October 29, 2016

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The Sumter Item’s final Saturday print edition Put all Storm Debris on curb for PICK-UP by FEMA Contractors. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2016

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

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Election office planning for big turnout Nov. 8 looms large BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Preparing for an election in Sumter requires a lot of work. Training both new and returning poll workers for 58 precincts, having a reserve list of work-

ers if someone doesn’t show, having enough iVotronic electronic machines handy if malfunctions occur — these are just some of the preparations keeping the Sumter County Voter Registration/Election Office and its sevenmember board of commissioners extra busy these days. Others include having an adequate supply of paper ballots on hand at each precinct for voters with

address and photo ID issues, test runs, and promoting and handling absentee voting when possible in anticipation of a record high turnout. Election Day — Nov. 8 — is fast approaching and Pat Jefferson, election office director, and Goliath Brunson, chairman of the Sumter County Registration/Election Commission, are ready and prepared to have a smooth

Surprise homecoming

second Tuesday this November. The state election commission and Sumter County are promoting absentee voting as much as possible to reduce long lines and wait times for the highly anticipated general election between our future Mr. or Mrs. President and the local contested races. It’s

SEE ELECTION, PAGE A6

Say goodbye to Saturday Sumter Item FROM STAFF REPORTS The Sumter Item is publishing its final Saturday print edition today, and will begin offering a wide range of new media tools to keep the public informed. The Item will continually publish news online on its website, www.theitem.com, and will begin sending a Saturday email newsletter to readers who have supplied their email addresses to the newspaper. The Sumter Item email newsletter starts next Saturday, Nov. 5, and will offer unique content, breaking news, sports, obituaries, advertising and other relevant information. Clicking on stories will take readers directly to the website. Pre-paid subscribers to the print edition will have their subscriptions extended to compensate for the move from six to five daily editions a week, and the newspaper will lower its monthly rate to reflect the loss of the Saturday edition. At the same time, The Sumter Item has added news and features from USA Today and a new Sunday TV and entertainment booklet. To receive the email newsletter, go to www.theitem.com/ newsletter.

PHOTOS BY RICK CARPENTER/THE SUMTER ITEM

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Ardis surprised his brother, Laurence Manning Academy’s Colton Ardis, by arriving for the official coin toss before Friday’s game against archrival Wilson Hall in Manning. The brothers had not seen each other in more than a year while Jonathan was deployed in Jordan. Jonathan said it was a joy to be home because he had never seen his brother play football in high school. Colton, No. 20, who plays linebacker on defense and running back on offense, made the night even more special with a second-quarter interception. The brothers had to wipe their eyes after the emotional reunion.

Tips for a safer (and sweeter) Halloween weekend FROM STAFF REPORTS The community celebrates Halloween Monday, the time of year when children take to the streets for some Halloween fun. The American Red Cross has some safety tips to help stay safe this Halloween while enjoying the festivities. “The Red Cross wants Halloween to be a fun night for everyone,” said Nanci Conley, executive director for the Red Cross of Eastern SC. “Safety should be a priority for parents as they get their children ready for Halloween.”

the roadway, facing traffic. Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner. Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars. 9. Make sure a grown-up checks the goodies before eating. Remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards. Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with. 10. Drivers — use extra caution. The youngsters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing.

SAFETY TIPS FOR TRICK-ORTREATERS

TIPS FOR WELCOMING CHILDREN ON HALLOWEEN

1. Use only flame-resistant costumes. 2. Plan the trick-or-treat route — make sure adults know where children are going. 3. Have a parent or responsible adult accompany young children as they make their way around the neighborhood. 4. Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and be seen. Give them a flashlight to light their way. Add reflective tape to costumes and

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trick-or-treat bags. Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to help be seen. 5. Instead of masks, which can cover the eyes and make it hard to see, use face paint instead. 6. Be cautious around animals. 7. Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door — never go inside. 8. Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of

People who are planning on welcoming trick-or-treaters to their home should follow these safety steps: • Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps. • Clear the porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over. • Restrain pets. • Light the area well so the young visitors can see where they are going.

CONTACT US

DEATHS, A7

Information: 774-1200 Advertising: 774-1246 Classifieds: 774-1234 Delivery: 774-1258 News and Sports: 774-1226

Jacobia E. Lane Wilbur Witherspoon

SPOOKY SCHEDULE The following are Halloween events in the area scheduled for Saturday and Monday. All are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted: TODAY 1 to 9 p.m. • Horror Film Fest — Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. Films begin at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Admission $5 per film, or $10 for all three. Must be 18 or older to attend. 3 to 5 p.m. • Family Fall Festival — Shaw Heights Baptist Church, 2030 Peach Orchard Road. 5 to 7 p.m. • Fall Festival — Great Commission Ministries Alcolu, 1631 Trinity Road, Alcolu. (Children must be supervised by parents while on church grounds.) 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. • Elks Trunk or Treat — at Elks Lodge, 110 W. Liberty St. 6 to 10 p.m. • Monster Ball & Costume Contest — Downtown Sumter. Must be 18 or older to attend both events. 6 to 8 p.m. • Trunk or Treat — Dalzell United Methodist Church, 3330 Black River Road, Dalzell. (In fellowship hall.) 6 to 9 p.m. • Halloween Carnival — USC Sumter. 7 to 11 p.m. • Haunted House — USC Sumter. Admission is $5. Event is for older children and adults. MONDAY (HALLOWEEN) 4 to 6 p.m. • Halloween Spooktacular — at Sumter County Library Wesmark Branch, 180 W. Wesmark Blvd. Parents should register their children by calling (803) 469-8110. 6 to 8 p.m. • Trunk of Treat — at Sumter Law Enforcement Center, 107 E. Hampton Ave.

WEATHER, A8

INSIDE

CARBON COPY

3 SECTIONS, 22 PAGES VOL. 122, NO. 13

Warm and sunny today with no chance of rain; tonight, mild with starlit sky. HIGH 82, LOW 58

Classifieds B6 Comics B5 Television A4-A5


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