May 14, 2014 by The Sumter Item

4 men charged with attempted murder WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

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BY ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com (803) 774-1225

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894 3 SECTIONS, 24 PAGES | VOL. 119, NO. 179

Four area men are facing attempted murder charges in three separate incidents that occurred between Friday and Tuesday. Keon Taff Jackson, 23, of 27 Shuler Drive; Duane Trouble Miller, 55, of 40 Whiffet Lane; and Kajaun Quashie Frierson-Rose, 22, and his brother, Deandre Alvonta Frierson-Rose, 18, both of 1145

Narrow Paved Road in Lynchburg, have all been arrested and charged with attempted murder by local law enforcement in connection to three unrelated shootings that took place in the past week. According to reports, Jackson was arrested Monday after an investigation revealed he drove the getaway vehicle for an attempted armed robbery allegedly committed by a 15-year-old Friday night. The teen, whose identity is being withheld, was attempting to rob a

convenience store owner outside the man’s home in the 2400 block of Peach Orchard Road when the businessman’s son came out of the house to help his father. When the 27-year-old came out, the 15-yearold suspect then reportedly shot him in the right shoulder. The teenager then fled the scene but was found shortly after. Sumter County Sheriff Dennis is insisting the youth be tried as an adult

SEE CHARGES, PAGE A6

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Deputy Angela Wadsworth steps forward to light candles for the seven local law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The officers were recognized during the annual prayer breakfast hosted by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and Sumter Police Department. The lighting came as Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Wesley Gardner, right, read the poem “Final Inspection.”

Event dedicated to those who died in the line of duty

‘He was a big Teddy bear’ Friday blood drive honors fallen officer BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272

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

even men dedicated to serving their community. Seven men who went out to do their duty one day and never came back. Every year, National Police Week recognizes law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. On Tuesday, Sumter’s law enforcement community remembered seven local officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the annual prayer breakfast co-hosted by the

SEE BREAKFAST, PAGE A6

Officer 1st Class Rodney McFadden holds a photo of his former training officer, Cpl. Chuck Nesbitt. Nesbitt died in the line of duty in a 2011 car crash. Ever since, Sumter Police Department has hosted an annual blood drive in Nesbitt’s honor. The fourth-annual Nesbitt blood drive will be held Friday at Sumter County Library.

Chuck Nesbitt was a good friend, a dedicated police officer, and, in his lighter moments, a prankster. Sumter police officer Rodney McFadden was standing outside his patrol car with Nesbitt one day, “when he had somebody drive up beside me to distract me,” McFadden said, “and he stuck a piece of gum in the keyhole in the door.” “I had to stand there and

SEE BLOOD DRIVE, PAGE A6

No decisions made to determine fate of seized dogs BY ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com (803) 774-1225 The fate of more than 25 dogs seized during a drug raid in Rembert this past weekend remains uncertain, as a magistrate court judge postponed any decision on how the animals will ultimately be treated. Sumter County Chief Magistrate Kristi Curtis granted a continuance Tuesday during a post-seizure hearing that

would have allowed the animals’ owners to try to make their case to reclaim the pit bull terriers. The dog owners — Kevin Lamont Loney and his wife, Connie, and Norman Christopher Workman — were all also arrested in the weekend bust that led law enforcement to seize nearly a quarter-million dollars in illegal drugs. During those raids, deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office also came across

the pit bull terriers and what they say was a pit used to fight the dogs. During Tuesday’s hearing, Cathy Ward, an attorney representing the government, suggested the court hold a joint hearing to consider the matter because both the Loneys and Workman seemed to have ownership of some of the dogs at both places the animals were found. And while Workman admitted during the hearing that he owned dogs at

both residences and did not oppose his case being considered at the same time as the Loneys, attorneys for the Loneys objected to the idea. There are still no charges of actual animal cruelty against either the Loneys or Workman, and the state moved to dismiss the Loneys altogether if they relinquished ownership of all dogs seized during the investigation. Ward also expressed a concern for the expenses that

would come from having the terriers in government control. While asking for a delay in the hearing, Workman said he would pay for the dogs’ caretaking until an agreed-upon future court date. Workman said he needed the delay to gather paperwork from his veterinarian documenting ownership and care of the dogs. Curtis set another hearing in the case for Friday, May 23, at 10 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

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County offices ask for money for extra personnel BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272 Even as Sumter County faces an almost $1 million deficit in crafting its 2015 budget, several county offices are hoping to add funding to their departments to add extra employees. Five department heads — two of them constitutional officers elected separately by the voters — asked Sumter County Council on Tuesday to find money to allow them to add staff in the coming fiscal year. Two other elected officials requested pay raises for existing employees to make their departments more competitive with neighboring counties. All the new jobs county departments hope to create were sold as a necessity if each office is to fulfill its duties as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Both the public prosecutor and defender’s offices requested the county pay for additional attorneys to help speed the wheels of justice and reduce the workload on their existing staffs. “It might seem odd to hear us talk about teamwork,” said Jack Howle, chief public defender for the Third Judicial Circuit, speaking alongside Third Circuit Solicitor Ernest “Chip” Finney III. “We’re on opposite sides when we get to the courtroom, but how we move cases can make a difference.” Howle asked for an additional public defender, while Finney requested help for assistant solicitors trying to get a growing number of cases to trial on a quicker timetable. “The chief justice thinks we can be faster,” he said. “We need a case manager to keep us in line with Supreme Court decisions and new mandates from Columbia.”

Coroner Harvin Bullock requested a full-time deputy coroner and an administrative assistant. He noted that similarly-sized Dorchester County spends more than double what Sumter does on its coroner’s office, which has five full-time staff, while Bullock sometimes depends on part-time deputies to respond to deaths. “They come out as needed, but they all have families and other jobs, and sometimes at 3 a.m., they don’t want to come out,” Bullock said. The Veterans Affairs office also asked for a receptionist to handle a growing number of benefits claimants, while Elections and Voter Registration requests a new IT person (or two parttime equivalents) to handle its electronic voting machines. Elsewhere, the county treasurer and sheriff want to boost their staff’s pay as an inducement to keep them

around. Sheriff Anthony Dennis told council five neighboring counties and the Sumter city police department all have higher starting salaries for a new recruit. “We do not want to be a training base for others because of a salary disparity,” Dennis said. County council wanted to hear from department heads directly, but it’s uncertain their requests can be met. Officials are trying to trim an imbalance between funding requests and available money before the new budget takes effect July 1, and the combined requests would only widen the current deficit. “We’ve got some tough decisions left. We’ve already got a deficit, and now with these requests, we can’t meet these needs without cutting somewhere else,” said Councilman Charles Edens.

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College’s commission meeting will be Thursday The Central Carolina Technical College Area Commission Meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the M500 building on the second floor in the President’s Conference Room on the school’s main campus. The M500 building is at 506 N. Guignard Drive.

Measure would allow card games, dice in clubs COLUMBIA — The South Carolina House has advanced a measure to overturn an 1802 antigambling bill by allowing card games and dice in social clubs and homes. A committee on Tuesday unanimously approved the bill already passed by the Senate and spurred by state police warning Sun City Hilton Head last year that bridge and canasta social clubs advertised by the retirement community violate state law. Under strict reading of state law, any playing of social games could be considered as gambling and could result in liquor licenses being revoked.

Members of the Wilder Elementary School Improvement Council and BD Diagnostics gather for Wilder’s Inaugural Community Day on May 3. More than 165 people participated in this event with planting, painting and building raised gardens. The purpose of the event was to provide hands-on academic opportunities for students, enhance Wilder’s appearance and bring the business, residential and school communities together for the good of children. PHOTOS PROVIDED

Addison announces he won’t seek re-election for school board BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com (803) 774-1214 During Monday’s regular meeting for Sumter School District Board of Trustees at Willow Drive Elementary School, board member Larry Addison announced that he would not seek reelection for a seat on the board in this year’s November elections. Addison previously served six years as chairman for Sumter School District 2 Board of Trustees before resigning when his residency changed. In 2010, he ran for the board position representing Area 1 in Sumter County. In 2011, Addison was elected to the South Carolina School Boards Asso-

ciation Board of Directors as the Region 7 Director. Addison has promoted and supported public schools for the past decade, and the board recognized him for ADDISON his efforts for education during a regular meeting in January — School Board Recognition Month. On Monday, he made a very brief statement about his decision to sit out this coming election. “Elections are in November, and I will not be rerunning,” Addison said during the board communications portion of Monday night’s meeting. “I will continue to support the board and the students of Sumter County.” Addison said on Tuesday that it

was not an easy decision to make, but it has been an honor and a blessing to serve on the board and help to try to make a difference in public education in Sumter County. “It takes more than two meetings a month to try to make a difference. You have to know about everything from the local and state level and meet with parents and visit schools in the community,” Addison said. “It was a difficult decision to make, but I find myself unable to participate in the way I think a board member can. I don’t want to be a member just in name.” Chairman Keith Schultz said he didn’t have any comments about Addison’s public announcement, but he said he wishes Addison well in the future. Board member Karen Michal-

ik said she and Addison have worked well together, and the announcement was a surprise. “I love Larry, and we worked well together. I was saddened to hear his decision, and I’m sorry to see him go,” she said. “I hope for the best for him in the future.” Addison represents Area 1 of Sumter County, which covers schools in the northwest area of the county including Rembert. He said he will continue to work with Superintendent Frank Baker on the improvements he has planned for the school district and with his fellow board members until the end of his term. Addison said in the future, it may be possible for him to run for a position again.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

Dry spring weather has local farmers on edge BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com (803) 774-1211 No area farmers have been sighted doing rain dances yet, but quite a few of them will be watching the skies Thursday, hoping the National Weather Service’s forecast of a 90 percent chance of precipitation is spot on. David DeWitt, area agronomy agent for Clemson University Extension Service, said while there is no drought yet, a recent spell of dry weather has farmers worried. “It was real wet early, too wet to get the corn crop in early,” he said, “but it went from extremely wet to now it’s cut off.” Now that the plants have emerged, more water is needed, he said. “We are approaching drought status, but if we get some rain Thursday, we’ll be fine.” DeWitt said many farmers are able to use irrigation to supplement the rains at times like this. “Everybody that has irrigation is using it,” he said. “A lot of people have been irrigating their corn and wheat. Those are crops you never want to let sit still.” Joey Smoak, who farms south of Pinewood, said he is using as much irrigation as he can. “I’ve been putting a half inch every three days,” he said. Smoak said he has planted all corn this year and is beginning to see the effects of the warm dry weather. “We are just starting to see a little leaf curl on the corn,” he said. DeWitt said an irrigation system is a good investment for area farmers, even though they don’t always need it. “Last year, the irrigation systems were used very little because we had so much rain.”

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Joey Smoak surveys his cornfield near Pinewood on Tuesday. Like many farmers, he is hoping the area’s spell of dry weather will soon come to an end. Smoak said he is irrigating his corn plants, but he said he’s also keeping his fingers crossed for rain on Thursday. “This year we went from a cool winter to a hot, dry early summer,” he said. “I don’t know if normal exists anymore.” DeWitt said a lot of peanuts have been planted and are emerging, while cotton and soybeans are being planted now. Lim Booth, who grows cotton and soybeans in Lee County, said he hasn’t seen any problems yet. “Our crops are just getting out of the ground,” he said. “If we get a good rain, most farmers will be in pretty good shape.” Booth said he uses some irrigation, but he is mostly a dry land farmer and de-

pends on rain to water his crops. “Irrigation is great but expensive to operate,” he said. Booth said he thinks recent high temperatures may be a bigger problem than the lack of rain. “We are already up to 90 to 93 degrees, which is unusual,” he said. While Smoak operates a commercial landscaping and irrigation business, he said his business does not install farm irrigation. “I do farming with a little landscaping on the side,” he said. Smoak said farmers can’t run out and get an irrigation system just because it’s

starting to get dry. “It takes six months to a year to put a system in,” he said. “You have to make sure you don’t disturb any wetlands, and you have to drill wells. It takes a lot of advance planning.” Smoak was skeptical about the potential of rain for Thursday. “I am keeping my fingers crossed.” The leaf curl on his corn is not his top concern right now, Smoak said. “We applied a pre-emergent herbicide that requires rainfall to activate,” he said. “You put a lot of money on the ground. We just sprayed all of our corn.”

He said the herbicide would start losing strength if it doesn’t get rain in a week or two. “Usually, it takes a couple of tenths of an inch to activate it.” DeWitt said that this year’s wheat crop would likely be down a little bit because of the weather conditions. “The dry weather has knocked it back,” he said. Booth said area farmers have survived much worse conditions. “Farmers are always complaining,” he said. “They got their seed in the ground and just want to see the crop come up.”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

LOCAL | STATE

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Schools awarded for fundraising efforts for cancer society

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Summerville boat maker adding 300 jobs SUMMERVILLE — A boat manufacturer is expanding its plant in Summerville and adding 300 jobs. Scout Boats Inc. announced Tuesday it is investing $2.5 million in its plant. The company makes sport fishing boats. The new space will be devoted to making composite parts for the company’s LXF boat series as well as its new 275 and 320 Dorado series.

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com (803) 774-1214

South Carolina fugitive arrested in Michigan ZEELAND, Mich. — A man accused of escaping from a South Carolina jail nearly 40 years ago was captured in western Michigan living under a different name, authorities said Tuesday. Dallas Smallwood, 58, was arrested Monday in Zeeland, 25 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. He’s accused of escaping from a jail in 1977 in Anderson County while serving a five-year sentence for grand larceny and receiving stolen goods. Smallwood, a trucker, was living under the name Waylon Wilson but using his actual birth date, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society recently recognized Thomas Sumter Academy for being the top school in the state for raising money for the organization’s School & Youth Programs. Since 1982, the school has raised nearly $500,000 collectively for the organization.

Charleston Republicans censure Graham CHARLESTON — Charleston County Republicans have again voted to censure U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham for being too liberal. The party’s executive committee voted 39 to 32 to complain about Graham’s positions on a number of issues, The Post and Courier of Charleston reported. Those included Graham’s support for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominees and cooperating with Democrats.

The society also recognized Wilson Hall for placing second in the state for raising money for its School & Youth Programs. Since 2004, the school has raised nearly $63,000 collectively for the organization.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society recently recognized Thomas Sumter Academy and Wilson Hall for placing among the top three schools in the state for raising money for the society’s School & Youth Programs. Thomas Sumter has been No. 1 in the state, raising a collective total of nearly $500,000, according to a recent news release from the society. This year, the Generals raised $15,940.07 for the cause. Wilson Hall placed second in the state, raising $9,294.62, and since 2004, the school has raised a total of $62,948.53. “Thanks to research, nearly 90 percent of children with acute leukemia are now cured,” said Amy Harmon, campaign director for the society’s South Carolina Chapter. “But there still is a long way to go. Leukemia affects more children than any other cancer, so LLS’ School & Youth Programs provide a meaningful way for kids to help kids. Every penny really does make a difference.” According to the society, nearly 30 schools in Sumter County registered to participate along with 508 schools statewide to help fund blood cancer research and provide help to thousands of patients and families through the Pennies for Patients program. Pennies for Patients, along with sister programs Pasta for Pennies at Olive Garden and Hop for Leukemia and Lymphoma, are designed to teach children the value of community service while also having fun. The society has also designed a series of lesson plans for teachers which integrate the themes of the society’s Pennies for Patients program into all academic areas. Schools can register for School & Youth Programs by visiting www.schoolandyouth. org. According to the organization, the society is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. Founded in 1949, its ultimate mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

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Lee gala will help fund new Boys & Girls Club BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 Get dolled up to help some young boys and girls. The Rural Leadership Institute of Lee County is holding an inaugural gala at 6 p.m. Friday at the S.C. Cotton Museum, 121 W. Cedar Lane, Bishopville, to raise money to start a Boys & Girls Club. “The need is definitely there,” said Jennifer Byrd, vice chairwoman for the institute. “There is no real place for children to develop after school hours. We thought that a Boys & Girls Club — which is a wonderful program designed to equip children with the life skills that will prepare them to become active and productive members of society — would be a great answer to that problem.” The institute is in the process of being approved as a tax-exempt nonprofit, said Jina Williams, executive director of the Lee County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the institute’s board. The group has raised $18,000 during the last year or so and still needs about $42,000. “It’s not really a question of whether it’s a good idea or not but whether or not the community will support it and really get behind a Boys & Girls Club in the area,” Byrd said. “That’s been the key in the past in Lee County. It’s not been easy. We’ve hit a

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

‘Grandfriends’ invited to school

WANT TO GO? WHAT: RLI-Lee County Inaugural Magnolia Gala WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday WHERE: S.C. Cotton Museum, 121 W. Cedar Lane, Bishopville COST: $30 a ticket BENEFITS: Proceeds will go toward establishing a Lee County Boys & Girls Club FOR MORE: Email leecountychamberofcommerce@ gmail.com or visit leecountychambersc.com/ magnoliagala

couple of bumps, but it’s really coming together. We’ve got a really great team working on it, (and) there’s a lot of excitement.” Besides dinner and live entertainment, the gala will feature an auction. Sponsorships are also still available. Tickets cost $30 each and can be purchased at the following locations: • Lee County First Steps Office in the Lee County School District office building, 310 Roland St.; • Lee County Chamber of Commerce in the Woodward Library of Archives, corner of Main and Church streets, Bishopville; and • S.C. Cotton Museum, 121 W. Cedar Lane, Bishopville. For more information, email leecountychamberofcommerce@gmail.com or visit leecountychambersc.com/magnoliagala.

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PHOTO PROVIDED

Wilson Hall preschool students Edmunds DuBose and Anna DuBose sing “I’ve Got No Strings” during the school’s recent music program. Grandparents and special guests were invited to tour the preschool, kindergarten and lower-school classrooms during an open house as part of the Sumter private school’s 28th annual Grandfriends Day held for preschool through sixth grade. This was followed by a Disney-themed music program directed by lower-school music teachers Frankie Eldridge and Jeanne Shaw that featured the lower-school students dressed as their favorite Disney characters.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

LOCAL

BREAKFAST

THE SUMTER ITEM

BLOOD DRIVE FROM PAGE A1

FROM PAGE A1 Sumter Police Department and Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Five officers who died on the job with the two local agencies — Sgt. Allen Brazzell, Sgt. Charles Kubala Sr., Cpl. Chuck Nesbitt, Lance Cpl. Jonathan Parker and Deputy William M. Strange — were joined this year by S.C. Highway Patrolman Jimmy A. Traylor and Sumter Officer William Alvah Clyde, whose death in the line of duty in 1908 was only recently rediscovered by researchers. “We were remiss in not having Jimmy Traylor for years, and we just found out about Clyde,” said Tommy Mims, former Sumter County Sheriff, who hosted the event at the Marion Family Life Center at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. Those seven Sumter officers passed away years earlier, the most recent being Nesbitt in 2011. But National Police Week also marks the sad remembrance of the officers who were killed on duty in the past year. “One hundred and twelve names were added to the National (Law Enforcement Officers) Memorial wall, of men who died in 2013,” Mims said. Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark told the breakfast crowd that officers always feel the death of one of their own. “I’ve been closely associated with 10 line-of-duty deaths,” Roark said. “When you work together, you become close with each other, and at a smaller agency, you

CHARGES FROM PAGE A1 for his alleged crimes. Jackson is also facing one charge each of criminal conspiracy and attempted armed robbery. According to Lt. Robert Burnish of the sheriff ’s office, Jackson was the main conspirator of the crime and said law enforcement is pushing for additional charges for his impression on the teen. “We’re going to push for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, as well,” Burnish said. Officers with Sumter Police Department arrested Duane Miller after a dispute with his neighbor resulted in gunfire, according to reports. Officials said Miller was involved in an extended argument with his 76-year-old female neighbor Tuesday morning. Eventually, both parties returned to their homes. However, Miller reportedly returned a few minutes later with a handgun and fired shots at the woman’s home. When officers arrived,

BRISTOW MARCHANT / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter, was the main speaker Tuesday at the annual Police Week prayer breakfast. McElveen spoke about the importance of service in front of a table holding portraits of local law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. all become even more close.” The keynote address was delivered by Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter, who spent much of his speech on the importance of public service. “Citizenship and service are diminishing in today’s society,” he said, contrasting the lack of civic engagement today with the activism of the “greatest generation” who fought in World War II. “They continued to serve their country and their fellow man here at home. ... Serving in this community was like an epidemic.” But future generations, faced with their own challenges in uncertain times, have not kept up the same level of service to their community. “Our civic and service clubs could go the way of the dinosaur, and we should all be concerned about that,” McElveen said. “I’d like to

see us take up the mantle than have it thrust upon us.” But those who enter law enforcement still have that sense of service. McElveen, a deacon at First Presbyterian Church, talked about law enforcement’s role in light of Romans 13, which casts governing authority as established by God to serve the good of his people. Police officers and sheriff’s deputies, he said, embody this principle in the modern world. “They are the keepers of the peace,” McElveen said. “What better example is there of God’s charge to serve our fellow human beings?” Sheriff Anthony Dennis also drew on the Bible to explain law enforcement’s duty. “The first murderer, Cain, asked God, ‘am I my brother’s keeper?’” Dennis said. “In law enforcement, we are our brother’s keeper.”

Miller refused to come out of his home. After a twohour standoff, police finally forced their way into the home and detained Miller without any further incident. He was taken to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. Miller has reportedly had an ongoing dispute with the neighbor for some time and was already on probation for an incident involving the same family. Brothers Kajaun and Deandre Frierson-Rose were arrested in connection to a Lynchburg shooting that occurred on Friday. According to reports, Kajaun Frierson-Rose opened fire on a 21-year-old victim who was driving in the 7400 block of Fuller Road that night, striking the vehicle. The victim, according to Burnish, then fled the scene on foot. “Supposedly, there was an altercation in Columbia the night before between the older brother and the victim,” Burnish said. “So far, we can’t find any reports made in Columbia about the altercation.” The brothers then report-

edly got into the victim’s car and fled themselves, with younger brother, Deandre, behind the wheel. The two returned as law enforcement began its investigation, Burnish said. Law enforcement was organizing a search party for the victim, who had not been located yet, when the victim was brought back to the scene by his mother. Once the victim and witnesses told their stories to law enforcement, the brothers were questioned. Burnish said the initial investigation warranted further questioning of the brothers. “We brought them in for statements, and as we were asking questions, they both broke down and admitted to the crime,” Burnish said. In addition to attempted murder, the older brother, Kajaun Frierson-Rose, is facing one charge each of possession of a weapon during a violent crime and discharging a firearm into a vehicle while occupied. Younger brother Deandre Frierson-Rose is facing a charge of accessory after the fact to attempted murder.

think about it for a minute; then I realized he got me,” he said. When McFadden joined Sumter Police Department, Cpl. Nesbitt was assigned as his field-training officer. Nesbitt already knew McFadden because his sister-inlaw worked with the new recruit’s sister. For two years, McFadden went to Nesbitt’s home for game night, then took shots at shooting targets in his backyard. “He was an outstanding guy,” he said. “He had a big heart. He was a big Teddy bear.” Nesbitt died Jan. 21, 2011, when he apparently passed out during a medical episode while driving a patrol car back from transporting a prisoner and crashed on U.S. 521 near Rembert. His death had a big impact on the department. “We’re all tight on family. We help each other out,” McFadden said. “When you lose someone close to home, it hits you. It’s sort of like you don’t know how to deal with it until it happens to you.” On Friday, Sumter Police Department will hold its fourth-annual blood drive in Nesbitt’s memory. Nesbitt’s fellow officers and members of the public are invited to donate the gift of life to someone in need. WANT TO PARTICIPATE? “This is a way to save lives in memory of If you want to participate in the Chuck Nesbitt and all blood drive, reserve a place by calling (803) 435-2721, or visit the other officers who www.redcrossblood.org and enter gave their lives,” said the sponsor code “SumterPolice.” Cpl. Joey Duggan, who is organizing the blood drive. The blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Sumter County Library, 111 N. Harvin St. Last year’s blood drive generated 60 pints of blood for the South Carolina Red Cross. This year, the goal is to raise that total to 70 pints. “That’s an incredible accomplishment. The average blood drive produces about 28 units,” said Jamie Muldrow, Red Cross communications manager. All blood raised by the drive will go to hospitals in the 39-county Midlands Red Cross region. Now is a critical time for the Red Cross to be collecting blood because it often sees demand for blood grow during the summer months. As more people venture outside, outdoor-related injuries rise, while others put off elective surgery until they can take their summer vacations. At the same time, some of the Red Cross’ regular donors aren’t giving as much as they normally do. “In the South Carolina region, about 20 percent of our donors are high school and college students,” Muldrow said. “When there’s no school in the summer, we can’t do blood drives there.” If you want to participate in the blood drive, reserve a place by calling (803) 435-2721, or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code “SumterPolice.” Duggan said appointments in the library may show up as full, but more spaces will be available in the bloodmobile in the library parking lot. The success of the Nesbitt blood drive is no secret to the officers involved. McFadden said officers know the importance of the annual blood drive as a way to honor their fallen comrade. “It’s important we don’t forget what he’s done for the city and the department, and that we carry on his legacy,” he said. “He earned it.”

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

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

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

COMMENTARY

Here’s a quick lesson on racial discrimination

onald Sterling, Los Angeles Clippers owner, was recorded by his mistress making some crude racist remarks. Since then, Sterling’s racist comments have dominated the news, from talk radio to late-night shows. A few politicians have weighed in, with President Obama congratulating the NBA for its sanctions against Sterling. There’s little defense for Sterling, save his constitutional right to make racist remarks. But in a sea of self-righteous indignation, I think we’re missing the most valuable lesson that we can learn from this affair — a lesson that’s particularly important for black Americans. Though Sterling might be a racist, there’s an important “so what?” Does he act in ways commonly attributed to racists? Let’s look at his employment policy. This season, Sterling paid his top three players salaries totaling over $46 million. His 20-person roster payroll totaled over $73 million. Here are a couple of questions for you: What race are the players whom racist Sterling paid the highest salaries? What race dominated the 20-man roster? The fact of business is Walter that Sterling’s highest-paid Williams players are black, and 85 percent of Clippers players are black. Down through the years, hundreds of U.S. corporations have faced charges of racism, and many have been subjects of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigations, but none of them had such a favorable employment and wage policy as Sterling. How does one explain this? People with limited thinking ability might conclude that Sterling is a racist in his private life but a nice cardcarrying liberal in his public life, manifested by his hiring so many blacks, not to mention paying Doc Rivers, the Clippers’ black head coach, a healthy $7 million a year. The likelier explanation is given no attention at all. Let’s use a bit of simple economics to analyze the contrast in Sterling’s private and public behavior. First, professional basketball is featured by considerable market competition. There’s an open opportunity in the acquisition of basketball playing skills. Youngsters just buy a basketball and shoot hoops. There’s open competition in joining both high-school and college teams. You just sign up for tryouts in high school and get noticed by college scouts. Then there’s considerable competition among the NBA teams in the acquisition of the best college players. Minorities and less preferred people always do better when there are open markets instead of regulated markets. Recently deceased Nobel Prize-winning economist Gary Becker pointed this phenomenon out some years ago in his path-breaking study “The Economics of Discrimination.” Many people think that it takes government to eliminate racial discrimination, but economic theory predicts the opposite. Market competition imposes inescapable profit penalties on for-profit enterprises when they make employment decisions on any basis other than worker productivity. Professor Becker’s study of racial discrimination upended the view that discriminatory bias benefits those who discriminate. He demonstrated that racial discrimination is less likely in the most competitive industries, which need to hire the best workers. According to Forbes magazine, the Los Angeles Clippers would sell for $575 million. Ask yourself what the Clippers would sell for if Sterling were a racist in his public life and hired only white players. All the evidence suggests that would be a grossly losing proposition on at least two counts. Percentagewise, blacks more so than whites excel in basketball. That’s not to say that it is impossible to recruit a team of first-rate, excellent white players. However, because there is a smaller number of top-tier white players relative to black players, the recruitment costs would be prohibitive. In other words, a team of excellent white players would be far costlier to field than a team of excellent black players. It’s simply a matter of supply and demand. The takeaway from the Sterling affair is that we should mount not a moral crusade but an economic liberty crusade. In other words, eliminate union restrictions, wage controls, occupational and business licensure, and other anti-free market restrictions. Make opportunity depend on one’s productivity. Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. © 2014 creators.com

COMMENTARY

Abolish corporate income tax

ews that Pfizer, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, plans to buy Britain’s AstraZeneca for $106 billion, renounce its U.S. citizenship and declare itself a British company has jolted Congress. Pfizer is being denounced as disloyal to the land of its birth, and politicians are devising ways to stop Pfizer from departing. Yet Pfizer is not alone. Hedge fund managers are urging giant corporations such as Walgreens to go nation-shopping for new residences abroad to evade the 35 percent U.S. corporate income tax. Britain’s corporate income tax is 20 percent, and Pfizer stands to save over $1 billion a year by moving there. In what are called “inversions,” dozens of U.S. companies have bought up foreign rivals and then moved abroad to countries with lower tax rates, cutting revenue to the U.S. Treasury. But Pfizer is far and away the biggest. The real question, however, is not why companies are fleeing the USA, but why our politicians continue to drive them out of the country. Consider. Here in America we do not tax charities, churches or colleges. Yet these institutions produce a fraction of the jobs that businesses produce. If, as a nation, we are committed to “creating jobs,” does it make sense to impose the highest corporate tax rate in the Western world on our biggest and best job creators? Is this not economic masochism? Many governors understand that if you want something in your state, you do not drive it out with high taxes. You strengthen the magnet of low taxes. Florida wants residents of other states to move there and retire there, so it has no income, estate or inheritance tax. For years, Rep. Jack Kemp urged the creation of enterprise zones in poor communities such as Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Harlan County, Kentucky. Busi-

nesses that relocated there would be exempt from corporate income taxes. Why not make the United States the largest enterprise zone on earth — by abolishing the corporate income tax? If the corporate income tax were repealed, no U.S. company would think of moving abroad, and every transnational company would think about moving to the USA. What a message this repeal of the U.S. corporate income tax would send to corporate headquarters worldwide: Relocate your company or next factory to the USA, keep every dollar of profit you earn, and either reinvest it here or take it home. Patrick Your call. Buchanan How would America benefit? Every U.S. company, liberated from its corporate tax burden, would see its profits soar and have more cash on hand for cutting prices, raising wages and salaries and new investment and hires. And every company that relocated here would create new U.S. jobs. This would be a stimulus package to end all stimulus packages. Isn’t this what we all want? Or are we not willing to create jobs here if the means of doing so conflict with redistributionist ideology? Consider the other benefits of abolishing the corporate tax. Corporate lobbyists, who spend their days walking Capitol Hill corridors seeking tax breaks and their evenings at fundraisers handing $1,000 checks to congressmen who can create tax loopholes — in a form of legalized corruption and glorified bribery — could be put out to pasture. Armies of tax lawyers, accountants and IRS agents could be shifted to more productive work. Companies could focus full time on creating new wealth, not finding ways to keep what they have

earned. Many politicians seem to think the corporate tax punishes the rich and powerful and is an indispensable weapon in reducing inequality and redistributing wealth. This is neosocialist myth. As Ronald Reagan used to say, corporations don’t pay taxes, people do. The billions in corporate income taxes paid by Wal-Mart and McDonald’s come out of the dollars spent by consumers who shop at Wal-Mart and eat at McDonald’s. Where else does Ford Motor Co. get the money to pay its corporate income tax, if not from dollars spent by middle Americans on Ford cars and trucks? Middle America pays the corporate income tax. How could we make up for the lost revenue to government? Simple. The corporate income tax last year produced $273 billion, less than a tenth of federal revenue. Imports, which kill U.S. jobs and subtract from GDP, totaled $2.7 trillion last year. Put a 10 percent tariff on imports, and the abolition of the U.S. corporate income tax becomes a revenue-neutral proposal. Looking back, consider what our political class has done to our once self-sufficient American Republic. We impose on businesses, our principal job creators, the most punitive corporate tax rate in the West. Through “free trade,” we tell U.S. companies that if they wish to avoid our taxes and get around our minimum wage, health, safety and environmental laws, they can move to China, produce there, and bring their products back free of charge — and kill their competitors too patriotic to leave America. ‘’The Decline and Fall of the United States of America” is going to a piece of cake for future historians to write. Patrick J. Buchanan is the author of “Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive to 2025?” © 2014 creators.com

EDITORIAL PAGE POLICIES Item office, 20 N. Magnolia St. or mailed Pages, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, or email to hubert@theitem.com to The Sumter Item, P.O. Box 1677, Sumter, S.C. 29151, along with the full or graham@theitem.com. name of the writer, plus an address and COLUMNS AND COMMENTARY are telephone number for verification LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are the personal opinion of the writer purposes only. Letters that exceed 350 written by readers of the newspaper. whose byline appears. Columns from words will be cut accordingly in the readers should be typed, double-spaced They should be no more than 350 print edition, but available in their words and sent via e-mail to letters@ and no more than 850 words. Send entirety at www.theitem.com/opinion/ theitem.com, dropped off at The Sumter them to The Sumter Item, Opinion letters_to_editor. EDITORIALS represent the views of the owners of this newspaper.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

FYI Hillcrest High School Class of 1984 is planning a class reunion for Aug. 8-10, 2014. If you are a member of this class or know someone who is, contact Dianna Adams (Miller) at (301) 471-7250, adams_dianna@yahoo.com or visit http://hhs1984wildcats.com. The 101st Airborne Division Vietnam Veterans Organization will hold its 20th Annual Reunion Aug. 28-30, in Charleston. All who served with the 101st Division in Vietnam, their guests and supporters, are invited to this event. visit www.101namvet.com or call (803) 506-3120 for details. The University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center and Sumter County Active Lifestyles are sponsoring a free walking program. If you are interested in becoming more active, form a walking group of 4-8 members and join Sumter County On The Move! This program allows you to walk at your own convenience or with a group. Free workshops and physical activity information available. Call (803) 774-3860 or register at https://www.surveymonkey. com/s/scotm-test2. Are you a breast cancer survivor? Maggie L. Richardson is seeking other survivors to form a music group and give back to the community. If you are interested in joining, contact her at mlrminstry2012@gmail.com or (803) 236-9086. Belly dancing classes are held at 6 p.m. every Monday at the Parks and Recreation Department, 155 Haynsworth St. Only $20 per month. The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone/everyone who served in the 2nd Infantry Division. Visit www.2ida.org or contact Mike Davino at MDavino@yahoo.com or (919) 498-1910. Zumba classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Parks and Recreation building on Haynsworth Street. Classes are $5 each. Registration is not required. Contact Deanne Lewis at zumbadeanne@ gmail.com. The Palmetto Singles Club holds a dance from 7 to 10 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at the VFW on Gion Street. Call Nancy McLeod at (803) 469-3433. Sumter Area Toastmasters meets at 7 p.m. each Tuesday at the Sumter Mall community room, 1057 Broad St.

The group helps in developing speaking and leadership skills. Call Douglas Wilson at (803) 778-0197 or Rebecca Gonzalez at (803) 565-9271. The Sumter Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the Bultman Conference Room at USC Sumter. Administrative professionals, assistants and secretaries are encouraged to attend. Call Mary Sutton at (803) 938-3760. Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn’t be. Free help for cancer patients from the American Cancer Society. Transportation to treatment, help for appearance related side effects of treatment, nutrition help, one-on-one breast cancer support, free housing away from home during treatment, help finding clinical trials, someone to talk to — all free. Call (800) 227-2345. The South Carolina Association of Community Action Partnerships Inc., a non-profit organization, announces the S.C. Weatherization Assistance Program. This program helps provide weatherization assistance to low-income South Carolinians. Services include, but are not limited to, insulating attics, walls, floors, water heaters and exposed pipes; stripping and caulking around doors and windows; and replacing broken glass panes. Call the Weatherization office of Wateree Community Action Agency Inc. at (803) 773-9716 or the state information line at (888) 771-9404. Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus CA-74/CG-12 from 1944 through 1976 and the USS Columbus (SSN-762) past and present, to share memories and camaraderie with old friends and make new ones, contact Allen R. Hope, president, 3828 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815-4505; (260) 486-2221 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; fax (260) 492-9771; or email at hope4391@verizon.net. Hospice Care of Sumter LLC is in need of volunteers in Sumter and surrounding counties. Opportunities available for you to use your time and talents to be of assistance include reading, musical talents, companionship, light housekeeping, etc. Contact Joyce Blanding at (803) 8835606 or hospicecareofsumter@yahoo.com.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

Mostly sunny, warm Humid with Heavy t-storms; not and humid increasing cloudiness as warm

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Partly sunny and nice

Pleasant with plenty of sunshine

A thunderstorm possible

88°

67°

82° / 61°

82° / 54°

80° / 53°

82° / 56°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 70%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 30%

Winds: SSE 6-12 mph

Winds: SE 4-8 mph

Winds: SE 7-14 mph

Winds: NW 8-16 mph

Winds: WNW 4-8 mph

Winds: NE 3-6 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 86/65 Spartanburg 87/65

Greenville 85/65

Columbia 88/68

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 88/67

Aiken 87/67

ON THE COAST

Charleston 86/69

Today: Humid with sunshine and patchy clouds. High 80 to 84. Thursday: Showers and gusty thunderstorms. High 79 to 83.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

90° 68° 81° 56° 94° in 1956 42° in 1982

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

Myrtle Beach 80/69

Manning 87/67

Today: Partly sunny, warm and humid. Winds south-southeast 4-8 mph. Thursday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm. Winds south 6-12 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 88/67

Bishopville 88/67

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 357.87 75.23 75.09 97.15

24-hr chg +0.02 +0.03 +0.01 -0.02

Sunrise 6:21 a.m. Moonrise 8:21 p.m.

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

0.00" 0.05" 1.26" 12.62" 15.40" 15.61"

NATIONAL CITIES

REGIONAL CITIES

Today Thu. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Atlanta 86/63/t 73/52/r Chicago 58/43/r 54/42/t Dallas 69/47/pc 81/54/s Detroit 64/47/r 56/41/r Houston 74/51/t 76/56/s Los Angeles 99/66/s 100/66/s New Orleans 81/57/t 73/54/s New York 64/58/r 74/63/pc Orlando 89/71/t 87/71/t Philadelphia 72/62/c 84/64/pc Phoenix 92/71/s 96/75/s San Francisco 90/58/s 79/53/s Wash., DC 80/67/c 85/65/pc

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 81/58/pc 86/64/pc 88/68/s 84/70/s 78/67/pc 86/69/s 86/65/pc 85/66/pc 88/68/s 88/66/s 84/65/pc 88/66/s 89/66/s

8:15 p.m. 6:18 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

May 14

May 21

May 28

June 5

TIDES

Flood 7 a.m. 24-hr stage yest. chg 12 5.12 -0.39 19 3.79 -0.12 14 3.13 -0.16 14 3.70 +0.46 80 76.93 -0.07 24 6.47 none

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 69/49/r 75/52/r 80/56/t 81/66/t 75/68/t 82/66/t 75/56/r 75/56/r 81/60/t 82/63/t 80/70/t 86/68/t 84/63/t

Sunset Moonset

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Thu.

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 88/67/s Gainesville 86/69/pc Gastonia 86/66/pc Goldsboro 89/66/pc Goose Creek 86/69/s Greensboro 88/65/pc Greenville 85/65/pc Hickory 86/64/pc Hilton Head 79/73/s Jacksonville, FL 85/70/pc La Grange 85/62/t Macon 86/67/t Marietta 82/65/t

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 82/66/t 85/62/t 75/56/r 86/67/t 82/66/t 74/56/t 74/55/r 70/56/r 79/70/t 84/61/t 73/47/r 78/52/r 72/50/r

High 9:17 a.m. 9:53 p.m. 10:04 a.m. 10:38 p.m.

Ht. 2.9 3.6 2.9 3.6

Low 4:07 a.m. 4:04 p.m. 4:54 a.m. 4:51 p.m.

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 84/65/pc Mt. Pleasant 84/70/s Myrtle Beach 80/69/s Orangeburg 87/67/s Port Royal 82/70/s Raleigh 88/65/pc Rock Hill 88/64/pc Rockingham 88/67/s Savannah 84/68/pc Spartanburg 87/65/pc Summerville 80/72/s Wilmington 85/67/s Winston-Salem 86/65/pc

Ht. -0.2 -0.3 -0.3 -0.4

Thu. Hi/Lo/W 70/56/r 81/66/t 80/70/t 81/60/t 80/66/t 81/56/t 76/56/r 81/64/t 82/62/t 75/56/r 79/68/t 82/69/t 74/56/t

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

PUBLIC AGENDA CLARENDON SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 Thursday, 7 p.m., district office, Turbeville

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Moderation EUGENIA LAST will be required to avoid mishaps. You can say “no” once in a while and still maintain your status quo. Don’t let an argument drive a wedge between you and someone you love. Compromise more and criticize less.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Show everyone what you have to offer. Dependability and determination are your strengths and can carry you to and beyond your destination. Explore new possibilities and stabilize important partnerships. Deal with red tape concisely and avoid being redflagged.

community will offer expert advice. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t succumb to demands or forceful action at home or at work. Stand up for your beliefs, but be prepared to make changes as a result of your actions. Weed out what isn’t working in your life and make your move. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Check out different lifestyles, beliefs and organizations. Expanding your interests will bring you in touch with someone you click with creatively. Do something unusual to your home that will add to your pleasure and attract unusual visitors.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll have to dig deep if you want to get all the information you need GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Assisting to make a good decision. Take the people is fine, but do so for the initiative and make domestic right reason. Having motives changes that will improve your life behind your do-good attitude will and your relationships, but don’t backfire if you aren’t honest and overspend. upfront about what you are hoping CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): to get in return. Love is in the stars. Offer a helping hand or wellCANCER (June 21-July 22): Live a thought-out suggestion, but step little. Participate in networking back if someone wants you to pay events or social activities. You’ll for or do the work on his or her discover someone you have a lot in behalf. Strive for equality in all your common with and share some dealings. Don’t take on a losing interesting ideas and plans that will battle. help you reach your personal or AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Listen professional objectives. Strive for carefully and make decisions based equality. on the information you discover. A LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Engage in money deal looks good and a gift, conversations that will bring you knowledge or information that can loan or offering is heading in your help you make a good decision and direction. Love is highlighted and a promise can be made, along with a an appropriate move. Don’t let hype or trends cost you or lead you positive domestic change. into an excessive situation. Channel your energy into romance. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Short trips, attending an exhibit or networking with colleagues will all lead to valuable information and the courage to make some positive changes to the way you live. Someone respected in your

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look over documents and important personal papers. Present your plans to someone who is in a position to help you. A new venture looks promising and can open the door to some fascinating connections. Expand your outlook and your interests.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 TUESDAY

POWERBALL SATURDAY

8-19-21-24-33 PowerUp: 3

4-31-41-47-55 Powerball: 1 Powerplay: 2

PICK 3 TUESDAY

PICK 4 TUESDAY

7-9-6 and 9-1-4

7-0-8-0 and 1-1-9-0

MEGAMILLIONS Numbers were not available at press time.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC

Kathy Stafford comments, “This rose bush came from a cutting from my grandmother’s rose bush in Gastonia, North Carolina. The original rose bush was given to my great-grandmother from my great-uncle in North Carolina.”

SECTION

Everyone’s talking about Edwards’ future except him B5

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

PREP SOFTBALL

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

PREP BASEBALL

Big 6th inning propels Cavaliers earn state crown Lady Generals to 2A title behind Lee’s late-inning slam BY STEPHEN FASTENAU Beaufort Gazette BEAUFORT — The Thomas Heyward Academy softball team won’t see Thomas Sumter Academy in the playoffs next season, as TSA will move up to SCISA 3A next year. But the Rebels might be glad to dodge the Generals during the postseason, especially after what happened on DELMONTE Tuesday. The young Thomas Sumter team completed a sweep of Thomas Heyward in the 2A softball champion-

ship series, winning 7-3 after a big sixth inning for the first title in school history. Lady Generals pitcher Emily Demonte struck out 12, working the inside corner to earn her 29th win of the season. “We came outside last night, and I think they were expecting us to come more outside again because they were really turning on it inside,” Demonte said. “And we decided to switch it up to see what would happen.” Thomas Sumter won 7-2 on Monday to force the Rebels into a must-win

SEE TSA, PAGE B4

BY MARK A. HASELDEN Morning News BISHOPVILLE — Denton Lee finally found a baseball home last year at Robert E. Lee Academy. Lee paid back the Cavaliers the best way he could Tuesday night, drilling a sixthinning grand slam that broke a 6-6 tie and catapulting the Cavs to a RANKIN 10-7 win over Carolina Academy, clinching the SCISA 2A state title. Lee Academy won the best-of-three series 2-0.

“I got cut at West Florence, and I didn’t play at South Florence,” Lee said. “I love it here. (Head) coach (David) Rankin gave me a spot and a chance, and that’s all I can ask for.” The Cavaliers (24-9) trailed 5-0 and then 6-1, but kept chipping away and finally tied the game on freshman catcher Harry Cook’s RBI single earlier in the inning. That chased Carolina Academy starter Will Prosser from the mound, but reliever Connor Floyd couldn’t quench the Cavaliers’ rally. Floyd hit pinch hitter Travis Christmas and walked Cody Kelley

SEE CAVS, PAGE B4

PREP BASEBALL

PREP SOFTBALL

Sweet redemption

Lady ’Cats force decisive Game 3 BY EDDIE LITAKER Special To The Sumter Item MANNING — With her team’s season and hopes of a SCISA 3A softball state championship hanging in the balance, Laurence Manning Academy freshman second baseman Brooke Ward came through with the clutchest of clutch hits Tuesday, smacking a 2-out, bases-clearing double to right-center in the bottom of the sixth to give the Lady Swampcats a 4-2 win over Wilson Hall at Julie Skoler Field. With the win, LMA forced a third and deciding game in the best-of-3 championship series. That game will take place at 6 p.m. today at the University of South Carolina’s Beckham Field in Columbia. Ward’s clutch sixth-inning

at-bat came on the heels of an outstanding defensive play in the top of the sixth that likely kept the Lady Barons off the board. Bailey Connor drew a walk off Beatson to open the frame before Drake Ives grounded sharply to Ward, who flicked the ball to Emily McElveen covering at second. McElveen tossed to Maddie Cantley covering first to complete the 4-6-3 double play. After those two outs were recorded, Holly Scott singled and Catherine Kelley walked before a Becky Noyes grounder to McElveen at short ended the inning with Wilson Hall still clinging to a precarious 2-1 lead. Cora Downer opened the LMA sixth with an infield single, which Hannah Hodge followed with another single

SEE LMA, PAGE B4

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Wilson Hall’s Chase Belk holds the SCISA 3A state championship trophy and points to the sky after the Barons defeated Laurence Manning Academy 5-4 in 12 innings on Tuesday in Game 2 of the title series at Baron Stadium.

Runners-up a year ago, WH earns state title with 12-inning win BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com It took five innings longer than it had hoped for, but the Wilson Hall baseball team left Baron Stadium on Tuesday with what it wanted. Wilson Hall scored a run in the bottom of the 12th inning to beat Laurence Man-

ning Academy 5-4 and win the SCISA 3A state championship with a sweep of the best-of-3 series. The Barons, the runnerups a year ago, finish with a 28-1 record, while LMA closes with a 16-8 record. Jay Goodson was hit by a pitch by LMA’s Russell Thompson, who was starting

his sixth full inning of relief, to start the 12th. He went to third on a hit-and-run single by William Kinney. Swampcats head coach Barry Hatfield, who had maneuvered his way through the middle of the Barons batting order on two

SEE WH, PAGE B4

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Laurence Manning Academy’s Brooke Ward (2), Maddie Cantley (10) and Courtney Beatson (17) celebrate after defeating Wilson Hall 4-2 on Tuesday at Julie Skoler Field in Manning to even the SCISA 3A softball state championship series at 1-1. Game 3 will be today in Columbia.

PREP SOCCER

Swansea edges Lakewood 2-0 in 3A playoff opener BY KEN BELL Special to The Sumter Item Swansea used a high-pressure offense and staunch defense to blank Lakewood 2-0 on Tuesday at J. Frank Baker Stadium and advance to the next round of 3A state soccer playoffs. The Tigers will play the winner of Tuesday night’s match between Hannahan and Myrtle Beach on Thursday. Hannahan will either travel to Swansea or Swansea will travel to Myrtle Beach in

the next round. Lakewood entered with a 16-3 record while Swansea entered with an 8-8 record. Swansea took the early 1-0 lead on a corner kick by Yunem Pena at the 23:05 minute in the first half. The teams each played tough, but neither could mount much of a serious charge for the remainder of the opening half, allowing the visiting Tigers to carry the 1-0 lead into halftime. Swansea came out fired up again in the second half keyed

by a kick from straight in front of the net that sailed just beyond Lakewood goalie Michael Paterna’s outstretched hands at the 31:47 mark of the second half, upping the lead to 2-0. But the hometown Gators CARRAHER were not yet ready to concede defeat. The Gators had their chances and barely missed scoring with more than 20 minutes to

go when Lakewood senior forward Sanchez Morales faked out a defender by running past him with the ball on his toe. Morales kicked what appeared to be the opening goal for the Gators, but goalie Eduarto Mota snagged the ball just before it could enter the net. Lakewood later missed two more chances to tie the game. With less than nine minutes remaining, Gators senior midfielder Gianni Jackson skillfully back heeled the ball to senior defender Forest Benen-

haley. Two Swansea players closed in forcing Benehaley to quickly shoot, but the ball sailed high just over the top of the net. Then with 5:28 to go, Lakewood sophomore forward Christian McDonald sent a direct kick high, again just barely above the net and the visiting Tigers held on for the win. Despite the loss, Gators coach Mike Carraher said he was proud of his team’s effort.

SEE LAKEWOOD, PAGE B4

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

SPORTS ITEMS

Manning’s Fulton signs with Eagles

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD

$2,135,681. 10, Greg Biffle, $1,942,423. 11, Paul Menard, $1,914,977. 12, Austin Dillon, $1,843,209. 13, Brian Vickers, $1,780,278. 14, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., $1,769,678. 15, Kyle Larson, $1,733,193. 16, Carl Edwards, $1,729,663. 17, Tony Stewart, $1,724,871. 18, Clint Bowyer, $1,695,234. 19, Jamie McMurray, $1,685,112. 20, Aric Almirola, $1,650,914.

TV, RADIO TODAY

Former Manning High School football standout John Fulton has signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 6-foot, 195-pound Fulton was a cornerback for the University of Alabama for the past four seasons. Fulton played in 49 games in his career for FULTON the Crimson Tide, serving the majority of his time as a reserve cornerback and special teams player. He had 43 tackles in his career with no interceptions. Nineteen of his tackles came this past season.

to a 10-1 victory over The Citadel on Tuesday night at Carolina Stadium. The Gamecocks (40-13) reached the 40-win mark for the 15th consecutive year while avenging a 10-8 loss in Charleston on April 16. The Bulldogs were seeking their first season sweep of South Carolina since 2009 and the second in 23 years under head coach Fred Jordan. Scott allowed three hits over the first two innings and the lone Bulldog run in the second before facing just one over the minimum 15 batters in his final five frames. He did not walk a batter and struck out seven. CLEMSON 7

P-15’S BEGIN TRYOUTS THURSDAY

FURMAN 2

Tryouts for the American Legion Post 15 junior and senior baseball teams will begin on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the University of South Carolina Sumter practice field located behind the campus. All players must bring their original birth certificates to be reviewed for eligibility.

GREENVILLE – Two runs scored on Shane Kennedy’s fielder’s choice and an error on the play in the eighth inning to give Clemson the lead for good in its 7-2 win over Furman at Fluor Field on Tuesday night. The Tigers (3221) won both games of the home-andhome season series against the Paladins (22-29) and upped its winning streak over Furman to 11. Clemson also improved to 8-0 against the Paladins at Fluor Field. Trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning, the Tigers loaded the bases for Jay Baum, who laced a 2-run single through the right side to give Clemson the lead. After the Paladins tied the score in the fifth inning, Clemson loaded the bases with one out in the eighth inning. Shane Kennedy’s potential inning-ending double-play grounder was thrown away at first base, allowing two runs to score to give Clemson a 4-2 lead. Baum, who had a game-high three RBI, followed with a 2-out single to score Kennedy and the Tigers added two runs in the ninth inning. Reliever Drew Moyer (4-1) earned the win by pitching 1.1 hitless and scoreless innings, while Ryan Dittmar (0-3) gave up two runs in the eighth inning and suffered the loss.

USCS HOSTING DISTRICT

The University of South Carolina Sumter baseball team will be the No. 1 seed in the 4-team Eastern District tournament scheduled to begin on Friday at Riley Park. The Fire Ants will face No. 4 ASA College of Brooklyn, N.Y., at 6 p.m. in the second game of the day. The first game will pit No. 2 seed Harford Community College of Bel Air, Md., against No. 3 Spartanburg Methodist College beginning at 3. The double-elimination tournament will run through Sunday. The winner advances to the Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, Colo., May 24-31. An adult tournament pass for all three days is $20. An adult day pass is $8. Children under the age of 12 years old get in free with a paying adult. Children 12 and over will be charged as an adult.

Friday Game 1 - Harford Community College (Md.) vs. Spartanburg Methodist College, 3 p.m. Game 2 - USC Sumter vs. ASA College (N.Y.), 6 p.m. Saturday Game 3 - Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, noon Game 4 - Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 3 p.m. Game 5 - Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 6 p.m. Sunday Game 6 - Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 1 p.m. Game 7 - If necessary (Will be played 45 minutes after the completion of Game 6)

(11) SOUTH CAROLINA 10 CITADEL 1

COLUMBIA — Reed Scott allowed only four hits and one unearned run in seven innings, leading South Carolina

NHL PLAYOFFS RANGERS 2

11 a.m. -- Women’s Professional Golf: Ladies European Tour Turkish Airlines Open Final Round from Antalya, Turkey (GOLF). 1 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Los Angeles Angels at Philadelphia or Detroit at Baltimore (MLB NETWORK). 1 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: NBA Draft Combine from Chicago (NBA TV). 2:30 p.m. -- International Soccer: UEFA Europa League Final Match from Turin, Italy -- Benfica vs. Sevilla (FOX SPORTS 1). 3:30 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Atlanta at San Francisco (SPORTSOUTH, WPUB-FM 102.7). 6:05 p.m. -- Talk Show: Sports Talk (WDXYFM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240). 7 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: New York Yankees at New York Mets (ESPN). 7 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Eastern Conference Playoffs Semifinal Series Game Seven -Montreal at Boston (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 7 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Eastern Conference Playoffs Semifinal Series Game Five -- Brooklyn at Miami (TNT). 9:30 p.m. -- NHL Hockey: Western Conference Playoffs Semifinal Series Game Six -Anaheim at Los Angeles (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 9:30 p.m. -- NBA Basketball: Western Conference Playoffs Semifinal Series Game Five -- Portland at San Antonio (TNT).

MLB STANDINGS By The Associated Press AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST DIVISION Baltimore Boston New York Toronto Tampa Bay CENTRAL DIVISION Detroit Kansas City Chicago Cleveland Minnesota WEST DIVISION Oakland Seattle Los Angeles Texas Houston

W 20 19 19 19 16

L 16 18 18 20 23

Pct .556 .514 .514 .487 .410

GB – 1½ 1½ 2½ 5½

W 22 18 19 18 17

L 12 19 21 20 19

Pct .647 .486 .475 .474 .472

GB – 5½ 6 6 6

W 24 20 19 20 12

L 15 18 18 19 27

Pct .615 .526 .514 .513 .308

GB – 3½ 4 4 12

From staff, wire reports

MONDAY’S GAMES

Detroit 4, Baltimore 1 N.Y. Mets 9, N.Y. Yankees 7 Toronto 7, L.A. Angels 3 Texas 4, Houston 0 Oakland 5, Chicago White Sox 4 Seattle 12, Tampa Bay 5

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Detroit at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m. L.A. Angels at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m. Cleveland at Toronto, 7:07 p.m. Boston at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m. Colorado at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m. Texas at Houston, 8:10 p.m. Chicago White Sox at Oakland, 10:05 p.m. Tampa Bay at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

Detroit (Verlander 4-2) at Baltimore (Gausman 0-0), 12:35 p.m. L.A. Angels (Richards 3-0) at Philadelphia (Burnett 2-2), 1:05 p.m. Colorado (Chacin 0-1) at Kansas City (Vargas 3-1), 2:10 p.m. Chicago White Sox (Rienzo 3-0) at Oakland (Milone 1-3), 3:35 p.m. Tampa Bay (Odorizzi 1-3) at Seattle (Maurer 1-1), 3:40 p.m. Cleveland (Kluber 3-3) at Toronto (McGowan 2-1), 7:07 p.m. N.Y. Yankees (Tanaka 5-0) at N.Y. Mets (Montero 0-0), 7:10 p.m. Boston (Doubront 1-3) at Minnesota (Correia 1-4), 8:10 p.m. Texas (Tepesch 0-0) at Houston (Feldman 2-1), 8:10 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Boston at Minnesota, 1:10 p.m. Cleveland at Toronto, 7:07 p.m. N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m. Baltimore at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m. Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST DIVISION

SPORTS ITEMS

Cabrera’s HR lifts Tigers past Orioles BALTIMORE — Miguel Cabrera hit a 3-run homer off Tommy Hunter with two outs in the ninth inning and the Detroit Tigers, down to their last strike, rallied past the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 Tuesday night. After being held scoreless on three hits over the first eight innings, the Tigers used a reversed call to win. Detroit was 0-12 when trailing going into the ninth before mounting the improbable comeback. Hunter held a 1-0 lead before giving up a leadoff single to Alex Avila. Pinch-runner Rajai Davis was called out trying to steal, but Detroit manager Brad Ausmus

challenged the call and after looking at the replay, umpires overturned the call. Hunter (1-1) got two straight outs before working the count on Torii Hunter to 1-2. The at-bat ended in a walk, and Cabrera hit an 0-1 curveball over the center-field wall for his sixth home run. NATIONAL LEAGUE PADRES 2 REDS 1 CINCINNATI — Chase Headley homered in the ninth inning off Aroldis Chapman, the first hit the hard-throwing lefty allowed since his return from being hit in the head by a line drive, and San Diego beat Cincinnati 2-1.

INTERLEAGUE ANGELS 4 PHILLIES 3

PHILADELPHIA — Luis Jimenez hit a tiebreaking 2-run double in the sixth, Matt Shoemaker tossed five effective innings and the Los Angeles Angels beat Philadelphia 4-3. MONDAY GIANTS 4 BRAVES 2 SAN FRANCISCO — Tim Lincecum struck out 11 in his best start of the year, Tyler Colvin backed him with a home run and go-ahead, 2-run triple in the seventh inning and the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves 4-2 on Monday.

From wire reports

NBA ROUNDUP

Wizards stay alive, rout Pacers 102-79 INDIANAPOLIS — Marcin Gortat had 31 points and 16 rebounds, John Wall scored 27 points and the Washington Wizards rode a 39-rebound advantage to a 102-79 rout of Indiana on Tuesday night, cutting the Pacers’ lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals to 3-2. Washington can even the series at home on Thursday in Game 6. It was a stunning turnaround for a team that had lost the last three. But with Gortat matching a career high in points and posting a playoff career high in rebounds, Washington held a 62-23 rebounding edge. David West scored 17 points for Indiana. Washington used a 15-6 run to take a 45-38 halftime lead, extended the margin to 24 after three and to as much as

30 in the fourth. MONDAY

Atlanta Washington Miami New York Philadelphia CENTRAL DIVISION Milwaukee St. Louis Cincinnati Pittsburgh Chicago WEST DIVISION San Francisco Colorado Los Angeles San Diego Arizona

W 21 20 20 18 17

L 16 18 19 19 19

Pct .568 .526 .513 .486 .472

GB – 1½ 2 3 3½

W 24 19 17 16 13

L 14 20 19 21 24

Pct .632 .487 .472 .432 .351

GB – 5½ 6 7½ 10½

W 25 23 21 18 15

L 14 17 19 21 26

Pct .641 .575 .525 .462 .366

GB – 2½ 4½ 7 11

MONDAY’S GAMES

N.Y. Mets 9, N.Y. Yankees 7 Chicago Cubs 17, St. Louis 5 Washington 6, Arizona 5 L.A. Dodgers 6, Miami 5 San Francisco 4, Atlanta 2

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Miami 3, Brooklyn 1 May 6: Miami 107, Brooklyn 86 May 8: Miami 94, Brooklyn 82 May 10: Brooklyn 104, Miami 90 Monday: Miami 102, Brooklyn 96 Today: Brooklyn at Miami, 7 p.m. x-Friday: Miami at Brooklyn, 8 p.m. x-Sunday: Brooklyn at Miami, TBA Indiana 3, Washington 2 May 5: Washington 102, Indiana 96 May 7: Indiana 86, Washington 82 May 9: Indiana 85, Washington 63 May 11: Indiana 95, Washington 92 Tuesday: Washington 102, Indiana 79 x-Thursday: Indiana at Washington, 8 p.m. x-Sunday: Washington at Indiana, TBA

WESTERN CONFERENCE

San Antonio 3, Portland 1 May 6: San Antonio 116, Portland 92 May 8: San Antonio 114, Portland 97 May 10: San Antonio 118, Portland 103 Monday: Portland 103, San Antonio 92 Today: Portland at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m. x-Friday: San Antonio at Portland, 9:30 or 10:30 p.m. x-May 19: Portland at San Antonio, TBA Oklahoma City 2, L.A. Clippers 2 May 5: L.A. Clippers 122, Oklahoma City 105 May 7: Oklahoma City 112, L.A. Clippers 101 May 9: Oklahoma City 118, L.A. Clippers 112 May 11: L.A. Clippers 101, Oklahoma City 99 Tuesday: L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City (late) Thursday: Oklahoma City at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 or 10:30 p.m. x-Sunday: L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, TBA

NHL PLAYOFFS By The Associated Press

SECOND ROUND (Best-of-7; x-if necessary) Boston 3, Montreal 3 May 1: Montreal 4, Boston 3, 2OT May 3: Boston 5, Montreal 3 May 6: Montreal 4, Boston 2 May 8: Boston 1, Montreal 0, OT May 10: Boston 4, Montreal 2 Monday: Montreal 4, Boston 0 Today: Montreal at Boston, 7 p.m. N.Y. Rangers 4, Pittsburgh 3 May 2: N.Y. Rangers 3, Pittsburgh 2, OT May 4: Pittsburgh 3, N.Y. Rangers 0 May 5: Pittsburgh 2, N.Y. Rangers 0 May 7: Pittsburgh 4, N.Y. Rangers 2 May 9: N.Y. Rangers 5, Pittsburgh 1 Sunday: N.Y. Rangers 3, Pittsburgh 1 Tuesday: N.Y. Rangers 2, Pittsburgh 1

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Chicago 3, Minnesota 2 May 2: Chicago 5, Minnesota 2 May 4: Chicago 4, Minnesota 1 May 6: Minnesota 4, Chicago 0 May 9: Minnesota 4, Chicago 2 May 11: Chicago 2, Minnesota 1 Tuesday: Chicago at Minnesota (late) x-Thursday: Minnesota at Chicago, 8 p.m. Anaheim 3, Los Angeles 2 May 3: Los Angeles 3, Anaheim 2, OT May 5: Los Angeles 3, Anaheim 1 May 8: Anaheim 3, Los Angeles 2 May 10: Anaheim 2, Los Angeles 0 Monday: Anaheim 4, Los Angeles 3 Today: Anaheim at Los Angeles, 9:30 p.m. x-Friday: Los Angeles at Anaheim, 9 p.m.

TRANSACTIONS By The Associated Press BASEBALL

American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX _ Assigned RHP Maikel Cleto outright to Charlotte (IL). LOS ANGELES ANGELS _ Assigned LHP Buddy Boshers outright to Salt Lake (PCL). TORONTO BLUE JAYS _ Optioned INF Jonathan Diaz to Buffalo (IL). Recalled OF Kevin Pillar from Buffalo. National League PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES _ Assigned INF Jayson Nix outright to Lehigh Valley (IL). ST. LOUIS CARDINALS +_ Placed LHP Tyler Lyons on the 15-day DL. Optioned RHP Eric Fornataro to Memphis (PCL). Recalled LHP Sam Freeman and RH Jorge Rondon from Memphis. SAN DIEGO PADRES _ Sent RHP Casey Kelly to San Antonio (TL) for a rehab assignment. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS _ Optioned OF Juan Perez to Fresno (PCL). Reinstated LHP David Huff from the 15-day DL. Can-Am League NEW JERSEY JACKALS _ Signed 1B Joe Dunigan.

BASKETBALL

USA BASKETBALL _ Named Greg Urbano digital director. National Basketball Association NBA _ Promoted Amy Brooks to executive vice president, team marketing and business operations and Emilio Collins to executive vice president, global marketing partnerships. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS _ Promoted interim general manager David Griffin to general manager. PHOENIX SUNS _ Entered into a single-affiliation relationship with Bakersfield (NBADL).

FOOTBALL

TODAY’S GAMES

National Football League BUFFALO BILLS _ Released OL Jamaal Johnson-Webb. Signed DBs Deon Broomfield and Kenny Ladler, LBs Darrin Kitchens and James Gaines, DT Damien Jacobs, CB Darius Robinson and DE Bryan Johnson. Agreed to terms with DB Derek Brim and DT Colby Way. CHICAGO BEARS _ Agreed to terms with T Charles Leno Jr. on a four-year contract. CLEVELAND BROWNS _ Signed DB Joe Haden to a five-year contract extension. MINNESOTA VIKINGS _ Released LBs Simoni Lawrence and Terrell Manning, RB Bradley Randle and G Josh Samuda. Signed G Conor Boffeli; OTs Pierce Burton, Matt Hall and Antonio Richardson; WRs Kain Colter, Donte Foster and Erik Lora; DEs Rakim Cox, Tyler Scott and Jake Snyder; DT Isame Faciane; C Zac Kerin; TE A.C. Leonard; QB Travis Partridge; and Dominique Williams. NEW YORK GIANTS _ Waived DB Chaz Powell. Signed LB Dan Fox, S Charles Barnett and DEs Emmanuel Dieke and Jordan Stanton. Canadian Football League CFL _ Fined Calgary WR Maurice Price for making inappropriate negative comments on social media.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

National Hockey League WASHINGTON CAPITALS _ Extended their affiliation agreement with Hershey (AHL) through the 2014-15 season. Signed F Garrett Mitchell to a one-year contract. American Hockey League AHL _ Suspended Providence RW Bobby Robins three games.

TUESDAY’S GAMES

L.A. Angels at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m. San Diego at Cincinnati, 7:10 p.m. Colorado at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m. Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, 8:10 p.m. Chicago Cubs at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m. Washington at Arizona, 9:40 p.m. Miami at L.A. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m. Atlanta at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

L.A. Angels (Richards 3-0) at Philadelphia (Burnett 2-2), 1:05 p.m. Colorado (Chacin 0-1) at Kansas City (Vargas 3-1), 2:10 p.m. Washington (Fister 0-1) at Arizona (McCarthy 1-6), 3:40 p.m. Atlanta (Teheran 2-2) at San Francisco (Bumgarner 4-3), 3:45 p.m. N.Y. Yankees (Tanaka 5-0) at N.Y. Mets (Montero 0-0), 7:10 p.m. San Diego (Kennedy 2-4) at Cincinnati (Cueto 3-2), 7:10 p.m. Pittsburgh (Liriano 0-3) at Milwaukee (W. Peralta 4-2), 8:10 p.m. Chicago Cubs (Hammel 4-1) at St. Louis (Wacha 2-3), 8:15 p.m. Miami (Undecided) at L.A. Dodgers (Maholm 1-3), 10:10 p.m. San Diego at Cincinnati, 12:35 p.m. Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, 1:10 p.m. Chicago Cubs at St. Louis, 1:45 p.m. N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 p.m. Miami at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

TRAIL BLAZERS 103 SPURS 92 PORTLAND, Ore. — Damian Lillard scored 25 points and the Portland Trail Blazers staved off elimination in the Western Conference semifinals with a 103-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Nicolas Batum had 14 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists to cut San Antonio’s advantage in the series to 3-1. Portland held Tony Parker to 14 points after he had scored 29 points or more in three of his last four playoff games. Coach Gregg Popovich sat Parker and Tim Duncan after Portland built a 20point lead in the final quarter.

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS (Best-of-7; x-if necessary)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

TODAY’S GAMES

PENGUINS 1 PITTSBURGH — Henrik Lundqvist set an NHL record with his fifth straight Game 7 victory, making 35 saves to lift the New York Rangers to a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night and earn a spot in the Eastern Conference finals. Brian Boyle and Brad Richards scored for New York, who rallied from a 3-1 series deficit for the first time in the franchise’s 88-year history.

NBA PLAYOFFS By The Associated Press

NASCAR By The Associated Press SPRINT CUP LEADERS

Through May 10 Points 1, Jeff Gordon, 394. 2, Matt Kenseth, 379. 3, Kyle Busch, 373. 4, Dale Earnhardt Jr., 368. 5, Carl Edwards, 367. 6, Joey Logano, 346. 7, Jimmie Johnson, 340. 8, Ryan Newman, 332. 9, Greg Biffle, 328. 10, Brian Vickers, 327. 11, Brad Keselowski, 326. 12, Denny Hamlin, 318. 13, Kyle Larson, 318. 14, Austin Dillon, 306. 15, Kevin Harvick, 302. 16, Kasey Kahne, 294. 17, A J Allmendinger, 293. 18, Paul Menard, 292. 19, Marcos Ambrose, 288. 20, Clint Bowyer, 282. Money 1, Dale Earnhardt Jr., $2,929,528. 2, Brad Keselowski, $2,709,316. 3, Jeff Gordon, $2,623,139. 4, Denny Hamlin, $2,495,965. 5, Joey Logano, $2,454,659. 6, Jimmie Johnson, $2,252,119. 7, Kyle Busch, $2,247,499. 8, Matt Kenseth, $2,169,063. 9, Kevin Harvick,

HOCKEY

OLYMPIC SPORTS

FINA _ Banned Russian swimmer Yuliya Efimova 16 months for doping, retroactive to Oct. 31, 2013, and voided her 50-meter breaststroke world record.

SOCCER

Major League Soccer CHIVAS USA _ Released F Adolfo Bautista. PORTLAND TIMBERS _ Acquired F Fanendo Adi on loan from FC Copenhagen (Denmark). National Women’s Soccer League WASHINGTON SPIRIT _ Waived D Cecilie Sandvej.

COLLEGE

CALDWELL _ Named Kristina Danella associate director of athletics and women’s basketball coach. KANSAS STATE _ Granted QB/WR Daniels Sams a conditional release from his scholarship. PENNSYLVANIA _ Named Nat Graham men’s assistant basketball coach. RUTGERS _ Dismissed QB Philip Nelson from the football team.

THE SUMTER ITEM

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

GOLF COMMENTARY

PRO FOOTBALL

No drama for a rise to No. 1

Sam ready to get back to football

BY DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Here’s a suggestion for how Adam Scott should spend Sunday afternoon in the Bahamas. Go out to the practice green and throw a ball down about 10 feet from the cup, maybe longer if he wants to add some drama. And then whisper to himself, as so many young golfers have done over the years, with one minor change in the wording. “This putt to go to No. 1 in the world.’’ The alternative is to follow what Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam and Lee Westwood did the first time they reached the top of the world ranking. Nothing. This is the official nightmare of the Official World Golf Ranking. Scott had four mathematical chances over the last two months to replace Tiger Woods at No. 1 in the world. His best chance was to win at Bay Hill, only he couldn’t hold a seven-shot lead on the weekend. His most recent opportunity was The Players Championship, where he would have needed a 68 on Sunday. He closed with a 73. And now that he has a week off, Scott will go to No. 1. It won’t be official until next week, but here’s what we know. Woods keeps losing points without being able to replace them because he is recovering from back surgery and has not played a tournament in more than two months. Scott will move past Woods this week, and the field at the Byron Nelson Championship is not strong enough that Matt Kuchar could surpass them even if he were to win. Is it awkward? Sure. Unprecedented? Not even close. Of the 17 players who reached No. 1 for the first time, Scott will be the fifth who did not play that week. The list includes Bernhard Langer, who was No. 1 in the inaugural world ranking on April 6, 1986. This will be the 57th change at the top, and the 13th time that a new No. 1 didn’t play the week before he got there. That includes Woods — twice. Faldo won the Masters and British Open, and tied for third in the U.S. Open in 1990. He still didn’t get to No. 1, back when the formula was different and the ranking moved at the speed of Kevin Na. Faldo injured his wrist at the PGA Championship, where he shot 80 in the

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THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Adam Scott will likely become the new top-ranked golfer in the world this week after not even playing last weekend. The scenario is far from unprecedented, however. third round and tied for 19th. He took off three weeks to let it heal, and when he showed up at the European Open, he was No. 1. And don’t forget about Westwood. He completed only two tournaments in a three-month stretch in 2010 because of a calf injury. Coming off the Ryder Cup, he took off three weeks and went to No. 1 while watching TV at home in England. The most confounding of all was in 1999, the summer when Woods and David Duval were the best two players in golf. They were so good that IMG created a made-for-TV exhibition on Monday night called the “Showdown at Sherwood,’’ a battle between No. 1 and No. 2. Woods was ranked No. 1 and on the course, closing out Duval on the 17th hole. Both took the rest of the week off, and thanks to the mathematical wonder of the world rank-

ing, Duval went back to No. 1. Not that Duval cared how he got there. “I guess that’s the story right there,’’ he said Monday on his way to Dallas. “I don’t remember.’’ He remembers the first time he got to No. 1. In front of a hometown crowd, and on the same day his father won on the Champions Tour, Duval won The Players Championship to replace Woods atop the ranking. That’s a lot more fun than being at home. Rory McIlroy reached No. 1 for the first time by winning the Honda Classic. Luke Donald made his debut at No. 1 when he won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in a playoff over Westwood, whom he replaced at No. 1. Donald has gone to No. 1 four times, three of them by winning.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The overflow crowd at Rams Park did not intimidate Michael Sam. He seemed almost eager for the attention and scrutiny. The first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team was confident and engaged Tuesday as he was formally introduced by the St. Louis Rams, handling questions and scrutiny with aplomb well beyond that of a typical seventh-round pick. “I’m determined to be great,’’ Sam said. “I understand that right now you guys want to make a big deal of it.’’ Sam put his arm around coach Jeff Fisher after sharing the podium with other late-round picks. He joked that he’d never SAM before heard the term “tweener’’ and even rose in his chair in mock intimidation of fellow Missouri draftee E.J. Gaines, a sixthrounder who’d been asked what the SEC co-defensive player of the year was like as a teammate. Sam, who came out to teammates and coaches before his senior season at Missouri, disagreed that his sexuality had been a secret. “Apparently, everybody else makes a big deal out of it,’’ Sam said. “But my teammates and my school didn’t.’’ “It’s OK to be who you are,’’ he added. “Whether you’re gay, straight, black or white, it’s OK to be comfortable in your own skin.’’ After getting the go-ahead from owner Stan Kroenke and making the pick Saturday, Fisher called it a “second historic moment’’ for a franchise that signed running back Kenny Washington in 1946 as the NFL’s first black player in the modern era. Just as in his post-draft teleconference with St. Louis media that was sprinkled with salty language, Sam was feisty. He’s had a few months to get accustomed to the role of trailblazer instead of a silent star. Sure, he’s a role model. Right now he’d much rather be the Rams’ description of “designated pass rusher.’’ “I will always support equality, period,’’ Sam said. “But my job is to focus on football and help this team win a championship.’’ The appearance of perhaps the most famous seventh-round pick in NFL history attracted a massive amount of people. A half-dozen TV trucks lined a crammed parking lot at Rams Park, an hour before the team’s two first-round picks were due at the podium. About 80 media members attended the news conferences. Three days earlier when the Rams chose Sam with the No. 249 overall pick, the media contingent was in single digits.

PREP SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

WH FROM PAGE B1 earlier occasions with the intentional walk, intentionally walked John Patrick Sears to load the bases with no outs. This time, however, the strategy didn’t work as Thompson hit Kemper Patton with a pitch to force in the winning run. The Swampcats led most of the game, taking a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh. Wilson Hall forced extra innings by pushing across a run against Thompson. Patton led off the inning by hitting a line drive off of Thompson’s leg and beating a throw to first for an infield hit. Patton stole second and after an out, Thompson went to third on a wild pitch. William Creech drew a walk before Andrew Kinney grounded out to the right side to score Patton and make it 3-3. In the top of the eighth inning, Barons pitcher McLendon Sears walked Caleb Pipkin to start the inning. Barons head coach Tommy Jones decided to bring on Chase Belk in favor of Sears, who had allowed just one run in 5 1/3 innings of relief. Belk hit Thompson before catching J.T. Eppley looking on strikes. However, he hit Cagney Brunson and Mark Pipkin to force in a run and make it 4-3. Belk got out of the inning without further trouble by striking out Linc Powell and getting Davis Martin to line out. Wilson Hall tied it in the bottom of the inning and looked as though it would win at that point. Goodson drew a 1-out walk from Thompson. William Kinney followed with a shot to the gap in right-center field for a run-scoring triple. Hatfield elected to intentionally walk both John Patrick Sears and Patton, the Nos. 3 and 4 hitters, to load the bases. That brought Belk to the plate for the first time. He swung at and missed two pitches before fouling off a bunt for the third strike and second out. Creech grounded out to first to end the inning.

AREA ROUNDUP

Lady Saints fall short of softball title WALTERBORO — Clarendon Hall finished as the SCISA 1A state runner-up for the second year in a row after falling to Colleton Prep 11-1 in five innings on Tuesday in the second game of the state championship series at the Lady War Hawks field. The Lady Saints dropped the opening game 11-5 on Monday and were limited to two hits on Tuesday by Shannon Corbett and Aubrey Johnson. Johnson hit a solo home run in the third inning. CH finished 20-10 on the season and will lose seniors Brittany Bays and Kaela Phillips from a team that has played for the state championship three years in a row, winning it all in 2012.

VARSITY SOCCER BROOKLAND-CAYCE 11 CRESTWOOD 0 CAYCE — Third-seeded Crestwood High School saw its season come to and end on Monday with an 11-0 loss to No. 2 seed Brookland-Cayce at the Bearcats field in the first round of the 3A state playoffs. The Lady Knights finished the year with a 6-11 overall mark. MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Laurence Manning Academy’s Mark Pipkin is hit by pitch to force in a run during the eighth inning of Tuesday’s game against Wilson Hall at Baron Stadium. The Barons won 5-4 to sweep the best-of-3 series for the SCISA 3A state championship. Belk, the loser in last year’s deciding game in the state championship series against Hammond, was the winner. He worked five innings and didn’t allow a run. After the shaky start in the eighth, he finished with eight strikeouts and allowed just two hits. Right-hander William Kinney started on the mound for the Barons, but struggled. He got out of the first inning, leaving the bases loaded. He wasn’t as fortunate in the second even though it wasn’t all of his fault. He hit Caleb Pipkin with one out before getting Taylor Finley to hit a grounder to McLendon Sears at shortstop. Sears tossed to second baseman Robert James, who dropped the

LMA FROM PAGE B1 that dropped just out of the reach of a diving Kelley in centerfield. After Scott issued an intentional base on balls to Beatson to load the bases, Maggie Eppley popped out to first for the inning’s second out, setting the stage for Ward’s heroics. LMA head coach Maria Rowland had high praise for her freshman second baseman, while also crediting some divine intervention on her team’s behalf. “God was with us, and it was very evident ... (with) that ball that number 12 (Hodge) hit,” Rowland said. “God grabbed that ball and just sucked the life out of it and dropped it right where He wanted it. That ninth-grader turned a double play, and that ninth-grader hit that 3-run shot for a double. That’s huge for that ninth-grader. I’m proud of them. I’m very proud of them.” Beatson induced three infield grounders to close out the Wilson Hall seventh. Ward handled one, with the other two going to McElveen, who threw out Jordan at first for the game’s final out. Before LMA’s sixth-inning rally, all of the scoring came in the first inning. Wilson Hall’s Betsy Cunningham and Hannah Jordan opened the game with consecutive singles. Cunningham took second on a passed ball and third on Jordan’s single, then Jordan stole sec-

CAVS FROM PAGEB1 to load the bases. He struck out Casey Kelley to get to within one out of escaping with his team still tied, but his first pitch to the left-handed hitting Lee was a fastball up — exactly what Lee said he was looking for — and the senior first baseman ripped it down the right-field line. “I was just hoping it wouldn’t curve foul,” Lee said. “This is an unbelievable feeling.” Lee was just one storyline from the

ball. Eppley singled to load the bases before Brunson lined out to second. Mark Pipkin came through with a 2-run single to end Kinney’s time on the mound. LMA made it 3-0 in the third. Todd Larrimer led off with a single against McLendon Sears and was sacrificed to second. After an out, Finley singled home courtesy runner Morgan Morris. The Barons made it 3-1 in the bottom of the inning. John Patrick Sears reached on an error by Eppley at shortstop to start the inning. Patton lined a single to left that bounced over the head of left fielder Finley, allowing Sears to score. Patton was left standing at sec-

ond ahead of Haley Hawkins getting hit by a Beatson pitch to load the bases. Beatson then walked Connor to force home Cunningham and Jordan scored on a fielder’s choice grounder from Scott for a 2-0 Lady Barons lead. The Lady Swampcats came up with some 2-out magic in the bottom of the first as McElveen drew a walk from Scott and Beatson helped her cause with a double into the left field corner down the third base line. Wilson Hall head coach Teresa Alexander remained upbeat after the game despite her team coming so close to clinching a championship only to see it slip away late. “We just simply say, ‘No harm done,” Alexander said of how she addressed the team after the game. “What an advantage that we were able to pick up that first win yesterday (Monday, 4-0, at Patriot Park SportsPlex), especially playing at your opponent’s field the next day. It’s always hard to win on the road, especially in a game of this magnitude, so we’re okay. It’s an even playing field again and we are very eager to accept that challenge and see just how mentally tough we can be and try to go get that win tomorrow.” Alexander downplayed the significance of the rivalry between the schools heading into a winner-takeall finale for a state championship. “I think the rivalry stuff is for the

Cavaliers’ first baseball state championship since the late 1990s. Rankin was at Lee Academy several years ago, played for a state championship, but couldn’t get one. Now, in his first season back in Bishopville, he’s got it. “It’s a good feeling,” Rankin said. “But it’s more about what we do in life, not what we do here. That’s just the way I coach. We were playing Holly Hill in the third round of the playoffs, the two-time defending state champion, and I asked our players, ‘How many of y’all would have

ond, however. Wilson Hall added another run in the fourth. Parker McDuffie drew a leadoff walk and eventually scored on a ground out to make it 3-2. The Barons left 20 runners on base, going just 2-for-21 with runners in scoring position. LMA left 18 runners on and was 1-for-16 with runners in scoring position. Powell worked 5 1/3 innings for LMA before being relieved. He scattered five hits while walking five and striking out three. He allowed just two runs, only one of them earned. McLendon Sears worked 5 1/3 innings, allowing just three hits. He struck out two and walked five.

fans and for the media,” Alexander said. “When it comes down to it, all we want to do is, whoever we’re playing, we just want to give them our best game. I think that we don’t make it more than it is. All it is is a game of softball and we just try to do what we do, and that generally is enough to give us the kind of success we’re looking for.” Rowland was excited to see the series got to a third game and for her team to have an opportunity to play at Beckham Field, the site of last weekend’s Southeastern Conference Tournament. “I hoped (the series would go three games) from the beginning, I really did,” she said. “I hoped it wouldn’t be a sweep, but tomorrow is a whole ‘nother day. Just like we had to forget about the negative from last night, we’ve got to forget about this win from today and we’ve got to show up ready to play ball and do what we’ve got to do tomorrow. That’s kind of how it’s got to be. “What a huge opportunity for these girls (to play at Beckham Field). The SEC Tournament just got over with and I told them that you are going to play on the same field that Georgia and Kentucky and USC and all these teams just were here. That’s that little girl’s dream, to go play at those big schools, so I’m excited for them.”

signed up for a 20-11 season?’ They all raised their hands, because they were 9-17 last year. … But we’ll sure take 24-9.” And while Lee will no doubt get a hero’s reception for quite a while around school and town, it was senior pitcher Wesley Alexander who gave his team the chance to come back. The Bobcats jumped all over REL starter Payton Bramlett in the first inning, scoring five times. The big blow was Colby McFaddin’s 3-run home run that made it 5-0.

TSA FROM PAGE B1 situation at home. To prepare for Demonte, a Furman recruit, former Thomas Heyward pitcher Ashlie Layman threw to the Lady Rebels in practice, including plenty of curveballs. “We tried to build some confidence and let them see some speed,” Layman said. “We haven’t played a lot of pitchers of her caliber.” Thomas Sumter coach Lou Demonte, Emily’s father, said they wanted to work inside on Tuesday but that there were times Emily changed the call and had it work out. Demonte pitched her strongest during the middle innings, striking out the side in the second and fourth innings and retiring the top three in the order to deny a run after Zoe Mitchell started the inning with a hit and moved to third on an error. “She locates her pitches really well,” said Lady Rebels leadoff batter Sydney Glassberg. “And she really does have a really good curveball.” Thomas Heyward scored twice in the first on Hannah Cannon’s RBI base hit and a throwing error but couldn’t manage multiple base runners again until the sixth. The Rebels pushed one across but Demonte stranded two with a strikeout to end the inning. The Lady Generals batted around during the 5-run sixth, with some of the silly runs Layman said characterized the Lady Rebels’ loss in Game 1. Thomas Heyward finished 18-9 and loses two seniors.

LAKEWOOD FROM PAGE B1 “All I can ask is that they be competitive,” he said. “This was a hardplayed game and I thought we matched up well. You might play this game again and have a totally different outcome.” Swansea coach Shawn Jaques was elated with the win. “We didn’t expect this,” he admitted. “The team you saw out there today is not how we started the season. We seemed to get better as the season progressed. This was a really hard-fought game and we’re happy that we managed to come out on top.”

But Alexander all but shut down the Bobcats, allowing a single run in the fourth on Connor Floyd’s RBI fielder’s choice to make it 6-1, then one more in the seventh on Gee Webster’s sacrifice fly to make it 10-7. “Alexander is the star of the game, without a doubt,” Rankin said. Garrett Weaver, Floyd, McFaddin, Scott Timmons and Prosser all had two hits each for the Bobcats. Cook had two hits for Lee Academy, including a two-run triple in the fourth as the Cavaliers rallied to within 6-4.

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

NASCAR

HORSE RACING

California Chrome ready for anything

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

It’s a contract year for Carl Edwards, and once again everyone is talking about where the potential free agent might up. Everyone except Edwards, that is.

Everyone guessing about Edwards’ future — again CHARLOTTE (AP) — Social media was abuzz all weekend as Carl Edwards celebrated his return to Kansas Speedway: Carl sat with Joe Gibbs Racing at the driver meeting! Carl was flustered when asked if he can win a championship at Roush Fenway Racing! Here we go again. It’s another contract year for Edwards, and everybody is talking about his future. Well, everybody except Edwards. When Clint Bowyer removed himself from the free agent market last week by re-signing with Michael Waltrip Racing, attention turned to Edwards, the top available driver. The gossip and speculation is nearing a fevered pitch, and all signs point to Edwards ending his 12-year run with Roush to move into a fourth car with Gibbs. It’s a sensible move for Edwards, who was heavily courted by JGR in 2011 as he found himself in the hunt for his first Sprint Cup championship. Edwards went back and forth, weighing both offers, dragging the process deep into the summer. It was practically unheard of for a points leader to consider leaving for another team while also racing for the title, but Edwards looked

AREA SCOREBOARD ETC. SKILLS, DRILLS & LIFE

The LAY UP Skills, Drills & Life Sports/Mentoring Camp For At-Risk Youth will be held June 12-14 at the Lincoln High School gymnasium located at 26 Council Street. The program will be held each day from 9 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. It is open to boys and girls ages 9-17 and is free. Those who are scheduled to participate in the event are former Clemson All-American and College Football Hall of Famer Terry Kinard, former Wake Forest quarterback Keith West and former Wake Forest basketball standout Wilbert Singleton. Each was a standout performer at Sumter High School. For more information, contact Leading America’s Youth Upward Program program coordinator Mark Shaw at (803) 236-2313 or at layup2011andup@yahoo.com.

ROAD RACING HOT PURSUIT 5K

The Hot Pursuit 5K Road Race will be held on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. at the Sumter Family YMCA. The registration fee is $25 for those who pre-register and $30 for those who register on the day of the race. To register in advance, go to www.strictlyrunning.com.

AUTO RACING SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONS SEARCH

beyond the moment. He rides a performance rollercoaster at Roush, where one season could produce multiple wins and a solid run at the title, only to go winless the next year and watch the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship from the sidelines. That’s not changed since Edwards scored a huge payday — thanks to a big assist from Ford Motor Co. — by signing a 3-year extension that year. He went on to lose the 2011 title to Tony Stewart on a tie-breaker and hasn’t been a threat since. Edwards went winless in 2012 and missed the Chase, and although he made two trips to Victory Lane last season, he finished last in the 13-driver Chase field. Now it’s time for Edwards to negotiate a new contract. It comes as he sits fifth in the standings with a win at Bristol that should be good enough to lock him into NASCAR’s championship field. Good enough to make a case for staying at Roush, right? Not if he’s again using a wide lens to look at his options. Edwards should see clearly that he’s got just 14 top-five finishes since 2011, when he had 19 in one season. That JGR grass has to look a whole lot greener right now, especially after Matt

Sumter Speedway is trying to gather information on all of its champions from 1957 to the present. The name of the driver, the year and the division in which the title was won and the track promoter is the information hoping to be gathered. To provide information, call James Skinner at (803) 7755973 or e-mail Virginia Ayers at vayers@ftc-i.net.

FOOTBALL OFFICIATING CLASSES

The Santee Wateree Football Officials Association is holding classes for those interested in becoming officials. Those who pass the course will be able to officiate middle school, junior varsity and varsity games. Classes will be held each Monday beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Sumter County Parks & Recreation at 155 Haynsworth Street. The state clinic and examination will be held on July 26. For more information, contact Granderson James at (803) 968-2391 or at grandersj@ aol.com or Richard Geddings at (803) 468-8858.

GOLF 4-PERSON SCRAMBLE

The Links at Lakewood Golf Course will host a 4-person scramble every Thursday. The cost is $25 per person and includes golf, prizes and food following the scramble. Call the pro shop at (803) 481-5700 before 4 p.m. on Thursday to sign up. FRIEND OF YOUTH TOURNAMENT

The Evening Optimist Club

Kenseth bolted Roush last season and racked up seven wins, 12 topfives and raced Jimmie Johnson to the finale for the championship. Of course he’s going to JGR! Or is he? Remember, many thought an Edwards deal to Gibbs in 2011 was a sure thing. But for whatever reason — maybe things fell apart at JGR, maybe the Ford financial aid swayed Edwards’ decision — he returned to Roush. It means his next move is a mystery in part because Edwards likes to leave people guessing in this process, and that includes his bosses at Roush. Jack Roush and team president Steve Newmark hear the same gossip in the garage and wonder what is going on. Edwards, who acts as his own agent, allows it to continue. Only Edwards knows what he wants to do next year, and he isn’t saying. “You guys know that I don’t like to talk about that stuff in the media,’’ Edwards told reporters at Kansas. “To me, that is business and I have made the mistake of letting that turn into a big media thing before, so I would rather not talk about that and keep that between me and Jack and Steve Newmark.’’

Friend of Youth Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday at Crystal Lakes Golf Club. The tournament format is a 4-person Captain’s Choice, and the entry fee is $40 per golfer. The team must have a minimum handicap of 50, and only one player can have a handicap of 8 or less. The money raised from the tournament will go to the programs of Optimist International. There are sponsorship opportunities of $300, $200 and $100 are available as well. For more information, call Les Perkins at (803) 468-1619. GOLFERS BIBLE STUDY

The Sumter chapter of the Christian Golfer’s Association holds a golfers Bible study each Tuesday at its offices at

BALTIMORE (AP) — No matter what scenario he’s thrust into, California Chrome usually finds a way to make the adjustment. Sloppy track? No problem. Slow pace? Got it covered. Fast pace? Piece of cake. The Kentucky Derby winner tested the track at Pimlico Race Course for the first time Tuesday and took to it like a kid in a sandbox. “He seemed to handle the track just great,’’ assistant trainer Alan Sherman said. “He just jogged but he was happy. He’s really happy right now. So that’s a good thing.’’ The Triple Crown hopeful brings a five-race winning streak into Saturday’s Preakness. Because there is a smaller field than the Derby, a shorter distance and several new shooters, this race has the potential to be different. Regardless of how it shapes up, California Chrome should be ready to deal with it. “He’s so tactical,’’ Sherman said. “If they go slow in front, he’ll take it right to them and push the horses in front of him. If they’re going fast in front, he can just sit off the pace. That’s the good thing about him. He doesn’t have one style of running. He’s pretty pushbutton. If you ask him, he’ll do it.’’ It’s supposed to rain on Friday, but the weather forecast for Saturday is 70 degrees and partly cloudy. Sherman has no intention of watching The Weather Channel on an hourly basis. “We’re not scared,’’ he said. “He trained really good at Churchill on a sloppy track. He actually looked like he liked it a lot.’’ No two tracks are alike, except perhaps to the undiscerning California Chrome. “He had no issues on the track surface at all,’’ Sherman said after Tuesday’s practice run. “This horse hasn’t had to take his track with him. He’s won on four different tracks now. So I don’t think that’s an issue. I’m hoping it isn’t anyway.’’ Owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn bred an $8,000 mare to a $2,500 stallion to produce California Chrome, whose racing career did not generate much fanfare until he won the final stakes race at Hollywood Park, the King Glorious, by 6 lengths. That launched the five-win streak that propelled him into position to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Along the way, the father-son training duo of Art and Alan Sherman realized they had a horse most handlers only dream about. “The King Glorious race, that opened my eyes up,’’ Alan said. “Then he just kept getting better. Then he won the California Breeders Derby. That was another impressive race. But the San Felipe was probably when I went, `Wow.’’’ In that wire-to-wire victory at Santa Anita, California Chrome ran the secondfastest time in the history of the race and beat trainer Bob Baffert’s Midnight Hawk by 7 1/2 lengths. Kristo was third, 13 1/2 lengths behind the winner.

Crystal Lakes Golf Course. The study begins at 8 a.m. and is followed by a round of golf.

BASKETBALL SUMTER CHRISTIAN CLINICS

Registration is being taken for the Sumter Christian School 2014 Basketball Clinics to be held over the summer. There will be four 5-day sessions at a cost of $45 per camper. A camp for children in grades 1-3 will be held June 9-13, grades 3-6 June 23-27, grades 6-9 July 7-11 and graves 9-12 July 21-25. The camps will run each day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The camp instructors will be the SCS coaching staff of Bobby Baker, Tom Cope and Jimmy Davis.

For more information, call Baker at (803) 469-9304 or (803) 464-3652.

BOWLING GAMECOCK LANES SCORES

Weekly High Scores Through May 10

Industrial Mixed Emanuel Irving 245-589; Thomas Jackson 253; Rowland Yates 725; Douglas Oliver 580; Thomas Price 595; Evvie Prioleau 215-591. Friday Night Mixed Bobby Holladay 300; Luke Hicks 266; Richard Allen 269-685; Maceo Pack 222; Jeffrey Scott 210; Michael Gregg 633; Mike Hodge 697; Edwardo Allen 756; James Canty 673; Phillip June 671; Tyrone Bailey 671; Charlie Boykin 713; Lois Riles 514; Cora Rainwater 677; Sarah Lawrence 510; Annie Getter 445. Tuesday Night Mixed Bobby Hagood 235-560; Allen Sine 222-563; Richard Whisnant 213-557; Jimmy Harglerode 642; Phillip June 679; Troy Blake 568; Tim Hudnall 652; Al Heath 578; SCP Parker 390; Debbie Tutton 201. Possibilities Barbara Reichard 203-522; Julia Jenkins 200-507.

LOCAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Gamecocks earn commitment from St. Louis TE T

he University of South Carolina football program has reached into rare territory for commitment No. 9 for its 2015 recruiting class. Tight end Kyle Markway (6-feet-4-inches, 219 pounds) of St. Louis announced a commitment to the Gamecocks on Sunday. “I have officially committed to the University of South Carolina! So excited to join the Gamecock family and win a national championship,” is what Markway wrote on his Twitter page. Markway made an unofficial visit to USC last month for the spring game weekend, and that visit started the ball rolling in the Gamecocks’ favor. “It was the most comfortable I have felt at a school I have visited,” Markway said on Sunday. “The opportunities they have there are endless. To be able to play under head coach Steve Spurrier and to play in a program like South Carolina is a dream come true.” Markway also had offers from Iowa, Indiana, Western Kentucky, Illinois and Memphis and said the decision came down to the Gamecocks and the Hawkeyes. Last season, Markway had 28 catches for 254 yards and one touchdown. He also plays defensive end and had 64 tackles with 16 tackles for loss and seven quarterback sacks as a junior. QB Lorenzo Nunez of Kennesaw, Ga., committed to USC on Thursday in a tight decision over North Carolina State and Ohio State, and Nunez said a major reason he will be a Gamecock is the chance to be tutored by Spurrier. “Spurrier is a great coach, a Heisman (Trophy) winner,” Nunez said. “I think he can make me a better player and quarterback and teach me things I don’t know. They’ve been 11-2 the past three years. There’s great weather and they are close to home. And I have a great relationship with the coaching staff.” Nunez also had Tennessee and Miami on his short list, but he got that list down to the final three and thought about the decision for weeks. “It was very difficult,” he said. “The three schools were close to each other. I think I made the right decision. The SEC (Southeastern Conference), the competition and Spurrier and his history with quarterbacks and stuff like that.” Nunez is well aware of Spurrier’s tough love approach to coaching his QBs and he’s fine with that. “Coaches are going to push you hard and I think I’m ready to handle it,” Nunez said. “I’m not afraid to be yelled at or anything like that.” And Nunez won’t come to Columbia thinking about being a backup. “I’m ready to compete for a starting position,” he said. Nunez is not graduating early so he will miss spring practice next year. Last season, Nunez passed for 1,148 yards and five TDs and

rushed for 786 yards and seven TDs. “I can extend a play,” he said. “My first option is to throw, but I can move the pocket.” USC continues to make a strong push for defensive back Carlton Davis of Miami, and the hard work by recruiter Grady Brown has pushed the Gamecocks into his top five. “Coach Brown wants to get me up there because I would be one of the biggest corners (6-2, 182) in his corps if I were to sign with them,” Davis said. “I plan to visit during the summer or the season. They are in my top five right now. We’ll see how the season goes. I would love to see them have a great season.” Joining USC in the Davis top five are Louisiana State, Alabama, Miami and Florida. Davis said his favorite constantly changes among the five, but USC’s early, strong interest is a bonus for it. “Coach Grady has been consistent. I talk to him on a daily basis. I like the program they are building.” Davis has visited Miami and plans to see more schools this summer. He’s also planning a summer commitment before the start of his season. Offensive lineman Jozie Milton (6-3, 290) of Clinton, La., plays offensive tackle for his high school but, has the skills to move inside a couple of spots. He has 21 offers, including one from USC and the Gamecocks have made it clear they see him as that man in the middle of the line. “They said they are only taking one center, and I’m the top guy for that position,” Milton said. Milton talks every couple of weeks with Gamecock recruiter Deke Adams, who was in to see him in late April. Mississippi, West Virginia and Texas Christian also have been through for a visit. Milton said he may visit USC this summer. He does not have favorites and plans to have a decision around August. Some other offers are Mississippi State, Arkansas, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, South Florida and Southern Mississippi. The day before USC visited athlete Jalen Julius (5-11, 173) of West Orange, Fla., this spring he committed to Florida. Julius called his commitment to the Gators a strong one, but has plans to take a few more visits. Other than his trip to USC this summer, he would like to visit Miami and Ohio State. His other offers include Auburn, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, USF, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio State, Wake Forest and Penn State. As a junior, Julius rushed for over 700 yards on a little over 80 carries. He had another 120 yards receiving and totaled eight TDs. Defensive end Marquavius Lewis of Hutchinson Junior College in Kansas is back at his Greenwood home for a few weeks and will take some time out to visit USC while in his home state. Lewis has scheduled that visit to Columbia for Saturday. USC has been out to see Lewis this spring and recruiters Adams

and Kirk Botkin continue to work him hard via social media and a couple of times a week on the telephone. “They lost (DE Jadeveon) Clowney and they are trying to find some guys that can play for them right away,” Lewis said. “They see me fitting in at that position and playing.” Lewis said Auburn and Alabama are also working him hard like USC but he hasn’t formulated a favorites list at this point. The USC visit will be the only one he’ll make while he’s home. Clemson also offered him, but Lewis said he hasn’t heard from the Tigers since then. Lewis does not plan to make a quick Phil Kornblut decision and RECRUITING will carry CORNER things out until after his season, so no matter what he sees at USC on his visit, he won’t jump in right away with the Gamecocks. Lewis was tuned in on Thursday when Clowney was picked No. 1 overall in the National Football League draft. He said for a player like him, a fellow South Carolinian and a fellow DE, Clowney’s USC legacy works in favor of the Gamecocks. Southern California and Cincinnati are Lewis’ most recent offers. Some of his others are Alabama, Florida, Kansas State, Tennessee, Arkansas, Miami, Missouri, WVU, Louisville and Auburn. He’s also seen coaches from Southern Cal, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Miami, Florida, Florida State and Texas A&M have come through this spring. Former USC commitment DE Arden Key of Lithonia, Ga., listed his current top five in order as Oregon, Miami, LSU, Ole Miss and USC. PSU offered USC commitment DB Mark Fields II of Cornelius, N.C., last week. He remains firm with the Gamecocks. USC offered two North Carolina commitments in linebacker Andre Smith and OL William Sweet last week. Both are from Jacksonville, Fla. CLEMSON

Clemson is in a strong position with two of the top TEs in the Southeast, and the question is which might fall to the Tigers. Garrett Williams of Orlando, Fla., has Clemson in his final four and plans a decision before his spring game on May 22. And Jackson Harris of Columbia, Tenn., has a final five of Clemson, Alabama, Florida, UGA and Vanderbilt. He plans to get to a final three in a few weeks and then make his decision from there. He’s aware of Clemson’s strong interest in Williams as well. QB Torrance Gibson of Plantation, Fla., released his top 15 in order as Tennessee, Auburn, LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, Oklahoma, Miami, Florida, NCSU, Oregon, Central Florida, Virginia Tech, Alabama, Michigan and Nebraska.

Defensive lineman Tim Settle of Manassas, Va. released his list of the top 15 schools remaining on his list. He did so in order of preference, and Clemson is sitting in the No. 3 hole behind Tennessee and Alabama. The rest of the 15 are FSU, Texas, Virginia, VT, PSU, WVU, UCLA, UNC, NCSU, LSU, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. Settle visited Clemson earlier this year for a junior day and plans to visit again soon. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables has been by the school as has USC’s Adams, but the Gamecocks didn’t make his short list that was reduced from more than 60 offers. Settle has taken 17 visits and some of the more recent were to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, PSU, Tennessee and Ole Miss. Settle plans to take all five of his official visits. Clemson offered ‘16 ATH Saivion Smith of St. Petersburg, Fla., last week. The Tigers are the first to offer him. Running back Reggie Gallaspy of Greensboro, N.C., has recent offers from California, Vandy, Syracuse, Louisville and Boston College. Clemson continues showing interest, but has not offered. His top five is Duke, NCSU, UNC, WVU and UVa. Several other schools could enter the mix for Gallaspy. Florida, Michigan State and Arkansas are showing interest in him. USC AND CLEMSON

RB Ty’Son Williams of Crestwood High School has a top five of Clemson, USC, Notre Dame, Wisconsin and UNC. However, that won’t necessarily be the five from which he chooses. “I can’t say those are the final five because I could have later offers,” Williams said. Clemson, USC, ND and Wisconsin have been through the school this spring. Williams said all are even among his five favorites right now and all are pushing hard. He wants to make his decision before the season and he probably will graduate early. Williams has a couple of items on which he’ll base his decision. “Playing time is the No. 1 factor,” he said. “Academics also.” Williams has not taken any spring visits, but plans to take some trips this summer. Highly recruited LB Ricky DeBerry Jr. of Richmond, Va., recently cut his list of over 60 offers down to 20. USC and Clemson both made the shorter list. He has been to Clemson and now he has set Saturday as a visit date for USC. DeBerry has taken visits to UVa, VT and Ohio State in recent weeks. He also plans to visit Arizona State and Miami this summer. DeBerry said he wants to visit more schools and then cut his list to eight before August. He said UVa, VT and UNC are certain to make his final eight. Others in his final 20 include Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Michigan State, Nebraska, Florida, UCLA and Southern Cal. DB Rashad Roundtree of Evans, Ga., has offers from all over the country and he plans

to take some visits this summer before narrowing his list to five prior to the season. Roundtree said Clemson and USC are both a strong possibility for making that list. He has yet to visit Clemson, but he’s been to USC for a camp. He plans a return visit to USC this summer and will visit Clemson for the first time. Other possible destinations this summer for Roundtree include Ohio State, UGA, GT, Auburn and Alabama. As a junior, Roundtree totaled 97 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Clemson and USC have offered LB Amonte Caban (6-2, 210) of Smiths Station, Ala., and he plans to visit each this summer. He has been to USC for a junior day. Caban’s other offers include Mississippi State, Kentucky, Louisville, Southern Miss and Cincinnati with interest from Alabama, Auburn, Vandy, WF, Florida and Purdue. As a junior, he totaled 140 tackles, 70 solos, three sacks, 11 TFLs and an FR. USC and Clemson have offered ‘16 WRs Eli Stove and Romeo Findley, both of Niceville, Fla. OTHERS

Ole Miss, UVa, ND and South Carolina State were by last week to check on DL Albert Huggins of OrangeburgWilkinson High. DE Michel Barnett of Woodland High in Dorchester was offered last week by ND. BASKETBALL

Houston transfer Danuel House Jr. made USC the first stop of his second recruiting campaign, making an official visit from Thursday through Saturday with his parents. House got a look at the facilities, met with the staff and learned more about the academic opportunities. “It was wonderful, it was a wonderful experience,” House said. “I got to see the campus, the arena and I got to know (head) Coach (Frank) Martin on a personal level and his staff on a personal level. And I had a great time with my host, Tyrone (Johnson). It was really nice to see how the school put time and effort into the men’s basketball program in order for the coaches and the players to have very nice things to get recruits to come to their facilities.” From his conversations with Martin and the staff, the 6-7 House believes he gained a good understanding of their vision for the future and how he would fit in. House was to visit UCLA this week and he is also set to see Nevada-Las Vegas on May 31. Iowa also is in his visiting plans, but no date has been set. House said he won’t make a decision until he takes his other visits, and he’s still planning to appeal to the NCAA for immediate eligibility. S.C. State signed 6-4 Gerdarius Troutman of Butler, Ga., last week Troutman made 327 3-point shots in his high school career. Tevin Mack, a 6-6 player from Dreher High in Columbia was offered by VT and Auburn.

LOCAL RACING

Hill’s Street Stock victory highlights Sumter Speedway racing BY CODY TRUETT Special to The Sumter Item Grant Hill had a dominating performance to win the Street Stock division to highlight the racing action at Sumter Speedway on Saturday. As the race began, Hill quickly jumped into the lead as Jody Truett and Robbie Disher battled side by side down the back stretch for second place. Truett and Disher made contact in turns 3 and 4, and Truett came to a stop to bring out a caution flag. On the restart, Hill maintained the lead as Timmy Kimsey and Matthew Hodge battled for second. Truett and Disher again made contact, this time in turns 1 and 2, and Truett spun around to bring out another caution. Disher pulled his car into the pits and was done for the evening. Hill held on to the top spot with Hodge second and Kimsey third. Truett battled his way back and took over third from Kimsey and then pressured Hodge for second. As Truett and Hodge battled for second, Hill opened a huge lead over the rest of the field. Truett made his way around Hodge to take over second for good. Hill maintained a half-a-track lead on the way to the win. Truett was second with Hodge third, Kimsey fourth and Ronnie Stephens Jr. fifth.

Sprint Car Series cars coming to Speedway The winged sprint cars of the Carolina RaceSaver Sprint Car Series will be in action at Sumter Speedway along with the Vintage Division. The full-sized sprint cars are scheduled to take to hot laps around the high-banked 3/8-mile dirt track at 7 p.m. with qualifying races leading into the feature. Gates open at 5 with racing starting at 7. Grandstand tickets are $10 for adults and pit passes are $20 for adults. Active duty military will be admitted to the grandstands free of charge with military identification. For more information, call the speedway at (803) 481-2650 or visit www.SumterSpeedway.com. For more information on the Carolina RaceSaver Sprint Car Series, visit www.CarolinaRaceSaver.com. Bucky Deberry picked up his second straight win in the Extreme-4 division, making his way around leader David Rourk Jr. on Lap 5 and never looking back. Rourk Jr. came home second with John Ledwell third. Tony Ayers posted a blistered 15.867 qualifying time in the Crate Late Model division and captured

the pole position for the feature. The quick lap times continued throughout the feature as Ayers led from flag to flag for his first win of the season. Hunter Bledsoe came home second with Mark McLeod third, Gene Kinard fourth, Trey Shirey fifth and Clint Coker sixth. Anthony Hudson continued his dominance of the Rookie division, picking up his third straight win. Triston Kelly came home second and Chelsea L’hullier was third. Marty Horne was initially the winner of the Stock V8 division, but after a post-race inspection, his car was determined to be illegal. Horne was disqualified and the victory was awarded to Jason Brazell. Disher dominated the Super Street division, leading the entire race. Joey Ayers came home second with Steven Bartlette third, Chris Sturkie fourth and Preston Padgett fifth. Austin Mintz picked up his first win in the Stock-4 division in an exciting feature. Austin and his brother, Justin, along with Bubba Kolb and Padgett swapped positions all throughout the feature before Austin Mintz finally grabbed control and picked up the win. Justin came home second with Kolb third, Buddy Stephens fourth and Padgett fifth.

OBITUARIES | SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

ANNE McINTYRE FORT MILL — Anne McIntyre, 74, of Fort Mill, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2014. Anne was born on Oct. 6, 1939, in Columbia. She graduated from Edmunds High School in Sumter and continued on to receive a degree from the University of South Carolina. Anne was married to Robert McINTYRE “Bob” L. McIntyre on Feb. 13, 1960; they were married 54 years. Anne worked as a court clerk for Tarrant County District Court for a number of years before retiring. She enjoyed paper tole and gardening. Anne is survived by her spouse, Robert “Bob” McIntyre of Fort Mill; her children and their spouses, Michael Patrick McIntyre of Allen, Texas, and Tony McIntyre and his wife, Toni McIntyre, of Tega Cay; four loving grandchildren, Katie McIntyre and Cory McIntyre, both of Allen, and Madison McIntyre and Faith McIntyre, both of Tega Cay; one greatgrandchild, Hayden Michael of Allen; one sister, Betty Jane Bulsterbaum of Sumter; three nieces, Andrea Fickling and Sharon McGibney, both of Sumter, and Lisa Lemacks of Asheville, North Carolina. Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob Shealy Dowd and Lenora Odelia Dowd of Sumter; and her daughter-in-law, Julie McIntyre of Allen. Online condolences to the family may be made at www. palmettofh.com. The family of Mrs. McIntyre is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill.

LORENZO TINDAL MANNING — Lorenzo “Bo Bo” Tindal, 57, husband of Cynthia Gibson Tindal, died on Friday, May 9, 2014, at the home of his sister, Glora Tindal. He was born on Dec. 13, 1956, in Manning, a son of the late Alphonso “Gent” Sr. and O’Bell Simon Tindal. He was a graduate of Man- TINDAL ning High School Class of 1975. He was employed by V.B. Williams Furniture Co. and Pilgrim’s Pride

in Sumter. Survivors are his wife, Cynthia G. Tindal; two sons, Lorenzo “Wes” Tindal and Kyrell M. Gibson; three sisters, Betty Ann Tindal, Gloria Tindal and Sylvia Harris; four brothers, Alphonzo Tindal, Danny Tindal, Raymond Tindal and Tony Tindal; and his mother-in-law, Thomasine Gibson. The celebratory services for Mr. Tindal will be held at 3 p.m. today at Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church, Summerton, with the Rev. Dr. W.T. Johnson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery. Mr. Tindal will lie in repose one hour prior to service. The family is receiving friends at the home of his sister, Gloria Tindal, 2573 Boyd Road, Manning. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

CLARA FOWLER Clara Ellen Skinner Fowler, age 91, died on Monday, May 5, 2014, at Covenant Place, Sumter. She was born in Sumter, a daughter of Clara Louise Lyons Skinner and Henry Kershaw Skinner. Upon graduation from the Girls’ High School in Sumter, she attended Womens’ College of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She FOWLER was employed by Sumter Area Technical College from which she retired after 16 years as director of personnel. Prior to that, she was secretary to the mayor from 1952 to 1956 and a selfemployed bookkeeper. She served on the state board of the South Carolina State Employees Association. She also became membership chairperson of the local chapter board and was partially responsible for the re-establishment of the local chapter of the SCSEA. In 1983, the SCSEA named Clara Ellen Fowler as outstanding state employee. She also served as president of the Sumter Junior Welfare League. Clara Ellen was also secretary of the board of the Child, Health and Welfare Association. She and her husband were members of Sunset Country Club and the Cotillion. Surviving are her two half-

brothers, Butch Skinner and his wife, MaeRe, and Johnny Skinner and his wife, Ann; two children, Ray Fowler and Ellen Fowler Scott and her husband, George; four grandchildren, Sarah Ellen Scott Edwards and her husband, Jeff, Elizabeth Scott Loughran and her husband, Matt, Rebekah Scott and Michael Fowler. There are four greatgrandchildren, Beck and Anna Edwards, ClaraRose and Oliver Tempest. Clara Ellen Fowler was predeceased by her husband, Raymond S. Fowler Jr.; and her mother and father, noted above. A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Church of the Holy Comforter with the Rev. Marcus A. Kaiser Sr. officiating. Memorials may be made to the Church of the Holy Comforter, P.O. Box 338, Sumter, SC 29151 or to United Ministries of Sumter County, P.O. Box 1017, Sumter, SC 29151. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014 Lee Lane and her husband, Leroy, all of Sumter; four grandchildren, Michael A. Evans, Dominique Evans, Diamond Evans and Alexis U. Evans; one great-grandchild, Zayvion Evans; a special and caring caregiver, Sadora Durant-Simmons; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Henry Eugene Evans. A funeral service will be held at noon on Friday at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. James B. Blassingame officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Park cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Flower bearers will be classmates and friends. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Bullock Funeral Home. You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

reer included surgical nurse, primary care nurse, staff nurse and head nurse with the South Carolina Department of Corrections at two correctional institutions. She was also a home health nurse, as well as an instructor for CPR training and classes for certification in LPN and CNA. She is survived by her husband of more than 42 years, Michael E. Daugherty of the home in Independence; son, Paul Michael Daugherty and wife, Katie Abbott Harris Daugherty, and granddaughter, Sparrow Jane Daugherty of Greenville; sister, Mary Sherilynn Grice Overly of Trinity City, California; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Ruth Ellynn and Michael were thrilled to adopt Paul on the day of his birth in Jacksonville, Arkansas. A celebration of her life and memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at Walnut Gardens Community of Christ Church, 19201 RD Mize Road, Independence, MO 64057. In lieu of flowers and cards, please make monetary donations to Walnut Gardens Community of Christ.

BLANCHE B. FORD RUTH E. DAUGHERTY THELMA TOLLIVER Thelma Robinson Tolliver Evans, age 75, died on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Eddie and Mary Nelson Robinson. Thelma was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She loved the Lord TOLLIVER and loved going to church. She was an outgoing people person and she was always willing to help anyone in need. She enjoyed traveling. She retired as a nurse’s assistant and moved back to Sumter from Brooklyn, New York. She loved her family and will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Surviving are two children, Michael E. Evans and fiancée, Stacey Durant, and Bridget Renee’ Tolliver; two sisters, Hester Mae Goings and Rosa

INDEPENDENCE, Missouri — Ruth Ellynn Grice Daugherty was born on Oct. 7, 1947, in St. Clair, Michigan, and died on April 23, 2014, from complications after emergency surgery, while visiting her son, daughter-inlaw and new granddaughter in Greenville, North Carolina. Ruth Ellynn was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Harvey H. Grice; her mother, Martha Ruth Grice; and her brothers, Geoffrey Jay Grice and William Harvey Grice. She was a longtime member of Community of Christ Church. She attended Graceland University and graduated as a registered nurse from the Independence Sanitarium Hospital School of Nursing in 1969. She loved being a nurse from 1970 to 2014 and caring for others her entire life. Her profession took her to Columbia, Missouri; Honolulu, Hawaii; Jacksonville, Arkansas; Phoenix, Arizona; Sumter; Bishopville; Rembert; and Independence. Her nursing ca-

Blanche Butler Ford, 81, widow of Willie Ford, entered eternal rest on Monday, May 12, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born on Dec. 24, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Richard Butler and Claudie Randolph Ford. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 12 Carroll Drive, Sumter. Funeral plans will be announced by Community Funeral Home of Sumter.

FRENZELLA B. McFADDEN GABLE — Frenzella “Frence” Bennett McFadden, 58, wife of William McFadden, died on Sunday, May 11, 2014, at her home. She was born on Aug. 24, 1955, in Gable, to the late Peter and Annie I. Kennedy Bennett. The family will receive friends from 4 to 9 p.m. at the home, 1080 Butterfly Lane, Gable. Arrangements will be announced by Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.

PRO FOOTBALL

Panthers DE Hardy remains jailed after arrest CHARLOTTE (AP) — Panthers Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy will spend Tuesday night in jail after being arrested on misdemeanor charges of assault on a female and communicating threats. Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Spokeswoman Julia Rush said in an email to The Associated Press Hardy will spend the night in Mecklenburg County jail and will have a court appearance Wednesday morning in Charlotte. Hardy turned himself in Tuesday and was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office where he was booked. He appeared before the magistrate where he was not issued bond. It is normal procedure for suspects in domestic violence cases to be denied bond as part of a 24-hour cooling off

Your community news source www.theitem.com

period. The Panthers said in a statement, “We are very disappointed to learn of the allegations involving Greg and are concerned for all parties as we continue to investigate.’’ Hardy’s agent Drew Rosenhaus declined comment to

The Associated Press. Hardy signed the team’s franchise tag tender in March and will make $13.116 million this season if he doesn’t sign an extension before July 15. The 25-year-old Hardy has 26 sacks over the past two seasons with the Panthers, including a franchise-tying 15 in

2013. According to the police report, patrol officers responded to a domestic violence assault call for service at 4:18 a.m. Tuesday in Charlotte. The report states that upon arrival officers spoke to the victim, a 24-year-old white female, who advised that she

had been physically assaulted and threatened by Hardy. The victim also stated that she and Hardy had been in a relationship since September 2013. The report also states the victim suffered bruises and scratches, but refused treatment.

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

For Sale or Trade

ANNOUNCEMENTS Happy Ads

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RENTALS

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REAL ESTATE

Unfurnished Apartments

Beautiful Red Golf Cart. $3,000 CASH. 803-774-2322 for appointment.

Happy Sweet "16th" Birthday Brandon Moses May God continue to bless you on this day and ALWAYS! Remember to keep God first and foremost in your life and everything else will be added. Wishing you many more to come. Love Always, Mom, Dad, Big Sister Quandra, Family & Friends

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

EMPLOYMENT

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Land & Lots for Sale

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Mobile Home Rentals

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(Scenic Lake) 3BR 2BA 16x80. No pets Call 803-499-1500. From 9am- 5pm

Deliver Phone Books Work Your Own Hours, Have Insured Vehicle, Must be at Least 18 yrs old, Valid DL. No Experience Necessary. 1-800-518-1333 x 224 www.deliverthephonebook.com $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555

Trucking Opportunities F/T & P/T Class-A CDL Drivers needed to work night shifts hauling live chickens and/or protein in Sumter, SC. Must have 2-yrs verifiable experience and good MVR. Local positions, drivers are home daily, and company offers benefits. Call Danny at 803-236-0682

Schools / Instructional For an Extraordinary Learning experience with integrity. Pathway Medical Training Services, 1150 Broad St. Suite 9, Sumter, 803-316-2656.

Work Wanted Need a Good Spring Cleaning? 7 years exp. Very Reliable & Great Ref. Call Brenda 803-468-2225

Ernest Baker Auto Sales & Equip.

3349 N. Main St., Hwy 15N. Across from Mozingo Conv. Store 803-469-9294

Farms & Acreage

Vice President Human Resources Sumter, SC SAFE Federal Credit Union

Full Time Night Shift Supervisor RN preferred but LPN with Long Term Care and/or Charge Nurse experience will be considered. Occasional Weekends and Holidays may be required. Will be responsible for supervising Licensed Nurses and CNAs in a 44 bed skilled unit along with making rounds in the Assisted Living Department. Apply in person to: Covenant Place 2825 Carter Road Sumter, SC 29150 EOE

COUNTRY SPRING SALE "Remember Cars are like eggs" Cheaper in the country! Financing Available 99 Ford Ranger 4D $4,995 07 Ford F150 Supercab $8,995 04 Chevy Z71 4x4 Xt cab $11,995 08 Chevy Trailblazer $10,995 07 Chevy Malibu $6,995 '08 Ford Focus $8,995 '07 Dodge Magnum SXT $8,995 '09 Honda Accord (Lded) $13,995 '010 Dodge Charger SXT $13,995 '013 Dodge Charger SE $20,500

Very Nice 4BR DW on 5 ac. Owner fin. w/large down payment or boat trade. Call 803-236-5953

Help Wanted Full-Time

Lead Carpenter needed . Must have transportation and valid driver license. Call 803-460-4656

Autos For Sale

2BR 1BA 14x52 MH near town, all appliances, C/H/A Sec 8 Accepted 469-6978 Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water/sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd. RV parking avail. Call 494-8350

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

Mobile Home Lot Rentals 130 Hoyt St. Sumter County close to downtown. Call 864-349-1400.

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

Office Rentals 1000 sqft office space for lease. 2 offices, conference room and reception area. 730-C Broad St., $650/mo. Call (803) 494-6204

Minutes Walmart/Shaw, 1 Ac $6,000. 16.2 ac $32,600. Water, Electric, Paved 800-774-5720

SUMMER SALE 200 cars $4,500 or less $$$ CASH $$$ Price is Right Auto Sales 3210 Broad St 803-494-4275 2005 Mitsubushi Galant, Gold. Great interior. Runs & drives great. $3,800 OBO. Call 803-406-5571 A Guaranteed Credit Approval AUTO LOANS We will arrange financing even if you have been turned down before. Loans available for no credit, bad credit, 1st Time Buyers & Bankruptcy buyers. No co-signers needed. Call Mr. Ashley Brown at 803-926-3235

Homes for Sale

county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 898-5899.

Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that Kelvin Perry D/B/A Wings and Ribs intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale ON premises consumption of Beer,Wine and Liquor at 432 Broad Street, Sumter, SC 29150. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than May 30, 2014. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same county where the proposed place of business is located or within five miles of the business; and (5) the name of the applicant and the address of the premises to be licensed. Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Department of Revenue, ATTN: ABL, P.O. Box 125, Columbia, South Carolina 29214; or Faxed to: (803) 896-0110.

Public Hearing PUBLIC NOTICE

TRANSPORTATION

Autos For Sale

Beer & Wine License

Reconditioned batteries $35. Also have lawn mower, truck, 4 wheeler, & marine batteries, starters & alternators. Car dealers/garages ask about special prices. Auto Electric Co. 803-773-4381

LEGAL NOTICES Beer & Wine License Notice Of Application Notice is hereby given that Saanvi LLC D/B/A The Station intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license permit that will allow the sale Off premises consumption of Beer & Wine at 4580 Florence Hwy., Mayesville, SC 29104. To object to the issuance of this permit / license, written protest must be postmarked no later than May 23, 2014. For a protest to be valid, it must be in writing, and should include the following information: (1) the name, address and telephone number of the person filing the protest; (2) the specific reasons why the application should be denied; (3) that the person protesting is willing to attend a hearing (if one is requested by the applicant); (4) that the person protesting resides in the same

Destruction of Special Education Records (300.573) Sumter School District will destroy special education records for students exiting during or prior to the 2008-2009 school year. Records being destroyed include all special education referral records, evaluation reports, testing protocols, notifications of meetings, Individual Education Plans (IEP), reviews of existing data summaries, and all other personally identifiable information therein. Under state and federal law, special education records must be maintained for a period of five years after special education services have ended. Former students over the age of 18, or parents of students over the age of 18, who have retained parental rights through the court's determination, may obtain special education records by contacting and making an appointment with Mrs. Lillarweise Seymore at (803) 774-5500 (ext. 214). Records destruction will begin March 1, 2014. Requests for special education records must be received prior to March 1, 2014.

SECTION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014 Call Ivy Moore at: (803) 774-1221 | E-mail: ivym@theitem.com

What are The 39 Steps?

SLT presents fast-paced comedy-thriller BY IVY MOORE ivym@theitem.com

o pregnant pauses here. In fact, there seem to be no pauses at all — except for intermission — in Sumter Little Theatre’s latest production, “The 39 Steps,” unlike the Alfred Hitchcock film it’s based on. The fast-paced SLT show relies a little more on comic action than Hitchcockian suspense to engage its audiences, and it asks a lot of its four cast members, each of whom plays multiple parts. Director Eric Bultman explained the premise of the stage production. “Patrick Barlow adapted the film for the stage — the entire film. Some of the dialogue is the same, word for word. The basic premise is that a man, Richard Hannay, meets a mysterious and beautiful ‘secret agent’ at the London Palladium one night. She comes back to his flat, tells him just enough information to get him involved in a sinister plot. She tells him that she is being pursued by ‘a very brilliant secret agent of a certain foreign power who is on the point of obtaining highly confidential information vital to (England’s) air defense.’ She winds up dead with a knife in her back the next morning.” Hannay is “the prime suspect in her murder (and) has to flee the country, pursued by the authorities through England and into Scotland ... where he hopes to find the leader of this ring of spies,” Bultman said. As director, Bultman said he has had to call on his imagination and creativity and “be willing to take risks. I am having a great time with these talented people.” Besides the great physical demands, he said, “Actors have had to learn up to four dialects — standard British, Cockney, Scottish and German. They worked with two dialect coaches, Marybeth Gorman Craig and Paul Kaufmann, to develop them.” Directing “The 39 Steps” challenged Bultman, his cast and crew “to take a chase movie and put it on the stage. That’s where the fun begins. There are trains, airplanes, bridges and cars. ... We use shadow puppets to create the chase scenes across the moors in Scotland. Columbia artist and scenic designer, Kimi Maeda assisted our crew in creating the shadow puppets.” Sound technician Michael

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR MITCHUM / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

The cast of Sumter Little Theatre’s “The 39 Steps” are Christy Smith, Braden Bunch, David Reed and Matt Wilt. Directed by Eric Bultman, the comedy is an homage to Alfred Hitchcock. It opens with a reception on Thursday night.

THE 39 STEPS Thursday-Sunday and May 22-25 3 p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m. weeknights and Saturdays Opening night reception: 7 p.m. Sumter Little Theatre 14 Mood Avenue Tickets: Adults, $15/children, seniors, military, $12 Reservations: (803) 775-2150

Bacon said “The 39 Steps” remains one of his favorite plays, even after having watched it numerous times from the sound booth. “It’s well written; the humor is great,” he said. “Most of the lines are from the movie, but with a different twist. It’s an homage to Hitchcock, and it’s the most difficult play I’ve done sound for. I use a lot of music from Hitchcock’s films — ‘The 39 Steps,’ “Psycho,’ ‘North by Northwest.’ It’s 33 scenes in two acts, and it’s really demanding.” Except for Braden Bunch, who plays Hannay, the actors play numerous roles, sometimes changing from one character to another “from line to line,” said Matt Wilt. With David Reed, Wilt plays one of the two “clowns,” in the tradition of the 16th century Italian form, commedia dell’ Arte. But while the commedia actors used masks to represent different characters, this cast relies on expres-

Richard Hannay (played by Braden Bunch, right) tries to convince a milkman (one of the many roles played by Matt Wilt, left) to aid him in evading a pair of foreign spies trying to kill him outside his London apartment in one of the early scenes from “The 39 Steps.” sion, movement, quick costume changes on stage and, as Sylvia Pickell, one of the costume crew with Marge Cowles and Linda Gray, said, “Hats. A lot of hats.” Christy Smith plays several women in “The 39 Steps.” She said mastering the accents has been a special challenge for her. “I have to do German, Scottish and standard British accents. ... It’s kind of a spoof of the original (film), so there’s still sort of that thriller aspect going on.” She added that being famil-

iar with the Hitchcock film “is not necessary in order to enjoy the show.” Wilt said he plays “dozens” of characters. “This has been one of the few plays where I’ve gotten to play around and change character,” he said. He also found learning the many dialects challenging, while “going back and forth quickly and keep my characterization.” “We run from the time we start to the time we stop,” he said of the play’s physicality. “We ham it up as much as possible so we can take it

right to the edge.” Bunch plays only one character — “Thank goodness!,” he said, adding that “While I’m playing the lead character, this is a true ensemble cast with four actors who play equally difficult parts. We’ve all got different things we’ve got to do — like the two clowns, David and Matt, play about 100 characters, and Christy plays virtually every woman in the play.” He’s on stage “virtually the entire show, running between all the other characters. “It is the most demanding show we’ve done here in a long time, in all aspects — acting ... (and) the physical nature of this show is exhausting,” Bunch said. “The brief moments that any of us get off stage, there’s more going on off stage than on stage, and on stage, we are constantly moving.” Reed also commented on the “blistering pace” of “The 39 Steps,” saying he’s excited about working with Bultman, whose acting and directing “I’ve always admired.” “’The 39 Steps’ is a fastpaced comedy with so much going on you can’t help but be engrossed,” he said. “There’s action bordering on slapstick, puns, and the actors have to improvise a car, doors, bridges, moors ... . It will be a lot of fun for the audience. I love Sumter Little Theatre audiences.”

Crestwood choirs win top awards; SCC Band concert Thursday

he Sumter Community Concert Band will present its final concert of the season at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, in the commons area at Sumter High School. As is their tradition, the band directed by James H. “Jimmy” Mills will start off the program with the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and continue with Out & About several pieces A guide to arts & leisure written or arranged for IVY MOORE concert band. Rick Mitchum, the band’s publicity manager, said the band will include several marches in the performance that features a variety of music and styles. Broadway tunes from “Miss Saigon” and Roaring Twenties numbers like “Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town),” “Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye” and “Ballin’ the Jack,” as well as what is likely the most popular of

PHOTO PROVIDED

Deborah Horton, third from left, stands with her Crestwood High School choirs shortly after they won superior ratings in a national competition in Washington, D.C. Horton is the school’s choral director. She and her choirs invite the public to their spring concert in Crestwood’s Fine Arts Center on May 22. George Gershwin’s compositions, his “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess,” are also on the program, among several others. The band will honor America’s military with “The

Armed Forces Salute.” Mitchum said the SCCB Jazz Band will present its second Big Band Dance at the Sumter Elks Lodge on Friday, May 30. The dance will in-

clude three full sets of danceable music, most of it from the 1940s and ‘50s. For more information on either performance, call Mitchum at (803) 775-9265. The Crestwood Singing Knights Concert and Chamber choirs traveled to Washington, D.C. on May 1 to compete with similar groups from schools around the nation. All three judges gave superior ratings for both choirs, both choirs have been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall next school year, and the concert choir received the overall highest numerical score for choirs at this festival. Crestwood also received the Sweepstakes Award, which is given to the school with at least two competing groups that average the closest score to 200 of all the competing choirs in the competition. Two hundred is the highest possible score for two performing groups. The choirs are directed by

Crestwood High’s choral director Deborah Horton, who expressed pride in her students’ accomplishments, adding “They have worked extremely hard this year and deserve these awards!” Horton and the choirs invited the public to their concert at 7 p.m. May 22 in The Fine Arts Center at Crestwood High School, 2000 Oswego Road, Sumter. Call (803) 4696200 for more information. The Friends of Swan Lake will present the premiere showing of the digital tour of Swan Lake-Iris Gardens at their annual meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Swan Lake Visitors Center. DVDs of the tour from Bigger and Bigger Productions will be available for $5 at the center beginning on the day following the presentation. Friends president Mary Gene White suggests it as a special gift for former Sumterites, as well as for other friends.

FOOD

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pork Chops That Make You Crazy is just one recipe in Country Music’s Greatest Eats.

Country music scene is really getting cooking BY MICHELE KAYAL Associated Press Writer When the Zac Brown Band hits the road, they take their instruments, amps and 54-foot custom food truck called “Cookie.” “We’re Southern guys,” says Rusty Hamlin, traveling chef for the Grammy-winning band, whose 2008 hit “Chicken Fried” catapulted them to fame. Before each show, Hamlin feeds up to 200 fans a gourmet Southern meal as they hang out with the band. “Nothing makes us happier than getting to know people around a plate of food.” Country music and food — especially Southern food — have long been intertwined, with lyrics about sweet tea, pecan pie and whiskey joining references to mother, country and pickup trucks. But as country music and Southern food each move beyond their traditional bounds — Zac Brown Band sells out Boston’s Fenway Park and even Los Angeles has a fried chicken festival — they have spawned a new hybrid of cookbooks, cooking shows, food festivals and even restaurants that are rapidly becoming mainstream. “Country music is huge and it’s just gotten huger,” says Cynthia Sanz, editor of People Country, the celebrity magazine’s country music quarterly. People has been publishing its country music edition for roughly a decade and recently added a country channel to its digital site. “It’s always been connected to food. It’s more than just the music genre, it’s a lifestyle.” Food has always been a staple of People’s country music coverage, Sanz says, and a Facebook post of a popular star such as Tim McGraw making dumplings can get more than 4,000 “likes,” above average for the page. Big-name national country stars such as Trisha Yearwood were among the first to succeed on the mainstream food front. Yearwood, a three-time Grammy Award winner, is the author of two best-selling cookbooks and the host of Food Network’s “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen,” which is entering its fifth season.

But today, even books featuring lesser-known country names are doing well. “Country Music’s Greatest Eats,” a collaboration of Southern Living magazine and Country Music Television, sold 11,000 copies in 12 minutes on shopping channel QVC, says the book’s publicist, Aimee Bianca. Bianca says, it already has exhausted its initial 80,000 print run. “If you think about music, but country music in particular, every single song has a story to tell,” says Hunter Lewis, executive editor at Southern Living. “We always say about Southern recipes that every recipe tells a story: it’s from somewhere, from someone, your mom, your grandmother taught you to do it... If you think about the way recipes are passed down and shared, and the way songs are written and passed down and shared, it’s a very natural intersection.” Country stars also are pairing food and music in restaurants and festivals. Singersongwriter Toby Keith owns a chain of restaurants named after his 2003 hit “I Love This Bar” that can be found in more than a dozen cities from Foxborough, Massachusetts, to Oxnard, California. Chart-topping artist Dierks Bentley opened Whiskey Row in Scottsdale, Arizona, featuring craft beer, organic ingredients and a 360-degree stage for music acts. In September, Nashville, Tennessee, will host its second annual Music City Food and Wine Festival. Created by Grammy Award-winning artists Caleb and Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon and chef Jonathan Waxman, a pioneer of American regional cuisine, the festival features national and regional chefs and music. “We wanted a closely curated festival that featured national chefs to draw attention, but it was about the town of Nashville and about the regional area,” Waxman says. “We’re talking Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia... That area of the world has just grown up culinary-wise.” Waxman and others point to the upscaling of Southern food that has occurred as locals

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

“Country Music’s Greatest Eats” is a collaboration of Southern Living magazine and Country Music Television. schooled in famous urban kitchens return to the area. Cities such as Nashville, Birmingham, Alabama, Athens, Georgia, and even little places like Kinston, North Carolina have welcomed home young chefs who win national acclaim by offering new twists on the foods of their youth. Nashville alone had three James Beard nominees in 2014, including Nate Appleman protege Tandy Wilson. “People used to flock to Nashville for the Ryman,” Southern Living’s Lewis says about the theater known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” ‘’Now they’re flocking to Nashville to eat Tandy Wilson’s food.” Many people close to the scene also credit the success of the food-country music pairing to the food itself and the stars who cook it. The food is unfussy, comfy, homey. A can or two of condensed soup is not unheard of. Such dishes hardly conjure the image of effete

“foodies” that might otherwise repel this down-to-earth audience. And they mirror the authentic image of the stars themselves. “Most people identify with country artists as someone they can invite to dinner and sit down and have a meal with themselves,” says Amanda Phillips, vice president of Consumer Marketing at Country Music Television, which offers a food-and-a-movie format show. “There’s a familiarity and connection with the stars that’s really accessible. You think about a major pop star — Lady Gaga — there’s not that connection there.”

PORK CHOPS THAT MAKE YOU CRAZY Start to finish: 35 minutes (15 minutes active) Servings: 8 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon ground black pepper 3/4 teaspoon ground white pepper 3/4 teaspoon onion power 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 8 center-cut bone-in pork chops (3 to 3 1/2 pounds) 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil, divided Heat the oven to 200 degrees. In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, paprika, black pepper, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme and red pepper flakes. One at a time, dredge 4 of the pork chops through the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly and shaking off any excess. Set aside. In a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil until just smoking. Add the 4 coated chops and cook for 5 minutes, turning once. Reduce the heat to medium and cook another 2 minutes, turning once. Transfer the chops to an oven-safe plate and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat the dredging and cooking with the remaining 4 chops, using the remaining tablespoon of oil.

FOOD

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

Bourbon-glazed salmon fillet is perfect on the grill BY ELIZABETH KARMEL Associated Press Writer With grilling season upon us, we’ll all be looking for new and delicious ways to feed a crowd. So I want to share one of my favorites — a center-cut salmon fillet. All salmon grills up wonderfully, but center-cut fillets are particularly great when feeding larger groups. Because these fillets tend to have a uniform thickness, they cook up evenly (and are harder to overcook). And that means all your guests can eat at the same time. And by all, I mean a lot. Larger fillets can feed upward of 10 people. They also happen to look pretty impressive on a platter. When buying salmon fillets, I opt for skin-on. The skin adds flavor and protects the delicate fish during grilling. The skin also gives you a nifty way to remove the fish from the grill with no fear of sticking. Start by having your fishmonger cut the skin from the fillet, then place the fillet back on the skin before wrapping it. When ready to cook, you simply set the skin on the grill, then place the salmon on top of it. The salmon even could be cut into individual portions before being placed on the skin. Then just cook as directed and remove from the grill (lifting it off the skin) using a spatula. I prefer wild salmon to farm-raised, but there are some good sustainable farmraised options, too. The trick is to smell the fish. If it smells briny and clean, it is fresh. If it has any “fishy” or ammonia smell, do not buy it. I once bought a piece of fish that had a slight odor when raw and as I cooked it, it turned my whole backyard into a stink bomb! The moral of the story is that you should not cook fish that is past its prime. Once you have your piece of fish, remove it from the paper and slowly and gently run your fingers up and down the flesh to feel for any small bones that have been left in it. You can remove these with fish pliers, cooking tweezers or standard drugstore tweezers. I do this a couple of times because these small bones have a tendency to hide in the dense flesh. Because salmon is a more “meaty” fish, it can stand up to a world of flavors. My favorite glaze involves my favorite spirit! I’m a firm believer that bourbon makes everything taste better. That definitely is the case with my simple maple-bourbon glaze used in this recipe. It has only three main ingredients, so each of those ingredients must be of the best quality. The star is the bourbon, sweetened by real maple syrup and fresh orange juice, all balanced by a pinch of salt. This simple glaze brightens up the salmon, adds a complexity that makes you want a second helping, and elevates your backyard grilling to three-star status!

MAPLE-BOURBON GLAZED SALMON FILLET Want to feed more people? Buy a larger fillet. A 4-pound fillet will take roughly 30 minutes on the grill, and will feed eight people. Start to finish: 30 minutes Servings: 4 2-pound center-cut salmon fillet (about 1 inch thick), skin separated, then replaced (see above) Olive oil Salt and ground white or black pepper 1/4 cup maple syrup Juice and zest of 1/2 small orange 2 tablespoons bourbon Heat the grill to medium and prepare it for indirect cooking. On a charcoal grill, this entails banking the coals to one side and cooking on the cooler side. On a gas grill, then means turning off one side (or the center burner)

and cooking over the cooler section. Check for and remove any small bones in the salmon. Brush the salmon on all sides with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Lay the fish, skin-side down, directly on the cooking grate on the cooler side of the grill. Cook the salmon until opaque, but still moist, 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the maple syrup, orange zest and juice, the bourbon and a pinch of salt. Brush the glaze over the salmon during the final 10 minutes. Do not turn the salmon during cooking. To transfer the fish to a serving

platter, slide a wide spatula between the flesh and the skin. Lift the salmon off the grill, leaving the skin behind. Cover the salmon with foil to keep warm. Slide the skin over to the hot side of the grill, then close the lid. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the salmon oils are bubbling. Remove the skin from the grill and serve on the side as you would a chip. Nutrition information per serving: 530 calories; 250 calories from fat (47 percent of total calories); 28 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 135 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 14 g sugar; 45 g protein; 380 mg sodium.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Maple-Bourbon Glazed Salmon Fillet is ready to serve in 30 minutes.

COMICS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Dear Abby dinner party blends good food, fun DEAR ABBY — I love cooking for my wife and friends. There are few things I find more pleasing than to put out a Dear Abby nice spread of food and ABIGAIL watch people VAN BUREN enjoy. I’m always on the lookout for more cookbooks, and you hold the key to my next big party. I was reading through your archives and have seen many people asking about your cookbooklets. I’d love to get them. Can you print the ordering information again, so I can be sure I’m sending the right amount to the right place? Man in the kitchen North Little Rock

THE SUMTER ITEM

DEAR MAN IN THE KITCHEN — I’m glad to oblige. I have been a compulsive cookbook collector for many years, so I can relate. (I’m sure you will be pleased when you see that my cookbooklets, while wide-ranging in content, take up little space on your bookshelf.) Your idea of throwing a “Dear Abby Dinner Party” is a good one, and I have been told the recipes provide a fun, traditional eating adventure. All of them are simple, easy-toread and delicious. One reader described creating place cards for her guests decorated with hearts and flowers. The centerpiece was a “bouquet” of envelopes addressed to me. Another reader said she copied questions from my column, printed them out and, as a party game, asked her guests to supply the answers. (She said that after a

few glasses of wine, some of the responses were hilarious, but couldn’t be printed in a family newspaper.) My cookbooklet set contains more than 100 tasty recipes, ranging from soups to salads, appetizers, main courses and desserts, that can be used when families get together to celebrate holidays and other special occasions. My mother used many of them when she hosted parties, as have I. To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $14 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby - Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price. You will find tips on entertaining at the beginning of the first booklet. Anyone who hasn’t entertained before should be sure to read them.

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.

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS 1 Downfall 7 Msg. to squad cars 10 Luxury resort amenity 13 “Savages” director Stone 14 Unsportsmanlike sort 16 Egyptian president during the Suez Crisis 17 One-piece garments 18 Golf Hall of Famer Ernie 19 “Death in Venice” author 21 Bugs on a highway 22 Wobble 24 Gossip 27 See 26-Down 28 Bird: Pref. 29 Tie up 31 Still-life pitchers 33 __ Martin: Bond’s car 35 Dating service datum 36 Summer of songs 37 Narc’s org. 38 Peso spender’s pronoun 40 __-turn 41 Brewery supply 43 “What a shame!” 44 Size up 46 Beehive State col-

lege player 48 Attila follower 49 Overact 50 Big name in antivirus software 52 “Dear Yoko” subject 53 Rise precipitously 54 Coat lining 57 Treatment for burnout 61 “Confidence in Motion” car 63 Has a knack for 64 Online order confirmations 65 Designer of Hong Kong’s Bank of China Tower 66 Brain scan letters 67 Far from abundant DOWN 1 “Ta-da!” 2 Airline to Tel Aviv 3 Pageant for under-20s 4 Drips in the ICU 5 Terse meeting request 6 Editorial slips 7 Chicago Loop’s __ Center 8 In on 9 Like our secret 10 Inspiring les-

son, perhaps: Abbr. 11 Spot for notes 12 Website clutter 14 “Fiddler on the Roof” song suggested twice by this puzzle’s circles 15 “It __ hit me yet” 20 Place name meaning “snow-covered” 23 Draw wages 25 Cheating victim’s cry 26 With 27-Across, one end of the Dardanelles 27 Logo on some sports

bras 30 Funny Foxx 31 Writer Ferber 32 Admits defeat 34 Skin picture 39 NYC gallery district 42 Champion, as a cause 45 Overact 47 Deletes 51 “You’re fired!” speaker 55 Bing results, briefly 56 Stratagem 57 GOP member 58 Program file suffix 59 “Nova” subj. 60 Tattered tee, maybe 62 Pipe up in the pasture

TELEVISION

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: (:01) Chicago P.D.: The Docks Voight WIS News 10 at (:35) The Tonight Show Starring Thought Criminal Proactive search. and Platt reveal their pasts. (N) (HD) 11:00pm News Jimmy Fallon Actress Maya Rudolph. (N) (HD) and weather. (N) (HD) News 19 @ 11pm (:35) Late Show with David LetterCriminal Minds: Demons The BAU CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: unravels corruption in Texas. (N) (HD) Frame By Frame Catherine returns for The news of the man Barbara Walters; Elle Fanning. (N) (HD) day. a cold case. (HD) The Middle: Heck Suburgatory: Modern Family (:31) Mixology: Nashville: On the Other Hand Rayna ABC Columbia (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Emily on a Hard Body STIIIIIIILL Horny The wedding day. Last Call (N) (HD) plans a huge free concert. (N) (HD) News at 11 (HD) Blunt; Daymond John; Birds of Satan. (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Nature: Leave it to Beavers Beavers NOVA: Escape from Nazi Alcatraz Un- Nazi Mega Weapons: Fortress Berlin Tavis Smiley BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) recruited to revive landscapes. (N) used escape plan examined & tested. Adolph Hitler’s Berlin bunker. (N) (HD) International (HD) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) news. The Big Bang American Idol: 3 Finalists Perform (N) (HD) WACH FOX News at 10 Local news Two and a Half Two and a Half The Middle: DolTheory Leonard’s report and weather forecast. Men (HD) Men Mia’s odd lar Days Landing choice. (HD) request. (HD) a job. (HD) Family Feud (N) Arrow: Unthinkable Slade sets his The 100: Unity Day Peace discussion Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Arsenio Hall plan in motion to kill a person that is with the Grounders. (N) (HD) Clock High school kids in fake kidnap- Dolls The detectives hunt a serial Show (HD) close to Oliver. (N) (HD) ping. (HD) pedophile. (HD)

WIS News 10 at Entertainment 7:00pm Local Tonight (N) (HD) news update. News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition (N) Evening news up- (HD) date. Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy!: Battle (N) (HD) of Decades (N) (HD) NatureScen Expedition The Big Bang Theory (HD)

8 PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

Revolution: Memorial Day Neville and Monroe form an alliance. (N) (HD) Survivor: Cagayan (N) (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty (:31) Duck Dy(:02) Duck Dy(:32) Duck Dy(:01) Duck Dy(HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) nasty (HD) nasty (HD) nasty (HD) nasty (HD) The Core (‘03, Drama) aa Aaron Jaws (‘75, Horror) aaac Roy Scheider. A small-town police chief is convinced that a series of deaths was Jaws 2 (‘78, Thriller) aac Roy Scheider. A police Eckhart. The earth’s center. (HD) the work of a gigantic shark, but has trouble getting others to believe him. (HD) chief tracks a white shark. River Monsters (HD) River Monsters (HD) River Monsters (HD) River Monsters (HD) River Monsters (HD) River (HD) Husbands Celeb- Husbands Dating ComicView Live ComicView Daddy’s Little Girls (‘07, Drama) a Gabrielle Union. A poor but determined father fights to Husbands: Doing Wendy Williams rity status. site. standup. gain custody of his three girls. The Bump Show (HD) Million Dollar Listing New York: The Real Housewives of Orange Million Dollar Listing New York: Million Dollar Listing New York: What Happens Million Dollar Listing New York: Bidding War Bitches County: I Couldn’t Chair Less East Coast vs. West Coast (N) East Coast vs. West Coast (N) East Coast vs. West Coast The Profit: Amazing Grapes Money Talks: Stripped Money Talks: Out to Pasture Money Talks: Gentlemen’s Bets Cocaine Cowboys II (‘08) aaa Marijuana Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) CNN Tonight CNN Special Report Anderson Cooper 360° (HD) CNN Tonight (:59) The Colbert Daily Show (HD) Key & Peele (HD) South Park (HD) South Park (HD) South Park (HD) South Park (HD) TripTank Larry Daily Show (N) The Colbert Re- (:01) @midnight Report (HD) Flynt. (N) (HD) (HD) port (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Liv and Maddie Blog: Avery-body Tarzan (‘99, Adventure) aaa Glenn Close. A man is (:35) Good Luck Jessie India pro- Austin & Ally Good Luck Char- Dog Blog: Dog Cory: Mall of Con(HD) Dance Now raised in the jungle. Charlie (HD) ject. (HD) (HD) lie (HD) With a Hog fusion Dual Survival (HD) Dual Survival: Untamed (N) Dual Survival (N) (HD) Kodiak (N) (HD) Dual Survival (HD) Kodiak (HD) MLB Baseball: New York Yankees at New York Mets from Citi Field z{| (HD) Baseball Tonight (HD) SportsCenter (HD) SportsCenter SportsCenter (HD) BS Report Special (HD) 2014 Draft Academy (HD) NFL Live (HD) Olbermann (HD) Baseball (HD) Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Baby Daddy (N) Accepted (‘06, Comedy) aac Justin Long. A slacker creates a university The 700 Club Baby Daddy (HD) (HD) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) after receiving only rejection letters. Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Save My Bakery (N) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Restaurant 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 Icons Dumbest PowerShares Tennis Series: Sacramento no} Car Warriors (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) Reloaded (HD) The Waltons: The Cloudburst The Waltons: The Great Motorcycle The Middle: Sib- The Middle: Frasier: The Ski Frasier: Room Frasier: Beware Frasier: The Per- Golden: Stand by John-Boy strikes a land deal. Race Jim-Bob’s bike race. lings (HD) Christmas (HD) Lodge Service of Greeks fect Guy Your Man Buying and Selling (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Hunters (N) Hunters (N) Property Brothers (HD) Prop Bro (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (N) (HD) Down East Dickering (N) (HD) (:02) Down East Dickering (HD) American (HD) Burn Notice: Besieged Hostage in Burn Notice: Hard Out Mercenaries Burn Notice: Eye for an Eye Murderer Burn Notice: Army of One Michael’s Burn Notice: Better Halves Under- Burn Notice (HD) compound. (HD) on hunt. (HD) questioned. (HD) hostages. (HD) cover couple. (HD) Bring It!: Shut Up and Dance Home- Bring It!: The Lock-In All-night reBring It!: The Finale: Battle Royale Bring It!: Best of the Battles A look (:01) Bring It!: Best of the Battles A Bring It!: The town battle. (HD) hearsal. (HD) Winner-take-all. (HD) back. (N) (HD) look back. (HD) Lock-In (HD) Sanjay (HD) Sam & Cat Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Bar Rescue (HD) Bar Rescue (HD) Hungry: Brisket Beatdown Hungry: The Steak Mistake Bar Rescue: Scary Mary’s (HD) Unfinished (6:30) Let Me In (‘10, Horror) aaa Kodi Smit-McPhee. A boy who is con- The Uninvited (‘09, Horror) aac Emily Browning. A ghostly warning is Final Destination 2 (‘03, Thriller) aac Ali Larter. A tinually bullied at school befriends a young female vampire. given to a girl about her father’s new love interest. young woman tries to cheat death. (HD) Seinfeld (HD) Family Guy (HD) Family Guy (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Deal With It (N) Conan Jonah Hill; Lupita Nyong’o; The Pete Holmes Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) John Butler Trio performs. (HD) Show (N) (6:00) Twilight of Honor (‘63, Drama) Little Women (‘49, Drama) aac June Allyson. Four sisters living in Civil (:15) The McConnell Story (‘55, Drama) aac Alan Ladd. An aeronautical (:15) Meet the Nick Adams. Young lawyer. War-era New England cope with love and tragedy. hero from World War II becomes a test pilot. People (‘44) aa World’s Heaviest Man (HD) 600 Pound Mom (HD) Race Against Time (HD) 900 Pound Man: The Race (HD) Half-Ton Killer? (HD) Half-Ton (HD) 2014 NBA Playoffs z{| 2014 NBA Playoffs z{| Inside the NBA (HD) S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach S. Beach (N) S. Beach (:01) S. Beach (:31) S. Beach (:02) S. Beach Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Cleveland (N) Soul Man (N) Cleveland Soul Man (HD) Queens (HD) NCIS: Guilty Pleasure Navy officer NCIS: Los Angeles: Burned Security NCIS: Los Angeles: Callen, G Myste- NCIS: Los Angeles: Human Traffic NCIS: Los Angeles: Black Widow NCIS: Los Andeath leads to call girls. (HD) breach. (HD) rious past. (HD) Working with LAPD. (HD) Deadly hit squad. (HD) geles (HD) Law & Order: Rebels (HD) Law & Order: Savages (HD) Law & Order: Jeopardy (HD) Law & Order: Hot Pursuit (HD) Law & Order: Paranoia (HD) Law (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Rules (HD) Parks (HD)

Season finales air for ‘Nashville,’ ‘Arrow,’ 2 others BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH “Nashville” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) wraps up its second season with Rayna (Connie Britton) planning a free benefit concert with her current beau, Luke (Will Chase). This task requires the help of the mayor — Rayna’s ex-husband, Teddy (Eric Close) — while her old soul mate, Deacon (Charles Esten), continues to mentor Maddie (Lennon Stella), the secret lovechild he fathered with Rayna, which he didn’t know about till the end of last season. For all of its froth, “Nashville” has done the difficult job of being a show about country music that both celebrates and criticizes that genre, as well as its fan base and media culture. It’s also a television show that takes a rather dim view of the state of TV, offering snide jabs at the roles talent contests and reality shows play in music promotion. Could that be a reason it has never found a large audience like ABC’s “Scandal”? And why, as late as last Friday, fans remained uncertain about the series’ fate? Will Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) ever stop self-destructing? Will the overly sensitive Scarlett (Clare Bowen) ever find peace and settle down with Avery (Jonathan Jackson)? Gunnar (Sam Palladio)? Anybody? Will the macho Will (Chris Carmack) ever come out of the closet? Will dreadful label executive Jeff Fordham (Oliver Hudson) ever receive his just deserts? • Bravo, E! and Style try to present fashion as a life-anddeath struggle. For at least one species, that was very true. Tonight’s “Nature” (8 p.m., PBS, TV-G, check local listings) special “Leave It to Beavers” profiles a busy critter that was hunted to near-

extinction — all to make fashionable hats. The beaver population increased only when that brand of headwear fell out of fashion. Scientists and naturalists have just recently come to appreciate beavers’ extraordinary impact on the natural landscape — particularly in arid environments. The documentary visits Nevada’s Suzie Creek, where beaver dams have transformed a desert into a marsh garden — home to sandhill cranes and mule deer. “Beaver” also profiles Sherri Tippie, a rescuer who has trapped and relocated more than 1,000 critters. • June Allyson plays Jo March in the 1949 Technicolor adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel “Little Women” (8 p.m., TCM). Over the decades, Hollywood has cast beautiful women as Jo, who was depicted in the book as boyish and bookish. She’s been portrayed by Katharine Hepburn (1933), Susan Dey (1978) and Winona Ryder (1994).

cousin’s three-year online relationship on “Catfish: The TV Show” (10 p.m., MTV, TV-14).

CULT CHOICE Did we really need, or want, a 2011 remake of “Footloose” (7:30 p.m., FXX)?

SERIES NOTES “Survivor” (8 p.m., CBS, TVPG) * Sue shows perseverance during a contest on “The Middle” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) * An olive branch spurned on “The 100” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Closing time looms on “Mixology” (9:30 p.m., ABC, TV14).

LATE NIGHT

TONIGHT’S SEASON FINALES • Oliver’s options dwindle on “Arrow” (8 p.m., CW, TV14). • Tessa’s new friends surprise George on “Suburgatory” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-14). • Treachery in Texas on “Criminal Minds” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Monroe and Neville shake hands on “Revolution” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • The top three finalists compete on “American Idol” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG). • Survivors of the Third Reich’s Colditz Castle POW camp appear on the “NOVA” (9

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When Slade kidnaps and threatens to kill another person in his life, Oliver (Stephen Amell) is forced to decide whether he is a killer or a hero in the season two finale of “Arrow” airing at 8 p.m. today on CW. p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) presentation “Escape From Nazi Alcatraz.” • A photographer’s imagination may have crossed a line on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC, TV14). • Mitchell and Cameron’s big day does not go by without incident on “Modern Family” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG). • Catherine Willows re-

turns on “CSI” (10 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14). • Lindsay reaches a crossroads on “Chicago P.D.” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14). • Chris Isaak cameos on “Hot in Cleveland” (10 p.m., TV Land, TV-PG). • Arkady puts Stan in an impossible position on “The Americans” (10 p.m., FX, TVMA). • A woman frets about her

Blondie is scheduled on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Jonah Hill, Lupita Nyong’o and John Butler Trio appear on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS, r) * Jason Priestly is booked on “Chelsea Lately” (11 p.m., E!) * Keri Russell and the Black Keys sit down on “The Colbert Report” (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * Barbara Walters, Elle Fanning and Randy Houser appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Maya Rudolph, Robert Duvall and Lily Allen on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Emily Blunt, Daymond John and The Birds of Satan appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m., ABC) * Matthew Rhys and The Wild Feathers visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts Carrie Ann Inaba, Brad Trackman and Keb’ Mo’ on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS). Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Call Rhonda Barrick at: (803) 774-1264 | E-mail: rhondab@theitem.com

Nutritious

Homemade meals straight out of the pantry FAMILY FEATURES

CRUST-LESS QUICHE

hether you’re preparing a quick breakfast for the family, feeding a crowd at dinner or looking for a light lunch for yourself, the key to a delicious, nutritious homemade meal

is just minutes away thanks to the canned foods in your pantry. “Canned fruits and vegetables are a must in my pantry. They are picked and canned at the peak of ripeness, hours after they’re harvested, locking in their flavor, freshness and nutrition,” says Kelsey Nixon, host of “Kelsey’s Essentials” on Cooking Channel and Food Network. “Having canned fruits and vegetables on hand means a healthy snack,

meal or side dish is achievable anytime.” In addition to nutrient-rich staples like tomatoes, corn and beans, Nixon recommends stocking up on ingredients such as canned olives, tuna, artichokes, pumpkin and chiles. These canned foods can elevate the flavors of a dish and breathe new life into some of your favorite recipes.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Serves: 8 4 large eggs 1 1/3 cups milk 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon dried mustard 1/2 cup chopped scallions 1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms,

thoroughly drained 1/2 (14.5-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, thoroughly drained 1/2 cup diced honey-baked/deli ham Kosher salt and cracked black pepper 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 1/2 cups plain croutons

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs together with milk, cornstarch and mustard. Stir in scallions, drained mushrooms, tomatoes and ham. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to 9-inch pie plate or quiche dish. Top with shredded cheese and croutons. Bake until center is set 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Source: CMI

KELSEY NIXON’S COOKING TIPS

SLOW COOKER RAGU

Here are some more great tips and delicious recipes from Nixon: * Keeping a well-stocked pantry, or “Cantry,” will help you avoid unnecessary trips to the grocery store after a long day. * Tomato-based canned ingredients, like diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, are the most versatile when it comes to making a wide variety of recipes like chili, salsa, marinara sauce, soups or casseroles. * Canned fruits add an unexpected twist to savory dishes, and can transform recipes in exciting ways. Just add canned peaches to homemade barbecue sauce or canned pineapple to curries and stir-fry recipes for a healthy and flavorful upgrade. For more information and to learn how you can get cooking with canned foods, visit: www.CansGetYouCooking.com.

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 6 hours (depending on heat setting) Serves: 8 to 10 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 yellow onion, finely chopped 1 celery stalk, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced Kosher salt and cracked black pepper 1/4 cup canned tomato paste 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (canned) 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes 1 pound ground pork 1 pound ground beef sirloin 1 can (14.5 ounces) sliced carrots, drained 1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained Cooked pasta, such as spaghetti, for serving Heat oil in large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and saute for 1 minute just to soften. Add garlic and season with salt and pepper, cooking for about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and thyme and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Slowly add beef broth to deglaze bottom of pan, stirring with wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Carefully transfer mixture to slow cooker. Stir in canned tomatoes. Mix pork and sirloin together in separate bowl, using your hands, until combined. Stir meat into slow cooker, spreading out evenly and avoiding any large clumps. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low 8 to 10 hours. During last two hours of cooking, add canned carrots and mushrooms to ragu. Skim accumulated grease from top before serving. Serve over pasta with crusty bread for soaking up sauce.

PEACHES AND CREAM CHEESECAKE BARS Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Serves: 36 bars 1 cup almonds, finely chopped 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 2 large eggs 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 can (8.75 ounces) peaches, drained Pinch of salt Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 9-by-13-inch pan with non-stick spray. In mixing bowl combine almonds, graham cracker crumbs and butter with fork until combined. Press into bottom of pan. Using handheld or stand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and no lumps remain. While mixing, add sweetened condensed milk, eggs, lemon juice, almond extract and flour. Mix until fully combined. Pour over crust. In food processor or blender, puree peaches. Stir in a pinch of salt. Using tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of peach puree over top of cream cheese mixture. Using knife, gently swirl peaches through filling to create marbled look. Bake for 30 minutes or until center is set. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature before transferring to refrigerator to chill throughout. Cut bars and serve chilled.

CHICKEN POZOLE Prep time: 20 minutes tomatoes Cook time: 15 minutes 1 can (7 ounces) salsa verde Serves: 4 2 cans (15 ounces each) hominy, 1 1/2 cups of chicken, shredded from a drained store bought (3- to 4-pound) 2 cans (14 ounces each) low-sodium rotisserie chicken chicken broth 3 tablespoons vegetable oil Kosher salt and cracked black pepper 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about Garnishes (optional) 2 cups) 1 red onion, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 lime, cut into wedges 1/4 teaspoon oregano 1/2 cup crema or sour cream 3 teaspoons ground coriander Crushed tortilla chips 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 1 can (4.5 ounces) chopped green Thinly sliced radishes chiles 1 avocado, diced 1/2 (14.5-ounce) can chopped Remove meat from chicken and shred into 1-inch pieces; discard skin and bones. Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of meat for soup; reserve remaining chicken for another use. In large Dutch oven or saucepot set over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes. Add oregano, coriander and cumin, and cook until slightly darkened and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add green chiles, chopped tomatoes, salsa verde and cook until it just comes to a boil, about 2 minutes. Add hominy and chicken broth and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Season with salt and pepper. Add shredded chicken and cook until heated through, 3 minutes. To serve, divide among 4 bowls and garnish as desired.

ARTICHOKE & BEAN SALAD WITH TUNA Prep Time: 10 minutes Refrigerate for 45 minutes Serves: 4 2 cups (one 15-ounce can) white northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (15 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

1 rib celery, finely diced 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced 1 can (6 ounces) tuna, drained and flaked 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Kosher salt and cracked black pepper

Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss gently and refrigerate 45 minutes before serving. Serve salad on bed of mixed greens with crusty bread. Or alternatively, serve salad scooped onto hero roll with arugula.