November 16, 2014

Page 1

Law enforcement warns of holiday season scams BY MATT BRUCE matthew@theitem.com

$1.50

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894

With the holiday season already upon us, Sumter County residents should be more wary of a crime wave cropping up: scams.

Local authorities say fraudulent schemes seem to hit the area in a revolving-door manner, spiking and declining at different points in the year. Traditionally, that door has swung hardest this time of year, with scam artists ramping up

their activity levels between Halloween and Christmas. “Approaching Christmas, the crimes increase in frequency,” said John Litaker, a detective in Sumter

SEE SCAMS, PAGE A9

3RD ANNUAL STOP THE VIOLENCE WALK 5 SECTIONS, 36 PAGES | VOL. 120, NO. 29

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Gamecocks rally for OT win; Clemson falls to Georgia Tech B1

MATT WALSH / THE SUMTER ITEM

Jahim Wilson shows a sign during the 3rd Annual Stop the Violence Walk on Saturday morning in the Crosswell community.

Communities walk to show area’s support for more peaceful future OneSumter members take part in Crosswell group’s third-annual event

HISTORY

150 years later, families share stories of March to the Sea A5 ENTERTAINMENT

‘In the Mood’ for some good swing? C1

BY RAYTEVIA EVANS ray@theitem.com

their concerns with violence in

make the people of Sumter

their areas. The Crosswell Com-

County aware of their concerns.

ven in the 30-degree

E

munity Improvement Commit-

weather Saturday morn-

tee organized its 3rd Annual

ing, a number of organi-

Stop the Violence Walk on Sat-

zations and communities came

urday to bring together the com-

More than 100 people, including Crestwood High School’s Marching Knights, walked the streets starting at Crosswell Park and were escorted by officers with

together to make noise about

munities, promote peace and

SEE WALK, PAGE A11

THE SALVATION ARMY GEARS UP TO HELP DURING HOLIDAYS

Charity group’s social worker enjoys helping needy residents

DEATHS, A9 John B. Sawyer Sarah Potts Tomlin Samantha E. Holliday Ann Bahny Johnnie Thomas Sr. Crystal Bradley Rhonda T.S. Broughton Robert Lewis Jr. Carrie B. Wells

BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Todd Williams, an employee of The Salvation Army, collects Christmas gifts donated by USC Sumter’s students, faculty and staff for the annual Angel Tree drive in 2010. For this holiday season, Salvation Army still needs people to “adopt” children for the program.

WEATHER, A12 STAYING COOL Clouds with some sun possible; overcast with a little rain tonight HIGH 54, LOW 45

INSIDE

CONTACT US

Business D1 Classifieds D4 Comics E1 Lotteries A12 Opinion A10 Television E3

Info: 774-1200 Advertising: 774-1237 Classifieds: 774-1234 Delivery: 774-1258 News and Sports: 774-1226

VISIT US ONLINE AT the

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Salvation Army still needs 400 children ‘adopted’ for holiday gift program BY JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com You can be part of a nearly 35-year-old holiday tradition. The Salvation Army in Sumter is seeking people to provide Christmas gifts to local children in need by symbolically adopting boys and girls through its annual Angel Tree Program.

While stationed in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1979, Majors Charles and Shirley White worked with a mall to provide clothes and toys to children for Christmas, according to www. salvationarmycarolinas.org. The ministry’s name comes from the celestial beings on greeting cards the Whites used

The Salvation Army has a new social worker, but she’s not exactly a new face. Christy Lamb grew up in Sumter and started attending The Salvation Army Church at age 5. So when the position came open, it seemed a natural fit for the 31-yearold. “I like helping people,” said the Sumter High School graduate. “It feels really good to know you’re benefiting LAMB their lives.” Lamb has served at The Salvation Army office for about three months now. “I enjoy it,” she said. “Of course, I haven’t got to Christmas yet.” She has three daughters — a 12-year-old, an 11-year-old and a 6-year-old. Her husband passed away three years ago.

SEE ANGELS, PAGE A11

SEE LAMB, PAGE A11

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