May 8, 2014

2014 NFL draft Sumter’s McDowell looks to get his foot in the door; Clowney eyes top overall selection B1

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

75 CENTS

FAITH MATTERS:

Bless your mom on Mother’s Day by living a life full of faith A6

IN LOCAL NEWS: School district prepares for Tdap vaccinations A2

Want to vote in June primary? Register now

BY BRADEN BUNCH bbunch@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 The primaries for the upcoming November general election are still more than a month away, but the time for voters to register to participate in those primaries is drawing to a close.

According to state law, voters wishing to participate in the June 10 primary must be registered to vote by this Saturday. This includes voters already registered but needing to update their address to ensure they are registered to

INSIDE 2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES VOL. 119, NO. 174

vote in the appropriate precinct.

To aid last-minute registrations, the Sumter County Election Commission/Voter Registration office in the Sumter County Courthouse, 141 N. Main St., will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Potential voters can also visit the South Carolina Election Commission website — www.scvotes. org — to either register online or download forms that can be printed and mailed back to the Sumter office.

Any forms mailed to the county office must be postmarked by Saturday to be eligible.

Those voters already registered can visit the scVOTES.org website to not only confirm their information, but also to examine the specific ballot choices for their precinct. To do so, registered voters will need to click the “get my sample ballot” option on the right hand of the screen, and then follow the prompts on the screen. Once the individual’s registration information is displayed, the voter can then choose between viewing either the Republican or Democratic primary ballot.

Doing so does not officially affiliate

the voter with a specific party, and by returning to the choice menu, the voter can choose to view a second party’s ballot.

Most voters will receive their registration cards in the mail. However, because of the recent voting reforms, voters going to the polls for the June primary will also be required to have a valid photo identification card with them. Acceptable photo IDs include a South Carolina driver’s license, SC DMV ID card, voter registration card with photo, federal military ID or a United States passport.

Bill calls shenanigans on lien filing

Classifieds B6 Comics B7 Lotteries A10 Opinion A9 Religion A6 Television A8

Clerk Brianna Jones looks Wednesday through federal and state liens filed with the Sumter County register of deeds. A bill currently in the S.C. Legislature will criminalize the filing of false liens after several public officials were recently hit with fraudulent claims.

WEATHER, A10 ANOTHER HOT ONE HEADING YOUR WAY It’s gonna be rather warm with plenty of sun today; expect partly clear skies tonight HIGH 92, LOW 63

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

DEATHS, B5 Jacqueline Wilson-Barnes Dargan P. Elliott Jr. Marjorie C. Polhemus Samuel I. Brunson Irene K. Carrolan Carolyn S. Meeler Lessie B. Harvin Maggie S. Brunson Jessie Slater III

CONTACT US Information: 774-1200 Advertising: 774-1237 Classifieds: 774-1234 Delivery: 774-1258 News and Sports: 774-1226

Proposed law would criminalize fraudulent debt claims against public officials

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@theitem.com (803) 774-1272 Imagine learning you’ve just had a $10 million debt canceled that you didn’t know you had. And now you’re being audited by the IRS. Several locals faced that scenario earlier this year when false tax documents were filed in their name by a purported member of the “sovereign citizens”

movement. Now legislators are pushing a bill through the S.C. Legislature that will put heavy criminal penalties on people who use false legal claims to harass government officials.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, would establish criminal penalties for filing false tax liens for the first time. It passed the House of Representatives last week by a vote of 110-0.

SEE FALSE LIENS, PAGE A5

1966 grad finally walks in Morris ceremony VISIT US ONLINE AT

the

.com

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com (803) 774-1214 During Morris College’s recent commencement ceremony, President Luns C. Richardson recognized a special graduate in the audi-

ence before distributing diplomas. Horace Anderson, a South Carolina native and now a Texas resident, traveled many miles to finally take his well-deserved walk across the stage to receive the bachelor’s degree he earned in 1966.

INSIDE Check out photos of Morris’ 2014 graduation on page A3 Anderson, like the rest of the recent graduates participating in the commence-

ment this year, donned his cap and gown, sat attentively during the ceremony while Walter M. Kimbrough of Dillard University in Louisiana spoke to the graduating class and proudly shook the

SEE GRADUATE, PAGE A5

A2

|

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

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

Public schools prep for Tdap immunizations

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com (803) 774-1214 For the second year, South Carolina law is requiring that upcoming seventh-graders receive the Tdap vaccination before the beginning of the next school year. Sumter School District has distributed consent forms to middle schools for current sixth-grade students’ parents, and the deadline to have the consents back to the child’s school is Friday.

The students are required to have one dose of the Tdap vaccine, which protects a child against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis or whooping cough. The South Carolina De-

Man shot, killed in Bishopville

partment of Health and Environmental Control partnered with VaxCare Corp. and local school districts to assist parents with the vaccination requirements for the 2014-15 school year.

DHEC will visit Sumter schools and administer the immunization May 19-23. LaShonda McElveen, district lead nurse, said it’s important for parents to fill out both sides of the consent form and return it to the school office by Friday so DHEC can prepare to administer the vaccines.

On the back of the form, the school district asks if the child has current vaccinations; if so, parents are asked to provide current records for their child’s school.

McElveen said the parents of current sixth-graders should have received the consent form, but if they haven’t they can obtain one at the main office of the child’s school, fill it out and return it before the deadline.

Whether the child is covered by Medicaid or another form of insurance will also assist DHEC for the immunizations, McElveen explained.

“In some situations, finances may cause them to be hesitant if they don’t have insurance,” McElveen said. “For those without insurance, DHEC will only bill them $13 for the immunizations.”

For those students who don’t return a consent form or are unable to receive immunizations when DHEC is

providing them in the schools this month, parents are asked to contact their health providers or the health department to arrange for their child to receive the Tdap vaccination.

Schools will be checking students’ records for updated records for vaccinations and if they find that students have not been vaccinated when students return to school in September, McElveen said the parent will have 30 days to have the child vaccinated and return updated records or the child will be suspended, according to state law.

For more information about the Tdap vaccination, visit http://www. scdhec.gov/tdap/ or contact McElveen at (803) 774-5500, extension 127.

Turf ’s up

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com (803) 774-1295 The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of 30-year-old man who was fatally shot Monday.

The body of Jessie Slater III was found on a pathway along Herndon Road in Manville after dispatch received a call at 10:43 p.m. about a man being shot, according to Chief Deputy Tim Clavon.

Lee County Coroner Larry Logan confirmed that the cause of death was blood loss after a bullet cut through an artery in Slater’s body.

Clavon described where Slater was found as a walking path that residents in the area would often visit each other, and that Slater would use it frequently.

Logan said Slater died about an hour after deputies arrived.

No suspects have been identified in the shooting, and the sheriff’s office is currently interviewing witnesses. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division forensics team examined the crime scene.

Slater has an extensive criminal history, dating back to 2001, and on the day he was shot, the Lee County Magistrates Court set dates for him to appear in court next week on a series of charges, including petit larceny, malicious injury to personal property, and third-degree assault and battery.

Slater had also been shot during an attempted armed robbery of an ice cream parlor in Bishopville back in 2002, when he was 18 years old.

Accused of attempting to rob a store with a stolen unloaded .357 Magnum only to be shot by the store operator, Slater was sentenced to 10 years for the attempted robbery and five years for possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Jaret Reynolds rides a motorized skateboard made from the engine of a weed trimmer at Memorial Park on Wednesday.

Lee public buildings may become bus stop shelters

BY TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com (803) 774-1295 Bishopville City Council approved the first reading of a proposed zoning amendment that will allow residents waiting for bus transportation to seek shelter in public buildings at its meeting Tuesday.

Chairman Ronnie Williams of the Bishopville Planning Commission spoke before city council to propose that it allows public buildings within the city limits to act as shelters for people waiting for transportation.

When the commission recently reviewed the zoning ordinances, it noticed that such shelters weren’t listed anywhere.

“We run into something like this a couple of times,” Williams said. “I remember when satellite dishes came out, no one in the city had heard of them, and certainly no one had one ...We have to change from time to time the zoning ordinance.”

Williams proposed that council per-

mit the shelters under conditional use, which means that certain restrictions will apply toward establishing the shelters. The first requirement would be that the buildings be publicly owned and operated, which Williams said was crucial to order to acquire accountability in maintaining the structures.

Councilman Craig Nesbitt raised that concern toward whether size limitations will be placed on the shelters, to which Williams responded by saying that the commission is still discussing it.

Safety is another prime concern in deciding locations for the shelters.

Williams will have to meet with Bishopville Police Chief Calvin Collins, who will have to approve the areas for the shelter are safe or not.

“Who better than our police chief to determine whether or not (the shelters) will be put in a safe location,” Williams said.

By getting permission from the Bishopville Police Department, Williams said it will allow the planning

commission to put on record who permitted the use of the public building as a shelter.

Collins said that he would have to find an area that has an adequate amount of lighting, is located where traffic isn’t too heavy and abides by the zoning ordinances involving public and private property.

“As the chief of police, I have a role of selecting some safe areas, and I am in the process of doing that throughout the city right now,” Collins said.

“What I need to know is how many they want to put in the city.”

In a separate issue, Williams also addressed that he believed certain kinds of signs off right-of-ways should be exempted from the permitting process established by the S.C. Highway Patrol, such as neighborhood watch signs and speed limit signs.

“The Highway Patrol isn’t just going to let you put signs up any and everywhere,” Williams said. “They’re not even going to let the city up them up if they are not confirmed, and it just felt like a waste of time to us.”

HOW TO REACH US IS YOUR PAPER MISSING? ARE YOU GOING ON VACATION? 20 N. Magnolia St., Sumter, S.C. 29150 (803) 774-1200 Jack Osteen Editor and Publisher Jack@theitem.com (803) 774-1238 Braden Bunch Senior News Editor bbunch@theitem.com (803) 774-1201 Waverly Williams Sales Manager wwilliams@theitem.com (803) 774-1237

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

Member, Verified Audit Circulation

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

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

TO PLACE AN ANNOUNCEMENT Birth, Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary, Obituary Call (803) 774-1226 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TO ADVERTISE Call (803) 774-1237 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

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

Rural Route Home Delivery TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

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

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Standard Home Delivery TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

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

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

Mail Delivery

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Printed on recycled paper with environmentally safe soy inks to reduce ruboff. The Item is recyclable.

One year - $81.60; six months $40.80; three months - $20.40; one month, $6.80; EZPay, $6.80

One year - $276; six months $138; three months - $69; one month - $23

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

Periodical postage paid at Sumter, SC 29150.

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

THE SUMTER ITEM

LOCAL

2014 Morris College graduation Above, Senior Class President Carrie Renee Bovill, cum laude, shares her excitement as fellow classmates cheer upon the conferring of degrees.

Left, Morris College President Luns C. Richardson and Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, president of Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, march in during the processional.

Right, SGA 2013-14 President Refugio S. Banuelos, magna cum laude, reads the commencement program during the 2014 Morris College graduation ceremony.

PHOTOS BY NICOLE W. LYNCH / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

|

A3

A4

|

NATION

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

Tornado-stricken town rebuilds with clean energy GREENSBURG, Kansas (AP) — After a mammoth tornado wiped out most of this rural Kansas community in 2007, supporters of clean energy in the state seized on an unusual opportunity to rebuild a town from the ground up with the latest green technology.

They came up with a sustainablepower dreamscape: wind turbines to power hundreds of homes, futuristic buildings with environmentally friendly features and a gleaming new school that runs on less than half the water of its flattened predecessor.

But the much-publicized reimagining of Greensburg has failed to provide what it needs the most: people.

The storm sent half the town packing, its fierce winds accelerating an exodus from rural Kansas that had been underway for decades.

Those who stayed now acknowledge that the reborn town is serving a population of only about 800 and is still looking for answers.

“Prior to the storm, we were a small Kansas community struggling to maintain and grow,” said Sue Greenleaf-Taylor, the city’s economic development director. “Now we are a small Kansas community which had a tornado struggling to maintain and grow.”

Greensburg’s economy, like much of rural Kansas, depends on the agriculture, oil and gas industries, where production advances have reduced the need for labor. The green building materials and bio-energy industries city leaders had hoped to entice never materialized.

The tornado that remade Greensburg, which is about 100 miles west of Wichita, was nearly two miles wide with winds topping 200 mph. It scraped most of the houses and the three-block business district to their foundations. At least 12 people died, and many predicted the town of nearly 1,500 would simply cease to exist.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mark DelGrosso, visiting from Oklahoma, tours the rebuilt Big Well Museum in Greensburg, Kansas, recently. Seven years after an EF-5 tornado destroyed most of the community of 1,500, many of the town’s destroyed civic buildings have been rebuilt but a rebound in population is slow in coming.

But local leaders were enthralled by an idea proposed by then-Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and other clean-energy proponents, who saw a blank slate on which to create a better place.

The Kansas prairie offered plentiful sunshine and powerful winds to provide power.

City leaders committed to rebuilding all municipal buildings to rigorous environmental standards. Nearly half

of the 300 rebuilt homes used ecofriendly construction techniques, such as more effective insulation.

“We want to move boldly into the future,” Mayor Bob Dixson said at the time. “And we want to honor the past, but we don’t want to get hung up on it.”

The reconstruction used an estimated $75 million in federal, state and local government money, along with more from insurance settlements and

Nation’s report card: No gains for 12th-graders WASHINGTON (AP) — In an abysmal showing, only about one-quarter of U.S. high school seniors performed solidly in math in a major assessment known as the nation’s report card, reinforcing concerns that large numbers of students are unprepared for either college or the workplace.

In reading, almost 4 in 10 students reached the “proficient” level or higher.

In both subjects on the 2013 exam there was little change from 2009, when the National Assessment of Educational Progress was last given to 12th-graders. The results, released Wednesday, come from a representative sample of 92,000 public and private school students.

The stagnation is “unacceptable,” said David Driscoll, chairman of the National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for the exam.

“Achievement at this very critical point in a student’s life must be improved to ensure success after high school,” Driscoll said.

The results follow the justreleased and seemingly more encouraging research that U.S. high school graduation rates in 2012 reached 80 percent, a record.

John Easton, acting commissioner of the education department’s National Center for Education Statistics, said one possible reason was that lower-performing students who in the past would have dropped out remained in the sampling of students who took the exam.

In reading, the 38 percent share of students performing at or above proficient was lower than when the assessment was first given in 1992, when it was 40 percent. Scores have remained similar since 1994.

Past comparisons in math date only to 2005. Scores increased from 2005 to 2009.

The student participants’ response to a survey about their educational experiences offers some clues to their performance.

Among the findings: • Students who reported rarely or never discussing reading interpretations in class had average scores lower than those who did daily or almost daily.

• An overwhelming majority reported that reading is enjoyable. Students who strongly

disagreed with the idea that reading is enjoyable had an average score much lower than those who strongly agreed.

• Math scores were higher, on average, for students who took calculus and lowest for students who had not taken a math course beyond Algebra I. • Math scores were higher for students who reported math was their favorite subject, thought the subject would help them in the future or thought their class was engaging.

Even as 12th-grade scores have stagnated, fourth- and eighth-grade students have made slow but steady progress on the exam since the early 1990s; most progress has come in math.

Michael Petrilli, executive vice president at the conservative-leaning Thomas B. Fordham Institute, said it’s unclear why younger students are doing better, but not high school seniors.

“This is one of the great mysteries of education today is why are we not seeing the same improvements at the 12th-grade level as the fourth-

and eighth-grade level,” Petrilli said.

One speculation is that high school seniors aren’t motivated when they take the exam. Another is that students are taking watered-down classes and “all we’ve done is put them in courses with bigger titles,” said Mark Schneider, the vice president at the American Institutes for Research and the former commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics.

At all levels, there continue to be racial disparities. Petrilli said there needs to be a closer look at how demographics have changed and how each group is faring.

Among high school seniors, white and Asian students scored higher on average on the recent results in both reading and math than black, Hispanic and American Indian students. Asian students scored higher than white students in math but did not do significantly better in reading. As in past years, male students did better than female students in math, but females outperformed males in reading.

other private investments.

The eco-makeover has given Greensburg a distinctive look. The rural Kansas archetypes of clapboard and brick houses were replaced by things like the Silo EcoHome, a round concrete structure built to sustain hurricane-force winds and conserve resources with dual-flush toilets that handle solid and liquid waste differently.

THE SUMTER ITEM

LOCAL

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

|

A5

FALSE LIENS FROM PAGE A1 “This is a problem we’ve had locally and in other states,” Smith said. “They file a false lien at the courthouse, and the official is not aware there’s a lien against them, and when the person files for a cancellation, it gets reported as a canceled debt to the IRS, and you can get audited if it’s not on your tax return. It’s just a means to annoy, harass and burden the official.”

Smith’s bill would make it a felony to knowingly file a false tax document against an elected official, public employee or their family members, punishable by a five-year prison term. Currently, state law only treats it as a civil infraction.

Jeff Young, a circuit court judge based in Sumter, had to deal with the consequences of this kind of harassment. Earlier this year, Young learned someone he thinks to be a disgruntled litigant had filed a falsified 1099 income-tax form canceling a $10 million debt, hoping to get the judge in trouble with the feds.

“He did this to a number of judges and lawDERON McCORMICK yers who had some dealing with him,” Sumter city manager Young said. “It’s just a way to harass us. ... He apparently calls himself a sovereign citizen, like he’s a nation unto himself, and this is one of the tactics that they use.”

The sovereign citizen movement is a loose group of tax resisters who argue they don’t owe any allegiance to the government, and have developed unique legal arguments to challenge the authority of most state and federal laws and officials. One tactic deployed by sovereign citizens is filing frivolous liens against officials, documents which can be filed with few questions asked and are difficult for the person affected to have cleared.

Sumter City Manager Deron McCormick had a similar tax form filed in his name at the same time, apparently targeted for no other reason than his government position.

“I’m not aware of any interaction (I had with the individual),” McCormick said. “It’s disturbing to think anyone can just make up one of these documents and file it. I saw a list of the people affected, all legitimate, good folks. It’s bizarre.”

The legislation, modeled on a law previously passed in North Carolina, would empower the county register of deeds or clerk of court to decline to file a document if there’s a “reasonable suspicion” it’s fraudulent.

“If somebody comes in with a court document from Alaska that’s says there’s a $1 million judgment against Murrell Smith, you ought to be able to say ‘that’s suspicious’,” Smith said.

The filer would then be able to appeal the decision to an administrative law judge, if he can show the document is legitimate.

The victims of these recent claims appreciate legislators’ effort to criminalize the offense.

“Our legislative delegation has done a wonderful job.

They worked very quickly on this to deter anyone else from doing this,” Young said.

While both men said any audit wouldn’t uncover any secret millions, they don’t want other public servants to have to go through the same thing.

“I applaud Murrell Smith for doing this,” McCormick said. “In my research, I’ve found other laws like this in other states.”

While Smith isn’t sure if the bill will make it through the Senate in the final month of the legislative session, he thinks the measure has broad support in the Legislature.

“Obviously, that we passed it unanimously shows they agree it’s something we need to address,” he said.

‘It’s disturbing to think anyone can just make up one of these documents and file it.

I saw a list of the people affected, all legitimate, good folks.

It’s bizarre.’

PHOTO PROVIDED

Horace Anderson is embraced by a member of Morris College’s board of trustees. Anderson, 70, recently walked across the stage with the class of 2014 at Morris College to receive his bachelor’s degree. Anderson earned the degree in 1966 but went into the military before he ever had the chance to experience commencement ceremonies.

GRADUATE FROM PAGE A1 hands of Richardson and other members of the presidential party as he crossed the stage.

“It was very emotional, and it was great because Dr. Richardson embraced me and let me know they were glad I came,” Anderson said. “I was on a cloud.”

Anderson graduated from Edgefield County Colored High School in 1962 and had plans to attend South Carolina State University. However, his mother encouraged him to attend Morris College instead — a school he said he had never heard about before.

But walking on the campus this past weekend, visiting his old dorm and the cafeteria, and experiencing the progress and new facilities of his alma mater with his old classmates before walking across the stage filled him with pride.

“It was an honor, and my classmates and I really believe in perseverance. I enjoyed every aspect of it and hanging

out there brought back flashbacks,” he said.

Anderson played baseball and basketball for the college, one of the memories he recalled while recently touring the campus.

Before he could actually experience commencement in 1966, Anderson went into the U.S. Air Force and then the Army, serving his country both in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. He earned his bachelor’s degree and planned to participate in commencement. However, he went into the military be-

fore he could.

Afterward, Anderson became a history teacher and coached basketball and football for many years. He now resides in Texas with his wife, Marie — who traveled to South Carolina with him for the ceremony — and has five children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. So why travel so many miles when snail mail could have delivered the degree to his front door?

“I wanted to be there, and I thought it was important for me to come,” Anderson said.

“And, it was important to my mother, and it was her dream.”

A6

|

RELIGION

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

Bless your mother with faith ... and chocolate

S

ince I became a mom in 2012, I’ve called my mother more than a dozen times to apologize for my behavior when I was a toddler because I now know how challenging those little ones can be.

My own beautiful child’s spunk and tenacity (that’s a good way to say destructive curiosity, right?) has afforded me many opportunities for frustration, has deepened my capacity of patience and gives me reason to expect great things in his future. The past year and a half has been the most exhausting, joy-filled time of my life. It’s also given me a new appreciation for my own mother’s consistent spiritual involvement in my life.

Right after my son was born, a well-meaning cohort told me to “savor every moment” of my child’s life, which is a ridiculous standard of parenting. I love my son dearly, but that doesn’t mean I treasured the times when he had a bang-hishead-on-the-floor tantrum in the doctor’s office. I didn’t drink in the experience of having my child dump a glass of water on my laptop minutes before a writing assignment was due or when he had a diaper explosion in the nonfiction section of the library.

Frankly, motherhood can make you lose your religion.

Better advice would be not to savor every moment but to make the most of as many moments as you can. Proverbs 31:28 says that “Her children rise up and bless her …” As mothers, we are daily making contributions into our children’s lives, which is both an awesome and terrifying prospect.

While it may be easy to Faith Matters focus on the passing frusJAMIE H. trations or the WILSON momentary successes of your parenting life, your child is developing his or her sense of the world, tempered by the intentional and unintentional lessons you are teaching them.

My own mother was a bulldog in a pack of passive “friend” moms, for which I am eternally grateful. She had an unyielding passion to see her children build their lives on faith. We were in church every Sunday, but that wasn’t the extent of her spiritual intervention in our lives. She gave us a godly example to follow during the week. There was an undercurrent of love when

she disciplined us and a wellspring of sincerity when she praised us for a job well done.

Even though her children are grown, she still fields calls and texts from her children that, in one day, can range from elation to exhaustion. I can honestly say my mother is still making eternal spiritual investments in the lives of her children through her advice. It’s for this reason that I can “rise up and bless her” because she is motivated by her faith to be the best mother she can be.

With Mother’s Day approaching, you’ll probably join the rank and file of the hundreds of thousands of people in the card store or aisle, seeking the perfect sentiment for mom. It’s hard to find the one card that properly expresses what mom means to you. I guarantee you won’t find one that sufficiently captures the depth of your gratitude, especially if you had a mother who gave you a firm spiritual foundation. Perhaps the best way to show your appreciation to your spiritually grounded mother would be to bless her, as well as God, by living a life of faith.

Also, chocolate.

Moms like chocolate.

Email Jamie H. Wilson at faithmatterssumter@gmail.com.

THE SUMTER ITEM

RELIGION BRIEFS FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS

1st openly gay Episcopal bishop divorces husband CONCORD, New Hampshire — The first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal church and the global Anglican Communion has announced he is divorcing his husband.

Retired Bishop Gene Robinson announced that he is divorcing Mark Andrew in an email to the Diocese of New Hampshire and an article for The Daily Beast.

The couple entered into a civil union in 2008 that converted to a marriage when New Hampshire legalized gay marriage in 2010.

Robinson’s election in 2003 as the first openly gay Anglican bishop created an international uproar and led conservative Episcopalians to break away from the main church in the United States.

He writes that details of his divorce are private and that he can’t repay the debt he owes Andrew “for his standing by me through the challenges of the last decade.”

Vatican defrocks 848 priests in 10 years for abuse GENEVA — The Vatican has released comprehensive statistics for the first time on how it has disciplined priests accused of raping and molesting children: It says 848 priests have been defrocked and another 2,572 given lesser sanctions over the past decade.

The Vatican’s U.N. ambassador to Geneva, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, revealed the figures during a second day of grilling Tuesday by a U.N. committee monitoring implementation of the U.N. treaty against torture.

Tomasi insisted the convention applied only inside the tiny Vatican City State. He nevertheless released statistics about how the Holy See has adjudicated abuse cases globally — and acknowledged that sexual abuse involving children “can be considered torture.”

RELIGION

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

|

A7

Operation Inasmuch

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Members of the Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church Girl Scout troop presented flowers to a senior citizens residential facility.

Rep. David Weeks, right, delivers nonperishable foods to a senior citizens residential facility on Saturday during Operation Inasmuch. He and other members of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church were asked to participate in at least one ministry.

Donate to radio-hosted baby shower, help Sumter Pregnancy Center

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com (803) 774-1250 A local pregnancy center hopes to benefit Saturday from Carolina’s Biggest Baby Shower, and you can help.

“This is our fifth shower with 89.7 WMHK, and they are wonderful to work with,” said Kristin Hallal, director of Sumter Pregnancy Center. “Their listeners are wonderful about supporting what they do, and it does shower us with items we need for our moms from baby wash and diapers to Pack ’n Plays (playards) and

car seats.”

The shower will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Walmarts across the Midlands, including the Sumter location at 1283 Broad St. The Christian radio station is scheduled to have a broadcast area set up.

Last year was the first time the event was held outside the shopping center.

“The event last year was wonderful and much appreciated by our staff, donors, volunteers and ultimately our clients,” said Kyndal Moore, office and volunteer manager. “The listeners of WMHK are very generous supporters, and one major

WANT TO HELP? WHAT: Carolina’s Biggest Baby Shower WHEN: Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon WHERE: Sumter Walmart, 1283 Broad St. BENEFITS: Sumter Pregnancy Center FOR MORE: Visit wmhk.com

plus of the event was that it helped gain awareness for our mission. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t know that we have a crisis pregnancy center here in town.”

The Sumter Pregnancy Center received the following from the 2013 shower: • $501 in cash donations;

• nine big boxes of wipes; • 16 plastic containers of wipes; • 74 wipe refill packages; • 13 large boxes of diapers; • 38 individual packages of diapers; • three playards; • two bouncy seats; • lots of little girl clothing; • and a large number of small items, such as lotion, bottles, pacifiers, etc.

“The donations stock our baby closet,” Moore said.

“After a woman chooses life for her child, we offer a pregnancy and parenting class. At the completion of the class, we hold a baby shower for the women and

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO DONATE • Diapers and wipes, larger size diapers preferred • New playard • New infant carrier car seat • Gift cards for the resource center to buy most needed items • Pacifiers • Baby support pillow • Strollers • Baby clothes • Baby lotions, shampoo, baby bathtubs, etc.

babies where they are given items from our baby closet.”

For more information, visit wmhk.com.

CHURCH NEWS Agape Outreach Ministries, 328 W. Liberty St., announces: * Wednesday-Friday, May 14-16 — Revival at 7 nightly. Bishop Jeffery Johnson will speak.

ALIVE Praise & Worship Center, 342 W. Liberty St., announces: * Saturday, May 17 — Community outreach event 9 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring music, free food and free clothes.

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 4319 Rowe Drive, Summerton, announces: * Saturday, May 17 — Prayer breakfast honoring Sister Virginia P. Lawson at 9 a.m. Donation: $10. The Rev. Ranzy McFadden will speak.

Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, 774 Douglas Ave., announces: * Sunday — Mother’s Day service at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Jerome Sumter will speak. * Sunday-Thursday, May 18-22 — Revival services at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and 7 nightly Monday-Thursday. Speakers vary.

Church of God of Prophecy, 1670 S. Guignard Drive, announces: * Saturday — Gospel singing at 6 p.m. featuring Heavenly Heirs of Bishopville, Sisters of Faith, Caravan and more.

Community Church of Praise, 562 S. Pike Road, announces: * Sunday — Mother’s Day celebration at 10:15 a.m. * Sunday, May 18 — Youth Day service at 10:15 a.m. Evangelist Ella Wright will speak.

Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, 25 Community St., announces: * Sunday — Mother’s Day / Women’s Day worship at 11 a.m. Minister Earline Smith will speak. All women are asked to wear white attire.

Cross Road / St. Peter Baptist Church, 845 Webb St., announces: * Thursday-Sunday, May 15-18 — 2014 Women of Faith Conference as follows: 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 8:30 a.m. on Saturday; and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Speakers vary.

servation during 10:15 a.m. service. * Sunday, May 18 — 146th church anniversary celebration during 10:15 a.m. worship.

The Rev. Richard Addison will speak. The 11th anniversary of New Generation will be celebrated at 4 p.m.

Dalzell United Methodist Church, 3330 Black River Road, Dalzell, announces: * Saturday, May 31 — A Mission Rally bike ride for all motorcycle enthusiasts will be held. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the church with the run being held 10 a.m.-noon.

Registration is $20 per driver and $10 per rider and includes a pilau dinner, which will be served 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For dinner only, cost is $6. All proceeds will support mission efforts of the church.

Howard Chapel AME Church, 6338 Old Manning Road, New Zion, announces: * Saturday — Appreciation program for Brother Bryant Johnson at 6 p.m.

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 421 S. Main St., announces: * Sunday — Honoring mothers.

Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. followed by 11:30 a.m. worship. * Sunday, May 18 — Women’s Day service.

Fellowship Outreach Ministries, 1981 Florence Highway, announces: * Today-Friday — Revival services at 7:30 nightly. Apostle Virnetta Bennett Evans will speak.

Full Proof Deliverance Ministry, 2758 S.C. 341 S., Olanta, announces: * Thursday-Friday, May 22-23 — Revival services “Fresh Fire” at 7:30 nightly. Dr. Carolyn Robinson will speak.

High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meeting House Road, Dalzell, announces: * Sunday — Mother’s Day ob-

Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 803 S. Harvin St., announces: * Friday, May 16 — Third Friday Praise Jam at 8 p.m.

Knitting Hearts Ministry, meets at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., announces: * Saturday — Knitting Hearts Café will meet 10 a.m.-noon.

Sabrina Fort will speak on “Your Eternal Purpose.” Visit www.knittingheartsministry. org.

Land Flowing with Milk & Honey Ministry, 1335 Peach Orchard Road, announces: * Friday — True encounter with God service at 7 p.m. Prophetess Janis Rogers and Prophetess Stephanie Mathis will speak. * Saturday, May 24 — Leadership Summit KICK (Knowledge Increasing Catapult for the Kingdom) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Prophetess Rose Summers will speak.

Mount Carmel Freewill Baptist Church, 209 Reardon St., Manning, announces: * Saturday, June 7 — Joy Night services featuring area groups, choirs and praise dancers.

Mount Pisgah AME Church, 217

Call (803) 774-1200 and subscribe today.

W. Bartlette St., announces: * Saturday, May 17 — Third anniversary celebration of the gospel choir at 5 p.m. featuring Shepherd Voices of Praise, Spiritual Voices of Manning, Antioch United Methodist Church choir; and others.

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 325 Fulton St., announces: * Sunday, May 18 — YWA anniversary worship at 10:45 a.m.

The Rev. Johnnie M. Gist will speak. * Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25 — Family and friends weekend celebration as follows: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, workshop, fun and games for all ages and cookout; 10:45 a.m.

Sunday, worship celebration.

New Fellowship Covenant Ministries, 316 W. Liberty St., announces: * Saturday — Clothes giveaway 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

New Testament Lighthouse Church, 1114 Boulevard Road, announces: * Saturday, May 17 — Gospel singing at 7 p.m. featuring the Lewis’s.

One Step Christian Ministries, 125 S. Nettles St., Bishopville, announces: * Sunday — Mother’s Day celebration and worship service at 11:15 a.m. Minister Johnny Mae Gist will speak.

Orangehill Independent Methodist Church, 3005 S. King Highway, Wedgefield, announces: * Saturday — Yard sale, fish fry and car wash at 7 a.m. * Sunday — Mother’s Day service at 10 a.m. The Rev. Dorothy Richardson will speak. * Saturday, May 17 — Parade of hats at 3 p.m. * Sunday, May 25 — Fellowship service at 10 a.m. The Rev.

Reginald Floyd will speak.

Pine Grove AME Church, 41 Pine Grove Road, Rembert, announces: * Sunday — Mother’s Day celebration at 11 a.m. * Saturday, May 17 — Chosen Generation anniversary celebration at 7 p.m.

Quinn Chapel AME Church, 2400 Queen Chapel Road, announces: * Sunday — Mother’s Day program at 10 a.m. The Rev. Earther McCloud-Joe will speak. * Wednesday-Friday, May 14-16 — Revival at 7 nightly. Speakers vary.

Southern Methodist Church of Summerton, 1107 Felton Road, Summerton, announces: * Thursday-Saturday, May 15-17 — Old time tent revival / crusade with gospel singing at 7 nightly. Evangelist John O’Cain will speak. Refreshments served at 6 nightly.

St. Luke AME Church, 2355 St. Paul Church Road, announces: * Sunday, May 18 — Elouise Bradford WMS Society annual day at 10 a.m. Sister Henriette M. Britton Temoney will speak.

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 27 Broad St., announces: * Saturday, May 17 — Barbecue chicken dinner fundraiser 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $8 per plate and includes barbecue chicken, slaw, baked beans, rolls and pound cake. Pick up only.

Walker Avenue Church of God, 100 Walker Ave., announces: * Sunday, May 18 — Family and friends day celebration at 11 a.m. The Rev. Bobby G. Damon will speak.

Your community news source

A8

|

TELEVISION

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 TW FT

7 PM

7:30

8 PM

8:30

9 PM 9:30 LOCAL CHANNELS

THE SUMTER ITEM 10 PM

10:30

American Comedy Awards After a 13-year hiatus, the award show honors WIS News 10 at Entertainment Hollywood Game Night: He Said, She Said Celebrities play party talented individuals who have excelled in the art of comedy in television, 7:00pm Local Tonight Kevin games. (N) (HD) film and stand-up. (HD) news update.

Hart. (N) (HD) (:01) Elementary: Art in the Blood The Big Bang (:31) The Millers: (:01) Two and a (:31) Bad News 19 @ 7pm Inside Edition: Teacher: Evalua- Typical murder case tied to affairs.

Theory (N) (HD) Sex Ed Dolan (N) Half Men (N) Evening news up- Bathroom Dantion Day (N) (HD) (N) (HD) (HD) (HD) gers (N) (HD) date.

Wheel of Fortune Jeopardy!: DeGrey’s Anatomy: We Are Never Ever Grey’s Anatomy: Everything I Try to Black Box: Who Are You? Will retali(N) (HD) cades - Quarter Fi- Getting Back Together Meredith’s Do, Nothing Seems to Turn Out Right ates to Catherine’s betrayal. (N) (HD) nals (N) (HD) advice. (HD) (N) (HD) Europe Rick at- Palmetto Scene Carolina Stories: Man and MoThe Bletchley Circle: Uncustomed Civil War: The Untold Story: With tends a cabaret in (N) (HD) Shoebox Memment: Charles Goods, Part 2 The women try to stop Malice Toward None Defensive posiBerlin. ories Murray human traffickers. (HD) tion in Atlanta. (N) (HD) The Big Bang The Big Bang Hell’s Kitchen: 12 Chefs Compete American Idol: 1 Surviving Jack WACH FOX News at 10 Local news Theory (HD) Theory Acting Entrees made with surprise ingredi- of 4 Voted Off (N) Kids take risks. (N) report and weather forecast. lessons. (HD) ents. (N) (HD) (HD) (HD) Family Feud (N) Family Feud (N) The Vampire Diaries: Promised Land Reign: Long Live the King Mary and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Stefan clarifies Elena’s relationship. Catherine control King Henry. (N) Web Young boy is molested by older (N) (HD) (HD) brother. (HD)

11 PM

11:30

12 AM

(:35) The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Actor Michael Fassbender. (N) (HD) (:35) Late Show with David Letterman James Franco; Idina Menzel. (N) (HD) (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live Kobe Bryant; Lake Bell; Pharrell Williams.

(N) (HD) Tavis Smiley BBC World News Charlie Rose (N) Robert Menendez. International (HD) (HD) news.

Two and a Half Two and a Half The Middle: WinMen (HD) Men Kandi moves ners and Losers in. (HD) (HD) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Arsenio Hall Vulnerable Nursing home suspected Show Talib Kweli. of abusiveness. (HD) (N) (HD) WIS News 10 at 11:00pm News and weather.

News 19 @ 11pm The news of the day.

ABC Columbia News at 11 (HD)

CABLE CHANNELS The First 48: When A Stranger Calls; The First 48: Jacked; Fallen Idol Fa- The First 48 (N) (HD) The Killer Speaks: Timothy (:02) The First 48: Far from Home; (:01) The First 48 Sweet 16 (HD) ther ambushed. (HD) Thomason: Perfect Murder (N) (HD) Object of Desire (HD) (HD) Invincible (‘06, Drama) aaa Mark Jerry Maguire (‘96, Drama) aaa Tom Cruise. A successful agent for sports celebrities begins his own company (:01) Invincible (‘06, Drama) aaa Mark Wahlberg.

Wahlberg. Open NFL tryout. (HD) after an attack of conscience costs him his job and nearly all of his clients. (HD) Bartender goes to tryout for NFL team. (HD) North Woods Law (HD) Alaska: The Last Frontier (HD) North Woods Law (HD) Rocky Mountain Bounty (HD) North Woods Law (HD) Bounty (HD) Phat Girlz (‘06, Comedy) c Mo’Nique. A robust woman tries to make a business by starting How to Be a Player (‘97, Comedy) ac Bill Bellamy. A womanizing playboy plots revenge Wendy Williams up a line of clothing. against his sister and her friends.

Show (N) The Real Housewives of Orange The Real Housewives of Atlanta: The Real Housewives of Atlanta: Reunion, Part 3 To Be AnWhat Happens The Real Housewives of Atlanta: County: Pretty Ugly Reunion, Part 2 Husbands join wives to reflect. nounced (N) Reunion, Part 3 Greed: Wild West Rip-Off Greed A union is robbed.

Greed Currency traders.

Greed: Dealing In Deceit Greed: Talk Radio Takedown Greed Erin Burnett OutFront (N) Anderson Cooper 360° (N) (HD) CNN Tonight CNN Special Report Anderson Cooper 360° (HD) CNN Tonight (:59) The Colbert Daily Show Seth Chappelle’s It’s Always It’s Always Tosh.0 Shoes Tosh.0 Spelling Tosh.0 (HD) Daily Show (N) The Colbert Re- (:01) @midnight Report (HD) Rogen. (HD) Show Sunny (HD) Sunny (HD) thrown. (HD) bee. (HD) (HD) port (N) (HD) (N) (HD) Jessie Act of kind- Austin & Ally Boy World Boy World Jessie (HD) Austin & Ally Dog Blog: Dog Good Luck Char- Jessie Lizard love. A.N.T. Farm (HD) Good Luck Charness. (HD) (HD) Topanga moves.

(HD) With a Hog lie (HD) (HD) lie (HD) Lords of the Car Hoards (HD) Lords of the Car Hoards (N) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Fast N’ Loud (HD) Street Outlaws (HD) Fast Loud Special (HD) Special (HD) 2014 NFL Draft: First Round: from Radio City Music Hall in New York z{| SportsCenter (HD) 2014 NBA Playoffs: Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat from AmericanAirlines Arena (HD) 2014 NBA Playoffs: Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs z{| (HD) Olbermann John Tucker Must Die (‘06, Comedy) aac Jesse Metcalfe. Three Step Up 3D (‘10, Drama) aac Rick Malambri. Street dancers and a col- The 700 Club A mother’s prayer is Bel-Air Eavesex-girlfriends of a high school jock train a girl to steal his heart. lege student perform in a major dance competition. (HD) answered. dropping.

America’s: Mentor Meltdown Chopped Leftover baskets. (HD) Chopped Canada (N) Beat Bobby Beat Bobby Diners (HD) Diners (HD) Chopped On the Record with Greta (N) The O’Reilly Factor (N) (HD) The Kelly File News updates.

Hannity Conservative news. (HD) The O’Reilly Factor (HD) The Kelly File Game 365 College Softball: ACC Tournament: Quarterfinal 4 z{| Insider (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) World Poker Tour no} (HD) Softball The Waltons: The Quilting Mary re- The Waltons: The House Grandma The Middle: Pilot The Middle (HD) Frasier: The Gift Frasier: Hallow- Frasier: The Kid Frasier: The Golden Tell-all fuses to pursue in a tradition. and Grandpa argue.

(HD) Horse een 1000th Show novel.

Addict (HD) Addict (HD) Addict (HD) Addict (HD) Addict (HD) Addict (HD) Hunters (N) Hunters (N) Fixer Upper Client rebuilding. (N) Addict (HD) Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Va- Criminal Minds: Roadkill Series of Criminal Minds: Amplification Criminal Minds Wrongful Life (HD) Dramma Giocoso (HD) cancy Dead bridesmaid. (HD) vehicular murders. (HD) Chemical weapon. (HD) (HD) (6:00) My Sister’s Keeper (‘09, Fool’s Gold (‘08, Adventure) aac Matthew McConaughey. A beach bum A Walk to Remember (‘02, Romance) Shane West. The cruelest boy in (:02) Fool’s Gold Drama) aaa Abigail Breslin. (HD) searches for lost treasure. (HD) school romances a girl who is dedicated to helping others. (HD) (‘08) aac (HD) Sponge Sam & Cat Instant (N) Dad Run Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Full Hse Friends (:36) Friends (:12) Friends Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Cops (HD) Impact Wrestling (N) (HD) Ink Master: Karma’s a Bitch (HD) Cops (HD) Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant (‘09, Action) aac John C. Fright Night (‘11, Horror) aac Anton Yelchin. A teen begins to suspect that his neighbor is Pulse (‘06, Horror) ac Kristen Bell.

Reilly. Youth befriends mystery man at circus. (HD) actually a dangerous vampire.

Wireless evil. (HD) Seinfeld Pasta ac- Family Guy Time Family Guy (HD) Family Guy: The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Conan Marc Maron; Rodrigo y The Pete Holmes cident. (HD) travel. (HD) Amish Guy (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Theory (HD) Gabriela. (N) (HD) Show (N) (6:00) A Funny Thing Happened on The Best Man (‘64, Drama) aaa Henry Fonda. Political hopefuls resort A Thousand Clowns (‘65, Comedy) aaa Jason Robards. A 12-year-old The Night of the the Way to the Forum (‘66) to blackmail to ensure their party’s nomination. boy and his uncle try to keep their unique family together.

Iguana (‘64) American Gypsy Wedding (HD) American Gypsy Wedding (HD) American Gypsy Wedding (N) Gypsy Sisters Feud to rest. (HD) American Gypsy Wedding (HD) Sisters (HD) Castle: Almost Famous World of Castle: Murder Most Fowl Murder (:01) Castle: Close Encounters of the (:02) Castle: Last Call Prohibition-era (:03) Hawaii Five-0: Mana’o Dead Hawaii Five-0: male strippers. (HD) uncovers abduction. (HD) Murderous Kind (HD) New York; quest. (HD) cop found in barbecue pit. (HD) Po’ipu (HD) truTV Top: Side Splitters Jokers Jokers Jokers Jokers Impractical Jokers (N) truTV Top: Worst Days Ever (:02) Jokers (:05) Golden Golden: Big Daddy’s Little Lady (:21) Golden Brady Brady Raymond (HD) Raymond (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Queens (HD) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family: Modern Family Law & Order: Rhodium Nights (HD) Lost Reputation (HD) Above Suspicion (HD) (HD) (HD) My Hero (HD) (HD) SVU (HD) Mary Mary: The Last Chord (HD) Mary Mary: Tragedy Strikes (HD) Mary Mary (N) (HD) Mary Mary: Australian Tour (HD) Mary Mary: Australian Tour (HD) Home Vid Lead-Off (HD) MLB Baseball: Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox from U.S. Cellular Field z{| (HD) How I Met How I Met Parks (HD)

‘American Comedy Awards’ pays tribute to Cosby

BY KEVIN MCDONOUGH Comics gather to honor their own on NBC’s broadcast of the “American Comedy Awards” (9 p.m.), as it salutes one of the biggest stars from the network’s past. Craig Robinson (“The Office”) and The Nasty Delicious will perform as the house band.

Chris Rock will present the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence to Bill Cosby.

Before “Seinfeld” and “Friends,” “The Cosby Show” was the unassailable ratings rock upon which NBC built its “must-see” Thursday-night lineup. Many contend that the series single-handedly revived the sitcom genre. By its third season, the audience for the family-friendly comedy exceeded 30 million viewers.

Of course, Bill Cosby’s career is not defined by “The Cosby Show.” He had several TV series and animated cartoon series before that, as well as a long standup career. Cosby first entered many fans’ lives through his comedy albums.

Among the most popular routines of his comedy album period was his take on the biblical story of Noah.

In Cosby’s hands, Noah is an everyday guy who responds with a certain incredulity when asked to perform the miraculous by the Almighty. Every time Noah is presented with a fantastic fact or command, he responds with brief silence, followed by the single, sardonic

statement, “... Right.” In this routine, Noah is not so much sarcastic, but amusingly human. How might we react to a similar situation?

• Scott Aukerman hosts the talk show sendup “Comedy Bang! Bang!” (10:30 p.m., IFC, TV-14), which returns, along with musical “director” Reggie Watts, for a third season. Guest stars this season include Fred Armisen, Zach Galifianakis, Josh Groban, Bob Odenkirk, Nick Offerman, Patton Oswalt and Craig Robinson.

• “Maron” (10 p.m., IFC, TVMA) returns for a second season, following the dyspeptic comic Marc Maron as he continues his homemade podcast and maintains feuds with rivals, including Michael Ian Black.

• A Mother’s Day episode of “Instant Mom” (8 p.m., Nickelodeon, TV-PG) features Marion Ross, Florence Henderson, Meredith Baxter and Jackee.

partners divided by a perceived indiscretion.

• Penny questions everything on “The Big Bang Theory” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).

• The first round of the 2014 NFL Draft (8 p.m., ESPN).

• The art of deduction on “Elementary” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• Will’s confession disgusts Catherine on “Black Box” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).

SERIES NOTES On two episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, TV-14): conjoined twins (8 p.m., r), sleepless in Seattle (9 p.m.) * Stefan hops from the frying pan to the fire on “The Vampire Diaries” (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Nathan’s boss makes a surprising move on “The Millers” (8:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) * Henry’s madness puts Francis on the spot on “Reign” (9 p.m., CW, TV-14) * Carl wants Meredith to mentor Ginny on “Bad Teacher” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

TONIGHT’S SEASON FINALES • Alan faces the music on “Two and a Half Men” (9 p.m., CBS, TV-14).

• The kids present grown-up challenges on “Surviving Jack” (9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14).

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS • Vince Vaughn and Kevin James star in the 2011 comedy “The Dilemma” (7:45 p.m., Oxygen) about friends and business

LATE NIGHT Katie Couric is booked on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (11 p.m., Comedy Central) * Marc Maron and Rodrigo y Gabriela are on “Conan” (11 p.m., TBS) * Dave Franco, Nick Thune, Heather McDonald and Ian Karmel are booked on “Chelsea Lately” (11 p.m., E!) * Ellen Page is on “The Colbert Report” (11:30 p.m., Comedy Central) * James Franco, Idina

WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.

Walden (Ashton Kutcher) shakes hands with Larry (D.B. Sweeney) as Alan (Jon Cryer) looks on in the season finale of “Two and a Half Men” airing at 9 p.m. today on CBS. Menzel and the Broadway cast of “If/Then” appear on “Late Show With David Letterman” (11:35 p.m., CBS) * Jimmy Fallon welcomes Michael Fassbender and Zoe Saldana on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) * Kobe Bryant, Lake Bell and Pharrell Williams are on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:35 p.m.,

ABC) * Jon Hamm, Larry King, Misty Copeland and Ali Wong visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) * Craig Ferguson hosts Lisa Kudrow on “The Late Late Show” (12:35 a.m., CBS).

Copyright 2014, United Feature Syndicate

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

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 H.G. Osteen 1870-1955 Founder, The Item

H.D. Osteen 1904-1987 The Item

|

A9

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

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Lawmakers have spoken out on concealed carry In the May 6, 2014, Sumter Item Opinion page, Mr. John Ford states that our “Lawmakers need to speak out on dangers of armed citizens.” They have spoken out, Mr. Ford. They have instituted laws which give the law-abiding citizens of our state a means by which they can protect themselves from rampant crime in the absence of law enforcement.

Make no doubt about it — law-enforcement personnel have my highest respect and appreciation. However, it has been my observation that law enforcement most often arrives after a crime has occurred. Usually, they investigate, rather than prevent, crime once a potential perpetrator has made the decision to commit that crime. Our lawmakers have given us a tool to even the odds in some circumstances. I believe concealed carry does more to prevent violent crime against an innocent public than almost any other law. The beauty of it is not that legal carriers will be able to whip out their weapons and start firing when some nutcase decides to break the law. It is that there is a tremendous seed of doubt placed by the concealed weapons law in the minds of those who would commit violence in public settings.

The problem with people of your ilk, Mr. Ford, is that you take the position that you are better qualified to determine life and death decisions about my life than I am. Unless you intend to be with me in public at all times and “have my back”, I prefer to make my own decisions, within the law, as to what means I will take to assure my own safety.

Have you done any research lately on concealed weapons permit statistics in our state? How often do serious violations occur? How many citizens possess permits? I think that you might be able to draw some inferences from the figures below, taken from SLED online CWP Statistics for 2013: Active Permits as of Dec. 31, 2013 — 229,456 Permits Issued in 2013 — 83,012 Permits Denied in 2013 — 1,272 Permits Renewed in 2013 — 38,617 Permits Revoked in 2013 — 364 Please, Mr. Ford, spare us your paternalism. Or at least show us the figures indicating all of the chaos and poor judgment that you seem to fear will be the result of our concealed weapons laws.

BENTLEY G. FISHBURNE Jr. Sumter

Facts show positives of concealed carry I debated John Ford in 1996 regarding the proposed concealed weapons bill. He predicted blood in the streets and was wrong then, as he is now. As a lawyer I would expect Mr. Ford would be more concerned with facts than feelings and false stereotypes.

For example: 1. George Will in Newsweek reported that police are more than 5 times more likely than a civilian to shoot an innocent person by mistake.

2. Using 15 years of data, the University of Chicago found that allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons deters violent crimes without increasing accidental deaths.

3. A Carter-era study found that of 32,000 attempted rapes, 32 percent were actually committed. The rate dropped to 3 percent when the woman was armed.

4. The Newsweek study found only 2 percent of civilian shootings involved an innocent person being shot (not necessarily killed). While unfortunate, it is not the picture Mr. Ford paints.

5. About 1,500,000 civilians defend themselves each year with firearms. Would Mr. Ford compromise their ability to defend self and family?

I applaud Mr. Ford for his law enforcement service. It appears that service is the basis for his feelings regarding armed citizens. Those feelings are not supported by the facts. As a retired law enforcement professional, he has (under HR 218) the ability to carry a concealed weapon in every state which is denied the rest of us. Is this wanting to be the one-eyed man in the land of the blind? Additional training is certainly worthwhile and to be encouraged.

However, without SWAT-level training, our citizens are doing quite well.

RALPH BAKER Sumter

Monitoring service would help bus drivers control kids I am writing to express concerns on the behavior of the children on the school buses.

Since the beginning of the school year, it is quite noticeable that when the regular driver is absent, the children are completely out of control. You can actually hear the children over the bus as it prepares to stop, it would bring to mind a “clown car.” Boys and girls are out of their seats or standing up and speaking loudly.

Please do not misunderstand my observations. I have a 5- and 6-year-old who also ride the bus. I am well aware how children will behave when they don’t know you.

When the cats away, the mice will play. The drivers are bullied. They (bus drivers) are not to blame by any means.

It would be impossible to maintain the vehicle and watch unruly children, and they will be that way.

I would like to make a suggestion based on my experience with the DOD schools in Italy. The children were fortunate enough to ride to and from school on commercial buses, driven by the nationals. Each bus required a monitor to be present before the children got on the bus. There were not as many problems because of the fact that an adult was on the bus besides the driver. Any incidents that occurred were reported as soon as possible. There were many things to deal with and the driver needed to do was drive. The technology available today (i.e. cameras and cellphones) make reporting a problem almost instant, but they do not replace the watchful eye of an adult.

There may be parents that would be willing to provide this monitoring service, if the district does not have the funds to pay someone for this much-needed task. School is almost over, but perhaps it would be considered in next year’s budget.

LORRAINE MUHAMMAD Dalzell

EDITORIAL ROUNDUP Recent editorials from South Carolina newspapers:

The Island Packet of Hilton Head May 4

Haley education plan positive step Funding inequity among South Carolina’s school districts has been debated for years by educators, lawmakers and parents. Should anything be done to correct it, they have asked? And if so, how should the state reform its decades-old funding formula to more fairly distribute state money?

Poor, rural districts, fed up with the talk but no action, sued over the issue 20 years ago.

They still haven’t gotten an answer. The lawsuit is still pending before the South Carolina Supreme Court.

It is in this vein that we applaud Gov. Nikki Haley’s education reform initiative that actually acts on the problem. It makes a significant change in the way the state distributes one of its main pots of education money, targeting more dollars for students who cost more to educate. That includes poor students, gifted students, students whose native language is not English, students with disabilities and students who struggle with reading.

The plan is not a panacea for the state’s education problems. For example, some of the state’s most impoverished school districts, including Allendale County, already spend a great deal of money per student but still routinely post low standardized test scores. The plan doesn’t address the underlying issues that are causing that problem.

The proposal also won’t help poor districts replace deteriorating school buildings with new ones. It’s won’t convince our best teachers to move to and teach in our most challenged schools. And it doesn’t alleviate the oppressive poverty and lack of parental support that makes it so difficult for many of our students to succeed.

But Haley’s plan certainly is an initial step in the right direction, funneling more dollars to specific groups of students that research shows cost more to educate — and doing so without regard to where in the state the student lives. The governor deserves praise for attempting to do something about an issue that has plagued our state for decades.

Still, the plan is a tough pill to swallow for the state’s wealthier districts, including the Beaufort County School District. The district stands to lose nearly $700,000 next fiscal year because it has fewer of these subgroups of students than most other districts. The $700,000 would be redirected to the needy districts, according to the House’s budget proposal. Fewer than 10 districts stand to lose money under the spending plan, including Charleston County that could see a decrease of more than $3 million and York District 4 that could lose about $1 million, according to the state Department of Education. The rest of the districts would receive funding boosts.

While we believe that, long term, it is appropriate for Beaufort County and the state’s other wealthier districts to receive fewer EIA state dollars, we do not think it’s fair or smart to do it this late in the fiscal year. These districts are already deep into planning their budgets and would have to start over.

And in Beaufort County’s case, the district anticipates needing as much as a $10 million more, a 5 percent increase, from Beaufort County in the fiscal year that beings July 1.

Adding a $700,000 state hit would surely hurt the district’s plans of putting a tablet in the hands of every student in grades three through 12 by the end of next school year and converting all of it half-day prekindergarten classes into full-day classes.

We agree and applaud efforts by Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, to hold the wealthier districts harmless for a year or two, giving them time to adjust to the new fiscal reality.

To this end, Davis and others received assurances last week from the House, the governor’s office and the Senate’s Finance Committee on which Davis serves that whatever dollar figure is needed to hold the wealthier districts harmless next fiscal year will be budgeted. That will ensure the funding blow caused by Haley’s funding reform won’t wreak havoc on the districts’ budgets or derail their plans. And it gives them crucial planning time to prepare for the hit when it eventually comes.

We hope the districts use the time wisely to prepare for fewer state dollars in future years.

The Post and Courier of Charleston May 3

Big raise for state lawmakers?

The state Senate Finance Committee has endorsed a plan to give legislators another $12,000 a year — and by the backdoor to boot.

You have to wonder how many taxpayers would endorse that kind of pay hike. Are our lawmakers really doing that good of a job?

Currently, legislators are paid a salary of $10,400 a year, plus $12,000 for something called in-district expenses, an allocation that was approved years ago as a backdoor pay hike. And they’re at it again, with a plan to double that amount.

Legislators also get a per diem of $131 when they are in session, mileage compensation on official business, and are members of a goldplated retirement system.

It’s not all that bad for a job that the state Constitution envisions lasting only 40 days a year. That would put the session ending sometime in March, even with the short work week.

But you can hardly get lawmakers to go home before June.

What is the attraction of staying in Columbia? Maybe it has something to do with being treated like big shots when the Legislature is in session.

So far, the big splash of the legislative year has been the creation of the Department of Administration, a new Cabinet agency that will take over many of the duties of the state Budget and Control Board.

Even though that needed reform already had been discussed for years, it was still a surprise that legislators finally managed to approve a bill in the early part of the session.

The other big issue pending is ethics reform, and so far the outlook isn’t promising. The Senate passed a bill that mainly would require additional income disclosure, but not much else and not enough of that. Certainly, it wouldn’t provide for independent investigation or adjudication of ethics complaints against legislators — as is required for every other elected official in the state.

We recognize that legislative pay has remained static for a number of years, but lawmakers who support this idea should be willing to stand up and tell the taxpayers just why they deserve such a big hike.

After all, taxpayers would pay for the increase.

And the fact that the committee recommended a cut in state allocations to counties to provide for it could mean that they pay for it twice. Presumably, the counties would look to local taxpayers to make up that $2 million loss in revenue.

But the largest fear of increasing pay for lawmakers is that it is another step to a fulltime Legislature.

Actually, the General Assembly should be moving the other way, to a shorter session.

A10

|

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

SUPPORT GROUPS AA, AL-ANON, ALATEEN: AA — Monday-Friday, noon and 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., 1 Warren St. (803) 7751852.

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

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

AA “How it Works” Group — Monday and Friday, 8 p.m., 1154 Ronda St. Call (803) 4945180.

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

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

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

Manning Al-Anon Family Group — Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Behavioral Health Building, 14 Church St., Manning. Call Angie Johnson at (803) 4358085.

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

HIV/AIDS: Positive Outlook, through Wateree AIDS Task Force, will meet at 11:30 a.m. third Friday of each month. Support group for those with HIV / AIDS, their friends and family. For meeting location, contact Kevin at (803) 778-0303 or watereeaids@sc.rr.com.

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

Find us on Facebook at Sumter Vitiligo Support.

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

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

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

EFMP Parent Exchange Group — Last Tuesday each month, 11 a.m.-noon, Airman and Family Readiness Center. Support to service members who have a dependent with a disability or illness. Call Dorcus Haney at (803) 895-1252/1253 or Sue Zimmerman at (803) 847-2377.

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

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

Asthma Support Group — Every 1st Thursday, 6 p.m., Clarendon County School District 3 Parenting Center, 2358 Walker Gamble Road, New Zion.

Call Mary Howard at (843) 659-2102.

Alzheimer’s Support Group through S.C. Alzheimer’s Association — Every 1st Thursday, 6-8 p.m., McElveen Manor, 2065 McCrays Mill Road. Call Cheryl Fluharty at (803) 905-7720 or the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 636-3346.

Journey of Hope (for families members of the mentally ill), Journey to Recovery (for the mentally ill) and Survivors of Suicide Support Group — Each group meets every 1st Thursday, 7 p.m., St. John United Methodist Church, 136 Poinsett Drive. Call Fred Harmon at (803) 905-5620.

FRIDAY MEETINGS: Celebrate Recovery — Every Friday, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. program, Salt & Light Church, Miller Road (across from Food Lion). For help with struggles of alcohol, drugs, family problems, smoking, etc.

SATURDAY MEETINGS: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/ Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Support Group — 1:30 p.m. every third Saturday, 3785 Blackberry Lane, Lot 7.

Call Donna Parker at (803) 481-7521.

PUBLIC AGENDA SUMTER COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION / ELECTION COMMISSION Today, 5:30 p.m., registration / election office, 141 N. Main St.

SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monday, May 12, 6:45 p.m., Willow Drive Elementary School, 26 Willow Drive

DAILY PLANNER

THE SUMTER ITEM

WEATHER

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2014

AccuWeather® five-day forecast for Sumter TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Mostly sunny

Clear to partly cloudy

Partly sunny

Periods of sun

A thunderstorm possible

Partly sunny, a t-storm possible

92°

63°

92° / 63°

87° / 60°

87° / 62°

88° / 64°

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 5%

Chance of rain: 10%

Chance of rain: 25%

Chance of rain: 30%

Chance of rain: 30%

Winds: SW 6-12 mph

Winds: SSW 4-8 mph

Winds: SSW 6-12 mph

Winds: SW 4-8 mph

Winds: SW 4-8 mph

Winds: SSW 6-12 mph

TODAY’S SOUTH CAROLINA WEATHER

Gaffney 90/61 Spartanburg 91/61

Greenville 91/61

Columbia 94/62

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

Sumter 92/63

IN THE MOUNTAINS Aiken 91/58

ON THE COAST

Charleston 92/63

Today: A full day of sunshine. High 83 to 91.

Friday: Sunshine mixing with some clouds.

High 79 to 87.

LOCAL ALMANAC

LAKE LEVELS

SUMTER THROUGH 4 P.M. YESTERDAY

Today Hi/Lo/W 87/64/s 84/62/c 81/67/t 80/61/c 84/71/pc 71/59/pc 82/71/pc 59/52/r 91/67/s 65/56/c 84/67/s 65/55/pc 82/63/pc

SUN AND MOON 7 a.m. yest.

357.90 75.23 74.89 97.08

24-hr chg -0.01 -0.16 +0.21 -0.05

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

0.00" 0.01" 0.68" 12.58" 15.40" 15.03"

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

91° 61° 80° 55° 94° in 1950 43° in 1992

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

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 83/63/pc 77/51/c 90/70/t 75/57/t 86/70/t 74/59/pc 82/69/t 60/56/c 91/69/pc 73/58/pc 90/71/s 63/51/s 83/64/pc

Myrtle Beach 85/65

Manning 93/61

Today: Mostly sunny. Winds southwest 4-8 mph. Partly cloudy.

Friday: Partly sunny. Winds west-southwest 6-12 mph.

Temperature High Low Normal high Normal low Record high Record low

Florence 93/62

Bishopville 92/63

Flood 7 a.m. stage yest.

12 7.79 19 3.88 14 4.44 14 3.78 80 77.09 24 6.50

24-hr chg -0.35 -0.30 -0.44 -0.01 -0.70 -0.02

Sunrise 6:26 a.m.

Moonrise 2:27 p.m.

Sunset Moonset

8:11 p.m.

2:40 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

May 14

May 21

May 28

June 5

TIDES AT MYRTLE BEACH

Today Fri.

High 4:22 a.m.

5:12 p.m.

5:15 a.m.

6:04 p.m.

Ht. 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.8

Low 11:25 a.m.

11:52 p.m.

12:14 p.m.

---

Ht. 0.7 0.8 0.5 ---

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 85/52/s 90/61/s 91/58/s 91/66/s 78/67/s 92/63/s 91/60/s 90/62/s 94/62/s 92/62/s 86/62/s 90/64/s 93/63/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 80/56/pc 86/60/pc 91/59/pc 87/67/s 78/68/pc 89/66/s 89/61/pc 87/62/pc 93/62/pc 91/62/pc 89/65/pc 90/66/pc 91/65/pc

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

Today Hi/Lo/W 93/62/s 91/64/s 90/61/s 91/64/s 92/63/s 88/62/s 91/61/s 88/60/s 82/68/s 91/63/s 88/58/s 90/59/s 87/63/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 91/64/pc 91/65/pc 90/62/pc 91/65/pc 89/65/s 90/62/pc 87/62/pc 87/61/pc 78/68/s 87/64/pc 83/59/pc 87/62/pc 83/63/pc

City Marion Mt. Pleasant Myrtle Beach Orangeburg Port Royal Raleigh Rock Hill Rockingham Savannah Spartanburg Summerville Wilmington Winston-Salem

Today Hi/Lo/W 89/57/s 89/63/s 85/65/s 92/61/s 88/66/s 92/62/s 91/59/s 94/62/s 92/62/s 91/61/s 85/67/s 92/66/s 89/62/s

Fri. Hi/Lo/W 86/60/pc 87/66/s 82/68/s 90/60/pc 83/67/s 92/63/pc 90/61/pc 93/64/pc 87/66/pc 88/62/pc 79/67/s 89/65/s 89/63/pc

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

CLARENDON COUNTY COUNCIL Monday, May 12, 6 p.m., Administration Building, Council Chambers, 411 Sunset Drive, Manning

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t waste EUGENIA LAST time or you will be criticized. Set your sights on what will bring the highest return and move in that direction. If you achieve what you set out to, a celebration will lead to love and romance.

The last word in astrology

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Collaborate with friends or make time for children. Expand your ideas and express your thoughts.

Attend a conference or event that gets you thinking and connects you to interesting people and prospects. A good partnership should be considered.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t let anyone take you for granted. You may like to lend a helping hand, but making donations or offering your time and talent for nothing will not end well. Expect someone you know to have ulterior motives.

Proceed with caution.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t let what someone else does deter you from doing your own thing.

You may not please everyone, but it’s important that you feel good about what you do. A change at home or with a friendship will help liberate you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t believe everything you hear. Take control of any conversation you engage in and lay the facts and figures out for everyone to see.

Don’t beat around the bush. Today is about taking action and getting things done.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You will stand out in the crowd, so take advantage and step into the spotlight where you can make a difference. Voice your opinion and do your best to bring about positive change, and it will improve your life at work and at home.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Listen to what’s being said, but don’t make promises. You have to find out more before you concur to follow through with someone else’s plans. Put more time into your home, family and romantic life, and you will make progress.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Search for information instead of taking someone’s word. It’s important to protect against emotional, financial or physical encounters that threaten you. A partnership can turn out to be costly if you cannot agree. Massage the situation and position yourself to win.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make personal changes and try something new. What you do to change your current situation personally or professionally will pay off. The people you meet and the direction you take will lead to a better position and a bright future.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Remembering the past will help you move forward. Getting together with old friends or resurrecting a project you left unfinished will lead you in a positive direction. Love is on the rise and romance should be a priority.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Ask questions and do whatever it takes to get the information you require to make a wise decision regarding your future. The added responsibilities you take on will bring high returns.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Let your charm shine through. You can stabilize your position and take care of pressing business matters if you do so with finesse. Your imagination and curiosity will attract someone you find intriguing and worth collaborating with.

LOTTERY NUMBERS PALMETTO CASH 5 WEDNESDAY

MEGAMILLIONS TUESDAY

1-3-11-23-26 PowerUp: 2

18-20-27-48-51 Megaball: 5 Megaplier: 3

PICK 3 WEDNESDAY

PICK 4 WEDNESDAY

2-1-1 and 4-8-0

9-1-5-7 and 9-7-5-5

POWERBALL numbers were unavailable at press time.

PICTURES FROM THE PUBLIC OCCASION: Suanne Richendrfer took this picture of a pronghorn at the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.

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

B

USCS baseball wins Region X tournament

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

B2 Call: (803) 774-1241 | E-mail: sports@theitem.com

PREP BASEBALL

Phillip Watcher’s 3-hit gem leads SHS to District VI title

BY MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER mchristopher@theitem.com Sumter High School baseball head coach Brooks Shumake challenged senior pitcher Phillip Watcher on Wednesday and he delivered.

“Phillip’s lately been relieved by (Chris) Crawford in about the fourth (inning) in the last two or three starts,”

Shumake said. “I challenged him in this game and said, ‘Go out there and be your best and see if you can have a really good game.’ Phillip came out and did what he had to do and had a really good game.”

Watcher had a gutsy performance as he threw a 3-hit complete game in a 2-1 victory over Summerville at

Gamecock Field that gave the Gamecocks the District VI tournament championship in the 4A state playoffs.

“It was a great confidence builder for me pitching, and as the team getting the job done,” Watcher said. “We’re real happy we don’t have to waste any pitching or anything. I

SEE SHS, PAGE B3

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter shortstop Jacob Watcher, left, attempts to tag out Summerville’s Matty Powell during the Gamecocks’ 2-1 victory on Wednesday in the The District VI tournament championship game of the 4A state playoffs at Gamecock Field.

NFL DRAFT

The No. 1 question

McDowell eyes NFL roster spot

BY JUSTIN DRIGGERS jdriggers@theitem.com All Roderick McDowell needs is one opportunity, he said.

“All I need is my foot in the door somewhere,” McDowell, the former Sumter High School and Clemson University standout running back said. “All you need is one team’s attention.

“After that, hard work will take care of the rest.”

It was that same mentality that allowed McDowell to have patience as he waited in the wings at Clemson behind C.J. Spiller, Andre Ellington and a few others before bursting onto the scene and finally making a name for himself as a fifth-year senior.

Now McDowell is taking that same approach into this weekend’s National Football League draft,

COMING THURSDAY McDowell reflects on career at Clemson in Q & A with Sumter Item.

which begins today at 8 p.m. on ESPN. After years of being the underdog in the Tigers backfield, the 5-foot-10inch, 200-pound McDowell showed what he was capable of in 2013. In 13 games, McDowell ran for 1,025 yards and five touchdowns on 189 carries as the Tigers won 11 games, including an Orange Bowl victory over Ohio State.

“To me he’s the epitome of what I hope our program will be about,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said of McDowell. “He’s a guy that showed up and just

SEE MCDOWELL, PAGE B4

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

After an extra two weeks of added critiques and questioning, South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, left, will finally be able to see if he will indeed be the top overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft which begins today at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

Debate over Clowney, top pick to finally be settled tonight

BY RALPH D. RUSSO The Associated Press NEW YORK — Jadeveon Clowney just wants it to be over already.

The NFL’s first May draft gave everyone a little more time to critique the prospects and try to figure out who is going where and when.

No player has been more scrutinized than Clowney, the defensive end from South Carolina whose every move — on and off the field — has been

analyzed since he ended his sophomore season with a helmet-removing hit against Michigan.

“I’ve been tired of it. I wish the draft was two or three weeks ago,’’ Clowney said Wednesday after playing flag football with grammar-school kids at the NFL’s Play 60 festival at a park on the west side of Manhattan.

The Houston Texans have the first pick and Clowney could be their guy. Or maybe they’ll take a quarterback,

such as Johnny Manziel. Or maybe they’ll trade the pick.

The NFL has given fans two extra weeks to ponder these questions. The draft is usually held in April, but some scheduling conflicts at Radio City Music Hall caused the NFL to push it back. Commissioner Roger Goodell said that it’s too soon to say whether May drafts are here to stay.

This year’s draft finally gets underway tonight, Day 1 of the

SEE CLOWNEY, PAGE B4

AP FILE PHOTO

Clemson running back and former Sumter High standout Roderick McDowell (25) will likely not hear his name called during the NFL draft, which begins tonight in New York City. But McDowell is likely to sign as a free agent somewhere, and all he needs is a chance to prove himself, McDowell said.

PREP BASEBALL

LMA earns berth in 3A championship series

BY KING CUTTER Special to The Sumter Item MANNING — After falling one game short the past three seasons, the Laurence Manning Academy baseball team is heading to the SCISA 3A state championship series after knocking off Hilton Head Prep 8-3 on Wednesday at Tucker Belangia Diamond.

The Swampcats used a 4-run second inning to take an early 5-1 lead en route to the victory that gave them a sweep the best-of-three semifinal series.

LMA will host the winner of the Wilson Hall-Pinewood Prep semifinal series on Monday in Game 1 of

the best-of-3 state championship series.

Swampcat head coach Barry Hatfield was proud of his team, stating, “This series we struggled at times, but, good teams find ways to win. We made plays when we had to and I’m proud of them for that.”

HATFIELD Laurence Manning took an early lead in the first inning after both JT Eppley and Mark Pipkin singled and advanced on a wild pitch by Hilton Head Prep starting pitcher Tyler Fox. Eppley scored on a Linc Powell ground out.

The Dolphins looked to answer in the second as Fox doubled to open the inning off of LMA starting pitcher Powell, and Gem Cagglihan singled to put runners on the corners for left fielder Gregg Warren.

Warren lined a sharp ball to left field to plate Fox to even the game at 1-1.

With runners on first and second and no outs, Hilton Head attempted a hit-and-run with James Leonard, only to have Powell coax him into a line out to Taylor Finley in left, who quickly doubled off Cagglihan, ending the Dolphin scoring threat.

The Swampcats responded in a

SEE LMA, PAGE B4

Patton’s HR lifts WH to 4-2 victory

BY NEILL KIRKPATRICK Special to The Sumter Item SUMMERVILLE — Kemper Patton hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 15th inning to lift Wilson Hall to a 4-2 victory over Pinewood Prep and sweep their SCISA 3A baseball state playoffs semifinal series on Wednesday at the Pinewood Prep field.

The Barons, who improved to 26-1 on the season, will face rival Laurence Manning Academy in the best-of-3 state championship series beginning on Monday.

The Panthers end the year with a 14-11 record.

B2

|

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

AREA ROUNDUP

SCISA state softball tourneys begin Friday Defending SCISA 3A softball state champion Wilson Hall, Laurence Manning Academy, Thomas Sumter Academy, Robert E. Lee Academy and Clarendon Hall will begin play in their respective state tournaments on Friday.

Wilson Hall and LMA will compete in different brackets in the 3A tournament, which will be played at Pine Grove Softball Complex in West Columbia. Wilson Hall plays Augusta Christian at 5 p.m. on Friday, while LMA meets First Baptist at 5 as well.

All teams will play a second game on Friday with the tournament concluding on Saturday.

The bracket winners will meet in a best-of-3 state championship series next week.

TSA and REL are in the 2A tournament in opposite brackets. TSA is getting a first-round bye and will play the winner between Pee Dee and Marlboro Academy on Friday at 6:15 p.m. at Oak Grove Softball Complex.

REL will face Spartanburg Christian at 4 p.m. on Friday and will play a second game as well.

Saturday’s 2A games will be played at Pine Grove.

Clarendon Hall will play in the 1A tournament at Pine Grove. It will face St. John’s Christian at 3 p.m. and will play a second game.

LAURENCE MANNING 13 PEE DEE 3

MANNING — Laurence Manning Academy scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to beat Pee Dee 13-3 in six innings on Wednesday at the LMA field.

Hannah Hodge led the Lady Swampcats, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two runs batted in. Sara Herbert had a double and drove in three runs, while Maggie Eppley had two hits and Bailey Elms and Emily McElveen both had a double. Elms also scored twice.

CAROLINA 9 WILSON HALL 2

LAKE CITY — Wilson Hall closed out its regular season with a 9-2 loss to Carolina Academy on Tuesday at the Carolina field.

The Lady Barons fell to 26-6 on the season.

Bailey Connor had a double, while Holly Scott and Hannah Jordan also had hits.

VARSITY SOCCER LAKE CITY 2 LAKEWOOD 0 Lakewood High School fell to 8-4 on the season with a 2-0 loss to Lake City on Wednesday at J. Frank Baker Stadium.

Jonaleah Moroz had two saves in goal for the Lady Gators, and Nikki Gonzalez had five saves.

CRESTWOOD 3 DARLINGTON 0

Crestwood High School evened its Region VI-3A record at 4-4 with a 3-0 win over Darlington on Tuesday at the Crestwood field.

The Lady Knights, who are 6-10 overall, got goals from Angelica Manzo, Alexus Padar and Jermayah Benjamin. Ashley Prater, Sabrina Terry and Meagyn Ferguson each had an assist.

JV SOFTBALL WILSON HALL 14 CARDINAL NEWMAN 2 COLUMBIA — Wilson

Hall closed out its season with a 14-2 victory over Cardinal Newman on Monday at the CN field.

Madison Elmore led the Lady Barons with three hits and three runs batted in. Kathryn Sistare, Mary Daniel Stokes, Caroline Campbell and Addy Carraway each had two hits, including a double.

Madison Sliwonik struck out seven in going the distance in the circle for Wilson Hall, which finished with a 12-3 record.

On Friday in Summerton, Wilson Hall defeated Clarendon 164.

Madison Reaves led the Lady Barons with three hits, including a double. Liza Lowder and Stokes both had two hits, including a triple, while Carraway had a hit and drove in four runs.

BOYS VARSITY TENNIS MANNING 5 AIRPORT 1

MANNING — Manning High School defeated Airport 5-1 on Tuesday in the first round of the 3A state playoffs at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex.

The Monarchs travel to Myrtle Beach today to face Socastee.

SINGLES 1 -- Price (A) defeated Elms 6-0, 6-2.

2 -- Skoler (M) defeated Elbrecht 3-6, 6-3, 10-8.

3 -- Cottone (M) defeated Poovey 6-0, 6-1.

4 -- Brown (M) defeated Pansby 6-1, 6-2.

5 -- Rose (M) defeated Best 6-3, 6-4.

DOUBLES 1 – Did not play.

2 -- Boatright/Whte (M) defeated Moel/Lawhorn 6-2, 6-4

THE SUMTER ITEM

SCOREBOARD

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST DIVISION

TV, RADIO TODAY

11 a.m. – College Softball: Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Quarterfinal Game from College Park, Md. – Georgia Tech vs.

Florida State (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

11 a.m. – College Softball: Southeastern Conference Tournament Game from Columbia – Louisiana State vs. Missouri (ESPNU).

1 p.m. – PGA Golf: The Players Championship First Round from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (GOLF).

1 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Houston at Detroit or Minnesota at Cleveland (MLB NETWORK).

1:30 p.m. – College Softball: Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Game from College Park, Md. – North Carolina vs. North Carolina State (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

1:30 p.m. – College Softball: Southeastern Conference Tournament Game from Columbia – Tennessee vs. Kentucky or Mississippi State (ESPNU).

4 p.m. – College Softball: Southeastern Conference Tournament Game from Columbia – Georgia vs. Florida (ESPNU).

5 p.m. – College Softball: Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Game from College Park, Md. – Boston College vs. Notre Dame (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

6:05 p.m. – Talk Show: Sports Talk (WPUB-FM 102.7, WDXY-FM 105.9, WDXY-AM 1240).

6:30 p.m. – College Softball: Southeastern Conference Tournament Game from Columbia – Alabama vs. Auburn or South Carolina (ESPNU).

7 p.m. – Minor League Baseball: Lehigh Valley at Charlotte (CBS SPORTS NETWORK).

7 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Baltimore at Tampa Bay or Philadelphia at Toronto (MLB NETWORK).

7 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Eastern Conference Playoffs Semifinal Series Game Two – Brooklyn at Miami (TNT).

7:30 p.m. – College Softball: Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Game from College Park, Md. – Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech (FOX SPORTSOUTH).

7:30 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Eastern Conference Playoffs Semifinal Series Game Four – Boston at Montreal (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

8 p.m. – College Baseball: Santa Clara at Brigham Young (BYUTV).

8 p.m. – NFL Football: National Football League Draft First Round from New York (ESPN).

8 p.m. – Major League Baseball: Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox (WGN).

8:30 p.m. – College Baseball: Vanderbilt at Florida (ESPNU).

9:30 p.m. – NBA Basketball: Western Conference Playoffs Semifinal Series Game Two – Portland at San Antonio (TNT).

10 p.m. – Major League Baseball: San Francisco at Los Angeles Dodgers or Kansas City at Seattle (MLB NETWORK).

10 p.m. – NHL Hockey: Western Conference Playoffs Semifinal Series Game Four – Anaheim at Los Angeles (NBC SPORTS NETWORK).

MLB STANDINGS

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

W 16 17 16 16 15

L 14 15 17 17 18

Pct .533 .531 .485 .485 .455

GB – – 1½ 1½ 2½

W 19 17 16 15 14

L 9 17 17 16 19

Pct .679 .500 .485 .484 .424

GB – 5 5½ 5½ 7½

W 19 17 17 16 10

L 15 15 16 16 23

Pct .559 .531 .515 .500 .303

GB – 1 1½ 2 8½

TUESDAY’S GAMES

Cleveland 4, Minnesota 2 Toronto 6, Philadelphia 5, 10 innings Detroit 11, Houston 4 Baltimore 5, Tampa Bay 3 Boston 4, Cincinnati 3, 12 innings Chicago White Sox 5, Chicago Cubs 1 Colorado 12, Texas 1 N.Y. Yankees 4, L.A. Angels 3 Seattle 8, Oakland 3 Kansas City 3, San Diego 1, 11 innings

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

SPORTS ITEMS

USCS wins Region X tournament KINSTON, N.C. — The University of South Carolina Sumter baseball team defeated Louisburg College 4-2 on Wednesday at Grainger Stadium to win the NJCAA Region X tournament for the first time in program history.

With the tournament victory, the Fire Ants not only earned a berth in the Eastern District Tournament, but the right to host it as well. The 4-team, double-elimination tournament is scheduled for May 16-18.

USCS, which improved to 39-13 on the season, fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first inning. However, it scored twice in the bottom of the inning.

Ryan Perkins walked, stole second and scored on a Will Thompson single. Thompson came in on an RBI double by Ray Murphy.

Louisburg tied the game with a run in the fourth, but Sumter took the lead for good in the fifth. With two outs and no one on, Anthony Paulsen walked and stole second. Perkins also walked before Trevor Bradley came through with an RBI single. Perkins, who went to third on Bradley’s hit, scored on a wild pitch.

Will Smith started on the mound for USC and pitched into the third before being pulled for Fernando Pinillos. Pinillos, who started the first game of the tournament on Friday, pitched through the seventh inning, allowing just one run.

He was relieved by Game 2 starter Victor Gonzalez to start the eighth.

Gonzalez recorded two outs before leaving with runners on second and third. Dillon Hodge came on to get out of the inning and pitch the ninth to get the save for a third straight game.

Murphy was the only Fire Ant with two hits.

NBA PLAYOFFS PACERS 86 WIZARDS 82 INDIANAPOLIS — Roy Hibbert broke out of his playoff funk with a season-best 28 points and nine re-

bounds, leading Indiana to an 86-82 victory over Washington on Wednesday night that tied the Eastern Conference semifinals at 1-1.

Marcin Gortat had 21 points and Bradley Beal added 17 for the Wizards.

NHL PLAYOFFS PENGUINS 4 RANGERS 2 NEW YORK — Brandon Sutter scored a short-handed goal to break a second-period tie, and the Pittsburgh Penguins moved within one win of the Eastern Conference finals with a 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.

Evgeni Malkin scored 2:31, and Jussi Jokinen made it 3-1 at 7:02 of the third before the teams traded late goals.

Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 13 shots.

STEELERS’ LONG-TIME SCOUT NUNN DIES

PITTSBURGH — Long-time Pittsburgh Steelers scout Bill Nunn has died of complications from a stroke.

He was 89.

Through 46 seasons in the NFL, Nunn was considered one of the premier scouts of the traditionally black colleges.

Among the players scouted by Nunn who went on to lead the Steelers to their 1970s dynasty were Mel Blount, John Stallworth, L.C. Greenwood, Donnie Shell and Ernie Holmes.

SEATTLE, SHERMAN AGREE TO EXTENSION

RENTON, Wash. — All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman has signed a four-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks.

Sherman announced the news on his website Wednesday ahead of a news conference called by the team.

Sherman wrote that the extension is for $57.4 million with $40 million guaranteed. Sherman wrote there is no other team or city that he would want to play for.

From staff, wire reports

Seattle 6, Oakland 4, 10 innings, 1st game Kansas City 8, San Diego 0 Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.

Seattle at Oakland, 7:05 p.m., 2nd game Philadelphia at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.

Houston at Detroit, 7:08 p.m.

Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 7:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at Boston, 7:10 p.m.

Colorado at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Minnesota (Correia 1-3) at Cleveland (Masterson 1-1), 12:05 p.m.

Houston (Keuchel 2-2) at Detroit (Smyly 2-1), 1:08 p.m.

Philadelphia (Burnett 2-1) at Toronto (Dickey 2-3), 7:07 p.m.

Baltimore (U.Jimenez 1-4) at Tampa Bay (Price 3-2), 7:10 p.m.

Colorado (Morales 3-1) at Texas (M.Harrison 0-0), 8:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Arrieta 0-0) at Chicago White Sox (Carroll 1-1), 8:10 p.m.

Kansas City (Duffy 1-2) at Seattle (Iwakuma 1-0), 10:10 p.m.

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

W 18 19 19 16 15

L 14 15 15 17 16

Pct .563 .559 .559 .485 .484

GB – – – 2½ 2½

W 22 17 15 14 11

L 13 17 17 20 20

Pct .629 .500 .469 .412 .355

GB – 4½ 5½ 7½ 9

W 21 21 19 15 13

L 13 14 16 20 24

Pct .618 .600 .543 .429 .351

GB – ½ 2½ 6½ 9½

TUESDAY’S GAMES

L.A. Dodgers 8, Washington 3 Pittsburgh 2, San Francisco 1 Toronto 6, Philadelphia 5, 10 innings Boston 4, Cincinnati 3, 12 innings Miami 3, N.Y. Mets 0 Atlanta 2, St. Louis 1 Chicago White Sox 5, Chicago Cubs 1 Arizona 7, Milwaukee 5 Colorado 12, Texas 1 Kansas City 3, San Diego 1, 11 innings

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES

Pittsburgh 4, San Francisco 3 Miami 1, N.Y. Mets 0 Washington 3, L.A. Dodgers 2 Arizona 3, Milwaukee 2 Kansas City 8, San Diego 0 Philadelphia at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.

Cincinnati at Boston, 7:10 p.m.

St. Louis at Atlanta, 7:10 p.m.

Colorado at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 p.m.

TODAY’S GAMES

Philadelphia (Burnett 2-1) at Toronto (Dickey 2-3), 7:07 p.m.

Colorado (Morales 3-1) at Texas (M.Harrison 0-0), 8:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs (Arrieta 0-0) at Chicago White Sox (Carroll 1-1), 8:10 p.m.

Miami (Ja.Turner 0-0) at San Diego (Kennedy 2-4), 10:10 p.m.

San Francisco (Vogelsong 1-1) at L.A. Dodgers (Beckett 0-1), 10:10 p.m.

NBA PLAYOFFS

By The Associated Press

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

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Miami 1, Brooklyn 0 Tuesday: Miami 107, Brooklyn 86 Today: Brooklyn at Miami, 7 p.m.

Saturday: Miami at Brooklyn, 8 p.m.

May 12: Miami at Brooklyn, 8 p.m. x-May 14: Brooklyn at Miami, 7 or 8 p.m. x-May 16: Miami at Brooklyn, TBA x-May 18: Brooklyn at Miami, TBA Washington 1, Indiana 1 Monday: Washington 102, Indiana 96 Wednesday: Indiana 86, Washington 82 Friday: Indiana at Washington, 8 p.m.

Sunday: Indiana at Washington, 8 p.m. x-May 13: Washington at Indiana, 7 or 8 p.m. x-May 15: Indiana at Washington, TBA x-May 18: Washington at Indiana, TBA

WESTERN CONFERENCE

San Antonio 1, Portland 0 Tuesday: San Antonio 116, Portland 92 Today: Portland at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday: San Antonio at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

May 12: at San Antonio at Portland, 10:30 p.m. x-May 14: Portland at San Antonio, 8:30 or 9:30 p.m. x-May 16: San Antonio at Portland, TBA x-May 19: Portland at San Antonio, TBA L.A. Clippers 1, Oklahoma City 0 Monday: L.A. Clippers 122, Oklahoma City 105 Wednesday: L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City (late) Friday: Oklahoma City at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday: Oklahoma City at L.A. Clippers, 3:30 p.m. x-May 13: L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, 8:30 or 9:30 p.m. x-May 15: Oklahoma City at L.A. Clippers, TBA x-May 18: L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, TBA

NHL PLAYOFFS

By The Associated Press

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

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Montreal 2, Boston 1 May 1: Montreal 4, Boston 3, 2OT May 3: Boston 5, Montreal 3 Tuesday: Montreal 4, Boston 2 Today Boston at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday: Montreal at Boston, 7 p.m. x-May 12: Boston at Montreal, TBA x-May 14: Montreal at Boston, TBA Pittsburgh 3, N.Y. Rangers 1 May 2: N.Y. Rangers 3, Pittsburgh 2, OT May 4: Pittsburgh 3, N.Y. Rangers 0 Monday: Pittsburgh 2, N.Y. Rangers 0 Wednesday: Pittsburgh 4, N.Y. Rangers 2 Friday: N.Y. Rangers at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. x-Sunday: Pittsburgh at N.Y. Rangers, TBA x-May 13: N.Y. Rangers at Pittsburgh, TBA

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Chicago 2, Minnesota 1 May 2: Chicago 5, Minnesota 2 May 4: Chicago 4, Minnesota 1 Tuesday: Minnesota 4, Chicago 0 Friday: Chicago at Minnesota, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday: Minnesota at Chicago, TBA x-May 13: Chicago at Minnesota, TBA x-May 15: Minnesota at Chicago, TBA Los Angeles 2, Anaheim 0 May 3: Los Angeles 3, Anaheim 2, OT Monday: Los Angeles 3, Anaheim 1 Today: Anaheim at Los Angeles, 10 p.m.

Saturday: Anaheim at Los Angeles, 9:30 p.m. x-May 12: Los Angeles at Anaheim, TBA x-May 14: Anaheim at Los Angeles, TBA x-May 16: Los Angeles at Anaheim, TBA

MLB ROUNDUP

Wainwright, Cards breeze by Braves ATLANTA — Adam Wainwright pitched eight strong innings, Matt Holliday drove in three runs and Peter Bourjos homered to lead St. Louis past Atlanta 7-1 on Wednesday.

hit a 2-run homer for the second straight game to back Bronson Arroyo and lead Arizona over Milwaukee 3-2.

NATIONALS 3

ROYALS 8

DODGERS 2

PADRES 0 SAN DIEGO — James Shields scattered seven hits over seven innings, Eric Hosmer drove in a season-high four runs and Kansas City Royals beat San Diego 8-0.

WASHINGTON — Stephen Strasburg recovered from another rough first inning to pitch into the eighth, Wilson Ramos produced a go-ahead sacrifice fly, and Washington edged the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2.

INTERLEAGUE

BLUE JAYS 10

PIRATES 4

PHILLIES 0

GIANTS 3

TORONTO — Mark Buehrle became the first 6-game winner in the majors, Edwin Encarnacion hit a 3-run home run and Toronto beat Philadelphia 10-0.

PITTSBURGH — Gerrit Cole won for the first time in nearly a month, and Pittsburgh beat San Francisco 4-3 for its second straight win.

MARLINS 1

AMERICAN LEAGUE

METS 0

MARINERS 6

MIAMI — Marcell Ozuna hit a sacrifice fly with one out in the ninth inning, and Miami captured a 3-game sweep of the New York Mets by winning 1-0.

ATHLETICS 4 OAKLAND, Calif. — Justin Smoak hit an RBI single with two outs in the 10th inning to help Seattle win for the 10th time in 12 games, beating Oakland 6-4 in the opener of a doubleheader.

DIAMONDBACKS 3 BREWERS 2

MILWAUKEE — Paul Goldschmidt

From wire reports

SPORTS

THE SUMTER ITEM

PREP BASEBALL

Cavs knock off champs, advance to 2A title series

BY EDDIE LITAKER Special To The Sumter Item BISHOPVILLE -— As 16time world champion professional wrestler “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair was known for quite often saying, “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.”

On Wednesday, Robert E. Lee Academy’s varsity baseball team did just that, dispatching 2-time defending SCISA 2A state champion Holly RANKIN Hill Academy 11-2 on the Cavaliers’ home field to stamp their ticket into the best-of-3 state championship series beginning Monday.

REL head coach David Rankin said the Cavaliers’ playoff run has been a case of a team peaking at the right time.

“We’ve had a good year,” Rankin said as his team improved to 22-9 on the season.

“The pitching has been good.

We didn’t hit the ball earlier in the year, but we’re hitting it right now. In the playoffs we’ve scored 15, 10, 15, 17, 11 (in an 11-3 Tuesday win over Holly Hill) and 11. So that’s putting some runs on the board. We’re hitting the ball right now, and hopefully it will continue.”

The Cavaliers closed with 12 hits on a night where every batter got on base at least once. Casey Kelley and Nick Stokes both launched home run, with Kelley bringing home his brother, Cody, who had walked to start the game, and Stokes soloing to lead off the fourth. Sandwiched between those two blasts was a single run in the second as Weston Green walked, took second on a Stokes grounder and scored on Harry Cook’s single up the middle.

Most of the damage for the home team came in the fifth as the Cavaliers sent 12 men to the plate and scored six runs on four hits, three walks, an error and a hit batsman.

Stokes connected for an RBI single, Zach Grantham drove home two with another single and Denton Lee added yet another RBI single.

REL’s final run came in the

sixth as Cook drew a 1-out walk, took second on a fielder’s choice grounder and came home on a Cody Kelley single up the middle.

While the Cavalier bats were getting the job done, REL starter Payton Bramlett was holding the Raiders at bay. After a bumpy first that saw Noah Cason lace a triple to right-center and come home on Swank’s single up the middle, Bramlett allowed just two hits and three walks over the next four innings.

Holly Hill touched Bramlett for a run in the top of the sixth as James Shuler reached on a fielder’s choice grounder and came home on a Wesley Ott single. Bramlett surrendered two singles in the seventh before Hagen Mott flied out to center to close out the game.

Bramlett’s complete game came on the heels of a complete-game effort from Stokes in Tuesday’s opener against Holly Hill.

Holly Hill head coach Michael Nelson, a former baseball standout at Sumter High School and a member of the Gamecocks’ 2006 4A state championship team, said pitching had been a strong point for his team heading into the series against REL. “We’d given up under 20 earned runs coming into this series, in about 25 games,” said Nelson, whose team closed with a 17-7 record, “but Robert E. Lee was able to exploit us. We booted the ball around and didn’t make the routine plays we needed to.

Although we put the ball in play, we just weren’t able to find the holes. Hats off and everything goes to Robert E. Lee. David Rankin is a great coach, and he did a great job in this series.”

With the sweep of the bestof-3 semifinal series against the Raiders, REL moves on to face a familiar foe in Region IV rival and region champion Carolina Academy, a team the Cavaliers split with during the regular season. As lower state champion, REL will open on the road Monday before returning to Bishopville on Tuesday for Game 2. If necessary, a third game would be played on Thursday at a neutral site.

Subscribe today, and stay in the loop

(803) 774-1200

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

|

B3

SHS FROM PAGE B1 guess we’ll go into (the) lower state (tournament) more confident.”

Sumter, now 23-2-1 on the season, will host Lexington on Saturday at 2 p.m.with ace Charlie Barnes taking the mound.

“It’s not going to get easier. We’re going to the lower state championship and the four best teams in the lower state will be there so we’ve got to execute, relax and enjoy the competition and go out and play baseball,” Shumake said. “As crazy as it seems, even though you’re playing for championships as we were tonight, we’re still playing a baseball game. It’s a baseball game and we try to get our mindset into thinking that way so we don’t make it bigger than it is. Although we know it’s big we still have to relax and play.”

Having only two hits over six innings, the Green Wave’s Billy Peatross doubled to lead off the seventh.

After a Zach Mosay flyout, Matty Powell reached on an error as Peatross went to third. A sacrifice fly by Sawyer Bridges got Summerville on the board to trail 2-1. Watcher buckled down and struck out A.K. Kenney to finish the game.

T.J. Hopkins, Jack Bahen and Peatross had the lone hits for Summerville (19-6).

After allowing a runner to reach second to lead off the game, Phillip Watcher bore down and set the next three batters down in a row. In the third, after allowing a 1-out single, he got the next two batters to fly out and strike out, respectively.

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter’s Javon Martin, left, and Jordan Holladay try to make a play on a fly ball during the Gamecocks’ 2-1 victory over Summerville on Wednesday at Gamecock Field.

The SHS senior had 1-2-3 innings in the second and fourth innings before pitching out of a jam in the fifth.

After allowing a leadoff walk to Powell, Bridges lined out to third and Kenney reached on an error, allowing Powell to get to third with one out. Watcher picked off Bridges for the second out of the inning then struck out Bahen to end the threat.

“Being District (VI) champs is great, but it’s not enough,” Phillip Watcher said. “To be a state champion we’ve got to work on a lot of things but find a way to work on our hitting but our defense played great.”

SHS got all the runs it would need off of Summerville starter Mosay in the third thanks to two errors and an RBI double by James Barnes.

Jacob Watcher reached on an error to lead off the in-

ning, stole second and was sacrificed to third on Javon Martin’s sacrifice bunt.

However, an error on the play allowed Jacob Watcher to score and Martin to reach. He then stole second and scored on Barnes’ extra-base hit.

Sumter managed just five hits and left five runners on base, three of which were in scoring position. Martin went 1-for-3 with a run and two stolen bases. Jacob Watcher scored the other run and stole a base. James Barnes went 1-for-3 with the double while Tee Dubose and Jordan Holladay each had a hit.

“I feel confident our guys are going to get good swings, and that’s what we’re talking about right now,” Shumake said.

“Going up there and getting good swings and having good at-bats and let the chips fall where they may.”

B4

|

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

THE SUMTER ITEM

COLLEGE BASEBALL ROUNDUP

USC routs Wofford 15-1 ORDER

At New York Today First Round

1. Houston 2. St. Louis (from Was.) 3. Jacksonville 4. Cleveland 5. Oakland 6. Atlanta 7. Tampa Bay 8. Minnesota 9. Buffalo 10. Detroit 11. Tennessee 12. N.Y. Giants 13. St. Louis 14. Chicago 15. Pittsburgh 16. Dallas 17. Baltimore 18. N.Y. Jets 19. Miami 20. Arizona 21. Green Bay 22. Philadelphia 23. Kansas City 24. Cincinnati 25. San Diego 26. Cleveland (from Ind.) 27. New Orleans 28. Carolina 29. New England 30. San Francisco 31. Denver 32. Seattle

CLOWNEY FROM PAGE B1 3-day, made-for-TV marathon. Rounds 2 and 3 are Friday night. It concludes with four rounds Saturday, when there will likely be more intrigue than usual. Missouri linebacker Michael Sam, who made public that he is gay back in February, is projected to be a possible late-round selection. The NFL has never had an openly gay player.

Sam is trying to be the first, though he might have to get there as an undrafted free agent.

But first, the Texans are on the clock. Will they take Clowney?

“Man, I don’t know,’’ the 266pound pass rusher said. “Do you know?’’

Clowney looked NFL-ready after a spectacular sophomore season, when he had 13 sacks and was Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year. NFL rules state otherwise. Players must be three years removed from high school to be draft eligible.

Clowney’s junior season fell short of crazy expectations.

He had some injuries. Opponents game-planned to neutralize him. His play was spotty and his work ethic was questioned after he suddenly went to his coach and pulled himself from a game.

“It’s been crazy, everybody telling when you’re going to go in the draft,’’ he said. “What your weakness is. What your strength is. A lot of criticism against all the players. It’s just something you got to take on.’’

Clowney took it on at the combine and his pro day workout at South Carolina. He wowed scouts with the speed and agility of a running back and placed himself firmly at the top of just about every mock draft.

Still, it’s not a foregone conclusion the Texans will take him.

Houston needs a quarterback and new coach Bill O’Brien has said he plans to add one during this draft.

Many fans in southeast Texas would like it to be Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner and native Texan who played for Texas A&M. If there is one player who can relate to the scrutiny Clowney has faced, it’s Johnny Football.

Manziel’s character has been questioned after having a brush with the law and another with the NCAA during his time at A&M. And he’s had his heavy-on-improvisation style dissected by scouts. He’s also a little short by NFL quarterback standards, just under 6-feet. Still, his play was so sensational he could end up as a top-five pick.

“I don’t care if I’m No. 1 or 200, I just want to play,’’ Manziel said.

It is doubtful Manziel will have to wait that long. He could be the first quarterback off the board.

Or maybe that’ll be Central Florida’s Blake Bortles. He looks the part of the classic NFL quarterback at 6-foot-5, 232 pounds. He’s nimble, too, but also a late-bloomer.

All the speculation ends soon.

“I’m just ready, man,’’ Clowney said, speaking for just about everybody.

COLUMBIA — Eleventh-ranked South Carolina belted out 11 hits and also reached base with 12 walks and three hit by pitches on the way to a 15-1 win over Wofford on Wednesday night at Carolina Stadium. The Gamecocks improve to 36-13 while the Terriers drop to 25-25 for the year.

Five Gamecock pitchers combined to limit the Terriers to just five hits on the evening. Sophomore right-hander Curt Britt earned the win with two innings of relief allowing one run on three hits. He is now 3-0 on the year. Wofford starter Jordan Accetta suffered the loss and is now 3-3 on the year. He allowed five runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings with four walks.

South Carolina batted around in the second inning to build a 5-0 lead against the Terriers.

Grayson Greiner started it with a leadoff homer to left field, his team-leading eighth inning of the season. A walk to Joey Pankake and a pair of bunt singles

by Tanner English and DC Arendas loaded the bases with no outs. Gene Cone walked to score Pankake and Patrick Harrington and Marcus Mooney both lifted sacrifice flies to score English and Arendas. Max Schrock would drive in Cone with a twoout RBI double.

Joey Pankake’s solo homer in the bottom of the third inning increased the Gamecock advantage to six runs. Pankake drove a 2-0 pitch from Wofford reliever Elliott Lance into the left field stands for his fourth home run of the season.

Seth Neely put Wofford on the scoreboard in the sixth inning with a solo home run, his ninth homer of the season cutting the Gamecocks lead to 6-1.

South Carolina answered in the bottom half of the sixth though and batted around for a second

time scoring six runs despite just one hit in the frame. Mooney reached base on a fielding error

by Wofford shortstop Derek Hirsch and eventually scored on a wild pitch. After two-out walks to Greiner and Pankake, English would reach base to load the base on a fielding error by Eric Brenk.

Consecutive walks to Arendas and Cone scored a pair of runs, as did back-to-back hit by pitches on Patrick Harrington and Mooney.

Schrock would also drive in a run with a infield single as the Gamecocks pushed the lead to 12-1.

Carolina scored three more runs in the eighth inning. Schrock playing in his first game since April 16 was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Arendas, English and Greiner had two hits apiece as well. Both Pankake and English scored three runs. Harrington drove in a career-high three runs also.

South Carolina begins a 3-game home series vs. Missouri on Friday night. First pitch is 7 p.m. on SportSouth.

CLEMSON 1 HIGH POINT 0

CLEMSON — Four right-handers combined to toss a four-hit shutout in No. 24 Clemson’s 1-0 win over High Point at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Wednesday.

The Tigers (30-19) improved to 10-0 all-time against the Panthers (25-19).

Tiger starter Clate Schmidt (5-6) earned the win by allowing just four hits, no runs and three walks with four strikeouts in six innings.

Clemson dented the scoreboard in the third inning when Steven Duggar led off with a single and scored on Garrett Boulware’s sacrifice fly. The Tigers travel to Notre Dame in a 3-game series beginning Friday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU. From staff reports

MCDOWELL FROM PAGE B1 maximized his potential and developed it into the best it could be. He just got better and better and better all throughout his career and really just became a man and a really good football player.”

And if nothing else, McDowell at least has the attention of some NFL teams and scouts. He shined at the College All-Star Bowl in Greenville, rushing seven times for 53 yards and also had a solid pro day at Clemson along with the likes of quarterback Tajh Boyd and wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

Though he’s heard from several teams, McDowell has officially worked out for the New York Jets and New England Patriots.

“That was a real blessing because I know a lot of guys would like to be in my shoes,” McDowell said of his onfield workouts at pro stadiums. “I just went in there and tried to have fun and show what I could do. I didn’t stress over it too much. I just worked out and talked with (the coaches and scouts).

“I ran routes out of the backfield and at the wide receiver position and just talked about the offense we ran at Clemson.”

LMA FROM PAGE B1 big way in the second as Tripp Mason reached on an infield error, Todd Larrimer drew a walk, and Caleb Pipkin’s sacrifice attempt was mishandled by Dolphin first basemen Randy Young to load the bases with no outs. Fox got Finley to line out before surrendering consecutive walks to plate Mason and courtesy runner Morgan Morris to make it 3-1.

With two outs, Powell helped himself with a hard single up the middle to bring home Eppley and Cagney Brunson, giving the Swampcats a 5-1 lead.

“LMA is a good club,” HHP head coach Lew Kent said. “They outplayed us both nights and we wish them the best of luck.

We are a well-rounded team, but the thing we do best is play good defense and we did not do that today” After plating an unearned run in the third, the Dolphins looked to narrow the margin in the fourth as Leonard was hit by a pitch and Cole Gordokis singled down the right field line before advancing to second and third on a Brooks Robinson sacrifice bunt. However, Powell responded to strike out leadoff hitter John Sheehan and Kevin Campbell to escape the threat.

The Dolphins added their final run in the fifth after Fox doubled and scored on a pair of Powell wild pitches to bring the score to 5-3.

Fox held the Swampcats hitless from the third inning until Caleb Pipkin led off the sixth inning with an infield single. Pinch runner Ryan Touchberry would score on a JT Eppley sacrifice fly ending Fox’s day on the hill in place of Cagglihan. Mark Pipkin drew a walk before Powell singled to load the bases for left hander Davis Martin. Martin got a base hit to drive in the final two runs.

Powell picked up the victory, allowing three runs, one earned, on eight hits in six innings while striking out seven. Powell led the Swampcats at the plate as well, going 2-for-3 with three runs batted in.

“Linc battled all night,” Hatfield said. “He was struggling with his breaking ball. He knows he can throw better. We are going to enjoy this until Friday before focusing on our next opponent.” Eppley had a hit, scored two runs and drove in another to aid the offensive attack.

Fox suffered the loss for the Dolphins, who finished the season with an 18-4 record, pitching 5 1/3 innings allowing six runs on five hits,

One thing that may benefit McDowell is his versatility. The running back position has been devalued somewhat in recent years in the pass-happy NFL, but McDowell also had 29 catches for 199 yards and two TDs to go along with his rushing total.

“If you look at the league now, you really can’t be a one-dimensional back anymore,” he said. “You have to be able to impact the game in different ways, and I think that’s my strong point. I look at myself as a gamechanger — in the running game, in the passing game, on special teams, whatever they need me to do I can make an impact.”

Unless something unexpected happens, McDowell will likely have to wait a while for his name to be called — if it ever is. CBSsports.com has him listed as the 40th best overall running back prospect. ESPN doesn’t have him with a draftable grade, although draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. does some see him as signing somewhere as a free agent.

And that’s just fine with McDowell.

“If my name is called, it’s a blessing,” he said. “But if I sign as a free agent, that’s good too. My agent and everyone have said I’ll get my opportunity and I just have to be ready. So I’m just working out and trying to get ready to go, wherever that may be.”

McDowell has been working out in

*

Atlanta and at Clemson with Ellington and a few others. He plans to watch the entire NFL draft along with family and friends.

“We might get together and go down to the beach and relax and watch it,” he said. “But I’ll be with family and my mom. Mother’s Day weekend and the draft — couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Much like everyone else, Swinney believes McDowell will get his shot and make the most of it.

“I’m excited about the opportunity he’s going to get,” Swinney said.

“There are several teams interested in him. He’s going to get a shot. I don’t know if he’ll get drafted. He possibly could, but most likely he’ll have a chance to be a free agent. Once that happens, it’s just about getting between the lines.

“We’ve had a lot of guys who have been drafted or signed as free agents who have made the roster. A big part of that is (teams) know that they’re getting more than just a good football player when they get a guy from Clemson. They’re getting a guy who understands discipline and toughness and how to show up on time and how to prepare and how to win and lose and handle adversity. I think Rod McDowell exemplifies that and he’s got a more than good shot at making it.”

OBITUARIES

THE SUMTER ITEM

JACQUELINE WILSON-BARNES COLUMBIA — The homegoing service for Jacqueline Wilson-Barnes will be held at 1 p.m. today at Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church with burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home of Columbia has been entrusted with the arrangements.

WILSONJacqueline BARNES was born in Sumter to Rosa Singleton Wilson and the late Hazel Wilson. Jackie, as she was affectionately known, passed away at her home on Saturday, May 3, 2014, surrounded by her family. She was 51.

Jackie was a 1980 graduate of Furman High School and a 1984 graduate of South Carolina State University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting.

She was most recently employed with South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as an Auditor IV. Although a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter, she attended Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church in Columbia.

She is survived by her loving husband, Randy; her son, Randall; a daughter, Kumeco (Kent) Dash; her mother, Rosa Wilson; three brothers, Frederick (Lynette) Wilson, Vernon Wilson and Edward (Sharon) Wilson; mother-inlaw, Sarah Smith; two brothers-in-law, Gerald Barnes and Eric (Tameka) Grimes; one sister-in-law, Ayana Grimes; and many other loving relatives and friends.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. bosticktompkinsinc.com.

DARGAN P. ELLIOTT Jr. RIMINI — Dargan Pinckney Elliott Jr., 88, of Rimini, departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on May 7, 2014.

Dargan was born in Irvington, Virginia, and lived there as a young child until the family moved permanently to Rimini, where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from Pinewood High School as valeELLIOTT dictorian of his class. He joined the Army Air Corp during World War II, shortly after graduation.

After the war ended, he returned home to join his father on the family farm and continued to farm until he retired. He was a member of Pinewood Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday school superintendent for 46 years. He also taught Sunday school and training union classes through the years. He served as deacon of the church for more than 50 years and was named Deacon Emeritus in 2012. He labored untiringly in helping to construct the church gym. He trained and was a member of the South Carolina Baptist Disaster Team. As long as his health permitted, he traveled to many locations after disasters struck and helped in any way he could. The most notable locations were New York City after 9/11 and El Salvador after an earthquake. He, his wife, and daughter traveled to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands on a mission trip as well. He was a trustee of Clarendon Hall School for 25 years. He was known for the barbecue he helped cook for many Clarendon Hall fundraisers. He was a member of the Pinewood Lions Club as long as his health permitted.

He was also a past member of Pinewood American Legion Post No. 117 and currently a member of Summerton American Legion Post No. 35.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and his wife were “Honey” to each other and always looked forward to the many trips they made. One of the highlights of their travels was Dargan reading to their tour group from the book of Revelation while in the cave on Patmos where John was in exile. Dargan always looked forward to family gatherings and was proud of all of his family and their accomplish-

ments. He enjoyed fishing and spent many happy hours on the lake. Wherever he went, if there was water nearby and it could be arranged, he fished.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dorothy “Dot” Evans Elliott; a daughter, Kathy E. Powell (L.A.); two sons, Dargan P. Elliott III (Wende) and Ray Elliott (Melanie); five grandchildren, Starr R. Jordan (Michael), Brian Elliott, Mason Elliott (Mallory), Kade and Kole Elliott; two step-granddaughters, April Glover (Chris) and Andrea Fulk (Paul); four great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Margaret E. King; a brother, William “Billy” L. Elliott (Lillian); a brother-inlaw, Carlton Evans (Pat); a niece; and several nephews.

Dargan was preceded in death by his parents, Dargan P. Elliott Sr. and Margaret Mason Elliott.

The family would like to thank special caregivers Bertha Briggs, Yvonne Dow, and Della Lee for their faithful and compassionate care.

They would also like to thank the staff of Embrace Hospice for the care and support they have given. Special thanks to Dr. Robert S. Eagerton, Dr. John Wells III, Dr. Raymond Dominici and Dr. Vijay Pinto.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Pinewood Baptist Church with the Rev. Bennie Barwick and the Rev. Sim Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Elliott Family Cemetery in Pinewood.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Brian, Mason, Kade and Kole Elliott, Michael Jordan, Chris Glover and Paul Fulk.

Honorary pallbearers will be all ordained deacons of Pinewood Baptist Church and the Summerton Diner Breakfast Club.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 8505 Camp MacBoykin Road, Pinewood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pinewood Baptist Church Library Fund, P.O. Box 176, Pinewood, SC 29125; Clarendon Hall School, P.O. Box 609, Summerton, SC 29148; or to the Elliott Cemetery Fund, c/o Miriam Johnson, 2430 Tearcoat Road, Alcolu, SC 29001.

Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome. org

Hendersonville is assisting the family.

SAMUEL I. BRUNSON COLUMBIA — Samuel Isaiah Brunson entered into eternal rest early on Thursday morning, May 1, 2014.

He was a son of the late Julius Sr. and Marie Wiggins Brunson. Born on July 14, 1935, in Sumter County, he was the youngest of three brothers and six sisters.

Samuel leaves to cherish his memory: one son, Tyrone S. Brunson; three daughters, Angela “Cookie” Henderson, Roxanne Tisdale (Michael) and Celeste V. Brunson; two granddaughters, Kristian and Richelle; one grandson, Rashad; one great-granddaughter, La’Shia Kristina; eldest brother, Juluis Brunson (Mary); sister, Marie Bell; and sister-in-law, Mary B. Brunson.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday at Elizabeth Cemetery, Milford Plantation Road, Wedgefield.

be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday at New Calvary Baptist Church and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the New Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 848, Sumter, SC 29151.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

LESSIE B. HARVIN Lessie Burgess Harvin, widow of Deacon Richard Harvin, died on Wednesday morning, May 7, 2014, at Sumter East Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Sumter Funeral Service Inc. The family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, Sadie H. Robinson, 130 W. William St., Sumter.

IRENE K. CARROLAN Irene Kathryn Carrolan, age 95, died on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

Born on March 9, 1919, in Salem, New York, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth O’Donnell Carrolan. She attended Washington Academy in Salem and was a graduate of Mildred Elley Private School of Business in Albany, New York.

Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Albany Savings Bank for 38 years. After moving to Sumter in 1982, she was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church.

She is survived by one nephew, Lawrence G. Jolly and his wife, Julie, of Henrico, North Carolina; two greatnieces, Kimberly Jolly Jackson of Lakeland, Florida, and Koren Jolly Dellinger and her husband, Brian, of Harrisonburg, Virginia; and six greatgreat nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Elizabeth Jolly.

A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday in the Life Enrichment Center at Covenant Place of Sumter.

Memorials may be made to Covenant Place Endowment Fund, 2825 Carter Road, Sumter, SC 29150; St. Anne Catholic Church, 216 E. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150; or to a charity of one’s choice.

You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

MARJORIE C. POLHEMUS HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — Marjorie C. Polhemus, 99, of Hendersonville, died on Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Park Ridge Hospital in Hendersonville.

Born in Long Island, New York, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Frieda Polhemus.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan Hernandez Marshall Hansen; and a grandson, Bruce A. Marshall.

She was employed by Bell Labs in New Jersey and was of the Presbyterian faith.

After her retirement, she spent more than 30 years operating her guest houses in Puerto Rico.

Surviving are her grandsons, James (Becky) Marshall and Philip (Carla) Marshall, both of Sumter, and David (Sandi) Marshall of Orangeburg; great-grandchildren, Lydia (Brent) Johnston of Charleston, Andy Marshall of Sumter, Cindy (Joey) Mathis of Manning, Wendy Shirley of Sumter, Kelly Marshall of Columbia, Weldon Marshall of Columbia, David Marshall of San Francisco, California, and Kristin Marshall of West Columbia; and great-greatgrandchildren, Katelyn, Timmy, Cameron Jacob, Emily and Kaliq.

Funeral services will be private.

Memorials may be made to Friends of the Henderson County Library, P.O. Box 2317, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home of

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

CAROLYN S. MEELER Carolyn Smith Meeler, 69, wife of Alton S. Meeler, died on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at her home.

Born in Kershaw County, she was a daughter of the late Louie P. and Kathleen Skinner Smith. Mrs. Meeler was a member of New Calvary Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband of 30 years; one son, A. “Cooper” McKinnon Jr. (Gwen) of Sumter; three daughters, Sabrina McKinnon Pate of Sumter, Lisa Meeler Harrison of Myrtle Beach and Leslie Meeler Griffin of Ohio; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Brenda Smith of Sumter and Pam Smith-Hay of Florida; and two brothers, L. Perry Smith and Jim Stevens, both of Florida.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at New Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron Underwood and the Rev. Ron Bower officiating. Burial will

It’s your world.

Read all about it.

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

MAGGIE S. BRUNSON Maggie Sanders Brunson, wife of Charlie Brunson, departed this earthly life on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at her home.

Born on Sept. 17, 1926, in Lee County, she was a daughter of the late Priscilla Smith and Richards Sanders. Mrs. Brunson spent many of her early years in New York.

While living in New York, she joined St. Luke Baptist Church. She was employed with Morgan Laundry for many years, until her retirement. In the early 1990s, she relocated to Sumter and joined Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her health failed. She was an Eastern Star of Lady Williams Chapter No. 80.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Charlie Lee Brunson; and two brothers, Simon Sanders and Richard Sanders Jr. Survivors are her husband of 53 years; two sons, Ernest (Diana) Watson of Jamaica Queens, New York, and Leo Brunson of the home; six grandchildren, Gerald Watson, Gregory Watson, Ernest Watson Jr., Michelle Thomas (Colin) Brown, Latisha Watson and Lamont Brunson; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a special godchild, Thornton Wells; a special caregiverdaughter, Marie (Laverne) Wells; special friend, Almetta McLean; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relative and friends.

Public viewing for Mrs. Brunson will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday at Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 320 W. Fulton St., Sumter, with the Rev. Dr. Lei Ferguson-Washington, pastor. Burial will follow in Bradford

|

B5

Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the home, 1870 Roche Road, Sumter.

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

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

JESSIE SLATER III Jessie Slater III, 30, departed this life on Monday, May 5, 2014.

Born on Sept. 26, 1983, in West Berlin, Germany, he was a son of Jessie Slater Jr. and Angelia Slater Simon. Jessie was educated in the public schools of Lee County. At an early age, he began attending St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the junior usher board, youth choir and attended Sunday school on a regular basis. Jessie, affectionately known as “Boy Baby” to his family and friends, was a loving son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He loved to laugh and had an infectious smile. His hobbies included writing, drawing and listening to music.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his parents, Jessie (Northica) Slater Jr. of Florence and Angelia Slater Simon of Lynchburg; his paternal grandparents, Jessie Sr. and Rosa Lee Slater of Bishopville; three brothers, Eric Wilson of Petersburg, Virginia, William Slater of Tampa, Florida, and Tyrus LeGrant of Florence; five sisters, Shanquita Slater of Camden, Faith Slater of Columbia and Aleina Slater, Marlena LeGrant and Tierra Wright, all of Florence; three nephews, Brian Wilson, Jhordyn Mickens and Shawn Harris; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert and Lucille Rouse Dickey.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 510 Manville-Wisacky Road, Bishopville, with the Rev. Darren P. Dixon, pastor, eulogist, the Rev. Vernon Holland, worship leader, assisted by Minister Nathaniel Bess Sr. The family will receive friends and relatives at the home of his grandparents, Jessie Sr. and Rosa Lee Slater, 1391 Herndon Road, Bishopville.

The remains will be placed in the church at 1 p.m.

The procession will leave at 1:30 p.m. from the home of his grandparents.

Floral bearers and pallbearers will be cousins.

Burial will be in St. Mark Memorial Garden.

Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com.

Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc. of Sumter.

B6

CLASSIFIEDS

THE ITEM

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS Lost & Found Found small white dog on Calhoun St. Call to identify, 803-469-9381 FOUND: Small dog on Pack Rd. Owner must call to identify. Call 803-565-4388 Found: Female fawn pit puppy around Hillcrest Middle School.

Owner call the SPCA 773-9292

BUSINESS SERVICES

803-774-1234 OR TO PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE GO TO WWW.THE ITEM.COM/PLACEMYAD

Mobile Home Lot Rentals

Commercial Industrial

LARGE GARAGE SALE 1st & 3rd Weekend Tables $1 & Up

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

130 Hoyt St. Sumter County close to downtown.

Call 864-349-1400.

Building for sale. Must Sell CHEAP!!! Cash! Call Thomas 803-795-9392

Resort Rentals

TRANSPORTATION

FLEA MARKET BY SHAW AFB

Open every weekend.

905-4242

For Sale or Trade Auction May 17, 2014 9AM 822 S Guingard DR Heat & A/C Business Closed.

Lots of Heat/AC parts. Antiques, Coke Collectibles, Antique Sumter telephone, Go to auctionzip.com for details and photos.

H.L. Boone, Contractor additions, painting, roofing, gutters, sheetrock, blown ceilings, decks. 773-9904

Martin's Used Appliance Washers, Dryers, Refrig., Stoves.

J. Thompson Lawn & Garden plus Affordable Rates Licensed & Bonded Call 803-316-1109 or 803-840-7482 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

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.

803-316-0128

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

Guarantee 464-5439 or 469-7311

Colonial Dark Pine DR set, 64' round table, with lazy susan in center, 8 Captain chairs w/cushions, hutch, also comes with 4ft wagon wheel lamp to match.

Asking $1,250. Call 803-469-6870

(2)Bush Hogs for sale. (1) like new & other for parts. $750 both (FIRM). Call 803-840-2221

Farm Products Strawberries Richburg Farms HWY 261, Manning, SC 8am-6:30pm M-Sat (803)473-4844

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales Lots of Costume Jewelry For small vendors & individuals. Below cost. Sound system with microphone. Friday, May 9th, 2 - 5 pm. Inside Palmetto Towers (behind K mart) YARD SALE! 3025 Daufaskie Rd, Sat., 8AM - 3PM, Furniture, Grill, Electronics, and more!

Will buy furniture by piece or bulk, tools, trailers, lawn mowers, 4 wheelers, etc or almost anything of value Call 803-983-5364 Moving Sale, MAY 9th & 10th 7am. 3470 Sheila Circle (Dalzell), Furn, Glassware, Clothing, Decorators & misc Huge Yard Sale 1131 Antlers Ct Fri 12-6 & Sat 7-4 Furn., tools, clothes & more 3305 Matthews Dr. (Ashbrook Subd.) off McCray's Mill Rd. Sat May 10th 8 -1pm. Everything goes!!! Lots of baby and toddler clothes, toys furn. tools, etc.

Long Haul flatbed drivers wanted. CDL Class A. 3 years experience and 25 yrs old required with a clean 10 year MVR. Well maintained equipment. Excellent commission based pay.

Steady freight. Call 843-906-7833

Medical Help Wanted RN's And LPN'S needed for 2nd & 3rd shifts. Long term care experience preferred but will train.

Apply in person at 1761 Pinewood Rd Sumter SC 29154 Or Email Resume to roberta.smith@adcarehealth.com Paid vacations & Holidays. Only Serious inquirers need to apply.

Work Wanted MOTHERS DAY GIFTS $20 & UP! May 8-10.

Call 774-7823, 12:30-5PM 633 Bultman Dr.

Established Heating and Air Conditioning Company looking for an experienced HVAC service technician. Must have experience minimum of 2 years, a valid driver's license, people skills, good personality. Great benefits offered and top pay! Send all responses to P-Box 343 c//o The Item, PO Box 1677 Sumter SC 29151 Full Time Night Shift Supervisor RN preferred but LPN with Long Term Care and/or Charge Nurse experience will be considered.

Occasional Weekends and Holidays may be required. Will be responsible for supervising Licensed Nurses and CNAs in a 44 bed skilled unit along with making rounds in the Assisted Living Department.

Apply in person to: Covenant Place 2825 Carter Road Sumter, SC 29150 EOE Experienced Collision Repair Techs and Painters wanted.

Apply in person at Pro Glo Collision Center, Jefferson Road Sumter.

FT Unit Manager Position Mon - Fri, 8am to 5pm, Occasional Nights, Weekends, or Holidays may be required.

Participate in On Call Rotation.

Responsible for day to day operations of a 44 bed Skilled Unit. RN preferred but not required. Will consider an LPN with Long term Care, Supervisor or Charge Nurse Experience.

Medicare Experience preferred.

Apply in person to : Covenant Place 2825 Carter Road Sumter, SC 29150 EOE

Help Wanted Part-Time $$$ AVON $$$ FREE TRAINING! 803-422-5555 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

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

Commercial Rentals Church Building in Mayesville located on Willow St. for rent.

Contact 803-453-5187 or 803-775-3975

REAL ESTATE Homes for Sale

1bedroom Apt, liv. rm, kit, bath, fully furnished. $475 per month, incl. TV, garbage, water and sewer. Quiet Country Setting. No Smoking, drinking or drugs!

803-481-0015 Excellent for elderly person.

Unfurnished Apartments

Manufactured Housing

Senior Living Apartments for those 62+ (Rent based on income) Shiloh-Randolph Manor 125 W. Bartlette.

775-0575 Studio/1 Bedroom apartments available EHO

(2) 4BR/2BA (Dalzell, 15S). Easy Financing. 983-8084

SOUTH FORGE APTS. 1 & 2BR, Water, stove & frig furnished. Linda at 803-494-8443

Very Nice 4BR DW on 5 ac.

Owner fin. w/large down payment or boat trade. Call 803-236-5953

RENTALS Help Wanted Full-Time

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

Absolute Real Estate Auction 28 Riley Street, Sumter 3 Bedroom, 3 Baths, Formal Living & Dining Rooms, Den, Sunroom, Basement, Deck, 2 car garage.

Preview Dates: May 6, 4-6 PM May 11, 3-5 PM May 13, 4-6 PM ABSOLUTE AUCTION May 15, 6 PM Details at: www.jrdixonauctions.com Rafe Dixon, SCAL 4059 (803) 774-6967

EMPLOYMENT

MERCHANDISE Farm Equipment / Tractors

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.

Trucking Opportunities

I buy used Utility and Car trailers.

Call 803-972-0900

Hudson's Lawn Care, Mowing, Pine Straw, Installation. Licensed and Insured. 803-968-1313

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.

Garage, Yard & Estate Sales

Home Improvements

Lawn Service

THURSDAY, MAY 08, 2014

Furnished Apartments

Unfurnished Homes Beautiful 6BR/4BA home. 10 mi. from Contential Tire. Den, LR, DR, Lg kitchen w/Island, W/D hook-up.

Featuring hardwood tile and carpet. Over-sized BRs & BAs. Huge fenced yard. Back/front patio. Like new. $1,250/mo + $1,250/dep.

Call 803-316-7958 or 773-1838 between 9am-6pm Mon-Fri. 3BR 2BA Pinedale Subdv. $750 Mo + 750 Dep. Call 803-979-0275 or 803-847-2662 3Br home Burgess Ct. $495/mo & 2Br Apt Miller Rd. $395/mo.

774-8512 / 983-5691 Close to Shaw. Dalzell 3br 2ba brick, fenced yd, screen porch, all appl. C/H/A No Pets. $800 /mo+dep 803-316-8105.

Shannon Dr. behind Jehovah Church & Layfette. 3 Br, 1 Ba, completely remodeled, like new!

Fenced yard, den, dining room, C/H/A. $600 sec. dep + $600 mo.

Section 8 welcome! Call Mon - Fri between 9 am - 6 pm 803-316-7958 or 803-773-1838.

Mobile Home Rentals Oaklawn MHP: 2 BR M.H.'s, water/sewer/garbage pk-up incl'd.

RV parking avail. Call 494-8350 Newly Renovated SW 2 BR 1.5 BA C/H/A, appliances, pvt. lot, 803-206-7859.

STATEBURG COURTYARD 2 & 3 BRs 803-494-4015

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

Land & Lots for Sale Minutes Walmart/Shaw, 1 Ac $6,000. 16.2 ac $32,600. Water, Electric, Paved 800-774-5720 5775 Cane Savannah Rd. (Wedgefield). 1+ acre land for sale. Perfect for a new home or future investment. Close to Shaw AFB. 803-983-2261

Legal Notice PUBLIC NOTICE

Autos For Sale 2005 Silver Buick Le sabre Excellent Condition, low mileage, looks great inside and out $5900 Call 803-775-9058 2005 Mitsubushi Galant, Gold.

Great interior. Runs & drives great. $3,800 OBO. Call 803-406-5571 COUNTRY SPRING SALE "Remember Cars are like eggs" Cheaper in the country!

Financing Available 09 Ford Ranger 4D $4,995 07 Ford F150 Supercab $8,995 04 Chevy Z71 4x4 Xt cab $11,995 08 Chevy Trailblazer $10,995 07 Chevy Malibu $6,995 '08 Ford Focus $8,995 '07 Dodge Magnum SXT $8,995 '09 Honda Accord (Lded) $13,995 '010 Dodge Charger SXT $13,995 '013 Dodge Charger SE $20,500 3349 N. Main St., Hwy 15N. Across from Mozingo Conv. Store 803-469-9294 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

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

Miscellaneous

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.

Farms & Acreage

LEGAL NOTICES

T h e S u m t e r C o u n t y Registration/Election will have its first Tabulation Test Run for the June 10, 2014 Primary Election on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 11:15 A. M. This will take place at the Sumter County Courthouse Room 114.

Abandon Vehicle / Boat Abandoned Vehicle Notice: The following vehicle was abandoned at Southeast Auto, Inc., 525 Myrtle Beach Hwy. Sumter, SC 29153. Described as a 1998 Blue Ford E x p l o r e r V I N # 1FMYU22Y3WUC93922. Total Due for storage is $2,140.00 as of May 6, 2014, plus $25.00 per day thereafter.

Owner is asked to call 803-773-3895.

If not claimed in 30 days. it will be turned over to the Magistrate's Office for public sale.

Summons & Notice SUMMONS (JURY TRIAL DEMANDED) IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS DOCKET NO.: 2013-CP-43-1526 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF SUMTER MINNIE DICKS, Plaintiff, -vsMELODY DURANT and JOHN DOE, Defendants.

TO: THE DEFENDANT(S) ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action of which a copy is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Complaint on the subscribers at their office, 1314 Lincoln Street, Columbia, South Carolina, within thirty (30) days after the service thereof, exclusive of the date of such service and ifyou fail to answer, appear, or defend, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE RE: Minnie Dicks vs. Melody Durant and John Doe

Reconditioned batteries $35. Also have lawn mower, truck, 4 wheeler, & marine batteries, starters & alternators. Car dealers/garages ask about special prices.

Auto Electric Co. 803-773-4381

DOCKET NO.: 2013-CP-43-1526 TO: THE DEFENDANT ABOVE NAMED, YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the original Summons and Complaint in the above-entitled action was filed in the Common Pleas Court of the Third Judicial Circuit on the 23rd day of August 2013, the object and prayer of which is to obtain a monetary judgment against you and other relief as set forth in the Complaint.

BRETT A. OWENS Attorney for Plaintiff

ATTORNEYS LEE, EADON, ISGETT, POPWELL AND REARDON, P.A. Post Office Box 1505 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 (803) 799-9811

COMICS

THE SUMTER ITEM

BIZARRO

SOUP TO NUTZ

ANDY CAPP

GARFIELD

BEETLE BAILEY

BORN LOSER

BLONDIE

ZITS

MOTHER GOOSE

B7

DOG EAT DOUG

DILBERT

JEFF MACNELLY’S SHOE

Sleeve tattoo could raise eyebrows at event DEAR ABBY — I’m a young professional female with a military background.

I’m well-educated and have a great Dear Abby job. However, I am also tatABIGAIL tooed. The VAN BUREN design is a tasteful full sleeve, with some work on my chest and other arm.

I will be attending a black tie affair for my boyfriend’s company and am wondering what attire would be appropriate for such an event. I’m not ashamed of my art, and I have no issue with baring my arms, but would this be acceptable in this circumstance?

Forever Covered

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

DEAR FOREVER COVERED — I’m glad you asked, because it depends upon what kind of company your boyfriend works for.

If it’s creative, then to display your body art would not be shocking. However, if the company culture is conservative, it might attract unwelcome attention, and I don’t recommend it.

DEAR ABBY — I have been intimately involved with another woman. Our relationship has been great for the past eight months. There is an immense amount of love and caring for each other.

My problem is she’s still living with her ex-husband. They have been separated for 12 years, but circumstances have brought them back into the same residence. I don’t have an issue with their “roommate”

THE DAILY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

situation. I have been to their home, have stayed the night and I’m OK with their arrangement.

What I DO take issue with is him introducing himself as her husband. Since I heard him do that, I have been in an uncomfortable state. Am I wrong for feeling this way, or is she wrong for allowing it to happen?

Seething in Sacramento DEAR SEETHING — Whether this couple has been separated for 12 years or not, they are still legally married. He IS her husband. You may be feeling uncomfortable because you feel like you may be involved in a triangle, and from where I sit, it may be true. It’s time to have a frank conversation with your partner to clarify exactly what your role is.

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 Fast money sources 5 First name in jazz 9 “The Kite Runner” boy 13 Police jacket acronym 14 Place 15 Peace Nobelist Walesa 16 “Atonement” actress 19 Many a car 20 Abu Dhabi is its cap.

21 Cadillac compact 23 Aviation pioneer 28 Dickens pen name 31 Motown team 32 The Joker, to Batman 33 Kentucky border river 35 Some fouryear degs.

36 Cinematic FX 37 Dr. Phil, e.g.

43 “Up, up and away” carrier 44 Suffix in taxonomy 45 Slobbering toon dog 46 Host 49 Maker of XX antiperspirants 51 Fire 52 Kitschy lawn decorations 55 Test for srs.

56 Chargers linebacker Manti __ 57 Matthew Broderick originally provided his adult voice 61 Captains of industry 66 Beekeeper in a 1997 film 67 Lady’s business?

68 Work in the cutting room 69 Genesis creator 70 Email 71 Circle opening?

DOWN 1 Petitions 2 Oh-so-dainty, in Devon 3 Hotel employee 4 Soda fountain freebie 5 Lodge logo animal 6 Vietnam Veterans Memorial designer 7 Welcoming ring 8 Bodes 9 Superhero’s cover 10 Blanc who voiced Bugs 11 When mammoths roamed 12 Musician’s asset 17 Indigo

source 18 Half a bray 22 Place for a mud bath?

24 Chad neighbor 25 Anjou cousin 26 Still woolly, perhaps 27 Covent Garden architect Jones 28 Conk 29 “So that’s your game!”

30 Speed 34 Went (for) 36 Demand as due 38 Fragrant climbing plant 39 Another, in Acapulco 40 Director Lupino 41 Milne’s “Now We Are __”

42 Where a driver is often needed 46 Frittata ingredient 47 Neiman’s partner 48 Like jambalaya 49 Old gathering places 50 Fam. tree member 53 Con lead-in 54 King and queen, but not prince 58 Identified, as an undercover cop 59 Beret’s lack 60 European wine area 62 Pump spec.

63 Blvd. relative 64 Whole bunch 65 Remnant

B8

THE ITEM

CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, MAY 08, 2014