May 17, 2014 by The Sumter Item

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

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Parents: Bus drivers don’t deserve raises Some lodge complaints about speeding, threats, tardiness BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com (803) 774-1214 In response to Sumter School District’s bus drivers speaking out to the board about an increase in pay, local parents immediately vocalized their opinions about bus routes and complaints they have made to the district regarding driving safety. The issue of bus drivers’ pay was recently brought up by Javon Mack, a bus driver who drives routes for Oakland Primary, Shaw Heights Elementary, High Hills Elementary and Ebenezer Middle schools. Mack spoke about bus drivers’ concerns during Monday’s regular meeting of the board of trustees, stating that he enjoys his job but thinks something needs to be done about increasing bus drivers’ pay. Since then, a number of parents have come forward saying they have called the district’s transportation services to formally complain about buses being late and speeding through neighborhoods, among other issues in the past. Leslie Gentert and her family live

“He doesn’t deserve a raise if he can’t keep his route straight,” Crumb said. Parent Marissa F. also said she has made a number of complaints along with other parents to transportation services. “I will fight to my last breath before I hand over another penny,” she said in a recent email. Mack explained that disciplinary actions are taken care of at the school level, not by bus drivers. However, he said quite a few bus drivers may be late during routes because they handle multiple routes for different schools because of the lack of drivers for the school district. “The reason the buses are late is because the bus drivers have so many routes, and we don’t have the bus drivers we need because of the low pay,” Mack said. “If parents would come drive the buses, they can see how it is and understand.” Gentert said parents would support a raise in pay for bus drivers if they felt their children were being transported safely and cared for properly. “I just hope that these bus drivers realize that we would have their back 100 percent for a raise if they were doing their job in a way that we felt our children were safe and cared for in a professional manner. At this

on Shaw Air Force Base, and her son attends Oakland Primary. Like some other parents who have complained, Gentert said in an email that the safety of the children is a major concern. “I am a firm believer in rules and safety, especially when it comes to driving a bus around full of children, but I also believe there’s a right and wrong way to do it,” Gentert said. “That day I witnessed about four little girls walk off the bus with teary eyes and beet-red faces. Later one of the mothers told me how the girls said he (Mack) yelled and screamed at them and threatened the kids that if they stood up or spoke on the bus, they would no longer be able to ride. Once again, I believe in consequences for your actions, but there is a right and a wrong way to approach the situation.” Like Gentert, Nicole Crumb lives on base, and three of her six children attend Oakland Primary School. Crumb said she has called transportation services about her concerns regarding tardiness, recalling once when her children didn’t get home until 3:40 p.m. after a 2:30 dismissal from the school only 10 minutes away from their home. Crumb said she now prefers to transport her children to and from school to save time.

time, I do not feel that is the case,” Gentert said. In response to parents’ complaints, Superintendent Frank Baker said he is aware of the complaints received each year and said the district tries to address those concerns right away. “We receive a number of legitimate complaints every year regarding transportation, and those concerns are addressed immediately,” Baker said in a statement. “I do not hesitate to remind drivers that safety is our No. 1 priority, and law enforcement can and will issue tickets to bus drivers. In the instance where complaints persist about a driver, I request assistance from law enforcement to monitor that particular route.” According to the district’s transportation services, bus drivers in Sumter can make $8.59 an hour starting out, and they work an average of six hours a day and 25 hours a week. They are not paid during the summer, unlike bus drivers in Richland, Kershaw and Lee counties, which are salaried and paid throughout the summer months. Just a few weeks ago, transportation services proposed to the school district summer pay and salaried positions for bus drivers in the county.

Top honors

LOCAL BRIEFS FROM STAFF REPORTS

Clyburn book signing here Sunday Congressman James E. Clyburn, D-S.C., will appear Sunday at the James E. Clyburn Intermodal Transportation Center to speak and sign copies of his new memoir, “Blessed Experiences: Genuinely Southern, Proudly Black.” The 4 p.m. proCLYBURN gram will feature a short talk by the Sumter native and “Ice Cream with Jim,” said Gwen Clyburn, the congressman’s sister-in-law. Congressman Clyburn is the U.S. representative for South Carolina’s 6th congressional district, serving since 1993, and the assistant Democratic leader since 2011. From 2007 to 2011, he served as House Majority Whip. Admission to the event is free, and the public is invited. Books will be available for purchase. For more information about the book, visit www.BlessedExperiences.com.

Manning City Council meets Monday Manning City Council will have a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Manning City Hall in the upstairs council chamber. Agenda items include recommendations from the “Red Barn” Committee, as well as the issuance of a Certificate of Recognition to Allisia Robinson and a proclamation for National Safe Boating Week. For more information, or to obtain accommodations in order to attend the meeting, call (803) 435-8477.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Eric J. Cooper, AFJROTC instructor at Lakewood High School, is the VFW Post No. 3034’s VFW Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year. The honor came with a $100 check that Cooper said he will use to purchase physical training items for the program. PHOTO PROVIDED

Sumter’s unemployment rate dips to 5.7 percent BY BRADEN BUNCH bbunch@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 Less than a week after economic forecasters predicted the area’s unemployment rate would continue to drop because workers would continue to leave the labor force, the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce reported the Sumter County workforce did exactly that in April. On Friday, the DEW reported the Sumter County unemployment rate dropped to 5.7 percent, the lowest rate the county has seen in exactly 13 years. However, that decline came as an estimated 150 people left the workforce. At the same time, county residents did see a slight uptick in employment — about 35 jobs — also helping to fuel the 0.4 percentage-point

drop from the previous month. Clarendon and Lee counties also saw rates drop roughly the same as Sumter, despite actually losing jobs. The Clarendon rate fell half a percentage point to 7.2 percent despite seeing 12 fewer people employed than in March, while the Lee rate fell 0.4 percentage points despite the fact that 20 fewer people in the county were employed than a month ago. During the Santee-Lynches Workforce Investment Board annual economic forecast meeting Tuesday, several academic and business-sector economists warned that the local area could see a shrinking labor force for the next few years and that such trends often make it difficult for a local economy to expand. At Tuesday’s event, Rob Salvino, research economist at Coastal Carolina

University, said he expects the combined rate of the Santee-Lynches area, which includes the tri-county area as well as Camden, to drop to 6.5 percent this year and to 6.3 percent in 2015. Still, the drop in unemployment rates, both on the county and statewide level, have officials praising the results. Gov. Nikki Haley’s office pointed out that the state, now at 5.3 percent, is a full point below the national average for a third-straight month, adding the last time this happened was in 1998. In fact, all 46 counties reported a drop in their unemployment rate in April, according to the DEW. With the new figures, for the first time in many years, none of the counties in the Palmetto State have a double-digit unemployment rate. At this time last year, 14 counties had an unemployment rate of at least 10 percent.

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LOCAL

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

Chalking for a cure

tudents at Bates Middle School paid $5 to design sidewalk chalk art Friday afternoon during a Relay for Life event. Art teachers Laura Baker and Jessica Millwood organized the event as one of many the school has participated in this school year in a Sumter School District-wide effort to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. With the money students donated for the art event on Friday, Millwood and Baker said they used some of it to purchase supplies and pizza for lunch for the students. The remainder of the money went to Relay for Life. So far, Bates Middle School has raised close to $3,000 for the cause.

Bates Middle School’s Jacob Fenner and Jace Smith work on their sidewalk chalk art project during the event. The students created a work of art dedicated to finding a cure, raising awareness and honoring those fighting cancer or who have lost the battle. RAYTEVIA EVANS / THE SUMTER ITEM

Pastor marks 20 years with Alice Drive Baptist BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 His blog is called “Unlikely Clay,” and he has found himself in an unusual position. Clay Smith has been the lead pastor of Alice Drive Baptist for nearly two decades. “On average, Southern Baptist pastors stay at one church four years,” Smith said. “I didn’t dream that I’d ever be in one place for 20 years.” He was a pastor at a church in Louisville, Kentucky, when he came to South Carolina to do a guest sermon at First Baptist Church of West Columbia. A friend had allowed him to preach so the Alice Drive search committee could hear him. “It was December 1993, the Sunday after Christmas,” Smith said. “I didn’t know at the time the pastor search committee was there. I was shaking hands after service, and before they ever talked to me, they went out under a tree and said ‘we’ve found our person.’ It was such a God moment.” So the then-34-year-old packed up his wife, Gina, his 4-year-old son, Abram, and his 2-year-old daughter, Hannah, and moved to Sumter. Another daughter, Sarah, was born to the couple while they’ve lived in Sumter. The church will celebrate at all four services this weekend and hold a special dropin reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the church lobby. TSI: How have you seen the church grow in the last two decades? CS: When I came, about 280 people were coming Sunday mornings. Pretty soon, we outgrew 109 Miller Road. The church made the decision to move. For two-and-a-half years, we worshipped in Nettles Auditorium. We moved to our new location in 2001. We started a third service in 2004, and last year we added Monday night services. TSI: How has the church changed? CS: We’ve moved from a church culture to a dechurched culture and are headed toward an unchurched culture. I’ll give you an example. Twenty years ago, on a Sunday morning, I could say, ‘We all know Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt,’ and everyone would nod. They knew the Bible stories. Today, they say, ‘Wait. Wasn’t Joseph the dad of Jesus?’ You have to start a lot further back to help people know how the whole story lays out. You cannot just assume Biblical knowledge. Like it or not, we live in a consumer culture. ‘What’s in it for me?’ The Gospel’s central message is, ‘It’s not about you.’ We have to make a journey, take that next step from ‘what’s in it for me’ to ‘it’s not about me,’ (and) younger families today so much less

Joel Singletary, left, and Ken Bell, right, bow their heads as Clay Smith, lead pastor of Alice Drive Baptist Church, leads a prayer at a meeting for potential deacons. He has served the Sumter church nearly 20 years, and celebrations will take place this weekend. JADE REYNOLDS / THE SUMTER ITEM

often have a picture of what a good marriage looks like or what it means to be good parents. ... So we’re living in a culture that looks more and more like the book of Acts than a Norman Rockwell. You’re a sinner. You need Jesus. But what does that mean? So, you talk about have you ever struggled in life? Yeah. Have you ever failed? Yeah. Felt ashamed? Yeah. All those are basic words to describe a sin condition. Now we have a common experience, the wreckage in life. Most people think God would be mad about that, but Jesus said, ‘I came not to condemn but to save the world.’ That sounds like a pretty gracious God. TSI: You haven’t been afraid to mix politics and the pulpit, have you? CS: I think God’s people need to speak clearly. ‘This is what God wants.’ I think sometimes Christians, though, expect non-Christians to live Christian lives. Duh. We shouldn’t be outraged by these people. We’re not responsible for them. We’re responsible for us. Jesus was not a Democrat. He was not a Republican. A political solution is not ultimately the solution you need.

You need a relationship with Jesus. You need to know God and that He gives grace. When a church gets worried about the insurance or a nonprofit status, I think there’s a problem. We need to think about what would Jesus want us to say. I’m a loyal American, but I’d rather be known as a loyal Jesus follower. That’s more important. TSI: What role has technology played? CS: When I took my kids to grandma’s church and they said, ‘Open your hymnal,’ they asked, ‘what’s a hymnal?’ When I came, the church had two computers. One was an IBM, and one was a Mac. So they couldn’t even talk to each other. It was a really big deal when they provided me with a cellphone. I’ve recognized, and this is always true, what was new for my generation is taken for granted by the generation that follows. So the question is, do we let the fear of technology be a brake on the Gospel or accelerator? I think technology ought to be an accelerator. We not only want to have streaming video, but have interactive features so people can ask questions. People from our community are deployed all over the world. When the Shipes went

to Botswana for a children’s ministry, I spoke with them once a week for three years via Skype. I supervised their work from Sumter, S.C. I interact much more with people on Facebook and on Twitter. I remember I used to call everybody in church on their birthday. Now, I message them on Facebook. TSI: What is one of your favorite things about being a preacher or being a preacher at Alice Drive? CS: I love baptizing people. I guess being in one place for 20 years, I’m getting people who when I first came were babysitters. Then I got to marry them. Then dedicate their children. I look forward to baptizing their children. I’ve literally known people their whole lives. It’s an honor to walk with people through such sacred moments. To see them cry and

weep on that couch (in his office) and be able to tell them there’s hope because there’s Jesus, that’s sacred work. That’s good stuff. TSI: What’s one of the most difficult parts of your job? CS: Nobody prepares you for the pressure of every Sunday 3,000 eyeballs looking at you saying, ‘Tell me something God wants me to hear.’ It requires a lot of reading, studying and praying. I don’t preach or lead well when I’m anxious. I make sure I prepare all I can, and then cast all anxiety on Him. He came to bring peace. TSI: Where do you see yourself in 20 years? Ten years? CS: In the next 10 years, I’d like to see the church continue to do what God wants, to help as many as possible take that next step toward Jesus. That’s a real burden. In the next 20 years, I would like to still be helping churches. I want to keep using my gift in the right avenue. My big fear, and this is a freebie, I don’t ever want to be the limit on what God wants the church to be. I want to continue learning and sharing things from Jesus. TSI: Is that part of why you stayed here, you didn’t feel like the work was done? CS: It’s part of why I left Louisville. I felt I had taken that church as far as I was capable. Someone would have to come along with a new vision. I’ve had inquiries and opportunities, but I knew I was not done here yet. I work for Jesus. If He says I need to go, I’ll go. When God tells me I’m done, I’m not hanging on and going through the motions.

LOCAL | NATION

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

POLICE BLOTTER POINTING AND PRESENTING A FIREARM According to reports, officers were informed by a complainant in the 5000 block Ellerbe Mill Road in Rembert that shortly before 9 p.m. on Wednesday, his son got into an altercation with a 24-yearold man. When the man broke up the fight, he told his son to go home, but the 24-year-old then pointed a small-caliber handgun at the complainant and said he was going to kill him. STOLEN PROPERTY A 55-inch flat-screen TV, a 50-inch flatscreen TV, an Xbox 360, an assortment of gold and jewelry, a collection of new Nike Air Jordan sneakers and $1,050 in cash were reported stolen from a home in the 300 block of Curtis Drive at 2:53 p.m. on Wednesday. The items are valued at $6,700. A lot of 424 steel reinforcement bars were reported stolen from a business in the 1200 block of Pocalla Road at 4:18 on Tuesday. The items are valued at $1,376. A black 32-inch Seiki flat-screen TV and a black-and-gray HP laptop computer were reported stolen from a home in the 4760 Camden Highway in Dalzell at 2:26 p.m. on Wednesday. The items are valued at $800. A pair of 12-inch Pioneer subwoofers and a Kenwood amplifier were reported stolen from a vehicle parked in the 2300 block of Oswego Highway at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The items are valued at $1,200, and the window of the vehicle reportedly sustained $150 in damage. A PlayStation 2, an Xbox 360, a bounce house and 11 video games were reported stolen from a home in the first block of Adolf Circle at 12:54 p.m. on Tuesday. The items are valued at $1,800. EMS CALLS On Tuesday, Sumter EMS responded to 101 calls, including 84 medical calls, two motor-vehicle wrecks and 15 calls listed as other trauma. On Wednesday, Sumter EMS responded to 47 calls, including 40 medical calls, four motor-vehicle wrecks and three calls listed as other trauma.

THE SUMTER ITEM

Cost-control plan for health care could set you back more BY RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON— You just might want to pay attention to the latest health insurance jargon. It could mean thousands of dollars out of your pocket. The Obama administration has given the go-ahead for a new costcontrol strategy called “reference pricing.” It lets insurers and employers put a dollar limit on what health plans pay for some expensive procedures, such as knee and hip replacements. Some experts worry that patients could be surprised with big medical bills they must pay themselves, undercutting financial protections in the new health care law. That would happen if patients picked a more expensive hospital — even if it’s part of the insurer’s network. The administration’s decision affects most job-based plans as well as the new insurance exchanges. Other experts say reference pricing will help check rising premiums. A recent policy ruling from the administration went to unusual lengths to acknowledge concerns, saying the pricing strategy “may be a subterfuge” for “otherwise prohibited limitations on coverage.” Nonetheless, the departments of Labor and Health and Human Services said reference pricing could continue. Plans must use a “reasonable method” to ensure “adequate access to quality providers.” Regulators asked for public com-

WHAT’S CHANGING? The new “reference pricing” health care strategy works like this: Your health insurance plan slaps a dollar limit on what it will pay for certain procedures, for example, hospital charges associated with knee and hip replacement operations. That’s called the reference price. Say the limit is $30,000. The plan offers you a choice of hospitals within its provider network. If you pick one that charges $40,000, you would owe $10,000 to the hospital plus your regular cost-sharing for the $30,000 that your plan covers. The extra $10,000 is treated like an out-of-network expense, and it doesn’t count toward your plan’s annual limit on out-of-pocket costs. That’s crucial because under the health care law, most plans have to pick up the entire cost of care after a patient hits the annual out-of-pocket limit, currently $6,350 for single coverage and $12,700 for a family plan. Before the May 2 administration ruling, it was unclear whether reference pricing violated this key financial protection for consumers.

ment, saying they may publish additional guidance in the future. HHS spokeswoman Erin Shields Britt said in a statement that the administration is monitoring the effects of reference pricing on access to quality services and will work to ensure that financial protections for consumers are not undermined. One way the new approach is different is that it sets a dollar limit on what the health plan will

pay for a given procedure. Most insurance now pays a percentage of costs, and those costs themselves can vary from hospital to hospital. Now if you pick a more expensive hospital, the insurance still pays the same percentage. Some experts are concerned. “The problem ... from the patient’s perspective is that at the end of the day, that is who gets left holding the bag,” said Karen Pollitz of the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. Previously a top consumer protection regulator in the Obama administration, Pollitz said the administration ruling amounts to a substantial change for consumers. It’s not on the radar yet for most people, but the new approach is gaining ground. The Mercer benefits consulting firm said 12 percent of the largest employers were using reference pricing last year, nearly double the 7 percent in 2012. It’s been pioneered in California by CalPERS, a giant agency that manages health and retirement benefits for public employees. CalPERS started with knee and hip replacements in 2011, steering patients to hospitals that had been vetted for quality and charged $30,000 or less. Ann Boynton, the agency’s health benefits director, said the program has been a success, with patients able to choose from about 50 hospitals. “People do not feel like we went to bargain-basement hospitals where the quality is not good,” she said. “The quality is the same, and in some instances, better.”

TACTICAL FROM PAGE A1 the most important piece of equipment we have.” Pushed by a 330-horsepower engine and an Allison Type 1 transmission, the mammoth vehicle tops out at 65 mph. Factor in its weight, and it becomes a force that puts wrecking balls to shame. “It might be a military vehicle, but it definitely has civilian applications,” Capt. Terrance Colclough said. “For us, it certainly provides an overwhelming advantage. There’s not much in the civilian world that would pose a threat to it.” One might wonder if having such a vehicle is practical for Sumter, but Colclough and Dennis both emphasized the need to protect their SERT members and employed the adage, “Better to have and not need than to need and not have.” Even so, the MRAP has already seen action locally. Before last weekend’s drug raids in Rembert, deputies discovered that the subjects of their warrants possessed assault rifles, which prompted the team to reassess the situation. Under Colclough’s leadership, they decided to use the MRAP. “It was immediately declared a high-risk search warrant,” Dennis said. “Thankfully, we had the MRAP ready to go and right here for us to use. Having it in our possession greatly reduces our reliance on other agencies such as SLED or the FBI. We can respond, ourselves.” But given the various scenarios faced by law enforcement, even the MRAP has its limits. In many instances, such as the incident when Brandon Lee Dubose reportedly kidnapped his 2-year-old son and ran into the woods with him in July 2012, deputies have to abandon the convenience of pavement and head into the woods. But that’s what a Humvee is for. “We’re excited to have it, too,” Colclough said. “It’s an all-terrain, off-road-ready vehicle. We can pretty much take it anywhere.” “It’ll especially be useful when we have to search areas like Manchester Forest,” Dennis said. To specify, Colclough said this vehicle is not a civilian Hummer but a Humvee, a military-grade

CHALLENGE FROM PAGE A1 landowner requested a zoning variance that would create five large lots along Byrd Road in Dalzell. Byrd Road is a private, unpaved road running for more than a mile between U.S. 521 and Camden Highway, with space for an estimated 30 homes to be built. The Sumter Planning Commission voted down Harry Ives’ proposal at its April meeting, citing problems with the road as it exists today. “Byrd Street is unquestionably in poor condition due to ruts, narrow width, intermittent flooding and other design flaws,” according to the planning report. “To allow more subdivision on Byrd Street without any upgrades to the street seems irresponsible.” Any structure built on Byrd

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sheriff Anthony Dennis exits the 54,000-pound vehicle recently received by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. vehicle built to outdo civilian models and pickup trucks. “There are times when even a 4-by-4 truck gets bogged down,” Colclough said. “It’s incredibly rare for that to happen to a Humvee.”

today, the commission concluded, “would be virtually impossible for public safety vehicles to access.” Ives said he doesn’t have any immediate plans to develop the property or have anything planned to go on the five proposed lots, ranging between five and 15 acres. He also doesn’t intend to do anything to upgrade the existing roadway. “To bring it up to county standards would really be cost prohibitive,” Ives said, “but that shouldn’t stop it, because nothing has to change for them to approve this.” When Ives’ proposal came before Sumter County Council on Tuesday, members voted to send the issue to its land-use committee. While Byrd Road may come up as an example, the meeting will focus on a countywide change to the zoning ordinance. “In the bigger picture, we’ve

got to have some minimum standards for existing private roads,” McGregor said. “The county assumes the property owner is responsible for maintaining it, to make sure it’s passable. If that becomes a challenge, the question is, how do we meet that challenge? Who’s responsible?” Councilman Artie Baker, a member of the land-use committee whose district includes Byrd Road, said the county would be reluctant to take on any responsibility for a road that may not be maintained. “We’re not going to discuss accepting anything considered to be a private road into our system,” Baker said. “There would probably be issues other than the right-ofway, like the entrance and other issues they may have.” The county already has to maintain several dirt roads in the public system. Last month, residents on Bolden

The team is hoping to add two more Humvees to its lineup in the near future, which Dennis said supports SERT’s purpose. “We want to be ready for anything,” he said. “We need to be ready for anything.”

Lane were told they may lose mail delivery because their public unpaved road was difficult to navigate. Councilman Charles Edens, who chairs the committee, said similar fears have stopped the suggested changes being made in the past. “If it remains a private drive with 15 or 20 houses on it, those residents are going to come to the county saying ‘Our roads are in terrible shape. You’ve got to maintain

it,’” he said. Draft language for the ordinance would set some standards for “rural community drives” that it would be the property owner’s responsibility to maintain. Ives suggested he would be comfortable with a compromise position. “I’m not sure what the compromise might be until after Monday’s meeting,” he said. “But I’m comfortable with it if the requirement is reasonable.”

ART REVIEWS

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

Bluegrass works for Dolly

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR MITCHUM / SPECIAL TO THE ITEM

German spy Annabella Schmidt seeks shelter in the home of Richard Hannay. Or is she merely trying to seduce him in this scene from Sumter Little Theatre’s “The 39 Steps?” Christy Smith and Braden Bunch play the roles in the fast-paced comedy.

Bring a hanky — you’ll cry with laughter ‘The 39 Steps’ is a feast of visual, verbal comedy BY JANE G. COLLINS Special to The Item Think of Mel Brooks’ “History of the World: Part I” and “Young Frankenstein,” Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Cloris Leachman and Red Skelton (before he got potty mouthed). Think of the Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” and the phrase “money can’t buy happiness.” “The 39 Steps,” the current Sumter Little Theatre production, proves that for $10$15, depending on your category, you can buy an evening’s worth of fun and great humor. The homage to Alfred Hitchcock, done cleverly through sound tech Michael Bacon’s use of Hitchcock film music and David Reed’s voice impression, adds another layer to the comedy. The play is a veritable buffet — feast sounds too stuffy — of visual and verbal comedy. The four cast members prove that for a small town, a large town — for any size town — they are up for the challenge of creative delivery and delightful buffoonery. The actions are not slapstick but cleverly devised visual spoofs that reward the audience with unexpected posturing,

WANT TO GO? WHAT: “The 39 Steps” WHERE: Sumter Little Theatre,14 Mood Ave. WHEN: Tonight and Sunday and May 22-25. Weeknights and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 3 p.m. COST: Adults $15/children, seniors, military $12 RESERVATIONS: (803) 775-2150

staging and humorous dramatic irony. They also reward the efforts of the two dialect coaches — Marybeth Gorman Craig and Paul Kaufmann — with pronunciation and facial features that delight the ears and eyes. In fact, Christy Smith as Annabella Schmidt with a German accent can make your eyes cry with laughter. Braden Bunch is outstanding as Richard Hannay, the fugitive trying to clear his name. Facial expressions, dramatic pauses and beats, double takes and inventive posturing give his character constant energy and delightful frustration. Smith plays all three of her characters with impeccable accuracy and charm. Her opening characterization of Annabella proves that “chewing the scenery” can be a great form of humor and that she totally understands how to use body language to create mood and comedic mayhem.

Take note of the word “Altnashellach”; it may become the new password for fabulous comedy. And “death not only becomes her” is No. 1 on the creating memorable humor list. Reed, Clown 1, morphs from one character to another with ease and believability. His posturing female characters are fantastically done, adding little nuances to bring a freshness to the planned “stereotyping.” Even his voice and physical movements go through elastic nanosecond changes. Matt Wilt, Clown 2, keeps pace with the other actors, maintaining control of his fast-paced character switches and staging. He seems completely absorbed with each of his characters. Director Eric Bultman deserves great applause for the excellent handling of the humor. The staging is creative and campy rather than slapstick and forced. The puppet show reflects a keen understanding of clever manipulation of stereotypes. Bultman’s use of props adds depth and additional humorous appeal to an already clever production. If you can sit through the production without laughing, shame on you. If you need a hearing aid, be sure to wear one. Even though the actions on the stage create a fascinating and fastpaced sense of fun, you won’t want to miss the delivery of the entertaining dialog.

‘The Immigrant’ a somber masterpiece BY JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer Floating in past a misty Statue of Liberty, James Gray’s “The Immigrant” somberly gathers its majesty as a metaphor-rich story of passage and survival. It’s an old tale told with rare precision, channeling grand themes into an intimate melodrama. Ellis Island, a portal of hope and new beginning for films from Elia Kazan’s “America, America” to Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather, Part II,” is here a more complicated rebirth. In 1921, Ewa (Marion Cotillard) arrives from Poland with her sister, Magda (Angela Sarafyan). A cough gets Magda quarantined, and immigration officials are set to turn away Ewa (who arrives with rumors of being a “woman of low morals” from the ship). But there preying on such lost, pretty women is Bruno Weiss (Joaquin Phoenix), who, with a bribe and a handshake, pulls her out of the line and brings her to his Lower East Side apartment. He’s overly courteous in a false, snake-oil salesman way. (Phoenix modeled him on Hollywood agents). She’s terrified and wary and sleeps with an ice pick under her pillow. Bruno, a small-time impresario and pimp, welcomes her into his harem of women — many of them not long off the boat, themselves. They perform strip teases for hooting men in a small the-

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Marion Cotillard is seen in a scene from “The Immigrant.” ater and bed them on the side. When they’re turned out of the theater, Bruno takes them to a tunnel in Central Park to find johns. Cotillard’s Ewa is horrified by the situation she finds herself trapped in, but she’s also resolute to claw her way in New York and to raise money to get her sister out of the hospital. Gray, who co-wrote the script with the late Ric Menello, observes her stealing money from the girls or, to appear healthy for a deportation agent, pricking her finger to redden her cheeks with the blood. It’s not a clear-cut story of an innocent exploited. The tenacious Ewa, who witnessed her parents beheaded, has been through worse back in

Poland. And as despicable as Bruno is, he develops a love for Ewa and a contradictory urge to protect her. He rages with jealousy when his cousin, Emil (Jeremy Renner), a magician Ewa first sees perform at Ellis Island, pursues her. Surely, a handsome illusionist rhapsodizing about the American Dream — as Emil does in his act — is not the most subtle critique. If Emil embodies all the lies of America, Bruno is its ugly truths: capitalistic and shameless. For Phoenix, always unpredictable, volatile and raw, it’s perhaps his finest performance — one of sweeping contradictions, roiling turmoil and, as if the cherry on top, a late touch of Brando.

(AP) — Dolly Parton, at age 68, creates her best album in more than a dozen years by returning to the bluegrass-flavored sound that worked so well for her at the turn of the century. “Blue Smoke” succeeds partly because the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s songwriting pen remains sharp. “Unlikely Angel” and the family melodrama “Miss You-Miss Me” join the three-part harmony of the title cut in adding to Parton’s considerable legacy as a songwriter. The emphasis on banjo, fiddle and gospel-style harmony is reminiscent of 1999’s “The Grass Is Blue,” a Parton career highlight. Her update of the traditional murder ballad “Banks Of The Ohio” fits the bill, too. But Parton expands her musical palette with two risky covers. She gives Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice” a bluegrass treatment, turning Dylan’s bitter sneer into a melancholy farewell. She also transforms Bon Jovi’s “Lay Your Hands On Me” into a surprisingly effective Baptist raveup. The album could have done without the silly “Lover Du Jour” and the tacked-on duets “You Can’t Make Old Friends” with Kenny Rogers and “From Here To The Moon And Back” with Willie Nelson that previously appeared on other albums. But overall “Blue Smoke” is another triumph from one of American music’s most treasured artists.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dolly Parton returns to the bluegrass-flavored sound in her latest album, “Blue Smoke.”

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

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THE SUMTER ITEM

OBITUARIES

THE SUMTER ITEM

LOIS P. HODGE PAXVILLE — Lois Pack Hodge, 94, widow of Jack Dempsey Hodge Sr., died on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Summerville Medical Center. Born on April 22, 1920, in Paxville, she was a daughter of the late William Claudius and Annie Bagnal Pack. She was a member of Paxville Baptist HODGE Church. She is survived by three sons, Jack D. Hodge Jr. (Irene) of Sumter, Bill Hodge (Jean) of Camden and Tom Hodge of Bellingham, Washington; one daughter, Jane Poplin (Glenn) of Summerville; one sister, Josephine McCarthy of Paxville; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, David Hodge. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Paxville Cemetery with the Rev. John Neel and the Rev. Dr. Eugene Mosier officiating. Pallbearers will be Wendell Poplin, Arland Poplin, John Poplin, Jimmy Hodge, Greg Hodge and Paul Hodge. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Paxville Baptist Church, 10278 Lewis Road, Manning, SC 29102. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org

MARGARET KEENAN Margaret Jane Fixott Keenan, age 76, beloved wife of 50 years to William V. Keenan Jr., died on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Providence Hospital. Born on Feb. 24, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Richard Scott Fixott and Harriet Alladine Hollister. Margaret was KEENAN a registered nurse, having earned her degree from the Seton School of Nursing in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1962. Margaret’s professional nursing career included service in geriatric nursing, cardiac care, home health care, and correctional institute nursing. She was passionate about sharing her talents with humanity, and selflessly volunteered countless hours to support organizations including the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts of America, numerous youth sports organizations, and the Catholic Church. Margaret was recognized for her volunteer efforts when she was selected for the honor of the USAF Tactical Air Command’s Wife of the Year in 1972. Margaret’s professional accomplishments were surpassed only by her dedication to her loving husband, Bill, and her family. Margaret was the proud and accomplished mother of four children, eight

grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She also opened her heart, her family, and her home to eight foreign exchange students to help them learn and grow in a new and caring environment, as well as three foster children to help them form new and rewarding relationships. Margaret was an active member of the Catholic community in many different locations as she, her husband and family traveled to many places over the course of Bill’s career in the U.S. Air Force. She was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Sumter. In addition, she enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including sewing, macramé, candle making, flowers and shell crafts. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Surviving in addition to her husband are four children, William V. Keenan III of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Mary Louise Cardinale of Graham, North Carolina, Elizabeth Ann Cato of Ocala, Florida, and Richard Scott Keenan of Atlanta; one sister, Barbara Ann Fixott Buchanan of Austin, Texas; eight grandchildren, Stacy Stapleton, Bradley Keenan, Caroline Cardinale, Victoria Cardinale, Charles Hert, Scott Hert, Kaleigh Cato and Syndey Keenan; and seven great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at St. Jude Catholic Church with the Rev. Charles Donovan, C.Ss.R officiating. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Bullock Funeral Home with the wake service beginning at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Catholic Community of Sumter, 521 Fund, P.O. Box 1589 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.

CANTFIELD DAVIS Jr. Cantfield Davis Jr., 54, husband of Deloris H. Davis, passed on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. Born in Sumter, he was a son of Cantfield Davis Sr. and Mattie Lee Fullard. Cantfield attended the public schools of Sumter County and was a DAVIS graduate of Mayewood High School Class of 1980. He was employed by Campbell Soup Co. of Sumter and with the City of Sumter. On Nov. 27, 2008, he dedicated his life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Surviving are his wife, Deloris of the home; two daughters, Kaylonda Delisha and Courtney Lashawn Davis; two

sisters, Vanessa M. Davis of Jersey City, New Jersey, and Pamela Davis of New York City, New York; six brothers, Donald (Lillie) Davis of Sumter, Demetrius (Dorothy) Davis of Lynchburg, Edward Bosie of North Carolina, Lee Mack Williams of Maryland, William (Mary) China of New Jersey and Rodney Johnson of Manning; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 99 Oswego Road, Sumter. The public may view from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St., Sumter. The family will receive friends at the Davis home, 765 Radical Road, Sumter.

DENNIS J. ADAMS PINEWOOD — Dennis Joseph “Jake” Adams, 60, husband of Ruth Ann Stewart Adams, died on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at Providence Hospital, Columbia. He was born on July 27, 1953, in Rimini, a son of the late Louie and Victoria Spann Adams. He attended the public schools of Sumter County. He was employed ADAMS by Yuasa Exide from 1978 until the company closed. Early in life, he accepted Christ and was a lifelong member of Antioch Union Methodist Episcopal Church. Survivors are his wife of 40 years, Ruth Ann Adams of the home; a son, Dennis Eric (Monica) Adams of Jacksonville, Florida; a daughter, Erica Victoria (Dwayne) Caldwell of Pinewood; three brothers, Louis (Rutha Mae) Adams, James (Evelyn) Adams and Dwayne Adams, all of Pinewood; five sisters, Willene (Moses) McBride, Rutha Mae (Deacon James) Hodge and Patricia (Robert) Lancaster, all of Sumter, Willie Mae Adams of Pinewood and Minister Betty Ann Adams of Manhattan, New York; four additional sistersin-law; four additional brothers-in-law; four aunts; one uncle; and six grandchildren. Celebratory services for Mr. Adams will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Antioch UME Church, 10026 Old River Road, Pinewood, with the Rev. Barry Gadsden, pastor, officiating, the Rev. Cheryl Gadsden presiding, and the Rev. Willie Wright Jr., the Rev. Melissa Green and the Rev. Thomasina Stephen assisting. Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery. Mr. Adams will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time. The family is receiving friends at the residence, 3878 Bomar Trail, Pinewood. These services have been entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home of Manning.

WILLIAM M. SMITH MANNING — William Monroe “Bill” Smith, 85, died on Thursday, May 15, 2014. Born on April 7, 1929, in

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014 Lenoir, North Carolina, he was the third son of the late Robert Marvin Sr. and Mamie LeFevre Smith. He graduSMITH ated in 1951 from Duke University with a bachelor of arts in political science. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, rising to the rank of sergeant first class. In 1954, he accepted a position with Freeman Millwork Co. in Manning. By the time of his retirement in 1988, he was executive vice president. His retirement years were the happiest and most fulfilling of his life, having devoted them to service to his family, his church and his beloved community — Manning. He had a devoted and loving family whom he cherished all of his life. He joined Manning United Methodist Church in 1954, serving in the chancel choir for 60 years and as church treasurer for 25 years. On March 14, 1999, he was honored with “William M. Smith Appreciation Sunday.” A proclamation by Manning Mayor Jerry Robertson and a plaque from the church were presented at the Sunday morning worship service. On May 7, 2006, he was again honored by his church with “Bill Smith Day.” Mr. Smith was active on many committees throughout the years not only in his church but in the community as well. He served on the board of the Harvin Clarendon County Library; he was a founding member of Clarendon County Habitat for Humanity; a Paul Harris Fellow of Manning Rotary Club; and a past member of the Manning Jaycees. Bill was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a committee member for the establishment of the Clarendon County Archives. He was named citizen of the year in 1977 by the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce and the first “King of Hearts” at the Valentine Ball of 1977 by Clarendon County Habitat for Humanity. Devoted to his family, his God and his beloved community of Manning, Bill was greatly loved by all with whom he came in contact. He was an avid bridge player and enjoyed teaching others the game he loved so much. Surviving are greatly loved family members: a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Smith Grigg; a niece, Melissa Hutson Dean; great-nieces, Melissa “Lalio” Rosario Pereyo (Roberto) and Leah Courtney Sin (Richard); great-nephews, Christopher “Kit” William Borras (Amy) and William “Will” Michael Gehrman; great-great-nieces, Riley and Piper Borras; and great-great-nephews, Colton and Aidan Pereyo and Sullivan Sin, all of whom are like his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert “Bob” Marvin Smith Jr. (Helen Porter), Jack Courtney Smith (Helen Turner) and Harold “Tex” Lenoir

Smith (Jeanette Kincaid); two sisters, Juanita Smith Johnston (Jesse) and Helen “Smitty” Smith Hutson; and a beloved niece, Christopher Hutson Cohen. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Manning United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. James C. Adams officiating, assisted by the Rev. Debra Quilling Smith and the Rev. Dr. Steve Shugart. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday in the fellowship hall of Manning United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Capital Campaign Fund of Manning United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 68, Manning, SC 29102. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome. org

HERBERT L. NELSON Herbert Lee “Blue” Nelson, 56, husband of Andrea Canty Nelson, departed this life on Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. He was born on Dec. 17, 1957, in Pinewood, a son of Irene Junious Nelson and the late Richard Nelson. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 1020 S. Main St., Sumter, SC 29150. Funeral plans are incomplete and will be announced later by Job’s Mortuary Inc. of Sumter.

QUEEN ADAMS PINEWOOD — Queen Esther Stewart Adams departed this life on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at her residence. She was born on June 10, 1960, in Sumter, to the late Edward and Hattie Capers Stewart. The family is receiving friends at the home of her sister, Linda and Albertus Hampton, 7730 Shine Lane, Pinewood. Funeral services will be announced later by Whites Mortuary LLC of Sumter.

GLADYS T. SINKLER Gladys Tindal Sinkler, 82, was born on March 9, 1932, in Clarendon County. The widow of William Sinkler, she entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include four children, Kenneth Barrow, Theodore Sinkler, Bobby Sinkler and Donna Sinkler; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives. The family will greet friends from 2 to 3 p.m. today. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. today at Community Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Lee Wilson. Online memorials can be sent to comfhltj@sc.rr.com. Community Funeral Home of Sumter is in charge of these arrangements.

Police unions push for PTSD medical coverage DENVER — Police unions across the U.S. are pushing for officers to be able to collect workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, whether they got it from the general stress of police work or from responding to a deadly shooting rampage. “I can’t imagine a department in the United States without officers who have symptoms of PTSD and are still working,” said Ron Clark, chairman of Badge of Life, a group of active and retired officers working to raise awareness of police stress and suicide prevention. “We’re beginning to see more and more states talking about this,” he said. But some police chiefs and municipal leaders oppose lawmakers’ efforts, even in states such as Connecticut and Colorado, the scenes of some of the deadliest massacres in recent years. They say they are concerned the benefits would strain budgets and lead to frivolous claims. “We support and appreciate the efforts of our police and firefighters, but there’s a concern when you expand benefits,” said Betsy Gara, executive director of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns. Legislation has been emotional in that state, still haunted by the December 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

Newtown police officer Thomas Bean told lawmakers his depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts left him unable to work. “I’m always being re-traumatized because I don’t know what my future is,” Bean testified in March. Connecticut allows police and firefighters to collect workers’ compensation if they use deadly force or witness a colleague’s death. New legislation would expand it to all municipal employees diagnosed with PTSD after witnessing a violent event or its aftermaths. Federal employees and military members can collect compensation if a psychiatrist finds PTSD symptoms. But most states require officers and firefighters to have an accompanying physical injury. Supporters say lawmakers’ efforts to change that are encouraging, but the push-back shows a stigma remains. “They don’t get too worked up when an officer gets shot or physically assaulted because they can see it,” Clark said. “If you think every cop is just going to run to that lifeboat and say, ‘I have PTSD,’ I just don’t see it.” It is hard to say how many officers suffer symptoms because many do not come forward for fear of seeming weak, Clark said. Legislation expanding benefits to cover the dis-

order died in Colorado, where officers responded to a mass shooting at an Aurora movie theater in July 2012. A legislative task force will likely study the issue instead. “We’ve got law enforcement officers working the streets in Colorado suffering from PTSD and keeping it a secret, going to work every day with a smile,” said Mike Violette, executive director of the state’s Fraternal Order of Police, which helped write the bill. Colorado lawmakers eliminated language that would have presumed an officer had job-induced PTSD if he was diagnosed after using deadly force, witnessing a death, being injured or becoming ill on the job, which police chiefs thought was too broad. “It could be virtually every single police officer who might qualify,” Greenwood Village Police Chief John Jackson, who is vice president of the Colorado Chiefs of Police Association, said. “We believe PTSD is a real issue; we just want to make sure that it’s done properly.” Similar legislation is under consideration in South Carolina. It was inspired by former Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputy Brandon Bentley, whose doctor told him he was too stressed to return to police work after he fatally shot a man during a domestic disturbance call in 2009.

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

FYI Agape Hospice is in need of volunteers. Whether your passion is baking, knitting, reading, singing, etc., Agape Hospice can find a place for you. Contact Thandi Blanding at (803) 774-1075, (803) 260-3876 or tblanding@agapsenior. com. Hospice Care of South Carolina is in need of volunteers in Sumter County. Do you have one extra hour a week? Opportunities are available for patient/family companionship, administrative support, meal preparation, light household projects, student education and various other tasks. Contact Whitney Rogers, regional volunteer coordinator, at (843) 409-7991 or whitney. rogers@hospicecare.net. Amedisys Hospice is in need of volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include 1) special projects of baking, sewing, knitting, crafts, carpentry and yard work; 2) administrative/office duties of copying, light filing and answering phones; and 3) patient companionship — develop one-on-one relationships with hospice patients (training provided free of charge). Contact Rhoda Keefe, volunteer coordinator, at (803) 469-3047 or rhonda.keefe@ amedisys.com. Hospice Care of Tri-County is in need of volunteers. Volunteers offer support, companionship and care to the caregiver by running errands, reading to patients, listening and just being there for patients who need companionship. All you need is a willing heart and some time to give to others. No medical background required. Call Carol Tindal at (803) 905-7720. ROAD to RECOVERY is in need of volunteers in the Sumter area. The program provides cancer patients with transportation to and from treatments. Call the American Cancer Society at (803) 7501693. Sumter Newcomers Club welcomes new residents (and even some longtime residents) with coffees and luncheons each month. Call Anna Nunnery at (803) 4690143 or Jeanne Bessel at (803) 469-0598. OASIS Care provides free medical and dental care for qualifying persons living with HIV and AIDS. Call LaVonda Johnson at (803) 775-8523. The Rise and Shine Call Program, sponsored by LifeLine Senior Services Inc., is a free service that provides a daily “reassurance” call to older adults who live alone in the community. Call (803) 7747414 for details or to sign up. The Westside Neighborhood Association meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Birnie HOPE Center, 210 S. Purdy St.

The Christian Golfers’ Association (CGA) meets at 8 a.m. each Tuesday for Bible study. The group meets at the CGA office in Dillon Park. Refreshments provided and golf after Bible study. Call (803) 773-2171. UAW Eastern Carolina International Retirees Council meets at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the VFW in Little River. All UAW retirees are welcome to attend. Call Bob Artus at (803) 481-3622. The Ballard-Palmer-Bates American Legion Post 202 meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Post, 310 Palmetto St. All veterans are welcome to attend. Call (803) 773-4811. The Civil Air Patrol Sumter Composite Squadron meets from 7 to 9 p.m. each Monday at the Sumter Airport. Contact Jared Buniel at (803) 481-7915 or JaredLotR@juno. com. Visit the Web site at www.scwg.cap.gov/sumter/. The Palmetto PC Club meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Capital Senior Center in Columbia. Details can be found at http://palmettopc.org/ home/. The Sumter James R. Clark Sickle Cell Memorial Foundation, 337 Manning Ave., offers free Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait screenings to the Sumter and Clarendon communities. For appointments, call (803) 774-6181. The DAV will have certified volunteers to assist all veterans in filing claims with the VA from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the VA Clinic, 407 N. Salem St., and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays at the Chapter 5 home, 18 Hardpack Drive, off of S.C. 441, behind Shaw Air Force Base. Call L. Pearson at (803) 499-9596 or Paul Fisher at (803) 840-1001. The United Way Success By 6 Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) offers assistance to parents in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties with referrals to childcare programs, information on evaluating quality childcare and funding options for childcare, childcare licensing information, and a resource library with early childhood information. For assistance with childcare information, call (803) 773-7935 or (800) 681-0333. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) office, 1140 S. Guignard Drive, has many animals available for adoption. Adoption fees cover the first shots and first deworming and spaying or neutering. The office is open 11 a.m.5:30 p.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Call (803) 773-9292 for details.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your EUGENIA LAST unpredictable mood will keep those you are with guessing. You are best to try to work alongside others to avoid opposition. Stick to basics and finish what you start to avoid overextending yourself physically, emotionally or financially.

Being productive can help you divert problems.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Look outside your area or usual information venue and you will find a unique solution as well as something you want to explore more. Caution must be taken if you do something that is physically challenging. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Volunteer to help an organization that you feel akin to. Taking time out to help others will give you a chance to share your thoughts and discover information that will help you improve your personal life. A physical transformation will invite compliments. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep to yourself and refrain from sharing your plans. You will face opposition that can turn into an argument that you will regret. Pay more attention to your personal achievements and making improvements that will add to your confidence. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A change in your current professional direction isn’t likely to run as smoothly as you hoped. Make sure you have everything in writing before you commit to any deal offered. False advertising can turn into a costly venture. Embrace love and reject discord. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll be tempted to pay in order to impress. Get involved in an activity or day trip that offers you something concrete. A trade show or conference will hold your interest and point you in a new direction.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Educational pursuits and physical activity will help you avoid emotional problems at home or at work. Don’t give in to demands or make yourself readily available to be taken for granted. Make a change to relationships that are negative and depressing. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Change your lifestyle to suit your needs. Having a space to work on creative endeavors or to entertain friends who share your interests will add to your pleasure. A day trip that enables you to learn something new about spirituality will be enlightening. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Protect your assets and your investments. Set a budget that will allow you to maintain what you own without causing stress. Do the work yourself if it will help you save. Put your energy into getting along, not causing friction. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Emotions will surface if you let someone goad you into a debate. Size up your relationships and determine who is good for you and who isn’t. Weeding out is never easy, but it is necessary if you want to maintain equilibrium.

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

AccuWeather® ﬁve-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Partly sunny

Partly cloudy

A couple of thunderstorms

Pleasant and warmer

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Partly sunny

79°

54°

71° / 53°

78° / 54°

82° / 59°

85° / 65°

Chance of rain: 15%

Chance of rain: 20%

Chance of rain: 60%

Chance of rain: 0%

Chance of rain: 5%

Winds: WSW 4-8 mph

Winds: SSE 3-6 mph

Winds: WNW 4-8 mph

Winds: ENE 4-8 mph

Winds: S 3-6 mph

Winds: SW 7-14 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaﬀney 72/52 Spartanburg 72/51

Greenville 72/51

Columbia 79/53

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

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sumter 79/54

Aiken 79/51

ON THE COAST

Charleston 80/56

Today: Mostly sunny. High 74 to 80. Sunday: Variable cloudiness; a shower or thunderstorm. High 74 to 82.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 77/57/pc 58/41/pc 82/62/s 58/41/sh 83/65/s 82/61/s 83/65/s 73/54/pc 85/61/s 72/52/pc 102/77/s 66/53/pc 73/50/pc

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest. 358.09 75.57 75.19 97.45

24-hr chg +0.20 +0.40 +0.21 +0.28

Sunrise 6:19 a.m. Moonrise 11:19 p.m.

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

0.13" 1.58" 1.56" 14.15" 15.40" 15.91"

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

Full pool 360 76.8 75.5 100

Lake Murray Marion Moultrie Wateree

75° 57° 82° 57° 97° in 1962 46° in 1978

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

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 70/54/t 65/45/pc 82/65/pc 63/46/pc 83/66/pc 75/60/pc 84/65/s 72/52/pc 87/63/s 71/51/pc 101/76/s 65/52/pc 72/52/pc

Myrtle Beach 75/56

Manning 79/53

Today: A passing shower. Winds westnorthwest 4-8 mph. Sunday: A couple of thunderstorms. Winds north-northwest 3-6 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 79/54

Bishopville 79/54

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest. 12 4.34 19 4.34 14 3.36 14 5.54 80 77.51 24 9.65

Sunset Moonset

8:18 p.m. 9:01 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

May 21

May 28

June 5

June 12

TIDES

24-hr chg -0.06 none +0.41 +1.51 +0.75 +3.20

AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Sun.

High 11:42 a.m. --12:17 a.m. 12:36 p.m.

Ht. 2.9 --3.6 2.9

Low 6:30 a.m. 6:29 p.m. 7:21 a.m. 7:23 p.m.

Ht. -0.4 -0.4 -0.4 -0.2

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 64/45/sh 78/54/pc 80/51/pc 80/58/s 71/57/pc 80/56/s 73/50/pc 73/54/pc 79/53/pc 78/53/pc 74/50/pc 78/53/pc 78/53/pc

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 59/43/t 68/50/t 76/50/t 82/59/pc 69/58/t 81/58/t 68/47/t 68/51/t 72/53/t 69/53/t 70/52/t 70/53/t 67/53/t

Today City Hi/Lo/W Florence 79/54/pc Gainesville 82/52/s Gastonia 73/52/pc Goldsboro 77/52/pc Goose Creek 79/56/s Greensboro 71/51/pc Greenville 72/51/pc Hickory 70/49/pc Hilton Head 77/65/s Jacksonville, FL 82/53/s La Grange 78/52/pc Macon 82/56/pc Marietta 74/56/pc

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 68/53/t 86/59/s 68/50/t 68/52/t 81/58/t 68/49/t 65/50/t 67/48/t 80/64/pc 86/60/s 77/51/pc 81/55/pc 66/52/t

Today City Hi/Lo/W Marion 68/50/sh Mt. Pleasant 79/56/s Myrtle Beach 75/56/s Orangeburg 79/53/s Port Royal 79/58/s Raleigh 74/50/pc Rock Hill 74/50/pc Rockingham 77/50/pc Savannah 82/54/s Spartanburg 72/51/pc Summerville 78/62/s Wilmington 77/52/pc Winston-Salem 70/50/pc

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 67/47/t 81/58/pc 76/56/t 78/53/t 82/59/pc 68/50/t 66/49/t 67/50/t 84/58/pc 65/50/t 81/63/pc 73/53/t 68/49/t

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

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 FRIDAY

POWERBALL WEDNESDAY

6-8-12-21-31 PowerUp: 4

7-33-39-52-55 Powerball: 33 Powerplay: 3

PICK 3 FRIDAY

PICK 4 FRIDAY

4-8-3 and 3-2-6

9-5-6-1 and 1-3-7-6

MEGAMILLIONS numbers were unavailable at press time.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC Roger Holman comments on his photo submission, “Bruce ‘Goatman’ Hancock tending to the flock at Privateer.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Check in with people you have worked with in the past. Someone will have a suggestion or a proposal that will help you boost your income. A change to your standard of living will add to your confidence and your emotional well-being. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Uncertainty will mount if you get into a deep discussion with a personal or professional partner. Listen, but don’t feel the need to make a commitment. Avoid people who are unreliable. Excess will be your downfall.

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

SECTION

Bowyer wins Showdown qualifier

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

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

PREP BASEBALL

Sumter headed back to state Gamecocks top West Ashley 7-6 in extra innings to capture LS title BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennisb@theitem.com A second and deciding game in the championship round of the 4A lower state baseball tournament appeared in the offing on Friday at Gamecock Baseball Stadium. Undefeated Sumter trailed West Ashley 6-3 going to the bottom of the sixth inning. However, the Gamecocks rallied for three runs in the sixth with some hits, some Wildcat SHUMAKE errors and one daring play and then scored a run in the bottom of the eighth to win the game 7-6. Sumter advances to the best-of-3 state championship series where it will face upper state champion Northwestern. Northwestern beat Rock Hill 5-4 on Friday to advance. The teams will play on Monday in Rock Hill beginning at 7 p.m. and in Sumter on Wednesday. If a third game is needed it will be played on Friday at a neutral site. West Ashley, which finished the year with a 24-7 record, had scored twice in the top of the sixth to go up 6-3. Wildcats ace Jonathan Sabo had

PREP SOFTBALL

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter Chris Crawford bumps his chest after stealing home against West Ashley to tie the game at 6-6 in the sixth inning on Friday at Gamecock Baseball Stadium. SHS won 7-6 in eight innings to win the lower state tournament and advance to the state championship Series against Northwestern. It begins on Monday at 7 p.m. in Rock Hill. retired the top of the SHS batting order in order in the fifth and struck out Phillip Watcher to open the sixth. Then the fun started for the Gamecocks.

James Barnes drew a walk and Jordan Holladay came through with a hitand-run single to right field. WA right fielder Anthony Vincelli threw to third base to try and get Barnes, but

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS jdriggers@theitem.com

BY EDDIE LITAKER Special to The Item

SEE EC, PAGE B3

SEE SUMTER, PAGE B3

USCS cruises, sets up rematch with Pioneers

USC SUMTER BASEBALL

EC wins 2nd straight lower state crown TURBEVILLE - East Clarendon High School’s softball team scored six runs in the first two innings and starting pitcher Leslie Altman made sure they would stand as the Lady Wolverines downed Lake View 6-4 Friday to claim the 1A lower state championship and earn the right to defend the state championship won by last year’s EC squad. The Lady Wolverines will be facing a familiar foe in Dixie, which defeated Lewisville for the upper state championship. Dixie and EC squared off in last year’s state championship series, with the Lady Wolverines winARD ning the series in three games to claim the school’s first softball state title. The opening game of the best-of-3 series will be played on Monday in Due West at 6 p.m. The second game will be played on Wednesday in Turbeville with a third game, if needed, at a neutral site on Friday. EC got off to a fast start at the plate against the Lady Wild Gators and seemed poised to end the game early. The first two runs came with a 2-out rally in the first after Jessica Welch had opened the game with a single. Altman drew a base on balls to advance Welch to second, then Abby Reardon laced a double to bring home both Welch and Altman. The second inning started with a bang as KaTerra Rose doubled and Caitlin Timmons singled ahead of a Welch single that brought both Rose and Timmons home. An Elly Floyd double scored Welch and Floyd came home on a Gracen Watts single to right-center field, staking Altman and the Lady Wolveines to a 6-0 lead. The next three batters, however, went down in order against new Lake View pitcher Marissa Tyndall, who moved from shortstop to take over for starter Morgan Herlong during Welch’s atbat.

third baseman Connor Wohnig let the ball get away. Barnes scored to make it 6-4 with Holladay going to second.

JUSTIN DRIGGERS / THE SUMTER ITEM

USC Sumter’s Preston Duckett waits for a pitch during Friday’s 14-3, 5-inning victory over ASA College (N.Y.) in the Eastern District Tournament at Riley Park. Duckett hit a 3-run homer in the fourth inning as the Fire Ants advance to face Region X foe Spartanburg Methodist College today at 3 p.m.

It was a tough situation from the start, and University of South Carolina Sumter head baseball coach Tim Medlin knew that going into Friday’s NJCAA Eastern District Tournament opening game against ASA College (N.Y.). After an altercation in their Region XV championship series against Monroe College, ASA entered Riley Park with just 12 eligible players after suspensions were handed down. “I was worried about our kids staying focused,” Medlin said. “It was not a great situation. We did not play well. Fortunately, we played well enough to win.” The top-seeded Fire Ants (40-13) were the beneficiaries of 12 walks by ASA pitching. Combined with key hits from Preston Duckett, Brett Auckland and John Mark Hughes, USCS overcame its own shaky pitching for a 14-3 victory in five innings over the

SEE USCS, PAGE B3

PREAKNESS

Chrome looks for golden Preakness as favorite today BY BETH HARRIS The Associated Press BALTIMORE— California Chrome has run away from the competition in five consecutive victories, winning by an average of over five lengths. The Kentucky Derby winner has had it his way ever since Victor Espinoza climbed aboard back in December when the streak began. Whether they do again in the 1 3-16-mile Preakness at Pimlico on Saturday depends on a good trip, the tactics used by the chestnut colt’s nine rivals and a little luck. California Chrome is the even-money favorite against nine rivals. “When you run a 3-5 shot, you’ve got a lot more pressure on you knowing you’re going to be the favorite, but I think we can handle it,”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Preakness Stakes favorite California Chrome gallops in the rain while being ridden by exercise rider Willie Delgado at the Pimlico Race Course on Friday in Baltimore. California Chrome will try to win the second leg of the Triple Crown today in the 139th Preakness Stakes. trainer Art Sherman said. California Chrome galloped two miles in the rain Friday. A small blister in the colt’s throat that caused him to cough a day earlier was blown out of proportion, according to Alan Sherman, Art’s son and

assistant trainer. “California Chrome is fine. His throat is fine. He had a little tickle,” he said. “He is not scratching from the Preakness.”

SEE PREAKNESS, PAGE B2

SPORTS

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

SCOREBOARD TV, RADIO TODAY

7:30 a.m. -- Professional Golf: European PGA Tour Open de Espana Third Round from Girona, Spain (GOLF). 11:30 a.m. – International Soccer: FA Cup Final Match from London – Hull vs. Arsenal (WACH 57). Noon -- College Softball: NCAA Tournament Tallahassee Regional Game Three from Tallahassee, Fla. (ESPN). Noon – College Lacrosse: NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal Match from Hempstead, N.Y. – Bryant vs. Maryland (ESPN2). Noon – College Baseball: North Carolina at Miami (ESPNU). 12:30 p.m. – Professional Basketball: Euroleague Game – CSKA Moscow vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv (NBA TV). 1 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Eastern Conference Playoffs Final Series Game One – New York Rangers at Montreal (WIS 10). 1 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Byron Nelson Championship Third Round from Irving, Texas (GOLF). 1 p.m. – Horse Racing: Maryland Sprint Handicap, The Very One Stakes, James Murphy Stakes, Chick Lang Stake and Gallorette Handicap from Baltimore (NBC SPORTS NETWORK). 2 p.m. -- Major League Baseball: Atlanta at St. Louis (FOX SPORTSOUTH, WPUB-FM 102.7). 2 p.m. – College Baseball: Louisiana State at Auburn (SPORTSOUTH). 2:30 p.m. -- College Softball: NCAA Tournament Tallahassee Regional Game Four from Tallahassee, Fla. (ESPN). 2:30 p.m. – College Lacrosse: NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal Match from Hempstead, N.Y. – Albany vs. Notre Dame (ESPN2). 3 p.m. -- PGA Golf: Byron Nelson Championship Third Round from Irving, Texas (WLTX 19). 3 p.m. -- College Baseball: South Carolina at Vanderbilt (CBS SPORTS NETWORK, WNKT-FM 107.5). 3 p.m. -- Senior PGA Golf: Champions Tour The Tradition Third Round from Birmingham, Ala. (GOLF). 4 p.m. – IRL Racing: IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500 Time Trials from Indianapolis (WOLO 25). 4 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Pittsburgh at New York Yankees (FOX SPORTS 1). 4 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Chicago White Sox at Houston (WGN). 4:30 p.m. – Horse Racing: Preakness Stakes from Baltimore (WIS 10). 4:30 p.m. -- College Softball: NCAA Tournament Tucson Regional Game Three from Tucson, Ariz. (ESPN). 5 p.m. -- LPGA Golf: Kingsmill Championship Third Round from Williamsburg, Va. (GOLF). 6 p.m. – Arena Football: Los Angeles at Pittsburgh (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 6 p.m. -- College Softball: NCAA Tournament Tempe Regional Game Three from Tempe, Ariz. (ESPNU). 6:30 p.m. – MLL Lacrosse: Charlotte at Boston (SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. -- College Softball: NCAA Tournament Tucson Regional Game Four from Tucson, Ariz. (ESPN). 7 p.m. -- NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series Sprint All-Star Race Pole Qualifying from Concord, N.C. (FOX SPORTS 1). 7 p.m. – WNBA Basketball: Indiana at Atlanta (FOX SPORTSOUTH). 7 p.m. -- Professional Golf: Web.Com Tour BMW Charity Pro-Am Third Round from Greer and Greenville (GOLF). 7 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Detroit at Boston or Baltimore at Kansas City (MLB NETWORK). 8 p.m. – WNBA Basketball: Chicago at New York (ESPN2). 8:30 p.m. -- College Softball: NCAA Tournament Tempe Regional Game Three from Tempe, Ariz. (ESPNU). 8:30 p.m. -- NASCAR Racing: Sprint Cup Series Sprint All-Star Race from Concord, N.C. (FOX SPORTS 1, WEGXFM 92.9). 8:30 p.m. – MLL Lacrosse: New York at Ohio (SPORTSOUTH). 9 p.m. – MLL Lacrosse: Rochester at Denver (CBS SPORTS NETWORK). 9:30 p.m. -- College Softball: NCAA Tournament Tucson Regional Game Five from Tucson, Ariz. (ESPN). 10 p.m. – Arena Football: Portland at San Jose (ESPN2). 10:15 p.m. – Professional Boxing: Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Mike Alvarado in a Welterweight Bout from Inglewood, Calif. (HBO). 11 p.m. -- College Softball: NCAA Tournament Tempe Regional Game Four from Tempe, Ariz. (ESPNU).

MLB STANDINGS By The Associated Press AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST DIVISION W Baltimore 21 New York 21 Toronto 21 Boston 20 Tampa Bay 18 CENTRAL DIVISION W Detroit 24 Kansas City 20 Minnesota 19 Chicago 20 Cleveland 19 WEST DIVISION W Oakland 25 Los Angeles 22 Seattle 20 Texas 20 Houston 14

L 18 19 21 20 24

Pct .538 .525 .500 .500 .429

GB – 1/2 11/2 11/2 41/2

L 12 20 20 22 22

Pct .667 .500 .487 .476 .463

GB – 6 61/2 7 71/2

L 16 18 20 21 27

Pct .610 .550 .500 .488 .341

GB – 21/2 41/2 5 11

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Minnesota 4, Boston 3, 10 innings Toronto 4, Cleveland 2 N.Y. Yankees 1, N.Y. Mets 0 Baltimore 2, Kansas City 1 L.A. Angels 6, Tampa Bay 5

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Oakland at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m. Pittsburgh at New York, ppd., rain Detroit at Boston, 7:10 p.m. Toronto at Texas, 8:05 p.m. Baltimore at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m. Chicago White Sox at Houston, 8:10 p.m. Seattle at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m. Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Pittsburgh (Volquez 1-3) at N.Y. Yankees (Phelps 0-0), 4:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox (Noesi 0-3) at Houston (Cosart 2-3), 4:10 p.m. Oakland (Kazmir 5-1) at Cleveland (Tomlin 2-0), 7:05 p.m. Baltimore (B.Norris 2-3) at Kansas City (Duffy 1-3), 7:10 p.m. Detroit (Ray 1-0) at Boston (Lackey 5-2), 7:10 p.m. Seattle (Elias 3-2) at Minnesota (Deduno 0-2), 7:10 p.m. Toronto (Buehrle 7-1) at Texas (Ross Jr. 1-4), 8:05 p.m. Tampa Bay (C.Ramos 1-2) at L.A. Angels (C.Wilson 4-3), 9:05 p.m. Sunday’s Games Oakland at Cleveland, 1:05 p.m. Pittsburgh at N.Y. Yankees, 1:05 p.m., 1st game Baltimore at Kansas City, 2:10 p.m. Chicago White Sox at Houston, 2:10 p.m. Seattle at Minnesota, 2:10 p.m. Toronto at Texas, 3:05 p.m. Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels, 3:35 p.m. Pittsburgh at N.Y. Yankees, 4:35 p.m., 2nd game Detroit at Boston, 8:05 p.m.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST DIVISION Atlanta Washington Miami New York Philadelphia CENTRAL DIVISION Milwaukee

W 22 21 21 19 17

L 17 19 21 21 21

Pct .564 .525 .500 .475 .447

GB – 11/2 21/2 31/2 41/2

W L 26 15

Pct .634

GB –

St. Louis Cincinnati Pittsburgh Chicago WEST DIVISION San Francisco Colorado Los Angeles San Diego Arizona

21 18 17 13

20 21 23 26

.512 .462 .425 .333

5 7 81/2 12

W 27 23 22 20 16

L 15 19 20 22 27

Pct .643 .548 .524 .476 .372

GB – 4 5 7 111/2

THE SUMTER ITEM

SPORTS ITEMS

Todd leads at Nelson

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Cincinnati 5, San Diego 0, 1st game Milwaukee 4, Pittsburgh 3 St. Louis 5, Chicago Cubs 3 San Diego 6, Cincinnati 1, 2nd game N.Y. Yankees 1, N.Y. Mets 0 San Francisco 6, Miami 4

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m. Cincinnati at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets at Washington, 7:05 p.m. Pittsburgh at New York, ppd., rain Atlanta at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m. San Diego at Colorado, 8:40 p.m. L.A. Dodgers at Arizona, 9:40 p.m. Miami at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Atlanta (Harang 4-3) at St. Louis (S. Miller 5-2), 2:15 p.m. Milwaukee (Garza 2-3) at Chicago Cubs (E.Jackson 2-3), 2:20 p.m. N.Y. Mets (Colon 2-5) at Washington (G.Gonzalez 3-3), 4:05 p.m. Pittsburgh (Morton 0-5) at N.Y. Yankees (Kuroda 2-3), 4:05 p.m. Cincinnati (Bailey 3-2) at Philadelphia (Hamels 0-2), 7:05 p.m. L.A. Dodgers (Kershaw 2-0) at Arizona (C.Anderson 1-0), 8:10 p.m. San Diego (Erlin 2-4) at Colorado (Lyles 5-0), 8:10 p.m. Miami (Koehler 3-3) at San Francisco (Lincecum 3-2), 9:05 p.m.

SUNDAY’S GAMES

Pittsburgh at N.Y. Yankees, 1:05 p.m., 1st game Cincinnati at Philadelphia, 1:35 p.m. N.Y. Mets at Washington, 1:35 p.m. Atlanta at St. Louis, 2:15 p.m. Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m. Miami at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. L.A. Dodgers at Arizona, 4:10 p.m. San Diego at Colorado, 4:10 p.m. Pittsburgh at N.Y. Yankees, 4:35 p.m., 2nd game

NBA PLAYOFFS By The Associated Press

IRVING, Texas — Paul Casey was scuffling midway through his second round at the Byron Nelson Championship, hoping he could do enough just to make the cut. After a record back nine, Casey was near the top of a crowded leaderboard. He was in a group of eight players at 6-under 134, two strokes behind leader Brendon Todd. Casey was over par Friday before matching the PGA Tour record for the best score on a back nine, an 8-under 27 with TODD six birdies and an eagle. That was part of his 7-under 63 that was the low round of the day, though he could never remember such a good nine. PARK LEADS KINGSMILL CHAMPIONSHIP

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Hee Young Park topped the leaderboard at 8 under Friday in the suspended second round of the Kingsmill Championship. The South Korean player, fighting a lingering wrist injury, shot a 3-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead over Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lang, Lexi Thompson, Azahara Munoz and Lizette Salas. CALCAVECCHIA GRABS LEAD AT TRADITION

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Mark Calcavecchia’s 8-foot closing putt for birdie put him in a better mood and sole possession of the second-round lead in the Regions Tradition at Shoal Creek. Calcavecchia insisted that only the first benefit was meaningful.

He shot his second straight 3-under 69 on Friday to reach 6 under and take a onestroke lead over Jay Haas at the Champions Tour major. Haas had a 70 after they came in as part of a four-way tie in the major championship. STERLING SAYS HE WON’T PAY FINE

Donald Sterling’s lawyer has written the NBA stating the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers does not intend to pay the $2.5 million fine imposed by the league for racist comments, a person with knowledge of the letter’s contents said. Sports Illustrated first reported the letter from Maxwell Blecher. The contents were confirmed by the person who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. PHELPS WINS 100 FLY IN CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTE— Michael Phelps lunged to the wall, popped his head out of the water, and turned immediately toward the scoreboard. There was a “1’’ beside his name. Felt pretty good. For the first time since his supposed farewell at the 2012 London Olympics, Phelps was on top of the podium Friday night. He cruised to victory in the 100meter butterfly at the Charlotte Grand Prix, while longtime rival Ryan Lochte watched from the VIP area, a brace on his injured left knee. From wire reports

CONFERENCE FINALS

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

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Indiana vs. Miami Sunday, May 18: Miami at Indiana, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20: Miami at Indiana, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24: Indiana at Miami, 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 26: Indiana at Miami, 8:30 p.m. x-Wednesday, May 28: Miami at Indiana, 8:30 p.m. x-Friday, May 30: Indiana at Miami, 8:30 p.m. x-Sunday, June 1: Miami at Indiana, 8:30 p.m.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio Monday, May 19: Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 21: Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 9 p.m. Sunday, May 25: San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27: San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 9 p.m. x-Thursday, May 29: Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 9 p.m. x-Saturday, May 31: San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 8:30 p.m. x-Monday, June 2: Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 9 p.m.

NHL PLAYOFFS By The Associated Press

SECOND ROUND (Best-of-7; x-if necessary)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Montreal 4, Boston 3 Thursday, May 1: Montreal 4, Boston 3, 2OT Saturday, May 3: Boston 5, Montreal 3 Tuesday, May 6: Montreal 4, Boston 2 Thursday, May 8: Boston 1, Montreal 0, OT Saturday, May 10: Boston 4, Montreal 2 Monday, May 12: Montreal 4, Boston 0 Wednesday, May 14: Montreal 3, Boston 1 N.Y. Rangers 4, Pittsburgh 3 Friday, May 2: N.Y. Rangers 3, Pittsburgh 2, OT Sunday, May 4: Pittsburgh 3, N.Y. Rangers 0 Monday, May 5: Pittsburgh 2, N.Y. Rangers 0 Wednesday, May 7: Pittsburgh 4, N.Y. Rangers 2 Friday, May 9: N.Y. Rangers 5, Pittsburgh 1 Sunday, May 11: N.Y. Rangers 3, Pittsburgh 1 Tuesday, May 13: N.Y. Rangers 2, Pittsburgh 1

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Chicago 4, Minnesota 2 Friday, May 2: Chicago 5, Minnesota 2 Sunday, May 4: Chicago 4, Minnesota 1 Tuesday, May 6: Minnesota 4, Chicago 0 Friday, May 9: Minnesota 4, Chicago 2 Sunday, May 11: Chicago 2, Minnesota 1 Tuesday, May 13: Chicago 2, Minnesota 1, OT Anaheim 3, Los Angeles 3 Saturday, May 3: Los Angeles 3, Anaheim 2, OT Monday, May 5: Los Angeles 3, Anaheim 1 Thursday, May 8: Anaheim 3, Los Angeles 2 Saturday, May 10: Anaheim 2, Los Angeles 0 Monday, May 12: Anaheim 4, Los Angeles 3 Wednesday, May 14: Los Angeles 2, Anaheim 1 Friday, May 16: Los Angeles at Anaheim, 9 p.m.

Top NBA seeds advance after wild early rounds BY CLIFF BRUNT The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — After a wild start to the NBA playoffs — dramatic Game 7s, overtime games — the league’s postseason has returned to normal. The top seeds in the East and West have advanced to the conference finals. The two-time defending champion Miami Heat have been the most dominant team in the postseason, losing just once. Meanwhile, top-seeded and wildly unpredictable Indiana has staggered into the East finals rematch with the Heat, although the Pacers did win five road games to advance. It took San Antonio seven games to eliminate Dallas in the first round, but then the top-seeded Spurs rolled past Portland in five to advance to the West finals. Oklahoma City rallied from a 3-2 deficit against Memphis, then fought through a dramatic six-game series against the Los Angeles Clippers. The East finals begin Sunday with Indiana hosting Miami; the West tips off Monday night when OKC travels to San Antonio. The Pacers have made no secret they were looking forward to rematch with Miami after pushing the Heat to seven games before losing on the road in last year’s East final. Oklahoma City beat San Antonio 4-2 in the 2012 West final, and many felt they might have beaten the aging Spurs last year if the teams had met, but Russell Westbrook was injured and the Thunder were eliminated. The Thunder know it will be challenge, but are confident after sweeping San Antonio this year in their four-game regular-season series. “There aren’t really any surprises,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. “It’s the conference finals, and players step up and play well. That’s basically what it’s all about. Everyone is going to have energy, passion and those sorts of things, but execution for more of those 48 minutes is what it’s all about. To make sure that you don’t have too many dry possessions offensively, to make sure defensively that everybody is on track

PREAKNESS FROM PAGE B1

CONFERENCE FINALS

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

EASTERN CONFERENCE

N.Y. Rangers vs. Montreal Saturday, May 17: N.Y. Rangers at Montreal, 1 p.m.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Sunday, May 18: Chicago at Anaheim OR Los Angeles at Chicago, 3 p.m.

GOLF

The Associated Press Byron Nelson Par Scores Friday At TPC Four Seasons Resort Irving, Texas Purse: $6.9 million Yardage: 7,166; Par: 70 (a-amateur) Second Round Brendon Todd 68-64—132 Graham DeLaet 68-66—134 Morgan Hoffmann 68-66—134 Martin Kaymer 67-67—134 Mike Weir 68-66—134 Paul Casey 71-63—134 Tim Herron 68-66—134 Marc Leishman 66-68—134 Charles Howell III 68-66—134 Gary Woodland 68-67—135 Retief Goosen 70-65—135 Ryan Palmer 67-68—135 Boo Weekley 67-68—135 Tyrone Van Aswegen 67-68—135 James Hahn 71-65—136 Matt Kuchar 69-67—136 Padraig Harrington 68-68—136 Louis Oosthuizen 68-68—136

NBA PLAYOFFS

-8 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -5 -5 -5 -5 -5 -4 -4 -4 -4

The colt had a similar blister before his Derby win. He was being treated with a glycerin throat wash. If the chestnut colt with four white feet can repeat his Derby success in the $1.5 million Preakness, he’ll set himself up for a Triple Crown try in three weeks in the Belmont Stakes. It’s been 36 years since Affirmed swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont to become horse racing’s 11th Triple Crown winner. “The Triple Crown means so much, but I’m old school,” Art Sherman said. “Let’s just go one race at a time.” California Chrome extended his winning streak to five with a thrilling victory in the Derby two weeks ago, when Espinoza kept him no worse than third in the 19-horse fray before accelerating in the stretch to win by 1 ¾ lengths. In the Preakness, California Chrome will break from the No. 3 post, a spot that has seen 11 winners but none since Prairie Bayou in 1993.

and communicating. “It’s the same for both teams, but who will do it more for the 48 minutes. We’ll see.” The Heat, led by four-time MVP LeBron James, are looking for their third straight title. James is averaging 30 points and 7.1 rebounds in the playoffs while shooting 56 percent from the field. He told Pacers coach Frank Vogel during All-Star weekend that he expected to see him in May, and both teams held up their ends of the deal. “It’s the two best teams in the Eastern Conference,” James said. “It’s that simple. Both teams defend at a high level, both teams share the ball. Both teams get into the paint, and both teams have a desire to win.” After talking all season about having homecourt in a potential Game 7, they have earned it. But the Pacers haven’t played well at home in the playoffs, giving up homecourt advantage in the first round against Atlanta and in the second against Washington. James said none of that matters. “I don’t believe the Pacers who struggled at home will be the team we play on Sunday,” James said. The Pacers believe the challenges they have overcome — self-inflicted or otherwise — have made them a dangerous team. “We worked so hard to get here,” Pacers guard Lance Stephenson said. “The Hawks, the Wizards, they put us through a lot. And we had (the media) talking bad about us, and I think it made us stronger.” The Spurs and the Thunder are both a little banged up. San Antonio point guard Tony Parker strained his left hamstring in Game 5 against Portland. The Spurs aren’t sure what shape the All-Star will be in for the opener “I’m hopeful that he’ll be ready to go,” Popovich said Friday. “He’s going to stay off it again today and tomorrow. They’re going to put him on the treadmill a little bit and a bike and shoot a little bit and see where he’s at. So, we’ll know more tomorrow.”

“If he runs his race, and he’s come back good from the Kentucky Derby, he should be tough in there,” Espinoza said. Social Inclusion is the 5-1 second choice and is one of eight horses coming in fresh, having skipped the Kentucky Derby. Only two Derby horses — Ride On Curlin (seventh) and General a Rod (11th) — have returned to challenge California Chrome in the Preakness. “You need a good trip, a good setup and to have everything go your way,” said Mike Maker, who trains General a Rod. “Obviously, California Chrome is head and shoulders above everybody so far. He’s proved it, and every race, he’s continued to do so.” Other rival trainers aren’t conceding the race to California Chrome, either. Billy Gowan oversees Ride On Curlin, who has started just as many races in his young career (10) as the Derby winner. He’ll have a new jockey in Joel Rosario, who replaces Calvin Borel. “I’ve got a whole lot of respect for California Chrome,” Gowan said, “but I’d like to try him one time at the top of the stretch and see how we are.”

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

MLB ROUNDUP

COLLEGE BASEBALL

Moore drives in two as Nationals top Mets

BC snaps Clemson’s win streak

WASHINGTON — Tyler Moore had two hits and drove in a pair of runs, and Washington relievers threw four scoreless innings as the Nationals defeated the New York Mets 5-2 Friday. Scott Hairston had an RBI double and a single for Washington, which has won nine straight against the Mets going MOORE back to last season. Nationals starter Tanner Roark (3-1) pitched five innings, giving up two runs on four hits. Ross Detwiler, Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard and Rafael Soriano each pitched one inning. Soriano got his ninth save after walking two batters with two outs before Jayson Werth made a jumping catch against the right field wall on a drive by Daniel Murphy in the ninth.

BREWERS 4 CUBS 3 CHICAGO — It took a while for Kyle Lohse to get comfortable on a cold and soggy day at Wrigley Field. Once he got into a groove, the Milwaukee Brewers were well on their way to another victory. Lohse pitched seven effective innings for his first win in three weeks, and Milwaukee beat the sloppy Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Friday.

eighth and Aroldis Chapman struck out pinch-hitter Cesar Hernandez on a 102 mph fastball with runners on second and third for his second save in two tries. The Phillies haven’t scored a run in the last 20 innings and were shut out for the sixth time this season. They have lost four straight and eight of 10 to fall a season-worst five games under .500 at 17-22.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

REDS 3 PHILLIES 0

ATHLETICS 11

PHILADELPHIA — Alfredo Simon allowed five hits over 7 2-3 strong innings, Devin Mesoraco hit a three-run homer and the Cincinnati Reds beat the struggling Philadelphia Phillies 3-0 on Friday night. Simon (5-2) had a season-high eight strikeouts, walked one and hit one batter. Manny Parra got one out in the

INDIANS 1 CLEVELAND — Josh Reddick homered twice, including a grand slam, and drove in a career-high six runs, and Josh Donaldson added a three-run shot in the Oakland Athletics’ 11-1 win over the Cleveland Indians on Friday.

From wire reports

SUMTER FROM PAGE B1 “We’ve just tried to tell the guys to play the game that’s in front of them,” said SHS head coach Brooks Shumake, whose team improved to 27-2-1. “We try to take the emotion out of it and play the game. I’m proud of the way they rallied.” Tee Dubose grounded out to the pitcher for the second out, but moved Holladay to third. Chris Crawford singled Holladay home to make it 6-5. Crawford stole second and went to third when catcher Jamie Duke’s throw went into center. With Ian McCaffrey at the plate, Crawford broke for home as Sabo started to deliver his pitch. He slid in safely as Duke was unable to come up with the pitch to tie the game. Crawford said he wasn’t surprised when he got the verbal signal from Shumake in the third base coach’s box that he was going to try and steal home. “It’s something we practice a lot,” said Crawford, who was 2-for-4 and ended the game with an RBI single as well. “You really don’t have time to think. It’s a bang-bang play. When he gave me the signal I just tried to get there as fast as I could.” Crawford, who relieved SHS starting pitcher Phillip Watcher in the fifth, shut West Ashley down in the seventh and eighth innings. That set the stage for a dramatic finish. James Barnes reached on an infield single start the eighth, ending Sabo’s time on the mound. Jordan Merritt replaced him, and before he threw a pitch, Merritt tried to pick Barnes off. The ball got away and Barnes went to third. Merritt walked Holladay before intentionally walking Dubose to load the bases with no outs. With two strikes on him, Crawford served a single into right to score Barnes with the winning run. “I knew we just needed that one run, so I was just trying to put it in play,” Crawford said. “With two strikes, I was just trying to make contact.” Crawford finished 2-for-4 with two runs batted in at the plate. On the mound, he got the win. The right-hander pitched four innings, allowing four hits and two runs. He struck out three and walked three. “Chris had a good game tonight,” Shumake said. “He’s been coming on for Phillip when he gets tired, and he was working on three days of rest today.” Phillip Watcher threw one pitch and got one out to start

From wire reports

EC FROM PAGE B1 MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter third baseman Rivers Soles jumps to snag a high hopper during the Gamecocks’ 7-6 victory over West Ashley on Friday at Gamecock Baseball Stadium. the game. It looked as though he would get two easy outs when Merritt hit a high hopper to third baseman River Soles. However, the ball was in the sun and Soles couldn’t find it. It bounced into short left field for a double. Sabo followed with a single to left to move Merritt to third, and he scored on Wohnig’s sacrifice fly. The Gamecocks got the run back in the bottom of the inning, but could have had more. Jacob Watcher led off with a double in the left-center field gap off of Sabo. He was sacrificed to third by Javon Martin and scored on a Charlie Barnes single. Sumter took a 2-1 lead when Tee Dubose led off the second inning with a line drive home run over the left field fence. Wildcats head coach Mitch Miggenburg vehemently argued whether the ball cleared the fence in fair territory and was eventually ejected from the game. West Ashley scored three times in the third. Wohnig had a run-scoring double and Taylor Oden followed with a 2-run double. Caleb Goude had two hits for West Ashley, while Wohnig was 1-for-1 with two RBI and two walks. Charlie Barnes and Holladay both had two hits for the Gamecocks.

USCS FROM PAGE B1 Avengers. The win sets up a Region X rematch with third-seeded Spartanburg Methodist College today at 3 p.m. The Pioneers defeated No. 2 Harford Community College 4-2 earlier on Friday. ASA (28-16) will face Harford today at noon in an elimination game. “We were good enough,” Medlin said. “I think ASA is a much better club than that and I think we are too. I know that sounds bad after winning 14-3, but they really struggled walking guys and fortunately we had a couple of big games from some of our guys.” Duckett was at the forefront. He drew a bases-loaded walk in the first inning for his first run batted in of the evening and added three more on one swing in the fourth, launching his first homer of the season just underneath the scoreboard in left-center field. “I was just going up there to try to help my team out,” Duckett said. “I was just looking for something I could drive and he ended up throwing it to me. I made good contact and it went out.” Duckett’s blast was one of three big hits that helped the Fire Ants take advantage of the dozen free passes. Hughes had a 2-run single in an 8-run first inning and Auckland had a 2-run double in the third. “You get (runs) however you can get them,” Duckett said. “You just have to go up there and stay within yourself and stay with your approach. No matter what (the pitcher) is doing, you’ve got to do your job and take what he gives you.” Walks were what ASA pitching gave the most. Starter Michael Melendez issued five in the first inning – including four straight – before being relieved. Ray Murphy and Taylor Kellner both picked up an RBI the easy way while USCS also scored on a fielder’s choice error by the catcher. In all, the Fire Ants sent 11 men to the plate and had an 8-2 lead after one frame.

CLEMSON — Sophomore lefthander Andrew Chin pitched a complete game 2-hitter to lead Boston College to a 3-1 victory over Clemson at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Friday night. The Eagles (22-32, 10-19 ACC) evened the series 1-1 against the Tigers (33-22, 14-14 ACC), who saw their 11-game winning streak over Boston College come to an end. Chin (5-2) allowed just two hits, one unearned run and two walks with six strikeouts. Tiger starter Daniel Gossett (7-1) suffered his first loss of the season despite allowing just five hits, three runs and two walks with six strikeouts in seven innings pitched. In the top of the third inning, Joe Cronin belted a 2-run double, then Chris Shaw lined a run-scoring single to give Boston College a 3-0 lead. The Tigers responded with a run in the bottom of the third inning on Chris Okey’s sacrifice fly. The series concludes Saturday at noon on ESPN3.

EASTERN DISTRICT TOURNAMENT Today- Sunday Riley Park Today Game 1 - (3) Spartanburg Methodist College 4, (2) Harford Community College (Md.) 2 Game 2 - (1) USC Sumter 14, (4) ASA College (N.Y.) 3 (5 innings) Saturday Game 3 - (2) Harford Community College vs. (4) ASA College, noon Game 4 - (3) Spartanburg Methodist College vs. (1) USC Sumter, 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) TICKETS: 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.

USC Sumter tacked on two more behind Auckland in the third and four more in the fourth. The offensive outburst was needed, though, as USCS starter Fernando Pinillos labored through 2-plus innings. He walked four batters – two of which scored in the first inning on a Junior Maldonado single and a Jeffrey Valera sacrifice fly. Dylan Miller relieved Pinillos in the third and was greeted with an RBI sin-

gle from Maldonado for the Avengers’ final run. Miller went the rest of the way, allowing five hits one walk in three innings. “Fernando did not pitch well and Dylan did not pitch well either,” Medlin said. “The only real saving grace was we didn’t burn a lot of pitches and we didn’t burn a lot of arms.” But USC Sumter will have to play a much better ballgame today against the nationally-ranked Pioneers, Medlin said. SMC defeated the Fire Ants four of the five times they have met this year, with the lone USCS win coming in the Region X tournament that sent the Pioneers home. The starter in that game for the Fire Ants is the one who will start today – closer Harper Grier. Grier allowed two runs in 7 2/3 the first time around. He’ll be opposed by SMC’s No. 2 starter Tripp Rollings. The loser of that game will turn right around and play the winner between ASA and Harford at 6 p.m. with the championship game or games set for Sunday at 1 p.m. SPARTANBURG METHODIST 4, HARFORD 2

Dylan Rogers went 8 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out a career-high 12 batters as sixth-ranked Spartanburg Methodist College (43-15) beat Harford Community College 4-2 on Friday at Riley Park in the opening game of the NJCAA Eastern District Tournament. The sophomore right-hander gave up a triple and a double in the second inning as SMC fell behind 2-0 before retiring 21 straight batters. SMC scored three times in the third as Zack Shields had a 2-run double and came in on a sacrifice fly by Collin Steagall. The Pioneers plated another run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Tyler Lancaster. Shields finished 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and Jordan Garrett also had three hits. SMC faces USC Sumter today at 3 p.m. while Harford (29-30-1) battles ASA College at noon.

Tyndall would limit EC to just three hits, all singles, over the final four innings. “We started out strong,” said EC head coach Lisa Ard, whose team takes a 20-4 record into the state championship series. “We were hot at the bat there and when they changed up (pitchers) on us we didn’t make as good a contact as we were before, but we’ve had that happen sometimes. We’ve been taking a while to warm up and today we warmed up fast and cooled off quick.” While the EC bats were cooling off, the Lady Wild Gators were slowly but surely creeping back into the game. Lake View plated three runs in the third, with some assistance from an infield error. Herlong took first base after being hit by an Altman pitch, advanced to second on a wild pitch, took third on a Madison Matthews bunt single and scored ahead of Matthews as Tyndall reached when EC second baseman Olivia Singletary’s throw sailed wide of the bag at first. After Altman struck out Kayce Wong for the inning’s second out, Ally Spivey would single to score Tyndall but get thrown out at second to end the frame. Lake View’s fourth run came in the fifth as Herlong once again reached after being hit by an Altman pitch. Matthews would sacrifice Herlong to second and Tyndall followed with a double to left to score Herlong and cut the EC lead to 6-4. Altman retired the Lady Gators in order in the sixth, with a strikeout and two grounders, and faced five batters in the top of the seventh. After striking out Madison Greene to open the inning Altman walked Herlong, who was promptly wiped out at second on a 6-4 fielder’s choice grounder from Matthews. Tyndall then reached on an infield single to put the potential tying run on base before Wong hit a fly ball that center fielder Welch clutched for the final out. “We came in and did what we had to do,” Ard said. “We got that lead, and we made a couple of mental errors that we don’t usually make, but I guess you deal with those, especially on a full moon. We came back, settled in and finished out the game.” Altman limited Lake View to five hits while striking out five and walking one. “If she’s confident, then we’re confident,” Ard said of her senior ace. “She’s the one that kind of sets the tone for us. She wasn’t feeling too good today. She came out strong to begin with, then got a little frustrated when some things didn’t go her way (in the middle innings). She kind of shook that off, came back those last three innings, stayed steady and we did what we had to do.”

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

NASCAR

Bowyer takes Showdown; Wise wins fan vote BY JENNA FRYER The Associated Press CONCORD, N.C. — Clint Bowyer, a usual Chase for the Sprint Cup championship participant, had to earn a spot into the $1 million Sprint All-Star Race. It wasn’t a surprise when he won Friday night’s Sprint Showdown to earn an automatic transfer into the main event. The upset Friday night went to Josh Wise, the stunning winner of the fan vote. Powered by the online community at Reddit and fans who support him through the digital currency Dogecoin, Wise beat out favorite Danica Patrick to earn his first berth in the All-Star race. “Man, that’s unreal. I can’t believe that,” Wise said. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. This is huge for me and my team.” It’s also a big deal for NASCAR, which has seen a surge in popularity

among the Millennial Generation because of Wise. A movement began on Reddit early in the season behind a 16-year-old who was impressed by Wise’s effort with underfunded Phil Parsons Racing. Denis Pavel of Niles, Illinois, noticed Wise had a strong run at Bristol in a car in desperate need of sponsorship. Pavel thought of past fundraisers he’d seen on Reddit, and helped raise enough Dogecoin currency to sponsor Wise’s car at Talladega. The movement then switched to get him into the All-Star race. “I didn’t even know what Reddit was,” Bowyer told Wise after the race. “That fan vote is a cool thing, and for you, your community, to beat Danica out is saying something, so good job.” Wise initially seemed stunned by the act and lauded the online community for getting behind NASCAR.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clint Bowyer, Josh Wise, and AJ Allmendinger, left to right, raise their trophies after the Sprint Showdown at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., on Friday. All three gained a spot in Saturday’s All-Star Race with Bowyer winning the race, Allmendinger finishing second and Wise being selected by a fan vote.

SPRINT SHOWDOWN RESULTS The Associated Press Friday At Charlotte Motor Speedway Concord, N.C. Lap length: 1.5 miles (Start position in parentheses) 1. (4) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 40 laps, 149.7 rating, 0 points, $49,992. 2. (2) A J Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 40, 127, 0, $39,987. 3. (9) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 40, 106.8, 0, $35,712. 4. (5) Marcos Ambrose, Ford, 40, 100, 0, $33,612. 5. (10) Aric Almirola, Ford, 40, 92.8, 0, $32,612. 6. (3) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 40, 90.1, 0, $30,612. 7. (8) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 40, 90.3, 0, $29,612. 8. (1) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 40, 96.9, 0, $29,012. 9. (6) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 40, 81.7, 0, $28,512. 10. (7) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 40, 73.2, 0, $28,262. 11. (15) David Gilliland, Ford, 40, 64.2, 0, $27,987. 12. (11) Cole Whitt, Toyota, 40, 65.1, 0, $27,712.

13. (13) Alex Bowman, Toyota, 40, 63.1, 0, $27,462. 14. (14) Dave Blaney, Ford, 40, 50.5, 0, $27,362. 15. (17) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 40, 56.3, 0, $27,262. 16. (21) Joe Nemechek, Toyota, 40, 42.9, 0, $27,162. 17. (18) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, 40, 37.9, 0, $27,062. 18. (16) Josh Wise, Chevrolet, 40, 44.2, 0, $26,962. 19. (19) Ryan Truex, Toyota, 40, 36.4, 0, $26,862. 20. (12) J.J. Yeley, Chevrolet, 40, 45.2, 0, $26,762. 21. (20) Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet, 40, 33.7, 0, $26,637. 22. (22) Blake Koch, Ford, 40, 25.9, 0, $26,507. 23. (23) David Stremme, Chevrolet, vibration, 25, 28.4, 0, $26,407.

Drivers run for $1 million payday BY JENNA FRYER The Associated Press CONCORD, N.C. — It’s dash-forcash, nothing on the line for NASCAR’s top drivers but a big payday. The Sprint All-Star race begs the question: What would a driver do for a cool $1 million? “If you can reach out and grab somebody you will get pretty aggressive for a million dollars,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr., who won the race as a rookie in 2000. He drove for Dale Earnhardt Inc., the team owned by his father, and doesn’t believe he ever got his hands on the winning driver’s $500,000 purse. “I don’t think I ever saw it,” he said. “I was driving for Daddy back then. He got all that money.” The format for the annual All-Star race, held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, often changes. The twist this year is that qualifying will be on Saturday night, two hours before the race. It will consist of single-car runs

of three laps with a mandatory fourtire pit stop. The race is 90 laps, broken down over four 20-lap segments and one 10lap sprint for the money. But Matt Kenseth, winner of the 2004 race, doesn’t think the big purse gives drivers any more incentive to race hard. “I think it’s about the same as every other week,” he said. “I think if you have a chance to win that race and you’re right down there to the end, you’re going to do everything you can to win that race. If you wreck, you’re not going to win. Everybody is going for it.” In present-day NASCAR, a $1 million payday isn’t really enough incentive to make a driver go for broke. “When you’re in the car, you’re not thinking about the fact that I need to pass for a million dollars,” Danica Patrick said. “If it was about money, I don’t think that would be enough for any of us. It’s about heart and it’s about doing your best and it’s about

making the most of the night. “Now, more than anything since it’s not really about money, it’s just a one-off race, so the results don’t necessarily matter unless you win, so you might as well go for it. For me, that’s what my attitude is toward it. Now if you win a million dollars, that’s great. But if you win the race, you probably already have a million dollars. So, it’s icing on the cake. Now if it was like $5 million, it might make you think. I’ll (make a) pass for $5 million.” Earnhardt disagrees, and believes a driver with a shot to win might be bolder in the closing laps because the race is only an exhibition for cash. “If you can reach out and grab somebody you will get pretty aggressive for a million dollars,” Earnhardt said. “It just depends on if someone is in reach. I hope that it will be close, unless I am leading, and if we are leading I hope we are leading by a straightaway. Then I hope it’s real boring.”

SPRINT SHOWDOWN LINEUP The Associated Press After Friday qualifying; race Friday At Charlotte Motor Speedway Concord, N.C. Lap length: 1.5 miles (Car number in parentheses)

1. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 194.616 mph. 2. (47) A J Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 194.098. 3. (42) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 194.014. 4. (15) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 193.826. 5. (9) Marcos Ambrose, Ford, 193.625. 6. (27) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 193.126. 7. (10) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 192.795. 8. (17) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 192.623. 9. (13) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 192.417. 10. (43) Aric Almirola, Ford, 190.927. 11. (26) Cole Whitt, Toyota, 190.691. 12. (44) J.J. Yeley, Chevrolet, 190.349. 13. (23) Alex Bowman, Toyota, 189.089. 14. (77) Dave Blaney, Ford, 188.95. 15. (38) David Gilliland, Ford, 188.383. 16. (98) Josh Wise, Chevrolet, 188.062. 17. (7) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 187.298. 18. (40) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, 186.761. 19. (83) Ryan Truex, Toyota, 186.593. 20. (36) Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet, 185.624. 21. (66) Joe Nemechek, Toyota, 185.23. 22. (32) Blake Koch, Ford, 183.68. 23. (33) David Stremme, Chevrolet, 177.731.

PRO FOOTBALL

Panthers trying to get past tumultuous NFL offseason

Top pick Clowney joins Texans for first practice

CHARLOTTE — Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he’s looking for bigger and better things from his team this year despite a tumultuous offseason. “Status quo isn’t good enough,” Rivera said following rookie minicamp practice Friday. The Panthers went 12-4 last season to win the NFC South before losing 23-10 at home to San Francisco in the divisional playoffs. Improving on that could be difficult considering their all-time leading wide receiver Steve RIVERA Smith was released, left tackle Jordan Gross retired, quarterback Cam Newton underwent ankle surgery and “franchise” defensive end Greg Hardy was arrested for assault on a female and communicating threats. “It’s been an interesting offseason,” Rivera said. “When we first got into the season a very wise sage, (Panthers communications director) Charlie Dayton told me (that success) is going to bring a whole new set of problems. So we will just deal with them and move forward.” Hardy is first and foremost on Carolina’s mind. The Panthers made him their franchise player in March, a significant one-year, $13.116 million investment that prevented them from re-signing several of their other free agents. Hardy didn’t take long to sign the offer sheet. It might be a good thing he did. The contract is guaranteed, although his arrest certainly muddies the team’s decision on whether or not

BY KRISTIE RIEKEN The Associated Press

BY STEVE REED The Associated Press

to give him a hefty long-term contract extension as they were hoping to do this offseason. Rivera declined to answer a number of questions about Hardy, who was released from jail Wednesday on $17,000 bond, except to say “Greg’s a heck of a young man and we’ll go from there.” He wouldn’t say if Hardy has been asked to stay away from the facility. “The biggest thing we need to do more than anything else is focus in on what we’re doing on the football field and let other things play out,” Rivera said. “The most important thing is the guys who are here and working hard. It’s about who is here and doing the things we need to get done.” Only rookies and tryout players participated in the minicamp practice, which run through Saturday. Rivera said Carolina feels good about its wide receiver position despite parting ways with the Smith and the allowing its other top three wideouts — Brandon LaFell, Ted Ginn Jr. and Domenik Hixon — to leave via free agency. He’s also optimistic last year’s right tackle Byron Bell or converted defensive tackle Nate Chandler will be able to protect Newton’s blindside that Gross manned for years. The Panthers will rely heavily on Kelvin Benjamin, the team’s firstround draft pick from Florida State. Rivera said Benjamin made a good first impression Friday. “He’s everything we thought he would be,” Rivera said. “We’re not in pads but watching his route running, watching him catch the ball, and some of the adjustments he makes are really good to see.” Benjamin said he’s familiar with most of the routes the Panthers had him run Friday.

HOUSTON — No special treatment for Jadeveon Clowney. On his first day of practice as a Houston Texan, the No. 1 overall draft pick’s locker was among several temporary ones plopped down in the middle of the locker room. Just like those for the rest of the rookies. That was OK with him though. He just wants to be one of the guys. “Just really trying ... to be a part of the team and learn, learn from these other guys around me,” he said. The defensive end, who will play linebacker in Houston’s 3-4 scheme, is most concerned with studying the playbook. The former South Carolina standout mentioned it seven times in a six-minute interview Friday. “I’m here to learn the playbook and get the ball rolling with the Houston Texans and show what I’ve got on the field,” he said. The 6-foot-5, 266-pound Clowney is expected to pair with 2012 Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt to boost Houston’s already stout pass rush. Clowney piled up 47 tackles for losses and 24 sacks in a three-year career at South Carolina. He doesn’t think the transition to linebacker in Houston will be that difficult. “I don’t see any big differences,” he said. “I’ll go where they tell me.” He didn’t seem concerned with the attention and scrutiny he’ll be subjected to as the first overall pick. The 21-year-old Clowney said he’s only worried about gaining the respect of his teammates and showing the Texans what he can do on the field. New coach Bill O’Brien refused to

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Houston Texans’ top draft pick and former South Carolina standout Jadeveon Clowney, runs a drill during rookie minicamp in Houston on Friday. talk specifically about how Clowney looked in his first workout, rather addressing how all the young players fared. “I think all these guys being rookies, they all came in here and it’s an eyeopener,” he said. “Just like anybody, it’s not just one guy. It’s a different level of competition. All these guys have come in, they’ve been on time, they’ve worked hard. So they just need to take it one day at a time and continue to work hard.” The 34 players went through a workout that lasted about 90 minutes in shorts and helmets. Clowney believes being humble and ready to listen to advice will be the key to success in the NFL. “We don’t know what we think we know, basically,” he said. “We’re here to learn. We haven’t been here before.” Also practicing for the first time as a Texan was quarterback Tom Savage, a fourth-round pick out of Pittsburgh. He’ll get a lot of work during this minicamp as the only quarterback in the group.

TELEVISION

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7 PM

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SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014 10 PM

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Saturday Night Live Late-night comedy featuring sketch comedy, celeb hosts, and music. (HD) Inside Edition (N) Paid Program 2 Broke Girls: Friends with 48 Hours: The Sweetheart Murders 48 Hours (N) (HD) Sponsored. And the Cronuts Better Lives A double murder case from 1980. (HD) Sexting Will. (HD) (HD) Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy! (HD) Spider-Man 2 (‘04, Action) aaac Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst. Plagued by doubts about his destiny, young (HD) superhero Peter Parker sets aside the mantle of Spider-Man in order to pursue an ordinary life, but a scientist’s transformation into a crazed supervillain forces him to confront his self-doubts. (HD) Moone Boy: Men Spy: Codename: Father Brown: The Prize of Colonel Doc Martin: Of All the Harbours in All Jammin/Hippie: Sun Studio SesBall Busted (HD) Gerard Nephew suspected of killing the Towns Martin’s aunt is visited by Carolina Choco- sions (N) of the Houses late Drops (HD) uncle. (HD) her ex. Modern Family: Modern Family Kitchen Nightmares: Return to The Following: Forgive Ryan and Joe WACH FOX News The Middle Playground beMother Tucker Amy’s Baking Company Stubborn band together for a woman. (HD) at 10 Nightly Brick’s friend. (HD) havior. (HD) bakers. (HD) news report. (HD) Community Reli- Community: Epi- The First Family The First Family: Mr. Box Office: Mr. Box Office: Access Hollywood (N) (HD) Pilot Movie star gious film. (HD) demiology (HD) Romantic feelings. Pilot Preventing Painfully Emteacher. (HD) ployed (HD) war. (HD) (HD)

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(:29) Saturday Night Live Actor Andy Samberg hosts. (N) (HD)

(:35) CSI: Miami: Going Ballistic Members of the team are assassinated. (HD) White Collar: Deadline Diana goes undercover as a journalist’s new assistant to protect her. (HD) Austin City Limits: Vampire Week- Nature: Leave it end; Grizzly Bear “Modern Vampires to Beavers (HD) of the City” songs. (HD) Golan The Insa- (:45) High School Ring of Honor tiable Distracted USA!: Gun Control Wrestling (N) by boy. (HD) (HD) (HD) The Arsenio Hall Show Late night Futurama: The variety/talk show. (HD) Tip of the Zoidberg

CABLE CHANNELS Criminal Minds: ... And Back Cana- Criminal Minds: The Bittersweet Criminal Minds: True Genius Zodiac Criminal Minds: Unknown Subject (:02) Criminal Minds: Snake Eyes At- (:01) Criminal dian killer. (HD) Science (HD) murders. (HD) Serial rapist. (HD) lantic City. (HD) Minds (HD) The Green Mile (‘99, Drama) aaa Tom Hanks. The cynical veteran guard of a prison’s death row struggles with a crisis of conscience when he begins TURN: Mr. Culpeper Abe is ambushed The Last Samurai to wonder whether a kindhearted, simple-minded prisoner with healing powers is actually guilty of murdering two girls. (HD) by a fellow patriot. (HD) (‘03) (HD) My Cat From Hell: Tracks (N) My Cat from Hell (N) (HD) My Cat from Hell (HD) My Cat From Hell: Tracks (HD) My Cat from Hell (HD) Cat Hell (HD) (5:30) Glory Road (‘06, Drama) Josh Ray (‘04, Drama) aaa Jamie Foxx. The renowned jazz singer Ray Charles rises from humble beginnings to become an icon in the music industry and The Color Purple Lucas. Groundbreaking team. an advocate for civil rights, despite being faced with such obstacles as the loss of his eyesight and an addiction to drugs. (‘85) aaac The Family Man (‘00, Drama) Little Fockers (‘10, Comedy) aa Robert De Niro. A man focuses on being Little Fockers (‘10, Comedy) aa Robert De Niro. A man focuses on being The Family Man aac Nicolas Cage. a good father while trying to impress his father-in-law. a good father while trying to impress his father-in-law. (‘00) aac Greed: The Lady Killer Suze Orman Stock dividends. The Suze Orman Show (N) Greed City embezzlement. Greed A Houston financier. Suze Orman (5:00) CNN Newsroom Saturday Anthony: Lyon, France Anthony: Mexico City Forensic: Insignificant Others Anthony: Lyon, France Anthony (:54) Get Him to the Greek (‘10, Comedy) aac Jonah Hill. A record company employee (:27) Superbad (‘07, Comedy) aaac Jonah Hill. Nerdy high schoolers go to great lengths (:59) Katt Wilmust escort a wild rocker to a concert in Los Angeles. (HD) to buy liquor for a party. (HD) liams (HD) Blog: Avery-body (:50) Blog Confus- (:15) Despicable Me (‘10, Comedy) aaac Steve Carell. A master thief Mighty Med: Kickin’ It (HD) Austin & Ally Good Luck Char- Dog with a Blog: Dance Now ing behavior. decides to use three orphaned girls to pull off a big heist. Growing Pains (HD) lie (HD) Wingstan Fast N’ Loud (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Fast Loud NCAA Softball Champ.: Regionals: Tucson, Game 4 z{| (HD) Update (HD) NCAA Softball Champ.: Regionals: Tucson, Game 5 z{| (HD) SportsCenter (HD) NHRA Qualifying no~ (HD) WNBA Basketball: Chicago Sky at New York Liberty z{| (HD) Arena Football League: Portland Thunder at San Jose SaberCats z{| (HD) The Breakfast Club (‘85, Drama) Emilio Estevez. Five very different stuGrease (‘78, Musical) aaa John Travolta. During the 1950s, a teenager falls for a Grease 2 (‘82, Musical) ac dents learn about each other during a weekend detention. (HD) squeaky-clean new girl in school. (HD) Maxwell Caulfield. Rydell revisited. Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Restaurant: Impossible (HD) Diners (HD) FOX Report Saturday (HD) Huckabee (N) (HD) Justice with Judge Jeanine (N) Geraldo at Large (HD) Red Eye (HD) Huckabee WNBA Basketball: Atlanta Dream at Indiana Fever z{| (HD) The Best of Pride (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) MLB Game The Seven Year Hitch (‘12, Romance) Natalie Hall. A slacker attempts to Straight from the Heart (‘03, Drama) aac Teri Polo. A 33-year-old Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Golden Abankeep his best friend from marrying the wrong person. (HD) photographer from New York discovers love out in Wyoming. (HD) Masterpiece (HD) doned infant. Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Property Brothers (HD) Property Brothers (HD) House Hunters (N) (HD) Hunters (HD) Hunters (HD) Prop Bro (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) American Pickers (HD) (:02) American Pickers (HD) American (HD) Law & Order: Criminal Intent Dead Law & Order: Criminal Intent: One Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Art The Listener: Captain Nightfall The Listener: The Bro Code Oz un- Law & Order: internet mogul. (HD) Jewelry heist. (HD) Art forger. (HD) wittingly puts his life in danger. Criminal (HD) (6:00) My Sister’s Keeper (‘09, Return to Zero (‘14, Drama) aaaa Minnie Driver. Brokenhearted couple’s love is put to To Be Announced Programming in- (:32) To Be An- (:02) Return to Drama) aaa Abigail Breslin. (HD) the test during unexpected pregnancy. (HD) formation unavailable. nounced Zero (‘14) (HD) Sam & Cat Sam & Cat Haunted (N) Haunted (N) Thunderman Awesome Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Unrivaled (HD) Rampage vs Bellator MMA: Prelims (N) (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Police (HD) (6:30) Pitch Black (‘00, Science Fiction) Vin Diesel. Survivors marooned on The Chronicles of Riddick (‘04, Science Fiction) aac Vin Diesel. Fugitive criminal faces off Skyline (‘10, Science Fiction) ac a desert planet are hunted by flesh-eating creatures. (HD) against invading empire of genocidal Necromongers. Eric Balfour. Alien lights invade. Loves Raymond Loves Raymond The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Deal With It Bam’s Show Get Married Too (HD) (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Flying recliner. (‘10) ac (HD) (6:00) The Carey Treatment (‘72, The Haunting (‘63, Horror) aaac Julie Harris. A skeptical heir and a The Legend of Hell House (‘73, Horror) aaa Pamela Poltergeist (‘82, Horror) aaa Mystery) aa James Coburn. parapsychologist spend the weekend in a haunted mansion. Franklin. Surviving a week inside a house. JoBeth Williams. Spirits invade home. OMG EMT! (HD) Sex Sent Me to the ER (HD) Sex Sent Me to the ER (N) (HD) OMG EMT! (N) (HD) Sex Sent Me to the ER (HD) Sex (HD) Blades of Glory (‘07, Comedy) Old School (‘03, Comedy) aaa Luke Wilson. Three men try to recapture Old School (‘03, Comedy) aaa Luke Wilson. Three men try to recapture Due Date (‘10) aac Will Ferrell. Figure skaters. the glory days of college by starting a fraternity. (HD) the glory days of college by starting a fraternity. (HD) Road trip. (HD) Dumbest Pants that wink. Dumbest Portable treadmill. Dumbest Driving bib. Dumbest Portable toilets. (:01) Dumbest Hiding alcohol. (:02) Dumbest Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Gilligan’s (HD) Loves Raymond: The Car (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) NCIS: Life Before His Eyes Patron Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family No Strings Attached (‘11, Comedy) pulls gun. (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) (HD) aac Natalie Portman. Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Will Grace Funniest Home Videos (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) Funniest Home Videos (HD) Bones Feuding families. (HD) Bones Pulverized body. (HD) Rules (HD)

Futures of both firms uncertain on ‘Good Wife’ finale BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Some scenarios lend themselves to horror, others heartbreak. Last week’s “Rosemary’s Baby” reboot began with a couple losing a baby to miscarriage. And so does the couple in the 2014 drama “Return to Zero” (8 p.m. Saturday, Lifetime). But rather than dabble in supernatural fantasy, “Zero” explores the painful reality Maggie and Aaron (Minnie Driver and Paul Adelstein) can face when their emotions and expectations run high, only to end abruptly in a very private anguish. The unhappy couple contemplates separation and infidelity before a new, unexpected pregnancy reunites them for another trial by emotional fire. Kathy Baker (“Those Who Kill”) and Alfred Molina (“Monday Mornings”) also star. • Andy Samberg hosts “Saturday Night Live” (11:30 p.m. Saturday, NBC, TV-14), featuring musical guest St. Vincent. The former “SNL” regular had a critical hit in the Fox sitcom “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” but all the good reviews did not translate into a big audience. That’s nothing new for Fox. The network has had trouble cultivating large, sustained ratings for its live-action sitcoms for some time now. “Brooklyn” will return next season on Sunday nights, tucked in between “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” That might be a sillier, more hospitable environment. • Network seasons may be ending, but on Animal Planet, “Monster Week” has just begun. This Shark Week knockoff offers viewers plenty of chances to catch freshwater oddities featured on “River Monsters” (8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, TV-PG). The frights continue throughout the week with “Man-Eating Zombie Cats” on Tuesday and “Man-Eating Super Wolves” on Wednesday. The over-the-top frights culminate with Animal Planet’s first official B-movie spoof, “Blood Lake: Attack of the Killer Lampreys,” airing next Sunday. This campy feature comes from the team behind “Sharknado” and stars Shannen Doherty and Christopher Lloyd! • Can a deceased celebrity make a “live” appearance at a music awards show? Accord-

• Tyrion makes a peculiar alliance on “Game of Thrones” (9 p.m., HBO, TV-MA). • Peggy plods along while new worlds open for West Coast Pete on “Mad Men” (10 p.m., AMC, TV-14). • On a killer deadline, Richard finds himself distracted by a girl on “Silicon Valley” (10 p.m., HBO, TV-MA). • Answers abound at the Egyptologist’s soiree on “Penny Dreadful” (10 p.m., Showtime, TV-MA). • Selina travels to the U.K. for a solemn anniversary on “Veep” (10:30 p.m., HBO, TVMA).

CULT CHOICE

CBS BROADCASTING INC.

An open feed from a camera is left on after a teleconferenced deposition between Florrick/Agos and Lockhart/Gardner, revealing a threat to the firm that Alicia (Julianna Margulies), left, and Cary (Ben Rappaport) never saw coming on the season finale of “The Good Wife” airing at 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS. ing to ABC, the estate of Michael Jackson (1958-2009) has created a “world premiere experience” for the 2014 Billboard Music Awards (8 p.m. Sunday, TV-14). The experience is part of the promotion for the “new” Michael Jackson album “Xscape.” • “Failure to Recall” (10 p.m. Sunday, CNBC) examines the ongoing crisis at General Motors, reeling from accusations of a corporate cover-up of known defects in GM automobiles that resulted in at least 13 fatalities and the recall of 2.6 million cars. The liability issues arising from this fiasco may drive the company to seek bankruptcy protection once again. The legality of this means of asset protection remains subject to court interpretation, a ruling sure to be closely followed by other corporations.

SATURDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS • Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco star in the 2004 comic book adaptation “Spider-Man 2” (8 p.m., ABC). • Three solid hours of deranged pet behavior uncoil on “My Cat From Hell” (8 p.m., 9 p.m., r, and 10 p.m., Animal Planet, TV-PG). • The NHL Conference Finals (8 p.m., NBC Sport Network). • Between directing “West

Side Story” and “The Sound of Music,” Robert Wise helmed the terrifying 1963 adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s novel “The Haunting of Hill House.” “The Haunting” (8 p.m. Saturday, TCM) stars Julie Harris, Russ Tamblyn and Claire Bloom, and is a rare example of an “A”-level director excelling in a genre generally given over to “B” pictures. • Leonardo becomes aware of the duke’s despotism on “Da Vinci’s Demons” (9 p.m., Starz, TV-MA). • A stranger scuttles Sarah’s strategy on “Orphan Black” (9 p.m., BBC America, TV-MA). • New rules ban travel for the previously deceased on “In the Flesh” (10 p.m., BBC America, TV-14). • Stephen Mangan (“Episodes”), designer Jean Paul Gaultier and Barry Manilow appear on “The Graham Norton Show” (11:15 p.m., BBC America, TV-14). Now that’s a diverse guest list!

SUNDAY’S SEASON FINALES • Contestants take their final laps in Las Vegas on “The Amazing Race” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG). • Homer tries to save Springfield’s fireworks celebration on “The Simpsons” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG). • Stewie tampers with time

itself on “Family Guy” (8:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14). • Merger discussions take their toll on “The Good Wife” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14). • Members of the staff return from the front on “Mr. Selfridge” on “Masterpiece Classic” (9 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings). • A change of plans for Lisbon on “The Mentalist” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

SUNDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS • Scheduled on “60 Minutes” (7 p.m., CBS): life in Iran, repeat reports on the refurbished Capitol dome and recycled instruments for a symphony orchestra in Paraguay. • The 2010 special “The Women of SNL” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) glances back at stars of the series’ 35-year run, from Gilda Radner to Kristen Wiig. • Abe tries to keep Anna safe on “Turn” (9 p.m., AMC).

Members of Washington’s power elite (Melvyn Douglas and Shirley MacLaine) mistake a simple-minded gardener (Peter Sellers) for a profound sage in the 1979 satire “Being There” (10 p.m. Sunday, Sundance), directed by Hal Ashby.

SATURDAY SERIES In search of new pastry trends on “2 Broke Girls” (8 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * Two hours of “Dateline NBC” (8 p.m.) * Restaurant updates on “Kitchen Nightmares” (8 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * Instant gratification on “Friends With Better Lives” (8:30 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14) * “48 Hours” (9 p.m., r, and 10 p.m., CBS) * Joe and Ryan collaborate on “The Following” (9 p.m., Fox, r, TV-14) * “Saturday Night Live” (10 p.m., NBC, r, TV-14).

SUNDAY SERIES Victorian renovations on “American Dream Builders” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-PG) * “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-PG) ponders life, death and immortality. Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

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COMICS

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Being boy’s 2nd choice diminishes excitement DEAR ABBY — I was invited to my first prom yesterday. The boy is a senior and the son of a friend of my mom’s. Dear Abby We have a lot in comABIGAIL mon. We VAN BUREN have been friends for years and compete against each other in academics. The problem is, he asked a close friend of mine to go to the prom last week, and he did it right in front of me. My friends, including the girl who said no, keep telling me he really does like me, even though I was apparently his second choice. The trouble is, I already said yes and I don’t

THE SUMTER ITEM

want to go back on my word. How do I keep myself from feeling like a consolation prize? Second best DEAR S.B. — The boy who asked you to the prom wants to have a good time. As you said, you are friendly and have a lot in common. Please don’t let the fact that he asked your friend first get in your way. It’s not a contest for anyone’s affection; it’s only a dance. DEAR ABBY — In June of last year I fractured my kneecap. I was employed at the time and asked my daughter to fill in for me while I recuperated. Not only did she walk away from the job, she has yet to visit or even call me to see how I am doing.

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

I can’t imagine anyone being so cold and distant. It hurts me to this day. How can I get past this hurt and disappointment? Still hurting DEAR STILL HURTING — I can’t imagine anyone being so cold and distant -- not to mention irresponsible -- unless there were unresolved issues between the two of you before you hurt your knee, or your daughter has emotional problems. How do you get past something as painful as this wakeup call has been? The first option would be to try to understand what has caused your daughter to act the way she has. Another would be to fill your days with enough activities that you don’t have time to dwell on it.

JUMBLE

SUDOKU

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

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

ACROSS 1 Outlaw 10 City on the Shatt al-Arab river 15 Lady of the Lake’s gift 16 Web-footed animal 17 Term popularized by physicist John Wheeler 18 Spring sound 19 Fully prepared 20 Alice’s chronicler 21 Italian nobleman 22 Presidential nickname 23 Member of a bygone empire 24 23-Down competitor 25 Scottish John 26 Sketch 28 Club alternative 29 Heavy metal band with the album “The Final Frontier” 33 Convergence points 34 Some iPods 35 It fell in 2001 36 Heifetz contemporary 37 Old school 38 BOLO clarification, perhaps 40 A, in Austria 41 Mass pro-

ducer 42 16-symbol system, for short 43 Gets a C, say 45 TV musical host in four decades 47 Like a slim chance, oddly 50 Egyptian signs of life 51 Latvian, for one 52 Unite by treaty 53 Family nicknames 54 Old Bethlehem sight 56 Coeur d’__ 57 Where the wild things are 58 Forbidden looks 59 Gestation period DOWN 1 “Everybody Loves Raymond” wife 2 Book inscription abbr. 3 Dream follower 4 Duel unit 5 Order member 6 “Take a Bow” Pop/R&B singer 7 Test options, at times 8 Inducing a nod, perhaps 9 Breyers __ Cookies & Cream

10 Beginning Cub Scout 11 “Tragedy is __ for the living to gain wisdom”: RFK 12 Smelly prank 13 Airport pickup 14 San Martín was its liberator 23 “Home 4 the Holidays” adoption sponsor 24 People 25 Advised of 27 Skin lotion brand 29 New parent’s complaint 30 Thinking 31 Making a proposal, perhaps 32 Non-PC purchase

33 Show off, in a way 36 O.T. book before Daniel 38 __ Starkey, longtime drummer for The Who 39 Blues or Blue Jackets 41 Big shots 44 Beef cut 46 1985 Malkovich movie 47 Trifle (with), as an idea 48 ‘80s sitcom title woman 49 Seat of Texas’ Smith County 51 Realty ad abbr. 52 City near Des Moines 55 T size

CLASSIFIEDS

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

THE ITEM

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CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS Happy Ads

PETS & ANIMALS Pets CKC Reg. Black & white Papillion Puppies. $600. Gorgeous. Ready to go. Call Louise 803-553-4868 Cash Only

MERCHANDISE Auctions

Happy 2nd Birthday Charlotte Love Mommie, Daddy, Caleb

In Memory

ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 107 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.6 million readers. Call Donna Yount at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales Multi-Family Yard Sale, 719 N. Main St. Sat. 7-12. Too many items to mention. Moving sale. 708 Wren St. Off Alice Dr. Saturday, 8 am. Cleaning Sale: 3135 W. Brewington Rd. Sat 6:30-11:30AM. Dinette, toys (like new), clothes, hshld items, too much items to mention! 3125 Expedition Dr. (Dalzell), Sat. May 17th, 8AM-2PM. Hshld, clothes, baby items. 818 Club Lane Sat. 7 am - 1 pm. Girl's clothing infant to 3T. Ladies clothing L - XL. Queen size mattress & bed set.

In Memory of Mamie Ruth Brown

Missing You We're missing you a little more Each time we hear your name, We've cried so many tears Yet our hearts are broken just the same. We miss our times together Things in common we could share, But nothing fills the emptiness Now you're no longer there We've so many precious memories To last our whole life through Each one of them reminders Of how much we're missing you. We Love You! W.T. , Kenneth, Kevin, Keith & Family

BUSINESS SERVICES Health Service/ Medical WERE YOU IMPLANTED WITH A ST. JUDE RIATA DEFIBRILLATOR LEAD WIRE between June 2001 and December 2010? Have you had this lead replaced, capped or did you receive shocks from the lead? You may be entitled to compensation. Contact Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727

Lawn Service Precision Lawn Care..mowing, weed and insect control, shrub and bed care. Over 40 years experience. 803-840-5257, Taylor's Lawn Care Dependable and Affordable Call 803-651-0125 Four Seasons Lawn Care Serving Sumter for almost 20 yrs! Free est. 494-9169/468-4008 JT's Lawn Care: All your lawn needs, Tree cutting & pressure washing, Senior disc. 840-0322

Tree Service A Notch Above Tree Care Full quality service low rates, lic./ins., free est BBB accredited 983-9721 NEWMAN'S TREE SERVICE Tree removal , trimming & stump grinding. Lic & Ins.

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

Large Garage Sale. 19 Robbins Ave. Sat. 7am - 1pm. Proceeds to benefit Mission trip. NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE TIMBERLINE MEADOWS Tons of baby/child clothes, gear and toys. Nice living room furn. set. Sat. 7AM-Noon. HUGH YARD SALE! 1745 Camden Road (appx 1 mi from Kmart) Fri 7-5, Sat 7-12, Furn, hshld, clothes, bicycles, crafts, jewelry, lots of stuff! Multi-family 1122 Pinewood Rd. Sat 7am - until. Something for everyone. 317 W. Hampton Ave. Saturday, Sept. 22 from 8am - 12 noon. Furniture, teen and adult clothes, Avon, household items, and many other misc items. Lots of items and priced to sell!! HUGE MOVING SALE: 135 Planters Dr., (across from Speedway on Wedgefield Hwy). Fri 5-8pm, Sat. 7am-1pm. Linens, kitchenware, craft & party supplies, furn, lawn tools, yard supplies, paint, clothes, Christmas decor, religious books, pre-school- 6th grade teaching materials (Retired teacher).

spring

CLASSIFIED DEADLINES 11:30 a.m. the day before for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday edition. 9:30 a.m. Friday for Saturday’s edition 11:30 a.m. Friday for Sunday’s edition. We will be happy to change your ad if an error is made; however we are not responsible for errors after the first run day. We shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the printing or omission of an advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, refuse or cancel any ad at any time. Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

Help Wanted Full-Time

Statewide Employment

Moving Sale: 2 Parker Dr. Sat. 7AM-?. Some furn, hshld items, rug, linens, wall mirror, electronic.

Clarendon County School District Three is accepting applications for:

Huge Yard Sale 1131 Antlers Ct Sat 8-12. Furn., tools, clothes. plants & more

Elementary Position and Elementary Special Education Position (Willingness to Immediately begin the Multi-Categorical Certification Process)

Drivers - CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED TOTAL Respect - TOTAL Success Experience pays .38/mile OTR & Regional Runs CDL Grads Welcome 700+ Trucks & Growing! 888-928-6011 www.Drive4Tot al.com

WE NEED DRIVERS!! Immediate openings. OTR drivers, minimum 1yr. OTR experience. Late model conventional tractors/48' flatbed trailers. Top pay, insurance. Home most weekends. Senn Freight 1-800-477-0792

New Pay-For-Experience program pays up to $0.41/mile. $1000 Sign On Bonus for Exp Drivers! Call 866-501-0946 for more details or visit SuperServiceLLC.com

MONEY FOR SCHOOL Potentially get full tuition & great career with U.S. Navy. Paid training, medical/dental, vacation. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 800-662-7419

Multi-Family Yard Sale: 2371 Old Whites Mill Rd. (15N just past Brewington Rd.) Sat. 7AM-12PM Too much to mention. Downsizing 3050 Temple Rd. Sat. 8 am noon. Furniture, household, baby items, to much to list! 2 Cherokee Rd. Fri 2-6, Sat 7-3. Electronics, Hshld goods, furniture & misc. items. LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend. 905-4242

For Sale or Trade DirectTV. 2 Year Savings Event! Over 140 channels only $29.99 a month. Only DirecTV gives you 2 YEARS of savings and a FREE Genie upgrade! Call 1-800-908-5974 REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL!* Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade to new callers, SO CALL NOW 1-866-981-7319 Used Hotel furniture for sale. Days Inn, 2430 Broad St. Sumter. HIGH SPEED INTERNET BUNDLES NOW AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA!!! Bundle now with DIRECTV or DISH and $ave Monthly. Ask for free next day installation. 888-313-8504. Expert Tech, New & used heat pumps & A/C. Will install/repair, warranty; Compressor & labor $600. Call 803-968-9549 or 843-992-2364 Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 800-714-0627 for $750 Off. I buy used Utility and Car trailers. Call 803-972-0900 Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves. Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311

Applicants must have appropriate South Carolina Certification, Highly Qualified Preferred. Applications must be received at the address below by 4 pm on Monday, May 26, 2014. Mail applications to: Connie J. Dennis, Ph.D. Superintendent Clarendon County School District Three P.O. Drawer 270 Turbeville, S.C. 29162 Clarendon County School District Three is an Equal Opportunity Employer Immediate opening for 3 Residential Cable Techs. Will train the right candidates, Full time work, Company truck. Call 803 612-1150 to set up interview. FT/PT Front Desk Clerk. Some experience & computer knowledge helpful. Apply in person 9 3pm. Mon -Fri. at Mt. Vernon Inn, 2 Broad St. Sumter. Dental Assistant needed for Busy Dental Practice. Fun, professional environment. Great pay benefits. Salary based on experience. Please send resume P-357 c/o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151. Air Conditioning Installer If you are an Experienced Install Technician and have a good driving record, we are looking for you. Please apply in person at: Boykin Air Conditioning Services, 845 S. Guignard Dr. Vice President Human Resources Sumter, SC SAFE Federal Credit Union For details, please visit our website at: http:/www.safefed.org

Help Wanted Part-Time 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

Work Wanted

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted Full-Time FT ASE Certified Mechanic wanted to fix cars quickly & multi-task. All makes and models, for. and dom. Quality work done quickly. Professional exp. and ASE Cert. req. Body exp. a plus. Work hours: 8a-7p M-F and 9a-6p Sat. Must have drvs. lic. and tools. Imm. hire. $3,000 - $3,750/mo. DOE. Call Peter at 803-454-6815.

I will sit with elderly or sick. Will provide ref/exp. Call 803-236-3603 for more info.

Statewide Employment GUARANTEED PAY! CLASS-A -CDL FLATBED DRIVERS NEEDED! Local, regional, OTR. Great pay package/benefits/401k match. 1yr exp. required. Call JGR 864-488-9030 Ext. 319, Greenville and Gaffney SC locations. www.j gr-inc.com

ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 107 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.6 million readers. Call Donna Yount at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Housing and Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-367-2513 Bulldog Hiway Express seeking experienced CDL-A, flatbed drivers for regional service. Earn $180/day w/good hometime. Sign-on bonus for qualified drivers. Must have: GOOD MVR/work record. 843-266-3731 www.bulldo ghiway.com EOE Experienced OTR Flatbed Drivers earn 50 up to 55 cpm loaded. $1000 sign on to Qualified drivers. Home most weekends. Call: 843-266-3731 / www.bulldoghiwa y.com EOE RN's Come Grow with Agapé. Agapé is seeking experienced Registered Nurses to work night shift at Post-Acute Care Center or Hospice House in West Columbia. Must work a 12 hour shift. Great benefits including matching 401K. For consideration send resume to MMorrison@AgapeSenior.com. EOE

AVERITT EXPRESS New Pay Increase For Regional Drivers! 40 to 46 CPM + Fuel Bonus! Also, Post-Training Pay Increase for Students! (Depending on Domicile) Get Home EVERY Week + Excellent Benefits. CDL-A req. 888-362-8608 Apply @ AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer - Females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

RENTALS Unfurnished Apartments SOUTH FORGE APTS. 1 & 2 BR Water, stove & frig furnished. Linda at 803-494-8443 Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette. 775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO 1BR Apt, LR, kitchen w/ all appliances. Parking in fenced yard w/ screen porch. 540-209-2678

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM Unfurnished Homes

Commercial Rentals

Nice 3 Br, 3 Ba, downtown historical district, refrig, stove, dishwasher, C/H/A, hardwood floors, FP, fenced in yard, lg. workshop with C/H/A, alarm system. No Pets. $1200 mo. Call 803-491-5375.

35,000 Sq Ft. Warehouse for rent. 803-773-8022

3 Br, 1.5 Ba. in country but close to town. Fully carpeted, W/D hookup. Screen back porch. $700 mo. 803-491-5375 14-A Creed St. 3BR//2BA, $625/mo + dep. Yard maint. incl. 4 person max. 803-968-2553 8 Highland 3BR 2.5BA 1900 sq ft. $850/mo + dep. Call William Anderson 803-775-0425

Open House Sun, May 18th, 2 pm - 5 pm 1024 Pebble Lane, Manning

RECREATION

Homes for Sale

REDUCED for quick sale: 6 Middle St. 3BR & 4th optional/2BA. C/H/A. New construction. Financing Available. 775-4391, 464-5960

2BR 1BA C/H/A appliances, $500 mo. + $500 dep. Call 803 983-3337

Mobile Home Rentals

INVESTORS DREAM DEAL Buy three houses get one free. Anxious to sell. 803-773-4391, 803-464-5960

TRANSPORTATION

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015 (Scenic Lake) 3BR 2BA 16x80. No pets Call 803-499-1500. From 9am- 5pm

2002 Honda Shadow, exc. cond, Lizard running lights. $2,800 Call 803-410-7482/435-6938

Autos For Sale

Manufactured Housing

ABSOLUTE AUCTION 4 BR home on 3 acres in Shiloh 1130 Pudding Swamp Rd., Lynchburg, SC. www.jrdixonauctions.com for full details. Rafe Dixon, SCAL 4059, (803) 774-6967

Mobile Home Lot Rentals

Looking for your DREAM HOME? LOW CREDIT SCORE? Been turned down for bad credit? Come try us, we do our own financing. We have 3-4-5 bedroom homes. Layaway program available. For more information, call 843-389-4215.

99' Chevy Lumina Good body & tires. No rust or dents. Needs motor. $1,500 481-5972 2000 Chevy Silverado, excellent condition. Runs great. Clean inside/out. $2,700. 803-447-5453

For Sale By Owner, 10 Acres, 8 miles to Sumter. $55,000. Owner Financing 803-427-3888.

Resort Rentals Land for sale in Sumter, Manning, Paxville. Also hunting land available. Owner fin. Call 452-6260

Vacation Rentals ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.6 million South Carolina newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 105 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Donna Yount at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377.

REDUCED for quick sale 411 N. Magnolia, Hrwd floors, C/H/A. Garage, workshop & shed. Comm. lot on Lafayette also available. Fin Avail. 775-4391/ 464-5960

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

IN RE: Harvin Grant, Sr., Deceased.

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED And required to appear and defend by answering the Petition To Establish Heirs of Harvin Grant, Sr., Deceased, the original of which is on file in the Probate Court of Sumter County, Sumter Judicial Center, 215 North Harvin Street, Room 111, Sumter, South Carolina 29150, having been filed on March 28, 2014, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Petition upon the subscriber at his office at 26 North Main Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Petition within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition.

Land & Lots for Sale

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

Petitioner, vs. Estate of Laura Floyd Grant, Deceased, Carrie M. Grant-Johnson, Earl Anthony Grant, Ronald Darell Grant, Roderick Lorenzo Grant, Heirs of Harvin Gilbert Grant: Gladys M. Grant, Jason S. Grant, Jonelle S. Grant, and Stacey Renee Truesdale; Heirs of Debbie Grant-Taylor: Reginald Taylor, WauKeisha Taylor, and Reginald Lorenzo Taylor; John Doe and Richard Roe, as Representatives of all unknown Heirs of Harvin Grant, Sr. Deceased, and all persons entitled to claim under or through them; any unknown adults being, as a class, designated as John Doe, and any unknown infants or persons under disability or persons in Military Service designated, as a class, as Richard Roe, Respondents,

TO THE RESPONDENTS ABOVE-NAMED:

Farms & Acreage

Looking for 75-105 Acres of farm land with partial woods. Call 494-3515

130 Hoyt St. Sumter County close to downtown. Call 864-349-1400.

SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF FILING

Summons & Notice

do, application for such appointments will be made by the Attorney for the Petitioner. ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM, APPOINTING AN ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT RESPONDENTS UNDER LEGAL DISABILITY AND IN MILITARY SERVICE, AND FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION FOR GOOD CAUSE SHOWN and upon consideration of the filed Petition of the Petitioner for Appointment of Garryl L. Deas, Esquire, as Guardian Ad Litem to protect the interest of the unknown Respondents in this action who may be infants, under legal disability or persons in military service, and as Attorney to represent such Respondents and persons who may be in Military Service, and it appearing that Garryl L. Deas, Esquire, has consented to said appointments, it is hereby

Rochell Grant-Hill,

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

1037 Acres, near Continental Tires. Newly renovated DW. 3BR/2BA with garden tub. Fin. available. Call 803-775-4391 464-5960

Summons & Notice

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER

FSBO, 3 Br, 2 Ba, 1750 sqft, 2 story, 0.75 ac. On pond in Buckhorn. Hardwd flrs. Updated kit. new stainless appl., granite countertops. Huge front porch, large back deck $184,900 803-381-6473 or 803-629-1958

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

LEGAL NOTICES

IN THE PROBATE COURT CASE NUMBER 2003-ES-43-00252

Mopeds / ATVs / Motorcycles

2BR 1BA 14x52 MH near town, all appliances, C/H/A Sec 8 Accepted 469-6978

WE'VE MOVED. Vestco, Palmetto & Southland Properties & Lafayette Gold and Silver. 480 E Liberty Street (inside Coca-Cola building), 773-8022

DISH TV Retailer - Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-635-0278

2012 Bennington 20ft pontoon boat. 70 hp 4stroke Yahama motor. 8 ft Bimini top, full cover, privacy room, trailer. Garage kept, fresh water only used few times. Must see $18,500. 803-460-3898 or 910-612-5743

3Br home Burgess Ct. $495/mo & 2Br Apt Miller Rd. $395/mo. 774-8512 / 983-5691 Ren. 3BR/2BA brick home. All hrdwd, 1,850+ sq ft. $1,050 + dep. Military dis. 803-968-9019

Miscellaneous

Boats / Motors

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

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

Priced To sale 800 Grimble Ct 3BR 3BA 1700 sq ft Duplex in Tudor Place. $119,000 Call 938-2768

SUMMER SALE 200 cars $4,500 or less $$$ CASH $$$ Price is Right Auto Sales 3210 Broad St 803-494-4275

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

TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE, AND/OR TO MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON(S) WITH WHOM SUCH MINOR(S) RESIDE(S), AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY OR PERSONS IN MILITARY SERVICE: YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem and/or to retain legal counsel, as appropriate, within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to so

ORDERED That Garry L. Deas, Esquire, of the Sumter Bar, whose address is The Deas Law Firm, 201 North Main Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150, Telephone Number (803) 775-7004, be and he hereby is appointed Guardian Ad Litem to protect the interest of the following Respondents in this action; namely, John Doe and Richard Roe, as Representatives of all unknown Heirs of Harvin Grant, Deceased, and all persons entitled to claim under or through them; any unknown adults being, as a class, designated as John Doe, and any unknown infants or persons under disability or persons in Military Service designated, as a class, as Richard Roe who may be in the Military Service of the United States of America, and may be, as such, entitled to the benefits of the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act, formerly called the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, and any amendments thereto, excepting, however, the Respondents identified above by name, any and/or all of whom may have or claim to have some interest in the proceedings as heir(s) of the Decedent; and it is

ORDERED that Garryl L. Deas is authorized, empowered and directed to appear on behalf of and to represent said Respondents, unless said Respondents, or someone on their behalf shall within thirty (30) days after service of a copy hereof as directed, procure the appointment of Guardian(s), Guardian(s) Ad Litem and/or Attorney(s) for said Respondents. It is further ORDERED that a copy of this Order shall be forthwith served upon said unknown Respondents by publication in The Item, a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of Sumter, State of South Carolina, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, together with the Summons and Notice of Filing of Petition To Determine Heirs in the above-entitled action. AND IT IS SO ORDERED! May 5, 2014 Betty P. Brown, Associate Judge Sumter County Probate Court Sumter, South Carolina

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

SECTION

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

SUMMERTIME What’s a kid to do? INSIDE: C2 — Sumter YMCA camps C3 — 4-H camps C4 — Sumter Art Gallery Camp C5 — Sports camps, Sumter Aquatics Center

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUMTER YMCA

C6 — Sumter County Library, spray parks C7 — Movies at the Opera House, USC Sumter science & writing camps C8 — Area state parks C9 — Iris Festival C10 — British Soccer Camp

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

SUMMERTIME 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

FILE PHOTOS

ABOVE AND BELOW: Children enjoy the numerous camps offered at previous YMCA of Sumter camps.

Fitness, learning, creativity at YMCA Summer camps at the YMCA of Sumter, 510 Miller Road, cover a wide range of activities. Fun Factory, Camp Mac Boykin and Teen Scene hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Specialty Camp hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Camp rates are $25 one-time registration fee; members $90/ week; and potential members $135/week. For additional information, call (803) 773-1404 or email info@ymcasumter.org.

FUN FACTORY Fun Factory is camp for ages 3-10 held at the Y. Each week of camp has a theme with field trips. Weekly activities revolve around age-appropriate games, swimming, field trips, sports activities, arts and crafts and songs. • June 9-13 — T.E.A.M. Building (Together Everyone Achieves More) — Learn to trust, build friendships and grow leadership skills through ice-breaker games and team-building activities. • June 16-20 — Super FIT Week — A variety of Zumba, yoga, cross training, sports conditioning and nutritional sessions are designed to teach campers fun ways to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Campers will also participate in mini-super hero sessions leading up to an obstacle course. • June 23-27 — Sunsational Science Week — The fun begins with creative science-based art projects that involve the sun and the campers’ imaginations. Campers will discover the “great outdoors” through hands-on experiences including hiking the nature trail, crafts and science activities. • June 30-July 3 — USA’s Star Spangled Birthday — Campers will cele-

brate our nation’s birthday by creating bubble fireworks, making confetti launchers and participating in fun–filled lawn games. • July 7-11 — Water, Water, Everywhere! — Everything campers do will incorporate water … experimenting with it, conserving it, playing in it, etc. There will be a field trip to Fort Jackson Water Park. • July 14-18 — 5 Countries in 5 Days — Participants will visit five countries and learn about different cultures while never leaving camp. • July 21-25 — Olympic Games @ Camp Mac Boykin — Dust off your sneakers and head to the field and the court. Campers and counselors will play Olympic-inspired games. Team spirit and good sportsmanship will be taught. There will be a field trip to Camp Mac Boykin to enjoy the Summer Olympic Games. • July 28-Aug. 1 — Chefs-R-Us — Explore creative ways to make food that you can make at home. Learn where your food comes from and the art and science behind transforming ingredients into a snack. • Aug 4-8 — Zoo-tastic! — Mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles all have interesting characteristics. Learn how to tell them apart and what makes each special. Campers will learn about furry, scaly, wild and tamed friends before taking a trip to Riverbank’s Zoo and Garden. • Aug 11-15 — Y’s Got Talent! — Calling singers, comedians, dancers, gymnasts and more. Celebrate camp season with the Y Camp talent show. Create, plan and design the finale of camp with friends and counselors. From start to finish you have a role to play, everything from talent show posters to props and playbills. Friends and family are invited to join the last day of

camp for the show.

CAMP MAC BOYKIN Camp Mac Boykin is an outdoor camp for ages 7-12. Each day is filled with swimming, hiking, sports and other activities centered on the weekly theme. All Camp Mac Boykin counselors have been properly trained. • June 9-13 — T.E.A.M. Building (Together Everyone Achieves More) — learn to trust, build friendships and grow leadership skills through ice-breaker games and team-building activities. • June 16-20 — Superhero Week — Unleash your inner super being. Campers become their own superhero as they achieve, overcome and surpass daring feats. • June 23-27 — History Week — Day by day, campers will progress through the stages of human history while participating in various fun and educational activities. • June 30-July 3 — USA’s Star Spangled Birthday — Campers will celebrate our nation’s birthday by creating bubble fireworks, making confetti launchers and participating in fun–filled lawn games. • July 7-11 — Water, Water, Everywhere! — Everything campers do will incorporate water … experimenting with it, conserving it, playing in it, etc. There will be a field trip to Fort Jackson Water Park. • July 14-18 —Wonders of Science — Utilize the power of science to learn about the amazing wonders of nature through different experiments and activities. • July 21-25 — Olympic Games @ Camp Mac Boykin — Dust off your sneakers and head to the field or court for your favorite sport. Campers and counselors will play many Olympic-inspired games. Team spirit and good sportsman-

ship will be taught. • July 28-Aug. 1 — Man vs. Wild — Learn what it takes to survive the weather and elements of the wilderness. This week will be based on spiritual, uplifting, educational and fun activities. • Aug 4-8 — Zoo-tastic! — Mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles all have interesting characteristics. Learn how to tell them apart and what makes each special. Learn about furry, scaly, wild and tamed friends before taking a trip to Riverbank’s Zoo and Garden.

SEE YMCA, PAGE C3

SUMMERTIME 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

4-H offers residential camps, cooking, sewing and crafts For more than 100 years, Clemson University has offered quality summer programs for youth of South Carolina. This summer, S.C. 4-H offers residential summer camps especially for active club members ages 8 to 14. 4-H Club Summer Camp focuses on developing character through cooperation, teamwork, respect for others and for our natural environment. All camp sessions are held at W.W. Long 4-H Leadership Center in Aiken, known as “Camp Long,” located at 82 Wire Road. Camp dates are scheduled by region: June 8-12, June 15-19 and June 22-26. Campers check in on Sunday at 3 p.m. and pick up is Thursday at 3 p.m. Tuition is $250 (limited scholarships may be available). Military get an additional discount of $100. Camp Long is situated on 418 acres that include a recreational building, basketball court, baseball field, an 18-acre pond for swimming and canoeing, team challenge courses, a climbing wall, lake zip line and hiking trails. Additional camp activities include groups games, archery and shooting sports, healthy lifestyles sessions, night activities, field and water Olympics, slip and slide water games, a dance and a talent show. Membership is open to youth who wish to join their local 4-H Club to participate in camp as well as year-round programs. Space for summer camp is limited.

STATE 4-H CONGRESS

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

A group of girls reacts to having raw chicken on their hands during a previous 4-H Cooking School. ing, learn about scholarships and trips offered through 4-H and to view teen leadership in action. The camp will be held July 16-19 at Clemson University for youth ages 14-19. Slots are available for non 4-H members. The cost is $250. Scholarships are available.

State 4-H Congress is an awards event filled with fun and educational activities for youth ages 14-19. Objectives for delegates are to give to the world through service learn-

4-H COOKING SCHOOL

YMCA, FROM PAGE C2

ness and self-control.” By the end of the week, youth will better understand ways in which they can allow the Fruits of the Spirit to manifest in their daily lives. • July 21-Aug 5 — Olympic Games @ Camp Mac Boykin — Dust off your sneakers and head down to the field and on to the court for all your favorite sports. Campers and counselors will play many Olympic-inspired games. Team spirit and good sportsmanship will be taught. This week will include a trip to Camp Mac Boykin to enjoy the Summer Olympic Games. • July 28-Aug. 1 — Chefs-R-Us — Explore new and creative ways to make food and snacks that you can make at home. Learn where your food comes from and the art and science behind transforming ingredients into a snack. • Aug 4-8 — Zoo-tastic! — Mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles all have interesting characteristics. Learn how to tell them apart and what makes each special. Learn about our furry, scaly, wild and

• Aug 11-15 — Y’s Got Talent! — Calling all singers, comedians, dancers, gymnasts and more. Celebrate camp season with the Y Camp talent show. Create, plan and design the finale of camp with friends and counselors. From start to finish you have a role to play, everything from talent show posters to props and playbills. Friends and family are invited to join the last day of camp for the show.

TEEN SCENE Teen Scene is a camp designed for teenagers, 11-13. Teen Scene helps youth see the world around them in a new light through field trips, service projects and more. • June 9-13 — T.E.A.M. Building (Together Everyone Achieves More) helps participants learn to trust, build friendships and grow leadership skills through ice breaker games and teambuilding activities. • June 16-20 — Superfit Week — A variety of zumba, yoga, cross training, sports conditioning and nutritional sessions are designed to teach campers fun ways to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Campers will also participate in mini-super hero sessions leading up to an obstacle course at the end of the week. • June 23-27 — Imaginative Inventors — Campers transform into a modern day Thomas Edison as they design and build fun, imaginative devices. There are no limits as campers investigate interesting and bizarre inventions, build Rube Goldberg machines, create their own games and construct gadgets to help solve real-life problems. • June 30-July 3 — USA’s Star Spangled Birthday — Campers will celebrate our nation’s birthday by creating bubble fireworks, making confetti launchers and participating in fun–filled lawn games. • July 7-11 — Water, Water, Everywhere! — Everything will incorporate water … experimenting with it, conserving it, playing in it, etc. The field trip will be a day at Fort Jackson Water Park. • July 14-18 — Fruit of the Spirit — This week’s theme focuses on Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentle-

4-H Cooking School will be held June 11-13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sumter County Extension Office, 115 N. Harvin St. Youth ages 8-15 will in-

crease their knowledge in basic nutrition, food preparation skills, food safety techniques, table settings and manners. They will learn how to prepare light and easy recipes made from scratch. Class size is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. The non-refundable registration fee of $30 is required for enrollment.

1 p.m. at Sumter County Extension Office. Youth ages 8-14 will increase their knowledge in using a sewing machine, safety, sewing, cutting, measuring, quilting techniques, ironing and coordination. Class size is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. The non-refundable registration fee of $20 is required for enrollment.

4-H SEWING PROGRAM

CREATIVE CRAFTS WORKSHOP

The 4-H Sewing Class will be held June 9-10 from 8:30 a.m. to

The 4-H Creative Craft Class is planned for June 16-18 at the

tamed friends before taking a trip to Riverbank’s Zoo. • Aug 11-15 — Y’s Got Talent! — Calling all singers, comedians, dancers, gymnasts and more. Celebrate camp season with the Y Camp talent show. Create, plan and design the finale of camp with friends and counselors. From start to finish you have a role to play, everything from talent show posters to props and playbills. Friends and family are invited to join the last day of camp for the show.

not available.

Registration for Fun Factory, Camp Mac Boykin and Teen Scene is ongoing through August. Bring a $25, one-time, enrollment fee along with a copy of your child’s immunization records to the Sumter Family YMCA. A $25 deposit per child, per week, is also required at registration. You may mix and match camp sessions throughout the summer (a week at Camp Mac Boykin, a week at Fun Factory, a week at a specialty camp, etc.) Because of the many facets involved with summer camp, online registration is

SPECIALTY CAMP Sometimes it takes a little creativity to capture the imagination of a child. The Y is offering six sessions of specialty camps including camps for multi-sports, basketball, basketball strength and conditioning, water, boxing and volleyball. • June 16-20 — Multi Sport ages 7-12 — What better way to get a taste of basketball, volleyball, wallyball, racquetball and soccer? Learn the fundamental skills of each sport while embraced with Christian principles. Register by June 12. • June 23-27 — Basketball Strength and Conditioning ages 10-18 — Learn basketball fundamentals while getting your mind and body in shape. Increase stamina and tone muscle. Find your inner strength with this new strength and conditioning camp. Open to the first 12 campers. Register by June 19. • July 14-18 — Golden Gloves Boxing Technique ages 9-12 —

Sumter County Extension Office. Youth ages 8-14 will be exposed to fun-filled days of 4-H activities ranging from scrapbooking to craft projects. Class size is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. The non-refundable registration fee $20 is required for enrollment. For additional information on 4-H membership, camps and registration, contact Clemson University County 4-H Agent Terri B. Sumpter at (803) 773-5561.

For the first time ever, a summer boxing technique camp is being offered. Campers will learn the very basic techniques of boxing, agility and stamina. This week will help participants become more comfortable and confident with themselves in an environment that builds character and Christian values. Register by July 10. • July 21-25 — Water Camp ages 5-16 — Campers will spend the week in the pool working on swim strokes, learning how to save lives and playing new activities in the water. Register by July 17. • July 21-25 — Basketball Camp ages 7-12 — Bounce through basketball camp and discover a passion for the game. Camp leaders look for potential and help bring it out while building confidence and self-esteem. Register by July 17. • July 28-Aug. 1 — Volleyball Camp ages 7-12 — Learn the fundamentals of volleyball: passing, setting and hitting. Meet new friends and get ready for school teams. A former high school volleyball coach will teach. Register by July 24.

SUMMERTIME 2014

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Sign up your budding artist Summer Art Camp 2014 is right around the corner, and the Sumter County Gallery of Art is taking reservations. Sign up your artist by calling (803) 775-0543. The Sumter County Gallery of Art’s Elizabeth A. White School of Art is located upstairs at the gallery in the renovated classrooms of the old Haynsworth Street campus of Edmunds/ Sumter High School. Classes are $100 for gallery members and $110 fo nonmembers. Tuition includes all materials. Each camper receives a $10 discount per class after the first two. Payment is due by Monday one week before to the start of class. A limited number of full and half scholarships are available for campers with a financial need. If you think your child may qualify for a scholarship, you can talk to your child’s school art teacher for a recommendation. There is a limit of one full- or two half-scholarships per camper. JUNE 9-13 9 a.m.-noon • Fun In The Mud (ages 4-7) — Claire Estep — Young potters will be inspired as they begin to learn ceramics from the ground up. • Superheroes (ages 4-7) — Tara

clude magic wands for the princesses, (safe) swords for the knights and bejeweled crowns for all. • Books Unbound! (ages 8-13) — Tara Schumacher — “Ms. Shoe” will reveal to her students the book as a work of art, from the basics of making paper and simple bookbinding to an exploration of a variety of printing techniques, from monoprints and collographs to carved lino prints. 1-4 p.m. • Color Pencil Drawing (ages 10up) — Sylvester Hickmon — In

this foundational drawing class, Hickmon will guide students in the use of pencils to create intensely colorful, life-like drawings through the application of color layering, blending and lifting techniques in addition to basic drawing instruction. • Mosaics & Garden Art (ages 10up) — Beth Ketchum — Stu-

dents will learn the ancient art of mosaic, the creation of art through the placement of tiny colored bits of tile and glass.

wheel-thrown pottery techniques and a variety of glazing and textural surface treatments. • More Mixed Up (ages 10-up) — Gallery Curator Frank McCauley returns with new projects, new techniques and new ideas in his famous mixed-media workshop, in which students experiment with screen printing, digital image transfer and collage along with traditional tools and techniques. JULY 14-18 9 a.m.-noon • Beachy Keen (ages 4-7) —

Marjorie Hooks — Students will prep for the sand and surf with some beachy tie-dyed garments, stencil painting and other materials and techniques. • Fun In The Mud (ages 4-7) — Claire Estep — Young potters will learn ceramics from the ground up. • Painting the Fantastic (ages 8-13) — Connie Brennan — Stu-

dents will bring to life images of butterflies, angels, flowers, lizards and much more through the use of rich contrasting colors and textures along with precise stencils and other tools.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Piper Kent works on a project in her sculpture class at last year’s Sumter County Gallery of Art’s Summer Art Camp.

knights and bejeweled crowns for all. 9 a.m.-noon • Puppet Masters (ages 8-13) — • Superheroes (ages 4-7) — Tara 1-4 p.m. Jen Pepper — Explore puppets Schumacher — Students will • Youth Pottery (ages 8-up) — from around the world, create team up with the stars of some Laura Cardello — Beginning characters and bring them to life Schumacher — Students will of their favorite movies (“Spider- and experienced ceramic artists in Pepper’s Puppet School. Stuteam up with the stars of some Man,” “Captain America,” “Bat- will learn basic hand-built and dents will begin with simple of their favorite movies (“Spider- girl” and “Wonder Woman”) to wheel-thrown pottery techsock puppets, shadow puppets, Man,” “Captain America,” “Bat- transform themselves into art niques and a variety of glazing girl” and “Wonder Woman”) to superheroes. Students will use a and textural surface treatments. hand puppets and marionettes, creating five different characters transform themselves into art variety of media to create cos• Drawing the Portrait (ages superheroes. A variety of media tume elements, tools of the hero 9-up) — Thomas Sumter Acade- and putting on a show of their own creation at the end of the will be used to create costume trade and even a story in comic- my art teacher Terrance McDow week. elements, tools of the hero trade book form. returns for an in-depth look at and a story in comic-book form. • Painting Paradise (ages 4-7) — fleshing out the human face 1-4 p.m. • Art In Nature (ages 8-13) — Beth Ketchum will help students with graphite, charcoal and col• Needlepoint (ages 8-13) — Jan Laurie Knight — Students will ored pencils in this exciting new Rogers returns with some new grasp fundamental lessons of draw inspiration from the Earth painting, color mixing and com- portrait-drawing workshop. projects in this introductory and its creatures to create eco• Print, Stitch and Dye (ages 10position. needlepoint workshop. Students conscious works of art such as up) — Amanda Cox — Students • Folk Art Fun (ages 8-13) — will learn the tools and methods birdhouses and wind chimes in Roseetta Spann-Davis — Stuwill start with foundational of the craft to create awesome this mixed-media workshop. hand- and machine-sewing dents will explore the world of monogrammed accessories and 1-4 p.m. techniques as they create de“outsider artists” who create wearable art. No prior experi• Youth Pottery (ages 8-up) — signs for printing onto fabric, get compelling works of visionary ence is necessary. Laura Cardello — Beginning comfortable with dyeing techart using everyday materials. • More Mixed Up (ages 10-up) — and experienced ceramic artists Projects include punched-tin niques and use their sewing Gallery Curator Frank McCauley will learn basic hand-built and skills to make fiber art and to reart, painting on plywood and returns with new projects, new wheel-thrown pottery techimagine old clothing into upfound-object sculpture. techniques and new ideas in his niques and a variety of glazing styled, wearable art. famous mixed-media workshop, and textural surface treatments. 1-4 p.m. in which students experiment JULY 21-25 • Mixed-Media Magic (ages 9-up) • Jewelrymaking - Uncommon with screen printing, digital 9 a.m.-noon — Jen Pepper — Students will Things (ages 8-13) — Amanda image transfer and collage along • Beachy Keen (ages 4-7) — work with a variety of media Cox — Students will learn the with traditional tools and techMarjorie Hooks — Students will and materials, from acrylics and basics of jewelry making: the niques. prep for the sand and surf with watercolors to charcoal and tools, tips and tricks for designsome beachy tie-dyed garments, pencil, collage and photo-mon- ing quality wearable art. Artists tage, to create inspired 2D works will experiment with pyrography stencil painting and other mate- JULY 28–AUG. 1 rials and techniques. of art. and use locally sourced clay to 9 a.m.-noon • Princesses and Knights (ages make beads and baubles. • Painting Paradise (ages 4-7) — 4-7) — Beth Ketchum will transJUNE 16-20 • Youth Pottery (ages 8-up) — Lauren Hughes will help stuform students into princesses 9 a.m.-noon Laura Cardello — Beginning dents grasp fundamental les• Birds Of A Feather (ages 4-7) — and experienced ceramic artists and brave knights. Projects insons of painting, color mixing clude magic wands for the prinLaurie Knight — Young artists will learn basic hand-built and and composition while they decesses, (safe) swords for the will create mixed-media bird feeders, bird baths and more. • Fun In The Mud (ages 4-7) — Claire Estep — Young potters learn ceramics from the ground up. • Fiber Frolic (ages 8-up) — Jen Pepper — In this introduction to a variety of fiber and textile art, students will learn simple spinning techniques, weaving on a simple Navajo loom, making their own back-strap loom, constructing a free-form basket, dyeing, sewing, knitting and much more. 1-4 p.m. • Youth Pottery (ages 8-up) —

Laura Cardello — Beginning and experienced ceramic artists will learn basic hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery techniques and a variety of glazing and textural surface treatments. • Painting the Fantastic (ages 8-13) — Connie Brennan — Stu-

dents will bring to life images of butterflies, angels, flowers, lizards and much more through the use of rich contrasting colors and textures along with precise stencils and other tools. • Explorations in Sculpture (ages 9-up) — Jen Pepper — Students

will work with safe materials such as clay, papier-mâché, wood, wire, plaster, found materials and more to create 3D works of art. Students will explore carving, assembling, casting and building to capture ideas in solid form. JUNE 23-27 9 a.m.-noon • Fun In The Mud (ages 4-7) —

Claire Estep — Young potters will learn ceramics from the ground up. • Princesses and Knights (ages 4-7) — Beth Ketchum will trans-

form students into princesses and brave knights. Projects in-

JULY 7-11

velop a love for painting in this class, where they will paint their first masterpieces on paper and canvas. • Fun In The Mud (ages 4-7) — Claire Estep — Young potters learn ceramics from the ground up. • Folk Art Fun (ages 8-13) — Roseetta Spann-Davis — Students will explore the world of “outsider artists” who create compelling works of visionary art using everyday materials. Projects include punched-tin art, painting on plywood and found-object sculpture. 1-4 p.m. • Youth Painting — Lauren Hughes — In this foundational

painting class, students will learn more advanced aspects of water-media painting. Using acrylics and watercolor, students will learn to create movement, texture and light in their paintings on paper and canvas. • Youth Pottery (ages 8-up) — Laura Cardello will work with beginning and experienced ceramic artists to learn basic hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery techniques and a variety of glazing and textural surface treatments to create lasting works of art. The 2014 Summer Art Camp Ice Cream Reception and Exhibition will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. All students, parents, teachers and friends are invited to attend, and students will be able to take home any works left behind for the exhibition at that time. The exhibition will be on display through August.

SUMMERTIME 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

Splish & splash at Aquatics Center METRO IMAGE

Cheerleading to wrestling, camps have you covered Several sports camps are being offered by Sumter School District. Registration forms for the following camps are available at the main office of Sumter High School, 2580 McCrays Mill Road: • Cheerleading camp will be held June 17-19 and July 21-23 at Sumter High. Cost is $50. Youth who attend the first camp may attend the second camp for $35. Contact Gloria Riggs at (803) 720-1899. • Football Camp for ages 8-15 will be held June 9-11, 9 a.m. to noon, at Sumter High. Cost is $45. Contact Coach Reggie Kennedy at (803) 351-0789 or john.kennedy@sumterschools.net. • Baseball Camp will be held June 9-12 and June 16-19. Con-

tact Joe Norris at joe.norris@sumterschools.net. • Basketball Camp will be held June 9-11 and June 16-19 from noon to 4 p.m. Contact Jo Jo English for details at stephen.english@sumterschools.net • Wrestling Camp will be held June 9-12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Contact Cody Slaughter at cody.slaughter@sumterschools.net.

Despite season’s activities, keep children eating healthily BY STATEPOINT A change of routine can be an excuse for bad eating habits. But don’t let your family’s well-balanced meals take a vacation this summer. “Summer break is an opportunity to spend time with your kids and help them understand the importance of healthful eating,” says Vandana Sheth, registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Consider these healthy tips: • Bring the kids along to the grocery store, and let them pick out healthy foods they like. There is a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables available during the summer

months, so steer the cart out of the junk food aisle and into the produce section. • Assign kids age-appropriate kitchen tasks. For example, let older kids chop and cook, and have younger kids mix ingredients and set the table. • Headed to the pool? Pack lunch so you aren’t tempted to order from the snack bar. • Sit down as a family and eat together. • Remind kids about the importance of physical activity and urge them to be active outside for at least an hour a day. More tips can be found at www.KidsEatRight.org. This summer, prioritize your family’s health.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Opening day of the City of Sumter Aquatics Center, 1115 S. Lafayette Drive, will be Saturday, May 24. The center will be open for swimming from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The center is located adjacent to South Hope Center, 1115 S. Lafayette Drive. Admission is: infant to 2 years of age/ free; 3-12/$2; 13 and up/$3; and adult nonswimmer/$1. A military discount is applied with identification. Family Friday nights, from 7 to 10 p.m., will begin on May 30. Admission is $5 for up to a family of four, with each additional person, $1. Individuals pay general admission. Adult lap swim begins on May 27. Morning swim is from 6:30 to 8 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and evening swim is from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Swim camp for ages 6-12 will be held July 28Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-8. Cost is $35 for one week and $60 for two. Swimming lessons will be held June 10 through the end of September. Cost is $25 for one week and $40 for two. The Junior Lifeguard Program for ages 11-14 will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday beginning June 10. Cost is $35. For additional information, call Peggy Kubula at (803) 774-3998 or visit the website, http:// www.sumtersc.gov/ aquatics-center.aspx.

SUMMERTIME 2014

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTOS

Spray parks open Memorial Day weekend Need a place to cool off this summer? The City of Sumter will open its three spray parks on Memorial Day weekend. Crosswell Park is on the corner of Lafayette Drive and Yeadon Street, North Hope Park is at 904 N. Main St., and South Sumter Park is at the cor-

ner of South Sumter Street and Atlantic Street. All parks have playgrounds and green space for picnicking. Call (803) 436-2640 for additional information.

Crafts, science, movies and more at the Sumter County Library The Sumter County Library Summer Vacation Reading program, Fizz Boom, Read! will be held June 4-Aug. 1 at the following library locations: Main branch, 111 N. Harvin St., (803) 773-7273; Wesmark branch, 180 W. Wesmark Blvd., (803) 469-8110; and South Sumter branch, 337 Manning Ave., (803) 775-7132. The schedule is as follows: MONDAYS AT 10 A.M. • June 9 — Craft at South Sumter, class size is limited; • June 16 — SAFE Savings with Donna Holmes at South Sumter; • June 23 — Craft at South Sumter, class size is limited; • June 30 — Storytime with Audrey Covington at South Sumter; • July 7 — Craft at South Sumter, class size is limited; • July 14 — Police Science with Cpl. Eddie Hobbs at South Sumter; • July 21 — Craft at South Sumter, class size is limited; and • July 28 — Craft at South Sumter, class size is limited. WEDNESDAYS • June 4 — Summer reading begins at all branches for children ages 2-12. Read six or 12 books for prizes. • June 11 — Movie at Main, “Abner the Invisible Dog,” 10

Woodworking and gardening among activities at Youth Academy The Youth Academy Inc., 1110 E. Brewington Road, will hold Summer Camp and Country Beach Carnival 2014, for youth 2 to 18 years old, from June 9 to Aug. 8. The schedule will be Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Fun Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will include arts and crafts, carpentry, basketball, outdoor games/activities, woodworking, gardening, farm rides, face painting, nature walks/trails, fun and learn activities and country water park. Cost is $10 per week, which includes a hot breakfast and lunch each day. For additional information, call Janet Caldwell at (803) 236-7071.

a.m. and 2 p.m.; • June 18 — Zelnik the Magician, 10 a.m. at Sumter Opera House (free); • June 25 — Movie at Main, “Tad the Lost Explorer,” 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; • July 2 — Design a Dinosaur Contest, 10 a.m. at Main Library (bring your own beast); • July 9 — Movie at Main, “Wall-E,” 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; • July 16 — Sarah Dippity (comedy and magic), 10 a.m. at Main Library (free); • July 23 — Movie at Main, “Muppets from Space,” 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and • July 30 — Movie at Main, “Khumba,” 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2 P.M. Fire & Ice will be held in the Main Meeting Room — Laboratory science will be transformed into fun, interac-

tive learning experiences for children from kindergarten to grade 6. FRIDAYS • June 6 — Craft at Wesmark, 10 a.m., class size is limited; • June 13 — Sid the Science Kid, What is a Rainbow? at 10 a.m. at Wesmark (free); • June 20 — Craft at Wesmark, 10 a.m., class size is limited; • June 27 — Craft at Wesmark, 10 a.m., class size is limited; • July 4 — Closed; • July 11 — Craft, 10 a.m., class size is limited; • July 18 — Sciencetellers, 2 p.m., at Wesmark (free); • July 25 — Craft at Wesmark, 10 a.m., class size is limited; and • Aug. 1 — Wrap-up Party, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Wesmark.

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SUMMERTIME 2014

Sumter Opera House

THE SUMTER ITEM

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

USC Sumter to host science, writing camps The Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St, will hold Movies at The Opera House at 10 a.m. and 1 and 7 p.m. throughout the summer months. Admission is $1.

The schedule is as follows: • June 5 — “Frozen” • June 12 — “Monsters University” • June 13 — “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (7 p.m. only) • June 19 — “Despicable Me 2” • June 26 — “The Smurfs 2” • July 3 — “Nut Job” • July 10 — “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2” • July 11 — “Ironman 3” (7 p.m. only) • July 17 — “Planes” • July 24 — “Muppets: Most Wanted” • July 31 — “The Lego Movie” • Aug. 8 — “Divergent” (7 p.m. only) For additional information, call (803) 436-2500 or visit the website, sumteroperahouse.com.

USC Sumter, 200 Miller Road, will hold its Summer Science Camp for children ages 10-14 from June 30 to July 3. Dan Kiernan, biology professor, will lead the camp which is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon. USC Sumter has hosted the camp for the past few years, and each year it has added different activities to keep students occupied, learning and interested in science. “This year, we’ll introduce them to forensic science investigation where we’ll extract DNA, and they’ll see how its used in investigations,” Kiernan said. “We’ll also dedicate some time to human biology where they’ll learn about the heart and blood pressure, and we’ll go outdoors for an activity for environmental science. We try to dedicate some time to different sciences so they’ll get a good idea about it.” Cost for the summer camp is $60, and registration for the summer science camp begins on June 2. The camp will host about 25 students, and Kiernan suggests signing up early as the camp has been full for the past few years. For those not interested in science, Writing Camp for ages 10-14 will be held June 23-27 at the university. The

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cost is $60. To register or for more information on either camp,

contact Fran Castleberry at (803) 938-3813 or Susan Brabham at (803) 938-3795.

Parents should consider swimming lessons for children BY METRO What would summer be without days spent frolicking at the beach or afternoons spent splashing in the pool? Fun in the water makes hot days more enjoyable and bearable, and few summertime activities do not involve water play in one aspect or another. Although time spent in the water can be refreshing and entertaining, water does present certain hazards, particularly for those who do not know how to swim. Learning to swim, especially at a young age, is adviseable and a great way to remain safe around the water. The World Health Organization says drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury death around the globe, accounting for 7 percent of all injury-related deaths. Children, males and individuals with increased access to water are most at risk of drowning. In general, children under five years of age have the highest drowning mortality rates in the world, though adult males in Canada and New Zealand drown at higher rates than children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should consider swimming lessons for most children between the ages of one and four. New research has revealed that swimming instruction for children between the ages of one and four may decrease drowning risk. However, parents should be advised that swimming lessons do not remove all risk. Children still need constant supervision when in and around water. Additionally, learning CPR can be a life-saving measure. When enrolling children in swim lessons, parents should look for safety-certified instructors who have first aid and resuscitation training and certification. Many programs offered are sponsored by the American Red Cross or the YMCA. Private swim

clubs may have their own instructors. Children between the ages of one and three typically do not have the motor coordination to swim effectively. These children can benefit from swim lessons that emphasize getting used to the water, safety and learning some swimming readiness skills. Instruction may involve teaching children how to move their legs and arms and strengthen muscles used for swimming. Children between the ages of four and five may be more developmentally ready for swimming. Such youngsters may move from water-safety lessons to actual swimming with or without support. A study titled “Children’s read-

SWIMMING LESSONS Lessons are offered locally at: • Sumter Family YMCA 510 Miller Road, (803) 773-1404 • Sumter Aquatics Center 1115 S. Lafayette Drive, (803) 774-3998

iness for learning front crawl swimming” published in The Australian Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport showed that whether kids “started lessons at two, three or four years of age,” they learned to swim well at “approximately the same mean age of five and a half years.” In addition to swimming

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lessons, parents and other adults can ensure water safety by taking the following precautionary measures: • Children should never be left unattended in the water. It takes mere inches of water for a youngster to drown. • In the pool or another body of water, caregivers should be within touching

distance of young swimmers to provide help if needed, even if the child is wearing a floatation device. • Keep rescue equipment by the pool. • Remove toys from the pool when it’s not in use. These toys can attract children who will go in after them. • A fence around the perimeter of the yard may be mandatory, but a fence around the pool itself is another safety barrier to consider. The fence should feature a self-latching gate. • Even adults should be watched while swimming. It is always a safe idea to swim with a buddy, so that the other person can get help if something goes wrong.

SUMMERTIME 2014

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM

Santee State Park offers fishing, biking and hiking trails and pontoon boat tours of the flooded cypress forest.

The Overlook Shelter at Poinsett State Park is an ideal place for a family picnic. Hiking is a favorite activity at Poinsett, where its own extensive trail system connects to the Palmetto Trail in adjacent Manchester State Forest.

Don’t forget area state parks when summer planning Turn off the TV and get your family outdoors this summer. Why not visit one of South Carolina’s state parks?

LEE STATE PARK Built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Lee State Park offers kayaking and canoeing trips through the park’s hardwood forest floodplain. Visitors can fish from the banks of the Lynches River, and children can fish for catfish in the park’s artesian pond. The park is the perfect setting for nature walks and the interpretive, educational programs hosted on site. Equestrian facilities are also available. Admission to the park is free, and the park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time) year round. Contact Lee State Park, 487 Loop Road, Bishopville, at (803) 428-5307 or email lee@ scprt.com.

POINSETT STATE PARK Poinsett State Park, located in the High Hills of Santee, has a mixed ecosystem and offers some of the most unique natural sightings in the park system, especially

along the Palmetto Trail, which winds through the Manchester State Forest. The High Hills of Santee offers hiking, biking and equestrian trails that wind through the park — some of which connect to the Palmetto Trail that leads hikers through the Manchester State Forest. Fishing and johnboat rentals are offered on Poinsett’s 10acre lake. The park also features campsites, a fishing pond, a coquina bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, prerevolutionary grist mill ruins and rustic cabins. Admission is free, and the park is open from 9 a.m. to dark year round. Contact Poinsett State Park, 6660 Poinsett Park Road, Wedgefield, at (803) 494-8177 or email poinsett@scprt.com

MANCHESTER STATE PARK Manchester State Forest, in Sumter and Clarendon counties, is 28,675 acres of mixed pine and hardwood species native to the Midlands of South Carolina. There are four ponds and several creeks on the forest which are available to the public for yearround fishing. Only electric

The boardwalk which snakes through Lee State Park gives visitors an upclose view of the hardwood forest floodplain. motors are allowed on the ponds. The forest offers trails for hiking, mountain bicycling, and horseback riding through this forest and the adjacent Poinsett State Park, including the scenic Wateree passage of the Palmetto Trail. Permits are required for all activities except hiking. Contact Manchester State Forest, 6740 Headquarters Road, Wedgefield, at (803) 4948196 or email manchesterst@ ftc-i.net.

SANTEE STATE PARK Santee State Park sits along Lake Marion, which is known for is large population of big catfish. Santee State Park camping is offered on the lake, but for guests who prefer to spend the night indoors, rondette cabins are available. Other amenities and activities found in the park include a community meeting building with a screened-in grilling facility, biking and hiking trails and pontoon boat tours of the flooded cypress forest.

Admission to Santee State Park is $2 / adults; $1.25 / S.C. seniors; and free / 15 and younger. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year round. The visitors center houses the park office and includes displays on natural and cultural history of the area. Fishing/hunting licenses are also available for purchase at the visitor center. A nature-based boat tour of Lake Marion departs from the boat dock adjacent to the boat ramp nearest the park visitors center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (times may vary). Call Fish Eagle Tours at (803) 854-4005 for additional information. Group rates are available. Contact Santee State Park, 251 State Park Road, Santee, at (803) 854-2408 or email santeesp@scprt.com

The 1,590-acre park features a wide range of habitats including marsh, Sandhills, oakhickory forest and shrub bog. Visitors can explore by taking the nature trail encircling the mill pond or by walking the length of the 1,150-foot boardwalk, which provides a look at alligators in the swamp. The best way to see the park is by following a canoe trail which takes paddlers past the Carolina Bays, elliptical depressions which appear swampy but remain dry. Admission to Woods Bay State Park is free, and the park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Contact Woods Bay State Park, 11020 Woods Bay Road, Olanta, at (843) 659-4445 or email woodsbay@scprt.com. For additonal information on state parks, visit: www. southcarolinaparks.com.

WOODS BAY STATE PARK

Source: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism and South Carolina Forestry Commission.

Woods Bay State Park has one of the last remaining large Carolina Bays on the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain.

THE SUMTER ITEM

SUMMERTIME 2014

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

Golf teaches children more than just the game FROM METRO

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Don’t miss out on kids’ activities at Iris Festival Get ready for summer with the Sumter Iris Festival set for four days, May 22-25, at Swan Lake-Iris Gardens. Though the festival has plenty for adults to enjoy, the children will be especially pleased with events planned with them in mind. The Just Kidding Around area has free rides, games, entertainers and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Children’s Art in the Park, also free and sponsored by the Sumter County Gallery of Art, allows children to make drawings, paintings and other works of art to take home as a festival souvenir for themselves or present as a gift. These activities will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. SAFE Kids Adventureland, sponsored by SAFE Kids Sumter County and The Tuomey Foundation, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Activities will include Kiwanis Kids Fingerprinting, a bike rodeo, rollover simulator hosted by the S.C. Department of Public Services and informational displays. The Children’s Pet Show, hosted by the Sumter SPCA and Southern States, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Heath Pavilion. Children can enter their pets to win prizes in at least 10 different categories including smallest, largest, cutest, ugliest, most unusual, best trick and more. Southern States will offer free samples of foods for pets. Entry is free for children 12 and younger. Registration is at 11 a.m. (Pets are not permitted inside the garden gates). Don’t miss the Iris Festival Diaper Derby Race sponsored by Dreamworks Dance Academy at 11 a.m. Saturday on the Main Stage. Babies up to 17 months can be entered. Get creative decorating your baby’s diaper / diaper cover. Children may walk or be carried as they parade in front of the audience and judges.The diaper race follows the parade. For additional information on the derby and parade, call (803) 436-2640. For more information on the Iris Festival, visit the website, www.irisfestival.org.

Adults who play golf know just how fun and frustrating the game can be. Whether you’re a veteran golfer or someone just learning the links, golf can be challenging. But as exacting as the game can be, it also can be just as rewarding, even for kids. Children who embrace the game of golf will learn a host of lessons they can apply in all facets of life. A humbling game even for professional golfers, golf can teach kids lessons in humility and the value of persistence even when things aren’t going your way. Golf is also a great way for parents to get kids off the couch and outdoors for some fun in the sun. Instead of spending summer afternoons in front of the television, kids who play golf are out patrolling pristine golf courses while getting some cardiovascular exercise along the way. Golf can also strengthen a child’s hand-eye coordination, which can help them in other activities, including many different sports. Though many people do not begin playing golf until they’ve reached adulthood, it’s never too early for boys and girls to start learning the game of golf. Parents of preschoolers can start their kids off with a toddler play set. Though it’s just a toy, a play set can help lay a solid foundation for future golfers. Kids who have watched Mom and Dad play golf or practice their swing can develop their own swings on their play set. As kids approach school age, don’t overlook a putt-putt or miniature golf range as a valuable teaching tool. Miniature golf clubs are small enough for many children to use comfortably, and kids can use miniature golf courses as a place to put any lessons or ad-

vice on putting to good use. What’s more, a miniature golf course is more than just golf, with creative courses and other fun activities, so kids won’t feel overwhelmed with golf. When kids move on from preschool to elementary school, some might want to tag along with Mom or Dad to the driving range. You should try to avoid overwhelming kids with too much instruction or information. Instead, keep things as simple as possible, teaching them the basic swing and encouraging them no matter how quickly they adapt. As children enter middle school and approach high school, those who are enjoying the game of golf can take advantage of the driving range if they haven’t already begun to. A driving range typically has markers that indicate the distance of a regular hole, regardless of which tee you will play from on an actual golf course. Children can aim for holes at shorter distances to learn how far their drives are going. You can then adjust the lessons you teach your children based on how far youngsters can drive the ball. As a child gets closer to high school, you might want to buy him or her their own set of clubs. Look for inexpensive clubs (oftentimes, thrift stores or other secondhand retailers have clubs for sale) because growing children will eventually grow out of their first set of clubs. When your child finds a set of clubs that suits him or her, teach the proper way to swing and consider signing up your son or daughter for lessons. Those first few lessons can prove invaluable, turning a pastime into a passion kids will carry with them throughout their lives.

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SUMMERTIME 2014

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

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British Soccer Camp teaches more than drills and skills Sumter County Recreation Department along with Challenger Sports will hold British Soccer Camp June 9-13 at Patriot Park. Camp is more than a week of drills and skills. In addition to taking part in daily sessions of foot-skill development (through the 1,000 touches curriculum), technical and tactical practices and daily World Cup tournament-

style plays, each child will learn lessons on respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship. Each camper will receive a free camp T-shirt, soccer ball, soccer poster, individual skills performance evaluation and free access to an educational soccer website. For information or to register, visit www.challengersports.com.

Area camps offer range of activities • Asthma Camp will be held June 9-13 for ages 5 to 12. Campers must have been diagnosed with asthma by a doctor. Care Reach will provide transportation for children who do not have any means of transportation to and from camp. Call Lisa Canty at (803) 774-9009. • YWCA Y-Teens for girls 12-18 focuses on teen issues including mentoring, confidence and esteem-building, college/career choices, teen dating relationships, peer pressure, field trips and more. Call (803) 773-7158 for information. • HYPE Summer Camp will be held 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, June 9-Aug. 8 (closed July 4-11), at the Newton Family Life Center, 415 Manning Ave. Cost is $50 per week/child (discount for two or more children). Bible study reading and recreation time will be included. One field trip per week. Breakfast, lunch and snack served. Contact Barney Gadson at (803) 934-9527. • Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Summer Camp for kindergarten through 10th grade will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays June 9-Aug. 1 (closed June 30-July 4). The camp includes various day trips during the week and outof-town field trips on Fridays. Contact Jean Ford at (803) 775-5006. • Sumter County Recreation Department will hold its summer programs June 9-July 18 at various times and locations. Cost is $10 per child/ week with lunch included. Contact Latrell Chambers at (803) 436-2248. • The Sumter County

Sheriff ’s Office Annual Youth Conference for ages 10-17 (18 if still in high school) will be held June 13-14 for both boys and girls. Boys to Men will be held at Chestnut Oaks Middle School, 1200 Oswego Highway, and Girls to Women at Crestwood High School, 2000 Oswego Highway. Cost is $25 per camper, and registration is required by May 28. Applications are available at the Sheriff ’s Office, 1281 N. Main St., or from the website, www. sumtersheriff.org. Both boys and girls will sign in at 6:30 a.m. on June 13 at Crestwood High School, and transportation will be provided for the boys to Chesnut Oaks Middle School. For additional information, contact Capt. Terrence Colclough at (803) 436-2032 or Felicia Dukes at (803) 4362053. • The Sumter County Summer Enrichment Program provides a variety of educational and recreational activities for youths 6-17 years of age. The program will run June 4-July 13 at various sites throughout Sumter County. Programs are age group appropriate, and some activities include field trips, recreational activities and educational focused activities. For more information, contact Sumter County Recreation and Parks Department, 155 Haynsworth St., at (803) 436-2249, or email recreation@sumtercountysc.org. • Tennis Camp – For information on Palmetto Tennis Center camps, contact Sam Kiser at (803) 774-3969 or visit www.palmettotenniscenter. com.

THE SUMTER ITEM