REVIEW: These sweet tech options will make mama happy this Mother’s Day
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Wilson Hall battles Orangeburg Prep Barons play in 2nd round of SCISA 3A state playoffs B1 SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
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GOP hopefuls stump in Sumter Woman, 33, BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272 A half-dozen Republican contenders crunched the peanut shells on the floor of Logan’s Roadhouse on Thursday, scrounging for votes at the monthly meeting of the Sumter County
Republican Party. With several contested primaries for GOP voters to consider June 10, Republicans will have a lot to consider during the next few weeks. Those enjoying their dinner this week were given even more to consider by four candidates for education superintendent, two
U.S. Senate contenders and one hopeful to lead the state’s National Guard. Since so many candidates running to replace GOP Superintendent Mick Zais appeared at this meeting, much of the discussion was dominated by the candidates’ opposition to Common Core curriculum stan-
tries to stab man’s neck, reports say
dards and what they argue is a federal takeover of local education. “I never intended to be a candidate, but I’m here because I’ve been leading the fight against Common Core,” said Sheri Few, who has based her campaign on
SEE GOP, PAGE A7
BY ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com (803) 774-1225
Pucker up
“It started out with just me kissing the goat, but then Baxter said she would kiss the goat as well,” said Whiteley. “Today, a few teachers said they also want to kiss the goat. The students paid to see it,” and she said a drawing was held to determine which student would hold the goat. According to the Sumter School District office, one of the most common fundraisers throughout the district is jeans day, during which faculty and
A Sumter woman is facing an attempted murder charge after a dispute turned violent on Thursday. Laura A. Klavon, 33, of 3510 Windham Road, was arrested Friday by officials with Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and charged with attempted murder following the investigation of a series of incidents that occurred on Thursday with a 23-year-old male during which she allegedly attempted to stab him in the neck with his own knife. According to reports, several witnesses Thursday afternoon saw Klavon and the victim get into a confrontation in her yard as they were allegedly arguing about a medication prescription, and as the argument escalated, Klavon became physically aggressive. She reportedly began striking the man, who then got into his car to get away from her. Once the victim was in his car, however, Klavon did not relent, beating on the car’s windows and doors as she reached in to hit the young man. In a hurry to leave, the man struck Klavon’s daughter in the leg with the bumper of the vehicle. She was taken to Tuomey Regional Medical Center where she was treated for a laceration above her right knee. “Several witnesses confirmed that it was accidental,” Lt. Robert Burnish said. “He was trying to get away from (Klavon).” The victim got away, but Klavon pursued him to another location in the 2200 block of Swallow Drive. There, she reportedly resumed her assault, this time striking the man with a metal candleholder, causing a laceration to the man’s head. As the altercation continued, Klavon reportedly took a knife off the victim and then tried to stab him in the neck
SEE KISS A GOAT, PAGE A7
SEE CHARGES, PAGE A7
MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM
Principal Delcia Harper-Baxter, left, and Assistant Principal Celeste Whiteley take turns kissing a goat for a Relay for Life fundraiser at Lemira Elementary School on Friday.
Lemira faculty smooch a goat for Relay for Life BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com (803) 774-1214 How far would you go to raise money for a good cause? With this question in mind, the Lemira Elementary School family stood by Friday afternoon and watched as Principal Delcia HarperBaxter, Assistant Principal Celeste Whiteley and a number of teachers got up close and personal with a goat to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Relay school captain Shamarla Hart organized the event as well as other fundraisers for the school. More than 200 students paid $1 each to witness their principals and teachers smooch a 2-week-old goat brought in by one of the faculty members. In the past, the faculty and administration have kissed a pig and a frog to raise money for Relay for Life. So far this year, the school has raised about $4,500 in their efforts to raise money and awareness for Relay and the American Heart Association.
Stay alert to stay safe when tornado strikes BY JIM HILLEY (803) 774-1211 jim@theitem.com With the recent severe weather throughout the Southeast triggering devastating tornadoes, many people in the area are either revisiting, or establishing for the very first time, exactly what they need to do should a twister hit their community.
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And with the possibility of tornadoes hitting the Midlands of South Carolina rising during this time of year, Sumter County Emergency Management Director Erik HAYES Hayes said the most important things for area residents to do are stay informed and have a plan in case a twister is headed their way.
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“’Tis the season,” he said. “Springtime is tornado season.” But don’t think that you can escape to a nearby tornado shelter. “People ask, ‘When are you going to open a tornado shelter?’” he said. “There isn’t such a thing.” There are two main reasons for that. First of all, you don’t have much time when there is a tornado approaching. “It is not like a hurricane or an ice
DEATHS, A7 Susan I. Johnson Mack Beatrice J. Wynn Naomi L. Burress Dilia Lucca Douglas Riley
storm, where you know in advance,” he said. Second, tornadoes simply pack too much power. “A tornado will take down anything,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what kind of codes you put on. You’ve seen it happen. Just look at all the damages through the years. Tornadoes are
SEE TORNADOES, PAGE A7
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Expect a pleasant day full of sunshine; mainly clear tonight HIGH 80, LOW 53
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