. 12 Kentucky over the weekend. It’s about putting the exclamation point on the school’s back-to-back regularseason SEC championships by winning its first tournament title.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks look to add another piece to their impressive resume by winning the Southeastern Conference tournament, which begins today. USC has a bye and will not play until Friday.

“We’ve played great basketball because we were challenged every single night,” Staley said. “And to rise to the

SEE SEC, PAGE B4

B2

|

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

AREA ROUNDUP

Sumter JV baseball squad opens season with victory Sumter High School’s junior varsity baseball team opened the season with a 12-9 victory over Camden in eight innings on Sunday at the SHS field.

Jacob Holladay pitched two innings in relief to earn the win.

Offensively Tucker Chapman had three hits and three runs batted in. Holladay added two hits and Andrew Twitty had two RBI. SHS will host Lugoff-Elgin today at 6 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER WILSON HALL 7 PINEWOOD PREP 0

Wilson Hall opened its season with a 7-0 victory over Pinewood Prep on Tuesday at Palmetto Park SportsPlex.

Mills Herlong and Frampton Macloskie each scored three goals while Langston Cooper added a goal in the win.

The JV Barons will travel to face Ben Lippen on Thursday at 5 p.m.

B TEAM BASEBALL WILSON HALL 10 ORANGEBURG PREP 0 ORANGEBURG — Bryce Spittle, Burgess Jordan and Keaton Price combined to throw a one-hitter and strike out 10 batters in a 10-0 victory over Orangeburg Prep on Monday at the Indians field to open the season.

Spittle and Jordan led the offense with two hits apiece while Emory Moore scored three runs.

LAURENCE MANNING 18 COLLETON PREP 1

Laurence Manning Academy defeated Colleton Prep 18-1 on Monday in the season opener for the Swampcats.

VARSITY SOCCER WILSON HALL 4 PINEWOOD 0 The Wilson Hall soccer team earned a 4-0 season-opening victory for new head coach Wills Bryan on Tuesday at Palmetto Park SportsPlex.

Cody Hoover, Cody King, Andrew McCaffrey and Robert Young each scored a goal to lead the Barons.

Patrick Bell earned the shutout in goal.

The Barons will host Trinity Collegiate today.

TRINITY-BYRNES 2 THOMAS SUMTER 1

DARLINGTON — Thomas Sumter Academy fell 2-1 to Trinity-Byrnes on Tuesday at the Trojans field.

Noah White scored the Generals lone goal assisted by Austin Hudson. TSA will host Northwood Academy on Thursday.

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER SUMTER 2 CAMDEN 0

Sumter High defeated Camden High School 2-0 on Tuesday at the Gamecocks field.

Izzy Sneider and Jaidon Martin each scored a goal and Mary Kate Shaffer added an assist for SHS. Goalkeeper Katie Walker earned the shutout in goal.

The Lady Gamecocks will travel to face Lakewood on Friday.

COLLEGE BASEBALL USCS SPLITS WITH MUSKEGON

MYRTLE BEACH — The University of South Carolina Sumter baseball team split two games with Muskegon Community College.

The Fire Ants won game 1-0 but lost the second contest 1-0. They scored just one run in 14 innings.

Former SHS standout Will Smith threw a 7-inning complete game in the opener. He struck out eight and allowed five hits and no walks.

Austin Hawley took the loss in relief for the Fire Ants in Game 2. USCS had the tying run at second in the seventh but couldn’t get the clutch hit and were held to three hits total.

USCS also lost to Brunswick Community College 10-9 on Sunday in 11 innings. Corey Sox, now 3-1 on the year, took the loss as USCS blew a 2-run lead in the bottom of the 10th.

Offensively, Will Thomas had three hits and two runs scored. Ray Murphy was 2-for-6 including two RBI. The Fire Ants, now 15-8 on the year, will host Florence-Darlington Tech this weekend to open Region X play.

BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

LeBron reaches milestone in Cavs’ 110-79 win over Celtics CLEVELAND — LeBron James scored 27 points to move into 21st place on the NBA’s career list, and the Cleveland Cavaliers cruised to a 110-79 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.

James, who has 24,508 career points, JAMES moved past Ray Allen with a layup in the third quarter. He was pulled with 4:41 remaining in the period and didn’t return, playing 26 minutes.

Kyrie Irving scored 18 points in his return after missing two games with a shoulder injury, and Kevin Love — who played despite missing the morning shoot-around due to illness — added 12 points.

10 rebounds as the Terps (25-5, 13-4 Big Ten) sent Rutgers (10-20, 2-15) to its 13th straight loss.

Jake Layman added 14 points for Maryland and freshman Melo Trimble had 10 on a poor shooting night.

(19) NORTH CAROLINA 81 GEORGIA TECH 49

HORNETS 104

ATLANTA — Just in time for a rematch with Duke, No. 19 North Carolina established some late-season momentum by beating Georgia Tech 81-49, completing a sweep of the struggling Yellow Jackets.

The Tar Heels, who have won two straight for the first time since January, close their regular season against No. 3 Duke on Saturday.

Duke beat North Carolina 92-90 in overtime on Feb. 18.

LAKERS 103

GEORGETOWN 60

CHARLOTTE — Al Jefferson had 21 points and 16 rebounds, Mo Williams added 20 points and 13 assists and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-103 for their third win in four games.

Williams, who came in averaging 23.4 points in his first five games since being acquired from Minnesota, had his third double-double with the Hornets.

Gerald Henderson added 21 points, including several key baskets late in the fourth quarter. Cody Zeller had 10 points and 11 rebounds as all five Charlotte starters finished in double figures.

(21) BUTLER 54

COLLEGE (10) MARYLAND 60 RUTGERS 50 PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Dez Wells scored six straight points after Rutgers tied the game late in the second half and No. 10 Maryland won its sixth straight game, a much-harder than expected 60-50 victory over the Scarlet Knights.

Wells finished with 20 points and

INDIANAPOLIS — D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera scored 16 points in his return to Indianapolis, helping Georgetown hold on for a 60-54 victory over No. 21 Butler.

The Hoyas (19-9, 11-6) have won four of their last five and still have a chance at the No. 2 seed in next week’s Big East tournament.

USC UPSTATE 90 KENNESAW STATE 54

SPARTANBURG — Ty Greene, the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year, scored 21 points to help No. 3 seed South Carolina Upstate beat sixthseeded Kennesaw State 90-57 in the quarterfinals of the A-Sun tournament.

ShunQuez Stephens added 14 points as Upstate (22-10) set a singleseason school record for wins during the Division I era.

Upstate will play No. 2 seed Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday in the semifinals.

From wire reports

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD

Milwaukee Indiana Detroit

TV, RADIO

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

TODAY

MLB SPRING TRAINING

By The Associated Press AMERICAN LEAGUE

W 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1

Memphis Houston Dallas San Antonio New Orleans NORTHWEST DIVISION Portland Oklahoma City Utah Denver Minnesota PACIFIC DIVISION Golden State L.A. Clippers Phoenix Sacramento L.A. Lakers

W 42 41 40 36 32

L 16 18 22 23 28

Pct .724 .695 .645 .610 .533

GB – 1 1/2 4 6 1/2 11

W 39 33 23 20 13

L 19 27 35 39 46

Pct .672 .550 .397 .339 .220

GB – 7 16 19 1/2 26 1/2

W 46 40 31 20 16

L 12 21 30 37 42

Pct .793 .656 .508 .351 .276

GB – 7 1/2 16 1/2 25 1/2 30

MONDAY’S GAMES

Toronto 114, Philadelphia 103 Miami 115, Phoenix 98 Brooklyn 110, Golden State 108 L.A. Clippers 110, Minnesota 105 Dallas 102, New Orleans 93

TUESDAY’S GAMES

L.A. Lakers at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Boston at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Sacramento at New York, 7 p.m.

Houston at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

Washington at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Utah at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Milwaukee at Denver, 9 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Phoenix at Orlando, 7 p.m.

New York at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

Utah at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Detroit at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.

Memphis at Houston, 8 p.m.

Denver at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Oklahoma City at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Dallas at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

NHL STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION GP W Montreal 63 41 Tampa Bay 64 38 Detroit 61 35 Boston 62 31 Florida 63 28 Ottawa 60 27 Toronto 63 25 Buffalo 63 19 METROPOLITAN DIVISION GP W N.Y. Rangers 62 39 N.Y. Islanders 64 41 Pittsburgh 62 36 Washington 64 34 Philadelphia 63 27 New Jersey 63 26 Columbus 62 26 Carolina 62 24

Nashville St. Louis Chicago Winnipeg Minnesota Colorado Dallas PACIFIC DIVISION

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Detroit 15, Baltimore 2 Philadelphia 5, N.Y. Yankees 5, tie Pittsburgh 8, Toronto 7 Oakland 9, San Francisco 4 Cincinnati 10, Cleveland 0

L 17 20 15 22 22 23 33 39

OT 5 6 11 9 13 10 5 5

Pts 87 82 81 71 69 64 55 43

GF 171 210 180 165 154 171 170 123

GA 139 171 159 161 178 163 193 212

L 17 21 17 20 25 27 32 31

OT 6 2 9 10 11 10 4 7

Pts 84 84 81 78 65 62 56 55

GF 196 205 181 188 168 141 160 144

GA 153 179 155 159 183 164 196 167

GP 64 63 64 64 62 63 63

W 41 40 38 32 33 27 27

OT 7 5 5 12 7 11 10

Pts 89 85 81 76 73 65 64

GF 192 197 188 179 176 167 196

GA 155 159 152 172 161 182 210

L 16 18 21 20 22 25 26

GP W L OT Pts GF GA Anaheim 64 40 17 7 87 189 177 Vancouver 62 36 23 3 75 180 167 Calgary 62 33 25 4 70 175 160 Los Angeles 62 29 21 12 70 166 162 San Jose 64 31 25 8 70 179 181 Arizona 63 20 36 7 47 138 214 Edmonton 63 18 35 10 46 143 208 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

MONDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Rangers 4, Nashville 1 Chicago 5, Carolina 2 San Jose 4, Montreal 0

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Nashville at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Calgary at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Washington at Columbus, 7 p.m.

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

Toronto at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Ottawa at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Anaheim at Arizona, 9 p.m.

Los Angeles at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m.

San Jose at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Ottawa at Winnipeg, 7:30 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Detroit, 8 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Colorado, 10 p.m.

Montreal at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Detroit vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

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

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

N.Y. Mets vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox vs. L.A. Dodgers at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Cincinnati vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

San Diego vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Oakland vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Kansas City vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Arizona vs. Colorado at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Yankees vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 1:05 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Oakland vs. Chicago Cubs (ss) at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

San Diego vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (ss) vs. San Francisco at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Texas vs. Kansas City at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers vs. Chicago White Sox at Glendale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Cleveland vs. Cincinnati at Goodyear, Ariz., 3:05 p.m.

Colorado vs. Arizona at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:10 p.m.

Milwaukee vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 3:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets vs. Washington at Viera, Fla., 5:05 p.m.

Boston vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 7:05 p.m.

Toronto vs. Baltimore (ss) at Sarasota, Fla., 7:05 p.m.

NBA STANDINGS

By The Associated Press EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION

Chicago Cleveland

4 1/2 11 1/2 13 1/2

CENTRAL DIVISION

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Atlanta Washington Miami Charlotte Orlando Central Division

.542 .424 .390

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Pct 1.000 1.000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000

W L Pct Cincinnati 1 0 1.000 Pittsburgh 1 0 1.000 Arizona 0 0 .000 Atlanta 0 0 .000 Chicago 0 0 .000 Colorado 0 0 .000 Los Angeles 0 0 .000 Miami 0 0 .000 Milwaukee 0 0 .000 New York 0 0 .000 Philadelphia 0 0 .000 San Diego 0 0 .000 St. Louis 0 0 .000 Washington 0 0 .000 San Francisco 0 1 .000 NOTE: Split-squad games count in the standings; games against non-major league teams do not.

Toronto Brooklyn Boston Philadelphia New York SOUTHEAST DIVISION

27 34 36

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament First-Round Game from Greensboro, N.C. (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

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

2 p.m. – Women’s International Soccer: Algarve Cup Group-Stage Match from Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal – United States vs.

Norway (FOX SPORTS 1).

2:40 p.m. – International Soccer: Barclays Premier League Match – Chelsea vs. West Ham (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

3:30 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament First-Round Game from Greensboro, N.C. (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

4 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Cleveland vs. Cincinnati from Goodyear, Ariz.

(MLB NETWORK).

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

6:30 p.m. – Women’s College Basketball: Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament First-Round Game from Greensboro, N.C. (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: La Salle at St. Joseph’s (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: Notre Dame at Louisville (ESPN).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: Central Florida at South Florida (ESPNU).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: Providence at Seton Hall (FOX SPORTS 1).

7 p.m. – College Basketball: Tennessee at Louisiana State (SEC NETWORK).

7:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Charlotte at Brooklyn (SPORTSOUTH).

8 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers at Miami (ESPN).

8 p.m. – College Basketball: Houston at Tulane (ESPNEWS).

8 p.m. – International Soccer: CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal Second Leg Match – LD Alajuelense vs. D.C. United (FOX SPORTS 2, UNIVISION).

8 p.m. – NHL Hockey: New York Rangers at Detroit (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: Southern California at UCLA (ESPN2).

9 p.m. – College Baseball: Texas Christian at Oklahoma State (ESPNU).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: St. John’s at Marquette (FOX SPORTS 1).

9 p.m. – Major League Exhibition Baseball: Chicago White Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers from Glendale, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

9 p.m. – College Basketball: Mississippi State at Vanderbilt (SEC NETWORK).

10 p.m. – International Soccer: CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal Second Leg Match – Saprissa vs. America (FOX SPORTS 2, UNIVISION).

10:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Portland at Los Angeles Clippers (ESPN).

11 p.m. – College Basketball: San Diego State at Nevada-Las Vegas (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

11 p.m. – College Basketball: Oregon at Oregon State (ESPNU).

11 p.m. – LPGA Golf: HSBC Champions First Round from Singapore (GOLF).

Midnight – Major League Exhibition Baseball: San Diego vs. Seattle from Peoria, Ariz. (MLB NETWORK).

2 a.m. – International Soccer: Mexican League Match – Zacatepec vs. Alebrljes (UNIVISION).

Detroit Oakland Boston Chicago Houston Kansas City Los Angeles Minnesota New York Seattle Tampa Bay Texas Baltimore Cleveland Toronto

32 25 23

W 38 25 23 13 12

L 22 33 34 47 46

Pct .633 .431 .404 .217 .207

GB – 12 13 1/2 25 25

W 47 34 26 24 19

L 12 26 33 33 42

Pct .797 .567 .441 .421 .311

GB – 13 1/2 21 22 29

W 37 37

L 23 24

Pct .617 .607

GB – 1/2

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Calgary at Boston, 7 p.m.

St. Louis at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Washington, 7 p.m.

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

Dallas at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Vancouver at Arizona, 9 p.m.

Montreal at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

TRANSACTIONS

By The Associated Press

BASEBALL

American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX _ Agreed to terms with RHPs Maikel Cleto, Raul Fernandez, Erik Johnson, Frankie Montas, Jake Petricka, Zach Putnam, Daniel Webb and Michael Ynoa; LHPs Onelki Garcia, Dan Jennings and Eric Surkamp; Cs Rob Brantly, Adrian Nieto and Kevan Smith; INFs Matt Davidson, Leury Garcia, Conor Gillaspie, Tyler Saladino, Carlos Sanchez and Andy Wilkins; OFs Adam Eaton, Avisail Garcia, J.B. Shuck and Trayce Thompson on one-year contracts.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS _ Agreed to terms with RHPs Jandel Gustave and Yordano Ventura, C Francisco Pena, INFs Orlando Calixte and Christian Colon and OFs Reymond Fuentes, Terrance Gore and Paulo Orlando on one-year contracts.

MINNESOTA TWINS _ Agreed to terms with RHPs A.J. Achter, Kyle Gibson, J.R. Graham, Trevor May, Alex Meyer, Lester Oliveros, Ryan Pressly, Stephen Pryor and Michael Tonkin; LHPs Logan Darnell, Caleb Thielbar, Aaron Thompson ans Jason Wheeler; Cs Chris Herrmann and Josmil Pinto; INFs Brian Dozier, Eduardo Escobar, Jorge Polanco, Miguel Sano, Danny Santana and Kennys Vargas; OFs Oswaldo Arcia, Aaron Hicks, Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario on one-year contracts.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association NBA _ Fined Phoenix C Alex Len $20,000 for initiating an altercation with Miami C Hassan Whiteside and attempting to take him to the floor during a March 2 game. Fined Whiteside $15,000 for escalating the incident by wrestling Len to the floor and Phoenix F Markieff Morris $15,000 for his Flagrant 2 for making excessive contact above the shoulders with Miami G Goran Dragic.

DENVER NUGGETS _ Fired coach Brian Shaw.

Named Melvin Hunt interim coach.

DETROIT PISTONS _ Signed F Quincy Miller to a second 10-day contract.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES _ Suspended G Tony Allen one game for violating team policy.

MIAMI HEAT _ Signed F Henry Walker to a second 10-day contract.

SACRAMENTO KINGS _ Named Vlade Divac vice president of basketball and franchise operations.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

ATLANTA FALCONS _ Signed LB Nate Stupar to a contract extension.

CAROLINA PANTHERS _ Re-signed DT Colin Cole to a one-year contract.

PREP BASKETBALL

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

ROADS FROM PAGE B1 “We had a good season, but we lost early in the playoffs and that’s something we weren’t expecting,” said Robinson, whose team is playing its first year at 3A after decades as a 4A school. “That is something we were building off of going into the season.”

Both teams are led by star players, Lakewood by Sonora Dengokl and the Lady Bruins by Malia Rivers.

Rivers, a junior, is averaging 15.8 points and 2.6 assists per game. Dengokl, a senior who has signed with North Carolina Asheville, is averaging 16.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.1 steals.

“Practice was kind of light for us (on Monday),” Dengokl said. “We looked at film of our game

|

B3

(against Crestwood) and then we did some shooting.

Today we’re getting into our game plan for Saturday.”

Both teams have strong defenses, as evidenced by the scores of their championship games.

“They are a lot like us on defense,” Fields said. “We both put a big emphasis on our defense.”

Zaria Woods is averaging 8.8 points for Lancaster, while Alexis Williams is at 8.3 points. Hayden Thorne leads the team in rebounding at 8.0 and 1.9 blocked shots.

Sophomore Kamryn Lemon is the Lady Gators’ second leading scorer at 14.6. She’s also averaging 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.8 steals.

Shalexia Pack is averaging 7.4 points, while Taja Randolph is averaging 6.0 points and a team high 7. 1 rebounds.

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter’s Quentin Kershaw, right, and the rest of the Gamecocks look to top Hillcrest at 8:30 p.m. on Friday in the 4A state championship game at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia.

READY

success liked (defending 3A state champion) A.C. Flora, Dreher,” said English, who is in his second season at Sumter. “Then when we got to the regular season we played Spring Valley, Lower Richland as well as our tough (Region VI) schedule.”

Hillcrest is averaging 73.2 points a contest. Hooker, who scored 34 against Wade Hampton, averages 19.8 points and 3.2 assists per game, both team highs.

Shaw averages 16.5 points, while Darius White averages 9.1 points and a team high 7.5 rebounds.

The Gamecocks are averaging 54.5 points and have five players averaging between 10.5 and 6.3 points. Brandon Parker averages 10.5 points, McBride 9.1, Quentin Kershaw 8.8, Cedric Rembert 7.5 and Andrew Tiller 6.3.

Kershaw leads in rebounding with 5.2 a game while Rembert leads in assist with 65 and steals with 44.

over James Island on Friday at Florence Civic Center.

When asked what helped his team finally break through, SHS senior wing Micah McBride had a simple answer.

“We just got to be a lot better as a team,” McBride said of the Gamecocks, who are 19-6 on the season.

Sumter started the season ranked in the top 10, but a slow start caused it to fall out of the rankings. It hasn’t returned, but it will be playing in its first state championship game since the 198485 season when Sumter won the title.

Sumter head coach Jo Jo English said the plan for his team was to make the schedule as difficult as possible from beginning to end so it would be ready when the rigors of the playoffs rolled around.

“Even before the season started, we tried to scrimmage teams that had had a lot of

FROM PAGE B1 season, will be playing for the state title for a second consecutive season. They lost to Wando in the title game last year.

Hillcrest, which was ranked No. 1 in the final South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association poll to Wade Hampton’s No. 2, almost didn’t make it back.

Wade Hampton missed two free throws with 2.5 seconds left in the first overtime and the game tied at 70-70.

“Our goal was to try and get back (to the state championship game),” said Randall Shaw. “We’ve tried to do it by taking it one game at a time, not looking too far ahead.”

After finishing as the runner-up in the lower state the two previous seasons, Sumter finally broke through and advanced to the state championship game with a 48-44 victory

SCHSL STATE PLAYOFFS BOYS

4A Monday Upper State Championship (1) Hillcrest 80, vs. (1) Wade Hampton 76 Friday State Championship Colonial Life Arena, Columbia (1) Sumter vs. (1) Hillcrest, 8:30 p.m.

3A Monday Upper State Championship (1) A.C. Flora 77, Lower Richland 49 Saturday State Championship Colonial Life Arena, Columbia (1) Midland Valley vs. (1) A.C. Flora, 7 p.m.

2A

Saturday State Championship Colonial Life Arena, Columbia (1) Keenan vs. (1) Ridgeland-Hardeeville, 4 p.m.

1A Saturday State Championship Colonial Life Arena, Columbia (1) Fox Creek vs. (1) Burke, 12:30 p.m.

GIRLS

4A Monday Upper State Championship (1) Spring Valley 48, (2) Dutch Fork 28 Friday State Championship Colonial Life Arena, Columbia

2014-15

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF TOM OLSEN

(1) Goose Creek vs. (1) Spring Valley, 7 p.m.

3A Saturday State Championship At Colonial Life Arena, Columbia (1) Lancaster vs. (1) Lakewood, 5:30 p.m.

2A Saturday State Championship At Colonial Life Arena, Columbia (1) Pendleton vs. (1) Bishop England, 2 p.m.

1A Saturday State Championship At Colonial Life Arena, Columbia (1) Christ Church vs. (2) Latta, 11 a.m.

KEITH GEDAMKE / THE SUMTER ITEM

Lakewood’s Kamryn Lemon (12) and the rest of the Lady Gators look to bring home the program’s first 3A state championship on Saturday when they face Lancaster at 5:30 p.m. at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia.

It’s your world.

Read all about it.

Call (803) 774-1200 and get started today.

FARM PET GARDEN

Palmetto Farm Supply Full Service Pet Grooming On Site!

WE CARRY A FULL LINE OF PET FOODS.

335 Broad Street • Sumter, SC

803-775-1204

B4

|

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

THE SUMTER ITEM

MEN’S SCHEDULE

WOMEN’S SCHEDULE

Today EAST Ohio St. at Penn St., 6 p.m.

Duquesne at Fordham, 7 p.m.

La Salle at Saint Joseph’s, 7 p.m.

Providence at Seton Hall, 7 p.m.

Richmond at UMass, 7:30 p.m.

Miami at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m.

SOUTH George Washington at George Mason, 7 p.m.

NJIT at Howard, 7 p.m.

Tennessee at LSU, 7 p.m.

Notre Dame at Louisville, 7 p.m.

UCF at South Florida, 7 p.m.

Wake Forest at Duke, 8 p.m.

Houston at Tulane, 8 p.m.

Mississippi St. at Vanderbilt, 9 p.m.

MIDWEST Purdue at Michigan St., 8 p.m.

St. Bonaventure at Saint Louis, 8 p.m.

St. John’s at Marquette, 9 p.m.

Nebraska at Illinois, 10 p.m.

SOUTHWEST TCU at Oklahoma St., 9 p.m.

Cincinnati at Tulsa, 9 p.m.

FAR WEST Southern Cal at UCLA, 9 p.m.

Utah St. at Wyoming, 9 p.m.

Air Force at Fresno St., 10 p.m.

Colorado St. at Nevada, 10 p.m.

Boise St. at San Jose St., 10 p.m.

Oregon at Oregon St., 11 p.m.

San Diego St. at UNLV, 11 p.m.

TOURNAMENTS America East Conference First Round Maine at Albany, 7 p.m.

UMBC at Vermont, 7 p.m.

Binghamton at Stony Brook, 7 p.m.

Hartford vs. New Hampshire, 7 p.m.

Big South Conference At Conway First Round Presbyterian vs. Longwood, Noon Gardner-Webb vs. Campbell, 2:30 p.m.

UNC Asheville vs. Liberty, 6 p.m.

Northeast Conference First Round Wagner at St. Francis (N.Y.), 7 p.m.

LIU Brooklyn at Robert Morris, 7 p.m.

Sacred Heart at Bryant, 7 p.m.

St. Francis (Pa.) at Mount St. Mary’s, 7 p.m.

Ohio Valley Conference At Nashville, Tenn.

First Round Morehead St. vs. SE Missouri, 7 p.m.

E. Illinois vs. SIU Edwardsville, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday EAST Memphis at UConn, 9 p.m.

SOUTH Alabama St. at Grambling St., 6 p.m.

W. Kentucky at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Temple at East Carolina, 7 p.m.

UAB at FAU, 7 p.m.

Arkansas at South Carolina, 7 p.m.

Texas St. at Appalachian St., 7:30 p.m.

SC State at Bethune-Cookman, 7:30 p.m.

Delaware St. at Coppin St., 7:30 p.m.

Middle Tennessee at FIU, 7:30 p.m.

Texas-Arlington at Georgia Southern, 7:30 p.m.

Norfolk St. at Hampton, 7:30 p.m.

Morgan St. at Md.-Eastern Shore, 7:30 p.m.

NC A&T at NC Central, 7:30 p.m.

Savannah St. at Florida A&M, 8 p.m.

Southern Miss. at Louisiana Tech, 8 p.m.

Georgia St. at Louisiana-Monroe, 8 p.m.

Marshall at Old Dominion, 8 p.m.

UALR at Louisiana-Lafayette, 8:15 p.m.

Alabama A&M at Jackson St., 8:30 p.m.

Cent. Arkansas at Nicholls St., 8:30 p.m.

SE Louisiana at New Orleans, 8:45 p.m.

VCU at Davidson, 9 p.m.

Ark.-Pine Bluff at MVSU, 9 p.m.

MIDWEST Wisconsin at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Rice at UTSA, 8 p.m.

South Alabama at Arkansas St., 8:30 p.m.

Sam Houston St. at Lamar, 8:30 p.m.

Southern U. at Prairie View, 8:30 p.m.

Houston Baptist at Texas A&M-CC, 8:30 p.m.

Alcorn St. at Texas Southern, 8:30 p.m.

Abilene Christian at Incarnate Word, 9 p.m.

Northwestern St. at Stephen F. Austin, 9 p.m.

North Texas at UTEP, 9 p.m.

FAR WEST Portland St. at N. Arizona, 8:30 p.m.

California at Arizona, 9 p.m.

Sacramento St. at S. Utah, 9 p.m.

Colorado at Washington, 9 p.m.

Idaho at Weber St., 9 p.m.

E. Washington at Idaho St., 9:05 p.m.

CS Northridge at Long Beach St., 10 p.m.

UC Riverside at UC Davis, 10 p.m.

Cal St.-Fullerton at UC Irvine, 10 p.m.

Stanford at Arizona St., 11 p.m.

Utah at Washington St., 11 p.m.

UC Santa Barbara at Hawaii, 11:59 p.m.

TOURNAMENTS Atlantic Sun Conference At Campus Sites Semifinals North Florida-Stetson winner vs. N. KentuckyLipscomb winner, TBA S.C.-Upstate-Kennesaw St. winner vs. Florida Gulf Coast-Jacksonville winner, TBA Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference At Albany, N.Y. First Round Siena vs. Niagara, 5 p.m.

Saint Peter’s vs. Fairfield, 7:30 p.m.

Quinnipiac vs. Marist, 10 p.m.

Missouri Valley Conference At St. Louis First Round Missouri St. vs. S. Illinois, 7:05 p.m.

Drake vs. Bradley, 9:35 p.m.

Ohio Valley Conference At Nashville, Tenn.

Second Round UT Martin vs. Morehead St.-SE Missouri winner, 7 p.m.

Belmont vs. E. Illinois-SIU Edwardsville winner, 9:30 p.m.

Patriot League Quarterfinals Holy Cross-Loyola (Md.) winner at Bucknell, 7 p.m.

Navy-Army winner at Colgate, 7 p.m.

American at Lehigh, 7 p.m.

Boston U. at Lafayette, 7 p.m.

Friday EAST Bowling Green at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Brown at Dartmouth, 7 p.m.

Yale at Harvard, 7 p.m.

Columbia at Penn, 7 p.m.

Cornell at Princeton, 7 p.m.

MIDWEST N. Illinois at Ball St., 7 p.m.

Toledo at E. Michigan, 7 p.m.

Akron at Kent St., 7 p.m.

Miami (Ohio) at Ohio, 7 p.m.

Cent. Michigan at W. Michigan, 7 p.m.

SOUTHWEST Texas Tech at Baylor, 9 p.m.

TOURNAMENTS Big South Conference At Conway Quarterfinals Charleston Southern vs. Presbyterian-Longwood winner, Noon Radford vs. Winthrop, 2:30 p.m.

High Point vs. Gardner-Webb-Campbell winner, 6 p.m.

Coastal Carolina vs. UNC Asheville-Liberty winner, 8:30 p.m.

Colonial Athletic Association At Baltimore First Round Elon vs. Towson, 6 p.m.

Drexel vs. Coll. of Charleston, 8:30 p.m.

Horizon League At Valparaiso, Ind. Second Round Oakland vs. Detroit-Ill.-Chicago winner, 7 p.m.

Cleveland St. vs. Milwaukee-Wright St. winner, 9:30 p.m.

Missouri Valley Conference At St. Louis Quarterfinals Wichita St. vs. Missouri St.-S. Illinois winner, 1:05 p.m.

Illinois St. vs. Evansville, 3:35 p.m.

N. Iowa vs. Drake-Bradley winner, 7:05 p.m.

Indiana St. vs. Loyola of Chicago, 9:35 p.m.

Ohio Valley Conference At Nashville, Tenn.

Semifinals Murray St. vs. UT Martin_Morehead St.-SE Missouri winner, 7:30 p.m.

E. Kentucky vs. Belmont_E. Illinois-SIU Edwardsville winner, 10 p.m.

Southern Conference At Asheville, N.C. First Round UNC Greensboro vs. Samford, 6 p.m.

The Citadel vs. Furman, 8:30 p.m.

West Coast Conference At Las Vegas First Round San Francisco vs. Pacific, 9 p.m.

Santa Clara vs. Loyola Marymount, 11:30 p.m.

Today SOUTH Coll. of Charleston at James Madison, 7 p.m.

TOURNAMENTS Atlantic Coast Conference At Greensboro, N.C. First Round Boston College vs. Wake Forest, 1 p.m.

N.C. State vs. Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m.

Georgia Tech vs. Clemson, 6:30 p.m.

Atlantic 10 Conference At Richmond, Va. First Round St. Bonaventure vs. UMass, 4:30 p.m.

La Salle vs. Davidson, 7 p.m.

Big Ten Conference At Hoffman Estates, Ill. First Round Indiana vs. Penn State, 6 p.m.

Wisconsin vs. Purdue, 8:25 p.m.

Ohio Valley Conference At Nashville, Tenn.

First Round UT Martin vs. E. Illinois, 1 p.m.

SIU Edwardsville vs. Austin Peay, 3:30 p.m.

Southeastern Conference At Little Rock, Ark. First Round Florida vs. Auburn, 7 p.m.

Vanderbilt vs. Alabama, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday SOUTH S.C. State at Bethune-Cookman, 5:30 p.m.

TOURNAMENTS Atlantic Coast Conference At Greensboro, N.C. Second Round Syracuse vs. Boston College-Wake Forest winner, 11 a.m.

Miami vs. Virginia, 2 p.m.

Pittsburgh vs. N.C. State-Virginia Tech winner, 6 p.m.

North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech-Clemson winner, 8:30 p.m.

Atlantic 10 Conference At Richmond, Va. Second Round VCU vs. Saint Louis, 11:30 a.m.

Richmond vs. St. Bonaventure-UMass winner, 2 p.m.

Saint Joseph’s vs. George Mason, 4:30 p.m.

Rhode Island vs. La Salle-Davidson winner, 7 p.m.

Big South Conference At Conway Quarterfinals Liberty vs. UNC Asheville-Coastal Carolina winner, Noon Winthrop vs. Campbell, 2:30 p.m.

Radford vs. Gardner-Webb-Longwood winner, 6 p.m.

High Point vs. Presbyterian-Charleston Southern winner, 8:30 p.m.

Big Ten Conference At Hoffman Estates, Ill. Second Round Michigan vs. Michigan St., 12:30 p.m.

Rutgers vs. Indiana-Penn St. winner, 2:55 p.m.

Nebraska vs. Illinois, 7 p.m.

Minnesota vs. Wisconsin-Purdue winner, 9:25 p.m.

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference At Springfield, Mass.

First Round Canisius vs. Monmouth (N.J.), 9:30 a.m.

Rider vs. Saint Peter’s, Noon Niagara vs. Manhattan, 2:30 p.m.

Ohio Valley Conference At Nashville, Tenn.

First Round Belmont vs. Jacksonville St., 1 p.m.

Tennessee St. vs. Morehead St., 3:30 p.m.

Pacific-12 Conference At Seattle First Round Washington St. vs. Oregon, 2:30 p.m.

UCLA vs. Arizona, 5 p.m.

Southern Cal vs. Colorado, 9 p.m.

Washington vs. Utah, 11:30 p.m.

Southeastern Conference At Little Rock, Ark. Second Round Mississippi vs. Arkansas, 1 p.m.

Texas A&M vs. Florida-Auburn winner, 3:30 p.m.

Missouri vs. Georgia, 7 p.m.

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt-Alabama winner, 9:30 p.m.

Southern Conference At Asheville, N.C. First Round Chattanooga vs. UNC Greensboro, Noon Samford vs. Furman, 2:15 p.m.

ETSU vs. W. Carolina, 4:30 p.m.

Mercer vs. Wofford, 6:45 p.m.

West Coast Conference At Las Vegas First Round Loyola Marymount vs. Pepperdine, 3 p.m.

Santa Clara vs. Portland, 5:30 p.m.

Quarterfinals Pacific vs. San Francisco, 9 p.m.

Saint Mary’s vs. BYU, 11:30 p.m.

Friday TOURNAMENTS American Athletic Conference At Uncasville, Conn.

First Round No. 8 vs. No. 9, 4 p.m.

No. 7 vs. No. 10, 6 p.m.

No. 6 vs. No. 11, 8 p.m.

Atlantic Coast Conference At Greensboro, N.C. Quarterfinals Duke vs. Syracuse-Boston College-Wake Forest winner, 11 a.m.

Notre Dame vs. Miami-Virginia winner, 2 p.m.

Florida State vs. Pittsburgh-N.C. State-Virginia Tech winner, 6 p.m.

Louisville vs. North Carolina-Georgia TechClemson winner, 8:30 p.m.

Atlantic Sun Conference First Round North Florida at Florida Gulf Coast, 7 p.m.

Lipscomb at Stetson, 7 p.m.

S.C.-Upstate at N. Kentucky, 7 p.m.

Kennesaw St. at Jacksonville, 7 p.m.

Atlantic 10 Conference At Richmond, Va. Quarterfinals George Washington vs. VCU-Saint Louis winner, 11 a.m.

Fordham vs. Richmond-St. Bonaventure-UMass winner, 2 p.m.

Dayton vs. Saint Joseph’s-George Mason winner, 4:30 p.m.

Duquesne vs. Rhode Island-La Salle-Davidson winner, 7 p.m.

Big Ten Conference At Hoffman Estates, Ill. Quarterfinals Maryland vs. Michigan-Michigan St. winner, 12:30 p.m.

Northwestern vs. Rutgers-Indiana-Penn St. winner, 2:55 p.m.

Iowa vs. Nebraska-Illinois winner, 7 p.m.

Ohio St. vs. Minnesota-Wisconsin-Purdue winner, 9:25 p.m.

Big 12 Conference At Dallas First Round No. 8 vs. No. 9, 7 p.m.

No. 7 vs. No. 10, 9:30 p.m.

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference At Springfield, Mass.

Quarterfinals Quinnipiac vs. Canisius-Monmouth winner, Noon Iona vs. Siena, 2:30 p.m.

Marist vs. Rider-Saint Peter’s winner, 7 p.m.

Fairfield vs. Niagara-Manhattan winner, 9:30 p.m.

Ohio Valley Conference At Nashville, Tenn.

Semifinals UT Martin-E. Illinois winner vs. Belmont-Jacksonville St. winner, 1 p.m.

SIU Edwardsville-Austin Peay winner vs. Tennessee St.-Morehead St. winner, 3:30 p.m.

Pacific-12 Conference At Seattle Quarterfinals Arizona St. vs. Washington St.-Oregon winner, 2:30 p.m.

Stanford vs. UCLA-Arizona winner, 5 p.m.

Oregon St. vs. Southern Cal-Colorado winner, 9 p.m.

California vs. Washington-Utah winner, 11:30 p.m.

Southeastern Conference At Little Rock, Ark. Quarterfinals South Carolina vs. Mississippi-Arkansas winner, 1 p.m.

LSU vs. Texas A&M_Florida-Auburn winner, 3:30 p.m.

Tennessee vs. Missouri-Georgia winner, 7 p.m.

Mississippi St. vs. Kentucky_Vanderbilt-Alabama winner, 9:30 p.m.

Southern Conference At Asheville, N.C. Semifinals Chattanooga-UNC Greensboro winner vs. Samford-Furman winner, 11 a.m.

ETSU-W. Carolina winner vs. Mercer-Wofford winner, 1:30 p.m.

West Coast Conference At Las Vegas Quarterfinals Gonzaga vs. Loyola Marymount-Pepperdine winner, 3 p.m.

San Diego vs. Santa Clara-Portland winner, 5:30 p.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Relative Atlantic Coast Conference newcomers Taylor Ford, left, and Syracuse have given this year’s tournament, which begins today in Greensboro, N.C., a distinct Big East feeling. Clemson’s Francesca Tagliapietra, right, and the rest of the Tigers open play tonight against Georgia Tech at 6:30 p.m.

Big East schools take top billing at ACC tournament

BY JOEDY MCCREARY The Associated Press The Atlantic Coast Conference women’s basketball tournament has a Big East feel to it.

The tournament begins today in Greensboro, North Carolina, and three of its top five seeds are relative newcomers to the ACC. Notre Dame (28-2) is the top seed, tournament and regular season defending champion and nation’s second-ranked team.

Third-seeded and No. 10 Louisville (24-5) is in its first season in the league while 22nd-ranked Syracuse (21-8) is the No. 5 seed.

Factor in No. 7 Florida State’s rise to the second seed, and a tournament once ruled by Duke, North Carolina and Maryland now has an entirely different look.

Those three schools combined to win every tournament from 1999-2013 before Notre Dame won it last season.

A lot has happened in the past year. Maryland left for the Big Ten, and those Tobacco Road powers had down years — at least, compared to their lofty standards. Duke (20-9) slipped to the No. 4 seed — its worst since 1997 — while North Carolina (237) is the No. 6 seed for the second straight year.

Five ACC schools cracked the top 10 this season — the most of any league — but for the second straight year, the Fighting Irish are the clear favorite to win this tournament.

Notre Dame has won 34 of 35

SEC FROM PAGE B1 challenge of this league, it puts you in position to have some success ... It’s hard when it’s the best league in the country.”

The Gamecocks were ranked No. 1 this season before an 87-62 loss at top-ranked Connecticut on Feb. 9. And while they are widely projected as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, even after the loss against the Wildcats, that could hinge on they play this week — particularly with defending tournament champion Tennessee once again in the mix.

Like South Carolina, the No. 5 Lady Vols (25-4) lost only once in conference play this season — a 71-66 setback against the Gamecocks two weeks ago that left Tennessee as he second seed in this week’s tournament.

The Lady Vols have won the tournament 17 times in 35 years, including seven of the last 10, and they would love nothing more than to make their case as an NCAA Tournament top seed than by adding to their postseason domination this week.

“It’s anybody’s championship,” Tennessee head coach Holly Warlick said.

Some things to watch as South

regular-season and tournament games against ACC opponents in its two years in the league.

“To (earn the No. 1 seed) again with just one loss ... it really is quite an accomplishment for this young team to come out and play so well all year long, because it is the best league in women’s basketball,’’ Irish coach Muffet McGraw said.

SURGING SEMINOLES Florida State has made a quiet, steady rise up the standings and earned its best seed since it was the No. 2 in 2010.

The Seminoles (27-3) set a program record for regular-season victories.

DOWN DUKE The Blue Devils slipped a bit during a year in which they lost two key players — one (post player Oderah Chidom) to a season-ending shoulder injury and another (guard Sierra Calhoun) to an unexpected transfer. Duke snapped its second three-game losing streak of the season with a win over North Carolina.

MIAMI VICE The only ACC team to beat Notre Dame in the past two years was Miami — which knocked off the Irish 78-63 on Jan. 8. The eighth-seeded Hurricanes (18-11) come to Greensboro on the NCAA tournament bubble after losing four straight to end the regular season. They open with ninth-seeded Virginia (17-12) in the second round.

Carolina and Tennessee look to hold off the challengers in North Little Rock’s Verizon Arena:

HOMESTATE HOPES Arkansas (16-12) enters the tournament as the No. 9 seed, but that hasn’t stopped the Razorbacks from being projected as an NCAA Tournament team.

Led by sophomore Jessica Jackson’s 14.6 points per game, Arkansas faces eighth-seeded Mississippi (17-12) on Thursday.

CHAMPIONSHIP DROUGHT Long regarded as the top conference in women’s college basketball, no SEC team has won a national championship since Tennessee in 2008. Also, no league team has made the Final Four since that season.

LEAGUE AWARDS South Carolina guard Tiffany Mitchell was named the SEC’s Player of the Year for a second straight season on Tuesday, doing so after averaging 14.8 points per game. One of Mitchell’s teammates, guard A’ja Wilson, was named the league’s Freshman of the Year over Mississippi State forward Victoria Vivians, who leads the SEC with an average of 15 points per game.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

|

B5

SPORTS ITEMS

PRO BASEBALL

Winthrop gets best of Barnes, Tigers in 5-4 win

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Cincinnati pitcher J.J. Hoover warms up as a clock counts down time between innings during a spring training game against Cleveland on Tuesday in Goodyear, Ariz.

Baseball tries to speed up game

BY TOM WITHERS The Associated Press GOODYEAR, Ariz. — With large, glowing red numbers, the timer on the center-field wall at Goodyear Ballpark ticked down Tuesday, counting off seconds and ushering in change.

Baseball, the timeless game of endless summers, went on the clock.

Major League Baseball introduced its new pace of play initiatives during five exhibition games in Arizona and Florida. As expected, there were a few minor glitches as players, managers, umpires and fans adjusted to the “rules’’ designed to make games shorter, more appealing to TV viewers and perhaps lure the next generation of fans to a sport fighting for attention.

On this opening day, baseball had a slightly different look.

“I’ve never worked a game in the history of baseball that has a countdown clock,’’ said umpire Dan Iassogna, who kept an eye on second base as the Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays played in Dunedin, Florida. “That was a little differ-

ent.’’

Under the pace of play provisions, hitters are required to keep one foot in the batter’s box after taking a pitch. Not everyone seemed to get the memo.

New York Yankees leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury took the first pitch of the game — and this spring, in fact — from Philadelphia’s David Buchanan and immediately stepped outside the white-chalked line, maintaining his routine.

These days, that’s a no-no — not a no-hitter. But Vic Carapazza, the plate umpire for the exhibition in Clearwater, Florida, gave no signal to Ellsbury that he was guilty of breaking one of the new rules.

MLB is using the spring training schedule and regular-season games in April to break everyone in. But starting May 1, offenders will face discipline — most likely fines.

Along with keeping batters close to the plate, pitchers are required to have their warmup tosses completed before the clock — set at 2:25 for regionally televised games and 2:45 for national broadcasts — is down to 30 seconds and the batter must be

ready by the time the clock reaches 5 seconds.

After Cincinnati drubbed Cleveland 10-0 in a fairly tidy 2 hours, 50 minutes, Indians manager Terry Francona said he believes the changes will be smooth and players and umpires will work together to tweak any problems. There will be issues and controversy, but that’s baseball.

“I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a deal. I really don’t,’’ Francona said. “It’s going to be that day and it’s hot and everyone’s a little on edge, that’s when you’re going to see something. But that’s what you see during the games anyway.’’

Two clocks were installed at all ballparks throughout the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues, and for the most part the time pieces went unnoticed. Players hustled on and off the field between innings, most of them seemingly unaware that they were being timed.

“I tried not to pay attention to it,’’ said San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner, last year’s World Series MVP. “It’s going to be that way during the season. I didn’t pay attention. I can usually be ready.’’

SPRING TRAINING ROUNDUP

Cespedes’ grand slam helps Tigers rout Orioles 15-2 LAKELAND, Fla. — Yoenis Cespedes hit a grand slam in his first game for Detroit, Ian Kinsler added a 3-run homer CESPEDES and the Tigers routed the Baltimore Orioles 15-2 Tuesday in a spring training opener.

Cespedes connected in the fourth inning for an 11-0 lead. The Tigers got the slugger from Boston

in an offseason trade.

PIRATES 8 BLUE JAYS 7

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Pedro Alvarez hit a three-run shot and Korean rookie Jung Ho Kang connected for his first major league homer, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to an 8-7 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday in the exhibition opener for both teams.

YANKEES 5 PHILLIES 5

CLEARWATER, Fla. —

FOLLOW-UP FROM PAGE B1 among the 13 drivers who didn’t even get to make a qualifying attempt because their cars didn’t pass inspection before the session began Friday afternoon.

Among those stuck in the inspection bay were Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart.

Gordon, who needed two attempts to get his car through inspection, took the series to task after he failed to make a qualifying attempt in the debut race for new sponsor 3M. “When you have this many teams having issues going through, there’s something wrong with this system or something wrong with the amount of time they’re allotted to get through,’’ he said. “There’s no way with this many good cars and talented people that they can’t figure out how to get these cars through inspection.

“I’m embarrassed for our series.’’

It remains to be seen if the problem was that NASCAR, which a year ago dramatically reduced its team of officials as it streamlined its processes and began to use more technology and less human capital, didn’t have enough inspectors on

Newly trim Ryan Howard singled in his first two atbats of spring training, and the Philadelphia Phillies tied the New York Yankees 5-5 Wednesday in their spring training opener.

ATHLETICS 9 GIANTS 4

MESA, Ariz. — World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner was roughed up in his exhibition debut, and Marcus Semien hit a pair of home runs as the Oakland Athletics opened

site and didn’t allot enough time to clear 47 cars.

Sprint Cup director Richard Buck indicated the issue was with the way teams set up the cars in their first race with a new rules package.

“They’re pushing the limits,’’ Buck said. “That’s their job to get every bit they can get through (inspection). It’s our job that everyone gets a fair opportunity to get through there.’’

Whatever the reasoning is for all those cars failing to make it on the track, it has to be fixed before this weekend’s race at Las Vegas. NASCAR can’t afford a third straight week of a champion being publicly “embarrassed’’ of the series.

But that didn’t even end up being Gordon’s biggest concern.

A week after Kyle Busch broke his right leg and left foot when he crashed into a concrete wall at Daytona, Gordon also managed to hit a wall that lacked a SAFER barrier.

Busch’s accident has spurred NASCAR and most of the racetracks to re-evaluate their safety standards, and Atlanta took steps to protect a large stretch that lacked soft walls.

If anyone is going to find an unprotected spot, though, it’s Gordon — he hit a concrete section at Las Vegas several years ago that forced

their new spring training home by beating the champion San Francisco Giants 9-4 Tuesday.

REDS 10 INDIANS 0

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce each had one of the Cincinnati Reds’ six doubles in a 10-0 win over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday, the spring opener for both teams.

From wire reports

the track to install a SAFER barrier there before NASCAR returned.

Gordon was visibly angry about his hit Sunday, as were many fans, who are as frustrated as the drivers are over a seemingly slow pace to get the barriers in enough spots at every track. NASCAR and its racetracks deserve credit for a sense of urgency toward addressing the issue, but it’s unsettling to see drivers continuing to find concrete walls.

Toss in the cold weather, it was 43 degrees when the green flag waved under low, thick clouds, and the decision to move Atlanta’s race date to the second weekend of the year seemed quizzical.

The realignment helped Atlanta sister property Bristol Motor Speedway secure a better spring date, but came at the expense of a once-proud track that seems lost on the NASCAR calendar.

The crowds were small all weekend, and any chance of a decent race-day walk-up was ruined by rain that delayed Sunday’s race an hour.

NASCAR now heads west for a three-race swing that begins in Las Vegas and ends in Fontana, Calif.

One can only hope that each event goes a lot smoother than last weekend.

CLEMSON — Roger Gonzalez hit a 3-run homer in the fifth inning to lead Winthrop to a 5-4 win over Clemson at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Tuesday.

The Eagles, led by former Tiger Assistant Coach Tom Riginos (2003-10), improved to 7-3, while the Tigers dropped to 7-4.

Tiger starter and former Sumter High and Sumter P-15’s standout Charlie Barnes (1-1) suffered the loss in his first career BARNES start. He went three innings and allowed two earned runs on six hits with two strikeouts.

Trailing 1-0, Winthrop scored two runs in the third inning to take the lead for good. Two innings later, Gonzalez belted a 2-out, opposite-field, 3-run homer down the right-field line to up Winthrop’s lead to 5-1. Clemson scratched a run in the bottom of the fifth inning on Eli White’s run-scoring double. In the eighth inning, Tyler Krieger singled to extend his hitting streak to 13 and Clemson scored two runs in the frame, but it was not enough.

Junior lefty Josh Strong (2-0) earned the win by allowing five hits, two runs and four walks with five strikeouts in five innings pitched. Joey Strain pitched a scoreless ninth inning to record his third save of the season.

WOFFORD’S COCHRAN, YOUNG HEAD CONFERENCE AWARDS SPARTANBURG — Wofford guard Karl Cochran was named the Southern Conference player of the year and the Terriers’ Mike Young the league’s coach of the year on Tuesday.

Cochran and Young won honors in separate voting from league coaches and media.

Furman guard Devin Sibley was named the league’s freshman of the year by coaches and media. The coaches also voted for a defensive player of the year, which went to Chattanooga forward Justin Tuoyo.

Cochran averaged 15 points and 5.8 rebounds this season to lead Wofford to the regular-season title.

LAURENCE MANNING TO HOST BASEBALL CAMP ON SATURDAY The 1-day Laurence Manning Academy Baseball Camp will be held on Saturday, March 7.

The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held at the school. It is open to boys in grades 1-6 and is $10 per player.

LMA head coach Barry Hatfield and his staff and players will conduct the camp.

All proceeds from the camp will go to the baseball program. For more information, contact Hatfield at (803) 2364768.

NUGGETS FIRE HEAD COACH SHAW DENVER — The Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Brian Shaw after 1 1/2 seasons.

Assistant coach Melvin Hunt will serve as interim coach.

Shaw went 56-85 for a .397 winning percentage. Denver takes a 20-39 record and a six-game losing streak into its game against Milwaukee on Tuesday night.

AP SOURCE: PANTHERS’ HARDY TO MEET WITH NFL OFFICIALS CHARLOTTE — A person familiar with the situation says Panthers defensive end and soon-to-be free agent Greg Hardy will meet with NFL officials in New York on Wednesday to discuss his domestic violence case.

Hardy has been on the commissioner’s exempt list since September. He becomes a free agent March 10.

Hardy, 26, was convicted of assault on a female and communicating threats last summer, but charges were dismissed Feb. 9 during an appeal trial when his accuser failed to testify. Prosecutors say Hardy reached a civil suit agreement with the accuser.

AP SOURCE: EAGLES DEAL RB MCCOY FOR BILLS’ LINEBACKER ALONSO ABUFFALO, N.Y. — LeSean McCoy will lead Rex Ryan’s “ground and pound’’ running attack with the Buffalo Bills next season.

A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade McCoy, their star running back, to the Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso.

The deal has been agreed to, but can’t be completed until the 2015 league season begins on Tuesday.

McCoy’s addition means the Bills are expected to pass on re-signing running back C.J. Spiller, who is eligible to become a free agent next week.

From staff, wire reports

B6

|

OBITUARIES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

DARLEEN A. MADER Darleen Mader, 72, of Sumter, passed away early Sunday morning, March 1, 2015.

She was born on Dec. 11, 1942, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Byron and Helen Alden.

She was a beloved mother and grandmother, a MADER devoted and loving wife, and she had a compassionate heart for those less fortunate than she.

She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Joseph Mader; her daughter and sonin-law, Nicci (Frankovich) and Tim Peters; two granddaughters, Josie and Margot Peters; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild by marriage.

Mrs. Mader attended St. Anne Catholic Church in Sumter for the past 17 years, where she was active in the Women’s Guild. She was also an active member of Sumter County YMCA, and she loved taking fitness classes with friends. She graduated from Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers, Florida. She attended Florida Southern College from 1960 to 1961, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. Mrs. Mader went on to graduate from Berkeley Business School, East Orange, New Jersey, in 1963, and in 1994 she received her bachelor of science in office administration from University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Mader enjoyed working, and she worked diligently for many years in the filtration industry. Her places of employment included Continental Water Systems (Columbia), Siebe/Barber Coleman Co. (Columbia), Westinghouse Environmental (Columbia), Carolina Filters (Sumter), Air Filter Service (Sumter), Shaw Lumber Co. and Filter Sales and Service. She retired in 2010 to spend time enjoying life with her husband and family. Mrs. Mader enjoyed traveling and taking frequent trips to visit her daughter and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at St. Anne Catholic Church in Sumter. A luncheon in Mrs. Mader’s honor will follow at the church.

You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

Celebratory services for Mrs. Broughton will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Goodwill Presbyterian Church (USA), 295 N. Brick Road, Mayesville, with the Rev. Dr. Ella R. Busby, pastor, presiding, the Rev. Dr. Franklin D. Colclough Sr., eulogist, the Rev. Carnell Hampton, the Rev. Dr. Johnnie Monroe and Elder Delcia Harper-Cooper, assisting. Burial will follow in Goodwill Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Broughton will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.

The family is receiving friends at her residence, 1520 Narrow Paved Road, Lynchburg, and at the home of her daughter, Donise B. White, 345 Freedom Blvd., Sumter.

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

HAZEL W. MACK Hazel Wilson Mack, wife of Isiah Mack, was born on Oct. 22, 1944, in Clarendon County, a daughter of the late Inez Wilson Ludd. Hazel departed this life on Feb. 27, 2015, at her residence.

She was educated in the public schools of Clarendon County and graduated in 1962. She was a member of Jehovah Baptist Church, where she served on the usher board and was awarded usher of the year 200001. She was employed at Sumter School District, Santee Print Works, Jehovah Child Development Center and Sumter County Auditor’s Office. She was a member of Ladies Auxiliary VFW. She was a very loving, friendly, smiling, sweet person who was loved by all who graced her presence.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her husband, Isiah Mack of the home; two sons, Ronald (Saundra) Ludd of Sumter and Kenneth Mack of Sumter; two daughters, Olander Mack of Sumter and Lisa Mack of Charlotte; five grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; one aunt, Mary Wilson of Norwalk, Connecticut; and a host of other loving relatives and special friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Marion H. Newton presiding. Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.

The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m.

Public viewing will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. today.

The funeral cortege will leave at 10:20 a.m. from the residence, 205 King St., Sumter.

Sumter Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Driggers (Jackie) of Irmo, David Driggers of Atlanta and Walt Driggers (Gingi) of Sumter; a sister, Loretta Elmore of Sumter; and four grandchildren, Morgan Driggers, Haley Driggers, Heather Dooley and Mary Beth Dooley.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Whitney Bradham; and a grandson, Preston Blake Driggers.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with the Rev. Gene Gilbert officiating.

Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Wyman Taylor, Gus Pringle, Jack Galloway, Bobby Richardson, Bubba Ward and Joey Duggan.

Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Duggan and Chad Head.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and other times at the home of Walt and Gingi Driggers, 714 Haynsworth St. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals. com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

MARY E. WILLIAMS Mary Ebenezer Williams, 45, departed this life on Monday, March 2, 2015, in St. Charles.

She was born on July 25, 1969, in Sumter County, a daughter of W.B. Way and the late Thelma Davis Way. The family will be receiving friends at the home of her sister, 1121 Jordan St., Sumter, SC 29153.

Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.

MARY D. FRANCIS Mary Ellen Davison Francis, 91, widow of Leonard W. Francis, died on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at Wildewood Downs longterm care facility in Columbia.

Services will be announced

by Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, (803) 7759386.

RICHARD P. BRADHAM IDA LOU M. BROUGHTON LYNCHBURG — Ida Lou Monroe Broughton, 90, widow of Napoleon Broughton, died on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

She was born on Nov. 1, 1924, in the Goodwill community of Sumter County, a daughter of the late BROUGHTON George and Ruth Cooper Monroe.

She received her formal education in Goodwill Parochial School and Lincoln High School Class of 1941. She earned her bachelor of arts degree from Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte. Further studies were done at S.C. State University and University of South Carolina. Pursuing her profession as a teacher for 39 years, she touched many lives in the public schools of Berkeley, Williamsburg and Sumter counties. She was a member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church (USA). She served faithfully as a member of the Session (Elder Emerita), Adult Sunday School Class, Faith Circle, Sanctuary Choir, Presbyterian Women’s Organization and Christian Education Division. She was also a member of Order of Eastern Star Skyway Chapter 351, Goodwill Educational Historical Society and One More Effort Federated Club.

Survivors are a son, Louis (Linda) Broughton of Sumter; daughter, Donise D. White of Sumter; one sister, Wyline Gamble of Lynchburg; five sisters-in-law; and seven grandchildren.

Eastern Star Rites will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. today at Hayes F. & LaNelle J. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church St., Manning.

Richard Preston Bradham, 80, husband of Gerolyn Gibbons Bradham, died on Monday, March 2, 2015, at his home.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Whitney and Ruby Wingate Bradham. Mr. Bradham was a member of Jefferson Road Freewill Baptist Church and was a retired high school teacher. He was a supervisor with Ward’s Barbeque on Alice Drive.

Surviving are his wife of Sumter; three sons, Chuck

GEORGE WELLS JR. George Wells Jr., 67, died on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at Sumter Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on Nov. 17, 1947, in Lee County, he was a son of George Sr. and Dorothy Mae Gamble Wells.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at the

THE SUMTER ITEM home of Doreatha Wells, 246 Casual Branch Road, Elliott.

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

com. Visit us on the web.

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

JAMES E. TEMONEY

Mary Cabbagestalk McCall, 54, wife of Charles McCall, died on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born on Feb. 18, 1961, in Lee County, she was a daughter of Joshua Cabbagestalk.

The family is receiving friends and relatives at the home, 5331 Edge Hill Road, Sumter.

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

James Edward Temoney, 74, widower of Ruby Mae Jefferson Temoney, died on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at his residence in Mayesville.

Born on Feb. 15, 1941, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Robert and Vermell McCauley Temoney. At an early age, Mr. Temoney accepted Christ and joined Beulah AME Church, Sumter. He was a faithful and dedicated worker for many years as a custodian in Durham, North Carolina, before relocating to Mayesville, where he became employed for W.R. Mayes Farm and later with Wiley and Lowder Brothers Farm in Oswego.

He leaves to cherish his memories: daughters, Dorothy Mae Kelly of Durham, Patricia Ann, Harline, Wanda Teresa Jefferson and Ella Ree Hall of Mayesville; sons, Glen Temoney and Louis (Verneice) Jefferson of Sumter, Willie (Lynda) Jefferson of Denmark and James L. (Gloria) Jefferson of Mayesville; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Jeremiah (Ella) Temoney of Dalzell, Parish (Carrie) Temoney of Lamar, Maggie Mae Richardson of Baltimore, Maryland, Mack (Joann) Temoney of Greensboro, North Carolina, Sarah T. Durant of Elliott, the Rev. Abraham (Agnes) Temoney Sr., Toby Temoney and the Rev. Archie (Henrietta) Temoney of Sumter, Annie Mae (Robert) Brailsford of Wedgefield, the Rev. Herbert (Kimberly) Temoney of Mt. Pleasant and Earthly Richardson of Mayesville, raised as a brother; one sister-in-law, Pauline Jefferson of New York, New York; one uncle, Abraham (Luvenia) McCauley of Baltimore; and a host of nieces, nephews, other sorrowing relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Beulah AME Church, 3175 Florence Highway (U.S. 76 East), Sumter, with the Rev. Dwayne Bruce, MDIV, pastor, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Joseph Postell, presiding elder of Lancaster District of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church, the Rev. Jamie Hudson, the Rev. Phillip Washington and the Rev. Dr. Jon R. Black.

The family is receiving family and friends at the home of Harline Jefferson, 2100 Ave. B, Mayesville.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel, Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

The remains will be placed in the church at 1 p.m.

The procession will leave at 1:20 p.m. from the home.

Floral bearers will be nieces.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

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

MARY C. MCCALL

TALMUCH A. BURGESS JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Monday, March 2, 2015, Talmuch Appelt Burgess, widower of Evelina Green Burgess, departed this life at his residence in Jacksonville.

Born on Jan. 30, 1947, in Clarendon County, he was a son of the late Sidney and Sarah Hilton Burgess.

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the residence of his daughter, Patricia Burgess, 1363 Watford Drive, Sugar Hill community, Manning.

Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced

by Fleming & Delaine Funeral Home & Chapel.

PAUL BURROUGHS JR. Paul Burroughs Jr., 72, was born on June 20, 1942, in Sumter, a son of the late Paul Sr. and Ruby M. Burroughs. He departed this earthly life on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

He was educated in the public schools of Sumter School District 17 and served in the U.S. Army, where he received an honorable discharge. During his lifetime, he was employed at Suburban Propane Gas and Coca-Cola Bottling companies.

Survivors include three sons, Paul Burroughs III and Reggie Burroughs (Lisa), both of Jacksonville, and Anthony Burroughs of Sumter; three daughters, Barbara B. Gaither (Andrew) of Charlotte, Evelyn Anderson of Augusta, Georgia, and Traci B. Agnew (LaNorris) of Gastonia, North Carolina; a brother, James Burroughs Sr. (Rosie) of Sumter; a sister, Dr. Mamie B. Dupree of Sumter; former wife, Annie B. Rhodes (Eugene); 23 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday in the chapel of Community Funeral Home with the Rev. Clarence Hilton. Burial will follow in Bradford Cemetery.

Viewing for Mr. Burroughs will be from 3:30 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

The family is receiving visitors at the home, 79 Albert Spears Drive, Sumter.

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

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

New Location

Now Open ....

MENS & LADIES 2 PC SUIT DRY CLEANED

$8.00 Plus Tax - With Coupon No Limits - Exp. 3-31-15

“IN THE HEART OF SUMTER” Corner of Liberty and Main

Your Sumter Hometown Clothing Store

MENSWEAR 2 N. Main Street Corner of Liberty and Main

803-905-4299

www.canthonysmenswear.com

CLASSIFIEDS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 04, 2015

THE ITEM

B7

803-774-1234

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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.

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.

Home Improvements

ANNOUNCEMENTS Card of Thanks

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

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $2

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

Criminal, Family, Accident, Injury

Septic Tank Cleaning

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

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

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

EMPLOYMENT We the family of Mary Belle Davis Mazyck wishes to thank you for the prayers, cards, phone calls, love, visits and whatever you did during her illness and passing. May God richly bless each and every one of you.

BUSINESS SERVICES Home Improvements H.L. Boone, Contractor: Remodel paint roofs gutters drywall blown ceilings ect. 773-9904

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

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

Mention this ad & get 10% off.

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

Vinyl Siding, vinyl windows and seamless gutters by David Brown.

803-236-9296

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

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

Call Carolina Tree Care today to speak to one of our ISA certified arborist. Free est. 1-800-411-1495.

Help Wanted Full-Time Seeking Executive Director for non-profit organization. Responsibilities include but not limited to: *Leadership & Management *Fundraising & Communications *Strategic Planning & New Business *Policies & Procedures *Community Involvement *Financial background a must Only qualified need apply. Send resume and salary requirements to P-403 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Local company looking for a skilled carpenter. Pay based on exp. Driving license & pass drug test is a must.

Call 803-968-2870 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday or mail resume to: PO Box 3734, Sumter, SC 29151.

Carpenter Helper and Carpenter Laborer, must have drivers license in manning, SC 803- 473-4254

Help Wanted Full-Time

Help Wanted Full-Time

The #1 Furniture Retail Company in the U.S. is seeking highly motivated individuals with outgoing personalities to join our Sales Team.

Candidates must have a working knowledge of computers. They will be required to build sales volume by providing superior customer service and knowledge of product and finance options. This full time position is based on a flexible work schedule that includes evenings, Saturdays and some holidays. Offering unlimited income potential based on commission and bonuses. Guaranteed salary during training process. Send resume to 2850 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150.

YOUTH SPECIALIST Full-time position responsible for daily operation of Workforce Development Youth Program and Regional Career Specialist policies and plans established by the SanteeLynches Workforce Investment Board, the SC Department of Education and the six school district superintendents in the region. Assist with operational functions of the WIA Youth Program; ensure youth provider contractual obligations are met and exceeded. Provide technical assistance, conduct monitoring and recommend improvements to youth programs. Work with local youth providers to design and implement youth outreach programs. Assist, support and deliver services for career and technology education (CATE) and career guidance for educators, students, and parents in the region. A bachelor's degree in Business, Education, Public Administration, or related field with demonstrated competence to fulfill duties assist this position. Current Global Career Developer Facilitator certification strongly preferred, GCDFInstructor a plus. Salary range $40,000 - $45,000. Resume deadline submission is Friday, March 13, 2015 to "Youth Specialist" by email ycrolley@slcog.org, fax 803.773.9903, or mail PO Box 1837, Sumter SC 29151.

WIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Auto-Technician. Local shop looking for lead tech. Long-term, secure employment with excellent pay. All applicants will be kept confidential.

Top Notch technicians call 803-847-8271. 9-5 Mon- Fri. Supported Employment Coord: identify & obtain competitive employment opps for consumers; dev & maintain business relationships w/employers; assist in assessing & train consumers for job readiness; provide OJT; ensure the prg meets req standards. 4 year degree in bus mgt or human serv field w/1 yr exp working w/persons w/dev disabilities or 5 yrs exp working w/persons w/dev disabilities. F/T state ins/ret

Rotary Assistant Printer Operator position located in Olanta, SC. Must be able to fit up a pattern and adjust conveyor on rotary printer. Position will require pump and line up color, adjust tension on fabric and inspect for stick ends and smears. Prefer candidate with printing experience.

Please contact Randy at (843) 761-1776 x1412.

Helena Chemical Company seeking driver with CDL license, must have HazMat and tanker endorsements. Please call 803-453-5151 to schedule an interview.

Farm Mechanic needed to do P.M. & repairs on farm equip, welding exp. or cert. a plus, pay is based on experience. In Gable, SC call 803-473-3303

Help Wanted Full-Time COMMUNITY MANAGER needed for apartment community in the Sumter area. This is an exciting yet challenging FT position. If you possess supervisory experience, marketing, written and verbal communication plus computer skills, then we need you on our team. Previous property management experience preferred but not required. Must pass criminal check and drug screening. Our company offers competitive salary and benefits.

Must live within 25 miles of Sumter.

Please fax cover letter and resume to Attn. Ad#31 at 1-888-985-4447 or email jobsearch.2014@outlook.com with Attn. Ad #31 for subject. EOE. We are now hiring for a full time position at Sleep Inn and Comfort Suites (sister properties). Candidate must maintain a neat professional appearance, have reliable transportation, and possess computer and social skills. We are a customer oriented business looking for someone to join our team who will be dedicated to providing our guest with excellent service! Combination of day and evening shifts. Must be available weekends and holidays.

Resumes accepted at the property.

This position will begin immediately, pending a successful background check. We are hiring for full time, as well as a part time position.

Interviews will be held Thursday March 5th and Friday March 6th from 1 pm - 3 pm in the Comfort Suites meeting room (2500 Broad Street).

Please bring resume!

Customer Service Assoc. Needed ASAP. Full-time. Salary + Comm.

Mon- Fri. Apply at B & C Automotive, 601 Broad St.

CONTRACTOR WANTED! PINEWOOD PANOLA & RIMINI If you have good, dependable transportation, a phone in your home, and a desire to earn extra income

Pick Up Your Copy Today!

Volume 7, No.

Sumter Locations

BI-LO 4711 Forest Drive at Fort Jackson Chic Fil A Forest Dr at Fort Jackson

9 ©SS 2015

FRIDAY, FEBRU ARY

DeMaras Italian Restaurant Hwy 441 D & L Diner 441 back gate at Shaw Duncan Dogs 5641 Broad Street El Cheapo Gas Station Hwy 76 Across from Shaw Gamecock Bowling Lanes Broad Street Georgios 5500 Sycamore at 5000 area of Shaw Kwik Mart Hwy 441 McDonalds 76/441 at Shaw MRMA #441 Midlands Retirement Military Association Parkway Shell Station Hwy 441 at Shaw SHAW AAFES Gas Station & Shoppette SHAW Base Exchange SHAW Commissary Sumter Cut Rate Drug Store 32 S. Main Street TWO Main Entrances at Patton Hall 3rd Army YMCA Miller Road

Columbia Locations

Call Harry Pringle at 774-1257 or Apply in Person at 13, 20

ANCHORMAN SUSPENDED

20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC

IRAQ WAR STOR Y DISCREPANC IES UNCOVERE

BY STARS AND D STRIPE CREDIBILITY OF S CAST DOUBT ON WILLIAMS AND NBC

Courte sy of NBC Unive rsal

Brian Willia ms Maj. Tim T poses with Comman erpack d Sgt. from an “NB in a video screen grab C Nightly New broadcast s” report on Jan. 30 .

Grouchos Deli 47817 Forest Drive at Fort Jackson Kangaroo Express 5425 Forest Dr. at Fort Jackson McENTIRE Air National Guard Base Mr Bunkys Hwy76 Ponchos Restaurant 5400 Forest Dr at Fort Jackson Shell/Corner Pantry Forest Drive at Fort Jackson Wal-Mart 5240 Forest Drive at Fort Jackson

PUBLISHES EVERY THURSDAY ad deadline: EVERY FRIDAY AT 11AM FOR NEXT WEEK’S PUBLICATION

more information at www.stripes.com

CONTRACTOR WANTED! For Routes In The

WYBOO PLANTATION WHITE OAK II AREA.

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

COME BY & APPLY AT

★ DISTRIBUTED IN AND AROUND SHAW AFB AND MCENTIRE *AROUND FT. JACKSON - BASE ACCESS PENDING ★

CONTACT YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR CALL 803.774.1237

20 N. Magnolia St. Sumter, SC or Call Harry at (803) 774-1257

MARCH INTO MAYO’S

WHERE $1.00 CAN BUY YOU A SUIT!

Choose ONE suit at our REGULAR PRICE Get SECOND suit of equal or less value for ONLY $1.00!

Because it’s MAGNIFICENT DEALS

If your suits aren’t becoming to you, It’s a good time to be coming to Mayo’s!

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

B8

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

MICROFIBER SHEET SETS

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

Twin/Full...........$5 per set Queen/King ......$8 per set

JUTE AREA RUGS 60� X 96�

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

$40 each

Help Wanted Part-Time

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

RENTALS Unfurnished Homes

RENT TO OWN HOUSE 3 Br/ 1Ba, flexible mthly payments, down payment req. Call 803-468-5710

P/T Class-A CDL drivers needed to haul poultry. Night Shift. Must have 2yrs verifiable exp & good MVR. Call 804-784-6166

Must see! Large family friendly waterfront home in Deerfield,4BR 2.5BA Lg Rec room $1600 Mo +Dep Call 803-468-4659 or 469-0555

Medical Help Wanted

Country Living, 2 br, 1 ba, all appliances, $550 mo. + dep. Call 803-491-5042

Full time positions RN's and LPN's.

Shifts available 3pm-11pm , 11pm-7am. Serious inquiries only.

Apply in person at 1761 Pinewood Rd Sumter SC or email resume to roberta.smith@adcarehealth.com Part-time Ortho Assistant needed for busy orthodontic practice. Please send resume to: Sumterorthoresume@yahoo.com

FOR RENT Address

Mobile Home Rentals

STATEBURG COURTYARD

REAL ESTATE

1985 mobile home 14x 70, 2 bd/ 2 ba, c/h/a, appliances and lot. 1043 Dibert st. $1,400 cash. Call 469-6978

Water front house & lot. 4bd/ 2 bath, front deck, boat house w/ track, c/h/a, most furniture can go w/ house .26 acres 1050 sq/ft. 1159 Lakeview Dr Manning SC, White Oak Creek in Wyboo Call 843-659-4332

2BR 1BA C/H/A Alcolu, Ideal for singles or a couple. $400+ Dep No calls aft 9pm. 803-468-1768

Autos For Sale

Mobile Home with Lots

2BR 2.5 BA 1900 sq ft in Historic Dist. Great area for retiree. Investors welcome. 30 Delorme Ct. $72.900.

Call 803-983-0063

FSBO: 5 Br, 3 ba DW, 3.5 ac. Close to Lake Marion & public boat ramp.

Call 803-460-0315 for more details.

Land & Lots for Sale

3BR 2BA 1,500 sq ft. Hardwood floors, conv. to schools and shopping. $37,500. As is Call 775-9116 lv msg Lake House 2 Bd/ 2 Ba deep water, dock, boat ramp, on Tawcaw Creek, $220,000 obo, call 803-928-6326

Bath Sheets ......... $5 each Bath Towels......... $4 each

3600 Dallas St. Dalzell Must Sell 3 Br 2 Ba lg. lot, lg. shop Financing avail. Call 803-775-4391 or 464-5960

Homes for Sale

2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Chair.....................$8 each Loveseat.............$10 each Sofa....................$12 each

Turn your Tax Refund into your dream home! Low credit score?

Been turned down for bad credit?

Come try us, we do our own financing.We have 2-3-4 bedroom homes. For more information, call 843-389-4215 AND also visit our Face Book page (M & M Mobile Homes).

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

FURNITURE THROWS

Manufactured Housing

Homes for Sale

2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Trailers for rent, Cherryvale & Dogwood Area $250 & up. (803) 651-9926

Must see! Buy or Rent. 3 Br, 1.5 Ba, office, covered carport with workshop in Pinewood. Call Donnie for details 803-972-3110.

Trucking Opportunities

BR/BA

SHOP WITH US AND SAVE ON ALL YOUR HOUSEHOLD NEEDS...

SAVE $ SAVE $ SAVE $ ON LOW LOW PRICES

Mobile Home Rentals

Polar Bear Cleaners part- time jobs, coin laundry att. counter. Apply in person 1087B Alice Dr.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 04, 2015

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

Call

Minutes WALMART. Acre $4,900.

Utilities! 713-870-0216.

150 Milton, Must Sell, 2 Br, lg. corner lot, great shape. Financing avail. Call 803-775-4391 or 464-5960

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

Want to improve sales?

We can help with that.

$/mo

3/2

6413 Sweet Olive Ct.

$1,000.00

3/2

6417 Sweet Olive Ct.

$1,000.00

2/1

5036 Seymour Rd.

$570.00

Ä‘ĆŤ %/,( 5ĆŤ / Ä‘ĆŤ ,! % (ĆŤ ! 0%+*/ Ä‘ĆŤ % $!ĆŤ 1 (% 0%+*/ Ä‘ĆŤ *(%*!

Call Jim Weir at: 803-316-3725 Owner is a SC Real Estate Agent

COUNTY OF SUMTER BUSINESS LICENSES The County of Sumter Ordinance regulating licenses for County businesses states that “Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession within the limits of the County of Sumter, South Carolina is required to pay an annual license fee and obtain a business license.â€? “The required license fee shall be paid for each business subject thereto according to the applicable rate classiďŹ cation on or before the 15th day of March each year.â€?

TH

A 5% PENALTY WILL BE ASSESSED ON ALL LICENSE FEES WHICH ARE NOT PAID BY THE 15 OF MARCH, AND AN ADDITIONAL 5% PENALTY WILL BE ASSESSED ON THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH THAT THE LICENSE FEE REMAINS UNPAID.

PAIGE MACLOSKIE MULTIMEDIA CONSULTANT

CALL TODAY

If any license fee shall remain unpaid for sixty (60) days after its due date, the Business License Department shall issue an execution which shall constitute a lien upon the property of the licensee for the tax, penalties and costs of collection.�

& !Â’%%"Â’ %&

paige@theitem.com

If you do not receive an application in the mail, please stop by our ofďŹ ce at 12 W. Liberty Street in the Liberty Center (the old Brody bldg) or give us a call at 774-1601. We will be available to assist you with your application or answer any questions you might have.

28th Annual Clarendon Hall Academy Consignment Auction

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF SOUTH CAROLINA CLERK’S OFFICE NOTICE OF FILING AND HEARING AND PREFILE TESTIMONY DEADLINES DOCKET NO. 2015-53-E

Saturday, March 7, 2015 @ 9:00 A.M. Auction Location; Clarendon Hall Academy, 1140 S. Duke St Summerton SC. From I-95 take exit 108 onto Road 102 (Bluff Rd) turn right on first paved road (Felton St) follow until road dead ends on S. Duke St. C. H. A. is straight across. WATCH FOR SIGNS!!

TRACTORS JD 7130, 2WD, OPEN STATION, 2300 HRS, 7130A661420 CASE IH 315 MAGNUM, 2901 HRS, MFD, ZCR008925 JD 5085 M, 3150 HRS, 5085M28016 JD 950 JD 850 JD 6200 OPEN STATION 2WD, POWER QUAD JD 210C LANDSCAPE LOADER MF 165 DIESEL FORD 2000 – GAS KABOTA M-5100 MFD 400 HRS JD 5500, 2WD, OPEN STATION JD 1010 JD 2240 BACKHOES & EXCAVATORS KOBELCO SK220LC, TRACKHOE JD 450 BULLDOZER JD 410C BACKHOE JD 550 BACKHOE COMBINES & HEADS JD 6620 JD 9600, 5060 ENG. HRS, 3590 SEP. HRS JD 444 CORN HEAD HAY EQUIPMENT PULL TYPE 8 WHEEL RAKE JD 535 BALER JD 467 BALER JD 457 BALER NET WRAP EQUIPMENT JD BLUE APPLICATOR 300 GAL PLASTIC TANK 2 SETS OF 2 ROW PITTSBURG CULTIVATORS 2 SETS OF 2 ROW KMC PLANTERS CASE IH 20 FT 5200 DRILL W/MARKERS 1000 GAL NURSE TANK 2 GREAT PLAINS NO TILL DRILL 10’ W/SMALL SEED ATTACHMENT KMC 4 ROW PEANUT DIGGER W/30� ROWS

BUSH HOG 3214 MOWER EQUIPMENT (CONT.) 320/90-R-50 DUALS HARDEE SH360C0 DITCH BANK CUTTER NEW IDEA 2 ROW CORN SHELLER JD 2 ROW 3PT 71 FLEX PLANTER JD 2 ROW 3PT 7000 PLATE PLANTER JD 2 ROW 3PT 7000 PLATELESS PLANTER JD 2 ROW PULL TYPE 7000 W/ FERTILIZER PLATELESS PLANTER JD 4 ROW 7000 W/FERTILIZER PLATELESS PLANTER TUFLINE 38-102224 OFFSET HARROW 40’ HIGH CUBI CONT. KMC CHICKEN HOUSE WALL CLEANER 7’ PASTURE DRILL JD 620 DISC HARROW 14’ TURBO TUFF HM500 HYDRO SEEDER SPRAYERS JD 4710 SPRAYERS (CONT.) CASE IH 3185 WILMARD 765 HT TRUCKS & TRAILERS 1981 INTERNATIONAL 1854 SERIES, DT 466, 5SPD – 2SPD TRANSMISSION, 163,000 ACTUAL MILES 1999 WHITE INTERNATIONAL 9400, 3506 CAT ENGINE, 10 SPD, JAKE BRAKE, 609,000 ACTUAL MILES 1988 PETERBUILT 400 CUMMINGS MISCELLANEOUS JD LX 255 MOWER JD 337 Z TRACK MOWER WOODS F2HD 2 TRACK DIESEL 61�CUT PORTABLE CEMENT MIXER LOAD OF BOBCAT ATTACHMENTS 3PT HITCH TILLERS Lots of SMALL ITEMS

TERMS & CONDITIION: Cash or Approved checks. We now accept Credit Cards. There will be a 3% Administrative Fee with a $350.00 cap per item added to all purchases. Consignments accept – 10% Commission - No Sale Fee $10.00 per tag. No sale fee on tractors, combines, hy-cycle, construction Equipment & Vehicles - $50.00 per tag. All items sell “As is, Where is�.

Rain or Shine. Not responsible for accidents.

J G Blocker Auction & Realty Inc • Walterboro SC SCAL # 110 Phone 843.538-2276.

Application of Duke Energy Progress, Inc. to Establish a Distributed Energy Resource Program Duke Energy Progress, Inc. (DEP or the Company) has ďŹ led an Application with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (Commission) to implement a Distributed Energy Resource Program (DER Program) to accomplish and further the purposes and goals of the South Carolina Distributed Energy Resource Program (Act 236 or the Act). Act 236 which, in part, promotes the establishment of a reliable, efďŹ cient, and diversiďŹ ed portfolio of distributed energy resources for the State, permits an electrical utility to apply to the Commission for approval to participate in a DER Program. The Application was ďŹ led pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-39-130.

The Company’s portfolio of initiatives is designed to increase the capacity of renewable generation located in its service area from 100 kilowatts (kW), as of January 1, 2015, to approximately 27,000 kW by January 1, 2021. In its Application, DEP proposed three, new customer initiatives designed to meet the speciďŹ c requirements set forth in S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-39-130(C)(2): the NEM DER Incentive; the Solar Rebate Program; and the Shared Solar Program. Pages 9, 10, and 11 of the Application contain summaries of these initiatives.

DEP’s Projected Incremental DER Costs, as outlined in Table 3 of its Application, is as follows:

Total Incremental Costs

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

$1,123,438

$1,437,940

$2,125,812

$2,883,557

$3,705,071

$4,152,400

S.C. Code Ann. Section 58-39-150 provides, in part, that the Commission must not approve a DER plan in which the total incremental costs to be incurred by an electrical utility and recovered from the electrical utility’s South Carolina retail customer classes exceeds the following annual amounts per number of accounts for costs that are incurred on or after January 1, 2014: residential: $12; commercial: $120; and industrial: $1200.

In sum, DEP requests the following relief, in part, from the Commission: Approval of its DER Program as outlined in its Application; approval to recover costs of the DER Program pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Sections 58-27-865, 58-39-140 and 58-39-150 through a ďŹ xed monthly incremental per-account charge within the fuel cost component of its base rates; approval of the Company’s request to follow deferred accounting with respect to any unrecovered DER incremental costs in excess of per-account annual cost caps, and to recover such costs, with associated carrying costs, in subsequent periods; and approval for the authority to modify and supplement its DER Program to accomplish and further the goals of Act 236.

A copy of the company’s application can be found on the Commission’s website at www.psc.sc.gov under Docket No. 2015-53-E. Additionally, a copy of the application is available from Charles A. Castle, Esquire, Duke Energy Corporation, 550 South Tryon St./DEC45A, Charlotte, North Carolina 28201-1006 and Frank R. Ellerbe III, Robinson McFadden & Moore, P.C., 1901 Main Street, Suite 1200, Columbia, South Carolina 29202.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a hearing on the above matter has been scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., and continuing to May 20th and 21st and further continued after these dates, if necessary, before the Commission in the Commission’s Hearing Room at 101 Executive Center Drive, Saluda Building, Columbia, South Carolina 29210 for the purpose of receiving testimony and evidence from all interested parties.

Any person who wishes to participate in this matter as a party of record should ďŹ le a Petition to Intervene in accordance with the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure on or before April 17, 2015. For the receipt of future Commission correspondence, please include an email address in the Petition to Intervene. Please refer to Docket No. 2015-53-E and mail a copy to all other parties in this docket. Any person who wishes to testify and present evidence at the hearing should notify, in writing, the Commission; the OfďŹ ce of Regulatory Staff at 1401 Main Street, Suite 900, Columbia, South Carolina 29201; and the company at the above address, on or before April 17, 2015. Please refer to Docket No. 2015-53-E. INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL PARTIES OF RECORD (Applicant, Petitioners, and Intervenors only): All Parties of Record must preďŹ le testimony with the Commission and with all parties of record. PreďŹ led Testimony Deadlines: Applicant’s Direct Testimony Due: 3/17/2015; Other Parties of Record Direct Testimony Due: 4/28/2015; Applicant’s Rebuttal Testimony Due: 5/5/2015; and Other Parties of Record Surrebuttal Testimony Due: 5/12/2015. All PreďŹ led Testimony Deadlines are subject to the information as posted on www.psc.sc.gov under Docket No. 2015-53-E. For the most recent information regarding this docket, including changes in scheduled dates included in this Notice, please refer to www.psc.sc.gov and Docket No. 2015-53-E. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any person who wishes to have his or her comments considered as part of the ofďŹ cial record of this proceeding MUST present such comments in person to the Commission during the hearing.

Persons seeking information about the Commission’s procedures should contact the Commission at (803) 896-5100 or visit its website at www.psc. sc.gov.

2/23/15 Public Service Commission of South Carolina • Attention: Clerk’s OfďŹ ce • Post OfďŹ ce Drawer 11649 • Columbia, SC 29211

SECTION

C

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivy@theitem.com

Laughs with a Southern accent

Popular comedian makes 3rd Opera House appearance

BY IVY MOORE ivy@theitem.com

T

here’s a lot to celebrate Saturday night. There’s still a day left in the weekend, the worst of the winter weather should be behind us, and Julie Scoggins is at the Sumter Opera House for anyone who’s ready for some good laughs.

Scoggins’ performance is her third at the Opera House, and audience reviews have pretty much been raves for the Charlotte resident who has been doing stand-up comedy for more than 15 years.

Comedy was not her first career, however; on her website Scoggins describes herself as “a former trucker, pooper scooper and charm school graduate” who got into stand-up by accident, after years of admiring and following such comedians as Richard Pryor, Lucille Ball, Lily Tomlin and Phyllis Diller.

Even as a child, she said, “I got hooked on comedy at an early age, before I really knew what a standup comedian actually was.

I watched every episode of ‘The Little Rascals’ and ‘I Love Lucy.’ My pre-teen years were tuned in to ‘Rowan & Martin’s LaughIn.’ I loved Lily Tomlin! I used to sit by the TV with a cassette recorder and tape her doing Edith Ann and Ernestine.”

In addition, Scoggins said she was “probably one of the very few teen-aged white girls that could recite every Richard Pryor album front to back.”

Scoggins has developed her own style of stand-up, and it’s kept her in demand 11 months of the year — actually all 12, but she claims she takes one week a month off for “marriage preservation.”

That’s a good thing, because she likely owes her change of career to her husband, who got her up on stage during an open mic night at Charlotte’s Comedy Zone.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

ABOVE: Stand-up comedian Julie Scoggins returns for her second encore at the Sumter Opera House on Friday night. Her style has been compared to that of Jeff Foxworthy and the “blue collar” comics.

RIGHT: The Sumter Opera House on Main Street is a historical building whose auditorium is known for its excellent acoustics. The Opera House Series will feature a third performance by Scoggins on Saturday.

“I was immediately hooked and have been performing ever since,” she said.

Scoggins’ job immediately previous to that night was in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a sales representative for Frito-Lay, at which she said she was pretty successful, as she “sold Doritos on an island where 50 percent of the people smoked pot.”

Those who missed Scoggins’ previous Sumter performances can hear parts of her routines on bad housekeeping, adoption and Wisconsin Cheeseheads on her website www.juliescoggins. com. There you can find out why she came home to find two people in blindfolds sitting on her couch — it in-

volves a TV commercial — and how being adopted has influenced her life and career. She’s also a regular on radio with John Boy and Billy — John Boy calls her his favorite comedian — on XM/Sirius Blue Collar Radio, the Bob and Sherry Show in Charlotte and the Bob and Tom Show in Indianapolis.

The Wilmington, N.C. Star News wrote of her “If Jeff Foxworthy was a 6-foot-2inch woman, he might be Julie Scoggins.”

See Julie Scoggins at the Sumter Opera House at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Tickets are $25 for floor and box seats and $23 balcony.

Look for her 2004 Harley

Road King parked outside.

For reservations, contact the Sumter Opera House, (803) 436-2616 or www.sumteroperahouse.com Still to come in the Sumter Opera House’s 2014-15 season are: • The Dirty Dozen Brass

Band, March 13; • Galleria Seasons, March 20 (Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Association event); and • Heritage Blues Band, April 18.

Call 436-2616 for information.

Former child star recalls her 13-year career in Hollywood

BY NICK THOMAS Tinseltown Talks

H

er career as a child actress lasted only from 1931-44, but Marilyn Knowlden has carried the memories for a lifetime.

“My parents enrolled me in a dance school when I was 3, and the teacher told them that one day I would be in the movies,” recalled Knowlden from her home in Orange County, California.

In 1931, when her attorney father took the family on a business trip from Oakland to Hollywood, he clearly gave some credence to the teacher’s prediction.

“For fun, he phoned up Paramount Studios and got an interview for me that day,” said Knowlden. “I was only 4, and the casting director told us it was a pity I wasn’t older because they needed an 8-yearold that week for a film, but that I was too young to remember the lines.”

Her father, however, disagreed.

“He told them I had a good memory, and the next day I had a screen test,” she said.

The result was a part with 500 words of dialogue in “Women Love Once,” the first of six films during 1931, although she would be uncredited in “Wicked” and have her scene later cut from “Susan Lenox,” which starred Gable and Garbo.

“Greta Garbo played my governess, but she also gave

PHOTO PROVIDED

Marilyn Knowlden, right, acted with Katharine Hepburn in the film “A Woman Rebels” in 1936. Knowlden was active in films from 1931 to 1944, working with many prominent actors of the time, among them Greta Garbo, Claudette Colbert and Charles Laughton, whom she taught “a little wooden shoe dance.” me some professional advice: ‘In Hollywood, don’t count on anything!’” recalled Knowlden.

As a child actor, young Marilyn’s movie characters were frequently paired with screen mothers who were leading actresses of the day, including Norma Shearer, Claudette Colbert and Katharine Hepburn.

“A special relationship can develop with the actress who plays a child’s mother even if that bond is temporary,” she

said. “Norma Shearer was a dear screen mother. When we would come back from lunch, she would have a little porcelain box on the set with a surprise in it for me.”

Hepburn was another favorite. In “A Woman Rebels,” Marilyn had to use a bow and arrow.

“She said she would give me a dollar if I could hit the bull’s-eye,” said Knowlden. “I never did get my dollar. But I did get a nice autograph: ‘Dear Marilyn, hoping your

archery will improve, affectionately, Katharine Hepburn.’ I still have that.”

A Hollywood veteran of 50 productions by age 18, Knowlden gave up acting for a simple reason: love.

“I met a returning serviceman, got married, and went to China with him where I worked for the armed forces radio service,” she said.

But Knowlden’s acting career wasn’t quite over. “When I was 69, I began working in regional theater. I’m 88 now

and have been in 19 plays since, and also written scripts, lyrics and music.”

In 2011, she published her autobiography, “Little Girl in Big Pictures” (see www.marilynknowlden.com), detailing her life, including on-screen Hollywood experiences.

But there were also special memories that occurred off camera, such as meeting the Marx Brothers.

“I never worked with them, but did meet them when I was working on my first film,” she said. “The director took me over to the set where the four brothers were making ‘Monkey Business.’

Chico sat me down at the piano and taught me to play a few notes. We even played a duet together.”

Four years later, in the role of young Cosette in “Les Misérables,” Knowlden says fellow cast member Charles Laughton visited her set.

“He was wearing his hip length boots and I was wearing wooden shoes, and I taught him a little wooden shoe dance,” said Knowlden.

“So I played piano with Chico Marx and danced with Charles Laughton – you can see why I loved my short Hollywood experience!”

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for more than 550 magazines and newspapers. Follow on Twitter@TinseltownTalks.

C2

FOOD

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

|

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rotini With Creamy Burger Sauce is a flavorful meal that’s ready in 20 minutes.

Want more flavor? Add heavy cream

BY J.M. HIRSCH AP Food Editor

S

ure, we’re all trying to lose those pesky 10 or 15 or whatever

pounds, but that’s no reason to not keep a pint of heavy cream in the refrigerator.

Truth is, a little fat like that can go a long way to turning a basic dish into one that is exceedingly comforting. Steak, for example, is dramatically improved with a cream-based pan sauce. Pureed vegetable soups taste like indulgences with just a bit of cream. And don’t even get me started

about what it does for mashed potatoes and baked sweet potatoes.

And none of these recipes requires a ton of cream, so you won’t necessarily bust your diet. Think of it as a seasoning or accent flavor, something to tie everything together.

To make my point, here is a simple and delicious weeknight-friendly pasta dinner that uses a bit of heavy cream to make the dish taste like you spent way longer on it. If you’d prefer a vegetarian version, just leave out the ground beef. And, of course, this dish is plenty versatile. Add veggies as you see fit, or substitute ground pork or chicken for the beef.

ROTINI WITH CREAMY BURGER SAUCE Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 6 1 pound rotini (spiral) pasta 1 pound lean ground beef 1 medium yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 teaspoons soy sauce Two 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and ground black pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, then drain.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high, combine and the beef and onion and saute, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is starting to brown and the onions are tender, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Add the heavy cream to the meat sauce and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the cheese, then the pasta, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition information per serving: 540 calories; 150 calories from fat (28 percent of total calories); 17 g fat (8 g saturated; 0.5 g trans fats); 80 mg cholesterol; 66 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 28 g protein; 690 mg sodium.

Warm up with a simple and speedy veggie tagine

BY AARTI SEQUEIRA The Associated Press A brimming pot of hearty stew is a gift in so many ways during the gray, bone-chilling days of winter. Simmering merrily away on the stove, it warms the kitchen (especially if you fire up the oven and bake a pan of cornbread to serve with it). Its aroma lifts the spirits, encouraging anyone who walks through the front door that they are finally home.

And given that it’s made in a huge pot, it’s an antidote to loneliness. It begs to be shared with your neighbors!

One of my favorite stews is a tagine (pronounced tah-JEEN). North African in origin, the dish gets its name from the unmistakable pot in which it traditionally is prepared. The vessel consists of a wide, shallow cooking pot (usually not more than a couple inches deep) and a tall conical cover. The cover gathers and cools the steam from the cooking ingredients so that it drips back into the dish. This allows cooks in hot, dry climates to cook with as little liquid as possible, yet still produce moist food. But don’t worry if you don’t own a tagine. In my kitchen, I make do with my trusty Dutch oven, which still does a respectable job.

The cooking technique is not unlike any stew you’ve probably made — saute some aromatics, add the meat and/or vegetables, some kind of liquid, then simmer away. It’s the spicing that sets a tagine apart.

Sweet cinnamon, warm ground ginger and a little peppery turmeric combine to form a perfume that transports you to the spice markets of Morocco.

Sprinkle over some softly caramelized onions and garlic, add some tomatoes, briny olives and sweet currants, and the gray skies above you will give way to swaying date palms and sienna-tinted dunes.

If you’ve never made a tagine, this vegetable and chickpea version is a great first step. It cooks in less than an hour! Serve it over some couscous or alongside a loaf of warm, crusty bread.

VEGETABLE TAGINE I like to slice my onions lengthwise, from pole to pole rather than across the grain. I find that this helps the onions break down more quickly during cooking.

Start to finish: 1 hour Servings: 6 1 large lemon, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds 1/2 cup lemon juice Kosher salt 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large red onion, thinly sliced lengthwise 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium parsnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds 1 small sweet potato (about 1/2 pound), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2 cups) 1 small cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets (about 2 cups) 2 teaspoons ground dry ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric Pinch of cayenne pepper 14 1/2-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes 1 1/2 cups water 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1-inch half moons 1 tablespoon dried currants 8 green olives, pitted and halved Ground black pepper Make a quick preserved lemon. In a small skillet over mediumhigh heat, combine lemon slices, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the lemon is tender. Cool. Mince 3 slices, peel and pulp included, discarding any seeds. Set aside. Save the remaining slices for another use.

In a large Dutch oven or a tagine over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, then saute until softened and slightly golden, about 8 minutes.

Add the parsnip, sweet potato, cauliflower, ginger, cinnamon,

turmeric and cayenne. Stir and cook for 1 minute, or until the vegetables are coated in spices and the whole thing is fragrant, making sure not to let the spices scorch. Add the tomatoes, minced lemon and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked halfway.

Add the chickpeas, squash, currants and olives. Cook, with the lid ajar, another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Season with salt and pepper, then serve with couscous or crusty bread.

Nutrition information per serving: 220 calories; 90 calories from fat (41 percent of total calories); 10 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrate; 8 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 6 g protein; 840 mg sodium.

FOOD

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

|

C3

Get to know Belgian endive with the help of cheese

BY MELISSA D’ARABIAN The Associated Press

Belgian Endive Gratin is bubbling with flavor.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Fresh-faced, yet utterly jetlagged. That’s how I arrived in France for the first time.

And that’s how I was introduced to Belgian endive.

Madame Gabillet was hosting me for my college semester abroad and she welcomed me pretty much right off the plane into her chilly, dark home. Dinner was waiting, so we sat right down and rather silently (since I didn’t yet speak a word of French) began the meal. That’s when I saw a vegetable I didn’t recognize.

Was it cabbage? No. But whatever it was, it was bathed in a luscious cream sauce with Gruyere bubbling on top. It was a fitting welcome to what would be a cold and rainy few months. I understood precious little of what my host family said to me that night, but I did catch the name of the tender, slightly bitter, delight that we ate — Belgian endive.

Madame Gabillet loved Belgian endive (and luckily, as I discovered, so did I). She served it chopped and sauteed in sweet butter, or sliced and tossed raw in a mustardy vinaigrette, or — my favorite — baked in a white cream sauce with onions and cheese.

Back in the US, I saw Belgian endive slowly make its way into supermarkets. These days you can find it pretty much all year. They look like a cross between an elongated oversized Brussels sprout and a very small head of compacted romaine lettuce, but more yellow. Both Belgian and regular endive are part of the chicory family and sport a slightly bitter flavor.

Each Belgian endive has only 15 calories, but packs tons of fiber, vitamin C and calcium. And for something that sounds so exotically European, it’s downright inexpensive.

So grab a few and try them in some of your favorite recipes that star other greens — raw in place of escarole, sauteed instead of cabbage or kale, simply grilled or roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper and squeeze of lemon. Or try my version of the dish that started it all — Madame Gabillet’s Belgian endive gratin.

BELGIAN ENDIVE GRATIN Start to finish: 45 minutes (15 minutes active) Servings: 4 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried tarragon 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups reduced-fat milk 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Salt and ground black pepper 4 small to medium Belgian endives 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese Heat the oven to 350 F. Coat a medium (9-by-9-inch) baking dish with cooking spray.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tarragon, then cook until fragrant, another minute.

Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 6 minutes. Turn off the heat, stir in mustard, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Cut off the woody stems of the endive and slice them in half lengthwise. Season them with salt and pepper. Place the endive in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the endive halves.

Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, then sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the endive is tender.

If desired, increase heat to broil and broil the gratin until the cheese is bubbly and browned, about 1 minute. Be careful as the cheese will burn quickly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition information per serving: 230 calories; 120 calories from fat (52 percent of total calories); 14 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 45 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 12 g protein; 540 mg sodium.

Carolina Children’s Dentistry

VESTCO PROPERTIES Buying used Mobile Homes, Lots, Acreage, or Houses In Need of Repair

Columbia, SC (803) 736-6000

Sumter, SC (803) 775-4793

Specializing In Infants, Children, and Adolescents

470 S. Guignard Drive Sumter, SC 29150 803-938-5312 “Take us along for the ride, you’ll be glad you did”

740 Bultman Drive, Sumter, SC 29150

645 Bultman Dr., Sumter (803) 774-5502

(803) 773-3328

10am - 6pm Tues.-Fri. • 10am - 4pm Sat.

C.A. HARLER TROPHIES & ENGRAVING, LLC Proud Supporter of Our Schools

32 S. Main St. • Sumter

“We Make You Shine!”

Free In-Town Delivery Since 1936

803-775-8211 703 Bultman Drive • Sumter (Corner of Bultman & Wise)

caharlertrophy@sc.rr.com

1283 Broad Street Sumter, SC 29150

803-905-5500

Sumter Laundry & Cleaners

1091 Broad St., Sumter 938-9767

803-774-2100

Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm • Saturday 9am-4pm

NEW LOCATION

“Investing In Our Futures by “Promoting Literacy For Our Kids”

Hours: M-F: 7AM - 6PM • Sat 9AM-4PM www.sumtercutratedrugs.com

31 W. Wesmark Blvd.

Sumter, SC

Fabric & Children’s Clothing

4 Locations To Serve You Better

803-773-8432

“Proud Supporters Of Literacy In Our Community”

FURNITURE & BEDDING

Sumter Family Miss Kitty’s Dental Center

piggly wiggly

Sumter Cut Rate Drugs

Call 803-773-8022 anytime

Brown’s “Where Quality Matters”

FREE Home Pick-up & Delivery

GEICO Field Representative

775-3962

Telephone: 803.938.8200

Roger Armfield 639 BULTMAN DRIVE

Buy a Happy Meal or a Mighty Kidʼs Meal and GET A

FREE COOKIE

C6

|

COMICS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Husband’s secret texting puts wife on high alert DEAR ABBY — I was recently told by a friend that my husband had sent her texts of an inappropriate and sexDear Abby ual nature.

My husband ABIGAIL didn’t deny VAN BUREN that he sent them and refused to tell me what he sent.

This woman is envious of my husband and jealous of our relationship. She often comments about how she’d love to have a man like mine, etc. My concern is, he admits he texted her, but I don’t understand why. My intuition tells me she told me the truth, but I want to trust my

THE SUMTER ITEM

husband.

Now I’m suspicious. I always want to check his phone, and analyze every aspect of our life and marriage.

I feel this has put a huge wedge between us, and I no longer feel the same love and passion for him. Please help.

What do I do now? Is my marriage over?

Suspicious in Michigan DEAR SUSPICIOUS — Your marriage may not be over, but it could be in jeopardy. Considering what has been going on, you have every right to be concerned.

Marriage counseling may help you and your husband get back on track if he’s willing to go with you. But if he isn’t, then for your own sake, get counseling on your own

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

because you may need to talk to someone who isn’t emotionally involved in your turmoil. It will make you stronger.

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.

Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

ACROSS 1 Thin streaks 6 Influenced by, recipe-wise 9 Ones who deal with dealers 14 First name in furniture 15 Editor’s job 17 Seeking lodging 19 Unidentified Jane 20 Tugboat sound 21 Commodities dealer 22 Summit meeting goal 24 18-Down, with “down” 26 Rearing place 27 Pulling away 31 This and that 32 Deep gulf 33 Global financial org.

36 Mexican supermodel Elsa 39 Hardly transitory 41 Gig session 42 Venetian island 44 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit 45 More at dinner 48 Suffix with school 51 CIA predecessor 52 London home of

Constables and Sargents 53 Block deliverers of yesteryear 55 Powerful lobby for seniors 57 Cape Canaveral’s st.

60 Stadium supporters, and a hint to their cry hidden in 17-, 27- and 45-Across 63 Self-control 64 Felt poorly 65 “Golden Boy” playwright 66 “Hello, ewe!”

67 Mausoleums DOWN 1 Metalworking union 2 “Was __ hard on her?”

3 Crime scene clue 4 K2 is on its border: Abbr.

5 State secrets?

6 Cornstarch brand 7 Right hook setup 8 Noisy scene 9 “Mayberry R.F.D.” setting 10 Nearby 11 __ la Plata 12 Attends 13 Dik Browne pooch

16 Evaluation for creative types 18 Make a memo of 23 Yours, to Yvette 25 “Now I remember!”

27 Watch chains 28 Peter Fonda’s beekeeper 29 Medicine cabinet items 30 Suffix with malt 33 Low-budget pic, usually 34 Chief 35 Coach’s challenge indicator 37 StubHub offerings, briefly 38 Latvia neighbor 40 Spellbound

43 Baked, layered entrŽe 45 Clown Kelly 46 French I infinitive 47 Purring snuggler 48 Extremely tiny 49 Needed liniment 50 Creator of many pieces?

54 Writes the wrong zip code, say 56 Pooch in whodunits 58 Award-winning comic book writer Jeph 59 Additions 61 Pointed end 62 South-ofthe-border uncle

TELEVISION

THE SUMTER ITEM TW

WIS

E10

WLTX E19 WOLO E25 WRJA E27 WACH E57 WKTC E63

FT

7 PM

7:30

8 PM

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015 10 PM

10:30

11 PM

11:30

|

C7

12 AM

(:01) Chicago P.D.: The Weigh Sta- WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show Starring tion A hit is attempted on Halstead. 11:00pm News Jimmy Fallon Comedic skits and ce(HD) and weather. lebrity interviews. (HD) Survivor: Worlds Apart (N) (HD) Criminal Minds: Lockdown The mur- CSI: Cyber: Kidnapping 2.0 A case in- News 19 @ 11pm (:35) Late Show with David Letterder of two prison guards. (N) (HD) volving hacked baby monitors. (N) The news of the man Brian Kiley; Ben Howard per(HD) day. forms. (HD) The Middle: Flirt- The Goldbergs Modern Family (:31) black-ish: Nashville: That’s the Way Love Goes ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Celebrities ing with Disaster Erica joins the JTP. Spy drone. (N) Parental Guidance Sadie shares a secret in an interview. News at 11 (HD) and human-interest subjects. (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Echoes of Creation Cameras cap- Dr. Christiane Northrup: Glorious Women Never Age Rick Steves’ Dynamic Europe: Amsterdam, Prague, Berlin Rick explores The Fear Cure with Lissa Rankin, 11 14 ture the scenic beauty of Alaska and Expert offers advice on how to live a full and healthy life art, culture and history in Amsterdam, Prague and Berlin. (HD) M.D. The impact of fear on health disat any age. (HD) cussed. (N) (HD) the Pacific Northwest.

The Big Bang The Big Bang American Idol: Top 8 Guys Perform (:01) Empire: Unto the Breach The WACH FOX News at 10 Local news TMZ (N) Mike & Molly: Modern Family: 6 6 Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (HD) Lyon sons take desperate measures. report and weather forecast.

Mike in the House Earthquake (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) How I Met Your Anger Manage- Arrow: Midnight City Arsenal and The 100: Blood Must Have Blood, The Walking Dead: Inmates Search- The Walking Dead: Claimed Multiple Hot in Cleveland: 4 22 Mother Video re- ment (HD) Diggle warn Laurel about trying to fill Part One Clarke and Lexa get ready ing for stability and safety. (HD) threats suddenly arise. (HD) I Love Lucci Part 1 sume. (HD) in for her sister. (HD) for combat. (N) (HD) (HD) WIS News 10 at Entertainment Tonight (N) (HD) news update.

News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) 9 9 Evening news up- (HD) date.

Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (N) 5 12 (N) (HD) (HD)

The Voice: Best of the Blinds (N) (HD)

3 10 7:00pm Local

CABLE CHANNELS Wahlburgers Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Wahlburgers (N) Donnie Loves Donnie Loves (:32) (:01) Duck DyBobby Orr. (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Jenny (N) (HD) Jenny (HD) Wahlburgers nasty (HD) Under Siege (‘92, Action) aac Steven Seagal. A warship with nuclear missiles is seized by Out for Justice (‘91, Action) aa Steven Seagal. A tough Brooklyn cop 180 Gladiator (‘00, Drama) Russell Crowe. A warrior’s revenge. (HD) terrorists led by an ex-CIA agent. (HD) hunts for the drug dealer who killed his best friend. (HD) 100 Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse Masters (HD) Treehouse The Game: It’s a Mann’s World: Mann Family The Game: Wendy Williams 162 (6:50) The Game Keyshia Cole: All Being Mary Jane: No Eggspectations It’s a Mann’s World: Mann of the (HD) In (HD) Shocking news live. (HD) House 48th birthday. (N) Switch! (N) (HD) Talent Show Families in need.

Switch! (HD) Show (HD) (6:30) New ly weds: The First Year: Vanderpump Rules: Jax Cracks Jax Vanderpump Rules: De throned Best New Res tau rant: Fast Ca sual What Hap pens The Real House wives of Atlanta: 181 Where Are They Now Special tries to stay loyal to Tom. Tense photo shoot.

Dining Casual cuisine. (N) (N) Chocolate Does a Body Good 62 Greed: Charity Begins at Home Shark Tank New inventors. (HD) Shark Tank Seven-figures. (HD) American Vice Shark Tank (HD) Shark (HD) 64 Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) Anthony Bourdain Parts CNN Tonight Anderson Cooper 360° (HD) Anthony South Park: Toi- South Park (HD) South Park (HD) South Park (HD) Workaholics (N) Broad City (N) Daily Show (N) Nightly Show w/ (:01) @midnight 136 Broad City: Citi- Workaholics zen Ship (HD) (HD) let Paper (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) Wilmore (N) (N) (HD) Girl Meets Game Undercover: Liv and Maddie I Didn’t Rival mas- Jessie Lucky Dog Blog: Avery’s Liv and Maddie Austin & Ally I Didn’t Do It: So Raven School 80 Austin & Ally (HD) night.

Photo Bombed (HD) cot. socks. (HD) First Crush (HD) (HD) Pilot dance.

103 Dual Survival (HD) Dual Survival: Untamed (N) Dual Survival (N) (HD) Gold Rush Desperate crew. (HD) Dual Survival (HD) Survival (HD) 35 Sports (HD) NBA Count NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers at Miami Heat z{| (HD) NBA Basketball: Portland vs Los Angeles z{| (HD) 39 College Basketball: Notre Dame vs Louisville z{| (HD) College Basketball: USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins z{| (HD) SportsCenter (HD) Sports (HD) The 700 Club Boy World Soft131 Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Baby Daddy (N) The Breakfast Club (‘85, Drama) Emilio Estevez. Five very different stu(HD) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) dents learn about each other during a weekend detention. (HD) ball game.

109 Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Mystery (HD) Mystery (HD) Mystery (HD) Mystery (N) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Mystery (HD) 74 On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates.

Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File 42 (6:30) Wom. College Basketball z{| Predators UFC Unleashed (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) Wom Bball 183 The Waltons: The Journey Neighbor The Waltons: The Odyssey John Boy The Middle: Hal- The Middle (HD) The Middle: The The Middle (HD) Golden Dorothy Golden: Hey Look Golden Murder wishes to see the ocean. meets an old schoolmate. loween II (HD) Play (HD) directs.

Me Over mystery.

112 Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (N) (HD) Hunters (N) Hunters (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Prop Bro (HD) 110 To Be Announced (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) (:03) American Pickers (HD) American (HD) Cold Case: Frank’s Best Deli owner Cold Case: 8 Years One of four high Cold Case: Detention Lilly reopens Cold Case: Debut Lilly reopens a Cold Case Bank 160 Cold Case: Creatures of the Night Doorman’s death. (HD) beaten to death. (HD) school friends killed. (HD) teen suicide. (HD) case from 1968. (HD) heists. (HD) 145 Little Women: LA: Into the Woods Little Women: LA: Home Wreckers Little Women: LA: Little Women, Big (:02) Kosher Soul (:32) Kosher Soul (:02) Kosher Soul Kosher Soul: Vio- (:02) Little Catalina Island. (HD) (HD) Easy (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) lated (HD) Women: LA (HD) 76 Hardball with Chris (N) (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) The Rachel Maddow Show (N) Lawrence O’Donnell (HD) All in with Chris Hayes (HD) Maddow (HD) 91 Thunderman Haunted (N) Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Prince Prince Friends (HD) Friends (HD) Raymond (HD) 154 Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Jail (HD) The Crazies (‘10, Horror) aaa Timothy Olyphant.

152 The Descent (‘05, Horror) aaa Shauna MacDonald. A group of hikers is The Descent Part 2 (‘09, Horror) aac Shauna MacDonald. The amnetrapped in a cave with bloodthirsty creatures. (HD) siac survivor of a tragic cave expedition returns with a search party.

Maniacs roam a small Iowa town.

Seinfeld (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Conan Conan’s trip to Havana, Cuba. The Office Fare156 Seinfeld (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) (N) (HD) wells. (HD) World of Grand Exit (‘35, Mystery) aaa (:15) Smartest Girl in Town (‘36, Romance) aa Ann Trade Winds (‘38, Comedy) Ralph Bellamy. A woman (:15) There Goes 186 (6:00) Night of the Lepus (‘72) Tupperware (‘59) Ann Sothern. Arson investigation.

Sothern. A millionaire pretends to be poor. commits murder and escapes.

My Girl (‘37) 157 My 600-lb Life (HD) My 600-lb Life Marital fears. (HD) My 600-lb Life (N) (HD) Strange (N) Strange (N) (:02) My 600-lb Life (HD) Strange (HD) Grimm: Season of the Hexenbiest Grimm: Face Off Nick must investi- Grimm: Natural Born Wesen Code of Supernatural 158 Supernatural: Dark Side of the Moon Grimm: To Protect and Serve Man Search for angel. (HD) Reconsider convict. (HD) Adalind returns. (HD) gate his own crime. (HD) honor. (HD) (HD) 102 truTV Top: TV’s Funniest Flubs Hack My Hack My Hack My Hack My Kart Life: Risky Alliances (N) Hair Jack (HD) Hair Jack (HD) (:02) Hack My 161 Walker Assassin in town.

Fam. Feud Fam. Feud Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Friends (HD) Law & Or der: Spe cial Vic tims Unit: Law & Or der: Spe cial Vic tims Unit: Law & Or der: Spe cial Vic tims Unit: Suits: Not Just a Pretty Face Harvey’s (:04) The Mak ing (:34) Suits: Not Just a Pretty Face 132 Amaro’s One-Eighty (HD) Jersey Breakdown (HD) Downloaded Child (HD) past. (N) (HD) of Dig (HD) Harvey’s past. (HD) Law & Order: Trophy (HD) Law & Order: Charm City (HD) Law & Order: Custody (HD) Law & Order: Encore (HD) Law & Order: Savior (HD) Law (HD) 172 Funniest Home Videos (HD) How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met Rules (HD)

A&E

46 130 Wahlburgers

AMC

48

ANPL

41

BET

61

BRAVO

47

CNBC CNN

35 33

COM

57

DISN

18

DSC ESPN ESPN2

42 26 27

FAM

20

FOOD FOXN FSS

40 37 31

HALL

52

HGTV HIST

39 45

ION

13

LIFE

50

MSNBC NICK SPIKE

36 16 64

SYFY

58

TBS

24

TCM

49

TLC

43

TNT

23

TRUTV TVLAND

38 55

USA

25

WE WGN

68 8

Fresh from Oscar win, Arquette stars in ‘CSI: Cyber’

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH There might be better ways to promote a new series, but I can’t think of one right now. A week and a half after winning an Oscar and delivering her much talkedabout remarks, Patricia Arquette stars in the new spinoff “CSI: Cyber” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

It’s interesting that Arquette spoke about equal pay for women, because her participation in this by-thenumbers drama seems very much like a payday. She’s making Jerry Bruckheimer money now. And good for her.

For the uninitiated, Bruckheimer is the most prolific producer in the universe, the man behind everything from “Pirates of the Caribbean” to “CSI.” Some years ago at the Independent Spirit Awards, Steve Buscemi shocked the hipster audience by holding up his statuette and thanking Bruckheimer in his acceptance speech. The money Buscemi made on popcorn movies like “Con Air” and “Armageddon” freed him up to pursue more interesting projects. Now his “Boardwalk Empire” co-star Arquette has the same chance.

She’s an odd fit in this video game of a forensics procedural. In “Boyhood” and in the NBC series “Medium,” she was perfectly cast as the imperfect mother.

We’ve come to expect the intimacy of family life from her performances. Here, as Special Agent Avery Ryan, she wears a blue suit, has perfect hair and utters the comic book catch phrases that have defined this franchise.

“Cyber” is so slick it’s funny. I laughed more at this pilot than the new “Odd Couple.” But that doesn’t mean it’s not entertaining and filled with neat plot twists.

The FBI’s Cyber Crime Division gets involved in an infant’s kidnapping when it seems the baby monitor may contain evidence or may have been part of some kind of criminal surveillance -- or worse.

Arquette isn’t the only familiar face on hand. Look for James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”) as Agent Elijah

MONTY BRINTON / CBS

Special agent Avery Ryan (Patricia Arquette) and her team of FBI cyber analysts investigate a case of hacked baby monitors on “CSI: Cyber” premiering at 10 p.m. today on CBS. Mundo, a crack shot and military veteran who spends his downtime pretending to be an assassin in a virtual world. Ryan’s boss is Stavros Sifter (Peter MacNicol, “Ally McBeal”), who spends his few moments in the pilot telling her that she’s doing a terrific job.

Other “CSI” touches include Brody Nelson (Shad Moss), a criminal hacker working for Ryan rather than doing a stretch in prison. He’s a whiz at decryption who thinks out loud in hiphop rhyme.

And gone are the gory details of the “CSI” mortuary.

Here, even the autopsies are virtual. The cadavers appear as 3-D holograms. That’s about as deep as it gets on “CSI: Cyber.”

• “CSI: Cyber” isn’t the only series to load up on acclaimed actresses and familiar faces. The second season of “Broadchurch” (10 p.m., BBC America, TV-14) features the trial of Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller’s (Oliv-

ia Colman) husband, with two lawyers (Marianne JeanBaptiste and Charlotte Rampling) slugging it out.

If this great British series, starring David Tennant, has a fault, it’s that many of the regional accents may be difficult for Americans to understand. I kept hoping for subtitles.

• A real estate broker tries to “match-make” prospective buyers with a new locale on “My City’s Just Not That Into Me” (10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., FYI, TV-PG).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • “The Voice” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-PG) recalls the best of the blind auditions.

• The top eight males perform on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG).

• Lucious confronts a rival on “Empire” (8 p.m., Fox, TV14).

• A homemade commercial on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

• A growing number of officers have a target on their backs on “Chicago P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

• The Grand Ole Opry honors Rayna on “Nashville” (10 p.m., ABC).

• Elizabeth takes on family matters on “The Americans” (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).

• Josh may have found the one on “Man Seeking Woman” (10:30 p.m., FXX, TV-MA).

• “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) airs from Cuba.

CULT CHOICE Anita Bryant appears in the short 1959 industrial film “The Wonderful World of Tupperware” (7:30 p.m., TCM).

SERIES NOTES “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS) * Jerry Van Dyke guest-stars as Frankie’s dad on “The Middle” (8 p.m., ABC) * A Ray of hope on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, r, TV-14) * Beverly’s booboo on “The Goldbergs” (8:30 p.m., ABC) * Prison guards

targeted on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14) * Revenge on “The 100” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Anniversary plans on “black-ish” (9:30 p.m., ABC).

LATE NIGHT Viacheslav Fetisov is scheduled on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Steve Carell, Adam Silver and Hundred Waters appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS, r) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Danny DeVito and Zoe Kravitz on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Kenneth Branagh, Felicity Huffman and Purity Ring visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Drew Carey guest-hosts David Arquette, Steve Wozniak and Josh Robert Thompson on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Copyright 2015, United Feature Syndicate

C8

|

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2015

THE SUMTER ITEM

Call Rhonda Barrick at: (803) 774-1264 | E-mail: rhonda@theitem.com

Order Up! ALL HEALTH CARE AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL

5% OFF WITH ID

Catering Available Good Through 3-31-2015

me o Ho

f the Chicken Wing!

Eat In or Take Out

TUESDAY NIGHT WING SPECIAL Dine-In Only 6:30-9:00 pm

775-6538

2561 Broad St • Sumter, SC 29150 • 803-905-1212

1961-B McCrays Mill Rd. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am-10pm

Wednesday All American Burger Day Combo Special

Sumter’s Oldest FULL SERVICE

Soda Fountain!

5

$ 99

EST. 1935 | 78 YEARS STRONG

Burger, Fries + Drink

Breakfast and Lunch Daily Monday-Friday 7am-4pm Saturday 9am-3pm

Sumter Cut Rate Soda Fountain 32 S. Main St. Sumter 7 773-8432 73 843ex2. 3

from 11am until close

t

www.SUMTERCUTRATEDRUGS.com

226 S. Pike West 803-773-3321

For information about advertising, contact (803) 774-1212 or (803) 774-1284

PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MIDWESTERN In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 cup of chopped ham in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until the onion is translucent. Add 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika and 2 tablespoons of chopped jarred jalapenos. Stir into the macaroni and cheese, then serve.

Mix and match mac and cheese

BY ALISON LADMAN The Associated Press

D

o you love macaroni and cheese? Stupid question, right?

OK, so let’s try this one: How

could you love macaroni and cheese even more?

Now we’re talking. Because there are all sorts of simple ways to doctor an already awesome pan of basic mac and cheese to take our love of this dish to a whole new level. But let’s start with the basics — our classic take on macaroni and cheese. Since everyone is pressed for time, we kept it simple with a stovetop version that will have you ready to eat in about 20 minutes.

But we didn’t sacrifice flavor to get that speed. Four cups of cheese — a blend of cheddar and Gruyere — keep this dish rich and gooey. Want to push it even further?

Add some grated Parmesan cheese and maybe even aged gouda. Now you’ve got yourself a four-cheese mac and cheese.

You could enjoy it as is, but we’ll also walk you through three ways to up the ante.

Want to keep it simple? How about a crunchy-salty topping of crushed potato chips? Or maybe you’re looking for a little spice in your life. Our Midwestern take combines jalapenos and smoked paprika for kick. And no one would think less of you for combining both those ideas — perhaps a Midwestern mac and cheese topped with barbecue chips.

Or if you’re trying to be virtuous, our green goddess version adds asparagus and a whole mess of fresh herbs. You can pretend all that greenery cancels out all the cheese.

POTATO CHIP BAKED Spoon the macaroni and cheese into individual gratin dishes or a large casserole dish. Crush a bag of potato chips, then sprinkle them over the mac and cheese. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. For added punch, use flavored potato chips, such as salt and vinegar, ranch or barbecue.

CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE Start to finish: 30 minutes Servings: 8 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups milk 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups shredded Gruyere or comte cheese Kosher salt and ground black pepper 1 pound small pasta, such as shells or elbows, cooked according to package directions In a large saute pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Whisking continuously, pour in the milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the mustard and both cheeses, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring to melt.

Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the pasta. Serve immediately or follow one of the variations below.

Nutrition information per serving: 550 calories; 240 calories from fat (44 percent of total calories); 26 g fat (16 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 80 mg cholesterol; 51 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 26 g protein; 580 mg sodium.

GREEN GODDESS Cut 1 bunch of asparagus into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium-high in 1 tablespoon of butter until just tender.

Add to the macaroni and cheese along with 1/4 cup each chopped fresh chives, tarragon and basil, the zest of 1 lemon, and an additional tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Mix well, then serve.